ID: 57847
Title: Local and regional features of surface radiation fluxes over the tropical Atlantic ocean near Sao Pedro and Sao Paulo Archipelago: evidence of small scale upwelling
Author: Jacyra Soares, Amauri P de Oliveira, Georgia Codato and Joao Francisco Escobedo
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (4) December 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Radiation balance, Sao Pedro and Sao Paulo, Archipelago, Tropical Atlantic Ocean, Upwelling
Abstract: To properly describe the interactions between the ocean and atmosphere, is is necessary to assess a variety of time and spatial scales phenomena. Here, high resolution oceanographic and meteorological data collected during an observational campaign carried out aboard a ship in the tropical Atlantic Ocean, on May 15-24, 2002, is used to describe the radiation balance at the ocean interface. Data collected by two PIRATA buoys, along the equator at 230 W and 350W and satellite and climate data are compared with the data obtained during the observational campaign. Comparison indicates remarkable similarity for daily and hourly values of radiation fluxes components as consequence of the temporal and spatial consistence presented by the air and water temperature measured in situ and estimated from large scale information. The discrepancy, mainly in the Sao Pedro and Sao Paulo Archipelago area, seems to be associated to the local upwelling of cold water , which is not detected in all other estimates investigated here. More in situ data are necessary to clarify whether this upwelling flow has a larger scale effect and what are the meteorological and oceanographic implications of the local upwelling area on the tropical waters at the Brazilian coast.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57846
Title: Influence of seasons on the physico-chemical water quality parameters of Halkurke tank and Honnavalli (Hirekere) tank waters
Author: A M Shivanna and G Nagendrappa
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (4) December 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Water quality, Halkurke tank, Honnavalli tank, Irrigation water quality, drinking water standards
Abstract: Considereing the impacts of agricultural runoff, domestic sewage and other anthropogenic activities on the quality of surface water, a physico-chemical study regarding water quality assessment of Halkurke tank and Honnavalli tank water samples belonging to Tiptur Tahsil was carried out for one year to know the seasonal varaition and to assess water quality. In the present study, physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, EC, TDS, TH, alkalinity, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, sulphate, phophate, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and boron were estimated. To check the suitability of water for irrigation SAR, % Na, RSC and RSBC parameters were evaluated. The results revealed that the physico-chemical parameters were within the range prescribed by BIS for drinking purposes, but they were on the higher side. The values of pH were on mild alkaline side due to higher alkalinity. Higher values of SAR (5.68 and 4.19), EC (704 and 732.25 ?mhos/cm), RSC (4.3 and 2.81 meq/L) and Na % (72.38 and 62.71) pose salinity and permeability problems to soils and put the said water samples under medium quality for irrigation purposes. Since these tanks are the only sources to recharge the underground water of the area, groundwater quality of these regions will also be gradually affected.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57845
Title: Investigation of geotechnical engineering properties of subsurface soils in Bonny island, Eastern Niger Delta
Author: H O Nwankwoala
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (4) December 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Subsurface soils, lithology, geotechnical properties, Niger delta
Abstract: The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the subsurface lithologies as well as to examine the properties of the soils in the area, especially with respect to their strengths and bearing capacities, with a view to determining the suitability or otherwise of the subsoil as bearing media for a shallow foundation system. Borings for subsurface exploration in the area were made at three (3) well spaced locations with a hand auger to a maximum depth of 30 m each below the existing ground level and the execution of two (2) Cone Penetrometer Tests (CPTs) to maximum depth or refusal. The study is aimed at determining the suitability of the location prior to the design and construction of foundations in the area. Results of the study reveal that BH1 is characterized by soft, dark grey peat with a thickness of 2.0 m. This layer of peat is underlain to 9.0 m by medium dense, dary grey fine sand and in turn overlies medium dense to dense, grey fine to medium sand to the terminal depth at 30.0 m, and becoming light grey at 24.0 m. In BH 2, the topsoil is soft, dark grey peat to 0.50 m. Underlying the above layer of peat to 1.0 m is loose, light brown fine sand with plant roots. From 1.0 m to 3.0 m is a layer of soft, grey sandy silt which is underlain by medium dense, grey fine sand of 3.0 m thickness. From 6.0 m to 9.0 m is dark grey, fine sand with intercalation of silty clay at 9.0 m and from 10.0 m to 22.0 m is medium dense, grey fine to medium sand. From 23.0 m to the terminal depth at 30.0 m is medium dense to dense, brown fine to medium sand. The study shows that the topsoil in borehole 3 is similar to borehold 2. However, underlying the peat in BH3 is bronw fine sand to 1.0 m adn underlying the fine sand to 3.0 m is medium dense, light brown find sand. From 3.0 m to 14.0 m is meidum to dense, light grey find sand which in turn is underlain by medium dense to dense, fine to medium sand of 8.0 m thickness. From 22.0 m to the terminal depth at 30.0 m is medium dense to dense, grey fine medium sand. Generally, the sand layers in all the boreholes exhibited high SPT values at deeper depths. The results obtained from this study have emphasized the usefulness of geotechnical studies in establishing variation in lithology accompained by variation in the allowable bearing pressure of foundation soils.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57844
Title: Hydro chemical evaluation of groundwater in mine region, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Author: N Thilagavathi and T Subramani
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Groundwater, Geochemistry, Hydro geochemical processes, TDS
Abstract: Hydrochemical investigations of groundwater have been carried ouit on objectives of evaluating groundwater quality. This paper presents assessment of hydro chemical characteristic of groundwater at chalk hill mine region in Salem, Tamil Nadu. For this study water quality data (2009-2011) of 30 groundwater wells spread over the study area were used to understand the groundwter geochemistry and hydro geochemical process regulating the groundwater quality. The approaches followed here include the chemical analyses for major ions and construct the hydro chemical maps of total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium (Na+), bicarbonate (HCO3-) and chloride (Cl-) ions. Sources of major ions in groundwater were analyzed. Physical and chemical parameters of groundwater such as electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), Na+, K+,Ca+,Mg2+, Cl, HCO3, SO4 and NO3 were determined. Concentrations of the chemical constituents in groundwater vary spatially and temporarily. Groundwater in the area is generally hard, fresh to brackish, high to very high saline and low alkaline in nature. High total hardness and TDS in a few places identify the unsuitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation. Such areas require special care to provide adequate drainage and introduce alternative salt tolerance cropping. Fluoride and boron are within the permissible limits for human consumptin and crops as per the international standards.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57843
Title: GIS approach for rainfall fluctuation study in Omalur taluk, Salem district, Tamilnadu, India
Author: D Karunanidhi, G Vennila and M Suresh
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Rainfall, spatial distribution, Geographic Information System (GIS), Monsoon season
Abstract: Rainfall is the major determinant of agricultural production, especially in rain fed areas. Since the contribution of rain fed agriculture is almost half to the national average in the present study, an attempt has been made to understand the rainfall fluctuation with respect to spatial distributionin Omalur Taluk, Salem district of South India through GIS Technique. To achieve the aim, rainfall variations during winter (Jan. & Feb), summer (Mar. to May), southwest monsoon (Jun. to Sep) and northeast monsoon (Oct. to Dec.) were analyzed for the period from 2001 to 2010. These results were taken into GIS platform to prepare the spatial distribution maps. The spatial distribution maps of Southwest- and Northeast- monsoon season showed that 620.32 km2 and 39. 01 km2 of the study area received high rainfall during the respective monsoon seasons. Annual average rainfall spatial distribution map for the years 2001-2010 revealed that 439.24 km2 of the study area received high rainfall during the respective monsoon seasons. Annual average rainfall spatial distribution map for the years 2001-2010 revealed that 439.24 km2 of the study area falls under high rainfall zone in the study area. The results suggest that the model reproduces the number and spatial distribution maps of rainfall extremes with some accuracy, but that mean rainfall and rainfall variability is estimated over dy regions of Omalur Taluk in Salem District, South India.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57842
Title: Electrical network mapping and consumer indexing using GIS
Author: J Divya and S Mahendran
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Electrical network mapping, GIS, consumer indexing
Abstract: This study represents the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) in management of Electricity Distribution Facilities. With inherent limitations faced by traditional systems of keeping and managing information, an automated system is devleoped for Arapalaym ward, Madurai City. The Electricity Distribution Network map and some of the attribute data were collected from Arapalayam Sub Station (ASS). Using on the spot observations and personal interview, some attribute data and data on the end-users were acquired. GPS survey has been done for collecting the ground co-ordinates. The database was created by inputting the relevant spatial and attribute data into the system. The base map was overlaid with the electricity distribution network, hence revealing the spatial distributions and locations of electricity distribution facilities. Then the linking of customer and network databse to the base map has been done. In CI by the use of GIS can effectively manage information on the distribution of electricity to consumers and information describing the attributes of each consumer such as location, consumption pattern, particular consumer connected at which Transformer, Feeder, Pole.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57841
Title: Landfill requisite and optimal allocation for Municipal solid waste disposal in Madurai city- An assessment of urban environmental issues using GIS modeling for sustainable development
Author: M Krishnakumar and B Ganesh Kumar
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Solid waste management, Municipal solid waste (MSW), Geographical Information System
Abstract: Solid waste management is a global environmental problem in today ' s world. There is an increase in comercial, residential and infrastructure development due to the population growth adn thsi has negative impact on the environment. The degradation of the solid waste results in the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and other trace gases. Site selection of new landfills for municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal is a great concern of urban governments around the world as old landfill sites are being filled-up and demand for new sites is incresing. Finding a suitable MSW disposal site of adequate size meeting all the regulations is a costly endeavor. With the advent of geographic information systems (GIS) and its decision support tools, preliminary screening and prospective site selection can be done effectively with high degree of accuracy. This paper deals with determination of suitable site for the disposal of urban solid waste generated from Madurai Municipality and also made to study the environmental degreadation of the southern fringe area of Madurai city. The investigation is focused on Avaniyapuram town panchayat which comprises of three villages namely Avaniyapuram, Ayyanpappagudi and Kalkulam using GIS technique.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57840
Title: Landslide prediction model for Kundhapalam watershed using Fuzzy algebraic operators
Author: S Evany Nithya, P Rajesh Prasanna, S Eswaramoorthi
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Landslide susceptability, membership function, Fuzzy operators, Fuzzy logic
Abstract: Landslide is one of the major natural geological hazards, which is responsible for enormous property damage and both direct and indirect costs. This paper presents an exploratory attempt on the use of Fuzzy Logic rules for Landslide Susceptability Assessment in complex mountainous environments. Using the factors influencing the landslide and the landslide locations, the fuzzy membership values were calculated. Then the fuzzy operators and algebraic operators were used to map the landslide susceptability. Among teh operators the algebraic operator showed the best accuracy when compared with the landslide inventory map. Fuzzy sum and or showed the worst results.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57839
Title: Seasonal varability of chlorophylla-A concentration and associated physical parameters in southwest Bay of Bengal using Remote sensing data
Author: S M Anusha and N Mahendran
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Chlorophyll, remote sensing, Bay of Bengal
Abstract: In the present paper the analysis of surface chlorophyll-a concentration in Southwest Bay of Bengal obtained using NASA ' s AQUA Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer is carried out. The study portraits the chlorophyll-a pattern during July 2010-June 2011. The monthly sea surface temperature (SST) trend and wind patterns using remote sensing satellite data are studied to elucidate their impact on chlorophyll distribution. This helped to decipher how the seasonally reversing monsoon wind induces blooming in the surface waters of the study area. Several oceanic features like eddies, fronts, gyres are observed. Highest mean chlorophyll was observed in January (Northeast monsoon) and lowest in May (Spring Inter monsoon). The significant feature observed along the study area was the subsurface cold core eddy with high salinity, nutrient and low dissolved oxygen water. Higher wind speed in Southwest and Northeast monsoon shows abut increase in chlorophyll concentration and an increase in SST have shown decrease in chlorophyll concentration.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57838
Title: Application of advanced oxidation process for acid black dye degradation
Author: R Priayadharsini, P Rajesh Prasanna and M S Chitra Kalyanaraman
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Advanced oxidation processes, acid black dye, biodegradability, COD, BOD
Abstract: Wastewater generated from tanneries is generally very complex in nature consisting of many organic and inorganic chemicals, and most of the organic chemicals are synthetic in nature and are difficult to biodegrade in existing conventional biological treatment systems. The synthetic organic chemicals like dyes, syntans and synthetic fat liquors etc. that are found in tannery wastewater are resistant to biodegradation. They tend to escape from the primary chemical treatment and cause problems in secondary biological treatment by reducing the degradation efficiencies of the microbes. Hence pre-treatment steps like Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are required to improve the biodegradability of wastewater in tanneries before biological treatment. Hydrogen peroxide oxidation and Fenton ' s oxidation are applied here as pre-treatment steps for specific complex chemicals like acid black dye used in the tanneries to improve the biodegradability of the acid black dye under various operating conditions like pH, contact time, dose etc. Biodegradability of the dye was arrived at based on the COD and BOD obtained for the dye at the specific operating conditions. The results of the study indicated that the BOD/COD ratio of the dye increased from 0.215 to 0.288 at pH 3 with addition of 6 mM H2O2 per litre and further the ratio increased to 0.4 with addition of 6mM H2O2 with 6 mg Fe per litre. Once the biodegradability is increased, it can be effectively removed in the biological treatment unit.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57837
Title: Performance evaluation of fixed bed fixed film anaerobic reactor for treating sugar mill effluent
Author: T Ramesh and Nehru Kumar
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: FBFFR, microbial support media, COD, HRT, OLR and Bio-gas
Abstract: Sugar Mills do not generate any process effluent. However, significant effluent is generated from the cleaning and washing processes at the rate of 1350-1600 L per Tonne of cane crushing. The effluent is characteristically biodegradable with BOD5 of 1000-2500 mg/L and COD of 2000-4500 mg/l and the biodegradability varies from 0.3 to 0.5. In the Anaerobic reactors, especially, when microbial support media is filled (partly), the COD reduction could be enhanced significantly. This will enhance the efficiency of treatment and also reduce the cost on treatment and energy requirements. The present study evaluated the performance of anerobic FBFF reactor for treating the Sugar Mill effluent with varying operating conditions viz., Influent COD, mg/L (1565.44, 2588.70, 3571.62, 4079.62 and 4612.41); OLR, Kg COD/m2. day (013, 0.022, 0.031, 0.035, 0.040); HRT, hrs (7.30, 10.95, 14.60, 21.90 43.80) and HLR, m3/m2. day (0.016, 0.011, 0.008, 0.005, 0.003). The COD reduction was observed for a maximum of 82.27% with biogas conversion rate of 0.310 m3 of gas per kg COD removed.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57836
Title: Performance evaluation of fixed bed fixed film anaerobic reactor for treating Sago effluent
Author: T Ramesh and Nehru Kumar
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: FBFFR, Microbial support media, COD, HRT, OLR and Bio-gas
Abstract: Tapico based sago and starch industries are agro based, and largely located in rural areas and in clusters. Despite many technological developments, these industries are still following very crude method of processing, resulting in huge quantity of water consumption 20 to 30 L per 1 kg of sago production. The waste stream is highly biodegradable with BOD5 ranging from 2500 to 3500 mg/L and COD at 2500 to 4500 mg/L. The Fixed Bed Fixed Film, anerobic reactor is evaluated in this study. The experiment was conducted using a FBFF reactor model having 42.7 lit capacity and was run for varying Hydraulic Loading Rates, m3/m3. day (0.016, 0.011, 0.008, 0.005, 0.003), Organic Loading Rates, Kg COD/m2. day (0.013 0.022, 0.031, 0.035, 0.040) and for varying Hydraulic Retention Time, hrs (7.30, 10.95, 14.60, 21.90, 43.80). The maximum removal of COD was observed at 80.61% for an organic load of 0.013 Kg COD/2. day.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57835
Title: A novel green solution to mitigate green house gas emission from cement industries - Geopolymer an alternate
Author: A Ranganathan and R Malathy
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Geopolymer, low calcium fly ash, alkaline liquids, compressive strength
Abstract: Renewable energy sources are being used throughouit the world adn one of thise is Thermal waste. In order to address environmental effects associated with ordinary ement, there is need to use others binders to make concrete. Hence environmental preservation has become a strong driving force behind the search for a new sustainable and environmental friendly cementitious material. Towards this, Fly ash is being studied as a candidate material. It is no longer a waste product, but an eco-product available in abundance from coal fired power plants in India. An effort in this regard is the developmetn of geopolymer products, synthesized from the materials of geological origin or by product materials such as fly ash, which are rich in silicon and aluminium. Geopolymer is a material, introduced by Davidovits in 1978. Geopolymer is a new product in which no cement and no water is added and it is a mixture of source material such as flyash and alkaline liquids. Alkali-Activated fly ash is an innovative breakthrough, which is free from hydration process, alkali-aggregate reaction and highly durable in aggressive environments. This cement is more ecofriendly, and high strength when compared with ordinary Portland cement. This innovative Geopolymer products can be used for all pre fabricated structures and it is a best alternative for ordinary concrete. This experiment study was undertaken to identify the correlation between Non destructive testing (NDT) and Experimental strengths of Geopolymer concrete and its durability. The test results gathered the comparison between Normal concrete and geopolymer concrete. Good correlation between NDT and Experimental strengths of gpc was found.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57834
Title: Water quality assessment of river Barak and tributaries in Assam, India
Author: Seba Roy and Abhik Gupta
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Monitoring, river, tributaries, seasonal variations, habitat score
Abstract: River Barak and its tributaries are major sources of usable water in the densely populated Barak valley of Assam, India. This paper makes an assessment of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of R. Barak and its tributaries during 2002 to 2006 at 12 sites. Habitat scores (based on RBP III) at all the sampling sites mostly ranged between the ' suboptimal ' and ' marginal ' categories, thereby indicating their neither pristine nor heavily impacted nature. Among the twelve stations of the Barak River system, R. Chiri had the highest value of pH, total alkalinity and dissolved oxygen. At the same time, it also had the lowest value of water temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and BOD, thereby revealing that this site, located in the upstream area of the Barak Catchment in Cachar district, was the least disturbed. As the river flowed further downstream to enter Silchar, the largest urban center in this area, there was an immediate decline in pH, total alkalinity and DO and a concomitant increase in water temperature, TDS and BOD. BOD (5 days) remained below the acceptable limit in R. kushiara. Possible correlations were made between the habitat score and water quality parameters. Habitat degradation in River Barak and its tributaries might have occurred due to anthropogenic activities like agriculture, disposal of sewage and other waste, mass bathing and washing of clothes in the river and its catchment.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57833
Title: Physiological and biochemical alterantion in Chlorella vulgaris under heavy metal stress
Author: Soniya Joy and M R Manju
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (3), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Chlorella vulgaris, cadmium, biosorption
Abstract: Algae are the primary link in the aquatic food chain and as such any effect on them has ripple effects on subsequent members of the food chain or tropicl level. They are bioindicators for the assessment of chemical risks to the environment. Chorella vulgaris was able to accumulate Cadmium when exposed to low concentrations. But Cadmium at higher concentration, stopped the algal growth. Increasing concentration of Cadmium retards the biomass, net productivity, respiration, pigmentation and protein content of Chlorella vulgaris.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None