022314   Sahu B K;Dehury S (Government of Odisha Dep, Forest and Environment, Bhubaneswar-751 001) : Evaluation of physico-chemical properties of groudn water in angul-talcher industrial zoneof Odisha. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(10), 833-48.

As surface water near industrial centers and urban areas become increasingly polluted and costly to purify, public water utilities and other water users have turned to ground water as a potential source of cheap and safe supply. Normally, the ground water is believed to be free from contamination and considered safe. But contrary to it, ground water is also contaminated at some places due to various reasons. A study was taken up for physico-chemical analysis of groundwater samples collected from 6 locations in Angul-Talcher industrial zone of Odisha in summer, rainy and winter seasons to know the status, seasonal variation and its suitability for drinking purposes in respect of 20 different water quality parameters. It reveals that 8 parameters, namely pH, BOD, COD, CaH, Cl, SO₄, PO₄ and NO₃ were found to be within the desirable limit for drinking water in all the water samples analyzed. There is no recommended limit for suspended solid (SS), acidity and nitrite for drinking water. In case of other parameters, such as total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, turbidity, Mg-H, total hardness, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), F and K, the values were at times fluctuated beyond the desirable limit across sampling stations and seasons.

20 illus, 4 tables, 32 ref

022313   Sahu B K (Forest and Environment Dep, Government of Odisha, Bhubaneswar-751 001) : Assessment of fluoride concentration in drinking water sources around NALCO smelter plant, Angul. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(9), 710-15.

An attempt was made to assess the fluoride concentration in different drinking water sources adjacent to aluminium smelter plant of M/s. NALCO Ltd., at Angul in Odisha. From the analysis of water samples, it is observed that fluoride level was much higher in surface water sources compared to ground water sources. A steady increase in fluoride concentration of surface water sources over last several years may be attributed to the emission from aluminium smelter plant of NALCO at Angul.

3 illus, 7 tables, 15 ref

022312   Prabhu S V;Soni A;Panwar P;Shridhar V (Environment Pollution Assessment Laboratory, School of Environment an, Doon Univ, Dehradun-248 001, Email: vp88fri@gmail.com) : Aerosols characterization during the holi festival in Dehradun: Foothills of the himalayas, India. Indian J For 2016, 39(4), 335-43.

In this study, Partisol 2300 speciation sampler and ICP-OES were used for determining the mass and elemental composition of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) during Holi festival week 13th March 2014 to 20th March 2014 at Dehradun, India. Chemical analysis for 15 elements (Fe, Ni, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, As, Pb, Na, K, Al, Mg, Sb and Ca) were carried out with the collected samples (n=8). The order of concentration of chemical species during holi festival days were K<62>Fe<62>Na<62>Mn<62>Mg<62>Cr<62> Zn<62>Ca<62>Al<62>Cu<62>As<62>Pb<62>Ni<62>Sb <62> Cd. Aethalometer was used for determining the Black Carbon (BC) concentration and percentage of black carbon contributed by the biomass burning (BB). The average mass concentration of PM_2.5 and BC during holi festival week (pre-Holi (3 days), holi(holi festival days) (2 days) and post-holi (3 days)) period was found to be 41.58, 68.61, 42.96 μg/m³ and 4.97 ± 1.89, 7.61 ± 2.37, 3.20 ± 2.46 μg/m3 respectively. The percentage of BC contributed by BB during pre-Holi, Holi and post-Holi period was 15.05%, 18.20% and 17.24%. On analyzing the concentration of PM_2.5, BC, surface ozone (O₃), oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) during the sampling period, substantial increase in concentration was observed during Holi from pre-Holi period.

10 illus, 1 table, 49 ref

022311   Prabhakar D;Dinesh Prasad;Vidyarthi A S (Bioengineering Dep, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi-835 215) : Heavy metals: their impact on ecosystem and methods of detection. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(9), 751-66.

Heavy metals, naturally present in the earth's crust but its level significantly increase by human activities that altered the geochemical cycles and biochemical balances. Heavy metals, like arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium cause adverse effects on plants as well as human being. Their presence in the biological system has no significance even at low concentration. Therefore, its presence causes damage to the nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive and other vital organs. Heavy metals interfere with the biochemical pathways by interaction with enzymes and proteins and have the ability to alter the DNA repair mechanism. It acts as inducer of carcino-genesis. Therefore, their quantification and detection has become the prime concern of today's world. Conventional techniques, such as atomic absorption spectrometry, spectrophotometry and - 26 - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry are quite precise but they are moderately high price and need expertise personnel and above all, they are mostly laboratory bound. Biosensors provide the advantages over the cost, portability, specificity and ease of use in real time monitoring. This review highlights the impact of heavy metals and the use of biosensors for quantification and detection of heavy metals. In addition, highlights the recent advances in sensor constructions and the benefits from the use of nanomaterials in conjugation with biotechnology and microelectronics.

3 tables, 130 ref

022310   Perumal S B;Palanichamy M S;Thamarai P;Moses P E (Civil Engineering Dep, R.M.K. College of Engineering and Technology, Chennai-601 206) : Quality of water in thamirabarani river basin originated from Papanasam, Tirunelveli district. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(9), 704-9.

Water is an important natural resource of earth and plays a vital role in our life. Surface water and groundwater are the major sources of water. The surface water qualities of major river basins are contaminated by the municipal and industrial discharges. Mapping of spatial variability of surface water quality is of vital importance and it is particularly significant where it is primary source of potable water. In order to assess the water quality the present study has been undertaken to map the spatial variability of water quality using geographical information system (GIS) approach. The water quality of Tamirabarani river, an important domestic and potable water source of Southern India, Tamil Nadu State has been assessed in the present study. The water qualities of 21 sampling stations were randomly selected in Thamirabarani river basin, Tamil Nadu State for the present study. Geological information system is a powerful tool for representation and analysis of spatial information related to water quality analysis. The spatial variation map for the major water quality parameters are generated and integrated using Arc View 3.2a software. The final integrated map shows 3 priority classes, such as good, moderate and poor water quality zones of the study area and provides a guideline for the suitability of water for domestic purposes.

10 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

022309   Patil N S;Gupta G R;Chaudhari G R;Waghulade G P (NO, P.O. Nahata College, Bhusawal-425 201) : Evaluation of ground water quality: A correlation and regression study.. Asian J chem envir Res 2016, , 95-8.

The Assessment of ground normal waterquality through correlation studies in Jalgaon MlDC has been reported. The importance of Correlation among water quality parameter has been emphasized in this paper. The water samples were analysed to measure the 12 physico chemical parameter. The collected data were use to statistical analysis and some good correlations (by calculating correlation coefficient r) between parameters are established. All the correlations indicate that different parameters are strongly interrelated. The Correlation & regression provide an excellent tool for the prediction of parameter values within reasonable degree of accuracy.

2 tables, 12 ref

022308   Miswon N H;Hashim Z;Shahar H K;Lokhman N N; Sham S M;Menon N (Environmental and Occupational Health Dep, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia) : Organophosphate insecticide exposure and general intelligence of primary school children in tanjung karang, selangor, Malaysia. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(10), 801-7.

Organophosphate insecticide (OPs), that is used extensively in agriculture throughout the world has been linked to neurodevelopmental deficit specifically the cognitive effect. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between organophosphates insecticide exposure with the general intelligence of the study group. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 227 of primary school children, selected as study group as their school and homes were located less than 100 m from the paddy fields and 162 of primary school children located further away at more than 1 km from agriculture site served as the comparative group. Their parents completed the questionnaire used to collect their background information. The children's capillary blood were collected using the finger prick technique. The blood cholinesterase levels were determined using the cholinesterase test kit LOVIBOND 412870 AF287. The McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) general cognitive scale was used to determine the general intelligence of these children. Results showed that there were significant difference (p<60>0.05) in blood cholinesterase and general intelligence between the 2 groups. There were significant relationships between blood cholinesterase levels with the general intelligence scales (p<60> 0.001). The distance from the house to paddy field (p<60> 0.001) as well as gender (male) (p = 0.004) significantly influenced with blood cholinesterase levels of the study group. The general intelligence of the study group was lower than the comparative group. The boys were frequent exposure to pesticides due to their home proximity and more frequent outdoor activities near the paddy fields which contributed to the low blood cholinesterase. These then resulted in impaired general intelligence.

4 tables, 30 ref

022307   Mir Z A;Ram Bharose;Lone A H;Malik Z A (Environmental Science Dep, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad-211 007, Email: zk0655@gmail.com) : Review on phytoremediation: an ecofriendly and - 24 - green technology for removal of heavy metals. Crop Res 2017, 52(1-3), 74-82.

Heavy metals are among the most important sorts of contaminant in the environment. Several methods were already used to clean up tne environment from these kinds of contaminants, but most of them are costly and difficult to get optimum results. Of all the remediation techniques available for metal-contaminated soil, phytoremediation is the most cost-effective, environmentally friendly and practical approach. Phytoremediation includes the removal, relocation, or reduction of contaminants using plants that hyperaccumulate these contaminants. Phytoremediation is an emerging technology using selected plants to clean up the contaminated environment from hazardous contaminant to improve the environment quality. Mechanisms used to remediate soils contaminated by heavy metal are: phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytovolatilization and rhizofiltration. In this review, we discuss the need for phytoremediation and its approaches with a special context to the heavy metals.

1 illus, 1 table, 76 ref

022306   Kamble R K (Environmental Science Dep, Sardar Patel College, Centre for Higher Learning and Research in Environmental Science, Chandrapur-442 402) : Spatio-temporal distribution of iron in groundwater of Chandrapur city. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(9), 772-80.

To ascertain spatio-temporal distribution of iron in groundwater of Chandrapur city of central India, groundwater sampling was carried out by grab sampling method for summer and post monsoon seasons of 2014. Groundwater from 22 sampling locations comprising of equal number of samples from handpumps (11) and bore wells (11) were sampled. Iron concentration was estimated by Merck iron analysis kit (Merck, aquaquant iron analysis kit, range 0.25-15 ppm, Germany). Results revealed that iron concentration in groundwater varies from below detectable limit (bdl) to 3.0 ppm and below detectable limit to 5.0 ppm for summer and post monsoon seasons, respectively. The average iron in groundwater was found to be 0.34 ppm and 0.40 ppm for summer and post monsoon seasons, respectively which was above permissible limit of WHO standard for iron 1984 (<60> 0.30 ppm). From the results it was observed that 6 samples (31.81 %) and 7 samples (27.27 %) had groundwater iron concentration for summer and post monsoon seasons. Further observations showed no consistency in iron concentration in ground-water for summer and post monsoon seasons in sampled locations except for Indira Nagar sample area (2.0 ppm, bore well for summer and post monsoon seasons both). Thus, distribution of iron concentration in groundwater in the study area seems to be influenced by space and time. This can be attributed to seasonal variations in groundwater level and geology of the study area.

1 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

022305   Juliet Selvarani A;Padmavathy P;Srinivasan A;Jawahar P (Fisheries Environment Dep, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Thoothukudi, Email: - 23 - padmarengan1968@yahoo.com) : Bioremediation of municipal wastewater, sewage water and seafood processing plant wastewater using mixed micro algae. Envir Ecol 2016, 34(4B), 2134-8.

The use of micro algae is an emerging technology for environmental cleaning nowadays. The objective of this study is to evaluate the nutrient removal efficiency of the mixed micro algae from different wastewaters such as municipal wastewater (W₁), sewage water (W₂) at four different dilutions such as raw (D₀), 25% dilution (D₁), 50% dilution (D₂) and 75% dilution (D₃). The mixed microalgae were inoculated at a rate of 10 v/v and the experiment was conducted for a period of 15 days. The maximum removal rate of NH₃-N was 96, 100 and 100% in W₁D₀, W₂D₃ and W₃D₁ respectively. The higher PO₄-P removal rate was observed in W₁D₃, W₂D₃ and W₃D₀ at the rate of 92, 86 and 81% respectively. The maximum algae growth rate of 2.6 x 10⁵, 5 x 10⁵ and 5.4 x 10⁵ cells/ml was observed in W₁D₂, W₂D₃ and W₃D₀ respectively. The results of this study suggest that it serves the dual roles of nutrient reduction and valuable bio fuel feed-stock production. Such micro algae biomass can also be used as bio fertilizers for paddy crop or as animal feed after ascertaining toxicological aspects.

1 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

022304   Joshi K M (NO, Gangamai College of Engineering, Nagaon-424 005) : Nano composite photocatalysts a best remedial source, for treatment of waste water. Asian J chem envir Res 2016, 9(1-4), 83-8.

Nano photocatalysts have great potential to use in waste water treatment. It has unique characteristic of having high surface area can be used efficiently for removing toxic materials, disease causing microbes, organic and inorganic components from waste water. By using semiconductors especially TiO₂ and SiO₂ composite (TSC) were used out in presence of light to observe good semiconducting property. Preparation, characterization and applications of semiconducting materials were studied. The purification of wastewater in presence of photocatalysts were carried out. The photocatalytic removal of dyes, heavy metals and hazardous organic compound present in waste water are sucessfully removed. The time required for photocatalytic degradation is different for different effluent samples, varied from 60 to 180min. Parameters like band gap; Dose of Catalysts concentrations of effluent, pH, etc were studied. Studies. Results of the study showed that dyes removal in the dark was very low for the three types of nano materials under the study conditions used. However, appreciable removal of dyes and metals was observed when using TSC for UV lights, The degradation of the dye by using semiconducting materials were characterized by XRD, and SEM analysis before and after application of photocatalysts.

5 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

022303   Fataei E (Environmental sciences Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Basic Sciences Faculty, Basij Square, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran, Email: ebfataei@gmail.com) : Soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus pools under exotic tree plantations in the degraded grasslands of Iran. Int J agric biol Res 2017, 33(2), 112-27.

The aim of current research is to evaluate soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus pools, and selected physico-chemical soil properties in a plantation area with 20-year-old exotic tree (Picea abies and Pinus nigra) species. The study area is degraded grassland of Fandogloo Region, Ardabil - 22 - Province, Iran. Soil samples were collected at three depths such as 0-15cm, 15-30cm, 20-30cm, and 30-50 cm, and characterized with respect to bulk density, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, texture, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorous. The results showed that afforested stands significantly affected on soil characteristics. The soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (P) were significantly different among the various stands and depths. The minimum amount of soil carbon sequestration in the degraded grassland was 21.40 Mg ha^-1, which had significantly different from afforested stands. The Pinus nigra had high significant difference in the amount of TN (2.52 Mg ha^-1) from the other stands and degraded grassland (1.75Mg ha^-1). The amount of available phosphorus of forest stands compared to degraded grassland did not show a significant increase, while a significant decrease of phosphorus was seen in the mixed Picea abies - Pinus nigra stand (42.07 kg ha^-1) than the degraded grassland (49.27 kg ha^-1). The soil surface layer (0-15 cm) had the minimum SOC, TN, and P than the other lower layers which it could be due to high consumption rate in the primary stages of growth to develop biomass. There was a significant positive correlation between the SOC and TN in the all afforested stands. In general, the afforestation with exotic coniferous species in the degraded grassland improved the SOC and TN, but available phosphorus was no significant increase, meanwhile, it shows a decreasing trend in the study area. Finally, this study illustrated that afforestation with exotic coniferous species in degraded grasslands have a positive impact on surface soil properties and the planting of these species might be useful in soil reclamation projects in the semi-humid regions.

6 illus, 3 tables, 64 ref

022302   Dinore J M;Suradkar V B;Pradhan V;Farooqui M (Chemistry Dep, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria College of Women, Aurangabad-431 001) : Assessment of heavy metals in the water samples collected from lonar crater, Maharashtra. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(10), 849-54.

Water quality is one of the most important concerns. This study was design to determine the level of heavy metal contamination in Lonar Lake. It is Asia's only magnificent crater formed by hyper velocity meteorite impact. In this study we made an attempt to know the concentration of 6 heavy metals in water of different locations of Lonar Crater Buldana district, Maharashtra upto ppb levels. For this study 10 samples from different sites of lake were selected and then preserved it by adding 2-3 drops of nitric acid, in December 2015. These samples were subjected to analysis for 6 elements like Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn and Fe by using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The concentrations of these metals in the study area were compared with drinking water quality limits given by the World Health Organization (WHO), 4th edition in 2011.

6 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

022301   David O K;Folake A O (Physics Dep, Covenant Univ, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria) : Assessment of groundwater contamination due to leachates from an open dumpsite using geoelectrical resistivity imaging. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(9), 734-9.

TwoD geoelectrical resistivity measurements have been conducted to investigate ground water contaminations at a non-engineered, open dumpsite facility in Lagos, southwestern Nigeria. The inferred lithologies from the inverse model of the 2D imaging includes topsoil, sandy-clay and sandy units; while the delineated low resistive top layer has resistivity values ranging 0.64-7.5 typical of leachates, localized within sandy-clay unit extending to depths 42-52 m. The groundwater from the minor aquifer units at shallow depths are observed to be hazardously contaminated in the study area where household, market and industrial wastes are known to be disposed improperly. It is, therefore, recommended that deeper aquifers beyond the contaminated layers are safe to drill with screened borehole in order to avert immediate groundwater pollution within the study area.

7 illus, 28 ref

022300   Chaudhari M S;Nemade R P (Zoology Dep, Smt. P. P. K. Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Bhusawal-425 201, Email: meena.chaudhari@gmail.com) : Determination of acute toxicity of urea on soil biota: A study of its impact earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae). Asian J chem envir Res 2016, 9(1-4), 66-9.

Soil is one of the most important abiotic ecological factors and is the ultimate support of man's sources of the food and fibre. But since last few decades external agricultural inputs are applied in agricultural soil with the ultimate goal of maximizing productivity and economic returns, while side effects on soil organisms are often neglected. New economic theory of development emerging today is 'Environmental-Economies' which advocates for judicious balance between 'economy and ecology' in all developmental programs including agricultural development Excessive amount of fertilizers causes various types of pollutions, loss of biodiversity - 21 - and ultimately affect the human health.. Among the soil biota earthworms constitute the major part and of enormous ecological importance to mankind, particularly in his agricultural endeavours and due to their ability of bioaccumulation they are also considered as test species for toxicity tests. Earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae and Urea commonly used fertilizer is taken for study in the present investigation.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

022299   Ayesha M;Yousafzai S;Zia N;Pervai S;Tirmizi S (Environmental Sciences Dep, Univ of Gujrat (UOG), Hafiz Hayat Campus Gujrat Pakistan, Email: maham.ayesha7@gmail.com) : Feasibility study of constructed wetlands for treatment of domestic wastewater in rural areas of Pakistan. J Curr chem pharm Sci 2017, 7(1), 1-5.

Constructed wetlands system removes the nutrients and organic matter from wastewater through the combination of physical, biological and chemical mechanism. Pakistan is a developing country; constructed wetlands are very useful and effective treatment system for the domestic wastewater. Hence these wetlands set-up involve simple technology and low operational costs and contain diverse variety of other plants such as Pistiastratiotes L., Eichhorniacrassipes(Mart.) Solms, Menthaspicata L., Nasturtiumofficinale R. Br., Phylanodiflora(L.) Greene, with diverse properties in removing pollutants from wastewater usually require normal garden care i.e., encouragement of new flowers and pruning for appearance it help in enhance removal of nutrient and organic matter. Constructed Wetlands are the best system for the treatment of domestic wastewater due to seasonal variation, availability of space, diverse variety of plant in nearby areas of Punjab, and the last most important is the suitability of physiochemical proprieties of soil.

23 ref

022298   Aravind Kumar J;Joshua Amarnath D;Prabu D (Chemical Engineering Dep, Sathyabama Univ, Chennai-600 119) : Embodied carbon emission - a comparison for sustainable and normal building. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(9), 767-71.

Sustainable green building uses eco-friendly processes and various resources utilized through various anthropogenic activities, such as construction, operation, design, maintenance, renovation and deterio-ration. This paper aims at identifying and henceforth comparing the embodied carbon emission from sustainable and normal building. This analysis helps us to protect the environment by reducing the usage of exhaustible materials and various resources through proper engineering design, execution and construction. As per leadership in energy and environmental design requirements (LEED), carbon emis-sion must be minimum in the environment so as to maintain a green environment. Green building saves maximum energy and hence, protects the environment which leads to sustainability. In comparison to normal building, the carbon emission was less in the sustainable building.

2 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

022297   Al-Muqrin A;Al-Ghamdi H (Physics Dep, Princess Nourah Univ, College of Science, Riyadh 11671, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) : Determination of radium isotopes (<. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(10), 855-9.

In this study, Authors have carried out a survey of ²²⁶Ra and ²²⁸Ra activity concentrations in the final product of the main water treatment units in different districts in Riyadh city of Kingdom of Saudi Arbia to draw a general picture of radium activity levels in drinking waters from these units and to assess the annual effective dose received by public due to the consumption of these waters in drinking and cooking. Radium isotopes (²²⁶Ra and ²²⁸Ra) were analyzed in water samples using high purity germanium detector, after radiochemical separation of the isotopes and the average activity concentration of ²²⁸Ra in Nozha and Eraja districts were found to be in violation of the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization authorized limit for ²²⁸Ra of 2.7 pCi/L. The corresponding annual effective dose were 0.17 and 0.19 mSv/y, respectively, which exceeded the 0.1 mSv/y limit allowed by WHO in drinking water. The study shows that it may not be radiologically safe to consume water from the water treatment units in those 2 districts, in view of the fact that measurements of natural radioactivity in drinking water is performed mostly for assessment of the doses and risk resulting from consuming water. It is, therefore, recommended that appropriate measures including uranium isotopes and ²¹⁰Pb should be made and also such study should be routinely carried out atleast biannually as a check.

3 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

022296   Aida Soraya S;Sharifah Norkhadijah S I; Emilia Z A;Ho Y B;Hafizan J (Environmental and Occupational Health Dep, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia) : Exposure to groundwater nitrate in intensive agriculture area, Kelantan, Malaysia. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(10), 808-17.

Groundwater has a significant role as the source of water in Bachok, Kelantan. Groundwater resource is vulnerable to contamination by various anthropogenic activities. Nitrate is one of common groundwater contaminants and the level of nitrate is increased as a result of excrements of livestock, septic tank effluents, nitrogenous fertilizer application, manure applications, municipal and industrial wastewater and sludge disposal. Drinking water containing high levels of nitrate (above 10 mg/L NO₃-N) is associated with various health problems. A total of 256 private well water samples were collected during rainy season (October to December 2014). The groundwater samples were analysed for nitrate and other water quality parameters and assessed by statistical and geostatistical techniques. The potential risk to human health was estimated by using Hazard Quotient (HQ). Nitrate concentrations varied between 0.11 mg/L NO₃-N to 57.23 mg/L NO₃-N and the mean was 9.62 ± 11.25 mg/L NO₃-N. The spatial distribution of nitrate concentrations revealed most of high nitrate concentrations were measured in the paddy field. The health risk analysis indicates 6 sampling points with HQ<62> 1, located in the paddy field area. However, mostly all hazard quotient calculated showed no health hazard of nitrate in the study area.

2 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

022295   Ahmad I;Balkhyour M A;Abokhashabah T M; Ismail I M;Rehan M (Environmental Science Dep, King Abdulaziz Univ, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture, P.O. Box 80208, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia, Email: dr.mohammad_rehan@yahoo.co.uk) : Occupational musculoskeletal disorders among taxi industry workers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2017, 14(2), 593-606.

Professional driving is associated with high rates of occupational musculoskeletal disorders (OMSDs). The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of OMSDs among drivers and office workers of taxi industry in Jeddah city. A detailed custom-made questionnaire was used that included socio-demographic and occupational characteristics of subjects together with OMSDs prevalence rates. In this research, 173 subjects participated of which 70.5% were drivers and 29.5% were office workers. Standard Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was used to assess 1-year and 1-week prevalence rates of OMSDs in nine body regions. 1-year and 1-week reported prevalence rates of OMSDs among taxi drivers were 85.3 and 51.6%, while among office workers were 52.9 and 31.4%, respectively. The highest self-reported prevalence rates of OMSDs for taxi drivers were found for the lower back (60.7%) and lowest rates for the elbow (14.8%). Whereas, among office workers, the highest prevalence rates were found for the lower back and knee (29.4%) and lowest rates for feet/ankle (2.0%). The chi-square test found significant correlation between being immigrant (p=0.038), hours of driving per day (p=0.002), number of working days per week (p=0.000) with 1-year prevalence of OMSDs, While job experience (p=0.006), hours of driving per day (p=0.004) and break during work (p=0.029) showed significant correlation with perceived 1-week prevalence of OMSDs among taxi drivers in Jeddah.

2 illus, 5 tables, 61 ref

021337   Yadav S S;Soni M K;Sharma Y K (Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: shivluresearch@gmail.com) : Effect of varying concentration of nickel on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) metabolism and recovery of damage using boron and copper. Res Envir Life Sci 2017, 10(3), 235-9.

A pot culture was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of Spinach to nickel at 200μM, 500μM, 1000μM concentration. The response of spinach towards elevated level of nickel (500μM, 1000μM) shows that its effect was inhibitory on catalase (CAT), total protein and sugar content at 45 and 90 days of observation. However damage was recovered by boron and copper as compared to lone concentration of Ni (500μM, 1000μM). The estimated activity of peroxidase (POD) from lower to higher concentration (200μM, 500μM, 1000μM) was increased in leaves of spinach plant on 45 days (11.64, 14.55, 20.63, 23.41 "O.D./g) and 90 days (12.71, 18.56, 25.51,30.16 "O.D./g) of analysis. The concentration of total protein in 45 days spinach leaves at excess Ni levels was decreased from the values of control level (87.17, 83.92, 53.56, 40.80 μg/g). The rate of decrease in protein was also observed in 90 days of analysis (154.17, 146.26, 103.59, 82.51 μg/g). whereas, protein was improved in each treatment of Ni (500μM, 1000μM) with B (150μM, 300μM) and Cu (50μM, 100μM) as compared to lone application of Ni (500μM and 1000μM). Increase level of Ni progressively decreased sugar in spinach leaves on 45 days (2.85, 2.49, 1.83, 1.00 μg/mg) and 90 days (2.61, 2.26, 1.44, 0.760 μg/mg). Eventually, it was improved in recovery treatment as compare to lone concentration of Ni on both time points of analysis (45 and 90 days).

1 table, 43 ref

021336   Vinay Kumar G;Kulkarni A V;Gupta A K;Sharma P (Cryosphere Science Div, ESSO-National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa-403 804, Email: gaddam_vinay@ymail.com) : Mass balance estimation using geodetic method for glaciers in Baspa basin, Western Himalaya. Curr Sci 2017, 113(3), 486-92.

Himalayan glaciers, which contribute to water security for almost 1.3 billion people in Asia, are now under threat due to climate change. Assessment of glacier mass balance changes is crucial to determine the implications of climate change, but in situ measurements are limited due to rugged terrain and harsh climate of the Himalaya. Remote sensing-based geodetic method is therefore important for studying the evolution of Himalayan glaciers at a large scale. In this study, the mass balance of glaciers located in Baspa basin (Western Himalaya) is estimated for a period of 11 years between 2000 and 2011, using geodetic method. Out of 89 glaciers in the basin, 42 glaciers (greater than 1 km² ) covering an area of <126>72% (215 km² ) of the total glaciated area were selected for the study. A mean thinning of <126>50 ± 11 m and mean accumulation of <126>35 ± 11 m was observed during the study period, with the cumulative mass balance varying between -36.9 ± 1.98 and 6.47 ± 1.98 m.w.e. A mean annual mass loss of -1.09 ± 0.32 m.w.e.a^-1 was observed for the entire basin, suggesting that the glaciers in Baspa basin are losing mass at higher rate compared to the glaciers in central and eastern Himalayas. This study demonstrates the utility of geodetic method to estimate mass balance of glaciers at basin scale, which will be useful to assess future changes in glacial extent and stream run-off.

6 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

021335   Verma A;Rejendra K;Singh K;Shukla S (Amity School of Earth and Environmental Science, Amity Univ, Haryana) : Use of low cost adsorbents for the remediation of heavy metals from waste water. Int J latest Technol Engng Mgmt appl Sci 2017, 6(7), 13-20.

The problem of water pollution is alarming due to various anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals are being released in the water bodies causing heavy metal pollution and also accumulate in the food chain and ultimately affecting human health. Various activities like manufacturing of fertilizers, industrialization, mining, electroplating, smelters etc are responsible for the release of heavy metals in the water bodies. Various heavy metals include Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, and metalloids like arsenic in drinking water causes harmful effects on human health like allergies, hyper pigmentation, skin cancer, neurological disorders, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Therefore there is a need to develop and focus on methods to remove heavy metals from the waste water using techniques which are environment friendly, cost-effective and easily available in nature. Bioadsorbents have come up as one of the promising substitute for heavy metal removal because it is readily available in nature and most importantly the waste residues from agricultural activities is utilized in the manufacturing of bioadsorbent for heavy metal ion removal. Various agricultural residues used to remove metal ions are rice husk, sawdust, peanut husk, groundnut husk, wheat bran, sugarcane bagasse, pine needle, salseed husk, coconut coir, cotton stalks etc. The main objective of this paper is to study about bio-adsorbents derived from agricultural wastes and their applications to remove metal ions from waste water.

1 - 23 - illus,

021334   Venkataramana G V;Sreenivasa;Lingaraju H G (Studies in Environmental Science Dep, Manasagangotri, Mysore Univ, Mysuru-570 006, Email: venkataraman_1970@yahoo.co.in) : Assessment of crop damage and economic loss caused by elephants in Harohalli and Kodihalli ranges of Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka, India. Curr Sci 2017, 113(1), 161-7.

The human-elephant conflict, which results in extensive crop damage as well as casualties (both humans and elephants) has significantly increased over the past decade. We studied the patterns of crop raiding and associated economic loss by elephants across two forest ranges of Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), Karnataka, India, namely Kodihalli and Harohalli ranges, from January 2014 to December 2014. We found that 127 villages reported crop raids by elephants during the study period. The incidence of crop raiding in villages ranged from 1 to 59 (mean = 7.17) and was highest in Kodihalli division. Maximum crop raiding incidences were recorded during the rainy season in both the ranges. Elephants with varying proportions raided all cultivated crop species in the study area. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) (65 acres), banana (Musa paradisia) (1535 plants) and coconut (Cocus nucifera) (140 trees) were the most raided crop species. Crop maturity and crop raiding incidence showed positive correlation for finger millet in the Kodihalli range. In contrast, bananas were damaged throughout the year in the Harohalli range. Other crops such as red gram, paddy, sugarcane and beans were raided less in the sampling areas. In conclusion, this study reveals rising incidence of human- elephant conflicts and significant economic loss as a result of crop damage in the adjoining regions of BNP.

4 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

021333   Tesfahun A;Temesgen M (Biology Dep, Ambo Univ College of Natural and Computational Science, Ambo, Ethiopia) : Food and feeding habits of nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus - 22 - (L.) in ethiopian water bodies. Int J Fish aqua Stud 2018, 6(1), 43-7.

The food and feeding habits of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus was reviewed in Ethiopian water bodies. Data were collected from June 2017 through November 2017 from different sources of information. The results indicated that Nile tilapia is omnivorous, where phytoplankton, macrophytes, insects, detritus and zooplankton were the most important food items. The plant origin foods were the most dominant food item and the seasonal variation in the diet composition is not found in the water bodies except in Lake Koka. Phytoplankton was the most commonly consumed food item in the dry season, whereas macrophytes, detritus, zooplankton and aquatic insects were common in wet season. The fish showed similar trends of different ontogenetic dietary shifts in all water bodies as it increases in size. The small sized groups (<60>11.5 cm TL) highly preferred to eat the animal origin foods (zooplankton, insect and nematodes), and the larger groups (<62> 15 cm TL) mainly feed on phytoplankton, detritus and macrophytes. This showed that they are shifting from omnivorous feeding habit to herbivorous feeding habit with increase in size. Generally, the feeding biology of fish is depending on prey availability, season, habitat differences and size of the fish, aspects that might warrant further study in view of aquaculture applications as well as climate change differently.

2 illus, 33 ref

021332   Singh S K;Taylor R W;Haiyan Su (Earth and Environmental Studies Dep, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave, Montclair, New Jersey 07043, USA, Email: sushantorama@gmail.com) : Developing sustainable models of arsenic-mitigation technologies in the middle-Ganga plain in India. Curr Sci 2017, 113(1), 80-93.

This study seeks to understand factors that guide the decision-making process to adopt and implement the available arsenic-mitigation technologies in rural areas in the middle-Ganga Plain in India. A total of 340 households comprising 2500 people were surveyed. Socio-economic and demographic factors, water and sanitation status, time spent and distance travelled to collect water, arsenic awareness, willingness to pay (WTP) for arsenic-free water, people's trust in others and in institutions, social capital in communities, and preferences for sustainable arsenic-mitigation options were investigated. Arsenic treatment units (filters) and piped water supply systems were the most preferred sustainable arsenic-mitigation options in the surveyed villages. Less preferred arsenic-mitigation options include deep tube wells, dug wells, and rainwater harvesting systems. Binary logistic regression models for each arsenic-mitigation option were produced. Arsenic awareness, WTP, trust in agencies, trust in institutions and social capital were found to be the most significant factors for decision-making for preferring one arsenic-mitigation technology over the others. We recommend a mixed model of two arsenicmitigation options for the studied individuals, which could be a sustainable arsenic-mitigation option for them, considering their socio-economic and demographic conditions. Existing institutions should be strengthened, agencies empowered, and communities enlightened about arsenic problems.

6 illus, 10 tables, 47 ref

021331   Singh A;Mukherjee A;Dookia S;Kumara H N (NO, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty, Coimbatore-641 108, Email: honnavallik@gmail.com) : Updated account of mammal species and population status of ungulates in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Curr Sci 2017, 113(1), 103-11.

This study documents the present status of mammals in Keoladeo National Park (KNP) and assesses the population structure of ungulates. It provides a comprehensive account of the mammal diversity of the park and aims to compare the change in mammalian species account ever since the park became a protected area. We employed line transect surveys for density estimation of ungulates. We report local extinction of eight species since 1966, and extant diversity of 34 mammalian species in KNP. The estimated densities of chital, feral cattle, nilgai, wild boar and sambar were 52.37, 33.66, 13.68, 3.21 and 0.32 individuals/km² respectively. Although blackbuck has become locally extinct and sambar density has significantly reduced, chital and nilgai as habitat generalists have increased in density in the last 25 years, which has contributed to an overall increase in ungulate population density in KNP. The mammalian diversity has changed substantially with local extinction of some carnivores and constant change in the habitat condition.

1 illus, 9 tables, 62 ref

021330   Sharma S;Singh P (Humanities and Social Sciences Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati-781 039, Email: sukanya@iitg.ernet.in) : Luminescence dating of neolithic pottery in North East India. Curr Sci 2017, 113(3), 492-6.

Imprecise chronological data have long been affecting archaeological studies in Assam and Meghalaya, North East India. Relative dating methods have been used to study the antiquity of stone tools and ceramics found in the archaeological sites of these two areas. Both the areas are important as the eastern Asiatic Neolithic complex of double-shouldered celts and cord-marked pottery was first reported in India from Daojali Hading, Assam (1961), Garo Hills, Meghalaya has the highest concentration of prehistoric sites found in North East India. Optically stimulated luminescence dating offered an excellent opportunity for dating the ceramic samples recovered during the first excavations in 1961 (Daojali Hading in Dima Hasao district Assam) and 1999 (Gawak Abri, Garo Hills), as the method provided a direct age estimate of the time of last exposure of quartz or feldspar minerals to light or heat, and the purity of the etched quartz (i.e. any feldspar contaminations) can be confirmed by infrared stimulated luminescence technique. Date obtained from Daojali Hading is 2.7 ± 0.3 ka (LD1728) and that from Gawak Abri is 2.3 ± 0.2 ka (LD1727).

4 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

021329   Shaikh N;Rathod J L;Durgekar R (Marine Biology Dep, KUPG Centre, Kodibag, Karwar) : Seasonal variations in physico-chemical parameters of kali estuary, west coast of India. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(3), 489-93.

The present study was carried out to determine the monthly and seasonal physico- chemical characteristics of water in Kali Estuary South west coast of India, from February 2016 to February 2017. The study revealed that the physico- chemical parameters like atmosphere temperature, water temperature, transparency, hydrogen ion concentration, total dissolved solids, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrients like nitrate, phosphate and silicate exhibited considerable seasonal and spatial variations. The study showed that the Kali Estuary is in a good state of health.

9 illus, 23 ref

021328   Ravichandran A;Sridhar M (Bioenergetics and Environmental Sciences Div, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru-560 030, Email: manpalsridhar@yahoo.co.uk) : Insights into the mechanism of lignocellulose degradation by versatile peroxidases. Curr Sci 2017, 113(1), 35-42.

Lignocelluloses are imperative structural components of plant cell - 20 - wall and are profusely found in agricultural crop residues. The structural heterogeneity and recalcitrance of lignin limit the accessibility of cell wall carbohydrates for constructive exploitation. During the past decades, diverse lignin degrading enzymes were characterized to facilitate the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass for technological applications. Versatile peroxidases are unique among ligninolytic enzymes for their remarkably high redox potential and ability to oxidize lignin without the requisite of redox mediators. The hybrid structural architecture of this enzyme bearing functional features of lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase demonstrates its versatility in aromatics oxidation. This review summarizes the distinctive structural aspects of fungal versatile peroxidase in correlation to its oxidation of aromatic substrates besides emphasizing on the catalytic environment conducive for substrate oxidation. This review also focuses on the general strategies employed for production of this enzyme, its molecular framework, potential biotechnological applications of versatile peroxidase and prospects on enhancing the production of enzyme. Finally, the significance of this enzyme in improving the nutritive value of crop residues to promote ruminal productivity is highlighted.

^iia2 illus, 1 table, 71 ref

021327   Ratan N;Srivastava S;Gupta R K;Singh U N (Botany Dep, D.V.(P.G.) College, Orai-285 001, Email: drunsingh@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of water quality of Jalaun (U.P.) India. Flora Fauna 2016, 22(2), 221-4.

The water samples from Jalaun, U.P., India were tested to assess the quality of ground water used for drinking during the period of investigation. The physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters were studied. The results obtained were compared with WHO/ICMR standard. The study area have high electrical conductivity (1.02 μs) and hardness (250 mg/l) at some places. Coliform count is very high (4000 MPN/100ml) at most sampling sites. These water cause various types of water borne diseases.

4 tables, 7 ref

021326   Radhakrishnan A;Gupta J (NO, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: aparnaradhak@gmail.com) : Vulnerability of dairy-based livelihoods to climate variability and change: a study of western ghats region in Wayanad, Kerala. Curr Sci 2017, 113(1), 123-9.

The study assesses the livelihood vulnerability of dairy farmers to climate variability and change (CVC) in Wayanad district of the Western Ghats region in Kerala. For this purpose, a Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) was developed underlying the definition of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change consisting of 28 indicators and 7 LVI components. A fussel framework was used for conceptualizing the vulnerable situation. Participatory rural appraisal and personal interviews were used to collect household data of 180 dairy farmers of three taluks complemented by thirty years of gridded weather data. The normalized data were then combined into three indices, i.e. sensitivity, exposure and adaptive capacity, which were then averaged with weights given using principal component analysis, to obtain the overall index. LVI indicated that the dairy farmers of all the taluks of Wayanad are vulnerable to CVC with Pulpally taluka being the most vulnerable with 48.33% farmers under the high level vulnerability category with wide variation in LVI components across the taluks. For the sustenance of dairy farming of small and marginal farmers of the region and for mitigating risks, policies are required for incentivizing the livelihood infrastructure and promotion of grass root level innovations.

5 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

021325   Radha M;Kanmani S (NO, Anna Univ, Sardar Patel Road, Guindy, Chennai-600 025, Email: skanmani@annauniv.edu) : Performance of cathode catalysts for bio-electricity from paper recycling, wastewater-fed, microbial fuel cells. Curr Sci 2017, 113(3), 468-73.

This work deals with the performance of a microbial fuel cell, focusing on the electrocatalytic activity of selected cathodes constructed by coating nanocomposites over graphite felt under neutral pH in a doublechamber configuration using paper-recycled waste water as a typical electrolyte. Among all cathodes, iron phthalocyanine (FePc) combined multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) shows the highest power density - 19 - (9.34 W/m² ) compared to other two catalysts, FePc/Ketjan black (4.68 W/m² ) and MWCNT (2.9 W/m² ) under similar conditions of using a reference platinum/carbon (Pt/C) loading of 0.5 mg/cm². The morphology of these catalyst coated electrodes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Their electrocatalytic activities were examined using cyclic voltammetry. This work provides an appropriate alternative for cathode catalysts in treatment as well as in electricity production as demonstrated by the high power density of the above catalysts compared to that using precious Pt metal catalyst in microbial fuel cells.

10 illus, 37 ref

021324   Lal M;Samant S S (NO, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable, Himachal Unit, Mohal-Kullu-175 126, Email: samantss2@rediffmail.com) : Niche modelling- an approach to predict habitats for conservation of Hippophae species in trans and north western, Indian Himalaya. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(3), 437-46.

Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica and H. salicifolia have great potential for greening the cold desert area and changing socio-economic status of the tribal communities. In spite of the high potential of these species, identification of suitable habitats and area for in-situ conservation of Hippophae species have not been done. Therefore, present attempt has been made to predict areas highly suitable for the in-situ conservation in Himachal Pradesh. Total 191 primary distribution point data and various environmental and physiographic parameters have been utilized for the prediction of geographical distribution of these species. The distribution models were quite accurate with area under curve <62> 0.90 for H. rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica and H. salicifolia. The most important factor, which determined the distribution of the potential habitats of these species, was precipitation of coldest, warmest quarter and driest period. The Maxent model depicted that potential habitat of H. rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica is in the semi arid region, and H. salicifolia in the semi arid and temperate regions of the Himachal Pradesh. The niche specificity of species has been argued to be one of the reasons of its limited distribution. The habitat models also revealed restricted availability of potential habitats for the species. Only 531 km² is suitable for re-introduction of H. rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica and 915 km² for H. salicifolia. Based on the study, it is recommended that the species should be re-introduced for conservation in the predicted suitable habitats. Participation of the Tribal Communities and Forest Department may be ensured for the conservation of species.

7 illus, 1 table, 70 ref

021323   Gu X;Shao J;Cui Y;Hao Q (School of Water Resources and Environment, China Univ of Geosciencs, Beijing 100083, P.R. China, Email: jshao@cugb.edu.cn) : Calibration of two-dimensional variably saturated numerical model for groundwater flow in arid inland basin, China. Curr Sci 2017, 113(3), 403-12.

Alluvial fan is an important recharge area for arid and semi-arid inland basins. In order to study groundwater circulation and quantify recharge amount of the groundwater system in arid inland basins, it is necessary to use numerical models. In this study, a 2D variably saturated numerical model of a typical profile has been developed using EOS 9 module of TOUGH2. The mesh for the fine soil plain area was refined compared with previous studies and the minimum cell size was 0.1 m in thickness. An improved approach in TOUGH2 was applied to calculate the groundwater evapotranspiration more efficiently and characterize water transport more accurately. Multiple calibration approaches were combined to calibrate the model. The results show that, the typical profile can be divided into three groundwater flow systems. The circulation depth for the local groundwater flow system is about 200 - 18 - m and the shallow discharge accounts for 74.4% of the total amount with groundwater age less than 500 a (year). The circulation depth for the middle flow system can reach 800 m and the amount of discharge accounts for 18.5% of the total amount with groundwater age less than 10 ka (kiloyear). The circulation depth for the regional flow system is from 1000 to 1500 m, and the discharge accounts for 7.1% of the total amount with groundwater age ranging from 10 to 50 ka. The improved TOUGH2 numerical model, combined with multiple calibration approaches, can better reflect regional circulation characteristics and quantify the recharge amount of different groundwater sub-systems in arid and semi-arid inland basins with limited datasets.

5 illus, 6 tables, 26 ref

021322   Garrido-Perez E I;Tella-Ruiz D; Rojas-Salvatierra J;Rene Grefa F;Diaz L;Bonilla K;Grefa J (Llapis i Ilavors (Pencil and seeds) Association, Universidad Autonoma de Chiriqui (UNACHI), Panama, Herbario y Jardin Botanico, Faculty-transgressing project Unlocking the Potential of Social Agriculture in South, Email: edgardoga2@hotmail.com) : Human intervention, neutral theory and the - 17 - assembly of amazonian secondary forest communities in Napo, Ecuador. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(3), 418-29.

Amazonian forests host a very high biodiversity, but suffer deforestation for settling monocultures and livestock. Little is known about how different land-uses shape forest's biodiversity during further recovery. We investigated that by using the human-mediated community assembly-hypothesis, combined to the Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography (UNTB) as an Ockham's razor. We counted, marked, and identified all trees ≥10cm diameter at breast height on four 1-ha, secondary forest plots with already well-known land-use histories. We assessed the relative species abundances (RSA), richness, diversity, dominance, similarities, and species compositions of all plots. Plots A (12-15), B (22-25), and C (35-37y-old forests) were abandoned pastures and quasi-monocultures. Plot D (35-40y-old forest) was used for self- consumption agriculture (in Kichwa indigenous language chakra-and ushun periods) per six years (<62>50 planted species), then used for extracting resources -including fruits, medicine, and logs during fallow (purun period). For all plots, RSAs were lognormal (χ²; p <62>0.24) suggesting that random-and-symmetric birth, death, and immigration from the surrounding metacommunity are enough for explaining RSAs. Species richness, Shannon-, and Fisher's-α diversities changed as follows: plotA <60> plotB <60> plotC <60> plotD while dominance varied in the opposite way. There was virtually no evidence of coppicing. Many species were useful for food, wood, and medicine. Dominant species are mainly wind-, animal-, and human-dispersed. Plot D's species composition was less similar to all other plots. Our results suggest that seed dispersal assembled forest communities according to UNTB, while humans mediated the secondary succession process after clear-cutting for agriculture and livestock by means of: planting, nursing, caring, and tolerating species, and opening gaps (selective logging) during fallow. For Amazonians, letting, respecting and enhancing highly diverse forests generated by natural processes guarantees a safer stock of resources so Amazonians may have no reason to make forest assembly to depart from neutral- and -symmetric birth, death, and immigration during succession.

4 illus, 6 tables, 56 ref

021321   Chaudhuri S;Roy M (NO, O.P. Jindal Global Univ, Sonipat-131 001, Email: schaudhuri@jgu.edu.in) : Drinking water sources in India: How safe is safe?. Curr Sci 2017, 113(3), 393-402.

Under the loom of extreme climatic perturbations, human expansion and rising demand, world's freshwater reserves are expected to suffer severe setbacks in the coming years. A major task for the international authorities in this regard is to develop a reliable inventory of existing potable water sources and identify the challenges therein. The main objective of this study was to present a spatial summary of 'safe' water sources in India using the most 'authentic', cross-sectional, open-sourced census database for 2011 ranging from household to state level. Under the present circumstances, we urge the authorities to revisit potable water source classification scheme in India, acknowledging water quality issues and devise strategies for catchment-scale protection with special emphasis on real-time continuous monitoring and assessment of the peri-urban water resources.

5 illus, 1 table, 44 ref

021320   Al-Sulttani A H;Al-Akaam I S (NO, Kufa Univ, College of Physical Planning, Iraq) : Spatial variation of groundwater quality by using gis - east of the tharhar lake area, Iraq: a case study. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(3), 685-94.

Study area is located to the east of the Tharthar Lake (Iraq) and covers an area about 4035 Km². Groundwater is the most important source in the area except the area in the east, which is, depended on the Tigris River. For studying the suitability of groundwater, chemical analyses for 42 wells have been used. ArcGIS software has been used to build rasters form wells data for required chemical elements and to calculate the suitability by using Map Algebra (Map Calculator). For drinking water, WHO and Iraqi drinking water standards have been used to calculate the suitability of water for drinking. The suitability for drinking water shows small area (11.94 Km²) in the east of river while the whole area is unsuitable. For irrigation suitability, two methods have been used to classify the water suitability, Richards (1954) methods, and Ayers and Westcot (1985), and Wilcox (1955) method. Richards (1954) method shows an area (90 Km²) with permissible water type, while Ayers and Westcot (1985), and Wilcox (1955) method shows an area (451 Km²) with good water type. The Limitation of area of suitability of water for drinking and irrigation reflects the impact of the river in enhancing the quality of ground water, while the whole area with unsuitable reflects the impact of lithology and arid climate.

19 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

021319   Al-aubadi I M;Hashim L Q;Khaleel A M (Food Science Dep, College of Agriculture, Baghdad Univ, Baghdad, Email: loay_q_h@yahoo.com) : Purification of tigers river water by arabic gum as a natural coagulant. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(3), 494-9.

The study aimed to use arabic gum polymer which is a natural coagulant for water purification as an alternative coagulant or coagulant aid of chemical coagulant for much safer to human's health and high efficient of turbidity removal. This study comprised using arabic gum for reducing water turbidity, total organic carbon and total suspended solids of Tigris river water with initial turbidity 53,100 and 200 NTU. Various doses of coagulants 5,10,20,30 and 40 ppm, three temperatures 25C°,35C° and 45C°, six interval sedimentation 20 min, 1, 2, 5, 12 and 25 hour were examined by using jar test. Combination of arabic gum to chemical coagulant (alum) was examined else. Results indicated that the optimum doses of arabic gum was 5 ppm for initial turbidity 53 NTU and 10 ppm for initial turbidity 100 and 200 NTU at optimum pH 9 during 2 hours of sedimentation time, turbidity removal were 72.8%, 77.9% and 76.7% for three levels of turbid water respectively, there is no significant difference between various temperatures in water treatment. Results showed maximum significant difference (P<60>0.05) of turbidity removal obtained by combination of 0.5 doses for each of alum and arabic gum as a coagulant-flocculation which were 83.4%, 86.7% and 88.2% for - 16 - three levels of turbid water respectively. Natural coagulant showed many advantages such as slight change of pH and reduce salinity in treated water and didn't cause diseases that those caused by inorganic coagulants (alum) and more protective material for human's health.

7 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

021318   Al Makishah N H (Environmental Sciences Dep, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment and Arid and Agriculture King Abdu, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Email: nalmakishah@kau.edu.sa) : Bioenergy: Microbial biofuel production advancement. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2017, 6(3), 93-106.

It is vital to ensure the safe disposal of organic residues, in particular due to the accumulation of organic waste contributing to environmental pollution, while also spreading epidemics, diseases and unpleasant odours, and releasing ammonia and other harmful gases. This has led researchers to consider a number of direct applications for organic waste, including biotechnological applications. These are widely known to offer ecological and economic benefits, including: (1) limiting fossil fuel consumption; (2) reducing polluting emissions; (3) facilitating the production of cost-effective raw materials; and (4) developing a suitable substrate for a variety of microorganisms. Sustainable bioenergy (i.e. bio-gas, bio-diesel and bio-butanol) is an end product of biotechnology and an attractive solution for the disposal of organic feedstock. Carbohydrates form the primary ingredient of the organic fraction, while the majority of such polymers are readily microbial degradable. This review therefore focuses on isolated strains of different microorganisms with the capacity to utilise one or more forms of organic waste as a sole carbon source from different residue, in order to produce biofuel as its final products. The isolation involves: (1) the collection of random samples from soil exposed to organic waste; (2) purification of the microbial isolates; and (3) a comparison of the capabilities of the microbes, in order to identify the most valuable strain.

4 illus, 2 tables, 84 ref

020349   Yadav V K;Sharma S;Srivastava A K;Khare P K (Botany Dep, D.V. College, Orai-285 001, Email: sonamsharmaswt@gmail.com) : Study of pond status in India. Flora Fauna 2017, 23(1), 99-104.

Ponds are an important fresh water critical ecosystem for plants and animals providing goods and services including food, fodder, fish, irrigation, hydrological cycle, shelter, medicine, culture, aesthetic and recreation. Ponds cover less than 2 percent of worlds land surface. Ponds are important source of fresh water for human use. These are threatened by urbanization, industrialization, over exploitation, fragmentation, habitat destruction, pollution, illegal capturing of land and climate changes. These above factors have been destroying ponds very rapidly putting them in danger of extinction of a great number of local biodiversity. It is necessary to formulate a correct conservation strategy for pond restoration in order to meet the growing needs of fresh water by increasing the human population. Some measures have been compiled and proposed in the present review.

^iia57 ref

020348   Tewari A;Sharma D;Dubey A (Chemistry Dep, PSIT College of Engineering, NH-2 Delhi National Highway, Bhauti, Kanpur-209 305, Email: anuragtewari70@gmail.com) : Geological contamination of arsenic in ground water. Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(4), 1412-16.

The quest for the stability of life has lead mankind to play with his own life by poisoning his body in the name of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. The drive for higher yield has ultimately poisoned the land making it redundant for time uncalculated. But man did not stop here. He went on to harvest the underground resources at a speed which only spells of greed. This greed resulted in not just the depletion of resources but also poisoning them to a level that turned it carcinogenic. Arsenic poisoning is posing a huge menace for the mankind and rapid industrialization may culminate in the extinction of mankind himself. It is the time that steps are taken to curb and control this menace.

^iia1 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

020347   Singh M C (Soil and Water Engineering, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: mahesh_25_pau@yahoo.co.in) : Possible futuristic rainfall and temperature variability trend in central indian Punjab. Res Envir Life Sci 2016, 9(1), 100-4.

Rainfall and temperature are two important parameters among the climate change variables which can affect agricultural production through their direct as well as indirect effect. An important link between climate change and agricultural productivity is an essential pre-requisite to generate variable predictions about impact of climate change and variability. In this study, MarkSim DSSAT weather file generator was used to predict the rainfall and temperature data on daily basis for SRES emission scenarios (A1B, A2 and B1) under the ECHam5 model for 80 years (2011-2090). The mean decadal rainfall decreases is decreasing in trend (approximately 13.2 percent) from 2011 to 2090 showing higher reduction from mid to end of 21st century. The mean decadal annual rainfall is likely to be maximum during 2011-20 (774.8 mm) followed by 2021-30 (767.3 mm) and minimum during 2081-90 (672.4 mm) being statistically similar among the three scenarios and different among the decades. The decadal maximum temperature is likely to rise by 18.6, 9.3, 10.4 and 13.0 percent under the four respective quarters of the year with an average rise of 12.8 percent. However, the decadal minimum temperature is expected to rise by 50.9, 15.2, 15.7 and 34.6 percent under the four respective quarters of the year with an average rise of 29.1 percent. The rise of temperature is likely to be greater in case of minimum temperature especially in first and fourth quarters respectively.

3 illus, 21 ref

020346   Singh M (NO, Indira Gandhi National Open Univ, Regional Centre, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Email: manoramasingh@ignou.ac.in) : Introduction to the concept of environmental impact assessment in indian context. Flora Fauna 2017, 23(1), 83-5.

Environmental Impact Assessment is just an information gathering exercise carried out by the developer and other bodies which enables a Local Planning Authority to understand the environmental effects of a development. The really important thing about environmental assessments is the emphasis on using the best available sources of objective information and in carrying out a systematic and holistic process which should be bias free and allow the local authority and the whole community to properly understand the impact of the proposed development. Environmental assessment should lead to better standards of development and help to propose proper mitigation measures for the problem areas. Environmental impact assessment is meant to be a systematic process which leads to a final product, the Environmental Statement (ES).

10 ref

020345   Singh J;Shikha;Singh D P (Environmental Science Dep, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow-226 025, Email: dr_shikha2003@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative evaluation of the effect of stannous chloride (SnCl₂) and dimethyltin dichloride (DMTC) on diazotrophic growth and nitrogen metabolism of Nostoc muscorum. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(6), 2607-11.

Stannous chloride (SnCl₂), an inorganic salt and Dimethyltin dichloride (DMTC), the organic species were found to influence the survival and nitrogen assimilatory system of Nostoc muscorum. A difference in the survival fractions suggested for differential susceptibility of the strain to the toxic effects of the either tin species. Growth of the Nostoc muscorum cells, measured as a function of graded concentration of SnCl₂ and DMTC, both in the absence and presence of exogenous nitrogen sources, revealed an increased tolerance of Nostoc cells in the presence of nitrite (NaNO₂), next to nitrogen-fixing condition. DMTC induced - 15 - decline in the Nitrate Reductase (NR) and stimulation in the Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity indicated nitrogen starvation like condition. On the other hand, a vice versa result obtained with SnCl₂ suggested for toxic effect of the inorganic nitrogen species.

3 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

020344   Sharma V;Gupta G;Singh S (GZSCCET, MRSPTU, Bathinda, Punjab) : Review of metal contamination in groundwater in different states of India. Int J latest Technol Engng Mgmt appl Sci 2017, 6(6), 224-6.

Water is important sources of the minerals for the livings beings. But it may become harmful for the living beings if it is contaminated by the pollutants. In this work literature review of water samples from different locations of India is carried out. Different types of techniques such as EDXRF (Energy Dispersive X- ray Fluorescence), PIXE (Proton Induced X- ray Emission), PIGE (Proton Induced Gamma ray Emission), AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer) and ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) were used in elemental determination.

15 ref

020343   Saouli C;Assabaa R (Laboratory Rehabilitation of Ecosystems and Sustainable Development (R, Mentouri Brothers Univ of Constantine, Algeria, Email: - 14 - saouli.chouaib@umc.edu.dz) : Physicochemical evaluation of industrial wastewater of (saidal) group located in the industrial zone palma of constantine (Algeria). Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(4), 1439-45.

The main objective of this work is studied the physicochemical evolution of industrial wastewater of SAIDAL Group located in Palma industrial zone of Constantine (Algeria). Bimonthly samples were taken at the collector between the years 2010 and 2012. The results of the analysis presented in this work have shown that the wastewaters of 2010 have maximum temperatures up to 16.1°. The pH is between 7.51 and 8.41, Conductivity ranges from 29 to 13160 [μs/cm], the material in suspension is between 1-28 mg/L and dissolved oxygen fluctuates 5.2-6.4 mg/L, the pollutant load is between 18.09-444.15 mg/L. The wastewaters of 2011 have maximum temperatures up to 22 °. The pH is between 1.29 and 12.06, the conductivity varies between 1057 and 26200 [μs/cm], suspended matter between 3 and 212 mg/L and dissolved oxygen ranges 5.8-12.9 mg/L the pollution load is between 106.565 and 441.618 mg/L. The Wastewaters of 2012 have maximum temperatures up to 21 °. The pH is between 7.51 and 10.75, the conductivity varies between 206 and 14200 [μs/cm], suspended matter ranges from 1 to 57 mg/L and dissolved oxygen ranges 5.2 and 6.9 mg/L, the pollution load is between and 304 339 mg/L. The Bacteriological analysis of the wastewater showed that the concentrations of acid-base and oxidizing chemicals are very high and physicochemical parameters exceed the limits of the Algerian Ministry of environmental values.

4 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

020342   Priyadharshini B;Kavisri M (School of Building and Environment, Civil Engineering Dep, Sathyabama Univ, Chennai, TamilNadu, Email: dharspriya@gmail.com) : Behaviour of hydrogeological tracer dyes by a column test. Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(4), 1492-99.

Dyes were used as hydrogeological tracer which can be transported through geologic media along with water. The organic tracer dyes are used as a tracer in sand and clay soil in a column study. Rhodamine B, Fluorescein and Sulphorhodamine B. A simple column experiment were conducted to determine the adsorption behavior of the dyes with the sand and clayey soil. The effect of the dye was tested in the column experiment by varying sediment concentration. The concentration recovery was analyzed through the Fluorescence Spectrophotometer and observed that Fluorescein dye shows good resistance to adsorption when compare to other two dyes. Rhodamine B was highly adsorbed to both sample soils. The loss of dye was more in clayey soil when compared to sandy soil. The Fluorescein dye could use for the further field study by observing the background concentration.

9 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

020341   Parveen K;Vyas R (Chemistry Dep, Paher Univ, Udaipur-313 003, Email: khushnumap@gmail.com) : Photocatalytic degradation of non-biodegradable malachite green dye by ni-doped titanium dioxide. J Curr chem pharm Sci 2016, 6(4), 53-62.

The removal of colour from textile dyeing waste water by using Ni (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% weight) doped semiconductor titanium dioxide was studied. Photocatalytic degradation studies were carried out for malachite green using Ni doped TiO₂ in aqueous solution and the progress of the reaction was observed spectrophotometrically at 616 nm. The effect of various operating parameters like pH, concentration of dye, dose of semiconductor and light intensity has been studied to optimise reaction conditions. A tentative mechanism has been proposed for the photocatalytic degradation of malachite green, involving hydroxyl radical as an active oxidizing species. It was observed that the pseudo-first order model was more favorable for the degradation of malachite green using Ni doped TiO₂. This was observed that the degradation is more effective and fast for 1.0% Ni-TiO₂. This photocatalytic degradation may prove to be an ecofriendly and cost effective process for the removal of hazardous and toxic dyes present in effluents of textile, printing and dyeing industries.

11 tables, 14 ref

020340   Neel Ratan;Srivastava S;Pathak A;Singh U N (Botany Dep, D.V. (P.G.) College, Orai-258 001, Email: drunsingh@rediffmail.com) : Water quality of parichha dam reservoir in - 13 - relation to fisheries in Jhansi (U.P.) India. Flora Fauna 2017, 23(1), 95-8.

Physico-chemical characteristics of Parichha dam reservoir of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh have been studied. The water temperature varied between 23.0 to 37.0°C. The transparency, pH, chlorides and total hardness were in the range of 100 to 145 cm, 7.8 to 9.2, 42.0 to 59.17 mg/l and 100-197 mg/l respectively. The total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids ranged between 193 to 389, 5.2 to 8.6 and 90 to 310 mg/l respectively. The study revealed that the reservoir water is suitable for fisheries.

2 tables, 19 ref