ID: 56527
Title: Assessment of the microbiological quality of Camwood (Baphia nitida) Lodd from different locations in Nigeria
Author: O K Agwa and E C Wokoma
Editor: P.K. Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Sience Publications, Vol 13, No 3, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Camwood dye, Baphia nitida, Total viable count, bacteria, fungi
Abstract: The micorbiological quality of sixteen selected camwood dye samples obtained from four different locations in Nigeria were evaluated. Using the spread plate technique, the total viable count revealed that the dye from Calabar had the highest bacterial count of 8.5 x 106 cfu/g while dye from Lagos had the highest fungal count of 6.1 x 106 cfu/g. Seven genera of bacteria were isolated : Bacillus sp., Clavibacter sp. and Streptococcus sp., occurred in most of the dyes followed by Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus sp., Citrobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp.. Among the five fungal isolates, Aspergillus sp., dominated and the least genera isolated were Candida sp. and Mucor sp. It is recommended that use of camwood dyes in cosmetics should be done with caution and with sterilized product as the dyes contain microorganisms that may be pathogenic.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56526
Title: A new model for producing of hazard maps of ground water resource degradation based on NIDST indicators, a case study: Tange-Sorkhi basin, Iran
Author: Masoud Masoudi, Reza Noruzi and Gholam Reza Zehtabiyan
Editor: P.K. Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Sience Publications, Vol 13, No 3, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Ground water, indicators, hazard map, GIS
Abstract: The entire land of Iran faces problems arising out of degradation of ground water resources. This paper presents a new model to assess hazard of ground water resource degradation using the Geographical Information System (GIS). The Tange-Sorkhi sub basin, which covers one of the upper reaches of Kol River, has been chosen for this assessment. The data analyzed have been gathered from the records, reports and maps published by the governmental offices of Iran. By fixing the thresholds of severity classes of the eighteen indicators a hazard map for each indicator was first prepared in GIS. The hazard maps take into accoutn the NIDST indicators (Natural causes, Indirect causes, Direct causes, state and Trend of hazards). The final hazard classes were defined on the basis of hazard scores arrived at by assigning the appropriate attributes to the indicators and the hazard map was prepared by overlaying eighteen hazard maps in the GIS, deploying the new model. The final Hazard Map shows that moderate hazard areas ( 58% of the plains) are much widespread than areas under slight hazard (42% of the plains).
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56525
Title: Acute bioassays of three oil spill dispersants and dispersant/crude oil mixtures on chironomid larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Author: J Rotimi and A B O Ogedegbe
Editor: P.K. Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Sience Publications, Vol 13, No 3, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Bioassay, Diptera, dispersant, oil spill, LC50, toxicity factor
Abstract: Bioassays were conducted in laboratory microcosms to evaluate the toxicity of three oil spill dispersants-Corexit 9527, Nalco D4106 and Goldcrew and their mixtures with brent curde oil to the early life stages of Chironomus sp, (Diptera : Chironomidae). The results of determination of the 96 hour LC50 values showed variation in toxicity levels amongst the dispersants, Corexit 9527 with LC50 value of 1.2 mgL-1 was the least toxic to the insect larvae followed by Goldcrew (0.8 mgL-1) and Nalco D 4106 (0.5 mgL-1). Toxicity of the dispersants were however less than that of the crude oil (96 h LC50 0.4 mgL-1). Mixtures of crude oil and the dispersants were less toxic to the test organisms than the crude oil alone; Crude oil - Corexit 9527 mixtures was 5.75 times less potent as crude oil, while crude oil - Nalco D4106 was 4.5 times less potent and Goldcrew was 2.5 times less potent. Knowledge of the relative toxicities of dispersants and crude oil/dispersant mixtures is important for time-sensitive decision in response to oil spills in the environment.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56524
Title: Evidence of seawater incursion due to over exploitation on ground water in a small tropical island: A statistical multivariate analysis
Author: C K Yap and A Z Aris
Editor: P.K. Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Sience Publications, Vol 13, No 3, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Seawater incursion, Ultivariate analysis
Abstract: In this paper, the differences of statistical outputs based on correlation analysis, cluster analysis and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis were useful to understand the seawater incursion due to over-exploitation of ground water in Manukan Island. Therefore, the statistical multivariate analysis can be proposed and employed to hydrochemical data in order to see the changes due to anthropogenic activities in the future.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56523
Title: Distribution of heavy metals concentrations in the different parts of the clam Polymesoda erosa: The potentials as a biomonitor
Author: C K Yap and F B Edward
Editor: P.K. Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Sience Publications, Vol 13, No 3, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Heavy metals, Biomonitor, polymesoda erosa
Abstract: The bivalve Polymesoda erosa were collected from Sepang Kecil River (Selangor), Parit Jawa (Batu Pahat) and Telok Mas (Malacca), located in the west cost of Peninsular Malaysia. The soft tissues of the clams were dissected into five parts: muscle, foot, mantle, gill and remaining soft tissues. The shells and the pooled dissected tissues were determined for heavy metal concentrations. It was found that gill accumulated the highest Cu followed by remaining soft tissues and mantle for all the three sites. Meanwhile, shell was found to accumulate the non-essential metals like Cd, Pb and Ni. For Zn, highest concentrations were found in the mantle and gill. On the other hand, there were no clear pattern was observed in the accumulation of Fe for all the six tissues. Different levels of metals in the different soft tissues of P. erosa indicated that the metal regulation in those tissues are different due to differences in binding sites at the metallothionein. Therefore, P. erosa can be a potential biomonitor of heavy metal bioavailability and contamination, as recommended by the Mussel Watch Program.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56522
Title: Bacteriological evaluation of sterilized materials and equipment in the dental operatory of University of Benin teaching hospital, Edo state, Nigeria
Author: F D Otajevwo and H S A Aluyi
Editor: P.K. Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Sience Publications, Vol 13, No 3, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Dental operatory, bacteriological evaluation in hospitals, Nigeria
Abstract: A total of 135 swab specimens were obtained by swabbing around instruments from three different dental clinics namely restorative, preventive and oral surgery clinics of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria of which 45 swabs were obtained from each clinic. Sterile swab sticks were first briefly dipped into sterile distilled water and then used to rub the surfaces of selected instruments which were immediately taken to the laboratory and processed. Total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts were carried out in sterile nutrient broths and potato dextose broths respectively by standard methods. Swabs were asceptically inoculated on sterile MacConkey, Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) and Mannitol Salt agar plates and incubated at 370C for 24 hrs. Swabs were also asceptically inoculated on sterile Potato Dextrose agar plates and incubated at 280C for 7 days. The highest heterotropic bacterial plate count (HBPC) of 21.6 + 0.52 x 103 CFU/mL was recovered apiece from carver and hatchet instruments respectively in the restorative clinic. The lowest count (15.9 0.64 x 103CFU/mL) was recovered from the condenser equipment. The upper right molar forceps and straigth hospital elevator as obtained in the preventive and oral surgery clinics respectively recorded the highest HBPC of 21.0 + 1.96 x 103 CFU/mL and 20.7 + 67x103 CFU/mL respectively. The highest (30.6 + 0.57 x 103CFU/mL) and lowest (27.3+ 0.58 x 103 CFU/mL) heterotrophic fungal plate count (HFPC) were recovered from the dental hoe and plastic instruments respectively. In the preventive and oral surgery clinics, the highest HFC (24.7+ 1.82 x 103 CFU/mL) and 30.6+ 0.46 x 103 CFU/mL respectively were obtained from the restorative clinic upper right molar forceps and mouth mirror instruments respectively. Overall means of total HBPC and HFPC recovered from all equipment analyzed in the restorative, preventive and oral surgery clinics showed that there was no significant difference between HBPC and HFPC (P>0.05). Identified bacterial oranisms were Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative Staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp, Serratia spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fungal organisms identified were mainly candida species. A total of 41, 57 and 43 strains of the various isolates were recovered from the restorative, preventive and oral surgery clinics respectively of which the preventive clinic recorded the highest microbial load. Instruments samples from the restorative clinic were contaminated by strains of Candida species as the highest occurring organims followed by Staphylococcus aureus. The least occurring strains were those of E. coli and serratia spp. The carver and condenser instruments sampled from the restorative clinic were mostly contaminated by 12 (29.3%) strains apiece of total microbial load recovered. The plastic instrument from which 6 914.6%) load was recovered, was the least contaminated. Instruments samples from preventive clinic appeared to be the most contaminated with HBPC of 92.5 + 0.15 x 103 CFU/mL as compared with those sampled from the oral surgery clinic having HBPC of 80.1 + 0.28 x 103 CFU/mL. While the upper right molar forceps and straight hospital elevator were the most contaminated instruments sampled from the preventive and oral surgery clinics respectively, the least contaminated were lower molar forceps and upper left forceps respectively. The best and most appropriate way of preventing bacterial colonization of the dental operatory and its equipment is by proper/adequate disinfection/sterilization of surfaces between instruments. These measures will guarantee the safety, healthy and productivity of staff and patients as well as reduce nosocomial infections. The overall effect of this will be a cleaner, safer and healthier public.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56521
Title: Possibility of Hg redistribution in Tridax procumbens due to Hg contamination
Author: W Chew, C K Yap, A Ismail, M P Zakaria and S G Tan
Editor: P.K. Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Sience Publications, Vol 13, No 3, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Tridax procumbens, Hg redistribution, Peninsular Malaysia
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the possibility of Hg redistribution in Tridax procumbens due to Hg contamination in Penisular Malaysia. In the present study, the overall ranges of Hg were found to be 1.59 ?g/kg - 12.7 ?g/kg for flowers, 1.76 ?g/kg - 9.33 ?g/kg for stalks, 10.6 ?g/kg - 57.8 ?g/kg for leaves, 1.95 ?g/kg - 6.14 ?g/kg for stems and 2.86 ?g/kg - 32.5 ?g/kg for roots. Evidence of Hg redistribution found in T. procumbens that were samples from two sites (Bandar Baru Bangi - 2 and Kg. Sg. Ahceh) where Hg concentration in the soil were also high. At both sites, roots of T. procumbens displayed higher concentrations of Hg when compared with leaves. This which was different from the results of the other sites. Therefore, Hg redistribution could be used as an indicator of Hg contamination. However, further studies are needed to confirm this possibility.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56520
Title: The effect of Cu exposure on the bioaccumulation of Zn and antioxidant activities in different parts of Centella Asiatica
Author: G H Ong, C K Yap, M Maziah and S G Tan
Editor: P.K. Wong, R K Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Sience Publications, Vol 13, No 3, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, Centella asiatica, Cu, Zn
Abstract: This study was carried out by using Centella asiatica grown using a hydroponic system under laboratory conditions to determine the effects of Cu exposure on Zn accumulation and anitoxidant activities of the plant. The anitoxidant activities include superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX). The treatments Zn2ppm + Cu 0.1 ppm and Zb6ppm + Cu 0.5 ppm reduced the accumulation of Zn in leaves but increased the uptake in roots (Zn6ppm+Cu0.5 ppm). This showed that Cu and Zn acted antagonistically to each other in leaves but synergistically on each other in roots. GPX, APX and SOD activity in leaves were increased while in roots only GPX and SOD activity were increased when Zn was added together with Cu. Therefore, SOD and GPX could be used as biomarkers to monitor the toxicityof Cu and Zn in C. asiatica.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56519
Title: A convenient first aid kit for chemical and biological agents and for radiation exposure
Author: R Vijayaraghavan, A S B Bhaskar, Anshoo Gautam, N Gopalan, A K Singh, Beer Singh, S J S Flora
Editor: Dr. R. C. Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 3, May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: First aid kit, chemical warfare agent, Medical protection
Abstract: The chemical and biological warfare agents are extremely toxic in nature. They act rapidly even in very small quantities and death may occur in minutes. Hence, physical and medical protection must be provided immediately to save life or avoid serious injury. A first aid kit has thus been developed for providing immediate relief from chemical and biological warfare agents (FAKCBW) with the objective of easy detection, personal decontamination, antidote for chemical warfare agents (like nerve agents, sulphur mustard, phosgene, cyanide, radiation exposure and bacterial agents), along with basic medication aid for pain, fever and inflammation. The kit box also includes a user friendly handbook with a simple standard operating procedure. In addition, the kit is rugged to withstand normal jerks, vibration and is water-proof.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56518
Title: Biological decolorization of textile dyes from isolated microfungi
Author: Halil Biyik, Gamze Basbulbul, Fatih Kalyoncu, Erbil Kalmis, Erman Oryasin
Editor: Dr. R. C. Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 3, May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Microfungi, biological decolorization, benazol black ZN, Cibacron black W-NN
Abstract: In this study, biological decolorization of two textile dyestuff (Benazol black ZN and Cibacron black W-NN) was comparatively studied using 22 microfungi strains isolated from polluted industrial soil areas. The initial dye concentrations in the medium were 250 adn 500 mg l-1. Benazol black ZN was the best decolorized by Haematonectria haematococca (HH1) (36.0%) and Cibacron black W-NN was the best decolorized by Aspergillus niger (AN1) (33.0%) at 250 mg l-1 dye concentration. At 500 mg l-1 dye concentration for two different dyes all microfungi strains used showed weak decolorization rates, maximum 13.0% for Benazol black ZN and 6.0% for Cibacron Black W-NN.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56517
Title: Cytogenetic evaluation of cadmium chloride on Channa punctatus
Author: Nuzhat Parveen, G G H A Shadab
Editor: Dr. R. C. Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 3, May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Micronucleus test, chromosoma aberrations, chromatid exchange, cadmium chloride
Abstract: The aim of present study was to evaluate the genotoxc effect of heavy metal in Channa punctatus through the micronucleus test, chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchange. The fish were kept separately in 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 ppm cadmium chloride for 3 days. For micronucleus test blood was collected from caudal vein and smeared on clean slides fixed in methanol and stained with 2% Giemsa. Mean frequency of micronuclei observed was 0.10, 0.15, 0.24, 0.34 and 0.39 in control, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 ppm CdCl2 respectively. In vivo chromosome preparation from kidney tissues was carried out. The mean frequency of cells with aberrations observed was 0.13, 0.20, 0.34, 0.60 and 0.95 in control, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 ppm CdCl2 respectively. Likewise the mean frequency of SCE observed was 0.05, 0.16, 0.36, 0.44 and 0.52 in control 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 ppm CdCl2 respectively. It has been revealed from the results of this study that cadmium produced genotoxic effects in fish.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56516
Title: Hydrogen perioxide-scavenging enzymes impart tolerance to high temperature induced oxidative stress in sugarcane
Author: Sangeeta Srivastava, Ashwini Dutt Pathak, Prashant Shekhar Gupta, Ashok Kumar Shrivastava, Arun Kumar Srivastava
Editor: Dr. R. C. Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 3, May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Saccharum spp. (hybrids), H2O2-scavengers, heat tolerance, oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species
Abstract: Seventy-one genotypes of sugarcane from diverse agro-climatic zones of India viz. peninsular, northwest, north-central and eastern zones, were screened for their tolerance to high temperature stress based on the damage to leaf biomass i.e. necrosis of leaf-tips and margins, and rolling of leaves. Nine selected genotypes showing variable response to heat injury were tested for activity pattern of isoforms of two H2O2-scavenging enzymes;ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT), under high temperature induced oxidative stress. Changes in the activity of APX and CAT isozymes in leaves corresponded to the level of tolerance of genotypes towards heat injury which was substantiated by the highly negative correlation coefficients of heat injury levels of leaves vs. integrated density of APX and CAT isozyme bands. This indicated that the criteria of higher expression of CAT ' s and APX ' s , the two major reactive oxygen species scavenging proteins in leaves may be used to screen large seedling populations and germplasm for high temperature tolerance.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56515
Title: Assessment and analysis of noise levels in and around lb river coalfield, Orissa, India
Author: Haraprasad Mohapatra, Shreerup Goswami
Editor: Dr. R. C. Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 3, May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Coal mining, noise pollution, community response
Abstract: Heavy earth moving machineries, different capacities of dumpers and loaders, blasting and drilling make the mining environment noisy. A study was carried out to assess the noise level on different opencast projects in and around Belpahar and Brajarajnagar areas of lb river coalfield. Noise assessment was carried out in various residential, commercial and industrial places. The noise levels, especially Leq values of different wheel loaders, dumpers, shovel and crusher units were also assessed and were more than permissible limit (90dB) in some of their operating conditions. Sound ressure level measurements while drilling into coal and overburden at Lakhanpur opencast project yielded noise levels (Leq) of 81.33 to 96.2 dB. Thus, these Leq values of drilling machines in most of the operating conditions were above permissible limit. The average noise intensities (6 a.m - 10 p. m: 51.6 - 60.875 dB and 10 p.m. - 6 a. m :42.6-49.8dB) and Leq values (6 a m - 10 p m: 50.9-67.0 dB and 10 p m - 6 a m: 40.8 - 53.3 dB) during both day and night time of the residential areas around the lb river coalfield were in close proximity or beyond the permissible limit. The Leq values at some of the commercial and industrial places were beyond (6 a m - 10 p m : 61.6 - 88. 3 dB and 10 p m - 6 a m : 55. 4 - 64.8 dB) permissible limit. However, in most of the cases, the L max noise values were more (6 a m - 10 p m:68.5 -91.4 d B and 10 p m - 6 a m : 69.3 - 76.4 dB) than the permissible limit. Analysis of variance was also computed for heavy earth moving machineries in different operating conditions and also for different residential, commercial and industrial places to infer the level of significance. The difference of noise intensity produced by different wheel loaders at Lakhanpur and Lilari opencast projects, drilling machines at Lakhanpur opencast project, 50 tons capacity dumpers at various conditions of lb river coalfield within the same operating condition was significant at both 5% and 1% levels of significance. Similarly, the variance of estimated noise level in residential places during day time and commercial and industrial places during day and night time was significant at both 5% and 1% levels of significance. Moreover, a preliminary survey adopting questionnaire method amongst tthe mine workers and lcoal inhabitants was also carried out to evaluate their perception about the mining related noise.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56514
Title: Seasonal variations and biodiversity of phytoplankton in Harsool-Savangi dam, Aurangabad, India
Author: S E Shinde, T S Pathan, D L Sonawane
Editor: Dr. R. C. Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 3, May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Phytoplankton, Seasonal variation, biodiversity indices, Harsool-Savangi dam
Abstract: The present study concerns seasonal variations, correlation coefficient and biodiversity indices of phytoplankton during January to December, 2008 in the Harsool-Savangi dam, Aurangabad, India. A total of 35 genera were recorded out of which 15 were Chlorophyceae, 7 Bacillariophyceae, 7 Cyanophyceae and 6 Euglenophyceae. Present study revealed maximum percentae wise compositions of chlorophyceae at north site 41.91%. Bacillariophyceae at west site 32.70%, Cyanophyceae at south site 19.50% and Euglenophyceae at west site 11.47%. Minimum percentage wise compositions Chlorophyceae at south site 37.80%, Bacillariophyceae at east site 28.15%, Cyanophyceae at west site 17.47% and Euglenophyceae at north site 10.57%. Margalefs index (R1) and Menhinick index (R2) values (4.12 and 0.56) were found to be highest at south site and lowest values (3.77 and 0.38) were found at north site. Simpson ' s index (I) values (0.30) were found to be the highest at north stie and lowest values (0.29) were found at south, east, and west sites. Shannon-Weiner index (H ' ) values (1.26) were found to be the highest at south, east, and west sites and lowest values (1.24) were found at north site. Maximum species eveness was recorded at south site; minimum at north site. Maximum population density of Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Euglenophyceae (1923, 1173, 889 and 541 organisms l-1) were recorded at north site in summer and minimum (108, 195, 67 and 24 organisms l-1) were recorded at south site in monsoon, respectively.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56513
Title: Assessment of air pollution tolerance levels of selected plants around cement industry, Coimbatore, India
Author: P Radhapriya, A Navaneetha Gopalakrishnan, P Malini, A Ramachandran
Editor: Dr. R. C. Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 3, May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Air pollution tolerance index, cement industry, suspended particulate matter
Abstract: Being the second largest manufacturing industry in India, cement industry is one of the major contributors of suspended particulate matter (SPM). Since plants are sensitive to air pollution, introducing suitable platn species as part of the greenbelt around cement industry was the objective of the present study. Suitable plant specis were selected based on the Air pollution tolerance index (APTI) calculated by analyzing ascorbic acid (AA), pH, relative water content (RWC) and total chlorophyll (TChl) of the plants occuring in the locality. Plants were selected within a 6 km radius from the industry and were graded as per their tolerance levels by analyzing the biochemical parameters. From the statistical analysis at 0.05 level of significance a difference in the APTI values among the 27 plant species was observed, but they showed homogenous results when analyzed zone using one-way analyses of variance. Analyses of individual parameters showed variation in the different zones surrounding the cement industry, whereas the APTI value (which is a combination of the parameter viz. AA, RWC, TChl, pH) showed more or less same gradation. Significant variation in individual parameters and APTI was seen with in the species. All the plants surrounding the cement industry are indicative of high pollution exposure comparable to the results obtain for control plants. Based on the APTI value, it was observed that about 37% of the plant species were tolerant. Among them Manifera indica, Bougainvillea species, Psidum quajava showed high APTI values. 33% of the species were highly susceptible to the adverse effects of SPM, among which Thevetia neriifolia, Saraca indica, Phyllanthus emblica and Cercocarpus ledifolius showed low APTI values. 15% each of the species were at the intermediary and moderate tolerance levels.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None