Archives Issues
Volume 6, Issue No 1, Mar 2007
Effect of soda ash industry effluent on seaweed epiphytic and ambient fauna in in situ condition in northwest coast of india
The soda ash industry effluent has significantly reduced the species diversity of epiphytic fauna and planktonic fauna of seawater, their numerical density, fresh and dry weight, total number of groups and group diversity as compared to control. However, the reverse trend was shown by benthos. Therefore, considerable degradation in the water quality of seawater as well as epiphytic and planktonic fauna has been observed due to discharge of effluent. Some of the species of epiphytic fauna were specific to effluent affected as well as control sites. The epiphytic molluscan larvae and fish eggs were observed only from effluent affected and control sites respectively. Quite a number of species showed host specificity under effluent affected as well as control conditions. The maximum numerical density on seaweeds under effluent affected and control conditions was shown by Copepods and Foraminiferans respectively. Most of the species of seawater zooplankton as well as benthos from effluent affected as well as control sites were also present as epiphytic forms on different seaweeds. The epiphytic fauna contained significantly higher number of groups and species diversity compared to zooplanktonic and benthic fauna. The Decapods were observed only in benthos whereas Cladocerans, Coelenterate larvae, Cyclopoids, Ostarcods and Molluscan larvae were found only in epiphytic fauna. In general, most of the physicochemical parameters of effluent, diluted effluent as well as effluent affected seawaters were many magnitude to considerably high as compared to control seawater. However, magnesium in effluent as well as sulphate and phosphate in the effluent affected seawater showed reverse trend. In general, the effluent has significantly affected the species diversity and biomass production of epiphytic and planktonic fauna. The reduction in growth of epiphytic fauna and zooplankton in the effluent affected region is inhibited due to high concentration of different salts present in effluent affected seawater. However, such salts promoted growth and species diversity of benthos.
C. Raghunathan, A. Tewari, Y. Khambhaty and J.T. Jothinayagam
Adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution using a low cost activated carbon prepared from pomegranate peel
Studies on removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution using activated pomegranate peel carbon have been carried out at 32oC. Various parameters such as initial concentration of adsorbate, pH, adsorbent dosage and agitation time were studied by conducting batch mode experiments. The experimental adsorption data fitted reasonably well to Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The adsorption follows Lagergren first order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameter enthalpy change (H) suggests exothermic nature of adsorption of Cr(VI) on to activated pomegranate peel carbon.
M. Jambulingam, N. Renugadevi, S. Karthikeyan and J. Kiruthika
Forest development in India: An inter-state analysis
The sustainability of life support system depends on preservation and conservation of forests. Forests play a significant role in sustaining earth’s biotic wealth. Hence, a proper maintenance of forest resources is an important aspect of achieving sustainable development. This paper is organized in two dimensions. The first dimension analyses the development of forest conservation and preservation and legal framework in India. The second dimension analyses status of forests in India and their regional distribution, the extent of forest degradation, and their consequence on wasteland formation in different parts of the country. It outlines the statewise concentration of protected areas. It also analyses wildlife sanctuaries and national parks and area of forest regeneration and tree plantation. This paper concludes with some policy measures to achieve sustainable development in India.
I. Sundar and V. Selvam
Ecological studies on Luni river basin
Since the prehistoric time the river banks are the centers for large settlements. The whole Indus valley civilization flourished on the bank of the Indus, the Ganges and their numerous tributaries. The tradition still continues, the most of the large cities are situated on river banks. Rivers provide water to sustain domestic supply and industrial consumption. It has been estimated that the quantity of water consumed is only 20% of the total water used. Rest 80% emerges with all the pollutants in it and termed as sewage or effluent as per the origin. The situation in arid zone of India, especially in western Rajasthan, is really grave where water scarcity is the normal phenomenon and people are dependent mainly on monsoon. The river catchment of Luni, a monsoon flowing river, is full of industrial drainage along with other wastes. The land of the catchment is losing its potentiality day by day and the monsoon water flowing through it carrying harmful waste is the main drinking water of several small villages. This water is the carrier of several diseases and thereby causing illness of the poor villagers. A review on industrial pollution in Luni river and efforts to combat this is presented in this paper as review.
N. K. Bohra
Characterization and runoff modeling of Alanthurai watershed of Coimbatore district in Tamilnadu
Water is the elixir of life. The increase in population and urbanization necessitates growth in the agricultural and industrial sectors, which demands for more freshwater. In Tamil Nadu, nearly 95% of surface water and 85% of groundwater resources have been harnessed. Agricultural sector is the major consumer of water. The study was carried out to estimate the surface runoff potential and the catchment characteristics in Alanthurai watershed. It covers an area of 161.275 sq. km of western part of Coimbatore district along the Noyyal river basin in Tamil Nadu. The relationship between rainfall and runoff was obtained by best-fit curve method.
C. Meiaraj and R. Sundararajan
Phytoremediation of zinc by Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schleiden
Industrial development coupled with population growth has resulted in the over-exploitation of natural resources. Life support systems viz, water, air and soil are, thus, getting exposed to an array of pollutants especially heavy metals released by anthropogenic activities. Tolerant species of aquatic plants are able to survive and withstand the pollution stress and serve as pollution indicators and as a tool for phytoremediation of heavy metals from the aquatic ecosystems. Phytoremediation is an environment cleanup strategy in which selected green plants are employed to remove toxic contaminants. This is an emerging biogeotechnological application based on “green liver concept” and operates on the principles of biogeochemical cycling. This paper focuses the relevance of phytoremediation technology for cleanup of metals in water by the use of floating aquatic macrophytes. Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the efficiency of aquatic macrophyte Spirodela polyrrhiza, as a phytotool for the remediation of zinc from synthetic effluent at the interval of 4 days for 12 days. Phytoremediation of zinc by Spirodela is significant with respect to exposure concentration, and maximum rate of removal is recorded at four days of exposure. Spirodela shows the symptoms of toxicity at the exposure concentration of 40 and 50 ppm after 12 days of exposure. However, the plants do not exhibit symptoms of toxicity at lower concentrations. Results confirm that Spirodela serves as a phytoremediation tool for the remediation of the zinc from synthetic effluent. Regular harvest of the plant at the interval of four days would help to cleanup aquatic environment. Harvested biomass may be used for composting.
N. M. Rolli, M.G. Nadagouda, B.S. Giriyappanavar and T.C. Taranath
Water quality indexing and correlation coefficient of physico-chemical characteristics of ground water in Amravati city
The physico-chemical quality of drinking water is totally depend on the geological condition of the soil and ground water pollution of the area. In the present study water quality index of open well waters was 73.49 and for tube well waters 73.01 showing fair quality of ground water, indicating that the water quality was protected but occasionally threatened or impaired.
D. H. Tambekar, N. B. Hirulkar, Y. N. Mule and R. S. Dongre
Water quality index of River Noyyal at Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India
The study on some physico-chemical and biological characteristics of Noyyal river at Tirupur, Coimbatore district was carried out. The sampling points were selected on the basis of their importance. Most of the drainage system of Tirupur carrying dyeing waste, industrial effluents and sewage, are allowed to mix with river water in and around the city. Water Quality Index (WQI) for Noyyal river at its source and before and after Tirupur has been calculated. For surface water, determination of water quality index becomes essential and prerequisite. Water quality index provides a system for rating water quality in terms of index numbers that offer promise as a useful tool in the administration of water pollution abatement.
P. N. Magudeswaran and T. Ramachandran
Pharmaco-chemical analysis of industrial wastewaters
The industrial wastewater contains various biological, organic and inorganic pollutants, and less information is known about their direct effects on human beings. The industrial wastewaters randomly collected from different industries, located at Ogalewadi and Malkapur areas of Karad, were used as test samples. Isolated rectus abdominus muscle preparation was used to study the pharmacological effects of the industrial wastewaters as simulation for the human effects. The composition of the industrial wastewaters was analyzed for its various parameters using standard analytical methods. The results demonstrated the effects of industrial wastewaters on the rectus muscle of frog, which indicates the toxic nature of the wastes. The study helps to elucidate the effects of industrial wastewaters on the vital human functions and will provide information for the management of pollution control.
Atul R. Chopade, N. S. Naikwade, A. Y. Nalawade, V. B. Shinde and K. B. Burade
Impact of human activity on water quality of a lentic water body in Asansol
Assessment of some physico-chemical and microbial parameters of a water body for its suitability of public recreation and human consumption have been carried out during the two years of investigation period from November 2000 to October 2002. This water body lies in the heart of Asansol town and continuously receiving polluted sewage from the surroundings and producing bad smells, which are largely retarding the public recreation of the town. Analysis of some physico-chemical characteristics like water temperature, transparency, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, pH , dissolved oxygen, free CO2, total alkalinity, hardness, BOD, COD, chloride and bacteriological parameters like total coliforms has been done during the investigation period. The results show severe deterioration of the quality of lake water.
Pinaki Ranjan Chatterjee, Chinmoy Chatterjee and M. Raziuddin
Assessment of environmental contamination potential of distillery effluent using plant and animal bioassays
Toxic effects of spent wash and crop field soil irrigated with it (hereafter referred to as distillery soil) were examined on 6 species of plants (2 cereals and 4 aquatic macrophytes) and 3 animals (cladoceran, fish and albino mice) by short-term bioassays using end point growth responses and mortality respectively. Seedling emergence was found nil (rice) to low (wheat = 30-40%) in distillery soil, but increased (48-00%) proportionately alongwith their vigor after mixing garden soil. In contrast to distillery soil, toxic effects of even cent percent soil leachate were nil on seed germination while meager (10-15%) on seedling vigor in both the cereals. Spent wash, however, decreased germination and seedling vigor in both rice (germination = 5-100%; vigor = 2-100%) and wheat (germination = 0-64%; vigor = nil-93%) with an increase in its concentration, though vigor was greater (43%) than control in wheat at 10%. Among aquatic macrophytes, free-floating species (Lemna aequinoctialis and Spirodela polyrrhiza) were found to be more sensitive than the submerged (Ceratophyllum demersum and Hydrilla verticillata) for spent wash; Lemna being the most sensitive species. During a detailed study, sensitivity of different test organisms to spent wash (in terms of their EC/LC50 values) was in the order of: Daphnia (EC50 = 0.68%) > Gambusia affinis (LC50 = 1.31%) > Lemna (EC50 = 0.8-6.97%) indicating water flea to be the most sensitive test organism. The toxicity of soil leachate was, however, very low to these test organisms (Gambusia: LC50 = 12.1%; Lemna: EC50 = 46.5-278%) as also noted for cereals. The spent wash exposure not only decreased RBC counts (58-69%) in fish but also altered their morphology (77-97%). Both food (7-14%) and water (27-45%) intake of albino mice (male) declined in soil leachate treatments (5-20%) alongwith their body (8-17%) and reproductive organ weights (4-63%), except that of prostrate gland weight increasing between 12% and 37%. The sperm counts (78-89%) and their motility (14-23%) also decreased in leachate treatments. Higher toxicity of spent wash may be ascribed to its greater conductivity (32.7mS), COD (54,900ppm) and chlorides (62,00ppm) than the soil leachate (EC = 3.56mS; COD = 2290ppm; chlorides = 220ppm).
P. K. Singh, K. P. Sharma, S. Kumar, S. Sharma and Subhasini
Impact of organic sources of nutrients along with the resistant sources for management of brown plant hopper and white backed plant hopper in rice
Use of resistant sources is one of the important techniques in integrated pest management, because the resistant cultivars are amenable to fit in integrated pest management strategies. Although resistant cultivars were developed and planted over large areas, they cannot maintain the insect population to below the economic threshold level due to various other stresses during the period of cultivation. In the absence of expected level of natural heritable resistance, creation and combination of induced resistance in plants to pests by the nutritional manipulation through organic farming is one of the promising supplements in encountering the pests and to obtain sustainability in rice production. For that a field experiment was conducted during November 2003 - February 2004 in Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai. The resistant sources used were TKM 6, IR 36 along with one check MDU 5. The organic nutrients used were FYM + biofertilizers + lignite fly ash + neem cake. It was found that the variety IR 36 treated with FYM, Azospirillum, phosphobacterium, SSB, lignite flyash and neem cake recorded the lowest population of BPH and WBPH per tiller. However highest grain yield of 5.40 t/ha was recorded in the treatment with the variety IR 36 + NPK as inorganic form.
B. Usha Rani, K. Suresh and R. Rajendran
Survey of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi in plants growing in coastal beaches and their effect on Solanum nigram L.
Studies were conducted to screen saline tolerant arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi in coastal beaches of Kumta in Karnataka. Twenty five coastal plants were screened. The varied AM percent of colonization was observed. Thirteen plants; members of families Acanthaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Convolvulaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Graminae, Lamiaceae, Solanaceae and Verbenaceae had highest percent of colonization, 75-100%. Six plants, belonging to families Rubiaceae, Apocynaceae and Malvaceae had 50-74% colonization and two plants belonging to families Rhamnaceae and Fabaceae had 25-49% colonization with AM fungi. Least percent (below 25%) colonization was recorded in family Amaranthaceae, Cyperaceae, Plumbaginaceae and Typhaceae. No correlation between percent of root colonization and spore number among examined plants was observed. Total thirty different VAM spores have been recorded belonging to five Genera Glomus, Gigaspora, Acaulospora, Scutellospora and Sclerocystis. Genus Glomus was most predominated while the genus Sclerocystis was the least. Green house pot experiments were conducted on Solanum nigram. Pots were amended with coastal sand and forest soil in the ratio of 3:1, 2:2 and 1:3. Pots amended with only coastal sand and only forest soil were also maintained. Pots were maintained in triplicate and harvested once in thirty days interval. Plants grown in pots amended with 1:3 (coastal sand : forest soil) exhibited significant increase in plant height, root length, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, biomass production, percent of colonization, spore number-uptake as compared to noninoculated (control) plants. Plants grown in 100% sand with inoculums exhibited moderate growth. The importance of AM fungi in coastal sand dunes (beaches) has been discussed.
S.G. Hiremath and H.C. Lakshman
Algal biodiversity and trophic status of some temporary water bodies of Kanpur
Some rain-fed temporary ponds of the southern Kanpur were surveyed in post-monsoon period from October 2003 to March 2004 to examine their algal flora and ambient water characteristics. From the data obtained algal biodiversity and trophic status of these lentic water bodies were assessed using standard indices.
D. Tiwari and M. Shukla
Ethnobotanical values and conservation of a few antidiabetic plants of Pondicherry
The present work relates to the study of anti-diabetic plants of Pondicherry. This preliminary investigation is accounted to 40 species, 39 genera and 31 families of medicinal plants including herbs, shrubs and trees. The species are arranged in alphabetical order and also enumerated. A brief description, vernacular name, binomial, family and mode of administration are tabulated providing anti-diabetic plant species of Pondicherry. Land clearance due to industries, agriculture, house construction and monoculture like coconut, mango etc., would decrease the medicinal herbs particularly with anti-diabetic values. Necessary steps are to be taken to conserve vulnerable species by both ex situ and in situ methods.
M. Sankitha and K. Kadavul
Sorption studies for colour removal of spent orange dye effluent using powdered activated carbon
Textile effluents pose considerable impact on soil and water due to indiscriminate discharge of partially/untreated effluent. Development of effective treatment technology for colour removal is difficult, since dyes are continually being upgraded to suit market demands. This investigation aims at feasibility of sorption for colour removal of spent orange dye effluent using powdered activated carbon (PAC). Experimental results show that the colour removal efficiency is maximum (93%) at pH 2 for a dose of 1.5 g/L of PAC.
G. Reddy Babu, M. Srimurali, M. Vijaya Sekhar Reddy and I. V. Ramana Reddy
Antagonistic activity of actinomycetes in saline soils of Sangli district
One hundred and ninety five actinomycetes were isolated from partial saline soils and 124 actinomycetes from deep saline soils of Sangli district in Maharashtra. All the actinomycetes were tested for antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viridae and Verticillium lecanii by agar overlay method. It was found that out of 195 and out of 124 actinomycetes, isolated from partial saline and deep saline soils of Sangli, showed 12.30%, 23.07%, 35.38% and 38.46%, and 4.83%, 33.87%, 38.70% and 50.80% antagonistic activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viridae and Verticillium lecanii respectively.
V. V. Chougule, A. R. Jadhav and A. M. Deshmukh
Physico-chemical analysis of ground waters for evaluation of drinking water quality at Dhar town, Madhya Pradesh
The physico-chemical and biological analysis ground waters of Dhar town have been studied to assess the quality of water for domestic and agriculture needs and to identify the polluted zones where the parameters are exceeding the permissible limits for drinking water. It was observed that the main sources of pollution are due to poor sanitation, and discharge of wastes and sewage.
Preeti Chaudhary, Amita Dagaonkar and Shahina Parveen
Toxic effects of arsenic on protein content in the fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
The toxic effects of two different sublethal concentrations (one-third and one-tenth of the 96 hrs LC50 value) of arsenic on fresh water fish, Labeo rohita have revealed significant changes in the tissues like liver and muscle of the fish. The fish exposed to the lower and higher sublethal concentration of arsenic for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days has showed reduction in the protein content in liver and muscle tissues.
K. Pazhanisamy and N. Indra
Habitat preference of Indian Bison (Bos gaurus) during summer in Billigiri Rangaswamy Temple wildlife sanctuary, Karnataka, India
The gaur (Bos gaurus) known as ‘Indian bison’ is found in different forest types. These include tropical wet evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist and dry deciduous forests. The study presented here is to see the habitat preference of bison between and within moist deciduous, dry deciduous and shola forests of BRT wildlife sanctuary, Karnataka during summer season. Though the dry deciduous forest was found to have the highest mean dung per quadrat (0.824±0.93), but the animal does not show any preference towards the three studied forest types (F = 1.28, df = 2358, P = 0.2806). Preference was observed within the forest types where canopy cover is low, grass cover is high and shrub cover is low.
Kaustoov Gopal Goswami
Tissue glycolytic potential of Pelecypod Mollusc, Lamellidens marginalis (Lam.) under stress of a commercial cloth-washing detergent
Detergents are multiple chemical formulations with cleansing properties in dilute solutions, synonymously referred to as surfactants, syndets and tensides etc. However, detergent is a blanket name for many different compounds. Detergents are extensively used in different chores of life, both domestic and industrial, from where they make their way into rivers, lakes, streams, ponds and seas causing aquatic pollution, and finally entering the food chains at various trophic levels causing catastrophic effects. ‘Wheel’ is one such synthetic anionic detergent commonly used in and around Mumbai. Changes in tissue glycolytic potential of mollusc Lamellidens marginalis (Lam.) following its exposure to sublethal concentrations of detergent ‘Wheel’ were studied. A decrease in glycogen level was observed in tissues like hepatopancreas, gill, gonad, mantle and foot of the pelecypod mollusc under stress of the detergent. Among the vital organs, hepatopancreas is the chief metabolic organ in pelecypods and is involved in the regulation of general metabolism by storage and release of reserves. Results of the present study indicate that hepatopancreas suffered maximum damage followed by gill, gonad, mantle and foot in Lamellidens marginalis exposed to sublethal concentrations of the detergent.
Veena Sakthivel and Hitesh U. Shingadia
Monitoring of Cladosporium spores in the extramural air environment over potato fields
Air monitoring over potato fields was carried out with the help of continuous volumetric Tilak air sampler for two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2002 and 2003, which gave continuous air sampling for atmospheric biopollutants. Spores of Cladosporium Link ex. Fr. were recorded with high concentration in the air over potato fields during both the Kharif season. Their contribution to the total airspora was recorded as 27.93% and 30.24% and the maximum monthly mean concentration as 19290/m3 and 156562/m3 of air during month of August in both the Kharif seasons respectively. The maximum daily mean concentration (6888/m3 of air and 5740/m3) was recorded on 13th September 2002 and 18th August 2003 during Kharif seasons of 2002 and 2003 respectively. The daily weather records of the parameters like temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were also maintained. This spore type was recorded round the year in the atmosphere as it was most dominant as compared to other spore types in order of their concentration. The significance of these spores as aeroallergen is considered. The present paper deals with the relationship between incidence of Cladosporium spores and prevailing weather conditions.
Avinash V. Karne
Effects of indoor air pollution from biomass cookstoves in rural areas of Warangal, A.P.
The effect of indoor air pollution was assessed among women and children before and after installation of improved biomass stoves at four towns in Warangal. The awareness of smoke emittance in traditional biomass stoves and indoor air pollution related diseases were studied. The health effects of indoor air pollution by using improved biomass stoves showed that reduction of respiratory infection was 40-50% among women and 20-30% among children over traditional biomass stoves. Significant improvement in breathing difficulty was found due to reduction of smoke after the introduction of improved biomass stoves.
M. Venkateshwarlu, K. Sujatha, A. Komuraiah and B. Mallaiah
Amelioration of sodium chloride stress in Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.
Petri dish and pot experiments were conducted for amelioration of sodium chloride stress in Vigna unguiculata. Petri dish experiments included three sets (25 mM, 50 mM, 75 mM, 100 mM, 125mM sodium chloride – 10ppm, 15 ppm, 20 ppm, 25 ppm, 30 ppm ammonium molybdate – 25 mM + 10 ppm, 50 mM + 10 ppm, 75 mM + 10 ppm, 100 mM + 10 ppm, 125 mM + 10 ppm sodium chloride and ammonium molybdate). Control, treated with distilled water, was also maintained. Seed germination was 100 percent in control, 10 ppm ammonium molybdate, 25 mM + 10 ppm and 50 mM + 10 ppm treatments only. An increase in germination percentage of seeds treated with combination of sodium chloride and ammonium molybdate, over the treatments of different concentrations of only sodium chloride, was recorded. Fifteen-day old seedlings, grown in pots with similar treatments, were used for the analysis of length, dry biomass, chlorophyll, starch and total free amino acids. All the parameters studied were found to be more in the seedlings treated with 50 mM + 10 ppm solution than those treated with different concentrations of sodium chloride (50 mM, 75 mM, 100 mM) and combinations of higher concentrations of sodium chloride and ammonium molybdate (75 mM + 10 ppm, 100 mM + 10 ppm). The values of 50 mM treatment were nearing those of control. This must be due to the ameliorating effect of ammonium molybdate on sodium chloride stress. The present work suggests the use of lower concentration of ammonium molybdate in ameliorating negative effects of sodium chloride stress in Vigna unguiculata.
A. Pragasam
Effect of ultraviolet light and pollutants on survival of bacteriophage isolates from environmental samples
Twenty bacteriophages were isolated from Pavana river water and sewage samples in Pune. Out of all the isolates two bacteriophages were characterized and identified as coliphage (Leviviridae) and staphylophage (Podoviridae). The effect of ultraviolet light and environmental pollutants (detergents and heavy metals) was evaluated on survival of them. The results indicated that, coliphage was more resistant to ultraviolet light than that of staphylophage. Besides, the results obtained from effect of detergents on survival of isolates indicated that coliphage was relatively more resistant against all the detergents other than SDS, however, response of the isolates against SDS was identical. In addition, response of the isolates against heavy metals indicated that MPIC value of Cu was relatively high. While, MPICs of Cd and Hg were relatively low and the MPIC value of Zn for coliphages was high than for staphylophage. Therefore, based on foregoing evidence the present study interpreted that probably coliphage is relatively more resistant to radiation and environmental pollutants than staphylophage, which is related to their genome and structures.
N. Bahador, M. Baserisalehi and B. P. Kapadnis
Study on municipal solid waste refuse characteristics and leachate samples of Coimbatore city
Characterization of municipal solid waste (MSW) and its leached liquid were was carried out, which not only forms a key for an efficient solid waste management system and to asses potentiality of impairing the ecosystems, but also provide information about the rate and extent of decomposition of dumped waste. For the qualitative analysis, both the samples of solid waste and its leachate, were collected from the disposal site, analyzed and are presented in this paper.
S.P. Jeyapriya and M.K. Saseetharan
Effects of dust and suspended particulate matter on some haematological characters of the human population of Katras-Dhanbad coal field area
In the present study, effects of coal dust and suspended particulate matter, present in the polluted air, on peripheral human blood, especially TLC and DLC, have been studied. It has been found that the people living in the coal field area of Katras-Dhanbad have suffered a lot in respect to variations in their TLC and DLC, and other diseases.
K. Roy, Md. Noor Alam and D. N. Sadhu
Impact of chromium chloride on heterocyst frequency of Nostoc carneum Agardh
The paper deals with the impact of different concentrations (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 µg/mL) of chromium chloride on heterocyst frequency of Nostoc carneum under laboratory culture condition (2200 lux light intensity, 7.5 pH and 28 ± 2°C temperature). The results showed a statistically significant decline in heterocyst frequency under treated condition with respect to control. In control, heterocyst frequency increased from 3.017 ± 0.273% (4th day) to 6.026 ± 0.315% (24th day) while it was 2.137 ± 0.255% and 5.622 ± 0.415% when treated with 0.001 µg/mL CrCl2 on the similar days respectively. In case of 0.01µg/mL concentration, the percentage of heterocyst frequency on 4th and 24th days was 1.952 ± 0.115 and 3.536 ± 0.211 which declined to be 1.587 ± 0.094% and 1.117 ± 0.218% under the toxic influence of 0.1 µg/mL CrCl2. The two way ANOVA revealed a significant variation in heterocyst frequency as an impact of concentration of chromium chloride (F = 30.161, df = 5, 3; p <0.001) and duration of treatment (F = 4.961, df = 5, 3; p <0.05) reflecting the considerable influence of both concentration and duration of heavy metal on heterocyst frequency of N. carneum. The relation between heavy metal toxicity and reduction in heterocyst frequency has been discussed in the paper.
Latika Sharan
Studies on sediment of Kharaland (saline) ponds of Ratnagiri with reference to prawn culture
The coastal saline ponds have great potential for prawn culture. In order to understand the sediment characteristics of coastal saline ponds, the study was conducted in six Kharland ponds at Ratnagiri during September 1999 to August 2001. The pond soil is composed of sand (40.15-70.15%), silt (18.27-49.7%) and clay (6.39-20.43%). pH varied from 2.33 to 8.38, specific conductivity from 0.39 to 16.74 mS, total dissolved solids from 0.19 to 8.37%, available nitrogen from 1.12 to 26.6 mg/100 g soil and organic carbon from 0.0 to 2.85%. From this study, it is concluded that the sediment characteristics of these Kharaland ponds are suitable for the culture of prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Penaeus monodon separately or along with cultivable species of fishes.
D. M. Gaidhane and D.N. Saksena
Periphytic forms associated with Tilapla mossambica and Cyprinus carpio var. communis in a tropical pond
Present study was conducted in a tropical pond on periphytic forms associated with two common freshwater fish species. Species belonging to Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Rotifers and Copepods were found attached to the abdominal, head and tail portion of Tilapia mossambica, while, species belonging to Bacillariophyceae and Copepods were found associated with Cyprinus carpio var. communis. However, present investigation reveals no true periphytic forms associated with the fish samples.
A. Wanganeo, M. Mehnaz and M. A. Lone
Evaluation of water contamination by municipal solid waste dumping in Salem city, Tamilnadu, India
The study analyses the impact of dumping municipal solid waste (MSW) in Erumapalayam situated in the heart of Salem city and brings to light the level of health hazards created by water contamination. An area of about 1000m radius was chosen for collecting the water samples. Accordingly, for every 250m radius, four water samples each were collected from all four directions east, west, north and south and totally 16 such samples were taken for the study. Parameters like pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, total hardness (TH), calcium, iron, manganese, nitrate, chloride and fluoride were tested. The test results were analysed and compared with IS: 10500 (1991, 1993) and WHO. The test results of groundwater samples when compared with BIS and WHO Standards, it was found that the parameters like TDS, alkalinity, TH, chloride and nitrate exceeded the desirable limits, which infers that the groundwater up to a radius of 1000m is not suitable for drinking purpose.
V. Karthikeyan and R. Murugesan
Eco-climatic diversity of wild cucurbits in Bijapur district, north Karnataka, India
Present paper deals with eco-climatic distribution of wild cucurbits in Bijapur district of Karnataka. It represents information about some soil properties, as well as morphological variations among some of the species along with traditional uses as socioeconomic aspect.
M. B. Mulimani and N. S. Chavan (Mulik)
Monitoring of noise levels in residential areas near railway tracs in Visakhapatnam and attenuation of noise by building materials
Noise pollution is one of the important pollution problems confronting the modern and fast pacing world. The impact of noise pollution by trains is considered to be of concern in the areas where railway tracks are situated in/near residential areas. With the introduction of fast moving trains the noise pollution has been substantially increased. In the present study, owing to its importance, a noise survey was carried out in the residential areas within the vicinity of railway tracks. The effectiveness in reducing the noise by building materials has also been studied.
T. Usha Madhuri
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- Vol 17, No 2, Jun 2018
- Vol 17, No 1, Mar 2018
- Vol 16, No 4, Dec 2017
- Vol 16, No 3, Sep 2017
- Vol 16, No 2, Jun 2017
- Vol 16, No 1, Mar 2017
- Vol 15, No 4, Dec 2016
- Vol 15, No 3, Sep 2016
- Vol 15, No 2, Jun 2016
- Vol 15, No 1, Mar 2016
- Vol 14, No 4, Dec 2015
- Vol 14, No 3, Sep 2015
- Vol 14, No 2, Jun 2015
- Vol 14, No 1, Mar 2015
- Vol 13, No 4, Dec 2014
- Vol 13, No 3, Sep 2014
- Vol 13, No 2, Jun 2014
- Vol 13, No 1, Mar 2014
- Vol 12, No 4, Dec 2013
- 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