ID: 52507
Title: Study on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) and Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl (PCBS) in waste oil sludge at Mathura-Agra, National Highway No.2, India
Author: Mitali Sharma and M.K.Rawat
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: GC, PAHs and PCBs analysis, waste oil-sludge
Abstract: Persistent organic pollutants PAHs and PCBs are released into the environment from anthropogenic sources such as combustion of hydraulic fluids, industrial process, refuse burning and electrical equipments. The concentration of PAHs and PCBs in roadside oil-sludge was measured at outside of Mathura Refinery, Delhi-Agra, National Highway No.2. The samples were extracted with n-hexane. The aromatic adn chlorinated fraction analysis was performed by GC. Total mean concentration of PAHs and PCBs was found to be 12.42 ?g g-1 and 1.659 ppm. PAHs ranged from 5.47-23.64 ?g g-1. PCBs congeners 101, 118, 153 and PAHs Fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo (b) fluoranthene were found to be the most abundant.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52506
Title: Distribution of organochlorine pesticide residues in surface sediments from selected areas in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India
Author: T.Jeyakumar, V.Birla Minimezh Ezhil, M.Anbu and L.Anita Ben
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Distribution, Organochlorine pesticides, Surface sediments
Abstract: The contamination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soil and sediments from two taluks of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu viz., Kalkulam and Agastheeswaram was investigated to evaluate the distribution of OCPs in Kanyakumari district. Sediment samples were collected at seven sampling stations. The total concentrations of 18 organochlorine pesticides were 19280 to 126417 ng g-1 dry weight (dw) (? -HCH, ?-HCH, ?- HCH, ?-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane, dieldrin, endrin, DDT, DDE, DDD, endosulphan I, endosulphan II, endosulphan sulphate, endrin aldehyde, endrin ketone). Individual OCPs distribution has been analysed. Among the OCPs, ?-HCH, DDE, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, DDD and endrin aldehyde were the most dominant compounds in the sediments. The results have shown that the concentrations of all hte 18 organochlorine pesticides in all the samples were generally higher than those of literature values. These results underscore the need to improve environmental protection measures in order to reduce the exposure of the population to these organochlorine pesticides.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52505
Title: Aquaculture site selection in Midnapur district (West Bengal) using Remote Sensing and GIS
Author: Ashwani Wanganeo, Vinu R. Chandran and Ankit Kumar
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Remote sensing and GIS, Land use/land cover, Suitable site selection for aquaculture
Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify the suitable area for Aquaculture with the help of Remote Sensing and GIS. The satellite imagery used for extracting the primary informaiton about the study area is IRS P6 LISS IV FCC DOP:04 December 2006. ERDAS Imagine version 9.0 and Arc GIS version 9.1 were used for image analysis. The weighted overlay method was adopted in GIS to delineate the suitable area for Aquaculture.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52504
Title: Bacterological analysis of ground water of Ajmer West, Rajasthan, India
Author: Manish Verma and Bharti Prakash
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Drinking water, ground water, Contamination, bacterial load, MPN, E.coli, Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp
Abstract: The present paper deals with bacteriological quality analysis in drinking water at a few suspected ground water points of Ajmer west. Samples from 20 ground water sources were collected thrice during the year 2006 and were tested for their bacterial load by means of MPN of coliforms/100mL. They were further identified on the basis fo biochemical tests. Bacteriological analysis revealed that some ground water samples were highly contaminated. The probable reason for high bacterial load might be the location of ground water sources near septic tanks or sewage drains. E.coli was isolated from all ground water samples tested positive for MPN of coliforms, while some of the ground water samples were found to be contaminated by Klebsiella sp., and Pseudomonas sp.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52503
Title: Urban Solid Waste of some North East Indian cities-Management scenario
Author: S.Bhattacharjee and S.Gupta
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: North East India, Solid Waste Management, collection, Transportation, disposal
Abstract: The Solid Waste Management is based on four basic aspects of management: reduce, reuse, recycle & recover. A preliminary study on the management aspects of the solid wastes of four cities, Guwahati, Aizawl, Shillong and Silchar of North East India reveals that in Aizawl unlike Guwahati, Silchar, Shillong and other cities of India solid waste is managed by Sanitary Wing, Local Administrative Department, Govt. of Mizoram. It has been observed that regarding transportation and disposal, Guwahati is more organized compared to other three cities. Segregation of waste at the source has not yet started in these cities. Further no scientific method of disposal has been adopted. In this paper, major issues os solid waste management in North East India have been discussed in the light of the present findings.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52502
Title: Agricultural use of distillery spentwash and its environmental impact
Author: S.Shenbagavalli and S.Mahimairaja
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Spentwash, environmental impact, seed hardening, leaching, dissolved organic carbon, soil fertility, water pollution
Abstract: Distilleries in India generate enormous quantities (>40 million m3) of liquid wastes namely spentwash, annually. The disposal of spentwash is becoming a serious problem not only in India but also throughout the world. The distillery spentwash (raw) is acidic (pH <4.0) and generally characterized by high levles of biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). It contains high levels of soluble salts. Among the plant nutrients, potassium (K) is found in higher amounts followed by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The presence of Calcium (Ca) in considerable amounts makes the spentwash a potential amendment for reclaiming sodic soils. The beneficial effect of spentwash on crop production was exerted only at lower rate of application. The presence of appreciable amounts of plant growth promoters viz., gibberlic acid (GA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) adds additional value to the spentwash. Although the spentwash application increased the soil salinity induced by accumulation of salts, it had markedly improved the fertility status of dryland soils. Enhancement in the activities of enzymes and microbes was also evident in soils amended with spentwash. Seed hardening with 20% spentwash was found very effective in improving the seed germination, and growth parameters in certain dryland crops. However, exceptionally high organic loading is likely to diminish the nutrient potential of the spentwash. The contamination of surface and ground waters, destruction of aquatic life and excessive accumulation of salts in soils pose serious threat to sustenance of soil and environmental health. Exceptionally high loading of the leachate with organic and inorganic contaminants may pose potential risk for groundwater contamination. Technologies based on scientific experimentation are needed for effectively utilizing this valuable resource in agriculture without any environmental hazards.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52501
Title: Spatial and temporal patterns in the water quality of a major Tropical lake-Oussudu
Author: K.B.Chari, Tasneem Abbasi and S.A.Abbasi
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Water quality, ecorestoration, sustainable management of lakes
Abstract: The water quality of Oussudu lake, Pondicherry, was studied for over an year as a function of lake depth, lake breadth, rainfall and seasons. Diurnal variation in the water quality was also studied. The water quality variables included bulk parameters (pH, hardness, alkalinity etc), nutrients (including different forms of phosphorus and nitrogen), and heavy metals. The studies provide a fairly detailed profile of teh Oussudu lake water quality and the manner in which different factors influence it. The studies hopefully generate a much-needed body of information necessay in the ecorestoration and sustainable management of the lake.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52500
Title: Quantification of heavy metal pollutants in the surface soils of Chitgar industrial area (Tehran, Iran) with spatial reference to their spatial pattern
Author: M.H.Sayadi, M.R.G.Sayyed and N.Shabani
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: GIS, heavy metal pollution, spatial pattern, Tehran
Abstract: Quantification of the urban environmental pollution is of vital importance for the large population living in the cities with high degree of industrialization. Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to assess the trace metal contamination in the soils of Chitgar industrial area from Tehran. The main objective of the study was to quantify the heavy metal contamination with special reference to their spatial pattern. GIS is a powerful tool in mapping and identifying the possible sources of pollutants in the soil as the spatial pattern of trace elements are mainly controlled by anthropogenic activities like industrial, residential and traffic pollution. The soil pollution maps of Cr, Co, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn were generated using the GIS technique and many hot spot areas were found in the industrial as well as residential areas with variable spatial patterns for different heavy metals. The present study explains the value of GIS method in anticipating the potential health threat to the residents of the contaminated areas under study.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52499
Title: The characterization of proteins involved in toxic metal resistance of a bacterial strain isolated from mine site using a proteomic approach
Author: Fahimeh Nemati, Daryoush Arabian, Reza Roostaazad, W.N.Gade and M.G.Shitole
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Bioleaching, Metal toxicity, Mass spectrometry, 2D PAGE
Abstract: We investigated the response of a bacterial strain isolated from low grade complex zinc and lead sulfide mines to metals toxicity (i.e.zinc, manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper, arsenate, chromium, lead, and mercury). The bacterium was identified as a strain of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The isolated showed good resistance to most of the toxic metals. The proteomics approach was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins under heavy metal stress in this strain. Four of the differentially expressed proteins were identified as major outer membrane protein of A. ferrooxidans, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large subunit of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, putative DNA restriction methylase, and holo synthase (Syntrophus aciditrophicus). Their role in metal resistance is discussed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52498
Title: Enhancing bioleaching and iron oxidation efficiency of native strain of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, by optimizing the ambient growth conditions
Author: Daryoush Arabian, Fahimeh Nemati, Reza Roostaazad, M.G.Shitole and W.N.Gade
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Bioleaching, Ferrous sulphate, Process optimization, Sulfide ore, Zinc sulfide
Abstract: In this study, we have investigated the bioleaching potential of a native strain of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans isolated from zinc and lead sulfide mines under varied ambient conditions of growth and substrate consumption. In the process of standardizing growth conditions to improve iron oxidation, bioleaching of zince and lead is also found to be enhanced. The effects of pH, temperature, initial inoculum, Fe2+and ammonium sulphate concentration on growth and bio-oxidation efficiency of the bacteria have been evaluated. The results indicate that the optimum pH requried for the growth of the bacterium is 1.8; however, the same for maximum efficiency is 1.5. It is also found that pH has profound effect on the growth and efficiency of the bacteria by controlling the precipitation of jarosite. Increasing the initial concentration of Fe2+ upto 4.0171 g/l, has increased the efficiency of isolate but the lag phase of bacterial growth was also incrased with increasing in Fe2+ concentration as indicated by observed maximum cell number at this concentration of iron. Finally, the maximum bio-oxidation and growth of bacteria were achieved at 35oC, 3g/l ammonium sulphate and the initial inoculum of 6-8% (v/v). Moreover, in case of bioleaching of zinc and lead, maximum recovery of 98% of zinc, is the main outcome of results as observed at 4 g/l of Fe2+, by the bacterial strain under optimized experimental conditions.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52497
Title: Concentration distribution of spilled crude petroleum in different soils: 1. Effects of volume of oil on diffusion rate
Author: K.M.Oghenejoboh, Y.T.Puyate and M.F.N.Abowei
Editor: Dr.R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (3), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Crude Petroleum, Spillage, Concentration Distribution, Soil, Diffusion
Abstract: Experiments are carried out to determine quasi two-dimensional (2, one-dimensional) diffusion rate of spilled crude petroleum in three soils (sandy, top, and loamy) media. It is shown that, the diffusion rate of the spilled petroleum in the longitudinal and vertical directions increase as the volume of spilled oil increases. The vertical diffusion of the oil is significant, while the longitudinal diffusion is very slow and almost independent of the volume of petroleum spilled. Diffusion rate of spilled crude petroleum in both directions is fastest in sandy soil, followed by top soil, and least in loamy soil.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52496
Title: Changes in the recoverable fractions during successive cycles of aquifer storage and recovery system in North-West India
Author: Y.S.Saharawat, R.S.Malik, B.S.Jhorar, T.Streck, Neelam Chaudhary and M.L.Jat
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 9, 10 November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Aquifer storage and recovery, groundwater quality, hydro-geochemistry, semi-arid regions
Abstract: Aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is an effective method of recharging reclaimed or surplus surface water into confined or semi-confined permeable formations for later extraction. A key factor in the long-term viability of ASR is the extent of mineral interaction between two dissimilar water types, their recoverable fractions and consequent impact on water quality and aquifer stability. An ASR well study was undertaken in the semi-arid region of northern India to assess the technical viability, environmental sustainability and commercial/economic feasibility of the ASR system in a generic sense. 300 m3 of canal water was injected in each recharge cycle of brackish water and 100% of the mixture was extracted during each recovery cycle of the experiment. The study revealed that groundwater quality of the recovered water was better than that of the native water and recovery percentage of the recharged water (EC>2 dSm-1) increased from 27% to 42% in the successive recovery cycles. The potassium concentration in the recovered water was greater than that of the injected water as a result of potassium release from clay minerals in the aquifer. Borate was also released from the aquifer due to tourmaline dissolution and desorption from clay minerals under lower pH conditions caused by surface water injection.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52495
Title: Comparative studies on species richness, diversity and composition of Anogeissus latifolius mixed forests in Phakot and Pathri Rao watersheds of Garhwal Himalaya
Author: Prerna Pokhriyal, Varsha Naithani, Sabyasachi Dasgupta and N.P.Todaria
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 9, 10 November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Anogeissus latifolius, biodiversity, Himalayan watersheds, species richness
Abstract: The floral diversity is fascinating because of species richness and diverse community structure. Species richness, diversity and composition of plant species were examined in Anogeissus latifolius mixed forests of Pathri Rao and Phakot watersheds in Garhwal Himalaya. Both the watersheds have their own diverse characteristics. A part of Pathri Rao is fully protected as it is part of Rajaji National Park situated in the Siwalik Forest Division, whereas forests in Phakot watershed are reserve forests. Various land-use categories such as cultivated land, scrubland and orchards under fruit trees are available within Phakot watershed. In this study, a total of 87 species were recorded in Pathri Rao among which 27 were trees, 21 shrubs and 39 herbs whereas a total of 92 species, with 24 trees, 23 shrubs and 45 herbs were present in Phakot watershed. The tree species richness was slightly higher in Pathri Rao whereas shrub and herb diversity was higher in Phakot watershed. Poaceae and Fabaceae were found to be the dominant families in Pathri Rao whereas Poaceae adn Asteraceae were the dominant families in Phakot watershed. The study revealed that distribution and species richness pattern in Phakot and Pathri Rao watersheds were more or less similar.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52494
Title: Trace gases and CO2 isotope records from Cabo de Rama, India
Author: S.K.Bhattacharya, D.V.Borole, R.J.Francey, C.E.Allison, L.P.Steele, P.Krummel, R.Langenfelds, K.A.Masarie, Y.K.Tiwari and P.K.Patra
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 9, 10 November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Cabo de Rama, CO2 isotope, greenhouse gases, trace gases
Abstract: Concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxide (N2O) and hydrogen (H2), and the stable carbon (?13 C-CO2) and oxygen (?18 C-CO2) isotopic composition of CO2 have been measured in air samples collected from Cabo de Rama (CRI), India, for the period 1993-2002. The observations show clear signatures of Northern and Southern Hemishperic (NH and SH) air masses, mixed with their regional fluxes and chemical loss mechanisms, resulting in complex seasonal variation of these gases. The CRI measurements are compared with remote marine sites at Seychelles and Mauna Loa. Simulations of two major anthropogenic green house gases (C02 and CH4) concentrations using a chemistry-transport model for the CRI site suggest that globally optimized fluxes can produce results comparable to the observations. We discuss that CRI observations have provided critical guidance in optimizing the fluxes to constrain the regional source/sinks balance.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52493
Title: Radioactivity in food crops from high-background radiation area in southwest India
Author: G.Shanthi, C.G.Maniyan, G.Allan Gnana Raj and J.Thampi Thanka Kumaran
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 9, 10 November 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Annual dose, daily intake, food crops, radionuclide, Southwest India
Abstract: The study was carried out to evaluate radioactive concentration in food crops grown in naturally high - background radiation areas in southwest India. Seventeen varieties of food crops were collected from different parts of Kanyakumari district. The gross alpha and beta activities of the collected samples were measured using alpha scintillation counter and low beta counter respectively. The alpha activity was maximum in tapioca (497 + 72 Bq Kg-1) and the beta activity was maximum in paddy grain (10,946 + 583 Bq kg-1). The gamma activity of the food samples was studied by measuring the activity concentration of the radionuclides (226Ra, 228Th, 238U and 40K) in the food crops. The radioactivity content of the food crops from high background radiation area was higher when compared to similar samples collected from low-background radiation area. The daily radionuclide intake from hte food crops grown and consumed by the public was 127.696 Bq and daily internal dose resulting from ingestion of radionuclides in food was 2.34 ?Sv
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None