Archives Issues
Volume 11, Issue No 2, Jun 2012
A Semi-Empirical Method of PM-10 Atmospheric Pollution Forecast at Santiago De Chile City
Santiago de Chile city, localized in the west side of the Andes Mountain (550 m.s.l.), South America, every year presents high levels of atmospheric pollution by PM-10 in autumn-winter periods. Therefore, forecast model research is a subject of high public interest in order to develop useful and appropriate tools for health impacts prevention on the population. In this work, we present a PM-10 atmospheric pollution semi-empirical forecast method developed from a singular behaviour observed on the relative humidity trends detected in Lo Prado Hill meteorological station previous to critical episodes of urban atmospheric pollution by PM-10. This meteorological station is localized at the top of the coastal mountains (1035 m.s.l.), in the west side of the city. From systematic observations between 1998 and 2006 in this particular meteorological station, we have detected how the relative humidity follows a typical descendent behaviour when a type A synoptic weather condition arrives to central Chile and induces a PM-10 pre-emergency episode of urban atmospheric pollution. Our semi-empirical method is based on a sigmoidal behaviour of the relative humidity as a time function, observed in this meteorological station under a type A synoptic weather condition. We have confronted the present forecast method to different pre-emergency critical episodes occurred in the city between 1999 and 2006. Our results are amazing due to these pre-emergency episodes can be predicted at least by 34 hours before to the PM-10 pollution concentration reaches the maximum peak at the city. Contrarily to this specific station, the remainder eight stations localized in the surface of the city are not able to describe this particular phenomenon.
Raul G. E. Morales, Augusto Llanos, Manuel Merino and Claudio H. Gonzalez-Rojas
Retardation of Toxic Effects of Chromium in Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp by the Application of Pseudomonas fluorescens
Heavy metal pollution of soil is a significant environmental problem and has its negative impact on human health and agriculture. Treatment of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) with different concentrations of chromium (III) oxide (Cr2O3) decreased the germination and early growth of plants. This effect was dose-dependent and was more significant at higher doses of Cr2O3. Chromium trioxide application significantly retarded germination, morphological and biochemical parameters compared to untreated control plants. Application of Pseudomonas fluorescens reduced the inhibitory effect of Cr2O3 by increasing the germination vigour at various level of concentrations. These results help to understand possible use of Pseudomonas fluorescens in bioremediation.
C. T. Anitha, M. P. Subin, P. D. Sidhimol and N. P. Krishnapriya
Adsorption Study of Aluminium onto Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa or turmeric was used as adsorbent for aluminium removal. The effects of operational factors, including pH, contact time and dose were studied, and their optimal controls were proven. Overall uptake of Curcuma longa was at the maximum when pH ranged between 5 and 9 and the optimal removal was 91.2%. Optimal removal of 95.8% was achieved at the 90th minute for the batch experiment. A dose of 6 g/L was enough for optimal removal of 93.6%. Aluminium adsorption onto Curcuma longa was found to have a good correlation with Freundlich adsorption model contrary to the Langmuir model. Simple kinetic model such as pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich equation and intra-particulate mixing models were employed to determine the adsorption mechanism. The adsorption kinetic study showed that the pseudo-second order kinetic was the most applicable, and this result suggests that chemical adsorption process was more dominant.
Azhar Abdul Halim, Eliani Ezani, Mohd. Sham Othman, Normah Awang, Mohd. Ikram Wahab and Anuar Ithnin
Impact of Quinalphos on Acid Phosphatase and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in the Tissues of Freshwater Fish, Labeo rohita
The present study deals with the effects of insecticide, Quinalphos on the acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity of various tissues like gill, liver, kidney and muscle in the freshwater fish, Labeo rohita. Fishes were treated with Quinalphos for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 10 days and 20 days in water containing sublethal concentrations of Quinalphos (6.06 ppm). The observations indicate that there was decline in acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity of Quinalphos treated tissues in the fish.
S. Binukumari and M. Manimegalai
An Overview of Calcium Carbonate Saturation Indices as a Criterion to Protect Desalinated Water Transmission Lines From Deterioration
A number of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) saturation indices are being used for many years to evaluate the scale forming or scale dissolving tendencies of water. Assessment of these tendencies is useful in corrosion control program of water transmission lines and preventing CaCO3 scaling inside plumbing and equipment, such as industrial heat exchangers or even domestic water heaters. The most commonly used indices are Langelier Saturation Index (LSI or SI), Ryznar Stability Index (RSI), Relative Saturation Index (RS) - also known as Driving Force Index (DFI), which was proposed by McCauley in 1960. However, there are some more indices which are listed and cited in the literature, viz., Aggressive Index (AI), Larson Ratio (LR), Saturation Disequilibrium Index (SDI), Riddick Index (RI), Buffer Intensity Index (b), the Momentary Excess Index (MEI), which was proposed by Dye in 1952, etc. There is one more index for CaCO3 scale prediction in cooling tower systems, known as Practical Scale Index (PSI). Many indices reported in the literature are essentially the same but expressed differently. Some of these indices are either absolutely empirical or defined in such a way that during computation the thermodynamic properties or the parameters of water chemistry that influence the corrosion or scale formation are often neglected. Each of these indices have served some useful purposes, but many have been controversial, incompletely understood and misapplied for a number of decades, particularly when they are used without recognition of their specific applications and limitations. Many of the indices are more useful in helping to understand possible causes of the problem rather than being useful in a predictive sense. In general, indices based on CaCO3 saturation have not been shown to have any significant predictive value for the corrosion and/or leaching of lead, zinc, and copper from brass, bronze, soldered joints, and their respective pipe materials. In this paper a subset of various indices, which have appeared in the literature and their known limitations to indicate the inhibition property of water, will be addressed. A better understanding and proper application of these indices may prove helpful in deciding or designing the post-treatment strategy of highly aggressive desalinated waters for safe transmission and inhibit corrosion of metal surfaces or dissolution of cement-mortar lining of the transport pipelines.
Ghazi Ozair
Optimal Extraction of Lipids from Microalgae, Microcystis
The triacylglycerol (TAG) was extracted from Microcystis sp. using a mixture of chloroform and methanol (2:1). The fatty acid methyl ester compositions for each method were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Techniques such as sonication, bead beating, sonication-hexane solvent, sonication-supercritical nitrogen, supercritical nitrogen-manual, bead beating-hexane solvent and bead beating-supercritical nitrogen were explored to determine the most rapid and efficient cell disruption. Sonication, bead beating and manual methods showed 30.2%, 41.88% and 11.21% overall average dissimilarity respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the fatty acid composition obtained from different methods show four clusters for sonication and three clusters for bead beating. Sonication for a period of 60 minutes yielded higher quantity of fatty acids evident from higher quantity of palmitic acid (53.89%) with sonication of 30 minutes and higher stearic acid (56.27%) when the cells were disrupted through sonication for 60 minutes. This highlights that sonication of 60 minutes is effective for disruption of microalgae Microcystis cells and extraction of lipids.
G. Supriya and T. V. Ramachandra
Impact of Water Quality on Aquatic Life in River Ravi, Pakistan
This study assessed the water quality at the outfall of six drains in River Ravi at Lahore, Bridge and Balloki Barrage and B-S Link canal to check suitability of water for propagation of fish and aquatic life. The water quality parameters like pH, EC, DO, COD, BOD, TDS, SO4 and heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni) were analysed at the outfall of six drains and three other locations on the river in 62 km stretch. The sampling period includes wet and dry weather seasons and canal closure periods. The study reach included the effect of urban and industrial effluents from the six drains and dilution effect of flow augmentation through Q-B Link canal. The results showed that the river water quality was not suitable for aquatic life during dry weather and canal closure period when compared with U.S.EPA standards for fish and aquatic life. The DO, BOD and heavy metals were not within the safe limits. Augmentation of about 600 m3sec-1 discharge through B-Q Link helps to improve the water quality of the Balloki Barrage pond. However, during canal closure period the situation aggravates as this additional freshwater is not available during December and January. The river water quality at Lahore remained unsafe for aquatic life. The wet weather helps to flush out and slightly improve the water quality during July and August. Nevertheless, the storm water also brings heavy pollutant load from the city to the river. The study concluded that the disposal of untreated drainage effluent to the river remains as a major threat to its water quality and consequently the aquatic life.
Sana Akhtar and Mohammad Nawaz
Spectroscopic Studies on the Biodegradation of Textile Effluent By White Rot Fungus Trametes hirsuta
Microbiological decolorization and degradation is an environmental friendly and cost-effective alternative to the chemical decomposition methods. Most of the fungi are robust organisms which are generally more tolerant to high concentration of pollutants. White rot fungi have the ability to attack a wide range of recalcitrant compounds including dyes. White rot fungi Trametes hirsuta was taken for textile effluent degradation. Spectroscopic studies were carried out at every 24 hours interval. UV-VIS spectrophotometric studies on fungal treated effluent showed that the decolorization was due to biodegradation of the effluent and not because of bioadsorption. From FT-IR study, the break up of azo dye was confirmed with the disappearance of azo peak at 48 hours of the treatment.
N. Ramamurthy, S. Balasaraswathy and P. Sivasakthivelan
Adsorption of Arsenite from Water by Rice Husk Silica
Arsenic occurs in groundwater in two valence states, as trivalent arsenite [As(III)] and as pentavalent arsenate [As(V)]. As(III) is more toxic and more difficult to remove from water by adsorption on activated alumina. In this study the ability of rice husk silica to adsorb As(III) from water was examined. Silica was prepared by burning rice husk in a muffle furnace at 500°C. Batch adsorption tests showed that extent of As(III) adsorption depends on pH, initial As(III) concentration and the contact time. Equilibrium adsorption was attained within 180 min, with maximum adsorption occurring at a pH value of 7-8 which is in the pH range for groundwater. The adsorption of As(III) by rice husk silica followed pseudo second-order kinetics. Equilibrium adsorption data were well described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. According to the Langmuir isotherm, As(III) adsorption capacity of rice husk silica is 1.897 mg/g which is 10.5x higher than that (0.180 mg/g) of activated alumina. Hence, rice husk silica would be an effective substitute for activated alumina in the removal of As(III) from groundwater at wells or in households.
Taimur Khan, Shahril Anwar Bin Ab Wahap and Malay Chaudhuri
Assessment of Water Quality in Terms of Total Hardness and Iron of Some Freshwater Resources of Kanpur and its Suburbs
Kanpur, a heavily populated, huge industrial city is reeling under acute water crisis, its pollution and contamination. Urban and suburban inhabitants of Kanpur, with no option in sight and hand, are compelled to use whatsoever source and quality of water is available to them, often felling prey to water related ailments, either knowingly or unknowingly. With this logic in mind the present study was undertaken to assess the water quality of some different water resources of Kanpur and its suburbs, serving as a source of potable water for its denizens. The water quality was assessed in terms of water hardness to adjudge its quality and suitability for human consumption, domestic, industrial or agricultural purposes in the light of available recommended standards. The parameter was so chosen as it is known to be associated with human health, industry and agriculture.
Divya Tiwari and Rakhi Bajpai
Risk Assessment of Environmental Degradation with Special Reference to Marine Oil Pollution
The longer we delay action, the more measures to be taken will be brutal. It is already possible to take “no regrets” or “multiple dividends,” i.e., which lead profit to both the economy and society, thus justifying their adoption while limiting efficiently the emissions of greenhouse gases emissions and protecting the environment. We must act now, not to prevent climate change now initiated and unavoidable but to minimize the importance and especially rapidity of the phenomenon. This is indeed the speed of the upheaval which will condition the importance of climate instabilities at the origin of natural disasters, as well as the adaptability of ecosystems and human societies.
Brahim Idelhakkar
Studies on the Growth Performance, Mineral Composition and Yield of Bottle Gourd Under Irrigation with Grey Water
As freshwater resources are getting scarce, wastewater use is becoming an attractive option for conserving available water supplies. Wastewater use can have many applications like irrigation of agricultural land, aquaculture, landscape irrigation, urban and industrial uses, recreational and environmental uses, and artificial groundwater recharge, etc. The major objective of wastewater use in agriculture is to optimize its benefits both as resource of water and the nutrients it contains. In the present study, an experiment was conducted to assess the growth performance of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria Mollin var. Shalimar improved) under irrigation with different concentrations of domestic wastewater (grey water) alone and in combination with recommended dose of fertilizers. This field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years 2008-09 and involved 5 treatments (T1 –T5) with three replications in RCBD. Before being put to use, wastewater was stabilized for 20-25 days in open containers. The results show that yield (kg/ha) of the plots (T3) irrigated with 50% wastewater and 50% recommended dose of fertilizers was statistically at par with the plots (T1) irrigated with tap water and recommended dose of fertilizers. T1 and T3 plots also exhibited similar trends in plant morphological parameters (viz, vine length, number of basal branches and internodes, male and female flowers and leaves/plant), yield parameters (length, diameter and weight of fruits), concentration of macro (N, P, K) and micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe). The values of pH, EC, alkalinity, SO4, NO3, total N, P and K, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cd and Ni in the grey water were within the permissible range. This study also shows that irrigation with stabilized grey water did not have any adverse effects on the soil chemistry. It is, therefore, concluded that recycling of wastewater in agriculture offers a great potential and could be promoted in areas facing acute shortage of water.
F. A. Lone, Nousheen Qureshi, N. A. Kirmani, S. H. Sidiquii, Sabia Zaffar and R. A. Shah
Sublethal Effect of Quinalphos on Peripheral Haematology of Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)
Exposure of Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) for 48 hours to a sublethal concentration of an organophosphorus insecticide Quinalphos EC25 exhibited a significant reduction in total erythrocyte count (TEC) and significant elevation of haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values. The erythrocyte constants mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and erythrocyte indices volume index (VI), colour Index (CI) and saturation Index (SI) of the experimental fish were significantly higher than that of the control fish. The results of the present study showed that the effect of sublethal concentration (30 ppm) of Quinalphos for 48 hours on the peripheral blood of O. mossambicus was macrocytosis and hyperchromia.
K. N. Vijayakumari and G. A. Akhila
Ecological Studies of Lake Udaisagar with Reference to its Physico-chemical Environment
In the present work an attempt has been made to study various physico-chemical characteristics of Udaisagar lake. The study indicates that the lake is highly polluted, eutrophicated and hard alkaline water body. The major source of pollution is river Ahar which brings sewage of Udaipur city and industrial wastes of Madri Industrial Estate to the lake.
R. P. Vijayvergia
Application of Remote Sensing in Detection of Forest Cover Changes Using Geo-Statistical Change Detection Matrices – A Case Study of Devanampatti Reserve Forest, Tamilnadu, India
The continuous observations on forest cover through the spaceborne technology known as remote sensing provide relative accuracy for temporal variation, changes and spatial distribution of forest biodiversity. The present study describes the temporal changes in forest cover and their spatial distribution in Devanampatti Reserved Forest in Tiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu using change detection matrices technique by integrating remote sensing and GIS. Remote sensing technology provides satellite imagery with synaptic coverage on large area and high spatial resolution to identify individual species in biodiversity and delineating various forest types at national, regional and local level, and that facilitates to manage and conserve the forest biodiversity worldwide. The present study carried out using Landsat TM and ETM+ imageries acquired in 1977, 1991 and 2006 during the same seasonal period. The present study has brought the view of temporal variation of forest cover and its distribution in various periods. This also revealed the changes and spatial distribution of particular forest types into what types of spatial feature from the past period to present. The study showed rapid changes of forest cover between the two decades; the result of change detection analysis reveals that the deciduous forest cover spatially distributed to about 57.35 km2 in 1977 and it tremendously decreased to 29.60 km2 in 1991 and 23.56 km2 in 2006. The decreasing rate per year between 1977 and 2006 was estimated at 0.65 %. The area of mixed forest cover was estimated to be about 35.30 km2 in 1977, which decreased to 41.75 km2 in 1991 and 18.96 km2 in 2006 with the decreasing rate of 0.018% per year. Unfortunately, the rich forest biodiversity degraded into sandy gravel or eroded landform, and range of area cover was about 18.93 km2 in 1977 and 24.30 km2 in 2006 and rocky exposure increased in its area from 44.67 km2 in 1977 to 77.79 km2 in 2006. The changing rate of these landforms increased per year to about 0.11 % and 0.63 % respectively.
S. Kaliraj, S. Muthu Meenakshi and V. K. Malar
Fluoride Toxicity in Groundwater and its Chronic Effect on Human Health: A Study in Tiptur Town and its Surrounding Areas in Karnataka State, India
Groundwater is one of the boon provided by nature but indiscriminate urbanization, industrialization and overexploitation have led to its deterioration both in its quality and quantity. Fluorides are mainly found in groundwater derived by the solvent action of water on the rocks and the soil of the earth’s crust. It is the most electro-negative of all chemical elements and is never encountered in nature in the element form. Imbalance of fluoride concentration causes effect on human life. A total of 50 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters as well as fluoride content. The groundwater samples were collected in sterilized polyethylene plastic bottles and then immediately analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, total hardness, chloride and alkalinity. The fluoride concentration in some sample locations like S8, S10, S21, S32 and S48 were nearing the maximum permissible value of 1.5mg/L and in all other samples it ranged between 0.37 mg/L to 1.48mg/L. It was found that out of 50 samples, about 90% were within permissible limit while 10% had fluoride approaching maximal permissible limit (1.5mg/L). Fluoride is an essential mineral for human life and for animals within permissible limit. The present study becomes essential for the people of Tiptur town and its surrounding areas to lead a healthy life, as they depend on groundwater resources to a great extent.
S. B. Basavaraddi, Hina Kousar and E .T. Puttaiah
Studies on the Threatened Biodiversity of Wild Medicinal Flora and its Conservation in Nashik District, North Sahyadri, Maharashtra
One hundred thirty five wild medicinal plant species belonging to 69 families have been considered as rare (04), vulnerable (94), endangered (13), extinct (01) and endemic (03) on the basis of frequent floristic surveys carried out in North Sahyadri region of Nashik district during last two decades. The probable reasons for decrease of their population are destruction of natural habitats consequent upon increasing illegal acquiring of forest land, massive deforestation, encroachment of forest land for agriculture, urbanization and medicinal purposes. Suggestions for their efficient regular monitoring and proper conservation, preservation and protection have been suggested.
D. N. Khairnar, A. B. Khairnar and A. S. Kelhe
Water Quality Assessment of Certain Selected Tank Waters of Tiptur Taluk, Karnataka, For Irrigation Purpose
Physico-chemical properties of six selected tank waters of Tiptur taluk were examined for the suitability of water for irrigation purpose through pH, EC, CO3-2, HCO3-, Cl-, SO4-2, PO4-3, Na+, K+, Ca+2, Mg+2 and boron. The assessment of the samples was made in terms of salinity problem, sodium hazard, permeability (infiltration) problem and toxicity problem through the parameters EC, SAR, RSC, RSBC, % Na, chloride and boron content of water. These values were compared with the guidelines set by Ayers and Westcot, Eaton and Wilcox. Results of analysis showed that water of Vaddaramallenahalli tank has EC<0.2dSm-1and SAR 0-3meq/L and was not ideal for irrigation. Waters of the remaining five tanks, i.e., Eachanoor tank, Karadi tank, Halkurke tank, Honnavalli tank and Albur tank were falling into moderate class. No sample in the study area was ideal for irrigation.
A. M. Shivanna, C. Vijayabhaskar and G. Nagendrappa
Studies of Distillery Spent Wash Irrigation on Germination and Growth of Chrysanthemum indicum and Polianthes tuberosa Flowering Plants
Germination and growth of Chrysanthemum indicum (Asteraceae) and Polianthes tuberosa (Agavaceae) seeds were made by irrigation with distillery spent wash of different concentrations. The spent wash i.e., primarily treated spent wash (PTSW), 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 was analyzed for its plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other physical and chemical characteristics. Experimental soil was tested for its physico-chemical parameters. Seeds of Chrysanthemum and Polianthes were sown in different pots and irrigated with raw water (RW), differently diluted spent wash. The nature of germination of seeds and growth was studied. It was found that the germination was very good (100%) in 1:3 SW irrigation, while very poor (25%) in 1:1 SW, moderate (80%) in 1:2 SW and 95% in RW irrigations. Hence, spent wash can be used as irrigation medium at regular dilution.
S. Chandraju, C. Thejovathi and C. S. Chidan Kumar
Assessment of Some Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals in Some Groundwater Samples Along the Budhi Gandak Belt of Muzaffarpur District During Monsoon Season
This paper presents quality of water samples from bored tube wells at different sites along the Budhi Gandak belt from Akharaghat to Musahari in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar state during monsoon season of 2011. The parameters such as pH, conductivity, TDS, DO, total hardness, alkalinity, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride as well as heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, Fe and As have been studied. TDS of almost all samples exceeded the maximum permissible limit of WHO. Iron was also found much above the maximum permissible limit in nearly all the samples. The water samples along Budhi Gandak belt under study have arsenic contamination in some samples which even much exceeded the maximum permissible limit at certain sites. The arsenic contamination in the groundwater of this area is serious concern for human health.
S. Mumtazuddin, A. K. Azad and Manoj Kumar
Ecological Studies of Two Riverine Wetlands of Goalpara District of Assam, India
The ecology in terms of physico-chemical and biological properties of Urpod beel and Kumri beel of Goalpara district of Assam were assessed from 2001 to 2003. Physico-chemical properties of both the wetlands were observed favourable. Biological properties such as plankton population and primary productivity fluctuated within the permissible limits. However, eutrophication tendency appeared in both the wetlands due to autochthonous and allochthonous input.
D. Sarma and A. Dutta
Phytoplankton Diversity in Perennial Reservoirs of Dry Tahsils of Sangli District, Maharashtra, India
Diversity of phytoplankton in three perennial reservoirs of Sidhewadi, Borgaon and Birnal of Sangli district was studied during two consecutive years (August 2006 to July 2008). The phytoplankton diversity was represented by Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Dinophyceae. The present study reports the dominance of the group Chlorophyceae. The diversity of phytoplankton was mainly influenced by seasonal conditions and anthropogenic activities in the reservoir. The maximum diversity was recorded during summer and minimum during rainy season.
Alaka A. Patil and Niranjana Chavan
Effects of Growth of Angiosperms on the Monuments – Investigation Based on Historical Monuments of Gwalior Fort
The very old constructions of the city of Gwalior include historical buildings like Gwalior Fort which is facing the problem of higher plant growth. The objective of this paper is to study the diversity of higher plants on old buildings and their effect on them. Gwalior fort with its various buildings was selected for this study. The qualitative analysis of the monuments showed high diversity of various higher plants. In tropical countries like India the growth of higher plants on old constructions is a serious problem as they damage constructions physically as well as chemically.
Prem Kumar Gautam, Deveshwari Singh and Seema Bhadauria
Assessment of Water Quality of a Polluted Pond at Mysore Using National Sanitation Foundation-Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI)
Microbes in freshwater often change the water quality and render it unfit for public use. Many methods of water quality determination have been discussed. A Simple but useful index is the National Sanitation Foundation-Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI). This index can be calculated by determining only nine physico-chemical parameters. Water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, nitrates, total suspended solids, turbidity and faecal coliforms were used for the calculation of the index. The water quality of the pond was found to be medium.
Akshatha K. N.
Air Quality Index in Mysore City, Karnataka State, India
Air Quality Index (AQI) in seven prime localities of Mysore city was determined using the U.S.EPA AQI calculator. Index values for Particulate Matter (PM) at Manasagangotri campus and Ramaswamy Circle are categorized as unhealthy and residents in these surroundings are advised to avoid prolonged exertion. PM index at Fountain Circle and KIDB area are quite high and categorized as very unhealthy. Five Light Circle, K R Circle and Nehru Circle have highest PM indices and are categorized as hazardous. Index values for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are below the standards prescribed in these areas. At some places they appear to be slightly high and people with asthma or other respiratory diseases, elderly persons and children are at risk. Use of electrostatic precipitation at industry levels and diesel particulate filters at vehicle levels may reduce the PM values. Alternate fuel may be another means of reducing particulate matter.
S. P. Hosmani
Effect of the Khan River Water on Chlorophyll Content, Carotenoids and Enzyme Activities of Ipomoea fistulosa and Polygonum barbatum
In present study, the physico-chemical characteristics of the Khan river at four selected polluted stations were measured. Two plant species, Ipomoea fistulosa and Polygonum barbatum, which grow abundantly at all sampling stations of the Khan river bank, were selected to determine the effect of pollutants on chlorophyll contents (chl-a, chl-b, total chlorophyll), carotenoids, nitrate reductase and peroxidase activity. The study revealed that all the selected physico-chemical parameters were higher at Kabirkheri (Station 4) which indicated that pollution load was much higher at this station as compared to the other three stations. Chl-a, chl-b, carotenoids, total chlorophyll, nitrate reductase and peroxidase activity all parameters were higher at Station 4. Among both the selected plant species Polygonum barbatum showed good correlation with pollutants for all parameters studied.
Nidhi Bajpai, Jaishree Sikka and Reena Sharma
Biokinetic Effect of Hydraulic Retention Time on Dairy Wastewater Using Anaerobic Biofilm Reactor
Application of biofilm reactor containing mixed population of bacteria helps in bacterial immobilization as biofilm on a support medium in the reactor overcoming the problem of biomass washout. The characteristic of hydrodynamics behaviour is to help in better understanding and evaluating the performance of the reactor. After the start-up period, the experiment was conducted at five different hydraulic retention times (HRT) of (3.00, 1.50, 1.00, 0.75, 0.60) days. The COD reduction efficiency was observed from 66% to 84%. The average quantity of biogas generation (0.0238, 0.028, 0.0326, 0.0372) m3/kg COD was also observed.
M. S. Sivakumar and B. Asha
A Comparative Study of Microbial Load in Government, Private and Charitable Hospitals in Akola City
The study was carried out in hospitals of Akola city. Microorganisms have great importance due to their disease producing ability. Through different routes they infect the host to form disease condition. As we go through the history it is noticed that hospitals have always been reported as a source of infection to the admitted patients. In all a total of 646 samples were collected from different sources in the hospitals of Akola. Total number of isolates obtained from government, private and charitable hospital were different. The important pathogenic isolates associated with infections were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which were observed in higher percentage from all hospitals, while Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter sp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae were observed in less percentage as compared to others.
Vijay Nanoty and Anupama Banole
Quantitative and Qualitative Distribution of Bacteria in Vermicompost Produced by Different Organic Wastes
Earthworms are an important component of the soil macrofauna and represent 82% of the total biomass in tropical zones with a precipitation above 1000mm. Earthworms are soil vertebrates which play a key role in recycling of organic matter in soils. Anecic, epigeous and endogenous earthworms stimulate or inhibit the growth of bacteria of agriculture importance inside their digestive tracts. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial count of viable microorganisms in vermicompost produced by exotic earthworm Eisenia fetida has been studied in the present paper. The vermicompost was produced by different types of wastes for example cow dung, kitchen waste, petha waste and agricultural waste. Number of bacteria was higher in earthworm casting than in ingested soil samples. Bacterial count was obtained by standard microbiological procedures on the basis of their morphological and biochemical characteristics. Results reveal that the maximum bacterial count obtained was through mixing cow dung and petha waste (75 × 107 cfu/g). Isolated bacteria were identified as belonging to genus Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Vibrio, Clostridium, Mycobacterium and Azotobacter. These bacteria inhabit the soil and develop considerably when there is easily degradable organic matter.
Deveshwari Singh and Seema Bhadauria
Effect of Tricyclazole on the Growth and Metabolism of Zea mays
Hybrid maize (MHM 9001) seeds were treated with varied concentrations of Tricyclazole, a systemic fungicide used to control blast disease of rice. The main composition of Tricyclazole is 70% sodium lauryl sulphate. It is used for both seed treatment and foliar spray. Morphological and biochemical parameters were analysed. Multiple sets were prepared for comparison with untreated sets. All parameters were analysed using standard methods and the results were subjected to 2 tailed “ t” test and Pearson’s Correlation Matrix and also Bray- Curtis similarity index. The tables were analysed to know the effect of Tricyclazole on cultivar of maize. A strong positive correlation exists between Vigour index and DNA purity in the samples treated with the fungicides, and a negative correlation between root length and fresh weight of the samples. 94% similarity was seen between chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b; and shoot length and fresh weight when Bray-Curtis similarity index was applied.
V. S. Avinash
Heavy Metal Content in Drinking Water of Lakhimpur District of Assam with Reference to Health Hazard
Heavy metals in water have severe toxicity towards aquatic life and human beings. In north-eastern region of India, increasing rate of heavy metal content in drinking water has become a matter of serious concern as it has adverse health affects at high concentration. Many researchers have already studied high concentration of arsenic and heavy metals in different districts in this region. In Lakhimpur district of Assam in India, no detailed study about arsenic and heavy metals in drinking water has been done till now. In order to assess the concentration of heavy metals in drinking water of Lakhimpur district of Assam, twenty locations were selected for the study. The analysis was carried out for three years from June 2005 to May 2008 covering four seasons in a year. Metals studied in the present investigation were Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu and As. From the analytical data, it was found that Cu and Zn concentration was within ISI permissible limit. The all season average values of Ni in all the sampling points were found within 0.1mg/L. Pb concentration was found to be at a higher level in almost all the sources. In 5% samples As content exceeded ISI limit of 0.05mg/L. Seasonal variations were also observed and high values were detected in monsoon season. Health survey in the district were also done with the help of a pre-prepared questionnaire and the over all health status was found to be not satisfactory. Most of the people in the district suffered from mild to severe gastrointestinal diseases. Though, arsenic concentration was high in a few locations, no case of arsenocosis has been reported till date.
Sabitri Saikia Kakati
Study of Methyl Parathion Degradation by Arthrobacter globiformis Ad26 Isolated from Soil
Methyl parathion (MP), a widely used organophosphorus (OP) pesticide, degrader was isolated from MP contaminated soil sample. It was identified as Arthrobacter globiformis AD26 on the basis of biochemical studies and 16s rRNA analysis. MP at a concentration of 1250 µg/mL was totally biodegraded by Arthrobacter globiformis AD26 as the sole carbon source at retention time (RT) for 72 hours on shaker. Cells grown in medium containing MP as sole carbon source, showed higher amount of protein, than the cells grown in presence of glucose as sole carbon source which was estimated by Biuret method. These results were confirmed by SDS-PAGE which showed induction of 97 kDa protein. P-nitrophenol (PNP), a hydrolysis product of MP, was also completely degraded by Arthrobacter globiformis AD26. This strain contained plasmid of approximately 47 kb size. Plasmid-curing experiments produced plasmid-free strain. This strain was unable to utilize MP demonstrating that the degradative genes for MP were located on the 47-kb plasmid.
Vinit Patkar and K. Aruna
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