005084   Gupta N;Sharma R C;Tripathi A K (Ecology and Environmental Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248 006, Email: nutangupta100@rediffmail.com) : Bio-physico-chemical parameters of mothronala swamp, Dehradun (Uttarakhand). J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 381-6.

Aquatic biodiversity is one of the most essential characteristics of the aquatic ecosystem for maintaining its stability and a means of coping with any environmental change. The entire stretch of the Mothronwala swamp has rich riparian vegetation for providing conducive environment for the growth of aquatic organisms. The present work has been undertaken to study the bio-physico-chemical characteristics of the swamp. The data on physico-chemical environmental variables (temperature, total dissolved solutes, size and composition of substratum, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, chlorides, and hardness) have been given under the present contribution. A total of 16 genera of aquatic insects belonging to orders Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Phylum Mollusca represented the macroinvertebrates of Mothronwala swamp. The fresh water swamp of Mothronwala is underthreat due to human interference and other anthropogenic activities. Some of the natural and anthropogenic environmental problems of the Mothronwala swamp have been identified and the ameliorative measures for the protection of aquatic environment and the conservation measures for the swamp have been suggested. The qualitative study revealed the present status of the aquatic biodiversity of the swamp and also about the physico-chemical parameters, which would be very helpful for policy makers to take precautionary measures to save the swamp.

3 illus, 4 tables, 33 ref

005083   Gupta D K;Tripathi R D;Mishra S;Srivastava S;Dwivedi S;Rai U N;Yang X E;Huanj H;Inouhe M (NO, College of Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Univ, Huajianchi Campus, Hanghzou-310 029, Email: tripathi_rd@rediffmail.com) : Arsenic accumulation in root and shoot vis-a-vis its effects on growth and level of phytochelatins in seedlings of Cicer arietinum L.. J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 281-6.

Arsenic (As) contamination of water and soil has become a subject of prime interest due to its direct effect on human health through drinking water -and food. Two varieties (CSG-8962 and C-235) of chickpea, CicerarietinumL, which is a major supplementary food in many parts of India and a valuable source of protein, has been selected to estimate the level of arsenate in root and shoot of five day old seedlings vis-a-vis effect of arsenate on seedling growth and induction of thiols including glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs) and their homologues. Both varieties accumulated arsenate to similar levels and most of the metalloid was confined to roots, only about 2.5% was translocated to shoot. Plant growth was also not affected significantly both the varieties. Arsenate exposure significantly induced the levels of thiols including PCs and homophytochelatins (hPCs). The induction of thiols was much higher in roots than shoots and was greater in var. C-235 between the two tested ones. Thus, both varieties tolerated and detoxified arsenic through chelation with GSH, PCs and hPCs, primarily in roots, however var. C-235 performed better.

2 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

005082   Gautam R K;Gautam R (Faculty of Life Sciences, Zoology Dep, Dr. B.R. Ambedkhar Univ, Agra-282 002) : Ground water impact on human health. Bionotes 2008, 10(4), 139-40.

2 tables, 5 ref

005081   Gaikwad S R;Ingle K N;Thorat S R (Environmental Sciences Dep, North Maharashtra Univ, Jalgaon-425 001) : Zooplankton emergence pattern and resting egg diversity of recently dried waterbodies in North Maharashtra region. J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 353-6.

Seasonal patterns of temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate and sulphate have been studied on the basis of physico-chemical characteristics of pond ecosystem. Importance of soil egg banks and their contribution to the diversity in freshwater ecosystem has been studied. We have tossed our attention on soil egg bank diversity and zooplankton emergence patterns of some recently dried aquatic habitats, comparing to that of neighbouring temporary pools with the permanent ponds. The emergence pattern from the soil egg bank followed an orderly succession from Protists-Rotifers and Crustaceans have been investigated. Dominant Protists emerged from the egg bank were Lacrymaria within rotifers. They were the first to emerge Mowed by Hexarthra blooms. The diversity of zooplankton in permanent ponds was significantly higher (i.e. 19) than the diversity in the ephemeral pools (i.e. 08). However, the zooplankton abundance in the ephemeral pools was higher with more than an order of magnitude, than that in ponds. Interestingly the number of species recorded in the egg bank was more than those present in the water columns of the pools. We have recorded 08 species of rotifera i.e. Lecane sp L. curvicornis, L. bulla, K. quadrata, B. patulus, B. rubens, Branchionus calyciflorus, Testudinella sp which were not present in the neighboring permanent or ephemeral waterbodies during that period. Unequivocally suggest that in order to understand the zooplankton biodiversity; it is also important to evaluate the diversity of egg bank present in the sediment. A total 19 species were recorded including Copepoda 06 sp, Cladocera 05 sp and Rotifera 08 sp.

4 tables

005080   Dwivedi A K;Tripath B D;Shashi (Botany Dep, D.D.U. Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: anil_k_dwiwedi@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of ambient air sulphur dioxide on sulphate accumulation in plants. J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 377-9.

Deals with the relationship between ambient air sulphur dioxide and sulphate content in leaf of selected tropical plant species, Ficus reigiosa. The study reveals a positive correlation between ambient air sulphur dioxide and sulphate in the leaves. Two way ANOVA finds the obtained values to be highly significant (p<60>0.001). Amount of sulphate in leaves shows positive correlation with sulphur dioxide in air(p<60>0.001) during most part of the study. A marked reduction of sulphate content in leaf was found during October when reduction in ambient air sulphur dioxide was recorded.

2 illus, 14 ref

005079   Dubey A;Chandra A (NO, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi-284 003, Email: amaresh62@yahoo.com ) : Effect of water stress on carbon isotope discrimination and its relationship with transpiration efficiency and specific leaf area in Cenchrus species. J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 371-6.

Carbon isotope discrimination (CID) has been proposed in estimating transpiration efficiency (TE) in plants indirectly. To identify variations for TE and specific leaf area (SLA) and their association with CID, a glasshouse experiment was conducted using six prominent species of Cenchrus. A significant increase in TE (3.50 to 3.87 g kg^{-1) and decrease in SLA (219.50 to 207.99 cm2 g-1) and CID (13.72 to 13.23 %) was observed from well watered to stress corf/on. Results indicated a direct relationship of SLA with CID (r= 0.511' and 0.544') and inverse relationship between TE and CID (r=-0.229 and - 0.270) However, the relationship of TE with CID was insignificant. A positive and significant relationship was visualized between TE and dry matter production in both control (r=0.917") and stress (0.718") treatments. Relationships of total dry matter with SLA and CID were monitored insignificant and negative in control and positive in stress treatment indicated difference in dry matter production under two treatments. It seems that, in Cenchrus species, CID was influenced more by the photosynthetic capacity than by stomatal conductance, as indicated by its positive relationship with SLA in both control (r = 0.511') and stress (r-0.544') conditions and negative relationship with root dry matter production under control (r= -0.921***) and stress (r= -0.919***) condition. Results showed good correspondence between CID and SLA, indicating that lines having high TE and biomass production can be exploited for their genetic improvement for drought.}

1 illus, 37 ref

005078   Dua A;Chander Parkash (Laboratory of Aquatic Biology, Zoology Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005) : Distribution and abundance of fish populations in harike wetland-a ramsar site in India. J envir Biol 2009, 30(2), 247-51.

Harike wetland was declared a Ramsarsite in 1990. It is located at the confluence of two major rivers of Indus rivers system, the Beas and the Sutlej, but was never explored extensively for its existing fish biodiversity. Earlier only 27 fish species of commercial value were reported from the wetland. Acknowledging its importance for rich diversity, fish assemblages in seven different reaches of Harike wetland were studied to determine their abundance and distribution. 61 fish species of 35 genera were recorded from Harike wetland during the present study. Cirrihinus mrigala and Cyprinus carpio belonging to family Cyprinidae were the dominant fish species. Lake and Riyasat having many microhabitats supported highest diversity of fishes (60 and 56 respectively) followed by Beas (20) Sutlej (14), Confluence (12), Reservoir (9) and Downstream (8). Among the IUCN designated threatened species, 1 Critically Endangered, 4 Endangered and 13 Vulnerable fish species of India are found in Harike wetland. Species diversity index, dominance, evenness and catch per unit effort were calculated to ascertain the fish distribution in Harike wetland.

2 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

005077   Dinakar N;Nagajyothi P C;Suresh S;Damodharam T;Suresh C (Environmental Sciences Dep, College of Mathematical and Physical Scien, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: thotidamodharam@yahoo.co.in) : Cadmium induced changes on proline, antioxidant enzymes, nitrate and nitrite reductases in Arachis hypogaea L.. J envir Biol 2009, 30(2), 289-94.

Groundnut, Arachis hypogaea seedlings, when grown in pot cultures for 10-25 days at 25, 50,100 μM CdCI₂, showed a marked decline in growth compared to control. Similar trend was observed for nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR) activities whereas pro/me, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) showed increasing trend when observed on the 10th day of the experiment. Changes have occurred in the physiological and biochemical activities which are observed even at low Cd levels (25 μM). At 100 μM concentration, with increase in experimental days, Cd has imposed drastic decrease in leaf and stem respectively, where nitrate reductase has varied from 20.87- 79.41 and 29.11-72.91% and nitrite reductase 21.66-79.41 and 43.58 - 75.92% respectively. Contrastingly Cd treated plant tissues showed an increase in proline 111.2-159.87% (percentage changes) and 131.23-212.16% for leaves and stems respectively, In addition cadmium caused significant changes in the activity of antioxidative enzymes, peroxidase 48.12-72.19% in leaf and 37.71 -75.25% in stem and catalase 64.86-143.92% in leaf and 129.13-214.74% in stem as compared to control. The study concludes that the activities of NR, MR, proline, POD, CAT are inhibited suggesting that Arachis hypogaea seedlings are under Cd stress affecting their growth.

4 illus, 1 table, 51 ref

005076   Cobanoglu G;Sevgi O (Biology Dep, Faculty of Arts and Science, Marmara Univ, Goztepe Campus, TR-34722 Kadikoy-Istanbul, Turkey, Email: gcoban@moirmara.edu.tr) : Analysis of the distribution of epiphytic lichens on Cedrus libani in elmali research forest (Antalya, Turkey). J envir Biol 2009, 30(2), 205-12.

In order to evaluate environmental factors limiting distribution of species, diversity of epiphytic lichens was studied in 34 sites along an altitudinal gradient from 1300 to 1900 m on north-facing and south-facing slopes of Elmali Cedar Research Forest (Antalya province, Turkey) regarding the dispersion of lichens in different tree-diameter classes (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, 30-45 cm, 45-60 cm and > 75 cm). The results showed that the relationship between diameter classes with the number of lichen species was R^{2=0.6022. The highest number of species was in the diameter class of 30-45 cm. There was a clear relationship between all parameters, diameter, altitude and aspect, with species richness. Changes in the community structure of the epiphytic lichen vegetation were detected along an altitudinal gradient revealing the highest species richness in the highest zone. The elevation affected both the number and the composition of the lichen communities and the relationship between the altitudinal zones with number of lichen species was designated as R2=0.6462. The number of species was higher in the north aspects than in the south aspects in all diameter classes. The species number depending on the altitude was also higher in the north-facing slopes than in the south-facing slopes.}

3 illus, 5 tables, 42 ref

005075   Choudhary S A (Zoology Dep, Govt. P.G. College, Rajouri) : Toxicity of a synthetic pyrethroid fenvalerate on the growth and development of Drosophila melanogaster. Bionotes 2009, 11(3), 100.

^ssc1 table, 7 ref

005074   Choi Y M;Yoo J T;Choi J H;Choi K H;Kim J K; Kim Y S;Kim J B (Fisheries Resources Research Team, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), 408-1, Sirang-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan 619-705, Rep. of Korea, Email: ymchoi@nfrdi.re.kr) : Ecosystem structure and trophic level to the oceanographic conditions around the waters of jeju island. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 419-25.

Water around Jeju Island was characterized by the Tsushima warm current (TWC) being high temperature and salinity, and the Yellow sea cold bottom water (YSCBW) being low temperature and salinity. We investigated the diversity indices, community structures and trophic level of fish species collected by trawl net in the waters around Jeju Island during April 2004 -August 2005. We also presented ecosystem structure estimated by combination of trophic level and the oceanographic condition. There were totally distributed 301 species in the survey area during April 2004 -August2005, regionally 151-229 species in TWC and 75-154 in YSCBW. Shannon's diversity indices (H') of TWC were 2.95-3.39, being higher than those of YSCBW (2.11-2.40), and species richness (R) of TWC were 10.93-18.33, being also higher than those of YSCB W (6.96-12.48), except the values of October 2004. A total of 7,429 individuals of 98 species was seasonally examined for their dietary composition in the survey area during 2004-2005. Of which, 3,682 individuals were observed with prey organisms. Standardized diet composition and trophic level estimates were calculated for predators in the survey area being influenced by TWC and YSCBW. Trophic level values were diverged with range from 3.23 of the small pelagic to 4.39 of the goose fish, depending on the taxonomic group. The analysis of trophic level values showed that ecosystem structure was different between TWC and YSCBW during April 2004 -August 2005.

7 illus, 8 tables, 19 ref

005073   Chitanand M P;Gyananath G;Lade H S (Microbiology Dep, N.S.B. College, Nanded-431 601, Email: janhavidigraskar@gmail.com) : Bacterial assessmnt of ground water : a case study of Nanded city. J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 315-18.

Ground water is one of the main source of drinking water in Nanded city. City has witnessed a tremendous increase in population. This has lead to establishment of new colonies. A large section of residents live in the newly established crowded colonies under unhygienic conditions. The public bore wells, located in these areas are the main source of drinking water. The present study was carried out to monitor the suitability of raw ground water for safe drinking purposes and to investigate the status of these sites for bacterial contamination throughout the year. The results of this study revealed significant increase in the concentration of indicator organisms in all the samples during monsoon season. As a result the potability of ground water has become a severe concern in such localities of Nanded.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

005072   Chhikara S;Dhankhar R (Ecology Lab, Bio-Sciences Dep, M.D. Univ, Rohtak-124 001) : Recovery of chromium (VI) from industrial effluent by immobilized fungal biomass. J Ecobiol 2008, 23(2), 107-18.

A fungal biosorbent was developed from Rhizopus nigricans by chemical treatment with 0.1 M H₂SC₄ and 0.1 N NaOH. The biosorbsnt was immobilized in Ca-alginate matrix in the form of beads. The capacity of immobilized biosorbent was investigated to adsorb Chromium (VI) under various conditions of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial concentration of metal ions. The maximum uptake of Cr(VI) was 88.8, 93.1 and 96.9 mg, respectively at a pH of 1.5 and with an increase in pH up to 10.5; the metal uptake decreased gradually to 40.3, 54.9 and 68.5 mg. respectively for acid treated, untreated and base treated fungal biosorbents. increase itt biomass dose and contact time upto an optimal value of 1 g/100 ml and 60 minutes, respectively resulted in an increase in metal ion adsorption from 18, 20.2 and 15.3 mg at a biosoroent dose of 0.1 g/100 mi to 88.64, 93.12 and 96.9 mg at a biosorbent dose of 1.0 g/100 ml and then further increase in adsorbent dose and contact time did not result in more Cr(VI) adsorption by per unit weight of biosorbent. The biosorption was found to follow pseudo first order rate reaction. The percentage metal uptake by the biosorbent was found to decrease up to 61.3, 66.6 and 50.1 percent, respectively tor acid treated, untreated and base treated fungal biosorbents at the 300 mg/l Cr(VI) ion concentration. The value of Q_max and b (Langmuir constants), R_L (separation factor) and ΔG(Gibb's free energy) revealed the favourable nature of adsorption. The biosorbed Cr(VI) ions were completeiy desorbed from the biosorbent by washing with 0.1 M H₂SO₄, immobilized biosorbent can be reused for five consecutive biosorption/desorption cycles without apparent loss of efficiency after its reconditioning with 0.1 M H₂SO₄ and 0.1N NaOH. The biosorbent performed well for the removal of Cr (VI) from the industrial effluent.

10 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

005071   Chandramohan G;Arivoli S;Venkatesan P (Aquatic Entomology and Biocontrol Research Laboratory, Advanced Zoolo, Loyola College, Chennai-600 034, Email: rmsarivoli@yahoo.com) : Effect of salinity on the predatory performance of Diplonychus rusticus (Fabricius). J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 287-90.

Predatory efficiency of Diplonychus rusticus (Fabricius) was recorded at different prey density with different salinity ranges. When the salinity level (ppt) was increased, the predation rate of the bug decreased. Fifth nymphal stage showed higher predation in the 2, 4 and 6 ppt levels of salinity in both 1hr and 24 hr period of exposure at preydensities 50, 100,150 and 200. At prey density 150, adult bugs killed more prey in the 2 ppt level of salinity in both 1hr and 24 hr treatments.

4 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

005070   Chae J;Choi H W;Lee W J;Kim D;Lee J H (NO, Korea Environmental Research Center for Hydrosphere, 634-1 Yi dong, Sangnok gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi do 426-857, Republic of Korea, Email: jchae@ketch.co.kr) : Distribution of a pelagic tunicate, Salpa fusiformis in warm surface current of the eastern Korean waters and its impingement on cooling water intakes of Uljin nuclear power plant. J envir Biol 2008, 29(4), 585-90.

Impingement of a large amount of gelatinous plankton, Salpa fusiformis on the seawater intake system-screens in a nuclear power plant at Uljin was firstly recorded on 18^{th June 2003. Whole amount of the clogged animals was estimated were presumptively at 295 tons and the shortage of cooling seawater supply by the animal clogging caused 38% of decrease in generation capability of the power plant. Zooplankton collection with a multiple towing net during the day and at night from 5 to 6 June 2003 included various gelatinous zooplanktons known to be warm water species such as salps and siphonophores. Comparatively larger species, Salpa fusiformis occupied 25.4% in individual density among the gelatinous plankton and showed surface distribution in the depth shallower than thermocline, performing little diel vertical migration. Temperature, salinity and satellite data also showed warm surface current predominated over the southern coastal region near the power plant in June. The results suggested that warm surface current occasionally extended into the neritic region may transfer S. fusiformis, to the waters off the power plant. The environmental factors and their relation to ecobiology of the large quantity of salpa population that are being sucked into the intake channel of the power plant are discusse.}

6 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

005069   Burak S;Mat H (NO, Istanbul Univ, Insitute of Marine Sciences and Management, 34116 Vefa Istanbul/Turkey) : Chemical water management and cost recovery issues: case studies of sivas and fethiye in Turkey. J Indian Wat Wks Ass 2008, 40(2), 111-14, 127-9.

Turkey is a country that has encountered environmental problems in the modern sense of the term comparatively late, but from the 1970's onwards, rapid urbanization has brought environmental problems to dangerous proportions, particularly in water catchment areas and urban and coastal settlements. Infrastructure investment mainly in pollution prevention issues, i.e. sewerage and sewage treatment has fallen behind schedule due to lack of adequate planning and financing. Environmental pollution control by all means and at all costs is an unquestionable liability of us to the next generations. Even though this broad objective is technically possible to achieve under the current technological level of improvement, the financing, cost recovery and affordability of the environmental pollution control projects will be a fundamental issue to tackle both in the short and long-term, given the limited financial resources and disposable income of the population. The challenge is to ensure environmental pollution prevention in parallel with financially sustainable approach. In this paper, the economic impact of having a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for medium-sizedtowns (Sivas and Fethiye) with the objective of environmental pollution prevention is assessed by taking investment and operation costs, required tariff levels, affordability and willingness-to-pay of the users into account.

4 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

005068   Borah K K;Bhuyan B;Sarma H P (Chemistry Dep, Mangaldai College, Darrang, Assam-784 125, Email: bhabajitb@rediffmail.com) : Heavy metal contamination of groundwater in the tea garden belt of Darrang district, Assam, India. E J Chem 2009, 6(S1), 501-7.

Study has been carried out on heavy metal contamination of groundwater with respect to cadmium, manganese, zinc and copper in the tea garden belt of Darrang district, Assam, India. Heavy metals in groundwater are estimated by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Perkin Elmer AA 200. Univariate statistics along with skewness, kurtosis and 't' test have been employed to test the distribution normality for each metal. The study reveals that the groundwater of the area is highly contaminated with cadmium. A good number of samples are also found to contain manganese at an alert level. The concentrations of copper and zinc in the groundwater of the area are within the guideline values of WHO. Statistical results show that all the metals under study exhibit an asymmetric distribution in the area with a long asymmetric tail on the right of the median. Keeping in view of the high concentrations of cadmium and manganese, it is suggested to test the potability of groundwater of the area before using it for drinking.

3 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

005067   Balasubramanian G;Udayasoorian C;Prabu P C; Senthil Kumar G (NO, , TNAU - NLC Projects, Card, NLC Limited, Neyveli-607 807) : Toxic pollutants in ground water. J Ecobiol 2008, 23(1), 1-10.

Ground water, being an essential natural resource, has been assumed to be pristine in quality and must not be violated by contamination. Few of the ground water aquifers that supply drinking water are of ancient origin. Most of them are dynamic in nature and recharged repeatedly by water moving slowly or rapidly downward from the surface of the earth through the soil profile to a level that accumulates the water. In the process, Dissolved chemicals including pesticides can also be carried downward into the soil profile and eventually reach the ground water. The natural environment from where contamination extends can be viewed as consisting of several environmental zones extending from the atmosphere and the above-ground crop zone into the soil from the surface down, through the root zone, the unsaturated soil, eventually down to the saturated zone where ground water is situated. The contaminants from the above zones passes through different zones get transformed into various degraded products and enter the ground water and create pollution. Therefore, it is essential to have a detailed knowledge on the sources of ground water pollution namely sewage and other wastes, industrial effluents, agricultural discharges and industrial wastes, their influence on soil properties and measures to be taken for the abatement of toxic pollutants, these details are discussed in this paper.

1 table, 17 ref

005066   Agoramoorthy G;Chen F A;Venkatesalu V;Shea P C (Pharmacy Dep, Tajen Univ, Yanpu, Pingtung-907, Taiwan, Email: pochuenshea@gmail.com) : Bioconcentration of heavy metals in selected medicinal plants of India. J envir Biol 2009, 30(2), 175-8.

Data on the bioconcentration of heavy metals found in 10 plant species that occur in mangroves and inland ecosystems of India. The average concentration of mercury in the mangrove plants (0.068 μg g^{-1) was 11.3 times that of the inland plants (0.006 μg g-1; p<60>0.05). The average concentration of lead in the mangrove plants (19.23 μg g-1) was 1.7 times that of the inland plants (11.38 μg g-1; p<60>0.05). The mean bioconcentration factors for lead in mangrove plants (2.40 ± 0.75) were higher than that the inland plants (1.42 ± 0.15). The factor analysis accounted for21.55% of the total variance showed accumulation of mercury and lead confirming the polluted nature.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

005065   Adrover M;Forss A L;Ramon G;Vadell J;Moya G; Taberner A M (Biology Dep, University Balearic Islands-07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Email: maria.adrover@uib.es) : Selection of woody species for wastewater enhancement and restoration of riparian woodlands. J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 357-61.

Growth and nutrient uptake of seven tree species were evaluated with the goal of selecting the species that can be used for wastewater enhancement by dendro-purification, or green tree filtering, and for restoration of riparian woodlands. Trees were grown in pots with an inert mixture of perlite and vermiculite and irrigated with either nutrient solution or treated wastewater. We measured the effects of species and irrigation water on biomass and nutrient content of leaves, stems and roots. For most of the species, treated wastewater had a positive effect on final biomass and above ground: below ground ratio compared to that of nutrient solution. However, growth of Cupressus sempervirens and Populus nigra were inhibited by water sodium concentration. Nerium oleander, Tamarix africana and Vitex agnus-castus were the species with the greatest final biomass. Pistacia terebinthus had the highest nitrogen and phosphorus content in leaves, stems and roots, while N. oleander and V. agnus-castus showed the best potassium accumulation. In general, P. terebinthus, N. oleander, T. africana and V. agnus-castus were the best qualified species for purification of wastewater.

1 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

005064   Achudume A C;Olawale J T (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo Univ, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Email: aachudum@yahoo.com) : Occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in waste site of Ede south west Nigeria. J envir Biol 2009, 30(2), 187-9.

Analysis of antibiotic resistant bacteria from composted waste site soil samples for two seasons were done, using prepared diagnostic test agar and direct sensitivity tests. All major isolated bacteria were subjected to various antibiotics. Concurrent positive and negative tests were simultaneously studied. Results show relatively high resistant and sensitive bacteria in both seasons. In wet seasons, the Bacillus cereus concentrations are considerably reduced than in the dry. In the dry seasons, Bacillus cereus was sensitive to Erythromycin (ERY) and Tetracycline (TET) and slightly resistant to Ampicillin (AMP), Chloramphenicol (CHL), Cloxacillin (CXC) and water (CNT). In the wet season, identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa was moderately resistant to Streptomycin (STR) and Tetracycline and remained resistant to Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole (COT), Nitrofurantion (NIT) and water (CNT). The implications for human health are discussed.

2 tables, 13 ref

004049   Vasanthy M;Geetha A (P G & Research Environmental Sciences Dep, Government Arts College, Ariyalur-621 713) : Biofilteration of dye effluent using Eichhornia crassipes. J Ecobiol 2008, 22(2), 117-22.

Water hyacinth based treatment system could be used to treat sewage and industrial effluents due to its low cost, growth in sewage and due to its maximum 'pollutants removal capacity. Different concentrations of aqueous dye containing PBBMR + POM2R solutions (10, 20, 30, 40 & 50 ppm) were prepared. Young saplings of Eichhornia crassipes were introduced into aqueous dye solutions and dyeing industry effluent. About 100% colour reduction has been noticed for 10,20 and 30 ppm dye solutions after 48 hrs. The colour imparted by 40 ppm PBBMR+ POM2R solution has been completely removed after 6 days, whereas the colour imparted by 50 ppm solution has been removed after 7 days. With dyeing industry effluent, a maximum of 33% hardness reduction has been noticed. The colour has been completely removed within a time period of 48 hrs. Thus this study reveals the suitability of the plant E. crassipes for the effective removal of reactive dyes and other pollutants.

3 tables, 14 ref

004048   Vaidya V;Konde P U (2, Dnyananadevi, Sahitya Sahawas, Bandra (East), Mumbai-400 051, , , Email: varshavaidya@gmail.com) : Decolorization of malachite green by Sporotrichum pulverulentum. J Ind Pollut Control 2008, 24(2), 133-6.

Synthetic dyes used in the textile industry cause major environmental pollution. Investigation aimed at studying decolorization of malachite green by three white rot fungi Sporotrichum pulverulentum, Polystictus versicolor and Ptychogaster sp. using two different media. S. pulventlentum showing the highest decolourization in Asther broth was chosen for further work. Dye decolourization was enhanced under shaker conditions as opposed to static conditions. A pH of 4.5, use of glucose as carbon source and nitrogen limited conditions supported higher decolorization values (99%). The reuse of mycelial mat for dye decolorization showed excellent results over four cycles.

1 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

004047   Snehanarvekar;Vaidya V K (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032, Email: snehanarvekar@yahoo.com) : Role of functional groups on Aspergillus niger biomass in the detoxification of hexavalent chromium. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(4), 233-8.

Chromium (VI) contamination is not uncommon, especially near industries involved in leather tanning, chrome painting, metal cleaning and processing, wood preservation and alloy preparation. The mutagenic and carcinogenic properties of Chromium (VI) necessitate effective remedial processes. Difficulties associated with chemical and physical techniques to remediate a Chromium (VI) contaminated site to EPA recommended level (50 ppm), in addition to higher costs involved, assert the need for bioremedial measures. Biosorption can be one such solution to clean up heavy metal contamination. The objective of this study was to examine the main aspects of a possible strategy for the removal of Chromium (VI), employing Aspergillus niger biomass. The roles played by amines, carboxylic acids, phosphates, in Chromium (VI) biosorption were studied. Amino and the carboxy groups on the fungal cell wall play an important role in sorption. However, the role of carboxy group was far less than amino group. Surface adsorption of Chromium (VI) was also seen by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) thus indicating involvement of ion-exchange and surface adsorption mechanism in removal of Chromium (VI) ions.

5 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

004046   Senthilkumar S;Meenambal T (Civil Engineering Dep, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 013) : Bacteriological quality of the drinking water in the rural areas around sipcot industrial zone, perundurai, Erode district, Tamil Nadu. J Ind Pollut Control 2008, 24(2), 161-4.

A study was undertaken to assess the bacteriological quality of drinking water in the rural areas around SIPCOT industrial zone, Perundurai, Erode district, Tamilnadu. Nine water samples were collected from the identified sampling points in and around SIPCOT region of Erode district. The collected samples were analyzed for its quality as per the standard methods. The results obtained were compared with standards of WHO and BIS-1O5OO. The result reveals that the water quality in general is found to be unsatisfactory and unfit for consumption with regard to faecal coliforms.

2 tables, 15 ref

004045   Selvan S;Nehru Kumar V (District Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, , Coimbatore-641 001, Email: egreen@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of pretreatment processes for ZLD plants for treating composite dyeing efluent streams. J Ind Pollut Control 2008, 24(2), 165-8.

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Plants, based on Membrane Technologies for reclaiming the resources viz., water and salt, are the emerging strategies for treating composite effluent stream from dyeing industries. The removal of suspended and organic dissolved solids is the pre requisite for the application of membrane based plants, to reclaim inorganic dissolved solids. The removal of COD, TSS, TVS and Color is the primary objective of providing pre treatment, before the effluent is considered to reclaim water or salt, through membrane based plants. The chemical treatment, biological treatment and ozonation are the proven methods for proªviding necessary pre treatment. On evaluation through laboratory studies on six different methods, their respective merits and demerits are found. Perhaps, ozonation can be conªcluded as the best available technology for the pretreatment of dyeing effluent in the ZLD plants, for the primary reasons of less sludge and qualified supernatant that can be negotiated in Reverse Osmosis Plants.

2 tables, 6 ref

004044   Saxena S;Akolkar P;Bhamra H S (Zoology Dep, M.M.H. College, Ghaziabad-201 001, Email: saxena_sapna01@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative taxonomic composition of biological water quality of canals. J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 433-8.

Clean water quality was observed only in Gang Canal. Heavy Pollution in biological water quality was observed in Agra Canal. Whereas, biological water quality of Western Yamuna Canal and Hindon Canal indicated Moderate Pollution. The variation in taxonomical composition are prominent in canals with respect to various families of benthic macro-invertebrates. Clean water quality of Gang Canal supported maximum percentage of Arthropods compared to other canals. Heavy Pollution in Agra Canal supported maximum percentage of Molluscs and Annelids. Maximum of 19 number of families of benthic macro-invertebrates were identified from Western Yamuna Canal and Gang Canal.

5 illus, 3 tables

004043   Saqib T A;Ahmed Azmi M;Naqvi S N H;Akhtar K (Zoology Dep, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan) : Atomic absorption spectrometric determination of metal ions in Labeo calabasu and fresh water lakes of Sindh, Pakistan. J expl Zool 2008, 11(2), 313-19.

Kalri (Kinjher) and Haleji are very important freshwater reservoirs of Sindh region, Pakistan. They are valuable sources of water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes, but both the lakes are facing problems of eutrophication and pollution. For this purpose a study was carried out to determine the concentration of pollutants (metal ions) in water and in different organs of fish, Labeo calabasu by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration of metal ions (in water and fishes) was higher during the months of March to July. The highest peak for lead was found in Kalri and Haleji lakes which were followed by iron, chromium and zinc. Ions such as cadmium and manganese were found in least concentration. Bioaccumulation of metal ions in different organs of fish Labeo calabasu indicate that the highest concentration was found in liver followed by gills, edible muscles, stomach and kidney while minimum concentration was found in adipose tissues. Generally two peaks were observed i.e., one in April to August and the other in November. It is thus concluded that there is sufficient amount of metal ions in lakes water (especially in Haleji Lake) and fish organs. Therefore, supply of drinking water has been stopped from Haleji, due to hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects.

3 illus, 34 ref

004042   Ramesh S T;Jayanthi S;Gandhimathi R (Civil Engineering Dep, National institute of Technology, Tiruchirappali-620 015, Email: stramesh@nitt.edu) : Problems of management of bio medical wastes and their remedial measures. J Ind Pollut Control 2008, 24(2), 145-8.

Discusses the results of a study on management of medical wastes in the Government Hospital; Erode of 583-bedded capacity as a case study. The quantity of Waste arising from the hospital is 319.5 kg/day. As no proper Segregation at source is practiced in this hospital, it has paved the way for increased medical waste stream due to mixing of general and medical waste. The study reªvealed that medical wastes are not properly managed in most hospitals and dispensaries. The medical facilities are characterized by inadequate and in appropriate refuse storage facilities, lack of refuse collection services, improper disposal methods and inadequate and inappropriate gear for refuse handlers. A number of remedial measures to improve the situation includªing the construction of commercial incinerator in the city are suggested.

4 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

004041   Ramesh S T;Jayanthi S;Gandhimathi R (Civil Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli-620 015, Email: stramesh@nitt.edu) : Feasibility study on anaerobic digestion of garbage using lime pretreatment. J Ind Pollut Control 2008, 24(2), 123-8.

An attempt has been made on feasibility of using lime as base for alkaline pretreatment to garbage and on an anaerobic digestion of garbage in conjunction with domestic sewage. The study was undertaken by operating laboratory scale digester of 10-litre capacity loaded with garbage after a pretreatment with lime for 24 hours. Assays were run in bio digester operated at room temperature with a constant hydraulic retention time of 25 days with different organic loading rates by varying the percentage lime pretreatment. The digester efficiency reflected as the methane yield decreases. Concerning the conversion efficiencies, the maximum gas yield of 0.22 m³/ kgvs added was achieved at the organic loading rate of 3.34 kg vs / m³/ day, with pre treatment of 4 % lime.

4 illus, 5 tables, 23 ref