ID: 52957
Title: Status of groundwater quality in Masuda Tehsil of Ajmer district, Rajasthan during pre-monsoon season
Author: Subroto Dutta, Pinkey Chowhan and Vinita Gupta
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Groundwater quality, Masuda tehsil, water resources, Drinking water standards
Abstract: In this work an attempt has been made to access the groundwater quality in the Masuda Tehsil situated south-west of Ajmer city covering an area of 87,898 hectare and having the population of 1,87,295 in the year 2001. It consists of 147 villages, nearby all facing an acute shortage of water and, thus, creating a tremendous pressure on the fragile water resources due to high population growth and over consumption, finally leading to deterioration of the quality and quantity of water. The present investigation was carried out by collecting the groundwater samples during the pre-monsoon 2006 from 25 different sites in the Masuda Tehsil. The physicochemical parameters which were analysed are pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, total alkalinity, sodium, potassium, fluoride, sulphate and nitrate. The value obtained were compared with standards prescribed by WHO and BIS. The analysis revealed high content of TDS, fluoride, nitrate, bicarbonate, etc. along with high variability, which is a matter of great concern, thus, leading to adverse effects on the people residing in the study area. As it is never late to realize that water is the most critical factor, so we need to take proper remedial measures to maintain its quality and conserve it as we do not have it on any planet except earth making it the only place where man can survive.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52956
Title: Impact of treated sago industry effluent of Paddy plants
Author: N. Sivananda
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Sago industry effluent, Paddy plants, Wastewater irrigation, Seed germination, Biochemical parameters
Abstract: The effluents collected from Sago industry before and after treatment were analysed for the physicochemical characteristics. The effect of treated sago industry effluent in different concentrations (10%, 25%, 50% and 100%) on seed germination and biochemical changes during germination of paddy were studied and compared with the control. In the treated effluent pH, TSS, TDS, BOD and COD were found to be within the tolerance limit and it can be used for irrigation purposes. The seed germination percentage declined with the increasing concentration of the treated effluent. Generally, in paddy the protein, starch and chlorophyll contents were increased from 6th day to 12th day and then declined. It was observed that when the treated effluent is diluted particularly at 10%, it influences the biochemical parameters and at the same time the increased concentration of the effluent reduces the protein, starch and chlorophyll contents in experimental leaves when compared to control.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52955
Title: Seasonal variation in physicochemical characteristics of water bodies in and around Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu
Author: A. Krishnamoorthi and S. Selvakumar
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Surface water quality, water pollution, Cuddalore district, drinking water standards
Abstract: The present investigation has been designed to assess the water quality parameters of surface waters present in and around Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu for a period of one year. Water samples were collected from five stations (S1-Chidambaram, S2-Veeranam, S3-Vadalur, S4-Vellar and S5-Sipcot) on 15th day of each month. The parameters analysed include pH, EC, TDS, total hardness, alkalinity, chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulphate and fluorides. The water samples collected from industrial area showed a high value in all the parameters in summer season. This indicate the extent of pollution due to addition of effluents into the water bodies. But in rainy season all the parameters in all the stations remain under permissible limit. This may be due to the dilution of surface waters with rain water.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52954
Title: Phytoremediation of domestic wastewater by using a free floating aquatic angiosperm, Lemna minor
Author: A.R. Raju, C. T. Anitha, P.D. Sidhimol and K. J. Rosna
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Phytoremediation, domestic wastewater, Lemna minor, Biotechnology, Pollution management
Abstract: Phytoremediation is a novel, efficient, ecofriendly, low priced and an emerging method of biotechnology for environmental pollution management. In this technology, plants are used to improve the status of environment. In this work, an attempt has been made to remove organic and inorganic pollution load of domestic wastewater. A culture of aquatic plant, Lemna minor was grown in the pond water. Water from the same pond was filled in a cement tank and Lemna was grown for a stipulated interval of seven days. The domestic wastewater quality was evaluated before and after the culture by analysing its physicochemical properties in order to know the improvement in quality of water. The results of analysis show that phytoremediation of wastewater occurs more rapidly in tank water as compared to the pond water. The increase in biomass of Lemna minor and the physicochemical analysis have proved that Lemna minor is a suitable aquatic plant for phytoremediation of domestic wastewater, which improved the quality of domestic wastewater by absorbing organic and inorganic pollutants.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52953
Title: Evaluation of Wind erosion potential using Empirical method of IRIFR and GIS: A case study of Nishabur, Iran
Author: Masoud Masoudi, S. A. Abtahi and S. H. Badiee Namaghi
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Wind erosion, Nishabur, Iran, IRIFR, Empirical methods
Abstract: Erosion is a phenomenon during which soil and sediment materials are transferred by such damaging factors as water and wind. The type of erosion, of course, is different in various climates. As an example, in wet and semi-wet areas, water erosion is more likely than wind erosion. In turn, wind erosion is the main reason for damaging and transferring soil and sediment materials in arid and semi-arid zones, which can cover talented lands and bring about indispensable damage to land administrators. Wind erosion in arid zones is one of the most important processes of desertification, which is considered in different forms and in various models. Wind erosion status was investigated using the IRIFR method. In this method, nine parameters affecting wind erosion process including lithology, morphology and relief, wind velocity , soil characteristics, type and plant cover percentage, wind erosion features, soil moisture, type and distribution of sandy dune, land use and land management were considered. Ultimately, wind erosion index was classified in five classes. ArcGIS 9 was used to analyse and prepare the layers of quality maps to integrate the individual sub-indicator maps. Results show those areas classified under moderate category have a greater extent (61%) in the study area while areas under high and very high hazard cover 15% of lands.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52952
Title: Antimicrobial activity of five flower extracts against three pathogenic bacteria
Author: Kandukuri Vasu and M. A. Singara Charya
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, pathogenic bacteria, flower extracts
Abstract: Five flowering plants dominant in Warangal dist. in Andhra Pradesh region were selected for their antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. Among these plants the flowers of Butea monosperma were effective. The solvents methanol and ethanol were effective in extraction of antimicrobial compounds from the plant materials. The aqueous extracts of the plants were not so effective while petroleum ether is failed to extract andy antimicrobial compounds from teh plants.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52951
Title: Effect of acute toxicity of Imidacloprid on glycogen metabolism in estuarine clam, Katelysia opima (Gmelin)
Author: Vaishali Suvare, A. S. Kulkarni, M. V.Tendulkar, Sayali Mavalankar and A. M. Guhagarkar
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Katelysia opima, Imidacloprid, acute toxicity, Glycogen metabolism
Abstract: The rapid industrialization and successful green revolution have introduced a large variety of chemicals into the environment. Such chemicals include pesticides, which can affect aquatic ecosystems. Imidacloprid is a systemic, chloronicotinyl insecticide mainly used to control sucking insects such as rice hoppers, aphids, thrips, termites and some species of beetles. Further, the pesticide is known to cause apathy, myatonia, tremor and myospasms in humans. Toxic effects of Imidocloprid were estimated by selecting Katelysia opima as a test animal. Effect of Imidacloprid on total glycogen content of gill, mantel, hepatopancreas, foot, male gonad and female gonad of estuarine clam, Katelysia opima was studied. The clams were exposed to 86.6 ppm (LC50 ) Imidacloprid for acute treatment. It was found that there was decrease in glycogen content in various tissues as compared to control. In LC0 group, glycogen was decreased in gill, mantle, foot, male gonad and female gonad except in hepatopancreas, while in LC50 group glycogen was decreased in all target organs. This decrease was more in foot, male gonad and female gonad in LC50 group as compared to LC0 group. Decrease in glycogen content indicates greater utilization of glycogen for metabolic purposes and to combat with Imidacloprid stress. The significant increase in glycogen content in hepatopancreas may be due to increased energy demand.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52950
Title: Removal of nickel (II) by polyvinyl alcohol coated carbon prepared from Datura stramonium
Author: Kailash Daga, V. Pallavi and Santosh Chaudhary
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Adsorption, Wastewater, heavy metals, nickel, adsorption isotherms
Abstract: Wastewater containing heavy metal pollutants cause direct toxicity, both to human and other living organisms due to their presence beyond specified limits. Industrial effluents containing nickel play an important role in polluting water bodies. The removal of nickel ions from aqueous solution by polyvinyl alcohol coated carbon prepared from Datura stramonium as an adsorption is reported in this paper. The effect of pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time and adsorbent dose were studied. The adsorption capacity of Datura stramonium was dependent on the pH of the nickel solution, maximum nickel removal (78.9 %) was obtained at pH of 6. The adsorption experimental data fit well with the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The kinetics of the adsorption process follows the pseudo second-order kinetics model. The results indicate the Datura stramonium can be employed as a low cost alternative to commercial adsorbents in the removal of nickel (II) from wastewater.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52949
Title: Genotoxicity assay of three different surface water systems of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu using Ames test
Author: N. Arun Nagendran
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Genotoxicity assay, Ames test, surface water, mutagenicity
Abstract: Three water samples, viz., Vaigai river (near PTR Bridge), Vilangudi pond water and Tadagainachiamman stream water, Sirumalai hill were subjected to mutagenicity assay by Ames test using the strains Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and E. coli to detect the presence of mutagenic substances. The mutagenic index in strain Salmonella typhimurium was 6.12 and 4.02 and in E. coli, the mutagenic index was 6.2 and 5.7 for Vilangudi pond water and Vaigai river water respectively. From the results it is concluded that the discharge of effluents in River Vaigai and petroleum products and household materials like detergents in Vilangudi pond might be the reason for the presence of xenotoxic compounds in these samples. The Thadagainachiamman stream water, since not subjected to severe anthropogenic stress, is free from these toxic compounds.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52948
Title: Investigation of physicochemical and biological characteristics of water and sediments of selected lakes around Dharwad, Karnataka
Author: N. S. Bagade and S.L. Belagali
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Lakes around Dharwad, Water quality, Microbiological studies, Heavy metals, Sediments
Abstract: The physicochemical and microbiological studies on water and sediments of Lakes Kelageri, Salakinakoppa, Navalur, Nuggikeri and Neersagar were carried out. Most of the physicochemical characteristics are within the permissible limits of BIS and WHO standards for drinking water except Salakinakoppa lake. Some samples were found to be highly contaminated with coliforms including E. coli. In all the lakes, some species of zooplankton were recorded. This investigation brought to the limelight that except Neersagar lake, the water of other lakes is unsuitable for drinking purposes but useful for agricultural and domestic purposes. The heavy metals such as iron, copper, lead, manganese, zinc, cadmium and magnesium were analysed in the water and sediment samples of the above lakes using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results revealed that by and large, all the metals except cadmium were present in the samples in various concentrations. The nutrients like N, P, K etc were also found in the samples.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52947
Title: Monitoring of particulate air pollution due to vehicular emission in Coimbatore city Using GIS
Author: Selvakumar Madhavan and T. Meenambal
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Particulate air pollution, Vehicular emission, Coimbatore city, Air quality index, GIS
Abstract: Geographical Information System (GIS) enables us to integrate and analyse a number of environmental data from different sources to model the overall impact of air pollutants on environment. The objective of this paper is to design an air quality management system. Air quality data were collected from 25 stations in and around Coimbatore city. In this paper a number of spatial and statistical analysis were carried out. Spatial analysis such as overlay, buffering and zoning were performed to provide an environmental alarming system. Among the various environmental standards defined in the world, in this work AQI (air quality index) standard is used. Considering the standards used, good, moderate, unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous places were determined. Maps showing the spatial dispersion of TSPM (total suspended particulate matter) and RPM (respirable particulate matter) were prepared. It has been found that in some areas the levles of suspended particulate matter is higher than the prescribed limit of 140 ?g/m3 and respirable particulate matter of 60 ?g/m3 . Based on the GIS output the suggestions have been made to improve better living condition in Coimbatore.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52946
Title: Xerox Workers: Hidden health hazards in Visakhapatnam
Author: V. Saritha, Ch. Bhavannarayana, K. Anil Kumar and V. S. Jyothi
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Xerox workers, Health hazards, Sick building Syndrome
Abstract: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in coastal zone of Visakhapatnam among 170 workers in 41 randomly selected xeros (photostat) shops. The aim was to evaluate the relations between work with xerox equipment and the occurrence of eye, nasopharyngeal, skin and general symptoms (often denoted as sick building syndrome (SBS), chronic respiratory symptoms, and respiratory infections. Work with self-copying paper was significantly related to weekly work-related eye, nasopharyngeal adn skin symptoms, headache and lethargy, as well as to the occurrence of wheezing, cough, mucus production, sinusitis, and acute bronchitis. Xeroxing was related to nasal irritation, and video display terminal work to eye symptoms, headache, and lethargy.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52945
Title: Impact of ozone and a-TOcopherol on plant height and leaf area of Withania somnifera
Author: R. K. Sharma and Geeta Rani
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Withania somnifera, ozone exposure, a-tocopherol
Abstract: The impact of ozone and ?-tocopherol on Withania somnifera has been assessed with reference to plant height and leaf area. The control plants of Withania somnifera attained a height of 21.43 cm in 30 days. Their fully expended leaves attained 37.74 cm2 area (per leaf). Ozone exposure resulted in a sharp decline in plant height and leaf area. The percentage decline was 70.14% and 52.60% respectively. The simultaneous application of ?-tocopherol with ozone exposure nullified the ozone impact. In 200 ppm ?-tocopherol, the plant height mounts to 22.47cm which is even more than that of control. Similarly, the negative impact of ozone on leaf area was almost neutralized by 200 ppm ?-tocopherol.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52944
Title: Start-up performance of hybrid up-flow Anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating pulp and Paper mill effluent
Author: R. Praba Rajathi, K. Ashok Kumar and T. Meenambal
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Hybrid UASB reactor, Hydraulic retention time, Organic loading rate, Pulp & paper mill effluent, Start-up performance
Abstract: A study was performed on hybrid up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor to identify the start-up time and optimum HRT required for treatment of pulp and paper mill wastewater. Initially, the reactor was loaded at an OLR of 0.117 kg COD/m3 . hr and HRT of 24h. Loading rates were increased by reducing HRT 24, 20, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6h, which corresponds to the OLR of 0.117, 0.141, 0.175, 0.201, 0.233, 0.294, 0.348, 0.458 kg COD/m3 h. An optimum HRT of 8h, HUASB reactor shows COD and TSS removal efficiency of 80% and 85% respectively. When HRT was reduced beyond 8h, lower COD removal efficiency of 71% and TSS removal efficiency of 70% were observed. Finally, the reactor took 120 days for complete start-up. The granule formation was observed inside the reactor by drawing the sample along the port, which shows sizes of 1-2 mm.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52943
Title: Copper and Cadmium adsorption by activated carbon prepared from coconut coir
Author: Malay Chaudhuri, Shamsul Rahman Mohamed Kutty and Siti Haida Yusop
Editor: Prof K. P. Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Adsorption, copper, cadmium, coconut coir, activated carbon
Abstract: The study examined adsorption of copper and cadmium by the activated carbon prepared from coconut coir. Batch adsorption test showed that extent of metal adsorption was dependent on metal concentration, contact time, pH and carbon dose. Adsorption was low at acidic pH and increased with increase in pH. Adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for copper and cadmium was evaluated by adsorption isotherm test and compared with that of a commercial activated carbon. The coconut coir activated carbon showed higher limiting capacity for adsorption of coper and cadmium (84.74 mg/g and 68.03 mg/g) than that of the commercial activated carbon (46.30 mg/g and 14.90 mg/g)
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None