ID: 54937
Title: Effect of occupational exposure of pesticides on health of farmers of the agricultural fields of Sorbhug area of lower Assam
Author: Ranjit Hazarika
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Occupational exposure, agricultural fields, pesticide intoxication, health hazard
Abstract: Background-indiscriminate use of pesticides in the agricultural field is a matter of concern. This study was conducted in Sorbhug area of Barpeta district, Assam on 14 villages on the work practice, different types of pesticides used, and sign and symptoms of the illness of the agriculture workers who are directly exposed to pesticides. To assess the magnitude and intensity of occupational intoxication, the study was conducted on 150 volunteer farmers covering interview and clinical examination. Out of 150 farmers, 100 farmers were selected directly from the agricultural field and taken as exposed group, and 50 were selected as control group. Control group was engaged in agricultural activity other than spraying of pesticides. All the data were subjected to statistical analysis, and chi square test was performed for proportions and relative risk. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. More than 60% of farmers used highly hazardous pesticides and 35% farmers used moderately hazardous pesticides. 5% farmers used mild exposure of pesticide. They obtained pesticide related information from pesticide retail shop owner. They were reported to have the sign and symptoms of pesticide intoxication like high blood pressure (2%, R R = 41), asthma (20%, RR =95), depression (73%, RR = 1.5), running nose (30%, RR = 1.6), watery itchy eyes (60%, RR = 1.5), dizziness (90%, RR =.68), loss of appetite (72%, RR =1.6), and feeling excessively angry (87%, RR =1.2). The studies showed that the pesticide intoxications were common among the spray man of the agricultural workers. Pesticides pose probably one of the largest toxicological problems in the third world countries especially in India. Combined action of local authorities, society and international bodies may limit the pesticide related health hazards in these countries.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54936
Title: Effect of some pesticides on Fungal biomass of agricultural soil
Author: M S Rakesh Sharma, C Roopavathi and N S Raju
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Pesticides, chloropyrifos, dimetheoate, MEMC, soil fungi
Abstract: A study has been conducted under laboratory and field condition to determien the effects of different concentrations of different pesticides i.e. chlorpyrifos, Diemthoate and MEMC on total number and diversity of soil fungi. Both, the laboratory and field studies revealed that all the pesticides inhibited the fungal population in soil. MEMC significantly inhibited teh growth of greatest number of fungi at all the concentrations even at field application followed by chlorpyrifos. Whereas Dimetheoate has no significant effect on soil fungi both in the laboratory and the field trail. In the field experiment, effect was reduced at 25 day after application of all the pesticides.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54935
Title: Evaluation of nickel toxicity in freshwater snail, Pila globosa (Swainson) in relation to body size
Author: M Haranadha Reddy, M Venkata Reddy and K Radhakrishnaiah
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Pila globosa, toxicity evaluation, nickel toxicity, 96 hr LC50
Abstract: Small (20+ 2g) and large (40+ 2g) size groups of the freshwater snail Pila globosa were exposed to different concentrations of nickel (mg/L), and 96 hr LC50 through percent and probit mortality of the animals and also by Dragstead and Behren ' s method were determined. There was a linear relationship between the percent or probit mortality and the nickel concentration of both the size groups of snails. Thus, the percent and /or probit mortality increased with the increase in concentration of nickel. The percent mortality plotted against log concentration of nickel gave sigmoid curves, whereas the probit mortality plotted against log concentration gave straight lines in both the groups of snails. The 96 hr LC50 obtained for small and large size groups of snails are 117.6 mg/L and 206.3 mg/L respectively. These values obviously indicated a significant (P<0.001) increase in the LC50 of nickel with the increase in the size of the snail. The results of the present study indicate that the small size groups of snails are more sensitive to nickel than the large size groups.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54934
Title: Efficacy of electrocoagulation in treatment of textile wastewater containing basic red dye using iron electrodes
Author: Shilpi Sharma, Sanjay Mathur and Rahul Sharma
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Electrocoagulation, textile wastewater, iron electrodes, COD removal
Abstract: Wastes released from textile industries may adversely affect environment and human health as they possess toxic elements. Many methods have been used to decolorize such effluents. This study was performed to investigate the behaviour of COD removal pattern from synthetic wastewater containing Basic red dye using electrocoagulaton process. The study focused on the effect of voltage, dye concentration, salt concentration, initial pH of wastewater, sacrificial weight loss of electrodes, duration of current flow, etc, on COD removal rate. Simple electrochemical cell was prepared using iron electrodes. The effectiveness of the method was determined by measuring percetage of COD removal. It was found that highest COD removal was achieved at 10V after an operating time of 40-50 minutes beyond which substantial increment COD removal rate was not obtained. The efficiency of COD removal for 150 mg/L dye concentration at 10V was around 70%. It is also deduced that plain electrocoagulation far exceeds the efficiency of any combinational process like chemical coagulation followed by electrocoagulation or vice versa.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54933
Title: Feeding habitats of mosquito larvae and their gut flora at Mysore
Author: V. Charles, V A Vijayan, A. Ali Ashraf and S P Hosamani
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Algae, mosquito larvae, feeding habitats, larval gut, larval breeding source
Abstract: Algae are important food sources for aquatic insects including mosquitoes. Eight mosquito species were collected in and around Mysore city in order to examine the gut contents of the larvae. A total of sixty five species of algae were identificed from different larval habitats of mosquito larvae, out of which 55 were encountered in the larval guts. From these algal species identified in the larval gut, 21 (38, 18%) belonged to Bacillariophyceae, 12 (21.8%) to chlorophyceae, 9 (16.36%) to Cyanophyceae, 7 (12.72%) to Desmidaceae and 6 910.9%) to Euglenophyceae. From the larval breeding sources, out of the 65 identified species, 26 (40%) belonged to Bacillariophyceae, 16 (24.6%) to Chlorophyceae, 10 (15.3%) to Cyanophyceae, 7 (10.76%) to Desmidaceae and 6 (9.2%) to Euglenophyceae. Identification of food sources and their importance to larval development and survival is particularly relevant to the development of novel vector control methods, especially in the study area where malaria, chikungunya and dengue are endemic.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54932
Title: Assessment of relationship between raw coal and effluent quality of zarand washery plant, Kerman province, South East of Iran
Author: Seyed Morteza Moosavirad, M Shankara and M R Janardhana
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Zarand coal washery, Raw coal effluents, tailing pond water, trace elements
Abstract: The present study has been undertaken to assess the relationship between raw coal and effluent quality of Zarand coal washery plant, Kerman province in southeast Iran. Coal samples, raw coal feed, washed fine clean coal and midding were collected. In washing process, raw water (intake to washery) and effluent samples generated in the washeries, namely, fine coal jig under water and tailing pond water were collected during August - September 2009. In coal samples, trace elements were determined in various fractions of Zarand coal washery. Parameters such as pH, temperature, colour, odour, TSS, oil and grease, COD, and trace and heavy metals were mesured in washery processing, TSS, COD and oil and grease were very high in water samples. Trace elements like Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr, Mn and As were found to be present in the process water indicating that these elements are not released by coal during washing.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54931
Title: Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigational use in Cumbum valley, Madurai district, Tamilnadu, India
Author: S Venkateswaran, M Vijay Prabhu, M Mohammed Rafi and K L K Vallel
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Groundwater quality, Cumbun valley, irrigation Doneen ' s diagram, Wilcox diagram, U S Salinity laboratory diagram
Abstract: The suitability of groundwater for irrigation uses was assessed in Cumbum valley covering a total area of about 1485.62 km2. The study area is located in Uttamapalayam taluk and a small part of Periyakulam Taluk of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu. Fifty five groundwater samples were collected from open wells in the various locations in the study area. The samples were analyzed for major cations and anions and other parameters viz., EC, Kelley ' s ratio, SAR values, Mg-hazards, HCO3 and RSC have been worked out to know the suitability of the groundwater for irrigational purpose. Piper trilinear diagram interpretations were made to know the chemical type of the groundwaters. It reveals that the subsurface water is alkaline earth (Ca+Mg) then alkalines (Na+K) type. The groundwater samples fall under class-1 of Doneen ' s classification and use in good to permissible zone according to Wilcox classification. According to the SAR values plotted in the USSL Staff diagram, most of the groundwater samples belong to C3-S1 (41.82%) class indicating that the groundwater could be used for all types of crops on soils of medium to high permeability.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54930
Title: Effects of Atrazine toxin on levels of LH, FSH and testosterone hormones in adult male rat
Author: Mokhtar Mokhtari, Esfandiyar Sharifi and Amrolla Soltani
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: herbicide, atrazine, LH, FSH, testosterone, male rat
Abstract: Atrazine is a widely used herbicide in agriculture. In the present study, the effects of this herbicide on the levels of pituitary-testis hormones in adult male rats were investigated. In total, 40 male Wister rats were used. These animals werre randomly divided into five groups of eight.: the control group, which was left untreated, the sham group receiving solvent, and three experimental groups receiving (100 mg/kg), (200 mg/kg) and (400 mg/kg) dosages of Atropine, respectively. Dosages of solvent and herbicide were injected intra peritoneally for 14 days, and afterward, blood samples were taken and serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone were measured by RIA method. The body and testicular weights were also determined. The mean results were evaluated by ANOVA and Turkey test among the experimental and control groups. Mean body weight showed significant decreases in experimental groups relative to control group. Testes weights were decreased only in experimental groups receiving 200, 400 (mg/kg) dosage of Atrazine. In addition, serum levels of LH showed a significant decrease in experimental groups receiving 200, 400 (mg/kg) dosages of Atrazine, compared to the control group. Mean concentration of FSH decreased significantly in the experimental groups receiving 400 (mg/kg) dose, while testosterone level decreased significantly in all the experimental groups, compared to the control group. Atrazine can interfere with food absorption mechanisms and cause body and testicular weight loss by increasing estrogen and decreasing testosterone levels. According to the results of present study and other investigations, this herbicide probably decreases the secretion of LH, FSH and testosterone concentrations thorugh reducing the pituitary weight and secretion of GnRH from hypothalamus, thereby, decreasing the activities of pituitary-testis axis and spermatogenesis processes.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54929
Title: Extraction of Nickel from Spent catalyst using EDTA as chelating agent
Author: Rachit Oza, Nikhil Shah and Sanjay Patel
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Spent catalyst, chelation, nickel recovery
Abstract: The extraction of nickel from spent catalyst of primary steam reformer from a nearby fertilizer plant using chelating method is reported in this paper. The chelation was carried out using a di-sodium salt of EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) as a chelating agent. The Ni-EDTA complex formed was dechelated using nitric acid as a solvent resulting into the formation of nickel nitrate (NiNO3) and recovery of EDTA. The recovered EDTA was used for subsequent experiments. The objective was to evaluate nickel removal efficiency of EDTA and reusability of recovered of EDTA. The effect of EDTA concentration, time of chelation, catalyst to liquid ratio (S:L) and temperature of chelation were studied in detail. The extraction was up to 95% under the following conditions: 1M concentration of EDTA, solid to liquid ratio 1:10 (g/mL), particle size 1-2 mm, pH 10, 7 hours of chelation time, 400 rpm and 900C.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54928
Title: Adsorption of reactive dyes remazol red F-3B and remazol blue from aqueous solution by coconut coir activated carbon
Author: Malay Chaudhuri, Emad S. Elmolla and Rashidah Bt Othman
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Adsorption, coconut coir, reactive dyes, activated carbon, Langmuir and Freundlich, isotherms
Abstract: Activated carbon was prepared from coconut coir and adsorption of reactive dyes Remazol Red F-3B and Remazol Blue by the activated carbon was examined. Batch adsorption test showed that extent of dye adsorption was dependent on dye concentration, contact time, pH and carbon dose. Equilibrium adsorption was attained in 3h and maximum adsorption occurred in the acidic pH range of 1 to 3. Adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for the dyes was evaluated by batch equilibrium test and compared with that of a commercial activated carbon. According to Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms, the coconut coir activated carbon showed higher capacity for adsorption of Remazol Red F-3B than that of the commercial activated carbon. For Remazol Blue, both the activated carbons showed comparable adsorption capacity. Coconut coir activated carbon is a suitable substitute for commercial activated carbon in the removal of reactive dyes from aqueous solution.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54927
Title: Equilibrium modelling of simultaneous biosorption of chromium (VI) and Nickel (II) onto dried fungal biomass
Author: Kshama A Shroff and Varsha K Vaidya
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Cromium (VI), Nickel (II), biosorption, binary system, adsorption models, isotherms
Abstract: The biosorption of Cr (VI) and Ni (II) ions, both singly and in a binary system, by dried biomasses of Rhizopus arrhizus and Mucor hiemalis was investigated in a batch system as a function of initial pH. The working initial pH values for Cr (VI) and Ni (II) in a single biosorption system were determined as 2.0 and 8.0 respectively. In a binary system, the optimum pH for sorption of Cr (VI) remained the same (2.0) while for Ni (II) it changed to 5.0. Although both the biomasses had a higher adsorption capacity for Cr (VI) and Ni (II) at single component situation due to the initial pH of the solution, the equilibrium uptakes of Cr (VI) and Ni (II) in the binary mixture were found to be decreasing because of the antagonistic interaction between the components. It was observed that the co-ion effect on the equilibrium uptake became more pronounced as pH level increased for Cr (VI) and decreased for Ni (II). Adsorption isotherms were developed for the dual-metal ion system at these two pH values and expressed by the mono-component Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. The model parameters were estimated by the non-linear regression.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54926
Title: Chemotactic behaviour of Campylobacter strains as function of different temperatures of 37oC and 42oC
Author: M. Baserisalehi and N. Bahador
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Chemotaxis, Campylobacter spp, Amino acids, 16srRNA gene sequencing
Abstract: The chemotactic behaviour of Campylobacter strains was determined in presence of different amino acids at two different temperatures of 370C and 420C. Two stains of Campylobacter, catalase positive (Campylobacter jejuni) and catalase negative (Campylobacter sputorum) were isolated from river water in Tonekabon, Iran and identified by phenotyping and 16srRNA gene sequencing methods. Chemotactic responses of the isolates were assessed towards a variety of amino acids viz., L-cystine, L-asparagine, L-histindine, L-aspartic acid, L-serine, L-phenylalanin, L-leucine and L-trypotophan by disc and capillary methods at two temperatures 370C and 420C. Campylobacter jejuni showed positive chemotactic response towards L-cystine, L-tryphophan, L-phenylalanine, L-leucine, L-asparagine and L-serine at both, 370C and 420C, however, it was greater at 370C. Campylobacter sputorum showed negative or weak response towards all the amino acids. In addition, Campylobacter jejuni illustrated strong chemotactic response to L-asparagine followed by L-serine, and weak chemotaxis response to L-phenylalanine and L-cysteine at 370C. Overall, Campylobacter jejuni showed relatively strong chemotactic response to some amino acids and its stimulation was greater at 370C. Hence, the human body temperature (370C) in comparison to avian body temperature (420C) probably promotes chemotactic response of Campylobacter jejuni, which might be a reason for causing diseases in human beings compared to avian species.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54925
Title: Experimental behaviour of concrete with waste tyre rubber as coarse aggregate
Author: T Senthil Vadivel and R Thenmozhi
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Waste tyre rubber, coarse aggregate, rubberized concrete, recycling of water
Abstract: In recent years waste handling and management is the primary issue faced by countries all over the world. It is very challenging and hectic problem that has to be tackled in an indigenous manner. On the basis of statistical data provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 270, 000, 000 millions waste tyres are produced each year. The disposal of the waste tyres in landfills is a major issue handled by the local municipalities and government sectors. The statistical study gives an estimate that within the next decade the majority of the landfills used for the tyre disposal shall be closed and this poses the problem of need for lands waste dumping. This new problem gave an idea of recycling of waste typres instead of filling them in bare lands. Recycling of waste is a process adopted by any industry for efficient resource management. The discharge of waste tyres into expensive and the continuously decreasing numbers of landfills generates significant pressure to the local bodies identifying the potential application for these waste products. In this paper an experimental study is conducted to analyse the behaviour and failure characteristics of rubberized concrete where waste tyre rubber is partially replaced with coarse aggregate.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54924
Title: Sequencing batch reactor as an efficient alternative to wastewater treatment-A model from pharmaceutical industries
Author: R S Shiva Prasad, A Balasubramanian and B Suresh
Editor: Prof K P Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 2, June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Wastewater treatment, Sequencing batch reactor, Activated sludge process, diffused aeration system, F/M ratio
Abstract: Discharge of industrial wastewater to surface or groundwatre pollutes the environment. Therefore, treatment of any kind of wastewater before letting it off as effluent is always necessary to prevent contamination of natural systems, especially water. In this regard choosing an effective treatment system assumes importance. Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) system has proven to offer substantial benefits to alternative conventional flow systems for the biological treatment of both domestic and industrial wastewaters. Operationally, SBR is extremely flexible in its ability to meet many different treatment objectives, while physically it is very simple. Sequencing batch (fill-and -draw) biological reactors can be operated to provide equalization, treatment, and sedimentation in the same set of reactors. The wastewaters can be held in the treatment systems until the desired effluent quality is achieved. The above results were obtained through the experiments carried out in a pharmaceutical. The effluents generated by the industry are pretreated and taken to evaporation system. The effluent condensate generated, containing organic load is taken to sequencing batch reactor for further treatment. The results are very encouraging and cost effective. This paper describes the SBR physical system and explains approaches to develop the design needed to meet different treatment objectives.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54923
Title: Vulnerability assessment and earthquake risk mapping in part of North Iran using Geospatial techniques
Author: Mohammad Sharifikia
Editor: Prof George Joseph
Year: 2010
Publisher: Indian Society of Remote Sensing
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing
Keywords: Alborz, vulnerability, earth quake Risk-remote sensing, GIS
Abstract: Earthquakes cause huge loss of lives and infrastructe every year in Iran. Mnay settlement areas (urban & rural ) as well as Tehran, the capial city of Iran are located in the hazardous area. This research deals with the earthquake risk assessment and mapping based on recent sensing information on a GIS platform. The study area is part of Central Alborz in southern Caspian Sea and north of capital city of Tehran called Marzanabad area. It is a potentially high-risk zone as several earthquakes have occurred in the past. The study ' s main objective is to develop an Earthquake Risk Map at the scale of 1:25,000 to identify high-risk zone and vulnerability areas to the settlements and infrastructure of area. Digital lineaments wear extraction and analysis for identification the faults using several RADAR and optical images with spatial analysis techniques. The probable faults were detected by superimposition of the lithological and geomorphologic features and their variance over the lineaments in a GIS environment. This research work involved fault identification on the remote sensed dataset as well as field studies and the risky areas were classified in the vicinity of the faults by applying different buffer with specifying distance of the source/site of risk to fault location. Statistical analysis of Earthquake Risk map (ERM) by GIS indicated that 32% of the total area with about 66% of settlements and 52% of population is located in strongly high-risk and high-risk zone. Moderately low risk and low risk zones cover 38.67% of total area, which is free of settlements as well as population. The earthquake map elaborated in this research work will be a useful tool for distaster management as well as urban and regional planning of future activities in the area.
Location: 215
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None