Archives Issues
Volume 10, Issue No 4, Dec 2011
A Noise Pollution Survey in an Iranian Tobacco Products Company
Noise as one the important hazardous factors in workplace, which can lead to health injury, decrease in safety and efficiency and financial loss for companies and factories. To control noise in a specific industry, awareness of its sound characteristics such as environmental sound level, worker’s exposures level and noise frequency distribution is substantial at different stations. The aim of this research is to describe the sound characteristics of equipments, and to investigate the sound exposure level of workers in Tobacco industry. Within this context, environmental noise and frequency analysis in five main parts of the plant were measured. Based on ISO: 9612 standards, the A-weighted sound pressure level was measured in 565 stations using CEL-257 sound level meter. According to ACGIH guideline noise, areas were divided into three groups including safe area, caution area and danger area. Noise analysis in one octave band and computation of the workers’ exposure level of 8 hours were performed in 21 points of danger areas (>85dBA). The maximum and minimum sound pressure levels were in cigarette workplace 2(b) with 95.5 dB (A) and in cigarette workplace 4 with 68.2 dB (A) respectively. Correlation test between environmental sound levels and 8 hours noise exposure indicates their high relation (sign: 0.000. Pearson co: 0.944). Frequency analysis results have shown that most sound levels were at frequency 500 to 2 KHz and in most measurement points, sound level was high at frequency 4 KHz in which makes the PTS risk subsequently.
Mohammad Reza Monazzam, Hamid Shiri, Samaneh Momen Bellah Fard, Zeinab Baroonizadeh
Amelioration of Toxic Effects of Lead in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek with the Application of Pseudomonas fluorescens
Pollution by heavy metals is one of the important threatening factors in the world. The present study was intended to analyse the effect of lead (Pb) on seed germination, growth and chlorophyll content of Vigna radiata (L). Wilczek. Germination parameters like germination percentage, radicle and hypocotyl length, vigour index and growth index were studied, and found to be decreased with increasing concentrations. Phytotoxicity level increased at elevated concentrations. At higher concentrations, severe morphological symptoms and reduction in chlorophyll content were observed. However, by treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens, a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium, a significant increase in all parameters was observed.
P. D. Sidhimol, C. T. Anitha and P. M. Sabeena
Mechanism of Phytoremediation: Study of uptake and metabolism of Methyl Parathion and p-Nitrophenol in Maize
Phytoremediation is a green technology, where plants are used to remove contaminants (organic or inorganic) from soil. This is the first report of using an indigenous plant for the purpose of phytoremediation. Maize, a crop plant has been used for this purpose where uptake of methyl parathion by the plant has been shown to occur 80%. Average uptake of p-nitrophenol is 64%. Streptomycin behaves like organic matter and affects the enzyme p-nitrophenol 4-hydroxylase both in the root and shoot. The enzyme has been demonstrated to occur in a plant for the first time. Influence of soil organisms is both positive and negative in the uptake of organophosphate. The results obtained were confirmed by HPLC. Methyl parathion hydrolyses to p-nitrophenol, which is further metabolized to hydroquinone with nitrite release. Maize showed an uptake of 31.29% of methyl parathion in unsterilized soil. In the presence of streptomycin and in unsterilized soil uptake of hydroquinone is 99.78% and 98.36% respectively, while in sterilized soil there was no degradation.
Nayeem Ullah Khan and Bhavya Varma
Distribution of Nutrients and Chlorophyll-a in Mangrove Environment of Red Sea Coast of Yemen
The present study is aimed at screening for the concentration of nutrients and chlorophyll-a in mangrove environment of Red Sea coast of Yemen. N-NO2 concentration ranged from 0.50 µg/L at Kamaran Island to 2.20 µg/L at Al-Zubayr with mean of 1.483 µg/L. N-NO3 concentration ranged from 0.70 µg/L at Kamran Island to 3.10 µg/L at Dhubab with mean of 1.917 µg/L. N-NH4 concentration ranged from 0.30 µg/L at Al-Zubayr to 1.00 µg/L at Dhubab with mean of 0.608 µg/L. P-PO4 concentration ranged from 2.50 µg/L at Al-Zubayr to 6.10 µg/L at Al-Hodiedah with mean of 4.333 µg/L. Si-SiO2 concentration ranged from 15.30 µg/L at Al-Zubayr to 23.40 µg/L at Al-Hodiedah with mean of 18.833 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a concentration ranged from 0.200 µg/L at Al-Zubayr to 0.320 µg/L at Al-Hodiedah with mean of 0.263 µg/L. The maximum concentration of nutrients , found at the levels of minimum oxygen and relatively high ammonia concentration, is usually attributed to recycling of nutrients by phytoplanktonic and bacterial activities. The high concentration of phosphate may be attributed to the freshwater inflows as a result of heavy rains in the highlands. The high concentration of silicate may be attributed to severe sandstorms affecting the coastal areas. The concentration of chlorophyll-a may be attributed to the water mass that contains nutrients as well as phytoplankton.
Nabil A. Al-Shwafi
Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Coimbatore South Taluk, Coimbatore District, India: A WQI Approach
The developmental activities in Coimbatore cause depletion and degradation of groundwater. The present investigation is aimed to calculate Water Quality Index (WQI) of groundwater to assess the impact of pollutants due to mining operations, agriculture and human activities on the water quality. Nine physico-chemical parameters were taken for calculation of WQI. Quality of water was found to be good in all the sampling stations except at Vellalore, Chettipalayam and Natchipalayam.
K. Murali, R. D. Swasthik Kumar and R. Elangovan
Land Resources Information System for Sustainable Land Use Planning
Earth observation satellites provide the vantage point and coverage necessary for studying our planet as an integrated physical and biological system. Land use planning involves the inventory of the land resources and taking stock of the present scenario. Land use planning does not only involve suggesting alternate land use but also should consider factors, which affect the other types of land use. The present study can help in the reconnaissance survey of the area as well as integrating the information to look at different scenarios in the landscape and plan for sustainable use of the land. The approach has given good insight into the areas potential for alternate land use. The action plan prepared using this approach shall help the administrators in taking decisions regarding resource use and mobilization of support for a change. The action plan not only serves as a guide but also as a blue print for natural resource management for sustainable development. Compilation and collation of information of the area under study is the preliminary task in planning. The availability of remotely sensed data at high spatial and temporal resolutions has facilitated the planners to access natural resource information at a rate faster than never before. Land use map is the first map, which any planner would need to look at the extent of use to which the land is put. For purposes of planning at the district level the 1:50,000 maps generated using the IRS-P6 data were found to be suitable. Soil map and hydrogeomorphology map were the preliminary dataset generated from the satellite data. Information derived by integrating and analysing the above factors was produced as derivative maps which are the action plan maps.
T. Phanindra Kumar Tummalapalli , V. Raghava Swamy and I. V. Muralikrishna
Water Quality Modelling and Management of Seer Stream in Lower Himalayas
The paper deals with water quality status in Seer stream over a stretch of 5 km for variables like biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO), etc. One dimensional water quality model Stream-I was used in the study. The study has shown that summer season is the most critical period when stream is having very less discharge. The various management options to treat wastewater of the stream have been discussed to maintain the water quality in the stream within the prescribed standards.
D. K. Gautam and M. R. Sharma
Hydrochemical Characteristics of Groundwater in Noyyil River Basin, Tamil Nadu, India
Groundwater is the major source for domestic, agricultural and other related activities. An attempt has been made to study the hydrogeochemistry characterization of Noyyil river basin. The seasonal variation of the chemical budget of ions was determined from the hydrogeochemical investigation of the groundwater. Though, the effect of monsoon does not change the order of abundance of cations, it does change the concentration of various ions, and it is found that there was a considerable change in case of all major ions. Broadly speaking, the groundwater has a chemical composition within the permissible limits suggested for drinking water. Nitrates is higher than the acceptable limits in some samples, that is mainly due to the usage of fertilizers. Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater of Noyyil river basin, which is predominantly a hard rock terrain, has been studied to evaluate the quality of groundwater for domestic and agricultural purposes. Groundwater samples from sixty locations were collected both during January 2007 and January 2008 in and around Noyyil river basin and analysed for their major cations and anions. Physical and chemical parameters of groundwater such as EC, TDS and ionic concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl- , HCO3-, CO32-, SO42-, NO-3 and F- have been determined. Based on the analytical data hydrohemical indices like Na%, SAR, RSC and PI have been calculated. The ionic concentration of TDS, Na, K, SO42-, NO-3 and EC in the sampled locations vary spatially and temporally and the same is attributed for severe contaminations. Salinity, SAR, Na% indicate that the majority of the samples are not suitable for domestic and irrigational purposes and far from drinking water standards as prescribed by WHO.
V. Kavimani, V. Subramanian and K. Karthickumar
Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies on Adsorption of Congo-Red Dye from Aqueous Solution onto Rice Husk Carbon
Equilibrium and kinetic data for the adsorption of Congo-red dye from aqueous solution onto activated rice husk carbon have been reported. The effects of dye initial concentration, adsorbent-adsorbate contact time, temperature, adsorbent’s amount and particle size on the percent adsorption of the dye on the adsorbent have been investigated. Kinetics of adsorption of Congo-red onto the adsorbent in aqueous solution was monitored spectrophotometrically. At the specified dye initial concentration, percent adsorption of dye increases with increase in temperature as well as the adsorbate-adsorbent contact period. However, at the given temperature, % adsorption of Congo-red decreases with the increase in dye initial concentration. The observed adsorption data were analysed in light of Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. Dye adsorption rate constant (kad) follows the first order kinetics. Activation energy (Ea) of adsorption, intra-particle diffusion rate constant and thermodynamic parameters of Congo-red adsorption on the rice-husk carbon have been evaluated and interpreted.
Sarita Yadav, D. K. Tyagi and O. P. Yadav
Alterations in the Nutritional Parameters of Silkworm Bombyx mori L. on Exposure to Selenium
The silkworm, Bombyx mori L. feeds on mulberry leaves from which it ingests various nutrients to support physiological activities. Nutritional parameters like food consumption, excretion, assimilation, food combustion and total food converted under lethal and sub lethal doses of selenium at 3, 4, 5, and 6 days of V instar silkworm were studied. The selenium at lethal doses could decrease the parameters like food consumption assimilation efficiency and food conversion rate. However, the sub-lethal doses of selenium, particularly at 6 days of exposure, could exhibit significantly increased levels of the above parameters in the silkworm leading to its better survival.
A. Vijaya Bhaskara Rao and S. Smitha
Responses of Vigna radiata and Vigna unguiculata Seedlings to Distillery Effluent
The present study was undertaken to find out the physico-chemical characteristics of both untreated and treated distillery effluent and effect of various concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100 % v/v) of treated distillery effluent on the seed germination and seedling growth of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek Var. Pusa baisaki and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. Var. CS 1. The physico-chemical analysis of the effluent showed high alkalinity with high BOD and COD, total dissolved solids, and total suspended solids. The germination in 25% concentration was found to be maximum as compared to 75 and 100% concentrations. 25% concentration of distillery effluent was found to be beneficial for the growth of shoot and root in both the plants as compared to control, indicating the enhancing influence of plant nutrients present in the effluent. However, the reduction in seedling growth revealed that constituents of distillery effluent at higher concentrations exhibited deleterious effects on both the crops plants.
M. Tharakeshwari and Shobha Jagannath
Groundwater Quality of Deeper Aquifers from Watersheds PGK1, PGK3 and PGK4, Yavatmal District (Maharashtra) in Central India
The groundwater quality from the watersheds PGK1, PGK3 and PGK4, Yavatmal District (Maharashtra), Central India, has been assessed and results are presented in the paper. Fifty samples collected from deeper aquifers have been analysed for various parameters like pH, EC, TDS, Ca++, Mg++, Na+, K+, HCO3-, CO3-2, Cl-, SO4-2, and F-. The interrelationship between F- with pH, Na+, SO4-2, and Cl- has resulted into positive correlation, while inverse relationship is noted for Ca++ and HCO3-. In the area of study, the F- content ranges from 0.2 to 15.6 mg/L, and 64% of groundwater samples from deeper aquifer have F- concentration more than 1.0 mg/L. The higher concentration of F- in Neoproterozoic limestones has been ascribed to the presence of fluoride bearing minerals like fluorite and apatite. In such limestones of chemical origin, co-precipitation of CaF2 and CaCO3 is the major process which controls the fluorine distribution in the rocks. The leaching of F- containing minerals from the weathered zone to deeper depth has contributed the high F- concentration in basaltic aquifers. Amongst the analysed samples, 58% of groundwater is suitable for irrigation.
Y. A. Murkute and P. P. Badhan
Dechloridation of Treated Tannery Effluent by Using Leaves of Plants
The present study deals with the dechloridation of treated tannery effluent by using plant leaves. The effluent after treatment, which is let out from the Common Tannery Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) into Senkulum lake, Dindigul, Tamilnadu, was collected for the study. The physico-chemical characteristics of the treated tannery effluent were analysed. The pH value of effluent was 8.04, which slightly exceeded the recommended value. The electrical conductivity was 12,500 micromhos/cm, which was higher than the permissible limit. The value of hardness was 2210 mg/L. Out of the three cations tested, i.e. sodium, potassium and calcium, the sodium was 1275 mg/L followed by potassium (76mg/L) and calcium (295mg/L). The chloride content was higher (12,652 mg/L) in the tannery effluent. Leaves of plants such as Cynodon dactylon, Psidium guajava, Azadirachta indica, Cassia tora and Cassia angustifolia were used for the study. An adsorption kinetic study was performed with different weights of adsorbents (100-500 mg/100 mL), temperature (20-60°C) and pH (4-10), for chloride adsorption with different contact times (30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr). The Cassia tora leaves adsorbed maximum chloride compared to the leaves of other plants with a maximum weight of 200mg of adsorbent/100 mL, temperature of 40°C, pH 10 and contact time of 2 hours.
M. R. Rajan and S. R. Murali
Sister Chromatid Exchanges in Peripheral Lymphocytes in Shoe Factory Workers Exposed to Organic Solvents
Shoe manufacturing is an age-old profession in India. The genotoxic potential of organic solvents in cultured peripheral lymphocytes has been investigated on 62 male workers in a leather shoe factory located at IDA, Nacharam in Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh by using one of the recommended cytogenetic biomarkers. The blood samples were collected from male workers and 42 age matched controls. Analysis of sister chromatid exchanges in human peripheral lymphocytes was carried out in control and exposed groups. A significant increase in the percentage of SCEs was observed as compared to control. Thus, the study clearly reveals the mutagenic effect of organic solvents on human beings.
K. Rudrama Devi and S. Jithender Kumar Naik
The Study of Water Quality of Tripunithura, a City Suburb of Ernakulam District in Kerala, India
In the present study, physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of different sources of surface and groundwaters in Tripunithura, a suburb of Ernakulam district, Kerala were determined during February 2011. The objective of the study was to asses the suitability of water for human consumption and other domestic purposes. Water samples from three different densely populated localities were collected and analysed for various parameters using standard methods. The physico-chemical parameters of home well water and pond water, with the exception of iron value in pond water, were satisfactory whereas bore well water and river water exhibited all the values as exceeding maximum permissible limit with a few exceptions of sulphate and dissolved oxygen in bore well water and nitrate in river water. The microbiological analysis revealed that with the exception of bore well water, all other waters fail to satisfy the prescribed standards set for drinking water. Therefore, the study revealed that the entire water samples investigated in the present study failed to qualify the prescribed standards for drinking water either in the physico-chemical aspects or in the microbiological aspects or both.
M. P. Subin, C. T. Anitha and P. D. Sidhimol
Watershed Management as a Tool for Changing the Kaleidoscope of Central India: A Case Study from Jhabua District of Madhya Pradesh, India
Watershed management is an approach of area planning of natural resources to sub-serve the socio-economic needs of the human society or community concerned. At present this concept has become a key for improving the soil and water resources, productivity and ecological restoration of rain-fed areas. The present paper focuses on the impacts of implementation of watershed management practices adopted for the Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The Rajiv Gandhi Watershed Mission Programme executed for the Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh state has set an excellent model of natural resource conservation, management and ecological restoration process. It has been concluded with the note that there is a nationwide need to adopt such types of natural resource management practices.
Abhay M. Varade, Harsharaj Wankhade, Yadav Kumar Mawale and Hemant Khandare
Tolerance Limit of the Alga Spirulina platensis to Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate Polluted Wastewater
Domestic detergents carried by the urban wastewater normally accumulate in the surface water bodies in most of the Indian cities. One of the major chemical components of these detergents is linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) and its accumulation in water bodies may become toxic to aquatic flora and fauna. In the present study, the growth of a Cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis, generally used as a nutraceutical source of protein, was studied in CFTRI medium spiked with 5 levels of LAS (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 ppm). The growth of Spirulina gradually increased and became maximum at 6 ppm of LAS beyond which there was a gradual decline with the minimum growth recorded at 10ppm level. At 6 ppm level of LAS, maximum biomass yield (109.5 mg/50mL), protein (587.5 µg/mL) and nitrate reductase activity (79.2 NR µM NO2 /hr/g FW) were observed. Maximum content of chlorophyll-a (4.324 mg/g FW) and carotenoid (0.451 mg/g FW) were observed at 4 ppm level of LAS. The results thus, showed that Spirulina platensis is able to tolerate up to 6ppm of LAS in wastewater bodies.
Javeed Ahmad Lone, Farooq Ahmad Lone, Ajay and S. Kundu
Effect of Salinity on an Entomopathogenic Biocontrol Nematode, Hetrorhabditis indica
Entomopathogenic nematodes, especially ICRI-18, a strain of Heterorhabditis indica, are being used as efficient biological control agent for a sub-terranean pest called Basilepta fulvicorne affecting cardamom plant roots. The cardamom plantation has been spread over the western ghats of south India where H. indica (strain ICRI-18) is used for the control of root grub. Salinity plays a significant role in microbial interactions and all inhabitants of soil. As the method of irrigation varies from place to place so does the salinity of water and soil. As salinity plays a key role in survival of soil organisms, the aim behind the present study was to investigate the compatibility of the bio-control agents with salinity. The effect of sodium chloride over H. indica at various concentrations (0.1M to 0.5M) was evaluated. The observations revealed that salinity did cause a proportional mortality to that of salt concentration. However, more than 80% of nematodes survived up to 0.3M concentration, after which there was a drastic reduction of the nematode population. The nematode population reduced at 0.4 M considerably, which can be concluded that salinity of the soil at cardamom plantations did not cause any adverse effect on the nematodes.
Siva Muthuprakash K. M. and Jayanthi Abraham
An Evaluation of the Impact of By-product Gypsum from a Phosphoric Acid Factory on Scoparia dulcis L.
The impact of the by-product gypsum on the morphology, phytochemistry and antibacterial activity of Scoparia dulcis L. has been studied. The gypsum and control site soils were subjected to analysis and the high incidence of abnormalities noticed in the plant species could be taken as a pointer to define the environmental hazards caused by industrial pollution.
Neelima Shaji, Lizzy Mathew and Romilly Margaret Mendez
An Investigation of Fungal Aerobiopollutants in the Ambient Air Over Maize Fields
The present investigation was carried out to understand the qualitative and quantitative incidence of fungal aerobiopollutants over maize. Environmental monitoring was carried out by operating continuous volumetric Tilak air sampler, which gave continuous air sampling for atmospheric aerobiopollutants. Apart from dust particles, altogether 44 types of aerobiopollutants were trapped in the sampler of which 39 belonged to fungal spore types. From these, 25 belonged to Deuteromycotina, 9 to Ascomycotina, 2 to Basidiomycotina, 2 to Mastigomycotina and 1 to Zygomycotina, while remaining 5 types belonged to non-fungal spore groups of other types. Aerobiopollutants obtained peak in the month of February with 29582/m3 of air and 37.7 spore percentages, when there was a record of 4.6 mm rainfall, average temperature of 21.3°C and 54.6% relative humidity. The pathogenic and allergenic nature of aerobiopollutants is discussed, and influence of meteorological parameters on these spore types is presented in this paper.
Avinash V. Karne
Groundwater Quality of Gadhinglaj Tahsil of Maharashtra
The study deals with the groundwater quality of Gadhinglaj tehsil in Maharashtra. The groundwater quality was assessed by examining various physico-chemical parameters. The borewell water samples were collected from 40 villages from Gadhinglaj tehsil during winter season. The physico-chemical parameters like temperature, pH, EC, free CO2, total alkalinity, total hardness, Ca and Mg hardness, chlorides and dissolved oxygen were analysed. The result were compared with WHO and BIS standards. Except for a few parameters at some places, most of the water samples were found to be suitable for drinking.
R. S. Sawant, S. D. Jadhav, A. G. Godghate and S. R. Patil
Effect of Agricultural-Industrial Wastes on Vegetation of Some Selected Sites of Alaniya River System Near Kota, Rajasthan
In the present study, different heavy metals like copper, zinc and mercury were recorded in water and soil samples at different sites along Alaniya river system. Higher concentrations of these metals were recorded at polluted sites compared to non-polluted site of the study area. Soil samples showed higher concentration of metals compared to water samples. The vegetational analysis of the study sites observed higher number of plant species at non-polluted site, while less number of plant species were present at polluted sites. Some plant species were recorded only at the non-polluted sites but absent at polluted sites.
Sushma Jangid and S. K. Shringi
Water Quality Deterioration Owing to the Invasion of Low pH Groundwater in Mamam River Basin, South Kerala, India
Aptness of groundwater in the Mamam river basin for drinking and other domestic purposes were assessed in the present work. Eighty six groundwater samples were collected in pre and post monsoon seasons and required physico-chemical attributes were determined. Results revel that most of the parameters except the pH were within the permissible limits recommended by BIS. However, abnormally low pH values were observed in the study area, as evidenced by a mean pH of 5.34 in post and 5.35 in pre monsoon seasons, indicating acidic character. Reasons for this abnormal phenomena include widespread occurrence of subsurface laterite aquifer system, presence of coconut husk retting yards, open waste dumping and extensive rubber cultivation. Consumption of this water is a definite threat to people causing gastrointestinal disorders, hyper acidity, ulcers, stomach pain and burning sensation. Besides this, pH below 6.5 can cause corrosion in pipes resulting in the release of toxic metals.
Anseena Beegom A. S. and R. B. Binoj Kumar
Studies on the Effect of Post Biomethanated Distillery Spentwash Application on Soil Biological Activities
The biomethanated distillery spentwash is a nutrient rich liquid organic waste obtained from molasses based distillery industries after biomethanation process. The spentwash, being loaded with organic compounds could bring remarkable changes on the biological properties of soils and thus influences the fertility of soil significantly. The effect of different levels and methods of spentwash application on soil microbial activity was examined through a field experiment. The field experiment was conducted on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as a test crop at Research and Development Cane Farm, The Salem Co-operative Sugar Mills Ltd., Mohanur, Namakkal District. Application of distillery spentwash significantly increased the microbial population viz., bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in soil. The application of spentwash at the rate of 120 m3/ ha plus NP fertilizers recorded the highest microbial population. The continuous application of split doses was found to be better than one time application of spentwash in promoting the microbial activities.
P. Kalaiselvi and S. Mahimairaja
Microbiological Media from Temple Waste: An Ecofriendly Approach of Waste Management
The temple wastes consist of vegetable material (mainly flowers, leaves, fruits, sugar, jaggery, etc.), milk and milk products, grains and water most of which are biodegradable and contain elements required for growth of microorganisms. Temple wastes are released in water bodies or dumped on the available places of land creating severe environmental pollution and health hazards, hence, it was thought to attempt use temple waste for preparation of microbiological media to cultivate common microorganisms in the microbiological laboratories. In the present study, temple waste extract was used to prepare microbiological nutrient media for cultivation of common bacteria (at pH 7.4 of medium) like Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium and Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi (at pH 5.4 of medium) like Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum (molds), Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Torulla (yeasts). For bacteria, the standard control medium used for comparison was nutrient agar, while for fungi it was Sabouraud’s agar. The results were highly encouraging where more luxuriant growth of both bacteria and fungi was obtained on the temple waste microbiological media in comparison to standard controlled media. Thus, temple waste based microbiological nutrient media can be used to cultivate common microorganisms, which will be highly economical as compared to costly standard and commercial microbiological media.
M. V. Gurav and G. R. Pathade
Study of Health Effects on Photostat Workers in Kolhapur, Maharashtra
The present study of health effects on photostat workers is carried out in the selected populated educational and commercial areas in Kolhapur city. It is in the form of questionnaire survey of 150 workers working in different Xerox centres. The aim of study is to evaluate the workers of different age groups those are occupationally exposed to photocopying and Xerox machines. The toxic components of photocopiers are from their emissions, toners and extremely low frequency of electromagnetic fields, coming in the form of vapours, gases, particulates in addition to chemicals used in photo duplication equipment. This causes headache, respiratory problem, leg pain, dermatitis, irritation in eyes and nose, cough and sneezing, loss of visibility and allergies.
Rajiv B. Hunashal
Adsorption of Iron from Aqueous Solution Using Limonia acidissima Fruit Shell Activated Carbon as an Adsorbent
The presence of iron is probably the most common water problem faced by consumers and water treatment professionals. Iron may cause conjunctivitis, choroiditis and retinitis if it contacts and remains in the tissues. Hence, to remove iron from water with the methods available, adsorption has gained popularity due to several advantages. A batch study adsorption has been conducted by adsorption process using activated carbon prepared from wood apple (Limonia acidissima) fruit shell as an adsorbent and the removal efficiency was determined by optimizing the parameters such as dosage, time, pH and concentration. The maximum removal efficiency was found to be more than 60%. This experimental study proves to be an economical method of iron removal since the developed product is a waste product. Even, small industries with iron-bound wastewater can adopt this method of treatment and hence, prevent the polluted water entering streams.
G. Anusha and S. M. Suneeth Kumar
Seed-Mycoflora of Some Forest Medicinal Plants of Nashik District, Maharashtra
Twelve fungal species were isolated from the seeds of 13 forest medicinal plants. Most of the fungi were saprophytic and few were pathogenic. Fungi like Mucor globosum, Mucor varienc and Rhizopus nigricans appeared on the first day after plating the seeds in the plates. Maximum fungi were isolated on the seeds of Holarrina antidisentrica with lesser number on seeds of Jatropha curcas and Caesalpinia bonducella. Rich sporulation of all the fungi was observed from 6th day of incubation period.
D. N. Khairnar, A. S. Kelhe and A. B. Khairnar
Bioremediation of Molasses Effluent Using Aquatic Plants
Molasses is a thick syrup produced as a byproduct of sugar industries. It is used in industries like food, beverages, lactic acid and acetic acid manufacturing units. For the present study, the effluent samples were collected from lactic acid manufacturing company using molasses as a raw material. The physico-chemical parameters such as colour, odour, pH, EC, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), hardness, bicarbonates, alkalinity, chloride, nitrites, calcium, sulphate, sodium, potassium, magnesium and total free sugars (glucose) of both the effluents (untreated and industry treated) were studied to ascertain the role of aquatic plants (Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, Ludwigia adscendens) in bioremediation of molasses effluent. Among the plants used in the study, Eichhornia seems to be best in treating the industrial waste. The efficiency of treatment of the molasses effluent by the plants was Eichhornia crassipes > Pistia stratiotes > Ludwigia adscendens.
S. Gershome Daniel Rajadurai and S. Dawood Sharief
Physico-chemical Characteristics of the River Amaravathy, Tamil Nadu, India
Water quality by physico-chemical characteristics of Amaravathy river was evaluated for a period of one year from August 2005 to July 2006. The temperature was maintained within the range that commensurate the local climatic conditions, and the colour and the odour suited the seasons. The solid contents were though within the standards, they were on the higher normal side. The pH was found to be essentially alkaline and relatively similar throughout the study period. The nutrient contents were on the higher normal side. The river water is suitable for fishes, agriculture purposes and after appropriate treatment for drinking purposes as well.
T. Arthi, S. Nagarajan and A. A. Sivakumar
Diversity Status of Mangrove Species in Estuarine Regions of Goa, Central West Coast, India
The present study is based on standardized field work extending over a five-year period using well established diagnostic identification keys. The paper documents the diversity of true mangroves in seven major and three minor estuaries of Goa, which house 15 species belonging to ten genera under seven families. Mangrove associates were also studied along with quantitative analysis, hydrological parameters and sediment analysis of estuaries in relation to mangrove flora. The present study reports that mangrove cover in Goa has increased to 2617 hectares from 2000 hectares.
Cajy Silva and U. G. Bhat
Study of Physico-Chemical Nature of Water from Jangamhatti Dam, Chandgad, Distt. Kolhapur, Maharashtra
The present investigation has been evaluate the water quality by physico-chemical parameters of dam water of Jangamhatti, Distt. Kolhapur for a period of one year water samples were collected from various places of dam. The parameters analysed includes temperature, pH, transparency turbidity, total dissolved solids, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, free CO2 , alkalinity, chloride, total hardness and BOD. Result obtained reveals that parameters are within the range prescribed by WHO and BIS standard for drinking purpose.
K. N. Nikam, V. V. Ajagekar and C. V. Pawar
Identification and Characterization of Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria Isolated from Mixed Sewage of East Kolkata Wetlands
The eastern wetlands of Kolkata have been reservoirs of some of the most unique metal tolerant bacteria that have inexplicable bioremediation potentialities in immobilizing radionuclides and toxic metals, in the degradation of oil, as a bioleaching agent, and in chelating zinc in living systems. Four bacterial strains were isolated from mixed sewage and designated as L4(1), L4(2), L4(3) and L4(4). Gram staining was performed to determine the Gram nature and morphology of the strains. All were found to be Gram negative cocco-bacilli in character. The IMViC biochemical tests were performed for the characterization of the strains. Further, the L4(4) strain was found to grow on Eosin Methylene Blue agar medium, thereby indicating it to be of coliform origin. Different concentrations of zinc solutions i.e., 100ppm, 500ppm and 1000 ppm were prepared in which each of the four strains were inoculated, and incubated at 37°C for 4 days. The bacterial growth was measured spectrophotometrically at 610nm. Atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis was performed to determine the uptake of zinc from the medium. Maximum uptake at 1000 ppm concentration of zinc was observed by strain L4(4) [954.7 mg/L] and least by strain L4(1) [896mg/L]. At 500ppm concentration of zinc, maximum uptake was observed by the strain L4(3) [464.7mg/L], and minimum by the strain L4(4) [442.7mg/L]. L4(4) was identified to be Escherichia coli. L4(3) having maximum uptake at 500ppm concentration was identified with the help of 16S rDNA analysis and was found to be Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes. This organism on one hand acts as a potential source of zinc to fishes thereby acting as a probiotic. We project this organism for future treatment of marine oil spills, and it can be considered as one stop remedy for different kinds of marine pollution.
Amrita Mukherjee, Rubina Islam, Aditya Bhattacharya, Sayantan Bose, Sandeep Kaur Matharu, Sitabja Mukherjee, and Arup Kumar Mitra
Groundwater Development Studies Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in Drought Prone area of Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, India
While water supply is a crucial issue, there is an evidence to suggest that the quality of groundwater supplies is also under threat in recent years. This is the result of salinisation and increasing trend of groundwater exploitation and heterogeneous terrain condition of hard rock area posing major problem in groundwater exploration. Groundwater exploitation has been on the rise in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. Competing demands have grown in face of perennial water shortages, a situation which has been exaggerated by drought condition in the past decade. Integrated and environmentally sustainable development strategies have become inevitable for micro-level planning these days. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used for spatial analysis and integration. Geomedia Professional 5.1 GIS software was adopted in this process. The ranked maps were spatially integrated and the district area was divided into very good, good, moderate and low groundwater potential zones. Aquifer thickness map was generated by intersection of well inventory, sub-surface geological, geophysical and groundwater potential data. Based on aquifer thickness, aquifer was categorized into deep aquifer, shallow aquifer and moderately deep aquifer. By combining groundwater potential zone and aquifer thickness, the watershed area was reclassified into eleven priority zones, recommended for different agricultural practices, groundwater development and management of aquifer recharge.
D. Nagaraju, G. Mahadevaswamy, S. Siddalingamurthy, P. C. Nagesh, Krishna Rao and G. V. Pankaja
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