ID: 55911
Title: Production and characterization of carboyxmethyl cellulase from Paenibacillus polymyxa using mango peel as substrate
Author: Devendra Kumar, Mohd. Ashfaque, M Muthukumar, Munna Singh, Neelima Garg
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: carboxymethyl cellulase, fruit waste, mango peel, Paenibacillus polymyxa
Abstract: Mango peel, a solid mango processing waste, comprises 15-20% of total fruit weight. This, being a rich source of lignocelluloses, was used as substrate for carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) production using Paenibacillus polymyxa. Maximum CMCase production (7.814 U mg-1) was observed in a medium containing 7% mango peel (w/v) with 1.5% ammonium sulphate (w/v) at 370C and pH 5.5. Purification to an extent of 28.24 fold was achieved by affinity column chromatography. Bands corresponding to 26.5 and 34.0 kDa molecular sizes were observed on 12% denaturing Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) while of 72 kDa on 10% non-denaturing Native-PAGE, proving its heteromeric multienzyme nature. The enzyme was stable over a range of 20-600C and pH of 4.0-7.5. Michaelis-Menten equation constant (Km and Vmax) values of purified CMCase were 8.73 mg ml-1 and 17.805 mJ ml-1 min-1, respectively.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55910
Title: Characterization of light gaseous hydrocarbons of the surface soils of Krishna-Godavari basin, India
Author: M Lakshmi, M A Rasheed, T Madhavi, M S Kalpana, D J Patil, A M Dayal
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Light gaseous hydrocarbons, Adsorbed soil gas, carbon isotope analysis, hydrocarbon oxidizing bacteria, thermogenic
Abstract: Several techniques are used for the exploration of hydrocarbons, of which; the geochemical techniques involving the microbiological technique use the principle of detecting the light hydrocarbon seepage activities for indication of sub-surface petroleum accumulations. A survey was carried out ot characterize the light gaseous hydrocarbons seeping in oil adn gas fields of Krishna-Godavari basin in Andhra PRadesh. A set of 50 sub-soil samples were collected at depths of about 3 m for geochemical analyses and 1 m for microbiological anlaysis. The microbial prospecting studies showed the presence of high bacterial population for methan 2.5 x 102 to 6.0 x 106 cfu g-1, propane 1 x 102 to 8.0 x 106 cfu g-1in soil samples. The adsorbed soil gas analysis showed the presence of moderate to low concentrations of methane (26 to 139 ppb), ethane (0 to 17 ppb), propane (0 to 8 ppb), butane (0 to 5 ppb) and pentane (0 to 2 ppb) in the soil samples of the study area. Carbon isotope analysis for methane (13C1) ranging from -36.6 to -22.7%, Pee Dee Belemnite (PDB) suggests these gases are of the thermogenic origin. Geo-microbial prospecting method coupled with adsorbed soil gas and carbon isotope ratio analysis have thus shown good correlation with existing oil/gas fields of Krishna-Godavari basin.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55909
Title: Distribution of potentially pathogenic enteric bacteria in coastal sea waters along the Southern Keral coast, India
Author: V S Sudhanandh, P Udayakumar, A K Faisal, V P Potty, P P Ouseph, V Prasanthan, K Narendra Babu
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Faecal pollution, pathogenic enteric bacteria, Vibrio cholerae, Southern Kerala coast
Abstract: This study evaluated the relationship between the traditional indicators of faecal pollution, total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC) and Faecal streptococci (FS), and the presence of few potentially pathogenic enteric bacteria, Vibrio cholerae (VC), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP), Shigella spp. (SH) and Salmonella spp (SL) in coastal sea water. The distributional statuses of these bacteria were also studied along the Southern Kerala coast. Cluster analyses were done to identify similar groups of indicator as well as enteric pathogenic bacteria. Kochi was found to be highly polluted with enteric pathogens and indicator bacteria (TC of 4700, VC of 820, FC of 920 and FS of 410 CFU ml-1). Percentage incidence of VC (97.42%) was comparatively higher than the traditional indicator bacteria (TC 95.04%, FC of 63.64% and FS of 47.64%). VC found to be rather stable and showed significant relationship with all the traditional indicator bacteria (R2 > 0.370), suggests that both quantitatively and qualitatively the abundance of Vibrio cholerae can determine faecal pollution, could be used as a faecal pollution indicator bacterium, especially in the marine environment where traditional indicator bacteria failed to survive. It would be advisable to always perform the detection of SH and VP beside the traditional indicators as no significant relationship (R2 < 0.076, p>0.05) exists among them.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55908
Title: Development of polyvinyl chloride biofilms for succession of selected marine bacterial populations
Author: V Balasubramanian, S Palanichamy, G Subramanian, R Rajaram
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Marine biofilm, bacterial succession, biofouling
Abstract: Present investigation was made to bring out the pattern of biofilm formation by heterotrophic bacteria on non-toxic material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet fitted wooden rack that was immersed in seawater and the study was conducted in Tuticorin coast. Sampling were made over a period of 7 days with the following time period intervals: 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 24 48 72, 96, 120 and 144 hr. Bacterial enumeration was made by spread plate method on nutrient agar medium and characterization of bacterial isolates up to generic level was done. Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas sp. , Enterobacter sp., Aeromonas sp., Cytophaga sp and Flavobacterium sp. were found to be the pioneer in colonizing the surface within 30 min and seven genera were represented in the biofilm. Among them two genera were found belonging to Gram-positive groups which included Mcirococcus and Bacillus sp. The early stage biofilm i.e. up to 24th hr was wholly constituted by Gram-negative groups. However, the population density of Pseudomonas sp. was found to be higher (315 CFU) when compared to other Gram-negative forms. Occurrence of Gram-positive group was noted only at 48th hr old biofilm (28 to 150 CFU).The period between 48 and 96th hr was the transition where both the Gram negative and Gram-positive groups co-existed. After 96th hr, the biofilm was found constituted only by Gram-positive groups. The isolates of early stage biofilm were found to produce allelopathic substance like bacteriocin.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55907
Title: Remediation of nitrite contamination in ground and surface waters using aquatic macrophytes
Author: S K Rawat, R K Singh, Rana P Singh
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Drinking water, nitrite level, Pistia stratiotes, surface water, aquatic macrophytes
Abstract: The study was carried out to determine the seasonal variation of nitrite levels in drinking and surface waters of urban, peri-urban and rural areas of Lucknow, during 2007-2008, and to evaluate the nitrite removal and accumulation potential of certain native aquatic macrophytes. Most of the drinking and surface water samples were collected from urbanized region of the city. All drinkign water samples detected, showed higher nitrite level in winter, when compared with that in summer and rainy seasons. However, drinking water samples nitrite level was below the permissible limit i.e 3.29 mg l-1NO2. The surface water showed more than 3 fold higher levels of nitrite over the permissible level of 0.06 mgl-1, and the level was higher during rainy season than in summer and winter seasons. Eight macrophytes viz. Peltandra Virginica, Utricularia vulgaris, Eichhornia crassipes, Trapa natans, Mimulus glabratus, Marsilea quadrifolia, Pistia stratiotes and Polygonum persicaria were studied for phytoremediation potential of nitrite from the water under simulated laboratory conditions. The gradual diminution in the level of nitrite in the water and simultaneously it ' s increase in the plant tissues was recorded at 5th, 10th and 15th d after plant culture. All the plants selected, removed nitrite from water but Polygonum persicaria, Mimulus glabratus, Trapa natans and Pistia stratiotes were found more efficient and removed nitrite upto 60.91, 58.09, 60.97 and 72.28% , respectively. Observations revealed that Pistia stratiotes can be used for the effective removal of nitrite from the contaminated water.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55906
Title: Conservation of soil, water and nutrients in surface runoff using riparian plant species
Author: Prabodh Srivastava, Shipra Singh
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Riparian, conservation efficiency, runoff experiment
Abstract: Three riparian plant species viz. Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers., Saccharum bengalensis Retz. and Parthenium hysterophorus L. were selected from the riparian zone of Kali river all Aligarh to conduct the surface runoff experiment to compare their conservation efficiencies for soil, water and nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen). Experimental plots were prepared on artificial slopes in botanical garden and on natural slopes on study site. Selected riparian plant species showed the range of conservation values for soil and water from 47.11 to 95.22% and 44.06 to 72.50%, respectively on artificial slope and from 44.53 to 95.33% and 48.36 to 73.15%, respectively on natural slope. Conservation values for phosphorus and nitrogen ranged from 40.83 to 88.89% and 59.78 to 82.22%, respectively on artificial slope and from 50.01 to 90.16% and 68.07 to 85.62%, respectively on natural slope. It was observed that Cynodon dactylon was the most efficient riparian species in conservation of soil, water and nutrients in surface runoff.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55905
Title: Effect of leather industry effluents on soil microbial and protease activity
Author: M Reddi Pradeep, G Narasimha
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Leather industry effluents, soil microbial activity, biological parameters, protease activity
Abstract: Release of leather industry effluents into the agricultural fields causes indicative changes in nutrient cycling and organic matter processing. In the present study, leather industry effluent discharged soil (test) and undischarged soil (control) were collected from the surrounding areas of industry. The physico-chemical, biological properties and soil protease activity were examined. The study reflected the average mean value of pH, electrical conductivity and water holding capacity of the test soil was found to be 7.94, 0.89 ?Mhos cm-1 and 0.51 ml g-1, respectively. In chemical parameters, organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium has the mean of 6.73%, 0.23 g kg-1, 4.28 mg g-1 and 28 ?g-1 , respectively. In all the respects, the test soil showed higher values than the control. The soil protease enzyme activity was determined by using substrate casein and the activity was found to be higher (180 ?g TEg-1 24 hr-1) in test soil than the control soil (63 ?g TEg-1 24 hr-1).
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55904
Title: Effect of methomyl formulation, a carbamate pesticide on ovarian follicular development and fertility in albino mice
Author: A Shanthalatha, B N Madhuranath, H N Yajurvedi
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Carbamate pesticide, fertility, follicular development, Lannate, methomyl, mice
Abstract: Administration of 5 mg methomyl (40%) kg-1 b. wt. mouse-1 (equal to 50% of LD50 dose), every day for 90 days to adult female mice resulted in a significant decrease in body weight, relative weight of the ovary, uterus and fallopian tube; mean number of small, preantral, antral and pre-ovulatory follicles and fertility compared to controls. On the other hand, total duration of the estrous cycle was significantly increased compared to controls. One month after the cessation of the treatment (a commercial methomyl preparation -lannate) the effect on estrous cycle and organ weight was not restored. Treatment of 2.5 mg or 1 mg lannate kg-1 b. wt., although did not alter duration of the estrous cycle; relative weight of the ovary, uterus, and fallopian tube and fertility, caused a significant decrease in mean number of small follicles compared to controls. All the groups of mice treated with lannate showed loss in body weight (15.15% in 1 mg, 6.61% in 2 mg and 12.16% in 5 mg treated groups) whereas controls showed a gain in body weight (20.02%) during the period of experimentation. The results indicate that 5 mg lannate kg-1 b. wt. causes loss of follicles and infertility, whereas lower dosages (2.5 and 1 mg) reduce the number of small follicles which might shorten reproduction life span of mice.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55903
Title: Removal of heavy metals by biosorption using freshwater alga Spirogyra hyalina
Author: J I Nirmal Kumar, Cini Oommen
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Biosorption, heavy metals, isotherms, Spirogyra hyalina
Abstract: The use of biosorbents for heavy metal removal has revealed enormous potential of algae for biosorption. The dried biomass of Spirogyra hyalina was used as biosorbent for removal of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and Cobalt (Co) from aqueous solutions at different initial concentrations of the heavy metals and contact time of the biomass. The results showed that highest amount of Cd, Hg and As was adsorbed when the initial heavy metal concentration was 40 mg l-1 whereas Pb and Co exhibited greatest removal at 80 mg l-1. The value of Freundlich model constant (1/n) for different metals ranged from 0.342 to 0.693 and the values of Langmuir separation factor values (RL) varied between 0.114 and 0.719 that indicated favorable biosorption by the biomass. The order of metal uptake for the dried biomass was found to be Hg>Pb>Cd>As>Co. The finding of the study revealed that dried biomass of S. hyalina has much potential as a biosorbent for the sorption of Cd, Hg, Pb, As and Co.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55902
Title: Phytotoxic effect of 2-benzoxazolinone (BOA) against some vegetable crops
Author: Mukta Chum, Daizy R Batish, Harminder Pal Singh, Ravinder Kumar Kohli
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: 2-Benzoxazolinone, germination, phytotoxicity, seedling growth, vegetable crops
Abstract: Benzoxazolin - 2 (3H)-one (BOA) is a well known allelochemical that is being explored for its herbicidal activity. However, not much is known about its effect on crop plants. The present study investigated the effect of BOA on germination and early growth of four vegetable crops viz. Pisum sativum L., Raphanus sativusL. , Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis and Brassica oleraceae L. var. capitata. At 1000 ?M, germination of P. sativum , R. sativus and B. oleracea var. botrytis was reduced by more than 50%, whereas that of B. oleracea var capitata was completely suppressed. Further, BOA reduced the root and shoot length of the test plants by ~ 40-82% and ~55-85%, respectively. In general , the effect was more pronounced on the root (~82% in B. oleracea var. botrylis) than on the shoot growth (~ 73% B. oleracea var botrytis). 2-Benzoxazolinone significantly enhanced the contents of proteins (by 6-28%) and carbohydrates (by 61 -189%) in B.oleracea var. capitata and decreased the activities of related enzymes like proteases (by 13 - 36%), ?-amylases (19 - 60%) and ? -amylase (25 - 70%). The observed decline in the activities of hydrolytic enzymes amylases suggest that BOA interferes with the vital metabolic processes in the germinating seedlings leading to growth reduction. The study reveals that BOA interferes with the germination and early seedling growth of vegetable crops and induces biochemical alterations.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55901
Title: Comparative studies on antioxidant enzyme action and ion accumulation in soybean cultivars under salinity stress
Author: Anjum Arshi, Altaf Ahmad, Ibrahim M Aref, Muhammad Iqbal
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Enzymatic antioxidants, Glycine max, ion accumulation, oxidative stress, proline content, salinity
Abstract: Plant biomass, antioxidant enzymes activity, ions accumulation and proline level in four soybean cultivars were investigated at different NaCl concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100mM) applied to plants 15 days after sowing. There was a significant decrease in plant biomass and soluble protein content with each NaCl treatment. Accumulation of Na+ and Cl- was maximum in roots, followed by the stem and leaves in all the treated cultivars; Pusa 9712 being the top accumulator . On the contrary, K+ and Ca2+ ion concentrations were inhibited in all the treated cultivars. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate perioxide and glutathione reductase) and proline content increase significantly in all the cultivars with each NaCl treatment. The maximum increase was found in pusa 9712. However, catalase activity decreased in all the cultivars except in Pusa 9712. On the whole, Pusa 9712 was most efficient in managing protection against salinity stress.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55900
Title: Optimization of solid state fermentation conditions for the production of cellulase by Trichoderma reesei
Author: Devendra P Maurya, Dhananjay Singh, Durgesh Pratap, Jitendra P Maurya
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Cellulase, Trichoderma reesei, solid state fermentation, Lignocellulosic material, Wheat bran
Abstract: Cellulase production studies have been carried out using the fungal strain Trichoderma reesei NCIM 992 by using three different lignocellulosic materials by solid state fermentation (SSF). The effect of basic fermentation parameters (pH, temperature, moisture content, particle size of substrate and moistening agent) on enzyme production was studied. Maximum cellulase production was 2.63 Uml-1 using wheat bran as substrate. The optimal conditions for cellulase production for wheat bran were found to be: initial moisture content - 70% , initial medium pH - 5.0, temperature - 300C, moistening agents (MSS) and particle size of substrate (500 ?m). The optimal incubation time for production was six days. Results indicate the scope for further optimization of the production conditions to obtain higher cellulase titres using the strain under SSF.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55899
Title: Ambient air sulphur dioxide and sulphate accumulation in deciduous and evergreen plants
Author: Anil K Dwivedi, Shashi
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Sulphate accumulation, cysteine, brick kilns, coal, Ficus religiosa, Carica papaya
Abstract: Present study is an attempt to evaluate the difference in rate of sulphur dioxide (SO2) absorption by deciduous (Ficus religiosa) and evergreen (Carica papaya) plants, under elevated concentration of the gas in ambient air. Two-way ANOVA for SO2 in air and sulphate (SO4) accumulation in both the selected plants showed significant difference (p < 0.01) at different study sites; different months as well as interaction effect of both site and months. The linear correlation coefficient among ambient air SO2 and SO4 in leaves was always significant (p < 0.001) in case of deciduous plant; however, the same in evergreen plants showed heterogeneous result. Air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of F. religiosa (deciduous) and C. papaya (evergreen) was found to be 19.73 and 81.10 respectively, proving that the former has low tolerance capacity and is sensitive, while the latter is resistant to the elevated ambient air SO2.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55898
Title: Assessment of surface water quality of Godavari River at Aurangabad
Author: Sachin Eknath Pote, S K Singal and D K Srivastava
Editor: Prof V Subramanian
Year: 2012
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company, Vol 9, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution
Keywords: Water quality management, assessment of surface water quality, water quality parameters
Abstract: Rivers are under increasing stress due to urbanization and other anthropogenic activities, leading to their over-exploitation and degradation. Godavari originates near Triambak in the Nasik district of Maharashtra, and flows through Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. Although its point of origin is just 80 km away from the Arabian Sea, it journeys 1465 km to fall into the Bay of Bengal. Like most other rivers, domestic pollution is the biggest polluter of the river Godavari, accounting for 82% of total pollution, whereas industrial pollution accounts for about 18%. The study covers 78 km of the river starting from the Kaigaon Toka to Shahagad. Six locations were selected for collection of water samples from the river and were analysed for water quality parameters in the environmental laboratory of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Aurangabad. This data as well as the data from the Central Pollution Control Board were used to compute the National Sanitation, Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI), which is generally applicable in USA and India. The results of the NSFWQI of Godavari River indicates its water quality as bad-medium over the stretch. Based on the results, the existing conservation measures have been reviewed and additional measures are suggested. The study concludes that majore stress is industrial effluents and domestic pollution.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55897
Title: Approaches to groundwater vulnerability to pollution: A literature review
Author: Jawed Iqbal, A K Gorai, Poonam Tirkey and Gopal Pathak
Editor: Prof V Subramanian
Year: 2012
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company, Vol 9, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution
Keywords: Groundwater, vulnerability assessment, literature review, statistical method, overlay index, process based simulation
Abstract: It is not feasible and perhaps impossible to formulate an universal technique for predicting groundwater vulnerability, one that considers all of the ways in which contamination occurs or that is appropriate for all situations. The intended use of the vulnerability assessment process is the most obvious and important factor to consider in selecting a vulnerability assessment approach. The three classes (Overlay and Index Methods, Process based Simulation Model Methods and Statistical Methods) of methods for assessing groundwater vulnerability range in complexity from a subjective evaluation of available map data to the application of complex transport models are available. Each class has its own characteristic strengths and weaknesses that affect its suitability for particular application. This paper attempts to review all the major approaches developed worldwide for groundwater vulnerability assessment.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None