Archives Issues
Volume 11, Issue No 1, Mar 2012
Toxicological Evaluation and Usefulness of Lipid Peroxidation as Biomarker of Exposure to Crude Oil and Petroleum Products Tested against African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus and Hermit Crab, Clibanari
The toxicological evaluations of crude oil, petrol, kerosene and diesel were carried out against the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings and Hermit crab (Clibanarius africanus). On the basis of 96hr LC50 value, petrol (LC50 = 2.449 mL/L) was found to be the most toxic followed by diesel (LC50 = 7.839 mL/L), kerosene (LC50 = 8.095 mL/L), and crude oil (LC50 = 9.355 mL/L) to Clarias gariepinus. For Clibanarius africanus also, petrol (LC50 = 4.569mL/L) was the most toxic followed by kerosene (LC50 = 8.705 mL/L), diesel (LC50 = 13.852 mL/L) and (LC50 = 35.955 mL/L). On the basis of the computed susceptibility factor, hermit crab was found to be 2x, 2x, 6.1x and slightly more tolerant than catfish when exposed to petrol, diesel, crude oil and kerosene respectively. The results of the lipid peroxidation assay against juveniles of C. gariepinus showed that the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver of fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of all the test chemicals increased significantly when compared to control animals. The observed increase in MDA levels in the liver tissues of test animals exposed to crude oil and refined petroleum products was recommended as a good biomarker for early detection of oil related pollution during biomonitoring programmes.
Michael A. King, Temitope O. Sogbanmu, Adesola O. Osibona, F. Doherty and Adebayo A. Otitoloju
Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Aluminium Fluoride to Flora and Fauna in a Microcosm
During acute toxicity study of aluminium fluoride, Daphnia similis L. was found to be the most sensitive organism (EC50 = 108.06 ppm) followed by Gambusia affinis Baird and Gerard (LC50 = 354.0 ppm) and Lemna aequinoctialis L. (EC50 for chlorophyll = 358.7ppm). The exposure (60 days) of producers and consumers at its sub-lethal concentration (35.4 ppm) casted toxic effects on them in artificial microcosms raised in the greenhouse. There was reduction in chlorophyll content (19-39%), dry weight (16%), acid phosphatase (ACP) (56%), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (14%) and protein content (53%) of Ceratophyllum demersum L. The reduction in species richness (40%) and phytoplankton counts (counts = 47-54%) was significant during the study period while zooplankton counts (30%) in the first half of the study (day-30). Snail mortality was found nil while that of fish was moderate (37%). Their tissue biochemistry (ACP, ALP and protein content) was, however, altered significantly suggesting them to be under stress. AlF3 also had cytotoxic effects in fish decreasing RBC counts (19%) and causing morphological abnormalities. From these findings, we conclude that there are significant toxic effects of aluminium fluoride to organisms in the food web of aquatic ecosystems.
Shraddha Jain, Shweta Sharma, Aruna Rajawat, Neha Upreti, Subhasini Sharma and K. P. Sharma
Biodegradation of Domestic Fuel Oil from Contaminated Soil Using Indigenous Microorganisms
Biodegradation of hydrocarbons by natural population of microorganisms represents one of the primary mechanisms by which petroleum and other hydrocarbon pollutants are eliminated from the environment. The polluted soil was taken from a historically contaminated site which is located in Ghent, Belgium. The experiment was carried out under different temperatures and nutrient conditions and aerobic biodegradation was estimated by measuring CO2 production from the microorganisms. The results clearly revealed that high temperature enhances the biodegradation of domestic fuel oil in comparison to the low temperature and also adding a low amount of nutrients having higher biodegradation efficiency.
Z. Poorgholamali Davarani, M. H. Sayadi, H. Alaei, and Y. Van De Steene
Water Quality Assessment of Various forms of Rainwater and Statistical Studies on Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Stormwater in Coimbatore, India
Rain water harvesting, irrespective of the technology used, essentially means harvesting and storing water in days of abundance, for use in lean days. It has been construed as the most sustainable method for managing water scarcity situations, incorporating all type of water demands. Though rainwater is considered as a contamination free source, human activities particularly in the industrial and agricultural sectors pollute this pure form of water. The quality of various forms of rainwater, viz. direct rainfall, rooftop water and stormwater were assessed by analysing various physico-chemical parameters. The physico-chemical characteristics of stormwater were further subjected to statistical and correlation analyses. The results showed that the direct rainwater samples collected were pure and safe as drinking water. The surface stormwater runoff samples collected from the study location, which is mainly an urban and industrialised catchment, contained undesirable amount of sediment load and other chemical parameters; most of them are not within safe limits for drinking and irrigation use. The electrical conductivity and sediment concentration in samples collected from roofs were slightly above the desirable limit for drinking purpose. The mean, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of various physico-chemical parameters of stormwater were computed and compared. Similarly correlation coefficients were worked out to find out the relationship amongst physico-chemical characteristics of the water samples and a large number of significant correlations were obtained.
Manoj P. Samuel, S. Senthilvel and A.C. Mathew
Pollutants Generated from Pharmaceutical Processes and Microwave Assisted Synthesis as Possible Solution for Their Reduction - A Mini Review
In this review article we have briefly summarized the pharmaceutical processes and the pollutants i.e., VOCs and other air emissions from reactors and distillation assemblies, polluted solvents released in water and solid wastes etc. generated due to conventional processes involved in preparation of pharmaceuticals. Medicines are prepared for the better health and to decrease the mortality rate in human beings but the conventional processes involved in preparation of these pharmaceuticals generate chemical and thermal pollution in environment, thus, giving rise to some other severe health impacts and ultimately increase the disease and mortality rate in human beings. Thus, we have discussed the sustainable technology of microwave as possible solution for the preparation of pharmaceuticals without the generation of pollutants. Some practical examples for the preparation of pharmaceuticals via microwave and conventional processes are also discussed and compared herein showing the benefits of using microwave technology over conventional process in terms of better yield and ecofriendly approach without using hazardous solvents.
Ghazala Yaqub, Almas Hamid and Saira Iqbal
Isolation, Characterisation and Enhanced Amylase Activity of a Chlorpyrifos Degrading Bacterial Strain, Bacillus stearothermophillus
In the present investigation a bacterial strain was isolated from agricultural soil sample polluted with insecticide chlorpyrifos, and the growth pattern was determined. Characteristic feature of the strain indicates that it belongs to the genus Bacillus and species stearothermophillus. The amylase activity was studied in the presence and absence of the pollutant and it was found that the bacterium grown in the presence of the pollutant showed a significant increase in the enzymatic activity by 140 µg/g/min.
K. Savitha and D. N. Saraswathi Raman
Environmental Geological Baseline Study of Obite Gas Plant, Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria
In this study, a total of six (6) boreholes were sunk with rotary drilling equipment to depths of about 60 ft (about 18.30m) for BH1, BH2 and BH3. Boreholes 4, 5 and 6 were drilled to 13.60m, 12.60m and 12.20m, respectively. The measured static water levels fall between 4.45m, 3.75m, 0.94m, 6.30m, 6.10m and 6.20m for BH 1, BH 2, BH 3, BH 4, BH 5 and BH 6, respectively. All the boreholes are overlain by a reddish brown, fine grained, silty clay overburden of 3.00m to 4.60m in thickness. This is followed by a thinner stratum of dark brown, fine-medium grained, clayey sand in BH4 and BH5, which is absent in BH6. Another layer of silty clay underlies this formation in both the boreholes with a 0.9m thickness of clayey sand in BH4 preceding the sand and gravelly sand aquifer. There is less measure of uniformity in lithostratigraphic correlation between BH6 and the other two boreholes located within proximate vicinity. Below the overlying silty clay soil, BH6 records a rhythmic succession of loose sand and medium to very coarse, and moderately plastic, gravelly silty clay intercalations, before the aquifer (gravelly sand) is encountered. With respect to the area, the subsurface drainage pattern is multi-directional from north-east to the south-west and vice versa, with the migration being more inclined west-wards towards the location of BH3, which records the lowest depth to water table. Leachates introduced at a given point in the area will migrate as pollution plumes along these flow paths.
P. O. Youdeowei and H. O. Nwankwoala
Cadmium-Induced Changes in Antioxidative Enzyme Activities and Content of Leaf Pigments in Cajanus cajan (L.)
Experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of cadmium (10 ppm, 20 ppm and 30 ppm) on antioxidant enzyme activities and leaf pigment content of Cajanus cajan. Content of chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids in primary leaves of Cajanus cajan was decreased with increase in cadmium concentration. Chlorophyll-b was more sensitive than chlorophyll-a to cadmium stress. Activities of enzymes such as CAT and POD were enhanced with increase in cadmium treatment. More increase was observed in leaves as compared to root and stem.
Kailash P. Patel and Kalpesh M. Patel
Advancing the Diffusion of Digital Spatial Data Handling for Upgrade of Decision Support for the Regional Environmental Managers
History shows that from time to time, progress in advancing functionality in one or other of these requirements has contained the diffusion and adoption process. In Australia, at present, it is adoption by third-tier government agencies and local organisations that is such that the biggest gap between potential and actual deployment is exhibited. Especially, can it be argued from a survey of local-area (e.g. LGA, DSE regional offices) GIS Lab data processing practice, that there is a lack of data flow coherence. This paper presents results of an analysis of the relative significance of constraints upon adoption of the full power of digital spatial data handling with coherence in the service of the PINP and related organisations. The coherence problem is shown to be overcome by adopting a data directory model including well-trailed data dictionaries. The biggest constraint is shown to be access to adequate software for data sharing and maintenance; mainly a problem of finding the funds to pay proprietary software license fees. Although this is not unusual, it is shown that recent advances in efforts to promote data sharing and spatial data visualisation, worldwide (in the form of open-source software) promise a revolution in the construction of detailed geographies (time and space) such that transparency and utility are greatly improved, and the user-base of the digital spatial database can greatly increase in size by extending itself to include many naive users. Exemplification is made using several decision support tasks faced by Phillip Island natural park rangers, Shire environment officers and community LANDCARE groups. GIS, empowering the regional environmental managers in the interests of maximising the value of spatial information and the implementation of public policy promoting diffusion of digital spatial data handling and transparency in government. This main aim of this paper is the out-reach web GIS for regional environmental managers.
Nasrin Baby and Jim Peterson
Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Properties of Croton hirtus L’Her. Plant Against Some Important Pathogenic Bacteria
The present study is aimed at evaluating the in vitro antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracts of Croton hirtus L’Her. against ten medically important bacterial strains namely Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp., Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Bacillus thuringiensis , Bacillus subtili, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Proteus sp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial properties of shoot, root and whole plant extracts of C. hirtus were investigated separately in methanol, ethanol, chloroform, acetone and water. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, glycosides, terpenoids, anthroquinone, saponins and cardiac glycosides. The methanol extract exhibited higher and wider range of activity against majority of the test organisms. The shoot methanol extracts recorded highest activity against Bacillus thuringiensis (13.67 mm ZOI and MIC of 600µg/mL), Bacillus subtili (13.83 mm ZOI and MIC of 600µg/mL) and Salmonella paratyphi (12.5 mm ZOI and MIC of 800µg/mL). The methanol whole plant extracts demonstrated highest activity against Salmonella typhi (13.33 mm ZOI and MIC of 700µg/mL) whereas methanol root extracts demonstrated highest against Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.33 mm ZOI and MIC of 800µg/mL) and Enterococcus sp. (10.5 mm ZOI and MIC of 1000µg/mL). The performance of methanol extracts was followed by chloroform extracts. The chloroform whole plant extracts showed the highest activity against Escherichia coli (14.67 mm ZOI and MIC of 400µg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (12.67 mm ZOI and MIC of 800 µg/mL), whereas chloroform shoots extracts against Pseudomonas fluorescens (12.33 mm ZOI and MIC of 900µg/mL). The highest activity against Proteus sp. was recorded in shoot acetone extracts (10.67 mm ZOI and MIC of 1000µg/mL). Water and ethanol extracts demonstrated the least activity against the test bacteria.
M. P. Subin and Navya Reghu
Optimization of Photo-Fenton Treatment of Mature Landfill Leachate
Photo-Fenton treatment of a mature landfill leachate was optimized by using the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum operating variables to achieve 70% removal of COD, 80% removal of colour and 80% removal of NH3-N were: H2O2/COD molar ratio 3.75, H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio 10.5 and irradiation time 1.5 h. There was good agreement (< 2% error) between experimental removal efficiency and model prediction. The characteristics of the photo-Fenton treated leachate were: NH3-N 112 mg/L, colour 108 Pt-Co Unit, COD 350 mg/L, BOD5 116 mg/L and BOD5/COD ratio 0.33, indicating that the treated leachate was amenable to biological treatment. The study has revealed that RSM is an effective tool to optimize the treatment process and photo-Fenton is an effective pretreatment of mature landfill leachate for biological treatment.
Gan Chin Heng, Emad Soliman Elmolla and Malay Chaudhuri
Characterisation of Groundwater Quality and its Suitability Study in Parts of Lower Vellar Watershed, Cuddalore District, Tamilnadu
Groundwater quality from a part of lower Vellar watershed has been examined to characterize the geochemical conditions and its suitability for domestic and agricultural uses. The water samples were collected from shallow bore wells at different locations of the study area. The physico-chemical attributes such as pH, electrical conductivity, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, K+, HCO3-, Cl-, SO42-, hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS) and nitrate were analysed using standard laboratory tests. The other determinants such as sodium adsorption ratio, percent sodium (Na %), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) were calculated from the observed data. The pH and electrical conductivity varied from 4.47 to 9.46 and 500 µmhos/cm to 6710 µ mhos/cm respectively. The TDS and total hardness ranged from 323.0 mg/L to 4363.0 mg/L and 18.2 mg/L to 964.0 mg/L respectively. The range of chemical concentration of cations such as Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, K+ was traces to 62.2 mg/L, 19.4 to 196.9 mg/L, 6.3 to 333.90 mg/L, 0.08 to 167.70 mg/L, while that of anions HCO3-, Cl- and SO42- was traces to 6.0 mg/L, 38.0 to 1392.0 mg/L and 5.0 to 80.0 mg/L respectively. Nitrate varied from traces to 1.0 mg/L. The graphical interpretation of modified Piper trilinear, USSL and Gibb’s diagrams represent Ca2+ > Na+ and Cl- > SO42- facies, C1S1 field and rock-water interaction respectively. The result shows that most of the samples were not exceeded the maximum permissible limit of prescribed standard for drinking by ISI and hence, it is suitable for drinking, industrial and irrigational purposes. The level of precipitation, interaction with formation and discharge nature of the study area could have considerable contribution.
K. Karthikeyan and S. Poongothai
Biology of Cyprinus carpio communis from Dal Lake, Kashmir with Reference to Food and Feeding Habits, Length-Weight Relationship, and Fecundity
A total of 143 specimens of Cyprinus carpio communis were collected from Dal Lake, ranging in length from 144mm to 414mm, and in weight from 40g to 4450g. The length-weight relationship of the two sexes exhibited significant differences in growth co-efficient (b) and showed deviations from cube law (Male ‘n’ = 3.15 and Female ‘n’ = 2.80). Gut contents of the fish revealed that on an average, decayed organic matter (detritus) formed 45% of total food, while the remaining food consisted of both plant and animal matter. Arthropods and macrophytes formed the main or basic food, whereas, oligochaetes, protozoa, rotifers and algae constituted its secondary food. The molluscan and fish remains formed the incidental food. On the basis of gut content analysis, the fish was designated as detri-omnivore. Gastrosomatic index (Ga.S.I.) recorded highest value in July, while lower values were recorded in February. Condition factor (Kn) recorded highest value during March in both the sexes. Condition factor as well as gastrosomatic index exhibited a decreasing trend from higher length groups to smaller ones. Absolute fecundity of the fish varied from 3173 to 629230 and the relative fecundity fluctuated in the range of 21-230 with a mean value of 91.17. The largest length group exhibited higher fecundity than smaller ones, and its Go.S.I indicated the fish to be spring breeder.
Shaheena Shafi, F. A. Bhat, A. R. Yousuf and Muni Parveen
Morphometric Analysis of Sub-basins in and Around Malur Taluk, Kolar District, Karnataka Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
The study reveals that remote sensing and GIS techniques proved to be the competent tool in analysing various morphometric parameters. The drainage network of Kanamanahalli and Devaraguttahalli sub-basins were delineated using false colour composite (FCC) of IRS-1C/1D merged satellite data on 1:50,000 scale. SOI toposheets were used as reference with limited field work. The study area falls in Ponnaiyar river basin covering an area of 686 sq. km comprising two sub-basins namely Kanamanahalli and Devaraguttahalli having an area of 439 sq.km and 247 sq.km respectively in and around Malur taluk of Kolar district. The morphometric analysis of these two sub-basins shows that the terrain exhibits dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage pattern. Stream order ranges from first to sixth order. Drainage density varies between 1.57 and 1.88 km/km2 and has coarse to fine drainage texture. The relief ratio ranges from 0.0111 to 0.0117. The mean bifurcation ratio varies from 3.51 to 4.86 which fall under normal basin category. The elongation ratio shows that these sub-basins are associated with high relief and steep ground slopes.
S. N. Ramaiah, G. S. Gopalakrishna, S. Srinivasa Vittala and K. Md. Najeeb
Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Euphorbia hirta Linn. and Tiliacora acuminata Miers.
Methanol and water extracts of leaf, stem and root of Euphorbia hirta Linn. and Tiliacora acuminata Miers. were screened for their phytochemical compounds and in vitro antibacterial activity against two medically important pathogenic bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of several phytoconstituents in both the plant species and many of these have been investigated scientifically for antimicrobial activity. In vitro antibacterial study was done using Agar Well Diffusion method, and the study reveals the methanol leaf extracts of E. hirta and methanol root extracts of T. acuminata recorded highest activity against both the test organisms.
C. J. Kamya, A. R. Raju and M. P. Subin
Bacterial Population Dynamics in Fly Ash Amended Soil With and Without Amelioration by Earthworms
The experiment was conducted to study the bacterial population in fly ash amended soil with and without earthworm inoculation in laboratory by dilution plate method. It was found that in presence of Drawida willsi at 5% fly ash (FA) amendment showed maximum population of 43.2 ± 1.15 × 109 cfu/ g soil from initial population. At 10% and 15% FA amendment gradual decline to 14.3 ± 0.4 × 109 and 7.63 ± 0.6 × 109 cfu/g soil from 21.7 ± 0.36 × 109 and 15.33 ± 1.1 × 109 cfu/g soil over 90 days of experiment at an interval of 15 days was observed. In absence of earthworms gradual decline in population was seen in the three concentrations of fly ash amendment to 22.7 ± 0.5 × 109, 11.6 ± 0.7 × 109 and 3.43 ± 0.7 × 109 cfu/g soil respectively. ANOVA test showed that with earthworms the effect of concentration of FA on the bacterial population was significant (F = 69.9, df = 6, 2, p£ 0.05) and in the absence of earthworm both concentration and time interval played a significant role (F = 155.1, df = 6, 2, p£ 0.1; F= 10.5, df = 6, 2, p £ 0.001). Lower dose of 5% fly ash in soil proved to be optimum for the bacterial activity in the presence of earthworms. Morphological details of different bacterial colonies were assessed and found to be of punctiform, irregular, circular and filamentous shapes with punctiform dominating the culture.
Sitara Jabeen and M. P. Sinha
Status of Sea Cow, Dugong (Dugong dugon) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Sea cow (Dugong dugon) is the only extant species in the Family Dugongidae and true herbivorous marine mammal. It is listed as vulnerable to extinction at a global scale by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The present paper documents the status of dugong in Andaman and Nicobar Islands by collating the published data as well as investigation through undersea surveys in selected places of this archipelago. Based on the existing data on dugong in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is observed that over the period of 51 years since 1959, a total of 76 dugongs were recorded either in the form of live or dead. Among them 47 dugongs were from Andaman Islands, whereas 29 encountered from Nicobar Islands. The distribution of this mammal is comparatively high in north Andaman, Ritchie’s Archipelago and Great Nicobar Island. Potential threats and managerial strategies for the effective conservation of dugongs in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have also been discussed in the paper.
C. Raghunathan, K. Venkataraman and P. T. Rajan
Adsorptive Treatment of Methylene Blue Dye from Aqueous Solution Using Moringa Oleifera as an Adsorbent
The adsorption of methylene blue dye in aqueous solution on low cost adsorbent, prepared from barks of Moringa oleifera, was studied. The adsorption equilibrium isotherms have been reported. The effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial dye concentration on adsorption process was investigated. The adsorption equilibrium data fitted both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm equally well. Experiment was done using batch process.
Bhanupriya Mordhiya, Kailash Daga, Suresh Chandra and Sonia Aggarwal
Physico-Chemical Studies on Water Quality Characteristics of Bahuda Estuary, Bay of Bengal
The study relates to the observation of various physico-chemical characteristics of the Bahuda estuary. The annual variation recorded was for temperature (22.84°C-30.48°C), salinity (14.42 -30.8 ppt), BOD (0.84-2.15 mg/L), DO (4.88-6.99 mg/L), pH (7.48 -8.44), nitrate (1.866-3.991 mg/L), ammonium (1.295-3.816 µg/L), phosphate (0.245-0.773 µg/L) and silicate (20.005-37.180 µg/L). The water temperature and salinity influence the hydro-chemical processes, which control the other parameters like pH, DO, BOD and nutrient levels in estuarine water. Temperature is positively correlated with salinity and negatively correlated with other water quality parameters of the estuarine water. The limits of water quality parameters were very less than the tolerance limits of fish growth. The BOD values in the estuarine water were relatively higher than other similar studies of the coast, which indicate the high productivity of the coastal water.
Prabhat Kumar Behera and S. N. Padhy
Effect of Wood Waste Ash on the Strength Characteristics of Concrete
The present paper describes the effect of addition of wood waste ash (0-30%) in concrete. Wood ash is an admixture: a pozzolana. Wood ash is generated as a by-product of combustion in wood-fired power plants, paper mills, and other wood burning industries. Wood ash has been added to the concrete in varying percentages ranging from 0 to 30%. The compressive strength and tensile strengths of wood ash concrete was evaluated by conducting laboratory experimentation. The results obtained were compared with reference to M30 grade concrete. The paper presents the various details of experimentation and analysis of results to come up with useful conclusion about the utilization of wood waste ash as an admixture in the concrete.
Vaishali G. Ghorpade
A Comparative Study of Some Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Coastal and Estuarine Waters of Three Regions Along Coastal Maharashtra
The 720 km long indented coastline of Maharashtra, that comprises the coastal districts of Thane, Raigad, Greater Bombay, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, is marked by the presence of major estuaries and narrow creeks. These coastal waters receive huge volumes of treated and untreated industrial waste, sewage, etc., thus depleting the water quality along the stretches. In the present study carried out at Mumbai, Dharamtar and Guhagar coast, it was observed that the Mumbai coast is highly affected showing low values of dissolved oxygen and high total dissolved content thereby affecting the productivity of the region.
Chetan Ponkshe
Morphometric Analysis of Nanjangud Taluk, Mysore District, Karnataka, India Using GIS Techniques
An attempt has been made to study drainage morphometry and its influence on hydrology of Nanjanagud taluk. For detailed study, data for preparing DEM, aspect grid and slope maps, geographic information system (GIS) was used in evaluation of linear, areal and relief aspects of morphometric parameters. The study reveals that the elongated shape of the area is mainly due to guiding effect of thrusting and faulting. In all 41 sub-basins in Nanjangud taluk have been selected for the study. Quantitative morphometric analysis has been carried out for linear, relief and aerial aspects for all the sub-basins. The streams up to fourth order can be seen in all the sub-basins. The morphometric analysis reveals that Hullahalli sub-basin has lower value of drainage density, stream frequency, elongation ratio, relief ratio and infiltration number indicating highly permeable sub-soil materials under dense vegetation cover. Except Hullahalli sub-basin, all the other sub-basins show fractured, resistant, permeable rocks and drainage network seems to be not affected by tectonic disturbances.
G. Mahadevaswamy, D. Nagaraju, C. Papanna, P. C. Nagesh and Krishna Rao
An Epidemiological Survey of Occupationally Exposed Beedi Workers to Tobacco Dust
Subjects occupationally exposed to potential mutagens/carcinogens represent the most suitable groups for epidemiological studies aimed at assessing the risk for the individual or the offspring. Several cancer risks to humans have been detected by epidemiological studies performed in occupational settings. The epidemiology studies have been able (a) to identify specific occupations or agents associated with the risk; (b) to verify the results of experimental studies; and (c) to test the effectiveness of changes in production or preventive measures in decreasing risks. Reproductive epidemiology has suggested a risk of spontaneous abortions or of malformation in the offspring of workers exposed to some chemicals or occupations, but data are often conflicting due to methodological problems. With the aim of early assessment of risk in mind, the epidemiological use of indicators of exposure or of the early effect of exposure to genotoxic agents is increasingly applied to occupational groups. Data on the fertility and other reproductive end points in 128 women beedi rollers exposed to tobacco dust were recorded by using standard questionnaire. The exposed group were further categorized based on duration of exposure, life style, smoking and non-smoking and socio-economic status. The statistical analysis shows that the differences in the reproductive end points between the control and exposed groups were significant (P< 0.05).
K. Rudrama Devi and Jithender Kumar Naik
Isolation and Identification of Pesticide Resistant Bacteria from Agricultural Soil
The present study reports the identification of pesticide resistant isolates i.e., E. coli, Azotobacter sp., Rhizobium sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, which are capable of utilizing the pesticides Fipronil and Imidacloprid as a sources of carbon. Utilization of these harmful chemical compounds by soil microorganisms is a crucial phenomenon by which these compounds are removed from the environment, thus preventing environmental pollution. Results from the present study showed that the isolates such as P. aeruginosa, E. coli, B. subtilis, Azotobacter sp. and Rhizobium species are able of growing in a medium in presence of added pesticides and may, therefore, be used for bioremediation of pesticide contaminated soil.
Swati R. Bipte, Padmini S. Parmar and M. Musaddiq
Environmental Audit of Distillery Industry: A Case Study of Kumbhi Kasari Distillery Factory, Kuditre, Kolhapur
Environmental Audit is intended to quantify environmental performance and environmental position of an industry. Environmental audit report ideally contains a statement of environmental performance and position but may also aim to define what needs to be done to improve upon indicators of such performance and position. Present study is related to environmental audit of a distillery unit located near Kolhapur in Maharashtra. The environmental audit identified the various waste streams, waste minimization and treatment options in the distillery industry. The paper aims to substantiate the intension that the use of environmental audit practices help the industry to increase its productivity, and at the same time maintaining the environment.
T. B. Rao, S. G. Chonde, P. R. Bhosale, A. S. Jadhav and P. D. Raut
Contamination of Heavy Metals in Seafood Marketed from Virar and Bhayender Markets of Suburban Areas of Mumbai
Seafood is the major source of food of large number of people residing in the coastal areas of Maharashtra. Fish samples namely Arius dussumieri, Parastromateus niger, Harpadon nehereus, Dasyatis uranak and Carcharhinus limbatus from Virar Market, and Nemipterus japonicus, Harpadon nehereus, Coilia dussumieri, Johnius sina and Megalaspis cordyla from Bhayender Market were collected directly from the two suburban markets of Mumbai coast. The fish samples were dried in the laboratory and the dried fishes were crushed into a fine powder by mortar and pestle and stored in amber coloured bottles in vacuum desiccators. These samples were later used for determination of the six heavy metals namely zinc, manganese, iron, lead, cadmium and mercury by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. It is reported in the literature that the level of Zn in fishes is generally above the tolerable limits. In the present study it was found that the level of Zn in fishes from Virar and Bhayender markets was also above the tolerable limits. The data for Mn are comparable with the similar data reported by other workers. Iron was the dominant metal measured during the study. From this study, it was found that the concentration of Fe in different species of fishes was quite high as also reported in the earlier literature. Thus, the values of Fe in present study suggest severe contamination in seafood in recent years. The level of Pb, in this study is within tolerance limits. The concentration of Cd in the fishes was far lower than the consumption safety tolerance in fishes set by countries worldwide. According to the results obtained, the Hg level in the fishes was found to be below the tolerance limits. It was also found that the metal ion concentration was having a trend of increasing in winter season as compared to the pre monsoon and monsoon seasons.
G. V. Zodape, V. L. Dhawan and R. R. Wagh
Pollution Load of Four Heavy Metals in Water, Sediment and Benthic Organisms in the Kulti River of Sundarban Fed by Metropolitan Sewage
The degree of heavy metal contamination was estimated in the river water, sediments and benthic organisms in the Kolkata metropolitan sewage outfall zone and downstream areas along the Kulti River track. Four heavy metals namely Cr, Pb, Zn and Cd were studied seasonally. The hierarchy of heavy metals in the water samples and sediments was found in the order Zn>Pb>Cr>Cd and Zn>Cr>Pb>Cd respectively in most of the cases. Among the four heavy metals, Pb was found to be beyond the permissible limit recommended by Central Pollution Control Board of India for inland discharge. The extent of contamination by Cd is very prominent in the sediments followed by Pb, which is observed not only in the outfall region but also found persistent in the downstream stations. On the other hand contamination of Zn and Cr was not found to be widespread. Contamination in sediments of the outfall zone was most pronounced during the monsoon, while in the same season it was observed least in case of water samples. The pollution load index study revealed that the overall metal pollution load depleted towards the downstream. Among the two benthic organisms studied, metals were found to be accumulated more in Uca rosea than Boleopthalmus spp.
Anirban Akhand, Abhra Chanda, Pranabes Sanyal and Sugata Hazra
Assessment of Groundwater Pollution Based on Bacteriological Study in Thrissur City, Kerala, India
This study is intended to assess the likely contamination of groundwater in the shallow aquifer, owing to the gratuitous invasion of microorganisms in Thrissur Corporation. One of the ailing effects of urbanization is water pollution due to the incursion of faecal coliforms into groundwater resources, predominantly cramped to open wells. The outcome denotes that the water is habitually contaminated and the degree of contagion is elevated in the vicinity of temporary shelters of migrant workers. Predictable rationale for this is the admixture of human excreta and animal waste with the groundwater. Thus, insistent steps are recommended to the Corporation officials to deal with this distress at once to guarantee provision for hygienic drinking water.
R. B. Binoj Kumar and Anet Panakkal
Litter Production Studies in a Lake Margin Ecosystem
The paper deals with an evaluation of magnitude of periodic change in biomass and productivity of litter in the neglected or abandoned land (Site-I) and winter season cultivated land or crop lands (Site-II) at ‘Gujar Tal’ lake margin Jaunpur (U.P.). The slight sloping lake-land ecotones of both the sites were distinguished into two zones, i.e. upper and lower. The peak biomass value of litter at Site-I was 79.44 g.m-2 in the upper zone and 43.12g.m-2 in the lower zone both in the month of May. The maximum litter accumulation during the fallow period of Site-II was 52.46g.m-2 in October in the lower zone after recession of flood-water. In contrast, in crop period of Site-II, it was 59.12 g.m-2 and 69.15 g.m-2 at the age of 120 days in upper and lower zones, respectively. The peak productivity value of litter at Site-I was 1.50g.m-2day-1 in the upper zone and 0.70 g.m-2day-1 in the lower zone both in the month of May. The highest productivity values of litter of plant community in the fallow lands of Site-II were 1.25g.m-2day-1 in upper zone in the month of March, and 1.10g.m-2day-1 in October in the lower zone. The net productivity of litter during crop period of Site-II was 2.63 and 2.98 g.m-2day-1 at the age of 15 days of crop during November in the upper and lower zones. The annual litter production at Site-I was 87.67 g.m-2yr-1 in the upper zone followed by 67.79 g.m-2yr-1 in the lower zone .Their respective peak annual production at Site-II was 91.12 and 141.24 g.m-2yr-1. Analysis of variance for litter biomass at Site-I showed that variation due to zones and months both was significant (p< 0.001), while at Site-II it was not significant both due to months and depths.
Mayank Singh, O. P. Singh ‘Vatsa’ and M. P. Singh
Treatment of Wastewater Using Different Fixed Beds Reactors - A Pilot Plant Study
The present investigation was aimed to study removal of COD and NH3-N in two fixed bed reactors, one filled with fibrous coconut coir and the other with alternate pebble bed with corrugated sheets. The experimental study was conducted for a batch mode of operation. The bio-reactors were continuously aerated and fed with hostel sullage having an initial average COD of 890 mg/L and NH3-N of 70 mg/L. The reactor with coconut coir showed appreciable amount of COD removal of 79% to 84% and nitrification of 56% to 71% for a detention period of 4-16hrs. The reactor with alternate pebble bed with corrugated sheets showed COD removal of 70% to 75% and NH3-N of 50% to 65%. The use of various fixed beds having higher surface area is effective in removing COD and nitrogen levels in domestic sullage with high organic impurities. Fibrous materials like coconut coir seem to be a promising option in removal of COD and NH3-N comparing to conventional attached growth bed such as pebble bed along with corrugated sheets.
A. R. Vinod and R. M. Mahalingegowda
Analysis of Atmospheric Fungal Biopollutants in the Intramural Air Environment of a Library and its Relevance to Book Deterioration and Allergic Diseases
The fungal spore incidence inside a working library was recorded by operating Rotorod Air Sampler for a period of three months. Apart from dust particles, altogether 47 type of biopollutants were identified of which 42 belonged to fungal spore types and remaining 5 types belonged to group ‘other types’. Out of the total 42 fungal spores, 29 belonged to Deuteromycotina, 8 to Ascomycotina, 3 to Basidiomycotina and 2 to Zygomycotina. The spore types of Cladosporium (26.21%), Aspergilli + Penicilli (22.32%), Mucor + Rhizopus (4.92%), Alternaria (4.42%), Curvularia (3.22%), Nigrospora (2.84%), hyaline threads (2.57%), Leptosphaeria (2.24%), rust spores (2.04%) and Torula (2.02%) were found to occur in a relatively higher concentration. Biopollutants obtained peak in the month of September (34070/m3 of air) with 43.8 spore percentage, when there was a record of 46.7 mm rainfall, average mean temperature of 24.5°C and relative humidity of 86.2%. The significance of fungal spore types recorded as biodeteriogens and aeroallergens was considered. The daily temperature, relative humidity and rainfall was recorded and the effect of prevailing weather on the incidence of fungal airspora is reported in this paper.
K. R. Hogale, A. V. Karne and B. D. Patil
Water Quality Profile of Kas Reservoir of Satara District, Maharashtra, India
The present study was intended to calculate water quality index (WQI) of Kas reservoir. The quality was assessed by examining various physico-chemical parameters namely pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand and chloride for which no earlier reports are available on this water body. The quality of water was assessed for public consumption, recreation and other purposes. From the investigation, it was found that some of the parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, hardness and chlorides are within the permissible limits but others like TDS and BOD exceeded slightly above the permissible limits laid by WHO, BIS and ICMR. The results indicate excellent status of the water body. But in future there is a need by authorities to take some concrete steps for maintenance of the reservoir for better health of people residing in that area.
S. M. Pawar and S. R. Sonawane
In Vitro Molecular Assessment of Cyanobacteria for Salt Tolerance
Blue green algae (Cyanobacteria) constitute the largest, most diverse and most widely distributed group of photosynthetic prokaryotes. These are known to be primary colonizers of inhospitable ecosystems in which they colonizeed almost all kinds of aquatic ecosystems. Salt tolerance is a good taxonomic character too because of their diverse morphological organization and different biochemical machineries. Four species of cyanobacteria, namely Oscillatoria tenue, Lyngbya estruarii, Scytonema major and Calothrix juliana were collected from the salt pans of Huma and cultured in medium containing varying concentrations from 0 to 25 ppt of NaCl for 20 days to asses the tolerance level of them. The growth and various macromolecular contents were determined along with the pigments on 20th day of culture. These organisms are able to tolerate the salt concentration of 5 ppt to 15 ppt.
Alekha Kumar Ghadai, Diptikanta Acharya, Sunil Kumar and Sailabala Padhi
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