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Effect of Turfgrass Establishment on Soil Microbiota Using Illumina Sequencing

Soil bacteria and fungi play key roles in ecosystem functioning and the maintenance of soil fertility. Many studies have been carried out to assess the effects of plant on microorganism communities in different environments. However, little is known about whether turfgrass establishment affects soil microbial community. Therefore, in the present study, the microbial diversity in turfgrass soil and vacant land soil were studied by high-throughput sequencing technique, and the corresponding analysis of microbial composition were conducted. The results showed that the bacteria and fungi in the soil of turfgrass are richer than that of vacant land. The difference of soil microbial community at the genera level is more significant than that at phylum level. Among bacteria, a total of one dominant genus and 91 non-dominant genera were shared by the two samples. Five dominant genera and 66 non-dominant genera were present only in sample CP4 (turfgrass soil), and 13 dominant genera and 17 non-dominant genera only in sample CP0 (vacant land). Among fungi, a total of 5 dominant genera and 71 non-dominant genera were shared by the two samples, 8 dominant genera and 23 non-dominant genera were present only in sample CP4, and 6 dominant genera and 20 non-dominant genera only in sample CP0. The results also indicated that both dominant and non-dominant microbial populations differed greatly in the two samples, as did the overall soil microbial community structure. This study provides previously unknown information regarding the impact of turfgrass establishment on soil microbial communities and also lays a foundation for further investigations into microbiota in turfgrass soil.

Weibing Zhang, Zhongmin Zhang, Yue Wang, Duiyuan Ai, Pengchen Wen, Yan Zhu, Lei Cao and Tuo Yao

Efficacy of an Integrated System Incorporated with Eichhornia crassipes in Phytoremediation of Calcium from Inland Saline Water

In the present study, free floating plant Eichhornia crassipes was used for the phytoremediation of calcium from inland saline water by using water having salinity of 2.5, 5 and 7.5 ppt for one week each. Water samples were collected on 0th, 4th and 6th day and plant sample was at end of the experiment for calcium estimation and for other water quality parameters i.e., total hardness (TH), total alkalinity (TA), dissolved oxygen (DO), carbon dioxide (CO2), potassium (K) and pH on 0th and 6th day of the experiment. There was a significant difference in the calcium uptake (P<0.05) by the plants compared to the 0th day samples. The higher percentage removal of calcium was noted at 2.5 ppt salinity (47.7%) followed by 5 and 7.5 ppt salinity (36.04 and 23.13%) respectively. There was significant improvement in the water quality characteristics. In first cycle at 2.5 ppt salinity, the initial concentration of TH, TA, K and CO2 was 833.33, 166.66, 2.7 and 2.6 mg.L-¹ which decreased to 813.33, 144.66, 1.7 and 0 mg.L-¹ respectively, at the end of experiment. Similarly, there was a decrease in the concentration of pH noted from 8.5 to 8.2. An increase was obtained in the concentration of DO i.e., from 6.3 to 7.1 mg.L-¹. The trend of decreasing was observed for other cycles also. The used integrated system (sand filter + charcoal filter + coconut coir bed filter incorporated with E. crassipes) was efficient for calcium removal and higher percentage removal was obtained at 2.5 ppt salinity followed by 5 and 7.7 ppt. At 2.5 ppt, higher percentage removal was obtained in second cycle i.e. 47.7% compared to first and third cycle i.e. 45 and 46.22% respectively. Similar trend of percentage removal was obtained at 5 and 7.5 ppt i.e., 36.04 and 23.13% respectively than other two cycles. The overall results suggest that finding of this study will serve as a baseline for treatment of inland saline water to make it useful for various agricultural and aquaculture applications.

K. R. Om Pravesh, V. S. Bharti, A. Vennila, S. P. Shukla, V. Harikrishna, Y. Gladston and R. Aravind

Enhanced Effluent Quality of Ceramic Membrane Ultrafiltration Combined with UV/TiO2 Photocatalysis

To decrease ratio of the organic compounds in permeate water during micro-polluted surface water ultrafiltration process, UV/TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation was employed as ceramic membrane ultrafiltration (CMU) pretreatment by elevation of the level of effluent quality. Initially, the catalytic activity between new and recycled TiO2 was estimated by the degradation of CODMn. The data illustrate that the photocatalytic efficiency exhibits no crucial distinction of activity between unused and used titanium dioxide after decomposition. Secondarily, the decomposition of organic matter was explored through UV/TiO2-CMU cycling test. The results illuminate that the concentration of CODMn during the UV/TiO2-CMU coupling technology is higher than the CMU technique. Conversely, the proportion of UV254 in the yield of UV/TiO2-CMU is lower than CMU. This phenomenon is ascribed to the low molecular weight organic matter, which is formed from macromolecule organic matter under incomplete photocatalytic dissociation. This micromolecule substance can easily penetrate membrane pores incurring the rising of CODMn in UV/TiO2-CMU hybrid system. Concurrently, this intermediate product is insensitive to ultraviolet light, diminishing the content of UV254. Subsequently, parameters such as the reflux ratio, concentration of TiO2, aeration rate, transmembrane pressure, and crossflow velocity that affected water quality in the hybrid process were investigated by single-factor experiments. Meanwhile, the main variables were optimized by orthogonal methodology using the removal of CODMn as the response value. Optimal outcomes are attained at a reflux ratio of 85%, 0.5 g/L additional TiO2, an aeration rate of 5 L/min, a transmembrane pressure of 0.05 MPa, and a crossflow velocity of 1.0 m/s.

Zhou Zhen, Yao Jilun, Zhang Xing, Ding Zhaoxia and Zuo Meimei

Distribution Characteristics of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil Under Recycling Mode of Direct Straw Manuring

A large number of straw resources are inefficiently used in China. Direct straw manuring is the most common method for efficiently utilizing these resources. The migration of nutrients and the transfer of hazardous elements such as heavy metals during the cycle, endanger the growth of crops, thereby decreasing food production and adversely affecting human health through the food chains. The mechanism of heavy metal-polluted soil under the recycling mode of direct straw manuring is analysed to determine its distribution characteristics. The concentration distribution characteristics of heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Cd and As in the soil are identified through experiments. Empirical study shows that the contents of the four heavy metals in the soil of the wheat-maize rotating farmland under direct straw manuring mode do not exceed the values listed in the Environmental Quality Standards for Soils (GB15618-1995). The contents of Cr and Cd in the roots of wheat and maize are significantly higher than those in the soil, suggesting the accumulation of these metals in the roots, while those of Pb and As do not have this phenomenon. The contents of the heavy metals in the roots, stems, leaves and seeds of the crops decrease in order. The pollution of the heavy metals including Pb, Cr, Cd, As under the direct straw manuring is explored, and their migration rules in the farmland ecosystem are systematically explored. The results provide a basis for regulating and blocking heavy metals, preventing heavy metal pollution and safeguarding food safety.

Leiming Fu, Chunxia He and Yifei Chen

Temporal Variations of Ambient Air Pollutants around Urea Fertilizer Plant in India during 2013-2015

Monitoring of ambient air quality parameters (PM10, PM2.5 and NH3) levels in the vicinity of a urea fertilizer plant located at Aonla, (U.P.) India, was carried out using the respirable dust sampler. The specific objectives were the determination of temporal variability of levels of ambient air pollutants and their relationship with the fertilizer plant emissions. Samples were collected for 3 consecutive years (2013-2015) from 5 different locations in the industrial area and the quantity of pollutants in the sample were experimentally analysed using the National Ambient Air Quality Standards recognized procedure, in an environmental management lab recognized by UP Pollution Control Board. The results showed a marked seasonal trend and temporal variability of pollutant levels in the study area that were higher in winter and lower in summer, while in rainy period levels were far less than other seasons. Annual mean PM10, PM2.5 and NH3 concentrations were found to be 30.574 µg/m3, 8.109 µg/m3, 22.024 µg/m3 for year 2013, 30.046 µg/m3, 8.129 µg/m3, 22.220 µg/m3 for year 2014 and 30.324 µg/m3, 8.361 µg/m3, 23.254 µg/m3 for year 2015 respectively. The concentration in the study region was jointly influenced by anthropogenic emission and regional natural processes, especially dust events and precipitation. The 24-hr values for PM10, PM2.5 and NH3 in all the years from 2013 to 2015 were found to be lower than the prescribed limits of National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which prove the efficiency of the existing pollution control systems being implemented in the plant premises and the scope for new technology which could help in further lowering the emissions.

Priyanka Agarwal and Uma Melkania

Acclimatization of Potent Fungal Strains for the Degradation of Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste

Solid waste of each municipal corporation is diversified in nature and highly dependent on the type of area from where it has been collected. There are many options for handling and disposing off these wastes. Composting is a natural biological process in which degradable part of waste is transformed into a stable material with excellent characteristics for application on soils. This makes the recycling of organic waste as soil amendments, a useful alternative to incineration, landfill or rubbish dumps. For sustainable development of potent fungal strains, they require critical adaptation by acclimatization process through semicontinuously maintained shake flask technique. During the experiment, the fungal strains were exposed to periodic simultaneous acceleration in quantitative content of individual selected nutrient as a substrate. The acclimatization program was conducted for the development of potent fungal strains which were characterized for ecofriendly, sustainable and efficient composting process.

K. R. Atalia, D. M. Buha, N. K. Shah, W. Y. Baagwala and K. A. Bhavsar

Prioritizing Environmental and Transportation indicators in Global Smart Cities: Key Takeaway from Select Cities Across the Globe

Over 53.85% of the world population lives in urban areas, which is expected to reach 66% by 2050. Cities being predominant centers of human settlement and activity, are a major driver of economic growth. Thus, the development of citizen friendly, economically viable and sustainable cities gain immediate importance. City transportation is considered a key pillar of quality of life for citizens in a city and today a smart, safer and faster transportation seems inevitable to steer towards enhancing the performance of city services and quality of life. However, without a safe mobility, “smartness” in city transportation is bound to remain a distant dream. The findings of the study indicate that air pollution in terms of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) is found to be a significant factor related to transportation related fatalities in select cities across the globe aiming to become smart cities. Out of these, PM10 is found to be of major importance. Incidentally, contrary to the popular belief, the usage of public transportation is not found to be a significant factor in determining transportation related fatalities. These insights also act as a key take-away and a replicable model for other cities across the globe aiming for becoming smart cities. This is particularly important in view of the “Smart City Mission” recently launched by the Hon. Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Damodardas Modi aiming at developing/transforming 100 cities as smart urban settlements in India.

Neeraj Sharma and Rajat Agrawal

Study on Geographic Distribution of Fall Webworm Based on Maximum Entropy Model

Fall webworm, is a quarantine pest, which has caused damage to agricultural and forestry production in China. In this paper, based on the use of maximum entropy method (MaxEnt), we constructed the geographic distribution prediction model of fall webworm. The results show that the accuracy of the prediction model is very high (AUC=0.921), and the distribution is mainly influenced by precipitation of warmest quarter (24.5%), altitude (24.4%), mean temperature of coldest quarter (20.5%), standard deviation of temperature seasonality (9.2%) and temperature annual range (3.7%). The current suitable areas of fall webworm in China are concentrated in the southern northeast China, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and most parts of north China Plain. The common natural characteristics of these areas are: rain heat over the same period, higher relative humidity and no extreme low temperature. In the context of 3 representative concentration pathways (RCPs), the geographic distributions of fall webworm in 2050 share the same variation tendency, though the variation degree differs. There is a tendency of expansion towards the north, with distribution areas in parts of the northeast plain, parts of the Sichuan basin and the north China Plain. The results are conducive to a comprehensive understanding of the current and future distributions of fall webworm, and have theoretical significance for investigating and implementing scientific control tactics for the insect pest of fall webworm.

Siyu Pan and Xiyou Su

Positive Effects of Environmental Management Input on Environmental Pollution and Treatment Measures Taking Shandong Province in China as an Example

Economic development characterized by high consumption, high input and high pollution has aggravated the global environmental pollution. Insufficient input in environmental management has become an important factor that restricts the improvement of environmental pollution. In this study, the current environmental pollution in Shandong province of China is analysed using the provincial environmental panel data of the province from 2005 to 2015. Moreover, the random-effect variable coefficient model is adopted to measure the effect of environmental management input on the improvement of the environmental pollution in Shandong province. Results indicate that the environmental pollution in Shandong province is characterized by the increasingly serious air pollution, the intensification of water pollution and huge amount of urban waste. Improvement resulting from environmental management input on the environmental pollution is quite obvious in the cities of Weihai, Rizhao, Qingdao and Jinan, contrary to the negligible effect observed in Dezhou, Liaocheng and Heze. Policy proposals are presented from the aspects of optimizing economic and industrial structure, increasing environmental input, improving the mechanism for the participation in environmental investment, and the formulating environmental protection legal system, so as to improve the environmental pollution in Shandong province. This paper may be used as reference in the analysis of the relationship between environmental input and environmental pollution, evaluation of environmental input performance, and formulation of scientific approaches for environmental protection and development policies by government departments.

Peibiao Liu

Predicting theDistribution of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) in the Coastal Area of Oman Sea

The increasingly growing world population and the contamination of rivers and coasts due to human activities have given rise to serious problems in the marine habitats. One of the most recent and challenging issues involves harmful algal blooms also known as red tides. The algal blooms have geographically spread in the entire coastal areas of the world, and the Iranian southern coast is no exception. However, any potential damage in coastal areas can be prevented by accurately predicting the dispersion and advection of the blooming species. This study intended to examine the dispersion and advection of harmful algal cells through hydrodynamic modules MIKE 3-FM and ECO Lab, which simulated the hydrodynamics and quality of water, as well as the distribution of chlorophyll-a across the southeast coast of Iran. After calibration of the model, the results of simulation were adequately consistent with the measured data on variations of chlorophyll-a, i.e. the cause of algal bloom. In fact, the modelling was successful in simulation of currents across the Gulf of Oman in hydrodynamic and quality terms. The dispersion of Cochlodinium polykrikoides was first observed at mid-April 2009 in the nearest station to the Strait of Hormuz. The bloom spreads toward eastern stations of Chabahar in mid-May and then persisted for two months. The results were consistent with those obtained through software modelling on the dispersion of chlorophyll-a, the major cause of algal bloom. Given that the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf are linked, the total tidal currents across the region were modelled. The results indicated that tidal currents tend to be stronger in the Persian Gulf than the Oman Sea. Additionally, the tidal range widens in the Persian Gulf, which can be associated with the lower depth of the Persian Gulf and its semi-enclosed environment. Given the results and the great eutrophication potential in southern coastal areas of Iran due to the disposal of municipal and industrial wastewater, the phytoplankton are expected to further disperse and concentrate, thus leading to greater algal bloom in the region. The validated model in this study can be employed to provide on-time warning and prevent any adverse social and economic consequences.

Abdolreza Karbassi, Elmira Mahin Abdollahzadeh, Gilan Attaran-Fariman, Mehrdad Nazariha and Mahnaz Mazaheri-Assadi

Effect of Foliar Ferrous Sulphate Application on Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Leaf Fe Content, Photosynthetic Capacity and Yield

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a vitally important forage crop. Due to its perennial characteristics, a gradual decline of soil nutrients (especially micronutrients) leads to a reduction of grass quality. Numerous studies have reported a direct relationship between ferrite levels and physiological function of plants. The present study investigates the impact of ferrite levels on alfalfa and tests five ferrous sulphate concentrations and three spraying frequencies. To investigate the influence of iron on alfalfa photosynthesis and iron uptake, we measured photosynthetic capacity and hay yield of alfalfa on iron deficient soil. We furthermore investigated the effects of iron on alfalfa yield and explored its mechanism of action. The results revealed that the wiron fertilizer sprayed at the appropriate concentration (0.6%-0.8%) increased the Fv/Fm and Fv/F0 of the photosystem II complex. Spraying furthermore increased electron transport rate and photochemical quantum yield, reduced non-irradiative energy dissipation, and hence increased the photosynthetic rate and hay yield of alfalfa. Two applications of 0.6% ferrous sulphate spray increased the chlorophyll concentration of alfalfa by 26%. Three applications increased hay yield by 22% compared with check. Two applications of 0.8% spray increased photosynthetic rate by 42% and three applications increased the iron content of leaves by 117%. These results indicated that applying Fe (foliar-applied) from seedling to squaring stage improved the photosynthetic capacity and yield of alfalfa.

Li Chun-xia, Cai Tie, Guo Hai-yan, Han Qing-fang, Zong Yu-zheng, Ding Rui-xia, Jia Zhi-kuan, Kamran Muhammad and Melville J. L.

Association Between Arsenic Exposure in Drinking Water and Stillbirth: A Meta-Analysis

There is controversial evidence from cross-sectional, ecological, cohort and case-control studies that arsenic exposure in drinking water is a risk factor for stillbirth. The objectives of this meta-analysis were to evaluate the association of stillbirth and arsenic exposure in drinking water and to improve the precision of estimates. A database search was conducted to identify relevant studies. The odds ratios (ORs) extracted from each study were pooled by using Mantel-Haenszel fixed effect model, while subgroup analysis was conducted by using random effect model. Heterogeneity of ORs in the included studies was analysed using I2 statistics. Publication bias was tested by Begg’s test. Eight studies involving 51,476 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled ORs of studies was 1.54 (95% CI: 1.32-1.79) with a small heterogeneity (I² = 25%, P =0.23) across studies and no publication bias was evident. This meta-analysis provided evidence that chronic arsenic exposure above 50 µg.L-1 in drinking water is a significant risk factor for stillbirth.

Ruizhe Yu, M. Prabhakar, J. Christopher States, Yunxia Jiang and Jiguo Wu

Status and Treatment Model of Water Resources Pollution in the Yellow River Basin of China

The Yellow River basin water resources have established the material foundation for the livelihood of the local residents and the sustainable development of local economy and society. However, the water resources pollution in the Yellow River basin has been exacerbated due to rapid economic development, unrestrained discharge of industrial wastewater, and long-term shortage of average water resources. To analyse the water pollution status of the Yellow River basin in China and to develop an effective water pollution treatment model, this paper summarizes the research on water resources pollution status of river basins in developed countries of Europe and America and the experience of their treatment models, analyses the present situation of water resources pollution in the Yellow River basin, and proposes feasible treatment strategies. Research results suggest that the river basin water resources treatment experience of developed countries, notably the United States, Australia and Germany, can provide positive implications for the treatment of Yellow River basin. Water pollution in the Yellow River is mainly characterized by four aspects, namely, severity of point pollution sources and increase of sand content; water aggravation, soil loss, and ecological environment vulnerability; uniqueness of the low-reach morphology and frequent occurrence of floods; and serious discharge of industrial wastewater and aggravation of water pollution. In accordance with the Yellow River basin water pollution characteristics, a treatment model integrating the improvement of water resources management legal system, establishment and enhancement of water right transfer system, strengthening of hydraulic engineering projects, unification of water inflow management, and building of an ecological compensation mechanism is proposed. The research findings of this paper can provide references for future analysis of the overall water resources pollution status and trend of the Yellow River basin, as well as for upgrading of its water resources pollution treatment model.

Yuling Ji

Spatial Variation of Iron (Fe) Concentration in Groundwater of Greater Sylhet District Using Geostatistical Mapping

Groundwater is one of the important and prime sources of drinking water supply in Sylhet district (a region of Bangladesh). Iron is one of the abundant pollutants that exist significantly in this region’s groundwater. Here, the study signifies the spatial distribution of iron concentration across the whole district of Sylhet by using different geostatistical methods on the basis of collected data from 351 groundwater wells. The variation in the concentration of iron in Sylhet district is represented by using Geographic Information System (GIS), an effective tool used for mapping purpose. On the basis of GIS, ordinary kriging method is executed here for the estimation of groundwater iron concentration. Iron concentrations represent a normal distribution, as well as cross validation errors are within the satisfactory level. Among the five models (Spherical, Gaussian, Exponential, K-Bassel, J-Bassel) introduced by kriging in this study, the experimental variogram of groundwater iron concentration was best fitted by exponential model. The highest concentration is found in the mid region of Sylhet district as the geostatistical map signifies. Another key reason revealed from the study that, the greater the elevation of the ground surface, the higher the concentration of iron.

Tanay Datta Chowdhury, Md Abu Zafor and Amit Chakroborty

Study of Phytoplanktons Under Changing Environment of Lower Manair Dam and Manakondur Tank, Karimnagar, Telangana State, India

The Lower Manair Dam (LMD) gets water from Kakatiya canal which connects the Manair Dam and put to use for drinking purpose and irrigation purpose since from 1995. The Manakondur Tank (MT), which is located near the Karimnager city, provides water for irrigation, drinking and also used for recreational activities. Both the water bodies under study are also tourist places and covered with agriculture lands and rocky hills. There are many aquatic ecosystems which remain unexplored, in which LMD and MT were also not received attention. Hence, the present study was undertaken to elucidate certain aspects of ecology of phytoplanktons of the selected water bodies in Karimnager, Telangana State, India, with reference to their seasonal abundance and population dynamics under changing environment, during the period of September 2012 to August 2014. A total of 182 forms of euplanktonic and tycoplanktonic algae belonging to 94 genera were recorded from the sampling water bodies during the period of study. In the present investigation, four groups of algae were studied in which Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Euglenophyceae were identified. Community of phytoplankton was constituted by the members of 4 classes, of which 41 belonged to Bacillariophyceae, 65 to Chlorophyceae, 57 to Cyanophyceae and 19 to Euglenophyceae. The Chlorophyceae members were predominant over others in LMD, and Cyanophyceae over others in MT water body.

N. Ellaswamy, D. Snehalatha, T. Aseervadham and B. Digamber Rao

Geochemical Impact Assessment of Groundwater Quality Along a Coastal District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Coastal groundwater has always been circumspect with severe geochemical impacts which impart qualitative fluctuations from time to time. The Bay of Bengal coast of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh, India has witnessed many geomorphological changes in the recent times and there was a severe concern over the groundwater quality. A geochemical assessment was carried out for two seasons along the coast to investigate the contributing factors for these qualitative deviations. Twenty nine groundwater samples of bore and open wells of pre and post monsoon seasons were analysed for various physico-chemical parameters. The chemical, geological and geophysical interpretations of the data revealed mechanisms controlling the origin of the chemical ions in the groundwater. The flow patterns, geochemical facies and zones, intrusion zones along with the present status were examined during the assessment. The geochemical factors imparting the qualitative changes of the groundwater were quantified.

Sowjanya Pasupureddi and Sailaja B.B.V

The Use of Constructed Wetlands in Sequestrating Carbon: An Overview

The increasing carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has triggered the need to look for a mitigating strategy to address climate change. Wetlands have been noted to have the potential in improving water quality, mitigating flood (act as a floodplain) as well as protecting wildlife habitat and coastal area. Wetlands are also capable to sequestrate carbon. Due to rapid developments, natural wetlands are being destroyed day by day. Hence, constructed wetlands have been proposed to emulate the functions of natural wetlands. However, the use of constructed wetlands in sequestrating carbon is yet to be explored. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and compare the carbon sequestration potential between natural and constructed wetlands. A particular emphasis will be given to the use of constructed wetlands in sequestrating carbon. It is found that constructed wetlands are capable to sequestrate carbon as good as natural wetlands. Sustainable utilization of constructed wetlands as a carbon sink could be one of the effective initiatives to mitigate climate change.

Farah Afiqah Rosli, Khai Ern Lee, Choo Ta Goh, Mazlin Mokhtar, Mohd Talib Latif, Thian Lai Goh and Norbert Simon

Gross and Histopathological Study of Ziram Induced Subchronic Toxicity in Broiler Chickens

The present experimental work was conducted to elucidate the pathological changes in broiler chickens after ziram intoxication. For this study 120 apparently healthy broiler chicks were reared up to 2 weeks of age and allocated randomly to two groups, i.e. sub-chronic toxicity (N=90) and control group (N=30). Toxicity was induced in broiler chicks by giving 1 mg/kg body weight per day for the study period of 90 days in case of sub-chronic intoxication. At the end of the experimental period the investigations revealed depletion of lymphoid tissue from the lymphoid organs which were suggestive of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory effects of ziram in chicken.

Majid Shafi, Shayaib Ahmad Kamil, Masood Saleem Mir, Mohammed Maqbool Darzi, Abdul Shakoor Bhat, Showkat Ahmad Shah and Omer Khalil Baba

Effect of Treated Tannery Effluent Mixed With Domestic Wastewater Application on Gomphrena globosa (Vadamalli)

Tannery wastes are ranked as the one of the highest pollutant sources among all the industries. Proven studies about the benefits of these wastes by way of nutrient addition and growth promotion create a great demand for use of such water in agriculture. Treated tannery effluent mixed with domestic wastewater irrigation provides nutrient enriched water supply for irrigation, besides it is a reliable and inexpensive system of wastewater treatment and disposal. The present study was carried out to estimate the effect of combined application of treated tannery effluent (TTE) along with domestic wastewater (DWW) on growth characters and yield attributes viz., plant height, number of branches, spike or flower weight of Gomphrena globosa (Vadamalli), and soil microbial population and enzyme activities. The yield of Gomphrena globosa being increased in red and black soil was 30.07 per cent and 29.48 per cent over control. The soil microbial population and enzyme activities such as urease, phosphatase and dehydrogenase were higher under treated tannery effluent mixed with domestic wastewater irrigation. Hence treated tannery effluent mixed with domestic wastewater (1:3 ratio) helps to improve the soil health and yield.

G. Balasubramanian, Mummi Khand, P. Dhevagi and Sunitha Bharathi

Effect of Feeding Ratio on Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Rice Straw and Cow Manure

Mesophilic (37°C) anaerobic co-digestions of rice straw and cow manure were carried out based on different VS ratios (0:1, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1 and 1:0). Results indicated that co-digestion has a better performance than mono-digestion of rice straw; both biogas and methane yield were significantly increased. Biogas yield was 363.33, 402.45, 390.25, 388.50 and 389.33 mL/gVS for RS: CM ratios of 1:0, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 0:1, and the corresponding methane yield was 175.01, 194.91, 185.13, 194.59 and 189.09 mL/gVS, respectively. Average methane content was 48.17%, 48.43%, 47.44%, 50.09% and 48.57%, respectively. No volatile fatty acids and ammonia inhibition was observed in the experiment. The pH values were in the range of 6.8-7.5. By comparing the ratios of actual to theoretical biogas yield (Ya/Ym), it was found that the ratio increased when carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio was 15.10-28.85; the further C/N ratio increase led to Ya/Ym decrease. In actual application, the ratio of rice straw to cow manure of 2:1 and HRT of 18 days was recommended.

Zhen Feng, Wang Yao, Sun Yongming, Kong Xiaoying, Yuan Zhenhong and Zhuang Xinshu

Adsorption Performance for the Removal of Cu(II) on the Ammonium Acetate Modified Sugarcane Bagasse

Sugarcane bagasse, an agricultural waste biomass was innovatively used to prepare ammonium acetate modified sugarcane bagasse via a simple wet impregnation method. The prepared adsorbent was used for the adsorptive removal of copper from aqueous solution. It was found that an increase in adsorbent dosage significantly increased the removal efficiency for copper. Compared to the raw bagasse, the adsorption capacity of the modified bagasse was dramatically enhanced by 116.2%. At pH 5.0, 7.0 and 9.0, the reaction kinetic data were simulated and compared using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich kinetic models. Results indicate that both pseudo-second-order and Elovich kinetic models could better describe the adsorption kinetics. This demonstrates that the adsorption of copper onto the modified bagasse was a chemisorption process in which the rate-determining step is diffusion in nature. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrated the enthalpy and entropy of the adsorption process as 643.6 KJ mol-1 and 250.5 J mol-1 k-1, respectively. The positive value of the reaction enthalpy implies that the uptake of copper increases with a rise in the reaction temperature. The adsorption of copper was spontaneous and endothermic in nature.

Guoting Li, Mingju Wang, Xi Chen and Xinbao Li

Environmental Pollution of Livestock and Poultry Raising in Rural Areas and Control Measures: Taking Hebei Province in China as an Example

The development of China’s rural area construction, the continuous adjustment of rural industrial structure and the increasing growth of the demand for livestock and poultry products have caused the livestock and poultry raising scale to extend constantly. Large amounts of livestock and poultry excrement produced have not been addressed promptly and effectively and have also caused serious water, soil and air pollution. This study takes Hebei province in China as an example to analyse the environmental pollution caused by livestock and poultry raising in rural areas, and propose related treatment measures. The study also analyses the pollution hazard caused by livestock and poultry raising in rural areas, discusses why livestock and poultry raising in rural areas causes pollution, and provides measures to manage livestock and poultry raising pollution in rural areas. Results indicate that pollution caused by livestock and poultry raising in rural areas can be reflected through the soil, water, and air directly or indirectly. The main reasons for the pollution are the low degree of utilization of livestock and poultry waste, lack of awareness of environmental protection, and imperfect treatment mechanism of livestock and poultry raising. This pollution can be addressed by formulating and improving legal rules and regulations of livestock and poultry raising pollution management, establishing a strict environment supervision system, improving the public’s awareness in managing livestock and poultry pollution, and actively prompting the ecological livestock and poultry raising mode. The research results have significant reference value for systematically analysing the environmental pollution condition of livestock and poultry raising, analysing the reasons for this type of pollution, proposing countermeasures to address the issue, and government’s formulating prevention measures for livestock and poultry raising pollution.

Yue Wang, Jinxu Sun and Hongjun Lin

Improvement of Heavy Metals Removing Ability of Spinach with Microbial Enrichment

The present study was conducted to determine the uptake and accumulation of heavy metals in different parts of vegetable crop spinach and also reduction in heavy metals in the soil due to microbial inoculation. The polybag experiment was conducted following complete randomized block design with 12 treatments and three replications in polluted soil with supply of freshwater, unpolluted soil with supply of freshwater, unpolluted soil with supply of polluted water. The heavy metal concentration of soil, shoot and leaves revels that the nickel and cobalt were more in soil in the treatments T10 (Soil + FYM + VAM + Pseudomonas) and T2 (SF Soil + FYM + VAM + Pseudomonas). In the shoot, the nickel accumulated more in the treatment T9 (Soil + FYM), cobalt accumulated more in the treatment T8 (SF Soil + RDF + FYM + VAM + Pseudomonas) and cadmium accumulated more in the in treatment T12 (Soil + RDF + FYM + VAM + Pseudomonas). The heavy metal accumulation in the leaves showed that nickel accumulated more in the treatment T12, cobalt accumulated more in the treatment T9 (Soil + FYM) and cadmium accumulated more in the treatment T8 (Soil + RDF + FYM + VAM + Pseudomonas).

Alavala Uma Rajshekhar, R. Subhash Reddy, P. Chandrasekhar Rao, M. Chandini Patnaik and K. Damodara Chari

Impact of Emission on Environment of Electric Generator Fuelled with Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) Biodiesel Adding Additive Di-Ethyl Ether

In this research, biodiesel from karanja (Pongamia pinnata) oil was produced by transesterification process. Fuel properties of KBD, KBD with 4% DEE and KBD with 8% DEE were tested and compared with mineral diesel fuel. Additive DEE 4% and 8% was added in karanja biodiesel to improve the fuel properties. Electric generator set was fuelled with KBD, KBD with 4% DEE and KBD with 8% DEE operated at 1.5 kW, 3 kW and 5 kW load and performance was compared with mineral diesel fuel. Research revealed that in electric generator set increasing trend of overall efficiency and decreasing in BSFC were observed when 4% and 8% DEE was added in karanja biodiesel under different load conditions. A decreasing trend in CO and CO2 emission of electric generator set was recorded when 4% and 8% DEE added in KBD as compared to pure KBD under different load conditions. NOx emission of electric generator set increases by adding 4% and 8% DEE in KBD at different load conditions. It is concluded that the overall efficiency of electric generator set improves, and exhaust emission reduces by adding additives in karanja biodiesel. Karanja biodiesel with additive 8% DEE is recommended as a substitute of mineral diesel for electric generator set.

Indraj Singh and V. Sahni

The Adsorption Capacity and Influencing Factors of Cr3+ by the Modified Zeolite from Fly Ash

In this study, the modified zeolite from fly ash was prepared and used as an adsorbent for removal of Cr3+ ion from aqueous solution. The characteristic of the modified zeolite was analysed. The adsorption capacity and influencing factors, such as contact time, pH in solution, the modified zeolite dosage, initial concentration of Cr3+ and temperature, were discussed in detail by the adsorption experiments. The experimental results showed that the modified zeolite from fly ash, own high adsorption capacity for Cr3+ ion in aqueous solution. The influencing factors had an important influence on the adsorption capacity. The removal efficiency of Cr3+ ion increased with the increase of the modified zeolite dosage. However, the removal efficiency of Cr3+ ion decreased with the increase of the initial concentration of Cr3+ ion in aqueous solution. The experimental results showed that the modified zeolite from fly ash has a strong potential ability for removal of Cr3+ ion in aqueous solution.

Chengguang Chen, Shuiying Xiong and Muqing Qiu

Toxicities of Diesel Oil, Dispersant and Dispersed Oil to Tetraselmis chuii and Chaetocheros calcitrans

Oil spillage accidents can cause severe short-term effects to marine organisms and may lead to devastating long-term impact to marine environments. This study determined the influence of water accommodated fractions (WAFs) of diesel oil, chemically enhanced WAFs (CEWAFs) of diesel oil and oil dispersant (IPAC-OCD) to the toxicity of green algae, Tetraselmis chuii, and marine diatom, Chaetocheros calcitrans. Both the phytoplankton species were exposed to different concentrations of WAFs, CEWAFs and dispersant (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 80%). All of the toxicants significantly reduced the growth of phytoplankton, however, the level of response varied by solution and species. The dispersant has the highest impact among all the chemicals studied. The dispersant is very highly toxic to C. calcitrans, but still practically non-toxic to T. chuii. Even though, WAFs have higher impact to T. chuii than C. calcitrans, the chemicals are practically non-toxic to both phytoplankton species and, moreover, in short-term exposure, low concentration of WAFs may stimulate the growth of C. calcitrans. However, the mixture of diesel oil WAFs and dispersant cause synergistic toxicity to C. calcitrans that increases the WAFs toxicity. This finding implies that the dispersant application to mitigate the oil spills may negatively impact the marine phytoplankton.

Muhammad A. Asadi, Feni Iranawati and Diah Rinani

High Calorific Value Fuel from Household Plastic Waste by Catalytic Pyrolysis

Plastic waste pollution causes several impacts on the environment, so its proper disposal is very essential. On the other hand, petroleum resources are vanishing due to high demand of fuel for growing population and limited resources in India. So, there is a need to save existing resources and find an alternative source for fossil fuels. We can convert household plastic waste into petroleum products by pyrolysis method. In the present study, lab scale borosilicate pyrolysis reactor set up was designed for plastic waste treatment. Major components of household plastic waste are HDPE, LDPE and PP material, so were used in pyrolysis. Shredding, washing and drying of plastic waste was done manually. Pyrolysis experiments were carried out for 100g of HDPE, LDPE and PP waste with and without catalyst. Temperature and reaction time were optimized for each type of waste. Different catalysts like alumina, scolecite, dolomite, ceramic powder, white cement, sand and red brick powder were tried in the pyrolysis process. As dolomite yielded maximum liquid fuel and is cost effective, it has been used in pyrolysis experiments with different catalysts to feed ratios. Liquid fuel obtained for HDPE, LDPE and PP enhanced from 72%, 73% and 84% to 82%, 83% and 85% respectively, by using 10% dolomite. For mixed plastic waste, liquid fuel obtained was about 72.96% without catalyst and 82% with 10 % dolomite. Liquid fuel was characterized for GC-MS, FTIR and calorific values. Results showed the presence of alkanes and alkenes in major quantity and increase in concentration of low molecular weight hydrocarbon fractions (C10-C25) in the liquid fuel. Liquid fuel obtained from HDPE, LDPE and PP by using 10% dolomite showed higher calorific values (43000-46000 kJ/kg) as compared to that of without catalyst (40000-42000 kJ/kg). This liquid fuel can be used as a fuel in different industrial sectors.

Y. B. Sonawane, M. R. Shindikar and M. Y. Khaladkar

Effect of Cadmium on Biology of Tobacco Caterpillar Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of cadmium on biology of Spodoptera litura F. and its accumulation in three consecutive generations. The influence of Cd on fecudinty, fertility, incubation period, larval period, adult longevity and total development period was studied at seven different concentrations viz., 1, 5,10,15, 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg apart from control. Pure culture of S. litura from field collected adult was maintained under laboratory conditions on castor leaves. Fecundity and fertility was low in the highest dose of 40 mg/kg which decreased with generations. Incubation period prolonged with increasing cadmium concentration and generations. The variable doses of cadmium had significant influence on total larval period of the insect. Longest mean larval period of 23.39 days was recorded at 40 mg Cd/kg which differed statistically from its lower concentration. The duration of pupal period decreased with increasing Cd doses as well with generations. Thus, increased cadmium concentrations resulted in prolongation of total developmental period of the insect. Irrespective of generations, total developmental period was 33.97 days in the highest concentration (T7) as compared to control (28.61 days). The accumulation of cadmium in the sixth instar larvae of S. litura increased with increase in dose of heavy metals in artificial diet and with increase in generations. The accumulation of cadmium in agroecosystem might influence the growth and development of S. litura through host plants to some extent.

Sharmila Chouhan, S. C. Verma and Meena Thakur

Kinetics Study of Nickel (II) Ions Sorption by Thermally Treated Rice Husk

The utilization of agricultural wastes, in the original or modified form, as heavy metal ion sorbents has been widely investigated. In this paper, we report the results of our study on kinetics of Ni(II) ion sorption by thermally treated rice husk. The sorbent was prepared by heating the rice husk at 650°C for two hours. For the kinetic study, the solute sorbent contact periods were varied between 30 to 180 minutes, whereas, the other parameters (pH, initial concentration, temperature and adsorbent dosage) were kept constant. The results revealed that the sorption capacity increased with the increase of contact period. The sorption data were evaluated using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models. The rate constants of sorption and diffusion were also determined. The data were best fitted with pseudo-second order kinetics model sorption which indicates that the sorption of Ni(II) ion by this thermally treated rice husk is via chemisorption process.

A. T. A. Farhan, K. K. Ong, W. M. Z. Wan Yunus, M. L. Jabit, A. Fitrianto, A. G. A. Hussin, A.Z. Sulaiman, S. H. Jamal, J. Osman and C. C. Teoh

Study on Quantification Method for the Risk of Surface Water Environmental Pollution Caused by Sewage Irrigation in Agriculture

In agriculture, the risk of surface water environmental pollution caused by sewage irrigation is a very complicated problem. It depends on runoff pollution along rivers, lakes or estuary upper reaches and is non-point source pollution of water. In addition, it is a gradual process and its contributing reasons include many natural environmental factors, humanities, and social and economic conditions. While pointing out the mechanism of surface water pollution, this paper introduced the concept of “risk of surface water environmental pollution caused by sewage irrigation”. It builds the quantitative model for the risk of pollution caused by sewage irrigation to surface water, in light of the inadequate study on the seriousness of pollution of farmland sewage irrigation caused to the surface water as well as based on such index assessment methods as single factor contaminant index, N.J. Nemerow pollution index and Ross water quality index. It also, through example application, indicates that this model can accurately reflect the degree of pollution caused by sewage irrigation to surface water.

Xin Huang and Haitao Chen

High Effective Aerobic Denitrification Strain and its Performance in Treating Nitrogen Wastewater

Through the screening, DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification methods, an aerobic denitrification strain was obtained. The strain was preliminarily identified to be Paracoccus. Its optimum growth conditions were pH 7.5, 30°C, and 160 r/min. The strain’s degradation ratio decreased with the increase of the nitrate concentration. The nitrogen wastewater treatment experiment (conventional activated sludge flask experiment) showed that the total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency was 80% in aerobic denitrification strain system and 50% in the activated sludge treatment system, which indicated that the aerobic denitrification played a main role in removing the TN.

Jifeng Guo, Ping Guo, Simeng Li, Xiaojie Li and Chongli Luo

Characteristic Behaviour of NO2 Pollutant Over a Rural Coastal Area Along the Bay of Bengal

Analysis of the characteristic behaviour of NO2 is quite essential because of its link to ozone destruction in the stratosphere and due to its role as an ozone precursor in the troposphere. Two-year long continuous (October 2013-September 2015) NO2 data have been utilized to assess the NO2 pattern over Karaikal, a rural coastal region along the south eastern coast of India. The frequency distribution of NO2 shows that about 80% of the total 17520 data points of NO2 lie between 5 ppb to 20 ppb. The highest distribution is found in the range of 10-15 ppb while the lowest lies in the 25-30 ppb. The measured NO2 levels have been examined on a diurnal and seasonal scale. The diurnal scale of NO2 shows high values during the night hours and lesser values in the daytime. It is clear that NO2 concentrations are high during summer and minimum during the north-east monsoon. The daytime and nighttime NO2 concentration pattern is found to be comparable with the global scenario. It is observed that for all the two years, nighttime values are much greater than the daytime values. It is observed that the NO2 concentrations in the study area are not high enough to pose health problems. The NO2 concentration levels are well within the national standards in the study area for the entire period of study.

I. Kartharinal Punithavathy, S. Vijayalakshmi and S. Johnson Jeyakumar

Nutrient Mineralization During the Application of Poultry Manure

Among the different organic sources which can be used as manure, poultry litter is important as it is rich in major plant nutrients. A laboratory incubation experiment was conducted to study the rate of carbon and nitrogen mineralization in soil due to the application of various doses of solid and liquid fermented poultry manure application. The study revealed that the highest carbon dioxide evolution (68.0 mg kg-1) and available nitrogen content (63 mg kg-1) were present in the soil that received solid fermented poultry manure @ 680 kg ha-1. The mineralization of carbon (72.8 mg kg-1) and the nitrogen content (64.5 mg kg-1) were maximum at 90th day of incubation. The poultry manure not only added valuable plant nutrients to the soil, but also enhanced the mineralization of nutrients. The present laboratory study confirmed the increased rate of nutrient mineralization in the soil due to the application of various doses of solid and liquid fermented poultry manure.

V. Sathya and M. Maheswari

Rearing Milkfish (Chanos chanos) In Cadmium and Lead Contaminated Pond and its Effect on Alteration of Gill, Liver and Kidney

This study was conducted to determine alteration of milkfish (Chanos chanos) organs (gills, liver and kidney) cultured in cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contaminated ponds. The method used in this research was descriptive. Samples for research were obtained from Patuguran, Rejoso District, Pasuruan. The main parameters were the damage of the gills, liver and kidney of milkfish. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), continued with least significant difference (LSD) and regression analysis. The result indicated that the heavy metals were present in water and sediment. Their concentrations were Pb 0.49 ppm and Cd 0.50 ppm, for water and sediment, respectively. The observation on organ histopathology revealed that gills experienced fusion, hyperplasia and necrosis. The liver showed cells degeneration, congestion and necrosis. Kidney experienced atrophy, cloudy swelling and glomerular hyalinization. The degree of organ damage was affected by length of rearing time. This research indicated that cadmium and lead polluted the fishpond in Rejoso District, Pasuruan and affected the organs of milkfish.

Maftuch Maftuch, Sri Andayani, Nela Damayanti, Widuri Indriyani, Asep A. Prihanto and Laili Wakhidatul Amalia

Causes of Haze Pollution Under the Regional Compound Environment and Legal Governance Countermeasures

With the rapid growth of the Chinese economy and the accelerated progress of industrialization and urbanization, the country’s natural resources are being developed irrationally and ineffectively, thus continuously strengthening haze pollution. Given the characteristics of haze pollution (i.e., large pollution area, many interest bodies and cross administrative regions), exploring the reasons behind haze pollution formation from the regional compound environment and regulating related legal governance countermeasures have become hot issues. This study reviews the domestic and foreign literature on the formation mechanism of haze pollution, explores the detailed reasons for haze pollution formation by analysing the collected data on haze-related environmental pollution, and proposes legal countermeasures for China’s haze pollution. Research on the main origins for haze pollution formation indicates the following: large-scale coal burning, unrestricted vehicle exhaust, major discharge from industrial pollution, and significant dust output from the architecture industry. Haze treatment-related legal measures, such as improving the legal system, specifying legal principles, and strengthening legal implementation, can realize the effective management of haze pollution. These results can function as a reference for identifying the causes of haze formation, determining the defects and shortages in haze pollution legal measures, improving China’s haze pollution prevention, and for perfecting China’s haze prevention legal rules and regulations.

Changwei Pu

Defluoridation Effect for High Fluorine Geothermal Water Using Electric Flocculation Method

In this research, electrocoagulation technology was used to treat high fluorine content geothermal water. The fluoride removal performance and operating costs have also been discussed. The results showed that electrocoagulation was an ideal technology to remove fluoride ions from geothermal water, and did not need to change the pH value and temperature of raw water. During the static experiments, for electrolysis time of 15 min, plates spacing of 0.5 cm, area of plates/volume of wastewater of 80 m2/m3, current density of 4.5 mA/cm2 and no adjusted pH, the highest removal efficiency of fluorine from geothermal water was achieved. Under these operating conditions, the fluoride concentration of effluent water was 0.8 mg/L or so, which fully met the drinking water health standard (0.5 mg/L < F- < 1.0 mg/L). Meanwhile, the energy consumption was evaluated under various operating conditions. And it would be affected by some different parameters. Besides, dynamic experiments were carried out when optimum parameters were selected after static experiments. When the current density of 10 A/m2, the system effluent fluoride concentration was about 1.4 mg/L, and the process did not meet the requirements, so current densities were adjusted to 12.5 A/m2 and 15 A/m2, while the effluent fluoride concentration was about 1.2 mg/L and 0.8 mg/L, respectively.

Hao Wang, Huiyuan Zhong, Lin Liu and Bingxu Quan

Unravelling Seasonal Diversity of Algal Flora of River Yamuna in Delhi Region

River Yamuna, which flows through the national capital region of Delhi, India, is an important wetland ecosystem of national and mythological significance. Thirty eight samples of periphyton and phytoplankton were collected in four different seasons i.e., winter, spring, summer and monsoon from five sites of Yamuna River. A total of 74 species under 47 genera of algae were recorded from four major groups Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta, Euglenineae and Cyanophyta. Most of the species are cosmopolitan and tropical in distribution. Phytoplankton diversity was found variable in different seasons and collection sites. Kirchneriella, Hydrodictyon, Crucigenia, Spirogyra, Mougeotia, Melosira, Cyclotella, Navicula, Oscillatoria and Microcystis are the most dominant genera in the Yamuna River in Delhi.

Vivek Chopra, Dinabandhu Sahoo and Jai Gopal Sharma

Evaluation of Noise Levels and Ascertaining Noise Indices in an Urbanizing City of Kota, Rajasthan, India

Limited studies have been carried out for assessing the holistic scene of noise levels. Monitoring of ambient noise is occasionally conducted in Indian cities, whereas the noise has been fast emerging as a silent killer throughout the urbanized world. We have immense data for air and water pollution, but only limited international figures for the European region are available pertaining to the health impact of environmental noise through a preliminary study carried out by the WHO in 2011. The city of Kota is one of the highly industrialized cities of India, which is still marching ahead on the trajectory of urbanization and decisively breached the one million population figure in 2011 itself. With stupendous growth, it has simultaneously acquired the intrinsic maladies of cities largely witnessed in the developing geographies. One of the several afflictions is excessive noise which warrants a considerate study. Studies have been undertaken to assess the noise levels in the five chosen pockets of the Kota city bearing industrial, residential and commercial characters. Measurements of L10, L50, L90 and Leq have been taken and NC, TNI and Lnp have also been ascertained. An innovative effort of evolving a Noise Quality Index has been endeavoured. The highest NC (noise climate) has been observed in the industrial area, whereas, the lowest in residential cum industrial area. On the other hand, the highest Leq is observed in the industrial area itself, but the lowest is observed in the residential cum commercial area. The overall study suggests that some pockets are affected by the growing nuisance of noise pollution, and the city is gradually hurtling towards high noise ambience.

Bane Singh and Mahendra Pratap Choudhary

Antibiotic and Enzymatic Pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Recovered from Environmental and Clinical Samples

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram negative and motile bacterium with different virulence factors. Nowadays, the reports from worldwide illustrated antibiotic resistance of this opportunistic bacterium. Hence, the present study tried to isolate clinical and environmental samples and compare the antibiotic susceptibility as well as enzyme profiles of the isolates. For this purpose, 100 specimens from environmental sources and clinical sources have been collected. The samples were cultivated on cetrimide agar and blood agar, then the plates were incubated at 35°C for 24-48 hrs. The suspected colonies were purified and preliminarily characterized using Gram reaction, catalase, oxidase and motility test. Then they were identified using Api 20 NE kits. Afterward, antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was evaluated using Kirby-Bauer test, and enzyme profile were checked using API ZYM kit. The results obtained from this study indicated that out of 50 specimens, 10 isolates belonged to the environmental samples and 13 belonged to the clinical one. In addition, the highest isolation rate of clinical samples was belonging to the wound specimens. Furthermore, the results indicated that there is no difference between the enzyme profiles of the isolates, but regarding to the antibiotic susceptibility, the environmental samples were more sensitive than the clinical one.

Nima Bahador, Majid Baserisalehi and Bita Alaei

Assessment of Ambient Air Quality and Air Quality Index (AQI) in Dahej Area, Gujarat, India

Clean air is a basic requirement of living organisms. But now-a-days, due to the unplanned growth, development and vehicular boom, the air has become polluted. Pollutants of major public health concern includes, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, which can pose a serious threat to human health. In the present study, prime air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO2) were estimated at seven stations of Dahej area. The projected value of PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO2 at all the 7 stations were ranging from 67.39 to 98.75, 29.57 to 45.79, 17.76 to 22.29 and 28.29 to 32.42 µg/m3, respectively. PM10 level at all stations and PM2.5 level at 3 stations find a little higher level than CPCB recommended limit while SO2 and NO2 levels were found under permissible limit. AQI values in the study area were calculated and they were in the range from 76.50 to 97.75, which are categorized as satisfactory level by CPCB.

Jagrutiben Arunkumar Patel, Bhavesh I. Prajapati and Viralben Panchal

Urban Heavy Metal-Polluted Soil Source and its Economic Loss Prediction: A Case Study on Changchun City in China

Soil is an important component of the urban ecosystem environment and is polluted by all kinds of substances, such as heavy metals and organic matters from industrial production, daily life, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In this study, economic loss caused by soil heavy metal pollution was analysed using Changchun City in China as an example. First, the contents of four soil heavy metals (Cd, As, Cr, and Cu) and their variation trends in Changchun Automobile Economic and Technological Development Zone were explored. Then, the pollution loss rate mode was utilized to predict heavy metal pollution loss rate. Results show that the pollution loss rates of the four heavy metals are sorted as Cr, As, Cu and Cd in descending order and range from 1.12% to 1.41% with no major overall differences. A heavy metal pollution loss rate of 5.18% is classified as Grade II in pollution grading, which corresponds to a slightly clean level, but with a large economic loss of nearly USD 9,564,800. The study provides important references for further analysis of urban soil heavy metal sources, quantitative estimation of economic loss caused by soil heavy metal pollution, and implementation of evaluation work on soil environmental quality.

Yang Fang and Suchun Fang

Modelling Climate Change Impact on Crop Evapotranspiration

Global warming and climate change and its impact on crop water requirement are a major concern of this century. It has been established that the regional and global temperature is rising due to increased concentration of green house gases in the atmosphere. Rising temperature is expected to affect the crop water requirement. This study was undertaken to evaluate the trend and predict the changes in climate parameters, and assess the impact of climate change on crop water requirement using local weather data. Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was used for forecasting the future climate trend. Assessment of impact of climate change on crop water requirement was done for different climate change scenarios. Scenarios considered for assessment were based on ARIMA, Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA) and Inter-Governmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) predictions. Crop water requirement of various crops would decrease by 7.5 to 14.2 mm by 2030s if it is determined using all important climatic parameters. Increase in water requirement varied from 13 to 77.5 mm for rice and 7.2 to 43.5 mm for pearl millet depending on the scenarios. Results indicate that crop water requirement did not increase if it was estimated using all important climatic parameters even though the average temperature increased during this period. However, if only rise in temperature is considered, crop water requirement would increase under all scenarios considered in this study.

J. B. Kambale, D. K. Singh and A. Sarangi

Reduction of Environmental Pollution Generated From a Diesel Engine Using Diesel-Ethanol-Water Micro Emulsion

Alcohol is one of the renewable energy sources that can be locally produced as well as serves as a source that would help in considering the depleting natural petroleum fuel resources. However, its non miscibility with diesel, especially at high alcohol ratios, low cetane number and poor lubricating characteristics have restricted its utilization in diesel engines. Usually, when ethanol contents in the blends reach 20-40%, high concentration of additives are needed to ensure the mixture homogeneity in the presence of high water contents, and to attain the required cetane number for suitable ignition. Therefore, selection of suitable additives plays a vital role for increasing the solubility of ethanol to a larger extent. Similarly, selection of a suitable surfactant is very important for obtaining long lasting emulsions. The surfactant span 20 and tween 20 have been selected here on account of their favourable properties and been focused in this study, as they have been used to stabilize the ethanol diesel and water emulsions and as an alternate fuel. A single-cylinder, air-cooled, direct injection diesel engine that could develop a power output of 5.2 kW at 1500 rev/min was used. Engine performance and emission data were used to optimize the blends for reducing emission and improving performance.

S. Sendilvelan

Variation and Diversity of the Fatty Acid Composition in Anuran Larvae in the Different Aquatic Environments

The study on trophic composition is important to understand the environmental adaptability in amphibians in ecology. The compositional differences of fatty acids in tadpoles that live in different altitudes of aquatic environment can reflect the variation of the dietary sources, which provide an important physiological understanding and prediction of ecological adaptation. The tadpoles were obtained in the stream at 500 m for Bufo gargarizans, at 1000 m for Rana chensinensis, at 1500 m for Feirana quadranus, and 2000 m for Oreolalax popei. We compared the types and composition of fatty acids in these four anuran species by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. For these four anuran species, the types of fatty acids were seven, seven, six and ten, respectively. The dominant components of fatty acids were C17H34O2(16:0), C19H34O2(18:2), C19H36O2(18:1) and C19H38O2(18:0), and they had different rates among them. The results showed that the composition of anuran larvae in different altitudes of aquatic environment exhibited varied and diverse values.

Min-yi Huang, Xiao-gao Meng, Xiang-xuan Fang, Gao-gang Fan and Ren-yan Duan

Water Quality Studies of Cooum Sub Basin, Chennai

Cooum is one of the degraded sub basins in Tamil Nadu. Surface water, groundwater in and around the basin is polluted by factors such as industries and domestic waste etc. This paper highlights the importance of sewage inflow through Cooum inlets and assess quality of the surface water and groundwater influenced by the discharges in Cooum basin. Sewage inflow was highest in Elephant Gate Bridge (3039 Cum/day) and Annai Kasthuriba Nagar (2651 Cum/day). Surface water results exhibited higher pH, BOD, COD, chloride and zinc content. Groundwater quality of the study area has a higher pH of alkaline in nature and total dissolved solids in the range of 859-1611 mg/L. Sodium concentration was much higher than permissible limits (110-357 mg/L), and sulphate concentration was about 672 mg/L in Avadi region. Investigation was taken up for groundwater quality assessment through Water Quality Index, for drinking purpose, of open well in Cooum basin. Groundwater variables such as electrical conductivity values vary from 1760 to 2540 µS/cm. Analysis was taken for the parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonates, chlorides, sulphates and nitrates. WQI ranges from 221 (very poor water) for Govindampadi to 321 for Avadi (unsuitable for drinking).

V. E. Nethaji Mariappan, T. German Amali Jacintha, Prabhu Dass Batvari and Santhanam

Hazards, Causes and Legal Governance Measures of China’s Urban Light Pollution

Urban light pollution, which poses a threat to people’s production, life, and physical and mental health, is becoming increasingly serious and gradually forms a new type of environmental pollution. In order to further analyse the hazards and causes of China’s urban light pollution and explore its legal governance measures, this study reviews foreign literature on hazards and causes of urban light pollution, summarizes the types and causes of the pollution in China, and provides specific control measures from the perspective of legal governance. Research results in the country and abroad show that light pollution is caused by development, which has a serious negative impact on the normal life of urban residents. The hazards of urban light pollution are manifested in four aspects, such as damaging human health, affecting the natural ecological environment, affecting normal operation of urban traffic, and causing serious waste of energy. Urban light pollution is caused by the lack of systematized urban building light source design work, excessive use of electronic products with the development of science and technology, weak public awareness of environmental protection, and the delay of laws and regulations. Some legal measures to control light pollution are presented as follows: Perfecting the administrative system and environmental supervision system in legislation, innovating the legislation system of light pollution prevention, formulating strict civil liability for light pollution, and further formulating a single law on light pollution control. The results of this study have important reference value for taking measures predictably to avoid the occurrence of light pollution during urban construction design, for the macro-control of urban planning and management departments, and for promoting the concept of urban environmental protection and energy conservation and sustainable urban development.

Zhe Song and Xiaoming Li

Dielectric Barrier Discharge Non-thermal Plasma for NO-removal from Coal-combustion Flue Gas

In this paper, the removal of NO and SO2 from flue gases using the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) non-thermal plasma (NTP) generator was studied. The DBD generator could be used in two modes, one in which the flue gas was directed through the discharge zone (direct oxidation), and another in which the produced ozonized air was injected into the flue-gas stream (indirect oxidation). The results showed that the denitration efficiency was higher than the desulfurization efficiency in both the cases (direct and indirect oxidation). It was also observed that indirect oxidation could greatly reduce the power consumption. The effect of factors (reactor medium thickness) on denitration efficiency was investigated. Following the approach of increasing energy efficiency, it can successfully seek a measure to increase denitration efficiency and reduce reactor energy consumption, so as to realize the purpose of saving energy and actual value of DBD plasma-based denitration.

Guo Bin and Luan Tao