ID: 58578
Title: Study on Bioactive Compounds Produced by Soil Origin Brevibacillus spp.
Author: S. Seyed Gholizadeh, M. Baserisalehi and N. Bahador
Editor: Dr. P. K. Goel
Year: 2013
Publisher: Technoscience Publications Vol XII, No2, June 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Brevibacillus ssp. 16SrRNA sequencing Antimicrobial effect Bioactive compounds Probiotics
Abstract: The purpose of this study was the evaluation of soil origin Brevibacillus for production of bioactive compounds. Nowadays bioactive compounds are considered the sources of new remedy in order to aliminate antibiotic resistant bacteria. To perform the study, two strains of brevibacillus with potent activity for production of bioactive compounds were isolated from 121 soil samples. Phenotypic and 16SrRNA sequencing identification of the isolates recognized them as Brevibacillus reuszeri (B 12 bioactive compound producer) and Brevibacillus formosus (B22 bioactive compound producer). The bioactive compounds produced by the bacteria were partially purified and characterized based on their antimicrobial activities at various pHs and temperatures and proteinase K. Then, activity of the bioactive compounds was assessed against different pathogenic microorganisms. The resuls obtained indicated that activity of the compounds when treated wiht porteinase K was inhibited. The optimum pH for both the isolates was 7 and potent activity of the bioactive compound B12 was observed at 350C while for B22 was at 400C. Although, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Salmonella typhi were sensitive, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) were resistant to the both bioactive compounds. Therefore, Brevibacillus with potent activity for production of antimicrobial metabolites, and fast growth character may be considered as a good probiotic agent for commercial industries.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58577
Title: Whole Soil Sampling to Compare Carbon Sequestration Under Perennial Pastures of Western Australia
Author: Ahmed Hasson, Tim Wiley and George Woolston
Editor: Dr. P. K. Goel
Year: 2013
Publisher: Technoscience Publications Vol XII, No2, June 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Carbon sequestration Whole soil sampling Pasture land Soil organic matter
Abstract: Changing from annual to perennial pastures may be a kay strategy for farmers to both adapt to, and help mitigate, climate. In this study organic carbon determined by Walkley and Black analysis of ' whole soil ' samples (i.e., including roots) from annual and perennail pastures was used to determine the carbon stocks in the top 30 cm of soil. Samples were collected from old perennial pasture trail sites, and also from adjoining paired paddocks of annual and perennial pastures. Sequestration rates were calculated as the increase in carbon stocks of the perennials above the traditional annuals, averaged over the number of years since the perennials were sown. The results indicate that denser perennial pastures can sequester in the range of 5 to 10 t CO2e/ha/year. We hypothesise that the flux rates from particulate organic matter to the humus pool currently used for annuals in RothC may be too low perennial pastures. These results are particularly encouraging as (a) all but one of the sites was on coarse soils, and (b) all of the years since the perennials were sown were below average rainfall.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58576
Title: Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Power: A Plant-Based Adsorbent for Removal of Textile Acid Azo Dye from Aqueous Solution
Author: Malay Chaudhuri and Chan Xuan Hui
Editor: Dr. P. K. Goel
Year: 2013
Publisher: Technoscience Publications Vol XII, No2, June 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Neem leaf power Adsorption Acid azo dyes Freundlich isotherm Langmuir isotherm
Abstract: A plant-based adsorbent was prepared from Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf and adsorption of two textile acid azo dyes, Acid Red 18 and Acid Orange7, from aqueous solution was examined. Batch adsorption test showed that extent of dye adsorption depended on contact time,pH2. Dye adsorption follwed pseudo secondorder kinetics. Equilibrium adsorption data were described by the Langmuir and Freundich adsorption isothem models. Acid dye adsorption capacity of the Neem leaf powder was compared with that of other plant-based adsorbents and activated carbons. Neem leaf powder is effective in adsorptive removal of acid dyes from aqueous solution and textile dye waste.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58575
Title: Effect of Vegetation Cover Types on Soil Infiltration Under Simulating Rainfall
Author: Huang Pingping, Sha Xue, Peng Li and Li Zhanbin
Editor: Dr. P. K. Goel
Year: 2013
Publisher: Technoscience Publications Vol XII, No2, June 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Vegetation succession Simulating rainfall Microbiotic soil crust Infiltration rate
Abstract: In this study, simulated rainfall was applied to study the process of runoff generation and water infiltration under the cover of herbaceous vegetation at the preliminary succession stages. Results indicated that at the preliminary succession stages, as soil texture was loose, water infiltration was high. With the vegetation succession and the accumulation of organic matter in the soil, both physical and chemical properties of the soil were improved, which made the soil texture tight, and water infiltration rates decrease. With the progress of the rainfall, part of the microbiotic soil crust were destroyed by raindrop impact, and water infiltration rates were improved. This result indicated that the existance of microbiotic soil crust redused the soil infiltration rate. Thus, it is of great importance to improve soil infiltration by destroying the microbiotic soil crust with proper measures such as grazing in arid and semi-arid areas.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58574
Title: Kinetic Model and Ecological Dose Values for the Inhibition of Effects of Cd2+ and Hg2+ on Soil Enzymes
Author: Jinlong Yan and Guixiang Quan
Editor: Dr. P. K. Goel
Year: 2013
Publisher: Technoscience Publications Vol XII, No2, June 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment & Pollution Technology
Keywords: Ecological dose Heavy metals Kinetic model Inhibition of soil enzymes
Abstract: Effects of Hg2+ and Cd2+ on the activities of urease, invertase and amylase in different periods and concentration were studied by indoor soil cultivating method. Results showed that the activities of soil urease, invertase, amd amylase by heavy metals were inhibited markedly, but this inhabitory effect differed among enzymes. During the treatment of 45 days, the activities of urease, invertase amd amylase were decreased with the increase of the concentration of Hg2+. There were significant logrithmic correlations between the concentration of heavy metals and the inhibition ratios of the activities of these three enzymes (r2>.902). The inhabitory effect was also characteized in the term of ecological dose value (ED50). It indicated that urease activity was more sensitive than the two enzymes to heavy metals contamination. So, urease activity may be a suitable early warning index to be used in the characterization the soil pollution condition of heavy metals.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58573
Title: A novel efficiency improvement measure in three-phase induction motors, its conservation potential and economic analysis
Author: V. Prakash, S. Bashkar, S. Sivkumar and K. Sri Krishna
Editor: Gautam S. Dutt
Year: 2008
Publisher: Energy for Sustainable Development, Vol XII, No2, June 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Energy for Sustainable Development
Keywords: Electric motor, efficency, non-destructive testing, rewound motor, three-phase induction motor.
Abstract: This paper performs end-use energy analysis and estimates the benefits to India of a proposed efficiency improvement measure in three-phase induction motors. It was found that in a 3.7 kw motor, widely used in agriculture and industry, typical rewinding practice is associated with reduction in either winding conductor size by 1 SWG or reduction in number of turns per coil by one turn from the winding specification. This improper rewinding practice results in efficiency reduction by over 5 percentage points. Moreover, torque per ampere is decreased andhigher temperature rise ensues. This is applicable to motors of all efficiancy categories including energy-efficient designs. A method has been proposed to non-destructively determine the winding deatails without damaging the winding. This paper proposes a measure for efficiency improvement in inproperly rewound motors of "standard" and energy-efficient designs as well as on "standard" motors that have not been rewond. The efficiency improvement measure essentially involves rewinding the motor taken up for efficiency improvement. The reduction in efficiency due to not-so-proper rewinding practces is also taken into account for the analysis. By means of this measure, the aforementioned performance deterioation can be deduced, if not removed entirely. The method will be of significance to India, where more than 50% of the operational motors are rewound motors and the majority of the rewinders are not well informed. Best practices to be followed during rewinding are also recommended. The conversation potential of the measure has been explored and economic analysis for implementation of the measure is provided. The payback period for the investment towards the proposed efficiency improvement measure by the industrail end-user for the 3.7 KW (5HP) case is 1.3 years, if the motor is to operate for 24 hours continuoulsy for 300 days. Suggestions have been made for the implemenation of the efficiency improvement measure on an all-India level.
Location: TE12, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58572
Title: How to use biogas
Author: Karsten Wiedemann
Editor: Hanne May
Year: 2010
Publisher: German Wind Energy Association, No 1, February 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: New Energy
Keywords: electric energy, biogas, biomethane
Abstract: Convert it into electric energy, burn it, or fuel vehicles? There are many ways to use biogas, but not all of them are efficient. The industry in Germany is unable to agree on future expansion strategies. Under discussion are the feed-in tariffs for biomethane and an opening up of the heating market.
Location: TE12, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58571
Title: Revolution or evolution?
Author: Andrea Roder
Editor: Hanne May
Year: 2010
Publisher: German Wind Energy Association, No 1, February 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: New Energy
Keywords: Wind Industries,Solar Industries.
Abstract: India ' s wind and solar industries could get a powerful boost in 2010. The capacity Limitation on wind farms aligble for subsidization was recently revoked,and a "national solar mission" has been initiated. For all the optimism, however,industry experts remain skeptical. The laws leave too many questions open.
Location: TE12, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58570
Title: Planning the unplannable
Author: Reiner Wandler
Editor: Hanne May
Year: 2010
Publisher: German Wind Energy Association, No 1, February 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: New Energy
Keywords: Wind,
Abstract: Integrating the wind and the sun into the grid presents special challenges for Spain ' s grid operator. The country is scarely connected to the European grid. Over the next few years, thousands of kilometers of new lines have to be installed.
Location: TE12, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58569
Title: Last exit Mexico
Author: None
Editor: Hanne May
Year: 2010
Publisher: German Wind Energy Association, No 1, February 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: New Energy
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE12, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58568
Title: Tectonics and climate interplay: exhumation patterns of the Dhauladhar Range, Northwest Himalaya
Author: Vikas Adlakha, R C Patel, Nand Lal, Y P Mehta, A K Jain and Ashok Kumar
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, No 11, Vol 104, 10 June 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Climate, exhumation, tectonics, thermochronology
Abstract: New apatite and zircon fission-track ages from the Dalhousie Granite exposed along Dhauladhar Range, Northwest Himalaya extend from 2.9 +0.2 to 4.4 + 1.0 Ma and 10.4 +1.4 to 21.1 +2.2 Ma respectively. One-dimensional thermal modelling of the data suggests show exhumation during Middle to Late Miocene, followed by accelerating during Plio-Pleistocene. The activity along the Panjal Thrust (PT)/Main Central Thrust (MCT) in this region ceased at ~15 Ma, while tectonic activity along the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) started prior to ~10 Ma. Tilting of topography due to activation of MBT controls the exhumation pattern of Dalhousie Granite during Middle to Late Miocene. Correlation among structure, topographic pattern and thermochronometric ages indicates interplay between tectonics and erosion-controlled exhumation along the mountain front. The fast exhumation rates since Pliocene are synchronous with intensification of the Asian monsoon and suggest a causal link between erosion and climate variation for evolution of the landscape.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58567
Title: Pill millipede compost: a viable alternative to utilize urban organic solid waste
Author: K R Sridhar and C N Ambarish
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, No 11, Vol 104, 10 June 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Composting, degradation, pill millipede, organic solid waste
Abstract: Urban organic solid waste needs appropriate attention for transformation into compost or manure through bioconversion to reduce the landfill and to avoid waste-borne hazards. This study proposes the possibilities of using pill millipedes (Arthrosphaera) as saprophagous fauna for transformation of urban organic solid waste into compost. Pill millipedes transform solid waste into compost. Pill millipedes transforma solid organic waste into quality compost (neutral pH, low phenolics, narrow C/N ratio and elevated nitrogen and phsophorus contents) within a short-time frame. Pill millipedes can be maintained or reared in the laboratory conditions throughout the year by feeding mixed organic waste (leaf litter) and soil. Various containers are recommended for bench-scale and green house conditions with a model compost bin to generate compost form organic solid waste using pill millipedes. Solid organic waste processing model has been proposed for eco-friendly production of manure using pill millipedes and earthworms.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58566
Title: Augmentation of groundwater recharge and water quality improvement by water harvesting structures in the semi-arid Deccan
Author: R N Adhikari, A K Singh, S K N Math, A Raizada, P K Mishra and K K Reddy
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, No 11, Vol 104, 10 June 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Check dam, groundwater, percolation tank, semi-arid regions, water quality
Abstract: The effect of water harvesting structures on groundwater recharge and water quality was evaluated in a watershed situated in a semi-arid region in Andhra Pradesh, India. Two percolation tanks and two check dams with a total storage capacity of 4.209 ha m were selected to assess their effect on groundwater recharge and water quality within the influence zone of the water harvesting structures. Daily rainfall, evaporation and storage depth in structures were measured to quantify percolation. Using rainfall-run-off relationship with antecendent precipitation index as a factor, compelet wate rbudgeting was carried out. Results show that the threshold value of rainfall for ensuring 1 mm potential recharge is 61 mm. Potential recharge is only 3% of annual rainfall received. Water quality analysis revealed that except pH, all other water quality parameters like electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, total hardness, nitrate and fluoride content reached desirable limits in close vicinity (<100 m) to the water harvesting structures. Increased availability of groundwater led to subsequent over-exploitation in below-normal rainfall years and the number of bore wells increased by three times.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58565
Title: Is the North Indian continental margin a Palaeo-proterozoic magmatic arc? Insights from magnetomineralogy and geochemistry of the Wangtu Gneissic Complex, Himachal Lesser Himalaya
Author: Koushik Sen, Kavita Tripathi and A K Dubey
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, No 11, Vol 104, 10 June 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Granite, hornblende, Lesser Himalaya, magmatic arc, magnetic susceptibility, proterozoic
Abstract: Magnetomineralogical, petrographic and whole-rock geochemical studies on the Palaeo-proterozoic Wangu Gneissic Complex (WGC) of the Himachal Lesser Himalaya have been carried out to understand teh techtonic setting of the northern Indian continental margin during teh Palaeo-proterozoic. Petrography and magnetomineralogy suggest that, although the WGC is dominantly compsed of S-type/two-mica granitoids having two magnetic susceptabilty (<500 x 10-6 SI units), part of the complex consists of hornblende magnetite and biotite-magnetitie -bearing I-type granitoids having susceptibility greater than 500 x 10-6 SI units. Comparison of magnetic susceptibility with major element concentration reveals that the high susceptibility (>500 x 10-6 SI units) granites are low in silica content and enriched in ferro-magnesian content. Tectonic discrimination based on trace element concentration shows that both I- and S-type granitoids of the WGC contain concentration of Y, Nb and Rb consistent with a collisional /volcanic arc set up. It is concluded that the North Indian continental margin had an active collisional set up during the palaeo-proterozoic.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58564
Title: An early warning system for elephant intrusion along the forest border areas
Author: S J Sugumar and R Jayaparvathy
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, No 11, Vol 104, 10 June 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Early warning system, forest border areas, human-elephant conflict, migration data
Abstract: Man-animal conflict has been on the rise in the forest border areas wtih herds of wild pachyderms straying into human habitation. The surveillance and tracking of elephnat herds are difficult due to thier size and nature of movement. In this article, we present an analytical procedure to study the behaviour of elephants along forest border areas by taking migration data into consideration using a three-state Markov chain. The migration data over the whole year is divided into four different periods for the study. We also develop an intrusion detectin system to detect the intrusion of herds of wild elephants from the forests into the human habitation and to send an early warning through SMS to the forest officials to take necessary action. We validate the analytical results in comparison with the data obtained from the Forest Department. We also present a multi-class classification algorithm for providing zero false alarm rate. Species classification accuracy percentage is found to be 91.25.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None