009389   Saroukhani A;Shahbazi M (Technical and Engineering Dep, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Zanjan, Iran, Email: abolfazlsarokhani1395@gmail.com) : Impact of environmental and regional factors on the vernacular architecture: special reference to city of Qazvin. Ambient Sci 2017, 4(1), 13-15.

Iranian architecture has an ancient history.In certain cases, universally it serves as the root principles of the architectural. In fact, the environment and the ambient circumstances, customs and culture play an important role in creating a sustainable architecture. Understanding the vernacular architecture of the city means cognition of society. Stability existed in the traditional architecture because it was created by own domestic people. Also, the sustainable architecture is eco-friendly in nature. The aim of this article is to review the effect of regional and environmental factors on vernacular architecture forms (The case of study is Qazvin). The current study is descriptive - analytical in which we analysed and discussed the various aspects of vernacular architecture impacted by environmental and regional factors. One of the effective ways to achieve climatic design principles is reviewing the vernacular architecture patterns in the compatibility with the environment and region. Studying the parameters such as orientation, form and architectural elements in the native home of Qazvin indicates the developments in environmental issues and trying to take advantage of it.

1 illus, 12 ref

009388   Sarnya A;Brindha K (Civil Engineering Dep, College of Engineering Univ, Anna Univ-Thoothukudi Campus-628 008, Email: a.saranindu@gmail.com) : Assessment of hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater for drinking and agricultural purpose along the coastal areas of Chennai city, India. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 411-16.

Groundwater samples from 18 locations were collected between December 2008 and March 2009 in ilie coastal areas of Chennai city along the Buckingham canal in Tamil Nadu, India. The quality of groundwater in this area has been analysed for drinking purposes by comparing the physical and chemical parameters with WHO standards. Further, the suitability of groundwater in this region for agriculture was evaluated based on sodium adsorption ratio and percent sodium. The present study reveals that quality of groundwater is found to be unsuitable for consumption at various sampling locations. For irrigational purpose, the groundwater quality was found suitable only at few places.

3 illus, 8 tables, 14 ref

009387   Sanjay Kumar;Jeane M;Rajpaul;Ram Prakash; Sharma S K;Jhorar R K (Soil and Water Engineering, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 001, Email: sanjay7228@yahoo.com) : Hydrochemical analysis and evaluation of groundwater quality of Ellenabad block of Sirsa district, India. Asian J Chem 2017, 29(1), 129-32.

Chemical analysis of groundwater for a region is very important to the irrigation engineers and policy makers for site specific management of this important natural resource. Therefore, a study was planned to work out the chemical composition (Na^{+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, CO₃2-, HCO₃-, Cl-, SO₄2-) and other quality parameters (pH, EC, SAR and RSC) of groundwater (117 samples) for Ellenbad block of Sirsa district, Haryana. Sodium and chloride were found as major anion and cation, respectively, in the groundwater samples. Through this chemical analysis, the groundwater quality of the block was interpreted according to three different classification criteria i.e. AICRP, USSL and Piper to check its suitability for irrigation purpose. To study the spatial distribution of different parameters (EC, pH and water quality according to AICRP criteria), thematic maps were generated using inverse distance technique in geographic information system. According to AICRP criteria, out of seven categories, maximum 44.4 % of samples were found in good and minimum 6.8 % were found in saline as well as in marginally alkali categories. According to USSL criteria, groundwater quality of the block was observed under C2S1, C3S1, C3S2, C4S2, C3S3, C4S3 and C4S4 categories. According to Piper criteria, 25.6 % samples was under good category (Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl- and Ca2+-Na+-HCO₃- type) suitable for irrigation and 74.4% was under poor category (Na+-Cl- type) unsuitable for irrigation.}

4 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

009386   Sangolkar L N;Kalawapaudi K Y;Khedkar S A (Environmental Impact & Risk Assessment Div, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI, Nehru Marg-440 020, Email: In_sangolkar@neeri.res.in) : Microcystin ecotypes of the genus Microcystis identified from lake Ambazari at Nagpur (M.S.), India. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(1), 16-25.

Early prediction of harmful algal blooms and toxic cyanobacteria is a worldwide thrust area as they pose a serious threat to health of humans, domestic animals and livestock. Toxic and non-toxic strains of cyanobacteria do not show any predictable morphological difference which makes characterisation of toxic species difficult. In view of this, the study aims at early prediction of toxic cyanobacteria in water resource, Lake Ambazari at Nagpur, known for occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms (TCBs), using molecular tools. This was the first attempt towards gene-based detection of potential toxic cyanobacteria in water resources of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Molecular analysis of the Phycocyanine Intergenic Spacer (PC-IGS) and 16S rRNA region using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected cyanobacteria and Microcystic in studied lake water. Further analysis of plankton biomass using PCR primers for mcy genes identified shoreline distribution of MC synthetase genes, mcyB and mcyE, in 80% of the studied sites. Microcystic aeruginosa was revealed as dominant organism by microscopic examination of the water samples. The present investigation yielded a stepwise screening method for detection of toxic cyanobacteria where extraction of DNA by chloroform-isoamyl alcohol (CI) method using glassbead was found to be efficient and cost-effective among other DNA extraction methods.

4 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

009385   Rinanti A;Astuti D I;Dewi K;Kardena E (Environmental Engineering Dep, Trisakti Univ, Jakarta, Indonesia, Email: astririnanti@trisakti.ac.id) : Enhancing the efficiency of carbon dioxide removal by synergizing constructed microalgae consortium in closed system photobioreactor. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 339-44.

Association of microalgae culture seems a promising technology for sustainable algal biomass and biological removal of carbon dioxide. The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere is considered to be one of the main causes of global warming. Biological CO₂ sequetration has been extensively investigated as part of efforts to solve the problem. Microalgae are fast growing systems that can consume high quantities of CO₂ to produce different types of metabolite products. Specific goals of this study was to evaluate and analyze about CO₂ removal ability between single culture and mixed culture that were capable of tolerating up to 7% CO₂ (gas phase) concentrations. In the first step of the work, the growth of single culture microalgae was studied in a vertical tubular photobioreactor with different levels of a CO₂concentration supplied. The second stage, constructed consortium consisted of three photosynthetic microalgae species isolated from BojongSoang Waste Water Treatment Plant, which are Chlorella sp, Scenedesmuso bliquus and Ankistrodesmus sp, growth in vertical tubular photobioreactor, with operational condition were 25oC, 2500 lux light intensity, 8 L min^{-1 CO₂ flow rate, was evaluated and thenrates of carbon removal were determined. The study showed that single culture as well as mixed culture could live tolerately and grew well in high CO₂ concentration. Due to indications of dry biomass, growth rate and CO₂ removal efficiency, the photo bioreactor with supply 5% CO₂ concentration was the best condition. However, mixed culture has higher removal efficiency of CO₂, that was up to 19.13%, than single culture of Chlorella sp. Scenedesmus sp, and Ankistrodemus, that were 17.74; 8.36; 16.93 respectively. The mixed culture with CO₂ concentration supply of 5% also has the highest dry biomass (g.L-1) and growth rate (μ; day-1) which are 1.14 and 0.21, respectively.}

s, 2 tables, 27 ref

009384   Richard R K;Omondi D O;Wairimu M A;Maingi M S (Envoriomental Sciences Dep, Egerton Univ, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya, Email: escinho@yahoo.co.uk) : Influence of rainfall intensity of faecal contamination in river Nyangores of Mara basin, Kenya: an eco-healt integrity perspective. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 281-9.

River Nyangoresis one of the major perennial tributaries of the famous Mara River. Rise in anthropogenic activities coupled with environmental factors have posed an effect onits water quality. This study investigated the influence of rainfall intensity on microbiological water quality of River Nyangores. It involved the use of Membrane Filtration Technique and Heterotrophic Plate Count to determine the densities of total coliforms, Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella spp. And total heterotrophic bacteria. Physico-chemical parameters of the water were also measured. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS software with 95% confident level. The results indicated that variation in rainfall events has an influence on the densities of faecal and easily degradable organic matter contaminants P<0.05. The study showed the need for better understanding and inclusion of hydrological characteristics of Nyangores River in improving its bacteriological water quality for its efficient ecological integrity restoration.

s, 1 table, 24 ref

009383   Ray D;Babu E V S S K;Surya Prakash L (CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004) : Nature of suspended particles in Hydrothermal plume at 3°40'N Carlsberg Ridge: a comparison with deep oceanic suspended matter. Curr Sci 2017, 112(1), 139-46.

Suspended matter from hydrothermal plume at 3°40'N Carlsberg Ridge was studied for microtexture and geochemistry. Characteristics of these plume particles were compared with deep-oceanic particulates from different depths. Compared to fine, deep-oceanic suspended matter (≤2.0 μ/m), some particles in the plume were larger (≤20 μ.m) and had irregular shape and surface. These plume particles were mostly composed of Fe-oxides and silicates. Bulk composition showed that plume particles were relatively enriched with Fe, P, Mn, rare earth elements (except Ce) and U, but had other trace element concentration analogous to that found in deep-oceanic suspended matter. Efficient scavenging of elements from hydrothermal fluid and sea water makes geochemistry of plume particulates different from common oceanic particles.

6 illus, 3 table, 20 ref

009382   Ratnamala M;Rahul M;Sameer S;Vaani M;Omkar; Devdatt T (Chemical Engineering Dep, KLE Society's, Dr.M.S. Sheshagiri College of Engineering and Technolog, Udyambag, Belgaum-590 008, Email: ratna_chem@yahoo.com) : Column studies for removal of acid yellow dye 17 from synthetic water using activated saw dust. Asian J Chem 2017, 29(1), 191-5.

Continuous fixed-bed studies were undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of activated saw dust powder as an adsorbent for the removal of Acid yellow 17 from aqueous solution under the effect of various process parameters like bed depth (10-20 cm), flow rate (6-10 mL/min) and initial concentrations (10-30 mg/L) of Acid yellow 17. The results showed that the total adsorbed quantities and equilibrium uptake decreased with increasing flow rate and increased with increasing inlet Acid yellow 17 concentration. The results showed that the column performed well at low flow rate. Also, breakthrough time and exhaustion time increased with increasing bed depth. Thomas model was applied to the adsorption of Acid yellow 17 at different bed depths, flow rates and inlet concentrations to predict the breakthrough curves and to determine the characteristic parameters of the column that are useful for process design. The model prediction was in good agreement with the experimental results at all the process parameters studied indicating that they were most suitable for activated saw dust column design.

7 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

009381   Rathi A K A (Anchor Institute for Infrastructure, Faculty of Planning and Public Po, CEPT University, Kasturbhai Lalbhai Campus, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380 009, Email: drakarathi@gmail.com) : Common environmental infrastructure: case of study on the management of common effluent treatment plants. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(2), 172-82.

Concept of common environmental infrastructure including common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) became popular in India due to several driving forces. A large number of small and medium enterprises located in industrial agglomerate joined hands in setting up such facilities with financial assestance from Government. A study is made on the management of eight CETPs located in different industrial estates in Gujarat (India) manufacturing a wide range of chemicals, Various parameters including management styles of CETP operating agencies, wastewater collection and disposal mechanism, design and operating hydraulic as well as pollution load in terms of BOD and COD, capacity utilization, operational efficiency, sludge generation, capital as well as operating costs involved, etc. are compared. Such facilities play a vital role in promoting industrial clusters, especially for small and medium enterprises in developing countries.

14 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

009380   Rastogi N;Patel A (Geoscience Div, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad-380 009, Email: nrastogi@prl.res.in) : Oxidative potencial of ambient aerosols: An Indian perspective. Curr Sci 2017, 112(1), 35-9.

Aerosols are tiny particles suspended in ambient air and therefore follow the air transport pathway. Many species present in ambient aerosols such as transition metals or some organics have the potential to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ. These ROS affect oxidizing capacity of llie atmosphere. On inhalation, aerosols can generate ROS in the respiratory system of humans, which may result in a variety of cardiopulmonary diseases. Further, ROS can also affect plant growth and productivity. India has a wide variety of pollutant sources with perennial emissions. Although there are reasonable number of studies on the physical, chemical and optical properties ol aerosols, virtually no information is available on the oxidative potential of ambient aerosols and its consequences. Therefore, it is important to assess the oxidative potential of ambient aerosols on a temporal and spatial scale over sites dominated by different emission sources and meteorological conditions in India.

2 illus, 31 ref

009379   Ramezani M;Karami M;Sarang A (Environmental Engineering Dep, Graduate Faculty of Environment, Tehran Univ, Tehran, Iran) : One-dimensional transport simulation of pollutants in natural streams. Ambient Sci 2016, 3(2), 42-7.

Rivers are the main sources of freshwater systems which governments need to manage and plan to maintain them as per an acceptable quality. In this research, a numerical scheme was used and implemented in MATLAB to provide a one-dimensional water quality tool. This code then was tested with two datasets of Chattahoochee and Mackinaw rivers. To evaluate the model performance, results and sampled data were checked in terms of conformity by using three metrics: CE, MARE, and RMSE. Results were almost near to observed data and metrics' values were found satisfactory, showing that the employed numerical approach is an appropriate method for surface water quality planning and management.

5 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

009378   Ramamurthy N;Balasaraswathy S; Sivasakthivelan P (Physics Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Email: drnramamurthy@gmail.com) : Eco-friendly decolorization and degradation studies on textile effluent by Trametes versicolor. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 459-62.

Azo dyes are frequently used in textile industries and account for nearly 70% of dye market. Many physical and chemical methods are available to treat textile effluent but they are expensive and form hazardous by-products. But microbiological degradation of textile effluent is an eco-friendly and cost-effective technology. Most of the fungi are robust organisms which are generally more tolerant to high concentration of pollutants. White rot fungi degrade the pollutants by their enzymes which have wide range of substrate specificity. In this study, Trametes versicolor was selected for the degradation studies on textile effluent. Spectroscopic analyses were made at 24 hours interval. Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometric study showed complete disappearance of visible region peak (480nm) indicating the degradation of textile dyes. This was further confirmed by Fourier Transform-InfraRed Spectroscopic studies which indicate the break up of azo bond at 48 hours of fungal treatment.

2 illus, 23 ref

009377   Ram D K;Behera A K;Sahoo A;Tiwari A K (Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela-769 008) : Role of bed materials on yield of hydrogen through gasification of waste materials. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2016, 6(1), 29-39.

The process of biomass gasification was carried out in a fluidized bed gasifier by using different waste materials like waste paper, vegetable peels, rice husk, coconut coir and sugarcane bagasse as feed materials. The effect of bed materials on product gas or syngas produced was analysed by using different inert materials such as silica sand, dolomite, redmud and their mixtures in different proportions by weight using a fluidized bed gasifier. The catalytic effects of different bed materials were found to affect the yield of Hydrogen in the product gas produced from different feed samples. The process of gasification was carried out in the temperature range of 500-8000C. The bed materials were sized to a size range of 400-500micron. The feed samples were pre-treated by drying to remove the moisture content up to the desire level i.e. to 6-8%. The syngas produced was analyzed by a portable gas analyzer. It was found that the yield of hydrogen in the syngas increases with the increase in temperature and with the amount of red mud in red mud-sand mixture. The yields of other components of syngas, viz. CO₂, CH₄ and CO were observed to decrease slightly with increase in temperature. It is further observed that in 50:50 proportions by weight red mud-sand mixture yields more hydrogen than other bed materials which implies that red mud-sand mixture imparts more catalytic effects than other combinations of bed materials used in the gasifier.

5 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

009376   Rajamanickam R;Ethiraju J T C (Environmental Engineer, Tamol Nadu Pollution Control Board, Chennai-600 032, Email: rajmak20@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of environmental quality of SIPCOT industrial complex, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu through CEPI. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 383-98.

Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) is a rational number to characterize the environmental quality at a given location following the algorithm of source, pathway and receptor. Increasing value of CEPI indicates severe adverse effects on environment and also is an indication of large percentage of population experiencing health hazards. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has assessed CEPI for 88 industrial clusters in the country. Based on the CEPI score the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India has notified 43 clusters having CEPI scores of 70 and above as critically polluted areas and imposed a moratorium on new projects and for expansion of the existing units. SIPCOT Industrial Complex, Cuddalore is one among them having CEPI score of 77.25. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) insisted the industries to come out with time bound action plan to cut down pollution. The industries have implemented various measures to reduce pollution level in air, water and land environment. CEPI score was reassessed and it was brought down below 70. MoEF lifted the moratorium with certain conditions. This paper discusses in detail on the existing environment quality and CEPI score of SIPCOT Industrial Complex, Cuddalore.

8 illus, 14 tables, 17 ref

009375   Rahul Kumar;Manviri Rani;Gupta B (Analytical Chemistry Lab, Chemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand-247 667, Email: dr.binagupta@gmail.com) : Partitioning of trace elements in different components of a highly polluted urban river stretch in Delhi, India. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(2), 89-101.

The study focuses on the partitioning of chromium, nickel, copper and lead among the components of the river Yamuna ecosystem (water, sediments, macrophytes and fish). The water is used for various purposes like irrigation, industrial, domestic and drinking. Almost zero dissolved oxygen and unacceptable levels of lead and phosphate pose a serious threat to the human and aquatic life. The concentration of the metals in the sediments is noticeably higher than that present at the reference site and the enrichment factors with respect to it vary from 0.60%-82.9% (Cr), 1.40%-90.5% (Ni), 1.00%-85.3% (Cu) and 3.80%-86.6% (Pb). The metal contents in the macrophyte (Eichhornia crassipes) and the fish (Oreochromic niloticus) are resonably high and generally increase in the summers. The fish is not recommended for human consumption as it contains Cr, Cu and Pb above the permissible limits prescribed by FAO. One-way ANOVA indicates significant spatial variations in various parameters of water and sediments. The correlation analysis suggests a common source of some of the metals. Principal component analysis demonstrates that the domestic and industrial waste and coal fired thermal power plants contribute to the buildup of metal concentrations. On the basis of the findings some remedial measures are suggested.

4 illus, 9 tables, 33 ref

009374   Rachida K;Merzouk A;Hassiba S M (Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Natural Ecosystems, Biology De, Faculty of Sciences, Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen Univ, BP 119, 13000, Algeria) : Floristic diversity of atriplexaies in western Algeria. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(2), 761-7.

This Work is applied to study of evolution of vegetal to Atriplex of two different areas, the North and South of Western Algeria. This area presents a remarkable biodiversity by the vegetal halophiles habitations. The vegetal, in manner of general Tlemcen region, see its surface; this is for great part to human and climat action. The knowledge of particularly biologic and ecologic of these halophytes species in general is in all action of biodiversity. Ghezlaoui and al, 2009. The bioclimatic done in evidence to region study level, two types of climat, a climat for North area (Zenata, ES-Senia) and a climat for south area (Mecheria, Naama and Ain-sefra).We effect 50 floristic lists in each station to complete lists of halophytes species wich are in study's area. Vegetal covert is dominated by therophytes, then chamaephytes and phanerophytes in last position. This general manner, the floor of soils always poor and characterized by special species and it's the chenopodiaceae family Ozenda, 1958.

6 illus, 32 ref

009373   Quazi M;Aery N C (Laboratory of Geobotany & Biogeochemistry, Botany Dep, University College of Science, Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Email: ncaery@yahoo.com) : Effect of increasing concentrations of chromium on soil enzymatic activities and soil respiration. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 309-14.

The effects of various concentrations of chromium on the activity of dehydrogenase, catalase and soil respiration were studied after 14,28,56 and 112 days of incubation period. Chromium was applied as K₂Cr₂O₇ in the amounts of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200,400, 800 ig g' of soil. Soil contamination with Cr decreased the activity of dehydrogenase, catalase and soil respiration. About 36.92% and 44.88% inhibition in the activity of dehydrogenase was caused by 50 and 100 ig g^{-1 Cr addition respectively, after 14 days of incubation. Catalase activity significantly (P <60> 0.001) decreased with applied doses of chromium after 14 days of incubation. A significant inhibition in soil respiration was observed after 56 days of incubation with applied doses of chromium. These results suggest that soil respiration, dehydrogenase and catalase enzyme activities are suitable parameters for the toxicity test.}

3 illus, 4 tables, 39 ref

009372   Priya A K;Nagan S (Civil Engineering Dep, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, Tamil Nadu-625 015, Email: akpriy@gmail.com) : Bioremediation of dye effluent and metal contaminated soil: low-cost method for environmental clean up by microbes. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(2), 109-19.

Dye and metal effluents pose severe environmental hazards. Bioremediation of these effluents and the contaminated soils have been widely attempted. The prestn study was carried out to decolorize the dye effluents, degrade and contaminants present in the effluent, minimize the COD below standard limits and reduce heavy metal content in the metal contaminated soil by using biomass isolated from the contaminated samples. The dye effluent samples collected had a high COD of 972 mg/L, pH 8.6 and highly objectionable color (990 Hazen Units). The predominant indigenous organisms present in the samples were isolated and identified as Aspergilus niger, Aspergilus flavus and Bacillus sp. Slurry phase reactor was used to treat soil, up flow immobilized column reactor was used to treat both soil and effluent. The shaker flask trials gave maximum decolorization efficiency of 91% and COD reduction of 84%. The reactor initially. The soil treatment results showed that, the up flow immobilized column reactor can reduce the heavy metal content appreciably within 24 hours. Thus the present study can evolve as an efficient strategy to treat wastewater and also provide a better insight into the field of bioremediation.

7 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

009371   Patil R;Bagde U S (Microbioogy Laboratory, Life Sciences Dep, Mumbai Univ, Vidyanagari, Mumbai-400 078) : Development of novel bacterial strains for enhanced biodegradation of plastic polymers by protoplast fusion. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 513-23.

The plastic polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) biodegrading strains were isolated and developed them into new strains with better biodegradation ability with the help of protoplast fusion technique. A strain of Micrococcus sp. PVC-4 was isolated from the plastic waste site having capability for biodegradation of PVC. This isolate was chosen for protoplast fusion with Bacillus sp. PVA- 7, a degrader of PVA also isolated from plastic waste site for enhancing its capabilities of biodegradation of both the polymers. Protoplasts of Micrococcus sp. PVC-4 with PVC biodegradation capability were obtained by 1 mg/mL lysozyme treatment and protoplasts of Bacillus sp. PVA-7 with PVA biodegradation capability were obtained by addition of 2 mg/mL lysozyme in hypertonic solution. Protoplasts of both the organisms were mixed and allowed to fuse in the fusion fluid containing 40 % PEG 6000. Fusants after regenerating their cell walls in regeneration medium were screened and analyzed for the presence of PVC degradation marker of one parent and PVA degradation marker of another parent strain. Among the many fusants analyzed, few hybrids were found to be with the desired characteristics. The capabilities of fusants for plastic polymer biodegradation were assayed and compared with the parent strains. These fusants showed substantive increase in plastic biodegradation capability.

3 illus, 2 tables, 57 ref

009370   Pathak S A;Didolkar R V;Didolkar V K (Zoology Dep, L.A.D. and Smt. R. P. College for Women, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Email: sadhanamshr@gmail.com) : Bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in Eisenia foetida cultured in industrial waste. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 449-52.

Industrial soils contain heavy metals in variable proportions and accumulate in the body of soil organisms such as E. foetida. These heavy metals are toxic and non-degradable and cause serious effects on ecosystem. Present work was undertaken to study the effects of industrial waste on bioaccumulation of heavy metals like Manganese, Lead, Nickel, and Cadmium. The experiment was conducted using garden soil (Group B-I) which served as control and three other Industrial waste soils which consisted of Mahananda dairy soil (Group B-II), Mahananda dairy ash(Group B-III) and Western Coalfield Ltd. seepage soil (Group B-IV). Bioaccumulation studies were carried out following 30,40, and 50 days respectively. Studies indicated presence of heavy metals in all the samples of soil in which the earthworms were cultured. Bioaccumulation studies indicated that there was no bioaccumulation of Lead, Nickel, and Cadmium in earthworms in any of the group of industrial wastes studied. Manganese was however found in various groups in varying proportions following 30, 40 and 50 days respectively. No survival was noted in Group B-III following 40 and 50 days respectively.

4 tables, 14 ref

009369   Patange K B;Khan A R;Behere S H (Physics Dep, Deogiri College, Aurangabad-431 005) : Traffic noise prediction model for Aurangabad city. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(1), 58-63.

Traffic noise models developed by various researchers were used first to calculate L_Aeq from the collected traffic data and observed L_{Aeq, h} values were used to find other parameters describing related statistics. It is observed that these models do not properly represent the noise conditions studied. A model is developed based upon the present work which gives better correlation between observed L_{Aeq, h} and calculated L_{Aeq, h} values for city traffic. These studies were carried out in the Aurangabad City Maharashtra (India).

8 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

009368   Pai D S;Suryachandra Rao A;Senroy S;Pradhan M;Pillai P A;Rajeevan M (India Meterological DEP, Shivajinagar, Pune-411 005, Email: sivapai@hotmai.com) : Performance of the operational and experimental long-range forecasts for the 2015 southwest monsoon rainfall. Curr Sci 2017, 112(1), 68-75.

India experienced deficient monsoon rainfall in 2015 that followed the deficient monsoon of 2014. India Meteorological Department (IMD) correctly predicted the large rainfall deficiency (86% of long period average) in 2015. Incidentally, this was the first ever deficient monsoon forecast issued by IMD, though it had earlier issued below-normal rainfall forecasts in the previous two deficient mousoon years (2009 and 2014) and was partially correct. The fact that there were only three previous occasions of consecutive two deficient monsoon years during the last 114 years (1901-2014) was itself a challenge to IMD to issue the forecast in 2015. It may be mentioned that IMD persisted with the deficient monsoon forecast for 2015, even though there were predictions from private agencies for a normal monsoon and apprehensions from the press and media about the low probability of two consecutive deficient years. IMD was also able to correctly predict the regional distribution of seasonal rainfall during the season. IMD's first deficient monsoon forecast was based on the state-of-the-art operational statistical forecasting system, which was introduced in 2007. IMD was further confident for a deficient monsoon due to the clear indications of a strong El Nino event by June itself. Forecasts from high-resolution coupled forecasting system (CFS) developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, under the Monsoon Mission also suggested a deficient monsoon in 2015. In this article we provide details of the operational forecasting models and verification of these forecasts. Brief description about the experimental CFS developed under the Monsoon Mission and CFS forecast for the 2015 southwest monsoon season is also presented.

6 illus, 5 table, 8 ref

009367   Nooshabadi A S;Kakhki A S;Sohrabi M;Dowlati M A (Motor Behavior Dep, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi Univ of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran, Email: askahki@um.ac.ir) : Do environmental factors (practice and feedback) moderate the effect of the Val66met BDNF polymorphism on motor learning?. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(2), 1037-44.

Motor learning might be affected by environmental factors as well as some genetic factors. The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of val66met BDNF polymorphism on motor learning and to examine the possibility of moderating this effect using environmental factors. One hundred students from University of Kashan, Iran participated in the study. After extraction of Genomic DNA, implementation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), analyzing PCR by 1.5 percent Electrophoresis Gel, and in the end sequencing by ABI PRISM 7000 Sequencing Analyzer, 46 participants were identified without val66met polymorphism while 54 participants were affected by the polymorphism (met-carrier). Twenty-four participants without val66met polymorphism and Twenty-four participants of met-carriers were randomly selected and divided into four groups of twelve. Participants of each group practiced backhand baseball pitch for six sessions and after 48 hours did the first retention test. Subsequently, participants in all four groups continued practicing in three additional sessions with specific design for each group and afterwards did the second retention test. Results demonstrate the fact that participants without the polymorphism exceeded met-carriers in learning of the task. Whereas the weakness of met-carriers did not disappear by additional practice, the practice was useful when associated with self-controlled feedback. The research shows val66met polymorphism may exert an influence over the learning of motor skills. However, the effect may be moderated by changing the condition of practice for people affected by the polymorphism in a way that engages them to cognitive processes.

2 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

009366   Musavi S A;Karimi N;Sadeghi S (Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Dep, Faculty of Basic Science, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Kermanshah, Iran, Email: nkarimi@razi.ac.ir) : Growth and phytoremediation potential of watercress Nasturtium officinale R.Br. in ammonium-rich wastewater. Ambient Sci 2016, 3(2), 89-92.

Phytoremediation is considered to be eco-friendly and efficient technology for the removal of pollutants present in wastewater. Nowadays the focus is to look for a sustainable approach in developing wastewater treatment capability in rapidly increasing. The main objective of this paper is to review the possibility of using watercress (Nasturtium officinale) for the removal of ammonium ion present in high-strength industrial wastewater. It was found that there was no significant reduction of shoot height, root length and total biomass of watercress due to an increase in NH4+ concentrations. Statistical analysis indicates that the length of roots were significantly (P <60>0.05) increased at NH4+ rich waste water supply levels of 20-25% while compared to the control. The plants accumulated large amounts of ammonium ion or nitrogen in tissues under conditions of abundant supply. The removal efficiency of raw waste water was around 66 % for nitrogen, 23% for calcium,25 % for total hardness, 22% for biological oxygen demand and 38% of chemical oxygen demand. Nutrient removal efficiency was positively correlated with the initial nutrient supply. The results show that N.officinale grown in the fixed mat economic plant-based treatment system may be an effective, low-cost phytoremediation technology to treat water containing a higher concentration of ammonium.

5 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

009365   Murali K;Swasthik Kumar R D;Elangovan R (Civil Engineering Dep, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu-641 010, Email: murali.vlb@gmail.com) : Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation in Coimbatore south taluk, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 291-4.

The study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of ground water for irrigation purpose at twenty seven locations in Coimbatore South Taluk, Coimbatore District. The analytical result shows that Na and Cl are the dominant cation and anions respectively in the groundwater. The values of TDS and EC exceed the permissible limits at some locations due to increase in ionic concentrations. Based on SAR, RSC, US Salinity diagram and Wilcox diagram it is observed that the water ranges from excellent to good quality in most of the places and can be used for irrigation without any hazard. Gibbs variation diagram indicates that lithology is main controlling factor for water chemistry. However, the high SAR and RSC values at few locations restrict suitability for irrigation purpose.

4 illus, 6 tables, 10 ref

009364   Mukhtar F;Ansari M Y;Chisti H (Chemistry Dep, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar-190 006, Email: adimahnit@yahoo.com) : Statistical and mathematical approach in studying the surface water quality by evaluating the physico-chemical parameters of the Hazratbal basin of Dal lake, Kashmir. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 363-74.

This work evaluates the surface water quality in terms of physio-chemical parameters of the Hazratbal basin of the Dal Lake, Kashmir using multivariate statistical techniques involving the calculation of P value. Besides this, the work also highlights and draws attention towards the "Water Quality Index" in a simplified format which may be used at large and could represent the reliable picture of water quality. Some parameters were measured at the sampling sites while others were put for laboratory analysis. Water quality was surveyed from May 2013 to October 2013 at three different sites located in the Hazratbal basin. Average of values, minimum of values and maximum of the values of the water quality parameters were obtained over a period of six months from May 2013 to October 2013 for the basin. Besides this, the standard deviation for the water quality parameters was also obtained. Seven water quality parameters, namely pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, air temperature and water temperature were measured at the sampling sites. Fourteen parameters, namely chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), free carbon-dioxide, acidity, nitrite, phosphate, sulfate, color, total hardness, alkalinity, chloride, calcium and magnesium ion concentrations were determined at the laboratory. Monthly changes in various physical and chemical parameters were analyzed.

7 illus, 10 tables, 12 ref

009363   Muchandi S S;Raikar R V;Virupakshi A S; Pharalad P (Engineering Dep, KLE Dr. M.S. Sheshgiri College of Engineering and Technology, Belgaum-590 008, Email: rvraikar@gamil.com) : Assessment of lake water quality using factor analysis: a case study of North Belgaum city, India. Asian J Chem 2017, 29(1), 213-20.

The paper presents the assessment of water quality status of three lakes located in the northern part of Belgaum city of Karnataka state, namely, Fort Lake, Kanbargi Lake and Kangrali Lake using factor analysis. Total 15 water quality parameters analyzed from December 2013 to May 2014 were used. The results indicated that in all three lakes six parameters namely, turbidity, BOD, DO, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness and potassium are above the desirable limits as per BIS: 10500-2012. In addition, in Kanabargi Lake, alkalinity and TDS and in Kangrali Lake alkalinity are beyond the desirable limits. Based on the results of factor analysis the significant factors influencing the quality of Fort Lake, Kanbargi Lake and Kangrali Lake are respectively categorized into four, five and four groups explaining 93.34, 100 and 94.41 % of total variances. This shows that the multivariate statistical analysis facilitate in interpreting the large data of complex nature.

1 illus, 8 tables, 16 ref

009362   Mishra P;Malhotra S K;Jaiswal N (Faculty of Science, Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad) : Comparative experimental study of the Ganga river water quality in Kanpur, Varanasi and Allahabad. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2016, 6(2), 136-42.

This study was carried out to compare the Ganga River water quality by collecting samples from three places viz: Kanpur (Jajmau), Varanasi (Reewa ghat) and Allahabad (Daraganj ghat). In total, 11 parameters were studied and readings were taken using the standard protocols. The temperature of the sample from Varanasi and Allahabad was 18°C while that from Kanpur it was 18.5oC. The sample from Kanpur had a pH of 7.15 while the samples from Allahabad and Varanasi had the pH of 7.37 and 7.22 respectively. Sample from Kanpur had the highest turbidity of 15 NTU while samples from Varanasi and Allahabad had the turbidity of 8 and 6 respectively. Sample form Allahabad had the highest DO value of 6.2mg/L while samples from Kanpur and Varanasi had the DO values of 3.4 and 3.8mg/L respectively. The sample from Kanpur had the BOD value of 4.9mg/L while samples from Varanasi and Allahabad had the value of 4.7 and 3.5 mg/L respectively. Sample from Kanpur had the maximum COD value of 24 mg/L while samples from Allahabad and Varanasi had the values of 18 and 22mg/L respectively. The values of concentration of 5 heavy metals, viz: chromium, lead, cadmium, zinc and mercury were also found out and compared. Highest concentration of chromium was found in Kanpur, 0.25mg/L, while in Varanasi and Allahabad it was found to be 0.05mg/L and 0.04mg/L respectively. Highest concentration of lead was found in Allahabad, 0.11mg/L, while in Varanasi and Kanpur it was found to be 0.01mg/L and 0.04mg/L respectively. Highest concentration of cadmium was found in Varanasi, 0.03mg/L, while in Kanpur and Allahabad it was found to be same as 0.01mg/L each. Highest concentration of zinc was found in Varanasi, 0.16mg/L, while in Kanpur and Allahabad it was found to be 0.04mg/L and 0.06mg/L respectively. Concentration of mercury was found to be same at all the three sampling stations as 0.01mg/L. The test results were compared with the set standards as well, given by BIS, WHO and U.S.E.P.A.

3 tables, 13 ref

009361   Mishra P;Malhotra S K;Jaiswal N (Faculty of Science, Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad) : Ganga river water pollution. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2016, 6(2), 131-5.

The following review article presents the findings of the work carried out by the researchers in the past on the Ganga River water. A lot of research has been done for assessing the status of the Ganga River water. A lot of physico-chemical parameters have been studied in the past by the researchers. Studies have revealed that the status of the Ganga River water is not improving, main cause being the indifferent attitude of the industrial sector and the common people who, despite of being aware, continue the unhealthy practices which in turn pollutes the Ganga River water heavily. Laws are made by the government but are not implemented correctly main reason being the laxy approach, which reduces the effectiveness of the law. Awareness is not only needed for the common people but also for those who are at the top of the tree.

^iia12 ref

009360   Manoj V R;Vasudevan N (Center for Environmental Studies, Anna University Chennai, Chennai-600 025) : Studies on COD removal in upflow anaerobic attached growth bioreactor treating simulated aquatulture wastewater. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(2), 131-6.

Suitability of coconut coir fibre as a bacterial support medium was compared against a commercially available reticulated plastic support medium (fujino spirals) for nutrient removal. The suitability was studied using anaerobic packed bed columns using Methanol as exogenous carbon source. Simulated aquaculture wastewater was used. The most important evaluator on the extent of denitrification is the consumption of organic carbon measured as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The average removal rates were 74% and 72% for coconut coir and fujino spirals respectively. The performance of the column packed with coconut coir has shown consistent and marginally better removal efficiency than fujino spirals.

7 illus, 22 ref

009359   Manjula G;Meenambal T (Civil Engineering Dep, Karpagam Univ, Coimbatore, Email: manjulakucivil@gmail.com) : Experimental studies on co-composting of muncipal solid waste with paper mill sludge. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 347-50.

In this study, a series of experimental studies were conducted with regard to bioconversion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste along with paper mill sludge at different C/N ratios. About 10 kg of shredded waste containing paper mill sludge, saw dust and municipal solid waste was placed in reactors in different proportions and 100 mL of effective microorganisms was added to it. The variation in physical and chemical parameters was monitored throughout the process. The results indicate that co-composting of paper mill sludge with municipal solid waste produces compost that is more stable and homogenous and can be effectively used as soil conditioner.

4 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

009358   Mangimbulude J C;Van Straalen N M;Roling W F M R (Faculty of Natural Science and Engineering Technology, Halmahera Univ, JI Raya Wari-InoTobelo, Indoneia, Email: christianjubhar@yahoo.com) : Microbial community structure and dynamics in relation to hydrochemistry of surface run-off water from the Jatibarang landfill in Indonesia. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 367-77.

Microbes play an important role in the natural attenuation of surface run-off water from landfills. This study aimed to gain more insight into the functioning of these communities under the conditions of a tropical landfill at Jatibarang, Indonesia, using four complementary approaches: (1) to determine temporal variation in microbial communities over wet and dry seasons in several years (2004-2010) in the leachate collecting system, using cultivation-independent bacterial community fingerprinting; (2) to establish the relation between community structure and leachate hydrochemistry; (3) to determine the presence of anaerobic degraders of aromatic compounds by amplifying fragments of the bamA gene, encoding an enzyme from the anaerobic benzyol-coA metabolic pathway, and; (4) to determine the actual potential for aerobic and anaerobic phenol degradation by a culturing approach. The diversity in bacterial communities in the period of 2004 to 2006 was higher than in the period from 2006 to 2007. While bacterial communities showed large dynamic changes, leachate hydrochemistry changed little over time. The potential for anaerobic aromatics degradation was present in all years and seasons, throughout the leachate collection system. Restriction profiles of bam A fragment at S6 and S8 in the wet season 2007 were different from other years. The Jatibarang leachate microbes were able to degrade phenol under different redox conditions. We conclude that significant potential for natural attenuation is residing in the local microbial communities, despite the fact that the communities themselves were highly dynamic.

s, 1 table, 51 ref

009357   Mandal T K;Gorai A K (Environmental Science & Engineering Group, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi-835 215, Email: amit_gorai@yahoo.co.uk) : Air quality indices: a literature review. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 357-62.

Air quality indices are commonly used to indicate the level of severity of air pollution to the public. It is infeasible and perhaps impossible to formulate a universal technique for determining air quality index, one that considers all pollutants and that is appropriate for all situations. The intended use of the air quality index is to identify the vulnerable zone. There are mainly two approaches viz. single pollutant index and multi-pollutant index to determine the air quality index. Every index has its own characteristic strengths and weaknesses that affect its suitability for particular applications. This paper attempts to present a review of all the major air quality indices developed worldwide.

3 tables, 27 ref

009356   Loganathan R;Rasappan K;Jebamani M I S; Johnson M;Naveen Kumar (NO, , 245, Thiruneelakandapuram (North), Main Road, Tiruppur-641 607, Email: rlogu1954@yahoo.co.in) : Biological treatment of domestic wastewater using sequential batch reactor (SBR). J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(2), 150-5.

Lab-scale aerobic Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) was investigated to treat the domestic wastewater. The reactor was constructed from Plexi glass material and its volume was 22 litres. The reactor was supplied with oxygen by fine bubble air diffuser. The reactor was fed with the domestic wastewater collected from the sewer line for the Hostel of Coimbatore Institute of Technology. The study was conducted to determine the treatability of domestic wastewater by SBR and to evaluate (standardise) the reactor parameters such as total cycle time, temperature and aeration rate for carbonaceous constituents removal efficiency. The results of the study indicated that the effective reduction of influent parameters were achieved within 6 hours of total cycle time, 33°C Tecperature, 7.50 pH and at an aeration rate of 6 L/min. The removal efficiency of carbonaceous constituents (BOD, COD and TSS) was achieved more than 90%. Easy operation, low cost and minimal sludge bulking condition make the SBR system an interesting option for the biological treatment of domestic wastewater. SBR is a time based treatment technology as compared to the conventional area based activated sludge processes.

9 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

009355   Ladwani K D;Ladwani K D;Ramteke D S (Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment Div, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI, Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020, Email: krishna_ladwani@yahoo.com) : Heavy metals under-reporting in water environment importance of method selection. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(1), 26-39.

Owing to low-cost labour availability, the manufacturing sectors are moving from developed to less developed countries. Often, the less developed nations are less equipped (as well as aware) for reliable monitoring frameworks. Generally, the standard methods by US EPA are followed for monitoring heavy metal pollution in water environment. Since, the heavy metal determination is method dependent, accuracy and applicability of heavy metal detection were evaluated, which can improve the effectiveness of water management strategies. US EPA methods 3015A and 3005A were evaluated for their ability to detect heavy metals from aqueous phase. The detection was carried out using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The heavy metal recovery using different methods was significantly (P<60>0.05) different. Recovery of certain heavy metals (Pb, Mn, Cr, and Zn was significantly low with some standard method. In view of the development of technological solutions for heavy metal pollution mitigation (for water environment), the results of this study offer valuable insights for designing the monitoring studies that can ensure correct determination of heavy metals. The consequences of under-reporting of heavy metals (such as Pb, Mn, Cr and Zn) are discussed in view of their toxicity potential and ecological and other risks.

2 illus, 8 tables, 62 ref

009354   Kumar E;Madhava Rao T;Prabhuprasadini T; Vijaya Kumar N A (Veterinary Public Health Dep, College of Veterinary Science (SVVU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030) : Characterization of wastewater effluents releasing from slaughterhouses in and around Hyderabad city (India). J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 303-8.

The present study was undertaken to determine the pollution load to the environment causing by the wastewater effluents releasing from organized and unorganized slaughterhouses in and around Hyderabad city. The wastewater effluents collected from three slaughterhouses, at the sites of releasing out to the surrounding environment,were characterized in terms of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. The physico-chemical parameters, such as temperature, pH, alkalinity, turbidity, total suspended solids, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, calcium, NH₄-N, nitrates and phosphates were estimated in the wastewater effluents collected from three different slaughterhouses. The heavy metals, such as lead, nickel and cadmium contents were detected. The microbiological characteristics, such as total viable count, total coliform count recorded and also the pathogens of public health significance, such as Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes were isolated and identified. The results revealed significantly much higher values of almost all pollution parameters both physicochemical and microbiological of wastewater effluents collected from three slaughterhouses, and these values exceeding the effluent discharge standards for releasing the effluents into public sewers and inland surface waters, recommended by the pollution control board. The slaughterhouses must maintain the wastewater collection and treatment facilities and modify the existing treatment systems in order to comply the general effluents discharge standards recommended by the pollution control board.

3 tables, 26 ref

009353   Krishan A;Ajit Kumar;Arthanareeswari M; Kamaraj P (Civil Engineering Dep, SRM Univ, Kattankulathur-603 203, Email: arthanareeswari@gmail.com) : Vermicomposting of solid waste using local and exotic earthworms: a comparative study. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 351-6.

The aim of this study was to assess the decomposition efficiency of earthworms, local (L.mauritii) as well as exotic (Eisenia foetida) in vermicomposting of garden litter in SRM University campus. The vermicompost produced through vermicomposting of garden litter mixed with cow dung in the ratio of 3:1 by using local and exotic earthworms (Eisenia foetida) was rich in ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, total potassium and TKN, and there was a reduction in total organic carbon and carbon to nitrogen ratio. The study reveals that the decomposition efficiency of exotic earthworms is better compared to local earthworms.

8 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

009352   Komath M;Joseph L;Harikumar P S (Water Quality Div, Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Kunnamangalam, Kozhikode-673 571, Email: drkomath@yahoo.com) : Studies on groundwater quality of Kunnamangalam grama panchayat Calicut, Kerala (India). J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 417-22.

A study was carried out to assess the groundwater quality of Kunnamangalam Grama Panchayat, Calicut, Kerala. Out of 110 groundwater samples analysed, 93% of samples were acidic in nature and 4% samples had iron content beyond the desirable limit as per BIS in all seasons. Majority of the samples (91%) were bacteriologically contaminated in all the seasons. Studies on groundwater chemistry using Piper diagram revealed that calcium and bicarbonates are the major dominating cation and anion in all the water type. Two major hydrochemical water types Ca-Na-Mg-Cl-HCO₃ and Ca-Na-Cl-HCO₃ constituting 90% of groundwater sources in the study area have been identified. A systematic calculation was made to determine the correlation coefficient 'r' amongst the various water quality parameters and the significant values of the observed correlation coefficient between the parameters was worked out. Total hardness, chloride, calcium and magnesium exhibited a positive correlation with total dissolved solids. Similarly total hardness showed a significant correlation with calcium, magnesium and potassium. A negative correlation was found between pH and chloride. The present study revealed that groundwater sources were not polluted with respect to physico-chemical assessment. All the values were within permissible limit when compared with Bureau of Indian Standards except pH. But bacteriological studies revealed that groundwater was not fit for drinking purposes due to the presence of coliform bacteria.

5 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

009351   Kavitha;Joseph K (ME Environmental Engineering, Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, Chennai-600 025, Email: kavitha_ayngkaran@yahoo.com) : Encapsulation and solidification of salt bearing evaporation residues. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(2), 120-5.

Feasibility of chemically bonded phosphate ceramic and polyethylene binder systems for encapsulation and solidification of salt-bearing evaporation residue is reported. Phosphate waste form with 50% waste loading was found to attain the average optimum compressive strength of 7N/mm^{2 whereas polyethylene waste form could achieve 24N/mm2. Leachability fraction of 0.14 was attained by polyethylene at 1128h of immersion, while macro encapsulated phosphate leached by a fraction of 0.44 and uncoated phosphate waste forms leached by a fraction of 0.97. On immersion in water for 14d, uncoated phosphate waste form could maintain the compressive strength of 3.4N/mm2 required for disposal in a landfill, whereas epoxy macro encapsulated waste form could maintain it till 49d of immersion. Phosphate solidification and macro encapsulation cost was Rs. 124/kg of evaporation residue and polyethylene micro encapsulation cost Rs. 114/kg.}

3 illus, 7 tables, 11 ref

009350   Kavidha R;Elangovan K (Civil Engineering Dep, M.P. Nachimuthu M. Jaganathan Engineering College, Chennimalai, Tamil Nadu, Email: roopa_yuktha@yahoo.com) : Seasonal variation of groundwater quality in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 295-302.

In recent years, the recurring environmental issues regarding hazardous waste, global climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, groundwater contamination, disaster mitigation and removal of pollutant have become the focus of environmental attention. In the management of water resources, quality of water is just as important as its quantity. In order to assess the quality and/or suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation in Erode District, 144 water samples each in post-monsoon and pre-monsoon during the year 2007 were collected and analyzed for various parameters. These parameters were compared with IS: 10500-1991 drinking water standards. Out of 144 samples, 29 samples exceeded the permissible limit for both the monsoons, 71 samples were within the permissible limit for both the monsoons and the remaining samples exceeded the permissible limit for any one of the monsoon. During both monsoons, except some samples, most of the samples were suitable for drinking and irrigation.

1 illus, 6 tables, 15 ref

009349   Jung S B;Kim C G (Civil and Environment Dep, Hanbat National Univ, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea, Email: cgkim@hanbat.ac.kr) : Carbonization of sewage sludge for using as adsorbents. Asian J Chem 2017, 29(1), 86-90.

In this study, optimum conditions of sewage sludge carbonization for adsorbent production and qualities of carbonized sewage sludge as an adsorbents were discussed. In order to study the characteristics on digestion and surplus sewage sludge, proximate analysis (such as moisture, ash, combustibles, volatile matter and fixed carbon content), elemental analysis and calorific value analysis of wet sewage sludge were performed and dried. For the carbonized sewage sludge obtained through the change of carbonization conditions, BET, pore size and iodine adsorption performance tests were carried out to derive the optimum conditions of carbonization. As a result of the overall review on the fixed carbon content of dried sewage sludge and specific surface area (BET), pore size and iodine adsorption performance of carbonized sewage sludge obtained. It is difficult to produce the adsorbent with good adsorption performance, but low-quality adsorbent is regarded to be possible. In spite of disadvantages, in the view of the carbonization of the sewage sludge to produce an adsorbent, the optimum carbonization temperature was derived to be 350-450 °C and the optimum carbonization time to be 30-60 min.

9 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

009348   Jean J J;Lipton A P;Udayankumar P;Rajesh B R;LIncy A;Chandran A (Marine Biotechnology Lab, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Vizhinjam-695 521, Email: jeanlincy@gmail.com) : Relationships between hydrochemical characteristics, phytoplankton chlorophyll and phaeophytin in the Southwest Coast of India. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(1), 1-6.

Relationship between the hydrochemical characteristics and phytoplankton chlorophyll in coastal pollution monitoring surveys, establishes a basis for understanding the trophic state of coastal waters in accordance with nutrient enrichment routing to progress in capture fishery. On the other hand, the zooplankton (including ichthyoplankton) grazing and its abundance can be understood from the quantification of detrital chlorophyll/phaeophytin. A collection of datasets for three years seasonal sampling (January 2008 to 2011) along Cochin and Mangalore (Southwest coast of India) was analyzed to find out the relationship between hydrochemical factors, chlorophyll a and phaeophytin contents. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze these ecological parameters interrelationship. In both the sampling sites, the nutrient factors statistically predict that nitrite is influenced by the concentration of chlorophyll a and its significant positive correlation to phaeophytin indicates the strength of micro zooplankton grazing. We infer that micro zooplankton grazing is an important factor in keeping a balanced coastal ecosystem at Cochin and Mangalore. The nutrient factors are totally utilized by phytoplankton community. The PCA study confirms about assimilation of the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in the form of NH₂* formed by the zooplankton excreta (detrital chlorophyll/phaeophytin) in Mangalore coastal waters.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

009347   Isworo S;Purwanto;Sabdono A (Graduate School of Environmental Science, Diponegoro Univ, Semarang, Indonesia, Email: isworo_abbott@yahoo.co.id) : Kinetic approach of bioremediation capability of indigenous bacteria for organophosphatic pesticides. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 329-38.

Research on Bioremediation of organophosphorus pesticides (Malathion and Profenofos) is one of the effort's approach to the application of science and technology in the remediation of the waters of Lake Rawa Pening. Pesticides is one of the pollutants to note, given the nature of the pesticide that is difficult to unravel, so exposure to pesticides on aquatic Rawa Pening in long periods of time can cause disruption of ecosystems that allow bio-accumulation and bio-magnifications. Bioremediation of pesticide with indigenous bacteria make a most effective remediation technology, with the discovery of bacterial strains that have the capability of degradation of pesticides (Malathion and Profenofos) is Oceanobacillus iheyenis, Exiquobacterium profundum and Bacillus formis are new efforts in the management of the pollution caused by the organophosphorus pesticides (Malathion and Profenofos). This is because the bacterial strains successfully identified a bacteria that degrade organic compounds in the phosphate group, in this case is the organophosphorus pesticide Malathion and Profenofos. This research was conducted to determine the ability of indigenous bacterial degradation of Malathion and Profenofos by using the Spectrophotometry method. Based on the results of research that the bacterium has the ability to test degradation perfectly, as follows: 1. Bacterial Exiqoubacterium profundum best capability on substrate Malathion (laboratory scale with 72 hours incubation) and the bacteria Bacillus formis has the ability the best substrate degradation of Profenofos (laboratory scale with 72 hours incubation) 2. Consortium Exiquobacterium profundum/Oceanobacillus iheyenis have the ability of degradation best on Malathion (laboratory scale and scale applications with 168 hours incubation) and consortium of bacteria Bacillus formis / Exiquobacterium profundum has the best substrate degradation abilities of profenofos (laboratory scale and scale applications with 168 hours incubation).

us, 2 tables, 19 ref

009346   Hema S;Subramani T;Elango L (Civil Engineering Dep, Kongu Engineering College, Erode-638 052, Email: shema_er@yahoo.com) : Assessment of surface water quality using multivariate statistical techniques in a part of river Cauvery, Tamil Nadu, India. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 277-82.

The study explains water quality of the Cauvery River in the southern region of Peninsular India. Thirteen parameters including trace elements (Cd, As, Cu, Cr, Zn and Pb) have been monitored on 50 sampling points from a hydro-geochemical survey, conducted in the river stretch under study. Several water quality parameters showed considerable changes due to increased runoff from the catchments and other seasonal factors. Multivariate discriminant analysis delin-eated a few parameters responsible for temporal variation in water quality. Factor analysis (FA) identified three factors responsible for data struc-ture explaining 91% of total variance in surface water. It allowed grouping selected parameters according to common features. The results indicated that point source pollutants primarily affected the water quality of this region. This study indicates the necessity and usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques for evaluation and interpretation of the data. It facilitates better information about the water quality and designs some remedial techniques to prevent future contamination.

4 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

009345   Gupta L N;Gupta A D;Gupta A;Gupta G S (Pollution Research Laboratory, Energy & Environment Dep, Faculty of Science & Environment, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya, Chitrakoot-485 780, Email: lnchitrakoot@gmail.com) : Assessment of the pollution load due to various drains entering the river Mandakini, Chitrakoot (MP Part), India. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 375-82.

This study deals with estimation of the point pollution load through various drains joining to the river Mandakini in MP part stretch of Chitrakoot region. Five drains or nallas were selected to analyse their water for physico-chemical parameters along with identification of pollution load. The physico-chemical parameters selected were temperature, pH, turbidity, EC, TDS, TSS, TS, DO, BOD and COD. Results were compared with the CPCB standards. Findings of the study revealed that values of the selected physico-chemical parameters were found beyond their permissible standards.Average pollution load was found in the range of 0.73 to 161.21 kg/day during the study period (March-May, 2011). Minimum pollution load i.e. 0.73 kg/day was found at Jairam Ashram drain and maximum i.e. 161.21 kg/day at Paisuni drain during the study period. The average pollution load of all drains in entire study period recorded was 199.21 kg/day.

11 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

009344   Gowda R;Nataraj A G;Rao N M (iBangalore Institute of Technology, , K.R. Road, Bangaluru-560 004, Email: challyrg737@gmail.com) : Removal of Nickel (II) by finger millet (Ragi) husk as adsorbent. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(2), 145-9.

This experimental study was focused on finger millet husk as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of Ni(II) from wastewater. Batch experiments were conducted at room temperature 28°C to determine the various parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH and initial concentration. The maximum removal efficiency of Ni(II) was 99.98% for 0.9g/50mL of ragi husk at pH 8.0. The experimental data was tested using Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The data fitted well to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The present study showed that ragi husk was capable of removing Ni(II) ions from aqueous solutions.

6 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

009343   Ghosh D;Deb A;Kar A;Harh S (Physics Dep and Director (Hony.), Biren Roy Research Laboratory for Radioactivity and Earthquake Studies, Kolkata-700 032, Email: degee111@gmail.com) : Measurement of α-radioactivity in the water body of pisciculture of East Kolkata wetland. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 399-404.

This paper reports results of the measurement of a - radioactivity of water collected from several water bodies of pisciculture of East Kolkata Wetland. Large amount of fishes is consumed by people of Kolkata from those water bodies. The city of Kolkata gets huge volumes of daily sewage and also substantial daily supply of highly edible freshwater fish (a very essential protein supplement in their daily food). In fact, Kolkata city receives about one third of its daily requirement of fish from the sewage-fed fisheries (about 11,000 metric tones annually). The measurements have been done with the help of a powerful detector of nuclear radiation, CR- 39 Solid-State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD). Measurement of 'α' activity of the water samples reveals the 'a' activity from 93 Bq/L to 163Bq/L in different water bodies of East Kolkata Wetland. We have extended our study on different tube wells of East Kolkata Wetland too and found that the water samples reveal the 'α' activity from 70 Bq/L to 185 Bq/L. Obviously this a- radioactivity remains also in the fish bodies and ultimately goes inside human body It is believed that α - radioactivity is thousand times more carcinogenic than Gamma -radioactivity.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

009342   Dubey B;Pal A K;Singh G (Environmental Science and Engineering Dep, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, Jharkhand-826 004, Email: bdubey03@gmail.com) : Particulate pollution in coal mining area of Jharia coalfield. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(1), 40-8.

Coal is the main source of energy in India. Among all coal mining area, Jharia Coalfield (JCF) occupies an important place in India's industrial and energy scenario by virtue of being the only storehouse of prime coking coal and important source of coal for the thermal power generation and is also referred as coal capital of India. Conducts during 2008-2009 to asses the source of particulate matter in cial mining area. This region covers several coal mining/industrial areas, residential, commercial and mixed use areas. Assessments of particulate pollution in cial mining area was done by trace metal analysis using EPM 2000 filter paper followed by acid digestion, extraction and analysis through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The annual average suspended particulate matter (SPM) and respirable particulate matter (PM₁₀) concentrations varied from 425-738 μg/m^{3 and 170-339 μg/m3 respectively. This was followed by source profile study. The two approaches were adopted including principal factor analysis (Varimax rotated analysis) and Enrichment factor analysis to identify sources. The major sources of particulate matter were mainly from resuspended soil dust and earth crust, emissions from automobile exhaust, coal mining associated activities, fugitive emissions, industries and oil combustion, etc.}

5 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

009341   Dehghani M;Vafadar M (Environment Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Bandar Abbas Branch, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Email: dehghani933@gmail.com) : Qualitative and quantitative survey and suggested management strategy of hospital solid waste at hormozgan province, Iran. Ambient Sci 2017, 4(1), 74-7.

Medical wastes always need special attention because of having infectious and hazardous compositions for the environment in the solid wastes management system. One of the most fundamental elements in planning and implementing a correct medical wastes management program is being aware of quantitative and qualitative amounts of medical wastes. The present piece of work is a temporal descriptive type which was carried out for examining medical wastes in Hormozgan province from qualitative and qualitative based on collecting data from 15 hospitals, field visits and sampling and analyzing results. Results revealed that in studied hospitals 2556Kg medical waste is_coming out every day. According to a number of total occupied beds in studied hospitals, it shows every bed makes 83.1Kg medical waste that are infectious and hazardous wastes from 9.45 percent of this number. According to results of the study, management of hazardous medical wastes and destroying them is one of the worrisome and important problems of Hormozgan province that needs special attention for municipal planners and managers.

3 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

009340   Chen H;Li S;Zhang H (NO, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Hubei-430 074, Email: lisha0903@163.com) : Research on promoting potential of public behavior in sorting collection of municipal solid waste: a case of Kunming in China. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(1), 74-9.

Relying on the current status of implementation and development trend of sorting collection of municipal solid waste (simply called MSW below) in China, analyzes the significance of the research on promoting potential of public behaviour in sorting collection of MSW. Take Kunming as a case example, proposes an evaluation index of promoting potential in sorting collection of MSW. and forecasts that there will be huge promoting potential of public behaviour in sorting collection of MSW in Kunming by using the Fuzzy probability method in Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Model, with on-site investigation and analysis of the results of opinion polls.

5 tables, 5 ref