Archives Issues
Volume 12, Issue No 1, Mar 2013
Diurnal Evolution of Solar Radiation in UV, PAR and NIR Bands in High Air Masses
Solar surface insolation appears constant from an everyday’s point of view but this quantity has been found to be changing in small scale that may lead to climate change over an extended period of time. However, the factors impacting this variance are always a subject of much debate. In long term observations for low air masses, the variation is governed by cloud cover, aerosol loading, relative humidity as well as water vapor content. Parallel observations in high air masses for the variation of received solar radiation are rather lacking. To fill up the existing gap, this paper aims to investigate the diurnal evolution of solar radiation spectrum in UV, PAR and NIR bands in high air masses. In the current work, a total of 25 days of global and diffuse solar spectrum ranges from air mass 2 to 6 were collected using shadowband technique. It is found that the evolution pattern for all spectral components follows a high coefficient of determination with respect to global radiation. The result analysis also shows that variation of solar radiation is the least in UV fraction, followed by PAR and the most in NIR fraction. It is deduced that the broader amplitude of fraction in PAR and NIR because they incorporate variation of aerosol and water vapor. Decreasing trend in NIR fraction for constant UV fraction is likely associated to the increase of water vapor content. While reduction of PAR fraction for specific air mass interval is due to the increase in aerosol loading.
Jackson H. W. Chang, Jedol Dayou and Justin Sentian
Bacteriophage Based Pathogen Reduction in Sewage Sludge
Biological hazard in water resources in the form of pathogenic organisms are responsible for major outbreak in most of the developing countries. The goal which gains momentum is removal of pathogens. Every effort leading to reduction in sewage pollution and pathogenic microbes has to be promoted and implemented. This necessitates to search for novel approaches that does not harm the environment. One such novel approach is exploring the possibilities of bacteriophages for pathogen removal. Sewage sludge samples were collected from different locations of Tamil Nadu and analysed. The pH of the sludge samples varied from 6.26 to 8.23 and alkaline pH was observed in Coovum sample. Highest EC was recorded by Vellore sample (4.62 dSm-1). The total heterotroph population ranged from 11 × 106 to 24 × 1014/kg of dewatered sludge. Higher frequency of antibiotic resistant E. coli, Pseudomonas sp., Streptococcus sp. and Bacillus spp. were observed in all the places, which clearly indicated the extent of pollution. E. coli and Salmonella typhi showed resistance to almost all the antibiotics and intermediate resistance to 3 antibiotics. None of the sewage sludge samples had phages against MTCC culture. Phage treatment resulted in 100 % removal of S. typhi from sewage sludge.
P. Dhevagi and S. Anusuya
Growth Characteristics of Seven Hydrocarbon-Degrading Active Bacteria Isolated from Oil Contaminated Soil
The growth characteristics of seven strains isolated from oil contaminated soil, as well as their respective degradation efficiency for various hydrocarbons were investigated. Factors that can impact biological oil degradation efficiency were revealed in a series of experiments. The results indicate that isolated strains could rapidly degrade crude oil, showing high activity in the first 13 h of bioremediation. These strains could grow in paraffin wax, which indicates that these strains could degrade long chain hydrocarbons. Some of them (SY22, SY23, SY24, SY42, SY43) were able to use short chain hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons as substrate, so these five strains are the preferred ones for the bioremediation of oil contaminated soil. Suitable pH for the growth of these five strains was in the range from 7 to 9. NH4NO3 and oil concentrations should range from 1000 mg/L to 1500 mg/L in order to achieve optimum conditions for petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. Adding organic matter such as starch and glucose accelerated oil and PAH degradation capability of the SY22, SY42 and SY23 strains. The presence of metal ions, such as Ni2+ and Co2+ in soil decreased the crude oil degradation efficiency of these strains, while metal ions, such as Fe2+ and Mn2+ did not affect the oil degradation activities.
Jinlan Xu, Yitao Zhang, Tinglin Hung and Hai xin Deng
Dead Fungal Biomass of Rhizopus Arrhizus for Decontamination of Hexavalent Chromium: Biosorption Kinetics, Equilibrium Modelling and Recovery
The kinetics and equilibrium of biosorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution was carried out using the dead physico-chemically treated biomass of Rhizopus arrhizus in a batch system. The biosorption characteristics of Cr(VI) ions were studied with respect to well-established parameters including pH, temperature, rotational speed, biosorbent dosage, initial metal ion concentration and contact time. The uptake of Cr(VI) decreased with an increase in pH and biomass concentration whereas it increased with an increase in the Cr(VI) concentration, temperature and rotational speed. Biosorption equilibrium was established in about 180 min. The adsorption data were analysed using the first and the second-order kinetic models as well as intra-particular rate expressions. The first-order equation was the most appropriate equation to predict the biosorption capacities of the fungal biosorbent. The sorption data obtained at pH 2.0 conformed well to both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The reusability of the biosorbent was tested in five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles and the regeneration efficiency was above 95%. From the practical viewpoint, the abundant and inexpensive dead fungal biomass of Rhizopus arrhizus could be used as an effective, low cost and environmental friendly biosorbent for the detoxification of Cr(VI).
Kshama A. Shroff and Varsha K. Vaidya
Numerical Studies on Smoke Natural Filling in an Underground Passage with Validation by Reduced-Scale Experiments
The use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is becoming more common and reliable as a tool for kinds of buildings fire safety design, but it is not easy to be validated. In this paper, Fire Dynamics Simulator v5.0 is used to investigate the spill plume and the resultant natural filling in the underground transport passage of main transformer of a hydropower station due to the adjacent main transformer hall fire. Ceiling jet temperature decay along the transport passage and smoke layer interface height are simulated. Series of scale model experiments are carried out using pool fires placed at the centre of the main transformer hall. The data obtained from these experiments are later used in a validation study of the FDS simulated results. The FDS simulated results are also compared with the expressions proposed in the literature. The results show good agreement between experimental and numerical predictions. And through suitable adjustment of the constants of the exponential equation, good agreements are also found between the predicted data and calculated results.
Yeqiu Wu, Angui Li, Jiangyan Ma, Ran Gao, Jiang Hu, Bin Xiao and Peng Zhang
Chemical Evolution of Groundwater in the Coral Islands of Lakshadweep Archipelago, India with Special Reference to Kavaratti Island
This paper discusses the unique hydrochemical environment of Lakshadweep Archipelago, a cluster of coral islands, where groundwater exists in the form of a thin freshwater lens over the saltwater, having restricted lateral movements. The influence exerted by the shape of these tiny islands on the stability of the water in the lenses and the tendency of this water to mix with seawater are elucidated. The factors which influence the chemical evolution of groundwater in these islands, such as the geochemistry of the coral aquifer, mixing of sea water, dissolution of CaCO3, marine aerosols and cation-exchange processes are discussed. Mixing of seawater was found to be the predominant process controlling the configuration of freshwater lenses in these islands, as reflected in the ion-ratio studies and the major ionic species observed. The hydrochemical facies, identified with the freshwater lens, represents various phases of mixing. Metabolism of the biological organisms and diagenesis of the lime shells in the corals are responsible for the relatively higher concentration of trace metals, such as strontium and iodide in this aquifer system.
Najeeb K. Md and N. Vinayachandran
The Reclamation Soil Suitability Study of the Highway Dumping Site Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method
Because the highway temporarily covers large areas, this article proposes fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to evaluate the suitability of the reclamation soil in the highway dumping site. According to the impact factors of the land reclamation and the field survey, combining with the principle of fuzzy mathematics, we chose eleven influence factors, including weather conditions, soil physical properties, and soil chemical properties as evaluation factors. In this paper, we regarded nine dumping sites in Chengdu-Chongqing Expressway double-track (Chongqing section) project as samples to make the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. The results indicate that the reclamation soil suitability in Chengdu-Chongqing Expressway double-track (Chongqing section) dumping sites is relatively good. It provides a useful reference value for the reclamation soil suitability evaluation of the national highway dumping sites.
Huang Yuhan, Chen Xiaoyan, Ding Linqiao, Zhang Songsong, Weng Min and Huang Yanxiong
Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration Under Pastures in Arid region
Two sites in Iraq were chosen to study the affect of annual pasture and perennial grasses (C4). The perennial grass pastures had SOC stocks, 1.6 (Baghdad) and 1.4 (Babylon) times that of the annual pastures. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) pools were 1.90, 2.97 and 2.88% for annuals, perennials and tagasaste at Baghdad site. At Babylon the SOC pools were 2.7, 4.70, and 3.71% under annuals, perennials and tagasaste respectively. Estimated total C sequestration contribution to the resident soil organic C pool was 2.8 times greater for perennials and 2.7 times for tagasaste than annual pasture at the Baghdad deep sandy duplex site and 1.2 times greater for perennial pasture and 1.2 times greater for tagasaste than annual pasture at the Babylon deep-sand site. Both the sites were sampled to a depth of 1.6m. Perennial grasses in this region generally produced more above ground biomass than annual pastures. However, the differences in biomass input are unlikely to be large enough to explain the high rate of sequestration of these perennials. We hypothesise that the perennial grasses promote fungi such as mycorrhiza that convert a greater proportion of labile carbon to stable humic forms than under annual pastures.
Ahmed Hasson and Muhsin Jweeg
Effects of Perennial Vegetation on Runoff and Erosion for Field Plots on Loess Plateau in China
Vegetation is one of effective methods for soil and water conservation. How to select suitable vegetation species is a key problem in the practice. In this study. through 7 years observations on the rainfall, vegetation cover, total runoff and sediment in the plots, results indicated that the benefit of the vegetative cover on runoff and sediment dominated on all plots. The accumulative sediment yield from bare plot was 7 times to that from Astragalus absurgens + Caragana korshindkii plots, also over 4 times to that from the Medicago sativa, Medicago sativa + Caragana korshindkii and Astragalus absurgens plots. Among all the vegetation types, Caragana korshindkii was the most efficient in reducing the runoff, and the combination of shrub and grass also had better effect in reducing the runoff. The accumulative runoff from bare plot was 2.57 times to that from the C. korshindkii, and over 2 times to that from M. sativa, M. sativa + C. korshindkii, A. absurgens + C. korshindkii and Vicia amucena + C. korshindkii. This study is of great importance for the selection of suitable species for vegetation reconstruction in arid and semi-arid areas.
Zhang Tiegang, Peng Li, Zhanbin Li and Xiaoding Guo
Evaluating the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste in Coimbatore City, Tamilnadu
Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is one of the major environmental problems of Indian cities. Improper management of municipal solid waste (MSW) causes hazards to inhabitants. Various studies reveal that about 90% of MSW is disposed of unscientifically in open dumps and landfills, create problems to public health and the environment. This paper presents an assessment of the existing situation of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in Coimbatore city. The quantity and composition of MSW vary from place to place, and bear a rather consistent correlation with the average standard of living. Field investigations were carried out for quantification, analysis of physico chemical composition, and characterization in disposal site. Studies carried out in these places have revealed that there are many shortcomings in the existing practices used in managing the MSW. These shortcomings pertain mainly to inadequate manpower, financial resources, implements and machinery required for effectively carrying out various activities for MSWM. Various adopted treatment technologies for MSW are critically reviewed, along with their advantages and limitations. The study is concluded with a few fruitful suggestions, which may be beneficial to encourage the competent authorities/researchers to work towards further improvement of the present system.
P. Shanthi, P. Meena Sundari and T. Meenambal
Analysis of Microbial Community in the Anaerobic Phosphorus Sludge Using Molecular Techniques
Through anaerobic culture test, from the six different anaerobic phosphorus removal sludge, it was found that Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor (ASBR) sludge is the most appropriate sludge source to remove phosphorus in the liquid medium, followed by Expanded Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB) sludge and chicken manure. Microbial community structures in the six different sludge sources were investigated by 16S Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) method when the anaerobic systems operated steadily. The DGGE fingerprints were analysed by the software Quantity One to obtain the information of the microbial species in the six different sludge sources, which showed that there was a high diversity in the bacterial communities, and the richness value of ASBR sludge was 0.59 whose number occupied more than half of the total bands, while The richness value reached highest (0.61) when it was chicken manure. The community similarity between ASBR sludge and EGSB sludge is the highest 71.7. In the bands strength schematic diagram, the No. 1, No. 8 and No. 18 band that existed in ASBR sludge, EGSB sludge and chicken manure might represent the colony related to the anaerobic phosphorus microbe.
Guanhua Gao, Hongwei Rong, Chaosheng Zhang, Kefang Zhang and Peilan Zhang
Zinc(II) Removal by Chemically Treated Dead Biomass of Yeast Species
In the present study, the dead biomass of the two yeast species viz., Candida rugosa and Cryptococcus laurentii were subjected to various chemical treatments to assess the effects of pretreatment on zinc(II) removal from aqueous solution. Yeast biomass was pretreated with anionic surfactants viz., sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS) and dioctyl sulphosuccinate sodium (DSS), alkali (sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate), acids (hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid and acetic acid), and organic solvents viz., methanol, formaldehyde and gluteraldehyde. Pretreatment of dead yeast biomass with anionic surfactants was found to improve the zinc(II) removal remarkably compared to all other treatments. Acid treatments resulted in significant reduction in zinc(II) removal efficiency. The pattern of zinc(II) removal efficiency of both the yeast species was found to follow the order: SDS (3 mM) > SDBS (3 mM) > DSS (3mM) > Na2CO3 (9 mM) ³ NaOH (9 mM) ³ untreated biomass > C2H5O8 (7 mM) ³ NaHCO3 (9 mM) > CH3OH (7 mM) > HCHO (7 mM) > CH3COOH (5 mM) > HCl (5mM) > H2SO4 (5 mM). Maximum zinc(II) removal was noted in case of SDS treated C. rugosa and C. laurentii which exhibited 84.7 % and 74.5 % zinc(II) removal compared to the removal efficiency of 65.4 % and 54.8 % obtained by untreated C. rugosa and C. laurentii .
Geetanjali Basak and Nilanjana Das
Study on the Absorption Mechanism of the Sediment to Phosphorus in Yangtze River Yibin Section
Through laboratory study, the isothermal absorption characteristics and dynamics characteristics of sediment to phosphate in Yangtze River Yibin Section were analysed. The study shows that the absorption curve of sediment is in good compliance with Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal absorption curves, which means that the sediment can absorb the phosphate spontaneously, and the absorption is done by polymolecular layer, for which the maximum theoretical absorption amount is 13.969mg/g, and the empirical constant n>1, which shows the sediment in Yangtze River Yibin Section has great absorption activity. Through analysis of primary and secondary dynamics model, it shows that the absorption of phosphorus is divided into fast absorption and slow absorption period, and the secondary dynamics equation can simulate the process more accurately. Under different sediment and water ratio, the relative error of theoretical equilibrium concentration and experimental equilibrium concentration calculated from the equation is less than 5%.
Liu Ying, Li Yong, Jiang Yanxiong and Wang Dongmei
Impact of Textile-Dyeing Industry Effluent on Some Haematological Parameters of Freshwater Fish Oreochromis Mossambicus
Haematological analysis was carried out in experimental fish Oreochromis mossambicus exposed to various concentrations of textile-dyeing effluents (both untreated and treated). Effluent samples of various concentrations were taken in order to perform acute toxicity studies with the test organism, Oreochromis mossambicus for the period of 96 hours. Hematological data were evaluated for parameters such as Hb, RBCs, WBCs, PCV, MCH and MCHC of the test species. The alterations of these parameters are discussed in the paper.
G. K. Amte and Trupti V. Mhaskar
Study on Groundwater Environment Health Evaluation Based on Rough Set
The paper puts forward the idea of groundwater environment health and constructs an evaluation index system for the groundwater environment health according to the connotation of groundwater environment health. The 17 evaluation indexes were simplified to obtain the most simple evaluation index system through the simplification function of the rough set, and then the weight of the evaluation index was calculated through the weight calculation function of the rough set, and the quantitative evaluation of groundwater environment health was carried out by means of a comprehensive index method. The evaluation results show that the attribute simplification and weight calculation of the rough set can be applied to the comprehensive evaluation of hydrogeology.
Sheng Li, Wensheng Zhou and Jianfeng Cao
UV Photo-Fenton Treatment of Combined Chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin and Chlorothalonil Pesticides Aqueous Solution
The study examined the effect of the operating conditions of the UV photo-Fenton process on COD and TOC removal, biodegradability improvement and mineralization of combined chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and chlorothalonil pesticides in aqueous solution. The optimum operating conditions for treatment of an aqueous solution containing 100 mg/L of chlorpyrifos, 50 mg/L of cypermethrin and 250 mg/L of chlorothalonil were observed to be H2O2/COD molar ratio 2, H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio 25 and pH 3. Under the optimum operating conditions, complete degradation of the pesticides occurred in 1 min. Biodegradability (BOD5/COD ratio) increased from zero to 0.38 and COD and TOC removal were 78.56 and 63.76%, respectively in 60 min. The treatment resulted in release and mineralization of organic carbon and nitrogen from the pesticide molecules as evident from TOC degradation (removal), and decrease in NH3-N from 22 to 3.9 mg/L and increase in NO3-N from 0.7 to 19.3 mg/L in 60 min. The study shows that UV photo-Fenton process is effective in pretreatment of combined chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and chlorothalonil pesticides aqueous solution for biological treatment.
Augustine Chioma Affam and Malay Chaudhuri
Analysis of Runoff Changes of Niqu River in Water Diversion Area of Western Route Project of South-North Water Transfer Project
The runoff data of Zhuba Station at Niqu river in water diversion area of Western Route Project (WRP) of South-North Water Transfers Project (SNWTP) from 1961 to 2010 were applied to estimate the coefficients of variation of hydrology, the peak pattern degree, and ample flow VS low flow, climate tendency rate and so on. The results were used to analyse the effects of hydrological regime on river discharge in the water supply area of the first stage project in WRP. The results demonstrated that: The annual river discharge is increasing in Niqu River which is the water supply area in the first stage project of WRP. The cumulative increased river discharge is 0.52×108m3 within 50 years which is 2.6% larger than the average value. The runoff increased each year in non-flood season and decreased each year in flood season.
Men Baohui, Lin Chunkun, Li Zhifei and Sun Boyang
Seasonal Variation of Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Water in Vignasanthe Wetland of Tiptur Taluk, Tumkur District, Karnataka
The influence of seasonal variations in physico-chemical characteristics exert a profound effect on the distribution and population density of both animal and plant species. In the present paper we carried out the study to evaluate physico-chemical characteristics of water of Vignasanthe wetland located at Tiptur taluk of Tumkur Dist, Karnataka. The constituents monitored include temperature, pH, TUR ,EC, TDS, Cl, TH, Ca, Mg, Alk, NO3, PO4, Fe2+, Si, DO, BOD, CO2, SO4, COD and DOM. A significant variation in these parameters was observed throughout the study period and monthly comparisons were made as monsoon, premonsoon and postmonsoon. The results of present investigations were compared with earlier available literature and revealed that there is a fluctuation in the physico-chemical characters of the water. This is due to inflow and change in the temperature as season changes.
K. C. Jagadeeshappa and Vijayakumara
Assessment of the Forest Damage by Typhoon Saomai using Remote Sensing and GIS
Saomai (August 10, 2006) was one of the most significant typhoons to hit the coast in southeast China. Quantitative assessment of forest disturbances is important for improving management strategies. This study used remote sensing techniques to investigate vegetation changes after Saomai in Changnan county. Two landsat ETM+ satellite images were acquired before and after landfall. The results showed that averaged NDVI values decreased by 17.8% after Saomai. Elevation and relative aspect present strong influence on the typhoon damage. These results provide insight into the sensitivity of coastal vegetation from the interactions of both tropical cyclones and long-term environmental conditions.
Xiaoming Wang and Benzhi Zhou
Monitoring of Water Quality and Pollution Status of Godavari River in and Around Nashik Region, Maharashtra
Rivers are currently degraded by both natural and anthropogenic activities, which deteriorate the water quality, affecting the ecological balance, pushing them to brink of extinction in the process of unplanned development, giving rise to planning for suitable conservation strategies. On this background to know the present status of sources and degree of pollution of Godavari river, the analysis was carried out in terms of physico-chemical and biological parameters like temperature, turbidity, pH, free carbon dioxide, sulphates, phosphates, chlorides, nitrates, nitrites, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, phytoplanktons, zooplanktons and metals like sodium, potassium, zinc, copper, iron and lead at five locations S1 to S5 during the year November 2008-October 2009. Based on the analysis, quality and quantity of pollution, Nashik Municipal Corporation is suggested to device strategies to arrest further pollution of Godavari river and use of river water for drinking purpose after conventional treatment and disinfection.
Resham Bhalla and B. B. Waykar
A Comparative Economic Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Manure Consumption in Agricultural Production with Special Reference to Pondicherry Union Territory
Green revolution has resulted in over application of inorganic inputs such as fertilizer and plant protection chemicals. The post green revolution period has threatened the sustainability of Indian agriculture and raised a serious concern about receding groundwater level, loss of soil fertility, low diversity of production system and increasing cost of production. In view of these concerns, the modern-day agriculture gave birth to organic farming. The present study makes a comparative economic analysis of organic farming and inorganic farming under different sizes of land holdings in Pondicherry Union Territory. Since the organic manure consumption in agriculture results in increase in agriculture production, all the farms in the study region may use organic manure which may lead to reduction in the cost of production, and the same may be disseminated to the farmers through NGOs and other extension activities.
S. Venkatasan and D. Murugan
Studies on the Impact of Arpa River Check Dams on the Microenvironment of District Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
Bilaspur city is second largest city of the Chhattisgarh state and the River Arpa is the lifeline of this district. Arpa River has its origin from the lust dense forest area of Khondari-Khongsara. In 147 kms of the river length, it contributes more than 90 kms to the forest area, including Bilaspur city and irrigated lands of this district before meeting to Seonath river. The river is having catchment area of about 2022 sq. km. During rainy season its water level raises 2-3 meters up and in summer it moves 5 meters down. The river bed is mostly sandy with thickness of about 1.5 meter and few rock exposures at some places. More than ten check dams (Khondari, Belgahana, Lachhanpur, Rapta, Torwa, Darrighat, Sherwani, Kaneri, Mangla, etc.) have been constructed on this river. Earlier these check dams were constructed to overcome the problem of irrigation and for human welfare. But due to reduction in water level of origin site since last five years its water content is decreasing day by day and these check dams have become danger for the livelihood in the area. The maximum part of rain water gets stored in these check dams and is used by the people as a result little water reaches to Bilaspur city. Deforestation around the banks of Arpa river near the Bilaspur city has increased the pollution, thereby making the environment unstable. Study reveals that the sincere efforts need to be taken to manage the various check dams on the river for successful harvesting and recycling of rain water during monsoon season so that microenvironment of the city can not be adversely affected.
S. J. A. Bhat and S. M. Geelani
Isolation of Halotolerant, Thermotolerant and Phosphate Solubilizing Species of Azotobacter from the Saline Soil
Soil salinity is a major problem in Maharashtra. Attempt is made to isolate salt-tolerant, thermotolerant, nitrogen fixing, phosphate solubilising Azotobacter spp. from the saline soil of Khodashi village in Satara district. Eight Azotobacter spp. were isolated from the saline soils. They were confirmed based on morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. They were tested for saline and thermal tolerance. The phosphate solubilizing potential of the these Azotobacter isolates was qualitatively evaluated by the formation of halos (clear zones) around the colonies growing on solid medium containing tribasic calcium phosphate as a sole phosphorus source. The results showed that phosphate solubilising, salt tolerant and thermotolerant Azotobacter spp. could be a promising source for the development of saline-alkali soil-based agriculture.
Vishwas S. Patil, Sharmishtha V. Patil, H. V. Deshmukh and G. R. Pathade
Studies on the Impact of Irrigation of Distillery Spent Wash on the Yield of Cotton (Gossipium hirsutum) and Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) Oil Seed Plants
Cultivation of Cotton and groundnut seeds was made by irrigation with distillery spent wash of different concentrations. The spent wash i.e., primary treated spent wash [PTSW] 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 spent wash were analyzed for their plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other physico-chemical characteristics. Experimental soil was tested for its chemical and physical parameters. Cotton and groundnut seeds were sown in the prepared land and irrigated with raw water (RW), 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 spent wash. The influence of spent wash irrigation on the yield of oil seed plants at maturity was investigated. It was found that the yield of oil seed plants was high in 1:3 spent wash irrigation than raw water and other dilutions.
S. Chandraju, Siddappa and C. S. Chidan Kumar
Socio-Economic Aspects of Mangroves: Potential of Biogas Production
In the present study, biogas generation from mangroves is carried out to test the potential of mangroves as a substrate for biogas digester. Initially active slurry of cowdung was added in the biogas digester to produce proper concentration of methanogenic bacteria. Then continuously the mangove powder was added daily to bring out concentration of 8% for a hydraulic retention time of 25 days. The produced gas was tested by simple burning test. The biogas contents were variable in different species of mangroves. Sonneratia alba has got highest values followed by A. marina var. acutissima and Avicennia officinalis. The waste from biogas digester is also useful to obtain good manure as it has adequate N, P, K values.
Sanjay S. Sathe and Leela J. Bhosale
Biodiversity on Seed-Borne Fungi of Pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides)
Twenty three fungal species were found associated with seeds of eight cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides). Maximum fungi were reported from seeds of var. BJ-104 and ICMS -7703. Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium moniliforme and Penicillium oxalicum were found pathogenic causing seed rot, seed discolouration and germination inhibition. Captan and Dithane M-45 proved best for bajra seed dressing.
D. N. Khairnar
Physico-Chemical Analysis of Hazardous Effluents from Different Paper Industries
Annual paper production is measure of the development of a country. Paper is made from cellulose based raw material, after their chemical and mechanical treatments. There treatment discharge waste water into the environment which is carried along the water channels like drains. The water form these drains is used by formers for irrigation purposes. If this drained water contains harmful effluents it can badly affect crops. To over come or minimize this damage present study was carried out. Various parameters were checked using standard procedure recommended by American Public Health Association and the results were compared with National Environmental Quality standards (NEQs) of Pakistan. The value of average temperature, pH, TDS and chloride was in harmony with NEQs, whereas the values of the other parameters like TSS, BOD5, COD, Copper and iron were above the NEQs limits for effluents. The violation of the parameters from NEQs suggest that it is time to take steps to check the discharge of unreacted or in-complete treatment effluents into these drains and distribution, so to ensure healthy environment for future generations.
Asif Hanif Chaudhry, Rehan ul Haq Siddiqui, Tanveer Akhtar Malik, Kazi Muhammad Ashfaq, Muhammad Shafiq, Rashid Mahmood and Ghazala Yaqub
Influence on the Overall Performance of the Mulberry Silkworm, Bombyx mori L. CSR-19 Cocoon Reared with V1 Mulberry Leaves Irrigated by Different Proportions of Spent Wash
CSR-19 silkworm reared with V1 variety of mulberry plants irrigated by raw water, 50% pretreated spent wash (PTSW) and 33% PTSW. The different parameters such as raw silk (%), filament length (m), reelability (%), denier and shell ratio were determined at the maturity of cocoons. It was found that the parameters were better in cocoon irrigated with 33% PTSW compared to 50% PTSW and raw water irrigation. This concludes that the mulberry plants irrigated with 33% PTSW are enriched with more nutrients for the potential growth of mulberry plants which results in the potential cocoons.
S. Chandraju, Girija Nagendraswamy and C. S. Chidan Kumar
Effect of Distillery Spent Wash on Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization in Red Soil
Distillery spent wash contains nutrients and organic matter used in agriculture as a source of plant nutrients and irrigation water. Carbon and nitrogen play an important role in increasing the agricultural production. A laboratory incubation experiment was carried out to study the different concentrations of distillery spent wash on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics. The treatments consisted of T1-Soil alone, T2-Spent wash @ 20 kilo L ha-1, T3- Spent wash @ 40 kilo L ha-1, T4- Spent wash @ 60 kilo L ha-1, T5- Spent wash @ 80 kilo L ha-1 and T6- Spent wash @ 100 kilo L ha-1. Among the different levels, the amounts of NH4-N, NO3-N and carbon were greater in soil that received 100 kilo L of spent wash compared to soil alone. Results shown that application of spent wash not only adds mineral N and carbon to soil, but also promotes the mineralization of soil organic C and N, thus resulting in large amounts of carbon, NH4-N and NO3-N in soil.
P. Latha, P. Thangavel, G. Rajannan and K. Arulmozhiselvan
Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis and in vitro Antibacterial Activity of Acmella Ciliata (H.B.K) Cassini and Ichnocarpus Frutescens (Linn.) R.Br. Against Two Pathogenic Bacteria
In the present work, qualitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro antibacterial activity of the different component extracts of Acmella ciliata and lchnocarpus furtescens against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were studied. Extracts were prepared in methanol and water. Antibacterial activity was compared with control and standard antibiotic ampicillin. Both the plant species exhibited antibacterial activity against the test pathogenic bacteria. However, methanolic leaf extracts of Acmella ciliata was found to have maximum number of bioactive components and highest zone of inhibition against both the test bacteria and therefore as per the present study, methanolic leaf extract of A. ciliata is indeed the potential antibacterial agent against B. subtilis and E. coli.
M. J. Daisy, A. R. Raju and M. P. Subin
Observations on the Effect of Copper on Growth Performance, Dry Matter Production and Photosynthetic Pigments of Ludwigia Perennis L.
Effects of various concentrations of copper were studied on growth performance, dry matter production and photosynthetic pigments of Ludwigia perennis L. The growth of the plant showed significant negative correlation with increase in concentration of copper. Higher concentrations of copper caused maximum reduction of shoot and root dry weight over the control plants. The reduction in dry weight of root was higher than the shoot. The photosynthetic pigments also showed reduction with increasing concentration of copper.
Sushma Jangid and S. K. Shringi
An Analysis of Ambient Air Quality and Categorization of Exceedence Factor of Pollutants in Different Locations of Assam
This paper tries to find out effect of air quality of five places in eight different locations in the state of Assam. The study is to analyse the air pollution concentration in the State. Basically, sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), suspended particulate matter (SPM) for three consecutive years 2007, 2008, 2009 were critically analysed. The annual average and Exceedence factor were also calculated in all different locations. In this study, it is observed that RSPM and SPM are high in four locations in 2007, five in 2008, and five in 2009. In critical category, we see two locations in 2007, three locations in 2008 and four locations in 2009. But, it is seen that the concentrations of SO2 and NO2 are below the prescribed limit of NAAQS of CPCB in all three consecutive years in all locations.
Abhijit Barman
Biomass and Secondary Production of Earthworm Drawida willsi (Michaelsen) from a Tropical Agroecosystem in Ranchi, Jharkhand
Biomass variation, secondary production and turn-over of the earthworm Drawida willsi (Michaelsen) was assessed from a tropical agroecosystem site at Ranchi for 18 months. The total biomass ranged between 0.88 ± 0.33 and 29.55 ± 3.15 g dry weight m-2. Secondary production of 53.37 g dry weight m-2 yr-1 was obtained which in terms of calorific value amounts to 246.57 kcal m-2 yr-1. Biomass turnover value was 4.99.
Rohit Srivastava, D. K. Gupta, A. K. Choudhary and M. P. Sinha
Experimental Study on Water Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat in Different Irrigation Methods
In order to probe dry matter accumulation, grain yield and water use efficiency of winter wheat, the study has been conducted under three irrigation treatments by the different irrigation methods. The results show that winter wheat water consumption and the ground dry matter accumulation gradually increase under the different irrigation conditions, with the increase in the number of irrigations, while yield and water use efficiency increase at first and then decrease. Under the same irrigation times, the water consumption of winter wheat in bed-planting is lower than that in flat planting, and dry matter accumulation is higher than that of flat planting. Compared with the flat planting, the water quantity of bed-planting can be saved 40%, the production can increase by 5.5% to 11.3%, and water use efficiency can increase by 0.17 to 0.40kg/m3. On the basis of the experimental results, it is suggested that the bed-planting mode in combination with considerably deficit irrigation at winter, jointing and booting stages is worth extending the application in winter wheat production.
Shun Sheng Wang, Liang Jun Fei and Chuan Chang Gao
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