ID: 58462
Title: Soils of India: historical perspective, classification and recent advances
Author: T Bhattacharyya, D K Pal, C Mandal, P Chandran, S K Ray, Dipak Sarkar, K Velmourougane, A Srivastava, G S Sidhu, R S Singh, A P Nagar and S S Nimkhedkar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 104, No 10, 25 May 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Parent materials, soil-forming factors, soil categories, soil map, rock formations
Abstract: Derived from a wide range of rocks and minerals, a large variety of soils occur in the Indian subcontinent. Soil-forming factors like climate, vegetation and topography acting for varying periods on a range of rock formations and paretn materials, have given rise to different kinds of soil. The National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur has developed a database on soils with field and laboratory studies over the last 30 years. This has generated maps and soil information at different scales, showing area and distribution of various soil groups in different agroecological subregions. The 1:250,000 scale map shows a threshold soil variation index of 4-5 and 10-25 soil families per m ha for alluvial plains and black soil regions respectively. Progress in basic and fundamental research in Indian soils has been reviewed in terms of soils, their formation related to climate, relief, organisms, parent materials and time.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58461
Title: Tree density and canopy cover in the urban areas in Gujarat, India
Author: H S Singh
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 104, No 10, 25 May 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Green cover, tree cover, urban forestry, Urban trees
Abstract: Total tree enumeration, a first initiatives of its kind in India, was done in 2011 in all urban areas in Gujarat. The enumeration data were analysed to find out tree cover and density, tree cover per inhabitant and carbon store in the urban areas. About 6.55 million trees grow in 167 urban areas (municipal corporations and municipalities) with average tree density of 18.9 trees/ha. Thirty-four cities and towns have adquate tree cover with tree density above 30 trees/ha and the rest have low tree cover. The canopy cover (53.9%) and tree density (152 trees/ha) in Gandhinagar, teh capital city of Gujarat, are the highest in India; thus Gandhinagar may be listed amongst the greenest cities in the workld. The status of tree cover in small and medium cities in the background of growing urbanization has also been discussed. Need for adequate number of trees as environment infrastructure in the urban areas to address growing enviornmental issues, has been highlighted. The tree canopy cover in some of the urban areas in India and other countries has been discussed to develop a norm of minimum tree cover in the urban areas in India.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58460
Title: Anatomical studies of timber and EPMA analysis of brass artefacts collected from steam engine shipwreck of Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep, India
Author: Sila Tripati, S R Shukla, Vishnu Som, Sundaresh, Vijay Khedekar, S Shashikala, S K Sharma
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 104, No 10, 25 May 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58459
Title: ' Phantom references ' , ' nomina nuda ' and the dilemma of freshwater fish taxonomy in India
Author: Rajeev Raghavan, Neelesh Dahanukar, Siby Phillip, K Krishnakumar and Anvar Ali
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 104, No 10, 25 May 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58458
Title: ' Phantom references ' . ' nomima nuda" and the dilemna of freshwater fish taxonomy in India L10,
Author: Rajeev Raghavan, Neelesh Dahanukar, Siby Phillip, K Krishnakumar and Anvar Ali
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 104, No 10, 25 May 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58457
Title: Getting ready with REDD+ strategy for India
Author: Tajinder Pal Singh
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 104, No 10, 25 May 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58456
Title: Getting ready with REDD+stratergy for India
Author: Tajinder Pal Singh
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 104, No 10, 25 May 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58455
Title: Mitigation of grondwater depletion hazards in India
Author: Rohitashw Kumar, Harender Raj
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 104, No 10, 25 May 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58454
Title: Distribution of fluoride in the enivornment of Balasore district, Odisha, india
Author: B B Kar, B B Patra and P Das Mohapatra
Editor: Prof V Subramanian
Year: 2013
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of water, environment and pollution
Keywords: Fluoride, fluorosis, water hyacinth, drumstick, WHO, groundwater
Abstract: Fluoride pollution in the Balasore district of Odisha has become a challenging issue before the scientists and administrators as well. The problem is wide-spread in most of the areas of the district adn fluorosis has been revealed in most of areas where people are using fluoride-contaminated drinking water. The in situ fluoridization of water has caused contamination in statis water quality, ground water, soil, water hyacinth, grass and drumstick plants as well. A detailed investigation has revealed that fluoride content varies in the range of 0.6 ppm to 400 ppm.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58453
Title: A comprehensive study on road traffic noise of an industrial Town of Odisha, India
Author: Susanta Kumar Sahu, Shreerup Goswami and Meera Das
Editor: Prof V Subramanian
Year: 2013
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of water, environment and pollution
Keywords: Rayagada, community response, noise descriptors, road traffic noise
Abstract: Noise is a disturbance to the human environment and will become a major threat to the quality of human lives. In last few decades, noise in urban areas have been increasing rapidly. Noise pollution was analysed in 10 different squares (road sections) during four different specified times (7-10 a m., 11 a m-2 pm, 3-6 pm, 7-10 pm ) to assess the level of noise pollution of the Rayagada township. The sources of noise at the studied sites were predominantly attributable to motor vehicular traffic. Noise descriptors such as L10, L50, L90, Leq, TN1 (Traffic Noise Index), NPL (Noise Pollution Level) and NC (Noise climate) were analysed to reveal the extent of noise pollution of this town L10, L50, L90, Leq, TNI, NPL and NC values of all 10 monitored sites ranged from 85.4 to 99.3 dB, from 72.6 to 86.5 dB, from 64.6 to 76.7 dB, from 80.4 to 99 dB, from 95.2 to 128.2 dB, from 95.1 to 159.2 dB, and from 13.3 to 30.3 dB, respectively. The present nosie assessment depicted that even the minimum values of Leq (80.4 dB), NPL (95.1 dB), TNI(95.2 dB) during day time were more than the permissible limit (70 dB). The number of vehicles passing through a fixed point on the studied road are counted to assess the traffic volume (Q) and the percentage of heavy trucks and buses to total traffic was also calculated to work out truck traffic mix ratio (P). Moreover, individual contribution to environmental noise by the air horn of different motor vehicles has also been assessed during day time. The episodic and impulsive noise levels of different tpes of vehicles were more than the traffic noise-limit i.e. 70 dB (A). A survey adopting questionnaire method amongst 241 local inhabitants had also been carried out to gather information regarding the effect of noise on human health.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58452
Title: Trace metals concentration in water and sediment off Bangladesh coast in the Bay of Bengal
Author: S M Rashedul Alam Chowdhury and Mohammad Zafar
Editor: Prof V Subramanian
Year: 2013
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of water, environment and pollution
Keywords: Trace metals, water, sediment, Bangladesh coast, Bay of Bengal
Abstract: The Coastal-Oceanic ecosystem of Bangladesh contains a highly functional and structurally diverse ecology. The present sudy focusses an overivew of trace metals concentration in subsurface water and surficial sediment off Bangladesh coast in the Bay of Bengal. Samples were collected during spring on March and April 2007 and the concentration of trace metals in water were recorded as Ca 593.71+59.28? g/L, Mg 1029.02 + 104.77? g/L, Cu 0.56 +0.22 ? g/L, Fe 11.84 +2.77 ? g/L, Mn 4.74 + 2.24 ? g/L and Zn 1.66 +1.18 ? g/L and in sediment Ca 10.54 +2.50 ? g/g, Mg 5.55 +1.42 ? g/g, Cu 10.59 +7.47 mg/g, Fe 20.5+7.42mg/g, Mn 29.55 +7.91 mg/g and Zn 0.59 +0.17 mg/g respectively. Correlation co-efficient showed that trace metal in water and sediment were significantly interrelated. One-way ANNOVA showed that there is no significant differences in trace metals distribution in water and sediment throughout the Bangladesh coast. The finding of the present study is a baseline reference for developing water and sediment quality index of the coastal oceanic zone of Bangladesh.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58451
Title: Role of sewage discharge on the diversity and distribution of zooplankton in the Mahanadi river, India
Author: M Das, S K Palita and T Panda
Editor: Prof V Subramanian
Year: 2013
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of water, environment and pollution
Keywords: Abundance, Mahanadi river, Taladanda canal, zooplankton
Abstract: Zooplankton forms an important component of fish fries and helps to transfer energy from primary to secondary and tertiary levels in a food chain. Realizing the paucity of patent literature on the zooplankton population of sewage-fed river Mahanadi, studies were undertaken to assess the seasonal dynamics of zooplankton populations and nutrient status of water for a period of one year covering three seasons. Zooplankton population and water analysis was performed using standard procedure. Maximum population density was observed in the winter season followed by summer and lastly rainy. Higher zooplankton populations were encountered in Sikharpur (site IV). They corresponded to the fluctuation of prevailing conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, better organic load and chemical oxygen demand content of the said habitat. A total of 14 species belonging to six different groups were recorded during the study period. Lower concentration of zooplankton at Sikharpur site indicates polluted zone of the river. Our findings highlighted the deterioration of water quality in the river due to industralization and human activities. Proper biological and chemical treatment of domestic sewage and industrial effluents before discharge to river system is suggested.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58450
Title: Effect of operating variables on the batch removal of a dye using Activated plant biomass
Author: N Rajamohan and M Rajasimman
Editor: Prof V Subramanian
Year: 2013
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of water, environment and pollution
Keywords: Dye, sorption, date palm, kinetics
Abstract: Acid activated date palm tree powder is proposed as an adsorbent for the removal of acid dye, Acid Blue 92, in this study. The influence of operating varaibles like solution pH, adsorbent dosage and initial dye concentration are studied thoroughly to evaluate the optimum conditions. Maximum adsorption was foudn to take place in pH 2.0 while equilibrium was achieved in 6 h. The mechanism of adsorption was explored by Pseudo-second order and Elovich models and it was found that this sorption process is well represented by Elovich model with a higher value of R2= 0.997. The physciochemical properties of the adsorbent are also studied.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58449
Title: Spatial and temporal assessment of groundwater quality in puri city, India: A statistical analysis
Author: Ritesh Vijay, S S Ramya, P R Pujari and P K Mohapatra
Editor: Prof V Subramanian
Year: 2013
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of water, environment and pollution
Keywords: Groundwater quality, drinking water standards, statistical analysis, anthropogenic activities
Abstract: Puri city is situated near Bay of Bengal where there is a balanced interface of sea water and fresh water near the coast line. the city receives water from the ground water sources and the quality of ground water is being maintained. The main objective of the paper is to assess the quality of ground water using statistical techniques and the suitability of this water for its utility was verified using Indian drinking water standards. Goundwater samples were collected from various specific areas during post and pre-monsoon seasons and analyzed for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters and compared with standards. The ground water is mainly polluted due to the domestic effluent, which contains detergents, human and animal excreta, industrial waste and cremation of human and animal bodies. The study showed that concentration of quality parameters were more in the city area as compared to the water fields due to the various anthropogenic activities taking place in the city. Based on the spatial and temporal assessment of groundwater quality, various mitigation measures were suggested for improving the groundwater quality of the Puri-city.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58448
Title: Willingness to pay for improved water services in Rajshahi city, Bangladesh
Author: Md Abdur Rashid Sarker and Khorshed Alam
Editor: Prof V Subramanian
Year: 2013
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of water, environment and pollution
Keywords: contingent valuation, Rajshahi, water supply service, willingness to pay
Abstract: This study uses contingent valuation (CV) method to elicit residential consumers ' willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water supply services in Rajshahi city, Bangladesh. It identifies the factors affecting households WTP through a multiple regression analysis. Accordingly, a sample of 150 households with piped water connection was chosen to be interviewed with the use of a face-to-face questioning technique. The results from thsi study show that households are willing to pay more for improved services which is important for the policy makers in devising appropriate water tariff. Among various indicators, households ' income, education and type of housing have emerged as three most important factors in affecting consumers ' WTP.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None