ID: 57277
Title: Estimating regional heavy metal concentrations in rice by scaling up a field-scale heavy metal assessment model
Author: Meiling Liu, Xiangnan Liu, Jonathan Li, Ting Li
Editor: F. D. van der Meer
Year: 2012
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 19, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation
Keywords: Heavy metal assessment model, upscaling, hyperion data, ASD data, piecewise function
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) in rice by upscaling a field-scale heavy metal assessment (FHMA) model from field to regional scale. The FHMA model was established on the basis of spectral parameters in combination with soil parameters by employing a generalized dynamic fuzzy neural network. The piecewise function and ordinary kriging were developed to suit the upscaled spectral parameters and soil parameters, respectively. In addition, the network structure and fuzzy rules, which had already been developed in the FHMA model, would be subsequently extracted as those of the regional-scale heavy metal assessment (RHMA) model. The results showed that the latter performed well at prediction with a correlation coefficient (R2) and model efficiency (ME) greater than 0.70, and can be applied to other areas, perhaps universally. This study suggests that it is feasible to accurately estimate regional heavy-metal concentrations in rice by scaling up the FHMA if such a strategy is appropriately selected and findsthat the piecewise function is well suited to transferring spectral data from a field to a regional scale.
Location: TE 15, Biology Sciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57276
Title: Estimating net radiation flux in the Tibetan plateau by assimilating MODIS LST products with an ensemble Kalman filter and particle filter
Author: Zhen Li, Lifang Zhao, Zhuo Fu
Editor: F. D. van der Meer
Year: 2012
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 19, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation
Keywords: Data assimilation, Ensemble Kalman filter, Particle filter, Common Land Model, MODIS LST, Net radiation flux
Abstract: Net radiation flux is a key physical variable of energy and water exchange processes in land-atmosphere interactions. Among the methods to estimate net radiation flux, measurements and estimates from modeling have their limitations. Data assimilatin methods have potential to estimate net radiation fux more accurately by merging model dynamics and observations. In this paper, two data assimilation schemes are developed based on the Common Land Model (CoLM) using the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and particle filter (PF) algorithms, respectively, to improve predictions of surface net radiation flux in the Tibetan Plateau. First, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) leaf area index (LAI) products were used to update the LAI in CoLM. It was found that sparse vegetation in the Tibetan Plateau has an obvious influence on the surface temperature. Then, the experiments of assimilating MODIS land surface temperature (LST) products were carried out with the EnKF and PF algorithms, respectively. The two schemes were tested and validated with observations from two automatic weather stations (AWSs) in Muztaga in the Tibetan Plateau during the peirod of October 1, 2009-September 30, 2010. The results show that the two assimilation schemes are both feasible and an improvement over the predictions of cases with no assimilation for the estimations of surface temperature and net radiation flux. Furthermore, the different surface types and the accuracy of MODIS LST products have an important influence on the assimilation results. In addition, the performances of EnKF and PF are almost same in the study.
Location: TE 15, Biology Sciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57275
Title: Review of environmental goverance in India: cataloguing of the current initiatives
Author: Ramakrishna Nallathiga
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2012
Publisher: TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute, Vol 11, No 2, June 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE - TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Governance, environmental management, decision-making, institutions
Abstract: Environmental resources are increasingly coming under pressure from various facets of development including both institutional as well as non-institutional mechanisms. It aims to ensure that the long term sustenance of environmental resources does not get hampered therefore assuming greater importance. In this context, improving the goverance process of development is considered as a means of improving performance on the above. This can primarily emanate from the setting up of new institutions, strengthening of existing institutions, providing a policy framework and undertaking the initiatives that lead to the conservation of environment and its resources. This paper discusses the concepts of governance and good governance in relation to environmental management first; it then provides an overview of select environmental goverance measures undertaken by government departments in a catalogued manner. It discusses the initiatives under the broad categories of commitments to global treaties, transparency and accountability, sensitive ecosystems, conservation projects, water resource management, research, education and training capacity building. It thereby provides an abstract state of environmental governance, which needs to be developed much deeper by incorporating further details and making refinements.
Location: TE 12, Biology Sciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57274
Title: Energy saving parameters in households of Uttar Pradesh, India
Author: Abhishek Saxena, N Agarwal, Varun, G Srivastava
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2012
Publisher: TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute, Vol 11, No 2, June 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE - TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Energy benefits, energy, households
Abstract: The developing world is presently suffering from energy crisis, whether it is cooking fuel or fuel used for heating and cooling and even power generation. The demand for energy is increasing day by day. Various reasons are responsible for the sudden requirement such as population blasts, energy demands, fuels price hiking, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, reducing figures of forests, respiratory illness, desire for luxury living, unemployment, illiteracy, corruption etc. A few novel ideas are discussed to save and preserve energy worldwide.
Location: TE 12, Biology Sciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57273
Title: Energy generation plan at hydro power plant
Author: Deepika Yadav, R Naresh, V Sharma
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2012
Publisher: TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute, Vol 11, No 2, June 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE - TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Artificial neural network, Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, Estimation of power/energy
Abstract: Hydroelectric power is low cost, near-zero pollution emissions, and the ability to quickly respond to peak loads makes it a valuable energy source. Various objectives of hydro power projects that need to be met through hydro power plants include minimization of water deficits or maximization of hydropower production, revenue or profit. Moreover, various regulatory constrainsts on downstream releases has to be met that address environmental concerns. In this paper, estimation of energy for long term hydro power planning for Sewa Hydroelectric Project Stage-II has been done. For this, we took 18 years historical data of inflows. Out of this, 16 years data has been used for model building and 2 years of data has been used for model verification. Forecast for this River Sewa has been done with the help of Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm through nftool box of MATLAB 7.8 with good accuracy. Hydro power generation is a dynamic problem, where decision made today affects the future production decisions. In this study, the estimated energy/power calculation was carried out through these predicted inflows for long term hydro power planning.
Location: TE 12, Biology Sciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57272
Title: Wild fruits of Western Ghats (Kannada)
Author: None
Editor: Mr Vinayak Bhat and Dr Anil Abbi
Year: 2009
Publisher: Tropical Research & Development Center
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Wild fruits of Western Ghats (Kannada)
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE 15, Biology Sciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57271
Title: Flare operations changes come from study findings
Author: Scott Shaver
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (3), September 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: VOC control, flare operation, FTIR, Clean Air Act
Abstract: EPA announced that it had reached a settlement agreement with Marathon Petroleum Company (Marathon) regarding allegations of Clean Air Act violations at Marathon ' s Texas City and Detroit refineries. EPA developed the evidence by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showing that several of Marathon ' s flares were not controlling VOC emissions sufficiently, resulting in excess emissions that had gone unreported. As a result, Marathon had to pay a hefty fine fo $ 450,000 for Clean Air Act violations and to invest millions more to ungrade and improve flare operations at its refineries. The flares are not only used in refineries to control VOCs, but also in a variety of facilities including as an emergency safety measure. The capital cost to install a flare is relatively low as compared to other oxidation techniques. Moreover, the VOC control efficiency of a flare has always been assumed rather than having to be demonstrated, but now it has to be demonstrated. However, in view of EPA findings, the fare burning is going to be replaced by new solutions including systems that are specifically designed for waste gas streams of varying volume and heat content.
Location: TE 15, New Biological Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57270
Title: Hydrographical studies on the Gulf of Aden around Aden city, Yemen
Author: Nabil A. A. Al-Shwafi
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (3), September 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Hydrographical studies, Gulf of Aden, Upwelling
Abstract: The hydrographical parameters, air and water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and total alkalinity of the coasta water around Aden city were determined. The air temperature ranged between 26.3 and 29.50C with mean of 27.760C. Water temperature ranged from 27.10C to 29.50C with mean of 28.410C. The salinity showed not much variation amonng the sampling stations. Dissolved oxygen values ranged between 4.27 mg/L and 4.89 mg/L, and pH 7.80 and 8.03 at different stations. The total alkalinity values ranged from 2.234 mg/L to 2.351 mg/L with the mean value of 2.301 meq/L. The results obtained reflect the effect of the warm tropical zone of the Gulf of Aden, irregular topography, local hyrographic conditions and result of upwelling current.
Location: TE 15, New Biological Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57269
Title: Exposure to vehicular pollution and its impact on traffic policemen in Tirunelveli city, India
Author: A Saravana Ganthi, M Padma Sorna Subramanian and E Rajabudeen
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (3), September 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Vehicular pollution, traffic policmen, noise, toxic pollution
Abstract: Automobiles are ' necessary evils ' . On one hand they have made living easy and convenient, but on the other hand they have also made human life more complicated and vulnerable to both toxic emicssions and increased risk of accidents. Urban people are the most affected, and among the worst sufferers are traffic policemen who are particularly close to the automobile exhaust. Work pressure and high level of pollution are taking their tol on traffic policmen. To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of traffic policemen towards the health effects caused by vehicular pollution, the present study has been carried out on 52 randomly selected traffic policmen in Tirunelveli Corporation area. The questionnaire included questions regarding the self-assessment of the policemen about their respiratory symptoms, hearing ability, past and present exposure to loud sound and the use of personal protective devices such as earplugs and earmuffs. The questionnaire was filled up by the subjects. The mean age of policemen was 39.2 + 7.8 years and the mean years of exposure was 3.4 + 1.1 years. The self -assessment of hearing by traffic policemen suggests that most of the traffic policemen have normal hearing. However, a systematic study with audiometry of these subjects is recommended. Respiratory symptoms, including cough and related health problems, were observed in 30 policemen. The results show a major prevalence of respiratory symptoms and allergic sensitization in exposed traffic police.
Location: TE 15, New Biological Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57268
Title: Cytological studies on the effect of a herbicide, oxadiargyl on root meristem cells of sunflower, Helianthus annuus L
Author: Nethra Nanjunda Swamy and Shobha Jagannath
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (3), September 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Helianthus annuus. L oxadiargyl, chromosome aberrations, mitoci index
Abstract: Oxadiargyl is widely used to control weeds in sugarcane, sunflower, rice, soya, onion and potatoes. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of oxadiargyl on somatic chromosomes of Helianthus annuus L. The sunflower roots were treated with different concentrations of oxadiargyl (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 ppm). Cytological observations showed a decrease in the mitotic frequency in rot meristamatic cells with increase in concentrations of oxadiargyl. In addition oxadiargyl induced various types of chromosomal abnormalities namely degeneration of chromosomes, stickiness of chromosomes, anaphasic bridges and leggard chromosomes, a pronounced cytotoxic effect was observed in concentration above 2.5 ppm . The present study clearly indicates the hazardous nature of the herbicide.
Location: TE 15, New Biological Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57267
Title: Quantitative and qualitative analysis of zooplankton from aquaculture ponds in around Bhimavaram, West Godavari district
Author: Priyavada Devi, D Sirisha and N Gandhi
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (3), September 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Aquaculture ponds, zooplankton, Bhimavaram
Abstract: Andhra Pradesh is biggest and important state in India in production and consumption of fishes. Many agriculture lands are converted into aqua culture ponds. Taking that factor into consideration aquaculture ponds in Bhimavaram regions are studied with respect zooplankton analysis. Pelagic zooplanktonic species are found in littoral zone. From this study it is observed that the density of rotifers was highest and copepods and cladocerans are low. The presence fo phytoplankton groups like diatoms indicates that they have good primary production and they form the base line of food chain supporting higher tropic levels of zooplanktons.
Location: TE 15, New Biological Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57266
Title: Groundwater pollution, Anchuthengu, Coastal belt of Anchuthengu, South Kerala, India
Author: R B Binoj Kumar and Veena M Nair
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (3), September 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Groundwater pollution, Anchuthengu, Coastal zone, Faecal coliform bacteria
Abstract: Groundwater quality in coastal region is reaching an alarming stage owed to the overdraft and anthropogenic contamination. Area chosen for study is Anchuthengu, which forms part of a typical coastal belt in hte north-western part of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala state. In order to identify the extent of pollution in the groundwater, open well samples were collected, from the coastal zone fringing the Arabian Sea and also from inland segment flanking Anchuthengu. Sampling and analysis were done in both pre and post-mosoon seasons. pH, EC, TDS, salinity, Na+, K+ total hardness, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO32-, SO42-, PO43-, and HCO3- were determined. The acquired values were compared with BIS standards to recognize its aptness for domestic use. Higher concentration of chemical parameters was observed in coastal areas relative to adjacent inland areas. Post-monsoon coastal samples reveal a higher concentration of NO3-, SO42- and PO43- than pre-monsoon samples, which can be attributed to anthropogenic sources. Microbiological analysis confirms the presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the water samples, making the water unhygienic for drinking and other domestic purposes.
Location: TE 15, New Biological Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57265
Title: Change detection studies using Remote Sensing and GIS for aquaculture growth in Buchireddipalem Mandal, SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh
Author: M J Krishna, K Srinivasa Reddy and P V V Krishna
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (3), September 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Change detection studies, Buchireddipalem Mandal, Aquaculture growth, remote sensing, GIS
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to monitor the growth of aquaculture over a decade during 2001 to 2011in Buchireddipalem Mandal, SPSR Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh. The land resources used for aquaculture development were mapped from medium to high resolution multi temporal satellite data (Landsat ETM+, P6 LISS III, IV and Quick Bird images) and analysed using GIS to monitor the percent growth of land converted from different land types to aquaculture. It was observed that Buchireddipalem Mandal had recorded the growth of aquaculture to an extent of 25.74% in 2011 when compared to that of 6.4% in 2001, out of which 2004 accounts to major conversion of agricultural land to aquaculture to an extent of 25.02%, and thereafter the growth was very negligible due to various factors that include natura calamities like floods, outbreak of viral diseases, less market price at harvest time, brokerges, and poor infrastructure facilities such as cold storages and export agencies etc. Chellayapalem village stand first position with an extent of 62.31% in terms of land conversion from agriculture to aquaculture but when total land under aquaculture was considered with respective total village area, Kalayakogollu village stand first position with an area of 323.11 ha out of 392.46 ha.
Location: TE 15, New Biological Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57264
Title: Biosorption of lead (II) from aqueous solution by Agaricus bisporus
Author: Prem Kumar Gautam, Deveshwari Singh and Seema Bhadauria
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (3), September 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Bioabsorption, Lead (II), Agaricus bisporus, Langmuir isotherm, Freundlich isotherm
Abstract: Bioremediation of pollutants containing heavy metals has been demonstrated by several biotechnologists and environmentalists. Studies have shown that fungal organisms possess the capacity of heavy metal removal. In the present investigation, a study in batch system was conducted using the fungus Agaricus bisporus as biosorbent for evaluating its potential to absorb lead (II) ions from aqueous solution. To improve the bioabsorption capacity, the biosorbent was pretreated with NaOH, Na2CO3 and NaHCO3. Pretreatment with NaOH resulted in a significant improvement in bioabsorption capacity. The experimental equilibrium data were adjusted by adsorption isotherms from Langmuir and Freundlich models and their equilibrium parameters were determined. For the untreated biosorbent, the Langmuir model supplied qmax = 28.8 mg/g and b=0.02L/mg for the Freundlich model parameters were Kf =1.7 and n = 1.8. For the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treated biomass, the parameters were qmax = 34.6 mg/g, b= 0.08 L/mg, Kf = 5.3 and n = 2.3. The best adjusted model to the experimental equilibrium data for both untreated and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treated biosorbent was the Langmuir model.
Location: TE 15, New Biological Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57263
Title: Behavioural changes and acetylcholinesterase activity in guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) exposed to chlorpyrifos
Author: Archana Ashok Sharbidre and Priyanka Sopanrao Patode
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (3), September 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Poecilia reticulata, chlorpyrifos, sublethal exposure, AChE activity
Abstract: Chloropyrifos is a broad spectrum organophosphate insecticide and potential toxic pollutant in aquatic ecosystems. Guppies were exposed to one-seventh (0.025 ppm/L) and one-fourteenth (0.0125 ppm/L) of the 96 h LC50 as sublethal concentrations for sub acute studies. The fish were exposed to both the sublethal concentrations for 96 h and allowed to recover in toxicant free medium for seven days only after sublethal exposure. Behavioural responses were studied in the experimental periods. Fish in toxic media exhibited irregular, erratic and darting swimming movements, hyper excitability, loss of equilibrium and sinking to the bottom. Fish were found under stress, but mortality was insignificant in both the sublethal concentrations. The behavioural changes may be due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Inactivation of AChE activity results in excess accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh) in cholinergic synapses leading to hyper stimulation and cessation of neuronal transmission (paralysis). Impaired behavioural responses were observed even under recovery preiods. This may be a consequence due to the inhibition of brain and muscular AChE activity by chlorpyrifos-oxon via biotransformation of bioaccumulated chlorpyrifos in the tissues.
Location: TE 15, New Biological Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None