Archives Issues
Volume 6, Issue No 2, Jun 2007
Quantification of role of earthworms in decomposer subsystem in laboratory experiment
The impact of presence and absence of earthworms during decomposition of amended litter of Shorea robusta in laboratory experiment, in particular reference to some edaphic factors, has been studied. The investigation revealed statistically significant (p< 0.05) increase in the rate of decomposition (mg dry wt./day) as well as soil respiration (mg CO2/g soil) with earthworms over without earthworms. 0.52 mg dry wt./day litter decomposed more due to presence of earthworms. The value of decomposition constant ‘K’, which is an index of the effectiveness of decomposer community, was higher with earthworms (1.975) than without earthworm (1.625). The statistical analysis revealed a negative correlation between decomposition and duration. The relationship between soil respiration and soil moisture was found to be y = 17.413x - 0.1149, r = 0.907 (p< 0.001) and y = 2.534x + 2.298, r = 0.987 (p< 0.001) in experiment without and with earthworms respectively. Similarly the relationship between soil respiration and temperature has been represented by the expression y = 0.536x - 12.243, r = 0.914 (p< 0.001) and y = 0.078x + 0.542, r = 0.989 (p< 0.001) in experiment without and with earthworms.
Sweta Malani, Madhu Pandey and M. P. Sinha
Effect of organic loading rate for treating distillery effluent in diphasic anaerobic digester
Diphasic anaerobic digesters have inherent advantages of exclusive process controls on the growth of microorganisms independently in acidogenic and methonogenic phases. A laboratory model of 15.0 liter effective volume with 2.5 liter of acidogenic reactor and 13.5 liter of methonogenic reactor was used to characterize the treatability of distillery wastewater. The model was run for varying concentrations of COD and influent rates to study the effect of organic loading rate in reducing the COD into harmless end products. The COD removal efficiency was found to vary from 17.67 to 26.19 % for varying organic loading rate (OLR) from 41.06 to 2.903 kg COD/m3/d for acidogenic reactor and 58.28 to 77.42% for varying OLR from 6.317 to 0.396 kg COD/m3/d for methanogenic reactor. The overall maximum COD removal was observed for 82.30% at an OLR of 2.903 kg COD/m3/d.
B. Asha and V. Nehru Kumar
Studies on the ground water quality of Kalol city, Gujarat, India
The present study deals with the ground water quality of Kalol, an industrial town of north Gujarat. The ground water quality was assessed by examining various physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics. The borewell water samples were collected from north, south, east, west and central zone of Kalol during summer, winter and monsoon seasons. The physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters like temperature, pH, turbidity, EC, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, total hardness, Ca and Mg hardness, TDS, total alkalinity, chloride, sulphate, nitrite, total iron, fluoride and MPN of coliforms have been analysed. Total alkalinity, TDS, Ca-hardness, sulphate, total iron, fluoride, and MPN count of coliforms were above the permissible limit prescribed by IS: 10500, 1991. All the water samples, collected from Kalol town, were rated as unacceptable for their taste on the basis of their total hardness values. The borewell samples collected from south, east and central cones exhibited MPN count above the desirable limit of 10 coliforms/100 mL. The ground water of Kalol town must be subjected to proper disinfection and defluoridation and well as to the treatment for controlling total dissolved solids and total hardness.
J. R. Prajapati and B. V. Raol
Design of sewage treatment system for Puttaparthy Urban Development Authority and alternate usage of treated wastewater for sewage farming
The primary objective of this study is to design a sewage treatment system for PUDA (Puttaparthy Urban Development Authority) in A.P and usage of treated wastewater for irrigation. The treatability studies help us to design further treatment prior to disposal or reuse. The study area, Puttaparthy, being a pilgrim centre, attracts people all over the world. In the present study, design of the various sewage treatment units like screens, grit chambers, primary settling tanks, trickling filters, secondary settling tanks, sludge digestion tanks and sludge drying beds were carried out for the estimated peak population. Puttaparthy and its surrounding areas come under drought prone areas of Anantapur district. Hence, the treated wastewater of PUDA can be used effectively for raising some suitable crops in that area. The National Water Policy of India also emphasizes the need for recycling and reuse of wastewater. Earlier studies on sewage farming reveal that disposal of sewage effluent by applying on land increases crop yield by 33%, as sewage contains a lot of fertilizing minerals. Since the quantity of effluent from PUDA is considerably high, usage of treated sewage for irrigation is a good alternative.
P. Srinivas, V. Raveendra Kumar and Rajesh Nune
Studies on epiphytic fauna of seaweeds and its relationship with ambient fauna of seawater and sediment of northwest coast of India
The range as well as mean values for numerical density, fresh weight and dry weight of the epiphytic fauna were lowest on Padina tetrastomatica from Okha and highest on Acrosiphonia orientalis from Diu. High species diversity of epiphytic fauna (> 8.0) was observed on Caulerpa recemosa, Acrosiphonia orientalis, Padina gymnospora and Sargassum johnstonii. Some of the species of epiphytic fauna showed host specificity as they were recorded only on particular species of seaweeds. The maximum epiphytic fauna (27 species) was recorded on Caulerpa peltata and Veloniopsis pachynema. The similarity index between stations showed close resemblance for epiphytic fauna. Very high number of epiphytic faunal groups (15) were observed on Halimeda tuna, Caulerpa recemosa and Cystoseira indica. The foraminiferan, gastropod, polychaete, ostrocod and bivalve formed very high proportion (12.39-34.75%) of epiphytic fauna on these seaweeds. The minimum numerical density, and fresh and dry weight of seawater zooplankton were observed at Diu, and the maximum at Veraval. None of the species of zooplankton were common to all four places of study. The maximum percentage of numerical density was constituted by Hyperia medusarum, Conchoecia indica and Amhistegina lessonii at different stations. The species diversity of zooplankton ranged from 1.26 at Diu to 4.12 at Veraval whereas, similarity index ranged from 27.27 at Veraval to 41.67 at Okha. Most or all (at Dwarka) species of zooplankton were found in epiphytic form also. The epiphytic form at four stations were quite similar. However, the reverse trend was observed for zooplankton. The species diversity for epiphytic fauna at 4 stations of study varied in a narrow range while it varied widely for zooplankton. All the groups of zooplankton except Mysid were found in epiphytic form. The group diversity of zooplankton ranged from 0.95 at Diu to 3.90 at Veraval. The fresh and dry weights as well as numerical density of benthic fauna ranged from 4.37g.m-2, 0.97g.m-2 and 1387 per m-2 at Veraval to 10.36 g.m-2, 3.22 g.m-2 and 5478 per m-2 at Dwarka respectively. The Neries versicolar, Tubiculous polychaete, Amhistegina lessonii and Elphidium crispum showed maximum numerical density. The species diversity of benthic fauna was low as it ranged from 0.54 at Veraval to 1.63 at Dwarka. However, the similarity index showed nearly close resemblance between different stations. All the species of benthic fauna recorded from Okha and Veraval were also found in epiphytic form in these places. However, 18.75 and 22.22% benthic fauna at Diu and Dwarka respectively were not found in epiphytic form. The similarity index for plankton and benthic fauna indicated near close resemblance at all the stations except Okha. The species diversity of benthic form was significantly less than planktonic form at different places of study. Some of the species of epiphytic, seawater zooplankton and benthic fauna were specific for a particular station. However, quite a number of a species of fauna were common to all four stations of study. It may be concluded that the zooplankton from seawater and benthic (micro and meio) fauna had significantly influenced the composition of epiphytic fauna of seaweeds. Similarly benthic fauna has also influenced the composition of planktonic fauna of seawater and vice-versa.
C. Raghunathan, A. Tewari, Y. Khambhaty and J.T. Jothinayagam
Phytosociological studies of Chlorophytum tuberosum and associated plants in the forests of Mandu, M.P.
With the depletion of natural forests, the forest products are getting scarce. The Indian Institute of Forest Management has identified non-timber forest products (NTFP) as a potential revenue generator in future. Thus, all NTFPs have to be managed in such a way that they remain ecologically and socially sustainable. Because of the unawareness of the medicinal values and conservation of Chlorophytum tuberosum, it is being extracted from forests on a large scale to the extent that it has entered the list of endangered species. The phytosociological parameters projected that Chlorophytum tuberosum has a high value of percentage frequency and density. The percentage frequency class showed that the species was natural homogenous and regularly distributed in community.
Avinash Tiwari and Sanjay Thakur
Spatial variation of groundwater quality and inter elemental correlation studies in lower Bhavani river Basin, Tamil Nadu, India
The paper deals with the spatial variation of various groundwater quality parameters and their interrelationship in lower Bhavani River basin, Tamil Nadu, India. Biotite hornblende gneiss and charnockite are the basement rocks in this region. Groundwater occurs under water table conditions in the weathered mantle of crystalline rocks. Interpretation of the analytical results of fifteen groundwater samples spread over the basin indicates that groundwater of the area is mainly alkaline and hard in nature. Magnesium is the second dominant cation next to sodium, which is highly responsible for the higher total hardness in groundwater. Higher concentrations of geochemical parameters are noticed in the eastern part of the basin. Concentrations of geochemical parameters exceed the maximum allowable limits for drinking at few locations. Thus, it is suggested that groundwater of these locations need to be treated before using for drinking purposes. Groundwater of the area is, however, suitable for irrigation.
S. Anandakumar, T. Subramani and L. Elango
Decay length for 180° helicoidal flow flocculator
The secondary flow in a helicoidal flow flocculator does not completely decay at the exit of the bend, but continues to a reasonable distance beyond the downstream end of the bend. This distance is called decay length. The paper aims at defining decay length on the basis of asymmetry of isovels and developing a relationship among the easily known parameters of straight channel and geometry of the curve. The proposed relationship is well comparable with the experimental values. The efficiency of flocculator have been tested in the laboratory and is found to be satisfactory.
P. V. Durge and P. B. Nagarnaik
Removal of mercury (II) by adsorption onto silk cotton hull activated carbon
Activated carbon prepared from silk cotton hull was investigated for removal of mercury (II) from aqueous solution by adsorption technique. Batch mode adsorption studies were carried out under varying conditions of agitation time, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dose and pH. Adsorption equilibrium was obtained in 150 min for 10, 20, 30 mg/L of Hg (II) concentration. Adsorption followed Langmuir isotherm. The percent removal increased with increase in pH from 2 to 5 and remains static from pH 5 to 10. Desorption studies were performed with dilute hydrochloric acid solution. Silk cotton hull carbon was found to be effective in removal of Hg (II) from aqueous solution and economically viable.
R.Shanmugavalli, S. Madhavakrishnan, R. Mohanraj, K. Kadirvelu, S. Krishna Bharathi and S. Pattabhi
Physico-chemical properties of soil and quantitative analysis of a herbaceous community after blowout of an oil well
The effects of pollution by crude petroleum on the soil physico-chemical properties like colour, moisture content, porosity, water holding capacity, pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium, C/N and C/P ratios, crude oil content and the periodical effects on some ecological parameters have been investigated after eight years of accidental blowout of an oil well in upper Assam, India. Crude oil pollution has a significant impact on soil environment. The total number of species decreases with increasing oil level in the different sites. Annuals are more affected than the perennials; the effect being more severe in the dry period. The highest similarity index (SI) (0.724) was found between site B (moderately polluted site) and C (less polluted site). Species diversity index (SDI) decreases with the increasing oil level while index of dominance (CD) showed an increasing trend with the increasing pollution level. Eleocharis palustris, a perennial monocot, is the highest percentage contributor of total community IVI. The dual mode of propagation and well-developed underground system of the perennials help it to be oil tolerant or oil resistant.
Debojit Baruah
Impact of distillery factory effluent on Capsicum frutescence L.
An attempt has been made to study the effect of distillery effluent on germination, growth and pigment productivity of Capsicum frutescence L. The effluent was highly acidic and rich in total dissolved solids, suspended solids, potassium and sulphates. Higher concentrations (>5%) of effluent were found to be toxic but can be used for irrigation purpose after proper dilution.
D. Sheela and Deepa Peethambaran
Screening of common plant weeds for their potential of biogas generation alone and in combination with some agro-industrial wastes
The study was made to see the biomethanation potential of 14 commonly present weed plants alone and in combination with some agro-industrial wastes like distillery, sugar, dairy and farmhouse. The plants were used in the original form and after mild alkali treatment to see effect of softening of the tissues. There was a marked increase in biogas production after pretreatment in almost all the plants. The mixing of agro-industrial wastes also enhanced the capability of weeds to produce biogas. In general, Ipomoea carnea showed the best results alone as well as in combination with the wastes, especially distillery waste. The use of these plants can be made to supplement the conventional substrates like dung in rural areas to augment the biogas production.
H. V. Deshmukh, G. R. Pathade and P. K. Goel
Nitrification of ammonical wastewaters by mixed bacterial cultures
The paper deals with nitrification of ammonical nitrogen in synthetic wastewater and coke oven wastewater of Visakhapatnam steel plant. Synthetic wastewater was prepared and coke oven wastewater was collected from the MBC plant of Visakhapatnam steel plant. Nutrients and Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter cultures were added to both the wastewaters before the nitrification process. A bench scale experimental set-up was fabricated for the biological nitrification of ammonical wastewater. The experiments were conducted at different flow rates, solid retention and hydraulic residence times. For all the experimental runs MLSS and MLVSS of the nitrification tank were determined. The influent and effluent concentrations of ammonical nitrogen, alkalinity and COD were also determined. The kinetic and decay coefficients of the nitrifying and the heterotrophic bacteria were calculated.
V. Sridevi and M.V.V. Chandana Lakshmi
Pyrethroid induced respiratory changes in Labeo rohita
The acute (96 hrs) effects on exposure to sublethal and lethal concentrations of synthetic pyrethroids, fenvalerate 20 EC and cypermethrin 25 EC were studied by a static bioassay method on the fingerlings of a freshwater carp, Labeo rohita. The sublethal concentrations of fenvalerate and cypermethrin were 2.7 ppb and 3 ppb while lethal concentrations were 4.8 ppb and 5 ppb respectively. The rate of oxygen consumption was determined at these concentrations after every 24 hours. It was found that, as compared to the control, there was change in the rate of oxygen consumption. In general, there was increase in the rate of oxygen consumption due to the effect of both the pyrethroids.
V. Y. Deshpande, D.V. Muley and M. P. Bhilave
New vermivash model for sustainable agriculture in India
During first green revolution, use of excess synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and other inputs, adversely affected ecosystems. The second green revolution started as organic farming. Keeping this view in mind, a new eco-friendly vermiwash model has been developed with five main modifications, to get qualitative and quantitative vermiwash. Vermiwash is liquid bio-fertilizer obtained from earthworm activities, i.e., coelomic fluid and vermicasting filtrate.
S. S. Patil, S. B. Kengar and T. V. Sathe
Multidrug resistance in Salmonella typhi isolated from drinking water in Amravati
Waterborne infections are most common cause of mortality in underdeveloped and developing countries, and 80% of the infectious diseases are waterborne in India. There is problem of multiple drug resistant in Salmonella typhi in drinking water due to improper and indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the treatment. Therefore, attempt was made to isolate Salmonella typhi from different sources of drinking water and to find out its antibiotic sensitivity to prescribe correct treatment to the typhoid patients in Amravati. A total of 1000 water samples from various sources such as tube wells (340), open wells (340) and hotels and restaurants (320) were analyzed for the coliform water contamination and 96 strains of Salmonella typhi were isolated and observed. Most of the strains of Salmonella species were sensitive to norfloxacin; ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, kanamycin, streptomyvcin, ceflazidime and chloramphenicol, and resistant to linezolid, gatifloxacin, amoxyclav, cefepime, ampicillin, nalidixic acid and co-trimoxazole.
D. H. Tambekar, N. B. Hirulkar and S. A. Werulkar
Studies on the water quality of a water body at Asansol town, West Bengal
The present study was intended to calculate Water Quality Index (WQI) of a particular surface Pamputola water body in Asansol Town, West Bengal in order to ascertain the quality of water assessed for public consumption, recreation and other purposes. Investigation has been based on different physicochemical parameters namely pH, TDS, TSS, TA, TH, chloride, DO and BOD for which no earlier reports are available on this water body.
Pinaki Ranjan Chatterjee and M. Raziuddin
Toxicity of arsenic on glycogen content in freshwater fish, Labeo rohita (Ham.)
The biochemical component like glycogen was estimated quantitatively in the tissues of liver and kidney of control and arsenic treated fish. The experimental fish were exposed to lower and higher sublethal concentrations (one-tenth and one-third of the 96 hr LC50 value) of arsenic for a period of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. In both the tissues a significant reduction in glycogen level has been noticed. Maximum reduction was observed on the 28th day of exposure.
K. Pazhanisamy and N. Indra
Seasonal variation in zooplankton population in relation to physico-chemical characteristics of water in Kayad lake near Ajmer, Rajasthan
The paper highlights the studies of plankton composition in relation to physico-chemical characteristics of a freshwater lake at Kayad about 10 km away from Ajmer city. The biotic interference in the lake affects the water quality, bringing changes in the physico-chemical parameters, which directly influence the biotic composition of zooplankton. Water temperature showed minimum value of 18°C during winter and 35°C during monsoon. pH was minimum (7.2) during early summer and highest (8.7) during winter. Dissolved oxygen was maximum (10.87 mg/L) during winter and minimum (2.82 mg/L) during spring. The zooplankton of Kayad lake exhibited luxuriant growth in spring and monsoon, whereas, they were less abundant in summer season.
Lalita Sukhija
Distillery effluent induced changes in limno-chemistry of River Narmada at Khedi Ghat, Barwaha, M. P.
The effluent discharged from distillery industries has shown higher values of physico-chemical parameters in the study area. The values of temperature, pH, TS, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD, COD, chloride and potassium were found to be increased in the River Narmada at the study point II to VI in comparison to the study point I taken as control. This showed that the entry of distillery effluents altered limno-chemistry of River Narmada in the study area, which may put an adverse effect on the aquatic life.
M. M. Prakash, R. Yodha, V. K. Sharma, A. K. Sharma and A. Thakkar
Study on subsurface water quality in Mettupalayam taluk of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu
Studies were conducted in the year 2002 and 2003, to know the quality of Borewell waters of five stations of Mettupalayam Taluk, Coimbatore district to assess their suitability for drinking and irrigation. The data were analysed with reference to WHO standards, and it was found that the physico-chemical parameters are within the maximum permissible limits. The study area also reveals that ground water of the area is dominated by magnesium and sodium with chloride.
R. Venkatasubramani and T. Meenambal
Genotoxic hazards in plants induced by agrochemicals
The paper deals with the genotoxic hazards of two chemicals viz. Turbutryn (herbicide) and Leptophos (insecticide) on the meristematic cells of Vicia faba L. The seeds of Vicia faba L. were treated with different concentrations of the two agrochemicals separately for 4 and 6 hrs at room temperature. It was noticed that both the chemicals induced chromosomal abnormalities, i.e., stickiness, fragment, bridge and c-mitosis. The abnormalities gradually increased with increasing dose of the pesticides. C-mitosis was caused due to treatment with 1% turbutryn for 6 hrs. It was interesting to note that Turbutryn is more genotoxic than Leptophos. Hence, before the use of agrochemicals, the genotoxicity level must be considered.
Vishnu Shankar Sinha and Nandjee Kumar
Determination of water quality index and suitability of ground water in a college in Balrampur, U.P.
This paper presents a study on the influence of environmental parameters on ground water quality in MLK (PG) College, Balrampur (U.P.). Ground water samples were collected from different points in the college campus and their quality was compared on the basis of water quality index, which determines the water quality for drinking purpose. WQI was determined on the basis of various physical and chemical parameters like pH, EC, turbidity, TDS, acidity, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, iron and dissolved oxygen. These parameters were determined for the calculation of water quality index (WQI). A comparison of the quality of ground water of five different locations of the college has been made.
A. K. Srivastava, D. K. Mishra, Sarika Tripathi and Priti Singh
Impact of formulated feed on growth performance of the fish Tor tor
The fry of the fish Tor tor weighing 0.347 to 0.398 g and having a length of 20 to 25 mm were collected from the Narmada river at Dhangarwada village near Hoshangabad, brought to the laboratory and acclimatized in the glass fibre tanks of 1000 litre capacity. The experiment was carried out for 270 days to evaluate the effects of different formulated feeds with different protein levels on growth and survival of fish Tor tor. In the formulated feeds fish meal was the main ingredient used along with soybean cake, ground nut oil cake, soya oil and mineral mixture. The experiment was conducted in the glass aquaria. The fish were fed twice daily (morning and evening) at the rate of 5% of their total body weight. In control conditions, the fish was fed on commercial feed along with mosquito larvae, zooplankton and phytoplankton. About 50% of the water of each aquarium was exchanged on alternate days. Observations on fish survival, body weight and length were recorded fortnightly in each tank. Faecal material was collected and weighed after drying in a hot oven to compute the feed intake and faecal matter release. The feed and faecal samples were then analysed for proximate composition following the methods of AOAC (1980) to estimate the different nutrient contents and energy. On the basis of dry matter it was found that the moisture content of feed-I, feed-II and feed-III was 8.18%, 7.8% and 7.56% respectively and 9.14% in case of control feed. The crude protein content of feed-I, feed-II, feed-III and feed-IV was 26.25%, 32.38, 36.75 and 14.36% respectively. Weight gain by the fry of Tor tor, fed on different diets of 35%, 45% and 50% protein levels, records an average gain in the body weight by 1.00 g, 1.165 g and 1.584 g respectively, while body length increased by 34.22 mm, 37.11 mm and 46.22 mm respectively. Significantly higher growth was observed in the diet with 50% protein than in the diets with less than 45% of protein.
A. Wanganeo and M. A. Lone
Effect of heavy metals and detergents on thermophilic Campylobacter spp. isolated from environmental samples
Antimicrobial susceptibility of thermophilic Campylobacter spp., isolated from environmental samples, to heavy metals and detergents was evaluated in the present study. The antimicrobial susceptibility of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. viz., Camp. jejuni, Camp. coli and Camp. lari against heavy metals and detergents in term of minimal inhibitory concentration was assessed by E- test. The result obtained indicated that most of the heavy metals and detergents have an antimicrobial effect on the thermophilic Campylobacter spp. isolates, but minimal inhibitory concentrations of them were not similar. In general, the most Campylobacter strains were resistant to high concentration of molybdenum and the detergent Tween 80, while were sensitive to cadmium and cetrimide at less concentration. To interpret, it could be noted that flow of industrial sewage including different heavy metals and detergents into the environment reduces the population of thermophilic Campylobacter. Therefore, type of samples and sampling sites affect the isolation rate of thermophilic Campylobacter from environment.
M. Baserisalehi, N. Bahador and B. P. Kapadnis
Groundwater quality characteristics at Sivalingampillai layout, Udumalpet, Tamil Nadu
To assess the physico-chemical characteristics for ground water quality, samples of bore-well water from houses in and around Sivalingampillai layout, Udumalpet, were collected and analysed during the period June and October 2005. The experimental values of various parameters were compared with standard values and the results clearly indicate that the quality of water from bore-wells is degraded in that period.
N. Anandhaparameswari, S. Hemalatha, G. S. Vidhyalakshmi and K. Shakunthala
Improvement in nutritive value of paddy straw through biotechnological approach using soil fungi
Three soil fungi viz., Aspergillus niger, Humicola fuscoatra and Penicillium notatum were used for biological treatment of paddy straw for a period of 10, 20 and 30 days. The pH of the urea treated straw has been changed by fungi from basic to acidic (7.8 to 6.5), which is favourable for rumen microflora. Substantial increase in cellulolytic (Cx and C1), lignolytic (lignin peroxidase-LiP and Laccase - Lac), amylolytic, proteolytic urease and phosphatase enzymes was noticed during the solid state fermentation. Combined treatment using chemical and biological methods enhanced the nutrient availability of paddy straw. Biomolecules like carbohydrates (reducing sugars) increased seven times, proteins (amino acids) 18 times and inorganic phosphorus and total organic matter four times that of untreated straw. Solid state fermentation treatment using soil fungi in presence of 1% urea for a period of 10 days is considered to be appropriate to improve the nutritive value of paddy straw. Among the three soil fungi used, Humicola fuscoatra and Penicillium notatum exhibited better performance.
Ch. Vijaya, M. A. Singaracharya and R. Mallikarjuna Reddy
A review on carcinogenic potential hazards of herbal medications
The herbal medication refers to crude drugs of vegetable origin utilized for the treatment of diseases. Generally, the herbs were selected and utilized by nonprofessionals like old persons of home or local herbal practitioners and rarely by recognized herbal practitioners in India. People are using herbal medications not only to cure day-to-day ailments but also to improve body resistance and to improve fitness. The regular and continuous use of herbal medications may cause specific problems over relatively long periods, as many herbs contain various active principles, which may posses some level of toxicity. Thus, it is very important to recognize the potential hazards of various herbs and their medicative preparations. Many plants such as members of Euphorbiaceae, Boraginaceae, Asteraceae etc., contain biochemicals like phenylpropanoid compounds, various acids, tannins and phorbol esters etc., which are carcinogenic and can promote tumor formation.
Ashwini Kumar Dixit and M. S. Shekhawat
Factors affecting degradation and decolourisation of an azo dye, methyl red, in fixed film bioreactors
The effects of texture, aeration, inorganic (PO4-P and NO3-N) and organic (milk whey) nutrients are reported here on degradation and decolourisation of methyl red. The effects have been quantified by comparing UV-visible spectra of untreated and treated 100ppm of the dye in two types of fixed film bioreactors that differed in composition of their solid matrix (one containing gravel only, gravel bed; while the other has gravel + coarse river sand, mixed bed). Methyl red degradation was better in gravel bed reactors in comparison to mixed bed reactors. Aeration improved its degradation in both the types of reactors. Nutrients favoured reduction in bandwidth of spectra in near UV region (hence degradation of benzenoid compounds) in outflows from gravel (non-aerated and aerated) and mixed bed (aerated) bioreactors, while an opposite trend was noted for their OD values in far UV and visible region responsible for the colour. Mixed bed (non-aerated) bioreactor was, however, the exception, where inorganic nutrients, especially NO3-N improved reduction of bandwidth as well as OD values in the spectra of outflows.
Suresh Kumar, Pawan Kumar, Shweta Sharma, Pradeep Kumar Sharma, Subhasini and K. P. Sharma
Effect of hydraulic loading rates in the performance of rotating biological contactors for treating sugar and dairy effluents
A laboratory model of rotating biological contactor 10.125 litres of effective volume with three stages and a clarifier arrangement in the last stage was used. Synthetic effluent streams of sugar and dairy were used for treatability evaluation, in terms of COD removal under varying influent flow rate, influent COD and rotational speeds of the discs. The COD removal was found to vary from 72.93% to 91.66% under varying hydraulic loading rates of 0.039 to 0.133 m3/m2/day in the case of sugar effluent for the disc rotational speed of 6 rpm, and 67.95 to 87.57% under similar conditions for dairy effluent.
D. Selvakumar and V. Nehru Kumar
Study on the ecology of a pond at Peravurani, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
The research paper reports the physico-chemical characteristics of Kendikulam pond at Peravurani, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. While studying a number of parameters on physico-chemical properties, plankton analyses were made to check the fitness of water for drinking, irrigation and for fish growth. Observations of this study suggested that the pond was highly eutrophic in nature.
M. C. Rajalakshmi and P. Shakila
Effect of certain environmental factors on the biology of mango fruit weevils (Curculionidae: Coleoptera)
Sternochetus mangiferae (Fabr.) (mango stone weevil) and S. gravis (mango pulp weevil) are the serious pests of mango fruits in Manipur. The effect of certain environmental factors, especially temperature, relative humidity and rainfall, has been studied on the duration of their life cycle under the laboratory conditions during February 1987 to July 1989. The duration of life cycle of these weevils has been observed to vary from season to season. The longest duration (55 days) of the life cycle has been observed during 1988, and the shortest duration during 1987. The environmental parameters have been observed to play a vital role on the biology of these fruit weevils. An average temperature of 28°C and relative humidity of 72.77% have been found favourable for the longer life cycle whereas the average minimum temperature of 26.44°C with 74.66% relative humidity has been observed to shorten their life cycle.
M. Bhubaneswari Devi
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- Vol 12, No 3, Sep 2013
- Vol 12, No 2, Jun 2013
- Vol 12, No 1, Mar 2013
- Vol 11, No 4, Dec 2012
- Vol 11, No 3, Sep 2012
- Vol 11, No 2, Jun 2012
- Vol 11, No 1, Mar 2012
- Vol 10, No 4, Dec 2011
- Vol 10, No 3, Sep 2011
- Vol 10, No 2, Jun 2011
- Vol 10, No 1, Mar 2011
- Vol 9, No 4, Dec 2010
- Vol 9, No 3, Sep 2010
- Vol 9, No 2, Jun 2010
- Vol 9, No 1, Mar 2010
- Vol 8, No 4, Dec 2009
- Vol 8, No 3, Sep 2009
- Vol 8, No 2, Jun 2009
- Vol 8, No 1, Mar 2009
- Vol 7, No 4, Dec 2008
- Vol 7, No 3, Sep 2008
- Vol 7, No 2, Jun 2008
- Vol 7, No 1, Mar 2008
- Vol 6, No 4, Dec 2007
- Vol 6, No 3, Sep 2007
- Vol 6, No 2, Jun 2007
- Vol 6, No 1, Mar 2007
- Vol 1, No 1, Mar 2002