Archives Issues
Volume 10, Issue No 3, Sep 2011
Biochemical Changes During Lead (Pb) Uptake by the Alga Pithophora
Current technologies for cleaning heavy metal contaminated sites like electrolytic, chemical leaching and in situ immobilization are all extremely expensive and questionably effective. Bioremediation like the use of algal extract, sequester and/or detoxify heavy metals and other pollutants may offer a cost-effective, less invasive and potentially more effective means of addressing existing heavy metal contamination than those currently practiced. The alga Pithophora accumulated high amounts of the heavy metal lead. Under simulated conditions, maximum uptake and bioaccumulation of lead occurred within 6 days. The phytotoxic concentrations of lead reduced chlorophylls, protein, proline, sugar and catalase content and increased the peroxidase activity in the alga.
N. H. Brahmbhatt and Rinku V. Patel
Effects of Main Chemical Compounds in Cooking Oil Fume Condensates (COFCs) on Growth of Salvinia natans (L.) All.: II. Hexadecane
Hexadecane is one of the main chemical compounds in Cooking Oil Fume Condensates (COFCs), which has been proved to influence the vegetative growth of Salvinia natans (L.) All. significantly. Its effects on the growth of S. natans were studied by using static toxicity testing method in this paper. The results showed that relative growth rate (RGR), leaves, buds and stems of S. natans were inhibited significantly when exposed to higher concentrations. Hexadecane could accelerate the leaves of S. natans becoming yellow or decomposed. Biomass went down with the increase of hexadecane concentrations. The LC50 on day 4 and day 12 after treatment were 275 mg/L and 244 mg/L, respectively. Hexadecane had no effect on the pH value and conductivity of the cultivation medium. It can be concluded that hexadecane would significantly affect the vegetative growth of S. natans., and S. natans is sensitive to hexadecane that might be useful as an indicator of hexadecane pollution in freshwater.
Shengnan Zhu, Yawen Wu, Guangjun Wen, Weirong Bai, Zhongshi Hao and Huyin Huai
Effect of Soybean on Levels of LH, FSH and Testosterone Hormones and Testis in Adult Male Mice
Soybean is a member of Fabaceae and a species of legume native to east Asia. It is an annual plant that has been used in China for 5000 years as a food and a component of drugs. Soy contains significant amount of all the essential amino acids for humans and so is a good source of protein. Soy has an important role in improvement and treatment of some cancers such as colon, prostate and breast. A total of male mice with 30-35 g weight were bought from Razi Institute in Iran. At first the samples were kept under adaptation condition for two weeks and then randomly grouped into 4 experimental sections as: 1-Control group were feed with soy-free basic diet. 2-Nutrition containing 20% soy diet. 3-Nutrition containing 30% soy diet. 4-Nutrition containing 50% soy diet. At the end of 8 weeks of treatment blood was collected and serum stored for hormonal analysis. Results were computed with SPSS software and compared with control group. In 20% group the level of testosterone has meaningful decrease in comparison with control group, but in 50% group the level of testosterone has meaningful increase. Levels of LH in 30% and 50% groups have a meaningful increase but no significant difference was observed in FSH and weight of testicles. The number of sperms in all of the treatments have a meaningful decrease. The result of this research indicated that the 20, 30 and 50 percent soy diet had negative effect on male reproductive system in mice.
Mehrdad Modaresi
Studies on Distribution of Calcium and Magnesium in Coastal Waters of Gopalpur, Bay of Bengal
The seasonal variability in the concentration of calcium and magnesium in coastal waters of Gopalpur, Bay of Bengal has been studied from March 2007 to February 2008. Salinity ranged between 19.48 and 34.44 ppt with an average value of 30.13 ppt. The calcium concentration varied from 0.313-0.451 g/kg with an average of 0.386 g/kg, and magnesium from 0.673-1.423 g/kg with an average 1.132 g/kg. The Ca/Cl ratio and Mg/Cl ratio ranged from 0.019-0.038 and 0.057-0.078 respectively. The concentration of calcium and magnesium was found to be higher in bottom water than the surface water. The ratio of Ca and Mg with chlorinity is proximity to the oceanic range. They were found to be lower in bottom water than the surface due to low saline surface water. The low range of variability of these in coastal waters indicates the insignificant inputs from extraneous sources. The average concentration of calcium and magnesium does not show much variability which reflects on the water quality parameters of Gopalpur coast.
T. Padmavati, S. N. Padhy and K. C. Sahu
Action of C-Phycocyanin Pigment and Cell Extracts of Tolypothrix sps. on the Biochemical Activity of Eri Silkworm and Their Antifungal Activity
Soil samples were collected from different agro-climatic regions of north Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. Sterilized nitrogen free BG-11 medium was used for isolation of nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria. Antifungal activity of four strains of Tolypothrix were studied. Methanolic extracts from biomass of selected Cyanobacteria were isolated and screened against four strains of fungi (Candida albicans, Candida guilliermondii, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus). The growth of all fungal strains tested were inhibited by the culture extracts and C-phycocyanin. Bioassay studies of Eri silkworm expressed no symptom of ill-health after feeding the C-phycocyanin treated castor leaves (Ricinus cummunis), and body weight and silk gland weights were also increased compared to control sample. The present study is also envisaged on the impact of phycocyanin of Tolypothrix species on the carbohydrate content and amylase activity in Eri silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini). According to the obtained results it is concluded that extracts from Tolypothrix sp. could be used traditionally in the treatment of microbial infections and also for the increase of carbohydrate and amylase activity in the silkworm under investigation.
B. Digamber Rao, G. Shamitha, G. Renuka and M. Ramesh Babu
Bacterial Decolourisation of Diazo Monochlorotriazine Fibre Reactive Dyes Under Optimized Physico-Chemical Conditions
Large volumes of effluent are generated at different stages of textile manufacturing as a result of the use of copious amounts of dyes. Several tons of textiles, required to meet up with societal demands, are produced daily in this industry. Azo monochlorotriazine (MCT) fibre reactive dyes, an important class of dyes, are commonly used to dye cellulosic fibres and appear in wastewater due to their lower fixation on fibre. Coloured textile water requires efficient treatment before its discharge. An efficient dye decolourising Gram negative bacterial strain of Enterobacter gergoviae was isolated from coloured textile effluent after enrichment of sample. Biodecolourisation study of reactive red 141 and reactive red 120 was carried out in Bushnell Hass medium where dyes were used as sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Various parameters like addition of carbon source, nitrogen source, pH and temperature, were optimized for maximum decolorization of dyes. Up to 95% of dye decolorization was observed when dye was used as source of carbon and nitrogen. Addition of glucose and urea enhanced the rate of decolorization at pH 7 and 31°C. These findings show that isolated Enterobacter gergoviae could be effective for the treatment of dye-containing industrial effluents.
Naresh V. Butani, Nilesh D. Pandya, Priti R. Parmar and Piyush V. Desai
A Review on the Role of Microorganisms in Treatment of Paper and Pulp Industry Effluent
The pulp and paper industries produce large amount of toxic and strongly coloured waste effluents, causing severe water pollution. This paper is the state of the art review of microorganisms for pulp and paper mill wastewater treatment and presentation of available treatment processes. A comparison of most usable treatment processes is presented. Fungal treatment is found to be efficient in colour removal. Combination of anaerobic and aerobic treatment processes are considered to be efficient in removal of soluble biodegradable organic pollutants.
Fateneh Bajoul Kakahi, Satish Kulkarni and G.R. Pathade
Optimization of Conditions for Naphthalene Biodegradation
Degradation of naphthalene by Burkholderia glathei, Alcaligenes denitrificans and Pseudomonas putida was optimized with respect to various environmental factors such as pH, temperature, salinity and addition of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Maximum growth and biodegradation occurred at 1.0% of naphthalene at 30oC, pH 8.0 and 1.5% salinity. Addition of various nitrogen sources such as urea, ammonium nitrate and ammonium chloride as well as phosphorus sources such as KH2PO4 and Na2HPO4 resulted in an increased rate of biodegradation. A carbon to nitrogen to phosphorus ratio of 93:10:0.09 yielded maximum degradation of naphthalene. The application of the naphthalene degraders in abatement of pollution caused by naphthalene was studied in soil microcosm. The usefulness of immobilization technique for bioremediation showed encouraging results.
Varsha K. Vaidya and Sharmila Kadam
Monitoring of Railway Traffic Pollution and Health Effects on Exposed Population
India’s transport system is one of the largest transport systems serving the land mass of 3.3 million square km and a population of over one billion. Indian Railways has one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world. The present study was undertaken to monitor and study the health effects on exposed population of railway transportation. To determine the impact of railway transportation on lung function of the workers, spirometric analysis was conducted. Significant declines in forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were observed in the exposed population as compared to expected values. This study reveals reduced lung efficiency of exposed group due to excessive exposure to fine dust emitted at workplace environment. Group of coolie is most vulnerable group to respiratory impairment whereas group of RPF shows less effect among all the groups. The impairment in lung efficiency was increased with duration of exposure in the exposed population. It is recommended to use the personal protective equipment like nose mask and installation the dust collector equipments in the affected areas. Also tree plantation is advised on either sides of the tracks. All workplaces of the groups should introduce the dust exhaust system wherever possible. A regular health check up and awareness campaign is necessary to mitigate the problem.
Kailas F. Khairnar, S. T. Ingle, Nilesh D. Wagh and Lalit T. Ingale
Impact of Three Different Types of Aeration Units on Limnology and Fish Fauna in a Eutrophic Tropical Wetland, Lower Lake, Bhopal, India
In Bhopal, more than twenty five water bodies are present in and around the city, most of which are under great environmental stress due to multiple anthropogenic activities. The Upper Lake and Lower Lake, jointly known as Bhoj-Wetland (Ramsar Site), are situated in heart of the city and also the lifeline for the citizens of Bhopal. Lower Lake is eutrophicated due to mixing of domestic raw sewage, slums and human intervention in fringe areas, huge growth of aquatic macrophytes, idol immersion and removal of oxygenated surface water through waste weir etc. Due to these anthropogenic activities, sometimes anaerobic conditions were also reported in hypolimnion region causing mass mortality of fish fauna before installation of aeration units. The catchment area of Lower Lake is 9.6 km2 with water spread area 1.3 km2. For improving water quality and oxygenation of lake water three types of aeration units were installed under Bhoj Wetland Conservation and Management Programme: they are (i) Floating Fountain (ii) Ozoniser and (iii) Floating Fountain cum ozoniser. For performance and evaluation of these different types of aeration units various parameters such as pH, alkalinity, free carbon dioxide, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate and fish fauna were taken. On basis of the observations all three types of aeration units are effective for management of Eutrophication and improving water quality, however, floating fountain cum ozoniser is most effective for over all improvement in water quality of the lake and creating better environment for fish survival and fish growth.
Praveen Tamot, Sadhna Tamot* and Ashu Awasthi
Conservation and Management of Salt Water Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in Relation to Some Physico-Chemical Parameters from Bhitarkanika Sanctuary, Orissa
Bhitarkanika is the second largest mangrove forest of India, situated in the East Coast of Orissa. It stretches over an area of 672 sq. km inhabiting several flora and fauna. The rare and endangered species like saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is found in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. The salt water crocodile breeding centre started from 1975 with 24 number of crocodiles. Within 36 years of its existence, the salt water crocodiles have reached up to 1610 during 2009-10. The water temperature of the sanctuary varied from 27.6°C to 36.10°C, and air temperature from 27.3°C to 35°C. The pH value ranged from 6.7 to 9.2. Salinity fluctuated from 8.1 to 31.2 ppt. The dissolved oxygen concentration ranged from 5.1 to 9.9 mL/L. The highest percentage of population of saltwater crocodile result was +26.58 % in the year 1999-2000 and the lowest percentage was -6.70 % in the year 2004-05. Though, there is an increase in the crocodile population over the years, it is not quite satisfactory. Therefore, it is our obligatory duty to conserve the rare and endangered species of salt water crocodile and to make proper management plan for increase in its population in Bhitarkanika sanctuary.
Lakshman Nayak and Pragnya Padhi
Assemblages of Marine Polychaete Genus Glycera (Phyllodocida: Glyceridae) Along the Kerala Coast as an Indicator of Organic Enrichment
The seasonal distribution of the polychaete genus Glycera was studied, especially in relation to the textural characteristics of sediments along the south-west Kerala coast of India. Statistical analysis pointed towards the preference of Glycera sp. in sediments rich in silt, clay, sand and organic carbon relating to their role as an indicator of organic enrichment.
J. Jean Jose, P. Udayakumar, M. P. Deepak, B. R. Rajesh, K. Narendra Babu and A. Chandran
Influence of Water Quality on Composition and Seasonal Abundance of Phytoplankton Community in Thol Wetland, Gujarat, India
The study deals with water quality parameters affecting the composition, seasonal abundance and dominance of phytoplankton in a wetland, Thol Bird Sanctuary, Central Gujarat, India. Hydrochemical parameters of water samples were analysed during September 2007 to August 2009. Monthly variation of water quality parameters like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, phosphate, sulphate and nitrate were investigated during the study period. Nutrients like chloride, phosphate, sulphate and nitrate were found higher during summer and lower during monsoon months in both the years. 102 phytoplankton taxa were identified of which Cyanophyta represented by 44 species, constituted the largest group, followed by Bacillariophyta by 25 species, Chlorophyta by 23 species and Euglenophyta by 10 species. Remarkable seasonal variation in mean density of Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta was observed during the study period. Chlorophyta members were present in reasonable numbers throughout the study period, being most abundant in post monsoon and winters. Cyanophyta and Euglenophyta populations showed less seasonal variations except a noticeable increased in density of Euglenophyta in summer 2009. The interrelationship between the hydrochemical properties and phytoplankton assemblages and influence of water quality parameters were investigated by adopting statistical correlation coefficient analysis and linear curves. The hierarchical cluster analysis was used to define biologically distinct regions within the wetland based on the composition of phytoplankton.
Nirmal Kumar, J. I., Yamini Verma, Rita N. Kumar and Manishita Das
Water Quality Assessment of Kishanpura Dam, Baran, Rajasthan, India
Considering the impacts of agricultural runoff, domestic and industrial effluents on the quality of many dams and rivers as cited in literature, a physico-chemical study regarding water quality assessment of Kishanpura dam has been carried out to indicate the irrigation suitability of water. In the present study, physico-chemical parameters like pH, EC, TDS, TH, Ca, Mg, Na, K, carbonate and bicarbonate were estimated to evaluate sodium percentage (% Na), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) and Permeability Index (PI). The data show that water is suitable for irrigation and classified as fit for irrigation purpose.
M. K. Jain, L. K. Dadhich and S. Kalpana
An Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Properties to Asses Well Water Quality in Some Areas of Ernakulam District, Kerala, India
Five samples of home well water from various regions and one sample of water from Kerala Water Authority of Ernakulam district were collected and assessment of physico-chemical properties was made to see whether these water sources are satisfying the standards of drinking water. Parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, colour, odour, taste, turbidity, total hardness, total alkalinity, biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, calcium, chlorides, magnesium, sulphates, iron and nitrates were analysed. The investigation reveals that with the exception of water sample collected from Kerala Water Authority, all the home well waters have water quality problems. Therefore, it indicates that all the samples of home well waters in the present study are undesirable or otherwise unfit for human consumption.
M. P. Subin and V.A. Aneesha
Leachate Characterization and Assessment of Groundwater Pollution Near Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Site
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generation, treatment and disposal are, both economic and environmental problem of concern, for the urban communities, especially in fast population exploding countries like India. The insanitary methods adopted for disposal of solid wastes are, therefore, a serious health concern. The poorly maintained landfill sites are prone to groundwater contamination because of leachate production. The leachate from the dump is allowed to stagnate in a ditch next to the dump and slowly finds its way into surface and groundwater aquifers. The present work aims to determine the effects of solid waste on groundwater quality those close to refuse dumps sited within and around Mavallipura in Bangalore city. Over the years all drinking water sources in the vicinity have been adversely affected, and the threat looms large of contaminating the groundwater, which is the major source of drinking water.
Pavithra S. Reddy and N. Nandini
Kigelia africana Fruit Carbon as a Low Cost Adsorbent for Removal of Copper(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution
Fruit of Kigelia africana tree is cylindrical and weigh approximately 2.5 kg. A mature tree produces hundreds of fruits every year but not used for any purpose, and hence a waste material in this region. Heating dried fruit powder with 1:1 sulphuric acid at 110°C for 24 h has resulted in carbonaceous material which showed marked adsorption properties. Copper(II) adsorption capacity of this Kigelia africana fruit powder carbon material (KAFP) was found to be 21.74 mg/L and almost 90% removal was achieved by treating 100 mg of adsorbent material in 100 mL (10 mg/L) of Cu(II) solution. Adsorption data fitted well into Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. Metal uptake was maximum at pH 7 and almost negligible at much lower pH values.
Harminder Kaur, Radhe Shyam and R. Amutha
Effect of Zinc and Mercury on Lysosomal Membrane Stability of the fish Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)
Lysosomal enzyme release assay technique was carried out in the fish Oreochromis mossambicus exposed to mercury, a non-essential heavy metal, and zinc, an essential heavy metal. Mercury has an initial stabilizing effect on the lysosomal membrane followed by a progressive labilization indicating that sequestration of mercury by lysosomes, which relieves the biochemical machinery from the toxic effects, is efficient only up to a certain limit. Thereafter, the detoxifying machinery becomes ineffective resulting in the decline of the structure linked latency of lysosomal enzymes. On exposure to zinc, an initial labilization is seen probably due to the delayed onset of operation of the detoxifying mechanisms against this essential metal. Continued exposure to zinc stabilizes the membrane either by binding to the structural components or by inhibiting metal catalysed lipid peroxidation. Lysosomal enzyme release assay (LERA) is, thus, effective as a sensitive index of heavy metal stress and can be applied as a biochemical warning of environmental alterations.
L. P. Rema
Study of the Preliminary Phytochemistry, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.
The medicinal plant Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. is known for its antidiabetic potential. Preliminary phytochemical screening of stem and leaf samples of the herb showed positive test for flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, phenols, saponins, sterols and terpanoids. The ash value is below the prescribed limit according to Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia. Antimicrobial activity was checked using agar well diffusion method. Water, methanol and ethanol extracts showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Bacillus subtilis is sensitive to hydroalcoholic and ethanolic extracts. The gram negative bacteria were resistant to the extracts. The antioxidant potential was assessed by DPPH assay method. The results provide evidence that Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract might indeed be potential source of free radical scavenger.
Meena Thomas Irimpan, C. I. Jolly and D. Sheela
Characteristics of Hazards of Coke-Oven Gas and Blast Furnace Gas - A Case Study
Industrial disaster can strike at any time, but the Bhopal gas tragedy remains a catastrophe with no parallel. It is, till date, the worst industrial disaster in the history of mankind. Fire hazards of coke-oven gas and blast furnace gas lead to fatal consequences. This paper highlights some salient features of the fire hazards scenarios from a coke-oven storage tank and blast furnace storage tank, which ultimately lead to jet-fire/flare with enormous heat wave all around and their consequence analysis with affected areas. Damage distances have been calculated by using Complex Hazardous Air Release Model (CHARM) software and it has been observed from the study that there may be 100% fatality within a radius of 350 m for the coke-oven storage tank, and 283 m from blast furnace storage tank.
Biswajit Ruj
Characterization and Treatment of Grey Water for Recycling
This study is aimed to evaluate the characteristics of grey water in MNIT Jaipur campus. The grey water from kitchen water, laundry water, bath water, wash basin water and the composite water was passed through a sand filter model which was fabricated. Turbidity removal percentage was 81%. Total alkalinity was 865.7 mg/L. TDS was also found to be high in laundry water with the average value of 4237.8ppm. Bath water showed the highest concentration of chloride in the feed water with average value being 62.55mg/L. The product water quality was found to improve continually over the duration of testing.
Nidhi Poonia and M. K. Jat
Characterization of the Soils of Lower Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, India
Lower Shivalik hills are the part of Himalayas extending in the areas of lower Himachal Pradesh. These hills cover an area of about 55,673 sq. km with four districts of Himachal Pradesh. Forty soil samples were collected both from hilly and plain soils covering about 14,799 km. The chemical characteristics such as pH, organic matter, potassium and zinc, copper, iron and manganese were analysed. The soil in the hill regions shows greater pH changes than in plains. Micronutrients and organic carbon contents were higher in plains thus the soil was more appropriate for cash crops.
Ratan Chand Sharma and Shivani Dogra
Monitoring the Pollution Intensity of Wetlands of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
In the semiarid region in India, rainfall cannot be relied on for irrigation of crops due to its irregularities in availability as well as quantity. Tank irrigation is the best alternate solution for crops; but due to unscientific anthropogenic practices, the water quality of wetlands has degraded. Coimbatore city is currently facing acute water crisis because of degradation of the quality of water. The wetlands, which recharge the groundwater aquifers, have degraded in quality due to the discharge of domestic and industrial sewage. Continuous monitoring of surface water is essential for ensuring groundwater quality. The seven major tanks of the city were selected for the present study. The Water Quality Index of the wetlands during the premonsoon ranged from 41.23 for Perur lake to 82.03 for Ukkadam lake. The water type of the wetlands of the study area predominantly is of Ca(HCO3)2, Mg(HCO3)2, NaHCO3 and NaCl type. The suitability of water for irrigation purposes was analysed using USSL (US Salinity Laboratory) classification system, and it was found that the water from three of the wetlands fall under S1C1 class, which indicate low salinity hazard. The Kurichi lake comes under S1C2 class and the other wetlands fall under S1C2 and S1C3 class. The study showed that the water from Singanallur wetland, Ukkadam wetland and Selvachinthamani wetland is unsuitable for irrigation due to high SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) and electrical conductivity. The seasonal variation study showed that the wetland water quality parameters during premonsoon were higher than that of post monsoon. Ukkadam wetland and Singanallur wetland showed a degraded water quality due to continuous discharge of domestic and industrial sewage.
Priya K. L., Gabriela Jennifer, G. Lizia Thankam, Sophia Abraham Thankam and Mariam Mathew
Fluoride Concentration in Groundwater of Arsikere Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka, India
Fluoride is often referred to as a two edged sword, with 0.6 to 1.5 ppm regarded as an essential constituent of drinking water mainly because of its role in prevention of dental caries, and its concentration more than 1.5 mg/L leading to dental and skeletal fluorosis. When the concentration of fluoride in water exceeds 10 mg/L, crippling fluorosis can ensue. Apart from fluorosis, it may also cause gastrointestinal complaints, namely loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, pain in stomach, constipation and intermittent diarrhoea and flatulence in expectant and lactating mothers. Fluorosis has been considered as one of the incurable diseases and prevention is the only solution. In this paper an attempt has been made to determine the fluoride concentration in the groundwater of Arsikere taluk and the investigation revealed that its concentration varied between 1.1mg/L and 2.3 mg/L.
Mohammed Naji Taresh Ali, Hina Kousar and Adamsab M. Patel
Isolation and Identification of Seasonal Endomycophytes of Inner Bark of Pachira insignis
Endophytic fungi from inner bark of Pachira insignis were studied in three different seasons during 2009-2010. A total of 25 endophytes were recorded during rainy season followed by 36 in winter season and 19 in summer season. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Verticillium sp. were found to be dominant endophytes followed by Biospora punctata, Rhizophus stolonifer and Cladosporium species.
T. G. Nagaraja
Spent wash: Concomitant Pollution Abatement Potential Employing the Fungus Aureobasidium pullulans
Spent wash is a typical end product of distillery. It pollutes soil and water due to its characteristics and mixture of pigments, i.e., melanoidins. Various microbial and chemical methods have been designed for reduction of melanoidins. The microbial method has been mainly anaerobic. The objective of the present study was two pronged, first to reduce pollutant value of spent wash by abating COD and BOD using biomass of Aureobasidium sp., and next to use spent wash as a growth medium for Aureobasidia. One representative species Aureobasidium pullulans has been deployed for this. It produces pullulan, which has wider industrial significance. We supplemented spent wash with various nitrogen and carbon sources to enhance process efficiency, which was essentially aerobic.
Snehal G. Pawar, Lalit V. Pingale, Girish R. Pathade and Vinay B. Rale
Hydrochemistry and Seasonal Fluctuation of Plankton in Arasankulam Pond at Veppampattu in Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, India
The present paper deals with the study of physico-chemical parameters along with plankton diversity in Arasankulam pond situated at Veppampattu in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. The fluctuations in physico-chemical characteristics were noted during the study period from January to December 2009. The results show that the zooplankton diversity was lesser as compared to phytoplankton. The plankton community showed seasonal fluctuations. The phytoplankton community was consisting of members of Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Euglenophyceae. The zooplankton community was represented by Cladocerans, Copepods, Ostracods and Rotifers. The ecological significance of the plankton diversity and the seasonal variation have been discussed in light of the available literature.
Mazher Sulthana, R. Vasanthi and J. N. Jayaprakash
Evaluation of Pollution by Palmer’s Algal Pollution Index and Physico-Chemical Analysis of Water in Four Temple Ponds of Mattancherry, Ernakulam, Kerala
The present study has been made to evaluate the organic pollution level of four temple ponds of Mattancherry Taluk in Ernakulam district. The Palmer’s algal index showed that all the four ponds have high organic pollution. Algae found in the ponds belonged to Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Bacillariophyceae. A toxic bloom forming algae Microcystis aeruginosa was observed in three ponds. The physico-chemical analysis data supported the Palmer’s organic pollution index.
L. Jose and Chethan Kumar
Impact of Arsenic on Environmental Geochemistry of South East of Kurdistan, Iran
Contamination of the environment by arsenic is one of the major environmental problems. Arsenic is usually present in small amounts in all rocks, soil, dust, water, air and biological tissues. However, the knowledge of its source, pathways and hydrogeochemistry are still matters of research and study. The aim of present study is the arsenic occurrence in sediments and groundwater in the south eastern Kurdistan, Iran that has caused serious health problems in rural population in the area, especially children, who are running the risk of hazardous effects of arsenic compounds in environment. The goal of this paper is to present objective and systematic data on this problem in south eastern of Kurdistan, Iran. Chemical analyses of groundwater and sediment samples indicate high levels in near alteration rocks.
Artimes Ghassemi Dehnavi, Ramin Sarikhani and D. Nagaraju
Study on Groundwater Quality in Prakasam District and Its Suitability for Drinking
Groundwater samples were collected from different places in Prakasam District for their physico-chemical studies. Laboratory tests were performed for analysis of samples for pH, chlorides, hardness, total dissolved solids and nitrates. Besides models, several water quality indices have been developed and used time to time. Water quality Indices are generally used as a tool to convert a large data set into a much reduced and informative form. Water Quality Index (WQI) by weigted arithmetic Index method is used in the present study to assess the suitability for drinking. It was found that most of the stations have WQI value in the range of 25-49 and concluded as good for drinking. But three stations namely Ongole, Kandukur and Kanigiri have WQI values more than maximum value of hundred and not fit for even domestic use. The higher value of these parameters may have health implications and therefore need attention.
Ch. Maruthi Devi and T. Usha Madhuri
Fungal Diversity and Mycotoxin Effect on Seed-borne Fungi, Seed Germination and Seedling Vigour of Some Cereals of Nashik District
Twenty seven fungal species were reported from the seeds of six cereals. The fungal metabolites played significant role in reducing the number of population of seed mycoflora. Fungal metabllites of A. flavus, Fusarium oxysporum and F. moniliformae were more effective as they showed 100 percent germination inhibition and root and shoot elongation of all cereals.
D. N. Khairnar, A. S. Kelhe and A. B. Khairnar
Biodiversity of Ichthyofauna of Barul Reservoir, Nanded District, Maharashtra
The fish population of aquatic systems plays a significant role in the economy, and India has vast potential for development of Inland fisheries. Barul earthen dam is a freshwater reservoir having catchment area of 1560 hectares has been constructed on Manar river for drinking, irrigation and pisciculture purposes. Literally there is no report on the fish fauna of Barul reservoir, hence to fill the gap, present work was undertaken. The reservoir was found to have a fauna of 24 fish species belonging to 11 Families and 4 different Orders.
Siddiqui Tasneem
Effect of Zinc Sulphate on Cardiac Physiology of the crab Barytelphusa guerini
The effect of zinc sulphate on cardiac physiology of Bartelphusa guerini was investigated after acute exposure to zinc sulphate. Remarkable differences were found between control and treated crabs. The rate of heart beat was studied at regular interval of 24 h up to 240 h (10days). The investigation showed an initial decline in heart rate up to 48 h, which then gradually decreases up to 240 h in control group. The treated animals showed initial increase up to 72 h and later there is a gradual decline in the rate of heart beat up to 240 h. The decline in rate of heart beat may indicate that animals try to settle down to the toxic medium and initial increase in the heart beat rate may be due to accelerative metabolic activity of the animal.
R. P. Mali and Shaikh Afsar
Effectivity of Vehicular Banning and its Reflection in Disease Incidence in Kolkata
Kolkata is one of the most polluted cities of the world. The city has been plagued by one of the most prominent pollution problems of the of the world, the air pollution. The time period of 2000-2008 saw a huge number of vehicles hitting Kolkata’s streets, which has lead to a significant increase in air pollution. Realising this, the Supreme Court has decided to impose a ban on the vehicles, which are more than 15-year old. The ban was imposed finally on 1st August, 2009. It was thought that this ban would result in substantial reduction of pollution, but the reduction in SPM, RPM, SOX and NOX could not be achieved to the desired level. A statistical analysis through bar diagrams, box-plots and ANOVA was performed to compare the different type of pollutants to determine whether the ban on the old vehicles was effective or not. The winter season of the year 2010 saw the values of SPM (383.1 µg/m3) and RPM (184.4 µg/m3) returning almost to the same level as before the ban. In fact, the values went higher than the levels of 2008 (SPM - 302.4 µg/m3, RPM - 145.3µg/m3) and 2009 (SPM - 334.3 µg/m3, RPM - 171.7 µg/m3). The values of SOx and NOx also increased indicating that the ban has not been able to handle the air pollution level of Kolkata. The air pollution has been a very potent disease causing agent. The main diseases caused by air pollution are generally respiratory diseases like asthma, restrictive lung disorder, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. The survey of the three major hospitals in Kolkata shows that there is a huge number of patients being suffered by respiratory disorders during winter months, and the number seems to have increased after the ban has been imposed. The winter of 2010 saw 117 patients suffering from respiratory disorders as compared to the 114 in 2009 and 108 in 2008. The other diseases like cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer also had a higher number of patients in the winter of 2010 as compared to 2008 and 2009. Thus, it should be noted that the pollution has not been reduced at all by the ban. This may have occurred because the government or the officials were not able to impose the ban effectively.
Ayan Chandra, Gaurav Saha, Sayantan Goswami, Anwesha Saha, Soumi Sinha Roy, Payel Ganguly, Avishek Ghosh, Kaveri Banerjee, Radhika Saraf, Arpita Banerjee and Arup Kr. Mitra
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