ID: 54546
Title: Algal diversity in a group o fifteen small lakes of T. Narasipur Taluk, Mysore district, Karnataka State
Author: S Umamaheswari
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Phytoplankton, Lakes of T. Narsipur, Diversity indices, Similarity indices, PAST software
Abstract: Phytoplankton distribution was investigated in 15 small lakes of T. Narasipur taluk in Mysore district of Karnataka. The data were subjected to PAST software program. Bray-Curtis Similarity Index was also calculated. Nine diveristy indices were obtained that include Dominance index, Shannon and Weiner index, Simpson ' s index, Pielou ' s Evenness index, Menhinick and Margalef ' s index, Equitability index, Equitability index, Fisher ? index and Berger-Parker dominance index. Sixty two species of algae were recorded of which chlorococcales and Euglenophyceae members dominated. Species richness was observed in Harave Katte and Baw Kere, and species dominance in Holan Kere and Halgudu Kere. Diversity and Similarity indices are important in understanding the distribution and association of planktonic algae in freshwater lakes.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54545
Title: Environmental Noise pollution in Kolhapur city, Maharashtra, India
Author: Rajiv B Hunashal and Yogesh B Patil
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Kolhapur city, Noise pollution, Noise climate, Noise standards
Abstract: Kolhapur is rapidly emerging as industrialized and urbanized cities in the state of Maharashtra. In the recent times, the city has started facing noise pollution problems due to rapid industrial growth, increased human population, high traffic density and modernized man-made activities. The present study was carried out to assess the environmental noise pollution in four different selected locations of Kolhapur city viz., educational area, commercial-cum-residential area, industrial -cum-residential area adn silence zone. The key noise pollution indices such as noise climate (NC), equivalent continuous noise level (Leq) and noise pollution level (Lnp) were computed for the selected noise polluting sampling sites. Results indicated that the highest noise pollution level of 80.15 dB(A) was observed in industrial -cum-residential area followed by 71.17 dB(A) in commercial-cum-residential area, and 70.21 dB(A) in educational area. Least noise pollution level of 45.64 dB(A) was recorded in the silence zone, which also acted as control in the present study. Studies clearly reveal the alarming condition of noise pollution in Kolhapur city.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54544
Title: Toxicity of increasing concentration of an Organophosphorus Pesticide on blood chemistry of Indian Catfish Clarias batrachus
Author: D K Paul, S K Yadav, A K Jha and S K Srivastava
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Parathion, Pesticide toxicity, Blood chemistry, Clarias batrachus
Abstract: Pesticides are much overused in the environment despite the fact that they are toxic and hazardous to our health and environment. Enough studies have been done to prove that the use of pesticides is futile and probably does more harm than good in the long run. To know the impact of pesticides in the present investigation, male and female Clarias batrachus fish, which are air breathing in nature, were exposed to different test concentrations (2 ppm, 4 ppm, 6 ppm, 8 ppm) of an organophosphorus pesticide, parathion. Increase in the level of blood urea whereas gradual fall in the plasma protein were observed in all the test concentrations of parathion. Parathion toxicity showed an increase in the level of blood glucose upto 6 ppm and hereafter signifiant fall in its level at 8 ppm. There was a significant rise of blood cholesterol level in initial dose of the pesticide and significant fall in 6 ppm and 8 ppm. Gradual fall in the protein level and increased values of urea might be due to hyperactivity of adrenocorticoides and impaired functions of the kidney of the fish respectively. The rise in the level of blood glucose from control condition upto 6 ppm might be due to secretion of glucagon hormone under stress condition. A significant fall in the blood glucose level at 8 ppm might be attributed to the utilization of glucose by the tissues of extremely active fish at higher dose of the pesticide. A significant rise in the serum cholesterol at lower concentration of parathion is attributed to the stimulation of adrenal gland whereas at higher level, the rise in the blood cholesterol value might be due to increased breakdown of fats into cholesterol and free fatty acids in the fish.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54543
Title: Sustainable development through recycling of construction and demolition wastes in India
Author: M Lokeshwari and C Nanjunda Swamy
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Construction and demolition, waste, recycling, recycled aggregate concrete, conventional aggregate, concrete
Abstract: Construction and demolition wastes constitute of uncontaminated solid waste resulting from construction, remodelling, repair and demolition of buildings, structures, roads, etc. This consist of bricks, concrete, other masonry materials, dust, wood, plumbing fixtures, roof coverings, glass, plastics, etc. When buildings are demolished large quantities of waste produces in a relatively shorter period of time. About 10-15% of municipal solid waste generates from C and D activities. Population explosion increases all sorts of needs and now a days we are facing scarcity, high rate, low quality materials in all the sectors including construction activity, which satisfies one of our basic need for shelter. To fulfil the needs of rapid industrialization and urbanization, large quarries are coming up and working extensively, which not only spoil the existing infrastructure while transporting but also creating great ecological and environmental problems. Instead of emptying earth crust by over-extraction of natural resources to satisfy our high demands, materials from construction and demolition activity can be reused or recycled. This not only becomes substitute to natural aggregates but also conserves rapidly diminshing natural resources, reduces the problem of C and D waste disposal, cut off the problems that might be encountered when C and D waste mixes with other waste or any environmental factor. In this article problems associated with C and D waste management and the options, which can overcome these problems are highlighted. To support and to encourage the use of recycled aggregate concrete, study was conducted on aggregates obtained from C and D waste. Various properties of conventional aggregate concrete and recycled aggregate, comparisons of strength and cost effectivenss of these two are briefly presented.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54542
Title: Heavy metal leaching in Coastal loamy soil of the field treated with Municipal Solid Waste at Puducherry (Pondicherry), India
Author: Deepmala Satpathy and M Vikram Reddy
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Heavy metals, Municipal solid waste, Coastal soil, Leaching, Puducherry
Abstract: Leaching of Pb (lead), Mn (Manganese), Cu (copper), Zn (zinc) and cd (cadmium) in coastal loamy field soil treated with Municipal Solid Waste @ 10, 20, 50, 75 and 100 t/ha was assessed at Puducherry in relation to the natice soil without treatment. The concentrations (ppm) of the heavy metals on the soil surface (0 cm), 10, 20 and 30 cm sub-layers across the treatments and native soil showed that the Pb and Mn concentrations were higher in surface layer and gradually decreased in 10 and 20 cm layers, and was low in 30 cm layer across the treatments. However, the concentrations Cu, Zn and Cd were less in the surface layer and gradually increased in the sub-layers of the soil and were high at 30 cm layer Among the leached heavy metals, Cu was in higher concentration in the surface layer and the ranking order was Cu>Cd>Zn>Mn>Pb in surface layer across the treatments. The ranking order of the metals at 30 cm depth was same as that of surface with the same ranking order. Thus, the leaching was higher in Cu, Cd and Zn than in Mn and Pb, the latter two being almost immobile and more concentrated in the surface layer. The concentrations of these heavy metals in different layers across the treatments were significantly different from each other (P < 0.01) and higher compared to that of the native soil.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54541
Title: Physico-chemical and floristic studies of Mangalavanam Mangrove ecosystem in Ernakulam district, Kerala, South India
Author: K Madhusudhanan and R Jayesh
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Mangrove ecosystem, Floristic studies, Biodiversity, Primary productivity
Abstract: The present investigation was carried out to study the physical, chemical and biological (biodiveristy) characteristics of a mangrove region of Ernakulam district namely Mangalavanam ecosystem. Physico-chemical parameters like pH, temperature, phenolphthalein alkalintiy, acidity, free CO2, chloride, hardness, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD and total alkalinity ewre analysed. In order to study the quantitative estimation of plant communities in Mangalavanam field, quadrat analysis was done. Frequently, density, abundance and similarity index were also calculated using standard equations. In the present study five species of true mangroves and a total of 11 mangrove associates were noticed. Among the five true mangrove species, Acanthus ilicifolius was found to be abundant, while Bruguiera cylindrica and Bruguiera sexangula were the least represented mangrove species in this area. The leaf anatomy of four species of mangrove plants was also investigated to determine the taxonomic value of their leaf anatomical and micromorphological characters.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54540
Title: Effects of main chemical compounds in cooking oil fume condensates (COFCs) on growth of Salvinia natans (L) All: I. Dodecane
Author: Yawen Wu, Shengnan Zhu, Weirong Bai, Guangjun Wen, Wei Xu and Huyin Huai
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: COFCs, Dodecane, Salvinia natans, Aquatic ecosystem, Pollution
Abstract: There is growing concern about the impact of cooking oil fume condensates (COFCs) on the environment, including on the growth of plants. COFCs contain a wide range of chemical constituents which are closely related to the temperature of cooking oil. Among these components, hydrocarbons are believed to be among the most toxic. Dodecans is one of the principle hydrocarbons implicated. The paper deals with the experiments carried out in laboratory to clarify the toxic effects of COFCs, adding various amounts of dodecane to aquatic solutions in dishes containing the floating aquatic plant Salvinia natans. Inhibitory effects on the vegetative growth of S. natans, i.e. on the development of leaves and buds are reported in the experiments. The production of new leaves is significantly inhibited. The percent inhibition of growth rate (%) in the number of leaves produced is significantly correlated with the concentration of dodecane. LC50 values on day 4 and day 16 after treatment are 190 mg/L and 181 mg/L respectively. Dodecane has no effect on the pH values of test solutions. It is concluded that dodecane has significant effects on the vegetative growth of aquatic plants. S. natans is sensitive to dodecane and might be useful as an indicator of dodecane and thus COFCs pollution.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54539
Title: Adsorption kinetics for the removal of Hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution by acid activated Coal Fly Ash (CFA)
Author: P Manikandan, K Manjula Rani, S V Priya and V N Kowshalya
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Hexavalent chromium, Adsorption kinetics, Langmuir isotherm, Freundlich isotherm, Acid activated coal fly ash
Abstract: The adsorption of hexavalent chromium, present in effluents of various industries such as electroplating, tannery etc, on Coal Fly Ash (CFA) has been investigated in the present study. Parameters like contact time, adsorbent dose, pH and initial chromium ion concentration were studied in kinetic batch experiments at 250C. Among all the parameters, pH of the solution was most effective for chromium removal. The adsorption of hexavalent chromium on CFA was found to be maximum at low at pH. The adsorption data fit well with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm to the systems yielded maximum adsorption capacity of 19.77 mg/g at the solution pH of 2. Results showed that the pseudo second order kinetic model best correlate with the experimental data.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54538
Title: Convergence rates along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust inferred from terraces at Chandidevi Temple Hill, Hardwar, Northwestern Himalaya
Author: B Parkash, Rajat S Rathor, Pitambar Pati, Rajendra P Jakhmola and Seema Singh
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 9, 10 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Convergence rates, terraces, thrust, slip, uplift
Abstract: Four Ganga river terraces have been recognized in the Chandidevi Temple Hill in the pilgrim town of Hardwar, in the eastern part of the Dehradun Valley, North western Himalaya, India. These terraces that are close to the Himalayan Frontal Thrust have been formed due to movements along this trust. Dating of the sediments underlying the upper three terraces gives overall uplift, slip and convergence rates of 6.23 + 1.29 mm/yr, 12.46 + 2.58 mm/yr and 10.79 + 2.23 mm/yr respectively. These rates are similar to those reported from the western part of the valley and are the significantly less than those published from Eastern Nepal Himalaya. Differences in results are considered to be due to high rates of convergence and maintenance of the highest relief in the Himalaya, resulting in high sediment loads of rivers in the Nepal Himalaya and high rates of subsidence and narrow width of the adjoining Gangetic Plains. The reverse is true of the NW Himalaya and these differences are considered to be due to the segmented nature of the Himalaya and the adjoining Gangetic Plains. Also, rates of uplift caused by movements along a thrust in a particular cycle of activity decrease with time.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54537
Title: Soil respiration under different forest species in the riparian buffer of the semi-arid region of northwest India
Author: Pramod Jha and K P Mohapatra
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 9, 10 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Semi-arid region, soil respiration, soil moisture, soil temperature, tree species
Abstract: Soil temperature and soil moisture are the most important environmental factors controlling soil respiration (SR) in ecosystem. However, SR and associated edaphic factors have not been widely studied in semi-arid regions. In this study, SR was measured in a riparian zone and the effect of soil temperature and soil moisture on SR was examined under five forest species of the semi-arid region. The mean daily SR rate was 1.82, 2.08, 2.35, 2.27 and 2.07 g Cm-2 d-1in Jatropha curcas, Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica and Prosophis juliflora sites respectively. It was found that SR was significantly and positively correlated with soil moisture. A univariate model of sub-surface soil moisture could explain 77% of temporal variation in soil CO2 efflux, irrespective of species and sites. The logrithmic model could best explain the relationship between SR and soil moisture at 10-20 cm of soil depth (P<0.001). There were negative correlations between SR and soil temperature under majority of species. Overall, across all species, soil temperature poorly explained 26% variation in SR as independent variable. For SR rate-temperature relationship, a bell-shaped function gave the best fit in this ecosystem. Under all the species, SR increases with increase in soil temperature up to 330C ( + 2); thereafter it decreases gradually under all species. There was strong evidence that deficit of soil moisture rather than soil temperature was the main regulating factor of SR under the semi-arid ecosystems.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54536
Title: Sustainable transportation for Indian cities: role of intelligent transportation systems
Author: Partha Chakroborty
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 9, 10 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Intelligent transportation system, sustainability, urban mobility efficiency
Abstract: This article highlights the relationship between sustainability (or maintainability) and efficiency of transport systems. It also outlines some of the problems and issues that exist in providing mobility to urban Indians. Finally, it enumerates some of the ways in which application of (modern) information and communication technologies can help improve the efficiency of the transportation system and ultimately help achieve a sustainable urban transportation system.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54535
Title: Recommendations for driver licensing and traffic law enforcement in India aiming to improve road safety
Author: Ashish Verma, S Velumurugan, Neelima Chakrabarty and Sushma Srinivas
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 9, 10 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Driver behaviour, driver education, driver licensing, road safety, traffic law
Abstract: During the last decade, developing countries such as India have been exhibiting rapid increase in human population and vehicles, and increase in road accidents. Inappropriate driving behaviour is considered one of the major causes of road accidents in India as compared to defective geometric design of pavement or mechanical defects in vehicles. It can result in conditions such as lack of lane discipline, disregard to traffic laws, frequent traffic violations, increase in crashes due to self-centred driving , etc. It also demotivates educated drivers from following good driving practices. Hence, improved driver behaviour can be an effective countermeasure to reduce the vulnerability of road users and inhibit crash risks. This article highlights improved driver behaviour through better driver education, driver training and licensing procedures along with good on-road enforcement; as an effective countermeasure to ensure road safety in India Based on the review and analysis, the article also recommends certain measures pertaining to driver licensing and traffic law enforcement in India aimed at improving road safety.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54534
Title: Achieving sustainable transportation system for Indian cities-problems and issues
Author: Ashish Verma, S Sreenivasulu and N Dash
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 9, 10 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Driver behaviour, road safety, sustainable transportation, traffic management
Abstract: This article aims at identifying the research issues and challenges that need to be addressed to achieve sustainable transportation system for Indian cities. The same is achieved by understanding the current system and trends of urbanization, motorization and modal shares in India; and their impact on mobility and safety (the two basic goals of transportation) as well as environment. Further, the article explores the efforts by the central and state governments in India to address the sustainability issues, and the problems and issues over and above the present efforts to achieve sustainability. The article concludes by summarizing the research issues with respect to planning/modelling, non-motorized transport, public transport, driver behaviour and road safety and traffic management. It is expected that these research issues will provide potential directions for carrying our further research aimed ta achieving sustainable transport system for Indian cities.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54533
Title: Diatoms from the surface waters of the Southern Ocean during the austral summer of 2004
Author: Rahul Mohan, Anayat A Quarshi, Thamban Meloth and M Sudhakar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 9, 10 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Diatoms, Sourthern Ocean, nutrients
Abstract: Thirty four surface water samples collected during the Pilot Expedition to Southern Ocean in the austral summer of 2004 along the latitudinal transect 250S - 560S, were studied to understand the distributional pattern of differetn diatom species and their relationship with changing sea-surface temperature (SST), salinity and nutrient availability. Among the diatom species identified, Fragilariopsis kerguelensis (O ' Meara Hust.) is dominant, contributing more than 90% of the total recorded from 410S latitude polewards. All other species show a sparse distribution. There is a total absence of diatoms from 250S to 400S where SST ranges from 27.80C to 18.30C, salinity from 34.9 to 35.6 psu and the concentrations of nutrients (silicate and nitrate) are comparatively lower. However, the phosphate concentration does not show any control on the growth of diatoms in this region. The measurement details of dominant species F. kerguelensis from sub-tropical Front to Polar Front Zone indicated an increased size relationship with decreasing SST and increasing nutrient concentration.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54532
Title: Occurrence of giant nodules in the Jodhpur Sandstone, Sursagar area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Author: S. Kumar, S.K. Pandey, S Ahmad
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 9, 10 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None