028703   BANO H, LONE F A, BHATT J I A, RATHER R A, MALIK S, BHAT M A (SKUAST (K), Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura-193201 (J&K), Email: mashrafbhat@sukastkashmir.ac.in) : Hokersar wet land of Kashmir: Its utility and factors responsible for its degradation. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1905-10.

The Valley of Kashmir harbours a chain of wetlands occupying an area more than 7,000 hectares. Wetlands are very effective systems which help in cycling of nutrients, act as supporters of food chains, maintenance of water quality, and it’s cycling. Wetlands are recognized by their shallowness, moist soil and aquatic vegetation. Their important services include cleaning of water, recharge of ground water, biodiversity reserves for threatened and endangered species and cycling of nutrients. Hokersar wetland (34°06' N latitude, 74°05' E longitude) lying in the Northern most part of Doodhganga catchment is a protected wildlife reserve and a Ramsar site at an altitude of 1,584 m (amsl). The wetland shelters about two million migratory water fowl during winter that migrate from Siberia and the Central Asian region. The wetland is fed by two inlet streams Doodhganga (from east) and Sukhnag Nalla (from west). Hokersar wet land had traditionally been used for various livelihood purposes for centuries. People living around the periphery of wetland grow paddy crop, vegetables, rare poultry, cattle, fish and also carry out other activities like wood collection, mulch and reed collection. Wetlands of Kashmir provide overwintering resort to millions of water birds. It has decreased in size and exhausted due to the anthropogenic activities and encroachments. The wetland is bordered by urban habitations on the northern side along the Srinagar-Baramulla highway. All kinds of waste generated by the people are dumped into the Wetland. The encroachments result in the change of mud flats and grasslands into the agricultural lands thus dividing the habitat in to small portions which affects the population of birds in the wetland. Further, throwing of domestic waste into the wetland has resulted in eutrophication and finally in excessive weed growth.

30 ref

028712   LULLULANGI M, ARMIWATY (Negeri Makassar Univ, Indonesia, Email: mithen@unm.ac.id) : Effect of attitude, subjective norms and locus of control of the cummunity in Mamasa river basin. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1884-8.

This study aims to determine the influence of Attitude, Subjective Norms and Locus of Control to Intention, of the community in the Mamasa River Basin in the preservation of the environment. This research is correlational quantitative research. The population of this research is 116,700 and involves all heads of families in the Mamasa river basin. The sample of 340 family heads was chosen by incidental random sampling. Data collection was done using questionnaires and data analysis involved path analysis. The results showed that Attitude, Subjective Norms and Locus of Control had a direct and positive effect on Intention. This means that the high Intention to preserve the settlement environment is influenced by Attitude. Similarly, the higher the Subjective Norms and Locus of Control on the preservation of the settlement environment, the higher the community intention to preserve the settlement environment.

16 ref

028715   SAFA O, BOUACHA M I (Biology Dep, Compuskarman Univ, Algeria, Email: dr.omarsafa@gmail.com) : Study of fine particles PM10 and PM2.5 and three associated heavy metals (Pb, Zn and Cu) in the City of Tiaret, Algeria. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1879-83.

The purpose of the study is to estimate the mass concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5, collected through the use of a DEKATI two-stage impactor, and the concentrations of three heavy metals (Pb, Zn, and Cu) associated through flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), on 92 sites covering all the urban fabric of the city Tiaret. The results obtained revealed mean concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 of 37.11 ± 5.36 µg/m³ and 20.87 ± 4.36 µg/m³, respectively. The content of ETM, assayed in this work, records average concentrations of 0.25 ± 0.0756 µg/m³, 0.50 ± 0.0767 µg/m³ and 0.236 ± 0.0498 µg/m³ respectively for lead, copper and zinc adsorbed at the PM10 fraction. However, these ETMs (Pb, Cu, Zn) adsorbed to the PM2.5 fraction show mean concentrations of 0.23 ± 0.0803 µg/m³, 0.28 ± 0.0902 µg/m³ and 0.186 ± 0.0307 µg/m³, respectively.

3 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

028697   AL-AZAAWY S M, AL-KUBAISY A R, AL-SAADI A S (Baghdad Univ, Iraq, Email: adilmyco@yahoo.com) : Phytoremediation of zinc and cadmium from polluted water by using Polygonum sp plant in aquatic ecosystem. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1786-90.

The study was carried out to know the capacity of polygonum sp. in removing some of the heavy elements from water, which are zinc and cadmium. Different percentage were used from the elements zinc and cadmium separately, they are (100, 80, 60, 40) ppm for zinc element and (16, 12, 8, 4) ppm for cadmium elements for 21 days for each concentration. The result showed that Polygonum sp. concentrates elements in large quantities and there was a significant difference between the two elements at the possibility level ps 0.05 at most studied concentrations during the experiment period until 21 days. The plant can be used in biological treatment for polluted water with heavy element because the plant showed high removal percentage for zinc element and the percentage average for the removal of all the studied concentrations after 21 days from the experiments were (22.49, 62.38, 60.84, 58.37) for the concentration (100, 80, 60, 40) ppm successively whereas the removal percentage for cadmium element was 100 % for all studied percentage except for 16 ppm it was 79.68 % also elements concentration were measured after (1 hour, 14, 7, 3) days from the experiment for each concentration. It was also noticed that the leaves withered after 18 days from the experiment for plants treated with zinc element for the concentration (100, 80) ppm whereas with cadmium element the leaves withered slightly at the 16th day of the experiment. The green color started to change to yellow for all the studied concentrations and the results showed that cadmium element is higher in toxicity on plats of zinc element as the leaves began to wilt when treated with cadmium in away faster than it is when treated with zinc.

6 tables, 16 ref

028713   MEZOUAR K, BENABDELMOUMENE F, BENABADJI N (Ecology and Environment Dep, Abou Bakr Belkaid Univ, BP 119, 13000, Algeria, Email: mezouarmed1@gmail.com) : Preview on some soils in mountainous pre-forest slopes (Oranie, Algeria). Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1703-8.

This study proposes to analyze the relations between vegetation and soils of the southern region of Tlemcen (Sidi Djilali: 2 stations) (in Oranie, Algeria), this course to emphasize the interdependence between soil and vegetation. This study takes into account both, the analysis of the main soil factors (physico-chemical characteristics of the soil), which determine the distribution of plant communities and secondly, the relationship between soil factors and vegetation. The results of the multidimensional analysis (P.C.A.) highlight the importance of total limestone, organic matter and the particle size (clay, silt and sand) on ground vegetation. Soil enabling therophytes installations are for most asset contributions soils. The study of soil / vegetation connections allowed to highlight the dominance of biological types (therophytic) related elements edaphic soil substrates in the region.

5 illus, 14 ref

028714   MUNA F A K, HASAN A E (Plant Protection (Plant Pathology) Dep, Kufa Univ, Iraq) : Effect of pesticide residues concentrations in the growth of some soil bacteria. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1679-83.

The aim of the study was to use three types of pesticides (Topic100Ec, Granistar 75 DF Jantastar - 75 DF) with three doses (full dose, half dose and double dose) in the growth and activity of three bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Azospirillum brasilense, Azotobacter chroococcum). In order to determine the effect of the three bacteria on the degradation of pesticides found in the soil. The bacteria were counted after the survival of these pesticides for four weeks. Bacillus subtilis bacteria affected jantastar at twice the recommended dose for four weeks in soil 264.66×10⁷ CFU. While, it did not affect granistar at half the recommended dose and was 94×10⁷ CFU. Pesticides have a negative effect on the growth of maize plant in terms of the length of the total vegetative and dry weight, which led to the death of the plant. Where the highest length of the vegetative group at the three overlap between granistar and the recommended concentration and Azotobactor chroococcum was 11.16 cm. The highest vegetation weight at granistar with the recommended concentration of B. subtilis was 1.26 g and the best total root weight was 1.20 g. Non-germination of the seeds with the addition of topic with double concentration recommended for Bacillus subtilis.

3 tables, 22 ref

028717   SINGH P (Botany Dep, Thakur Matiwar Singh P.G. Coll, Jaunpur) : Impact of sewage on rhizosphere affecting the morphology and grain production in Cicer arietinum. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1673-8.

The study aimed to determine the impact of sewage on rhizosphere affecting the morphology and grain production in Cicer arietinum. For this purpose different types of sewage were collected from different part of the Varanasi city. The sewage of industrial effluent used for mixing in the field of pulse crop had an adverse effect on plant growth and productivity due to their toxic effect. But the sewage of domestic effluent brings done their toxic effect on the pulse crop. this indicated that the sewage of domestic effluent is suitable for the mixing in field of pulse crop.

4 tables, 31 ref

028710   HUSSEIN S A, FAHAD K K (Animal Production Dep, Thi Qar Univ, Iraq, Email: sdk_hussein@yahoo.com) : On the biological and ecological characteristics of Asian jeery (Silurus triostegus) in the middle reaches of the Euphrates river, Thi Qar Province, Iraq. I- Abiotic environmental characters. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1373-81.

A seasonal investigation on abiotic ecological characteristics (i.e. physico-chemical conditions) was executed on location selected in the middle reaches of the southern sector of the Euphrates River at the city of Thi Qar. This study is one aspect of a comprehensive work on the biological and ecological topics on Asian jeery (Silurustriostegus) for the period extending for one year from February 2013 to January 2014. Results showed fluctuation in values of the studied properties throughout the year. It reveals that air temperature ranged between 16-43 ºC and water temperature from 13-36 ºC. Light transparency exhibited significant increase throughout the year, but peak was in winter. Values were between 80 to 128 cm in the spring and winter respectively. Turbidity showed marked variations, with the lowest value (NTU 8) recorded in the summer and the highest (NTU 24) in fall. Salinity revealed, a relatively slight rise up from the normal and the highest encountered in winter and autumn (2.6 ppt.). Dissolved oxygen concentrations were relatively high synchronized with decline in temperature in the spring and winter, when the highest values (9.6 ppm) were recorded. Biological oxygen demand (BOD) was higher in summer (1.94 ppm) compared to other periods of the year. pH was generally in the alkaline direction and values were within the appropriate range of natural inland waters. Almost similar values of active nitrate were detected in various seasons and the highest (2.3 µg/L) was encountered in the winter, whereas the lowest (1.3 µg / L) in spring.

10 illus, 1 table, 67 ref

028720   TILWANKAR V, RAI S, BAJPAI S P (Environment Science Dep, Amity Univ, Gwalior - 474 005, Email: veethika4@yahoo.co.in) : A review on contamination profile of heavy metals and its role in environment. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1239-47.

Heavy metal pollution has become a worldwide environmental issue. Metal contamination includes all types of pollution like soil, water, air and ground water. Heavy metals are nowadays the most ubiquitous in the environment. The sources of Heavy metals are both natural as well as anthropogenic. Once heavy metal gets accumulated in high concentrations in various components of environment, they turn into danger for humans, animals and vegetation. Some metals like Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr) are very toxic in nature and affects metabolic activities of living being. Metal accumulation in soil, water and air are of a great concern as they affect the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. The present review article is focused on the profile of heavy metal, its implications and possible solution for remediation of heavy metal pollution.

3 tables, 73 ref

027487   MANSOORI S, SHAFEE E, FAIZI M, MOZAFFAT F, KHAMKESH H (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Univ, Tehran 19857-13834, Iran, Email: hamid.khankeh@ki.se) : Exploring the relationship between the prevalence rate of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), climatology and friendly environment. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 623-34.

The relationship between climatology and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has not been sufficently considered and the gaps have been left unfilled. This article aimed at finding the relationship between climatology and behavior setting in OCD patients. The current study is a descriptive relational study based on a literature review. Eleven databases from four related disciplines were searched, including interdisciplinary, health, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal (Ircmj) and Iranian Medical University. Of the 1960 papers identified, 39 met the eligibility criteria and quality for selection from different geographic regions all over the world. Findings indicate different climatic conditions lead to variable OCD prevalence rate. The most frequent OCD patients are related in cold and dry climatic conditions. Also the lowest frequency OCD patients are related in hot and humid weather and climatology. There are clear relationship between climatology and OCD prevalence. And this is in line with the theory of Avicenna. To develop and elaborate the studies based on the friendly environment principle besides including the results of this investigation based on Avicenna theory. Further investigation is recommended to find the direction of relationship between two important factors.

3 illus, 3 tables, 70 ref

027483   AL M A, ALAM M D, AKHTAR A, KAMAL A H M, ISLAM S, ALAM M W, FORRUQ R M, UDDIN M M, XU H (Ocean China Univ, Qingdao - 266003, China, Email: mamun.imsfcu16@gmail.com) : Seasonal shift in soft bottom-dwelling community structure in coastal waters of the northern Bay of Bengal, Indian ocean. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2021-31.

Benthic invertebrate communities play an important role in functioning of benthic food webs and commonly used as potential biomarkers in environmental monitoring programs. The seasonal variation in community structures of macro benthos was studied in northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh from summer 2015 to spring 2016. A total of 45 species belonging to 35 families, 25 orders and 5 classes were identified. Of these species, 14 were commonly distributed and 10 were highest contributors. The species number, total abundance and species richness peaked in summer and sharply dropped in winter whereas evenness and diversity were highest in spring and both were lowest in winter. Multivariate analysis (CAP and RELATE) revealed a clear significant seasonal shift in community patterns of the benthic communities with relation to environmental variables. Further, BIOENV signified that water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and water nutrients were the main drivers to shape the community structure. These finding suggest that seasonal shift in benthic communities in response to environmental changes might be used as bio indicators for discriminating environmental quality status in coastal ecosystems.

6 illus, 4 tables, 58 ref

027491   RAKSHIT D, SARKAR S K (Marine Science Dep, Calcutta Univ, Ballygunge Circular Road Calcutta - 700 019, Email: cusarkar@gmail.com) : Idol immersion and its adverse impact on water quality and plankton community in Hooghly (Ganges) river estuary, India: Implications for conservation management. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1870-9.

Deterioration of water quality due to high turbidity (11.87±1.13 NTU) and biochemical oxygen demand (1.66±0.38 mg l^-1) coupled with low chlorophyll (chl a) (0.94±0.15 mgm^-3) during immersion has been recorded. Decreasing trend of numerical density for loricate ciliate tintinnid (microzooplankton) [post-immersion (224±52 cells l^-1) > pre-immersion (144±36 cells l^-1) > immersion (85±30 cells l^-1)] and phytoplankton [post-immersion (2745±912 cells l^-1) > pre-immersion (2337±441 cells l^-1) > immersion (1660±334 cells l^-1)] was evident.

5 illus, 3 tables, 54 ref

027495   YAN J, HAN L, XUE Y (Ocean Univ of China, Qingdao 266100, China, Email: yanjinlingchina@sina.com) : Restoration and management of marine ecosystem in China: A sustainable perspective of indicator evaluation. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1787-93.

Despite recognizing the significance of marine ecosystem and the important role in the development of China's marine economy, the efforts to manage and conserve appear poor. Based on the existing research results of marine ecosystem in China, this research establishes the indexes system on evaluating marine ecological health and uses the analytic hierarchy process to weight each of the existing indicators. The results show that the restoration ability of marine ecosystem is the most important influencing, followed by the organizational structure of marine ecosystem.

1 table, 26 ref

027488   MANSUR M A, CHAKRABORTY S C, ISLAM M Z, RAHMAN S M M, RAHMAN A K M F, RAHMAN S, UGA S (Fisheries Technology Dep, Bangladesh Agricultural Univ, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh, Email: mansurft63@gmail.com) : Studies on the quality and safety aspect of some commercially important marine fishes of the Bay of Bengal along the Cox's bazar coast of Bangladesh. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1754-60.

Moisture, ash, crude protein and lipid content (%) of Stromateus cinerius was 77.91±1.32, 2.52±0.2, 14.24±1.07, and 2.82±0.16 respectively; Lates calcarifer was 77.99±0.17, 3.63±0.16, 16.79±0.45 and 1.55±0.13 respectively; Trichiurus haumela was 75.22±0.51, 2.76±0.23, 15.19±0.64 and 4.25±0.07 respectively; Harpodon nehereus was 86.39±0.75, 0.75±0.38, 10.11±1.2 and 2.29±0.45 respectively and Hilsa ilisha was 68.05±1.85, 3.19±0.09 and 16.59±0.07 respectively. TVB-N content (mg/100g) of Stromateus cinerius, Lates calcarifer, Trichiurus haumela, Harpodon nehereus, and Hilsa ilisha was 24.58±0.6, 20.63±0.31, 24.68±0.1, 25.53±0.21 and 23.39±0.3 respectively. TMA-N content (mg/100g) of Stromateus cinerius, Lates calcarifer, Trichiurus haumela, Harpodon nehereus, and Hilsa ilisha was determined as 2.116±0.0, 2.11±0.0, 2.62±0.52, 2.7±0.54 and 2.06±0.0 respectively. In case of heavy metal the Cd and Cu concentration of all fishes was within the Maximum Allowable Limit i.e <1 ppm Cd and <10 ppm Cu. However the Cr, Pb concentration in the fishes was above Maximum Allowable Limit i.e >0.05 ppm Cr and >2 ppm Pb except Stromateus cinerius in which Cr was nil and Pb was 1.62 ppm.

6 tables, 27 ref

027496   YEE W L (Agriculture Dep, Temperate Tree Fruit & Vegetable Research Unit, Wapato, Email: wee.yee@ars.usda.gov) : Spinosad versus spinetoram effects on kill and oviposition of Rhagoletis indifferens (Diptera: Tephritidae) at differing fly ages and temperatures. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 15.

Western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a major quarantine pest of cherries (Prunus spp.) in western North America that is often managed using the organic insecticide spinosad, but there is a question of whether its semisynthetic relative spinetoram is more toxic and better to use for controlling the fly. Here, spinosad and spinetoram effects on R. indifferens kill and oviposition were determined by exposing 3–4, 7–10, or 14–18 d old flies to dry spinosad and spinetoram (0.21 or 0.33 mg active ingredient [a.i.] per dish) and untreated cherries or to insecticide-treated cherries at 15.6, 22.5, and 29.4°C. Kill was not affected by fly age. Spinetoram killed more female flies by day 1 than spinosad at all temperatures. In both treatments, kill was lower at 15.6°C than 22.5 and 29.4°C, although a difference between 22.5 and 29.4°C was detected more often in spinosad treatments. Both insecticides killed 3–4 d old flies quickly enough to prevent oviposition, but neither prevented oviposition by 7–10 and 14–18 d old flies. Significantly, oviposition by flies exposed to spinosad and spinetoram did not differ at any temperature. Results indicate spinetoram is more toxic to R. indifferens than spinosad. However, this higher toxicity is not needed to prevent oviposition by younger flies. Furthermore, spinetoram residues are not sufficiently toxic to kill older flies quickly enough to reduce oviposition more than spinosad. Taken together, these conclusions imply that spinosad and spinetoram are equal for controlling R. indifferens infestations.

6 illus, 3 tables, 39 ref

027489   MAY C, HILLERBRAND N, THOMPSON L M, FASKE T M, MARTINEZ E, PARRY D, AGOSTA S J, GRAYSON K L (Biology Dep, Richmond Univ, Richmond, Email: kgrayson@richmond.edu) : Geographic variation in larval metabolic rate between northern and southern populations of the invasive gypsy moth. J Insect Sci 2018, 18(4), 5.

Thermal regimes can diverge considerably across the geographic range of a species, and accordingly, populations can vary in their response to changing environmental conditions. Both local adaptation and acclimatization are important mechanisms for ectotherms to maintain homeostasis as environments become thermally stressful, which organisms often experience at their geographic range limits. The spatial spread of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) after introduction to North America provides an exemplary system for studying population variation in physiological traits given the gradient of climates encompassed by its current invasive range. This study quantifies differences in resting metabolic rate (RMR) across temperature for four populations of gypsy moth, two from the northern and two from southern regions of their introduced range in North America. Gypsy moth larvae were reared at high and low thermal regimes, and then metabolic activity was monitored at four temperatures using stop-flow respirometry to test for an acclimation response. For all populations, there was a significant increase in RMR as respirometry test temperature increased. Contrary to our expectations, we did not find evidence for metabolic adaptation to colder environments based on our comparisons between northern and southern populations. We also found no evidence for an acclimation response of RMR to rearing temperature for three of the four pairwise comparisons examined. Understanding the thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate in gypsy moth, and understanding the potential for changes in physiology at range extremes, is critical for estimating continued spatial spread of this invasive species both under current and potential future climatic constraints.

3 illus, 56 ref

026252   RASHID M, SINGH A, KOUR G (Extension Education Div, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Email: amandeepsinghvet@gmail.com) : Eco-friendly methods of livestock waste recycling. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 891-6.

In India being the agrarian country growing of crop in combination of livestock farming and the use of manure as fertilizer, are traditional practices. Such type of integration is the bases of the farming systems, because of small land holding. This paper describes ways in which these systems can be made more efficient, more productive  and more environmentally friendly, by applying simple, low cost ecofriendly methods for recycling the manure through biodigesters, duckweed ponds and earthworms.

21 ref

026251   RAKH G B, MULE M B (Environmental Science Dep, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad- 431 004, Email: ganeshgrakh@gmail.com) : Physico-chemical characteristics of wastewater from open sewer drainage system in Waluj MIDC area of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 881-90.

The present paper deals with the studies on physico-chemical characteristics of wastewater generated from Waluj, Maharashtra  Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area of Aurangabad city from Maharashtra, India. During the investigation, sampling was carried out from seven sampling sites in the month of March (pre monsoon season) and December (post monsoon season), 2015. The physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, total solids (TS), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), chlorides, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total hardness (TH), oil and grease (O and G), alkalinity (Alk) and phosphate (PO4) were analyzed by using widely accepted methods. The result of analysis reveals that, the some physico-chemical parameters were excided than the standard limits of parameters in pre-monsoon period. Open sewerage near chemical industrial area (site 4), shown the reddish color to sewage and displayed the higher values of the parameters such as pH-5, TS95467 mg/lt, TDS-67300 mg/lt, COD-927 mg/l, BOD178 mg/l, Chloride-1335 mg/l, Hardness-3500 mg/l, Alkalinity-1690 mg/l and there is no DO noted at this site. Whereas, the parameters from all selected sampling sites during post-monsoon period were found within permissible limit in accordance to BIS. The reported physico-chemical parameters will be helpful for deciding and adopting specific strategies for the sewage treatment and identifying some probable threat and risk to freshwater resources if added directly in them.

4 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

026250   MURMU D, MAHARANA R, DHAL N K (Environment and Sustainability Dep, CSIR- Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 013, Email: debasismurmubiotech@gmail.com) : Health impacts of iron mining: A case study from Keonjhar District of Odisha. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 777-82.

Mining is an extreme economic activity in many developing countries. Operations, whether small- or large-scale, eventually causing destruction to the environment, producing enormous quantities of waste that can have detrimental impacts for a long period. Although the mining activities cause environmental pollution, however, it leads to the growth of social and economic conditions. The mining activity in Nandihi iron mining areas of Keonjhar districts is involved in the extraction iron ore. These iron and its compounds present as pollutants in the atmosphere can cause deleterious effects on humans, animals, and materials. Iron concentrations in body tissues must be tightly regulated because excessive iron leads to tissue damage, as a result of the formation of free radicals. This study has undertaken to assess the health impacts of mining in Keonjhar district. The potential health diseases include malaria, acute respiratory infection, water borne disease, fever, typhoid, blood pressure and jaundice.

2 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

026249   SHANKAR R, NALE S, PRAKASH P, SINGH G P, SINGH S (Community Medicine Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Email: shikhasngh032@gmail.com) : The physiochemical, biological quality and seasonal variability of River Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian J Comm Health 2018, 30(2), 151-5.

The Ganga River is a life-line, a symbol of purity and virtue for countless people of India. Nearly all the sewage, industrial effluent, runoff from chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture within the basin, and large quantities of solid waste, including thousands of animals carcasses and hundreds of human corpses are dumped in the river everyday which posed a considerable public health threat to the religious bathers and a large number of people living along the river who uses Ganges water for drinking and other household purposes. To assess the physiochemical and biological quality of river Ganges water and to study the seasonality pattern of pollution of River Ganges. Two points namely Samneghat and Rajghat (entry and exit point of Ganga into the city) were selected as the first and the last sampling stations, beside 8 other intermediate sampling stations to assess the physiochemical and biological quality of River Ganga water. The study was conducted from April 2013 to March 2014 and this period was crudely divided into three seasons viz Winter, Summer and Rainy season for the purpose of studying seasonality pattern of pollution. As the river progress through city of Varanasi, Total dissolved solids (TDS), Chloride, Conductivity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Nitrate, Nitrite and Most Probable Number (MPN) increases, DO decreases progressively and Temperature and pH remain same. As far as quality of water with regard to recreational and industrial purposes are concerned, Ganges water may be considered useful but most of the parameters observed across different seasons indicates that it may not be used as potable water.

3 tables, 11 ref

026253   PANDEY A, SINGH A, HOLEYAPPA S A, KAUR H (Aquaculture Dep, Guru Angad Dev and Veterinary Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana -141 004, Email: pandeyabhed@yahoo.com) : Enzymatic and antioxidant response of Lamellidens marginalis exposed to mercuric chloride. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(5), 658-63.

In recent decades, pollution of freshwater and riverine ecosystems is indorsed to heavy metals contamination. Among various causes, heavy metals are the most concern. Many aquatic organisms have the ability to inhabit in contaminated environments, due to their defense mechanisms that allow detoxification, excretion, anti-oxidant protection and stress response. Lamellidens marginalis have the potential to accumulate the heavy metals. In the present study, the mussels were exposed to 1, 5, 10 and 15 ppm concentration of mercuric chloride for 96 hrs. Enzymatic and antioxidant parameters including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), hydrogen peroxide (HP) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were used as effective criteria. All the parameters showed responses in gills, abductor muscle, mantle tissue, gills and gonads with exposure to HgCl₂ . Collectively, these parameters could be used as biomarker for heavy metals contamination in aquatic system using L. marginalis.

6 illus, 38 ref

026248   SIMAKANI P, ABOLHASANI M H, HOSEINI S M (Environmental Science Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Iran, Email: hadi.mha2001@yahoo.com) : Determination of mancozeb toxicity and biochemical effects in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Int J Aquat Biol 2018, 6(3), 157-61.

The aim of this study was to investigate mancozeb toxicity and its effects on physiological characteristics of common carp. Fish were reared for one week to acclimatize with the experimental conditions. For 96h-LC50 determination, the fish were stocked in 16 aquaria at the density of 10 fish per aquarium. The aquaria were exposed to 8 mancozeb concentrations (two aquaria per concentration) for 96 h (0, 0.94, 1.87, 3.75, 7.50, 15, 30 and 60 mg/L). 96h-LC50 was calculated based on the fish mortality, being 8.03 (4.95-13.2) mg/L. For sub-acute test, the fish were exposed to 0 (control), 1.6, 2.4 and 3.2 mg/L mancozeb (20, 30 and 40 % of the 96h-LC50) for one week. Blood samples were taken from each treatment for determination of plasma glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Mancozeb exposure led to increase in glucose and AST, and decrease in plasma proteins and ALT. In conclusion, mancozeb exposure causes stress response, health problem and tissue damage in common carp.

3 tables, 27 ref

026247   DEVAKUMAR A S, PARDIS R, MANJUNATH V (Forestry and Environmental Science Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bangalore- 560 065, Email: asdevakumar@gmail.com) : Carbon footprint of crop cultivation process under semiarid conditions. Agric Res 2018, 7(2), 167-75.

Agriculture is one of the major sectors that get affected as well as cause climate change. Arid and semiarid regions of the world are expected to become more vulnerable to climate change. Thus, in order to develop appropriate mitigation or adaptive strategies, carbon footprint analysis of agriculture sector becomes crucial. Emissions resulting from the cultivation process depend on the inputs used and the environmental conditions. The present study is an effort to analyze the carbon footprint of agriculture crops cultivated in the state of Karnataka with 80 % land under rainfed agriculture under semiarid tropical conditions. About 5.37 terra grams of carbon equivalent (TgCE) was found to occur annually. Cereals contributed 5.04 TgCE/year of which 78 % comes from rice, as it emits methane in addition to CO₂ and NO₂. Possible approaches to reduce methane emission are discussed including the possibility of replacing the area under rice with other crops without affecting the dietary as well as peoples preferences. Inorganic nitrogen fertilizer use in the cultivation process accounts for 72 % of the total emissions. Combining pulse crops effectively in conventional practices of crop rotation and mixed cropping systems can help in reducing emissions. Manual agriculture followed due to small land holdings facilitates low energy use (8 %) under rainfed agriculture, resulting in low carbon input. Irrigated agriculture recorded 4.19 TgCE/year which is almost 3.5 times more than the rainfed agriculture practice. Among the two cropping seasons, Kharif season which is the major cropping season recorded 3.85 TgCE/year against 1.52 TgCE/year during Rabi season. Most tropical regions with fragmented land, low carbon emission as well as with the low productivity need to be treated differently.

6 illus, 2 tables, 54 ref

026246   BISWAL T, KAR P K, DAS M, PANDA R B (Chemistry Dep, VSS Univ of Technology, Burla- 768 018, Email: biswal.trinath@gmail.com) : Air quality analysis of the steel city, Rourkela (Odisha). J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 164.

The various air pollutants generated by steel and iron producing industries, at selected sites of Rourkela were analysed. Asignificant decrease in pH was noted. The variation in SPM, sulphate concentration and other parameters were found to beexcessive due to heavy pollution load in air. Along with industrial pollution heavy vehicular pollution was also observed. A substantialnegative relationship was obtained between ambient air quality of the city and biochemical parameters.

1 illus, 7 tables, 19 ref

026245   VERMA D, SINGH V, KISHWAN J (Amity Univ, Noida, Email: dheerajverma_ehs@yahoo.co.in) : Evolution of environment and sustainability legislation in India: Mitigating impact on environment (a review). J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 143-51.

The initial concept of sustainable development was introduced in 1972 in Stockholm and recognised the inter connectedness of social, economic and environmental issues. Development and environment protection has to go hand in hand and sustainable development does the balancing act between environment and development. Therefore, Government, businesses and civil society have all to come together and implement policies, projects and programs that lead to sustainable development. To facilitate and make the implementation and compliance mandatory, various legislations have been developed for environmental protection and sustainability. Although, good policies may be available but in absence of legislation the implementation would be voluntary and not followed. In this paper an attempt has been made to chronologically share development of environment and sustainability legislations and briefly outline the Indian laws, which are primarily responsible for protection of environment.

1 table, 20 ref

026244   KASMEERA N A, SUDHIKUMAR A V (Zoology Dep, Christ Coll, Kerala- 680 125, Email: avsudhi@rediffmail.com) : Impacts of altered precipitation on spider mediated trophic cascade. J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 93-8.

Planet earth is facing unprecedented changes like a warmer atmosphere, a warmer and more acidic ocean, higher sea levels, and larger changes in precipitation patterns. The magnitude and stability of ecosystem functioning are likely to be significantly altered by these changes. Here, alteration in litter decomposition rate mediated by spider Pardosa sumatrana was studied in the field under manipulated rainfall conditions. Results of this study indicate that changes in rainfall patterns can alter the rate of litter decomposition mediated by spiders. Understanding how organisms provide ecosystem services to humans is essential for continued ecosystem development.

4 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

026243   KUMAR A, KAUSHIK R, SINGH A, HOODA R S (Haryana Space Applications Centre (HARSAC), Panchkula, Email: anup0106@yahoo.com) : Surface water bodies quality study in Kaithal District, Haryana. J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 25-9.

In the present study, an attempt had been made to study chemical quality of surface water bodies in Kaithal district of Haryana. Samples of 16 water bodies had been collected in double capped plastic bottles and analyzed using Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) prepared Field Water Testing Kit for twelve chemical parameters-pH, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, total dissolved solids (TDS), fluoride, iron, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate and residual chlorine. The results of chemical analysis of samples showed that pH ranged 6.5 to 8; alkalinity ranged 70 mg/l to 800 mg/l; hardness 40 mg/l to 800 mg/l; chloride 2 mg/l to 740mg/l; TDS 312 mg/l to 2502 mg/l; fluoride 1 mg/l to 3 mg/l; iron 0.3 mg/l to 3 mg/l; ammonia 0.5 mg/l to 5 mg/l; nitrite 0.2 mg/l to 1 mg/l; nitrate 45 mg/l to 150 mg/l; phosphate 0.5 mg/l to 1 mg/l and residual chlorine 0.2 mg/l to 2 mg/l. The results indicated that the water quality of surface water bodies was not good in all the sampled 16 water bodies in respect of twelve analyzed chemical parameters especially for drinking purposes.

13 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

026242   BHUTEKAR D D, AHER S B, BABARE M G (Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal- 462 038, Email: satishbaher@yahoo.com) : Spatial and seasonal variation in physico-chemical properties of Godavari River water at Ambad region, Maharashtra. J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 15-23.

The River Godavari is the largest of the peninsular rivers and the second longest river in India next only to Ganga. River Godavari serves as a source of water for drinking, domestic use, agricultural irrigation and industries in Ambad stretch. Present investigation was carried out to study the monthly and seasonal variation in physico-chemical properties of water at Ambad stretch during 2012-2014. Five different locations were identified and water samples were collected from each sampling station in every month during June 2012 to May 2014. The collected water samples were studied for temperature, turbidity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total alkalinity (TA), total hardness, phosphate, nitrate, chlorides, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) as per the standard methods. The results of the present investigation revealed that, the water of Godavari River at Ambad stretch was found moderately polluted at site C and A, whereas the average quality of water was satisfactory with respect to the day today activities except direct consumption. The identified sources of water pollution included discharge of sewage water, religious activity, agriculture runoff, nitrogenous waste from farms and industrial effluents.

4 tables, 82 ref

025015   UGRINA M, MEDVIDOVIC N V, TRGO M (Environmental Engineering Dep, Split Univ, Split- 21000, Croatia, Email: mugrin@ktf-split.hr) : Effect of the solid/liquid ratio on zinc and cadmium uptake on natural and iron- modified zeolite - Batch scale design. Indian J Chem Technol 2018, 25(3), 235-45.

Zinc and cadmium uptake on natural (NZ) and iron-modified zeolite (IMZ) has been investigated through the two sets of experiments, first one with varying S/L ratios at a constant initial metal concentration and second one with different initial metal concentrations at a single S/L ratio. Results confirm the importance of choosing an optimum S/L ratio in achievement of the maximum removal efficiency with the lowest zeolite mass. Two different methods for the design of batch reactor have been applied to overcome the effect of the S/L ratio. The first approach applied the operating line method with the Dubinin- Radushkevich isotherm, and the second one applied the Rayleigh's method of dimensional analysis. The excellent agreement between predicted and experimentally obtained results for the amount of metal removed per gram of zeolite as well as error functions confirm the applicability of both methods in the batch scale design independently of the S/L ratio.

7 illus, 5 tables, 38 ref

025013   ALAM M W, RAHMAN M M (Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, Chittagong-4331, Email: wahidul.alam@cu.ac.bd) : Comparative study of Salmonella and Vibrio sp. distribution in the Karnafuly river estuary at Bangladesh with response to microbial pollution. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(5), 1075-80.

The present study carried out to examine the present status and contribution of Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. presence in soil and water along with water parameters at the Karnafuly River estuary during March-June 2015 from three stations to find out the microbial load. Water temperature ranges from 26.5 - 32 ºC, salinity ranged between 0ppt to 5ppt; pH 6.5 – 8.5 and DO varies 1.20 – 2.91mg/L in water samples. Maximum Salmonella spp. were observed 5cells/gm. in soil at St-1 in May and maximum Vibrio spp. was 6 cells/ml in water sample of St-1 during May. Dissolve oxygen concentration found in most influential factor for occurrence of Salmonella where salinity found for Vibrio spp. at the estuary. Between the two species, Vibrio spp. contributed 67.23 % where Salmonella contributed 32.77 % response to microbial pollution.

4 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

025012   KAMEI G (Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi- 682 029, Email: gkcife@gmail.com) : Effects of nano-particles titanium dioxide (TiO₂) on bio-fouling in estuarine environment. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(5), 1047-9.

A diameter of 12 mm manila rope was cut in 1 m of length with total of 12 numbers to study the bio-fouling activities. Those samples treated with TiO₂ found to be higher resistance to bio-fouling. Bio-fouler such as barnacles, tunicates and bryozoans found to be dominant in untreated samples. Maximum quantities of bio-fouler evaluated in control samples were 215.1 g m^-1, 257.7 g m^-1 and 312.8 g m^-1 in 10, 20 and 30 days. Minimum biomass recorded was 92.6 g m^-1 in sample treated with 0.05 % TiO₂ on 10 days of exposed. After 10, 20 and 30 days of exposed, the higher concentrations of TiO₂ showed lower bio-fouling. Aesthetical appearance and compromise physical degradation was observed in both control and treated samples after 20 days.

3 illus,15 ref

025011   IMCHEN T, SAWANT SS, EZAZ W (National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula - 403004, Email: timchen@nio.org/temjen.imchen@gmail.com) : Post decomposition effect of water hyacinth on marine phytoplankton - A laboratory study. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(5), 1018-22.

Solutions obtained from post decomposition of different parts of water hyacinth were diluted with filtered seawater into different concentration (10 %, 40 %, and 60 %) and used for the culture of Skeletonema costatum and Thalassiosira subtilis. The solutions significantly affected the biomass growth of S. costatum and T. subtilis. Highest growth of S. costatum was recorded in leaf decomposed solution followed by petiole decomposed solution. High biomass growth of T. subtilis was recorded in the culture containing solution obtained from decomposed root. The diluted solution (40 %) obtained from decomposed leaf significantly affected S. costatum growth (39.3 mg.l-1) after 3 days, while the diluted solution (10 %) of decomposed root showed significant growth of T. subtilis (8.5 mg.l-1) after 5 days. High biomass growth of the culture might be due to high nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphate and silicate content in the solution. Considering the bloom forming nature of this phytoplankton species and its ability to take advantage of transient nutrient flux, the study indicated a high probability of bloom occurring post macrophyte decomposition.

3 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

025010   TUDU P C, RAY D, MOHAPATRA A (Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre, West Bengal- 721 428, Email: tuduprasad@gmail.com) : A checklist of Indian sea pen (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Pennatulacea). Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(5), 1014-7.

A checklist of Indian sea pen is provided based on recent survey and literarture available at different source. A total of 53 species belonging to 15 genera and 10 families are found in Indian waters. The family Pennatulidae Ehrenberg, 1834 is the most species-taxon (17 species) whereas Anthoptilidae Kölliker, 1880, Scleroptilidae Jugersen, 1904, Halipteridae Williams, 1995, and Protoptilidae Kölliker, 1872 are lowest in species count (1 species each). Number of species is higher in the east coast (including Bay of Bengal and Andaman Islands) as compared to the west coast (including Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep Islands). Among the regions of east coast, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are very rich in sea pen diversity.

24 ref

025021   NAUTIYAL M, TIWARI P, TIWARI J K, RAWAT D S (Botany and Microbiology Dep, HNB Garhwal Univ, Srinagar-246 174, Email: meenunautiyal89@gmail.com) : Fodder diversity, availability and utilization pattern in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 279-87.

In Garhwal Himalaya, livestock are the important source of income in rural areas. Livestock mostly rely on fodder from forest.The diversity, utilization pattern and season of availability is important to prioritization of fodder species in the area. The present study attempts to enumerate 165 fodder species representing trees (68 spp.), shrubs (28 spp.), herbs (65 spp.) and climbers (4 spp.). Poaceae (27 spp.) and Moraceae (12 spp.) amongst families and Ficus (9 spp.) amongst genera are rich in species. 30 species are used in summer, 32 in winter, 47 in rainy and 28 in all over the year. Herbs are used as fodder mainly inrainy season. Amongst the recorded species 148 species are used as green fodder while 5 spp. as dry species while remaining species are used both as green and dry.

5 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

025020   NAIK M T, SRIHARI D, DORAJEERAO A V D, SASIKALA K, UMAKRISHNA K, SUNEETHA D R S (Horticultural Research Station, Venkataramannagudem) : Yield and biochemical quality in relation to spacing and nutrition interactions in seed guar varieties. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 199-206.

The effect of planting geometry and nutrition on growth and flowering of seed guar cultivars viz., HG 365 and HG 563 was analysed under Mahanandi conditions. Crude protein (%) Crude gum (%) and Nitrogen content (%) influenced byplanted at a spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm with higher fertilizer dose of 45N: 60P: 60K: 30S kg per ha in the variety HG 365. Seed yield per plot also exhibited significant superiority in this treatment combination.

5 tables, 11 ref

025002   SACHDEV S, SINGH R P (Environmental Science Dep, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Univ, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Email: cceseditor@gmail.com) : Isolation, characterisation and screening of native microbial isolates for biocontrol of fungal pathogens of tomato. Clim Chang Environ Sustain 2018, 6(1), 46-58.

The native strains of Trichoderma and Rhizobacteria were isolated from rhizosphere of seven different crops from agroecosystem of peri-urban area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, (India). The five isolates Trichoderma lixii TvR1, T. brevicompactum TbS2, Bacillus subtilis BS6, B. subtilis CS13 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Tr20 displayed positive antagonistic potential against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) and Alternaria solani under in vitro conditions. The biocontrol agents (BCAs) were found to produce cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) including, chitinase, protease and cellulase. T. lixii TvR1 and P. aeruginosa Tr20 were found to be the most effective strains that showed significant inhibitory effect on pathogens. Dual culture, volatile metabolite and culture filtrate assay revealed percentage radial inhibition of Fol (55.31 %, 54.09 %; 22.24 %, 10.06 % and 67.85 %, 51.38 %) and A. solani (66.54 %, 61.54 %; 20.76 %, 27.6 % and 41.74 %, 38.52 %) by T. lixii TvR1 and P. aeruginosa Tr20, respectively. Antagonistic assays revealed probable involvement of mechanism of mycoparasitism and production of secondary metabolites such as antibiotics by both biocontrol agents. In addition to biocontrol activity, the BCAs displayed plant growth promoting (PGP) activities such as production of indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophores and ammonia and phosphate solubilisation.

2 illus, 5 tables, 67 ref

025019   RAJ K D, BHARATH M S, MATHEWS G, AEBY G S, EDWARD J K P (Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin- 628 003, Email: diraviyam_raj@yahoo.co.in) : Coral-killing sponge Terpios hoshinota invades the corals of Gulf of Mannar, Southeast India. Curr Sci 2018, 114(5), 1117-9.

Terpios hoshinota is an encrusting cyanobacteriosponge which grows aggressively over live coral colonies and has been reported to undergo outbreaks which kill corals. In an underwater survey conducted on the reefs of Gulf of Mannar, an outbreak of this coral-invading sponge was witnessed for the first time. It was found invading approximately 5 % of the Montipora divaricata colonies (n = 383) at 1 m depth in Vaan Island. The affected site had a high coral cover (85.13 %) dominated by montiporids (79.97 %). T. hoshinota was confirmed via underwater morphology and microscopic observation of distinctive lobed tylostylespicules. This sponge is reported to have caused significant damage to many reefs around the world and hence immediate steps are needed to protect the reefs of Gulf of Mannar. Further studies are needed to assess the extent of T. hoshinota invasion in Gulf of Mannar and progression rate over live coral colonies.

3 illus, 26 ref

025018   BASKAR S, CHALIA S, BASKAR R (Indira Gandhi National Open Univ, New Delhi- 110 068, Email: sushmithab@ignou.ac.in) : Calcite precipitation by Rhodococcus sp. isolated from Kotumsar cave, Chhattisgarh, India. Curr Sci 2018, 114(5), 1063-74.

The precipitation of carbonate minerals by Rhodococcus sp. strain S14 isolated from Kotumsar cave, Chhattisgarh, India is reported. The speleothems at Kotumsar showed high microbial cell enumeration on B4 agar; iron agar (3.4 $\times$ 10⁵ CFU/g) and sulphite agar (7.2 $\times$ 10² CFU/g). National Centre for Biotechnology Information database was used for the BLASTn sequence search of 16S rRNA sequences. The S14 strain gave similarity scores of ≥ 99 % with the respective organisms on the database. The strain was identified as Rhodococcus sp. Culture experiments performed using the isolated strains suggested that the rate of precipitation was dependent on pH, temperature and bacterial growth. Rhodococcus sp. S14 strain induced the formation of calcite in vitro and the biominerals produced were calcified spherulites with pores (as imaged with SEM). The precipitate, at the end of the experimental period of 35 days, had the appearance of coccoliths. This is the initial report on the possible involvement of Rhodococcus sp. in the precipitation of carbonates at Kotumsar cave.

5 illus, 7 tables, 50 ref

025017   GOPI G, MANJULA M (M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai- 600 013, Email: girigan@mssrf.res.in) : Speciality rice biodiversity of Kerala: Need for incentivising conservation in the era of changing climate. Curr Sci 2018, 114(5), 997-1006.

Genetic diversity is integral to food security and sustainable agriculture. The erosion in genetic diversity across the globe raises serious threats to food security and our capacity to adapt to climate change. This article discusses the status of genetic diversities of rice varieties in Kerala, and the contributing factors for the genetic diversity. The rich genetic diversity of rice in Kerala offers scope to adapt to multiple agroecologies, provides resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, carries special culinary traits and has cultural significance. Thus, these rice landraces are important in creating an enabling environment for farming in the context of climate change. However, shift from landraces to modern varieties and large scale conversion of rice fields for alternate uses poses challenge to in situ conservation of rice landraces. The existing policy environment, research and development strategies and markets are skewed in favour of modern varieties. It is argued that the need for ‘conservation incentive’ is a key strategy for promoting in situ conservation of rice landraces of Kerala.

2 illus, 8 tables, 30 ref

025016   DEVI R M, PATASARAIYA M K, SINHA B, SARAN S, DIMRI A P, JAISWAL R (Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal- 462 003, Email: mpatsariya@gmail.com) : Understanding the linkages between climate change and forest. Curr Sci 2018, 114(5), 987-96.

The present study reviews the application of various regional climate models and remote sensing techniques to understand and define impacts of climate change on the forest resources with specific reference to India. It illustrates the potentials and limitations of regional climate models, vegetation models and remote sensing techniques like normalized difference vegetation index time-series analysis, change detection method and phenological attributes in assessing and monitoring the impacts of climate change on vegetation. The study recommends that regional climate models and remote sensing techniques need to be integrated in tandem for understanding the present and future impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems. This could help to improve the accuracy and prediction, which can contribute to planning effective adaptation strategies in the forestry sector.

2 tables, 103 ref

025014   KHATOON H, RAI J P N (Environmental Science Dep, G. B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, Email: hinakhatoon29@gmail.com) : Sugarcane-bagasse as immobilizing support for Bacillus badius ABP6 and its use in biodegradation of Atrazine. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(2), 446-56.

In the present study, the potential of sugarcane bagasse as bacteria-immobilizing support was investigated in atrazine biodegradation. The main purpose of this research was to study the biodegradation ability of atrazine by using free and immobilized bacterial cells. A novel bacterial isolate Bacillus badiusABP6 was applied in bacterial immobilization, which was capable of degrading over 70 % of atrazine at initial concentrations ranging from 25 to 200 mg/L within 4 days. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the bacterial cells were strongly absorbed and fully dispersed on bagasse surface after immobilization. Specially, 85.32 and 81.57 % of atrazine was eliminated by bacteria immobilized on bagasse of 100 and 60 mesh sizes, respectively, which indicated that this immobilization was able to maintain a high degrading activity of the bacteria. Analysis of the degradation of atrazine was done with HPLC. In soil microcosm tests, over 80 % of atrazine in soil was degraded within 14 days employing bagasse immobilized cells. The immobilized preparation demonstrated that atrazine could be degraded at a wide range of pH values (5.0–8.0) and temperatures (25–35 °C). These results showed that sugarcane bagasse might be a novel approche as bacteria-immobilizing support to enhance atrazine degradation by Bacillus badius ABP6 in contaminated soils. This research indicated the advantages of sugarcane- bagasse immobilized bacterial cells for biodegradation of atrazine herbicide with greater efficiency.

6 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref

025009   SONI P, KUMAR C M, GHOSHAL N (Botany Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi- 221 005, Email: sonipriyanka840@gmail.com) : Impact of conversion of grassland to agroecosystem on soil organic carbon content in dry tropics. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 1155-8.

The conversion of grassland to agroecosystem leading to loss of soil organic carbon is a major global challenge. Although the tropical soils are known to be vulnerable to the loss of carbon due to land use change yet, limited information is available, especially in the dry tropics. The present study was aimed to analyze the impact of conversion of grassland to agroecosystem in the dry tropics on the content of soil organic carbon, soil carbon stock, bulk density and porosity. This study was conducted in the experimental plots of Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University. The soil organic carbon content was higher in the grassland (0.81 %) than the agroecosystem (0.57 %). Same trend was observed in the case of soil carbon stock and soil porosity whereas the trend of the bulk density was reverse. It may be suggested that to increase the soil organic carbon and soil carbon stock in agroecosystems, management practices involving higher organic matter input to the soil should be recommended so that the agroecosystem would lead not only to long term sustenance of soil fertility and productivity but also sequester atmospheric carbon into the soil of dry tropics.

1 table, 26 ref

025008   PAREEK R K, KHAN A S, SRIVASTVA P, ROY S, GROVER S (Civil Engineering Dep, Vivekananda Global Univ, Jaipur - 303 012) : Ecological assessment of Ghaggar river with diatoms. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 1074-80.

The ecological study of diatoms and river water chemistry in Ghaggar River was carried out throughout its stretch, for the period of May 2015. 27 diatom species were identified for water quality assessment. From the data it was found that the polluted water in the study area has presents the dominance of diatom species Achnanthidium minutissimum, Achnanthidium petersenii, Navicula stroemi, Navicula symmetrica, Nitzschia acicularis, Nitzschia acuta, Nitzschia amphibia, Nitzschia cryptotenella, Synedra rumpens, Synedra tabulata, Synedra ulna, Ulnaria ulna. This is also evident by Principal component analysis. This study asses the reason for variation in community composition with location specific environmental characteristics.

1 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

025007   SANGEETHA S, PIRABU J V, INDUMATHY K, VAIDEHI G (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Villupuram, Email: msksangs@gmail.com) : Constraints experienced by paddy farmers in adaptation to climate change. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 1057-60.

The study examined the constraints experienced by paddy farmers in adaptation to climate change. Among the 29 districts of Tamil Nadu, Nagapattinam district was selected to conduct the present study. This is situated in coastal area and very often subjected to natural calamities which were mainly reflected on the rice cultivation to the worst status. Total sample size of 200 respondents was selected through simple random sampling technique. The study revealed that High cost of farm land, non availability of water storage facility, non-availability of farm labour, poor information on early warning systems and high cost of farm inputs were the major constraints experienced by the paddy farmers in adaptation to climate change. Extending long term loans to small and marginal farmers on easy terms to purchase and develop agricultural land, creating on- or off-farm water storage systems, evolving labour saving techniques, proper early warning system and providing subsidies for farm inputs to the local farmers in the vulnerable areas would help the respondents to cope with climate change.

1 tables, 12 ref

025006   BANO H, BHAT J I A, SIDDIQUI M A A, NOOR F, BHAT M A, MIR S A (Environmental Sciences Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shalimar - 190 025, Email: mashrafbhat@sukastkashmir.ac.in) : Seed germination studies of Saussurea costus Clarke, a step towards conservation of a critically endangered medicinal plant species of north western Himalaya. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 963-8.

Saussurea costus is critically an endangered medicinal plant species of North Western Himalaya. Its export has been prohibited as it comes under the category of red list species, according to Appendix 1 of CITES (CITES 2003). The species has been used in traditional healthcare systems of the region since times immemorial. The most widespread uses of the species include treatment of cough, cold, stomachache, toothache, ulcer and rheumatism. The roots of the species are used as an antiseptic and in controlling bronchial asthma. The Costus Oil is used in high-grade perfumes and as hair oil. It is also effective in the treatment of leprosy. In this study an attempt was made to examine the role of various treatments to overcome seed dormancy and enhance germination percentage for its effective conservation of Saussurea costs Clarke, a critically endangered medicinal plant species of Kashmir Himalaya. Seeds were given different physical and chemical treatments and germination was observed up to 44^th day. Germination started and completed by different dates in different treatments. In treatments ch₁ , ch₂ , ch₃ (30, 40 and 50 day chilling treatments), K₁ , K₂ (Treatments treated with different concentrations of potassium nitrate, K₁ = 0.2 %, K₂ = 0.3 %) and Control germination started and ended on different days but all these treatments took 30 days for complete germination. The best results were obtained in 50 days chilled seeds with 82 per cent germination followed by 80 % and 72 % germination in treatments GA₃1 (Gibberllic acid = 10^-3 M) and GA₃2 (Gibberllic acid = 10^-4 M), respectively. The chilling treatment ch₃ and treatment GA₃1 were at par with each other but were statistically different fromall other treatments. Treatments GA₃1 and GA₃2 with 80 % and 72 % germination, respectively were statistically different from each other. Treatments K₁ and K₂ were at par with each other. 24 per cent germination was observed in control treatment, but no germination was observed in seeds treated with concentrated H₂SO₄. All treatment means except treatments S₁ revealed significant differences when compared with control. Results also revealed that the rate of germination of seeds which were given different chemical treatments was enhanced in comparison to the control treatment. The coefficient of variation and mean ± standard deviation across days varied from 48.41 to 230.86 and 1.18 ± 2.72 to 51.36 ± 24.84, respectively.

1 illus, 4 tables, 38 ref

025005   AL-ZURFI S K L, ALISAW A Y, AL-SHAFAI G A A (Ecology Dep, Kufa Univ, Iraq, Email: sadiqk.alzurfi@uokufa.edu.iq) : Anatomical and physiological effects of cadmium in aquatic plant Hydrilla verticillata. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 839-46.

The current study was conducted to investigate the anatomical and physiological effects of cadmium in Hydrilla verticillata and plant response when exposed to cadmium metals from (January to March 2017). Hydrilla verticillata was used to expose to different concentrations (0.5, 1, 3, 6 mg / l) for cadmium Cd⁺² for 15 days laboratory during days (1, 7 and 15). The physiological tests were measured including (Total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a, b, protein content, catalase enzyme, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and anatomical changes showed by preparation tissues slides for Leaves of plant. The highest values of cadmium was recorded during the experimental period in Hydrilla verticillata Leaves and highest proportion of removal ratio of the metals was (99.4 %) at (3) mg / l during the 15^th day. The bioaccumulation factor (BCF) of the Cd⁺² in the plant Leaves recorded the highest value at 0.5 mg / l during the 15^th day. The current study showed a decrease in protein content during the experiment period, and a gradual increase in the SOD values during the experimental period compared to the control. The values of the efficiency of catalase enzyme of Cd⁺² were observed to be the highest during the 7^th day and decreased in the 15^th day at concentrations 6 mg / l. The anatomical changes of plant showed increased air spaces and small area and mesophyll cells occupied the Leaves center and epidermis cells increased in thickness at 0.5 mg/l of metal, while at 6 mg/l decreased in thickness of Leaves and air space decreased in number and increased in the area and the mesophyll cells has been degradation and epidermis cells increased in thickness. The study concluded that the high concentration of heavy metals was caused by the dissolution of plant cells and plant death.

2 illus, 5 tables, 52 ref

025004   MUTLAG N H (Ecology Dep, Kufa Univ, Iraq, Email: nihad.alez@gmail.com) : Assessment of fungal filtrates efficiency against Escherichia coli in comparison with common artificial antibiotics. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 763-9.

The study aim to isolate, identify and characterize the Escherichia coli and look for their antibiotics resistance in children with diarrhea in najaf, the study includes 60 samples of stools gathered from patients children visiting Educational AL– Zahraa Hospital for the period beginning of November 2016 to mid-January of the same year, the age of these children were less than ten years, specimens were phenotypic assays, microscopically examined and diagnosed by biochemical tests, the highest bacterial pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli. The sensitivity of isolates of E. coli were examined for 11 types of antibiotics, E. coli exhibite different pattern of resistance to different antibiotics, it is have highest resistance to penicillin (ampicillin and carbenicillin) and it is have higher resistance for ceftazidime and cefepime, while have moderate resistance for aztreonam. It have lowest resistant rate to imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem. Also the same isolates of E. coli were examined by the Pleurotus ostreatus fungi filterates, which appeare asignificant values in the inhibition of growth of E. coli in petri dish, which reach 8 cm in compare with antibiotics that used in the study

4 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

025003   FATMI U, SINGH D, BHARTI S (Horticulture Dep, Sam Higginbottom Univ of Agriculture, Allahabad- 211007, Email: urfi.fatmi@gmail.com) : Growth and flowering of Asiatic lily cv. Pollyanna as influenced by different growing environments. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 760-2.

An experiment was conducted in open field (T₁), Polyhouse (T₂) and shade net (T₃) conditions at Horticultural Experimental Field, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, during Rabi season of 2014-15 and 2016-17 to assess the performance of Asiatic lily cv. Pollyanna under different growing conditions. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with five replications and three treatments. The study indicated the effect of temperature, humidity and light under protected as well as open field conditions on the performance of plant growth and floral characters. The various growth and vegetative parameters like plant height (47.82 cm), leaf area (15.6 cm²), plant spread (18.86 cm) and stem length (49.78 cm) were recorded to be highest under shade net conditions whereas the floral parameters like early bud emergence (42 days), early flower opening (33.62 days) was observed in poly house. Similarly, number of buds (4.16), flower diameter (133.16 mm) and vase life (13.72 days) was also found to be maximum in polyhouse conditions.

2 tables, 10 ref

025022   SHARMA S K, SHARMA J, PATHAK R, SIYARAM (S S Jain Subodh P.G. (Autonomous) Coll, Jaipur, Email: suredraushamorija@gmail.com) : Assessment of water status of Chomu (Jaipur) municipality. Adv Life Sci 2018, 7(1), 18-21.

Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for domestic purposes in the following adjacent locations of Chomu area in Jaipur district were collected and analyzed as per standard methods and the water quality index (WQI) was determined. Sampling was done during three seasons (during monsoon, post–monsoon and pre-monsoon) throughout the two–years (June, 2015 to June, 2017). Water samples from different sites were collected and seventeen physico-chemical parameters were analysed and values obtain were compared with standard values recommended by BIS, ICMR, WHO and USPH Standards.Suitability of ground water for domestic and irrigation purposes were classified on the basis of Piper diagram  and USSL Diagram.

2 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

024133   BANI-HANI E H (Australian Coll of Kuwait, Mishref, Kuwait, Email: e.hani@ack.edu.kw) : Recent applications of biomass wastes in industry for environmental sustainability. J Ind Pollut Control 2017, 33(2), 1622- 6.

The current work is to provide an overview of the agricultural wastes– biomass wastes, such as corn stalks, straw, nutshells, and forestry residues applications in different industries to sustain the environment. Literature showed that millions-Ton update estimates potential supplies of agricultural crop residues and wastes. The largest quantities of agricultural residues and wastes are from the major commodity crops. In the past years (on yearly average) there was approximately a million ton of primary dry crop residues that can be utilized, and sometimes make a profit by collecting them at farm gate with feedstock prices of 60 and 50 US Dollars per dry ton. The literature showed also many applications of biomass wastes which are considered as renewable and safe source for many industries such as manufacturing cementitious bricks by direct use or by direct incineration to produce energy, and by using the ash results from the combustion in the concrete matrix, producing energy and power through direct combustion or by producing bio fuel that can be utilized later, using in the water and waste water treatment as adsorbent, fertilizers, animal feed stocks, and extracting industrial chemicals for huge and important application like corrosion inhibitors.

35 ref