Archives Issues
Volume 8, Issue No 3, Sep 2009
Allelotoxicity of Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robinson on Growth, Cytology and Biochemicals of Allium cepa L.
The paper deals with toxic effects of leaf leachate of Chromolaena odorata on Allium cepa. Leaf leachate impeded plant growth and decreased chlorophyll, protein and catalase contents. Cell division efficiency declines gradually with a concomitant distortion of the chromosomal conformity. Impaired cell division and chromatin structure seem to be the root cause of all other adverse effects. The reduction in catalase content made plants incompetent to eradicate free radicals that led their fast ageing.
Asis Kumar Nandi and Gopal Dev Mandal
Biological Decolourisation of Two Synthetic Textile Dyes and an Actual Textile Dyeing Industry Effluent by Selected Bacterial Isolates
The study was undertaken to assess the decolourisation potential of selected bacterial species on two synthetic dyes and an actual textile dyeing industry effluent. All the four bacterial species tested namely Kluyvera ascorbata, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Pasteurella sp. showed greater potential in decolourising the synthetic dyes Orange G and Direct Blue 71. The bacterial isolates were comparatively less efficient in degrading the complex effluent medium that contained the dye Reactive Black 5. Factors affecting the efficacy of bacterial degradation of textile effluents were critically analysed and discussed. The outcome of the study contributes in taking bacterial dye remediation from laboratory to field conditions.
R. Leena and D. Selva Raj
Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Agriculture in Gajwel, Andhra Pradesh, India
The hydrochemical study was undertaken to assess the chemical composition of groundwater and its suitability for agricultural purpose in Gajwel region of Andhra Pradesh. The area under investigation is a rural area and main source of occupation is only agriculture with no industries around. In order to evaluate the suitability of groundwater for agricultural purpose, the samples were collected and analysed for all major ions, and studied using the parameters, viz., % Na, SAR, Piper diagram, TDS, KI, PI, Mg Ratio, Ayers classification, etc. Different graphical methods such as Wilcox, USSL and Gibbs were also used to find out the suitability of groundwater for agricultural purpose.
K. Niranjan Kumar, S. Srinivas Reddy, K. Srinivas Varma and R. Mallikarjuna Reddy
Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Borewell Waters of Bellary Taluk, Karnataka, India
The study area was undertaken in the serial hillocks mining area of Bellary taluk located in the Bellary district, Karnataka. The important geological formations in this area were Archean granites (pink to grey), schists/phyllites and peninsular gneiss. The assessment of water quality for its suitability for agricultural and domestic purposes was carried out. The results of chemical analysis for the major ions of 40 water samples, collected from the study area of Bellary taluk, have been evaluated. The quality analysis was performed through the estimation of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulphate, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, pH, electrical conductance and total hardness. Based on the analysis, certain parameters like sodium adsorption ratio, percent sodium and magnesium ratio were calculated. The bicarbonates (68 to 630 mg/L) and total alkalinity (241 to 429 mg/L) were medium and this may be due to the presence of crystalline schists and granitic gneiss in the study area. Based on the Piper trilinear diagram, it is confirmed that the dug wells were characterized by high amount of calcium and magnesium in the mining areas. In the study area 70% of the water samples fall under mainly C2S1, C3S1 and C3S2, which were suitable for irrigation of most crops as per USSL. The remaining 30% samples falling in C3S3, C4S2, C4S3 and C4S4 were not suitable for irrigation. From SAR classification, 75% of the water samples contained carbonate hardness and only 25% contained non carbonate hardness. The presence of E.coli in only seven dug wells indicated potential and dangerous faecal contamination, which require immediate attention. Fluoride was most dominant ion responsible for contamination of the groundwater. Seven water samples of the study area were prone to excess fluoride concentration (>1.2 mg/L) and not suitable for drinking purpose. These studies indicate that the water quality of 70% of the dug wells is suitable for both domestic and irrigation purposes, where as in the 30% of the water samples, one or the other chemical constituent was found beyond WHO permissible limits. The study indicates the need for periodic monitoring of groundwater in the study area.
T. Suresh, N. M. Kottureshwara, M. Revanasiddappa and Suresh
Prediction of Groundwater Levels Using Different Artificial Neural Network Architectures for Tirupati Mandal
Performance of four types of functionally different artificial neural network (ANN) models, namely Feed forward neural network, Elman type recurrent neural network, Input delay neural network and Radial basis function network was examined in order to identify an efficient ANN architecture that can simulate the water table fluctuations using a relatively short length of groundwater level records. Due to inherent advantages, Levenberg Marquardt algorithm (trainlm) has been used in the present study. The town Tirupati, located in Chittoor district of the drought-prone Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh having resident population of over 3.0 lakhs and pilgrims of over 50,000 per day was chosen as the study area as its groundwater levels showed a rapid decline in the last decade due to overexploitation for the domestic, agricultural and industrial needs. Accurate prediction of groundwater levels will help the administrators to plan better the groundwater resources. Results show that accurate predictions can be achieved with Feed Forward Neural Network trained with training algorithm Levenberg-Marquardt with the available shorter length data.
P. Sujatha and G. N. Pradeep Kumar
Role of Self Help Groups in Watershed Management, and Envi-ronmental Sustainability: Experiences of Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency (MYRADA) in Karnataka State, India
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992, places great emphasis on the adoption of ‘participatory techniques’ to encourage full public participation in water resources management and development. Experiences of some Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) showed watershed management through Self Help Groups (SHGs). SHGs are the voluntary Organizations, which disburse micro credit to members, which facilitates them to enter into entrepreneurial activities. This enables in mobilizing people’s participation right from its conception to the implementation of project. In India, during mid 1980s SHGs were promoted by Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency (MYRADA) and this Organization has 30 years experience in accompanying SHGs. The present paper intends to study MYRADA’s experiences about watershed management and environmental sustainability, especially where SHGs are active, and the role of women’s SHGs for water resource management. The paper concludes with some of the recommendations on how SHGs can become agents for water conservation and environmental sustainability.
Farzaneh Shaikh Khatibi and Sadanand M. Yamakanamardi
Photocatalytic Degradation of Ortho-Cresol by Zinc Oxide-UV Process
The photocatalytic degradation of ortho-cresol over irradiated ZnO suspensions was investigated in aerated aqueous solution. Complete and relatively fast substrate degradation was achieved after irradiation with UV light, being the reaction rate dependent on the initial pH. The effect of various parameters such as catalyst loading, pH and initial concentration of o-cresol on degradation has been determined. The degradation was strongly enhanced in presence of electron acceptors such as H2O2, K2S2O8 and KBrO3.
R. Gladis Latha and M. Shanthi
Horizontal Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance in the Marine Environment
The discovery of horizontal dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment has focused the attention on bacteria carrying infectious drug resistance plasmids (R factors). In the present study, 10 water samples from different coastal marine environments of Mumbai were analysed. Twenty seven organisms including E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and Salmonella paratyphi B were isolated. Evaluation of the isolates for their antibiotic resistance by the disc diffusion method revealed varying patterns of resistance to the antibiotics. Plasmid encoded resistance was seen in 74% of the isolates as shown by the loss of plasmids by acridine orange curing. Organisms were further assessed for their ability to transfer the antibiotic resistance by employing sediment associated transformation and transformation in beaker microcosms using the selected representative isolates. Intergeneric transfer of resistance in the natural environment was observed among the isolates by coincubation.
Varsha K. Vaidya and Minu Ali Manzoor
A Checklist of Benthic Foraminifera of Kudankulam Coast, Gulf of Mannar
A total of 15 sediment samples were analysed for benthic foraminiferan contents from the region off Kudankulam coast, Gulf Mannar during November 2006. The study revealed 60 benthic foraminiferan species belonging to 30 genera, 21 families, 10 super families and 4 suborders. Genus Quinqueloculina was most represented by 10 species. Ammonia beccarii and A. dentata were the most abundant species found in the coast. The study has highlighted that the species diversity of foraminiferans in this coast is rich and these organisms could be used as effective environmental health indicators. The report regarding foraminiferans from this region is the first of its kind which can serve as a baseline data for any environment monitoring study in this coast in future.
R. S. Sreerag
Aegle marmelos as Effective Corrosion Pickling Inhibitor on Mild Steel in Hydrochloric Acid
In this study, the corrosion inhibition effect of aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos in 1N hydrochloric acid has been investigated by weight loss, gasometric, potentiodynamic polarization and impedance methods. The Aegle marmelos was found to be effective corrosion pickling inhibitor. The effect of immersion time revealed that the extracts of Aegle marmelos has maximum inhibition efficiency of 97.5 % in presence of an optimum concentration of 8 % v/v of the extract at 3 hours of immersion time. Similarly, in gasometric method, maximum efficiency was found to be 97.1 % in the same optimum concentration. It was confirmed by potentiodynamic polarization and impedance methods, which showed a maximum efficiency of 97.5 % and 96.6 % respectively in the concentration 8 % in v/v. Potentiodynamic polarization studies indicated that the plant extract behaves as mixed type inhibitor. The adsorption of Aegle marmelos follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The inhibition action is due to presence of the alkaloid aegeline in the leaves of Aegle marmelos. The protective film formed on the surface of the mild steel was confirmed by SEM studies.
M. Shyamala and A. Arulanantham
Environmental Monitoring of Airborne Fungal Biopollutants Over Brinjal Fields
The present investigation was undertaken to understand the incidence of different fungal biopollutants in atmosphere over brinjal field during Kharif season by operating Rotorod sampler and Petri plate exposer method. Altogether, 48 types of biopollutants were identified of which 43 belonging to fungal spore type and remaining 5 types belonging to group ‘other types’. Out of the total 43 fungal spore types, 25 belonged to Deuteromycotina, 13 to Ascomycotina, 2 to Mastigomycotina, 2 to Zygomycotina, and 1 to Basidiomycotina. Cladosporium, Alternaria, Curvularia, Aspergilli, Nigrospora and Epicoccum were the dominant spore types. From Petri plate exposer method, 431 colonies were isolated, which were assigned to 16 genera with 13 genera of Deuteromycotina (75.55%), 3 to Mycelia Sterila (14.27%), 2 to Zygomycotina (8.34%), and 1 to Ascomycotina (1.85%). The relationship among incidence of these biopollutants in the air, changes in the meteorological conditions and the results are discussed.
Prabhakar D. Kulkarni and Avinash V. Karne
Removal of Amoxicillin in Wastewater Using Adsorption by Powdered and Granular Activated Carbon and Oxidation with Hydrogen Peroxide
Antibiotics disposed into wastewater reach wastewater treatment plants and surface waters and act as micro-pollutants. As antibiotics pose various problems related to treatment and reuse, it is imperative to remove them from wastewater. In the present paper, adsorption studies have been carried out for removal of amoxicillin using powdered activated carbon (PAC) in a batch mode and granular activated carbon (GAC) in a continuous packed bed column. Removal of antibiotics has also been made using oxidation by H2O2. The techniques used for detection of antibiotics require elaborate analytical instrumentation. Being inexpensive and simple technique, monitoring of concentration during removal has been made using COD determination in the present work. It has been found that concentration of amoxicillin has a straight line relationship with COD. Batch adsorption using PAC shows that a maximum of 70% removal can be obtained for a 200 mg/L solution of amoxicillin using a dose of 600 mg/L of PAC. Maximum removal of 60% was obtained for a concentration of 200 mg/L of amoxicillin with a constant dose of 500 mg/L of PAC. In continuous packed bed adsorption using GAC, 90% COD removal was obtained at saturation. A maximum removal of 80% is obtained at a concentration of 200 mg/L of amoxicillin and 24.2% at 1000 mg/L through GAC column. Furthermore, oxidation removes a maximum of 90% COD using a dose 441 mM/L of H2O2 (30% w/v). Removal of COD increases from 10% to 60% on increasing dose of H2O2 from 44 mM/L to 220 mM/L. Considering removal efficiency, both oxidation and adsorption techniques have their advantages and limitations. Nevertheless, adsorption using activated carbon and oxidation using H2O2 provide simple and satisfactory methods to remove antibiotics from wastewater.
Prateek Pachauri, Rajendra Falwariya, Sangeeta Vyas, Monika Maheshwari, Raj K. Vyas, and A. B. Gupta
Studies on Biomethanation Potential of Liquid Composite Waste from Corn Glucose Factory
The present work was undertaken to study the biomethanation potential of liquid composite waste from a corn glucose factory. One litre capacity biogas digesters were used for testing of biomethanation potential of the waste. It was found from the results that satisfactory amount of biogas is produced at optimum retention time of 25 days, at pH 7.5 and at 38°C ambient temperature. Scale-up studies on biomethanation of the waste in 5 L, 25 L and 125 L biogas digesters showed that the percent methane content of the biogas gradually increases. The biomethanation of liquid composite waste of glucose factory was found to be effective and capable to reduce organic load of the waste effectively than aerobic treatment process currently existing at the factory site.
A. K. Salunkhe and A. M. Deshmukh
Assessment of Water Quality in Madiwala Lake, Bangalore in Relation to Faecal Contamination
Tanks in and around urban areas of Bangalore receive considerable amount of sewage, which has caused a severe and persistent microbial pollution. The main objective of this study was to measure level of faecal contamination in Madiwala lake using different techniques of E. coli estimation. Results show that the golden green colonies of coliforms with metallic sheen showed a luxuriant growth at 35°C with M-Endo Agar (M1106) at incubation time of 24-48 hrs. The growth of both E. coli and Enterobacter aerogens using M-Endo Agar plate was also luxuriant at 35°C temperature. But E. aerogens colonies were pink and mucoid while that of E. coli varied from pink to rose-red with metallic sheen. The confirmatory test using Agar M-392 confirmed the presence of Enterococcus fecalis in yellow colour colonies at luxuriant growth of 35°C temperature. The presumptive test results of different volumes of the lake samples after 24 and 48 hours using lauryl tryptose broth indicated significant colour change, gas production, and turbidity. Confirmed results showed gas production in brilliant green using lactose bile broth at 37°C in 48 hrs. The completed result with EMB agar inoculated with positively confirmed test tube incubated at for 24 hrs at 35°C showed greenish metallic sheen colonies while the coliform colonies inoculated on Nutrient Agar slant and a broth tube incubated for 48 hrs at 35°C showed growth as observed on slant with gas production in the broth tube. Moreover, Gram staining results showed Gram negative with sporing rods in the tested samples. The MPN Index of the lake sample was found to be 38/100mL. Water is generally considered safe for drinking if it contains fewer than 4 coliforms/100 mL. It is also considered safe if it contains less than 2 Enterococcus bacteria colonies/100mL of a sample. These observations indicate that environmental status of Madiwala lake with respect to microbial pollution is continuing to deteriorate.
B. Anupama, Aboud S. Jumbe and N. Nandini
Use of Waste and By-products as Fine Aggregate in Concrete
Progress in concrete technology should necessarily take into account the widespread need for conserving resources and environment and for proper utilization of energy. Consequently, it can be expected that there will be major emphasis on the use of wastes and by-products in cement and concrete technology. Efforts will also be directed to use recycled materials such as quarry dust, marble powder and fly ash. The advancement of concrete technology can reduce the consumption of natural resources and energy sources and lessen the burden of pollutants on the environment. First, the physical and chemical properties of the waste were analysed. The strength development for various percentages of replacement of fine aggregate with quarry dust, marble powder and fly ash were compared to the strength development of normal concrete at various ages. Consequently, these contribute to improve the strength of concrete slump and air content of fresh concrete and absorption, compressive strength and flexural strength of hardened concrete were also investigated.
M. Shahul Hameed and A. S. S. Sekar
Seasonal Variations in Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Four Aquatic Ecosystems in Gadhinglaj Tahsil of Maharashtra
Water pollution is becoming a severe problem due to various anthropogenic activities in an around the water reservoirs. In the present study four different water reservoirs, Mumewadi, Gijawane, Nool and Mahagaon were studied for their physico-chemical and biological status. This piece of work will remain helpful for proper monitoring and maintenance of these ecosystems. Out of the four studied ecosystems, two show increased pollution level due to various activities taking place in and around the water bodies.
R. S. Sawant and A. B. Telave
Studies on Plant Extracts as Insecticides Against White Flies Bemisia Tabaci (Gen.) on Tomato to Protect Environmental Pollution
residual hazards are created. In organic farming plant extracts are traditionally applied for control of insect pests. The present investigation deals with aqueous extract of ten different plant species available in and around agricultural fields which were screened for their insecticidal activity against Bemisia tabaci on tomato plants. The results showed that leaf extract of Argimone mexicana, Lantana camera and Azadirachta indica were able to significantly control Bemisia tabaci than the chemical insecticides.
Bhimarao J. Patil
Level of Air Contaminants in Tiruchirappalli City in Central Tamil Nadu, India
Contribution of automobiles to air pollution is reported in the range of 40 to 80% of the total air pollution. The challenge facing cities is how to reduce the adverse environmental impacts and other negative effects of transportation without giving up the benefits of mobility. The dilemma becomes most pressing under conditions of rapid urban growth, which is likely to increase travel demand significantly. The growing number of automobiles in urban Tiruchirappalli poses a serious threat to its air environment. Ambient air quality in the city was monitored for concentration of SPM, SO2 and NOx at different traffic areas namely Central bus stand, Chattram bus stand, Puthur, Palakarai, Srirangam, Main guard gate, TVS toll gate and Old Paalpanne Circle.
Sirajuddin M. Horaginamani and M. Ravichandran
Scope and Potential of Bio-Diesel Production and Pollution Reduction-A Case Study of Sugar Industry
To carry sugarcane Sonhira Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd. Kadegaon, Maharashtra utilized 7,42,809 litres of diesel. This emits 6685.4 kg of CO2, 24531.22 kg of NOx, 4459.94 kg of SO2, 14856.48 kg hydrocarbon and aldehydes, 4531.22 kg of organic carbon and 11,855.20 kg of particulate matter as air pollutants in environment. The sugar factory will have big scope for bio-diesel production. If 50% land of the total cultivable land is allocated for Jatropha cultivation, it will produce 3,71,404.5 litres bio-diesel. This paper highlights the scope and potential of bio-diesel for reducing air pollutants during sugarcane transportation.
Amar M. Dhere, Chandrashekhar B. Pawar and Dhanraj A. Patil
Pollutional Effect of a Pesticide Bayrusil on Bimodal Oxygen Consumption in an Air Breathing Fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch.)
In the present investigation an attempt has been made to assess bimodal oxygen consumption in an air-breathing fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch.) under bayrusil (Quinalphos) exposure. The treatment of the fish with bayrusil brought significant decrease in total oxygen uptake as compared to the control but oxygen consumption through aerial route increased significantly in bayrusil treated fish. The increased dependency on aerial respiration might be due to avoidance of fish with the aquatic medium containing the toxicant.
Vijaya Lakshmi and Md. Noor Alam
Phytoplankton Studies in Relation to Physico-Chemical Environment of Some Lakes Around Tumkur City, Karnataka, India
Phytoplankton density and diversity in relation to water quality parameters like temperature, pH, DO, alkalinity and nutrients of seven lakes situated around Tumkur were assessed between the period March and November of 2008. The water samples were collected monthly and analysed for their physico-chemical characteristics. The seasonal variation of phytoplankton density and diversity were monitored and diversity indices calculated. A maximum of 26 species belonging to 18 genera of algae were observed in the samples of April 2008. The density of phytoplankton in all the water bodies was found to be maximum during summer (April), and minimum during monsoon (August), but the diversity was maximum in November. Chlorophyceae was dominant in all the selected water bodies. The Microcystis, noticed in water samples of Honnudike and Hebbur lakes, reveals moderate pollution of the lakes. There was a decreasing trend of phytoplankton population from May to August, after which it increased till November. The diversity indices of phytoplankton ranged from 1.32 to 3.34 in the month of April 2008.
C. Vijaya Bhaskar, S.A.G. Mansour and G. Nagendrappa
Investigation on People’s Knowledge, Attitude and Operation of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Sanandaj City, Iran
One of the most important environmental and healthy aspects is producing the kind of solid wastes, especially garbage, which due to its high volume, decay ability, and social and economical problems has a special site. Due to deficiency of the solid waste disposal facility, pollution and solid waste-borne diseases have been caused despite developing of solid waste management. Since producing stage has a basic role in solid waste management, we should not forget the producer site. Based on this, it was decided to carry out this research in the form of survey by questionnaire, which was completed by samples of the community. The conclusions of the research showed that 23 percent had good knowledge, 49 percent medium knowledge, and remaining had weak knowledge. In attitude questions, it was found that 36 percent people had good attitude, while the medium and weak attitude of was 54 percent and 10 percent respectively. But in operation part, only 4 percent had good operation knowledge, while the medium and weak operation knowledge was 22 percent and 74 percent respectively. Based on the above, it was figured out that the majority of Sanandajian had good attitude but weak knowledge and operation, which were not compatible. Therefore, it is suggested that the knowledge and operation levels of the community can be increased by good educational programmes by related organs and by the media.
B. Shahmoradi and Seyed Morteza Mousavi Rad
Morphometric Characteristics of Nandiyar River Basin, Tamil Nadu, India
Nandiyar river basin, located in the central Tamil Nadu plains, was subjected to dimensional analysis. Initially, through correlation matrix, the interrelationship between the various morphometric variables of the basin was found out. Using factor analysis, the individual morphometric parameters were grouped into a small number of factors and through the analysis of the factor scores, the sub basins of the Nandiyar river were studied to find out the existing relation between the factors and the sub basins. In addition, remedial measures have been suggested for the various environmental problems of the Nandiyar basin.
D. Ramesh, D. Kumaran Raju and R. Jaganathan
Water Quality Index of River Bhavani at Erode Region, Tamil Nadu, India
Bhavani is one of the important rivers in Tamil Nadu. Many industries, particularly textile processing units, tanneries, sugar factories and distillery units, are situated on the banks of Bhavani river. These industries let out untreated and partially treated effluents into the river stream. It is, therefore, decided to study the quality of water and to estimate its pollutional load in the River Bhavani. Samples of water were collected at selected points and physcio-chemical and biological examinations were carried out. A simple, comprehensive water quality index system, devised by NSF of USA and an alternative method adopted, were applied and the water quality assessed at every point. It was observed that at the start of monsoon season the water quality in the Bhavani river was good, but showed a progressive decline from its origin to further distances as it passes through human settlements and industrial areas.
A. R. K. Kulandaivel, P. E. Kumar, V. Perumal and P. N. Magudeswaran
GIS Based Morphometric Analysis of a Microwatershed at Varaganadhi Basin, South Tamil Nadu, India
The geomorphologic conditions are essential pre-requisites in understanding the water bearing characteristics of hard rocks. Hence, in the present paper efforts have been made to identify the spatial distributed nature of the Varaganadhi watershed using Geographical Information System (GIS). GIS has also been used to describe the various thematic layers such as physiography, landuse/landcover, geomorphology, soil, etc. The morphological parameters such as stream order, stream length, bifurcation ratio, form factor, circulatory ratio, elongation ratio, drainage density, drainage frequency, ruggedness number, etc. were computed. Thematic maps pertaining to landuse/cover, geology, and geomorphology were colleted from PWD of Periyakulam, Theni, Tamilnadu. These maps were scanned and the images were georeferenced in Geomedia software and the basic morphometric parameters were calculated. Integration of base maps and morphometric parameters with geoprofessional techniques, has led into the delineation of the areas suitable for adapting soil and water conservation measures. In addition, usage of GIS in watershed management studies can help the planners in carrying out various watershed developmental activities like construction of culverts, design of spillways of small dams, construction of flood protection levees and agriculture, etc.
P. Yogeswari, A. S. S. Sekar and N. Mahendiran
Evaluation of Dissolved Oxygen and Biochemical Oxygen Demand in Ex Situ Ganesh Idol Immersion
In order to quantify the effect of religious activity in water pollution, an ex situ study for Ganesh idol immersion has been carried out and dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were evaluated. The results showed an adverse impact on the water quality of the micro-environment of the idol immersion. The present investigation highlights the importance of analysis of the samples from water columns in the micro-environment of the idols after immersion and not the surface waters where the echelon of the effect gets diluted.
Priti Jadhav and Meena Dongare
Feasibility of Coal Fly Ash in Soil Amelioration: An Overview
Fly ash is a noncombustible inorganic part of coal which is generated as a byproduct during coal combustion process in thermal power plants. Utilization of fly ash is important as it poses serious disposal and environmental problems. Fly ash, being rich in various essential and nonessential elements, it can be used in amending soils as a potential resource for agricultural activities. The present paper overviews the feasibility of fly ash in amelioration of soils for physico-chemical properties.
Sameer Kant Shrivastava, S. V. K. Prasad* and V. K. Kanungo
Studies on Phytoplankton-Zooplankton Relationship in Some Lentic Water Bodies of East Champaran, Bihar
Champaran district of north Bihar bestows a wide range of wetlands together with intricate net of rivers. These all and its geographical location has given unique climatic condition to this district. Phytoplankton and zooplankton relationship in four freshwater bodies of the area, viz., Turkaulia lake, Motijheel lake, Kararia lake and Suraha lake has been studied. Rotifers were dominating over the other zooplankton. It was observed that zooplankton and phytoplankton are somehow related. In addition, some physical and chemical factors may also play an important role in maintaining such relationship, which may influence their growth.
Seema Prasad, Goutam Ranjan, R. B. Singh and N. P. Singh
Iron and Manganese Contents in Godavari River Water at Nanded, Maharashtra
The study describes assessment of iron and manganese in surface waters of Godavari river. The results were compared with the standard permissible limits of WHO, ISI, ICMR (i.e., 0.3 mg/L and 0.1mg/L respectively) and it was found that the concentration of Fe and Mn was below the permissible limits. On an average, the highest concentration of iron and manganese was present in March and lowest in October.
Shaikh Parveen Rajjak
Observations and Analysis of the Gut Contents of Six Species of Edible Fishes of Motijheel Lake, Motihari, Bihar
Observations on the gut contents of six species of edible fishes of Motijheel, Motihari were made at different intervals from January 2005 to December 2006. The results show that fishes feed on a particular type of food available in different zones of the water body. On the basis of food nature, the studied fishes may be grouped as herbivorous, carnivorous and omnivorous. Similarly, on the basis of feeding habits some fishes are found to be surface feeder, some mid feeder, and others as bottom feeder. In the present study special emphasis has been given on the nature of food contents examined in the gut of the studied fishes.
Goutam Ranjan, Pramod Kumar Kushwaha and Lal Babu Prasad Yadav
Identification of Air Pollution Tolerant Tree Species for the Industrial City, Tirupur, Tamil Nadu
To find out the response of certain locally available tree species to air pollution in the industrial city Tirupur, the plants have been studied by pooling the characters such as chlorophyll, moisture and ascorbic contents of leaves and pH of leaf extract. Of the 35 species analysed, 7 species viz., Aegle marmelos, Azadirachta indica, Ficus benghalensis, F. religosa, Holopetea integrifolia, Pongamia pinnata and Tamarindus indica registered higher APTI (Air Pollution Tolerance Index) values. The plantation of such species in polluted areas is suggested to reduce the effect of air pollution in Tirupur city.
S. Paulsamy and P. Senthilkumar
Impact of Sethu Samudram Ship Canal Project on Marine Traffic - An Artificial Neural Network Modelling
This paper serves as an introduction to artificial neural network ANN with emphasis on their application in Transportation Engineering. It presents a brief description of ANN, the underlaying concept and mathematical aspects and the role of ANN relative to other modelling approaches in transportation. Some popular ANN architecture and algorithms, and the merits and shortcomings of this methodology are discussed. The artificial neural network in this paper has demonstrated its usefulness and accuracy in predicting the traffic of Tuticorin port, which is going to gets maximum benefits due to the implementation of Sethu Samudram Ship Canal Project. The variation between the measured values and predicted values of traffic is very less, thus, proving that the artificial neural network has correctly predicted the traffic of Tuticorin port.
T. R. Sethuraman and R. Murugesan
Development of Road Transport Fuel Consumption Model for Jaipur City - A Case Study
The object of this study is to develop an empirical, mathematical energy consumption equation for the estimation of energy consumption at two highly busy commercial corridors of Jaipur city. This equation incorporates traffic volume, average traffic speed, passenger loading, length of roads and type of fuel used under heterogeneous traffic flow conditions. Monitoring and modelling were carried out at both of the selected locations. Further, a comparative study was also done by introducing a new theoretical concept of Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in the study. It was found that 80-90% fuel consumption can be reduced, replacing personalized vehicles by BRTS.
Sheetal Agarwal and B. L. Swami
Effect of Pesticides on Aquatic and Aerial Oxygen Consumption in an Air Breathing Murrel Fish, Channa gachua
The present paper deals with the effect of three pesticides namely Metacid-50 (Organophosphate), Dithane M-45 (Carbamate) and Kelthane (Organochlorine) on changes in dual mode of oxygen consumption of an air breathing murrel fish, Channa gachua. The mean values of aquatic, aerial and total oxygen uptake of control group of fish (40.0 ± 1.5g) were recorded as 52.44, 61.56 and 114.0 mL/kg/h respectively. This group of fish obtained 46% and 54% oxygen respectively from aquatic and aerial route. Exposure of fish to the pesticides brought significant decrease in aquatic as well as total oxygen uptake, while it increases in oxygen consumption through aerial route as compared to control. It is due to action of pesticides on acetylcholinesterase enzyme, respiratory muscles paralysis and respiratory failure causing finally death.
Qaisur Rahman and D. N. Sadhu
Impact of Distillery Spentwash Irrigation on Yield of Some Root Vegetables
Cultivation of some root vegetables was made by irrigation with distillery spentwash of different dilutions. The primarily treated spentwash (PTSW) of 50% and 33% dilutions was analysed for its plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other physical and chemical parameters. Experimental soil was tested for its chemical and physical properties. Seeds of root vegetables were sown in the prepared land and irrigated with raw water (RW), and 50% and 33% spentwash. The impact of spentwash on the yield of root vegetables at their maturity periods was investigated. It was noticed that the yield of all the vegetables was maximum in the case of 33%, moderate in 50% spentwash and minimum in raw water irrigation.
C. S. Chidankumar and S. Chandraju
Heavy Metal Status of Soils in Industrial Belts of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu
A study was conducted to investigate the heavy metal contamination of soils in the vicinity of industries in and around Coimbatore city of Tamil Nadu. Categorically the soils were collected from electroplating, textiles, casting, foundry and sewage water irrigated fields. The concentration of total Cd , Cu , Mn , Fe , Pb , Ni, Cr, Zn ranged from 0.3-4.6, 18.4-404.2, 28.1-2514.72, 2064.83-8577.14, 7-170, 3.0-157.0, 3.3-593.99, 14.56-651.82 mg/kg respectively. The total metal content was high in soils of electroplating industries. In all the industries, Cd was found above the background metal levels. The total Ni concentration was very high in sewage water irrigated fields followed by electroplating industries. Most of the metals in contaminated soils were in the value of maximum tolerable level in the vicinity of industrial sites of Coimbatore city.
T. Sherene
Assessment of Tree Volume and Growing Stock in Kharagpur Forest Range of Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar - An Integrated Geospatial Approach
Planners and policy makers need information about availability of wood from important tree species growing inside and outside forest areas. In recent years, satellite remote sensing has emerged as one of the powerful technologies for generation of spatial information due to repetitive, synoptic view, availability of data in inaccessible areas, and digital nature of data. In the present study, IRS LISS-III satellite data of November 2006 has been digitally interpreted and forests have been classified into different forest types on the basis of density classes. With the help of GIS, different layers have been digitized and maps were produced. Using general volume equations and specific gravity of different species from FSI publications, the volume per hectare and growing stock per hectare of individual forest cover types for the whole forest area were estimated. The study revealed that pure Sal forest has maximum volume content followed by bamboo-mixed forests, Sal-mixed and miscellaneous forests. This is probably first attempt for detailed survey of remote and inhospitable areas of Kharagpur forest range of Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar, which has accessed detailed ground truth collection for tree volume mapping and growing stock estimation.
Laxmi Kant Sharma, M. S. Nathawat and Meenakshi Mishra
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