Enter records

ID: 61492
Title: Plant phenolics and absorption features in vegetation reflectance spectra near 1.66 ?m.
Author: Raymond F.Kokaly, Andrew K.Skidmore
Editor: F.D.van der Meer
Year: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION. Vol. 43 55-83 (2015).
Subject: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION.
Keywords: Canopy chemistry, Spectroscopy, Remote sensing, Continuum removal, Spectral feature analysis, Tannin, Polyphenols.
Abstract: Past laboratory and field studies have quantified phenolic substances in vegetative matter from reflectance measurements for understanding plant response to herbivores and insect predation. Past remote sensing studies on phenolics have evaluated crop quality and vegetation patterns caused by bedrock geology and associated variations in soil geochemistry. We examined spectra of pure phenolic compounds, common plant biochemical constituents, dry leaves, fresh leaves, and plant canopies for direct evidence of absorption feature attributable to plant phenolics. Using spectral feature analysis with direct evidence of absorption features attributable to plant phenolics. Using spectral feature analysis with continuum removal, we observed that a narrow feature at 1.66 ? m is persistent in spectra of manzanita, sumac, red maple, sugar maple, tea and other species. This feature was consistent with absorption caused by aromatic-C-H bonds in the chemical structure of phenolic compounds and non-hydroxylated aromatics. Because of overlapping absorption by water, the feature was weaker in fresh leaf and canopy spectra compared to dry leaf measurements. Simple linear regressions of feature depth and feature area with polyphenol concentration in tea resulted in high correlations and low errors (% phenol by dry weight) at the dry leaf (r2 =0.95, RMSE =1.0 %, n =56), fresh leaf (r2=0.79, RMSE =2.1 %, n =56), and canopy (r2 =0.78, RMSE =1.0 %), n =13) levels of measurement. Spectra of leaves, needles, and canopies of big sagebrush and evergreens exhibited a weak absorption feature centered near 1.63 ? m; short ward of the phenolic compounds, possibly consistent with terpenes. This study demonstrates that subtle variation in vegetation spectra in the shortwave infrared can directly indicate biochemical constituents and be used to quantify them. Phenolics are of lesser abundance compared to the major plant constituents but, nonetheless, have important plant functions and ecological significance. Additional research is needed to advance our understanding of the spectral influences of plant phenolics and terpenes relative to dominant leaf biochemistry (water, chlorophyll, protein/nitrogen, cellulose, and lignin).
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: ACCP, 19October 1994.Accelerated Canopy Chemistry Program Final Report to NASA-EOS-IWG.NationalAeronautics and Space Administration, Washington D.C. Aguero, M.E., Gevens, A., Nicholson, R.L., 2002.Interaction of Cochliobolus heterostrophus with phytoalexin inclusions in Sorghum bicolor.Physiol.Mol.Plant Pathol.61, 267-271.
Literature cited 2: Ainsworth, E.A., Gillespie, K.M., 2007.Estimation of total phenolic content and other oxidation substrates in plant tissues using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent.Nt.Protoc. 2, 875-877. Asner, G.P., Martin, R.E., Bin Suhaili, A., 2012. Sources of canopy chemical and spectral diversity in lowland Bornean forest. Ecosystems 15, 504-517, http:dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10021-012-9526-2.

ID: 61491
Title: Monitoring grass nutrients and biomass as indicators of rangeland quality and quantity using random forest modeling and WorldView-2 data.
Author: Abel Ramoelo, M.A. Cho, R.Mathieu, S.Madonsela, R. van de Kerchove, Z. Kaszta, E.Wolff.
Editor: F.D.van der Meer
Year: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION. Vol. 43 43-54 (2015).
Subject: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION.
Keywords: Rangeland quality, Leaf nitrogen, Biomass, Random forest model, WorldView-2, Red edge band.
Abstract: Land use and climate change could have huge impacts on food security and the health of various ecosystems. Leaf nitrogen (N) and above-ground biomass are some of the key factors limiting agricultural production and ecosystem functioning. Leaf N and Biomass can be used as indicators of rangeland quality and quantity. Conventional methods for assessing these vegetation parameters at landscape scale level are time consuming and tedious. Remote sensing provides a bird-eye view of the landscape, which creates an opportunity to assess these vegetation parameters over a wider rangeland area. Estimation of leaf N in dry season. The estimation of above-ground biomass has been hindered by the signal saturation problems using conventional vegetation indices. The objective of this study is to monitor leaf N and above-ground biomass as an indicator of rangeland quality and quantity of this study is to monitor leaf N and above-ground biomass as an indicator of rangeland quality and quantity using WorldView-2 satellite images and random forest technique in the north-eastern part of South-Africa. Series of field work to collect samples for leaf N and biomass were undertaken in March 2013, April or May 2012 (end of wet season) and July 2012 (dry season). Several conventional and red edge based vegetation indices were explained over 89 % of leaf N concentrations for grass and trees, and less than 89 % for all the years of assessment. The red edge based vegetation indices were among the important variables for predicting leaf N. For the biomass, random forest model explained over 84 % of biomass variation in all years, and visible bands including red edge based vegetation indices were found to be important. The study demonstrated that leaf N could be monitored using high spatial resolution with the red edge band capability, and is important for rangeland assessment and monitoring.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Adam, E.M., Mutanga, O., Rugege, D., Ismail, R., 2012.Discriminating the papyrus vegetation (Cyperus papyrus L) and its co-existent species using random forest and Hyperspectral data resampled to HYMAP.Int.J., Remote Sens.33, 552-569. Anyamba, A., Tucker, C.J., 2005.Analysis of Sahelian vegetation dynamics using NOAA-AVHRR NDVI data from 1981-2003.J.Arid Environ.63, 596-614.
Literature cited 2: Bengis, R.G., Grant, C.C., De Vos, V., 2003.Wildlife diseases and veterinary controls: a savanna ecosystem perspective. In: Du Toit, J.T., Rogers, K.H., Biggs, H.C. (Eds), The Kruger Experience: Ecology and Management of Savanna Heterogeneity. Island Press, London. Bivand, R.S., Pebesma, E.J., Gomez-Rubio, V., 2008.Applied Spatial Data Analysis. Springer.

ID: 61490
Title: Estimating chlorophyll with thermal and broadband multispectral high resolution imagery from an unmanned aerial system using relevance vector machines for precision agriculture.
Author: Manal Elarab, Andres M Ticlavilca, Alfonso F.Torres-Rua, Inga Maslova, Mac Mckee.
Editor: F.D.van der Meer
Year: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION. Vol. 43 32-42 (2015).
Subject: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION.
Keywords: Remote sensing, High spatial resolution imagery, Relevance vector machine, Precision agriculture, Chlorophyll concentration.
Abstract: Precision agriculture requires high-resolution information to enable greater precision in the management of inputs to production. Actionable information about crop and field status must be acquired at high spatial resolution and at a temporal frequency appropriate for timely responses. In this study, high spatial resolution imagery was obtained through the use of a small, unmanned aerial system called AggieAirTM. Simultaneously with the AggieAir flights, intensive ground sampling for plant chlorophyll was conducted at precisely determined locations. This study reports the application of a relevance vector machine coupled with cross validation and backward elimination to a dataset composed of reflectance from high-resolution multi-spectral imagery (VIS-NIR), thermal infrared imagery, and vegetative indices, in conjunction with in situ SPAD measurements from which chlorophyll concentrations were derived, to estimate chlorophyll concentration from remotely sensed data at 15-cm resolution. The results indicate that a relevance vector machine with a thin plate spline kernel type and kernel width of 5.4, having LAI, NDVI, thermal and red bands as the selected set of inputs, can be used to spatially estimate chlorophyll concentration with a root-mean-squared-error of 5.31 ? g cm-2, efficiency of 0.76, and 9 relevance vectors.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Bachour, R., Walker, W., Ticlavilca, A., McKee, M., Maslova, I., 2014.Estimation of spatially distributed evapotranspiration using remote sensing and a relevance vector machine.J.Irrig.Drain.Eng.140 (8), 4014029. Bauer, M.E., 1985.Spectral inputs to crop identification and condition assessment.Proc.IEEE 73 (6), 1071-1085.
Literature cited 2: Baret, F., Buis, S., 2008.Estimating canopy characteristics from remote sensing observations: review of methods and associated problems. In: In advances in Land Remote Sensing observations: review of methods and associated problems. In: In advances in Land Remote Sensing. Spring Netherlands, pp. 173-201. Benedetti, R., Rossini, P., 1993. On the use of NDVI profiles as a tool for agricultural statistics: the case study of wheat yield estimate and forecast in Emilia Romagna. Remote Sens.Environ.45 (3), 311-326.

ID: 61489
Title: Comparative analysis of different retrieval methods for mapping grassland leaf area index using airborne imaging spectroscopy.
Author: Clement Atzberger, Roshanak Darvishzadeh, Markus Immitzer, Martin Schlerf, Andrew Skidmore, Guirric le Maire.
Editor: F.D.van der Meer
Year: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION. Vol. 43 19-31 (2015).
Subject: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION.
Keywords: Leaf area index, Radiative transfer model, Lock-up table, Narrow band vegetation index, Predictive equation, Sample size.
Abstract: Fine scale maps of vegetation biophysical variables are useful status indicators for monitoring and managing national parks and endangered habitats. Here, we assess in a comparative way four different retrieval methods for estimating leaf area index (LAI) in grassland: two radiative transfer model (RTM) inversion methods (one based onlook-up-tables (LUT) and one based on predictive equations) and two statistical modeling methods (one partly, the other entirely based on in situ data.). For prediction, spectral data were used that had been acquired over Majella National Park in Italy be the airborne hyperspectral HyMap instrument. To assess the performance of the four investigated models, the normalized root mean squared error (nRMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) between estimates and in situ LAI measurements are reported (n=41). Using a jackknife approach, we also quantified the accuracy and robustness of empirical models as a function of the size of the available calibration data set. The results of the study demonstrate that the LUT-based RTM inversion yields higher accuracies for LAI estimation (R2 =0.79, nRMSE-0.38).The two statistical methods yield accuracies similar to the LUT method. However, as expected, the accuracy and robustness of the statistical models decrease when the size of the calibration database is reduced to fewer samples. The results of this study are of interest for the remote sensing community developing improved inversion schemes for spaceborne hyperspectral sensors applicable to different vegetation types. The examples provided in this paper may also serve as illustrations for the drawbacks and advantages of physical and empirical models.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Asner, G.P., Martin, R.E., 2008.Spectral and chemical analysis of tropical forests: scaling from leaf to canopy levels. Remote Sens.Environ.1112, 3958-3970, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2008.07.003. Atzberger, C., 2010.Inverting the PROSAIL canopy reflectance model using neural nets trained on streamlined databases.J.Spectral Imaging 1, 1-13, http: //dx.doi.org/10.1255/jsi.2010a2.
Literature cited 2: Atzberger, C., Davishzadeh, R., Schlerf, M., Le Maire, G., 2013. Suitability and adaptation of PROSAIL radiative transfer model for hyperspectral grassland studies. Remote Sens.Lett.4, 55-64, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2150704X2012.689115. Atzberger, C., Guerif, M., Baret, F., Werner, W., 2010.Comparative analysis of three chemometric techniques for the spectroradiometric assessment of canopy chlorophyll content in winter wheat.Comput.Electron.Agric.73, 165-173, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2010.05.006.

ID: 61488
Title: Visualizing the ill-posedness of the inversion of a canopy radiative transfer model: A case study of sentinel-2.
Author: R.Zurita-Milla, V.C.E.Laurent, J.A.E. Van Gijsel.
Editor: F.D.van der Meer
Year: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION. Vol. 43 7-18 (2015).
Subject: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION.
Keywords: Self-organizing map, Radiative transfer modeling, Model inversion, SLC, Vegetation biophysical and biochemical variables.
Abstract: Monitoring biophysical and biochemical vegetation variables in space and time is key to understand the earth system. Operational approaches using remote sensing imagery rely on the inversion of radiative transfer models, which describe the interactions between light and vegetation canopies. The inversion required to estimate vegetation variables is, however, an ill posed problem because variable compensation effects that can cause different combinations of soil and canopy variables to yield extremely similar spectral responses. In this contribution, we present a novel approach to visualise the ill-posed problem using self-organizing maps (SOM), which are type of unsupervised neural network. The approach is demonstrated with simulations of Sentinel-2 data (13 bands) made with the Soil-Leaf-Canopy (SLC) radiative transfer model. A look-up table of 100,000 entries was built by randomly sampling 14 SLC model input variables between their minimum and maximum allowed values while using both a dark and a bright soil. The Sentinel-2 spectral simulations were used to train a SOM of 200 x 125 neurons. The training projected similar spectral signatures onto either the same, or contiguous, neurons (s).Tracking back the inputs that generated each spectral signature; we created a 200 x 125 map for each of the SLC variables. The lack of spatial patterns and the variability in these maps indicate ill-posed situations, where similar spectral signatures correspond to different canopy variables. For Sentinel-2, our results showed that leaf area index, crown cover and leaf chlorophyll, water and brown pigment content are less confused in the inversion than variables with noisier maps like fraction of brown canopy area, leaf dry matter content and the PROSPECT mesophyll parameter. This study supports both educational and on-going research activities on inversion algorithms and might be useful to evaluate the uncertainties of retrieved canopy biophysical and biochemical state variables.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Atzberger, C., Richter, K., 2012.Spatially constrained inversion of radiative transfer models for improved LAI mapping from future Sentinel-2 imagery. Remote Sens, Environ.120, 208-218. Bacao, F., Lobo, V., Painho, M., 2005.Self-organizing maps as substitutes for k-means clustering. In: Sunderam, V., van Albada, G., Sloot, P.A., Dongarra, J. (Eds), Computational Science-ICCS 2005. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg, pp.476-483.
Literature cited 2: Baret, F., Buis, S., 2008. Estimating canopy characteristics from remote sensing observations: review of methods and associated problems. In: Liang, S.(Ed), Advances in Land Remote Sensing: System, Modeling, Inversion and Application. Springer, pp. 173-201. Bowyer, P., Danson, F.M., 2004.Sensitivity of spectral reflectance to variation in live fuel moisture content at leaf and canopy level. Remote Sens.Environ.92, 297-308.

ID: 61487
Title: Advances in remote sensing of vegetation function and traits.
Author: Rasmus Houborg, Joshua B.Fisher, Andrew K.Skidmore
Editor: F.D.van der Meer
Year: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION. Vol. 43 1-6 (2015).
Subject: APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION.
Keywords: Remote sensing, Traits, Vegetation function, Satellites, UAV, Multispectral, Hyperspectral, Thermal.
Abstract: Remote sensing of vegetation function and traits has advanced significantly over the past half-century in the capacity to retrieve useful plant biochemical, physiological and structural quantities across a range of spatial and temporal scales. However, the translation of remote sensing signals into meaningful descriptors of vegetation function and traits is still associated with large uncertainties due to complex interactions between leaf, canopy, and atmospheric mediums, and significant challenges in the treatment of confounding factors in spectrum-trait relations. The editorial provides (1) a background on major advances in the remote sensing of vegetation, (2) a detailed timeline and description of relevant historical and planned satellite missions, and (3) an outline of remaining challenges, upcoming opportunities and key research objectives to be tackled. The introduction sets the stage for thirteen Special Issue papers here that focus on novel approaches for exploiting current and future advancements in remote sensor technologies. The described enhancements in spectral, spatial and temporal resolution and radiometric performance provide exciting opportunities to significantly advance the ability to accurately monitor and model the state and function of vegetation canopies at multiple scales on a timely basis.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Atzberger, C., Darvishzadeh, R., Immitzer, M., Skidmore, A., le Maire ,G.,2015.Comparative analysis of different retrieval methods for mapping grassland leaf area index using airborne imaging spectroscopy. Baret, F., Jacquemoud, S., Guyot, G., Leprieur, C., 1992. Modeled analysis of the biophysical nature of spectral shifts and comparison with information content of broad bands. Remote Sens.Environ.41 (2-3), 133-142, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0034-4257 (92) 90073-S.
Literature cited 2: Colwell, J.E., 1974.Vegetaion canopy reflectance. Remote Sens.Environ.3, 175-183. Combal, B., Baret, F., Weiss, M., Trubuil, A., 2002. Retrieval of canopy biophysical variables from bidirectional reflectance: using prior information to solve the ill-posed inverse problem. Remote Sens.Environ.84, 1-15.

ID: 61486
Title: Surface Water Acidification due to Vehicular Industrial and Anthropogenic Activity: Bhubaneswar City-A Case Study.
Author: B.B.Kar and R.P.Biswal
Editor: Professor V. Subramanian
Year: 2015
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution.vol.12 (4). 87-89 (2015).
Subject: Water, Environment and Pollution.
Keywords: Acidification, physico-chemical properties, fog sample, rainwater, surface water, contamination.
Abstract: This paper presents the seasonal analysis reports of the chemistry of rainwater, surface water and fog of Bhubaneswar city for three years, i.e., July 2008 to June 2011.In this study 838 rain water samples, 342 fog samples and 658 surface water samples have been collected from twelve different areas such as, Acharya Vihar, Saheed Nagar, Bapuji Nagar, Forest Park, Nalco Chhak, Sailshree Vihar, Patia, Chandaka Forest range, Baramunda, Khandagiri, Palaspalli and Kausalyaganga.The present study reports about the occurrence of acid rain, formation of fog and smog and their rate of contamination to the surface water changing its pH and nutrient content. The water sample collected from Acharya Vihar, Bapuji Nagar and Kausalyaganga area were found to be highly acidic in nature (pH <5.2).It has been observed that pH of the rain water varies within the range of 4.3 to 5.0 and fog water sample in the range of 4.2 to 4.8 respectively. It has been found that the water sample obtained from other areas are slightly acidic in nature where the pH of the surface water remains in the range of 5.5 to 5.8.It has been observed that the water sample in high acidic area is found to be more loaded with heavy metal in comparison to the water obtained from low acidic area. A correlation has been established by the critical analysis of both the water samples (atmospheric and surface).
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Akande, K., Hussain, S., Knox, J., Hess, T., Hoffman, D., Stratford, C., Schafer, S., Acreman, M.and F. Edwards (2013).The impacts of drought in England. Vivid Economics report of Defra. Alexander, L.V. and P.D. Jones (2001). Updated precipitation series for the UK and discussion of recent extremes. Atmospheric Science Letters, 1 (2): 142-150.
Literature cited 2: CEH/BGS (2012). Centre for Ecology & Hydrology/British Geological Survey.2010-12Hydrological Summaries for the UK. Kendon, M.C., Marsh, T.and S.Parry (2013).The 2010-12 drought in England and Wales. Weather, 68 (4): 88-95.

ID: 61485
Title: Relationship Analysis between Phytoplankton Diversity and Water Quality of Lower Lake of Bhopal.
Author: Ruchi Acharya, Tayyab Saify, Bhawna Sharma and Ranjani Gautam.
Editor: Professor V. Subramanian
Year: 2015
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution.vol.12 (4). 83-86 (2015).
Subject: Water, Environment and Pollution.
Keywords: Ruchi Acharya, Tayyab Saify, Bhawna Sharma and Ranjani Gautam.
Abstract: Quantitative evaluation of phytoplankton was carried in different sites of lower lake of Bhopal (M.P) during study period. The chlorophyceae is dominant among Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Dinophyceae.The Boyd ' s index indicates that lower lake is moderately polluted throughout the year except in the month of May and June in which lake is heavily polluted. Some species which indicated eutrophic status include Microcystis aeruginosa, Chlorococcus sp., Scenedesmus sp .and Chlorella sp. The relationship between quantitative analysis of phytoplankton and water quality of lake of Bhopal has been discussed.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Acharya, R., Satisfy, T., Sharma, B.and J. Mehta (2014). Comparative toxicity assessment of NaCl and CuSO4 on plasticity of microalga Scenedismus sp. Chodat.Res.J.Bot., 9 (1): 9-12, DOI: 10.3923/rjb.2014.9.12. APHA, AWWA, WPCF (1980).Standard method for the examination of water and wastewater. American Public Health Association.15th Ed. Washington D.C.
Literature cited 2: Bellinger, G.E. and D.C. Siegee (2010). Fresh Water Algae: Identification and Use as Bio-indicators. John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. Bordoloi, D.and P.P.Baruah (2014).Water quality assessment using phytoplankton in a historical pond of Upper Assam.J.Algal Biomass Utln, 5 (2): 1-7. Bellinger, G.E. and D.C. Siegee (2010). Fresh Water Algae: Identification and Use as Bio-indicators. John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. Bordoloi, D.and P.P.Baruah (2014).Water quality assessment using phytoplankton in a historical pond of Upper Assam.J.Algal Biomass Utln, 5 (2): 1-7.

ID: 61484
Title: Effective Utilization of Lather Waste for Cultivation of Bacteria
Author: Rajendran Kumar, Swarna V.Kanth, V. Sasi, G.Jagan and Shampa Sen.
Editor: Professor V. Subramanian
Year: 2015
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution.vol.12 (4). 79-82 (2015).
Subject: Water, Environment and Pollution.
Keywords: Leather waste, hydrolysis, leather hydrolysate agar, bacteriological media.
Abstract: Environmental pollution is one of the major problems associated with rapid industrialization in developing countries. Tanneries generate huge amount of solid waste. Leather waste has been utilized for land filling, preparation of boards, soil fertilizer and animal fed. In the present study, solid leather waste was hydrolyzed with acid and alkali. The tanning agent was removed from the hydrolysate.The hydrolysate was analyzed for protein/amino acid content.The hydrolysate along with agar was used as solid media (Leather Hydrolysate Agar) for the cultivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The significant growth of bacteria on leather hydrolysate agar shows the possible use of leather waste hydrolysate in the preparation of microbiological media as well as supplement to bacteriological media.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Alexander, K.T.W., Corning, D.R., Cory, N.J., Donohue, V.J.and R.L.Sykes (1991). Environmental and safety issues clean technology and environmental auditing.J.Soc. Leather Technol Chem., 76 (1): 17-23. Aspmo, S.I., Horn, S.J. and V.G.H. Eijsink (2005). Hydrolysates from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L) viscera as components of microbial growth media.Proc.Biochem. 40: 3714-3722.
Literature cited 2: Beaulieu. L., Desbiens, M., Thibodeau, J.and S.Thibault (2009). Pelagic fish hydrolysates as peptones for bacterial culture media. Can J microbial, 55 (11): 1240-1249. Changdao, Mu, Wei, Lin, Mingrang Zhang and Qingshi Zhu (2003).Towards zero discharge of chromium-containing leather waste through improved alkali hydrolysis. Waste Management, 23 (9): 835-843.

ID: 61483
Title: Discovery of Radon in Hot Spring Waters of Odisha in Eastern India.
Author: Nachiketa Das, Hiroyo Morikawa and Ken Sasaki.
Editor: Professor V. Subramanian
Year: 2015
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution.vol.12 (4). 71-77 (2015).
Subject: Water, Environment and Pollution.
Keywords: Radon, hot spring, Tarabalo, Atri, Hiroshima.
Abstract: We report here for the very first time ever, a discovery of significant presence of radon in hot spring waters of Odisha in eastern India. Samples of water collected from two hot springs of Atti and Tarobalo of Odisha possess Rn in concentrations of 0.03 x 10-10 Ci/1 of water and 19.16 x 10-10 Ci/1 of water, respectively. While the Rn content of Atri hot spring is low, the Rn content of Tarabalo is significant and comparable to that of the famous hot springs of Hiroshima in Japan that average around80 x 1010 Ci/1 of water. Uranium bearing sandstones, mudstones and shales of the underlying Athgarh Sandstones of Gondwanas appear to be the source of Rn. Waters of Atri and Tarabalo contain small amounts of organic matter, and Tarabalo also contains minor counts of bacteria, which could be easily eliminated with proper maintenance, and these two hot springs can be developed into major health and tourist resorts.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Das, Nachiketa and A.B. Mackenzie (1991).Distribution and geochemistry of Uranium in the Orcadian rocks from North East Scotland. A fission track study. Journal Geological Society of India.39: 599-604. Das, Nachiketa (2008).Excellent waters in Hiroshima: A review of Pioneering endeavours of water-tasting and water-quality. Journal Geological Society of India, 71: 468-472.
Literature cited 2: Development Plan for Tourist Health Resort Tarabalo, Orissa, Year 1994.Department of Tourism. Unpublished paper of the Government of Odisha. Geothermal fields of India, Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, Government of India. Indian Geology (10 October 2011), www.portal.gsi.gov.in/.

ID: 61482
Title: Assessment and Management of Ganga River Water Quality Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques in India.
Author: Pradip Kumar, Rajendra Kumar Kaushal and Anjali K.Nigam.
Editor: Professor V. Subramanian
Year: 2015
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution.vol.12 (4). 61-69 (2015).
Subject: Water, Environment and Pollution.
Keywords: Ganga river basin, water quality index, cluster analysis, principal component analysis.
Abstract: Multivariate statistical techniques, such as cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), were applied for evaluation of spatial variations and interpretation of large complex water quality data set of the Ganga river basin, generated during one year (2013-2014) monitoring of eight water parameters at seven different sites. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped seven sampling sites into three clusters, i.e, relatively low polluted (LP), medium polluted (MP) and highly polluted (HP) sites based on the similarity of water quality characteristics. Principal component analysis produced three significant main components and explaining more than 82.9 % of the variance (anthropogenic and industrial effect) that present 57.1 %, 13.8 % and 12 % respectively of the total variance of water quality in Ganga river. The result reveals that turbidity, Dissolved oxygen and Biochemical oxygen demand are parameters that are most important in assessing variations of water quality. Water quality index based on eight parameters (Turbidity, DO, BOD, COD, pH, TS, TSS and TDS) calculated for all the sites are found to be medium to bad. Thus, this study illustrates the usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques for analysis, interpretation of complex data sets and understanding spatial variations in water quality for effective river water quality management. The study reveals that untreated industrial and municipal discharges are the major source of the pollution to the Ganga river. Implementation of suitable management plan along with proper sewerage treatment network, a maintaining sufficient dilution flow, artificial aeration and watershed management will control the pollution in the Ganga river.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Abdul-wahib, S.A., Bakheity, C.S. and S.M.Al-Alwi (2005). Principal component and multiple regression analysis in modeling of ground-level ozone and factors affecting its concentrations. Environmental Modelling & Software, 20 (10): 1263-1271. Atulegwu, P.U.and J.D. Njoku (2004).The impact of biocides on the water quality.Int.Res.J.Eng.Sci.Technol. 1: 47-52.
Literature cited 2: Brown, R.M., McClelland, N.I., Deininger, R.A. and R.G. Tozer (1970). A water quality index: Do we dare? Water & Sewage Works, 117: 339-343. Fukasawa, E. (2005).Determination of origin of nitrate nitrogen in Fuefuki river using stable isotope method. Bachelor thesis. Department of Eco Social System Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Japan.

ID: 61481
Title: Urban Pollution of Bagmati River Corridor within the Densely Populate Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.
Author: Y.J.Khadka, M.Z.Iqbal and K.J.De Nault.
Editor: Professor V. Subramanian
Year: 2015
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution.vol.12 (4). 43-59 (2015).
Subject: Water, Environment and Pollution.
Keywords: Basmati river, heavy metals, Nepal, water pollution, water quality index.
Abstract: The Bagmati River within the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal was studied for its water quality and heavy metals distribution in the sediments. Water and sediment samples were collected from 10 sites for chemical analysis. The Water Quality Index (WQI) of the river was calculated using nine water quality parameters recommended by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF): Dissolved Oxygen (DO), E. coli, temperature, pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), nitrate and phosphate. Out of the 100 water samples, 77 were in the Bad category, six in the Medium category, and the remaining 17 were in the Good to Excellent categories. The two parameters that significantly impacted the WQI values were DO (range: 0.07-8.25 mg/L) and E.coli (range: 200-1.3 x 107 number per 100 ml.) The highly impacted zone has urban/industrial land use where the average TDS (592 mg/L) is 34 % higher than that observed (442 mg/L) at the urban sites immediately upstream. Sediment samples were analyzed for heavy metals for major environmental concern: As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. The urban/industrial areas are highly vulnerable to future impairment, especially with their possible influx from the numerous industrial sources.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Abbasi, T.and S.A.Abbasi (2012).Water quality Indices. Elsevier B.V. ADB, ICIMOD (2006).Environment assessment of Nepal: Emerging issues and challenges. Asian Development Bank, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu.
Literature cited 2: Ahiablame, L.M., Engel, B.A. and I.Chaubey (2013).Effectiveness of low impact development practices in two urbanized watershed: Retrofitting with rain barrel/cistern and porous pavement. Journal of Environmental Management, 119: 151-161. Bai, J.,Xiao, R., Zhang, K. and G.Gao (2012).Arsenic and heavy metal pollution in wetland soils from tidal freshwater and salt marshes before and after the flow-sediment regulation regime in the yellow River Delta, China. Journal of Hydrology, 450-451-244-253

ID: 61480
Title: Groundwater Quality Assessment for Drinking and Industrial Purpose of Rourkela, Sundergarh District, Odisha, India.
Author: Rosalin Das, Madhumita Das and Shreerup Goswami.
Editor: Professor V. Subramanian
Year: 2015
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution.vol.12 (4). 35-41 (2015).
Subject: Water, Environment and Pollution.
Keywords: Groundwater quality, hydro-geochemistry, corrosivity ratio, Gibb ' s ratio, Rourkela.
Abstract: A study on geochemical characterization of groundwater and its suitability for drinking and industrial purpose was carried out in and around Rourkela, an industrial city of Odisha. Altogether 36 groundwater samples were collected during May2011 and analyzed for the water quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulphate, chloride etc. Suitability of the groundwater for drinking and industrial purpose is evaluated following various classification schemes and water quality standards. Piper ' s Trilinear diagram reveals that water of the study area belongs to the Ca-Mg-HCO3 facies .Calcium and magnesium are major cations and bicarbonate is the major anion in the study area. The prolific presence of Ca, Mg and bicarbonate ions demonstrates that the total hydro-geochemistry is dominated by alkaline earths and weak acids. The chemical composition of groundwater is better for drinking purpose. Corrosivity ratio is analysed and Gibb ' s diagram is plotted to estimate the quality of water for industrial use and rock water interaction.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: APHA (2005). Standard methods for the examination of the water and waste water. APHA (American Public Health Association), AWWA, WPCF, 21st edition. Aravindan, S., Manivel, M.and S.V.N. Chandra Sekhar (2004). Groundwater quality I nth hard rock area of the Gadilam river basin, Tamilnadu.Journal of Geological Society of India, 63: 625-635.
Literature cited 2: Ayers, R.S. (1977). Quality of water for irrigation. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Div., ASCE, 103 (2): 135-154. Balasubramanian, A. (1986). Hydrogeological investigations in the Tambraparani river basin, Tamil Nadu.Unpublished ph.D.Thesis, University of Mysore.

ID: 61479
Title: Competition of Various Ions Present in Shallow Aquifer Water in Respect of Arsenic Removal by Hydrated Ferric Oxide.
Author: M.Emdadul Haque, Md Abdus Sabur, Md Mahamud-Ul-Hoque and Syed Safiullah.
Editor: Professor V. Subramanian
Year: 2015
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution.vol.12 (4). 25-33 (2015).
Subject: Water, Environment and Pollution.
Keywords: Arsenic, Ferric oxide, Bangladesh, Acquifer.
Abstract: Iron-oxides have long been used as adsorbent in the arsenic filter materials. Little is known about the arsenic removal efficiency of these materials in the presence of other naturally occurring ions. Hydrated ferric oxide (HFO) based mesoporous material was prepared freshly in our laboratory by co-precipitating silicic acid and ferric oxyhydroxide from silicate and iron salt solutions. We carried out detailed laboratory experiments to understand how the effect of other ions such as iron, bicarbonate, ammonium and phosphate influence the adsorption of arsenic on HFO at neutral pH. It was found that arsenate and phosphate were in direct competition and the efficiency of the material decreased in the presence of aqueous phosphate. Also, the material can remove carbonate/bicarbonate effectively but arsenic removal efficiency decreases to nearly the same extent as observed for phosphate. The presence of iron in the solution interestingly increases the life time of HFO and hence the efficiency for the removal of arsenic. The results from our experiments suggest that it is essential to know the concentration of other ions along with arsenic in the contaminated tubewell water before it is subjected to adsorption filtration using HFO.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Ahmed, K.M., Bhattacharya, P.,Hasan, M.A. Akhter, S.H., Alam, S.M., Bhuyian, M.A., Islam, B.A., Khan, A.A. and O. Sracek (2004).Arsenic enrichment in groundwater of the alluvial aquifers in Bangladesh: An overview. Applied Geochemistry, 19 (2): 181-200. Anawar, H.M., Akai, J. and H. Sakugawa (2004).Mobilization of arsenic from subsurface sediments by effect of bicarbonate ions in groundwater. Chemosphere, 54 (6): 753-762.
Literature cited 2: Appelo, C.A.J., Vander Weiden, M.J.J., Tournassat, C. and L. Charlet (2002). Surface complexation of ferrous iron and carbonate on ferrihydrite and the mobilization of arsenic. Environmental Science &Technology, 36 14): 3096-3103. Arts, D., Sabur, M.A. and H.A.Al-Abadleh (2013).Surface interactions of aromatic organoarsenical compounds with hematite nanaoparticles using ATR-FTIR: Kinetic studies. The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 117 (10): 2195-2204.

ID: 61478
Title: Remedies and Their Effectiveness for Ensuring Environmental Compliance: Evidences from Gujarat, India.
Author: Neeru Bansal and Ankit Solanki.
Editor: Professor V. Subramanian
Year: 2015
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution.vol.12 (4). 17-23 (2015).
Subject: Water, Environment and Pollution.
Keywords: Industries, pollution, environmental laws, constitution, remedies, effectiveness
Abstract: Environmental compliance in the fast developing countries has been an area of interest for researchers to find out how sustainable growth can be achieved without compromising on environment. In India, agencies responsible for enforcement of environmental laws are resource scarce and juxtaposing this with the pace of industrial development, it raises serious concerns about how effective enforcement of environmental laws can be managed. This paper analyses the effectiveness of various remedies available for ensuring environmental compliance. The methodology included identification of remedies available for ensuring environmental compliance, identification of parameters for measuring their effectiveness and then selecting a few cases for detailed study. The analysis suggests that the powers delegated to State Pollution Control Board for issuing closure directions to polluting industries is the most effective remedy and has been resorted to the maximum by Pollution Control Boards in the recent past. However, complete reliance on this remedy by regulatory institutions may lead to ' rent seeking ' .
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Adams, W.M. (2001).Green Development: Environment Sustainability in Third World Countries. Routledge, London. ASCI (2009).Retrieved October 4, 2012, from http://www.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/analysis_of_existing_environmental_instruments_in_india.pdf.
Literature cited 2: CSO (2013).Databook for DCH. Government of India, New Delhi. Curmally, A. (2002).Environment and Rehabilitation. India Infrastructure Report. Retrieved October 5, 2012, from http://www.iitk.ac.in/3 inetwork/html/reports/IIR2002/chap % 205.pdf.