018395   Dogar M M;Kucharski F;Azharuddin S (Earth Science and Engineering Dep, King Abdullah Univ of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, Email: mubashardogar@yahoo.com) : Study of the global and regional climatic impacts of ENSO magnitude using SPEEDY AGCM. J Earth Syst Sci 2017, 126(2), 1-21.

ENSO is considered as a strong atmospheric teleconnection that has pronounced global and regional circulation effects. It modifies global monsoon system, especially, Asian and African monsoons. Previous studies suggest that both the frequency and magnitude of ENSO events have increased over the last few decades resulting in a need to study climatic impacts of ENSO magnitude both - 9 - at global and regional scales. Hence, to better understand the impact of ENSO amplitude over the tropical and extratropical regions focussing on the Asian and African domains, ENSO sensitivity experiments are conducted using ICTPAGCM ('SPEEDY'). It is anticipated that the tropical Pacific SST forcing will be enough to produce ENSO-induced teleconnection patterns; therefore, the model is forced using NINO3.4 regressed SST anomalies over the tropical Pacific only. SPEEDY reproduces the impact of ENSO over the Pacific, North and South America and African regions very well. However, it underestimates ENSO teleconnection patterns and associated changes over South Asia, particularly in the Indian region, which suggests that the tropical Pacific SST forcing is not sufficient to represent ENSO-induced teleconnection patterns over South Asia. Therefore, SST forcing over the tropical Indian Ocean together with air-sea coupling is also required for better representation of ENSO-induced changes in these regions. Moreover, results obtained by this pacemaker experiment show that ENSO impacts are relatively stronger over the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) compared to extratropics and high latitude regions. The positive phase of ENSO causes weakening in rainfall activity over African tropical rain belt, parts of South and Southeast Asia, whereas, the La Ni¤a phase produces more rain over these regions during the summer season. Model results further reveal that ENSO magnitude has a stronger impact over African Sahel and South Asia, especially over the Indian region because of its significant impact over the tropical Atlantic and the Indian Ocean through Walker circulation. ENSO-induced negative (positive) NAO-like response and associated changes over Southern Europe and North Africa get significantly strong following increased intensity of El Ni¤o (La Ni¤a) in the northern (southern) hemisphere in the boreal winter (summer) season. We further find that ENSO magnitude significantly impacts Hadley and Walker circulations. The positive phase of ENSO (El Ni¤o) overall strengthens Hadley cell and a reverse is true for the La Ni¤a phase. ENSO-induced strengthening and weakening of Hadley cell induces significant impact over South Asian and African ITCZ convective regions through modification of ITCZ/monsoon circulation system.

17 illus, 73 ref

018394   Chethan N;Reddy H R V;Resmi S;Rajanna K B; Muthappa K;Jagadeesh T D (NO, Fisheries Research and Information Center, Hebbal, KVAFSU, Bengaluru-560 094, Email: chetzda@gmail.com) : Spatial distribution of net phytoplankton along thannirubavi coast, Dakshina kannada, Karnataka. Envir Ecol 2016, 34(4), 1768-71.

The net phytoplankton distribution in relation to various depths along Thannirubavi, Dakshina Kannada revealed that the hydrographical parameters like sea surface temperature, pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen exhibited a increasing trend from shallower depths to deeper parts. Whereas, other hydrographical parameters exhibited a mixed variation. The phytoplankton cell numbers are high at shallower depths and diatoms formed the bulk of the phytoplankton population. Diversity indices exhibited a narrow variation with space and it is clear that net phytoplankton distribution is dependent of nutrient load and depth of the water.

5 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

018393   Chethan N;Reddy H R V;Nagendra Babu R S; Rajanna K B;Padmanabha A;Jagadeesh T D;Anjaneyappa H N (NO, Fisheries Research and Information Center, Hebbal, KVAFSU, Bengaluru-560 094, Email: chetzda@gmail.com) : Phytoplankton distribution in relation to tidal rhythm and hydrography of Gurpur estuary, Dakshina kannada. Envir Ecol 2016, 34(4), 1772-6.

The phytoplankton distribution in rela-tion to tidal rhythm and hydrography of Gurpur estuary was studied during the period of May 2006 to April 2007 to understand the spatial, temporal and tidal variation. The hydrographical parameters were influenced by the water level in the estuary both during neap and spring tide resulting the occurrence and abundance of phytoplankton. 27 genera of diatoms dominated the phytoplankton, followed by 19 genera of chlorophyceae, 7 genera of cyanobacteria and 5 genera of dinoflagellate. Statistically there was a significant difference in the phytoplankton numbers temporally compared to spatially.

4 illus, 9 ref

018392   Bucher S (Institute of Geography, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik Univ in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia, Email: slavobucher@yahoo.com) : Environmental performance as one of the indicators of sustainable development in Asia. J envir Biol 2017, 38(1), 67-74.

The present study examined the correlation between the achieved environmental health and ecosystem vitality measured by Environmental Performance Index and factors, represented as independent variables - Health Index, Environmental Sustainability, Innovations and Human Development Index in Asia. Selecting appropriate indicators and methodology for arriving at the acceptable environmental quality of life, which quantify the impacts of environmental degradation on well-being, including impacts on health, access to natural resources, and losses caused by natural disasters is a subject of much debate and research. Association between independent variables and Environmental Performance Index were assessed using Pearson correlation and regression models. Descriptive statistics were used in order to hierarchical classification of countries in the sample based on their competitiveness score on nine issue categories, each of which fit under one of two overarching objectives. Although significant positive correlations were found between the selected independent variables such as Health index, Environmental Sustainability, Innovation, Human Development Index and two sub-indexes of Environmental Performance. High correlation between Environmental Performance and Human Development Index suggested that the analyzed countries should improve environmental health and ecosystem vitality to improve the overall long-term sustainable development. In other words, improvement in the partial competitiveness of a country empowers growth in its long-term - 8 - environmental competitiveness. It is important to point out that incensement of Environmental Performance Index significantly contributes to the Human Development. In order to create sustainable and efficient green environment essential for human health that would result in desired ecosystem vitality and environmental health outcomes, there has to be cooperation between the environmental sector and others sectors in a country. The outcomes of the present research strongly highlight that high-developed Asian countries demonstrate commendable achievement regarding most effective indicators of environmental sustainability and development.

5 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

018391   Arulmathi P;Elangovan G (Civil Engineering Dep, Univ College of Engineering (Anna Univ), Dindigul-624 622, Email: arul.mathip@gmail.com) : Applications of response surface methodology and artificial neural network for decolorization of distillery spent wash by using activated Piper nigrum. J envir Biol 2016, 37(6), 1255-63.

Ethanol production - 7 - from sugarcane molasses yields large volume of highly colored spent wash as effluent. This color is imparted by the recalcitrant melanoidin pigment produced due to the Maillard reaction. In the present work, decolourization of melanoidin was carried out using activated carbon prepared from pepper stem (Piper nigrum). The interaction effect between parameters were studied by response surface methodology using central composite design and maximum decolourization of 75 % was obtained at pH 7.5, Melanoidin concentration of 32.5 mg l^-1 with 1.63 g 100ml^-1 of adsorbent for 2hr 75min. Artificial neural networks was also used to optimize the process parameters, giving 74 % decolourization for the same parameters. The Langmuir and Freundich isotherms were applied for describing the biosorption equilibrium. The process was represented by the Langmuir isotherm with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. The first-order, second-order models were implemented for demonstrating the biosorption mechanism and, as a result, Pseudo second order model kinetics fitted best to the experimental data. The estimated enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) of adsorption were 32.195 kJ mol^-1 and 115.44 J mol^-1 K which indicates that the adsorption of melanoidin was an endothermic process. Continuous adsorption studies were conducted under optimized condition. The breakthrough curve analysis was determined using the experimental data obtained from continuous adsorption. Continuous column studies gave a breakthrough at 182 mins and 176 ml. It was concluded that column packed with Piper nigrum based activated carbon can be used to remove color from distillery spent wash.

7 illus, 5 tables, 25 ref

017452   Vijapure T;Sukumaran S;Mulik J;Nageswar Rao M (NO, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Mumbai-400 053, Email: soniya@nio.org) : Mass mortality of macrobenthos in a biodiverse rocky beach- impact of a minor oil spill. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(9), 1098-100.

A field survey was carried immediately post an accidental oil spill at rocky intertidal zone of Uran. Mass mortality of macrobenthos was observed at spillage site whereas reference site harboured diverse and live macrobenthic population. This study aims to highlight the importance of early monitoring of impacted and reference locations for determining the magnitude of damage caused to the environment due to any kind of spill and in turn acquire baseline information for tracing future path of recovery.

2 illus, 8 ref

017451   Thieriot H;Tan D;Nagpal D;Ferroukhi R (NO, , , Email: info@chinawaterrisk.org) : Water use in China's power sector: Impact of renewables and cooling technologies to 2030. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2016, 66(3-4), 43-8.

This brief write-up examines the expected impact of China's power sector on water and climate in 2030. Building on plans announced at COP21 in Paris and earlier analyses by China Water Risk and I REN A¹, it assesses the impact of different options for China's power mix in 2030 on water use and carbon emissions. The analysis finds that a power sector transformation driven by renewables would also yield benefits in areas related to water. The magnitude of these effects reaffirms the importance of integrated water and energy decision-making in the power sector. Indeed, tomorrow's water resources should be considered as part of energy decisions today.

6 illus, 9 ref

017450   Suganya K (Environmental Sciences Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore) : Studies on divulging the eco-friendly solid waste management technology to the rural shg women of Madurai district. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(2), 416-17.

Population expansion and urbanization pave way for the increase in solid waste generation in India and other developing countries. Rural habitants were unaware of the risks associated with the improper disposal of wastes and also unaware of the technology that converts waste into wealth. With this in view, a study was undertaken to disseminate the solid waste management technology through vermicomposting among the rural women population of selected three blocks viz., Thirupurrenkundram, Alanganallur and Madurai East block of Madurai district during the year 2014 to 2016. Based on the pre-questionnaire survey conducted before the study period, it has been found that the nearly 50% of the women are unaware of the risks of improper disposal of wastes and diseases spread due to improper hygiene. On completion of the study period, the post survey analysis indicated that the rural Self-help group (SHG) women of the targeted villages have a positive approach in handling the solid waste and enriched their skills on production of vermicomposting and thereby improved their economic status through practicing this technology.

^ssc2 ref

017449   Singh A K;Jayakumar S (Environmental Informatics and Spatial Modelling Lab (EISML), Ecology a, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry Univ, Pondicherry, Email: jayakumar.eco@pondiuni.edu.in) : Heavy metal contamination in sediments of Kanwarjheel wildlife sanctuary, Bihar, India. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 48-58.

The accumulation of heavy metals in sediments of water bodies are of serious concern due to toxic and non-biodegradable nature. In this study, sediment core samples of - 32 - Kanwarjheel wildlife sanctuary were analysed to understand the distribution of heavy metals. The average concentration of heavy metals was found in a sequence of Fe <62> Mn <62> Cr <62> Zn <62> Cu <62> Ni. The vertical distribution of these metals in sediments has shown considerable variations in their concentration. Except Mn, all other metals exceed the value of low effect level prescribed by United States Environmental Protection Agency. The geo-accumulation index (I_geo), enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF) was used to estimate the sediment quality. The average values of I_geo, EF and CF were ranged between -0.50 to 0.59, 0.34 to 3.76 and 0.47 to 5.80 respectively. The intensive agriculture practices and continuous discharge of sewage and industrial wastes have significantly influenced the metal concentration in the study area.

3 illus, 6 tables, 48 ref

017448   Sharma S;Jha P K;Jindal T;Ranjan M R;Singh U K (Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity Univ, Noida-201 303, Email: metshikhasharma@gmail.com) : Assessment of nutrient concentration in the sediment of Yamuna river, India. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 116-22.

Land use change is extremely rapid and is impacting the river systems due to increasing human population. River Sediment is loose sand, clay, silt and other soil particles that settle down at the bottom of a water body. The Sediment sample of Yamuna River was collected from 25 different locations starting from Dakpatthar to Allahabad in the month of June 2014 and December 2014. The samples collected were then analyzed for different physicochemical parameters and nutrient concentrations. This study was carried out to determine the seasonal variation in pH, EC (electrical conductivity), organic matter and other nutrient parameters such as nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and biogenic silica. pH of Yamuna river sediment was found mildly acidic to alkaline in nature and varied from 6.25-7.81. Electrical conductivity (EC) varied from 6-140 (μs/cm) in both the premonsoon and post-monsoon season which indicates anthropogenic input mainly from domestic and industrial waste which also contributes to the high organic matter load in the Yamuna river sediments. The pre-monsoon concentration of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and biogenic silica in the sediment samples of Yamuna River varied as 1.73±1.63, 0.05±0.03, 20.03±2.13 and 8.44±4.38 (mg/kg). The post-monsoon concentration of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and biogenic silica in the sediment samples of Yamuna River system varied as 1.79±1.46, 0.06±0.06, 29.54±0.96, 2.92±0.49 (mg/kg). Organic matter percentage in the sediment samples was found as 1.23±1.04 in pre monsoon and 0.52±0.36 (% organic matter) in post monsoon season. The concentration of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium was found higher in the post monsoon season whereas biogenic silica and organic matter has shown higher concentration in the pre monsoon season. The grain size of sediments collected varied from coarse silt to medium sand for both pre-monsoon and post monsoon season.

4 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

017447   Shanmugam S;Vijaya M;Shana K;Saleh A M (School of Bio Sciences and Technology, (SBST), VIT Univ, Vellore, Email: amsaleh@vit.ac.in) : Chromium (VI) removal capacity using coagulant protein from Moringa oliefera. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 86-91.

Heavy metal influx in to water from anthropogenic activities is of the global concern because of its negative effects on ecosystem. Coagulant protein from Moringa oleifera is eco-friendly biopolymer to remove chromium (VI) from polluted water. Present study is carried out to extract optimize the feasibility condition of contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH, in removing Cr (VI) by using Moringa Oleifera seed coagulant protein. The optimum percentage of chromium removal achieved at 100 min, at pH 6.

7 illus, 18 ref

017446   Satheeskumar V;Subramani T (Civil Engineering Dep, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: geosubramani@yahoo.com) : Preliminary investigation on environmental degradation due to salinization of river and groundwater in thamirabarani delta, South India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(9), 1148-53.

The study consists analysis of data such as river discharge, cropping pattern, subsurface lithology and tidal fluctuations collected from Government organizations. Thematic maps pertaining to the study namely, drainage map, geomorphological map, lineament map and land use map were prepared from the satellite imageries. Well inventory survey and ground truth verifications were also carried out in this region. All spatial and non-spatial data were integrated using geographical information system (GIS). A site was selected for the construction of 'Ogee' type of surplus weir across the Thamirabarani River to minimize the salinisation of surface water and groundwater.

8 illus, 12 ref

017445   Sahu R K;Deshmukh V V;Krishnaiah N (NO, Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, C. V. Sc, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana) : Water quality assessment of two different sources in parbhani. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(10), 15-17.

The present study was undertaken to study the quality of Yelderi Dam water and retail fish shop water in Parbhani city. The pH, Hardness and total solids of Yelderi Dam reservoir water were 7.24, 148.33 ppm and 266. 66 mg/l respectively where as in retail fish shop water it was found 7.71, 625 ppm and 1233.33 mg/l. The total viable count of Yelderi Dam reservoir water and retail fish shop water were 5.88 Log CFU/ml and 6.44 Log CFU/ml respectively. Water quality of Yelderi dam reservoir was found to be of good quality in relation to physical and microbial characters than that of retail fish shop.

19 ref

017444   Reddy C S;Padma Alekhya V V L;Saranya K R L; Athira K;Jha C S;Diwakar P G;Dadhwal V K (National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organization, Balanagar, Hyderabad-500 037, Email: drsudhakarreddy@gmail.com) : Monitoring of fire incidences in vegetation types and protected areas of India: implications on carbon emissions. J Earth Syst Sci 2017, 126(1), 1-15.

Carbon emissions released from forest fires have been identified as an environmental issue in the context of global warming. This study provides data on spatial and temporal patterns of fire incidences, burnt area and carbon emissions covering natural vegetation types (forest, scrub and grassland) and Protected Areas of India. The total area affected by fire in the forest, scrub and grasslands have been estimated as 48765.45, 6540.97 and 1821.33 km 2, respectively, in 2014 using Resourcesat-2 AWiFS data. The total CO₂ emissions from fires of these vegetation types in India were estimated to be 98.11 Tg during - 30 - 2014. The highest emissions were caused by dry deciduous forests, followed by moist deciduous forests. The fire season typically occurs in February, March, April and May in different parts of India. Monthly CO₂ emissions from fires for different vegetation types have been calculated for February, March, April and May and estimated as 2.26, 33.53, 32.15 and 30.17 Tg, respectively. Protected Areas represent 11.46% of the total natural vegetation cover of India. Analysis of fire occurrences over a 10-year period with two types of sensor data, i.e., AWiFS and MODIS, have found fires in 281 (out of 614) Protected Areas of India. About 16.78 Tg of CO₂ emissions were estimated in Protected Areas in 2014. The natural vegetation types of Protected Areas have contributed for burnt area of 17.3% and CO₂ emissions of 17.1% as compared to total natural vegetation burnt area and emissions in India in 2014. 9.4% of the total vegetation in the Protected Areas was burnt in 2014. Our results suggest that Protected Areas have to be considered for strict fire management as an effective strategy for mitigating climate change and biodiversity conservation.

7 illus, 8 tables, 56 ref

017443   Petukhov A;Khritokhin N;Petukhova G; Kudryavtsev A (Institute of Chemistry, Tyumen State Univ, Tyumen 625 003, Russia, Email: revo251@mail.ru) : Biochemical response of the oat to accumulation of iron and manganese. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 1-7.

Heavy metals present a significant danger to the environment and stability of phytocenoses. Accumulating in plants, metals can upset biochemical processes in cells. This study is devoted to research of Fe and Mn accumulation in oat in conditions of organogenic and mineral model soil pollution and influence of these metals on various biochemical parameters of plants. Oat accumulated Mn in greater amounts than Fe. Translocation of Fe and Mn depends on the type of soil and advance into plant organs. The antagonism of Fe and Mn was observed. Toxic stress caused by Fe and Mn is compensated by activation of antioxidant systems: phenolic compounds (in the first place), flavonoids, peroxidase and catalase in most cases. Soil pollution by Fe and Mn leads to decrease in photosynthetic pigments concentration, especially in the experiment with mineral soil. Results of this study indicate that accumulation of Fe and Mn causes various effects on lipid peroxidation products, photosynthetic pigments and different antioxidants.

2 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

017442   Pandit J;Sharma A K;Sood A;Bhardwaj S K (Environmental Science Dep, Dr. Y. S Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: jyotsanapandit@gmail.com) : Assessment of the air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index of commonly growing plant species along the national highway (NH-7) in nahan to paonta sahib stretch in Himachal Pradesh, India. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 99-105.

Plants are universal sink of CO₂. Plantation of species along National Highways helps to trap air polluting dust and CO₂. Plants are also negatively affected by the dust and gaseous emission from vehicles. The effectiveness of plant species as bioindicator/ biomonitors depends on appropriate selection based on their tolerance and sensitivity to air pollution which is usually evaluated by the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). In the present study, the APTI of four roadside plant species namely Ficus roxburghii, Mallotus philippensis, Shorea robusta, Woodfordia fruticosa has been evaluated. The Anticipated Performance Index (API) of these plant species was also calculated by considering their APTI values with biological and socio-economic characters (plant height, canopy structure, type of plant, laminar characteristics, texture, hardiness and economic value). The API indicated that Shorea robusta (API=7) is best performer in green belt development. The study revealed that APTI and API determination provides a reliable method for the selection of appropriate species which can be used as bioindicators and mitigators of air pollutants.

2 - 29 - illus,

017441   Ong G H;Leeraj C;Joannesoh;Saikalshamkeeva; Wong L S (Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International Univ, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Email: ghimhock.ong@newinti.edu.my) : Isolation and identification of fungi from polluted soil in peninsular Malaysia for copper remediation. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 18-21.

A total of 10 fungi were extracted from soil of Cu contaminated site in Peninsular Malaysia, with 3 fungi have the ability to tolerate high concentrations of Cuthus the potential to bioremediate Cu. The F. solani was found to be the best fungi with the potential to bioremediate Cu in soil followed by other potential fungi namely A. niger and A. tamarii. Further study is required to study on those potential fungal in order to understand better their mechanism in tolerance with high Cu concentration and their toxicology profile before the use in the actual contaminated area.

3 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

017440   Olowoyo J O;Xaba M W (Biology Dep, Sefako Makhatho Health Sciences Univ, Pretoria, P.O. Box 139, Medunsa, 0204, South Africa, Email: woleolowoyo@yahoo.com) : Concentrations of trace metals in Permalia sulcata transplanted around a coal fired power station in pretoria, South Africa. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 144-9.

The increased use of coal for power generation may increase the concentrations of different forms of pollutants and trace metals into the environment. The present study investigated the concentrations of trace metals in transplanted lichen (Permalia sulcata) around a coal fired power station in Pretoria, South Africa. Lichen thalli were harvested from an unpolluted site and transplanted on trees around a coal fired power station at a distance of 500 m away from the stacks and at two different directions (Southwest and Northwest). The lichen thalli were allowed to grow for a period of 12 weeks before harvesting in July and further 12 weeks before harvesting in October. The harvested lichen thalli were then analysed for trace metal contents using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The result showed a significant difference in the concentrations of all the trace metals from the two sites (p <60> 0.05). Seasonal variations in the concentrations of some of trace metals were also significant (P<60>0.05). The enrichment factors showed an increase in the concentrations of trace metals obtained from the thalli. The trend in the concentration of trace metals was in the order Mg<62> Fe <62> Al <62> Cr <62> Co <62> Cu <62> Ni <62> Pb <62> Zn. The study proved that the continuous reliance on coal for power generation without the adoption of proper emission control system may result in increased deposition of trace metals as pollutants around the power plant.

3 tables, 17 ref

017439   Ningthoujam J;Dutta B K;Irabanta Singh N (Ecology and Environmental Science Dep, Assam Univ, Silchar-788 011, Email: jayaningthoujam255@gmail.com) : Aeromycoflora of Moreh area, Manipur. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 9-16.

The present investigation dealt with airborne fungal spores over Moreh area (Manipur), studied for two years (Jan, 2012-Dec, 2013) by employing two stage Andersen sampler. Air sampling were carried out over two sites of Moreh, viz., residential area and open area (near market). A total of 36 fungal types and 38 fungal types were trapped from residential and open area (near market) respectively. In both the sites Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger occurred throughout the period of study. Distribution and occurrence of fungal spores was found to be varying according to location, seasons of the year and conditions of the surrounding - 28 - environment such as, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall.

4 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

017438   Nazneen S;Janardhana Raju N (School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, New Delhi-110 067, Email: rajunj7@gmail.com) : Distribution and sources of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and biogenic silica in the sediments of chilika lagoon. J Earth Syst Sci 2017, 126(1), 1-13.

The present study investigated the spatial and vertical distribution of organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and biogenic silica (BSi) in the sedimentary environments of Asia's largest brackish water lagoon. Surface and core sediments were collected from various locations of the Chilika lagoon and were analysed for grain-size distribution and major elements in order to understand their distribution and sources. Sand is the dominant fraction followed by silt + clay. Primary production within the lagoon, terrestrial input from river discharge and anthropogenic activities in the vicinity of the lagoon control the distribution of OC, TN, TP and BSi in the surface as well as in the core sediments. Low C/N ratios in the surface sediments (3.49-3.41) and cores (4-11.86) suggest that phytoplankton and macroalgae may be major contributors of organic matter (OM) in the lagoon. BSi is mainly associated with the mud fraction. Core C5 from Balugaon region shows the highest concentration of OC ranging from 0.58-2.34%, especially in the upper 30 cm, due to direct discharge of large amounts of untreated sewage into the lagoon. The study highlights that Chilika is a dynamic ecosystem with a large contribution of OM by autochthonous sources with some input from anthropogenic sources as well.

7 illus, 2 tables, 63 ref

017437   Muthamizhselvan M;Lal Kumar A C (Pedagogical Sciences Dep, Tamilnadu Teachers Education Univ, Gangaiamman Kovil Street, Karapakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu) : Environmental ethics of secondary students. Int J multidiscipl Res Dev 2017, 4(9), 40-3.

The human beings of the rapid changing world need to develop a sense of ethics to conserve the environment as the world suffers from serious environmental threats. A study was conducted on 270 secondary students to find their environmental ethics. Normative Survey Method has been used in the study. The result of the study revealed there is no significant difference was found among them with regard to gender, nativity, medium of study, mode of management, parental occupation, parental education, size of family and birth order. The study suggest for initiation of curricular and co-curricular activities at the school level to create environmental awareness and environmental sensitivity among students for sustainable life in future.

7 tables, 7 ref

017436   Makaba L P (NO, Lobatse Secondary School, Private Bag 13, Lobatse, Botswana, Email: lebomakaba@gmail.com) : Cultural and demographic factors contributing to environmental degradation along the metsimotlhabe river near Gaborone, Botswana. J hum Ecol 2017, 57(1-2), 70-7.

Environmental degradation in developing countries is caused by several factors including demographic, economic, political and social factors. Poverty alleviation and the pursuit of economic development are often prioritised in many developing countries at the expense of environmental wellbeing. This scenario has resulted in environmental degradation. This paper highlights the role of cultural and demographic factors in environmental degradation along Metsimotlhabe River on the northern outskirts of Gaborone city, Botswana. The river is under intense human use as source of construction sand. Field observation, focus group discussions and questionnaires were used in determining the cultural and demographic factors that are contributing to environmental degradation in the area. Rapid rise in the human population, unemployment, rural to urban and cross border migration and the cultural norm of livestock keeping have contributed to degradation along the Metsimotlhabe River. The traditional communal system of keeping large livestock herds has also been a contributory factor.

1 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

017435   Mahajan N (Graduate School of Social Sciences, Waseda Univ, Nishi Waseda 1-6-1, Shinjuku Ku, Tokyo, 169-8050, Japan, Email: niyotimahajan9@gmail.com) : Analysis of swach (clean India mission) : Wastepickers cooperative in Pune, India. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 123-9.

The general perception of society towards the waste collectors is of unproductive, undesirable and useless masses spoiling the beauty of the city. However, they are hidden environmentalists, efficient and productive workers doing the most important job of cleaning the city. They are not only providing their free labor to the city, but also diverting a high percentage of recyclables from the landfills. Their collective action and awareness about their rights have led to the formation of Kagad Kach Kashtakari Panchayat (KKPKP) and Swach in the Pune city. The introduction of identity cards, health insurance for waste pickers and promotion of the educational scheme for child waste pickers by government are some of the remarkable outcome of their struggles. The Swach initiative brought together two interests - that of waste pickers in improving their livelihood and Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) interest in sustainable solid waste management. Their association in collaboration with the municipality in the form of the sustainable solid waste management model, Swach has proven as a role model for the rest of the nation. The paper highlights the factors responsible for the impressive outcome of Swach, such as undying spirit of KKPKP members to fight for their right, Maharashtra government's policy for the integration of informal workers in the formal sector, the citizen's contribution in terms of user fees and PMC's willingness to work with waste pickers to improve solid waste management in the city. The study is helpful in exploring the potential, sustainability and replication of Swach model in other cities.

1 table, 16 ref

017434   Kiran Kumar J S;Rao V K;Reddy M V B;Murthy C V N (NO, PBR Visvodaya Institute of Technology and Science, Kavali, Andhra Pradesh, Email: jschem007@gmail.com) : Physico-chemical parameters of the storm waters near Chippaleru estuary by aquaculture. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 73-6.

Soil runoff through rains, floods and overflow not only erodes soil but also enriches the water with fertilizers and metals in storm waters. Storm Water quality impairment by nutrient and metal enrichment from agricultural activities has been a concern worldwide. Investigation on the physicochemical factors in the Chippaleru estuary, Kavali Mandal, Sri Potti Sriramulu Nelloredistrict, Andhra Pradesh (A.P.)., which is lying along the east coast of India showed variations in all the parameters recorded viz. higher values of temperature, salinity, pH, and nutrients (PO₄, NO₂, NO₃ and SiO₂) and low dissolved oxygen. This indicates high pollution load, mainly due to the aqua pollution and fertilizers that are used in the catchment area by the aquaculture. The degradation of lentic water body is mainly attributed to discharge of wastes generated by numerous anthropogenic activities. Environmental factors viz. temperature, pH, O₂, CO₂, nitrate, phosphate and chloride, influence plankton diversity. The physico-chemical characteristics of water play a significant role to assess the quality of water for its best usage. The present study is an attempt - 26 - made to know physico-chemical characteristics of storm waters near Chippaleru creek in Nellore district.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

017433   Kargbo H;Frazer-Williams R A D (Chemistry Dep, Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone Univ, Sierra Leone, Email: hannoscar@yahoo.com) : Investigation into the air quality (particulate matter) in freetown, sierra leone. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 28-34.

A study to investigate the particulate matter concentration (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) for both indoor and outdoor air in specified locations in the city of Freetown was conducted. The concentration of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were measured using a hinaway CW-HAT200S Handheld Air Tester. Indoor concentrations ranged from 8 to 140.7 and 10.5 to 308.1 μg/m³ for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ respectively, whilst outdoor concentrations ranged from 8.0 to 289.3 and 15.7 to 501.7 μg/m³ for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ respectively. Result indicate that the west end of the city have a better air quality compared to the east and central part of the city. There is a positive correlation between indoor and outdoor air quality. In general, the air quality in the city was considered to be relatively poor and in assessment of mortal exposure, large percentage of residential areas in the city are open to high concentration of PM which is considered as a public health risk.

9 illus, 40 ref

017432   Jha A K;Ujjwal Kumar (Chemistry Dep, T.M. Bhagalpur Univ, Bhagalpur-812 007, Email: ashokjha39@gmail.com) : Removal of heavy metals by cymbopogon flexuosus. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2017, 10(1), 89-92.

Heavy metals are causing serious health hazard due to its toxicity and persistence in soil and aqueous medium too. Heavy metals contamination in drinking water has become a major cause of concern for the environmentalists. Arsenic(III) and Chromium(VI) is widely distributed in aqueous medium in the Gangetic plain causing skin pigmentation and liver disorders. Fluoride is also a major pollutant of drinking water in southern part - 25 - of the Ganges. Several methods of removal of heavy metals from aqueous medium e.g. precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange are in practice. But the naturally grown aquatic weeds, biomass and medicinal plants can be utilized for the removal of arsenic and chromium(VI) from aqueous medium. Medicinal plants e.g. Cymbopogon flexuosus (Lemon grass) is grown by farmers in this area due to its aroma. In the present study, medicinal plants have been put to study by taking different masses up to fixed interval of time in the synthetic solutions of As(III) and Cr(VI). The kinetic study of adsorption of As(III) and Cr(VI) by Lemon grass has been done with a view to know the order and characteristics of the reaction.

2 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

017431   Hirankhede D K;Khangar H;Alok S (Plant Physiology Dep, Jawaharl Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Email: hardayalsinghccs@gmail.com) : Studies on tree biomass for assessing carbon density in tropical forest ecosystem of Central India. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(3), 1245-8.

The studies on tree biomass for assessing carbon density in tropical forest ecosystem of central India was undertaken during 2009-11 in forest area of eight districts [Jabalpur, Seoni, Balaghat, Narsinghpur, Mandla, Dindori, Shahdol and Umaria] at 30 adopted representative sites at varying latitudes and longitudes. The annual rainfall of their study area was 1000-1600 mm. The soils of the study sites were alluvial, light to medium black as well as red and yellow with pH value ranging from 5.5 to 80. The study was confined in three vegetation type viz., teak mixed, salmixed and mixed forest. In the study new approach was adopted by using ground data as well remote sensing data to get an accurate estimate of vegetation carbon pool in the region. Among the 30 selected site ID, Tectona grandis was dominated at 10 side. The basal area and volume of tree species in forest study sites ranged between 0.8 to 169.68 m²/ha and 0.11 to 2, 31299.82 m³/ha. The maximum tree biomass/ha recorded for Shorea roubsta (203.54 t/ha). The carbon density was ranged between 3.0 to 33.21 t/ha in mixed forest, 5.17 to 67.78 t/ha in teak forest and 36.10 to 102.39 t/ha in sal forest. From the investigation it can be stated that national coverage for tropical forest will improve, if successive survey of forest carbon sequestration are conducted in future to assess carbon stocks for mitigating the ill effect of climate change.

8 ref

017430   Gupta S;Rai H;Upreti D K;Gupta R K;Sharma P K (Botany Dep, Pt. L.M.S. Government Post Graduate College, Rishikesh Dehradun-249 201, Email: himanshurai08@yahoo.com) : Lichenized fungi Phaeophyscia (physciaceae, ascomycota) as indicator of ambient air heavy metal deposition, along land use gradient in an alpine habitat of western himalaya, India. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 150-7.

Alpine habitats in Himalaya have undergone drastic land use change in last decades, - 24 - resulting in increased anthropogenic pollution discharge in ambient air. Biomonitors such as lichens due to their slow growth rate and longer life span and absorption of nutrients from atmosphere only, are used for studying atmospheric deposition of heavy metals along natural and anthropogenic gradients in various ecosystems. In the current study three species of lichenized fungi Phaeophyscia (P. hispidula, P. primaria and P. constipate) were analysed for heavy metal (Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni) deposition from four sites in Badrinath-Mana land scape along gradients of land use and elevation. Maximum heavy metal deposition was recorded in site with urban land use which minimize in natural grass land. The total heavy metal load (∑M₄) was found indicative of land use gradient followed by Fe, Zn, Cu and Ni accumulation in lichen thallus. Among the heavy metals analysed iron and zinc were predominantly accumulated followed by copper and nickel. Phaeophyscia hispidula and P. primaria due to their distribution in three of the four sites situated along distinct land use, elevation and pollution gradient were found appropriate bioindicator lichen species for alpine habitats.

4 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

017429   Deshmukh S;Tamot S;Tamot P (Zoology Dep, Govt. M.V.M., Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Socio-economic opportunity from aquatic bodies of shallow water in catechment area of Bhopal's upper lake. Int J Fauna biol Stud 2017, 4(5), 16-19.

The quality of water is constantly affected by natural degradation, eutrophication and anthropogenic. Aquatic plants are sensitive to any type of nutritional changes especially phosphorus, nitrogen and organic pollutants. At the same time they are ecologically beneficial since they promote diversity as well as function of aquatic ecosystem Since, aquatic plants and macrophytes are being used as food, fodder, medicines, fertilizers, etc., their socio-economic importance should not be underestimated. Since Bhopal's Upper lake is also a rich source of planktons and aquatic plants, thus with socio-economic point of view, the present study was intended to assess the opportunity from shallow water in catchment area of Bhopal's upper Lake other than fisheries. Boat club, Koh-e-Fiza, Karbala and Bairagarh region were the sites of observation during January 2014 to December 2015 and designated as S-1, S-2, S-3 and S-4 respectively. Pistia stratiote, Ceratophyllum demersum, Eleodea Canadensis, Azolla spp. and Duck weed were observed in visibly bulkier form in different sites in the catchment areas. Countered zone formation, culture and harvesting can be suggested in a systematic way on commercial basis in the areas of natural growth of these macrophytes in the shallow water margins of catchment areas of Bhopal's upper lake can be beneficial to small communities especially women who rely on local fisheries and aquaculture based livelihood.

2 illus, 32 ref

017428   Delrieux C A;Odorico P;Ridriguez L; Cipolletti M P;Marcovecchio D (Laboratorio de Ciencias de las Imaagenes, Departamento de Ingenieria E, - Universidad Nacional del Sur, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniria Electrica-CONICET, - Alem 1253 - Bahia Blanca - Argentina, Email: cad@uns.edu.ar) : Real-time vessel and oil spill detection in the argentine ocean littoral using SAR satellite imagery. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(9), 1101-9.

This study describe the theoretical foundations and implementation details of AMTO (Ambiente de MonitoreoTerrestre-Oceanico), a system specifically designed to take advantage of the SAR imagery delivered by satellite constellations, to provide real-time detection of vessels and oil spills.

8 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

017427   Das P K;Das B P;Dash P (Centre for Biotechnology, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan Univ, Bhubaneswar-751 003, Email: patitapabandash@soauniversity.ac.in) : Hexavalent chromium induced toxicity and its remediation using macrophytes. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 92-8.

Hexavalent chromium is a stable toxic metallic element. Mostly, released from various anthropogenic activities, expresses its toxicity on living organisms and their surroundings. Its high toxicity on living organisms might have been due to its solubility in wide ranges of pH. Hexavalent chromium expresses its toxicity in the forms, such as, reduction in seed germination rate, growth, biomass and photosynthetic yields of plants. It is also responsible for increase in reactive oxygen species, changes in ploidy level of cells, expression of genomic instability and carcinogenesis. In the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the toxicity of hexavalent chromium and to search for an eco-friendly and cost effective mechanism to reduce its toxicity. The study reveals the major findings like contamination of air, water and soil by the release of hexavalent chromium mostly from - 23 - anthropogenic sources directly and indirectly. Exceeding the prescribed limit it initiates adverse effects on living organisms. In the present context, macrophytes having hyper-accumulation ability have the possibility of reducing chromium toxicity and related health and environmental hazards. Based on the present study, a mechanism is proposed for the reduction of toxicity of hexavalent chromium in the environment using targeted macrophytes.

3 illus, 46 ref

017426   Chen H J;Liu G X (NO, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology (Ocean Univ of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, P. R. China, Email: gxliu@ouc.edu.cn) : Biodiversity of pelagic copepod in the yellow sea and east china sea. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(9), 1086-93.

A total of 265 copepod species belong to 70 genera, 33 families and 5 orders were identified during 4 surveys in the study area. Copepod diversity varied significantly in different seasons, and the distribution patterns were quite different between Yellow Sea and East China Sea. Species richness, evenness and taxonomic diversity were significantly higher in East China Sea, whereas taxonomic distinctness was significantly higher in the Yellow Sea. Based on the present surveys combined with previous studies, the master list of pelagic copepods in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea were set up, and its hierarchical diversity was analyzed. Total Taxonomic Distinctness (sΔ⁺) in four seasons were calculated. Funnel plots with 95% confidence limits for both Average Taxonomic Distinctness (Δ⁺) and Variation in Taxonomic Distinctness (Λ⁺) and the ellipse plots with 95% probability contours for the joint distribution of Δ⁺ and Λ⁺ of the pelagic copepods master list of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea were established, and the theoretical mean value of Δ⁺ is 84.3.

7 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

017425   Chammireddy;Reddy A K;Reddy V S K;Sukeerth G;Reddy R K (Civil Engineering Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ College of Engineering, Tirupathi-517 502, Email: anilenviron1@gmail.com) : Verification of mathematical models for road traffic noise prediction of Tirupati town at bliss circle. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 81-5.

Current increase in population growth have resulted in an increased transportation demand worldwide. Due to increasing motorization and Transport network, the noise level has exceeded the prescribed limits in many Indian cities. Migration of people from rural to urban areas, expansion of cities, infrastructure development, population growth and urbanization are important factors resulting in motorization and consequent increase in levels of various urban noise pollution. Traffic Noise pollution is an interfering air-pollutant which possesses both auditory and a host of non-auditory effects on the exposed population. Since there is no medicine to cure hearing loss, prevention to over exposure is the only alternative left. Therefore, the control of road traffic has become a matter of major concern for communities trying to maintain a satisfactory living and working environment. Traffic control systems - 22 - used in modern cities can solve many traffic problems such as traffic jams, traffic incidents, delays, parking, fuel consumption, noise emission, air emission, and others. One such system, among other things, must include the model for traffic flows imitation and traffic noise prediction model. By using a traffic noise prediction model, one can calculate and examine the noise level in the processes of planning and designing. The present study measures traffic volume and noise levels during the peak traffic flow in the selected area of Tirupati town. The traffic volume studies are carried out by means of manual methods prescribed by Indian Standards and noise levels are measured following standard procedure using Sound Pressure Level Meter. The obtaining results are used to validate the existing mathematical models for the prediction of noise levels of Tirupati town.

5 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

017424   Biswas S;Banafar A S (National Cave Research and Protection Organization, Central Laboratory, Raipur-492 001, Email: sid@caves.res.in) : Bildwar gufa:a derelict cave on the way of natural rehabilitation centre for microchiropteran (bats). Ambient Sci 2017, 4(2), 42-3.

3 illus, 8 ref

017423   Bishnoi R K (Zoology Dep, Ch. Ballu Ram Godara Govt, Girls (P.G.) College, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan) : Sedimentation studies of lotic water (the gang canal) in north- western Rajasthan, India. Int J Fauna biol Stud 2017, 4(5), 20-4.

The sedimentation in Gang canal was studied with a specific aim to know its siltation rate, composition of sedimentation and the total sediment deposits that occurred during the existence of the canal for the last 65 years. In the sediments, the total sand was 50 to 95 percent; silt and clay come next in the order of abundance. Within the category of sand, the medium sand ranged from its total absence to 2.5%, very fine sand 17.5% to 37.5% and fine sand was 31%-63%. The gross total annual sediment load comes to 34525.2 MT. Seasonally the load is more during monsoon months followed by winter months and load was lowest summer months. The average deposition per square meter works out to 0.082562 tones/m²/year (i.e.82.562 kg/m²/year). Statistically it was found that each sediment component is directly proportional and thus related to the total sediment. In the case of Gang canal, with its shallowing by the sediment deposition of approximately 60 cm width during last 65 years, the water carrying capacity might have been reduced roughly by 20-30%.

4 tables, 25 ref

017422   Bhojvia A K;Gupta A K;Tyagi N;Gupta M K; Sharma S (Environmental Enginnering Dep, Delhi Technological Univ, Shabad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, New Delhi-110 042, Email: amitbhojvia3@gmail.com) : Soil contamination due to CR, CD and PB at the upstream and downstream stretch of Yamuna river in Delhi, India. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 65-72.

The soil samples were collected from the periphery of the Yamuna River to study the exposure levels at Delhi stretch of the Yamuna River to judge the limit up to which these heavy metals contaminated and permeated into the soil. These samples were collected from two different locations, at every 5 meters between two barrages (Wazirabad Barrage and Okhla Barrage) of the river and then analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Flame) by Analytik Jena. The average load on soil due to Cd, Cr and Pb is 7.0925 mgkg^-1, 127.525 mgkg^-1 and 23.5325 mg kg^-1 at Wazirabad Barrage respectively. And the average load on soil due to Cd, Cr, and Pb is 19.355 mgkg^-1, 104.45 mgkg^-1, and - 21 - 32.63 mgkg^-1 at Okhla Barrage respectively which unveiled that the amount of heavy metal which is permeated into the soil has been significantly contaminated by the toxic elements at both Wazirabad Barrage and Okhla Barrage, the concentration of heavy metals is higher than the maximum contaminant level corresponding to threshold and guideline value for heavy metals in soil. In order to ameliorate the quality of soil, mitigation plan should be prepared by the provident government bodies to compel from these toxic metals.

3 illus, 7 tables, 27 ref

017421   Baskar S;Chalia S;Baskar R (Environmental Studies, School of Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies (SOITS), Ind, New Delhi-110 068, Email: rbaskaragjuhisar@yahoo.com) : Microbes identified from some caves of bastar, Chattisgarh and their biocalcifying abilities. Ambient Sci 2017, 4(2), 38-9.

1 table, 19 ref

017420   Bajcinovci B;Jerliu F (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Prishtina Univ, Prishtina, Kosovo, Email: florina.jerliu@uni-pr.edu) : Impact on pollution and urban liveability- abandoned quarries. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 22-7.

The study presented in this paper investigated the abandoned quarries and their influences on environment and urban live ability in Vasileva region. The overall assessment is that the environmental degradation and pollution from mining activities in Kosovo is quite a serious problem. Variety of mineral resources, has influenced the development of more rapid activities in this sector, but unfortunately, utilization of control and disposal of waste material cause many environmental damages and concerns, but also security problems for the community in those localities. However, in the last decade, there is a serious problem of illegal exploitation of numerous quarries, which have degraded the entire surface, environment, creating very harsh landscapes, but also a high-risk area for the community. These problems require a serious review, analysis and implementation of protective measures such as re-cultivation, but also a long-term monitoring. Reclamation of degraded abandoned quarries represents the final part of mining activities, and therefore means to undertake complex activities: geological, mining, urban, biotechnical, biological, architectonic. In Kosovo it is necessary to develop a full re-cultivation of such mining activities, respectively, reclamation to be successful it must legally have generated by the law. Which is not the case actually. Any other improvisation and direction, taking gradually in stages, will result with a depression of environment and degraded condition of public health. The analysis from this research proposes the need for implementation of environmental law guidelines. By incorporating the new strategies in the legal guidelines and encourage the rehabilitation, it is expected to have a significant positive impact in communities and the environment of Kosovo.

10 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

017419   Alsaffar N M (Market research center and consumer protection, Baghdad Univ, Iraq, Email: bncnbu@gmail.com) : Assess the environmental impact of household waste recycled and finally neglect by landfill or incineration. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(2), 402-8.

The research contend 100 questionnaire included number of family, average weekly consumer of guns (metals, plastic, glass), average weekly consumer of plastic bages, no. of disposal waste, no. of phone cards monthly, disposal of electrical and electronic waste, and study the effect on environment.

3 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

017418   Allwin D;Ganesan M (Civil Engineering Dep, Noorul Islam Univ, Kumaracoil-629 180, Email: winniu@ymail.com) : Delineation of permeable zone for effective desilting of irrigation tank to enhance the recharge capacity. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 77-80.

Irrigation Tanks are part of an ancient tradition of harvesting and preserving the local rainfall and water from streams and rivers for later use, primarily for agriculture and drinking water, but also for sacred bathing and ritual. The purposes for which tanks have been developed over the years have been lost mainly because of silting up of the tank among other factors. Geophysical survey was conducted in the deepest portion of the tank to delineate highly permeable zone for desilting. In that permeable zone, infiltration test were carried out at different location and depth. Soil samples were collected at each location on both the tank where the infiltration tests were carried out and finally soil texture analysis have been carried out in the laboratory. Based on these, a methodology is suggested for selective desilting of tanks to increase recharge capacity at minimal cost.

5 illus, 5 ref

017417   Ali T A;Mortula M M;Atabay S (Civil Engineering Dep, American Univ of Sharjah, Sharjah, PO Box 26666 United Arab Emirates (UAE), Email: atarig@aus.edu) : Monitoring and assessment of water quality of a coastal lake using high resolution imagery and GIS. Pollut Res 2017, 36(1), 8-17.

Dubai has been an example of rapid development in recent years, adversely affecting water quality in the surrounding areas. One such effect is the reoccurring algal bloom (high chlorophyll-a concentration) in Dubai Creek, a coastal lake in Dubai. The objectives of this study were to retrieve chlorophyll-a from Dubai Sat-1 imagery and to further investigate its relationship to different nutrients in the creek. Spectral models of chlorophyll-a were developed from two DubaiSat-1 images acquired in 2010 and 2011. The models showed high correlation (R-squared values of 87.7%and 89.1%, respectively) with field water quality data collected at the monitoring stations operated by Dubai Municipality. Exploratory Regression (ER) analysis was then performed in GIS to study the relationship between spectral-based chlorophyll-a and nutrients. Although the ER analysis showed low overall correlation, relatively high R-squared values were obtained at the Sewage Treatment Plant outfall location.

8 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

017416   Akbari P;Sadrinasab M;Bateni F (NO, Khorramshar Univ of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshar, Iran, Email: pakbari91@yahoo.com) : Three-dimensional numerical modeling study of thermal pollution and its effect on dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(9), 1116-22.

There are large volume of industrial activities in Bushehr coast (Iran). To study thermal pollution and its effects on dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll in this area, the COHERENS has been employed based on a vertical sigma coordinate. The model has been applied 120 x 40 grid and 5 sigma level from the surface to the bottom. The Cartesian lateral grid spaces are Δx = 1 km (east-west direction) and Δy = 1 km. We included an ecological part of the model to calculate oxygen and chlorophyll variations in the domain. The model is forced by tidal data extracted from Persian Gulf tide table and climatological monthly mean atmospheric forces (wind speed, air temperature, humidity, cloud cover, and precipitation) derived from 54 years (1952-2006) of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) data. Findings of the model suggest that temperature, oxygen and chlorophyll concentration change with the discharging of heated water in the study area. In order to prevent this pollution and its destructive impacts, similar studies can be performed before - 19 - construction of industrial units and power plants.

13 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

017415   Aden N (NO, World Resources Institute, 10 G Street NE Suite 800, Washington, DC 20002-4213, Unites States) : Roads to decoupling: 21 countries to reduce carbon emissions while growing GDP. Indian J Pwr River Valley Dev 2016, 66(3-4), 58-9.

A recent International Energy Agency report on how energy-related emissions have "decoupled" from economic growth over the last two years was widely cited last month. WR1 analyst Nate Aden dug into this area further and discovered a startling new fact - since 2000, over 20 countries have successfully curbed their emissions while boosting their GDP. The countries ranged from Austria to Uzbekistan and includes Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom.

1 illus, 1 table

017414   Abdul Bari J;Vennila G;Subramani T;Suresh M; Karunanidhi D;Shanmuga Raja T M (Civil Engineering Dep, K.S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode-637 215, Email: ursabdul@gmail.com) : Hydrogeochemical investigation of groundwater in bhavani taluk, Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India using GIS. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(9), 1154-61.

Groundwater samples were collected at 46 different locations in the study area during pre-monsoon season (2013), and the samples were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters like pH, conductance, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, carbonate, bicarbonate, fluoride, chloride, sulphate, etc. Analytical results were compared with WHO water quality standards to assess the suitability of groundwater samples for drinking purposes. It is observed that, for some of the groundwater quality parameters, the values are not potable for drinking use. To understand the spatial distribution of suitable zones, ArcGIS was employed. Attributes were linked and spatial interpolation mapping was done. Inverse distance weighted Interpolation technique was followed for raster and vector mapping.

12 illus, 6 tables, 28 ref

016439   Zhang L;Zhang P;Wang M;Yang K;Liu J (School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan Univ, Wuhan-430000, China, Email: 344044154@qq.com) : Research on the experiment of reservoir water treatment applying ultrafiltration membrane technology of different processes. J envir Biol 2016, 37(5), 1007-12.

The processes and effects of coagulation-ultrafiltration (C-UF) and coagulation sedimentation-ultrafiltration (CS-UF) process used in the treatment of Dalangdian Reservoir water were compared. The experiment data indicated that 99% of turbidity removal and basically 100% of microorganism and algae removal were achieved in both C-UF and CS-UF process. The organic removal effect of CS-UF process was slightly better than C-UF process. However, the organic removal effect under different processes was not obvious due to limitation of ultrafiltration membrane aperture. Polyaluminium chloride was taken as a coagulant in water plant. The aluminum ion removal result revealed that coagulant dosage was effectively saved by using membrane technology during megathermal high algae laden period. Within the range of certain reagent concentration and soaking time, air-water backwashing of every filtration cycle of membrane was - 24 - conducted to effectively reduce membrane pollution. Besides, maintenance cleaning was conducted every 60 min. whether or not restorative cleaning was conducted depends on the pollution extent. After cleaning, recovery of membrane filtration effect was obvious.

7 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

016438   Yadav P;Garg V K;Singh B;Mor S (Centre for Radio-ecology, Guru Jambheshwar Univ of Science and Technology, Hisar-125 001, Email: vinodkgarg@yahoo.com) : Assessment of bio-concentration factor of heavy metals in indian soil-crop system. J scient ind Res 2017, 76(6), 381-5.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in different agricultural products in soil-crop systems has fascinated pervasive attention in yester years due to food safety issues. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of different soil parameters on bio-concentration of heavy metals' from soil to pearl millet grains. For the purpose, heavy metals were quantified in pearl millet grains and corresponding fields' rhizospheric soil samples from different study sites in Haryana, India. The mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe and Cu in pearl miller garins were found to be 0.50, 6.74, 3.86, 49.72, 142.0 and 10.17 mg kg^-1 respectively. Pearl millet showed capacity to transfer essential metals Zn and Cu from soil to grains while showed a restricting effect to the uptake of Co and Cr. Further multivariate statistical techniques like correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were applied to the data for supplementary and qualitative evaluation of inter-dependences among the studied parameters. Bio-concentration factors of all the studied heavy metals in pearl millet grains showed significant negative correlations with their respective soils' total metal concentrations. The results revealed lesser metal uptake with increasing soil total metal concentrations. Inspite of the variability in the characteristic of investigated soils, significant correlations among soil quality parameters and metal accumulation in grains were recorded. Cluster analysis revealed formation of many primary cluster pairs such as EC- Na, CEC- Ca, BCF_Ni - Cu_s, BCF_Fe - TOC, BCF_zn - EC, BCF_Pb - pH, BCF_Cu - Na and Cd_S- Pb_s etc.

1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

016437   Thapliyal M;Tiwari P;Sati B;Anthwal P; Chakraborti A;Thapliyal A (Zoology Dep, Government College, Raipur, Uttarakhand, Email: ashish.thapliyal@geu.ac.in) : Comparative analysis of physico-chemical parameters of water in main river channel of river Ganges after dam wall of Maneri Bhali Phase I and Phase II hydroelectric power projects. Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 544-53.

River Ganges is one of most important river of India that originates in Uttarakhand and has several tributaries. Natural resources of this river system are being harnessed indiscriminately including development of Hydroelectric Power Projects (HEPs). To increase power output from HEPs water is routed into the tunnels for turbines and because of this the main river channel after dam wall witnesses' huge fluctuations in water levels. We compared changes in physico-chemical parameters of water, before and after dam wall, at two HEPs sites - Maneri Bhali Phase I and Phase II located in district Uttarakhand. All parameters measured showed significant changes in water quality parameters at both the sirtes after dam wall. Maximum values of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD, 5 day), after the dam wall, at both the study sites have crossed 4.62±0.01 mg L^-1, which is alarming. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) was within prescribed limits but maximum DO before the dam wall as 13.4±0.03 mg L^-1 while maximum DO observed after the dam wall was 9.53±0.03 mg L^-1. Maximum water temperature changed from 17°C before dam wall to 19°C after dam wall while minimum values of 5°C before wall changed to 7°C after dam wall. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) also clearly shows that critical factors before and after dam wall vary and at Meneri Bhali - 23 - Phase I and a clear pattern of changes have been established. Our observations suggest that river discharge after dam wall into the main channel needs to be regulated more stringently to avoid ecological catastrophe.

1 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

016436   Thakur A (Chemistry Dep, Amrita School of Engineering, Bangalore, Email: t_amrita@blr.amrita.edu) : Study of ambient air quality trends and analysis of contributing factors in Bangalore, India. Oriental J Chem 2017, 33(2), 1051-6.

Presence of certain substances in air adversely affects human health, environment and climate. These chemicals are mainly added due to human activities. Maintaining air quality requires regular monitoring, identification of source of pollution and adoption of preventive measure. Bangalore a city in India has grown in size and population recently due to growth of IT industry. This rapid growth and related civic activity has affected its ecological services. The objective of this study is to identify air pollution trend in Bangalore and investigate the factors contributing towards it. Data for analysis has been obtained from state pollution control board website and has been used without any modification. Three criteria pollutants measured regularly and for longest period of time, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and respirable particulate matter (PM₁₀) have been investigated for air quality analysis.

4 illus, 25 ref

016435   Roopavathi K V;Shanthakumar S (Environmental Engineering Lab, School of Civil and Chemical Engineering, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: shanthakumar.s@vit.ac.in) : Adsorption capacity of Curcuma longa for the removal of basic green1 dye - equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic study. J envir Biol 2016, 37(5), 979-84.

In the present study, Curcuma longa (turmeric plant) was used as an adsorbent to remove Basic Green 1 (BG) dye. Batch study was carried out to evaluate the adsorption potential of C. longa and influencing factors such as pH (4-10), adsorbent dose (0.2-5 g l^-1), initial dye concentration (50-250 mg l^-1) and temperature (30-50°C) on dye removal were analysed. The characterisation of adsorbent was carried out using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) method. Isotherm models that included Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich, and kinetic models such as pseudo first order, pseudo second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models were studied. A maximum - 22 - removal percentage (82.76%) of BG dye from aqueous solution was obtained with optimum conditions of pH 7, 1g l^-1 adsorbent dose and 30°C temperature, for 100 mg l^-1 initial dye concentration. The equilibrium and kinetic study revealed that the experimental data fitted suitably the Freundlich isotherm and Pseudo second order kinetic model. Thermodynamic analysis proved that adsorption system in this study was spontaneous, feasible and endothermic in nature.

5 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

016434   Rathor G;Chopra N;Adhikari T (Chemistry Dep, Government M.V.M., Bhopal-462 001, Email: gopal.rathor8@gmail.com) : Remediation of nickel ion from soil and water using nano particles of zero-valent iron (nZVI). Oriental J Chem 2017, 33(2), 1025-9.

The management of nickel contaminated soil and water is a major current environmental issue. The main reason for pollution of the environment with nickel is the use of metal complexes in industry, agriculture and household. Nickel kept under environmental pollutant category due to their toxic effects in plants, human and food. There were more methods applicable for heavy metals removal are ion-exchange, adsorption by activated carbon, carbon nanotubes or bioadsorbents, membrane filtration or electrochemical processes. Each method has its limitations, from high investment or operational costs to low removal efficiency and big volume of produced sludge. Nanotechnology offers a number of emerging techniques much more effective and less costly that could work to immobilize contaminants. In the present study, nanoparticles zero valent iron was used to nickel removal from polluted soil and water. Nanopartcles of Zero-valet Iron was synthesized in lab using bottom-up with 0.1M FeSO₄, 0.05M EDTA and 0.75M NaBH₄ solutions. TEM, SEM, DLS, DLS zeta, XRD and BET techniques were used to characterization of nZVI. The black coloured synthesized nanoparticles proved to have very small size (less than 100 nm), zeta potential -9.9mv, Surface area 20.96 m2/g. In this study we found that reduced the nickel content in spiked water up to 97% when the water is treated with nZVI (100mg/10 ml of water) while in the case of spiked soil, nickel remediation was recorded nearly 85% after treatment of nZVI (100mg/10 g of soil).The safely ability of iron to act as an electron donor or reducing agent.

6 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref