Archives Issues
Volume 11, Issue No 3, Sep 2012
Inhibition of Nitrification in Soil Under Pastures in Western Australia
Nitrification processes can play a key role in the functioning of Western Australia natural ecosystems. It is directly involved in plant nitrogen losses through leaching and denitrification. Suppression of this process by pastures is poorly understood. The research was conducted on the deep-sand at Mingenew in the Northern Agricultural Region, WA. Nitrification rate was determined under annual, perennial pastures and tagasaste fodders grown in situ. Nitrification and inhibition rates were calculated based-on measurements of NH4-N, NO3-N over a period of 6 months. Under natural conditions (control) the nitrification rates of ammonium-N (NH4-N) were rapid from 80 to 97% during the season. Nitrification rates under annuals, perennial pastures and tagasaste plants were 35 to 80%, 58 to 58%, and 30 to 75% respectively. It was found that there is a high negative correlation (R2= -0.84) between biomass and nitrification rate, and a high positive correlation between biomass and inhibition rate (0.74). Such results suggest that pastures species can have important consequences for nitrogen cycling at the permanent growth and population density.
Ahmed Hasson
Seasonal Changes in Soluble Sugar Contents in Different Parts of Alternanthera philoxeroides from Aquatic and Terrestrial Habitats
Exotic invasion is considered as the second factor influencing biodiversity after habitat lose. Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides Griseb.), a perennial herb native to the South America, has established itself on almost all the surface of the earth except Africa. In China, alligator weed has invaded most temperate regions where the environmental conditions, particularly temperature, are obviously different from its origin. How can alligator weed survive through cold winters is a critical issue for its establishment in these areas. In this research, we investigated the seasonal change of soluble sugars content (SSC), which presented important physiological reaction to cold acclimation, in different parts including buds, nodes, and internodes of alligator weed from aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Results showed that accumulation of soluble sugars was regularly correlated to temperature change in environment, i.e., the highest SSC in the coldest season, and the lowest in summer. Among different parts such as nodes, buds and internodes in individuals from terrestrial and aquatic habitats, accumulation of SSC presented similar results. The accumulation of SSC and its seasonal dynamics may be a physiological acclimation to low temperature so that alligator weed could establish in these regions and survive through cold winters ecologically.
Wenzhu Fu, Weirong Bai, Huyin Huai and Aizhong Liu
Evaluation and Assessment of Recyclables in Households of Samanabad Town, Lahore, Pakistan
Recycling today constitutes the most environmental friendly method of managing solid wastes. This research work was carried out to evaluate the existing situation of recyclables in the households of Samanabad Colony, Lahore. A survey was carried out of 726 houses and questionnaires were filled by the housekeepers. The housekeepers were provided with large size shopping bags and requested to put the waste in these bags and hand them over to researchers. Physical analysis of the waste was done. Chemical analysis was also done in the laboratory of the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences. All data collected through questionnaire were fed in the computer and analysed. Generation rate and collection rate of the recyclables were calculated at 0.15kg/c/day and 0.11kg/c/day respectively. The rest waste was 0.40kg/c/day. The total material which is recycled or reused is 1620.1kg/day, in which 56% is newspaper, 3.2% is magazine, 2.5% is cardboard, 2.1% is glass jam bottles, 1.7% is glass juice bottles and 16.8% is iron items, 8% is non ferrous items and 8.6% is textile. The composition of solid waste in the research area was found as follows: Paper 6.42%, Plastic 8.17%, Metal 3.18%, Organic waste 62.9%, Hazardous Waste 3.7% and Textile 6.5%.
Syeda Amber Fatima, M. Nawaz Chaudary and Adila Batool
Geomorphological Mapping for Identification of Ground Water Potential Zones in Hard Rock Areas Using Geo-spatial Information – A Case Study in Malur Taluk, Kolar District, Karnataka, India
The search for new groundwater resources is essential to sustained economic development in arid environment. The study area is part of Ponnaiyar river basin falling between N latitude of 12°48’24” to 13°07’06’ and E longitude of 77°50’30” to 78°08’15” falls in Survey of India toposheets 57 G/16, 57 H/13, 57 K/4 and 57 L/1 covering an area of 645 km2 in Kolar District, which is highly drought prone in Karnataka State, India. In the present paper, by a methodological approach based on remote sensing and GIS, drainage and hydrogeomorphological maps were prepared using the IRS-1 C & 1 D LISS-III and PAN merged satellite data and geomorphic units. Denudational hill, residual hill, inselberg, pediment inselberg complex, pediment, shallow weathered pediplain, moderately weathered pediplain and valley fill shallow were identified. The area is characterised by undulating terrain interspersed by low ranges of rocky hills. The elevation ranges from 860 m to 1127 m above MSL. The mean annual rainfall of Malur is 722.0mm. The River Dhakshina Pinakini and Markarda Halla drain the area. The streams exhibit dendritic to sub dendritic type of drainage pattern and comprise of granite and gneissic rock formations of Achaean age. On the basis of different geomorphic units, four categories of groundwater potential zones were delineated as (i) very good to good (ii) good to moderate (iii) moderate to poor, and (iv) poor to very poor.
S. N. Ramaiah, G. S. Gopalakrishna, S. Srinivasa Vittala and K. Md. Najeeb
Hydro-Chemical Assessment of Groundwater Considering Distillery Effluent Irrigation
The objective of this study is to evaluate contamination of groundwater due to distillery effluent irrigation. The groundwater chemistry was studied in a series of eight multi-level depth locations of Gajraula and its suburb of JP Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh. The treated distillery effluent was used twice @ 225-50 m³/ha as a pre-sown irrigation. The study was conducted in pre-irrigation and post-irrigation phase for the year 2008-2009. The comparative analysis showed that private wells (shallower hand pumps) have high NO3-, BOD and Fe concentrations as compared to the public supply wells (deep boreholes) during the post irrigation. The TDS, Cl- and Ca+2 values were found near to IS:10500 permissible limit values i.e., 500 mg/L, 250 mg/L and 75 mg/L respectively. However, negative effect of the effluent irrigation on groundwater quality was reported at R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 sites, which may have been influenced by industrial, local agricultural practices, distillery lagoon and effluent irrigation as mixed sources.
Bineet Singh, J. S. Chauhan and Anuraag Mohan
Studies on the Efficiency of Various Plant Extracts in Encountering the Toxic Effect of Mercury on Oreochromis mossambicus
Lipid peroxidation and consequent formation of lipofuschin granules have got fundamental importance in heavy metal homeostasis. In other words lipid peroxidation in fish is an adaptation to internally detoxify and thereby safely assimilate the intruding metals. Though these are of fundamental importance in heavy metal homeostasis, they leave an unfavourable alteration in the physiology of lysosomal lamina. These alterations are exclusively due to changes in the amount of lipid and protein which make up the lysosomal membrane. This alteration is beyond the permissible limit in fish exposed to mercury. The present paper is aimed to compare the efficiency of commercial fish feed and feeds prepared by incorporating garlic, gooseberry, curry leaves, ocimum and turmeric in remediating the enhanced lipid peroxidation consequent to exposure of fish to mercury. Variations in the level of total protein are also studied.
L. P. Rema and Mary Sabitha
Bioremediation of Caffeine-Contaminated Soil by Immobilized Yeast – A Laboratory Based Study
The aim of this work was to ascertain the efficacy of immobilised yeast for the remediation of caffeine in soil under laboratory condition. Biostimulation with inorganic nutrients and bioaugmentation with caffeine utilizing single and mixed yeast cultures viz., Mixed culture 1, Mixed culture 2, Mixed culture 3 and Mixed culture 4 were employed as remedial options for the removal of caffeine from contaminated soil. To promote caffeine removal, biowaste materials (wheat bran, sawdust, peanut hull powder) were used as biocarriers for immobilization of caffeine degrading yeast species following the method of physical adsorption. We constructed laboratory biopiles to compare the treatment bioaugmentation with bioaugmentation combined biostimulation using single and mixed cultures of immobilized yeast. Maximum removal of caffeine was found to be 98.3 % after 24 days in the biostimulated soil which was bioaugmented with sawdust immobilized yeast mixed culture No. 4 consisting of three yeast species viz., Trichosporon asahii, Candida tropicalis and Candida inconspicua. Dehydrogenase activity in the soil was remarkably enhanced to 639 µg TPF g-1 soil and microbial numbers were also increased for the soil treated under the same conditions described above. Phytotoxicity assay confirmed the reduction of caffeine toxicity in the contaminated soil after treatment. Thus, sawdust immobilized mixed yeast culture No. 4 could serve as potential tool for the remediation of caffeine from contaminated soil.
Lakshmi V. and Nilanjana Das
Biodegradation of Endosulfan by Bacteria Isolated From Soil
In the present study an attempt has been made to enrich and isolate bacterial species capable of degrading endosulfan isomers from different soil habitats. The two potent isolates showed about 51% endosulfan degradation during first eight days of incubation. However, the degradation reached between 63-82% after 16 days of incubation. Further, the degradation of the insecticide increased concomitantly with the growth of the bacteria at pH 8.0 and at 30°C. The results suggest that these novel strains could be used as potent agents for biodegradation of endosulfan pesticides.
B. S. Anupama, N. Nandini and S. K. Sarangi
Quantification of Lead Fractions in Contaminated Soil Pedons of Coimbatore Industrial Belts, Tamil Nadu, India
The risk to the environment from contaminated soil can not be assessed by simply considering the total amount of potentially toxic metals within the soil because these metals are not necessarily completely mobile or bio-available. Hence, it is necessary to reduce the fraction of toxic elements that is potentially mobile or bio-available. Total lead varied from traces to 250.0 ppm. The amounts of other lead fractions were 0-1.31, 0-4.81, 0-85.81, 0-89.31, 0-63.52 and 0-50.81 ppm for water soluble, exchangeable and adsorbed, organically bound, carbonate bound, Fe-Mn oxide and residual fraction respectively. Bio-available form of lead is very dangerous and mostly seen in roadside profiles of Ganapathy and Ukkadam areas.
T. Sherene
Estimation of Surface and Groundwater Pollution Due to Mining Activity by Geo-chemical Methods and Re-vegetation Site Selection Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in the Parts of Sandur Schist Be
Assessment of surface and groundwater quality has been carried out in the parts of the Sandur schist belt, Bellary district, Karnataka, South India. Sandur schist belt is well known for iron ore deposits. Rigorous and unplanned mining methods causes intensive natural hazards like water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution, dust pollution, etc. Water quality of the study area has been studied for sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), chloride (Cl), fluoride (F), sulphate (SO4), nitrate (NO3) and total hardness. Results show gradual decrease in groundwater quality and surface water pollution in and around the parts of Sandur Schist belt. Mapping of re-vegetation site selection at regional scales is essential for a wide range of applications including landslide, erosion, land planning, global warming, LU/LC alterations (especially on human activities), effect of climate, natural hazard and socio-economic dynamics in global and local scale. In this study, re-vegetation site selection has been carried out by using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in Sandur schist belt in Bellary District. Identification potential sites for replantation within the mining pit is a complicated thing using change detection comparison (pixel by pixel).
R. K. Sunil Kumar, B.V. Suresh Kumar and S. Manjunatha
Application of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactor Process for the Treatment of Dairy Wastewater – A Review
The up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor for the treatment of dairy wastewater is often reported to be an effective method of treatment. The objective of this paper is to summarize recent research efforts and case studies in up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor for treating dairy effluents. The main characteristics of the dairy wastewater have been identified and the degradation mechanism of the primary constituents in dairy wastewaters, namely carbohydrates (mainly lactose), proteins and lipids has been described. Primary attention is focused on bench, pilot-scale up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor for the treatment of dairy wastewater effluents. Finally, areas where further research and attention are required have been identified.
C. Elangovan and A. S. S. Sekar
Applicability Studies of Reactor Filled With Coffee Husk Blended with Wooden Chips as a Fixed Bed for Wastewater Treatment
Recent interest in environment-friendly materials for the treatment of wastewater leads to the creation of new composites. Organic matter can be effectively removed by packed materials such as plastic honey comb structures, corrugated sheets, stones, etc. in attached growth process. The use of naturally available fibrous materials, which is cost effective and also have characteristics of high specific surface area can be used as a support media in fixed film reactor. Several natural fibrous biomass support mediums are available for use; some of these are coffee husk and wooden chips. The present investigation aims to study the applicability of coffee husk blended with wooden chips as a fixed bed, and also to study the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphate and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) from the municipal wastewater. Two phases of operation were conducted to study the effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT), mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and organic loading rates (OLR). In this study the experiment was conducted for a continuous mode of operation. The bioreactors were continuously aerated and fed with institutional wastewater having an initial average COD of 669 mg/L, ammonia nitrogen of 2.9 mg/L, phosphate of 19.83 mg/L, and TSS of 3600 mg/L. The reactor filled with coffee husk blended with wooden chips showed nominal amount of COD removal of 88-91%, ammonia nitrogen removal of 70-73% and phosphate removal of 91-94% under different reactor conditions.
A. R. Vinod and R. M. Mahalingegowda
Study on Habitat Ecology and Phytoplankton Diversity of Nagathibelagalu Tank in Industrial town Bhadravathi, Karnataka, India
Physico-chemical characteristics and phytoplankton diversity of Nagathibelagalu tank of Bhadravathi town was studied for a period of twelve months from January to December 2008. The estimated water quality parameters were compared with the standard values prescribed by the Bureau of India Standards (BIS) and World Health Organization (WHO). The results of physico-chemical analysis revealed that water is polluted due to high BOD, free CO2, phosphate and nitrate. A total of 44 species belonging to 29 genera of phytoplankton were recorded, of which Chlorophyceae and diatoms were found to be dominant among four classes. Pollution tolerant species such as Scenedesmus sp., Coelastrum sp., Euglena sp., Trachelomonas sp. and Microcystis aeruginosa were observed.
H. A. Sayeswara, T. Vasantha Naik, H. S. Ravikumar Patil and Mahesh Anand Goudar
Principal Component Analysis: Deeper Aquifer Groundwater Quality of Bhaskar Rao Kunta Watershed, Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Principal component analysis (PCA) is an appropriate tool for water quality evaluation and management. In the study area, PCA was used for multivariate factor analysis of hydrogeochemical variables of pH, EC, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-, NO3-, F-, TH and TDS. Influence on chemical composition of groundwater quality and statistically characterize (Eigen value ³ 1 and % of variance) two factors were extracted as well as identified, principal component-I and II. The principal component-I accounts for 36.62 and 39.80% of variance and principal component-II accounts for 17.84 and 18.10% of variance in pre and post-monsoon seasons respectively. Graphical presentation of the principal component-I and II showed loading relationship between the variables EC, TDS and Ca2+ as high positive relation; and variables between TH, Mg2+, NO3- and F- as low positive relation in pre-monsoon season. Principal component-I and II showed loading relationship variables between pH, as high positive relation; and variables between HCO3- and SO42- as high positive relation in post monsoon seasons respectively. These two principal components results were predicted for hydrochemical process of rock water interaction, process of degradation products of the ions, process of alkalinity and process of anthropogenesis activity. It was concluded that hydrochemical process is controlled by geogenic and non-geogenic factors.
K. Srinivasa Reddy and M. Sudheer Kumar
Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Mimosa pudica L. and Mimosa invisa L. Against Selected Microbes
The antibacterial activity of Mimosa pudica and Mimosa invisa were evaluated. The extract of these plants was obtained by using methanol and water as solvents. Antibacterial activity was screened by using agar well diffusion method against pathogenic bacteria, i.e., Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas fluorescens. M. pudica and M. invisa showed highest antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae and B. subtilis respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed that M. pudica and M. invisa, in general, contain active constituents like alkaloids, tannins, flavanoids, steroids, phenols, glycosides, terpenoids, anthraquinones, etc. having a definite specificity.
G. Chitra, K. A. Athira and C. T. Anitha
Heavy Metal Accumulation in Plankton of Halali Reservoir- A Biomonitoring Approach
Halali reservoir is a freshwater resource of Madhya Pradesh. It receives untreated domestic sewage and municipal wastes and also agricultural runoff from the surrounding areas. Different heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb) were measured in Halali reservoir during 2007-08 by using ICP-OES. Heavy metal contents were found significantly different among the sites and varied in the seasons. All the metals were higher at station H1 and confirm this site as a major source of pollution in the reservoir. Heavy metal content in plankton followed the order: Fe>Mn>Pb>Ni in all the seasons. Pb showed the highest bioaccumulation with high BAF values, although it was within the permitted level in reservoir’s water. In this communication the concentration of metals in plankton can affect the associated fauna of the water body, and finally the impact can be seen on human health by the process of biomagnification.
Neetu Malik, A. K. Biswas and C. B. Raju
Microbial Growth and Arsenic Tolerance Ability as Influenced by Inherent Arsenic Loading in Polluted Soils of West Bengal
The effect of inherent arsenic loading on microbial growth in polluted soils of Haringhata block in the district of Nadia, West Bengal as well as the arsenic tolerant ability of the composite cultures of the said soils in different concentrations of arsenate (AsV) and arsenite (AsIII) at different hours of incubation were studied. Total arsenic loading in the affected soils ranged from 4.70 to 16.56 mg/kg and to that of Olsen extractable arsenic (available arsenic) from 0.74 to 2.98 mg/kg. Total and available arsenic loading adversely affected the bacterial and cyanobacterial population, but not the fungi and actinomycetes. Significant negative correlations were obtained between total soil arsenic and bacterial population (r = -0. 798** in CFU and -0.800** in MPN method), available arsenic and bacterial population (r = -0.870** in CFU and -0.783** in MPN), total soil arsenic and cyanobacterial population (r = -0.853**) as well as available arsenic and cyanobacterial population (r = -0.857**). AsIII was more toxic than AsV, the growth of the composite cultures appeared up to 20,000 mg/L in AsV enriched broth and up to 500 mg/L in AsIII enriched broth in some of the soils after 168 hours of incubation. On an average, with increase in incubation period, arsenic tolerance ability increased and microbial growth appeared at the higher levels of As concentration. Microbial growth appeared at higher concentration of AsV and AsIII with those soils having comparatively higher inherent As loading.
T. Biswas and S. C. Kole
Impact of One Time Application of Distillery Spent Wash on the Groundwater Quality
A field experiment was conducted with different irrigation doses of distillery spent wash along with inorganic N and P fertilizer without K using maize variety COH (M)-5 as test crop and groundnut as residual crop. In order to assess the quality of groundwater due to distillery spent wash application, piezometers of 1 m depth were installed in five treatments viz., 25, 50, 75,100 kL/ha and in the control. Piezometer water samples were collected at regular intervals and analysed for various water quality parameters. The leachate study with piezometer of 1m depth indicated that the pH, EC, cations, anions, BOD, TDS, SAR and RSC of the leachate were slightly increased in distillery spent wash applied treatments, compared to control. However, in the leachate collected after fourth and fifth leachings, the levels of cations, anions, BOD, TDS, SAR and RSC were decreased.
K. Suganya, G. Rajannan and K. Valliappan
Studies on the Effect of Effluent from a Rubber Latex Centrifuging Industry on Protein Content in Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.
The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of the treated centrifugal rubber latex factory effluent on protein content in Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. The increasing demand of irrigation water leads to research exploring the viable alternatives. The present study also aimed in this direction. The physico-chemical analysis of the effluent indicated its acidic nature as well as presence of appreciable amount of dissolved solids, suspended solids, ammoniacal nitrogen, total nitrogen, sulphate and potassium together with high BOD and COD. Different dilutions of the effluent such as 25, 50, 75% and undiluted effluent were used for treatment. The results indicated that there is a marked difference in the response of these two genotypes to effluent treatment. Abelmoschus esculentus is tolerant and the treatment showed a favourable result with respect to protein, as evidenced by a high amount of protein treated population. In Vigna unguiculata the protein content showed reduction in all the treated population. The study recommended that after proper dilution the effluent can be used as an effective source of irrigation water.
Anice Kurian M.
Assessment of Ambient Air Quality in Urban Environments of Hyderabad, India
Environmental pollution is an ever-increasing problem in the industrialized and highly populated areas of the world. Recently the intensity and magnitude of air pollutant concentration has grown up rapidly in the troposphere. Hyderabad, capital of Andhra Pradesh, is a centre of southern part of India for both industrial and commercial activity. It is one of the most populous urban areas with approximately 6.8 million inhabitants and over 73,000 small, medium and major industrial establishments sharing the greater city. The air pollution is primarily associated with automobiles and industrial sources of which motor vehicles are of major concern. The available information on the levels of ambient gaseous pollutants in tropical areas particularly Asian countries were meagre and keeping in the view of health effects and economic burden associated with the elevated levels of air pollutants, the present study was undertaken with an objective to assess the ambient air quality of Hyderabad which is undergoing rapidly urban and industrial development. For this study, the air samples were drawn at the height of 1.5-3.0 m from the ground level in order to monitor the PM, SPM, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur concentrations to ascertain the relationship between gaseous air pollutants and meteorological parameters. The overall result reveals that the air quality of environment is deteriorating rapidly due to gaseous pollutants. This study lead us to conclude that multiple approach is needed to combat the air pollution by vehicles via public awareness campaigns, media intervention packages, effective government action plans and programmes and judicious distribution of quality oriented fuels.
Anusha C. Pawar, S. Jithender Kumar Naik and S. Anitha Kumari
Effect of Different Percentages of Waste High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Fibres on the Properties of Fibre Reinforced Concrete
Most of HDPE fibre become waste after their usage, causing environmental problems. To address this issue, a method to recycle waste High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fibre is presented to investigate the possibility of using various plastic wastes containing HDPE fibre as polymer additives to concrete. The experimental investigation is carried out to verify the effect of different percentages of waste HDPE fibres on the workability and strength characteristics of fiber reinforced concrete. Appropriate tests were performed to measure different strength characteristics like compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength on different percentages of waste HDPE fibres like 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1%. The results show that how compressive strength increases up to certain percentage and decreases as fiber volume fraction is increased.
B. I. Khadak Bhavi, V. Venkateshwar Reddy and P. B. Ullagaddi
Depth-Wise Distribution of Important Chemical Properties, Heavy Metals and Fractionation of Chromium in Soils Receiving Mixed Effluent Water
A survey was carried out to assess the changes in important soil chemical properties at different depths in soil and fractionation of chromium in soils irrigated with mix industrial effluent waters flowing in Khari channel around area of Nawagam-Vatava region of Gujarat, India. The soils of contaminated area were slightly neutral to alkaline whereas uncontaminated soils showed pH more towards sodicity. The distribution of available P, K and S nutrients in both the soil profiles indicated their build up in surface soil. The accumulation of DTPA-Fe, Mn and Zn were more in contaminated soil, while DTPA-Cu was higher in uncontaminated soil. Further, the soils of contaminated area were more contaminated with heavy metals than uncontaminated soils. The surface soil was more contaminated with Pb, Cd and Cr, while Ni and Co were accumulated more in lower depth. The Cd and Cr showed evenly distribution in uncontaminated soil profile whereas DTPA-Ni, and Co content was comparatively higher in lower depth of the profile. Among different fractions of Cr viz., exchangeable, carbonate, Fe-Mn oxides, organic and residual fraction occupied major portion of the total Cr. However, the content of residual fraction of Cr was more in contaminated than uncontaminated soil. The exchangeable-Cr fraction was found to be the least in both the soils.
J. K. Parmar and K. P. Patel
Paddy Husk and Pressmud as Renewable and Ecofriendly Bioinoculant Carriers
The lignite and peat are the traditional carriers used in biofertiliser industry. They are non-renewable, costly, non ecofriendly and their reservoirs limited in India. Therefore, the present work was undertaken to check and evaluate whether the agroindustry by-products viz., peanut shell, corn cob, sawdust, paddy husk, and pressmud can be used as carriers alternative to the traditional ones. Evaluation of the carriers was done by studying the survival of Burkholderia gladioli and Bacillus circulans at 28, 37 and 45°C respectively for a period of three months on a weekly basis by the viable plate count method. Physico-chemical characteristics of the agroindustry by-products showed that pressmud and paddy husk have pH 6.62 and 6.66, ash content 0.23 and 0.32% (w/w), potassium content 0.034 and 0.037% (w/w) respectively. The water-holding capacity was high in the agroindustry by-products corn cob, sawdust, peanut shell and pressmud, which was 87.09, 60.27, 70.30, 52.98% (w/w) respectively. Pressmud and paddy husk both were found to be very rich in the macro and microelements such as CaO, MnO, V, Cu, Rb, Mo, Ag, Sn, Sb, I, Ba, Hf, Hg, Ti, Th, Co, Rb, Ag, Hg, Bi and Th in comparison to Lignite. The viable count at 28°C of Burkholderia gladioli was highest in pressmud which was 2.347×105 cfu/g and in case of Bacillus circulans. It was highest in paddy husk which was 2.381×105 cfu/g. The viable count of Burkholderia gladioli and Bacillus circulans was also better at 37°C and 45°C in the agroindustry by-products in comparison to Lignite. Thus, pressmud and paddy husk were found to be as alternate carriers to lignite, which will be cheaper, renewable, ecofriendly, more easily available and use of them is a clean technology. Since these are the by-products of the agroindustry, their use as carrier will give a value-added product and also protect the bacterial cells from desiccation.
Aparna B. Gunjal, Balasaheb P. Kapadnis and Namdeo J. Pawar
Evaluation of Water Quality of Padavagodu Tank, Sagar Taluk, Karnataka, India
The stagnant waters such as ponds or tanks and lakes are usually called lentic waters. The pollutants concentrate themselves differently in these zones based on prevailing physical and chemical conditions. These zones are usually inhabited by specialized organisms adopted to environment. The large number of chemical compounds are brought to the waters by discharge of sewage, industrial wastewater and agriculture runoff, and several of them are poisonous to life in varied concentrations and may affect the fish culture. The present study deals with physico-chemical characteristics like temperature, pH, EC, TDS, Cl, TH, total alkalinity, acidity, turbidity, NO3, PO4, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, free CO2, calcium, magnesium, sulphates, dissolved organic matters in the Padavagodu tank water studied from December 2009 to November 2010. Data were collected from one sampling station to evaluate the water quality for human consumption and irrigation. The study revealed that physico-chemical data were within WHO and BIS standards. Hence, it was concluded that water is suitable for drinking, irrigation and fisheries.
C. K. Mookappa Naik and Hina Kousar
Analysis of Groundwater for Cadmium Contamination in Some Districts of Uttar Pradesh, India
Cadmium is one of the most dangerous occupational and environmental toxin occurring commonly in drinking water, atmospheric air and even food. Occurrence of cadmium in groundwater is the chief source of exposure since drinking water is unavoidable. WHO has permitted a standard quantity of cadmium in water, below which it is safe to drink. Natural as well as anthropogenic activities as industries are the major source of groundwater cadmium contamination. Present study is designed with the aim to investigate the cadmium level of groundwater in some districts of Uttar Pradesh and compare it with WHO permissible limit, so that public attention about dreadness of cadmium toxicity could be drawn.
B. Tabassum and Priya Bajaj
Behavioural Changes and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Guppy Fish (Poecilia reticulata) Exposed to Chlorpyrifos
Chlorpyrifos is a broad spectrum organophosphate insecticide and potential toxic pollutant in aquatic ecosystems. Guppies were exposed to one-seventh (0.025 ppm/L) and one-fourteenth (0.0125 ppm/L) of the 96 h LC50 as sublethal concentrations for sub acute studies. The fish were exposed to both the sublethal concentrations for 96 h and allowed to recover in toxicant free medium for seven days only after sublethal exposure. Behavioural responses were studied in the experimental periods. Fish in toxic media exhibited irregular, erratic and darting swimming movements, hyper excitability, loss of equilibrium and sinking to the bottom. Fish were found under stress, but mortality was insignificant in both the sublethal concentrations. The behavioural changes may be due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Inactivation of AChE activity results in excess accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh) in cholinergic synapses leading to hyper stimulation and cessation of neuronal transmission (paralysis). Impaired behavioural responses were observed even under recovery periods. This may be a consequence due to the inhibition of brain and muscular AChE activity by chlorpyrifos-oxon via biotransformation of bioaccumulated chlorpyrifos in the tissues.
Archana Ashok Sharbidre and Priyanka Sopanrao Patode
Biosorption of Lead (II) from Aqueous Solution by Agaricus bisporus
Bioremediation of pollutants containing heavy metals has been demonstrated by several biotechnologists and environmentalists. Studies have shown that fungal organisms possess the capacity of heavy metal removal. In the present investigation, a study in batch system was conducted using the fungus Agaricus bisporus as biosorbent for evaluating its potential to absorb lead (II) ions from aqueous solution. To improve the bioabsorption capacity, the biosorbent was pretreated with NaOH, Na2CO3 and NaHCO3. Pretreatment with NaOH resulted in a significant improvement in bioabsorption capacity. The experimental equilibrium data were adjusted by adsorption isotherms from Langmuir and Freundlich models and their equilibrium parameters were determined. For the untreated biosorbent, the Langmuir model supplied qmax = 28.8 mg/g and b= 0.02L/mg for the Freundlich model parameters were Kf = 1.7 and n= 1.8. For the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treated biomass, the parameters were qmax = 34.6 mg/g, b 0.08 L/mg, Kf = 5.3 and n= 2.3. The best adjusted model to the experimental equilibrium data for both untreated and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treated biosorbent was the Langmuir model.
Prem Kumar Gautam, Deveshwari Singh and Seema Bhadauria
Change Detection Studies Using Remote Sensing and GIS for Aquaculture Growth in Buchireddipalem Mandal, SPSR Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh
The objective of the present study was to monitor the growth of aquaculture over a decade during 2001 to 2011 in Buchireddipalem Mandal, SPSR Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh. The land resources used for aquaculture development were mapped from medium to high resolution multi temporal satellite data (Land sat ETM+, P6 LISS III, IV and Quick Bird images) and analysed using GIS to monitor the percent growth of land converted from different land types to aquaculture. It was observed that Buchireddipalem Mandal had recorded the growth of aquaculture to an extent of 25.74% in 2011 when compared to that of 6.4% in 2001, out of which 2004 accounts to major conversion of agricultural land to aquaculture to an extent of 25.02%, and thereafter the growth was very negligible due to various factors that include natural calamities like floods, outbreak of viral diseases, less market price at harvest time, brokerages, and poor infrastructure facilities such as cold storages and export agencies etc. Chellayapalem village stand first position with an extent of 62.31% in terms of land conversion from agriculture to aquaculture but when total land under aquaculture was considered with respective total village area, Kalayakogollu village stand first position with an area of 323.11 ha out of 392.46ha.
M. J. Krishna, K. Srinivasa Reddy and P. V. V. Krishna
Groundwater Pollution in and Around the Coastal Belt of Anchuthengu, South Kerala, India
Groundwater quality in coastal region is reaching an alarming stage owed to the overdraft and anthropogenic contamination. Area chosen for study is Anchuthengu, which forms part of a typical coastal belt in the north-western part of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala State. In order to identify the extent of pollution in the groundwater, open well samples were collected, from the coastal zone fringing the Arabian Sea and also from inland segment flanking Anchuthengu. Sampling and analysis were done in both pre and post-monsoon seasons. pH, EC, TDS, salinity, Na+, K+, total hardness, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO32-, SO42-, PO43- and HCO3- were determined. The acquired values were compared with BIS standards to recognize its aptness for domestic use. Higher concentration of chemical parameters was observed in coastal areas relative to adjacent inland areas. Post-monsoon coastal samples reveal a higher concentration of NO3-, SO42- and PO43- than pre-monsoon samples, which can be attributed to anthropogenic sources. Microbiological analysis confirms the presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the water samples, making the water unhygienic for drinking and other domestic purposes.
R. B. Binoj Kumar and Veena M. Nair
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Zooplankton from Aquaculture Ponds in and Around Bhimavaram, West Godavari District
Andhra Pradesh is biggest and important state in India in production and consumption of fishes. Many agriculture lands are converted into aqua culture ponds. Taking that factor into consideration aquaculture ponds in Bhimavaram regions are studied with respect zooplankton analysis. Pelagic zooplanktonic species are found in littoral zone . From this study it is observed that the density of rotifers was highest and copepods and cladocerans are low. The presence of phytoplankton groups like diatoms indicates that they have good primary production and they form the base line of food chain supporting higher tropic levels of zooplanktons.
Priyavada Devi, D. Sirisha and N. Gandhi
Cytological Studies on the Effect of a Herbicide, Oxadiargyl on Root Meristem Cells of Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L.
Oxadiargyl is widely used to control weeds in sugarcane, sunflower, rice, soya, onion and potatoes. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of oxadiargyl on somatic chromosomes of Helianthus annuus L. The sunflower roots were treated with different concentrations of oxadiargyl (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 ppm). Cytological observations showed a decrease in the mitotic frequency in root meristematic cells with increase in concentrations of oxadiargyl. In addition oxadiargyl induced various types of chromosomal abnormalities namely degeneration of chromosomes, stickiness of chromosomes, anaphasic bridges and laggard chromosomes, a pronounced cytotoxic effect was observed in concentrations above 2.5 ppm. The present study clearly indicates the hazardous nature of the herbicide.
Nethra Nanjunda Swamy and Shobha Jagannath
Exposure to Vehicular Pollution and Its Impact on Traffic Policemen in Tirunelveli City, India
Automobiles are ‘necessary evils’. On one hand they have made living easy and convenient, but on the other hand they have also made human life more complicated and vulnerable to both toxic emissions and increased risk of accidents. Urban people are the most affected, and among the worst sufferers are traffic policemen who are particularly close to the automobile exhaust. Work pressure and high level of pollution are taking their toll on traffic policemen. To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of traffic policemen towards the health effects caused by vehicular pollution, the present study has been carried out on 52 randomly selected traffic policemen in Tirunelveli Corporation area. The questionnaire included questions regarding the self-assessment of the policemen about their respiratory symptoms, hearing ability, past and present exposure to loud sound and the use of personal protective devices such as earplugs and earmuffs. The questionnaire was filled up by the subjects. The mean age of policemen was 39.2 ± 7.8 years, and the mean years of exposure was 3.4 ± 1.1 years. The self-assessment of hearing by traffic policemen suggests that most of the traffic policemen have normal hearing. However, a systematic study with audiometry of these subjects is recommended. Respiratory symptoms, including cough and related health problems, were observed in 30 policemen. The results show a major prevalence of respiratory symptoms and allergic sensitization in exposed traffic police.
A. Saravana Ganthi, M. Padma Sorna Subramanian and E. Rajabudeen
Hydrographical Studies on the Gulf of Aden Around Aden City, Yemen
The hydrographical parameters, air and water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and total alkalinity of the coastal water around Aden city were determined. The air temperature ranged between 26.3 and 29.5°C with mean of 27.76°C. Water temperature ranged from 27.1°C to 29.5°C with mean of 28.41°C. The salinity showed not much variation among the sampling stations. Dissolved oxygen values ranged between 4.27 mg/L and 4.89 mg/L, and pH 7.80 and 8.03 at different stations. The total alkalinity values ranged from 2.234 mq/L to 2.351 mq/L with the mean value of 2.301 meq/L. The results obtained reflect the effect of the warm tropical zone of the Gulf of Aden, irregular topography, local hydrographic conditions and result of upwelling current.
Nabil A.A. Al-Shwafi
Flare Operations Changes Come From Study Findings
EPA announced that it had reached a settlement agreement with Marathon Petroleum Company (Marathon) regarding allegations of Clean Air Act violations at Marathon’s Texas City and Detroit refineries. EPA developed the evidence by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showing that several of Marathon’s flares were not controlling VOC emissions sufficiently, resulting in excess emissions that had gone unreported. As a result, Marathon had to pay a hefty fine of $450,000 for Clean Air Act violations and to invest millions more to upgrade and improve flare operations at its refineries. The flares are not only used in refineries to control VOCs, but also in a variety of facilities including as an emergency safety measure. The capital cost to install a flare is relatively low as compared to other oxidation techniques. Moreover, the VOC control efficiency of a flare has always been assumed rather than having to be demonstrated, but now it has to be demonstrated. However, in view of EPA findings, the flare burning is going to be replaced by new solutions including systems that are specifically designed for waste gas streams of varying volume and heat content.
Scott Shaver
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