ID: 53542
Title: Monitored natural attenuation as a remediation tool for heavy metal contamination in soils in an abondoned gold mine area
Author: A. Keshav Krishna, K. Rama Mohan and N.N. Murthy
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 5, 10 September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Heavy metals, gold mines, monitored natural attenuation, soil
Abstract: We report here the preliminary results of the study using monitored natural attenuation (MNA), referred to a intrinsic remediation, as an in situ treatment method in an abandoned gold mining site in Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka. The area is called the Kolar schist belt of south India, well-known for its gold deposits which have been mined systematically for over several decades. Distribution of elements, in the form of histograms and correlation diagrams, were prepared to understand the sources of contamination in soils. Natural attenuation observed for some elements were: As(36.5%), Cr (56.6%), Co (50%), Cu (50%), Ni (53.3%), Pb (86.6%), Sr (46.6%) and Zn (50%). The outcome of this study would facilitate identification of safe waste disposal sites besides pointing out the extent of aquifer pollution sites besides pointing out the extent of aquifer pollution and prognosis of the migration of pollutants in the plume, and finally support remedial measure.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53541
Title: Geobotanical and biogeochemical study of chromite bearing areas of Nuggihalli schist belt, Karnataka
Author: B.N.Rashmi, B.C.Prabhakar, R.V.Gireesh, B. Suresh, R. Nijagunaiah and R.M. Ranganath
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 5, 10 September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Biogeochemistry, chromite mineralization, geobotany, Nuggihalli schist belt
Abstract: Four chromite-minearlized areas, viz. Jambur, Tagadur, Byrapur and Pennasamudra in the ultramafics-dominant Nuggihalli schist belt in sourthern Karnataka have been studied geobotanically and biogeochemically. All the four areas are characterized by ' Serpentine ' soils and support a distinct vegetation pattern of herbs and shrubs. Twenty two plant samples of seven different species and 22 soil samples including the dump areas near the abandoned mines, have been analysed for Cr, Co, Ni, V, Cu, Zn, Mo, As and Se to know their accumulation patterns in plants and their substratum. Dodonaea viscosa and Hyptis suaveolens growing in the dump area show poor growth and wilting effect, mostly due to hyperaccumulation of metals, especially the toxic ones like Cr, Ni and V. All the analysed samples of plant species show enrichment of Cr (up to 659 ppm), whereas other metals like Ni and Co, which are usually associated with Cr, are not in higher concentration. The individual uptake pattern of Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, As and Mo is more or less homogeneous in all the different species. However, Se and V show considerable variations in their concentration. By and large, accumulation of average concentrations suggests that Cu, Cr, Ni and V in plant species is proportional to their (higher) average concentrations in soil. However, the concentration of Co, Zn and Mo is almost the same in both plant and soil samples. In the absence of any specific plant species as higher accumulator of Cr, all the studied plant species could be considered as good accumulators. The ' not so high ' level of other metal accumulation in plants could have been due to slightly higer pH (7.5-8.2) range of soils, which normally affect metal uptake.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53540
Title: Anthropogenic impacts on the sediment flux in two alpine watersheds of the Lesser Himalayas
Author: Omvir Singh, Pratap Singh, A. Sarangi, Milap C. Sharma and Sanjeev Kumar
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 5, 10 September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Anthropogenic activities, Lesser Himalayan region, rainfall variability, sediment flux, watershed
Abstract: Water erosion caused by accelerated anthropogenic activities has been perceived as the major source of sediment flow in Himalayan catchments. Keeping this in view, the sediment flux data measured at the outlet of the Sainj and the Tirthan watersheds in the Lesser Himalayan region was analysed. Rainfall behaviour coupled with existing forest cover, snow bound and glaciated areas with rocky outcrops in the Sainj watershed could result in more sediment yields as compared to the Tirthan. It was observed that the sediment flux from the Sainj watershed was 1.5 times more than the Tirthan watershed. Also, the sediment transport from both watersheds showed an increasing trend in the monthly, seasonal and annual flux during the study period (1981-2004). This increase could be attributed to the intensification of anthropogenic activities related to land surface disturbance besides the rainfall and existing land use and land cover practices. The detected changes in sediment flux resulting from such human activities have significant implications which necessitate appropriate soil and water conservation measures in these watersheds.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53539
Title: Lysimeter application for measuring the water and solute fluxes with high precision
Author: R. Meibner, M.N.V.Prasad, G. Du Laing and J.Rinklebe
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 5, 10 September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Flux, lysimeter, seepage, solute, water
Abstract: Different methods exist for measuring water and solute flux in and below the root zone. Besides indirect methods (e.g. wate balance, tensiometer, time domain reflectometry, frequency domain reflectometry and environmental tracer), direct methods (e.g. drainage- type lysimeter, water flux meter) have a long tradition and have been successfully used in seepage research. However, lysimeters are most reliable and accurate for insitu water and solute assessment. A large weighable outdoor lysimeter is the best method for obtaining reliable data about seepage water quantity and quality, but it involves significant investment and additional expenses for maintenance. To tackle this problem new methods for the vertical collection of large volume soil monoliths and for the placement of the lysimeter in a container lysimeter unit have been developed. The design of lysimeters typically used in Europe- a weighable gravitation lysimeter and a weighable groundwater lysimeter are explained. An example is given for the high precision of the new lysimeter weighing technique. Besides recording rainfall and seepage, its weighing precision makes it possible to register mass input by dew, fog or rime. It also permits accurate calculation of actual evapotranspiration. The newly developed lysimeter types will be an essential tool for scaling up results obtained in small-scale experiments to larger geographical units. Furthermore, the newly developed experimental set-up allows a scenario simulation of topical climatic and hydrologic questions, e.g. global warming and its impact on the water and solute balance, the influence of dew and fog on the establishment of a vegetation cover in arid areas or the trasnport of contaminants during heavy rainfall following a severe drying-up of the soil profile.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53538
Title: Enhancing crop water productivity to ameliorate groundwater decline
Author: S.S.Prihar, V.K.Arora and S.K.Jalota
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 5, 10 September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Cropping system, evaporation, evapo transpiration, groundwater depletion, management interventions, water productivity
Abstract: Increased use of fresh water supplies in agricultural and non-agricultural activities in the past few decades has caused an alarming rate of groundwater depletion in many regions of the world. This threatens the sustenance of crop production and the ensuing food security. There is an urgency to look for measures that sustain current levels of crop yields with reduction in soil water evaporation component of hydrological balance during cropped and non-cropped periods. This article gives an overview of management interventions at field scale to enhance water productivity in cropping systems perspective that would help to ameliorate groundwater decline.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53537
Title: Habitat of flamingos
Author: Chiranjibi Pattanaik, S. Narendra Prasad, Lalitha Vijayan
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 5, 10 September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53536
Title: Is agriculture education in shambles?
Author: Irfan Ali Shah, S. Sepat
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 5, 10 September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53535
Title: Will India ' s mega-census leave a mega-footprint?
Author: Gopalasamy Reuben Clements, Xingli Giam, William F. Laurance
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 5, 10 September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53534
Title: Seismic vulnerability and risk in the Himalayan township of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Author: Piyoosh Rautela, Girish Chandra Joshi and Bhupendra Bhaisora
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 4, 25 August 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Damage grade, rapid visual screening, risk, seismicity, vulnerability
Abstract: Rapid visual screening technique has been resorted to for assessing seismic vulnerability and risk in the Himalayan township of Musoorie that falls in Zone IV of the Earthquake Zoning Map of India. Damage during an earthquake in this zone is expected to reach MSK intensity VIII. A total of 3344 structures in 11 residential wards of the town were surveyed in the field. Data collected in teh field were analysed under GIS environment which suggests that a total of 615 (18%) buildings show high probability of Grade 5 damage and very high probability of Grade 4 damage class. The economic loss likely to be incurred is estimated to be of the order Rs 238.85 crore in the township of Mussoorie alone. Modest estimates suggest that 369 persons might sustain grievous injuries in this event. The study highlights the fact that some of the lifeline buildings are under severe threat and are required to be retrofitted or replaced on priority basis.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53533
Title: Binding capacity and root penetration of seven species selected for revegetation of uranium tailings at Jaduguda in Jharkhand, India
Author: Lal Singh and Prafulla Soni
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 4, 25 August 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Binding capacity, conservation, revegetation, root penetration, uranium tailings
Abstract: Uranium from ores mined at the three mines -Jaduguda, Bhatin and Narwapahar (Jharkhand)-is processed in the mill and the waste emerges as tailings. The recorded radioactivity level in these tailings is very low, but to avoid any long-term effect of these tailings on the atmosphere, humans, cattle as well as native flora and fauna, the tailings are covered with 30 cm layer of soil. This reduces the gamma radiation and radon emission levels. However, to consolidate the soil covering the tailings on a sustainable basis, the area needs to be revegetated by plant species having shallow root systems, good conservation value and low canopy cover. Another important criterion for selection of species is that they should not have any ethnobotanical relevance to the surrounding villages. Considereing these criteria, seven native plant species of forestry origin, viz. Colebrookea oppositifolia, Dodonaea viscosa, Furcraea foetida, Imperata cylindrica, Jatropha gossypifolia, Pogostemon benghalense and Saccharum spontaneum have been selected for experimental trials. We describe here the strategies adopted for consolidation of radioactivity in tailings, revegetation practices used and the ecological role of the selected species in consolidating the tailings.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53532
Title: Evaluation of habitat suitability models for four sympatric ungulate species in Pathri Rao Watershed adopting geo-statistical modelling
Author: Bilal Habib, Tanweer A. Dar, Jamal A. Khan and S.P.S. Kushwaha
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 4, 25 August 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Habitat suitability, multivariate statistics, niche overlap, Pathri Rao, sympatric, ungulate
Abstract: We report here the habitat suitability for four sympatric ungulate species, viz. sambar (Cervus unicolour), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), chital (Axis axis) and goral (Nemorhaedus goral) in Pathri Rao Watershed area using geo-statistical analysis and geospatial tools. All the four sympatric ungulate species showed temporal isolation to exploit the resources on ecological niche axis. A total of 25.74%, 37.94%, 18.80% and 37.07% of habitat were found highly suitable for sambar, nilgai, chital and goral respectively. Niche overlap analysis and seasonal occupancy data were used to cross-tabulate the absolute habitat occupancy by the animals. The habitat suitability information was found to be 89.73%, 74.21%, 78.63% and 96.43% accurate for sambar, nilgai, chital and goral respectively.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53531
Title: Greening India Mission
Author: N.H.Ravindranath and I.K.Murthy
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 4, 25 August 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Adaption, afforestation, climate change, Greening India Mission, mitigation
Abstract: The Government of India has announced the Greening India Mission (GIM) under the National Climate Change Action Plan. The Mission aims to restore and afforest about 10 mha over the period 2010-2020 under different sub-missions covering moderately dense and open forests, scrub/grasslands, mangroves, wetlands, croplands and urban areas. Even though the main focus of the Mission is to address mitigation nad adaption aspects in the context of climate change, the adaptation component is inadequately addressed. There is a need for increased scientific input in the preparation of the Mission. The mitigation potential is estimated by simply multiplying global default biomass growth rate values and area. It is incomplete as it does not include all the carbon pools, phasing, differing growth rates, etc. The mitigation potential estimated using the Comprehensive Mitigation Analysis Process model for the GIM for the year 2020 has the potential to offset 6.4% of the projected national greenhouse gas emissions, compared to the GIM estimate of only 1.5% excluding any emissions due to harvesting or disturbances. The selection of potential locations for different interventions and species choice under the GIM must be based on the use of modelling, remote sensing and field studies. The forest sector provides an opportunity to promote mitigation and adaptation synergy, which is not adequately addressed in the GIM. Since many of the interventions proposed are innovative and limited scientific knowledge exists, there is need for an unprecedented level of collaboration between the research institutions and the implementing agencies such as the Forest Departments, which is currently non-existent. The GIM could propel systematic research into forestry and climate change issues and thereby provide global leadership in this new and emerging science.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53530
Title: Copenhagen and the ' BASIC ' countries: some basic differences between the Indian and Chinese emissions
Author: James Jacob
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 4, 25 August 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: BASIC countries, carbon intensity, Copenhagen Accord, energy use efficiency, environmental cost
Abstract: The Copenhagen Accord was cobbled together in hasty closed-doors consultations in the final hours of the failing climate meet by a select group of 26 countries. The Accord did not even get the imprimatur of the UNFCCC. Copenhagen failed to deliver a comprehensive and legally binding emissions reduction treaty. Copenhagen succeeded in ' institutionalizing ' the new entity of the BASIC group of countries, but fundamental differences exist in their emissions patterns, particularly between India and China. China is far ahead of India in total gross domestic product (GDP), annual rate of growth in GDP, carbon intensity of economy, aggregate and per capita emissions, rate of growth in emissions and the contribution its emissions make towards the current rate of build-up of CO2 in the atmosphere. The climate burden of the Chinese economic growth on the rest of the world is disproportionately large compared to that of India. The climate interlocutors en route Mexico 2010 (CoP 16) should not ignore these ' inconvenient truths ' aobut the Chinese emissions and economy and they should stop equating India with China when it comes to likely emissions capping, sooner or later. Exerting pressure on India to limit its emissions could be seen only as a covert political strategy to constrain its economic growth rather than gaining any substantial emissions reduction globally and it is convenient for the developed countries to put India together with China in the BASIC group for exerting such pressure. India should seriously reconsider its strategy of aligning with China on the emissions issue.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53529
Title: Genetic fidelity of long-term micropropagated plantlets of Valeriana wallichii-an endangered medicinal plant
Author: Priyanka Verma, Priyanka Srivastava, Subhash C. Singh, Archana Mathur
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 4, 25 August 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53528
Title: Climate change: the role of plant physiology
Author: V.T.Yadugiri
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 4, 25 August 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None