ID: 56452
Title: Pollutants generated from pharmaceutical processes and microwave assisted synthesis as possible solution for their reduction - A mini review
Author: Ghazala Yaqub, Almas Hamid and Saira Iqbal
Editor: Prof P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (1), March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Pharmaceutical process, pollutants, solvents, microwave technology
Abstract: In this review article we have briefly summarized the pharmaceutical processes and the pollutants i.e., VOCs and other air emissions from reactors and distillation assemblies, polluted solvents released in water and solid wastes etc. generated due to conventional processes involved in preparation of pharmaceuticals. Medicines are prepared for the better health and to decrease the mortality rate in human beings but the conventional processes involved in preparation of these pharmaceuticals generate chemical and thermal pollution in environment, thus, giving rise to some other severe health impacts and ultimately increase the disease and mortality rate in human beings. Thus, we have discussed the sustainable technology of microwave as possible solution for the preparation of pharmaceuticals without the generation of pollutants. Some practical examples for the preparation of pharmaceuticals via microwave and conventional processess are also discussed and compared herein showing the benefits of using microwave technology over conventional process in terms of better yield and ecofriendly approach without using hazardous solvents.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56451
Title: Water quality assessment of various forms of Rainwater and statistical studies on physico-chemical characteristics of stormwater in Coimbatore, India
Author: Manoj P Samuel, S Senthilvel and A C Mathew
Editor: Prof P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (1), March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Rainwater harvesting, Water quality assessment, roofwater, stormwater
Abstract: Rain water harvesting, irrespective of the technology used, essentially means harvesting and storing water in days of abundance, for use in lean days. It has been constructed as the most sustainable method for managing water scarcity situations, incorporating all type of water demands. Though rainwater is considered as a contamination free source, human activities particularly in the industrial and agricultural sectors pollute this pure form of water. The quality of various forms of rainwater, viz. direct rainfall, rooftop water and stormwater were assessed by analysing various physico-chemical parameters. The physico-chemical characteristics of stormwater were further subjected to statistical and correlation analyses. The results showed that the direct rainwater samples collected were pure and safe as drinking water. The surface stormwater runoff samples collected from the study location, which is mainly an urban and industrialised catchment, contained undesirable amount of sediment load and other chemical parameters; most of them are not within safe limits for drinking and irrigation use. The electrical conductivity and sediment concentration in samples collected from roofs were slightly above the desirable limit for drinking purpose. The mean, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of various physico-chemical parameters of stormwater were computed and compared. Similarly correlation coefficients were worked out to find out the relationship amongst physico-chemical characteristics of the water samples and a large number of significant correlations were obtained.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56450
Title: Biodegradation of domestic fuel oil from contaminated soil using indigenous microorganisms
Author: Z Poorgholamali Davarani, M H Sayadi, H Alaei and Y Van De Steene
Editor: Prof P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (1), March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Bioremediation, domestic fuel oil, native microorganisms, soil pollution
Abstract: Biodegradation of hydrocarbons by natural population of microorganisms represents one of the primary mechanisms by which petroleum and other hydrocarbon pollutants are eliminated from the environment. The polluted soil was taken from a historically contaminated site which is located in Ghent, Belgium. The experiment was carried out under different temperatures and nutrient and aerobic biodegradation was estimated by measuring CO2 production from the microorganims. The results clearly revealed that high temperature enhances the biodegradation of domestic fuel oil in comparisn to the low temperature and also adding a low amount of nutrients having higher biodegration efficiency.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56449
Title: Acute and chronic toxicity of aluminium fluoride to flora and fauna in a microcosm
Author: Shraddha Jain, Shweta Sharma, Aruna Rajawat, Neha Upreti, Subhasini Sharma and K P Sharma
Editor: Prof P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (1), March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Acute and chronic toxicity, aluminium fluoride, microcosm, plankton, snail, fish
Abstract: During acute toxicity study of aluminium fluoride, Daphnia similis L. was found to be the most sensitive organism (EC50 = 108.06 ppm) followed by Gambusia affinis Baird and Gerard (LC50 = 354.0 ppm) and Lemna aequinoctialis L. (EC50 for chlorophyll = 358.7 ppm). The exposure (60 days) of producers and consumers at its sub-lethal concentration (35.4 ppm) casted toxic effects on them in artificial microcosms raised in the greenhouse. There was reduction in chlorophyll content (19-39%), dry weight (16%), acid phosphatase (ACP) (56%), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (14%) and protein content (53%) of Ceratophyllum demersum L. The reduction in species richness (40%) and phytoplankton counts (counts = 47-54%) was significant during the study period while zooplankton counts (30%) in the first half of the study (day - 30). Snail mortality was found nil while that of fish was moderate (37%). Their tissue biochemistry (ACP, ALP and protein content) was, however, altered significantly suggesting them to be under stress. ALF3 also had cytotoxic effects in fish decreasing RBC counts (19%) and causing morphologica abnormalities. From these findings, we conclude that there are significant toxic effects of aluminium fluoride to organisms in the food web of aquatic ecosystems.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56448
Title: Toxicological evaluation and usefulness of lipid peroxidation as biomarker of exposure to crude oil and petroleum products tested against African catfish, Clarias gariepinus and Hermit crab, Clibanarius africanus
Author: Michael A King, Temitope O Sogbanmu, Adesola O Osibona, F Doherty and Adebayo A Otitoloju
Editor: Prof P K Goel
Year: 2012
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 11, No (1), March 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Toxicological evaluation, petroleum products, lipid perioxidation, biomarker, hermit crab, African catfish
Abstract: The toxicological evaluations of crude oil, petrol, kerosene and diesel were carried out against the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings and Hermit crab (Clibanarius africanus). On the basis of 96hr LC50 value, petrol (LC 50 = 2.449 mL/L) was found to be the most toxic followed by diesel (LC50 = 7.839 mL/L), kerosene (LC50 = 8.095 mL/L), and crude oil (LC50 = 9.355 mL/L) to Clarias gariepinus. For Clibanarius africanus also, petrol (LC50 = 4.569 mL/L) was the most toxic followed by kerosene (LC50 = 8.705 mL/L), diesel (LC50 = 13.852 mL/L) and (LC50 = 35.955 mL/L). On the basis of the computed susceptibility factor, hermit crab was found to be 2x, 2x, 6.1x and slightly more tolerant than catfish when exposed to petrol, diesel, crude oil and kerosene respectively. The results of the lipid peroxidation assay against juveniles of C. gariepinus showed that the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver of fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of all the test chemicals increased significantly when compared to control animals. The observed increase in MDA levels in the liver tissues of test animals exposed to crude oil and refined petroleum products was recommended as a good biomarker for early detection of oil related pollution during biomonitoring programmes.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56447
Title: Spatial variation of soil organic carbon stock in a typical agricultural farm of hot arid ecosystem of India
Author: Priyabrata Santra, R N Kumawat, R S Mertia, H R Mahla and N K Sinha
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 9, 10 May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Agricultural farm, hot arid ecosystem, soil organic carbon, spatial variation
Abstract: Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the largest among three major carbon pools of global ecosystems. During the past few years, global warming and forcible land-use changes have resulted in a huge loss of this major carbon pool and as a consequence, concentration of atmospheric CO2 has increased. To mitigate the potential risks arising from atmospheric abundance of CO2, adoptation of carbon sequestration strategies at different landscape scales is a major option. For this purpose, proper estimates of SOC stock per unit area are essential. In this study, we have estimated the SOC stock of a typical agricultural farm from hot arid ecosystem of India and also its spatial variation within the farm. The surface map of the SOC stock revealed that introduction of cultivation practices in fragile lands of the desert region has resulted in huge depletion of soil carbon. For example, the SOC stock of 10-years cultivated plots was found to be almost half of the SOC stock of recently cultivated plots of the farm. The results also showed that pervious reports on large-scale estimates of SOC stock for hot arid region of India do not match with the current estimate from a farm scale of the same region. Consideration of spatial variation of SOC during calculation of SOC stock has helped us prepare a surface map of SOC stock of the farm, which may further be used as an essential requirement for implementation of site-specific carbon sequestration strategies and proper carbon credit programmes in the agricultural farms of India.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56446
Title: Comparison of mesospheric mean vertical winds between MST radar and empirical model over a tropical station
Author: S ESwaraiah, M Venkat Ratnam, Yu. I. Portnyagin, Evgeny Merzlyakov and S Vijaya Bhaskara Rao
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 9, 10 May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Lower thermosphere, mesosphere, mesospheric vertical winds, MST radar, wind model
Abstract: Monthly and seasonal variations of mesospheric vertical winds observed by MST radar located at Gadanki (13.50N, 79.20E) are compared with the mesophere/lower thermosphere (MLT) prevailing empirical wind model. Though there is a difference in the wind magnitude between MST radar observations and the model, the trends match well particularly between 70 and 75 km. The model output has been further used to estimate the diurnal and semi-diurnal amplitudes and phases of tidal components at mesospheric altitudes to assess the contribution of these to the mean mesospheric vertical winds derived from the radar, as the latter does not provide wind information for complete 24 h. From this exercise it has been found that the radar provides reasonably reliable information on mesospheric vertical winds between 70 and 80 km. The observed mesospheric vertical wind is generally upward in all the seasons and is consistent with the general circulation multi-cell features at mesospheric altitudes.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56445
Title: Assessment of increasing threat of forest fires in Rajasthan, India using multi-temporal remote sensing data (2005-2010)
Author: P Hari Krishna and C Sudhakar Reddy
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 9, 10 May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Burnt area, forest fire, remote sensing, threat
Abstract: Rajasthan is the largest state of India experiencing recurrent forest fires. The present study determines forest burnt areas through remote sensing-based time series analysis. IRS P6 AWiFS satellite data covering March, April and May of six years (2005-2010) were used to cover all forest-fire events. The total forest burnt area was assessed as 53,023.5 ha in 2005; 44,681.5 ha in 2006; 57,689 ha in 2007; 89,655.2 ha in 2008; 199,837 ha in 2009 and 144, 816 ha in 2010. Forest fires were observed only in the southern Aravallis. Of the total forest cover in southern Aravallis, burnt area proportionately represents 6.8% in 2005, 5.6% in 2006, 7.3%in 2007, 11.1% in 2008, 23.0% in 2009 and 17.6% in 2010. Forest fires were severe during 2009, which was the warmest year since 1901. Small sized (<25 ha) forest burnt area patches contributed to 44% of the total count during 2010. Among the vegetation types, fire prevalence in the dry deciduous forest was higher and it always contributed to >90% of the burnt area. GIS analysis demonstrated highest burnt area in occassional category (70%) followed by frequent fire area (24%). The abundance of fires in edge forests in relation to interior forests clearly indicates significant anthropogenic influence on the forest edges. The fires in Rajasthan are mainly attributed to ethnic culture, collection of non-timber forest produce and grazing pressure. The study provides critical spatial information of increased forest fire threat in Rajasthan. Long-term planning for forest fire management is necessary for effective conservation of biodiversity and bioresources.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56444
Title: A digital herbarium for the flora of Karnataka
Author: K Sankara Rao, A N Sringeswara, Deepak Kumar, Sandeep Pulla and R Sukumar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 9, 10 May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Field images, flora of Karnataka, flowering plants, Herbarium JCB, virtual herbarium
Abstract: A herbarium-based database (virtual herbarium) is a referred system for plants that maximizes the usefulness of the collections. The information content of such a database is essentially built on the voucher specimens that the herbarium has in its care. The present article reports on the construction of a ' virtual herbarium ' for the state-wide collection of flowering plants in the Herbarium JCB housed at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, that is expected to be launched soon. The taxonomic data on each species include all information presented on the herbarium specimen label, namely species name, author citation, sub-species if any, variety if any, family, subfamily, collection number, locations, date of collection, habitat and the collector ' s name. The data further comprise ' flora ' in which the species are described. Additional information includes the nomenclature update according to ' The Plant List ' , a detailed description, phenology, species distribution, threat status and comments on any special features of the taxon. The live images of the species provided in the database form an information synergy on the species. This initiative is the first of its kind herbaria in peninsular India.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56443
Title: Impact of climate change on weeds in the rice-wheat cropping system
Author: Gulshan Mahajan, Samunder Singh and Bhagirath Singh Chauhan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 9, 10 May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56442
Title: Slash-and-burn agriculture in Eastern Himalayan zone of Arunachal Pradesh, North East India
Author: Tonlong Wangpan, Sumpam Tangjang
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 9, 10 May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56441
Title: Some lianas in Tripura, India, demand urgent conservation efforts
Author: Lalawmkima Darlong, Debjyoti Bhattacharyya
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 9, 10 May 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56440
Title: Chemical composition of sewage and tube well water in Peri urban area of Vadodara
Author: K C Patel, K P Patel, V P Ramani and J C Patel
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (1), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Sewage, BOD, COD, heavy metals, sodicity hazards
Abstract: A survey was undertaken in sewage irrigated area of peri urban nearby Vadodara city to assess chemical composition of sewage water and its suitability for irrigation purpose. The sewage and tube well water samples were analysed for different parameters of water quality viz., COD, BOD, pH, salinity and sodicity and also trace and heavy metals content. The overall quality of sewage and tube well water was poor for irrigation purpose due to high BOD, COD as well as total contents of heavy metals present in order of : Pb>Co>Ni>Cr>Cd. The quality of tube well water was not satisfactory due to sodicity hazards.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56439
Title: The evaluation of restored ecosystem based on floristic community
Author: Mitra Naghizadeh, MIR Mehrdad Mirsanjari and Mohammadreza Yavarzadeh
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (1), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Restored, Ecosystem, floristic, community
Abstract: Increasing the green cover through gardening and green belts reduce the urban heat, conserve energy, clean urban air, and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and improve overall environmental quality (Roseland, 1998). The study area of this research is Osho garden located in the north east side of the Pune city and this landscaped garden has been developed from a degraded stream ecosystem. Observations were done on the availability of natural elements including trees, palms, shrubs, climbers, groundcovers, annual and perennials with consideration of the plants architecture, their growth habitat and their flowering time. This garden was selected to study the various components adapted to restore in order to enhance overall improvement in area. Regular visits were undertaken to record the various inputs used for restoration. Data were also collected to note the type of the manmade elements incorporated in the garden design. Some important one are Gate, arch and pergola, walks, paths, stepping stones, fence, seat, bridge, green house, fountain, lake, and etc. Studies on the artificial elements of the garden shows that roads, paths, bridges and passages were built in order to use the maximum benefits by visitors.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56438
Title: Sustainability and its role in environmental ecotourism management
Author: MIR Methrdad Mirsanjari, Alireza Ildoromi and Mohammadreza Yavarzadeh
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2012
Publisher: EM International, Vol 31 (1), 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Sustainable Eco-tourism, environmental management
Abstract: The local people have the right to live in their environment, but not at the cost of destroying natural resources. Forest planning should take account of the demands of the local people in terms of social needs and forest resources. In particular, opportunities for income-generating activities should be offered to rural people. Ecotourism implementation in suitable forest villages may be the best income-generating activities that are also ecological. Such ecotourism projects should aim for direct and indirect improvement of income levels and living standards of the local people. Reduction of pressures on the natural resources, protection of the ecological balance, cooperation among regions and countries, and acceleration of information and experience exchange between rural and urban people can be ensured by ecotourism project in forests villages. Ecotourism can thus enhance the opportuniteis for better management of natural resources while providing a satisfying experience for the visitor. It stands to reason that there are many differences between the developing world and the developed world when it comes to issues of sustainability and sustainable community development. The physical environment, economy, and social make up of these two regions of the world are very different and therefore are subject to different problems, requiring individual methods of approach and research Ecotourism creates an impact on natural ecosystems but more importantly, it offers a way to promote conservation in ecologically fragile regions; benefit the economics of local communities ; provide the public with a nature-based education experience.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None