Archives Issues
Volume 9, Issue No 2, Jun 2010
Present Scenario of Corals in Tsunami Affected Katchal and Teressa Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago
The density and diversity of corals and their associated faunal communities were investigated by underwater survey in Katchal and Teressa Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago in order to assess the post-tsunami status of corals. The density of scleractinian corals in Katchal Island is 1-13 colonies/10m2, and in Teressa Island it ranged from 1 to 18 colonies/10m2. Fifteen species of scleractinian corals belonging to 13 genera and 6 families with the species diversity of 0.98 were identified during the survey in Katchal Island. Whereas in Teressa Islands 25 species of corals under 14 genera and 7 families with the species diversity of 1.17 have been reported. The density and diversity of coral associated faunal communities such as zooplankton, octocorals, sponges, molluscs and echinoderms were also studied at both the islands.
C. Raghunathan, C. Sivaperuman, Ch. Satyanarayana* and P. T. Rajan
Lonar Lake Water: Past and Present
The alkaline Lonar crater, located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India, is the only hypervelocity meteoritic impact crater in basalt rock, ranking third in the world and best preserved impact structures on the earth. The uniqueness of this crater is that it has been formed in strata of hard igneous, basalt rocks. Due to uniqueness and its large size, it has become one of the important craters in the world. The Lonar lake is natural for the accumulation and concentration of saline constituent in the lake water. An attempt has been made to study and compare the information of physicochemical qualities of Lonar lake water. A total of 36 water samples were analysed in 2008 for physicochemical qualities of Lonar lake water. These findings revealed that the Lonar lake water was alkaline (pH 10.3) and characterized by high concentration of salts (9060 mg/L), chloride (3492 mg/L), salinity (6391 mg/L), alkalinity (3751 mg/L), total hardness (480 mg/L), calcium hardness (118 mg/L), magnesium hardness (361 mg/L), sulphate (21 mg/L), phosphate (0. 44 mg/L), nitrate (3.7 mg/L) and dissolved oxygen (0.0034 mg/L). The Lonar lake is unique in the world for its alkalinity and salinity of the water but it is seen that chlorides and salinity of the lake water is decreasing day by day. Hence, it should be protected and preserved for its uniqueness and a scientific phenomenon as a national treasure.
D. H. Tambekar, A. L. Pawar and M. N. Dudhane
Seasonal Variations of Abiotic Factors in Sodalaipuri Estuary, Puducherry, India
Seasonal physicochemical parameters were measured in Sodalaipuri estuary, Puducherry from September 2006 to August 2007. Atmospheric and water temperatures, pH, salinity and chlorinity were maximum during summer season, and minimum during monsoon season. TS, TDS and TSS were higher and act as an indicator of pollution. Maximum dissolved oxygen was recorded in summer and monsoon seasons and minimum in post monsoon season. Free carbon dioxide showed an inverse relationship with dissolved oxygen. With the prevailing hydrochemical parameters the estuary serves as a nursery ground for fishery resources.
S. Rajalakshmi, G. Krishnamoorthy and P. V. Deepa
Growth Response of Wild Variety of Phyllanthus emblica L. Plants with Inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (Glomus fasciculatum) and Different Sources of Carrier Materials
Greenhouse studies were conducted under nursery conditions to understand the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and different carrier materials on Phyllanthus emblica L. The seedlings raised with the inoculation of AM fungi and vermicompost showed a significant increase in dry weight of shoot and root, and phosphorus nutrition in shoots compared to uninoculated/control plants, However, the inoculation of AM fungi with peat and perlite, and AM fungi alone does not show much favourable results. AM fungi with vermicompost showed increased per cent root colonization and spore number/ 50 g of soil. It can be concluded that AM fungi (Glomus fasciculatum) with carrier material of vermicompost is a good inoculant for Phyllanthus emblica at nursery level.
Mahesh. B. Byatanal and H. C. Lakshman
A Study on the Coliform Bacterial Density and Heavy Metal Concentration of Tumkur City Sewage
The Tumkur city sewage samples were analysed between February 2007 and January 2008 at six sampling points symbolised as residential area (S1), business centre (S2), slum (S3), converging point (S4), open drain (S5) and treated sewage (S6) to assess the bacterial density and concentration of some heavy metals. The results revealed the presence of maximum bacterial population in June, and minimum in January. Systematic sampling and quantitative analysis of heavy metals such as copper, lead, zinc, nickel, cadmium, chromium, manganese and Iron have been carried out and an attempt was made to correlate heavy metal concentration to bacterial population in sewage. The bacterial population declined notably in treated sewage.
K. S. Kumara and S. L. Belagali
Pesticides Pollution: Perceptions of Farmers in Punjab
Like most other developing countries, India has benefited from the availability of a growing spectrum of pest control chemicals but has produced its share of pesticide poisoning and wider environmental contamination. In past years, pesticide pollution has become one of the major agendas among environmental problems. Pesticide pollution basically refers to development of more specialized and toxic chemicals and their increased use. These chemicals include a wide variety of insecticide, fungicide, herbicides, etc. Pesticide residues in food have been investigated in India over the last three decades. Varying amount of DDT and BHC residues have been found in agricultural products like milk, fats, meat, fodder, etc. This study was conducted to explore the ideas, attitude and level of understanding of Punjab farmers about the benefits and hazards of pesticides. The results clearly showed that Punjab farmers have poor knowledge about management and handling of pesticides. Majority of Punjab farmers were aware of the fact that pesticides get washed by rain water and move into water bodies, body should be covered properly during pesticides handling, and crop rotation would minimize pesticide consumption. However, many misconceptions like crop production increases with increased number of spray, alcohol is an alternative for pesticides, vegetable can be preserved by spraying pesticides, pesticides mixed with the fertilizers would destroy pests more effectively, and food products size would increase with use of pesticides are prevailing in the mind of Punjab farmers.
Animesh K. Mohapatra and Shilpa Roy
Environmental Problems and Management Aspects of Vembanad Kol Wetlands in South West Coast of India
The Vembanad Kol wetlands, the largest tropical estuary in the southwest coast of India, identified as a Ramsar site, lies between 9°00’ and 10°40’ N latitude and 76°00’ and 77°30’ E longitude. The wetland system includes Vembanad backwaters, the lower reaches of six rivers with a drainage area of 16,200 km2 and the adjoining low lying Kol lands spread over an area of 136.32 km2. The system having all the values and attributes assigned to wetland such as fishery, waterfowl, mangroves, associated vegetation, agriculture, recreation, tourism and inland navigation is now found to be environmentally degraded. The ecology of the backwater system has become totally upset due to the construction of regulators, spillways, overexploitation of resources and uncontrolled urbanization. The paper reviews the general features, present status, problems faced by the wetland system and strategies for its conservation and management.
K. N. Remani, P. Jayakumar and T. K. Jalaja
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Wastewater Used for Irrigation in Ajmer - A Semi Arid Region of Rajasthan
The aim of this study was to assess the heavy metal concentration in the wastewater used in irrigation for vegetable production. Seven heavy metals viz., Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr and Fe were targeted for the present investigation. Ten sampling sites were selected on the basis of mass vegetable production. The results showed that the average level of Zn, Cu and Ni (3.78, 0.015 and 0.006 mg/L respectively) were within the permissible limit at all the sampling sites. Chromium was below the detectable limit and the concentration of Fe, Cd and Pb (1.004, 0.042 and 0.239 mg/L respectively) were found above the prescribed limit at all the sampling sites.
Subroto Dutta and Manoj K. Meena
A Study on Antibiotic Resistance and Metal Tolerance of Bacteria Isolated from Industrial Site
The objective of the present study was to screen for antibiotic resistance and metal tolerant bacteria. Soil samples were collected from industrial contaminated sites for antibiotic resistance and metal tolerance. As the industrial effluents contain high concentration of heavy metals along with other organic and inorganic pollutants it was chosen for the study. Eight distinct bacterial species were isolated and tested for the metal tolerance (Cr, Ni and Mn) and antibiotic resistance (bacitracin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, rifampicin, penicillin and ampicillin) at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). It was found that most of the isolates had multiple antibiotic resistance which may be due to heavy metals released in industrial sites. The multiple antibiotic resistance of bacterial species was also associated with tolerance to metals such as chromium, nickel and manganese.
S. Silambarasan and A. Jayanthi
Evaluation of Variation in Seed Parameters and Morphology of Pongamia pinnata: A Biodiesel Yielding Plant in Bhadravathi Town, Karnataka
Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources and it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend and can be used in compression ignition (diesel) engines with no major modifications. The oil obtained from the seeds of Pongamia pinnata holds promise as fuel used as alternative for diesel. The plant has a variety of uses, but its economic exploitation has remained neglected for long time. Survey of Pongamia pinnata plant at the study area was conducted during January-September 2007 to know the density of the species and impact of morphological characteristics on the yield efficiency of the species. Since, lot of wasteland (4631 hectares) was found in the study area (Bhadravathi taluk), recognition of the potential use of these species as a source of biofuels and in wasteland reclamation has got promising scope. This paper reflects on the ecological and economical benefits of Pongamia pinnata as an energy source in the study area.
B. Ananthnag, D. Naveen and E. T. Puttaiah
Variations in Hydrobiological Characteristics of Atyal Pond in Gadhinglaj Tahsil, Dist. Kolhapur, Maharashtra
The paper describes physicochemical characteristics of Atyal pond (Tahsil Gadhinglaj, Dist. Kolhapur) of Maharashtra. Limnological studies were conducted during the October 2007 to September 2008. Variables analysed from surface water of the tank were temperature, transparency, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, hardness, chlorides, biochemical oxygen demand and primary productivity. It was observed that the water of Atyal pond is rich in nutrients, which shows that the pond has become eutrophic. The pond shows increased pollution level due to various activities taking place in and around the water body.
R. S. Sawant, A. B. Telave, P. D. Desai and J. S. Desai
Variation of the Heavy Metal Content in Parts of Artocarpus lakoocha (Roxb.) Using ICP-AES Technique
Herbal medicines are analysed for heavy metals. They are found to have higher concentration of one or more elements. Therefore, the need for limit tests of heavy metals arises for herbal medicines. There is also a need for heavy metal analysis to be an integral part of the standardization of herbal medicines. Artocarpus lakoocha (Roxb.) is a perennial tree found in west coast from Kokan southwards to Kerala and in Tamil Nadu. It has many pharmacological activities such as antiviral, anticancer and anti HIV. Six common heavy metals Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb were analysed by Atomic Emission Spectroscopy, which uses the technique of Inductively Coupled Plasma. ICP-AES is one of the analytical techniques used to determine the concentration of certain metallic ions in solution by measuring the intensity of emission of light at a particular wavelength when a solution of the substance being examined is introduced into a flame.
Nilan J. Rane, Vikas V. Vaidya, Manjusha V. Nikale and M. B. Kekare
Pre-impact Studies of the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Dam on Certain Aquatic Environmental Aspects of Downstream of the River Subansiri with Special Reference to Plankton and Fishes
Pre-impact studies of the 2000 MW lower Subansiri dam have been carried out from January 2006 to December 2006 on certain hydrobiological aspects of downstream of the river Subansiri viz., physicochemical parameters, phytoplankton, zooplankton and freshwater fish diversity. The water quality is suitable for planktonic and fish diversity. In the downstream of proposed dam, a total of 199 taxa have been recorded and identified which include 48 species of algae, 23 species of zooplankton, and 128 species of freshwater fishes belonging to 9 orders, 27 families and 78 genera.
Ranjit Dutta, Debojit Baruah, S. K. Sarma and Lakhi Prasad Hazarika
Diversity Index of Algal Flora in Wular Lake, Kashmir
Shannon’s diversity index of algal flora was calculated to analyse the algal community in Wular lake, Kashmir during March 2002-February 2004. All the selected five stations did not show any difference in the mean values of diversity index, but the values of each month showed slight variation. Diversity was correlated with physicochemical parameters. It showed positive correlation with Transparency and negative correlation with conductivity, carbon dioxide, hardness and nitrate. The ANOVA was highly significant with respect to site and season. Shannon’s index may hold good index for determining the degree of pollution.
Aijaz R. Mir, A. Wanganeo, A. R. Yousuf and R. Wanganeo
Studies on Some Threatened and Endemic Ethnomedicinal Plants of Nashik District (North Sahyadri), Maharashtra
The paper deals with the study of ethnomedicinal threatened and endemic importance of 56 plant species under 50 genera of Nashik district. Various plants available in the locality used by the tribals with local names like kokna, bhil, mahadeo koli, warali thakur and katkari are summarised. The valid scientific names, vernacular names, plant part used and their medicinal uses are given in the paper.
D.N. Khairnar
Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Balanced Phosphate Fertilization on Two Fibre Yielding Plants, Corchorus capsularis L. (Jute) and Gossypium arboretum L. (Cotton)
Different levels of phosphate and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (Glomus fasciculatum) inoculation were carried on two fibre yielding plants. Corchorus capsularis L. (jute) plants grew much taller than non mycorrhizal plants in 3.0 mg Rp/kg, Sp/kg super phosphate with AM fungus Glomus fasciculatum inoculation significantly increased plant height, root length, and reduced per cent root colonization and spore number. 3.5 mg/kg treatment of Rp with mycorrhizal inoculation on Gossypium arboretum L. (cotton) influenced the plant growth, biomass production and P-uptake in mycorrhizal plants over the non-mycorrhizal plants. The suitable level of rock phosphate and super phosphate treatment with Glomus fasciculatum inoculation has been recommended on these two fibre yielding plants.
K. Sandeepkumar and H.C. Lakshman
Phytoremediation Study of Aquatic Macrophytes Collected from Five Lakes of Bangalore, India
A phytoremediation study was carried out at 5 major lakes of Bangalore to ascertain the degree of heavy metal contamination. The study focused on assessment of heavy metal accumulation in three aquatic macrophytes used as biomonitors, in comparison with water and sediments (abiotic monitors) for phytoremediation. The aquatic plants (biomonitors) Hydrilla verticillata, Nelumbo nucifera, Eichhornia crassipes were analysed along with sediments and water for Cu, Co, Pb, Zn and Ni contamination in five lakes (Aggrahara, Arakere, Naganaikanakere, Amblipura and Hulimavu). The order of accumulation of heavy metals was observed, in general, was Hulimavu > Ambalipura > Naganaikanakere > Arakere > Aggrahara. Based on the concentration, the toxicity status observed in macrophytes was H. verticillata > N. nucifera > E. crassipes. The heavy metals are arranged in the following descending order: Cu > Zn > Pb > Co > Ni in macrophytes; Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co in water and Zn > Cu > Ni > Co > Pb in sediments. The selected biotic species showed maximum absorption of copper and zinc in all the lakes.
Abida Begum, S. Harikrishna and Jyothi C. Ajibani
Methylene Blue Adsorption onto Low Cost Powdered Activated Carbon from Agricultural Waste - Morus Plant
rom water and industrial effluents. Various waste materials, obtained from agriculture like rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, oil palm shell, coconut shell, coconut husk, bamboo cane, pongam seed coat, palm tree, cashew nut sheath, rubber seed coat have been reported as the raw materials for preparation of activated carbon. In this study carbon was prepared from Morus plant by chemical activation method. These samples were then activated at 800°C in a muffle furnace. The characterization studies have been carried out to assess their suitability as carbon adsorbents in treatment of dye house effluents. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of contact time and adsorbent dose on the removal of methylene blue dye at a temperature of 30°C. The results revealed that they are good adsorbents for the removal of the dye.
P. M. Gopalswami, S. Ponnusamy, N. Sivakumar and A. Ilamparithi
Removal of Dyes and Heavy Metals Using Garlic Husk
Dyes and heavy metals can be removed from industrial effluents by a wide range of physical and chemical processes available. Among these, adsorption method is one of the most common. In this work, garlic husk has been used, a cheap adsorbent, to remove Patton and Reeder’s indicator, Solochrome black-T, crystal violet, murexide, basic fuchsine and potassium permanganate by batch process. Effect of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and the concentrations of dyes has been studied, which showed the cent percent removal of dyes and heavy metals.
K. S. Geetha and S. L. Belagali
Optimization of Membrane Desalination Process Along With Products Recovery
Development of desalination technologies in recent years, especially in the case of reverse osmosis process, enables now the massive production of drinking water with a moderate cost, providing flexible solutions to different necessities within the fields of population supply, industry and agriculture. The development of reverse osmosis (RO) technology has been a consequence of several factors such as reduction in energy consumption and decrease in membrane cost. The best option is to concentrate the brine by reverse osmosis up to the technical limit of the process. In this paper the concentrate obtained from RO is further treated in evaporator in which additional freshwater is obtained. The thick liquor from the evaporator is further processed into crystallizer where salt is obtained and the mother liquor is recycled back to crystallizer. In this way by concentrating the reject from RO freshwater is recovered and by using crystallizer valuable product such as salt is obtained. From the experimentation/analysis the results obtained are positive as discussed in the paper. The possibility of producing water from brackish groundwater using reverse osmosis processes is studied. Brackish groundwater samples were taken and characterized in terms of pH, conductivity and hardness. The objective of this paper is to concentrate the reject from RO (brine) by means of evaporator to obtain additional freshwater. The product is processed in crystallizer to obtain crystals.
Seema K. Waghmare, R. P. Ugwekar and S. V. Sapkal
Biosorption of Lead Ions From Aqueous Solution by Terminalia catappa: Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies
In the present investigation, the sorption is carried out to test the suitability of abundantly available plant based material Terminalia catappa L. leaf powder as an adsorbent for removal of lead ions from aqueous solution. The equilibrium studies are systematically carried out in a batch process, covering various process parameters that include contact time, adsorbent size and dosage, initial lead ion concentration and pH of the aqueous solution. It is observed that there is a significant increase in percentage removal of lead ions as pH increases from 2 to 6 and attain maximum at pH 6. The contact time is to be 20 minutes. The Langmuir isotherm is more suitable for sorption followed by Freundlich and Temkin isotherms with a maximum adsorption capacity of 28.63 mg/g of lead ion on T. catappa leaf biomass. The sorption of lead ions follows second order kinetic model having a correlation coefficient of 0.9996.
P. Kalpana, N. Rakesh and L. Nageswara Rao
Removal of the Dye Chromotrope 2R Using Activated Carbon Prepared from Salvadora persica: Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies
The study was aimed at investigating the use of activated carbon prepared from Salvadora persica (ACSP) and the results were compared with the polyvinyl alcohol coated carbon prepared from Salvadora persica (PVAC-SP). Various factors affecting the adsorption process including solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial dye concentration were studied in a batch process. PVAC-SP was found to be most effective at pH 8. The kinetics of adsorption process was well described by the pseudo 2nd order kinetics model. The maximum adsorption of dye with ACSP and PVAC-SP were found to be 71.3% and 92.7% respectively.
Kailash Daga, Santosh Chaudhary* and V. Pallavi
Decolorization and Degradation of Textile Azo Dye Golden Yellow HE2R by Adapted Bacteria
Degradation and decolorization of azo dye Golden Yellow HE2R was carried out by soil bacterial isolates. Soil samples from various places were collected and acclimatized for decolorization of azo dye Golden Yellow HE2R. The acclimatized culture GY-B could decolorize 90% of the dye with 10,000 mg/L concentration. Eight promising isolates were able to decolorize the dye solution more than 83.43% averagely in less than 24 hours. Percent decolorization was studied by spectrophotometry. Hyper-interactions between carbon source like 1% glucose, 1% starch and 1% yeast extract and bacteria to decolorize the dye was investigated and modelled. In percent COD reduction studies, it was observed that more than 75% COD was reduced after decolorization process. The decolorization of the dye in half strength nutrient broth was also studied. The products formed after the degradation process were analysed by GC-MS technique.
R. V. Kale, M. M. Sabale and P. R. Thorat
Treatment of Synthetic Wastewater Containing Phenol, Thiocyanate and Nitrate-N in Anoxic Fixed Film Reactor
Phenol and thiocyanate are present in many industrial effluents like chemical industries, oil refineries, coal gasification, coke and steel plant, synthetic fuel processing operations, coal carbonization, etc. The objective of the present research is to investigate the removal of phenol, thiocyanate and nitrate-N in anoxic fixed-film reactors. Cultures were acclimatized in three continuous reactors (named R1, R2 and R3) under anoxic environment with sponge cubes as media for biomass immobilization. Acclimatization time was around 41 days. Study was conducted with synthetic feed containing varying concentrations of phenol, thiocyanate (SCN-) and nitrate-N. HRT of anoxic reactors was maintained at two days. In reactor (R1), NO3-N concentration was varied from 50-200 mg/L at a constant phenol and COD concentrations of 200 and 480 mg/L respectively. COD to NO3-N removal ratio varied from 1.58 to 10.12 in R1. In reactor R2, feed SCN- concentration was varied from 42 to 350 mg/L. It was observed that due to change in feed SCN- concentration, phenol removal remained unaffected and complete phenol removal was achieved from influent concentration of 200 mg/L. In R2 higher concentration of SCN- in feed had inhibitory effects on both denitrification and thiocyanate removal efficiencies. In reactor R3, feed phenol concentration was varied from 200-600 mg/L. COD removal increased due to increase in influent phenol concentration. However, SCN- and NO3-N removals decreased. Sulphate was generated in anoxic reactor from thiocyanate. It was observed that performance of bioreactors remained unaffected due to sudden increase of influent phenol and SCN- concentrations of 1.3 times and 1.7 times respectively.
P. Sundar Kumar, I. Naga Babu and T. V. Praveen
Photo-Fenton Treatment of Antibiotic Wastewater
The study examined photo-Fenton treatment of an antibiotic wastewater containing amoxicillin and cloxacillin, and evaluated the effect of operating conditions (H2O2/COD molar ratio and H2O2/Fe2+molar ratio) on biodegradability (BOD5/COD ratio) improvement and mineralization. The optimum operating conditions for treatment of the antibiotic wastewater was observed to be H2O2/COD molar ratio 2.5 and H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio 20 (COD/H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio 1/2.5/0.125) at pH 3 and reaction time 30 min. Under optimum operating conditions, complete degradation of amoxicillin and cloxacillin occurred in one minute, biodegradability improved from 0.09 to 0.50 ± 0.01 in 30 min, and COD and DOC removal were 67 ± 1% and 51 ± 2%, respectively in 30 min. The study indicated that the photo-Fenton process can be used as pretreatment for antibiotic degradation and biodegradability improvement of antibiotic wastewater containing amoxicillin and cloxacillin.
Emad S. Elmolla and Malay Chaudhuri
Evaluation of Anti-nociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves of Oak, Quercus brantii by Formalin Test and Carraggeenan Model in Rat
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-nociceptive and the anti-inflammatory activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Quercus brantii leaves by formalin test and carrageenan model in rat. In this work, 80 male-Wistar rats weighting about 210 ± 20 g were divided into ten groups of eight. Five groups were used for formalin test, and five groups for carrageenan model. For evaluation of anti-nociceptive effects the formalin test was used. Anti-nociceptive effect was determined in two phases. The minutes 0-5 and 16-60 were considered as acute and chronic phases of pain in the formalin test, respectively. The animals of experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 were pre-treated with oral doses of the extract at 200, 400, 600 (mg/kg) doses, 60 min before administration of formalin. For anti- inflammatory effects, the carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema model in rats was used and the animals of experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 were pre-treated with oral doses of the extract at 200, 400, 600 (mg/kg), 30 min before administration of carrageenan. The control group without receiving any drug and the sham group receiving an equal volume of distilled water. The paw volume was measured in the mercury from 0 to 2 h and 30 min after carrageenan injection. Data were statistically analysed by ANOVA and t-tests (p<0.05). The results showed that the highest concentration of the extract 600 (mg/kg) decreased pain and inflammation in formalin test and carrageenan model in comparison with the control group (P< 0.05). The present study demonstrated that probably the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of oak leaf hydroalcoholic extract is related to available flavonoids and tannins presence in this extract.
M. Mokhtari and Z. Khabbaz
Efficacy of Saponin Glycosides Against the Weed, Echinochloa colanum
Saponins were isolated from the neoil bearing forest seeds viz., Maduca indica, Sapindus mukrossi and their herbicidal activities were assessed under laboratory conditions at different dilutions against Echinochloa colanum, a notorious weed of silvi-agri (babul-paddy) agroforesty model. The effect of dilutions viz., 2.5, 5, 10% of saponin isolates on % germination, and root and shoot length were recorded. The incorporation of 2.5 % concentration of saponin dilutions of different species drastically reduced germination (35-47%) as compared the control. No root formation was recorded in all treatments while 60.09-94.95% shoot length inhibition over control (3.27 cm) was recorded in different treatments. Screened species grow luxuriantly in tropical region and easily available source for the isolation of saponins, which can be utilized as a lead molecule for the synthesis of safer, eco-friendly and more economical weed control agents.
Neelu Singh
Study on Fly Ash Geopolymer Concrete to Reduce Global Warming Gases
The climate change due to global warming, one of the greatest environmental issues, has become a major concern during the last decade. The global warming is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2 to the atmosphere by human activities. In recent years, attempts to increase the utilisation of fly ash to partially replace the use of Portland cement in concrete are gathering momentum. Geopolymer concrete is a new material that does not need the presence of Portland cement as a binder. Instead, activating the source materials such as fly ash that are rich in silicon (Si) and aluminium (Al) using high alkaline liquids produces the binder required to manufacture the concrete. Hence, concrete with no cement can be achieved. In this study M20 grade geopolymer concrete was designed and two trial mixes have been compared with the control specimen. This paper presents information on fly ash-based geopolymer concrete, material and the mixture proportions, the manufacturing process, and the influence of various parameters on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete.
V. Sreevidya, R. Anuradha and R. Venkatasubramani
Studies on Seasonal Variation in the Dispersion of Suspended Particulate Matter from a Point Source
The present study focuses on the seasonal evaluation and short range dispersion of suspended particulate matter (SPM) emitted by a detergent manufacturing industry in Vadamangalam near Puducherry within a radius of 1.5 km of its source. The study was carried out using monitoring followed by modelling. Experimental measurements were obtained by conducting a spot sampling analysis during different seasons in and around the detergent manufacturing industry. Analytical calculations were carried out by employing the Gaussian plume point source model. SPM is considered to be the main pollutant emitted by detergent industry. Five years (1999-2003) of wind speed, wind direction and cloud cover data, recorded by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), were used for concentration prediction. The predicted values of particulate matter in and around the industry, were used to evaluate the seasonal impact of detergent manufacturing industry on air quality. Comparison of modelling results with experimental data showed a marked seasonal trend in the study period, which is characterized by SPM levels that were higher in summer and decreased progressively through the monsoon, post-monsoon and winter seasons.
A. Darwin, S. S. Sundarvel, R. Saravanane and N. Ramesh
Alterations in Physicochemical Characteristics of Drinking Water Collected From Some Areas of Ahmedabad City
Due to urbanization and human activities, the groundwater sources are depleting in terms of quantity and quality in Indian cities. The present study is associated with tap water quality of municipal and tube well sources evaluated from 36 samples collected from 17 areas of Ahmedabad city. Samples were analysed for various physicochemical characteristics by standard methods. The data suggest that most of the samples have total hardness, chlorinity and salinity within the highest desirable limit of GPCB or BIS. Most of the samples have high amount of calcium and magnesium hardness above the highest desirable limit but less than maximum permissible limit. Five samples were having magnesium hardness even above the maximum permissible limit of GPCB standards. The water quality index (WQI) calculated from five parameters has shown that almost all the samples have the index value more than 100 suggesting that drinking water is unsafe. Most of the water samples studied (75%) were hard waters in terms of total hardness. Pearson correlation matrix suggests that total hardness has highly significant positive correlation with rest of the parameters studied. The calcium hardness has significant correlation with chlorinity and salinity. The magnesium hardness showed a positive correlation with chlorinity and salinity. Compared to municipal sources using Student’s t-test analysis, the tube-well source has higher values of total hardness (P<0.001), magnesium hardness (P<0.001), chlorinity (P<0.05) and salinity (P<0.05). Proper water treatment, especially for tube well water is necessary.
M. B. Suthar, N. M. Ravat, A. R. Mesariya and K. V. Kanjariya
Environmental Education and Curriculum at Primary Level
An effort has been made to redefine environmental education and differentiate it from environmental studies (EVS). EVS at primary level has been highlighted and the curriculum development process from classes I to V discussed. A shift in environmental education from knowledge based to issue based education is desirable in schools. Need for localisation of environmental education is imminent. A scheme has been suggested for evolution of a new revised environmental education curriculum. A survey for relevant social and biophysical parameters was carried out on samples of III, IV and V standard students and teachers of DMS, RIE, Mysore. The sample study was generalised as of Mysorean Kannadiga Hindus. Environmental and socio-cultural issues lacking in the textbooks, inclusion of which could make environmental education more effective locally, have been highlighted. It has been concluded that as social and cultural criteria are pre-eminent in the texts, therefore, environmental education should transit from knowledge based to issue based learning to be more effective at the local level.
Geetha G. Nair
Extent of Fly Ash Blended Cement Concrete Deterioration Under Sulphate Attack
Fly ash, which was once an environmental pollutant, has now found a good place in the construction industry, mainly in production of blended cement. Blended cement has replaced ordinary Portland cement (OPC) to a major extent, in lieu of its increased durability and lesser cost. In addition there is reduction in green house gases in the manufacturing of cement, thereby reducing pollution. The main aim of this work is to study the effect of sulphate attack in OPC and blended cement made by replacement of OPC with fly ash by 10%, 20% and 30%. When the analysis of concrete reveals a high sulphate content this does not necessarily indicate any deterioration although conversely, loss of strength or visible deterioration accompanied by high sulphate content would be evidence of sulphate attack. The properties were monitored periodically to examine durability. Here, an attempt is made to know the effect of sulphate attack on blended cement by monitoring the properties like density variation, compressive strength and water absorption. The test results discussed above conclude the effect of sulphate attack on OPC specimens and OPC specimens replaced with fly ash. The deterioration starts significantly after 60 days of curing in all cases. The concrete is good in sulphate resistant when fly ash is added. The fly ash added specimens performed better than OPC specimens. The result of the study indicated that the replacement of cement with 20% fly ash improved the durability of concrete to a larger extent. The final strength reduction for the specimens attacked by magnesium sulphate solution were higher than that those attacked by sodium sulphate solution.
P. Kathirvel, M. Galesh, M. Shahul Hameed and A. S. S. Sekar
Recycled Concrete Aggregate – A Substitute to Natural Coarse Aggregate
The study deals with the investigation undertaken to examine the possibility of using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a substitute to natural coarse aggregate (NCA). The concrete specimens were cast by partially replacing cement by fly ash, and NCA was replaced by 30% of RCA. Twenty % replacement of cement by fly ash gave optimum results for compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength.
ino John and P. Parameswaran
Ecofriendly Geopolymer: An Alternative Construction Material
Geopolymer is an inorganic alumina silicate polymer synthesized from predominantly silicon and aluminium materials of geological origin or byproduct materials like fly ash. The use of geopolymer technology substantially reduces the CO2 emissions by the cement industries and utilizes the waste materials such as fly ash. The fresh geopolymer concrete has stiff consistency and high viscosity. The chemical reaction period is substantially fast. To evaluate the performance of geopolymer mortar, the tests conducted are cube compressive strength, cylinder compressive strength and split tensile strength. Strength tests revealed that the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar cubes increases 2 to 2.5 times the compression strength of the control mortar. The main advantages of the present investigation are 100% fly ash utilization, complete elimination of cement, no water/autoclave curing, low water absorption and high compressive strength.
G. Saravanan, C. Antony Jeyasehar and S. Kandasamy
Occupational Health Hazards in Cement Plant Workers and Their Remedies
The paper deals with the occupational health hazards among the mini cement plant workers of Hazaribagh district. The health status data of 500 workers were obtained from five different mini cement plants. During investigations, the results obtained indicated that the workers who have been working continuously for more than five years in this environment were suffering from respiratory, skin, eye and heart diseases with chest and stomach pain. It was also noticed that the percentage frequency of affected persons depend upon their age, work experience and sensitivity. It was also noticed that cement plants act as an aging factor for the workers. A few suggestions have been given for protection of health by these workers.
Snehlata Singh
Distribution of Different Fractions of Lead at Various Horizons of Contaminated Soil Pedons of Coimbatore District, Tamilnadu
The risk to the environment from contaminated soil can not be assessed by simply considering the total amount of potentially toxic metals within the soil because these metals are not necessarily completely mobile or bioavailable. Hence, it is necessary to reduce the fraction of toxic elements which is potentially mobile or bioavailable. Total lead varied from traces to 250 mg/L. The amounts of other lead fractions were 1.31, 4.81, 85.81, 89.31, 63.52 and 50.81 mg/L for water soluble, exchangeable and adsorbed, organically bound, carbonate bound, Fe-Mn oxide, and residual fractions respectively. Mobile form of lead was very dangerous and mostly seen in roadside profiles of Ganapathy and Ukkadam.
T. Sherene
Heavy Metals in the Effluent Discharged from Loco and Carriage Workshops, Ajmer, Rajasthan
Heavy metals are widely distributed in the earth’s crust, atmosphere, seawater and freshwaters as a result of soil erosion, release of industrial effluents and agricultural practices, etc. Industrial effluents may be considered as one of the major sources of heavy metal pollution. The contamination of groundwater and soil has received great significance during recent years due to the toxicity and accumulation behaviour, which may have an adverse effect on ecosystems and human health. Present study involves analysis of heavy metals and other physicochemical parameters like pH, EC, colour and COD in effluent discharged from Loco and Carriage Workshops, Ajmer. Effluent samples were collected monthly in the year 2007. The study indicates slightly acidic nature of the effluent. Colour of all the effluent samples was black. Oil and grease and COD in all the samples were found higher than the prescribed limits of WHO. Cu and Zn content of all the samples were within the prescribed limits, whereas Cd, Fe and Pb were higher than the prescribed limits.
Subroto Dutta, Rashmi Pradhan and Manoj Kumar Meena
An Experiment to Control Pollution Caused By Exhaust Gases of Automobiles
Exhaust gases from auto vehicles are the main source of air pollution, especially in urban areas. These exhaust gases consist of oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide causing pollution of air and producing the disturbance to the dynamic equilibrium of nature. These gases are toxic to humans, animals and plants. To get rid of this problem the paper proposes a new device to check the entry of NO2, NO and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere by connecting a specially designed fibre glass absorption chamber to the silencer of the auto vehicles. The chamber is divided into three parts and filled with such chemical which absorbs oxides of nitrogen, CO and carbon particles. This experiment is successful to check the CO and NO2 pollution up to an extent.
B. K. Gupta, Anjna Singh and Ramanuj Pathak
Leather Dye Toxicity on Blood Chemistry of Freshwater Teleost, Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.)
The paper describes the changes in biochemical parameters of freshwater teleost, Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) when exposed to sublethal concentrations of leather dye Bismarck brown with three concentrations (0.6 mg/L, 0.7 mg/L, 0.8 mg/L) at different time intervals (24 hrs, 48 hrs, 96 hrs, 1 week). The serum total glucose showed decreasing trend on exposure to Bismarck brown at different time intervals and at all three concentrations. Under sublethal exposure to Bismarck brown the glucose level decreased in serum. The fall in the glucose content indicates its rapid utilization by the fish as a consequent of dye’s toxic effect. The aim of the study is to aware the people to protect the fish fauna from leather dyes and their effect on the biochemical parameters of the fish Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.).
S. Afaq and K. S. Rana
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