019280   Davutluoglu O I;Yilmaz T;Seckin G;Ersu C B; Yuceer A (Environmental Engineering Dep, Cukurova Univ, Balcali 01330, Adana, Turkey, Email: gseckin@cu.edu.tr) : Monitoring of seasonal variation of heavy metal concentrations in bed sediments of lower Seyhan river, Turkey. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1567-76.

Variation of total heavy metal concentrations in the bed sediments against the flow rate of the lower Seyhan river has been evaluated. Sediment samples were collected at 6 representative sampling stations along the lower Seyhan river, Turkey under low and high flow conditions during four seasons. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn decreased by increasing river flow rate. Sediment quality assessment according to the "U.S.EPA Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG)" revealed that there was heavy metal pollution with respect to especially Ni, Cd and Zn. However, mean Cu and Pb levels in the river indicated that the river was non-contaminated. There were several mechanisms suggested for heavy metal distribution in the river such as immobilization by sedimentation, remobilization by pH decrease due to microbial degradation of organic matter and resuspension due to increased river flow rate.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

019279   Bhalla R;Lomte V S;Mule M B (Environmental Sciences Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004) : Water quality : change during kumbh parva 2003 at Trimbakeshwar, Nashik. Bull envir Sci 2007, 25(1), 29-32.

The study deals with the present status of Godavari river from Trimbakeshwar to Nashik Municipal Corporation catchment area. Study highlights physico-chemical analysis of water in Kushawarta, the place where Godavari takes its course. The significant water quality change, observed was due to holy dip taken by Sadhus and lakhs of Pilgrims during the occasion.

1 illus, 16 ref

019278   Bafna Y D;Thorat S R (School of Environmental and Earth Sciences, North Maharastra University, Jalgaon, Email: srt118@yahoo.co.in) : Remediation of clay loam polluted soil with heavy metals using organic acids. Bull chem Sci 2009, 7(1), 13-21.

Weak organic acids have the capabilities of washing heavy metals without seriously deterioªrating the soil properties. A clay Ioam naturally contaminated by heavy metals was characterªized physically and analyzed for its content in Cr, Hg, Mn and Pb. At various pH, concentration and reaction time, several weak organic acids and their salts were used to leach out heavy metal. The optimum pH ranged from 5 to 7 for citrate, 2 to 3 for tartarate in the case of Cr, Hg and Mn and 2 to 7 in the case of Pb. More than 85% of Pb was removed with both citrate and tartarate at a concentration of 0.12 and 0.2 M respectively within 24 h. About 86 to 99% of Hg was removed by tartarate and citrate whereas upto 60% of Cr was removed. EOTA and OTPA were found to be quite effective in removing Pb but not the other metals. Four citrate or tartarate extraction are required to remediate the experimental soil to a category A except Hg. For Hg, remediation criteria are so strict that only met the C criteria after two extractions, citrate and tartarate left levels of 32 and 62 mg/kg, respectively, when a category A of soil clean up criteria required no more than 0.5 mg/kg.

5 tables, 20 ref

019277   Asadi S S;Azeem S;Prasad A V S;Anji Reddy M (Centre for Environment, Institute of Science & Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological Univ, Hyderabad-500 085, Email: ssvp_envi@yahoo.co.in) : Analysis and mapping of soil quality in Khandaleru catchment area using remote sensing and GIS. Curr Sci 2008, 95(3), 391-6.

The study is an attempt to analyse the physico-chemical parameters and generate the soil quality index (SQI) in and around Khandaleru catchment, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. The soil samples collected at the predetermined locations were analysed for physico-chemical parameters for the generation of attribute database. Based on the results of the analysis, spatial distribution maps of selected soil quality parameters, namely bulk density, moisture content, organic matter, C%, pH, electrical conductivity, Ca, Mg, SO₄, nitrate, phosphorus, potassium and texture were prepared using curve-fitting method in GIS software. The physico-chemical analysis properties and computation of SQI are helpful in the grouping of soil samples into excellent, good, poor, very poor and unfit. The spatial distribution of SQI generated in the current study will be of use for planners in the management and monitoring of land resources.

6 illus, 18 ref

018260   Wani P P;Ingle K N;Sonawane A C;Thorat S R (School of Environmental and Earth Sciences, North Maharashtra Univ, Jalgaon, Maharashtra) : Reducion and recovery of tannery effluent containing trivalant chromium by chemical method. Bull chem Sci 2005, 4(1), 31-4.

In tanning process Cbrornium (III) salts are the most widely used chemicals, but only 70 to 75% of total chromium salts reacts with hides. It means that, about 25 to 30% of the chromium amount remains in the solids and liquid wastes especially spent tanning solutions. Therefore, the removal and recovery of the chromium content of this wastewater is necessary Environmental protection and economic reasons. Using precipitation Process was carried out for Removal and Recovery of chromium. In the present Investigation, three precipitating agents i.e. Calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and Magnesium oxide were used. The impact of pH, stirring time, settleling rate and sludge volume were studied in batch experiments. A result shows that the optimum pH is 8-9 and the good sludge with high settling rate and lower volume obtain by MgO precipitating agent. From our observations MgO is a good precipitating agent for removal and recovery of Cr (III) from tanning industrial wastewater.

4 illus, 11 ref

018259   Sonmez S;Kaplan M;Kemal Sonmez N;Kaya H;Uz I (Soil Science Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Akdeniz Univ, 07059, Antalya, Turkey, Email: ssonmez@akdeniz.edu.tr) : Effect of soil copper and foliar copper applications on micronutrient contents of tomato plants. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3929-40.

Effects of both soil copper applications (SCuA) and foliar copper application (FCuAF) on micronutrient contents (copper, iron, manganese and zinc) of tomato plants were investigated. For this purpose, Cu was applied as a factorial combination of rate (0 [S1], 1000 [S2] and 2000 mg kg^-1 [S3], soil) and frequencies (no application[F1], biweekly [F2] and weekly [F3], foliar). Two separate experiments were conducted to observe effects of different Cu containing chemicals. Two fungicides, Gunner and Tenn-Cop 5E (containing Cu oxychloride and copper salts of fatty and rosin acids, respectively), were used for foliar copper applications. CuSO₄-5H₂O was used to provide to soil. Both in the experiment-I (Gunner, Cu oxychloride) and in the experiment II (Tenn-Cop 5E, copper salts of fatty and rosin acids), Cu and Mn contents of plant samples increased with increasing of SCuA and FCuAF. Fe contents of leaf and fruit samples were affected by SCuA and decreased with increasing of SCuA. Root Fe content generally decreased with increasing of both SCuA and FCuAF. Leaf, fruit and root Zn contents were affected by both SCuA and FCuAF and Zn contents of plant samples decreased with increasing SCuA and FCuAF. As a result, both SCuA and FCuAF, especially aiming to control plant diseases, showed different effects on Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn contents of tomato plants. It was determined that, by taking into account the amount and frequency of applications, the Cu doses applied either to soil or leaf were too high. Thus, it would be useful to conduct more in detailed studies to determine Cu toxicity limits on tomato plants at different soil pH levels by gradually decreasing Cu doses.

2 tables, 34 ref

018258   Sharma I;Mehta H S (NO, , High Altitude Zoology Field Station, Zoological Survey of India, Solan-173 211, Email: induzsi@gmail.com) : Limnological status of the pong dam wetland, a Ramsar site. Bionotes 2009, 11(2), 45-6.

1 table, 4 ref

018257   Shah M C;Shilpkar P;Sharma S (Chem Dep, Gujarat Vidyapith, Sadra-382320) : Correlation, regression study on physico-chemical parameters and water quality assessment of ground water of Mansa taluka in Gujarat. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3449-54.

Deals with the assessment of physico-chemical parameters of ground water samples of 40 villages of Mansa taluka in Gujarat, India during May-2005. Statistical studies including correlation and regression analysis have been carried out for physico-chemical parameters of water. The observed values of various physico-chemical parameters of water samples were compared with standard values recommended by WHO. Results show that water of all villages of Mansa taluka is safe for drinking purpose expect Pundhara and Anodiya villages and a linear relationship was established between pair of physico-chemical parameters of water of Mansa taluka.

3 tables, 7 ref

018256   Patil A K;Shrivastava V S (NO, Centre of P.G. Research in Chemistry, G.T.P. College, Nandurbar-425 412, Email: drvinod_shrivastava@yahoo.com) : Analysis of metals and organics in river water by ICP-AES and GC/MS techniques. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3645-51.

The detection and identification of metals and organic compounds in Tapti river water samples collected from Bhusaval, Maharashtra, India by ICP-AES and GC/MS techniques. For detection of metal HCl-HNO₃ extract was prepared while organic compounds were detected in CH₂Cl₂ extracted mass. Also the functional groups present in organic compounds were identified by FT-FR. The detection of some metals and organic compounds are found to be toxic. Beside this work, the statistical evaluations and soil and plant analysis were also carried out.

2 illus, 6 tables, 21 ref

018255   Pathak L;Singh D P;Sunil Kumar (Zoology Dep, Ganjdundwara (P.G.) College, Ganjdundwara, Distt. Kanshiramnagar, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of malathion on haematological parameters of a fresh water fish, Labeo rohita. Bionotes 2009, 11(2), 68.

^ssc1 table

018254   Ozdemir C;Sahinkaya S;Onucyildiz M (Environmental Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering & Agricultural, Selcuk Univ, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey, Email: celozdemir@selcuk.edu.tr) : Treatment of pesticide wastewater by physiochemical and fenton processes. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3795-804.

The aim of study is to evaluate the efficiency of chemical, vacuum and Fenton processes for the reduction of chemical oxygen demand in wastewaters from pesticide industry. In this study wastewater from pesticide industry was used. Whereas in the chemical procedure [Ca(OH)₂ and KMnO₄], the chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency is 94.9%; in the vacuum-Ca(OH)₂ + KMnO₄ system (with 250 mg/L KMnO₄, 1 mL H₂SO₄, 5 mg/L polyelectrolyte and 2000 mg/L CaOH application) this efficiency was 97.8%; and a 99.8% KOI removal efficiency was obtained by the Fenton process (the optimum ratio of [Fe²⁺] to [H₂O₂] was 1:1.56 (mM/mM), at pH 3.0).

8 illus, 16 ref

018253   Kumar S (Applied Physics Dep, Dronacharya College of Engg., Knowledge Park-III, Gr. Noida, Uttar Pradesh) : Environment protection measures at Mathura refinery. Acta Cienc Indica-Phys 2008, 34(4), 585-90.

3 tables, 11 ref

018252   Kukul Y S;Anac S;Yesilirmak E (Agricultural Structures and Irrigation Dep, Faculty in Agriculture, Ege Univ, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey, Email: senem.kukul@ege.edu.tr) : Wastewater reclamation and reuse status in Turkey. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3875-84.

Treated wastewater is being widely used for irrigation purpose all over the world. Reuse of wastewater for agricultural or landscape irrigation is also help to protect environment and to conserve fresh water resources. However, most important consideration is to protect public health in water reuse applications. Thus, microbiological quality of treated wastewater and the criteria used to determine the quality have gained importance. Current status of fresh water resources and wastewater treatment in Turkey was documented in Potential needs of wastewater reuse were analyzed. Microbiological quality criteria for agricultural wastewater reuse in the regulations of Turkey were given and compared with the guidelines recommended as common to all Mediterranean countries.

6 tables, 14 ref

018251   Koliopoulos T C;Koliopoulou G (Environmental Consultancy, Centre for Environmental Managemnt Research University of Strathclyde, Athens, Greece, Email: tkol@otenet.gr ) : Evaluating landfill chemical emissions-mid auchncarroch experimental design. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3911-17.

The biodegradation of Mid Auchencarroch experimental landfill project is studied in four different cells. The aim is to better understanding the effects of waste pretreatment and landfill management techniques on leachate emissions and waste biodegradation processes. The variations of characteristic leachate indexes of landfill mass are presented and analyzed. The experimental Mid Auchencarroch's data confirm that waste pretreatment and leachate recirculation are sustainable and accelerate the waste biodegradation, protecting public health from probable hazardous landfill emissions.

8 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

018250   Khadsan R E (Applied Chemistry Dep, Anuradha Engineering College, Chikhli-443 201, Email: rek_4@rediffmail.com ) : Analysis of fluoride in bore-wells water of chikhli city dist. Buldana (M.S.). J Ultra Chem 2007, 3(1), 93-5.

The presence of excessive amount of fluoride in bore wells and drinking water causes dental fluorosis, mottling of teeth etc. Ground water contains fluoride ions dissolved from geological formations. The presence of low concentration or absence of fluoride in water results in a high incidence of dental caries in children's teeth. Therefore the concentration of fluoride should be within permissible limit as prescribed by various organization such as ICMR, WHO, ISI, etc. Hence, it becomes very important to analyse the fluoride in bore wells water used for drinking purpose. In the present study, fluoride content has assessed by std. experimental procedure and found in the range 0.005 to 0.670 ppm at different sampling stations of Chikhli City during Jan 2006 to June 2006.

^ssc1 table, 8 ref

018249   Karatas M (Environmental Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering & Architecture, Selcuk Univ, 42031 Konya, Turkey, Email: mkaratas@selcuk.edu.tr) : Removal of cadmium from water using clinoptilolite. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3963-70.

The study examines the use of clinoptilolite for the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH and contact time on the adsorption process were examined. The optimum pH for adsorption was found to be 5.0. A decrease in the clinoptilolite concentration with a constant cadmium concentration or an increase in the cadmium concentration with a constant clinoptilolite concentration, increased cadmium loading per unit weight of the adsorbent. As a result, the maximum removal efficiency levels obtained were as follows; 95.32% for the clinoptilolite at pH 5.0 and contact time 15 min.

3 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

018248   Incaz S;Alkan G B (Maritime Transport and Management Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineer, Istanbul Univ, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey, Email: serapincaz@yahoo.com) : Marine chemical pollution at Turkish straits and sea of Marmara. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 4037-40.

The effecs of the marine chemical pollution are discussed on the Turkish Straits and Sea of Marmara. It is also aimed to show the environmental impacts of intense maritime traffic depending on numerical values in the same region.

1 table, 6 ref

018247   Hussain M M (Protozoology and Environmental Biology Lab, Zoology Dep, College of Science Univ, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007) : Biomagnification and bioremediation of sediment and water contamination of zinc and copper in the select belt of river Krishna in India.. Bull chem Sci 2005, 4(1), 25-30.

Experiments were designed to study the sediment and water contamination and bioremediation in the river Krishna, which receive effluents and drain off from the flanking forests and agro-ecosystems contributed by its tributaries Paleru, Wyra and Musi. The phenomenon of natural pollution occurs also due to leaching and catalysis of rocks of heavy metal fluorides. Charging with the heavy load of contaminants in the sediment and their uptake, results in biological transformation at various tropic levels. Chironomid larvae, certain fishes and free-living protozoans constitute an important integral part of responsive indicators suggestive of environmental hazard. Sediment levels of Cu and Zn significantly stress upon the sediment contamination than water column and thus biological communities like Protozoa, Chironomid larvae and fishes form best models for assessing ecological processes of biomagnification. Projection of experimental amplification is significant for regeneration of stream through bioremediation and biological organisms serving better purpose for abatement of aquatic water pollution.

3 tables, 8 ref

018246   Hammud H H;Danil De Namor A F (Chemistry Dep, Beirut Arab Univ, P.O. Box 11-5020, Beirut, Lebanon, Email: hhammud@yahoo.com) : Litany, Ibrahim and Damour rivers of Lebanon. J Ultra Chem 2007, 3(1), 17-24.

Samples from Litany, Ibrahim and Damour river sources are subjected to chemical, physicochemical and microbiological analysis during the summer. Phosphate values were high and all the samples show bacterial population. The ammonia and nitrite levels are high in Litany River at Jibjanin while the nitrate level is low, this reflect the dominance of anaerobic condition and heavy pollution. Comparatively a better water quality was found in Quaroun Lake reflecting the effects of natural treatment of water. Heavy metals such as lead and cadmium have been detected in Quaroun Lake and Ibrahim river.

3 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

018245   Gurhan Yalcin M;Unal B (Geological Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Nigde Univ, 51200 Nigde, Turkey, Email: gurhan46@nigde.edu) : Multivariate statistical approach to identify heavy metal sources in urban roadside soils of Manisa, Turkey. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3978-90.

Aim of this study was to investigate heavy metal pollution in roadside soils of Manisa, an important city located in the western part of Turkey. Soil samples were collected from roadsides of the city. Heavy metal concentrations were measured with Spectro-Xepos Benchtop X-Ray fluorescence spectrometer. Mean heavy metal concentrations (ppm) of the roadside soils in Manisa were as follows: Sb was 7.56, W 6.19, Ag 5.8, Mo 22.1, Co 28.37, V 94.0, Cu 136.57, As 26.95, Sn 19.99, Hg 1.71, Ni 64.67, Zn 126.19, Cd 4.05, Pb 47.97, Al 58730, Fe 34515, Mg 13841, Cl 350.76, Ti 3857.5, Cr 341.83 and Mn 704.3. Based on the chemical analyses, Ag, Cd, Fe, Al, Mo, Hg, Sb, Cr, W, Sn, Cu, As, Pb, Cl, Co and Zn concentrations of roadside soils in Manisa were higher than those of the earth's crust and North European soil. Results of the chemical analyses were evaluated with multivariate statistics with high accuracy rates. Heavy metal pollution of the roadside soils in Manisa can be attributed to highways and industrial and household wastes. It can be suggested that traffic on the busy highways along schools, hospitals and playgrounds for children should be diverted in the short term and such institutions should be built away from the highways and industrial areas in the long term.

4 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

018244   Gorai A K;Mukhopadhay A K;Pal A K (Indian School of Mines, , Dhanbad, Jharkhand) : Noise management in surface mines and mineral processing plants. Indian Min Engng J 2008, 47(1), 17-19.

Noise pollution is considered as a serious problem in opencast mines butyeaf the necessary control measures are rarely implemented. The problem is increasing day by day as mines become larger and highly mechanised, deploying bigger and more powerful machineries. The high noise exposure to the workers impedes the speech communication and in turn may cause accidents. Also the workers face serious problem like irritation, hearing loss & loss of concentration. As a result the performance of the workers reduces significantly. In opencast mines noise is generated at the time drilling, blasting, and loading operations. The treatment of any noise source can be achieved by any of the three methods such as controlling it at source, controlling its path of propagation and controlling it at the receiving end. Further, the noise generation can be controlled in many ways like selection of quieter machinery, fitting of mufflers and silencers, use of flexible mounts and noise absorbing materials, enclosing the noise source in an enclosure etc. But the selection of proper technique and regular maintenance of the same is very difficult in the industry. Elucidates the proper noise management program in the mines/plants.

3 illus

018243   Ganguly N D (Physics Dep, St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad-380 009, Email: nanditod@icenet.net) : Low level of stratospheric ozone near the Jharia coal field in India. J Earth Syst Sci 2008, 117(1), 79-82.

The Indian reserve of coking coal is mainly located in the Jharia coal field in Jharkhand. Although air pollution due to oxides and dioxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur is reported to have increased in this area due to large-scale opencast mining and coal fires, no significant study on the possible impact of coal fires on the stratospheric ozone concentration has been reported so far. The possible impact of coal fires,; which have been burning for more than 90 years on the current stratospheric ozone concentration has been investigated using satellite based data obtained from Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite (UARS MLS), Earth Observing System Microwave Limb Sounder (EOS MLS) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) in this paper. The stratospheric ozone values for the years 1992-2007, in the 28-36 km altitude range near Jharia and places to its north are found to be consistently lower than those of places lying to its south (up to a radius of 1000km around Jharia) by 4.0-20%. This low stratospheric ozone level around Jharia is being observed and reported for the first time. However, due to lack of systematic ground-based measurements of tropospheric ozone and vertical ozone profiles at Jharia and other far off places in different directions, it is difficult to conclude strongly on the existence of a relationship between pollution from coal fires and stratospheric ozone depletion.

2 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

018242   Ekmekyapar F;Kaykioglu G (Environmental Engineeirng Dep, Gorlu Faculty of Engineering, Namik Kemal Univ, 59860, Corlu, Tekirdag, Turkey, Email: fusune@corlu.edu.tr) : Application of industrial treatment plant sludge and heavy metal accumulation in lettuce plant (Lactuca sativa). Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 4093-101.

The effects of sludge at different loadings (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% sludge mixtures) and barnyard manure application as control set in lettuce plant, number of leaves, weight and heavy metal accumulation (Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu) in lettuce leaves were evaluated. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with four replicates in Tekirdag province of Trakya region, Turkey in 2004. Sludge generated from organized industry region that is mostly composed of textile industries is applied to pots. The least significant difference (LSD) method is used to test the significance of sludge loadings. In general, 0-25-50-75-100% of sludge treatments resulted in increase the number of leaves and weight in lettuce due to high inorganic nutrient (N and P) content of sludge loadings. In addition, heavy metal concentrations were measured in plant leaves and compared with the acceptable limits given for lettuce plant. The results indicated that application of sludge did not significantly increase nickel, cadmium and chromium contents of lettuce plant while zinc and copper content had significant (p < 0.05) effect. Although, copper content was between limits, zinc content was higher than the limit values. The results from pot experiments demonstrated that sludge used in the study can not be used as a partial substitute of chemical fertilizers. Accordingly, application doses of sludge below 25% (20, 15, 10, 5% sludge ratio) has been prepared and further experiments should be conducted to evaluate the heavy metal intake rates and accumulation in the plants.

4 tables, 30 ref

018241   Edosomwan N L;Onwumah B I (Soil Science Dep, Ambrose Alli Univ, Expoma, Nigeria) : Impact of municipal solid waste on some soil properties in central southern Nigeria. Indian J agric Res 2008, 42(4), 244-51.

Impacts of municipal solid waste (MSW) on some soil parameters were examined in four-landfill locations in Benin City, the administrative headquarters of Edo State of Nigeria. MSW was found to significantly increase soil pH, organic matter, and total nitrogen, Ca, Mg, K and ECEC but not so with P, Na and exchange acidity. Also, some heavy metals like Ni, Zn, Pb, and Mn significantly increased over the control. The values of Zn in landfill soils exceeded the level (500mg kg^-1) permissible under the European community Regulation. Sorting of MSW at the point of collection and lining of landfills are therefore recommended so as to prevent underground water contamination.

2 illus, 6 tables

018240   Dursun S;Onder S (Environmental Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Selcuk Univ, Konya, Turkey, Email: sdursun@selcuk.edu.tr) : Determination of heavy metal pollution at mevlana park (Konya-Turkey) by analysis of soil, grass and cedar tree needles. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 4092-4100.

Soil, grass (mostly Lolium sp.) and cedar tree (Cedrus libani) needles were used for determination of heavy metal pollution level at Mevlana Park in Konya city centre. Heavy metal levels i.e., Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, V, Cd, Ni and As were investigated in all the samples of soil, grass and tree needles during 2003 and 2004 years. According to the results of this study, there were statistically significant differences for heavy metals contents in the cedar tree needles between the years 2003 and 2004 except, Cd and As. Similarly, measurement for heavy metals contents in the samples of grass and soil collected in 2003-2004 years were also statistically significant different except Cr and Ni. Some of the metals as Pb, Cu, Cr, V and Cd were over the limits values, but Zn, Co, Ni and As were not over the critical levels. Only Cu content was higher in the soil samples, on the other hand, Cu, Cr and Cd content in the grass samples and Pb, V and Cd content in the cedar tree leaves were higher than critical levels for human health.

1 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

018239   Dursun S (Environmental Engineering Dep, Selcuk Univ, 42003, Konya, Turkey, Email: sdursun@selcuk.edu.tr) : Biological hydrogen sulphide removal from air by package column. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 4001-8.

Many industrial processes and sewage treatment facilities produce odours, most of which are of decomposed sulphur compounds. Hydrogen sulphide, which is a toxic and corrosive gas, may be the standard indicator among the obnoxious odours and therefore the amount released into the air is required to be regulated strictly. Hydrogen sulphide was efficiently removed from contaminated air by a pilot-scale biofilter; a column prepared with soil, sawdust and activated sludge materials from the leather industry was used for preparation of a biodegradation unit. The biodegradation unit was used under several working conditions which were designed for 48 h repetition intervals, with different hydrogen sulphide concentrations, loading rate increased from 10 to 100 mg m' and different gas flow rates (25, 50 and 75 m s^-1). The removal efficiencies of the biodegradation unit were measured mainly from the outflow concentrations and degradation activity. The main by-product obtained in the biodegradation process was sulphate in the drainage water, as it accounted for more than 90% of the total sulphur compound decomposed in the packing material. Sulphate removal from the system was carried out by drainage water during the operation periods. In the recent study, about 100% hydrogen sulphide removal was found at lower gas flow rates by the biologically produced reactor.

4 illus, 26 ref

018238   Camas N;Karabulut B;Karabulut A (Vocational School of Bafra, Ondokuz Mays Univ, Samsun, Turkey, Email: necdetc@omu.edu.tr) : Elemental analysis of some important tobacco varieties (Nicotiana tobacum L.) by WDXRF spectroscopy. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3971-8.

Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) analysis, a rapid and non-destructive technique, is used for determining trace and heavy elements in tobacco selected from different districts of Turkey. By this technique, 22 non-organic elements are determined. The concentrations of substance are given both as per cent type of dry weight and as part per million (ppm). The variations of heavy metal and trace element concentrations in tobacco leave show small change depending on the region where the leaves are harvested. The accuracy of the measurements is evaluated to 4th order of magnitude and the results are compared with the standards CTA-OTL-1 (Oriental) and CTA-OTL-2 (Virginia) tobacco leaves.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

018237   Burak S (Institute of Marine Sciences and Management, Istanbul Univ, Vefa, Istanbul, Turkey, Email: sburak@istanbul.edu.tr) : Evaluation of pollution abatement policies in the Marmara sea with water quality monitoring. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 4117-28.

Istanbul Metropolitan area has been subjected to heavy population influx since 1950's and the non-existence of urban planning has aggravated the infrastructure problems by postponing effective measures. Rapid population growth on the one hand and industrialization on the other, have led to a soaring volume of domestic and industrial waste being discharged directly into the Marmara Sea and Istanbul Strait (Bosphorus). The assimilation capacity of the receiving waters, whose adverse hydrodynamic conditions are an important constraint, has been exceeded and pollution has damaged the natural ecological balance, eroding the range of beneficial uses for these waters. Consequently, the decline of the Marmara Sea reached an alarming level in the late 1970's. As a remedial action, comprehensive sewerage infrastructure investments have been initiated for Istanbul. This study discusses the achievement of the wastewater management program and obstacles encountered in the course of efforts to protect the marine environment of Istanbul based on representative results of the water quality monitoring study being carried out over the last ten years.

4 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

018236   Atilgan A;Coskan A;Alagoz T;Oz H (Faculty of Agriculture, Suleyman Demirel Univ, Cunur, Isparta, Turkey, Email: atilgan@ziraat.sdu.edu.tr) : Application of chemical and organic fertilizers and possible effects in the greenhouse of Mediterranean region. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3702-14.

A number of survey studies was conducted in 56 villages of Adana, Mersin and Antalya provinces between 2005-2007 with the aim of determining the amounts of chemical and organic fertilizers applied and in order to check their possible effects both on environmental pollution and human health in the Mediterranean region where 83% of Turkey's greenhouse production is performed. In order to determine the number of farms to be surveyed, Simple random sampling method was used. The number of farms to be surveyed was determined as 223 with a confidence limit of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. The relations between the variables were examined with a correlation analysis. The results obtained have demonstrated that 33% of the farms apply N + P₂O₅ + K₂O more than 50 kg da^-1. This fertilizer amount is approximately 7 folds of Turkey's average. It has been seen that producers are not aware of the possible effects of the excessive use of mineral fertilizers and it has been identified that farms which use organic fertilizers, apply less amounts of mineral fertilizers. It has been concluded that agricultural pesticide and fertilizer dealers in the region have a great influence on producers and these people whose commercial aims are of primary importance, make the producers apply fertilizers without considering its necessity. Therefore, it is deter mined that 76% of the producers apply fertilizers to their soils without any soil or plant analysis. According to correlation analysis, increasing education level of producer increased the number of producer that applies organic matter while decreased the number of farmers who use higher dose of fertilizer. It has seen that producers, who have knowledge of organic fertilizers, apply more organic fertilizers than the other producers in their greenhouses. Moreover, a negative relationship has been identified between education level and the level of chemical fertilizer application. The organic fertilizer users have mostly preferred the farmyard manure.

10 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

018235   Akyuz T;Akyuz S (Physics Dep, Science and Letters Faculty, Istanbul Kultur Univ, Atakoy Yerleskesi, 34256, Istanbul, Turkey, Email: sakyuz@istanbul.edu.tr) : Determinatino of elemental concentrations in fish and sediments from Rize-ardesen area of the east black sea. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3657-3662.

Some elemental concentrations (K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Br, Cd, Rb, Sr, Ba, Cs, Zr, Sb, Pb,) of 7 fish species (anchovy, red mullet, grey mullet, sea pike, horse mackerel, whiting and sea-bream), which are largely consumed by human, together with two surface sediment samples from Rize-Ardesen area of the Turkish coast of the east Black Sea have been analyzed by EDXRF spectrometry. Pb was only detected in horse mackerel (2.1 mg/kg) among the muscles of fish species. The results indicated that Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Br were more concentrated in the livers of the fish samples than in muscles, whereas Rb, Sr and Zr concentrations were lower in livers than that in muscles. A positive correlation was found between concentrations of Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb in the sediment and in fish species. The analysis results of the fish samples are compared with those of other marine environment.

4 tables, 12 ref

017299   Zinzala V J;Jadav N B;Gorfad P S (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Millet Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Jamnagar, Gujarat) : Lead content in milk and milk produt. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 3(2), 375-80.

2 tables, 44 ref

017298   Yadav B N;Singh B N;Tripathi P;Tripathi S N (Chemistry Dep, Sri Baldev P.G. College Baragaon, Varanasi-221 204) : Effect of domestic wastes on physico-chemical characteristics of soil at Ganga river corridor at Kanpur. Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2008, 34(3), 345-8.

Study is changing physico-chemical characteristics of soils at the Ganga river corridor with respect to mixing of domestic water. Almost all the rivers in India such as Brahmputra, The Ganga, Godawari, Kaveri, Narmada, Yammuna are being polluted [1, 2, 3, 4]. Yammuna is Delhi has been highly polluted due to discharge of city and Industrial wastes through Nazafgarh drain [5]. Four study sites were selected along the Ganga river corridor in Kanpur considering the mixing points of domestic wastes into the river. For the study complete physico-chemical analysis of soil at the study sites was done during 2006-07 to asses the effect of domestic wastes being discharged into the river at some specific places. The results indicates that pH, temperature, electrical conductance, organic carbon(%), nutrient content (N P, K, Ca and Na) and heavy metal content (Cd, Cu, Ni, Cr, Fe, Zn, Co, Mn and Pb) all show higher values at the point of mixing of domestic wastes. Due to mixing of domestic wastes the soil loses its natural properties & favorite growth of characteristics plants.

2 tables, 15 ref

017297   Wavde P N;Shaikh P R (Environmental Science Dep, Pune Univ, Pune-411 007) : Potability status of groundwater in Malegaon village of Nanded district, Maharashtra. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(1), 55-60.

Groundwater quality is influenced by human activities which cause pollution at the land surface, and because most groundwater originates by recharge of rainwater infiltrating from the surface. The rainwater itself may also have an increased acidity due to human activity. The unsaturated zone can help reduce the concentration of some pollutants entering groundwater (especially microorganisms), but it can also act as a store for significant quantities of pollutants such as nitrates, which may eventually be released. Some contaminants enter groundwater directly from abandoned wells, mines, quarries and buried sewerage pipes, which bypass the unsaturated zone and, therefore, the possibility of some natural decontamination processes. Water quality of five tube wells and five dug wells from Malegaon village was assessed monthly for one year for physico-chemical and biological parameters. Results show that the potability of water was unaffected. Average concentration of chemical and biological parameters was observed high in monsoon season, probably due to the percolation of higher quantities of water.

1 table, 16 ref

017296   Vyas H V;Sawant V A (Zoology Dep, S.M. Dr. Bapuji Salunkhe College, Miraj, Maharashtra) : Seasonal variations in dirnking water quality of some borewell waters in urban area of Kolhapur city. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(2), 261-6.

Study has been made to investigate seasonal variations of water quality parameters in drinking water from some borewells in Kolhapur city. The samples were collected during the year 2005-2006 in summer, rainy and winter seasons. The water samples were analysed for various parameters such as pH, B.C., dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, chloride, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, calcium, magnesium and sulphate etc. Certain parameters were higher than the permissible limit recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO) and BIS. The Study revealed significant changes in water quality during different seasons of in a year.

11 illus, 19 ref

017295   Venkata Chandrudu M;Radhakrishnaiah K (Zoology Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur-515 055, Email: kamathamrk@yahoo.com) : Effect of acute concentration of cadmium on certain aspects of protein metabolism in the freshwater mussel Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck) and freshwater fish Labeo rohita (Hamilton). Bull pure appl Sci-Sect A 2008, 27(2), 95-108.

The levels of soluble, structural and total proteins and free amino acids and the activity of protease, are estimated in the ctenidium, mantle, hepatopancreas and foot of the mussel, L. marginalis and gills, kidney, liver and muscle of the fish, L.rohita at day 1, 2 and 3 on exposure to acute concentration (7.0mg/l) of cadmium. The levels of soluble, structural and total proteins decreased in all the organs of the mussel and fish at all the days of exposure. Corresponding to the decrease in proteins, the free amino acid levels and protease activity increased. Either the decrease or increase, as the case may be, was more in the organs of fish than in those of mussels. Among the days of exposure the magnitude of these changes was in the order: day 1 < 2 > 3 in mussel and 1 < 2 < 3 in fish. Among the organs the degree was insignificant and more or less inconsistent but, in general, it was in the order ctenidium > mantle> hepatopancreas > foot in mussel and kidney> liver> gill > muscle in fish. In between the two animals the degree of either the decrease or increase, as the case may be, in the parameters studied was more in the organs of fish and less in mussel. Further the changes were progressive overtime of exposure in fish, but a slight recovery was observed at day 3 in mussel. The results indicated proteolysis, in the organs of both the animal groups exposed to acute cadmium stress, with a greater degree in magnitude and progressive over time of exposure in fish than in mussel.

5 illus, 45 ref

017294   Varavipour M;Givehchi S;Mashal M (Urban and Environmental Planning, Tehran Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: daneshpajooh1@yahoo.com) : Heavy metals distributions and uptake in field-grown maize after application of sewage sludge in soil of south eastern, Iran. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(1), 23-30.

The use of toxic metals in sewage sludge's applied to agriculture land in Iran to improve crop nutrition as well as to illustrate the metal behaviour in soils and plant up take is difficult to generalize, because it is strongly dependent on the nature of the metal sludge, soil properties and crop. Two year's field study was performed to evaluate heavy metal accumulation in the maize crop growing on clay-loam soil amended with waste water, to determine heavy metal up take and distribution in maize plants grown in this soil.

7 tables, 22 ref

017293   Upadhyay R N;Pandey V C;Tewari D D;Verma S C;Pandey K (Botany Dep, M.L.K. Post Graduate College, Balrampur-271 201) : Grounndwater quality contaminated with sugar mill effluent. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(2), 249-52.

A study was made in the industrial areas of Balrampur where the effluents from a sugar mill were polluting groundwaters. Physico-chemical and microbial analysis was conducted in groundwater samples. It was indicated that EC, TDS, total hardness, BOD, COD, calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride and nitrate levels were on the higher side of permissible limit of WHO standards. Balrampur is regarded as a major industrial city knowing well for its sugar mill that is the largest sugar mill of Asia by the production point of view. Groundwater resources were found polluted by different inorganic and organic pollutants, which were discharged from sugar mill. Polluted groundwater may result in various health problems.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

017292   Tripathi V M;Tewari D D;Tiwari S;Uppadhya M P (Chemistry Dep, M.L.K.P.G. College Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh) : Physico-chemical characteristic of river Rapti nearby industrial areas of Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(1), 73-7.

Study deals with the physico-chemical characteristic of River Rapti in District Balrampur. Most physical and chemical parameters like colour, odour, temperature, pH, EC, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, sodium, potassium, magnesium and nitrate are reported beyond the tolerance limits which indicates the degradation of water quality. The degradation of water quality is reported maximum at Nahar Balaganj and Bhagwatiganj spots.

5 tables, 5 ref

017291   Toroglu S;Dincer S (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science and Arts, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Univ, 46045, Kahramanmaras, Turkey, Email: storoglu@ksu.edu.tr) : Heavy metal resistances of Enterobacteriaceae from Aksu river (Turkey) polluted with different sources. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(1), 411-20.

The heavy metal contamination of Aksu river, which have urban, industrial and agricultural effluents and also resistance frequency against heavy metals, belonging to Entero-bacteriaceae (representative of the human and animal commensal flora) (66 isolates) and Pseudomonas sp., (only one isolate) were investigated. The samples were taken from five different sample stations settled on Aksu river and its brooks. The level of heavy metals, namely nickel, cadmium, copper and chromate, in water samples were measured by using a Perkin-Elmer 3110 atomic absorption spectrophoto-meter. Resistance frequency of the isolates was analyzed by agar dilution method. The highest resistances against all concentrations of all metals were found out Klebsiella sp. strains. Highest ratio of heavy metal resistance in the isolates was determined in 1 mM nickel (97%), copper (88 %), cadmium (61%) and chromate (25 %) concentration, respectively. No resistant bacteria was observed at 7 mM Cu and Cd and 5 mM Ni and Cr concentrations. These results suggest that releasing of urban and industrial wastewater into running surface waters without treatment processess increases the bacterial resistance against heavy metals. Therefore, the infectious diseases and heavy metal resistance are spreaded on large areas.

5 tables, 60 ref

017290   Thakur B G;Choudhary D K;Thakur K K;THakur D (NO, C.M.Sc. College, L.N.M.U., Darbhanga, Bihar) : Variation in some selected parameters of water-pollution in potable water of mithilanchal area in Bihar. Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2008, 34(3), 455-8.

By performing physico-chemical analysis of hand-pipe water from different sampling stations of Mithilanchal like Shubhankar pur and Ratnopatti mohalla of Darbhanga city; Basaitha and Kakraul village of Madhubani district and Karian and Chanouli village of Samastipur district during the last three months of 2006, water quality Index has been assessed. pH, total hardness, D.O, Fluoride and chloride were selected parameters.

3 tables, 5 ref

017289   Tessy P P;Sreekumar R (Botany Dep, Maharajas College, Ernakulam-682 011) : Pollution algae from the Thrissur Kol wetlands (Part of Vembanad Kol, Ramsar site), Kerala. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(2), 311-14.

The survey of algae was undertaken at four sites in the Kol wetlands of Thrissur district, Kerala. The study area lies between 10°20' and 10°30' N lat. and 76°5' and 76° 15' E long. The analysis of algae in the study area shows eighteen pollution tolerant algal'species, which were indicators of pollution. Out of the 64 genera found in the study area, 30 genera were pollution tolerant.

2 tables, 27 ref

017288   Surjig Singh;Narula Y (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Coop. Ltd. Phulpur Unit, P.O. Ghiyanagar, Distt.-Allahabad-212 404, Email: surjitsingh@iffco.nic.in) : CDM projects at IFFCO - Phulpur. Indian J Fertil 2008, 4(6), 63-8.

Environment is a big concern today and so is savings of fossil fuels. CDM helps not only cleaning the environment but also saving of non-renewable source of energy. The target for the Annex-1 Countries for reduction of GHG under Kyoto Protocol has given an indirect target for the Non-Annex-1 countries. The fertiliser industry consumes a lion share of total energy input to the manufacturing industries and hence there lies a huge potential for GHG reduction. Adopting energy efficiency, fuel switch, feed switch, CO₂ gas recovery from flue gas projects IFFCO Phulpur unit has already initiated in a big way for reduction of GHG emission. On the one hand, these projects have improved its performance significantly in terms of specific energy consumption and capacity utilisation, and on the other, it has facilitated additional GHG emission reduction.

5 illus

017287   Srivastava R;Pandey S K (Biopesticide and Toxicology Lab, P.G. Zoology Dep, Feroze Gandhi College, Rae Bareli-229 001) : Effect of carbaryl on Chironomus larvae (Chironomidae). Indian J Ent 2007, 69(4), 400-3.

Fresh water resources are subjected to metal pollution and toxicity. Chironomus Larvae was exposed to carbaryl static exposure begin during 4th instar larvae. At normal pH(7.0) and temperature (25°C), the toxicity of carbaryl was assessed by bioassay procedure and LC₅₀ was determined for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs. The LC₅₀ values of carbaryl against C. riparius Larvae at 24 hrs. was measured as 34.7 ppb upper and lower confidence limits were 38.6 ppb to 28.4 ppb respectively. At the 48 hrs the LC₅₀ value was 31.8 ppb, upper and lower conildence limits were 35.7 to 25.7 ppb respectively. At 72 hrs LC₅₀ value was 29.5 ppb upper and lower confidence limits were 35.0 to 25.2 ppb respectively. At 96 hrs. LC₅₀ value was 27.7 ppb upper and lower confidence limits were 31.9 to 22.4 respectively. Irrespective of the metal tested LC₅₀ values were found to be positively related to haemoglobin content LC₅₀ of carbaryl in the investigation with the values available for other aquatic organism in the literature point out that chironomid larvae are more toxic than other aquatic organism may be due to the buffering capacity of haemoglobin. Hence it has been considered as biological indicators of water pollution.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

017286   Srivastava R K;Beohar P A (Environmental Research Laboratory, P.G. Dep of Environmental Science, Government Model Science College (Autonomous), Pachpedi, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Production of Eisenia foetida and vermicompost from poultry waste. Asian J Bio Sci 2009, 3(2), 395-8.

20 ref

017285   Srinivas P;Sarala C (Centre for Water Resources, Institute of Science and Technology, J.N.T. Univ, Kuktpally, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) : Land use planning through land evaluation of a water-shed using remote sensing and gis techniques. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(2), 271-8.

The work envisages to assess natural resources for a part of Maheshwaram watershed area situated in Rangareddy District, A.P., and to identify the existing problems and potential of the area and to generate an action plan for the optimum development on a sustainable basis. The efficient and proper utilization of water resources is very essential in order to fulfil the water requirements for various purposes such as drinking, irrigation, industrial use, etc. It can be achieved by proper watershed management, which requires various characteristics of watershed such as land use information, geology of the area, soil type, drainage system, it's size and shape of streams. Conventional and manual techniques for the study of watershed characteristics are expensive and time consuming. Remote Sensing and G1S techniques can provide quick and accurate information about watershed characteristics for the efficient watershed management. IRS-1D (LISS-III+PAN) data have been used to generate different thematic maps. The action plan suggests necessary measures to be taken to convert the unproductive areas into profitable one without increasing environmental degradation.

5 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

017284   Srinivas P;Sarala C (Centre for Water Resources, Institute of Science and Technology, J.N.T. Univ, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) : Rain water harvesting for sustainable development. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(1), 167-9.

Water is an important resource for the development of any community. Rainfall is the major means by which freshwater is made available. As the utility increases to many fold, availability of water has become a scarce commodity. Hence, utilization of rain water is gaining significance, which otherwise wastes into oceans. To meet the growing population demands rainwater harvesting is need of the hour. The study area is a site near Chowdavaram village, Guntur District. Past rainfall records were collected and annual rainfall was computed. Water levels in the wells and bore wells near the site were measured at suitable intervals during pre and post monsoon seasons. A rainfall harvesting structure i.e., check dam was designed and constructed. Water levels were increased by and large due to construction of check dam as visualized from the depth of water level records. It was observed that the influence of check dam was more on bore wells near to which gradually decreases with distance. It is also observed that for every 5 m rise of water level, power required is reduced to half. If energy conserved is appreciated as energy produced in a society starving of resources, a lot more can be done to future generations in the form of economic savings. Hence, rainwater harvesting is the need of the hour for achieving sustainable development.

2 tables, 6 ref

017283   Shyamala G;Shivanand K P;Suresh Babu S (Civil Engineering Dep, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur, Tamil Nadu) : Identification of pollution potential along cauvery basin by satellite images. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(1), 93-5.

Ground water is being polluted due to sustained habitat practices including industrial activities and urbanization. The catastrophic sources of pollution decline the quality standards of both surface and ground waters. These destructive sources have been mapped with IRSP6MX image (NRSA courtesy) along with its attributes, thereof to serve as a comprehensive quality manual under GIS environment for the study area, a part of the Cauvery river basin.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

017282   Sharma S K;Gupta A B (Civil and Environment Engineering Dep, Malviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur-302 017) : Ambient air interactions between particulate matter and gases of combustion. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(2), 257-60.

The study was primarily initiated to explore possibility of chemical transformation of NOx to nitrates and get adsorbed onto the fine particle surfaces based on secondary data from various sources. This required manipulations of secondary data to find correlations between PM, PM-nitrates and NOx. Data were downloaded from EPA's website (Environmental Protection Agency, USA; www.epa.gov), which include 24 hours PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PM₁ and NOx concentrations. The corresponding PM-nitrate concentrations were obtained by manipulations made on various graphs of ambient particulate composition. Subsequently, coefficients of correlation among various parameters were calculated. It was observed that stronger correlations are obtained between PM-nitrates and NOx as size of particle is decreased. A similar trend was observed during an air quality monitoring exercise in Delhi. The ambient interactions between PM and NOx further imply that ambient NOx values obtained during air pollution monitoring are superficial and, thus, there is a need to revise the existing PM-NOx standards. From the health point of view, the synergistic interactions between PM and NOx have more deleterious effect on human health than NOx alone.

1 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

017281   Sett S;Bhattacharjee D;Mookerji R;Rakib T; Sarkar K;Mitra A K (Microbiology and Environmental Studies Dep, St. Xaviers's College, 30 Park Street, Kolkata-700 016) : Effect of heavy metal contaminated maize on mammalian system. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(2), 345-50.

The result of anthropogenic activity has resulted in the entry of toxic heavy metals into the environment at any stage from mining to final use. During recycling and use it contaminates soil, crops, water, air, dust and food crops. The East Kolkata Wetland has high environmental concentrations of toxic pollutants including heavy metals in the soil because it receives the untreated sewage of Kolkata; different crops and vegetables including maize are grown here in this place. In the present investigation, the plant and animal models selected were maize and rats. The maize collected from the contaminated soil of East Kolkata wetlands was found to contain 12.5μg/mg dry-weight of lead. Cadmium was also tested but it was not present. Sixteen albino rats were divided into four groups: Group I served as control and was fed with normal diet; group II was fed with normal diet mixed with normal maize; group III was given contaminated maize from the East Kolkata wetlands mixed with normal diet and group IV was fed with a combination of 12.5μg/mg of lead chloride and normal diet. After 6 weeks, the rats were anaesthized with chloroform and then dissected. Changes in organ weight, body weight, haemoglobin percentage and lead content in various organs were determined. Short-term lead exposure showed enlargement of the kidney. In the liver, accumulation of fatty acids and lesions present were pronounced. Spleen mass had visibly increased and, in general, white patches or globules were observed. The SGPT count did not show any major changes. The body weight was found to reduce in the groups administered with lead salts and contaminated maize. But the one fed with lead contaminated maize showed partial increase. Analysis of lead in the organ samples showed the expected dose-dependent accumulation of the metal even when fed with a low concentration. There was a decrease in the weight of the liver from 2.5g to 1.9g, and increase in the weight of the spleen from 0.75g to 1 g, and of kidney from 0.1g to 0.6g. There was also a notable decrease in the haemoglobin percentage of the third and fourth groups. The rats belonging to the first and second group were fed with normal food and they showed a haemoglobin percentage of 13.8% and 14.4% respectively. The third and fourth groups of rats showed a considerable fall in the haemoglobin percentage of 12.2% and 11.8% respectively.

3 illus, 5 tables, 9 ref

017280   Sapate K D;Tikekar A N (NO, Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, Maharashtra) : Pollution aspects of emissions from small two-strok automobile engines. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(1), 33-8.

Air pollution is becoming very serious problem in front of mankind. The significant environmental implications of vehicles cannot be denied. The need to reduce vehicular pollution has led to emission control through regulations in conjunction with increasingly environment-friendly technologies. In this paper attempt has been made to understand the air pollution problem due to two-stroke engines, which is major cause of main diseases like cancer, heart disease, etc. especially in urban areas. Important pollutants from two-stroke engines along with their effect on environment and on human beings is discussed. To reduce emission from two-stroke engine factors exacerbating are elaborated.

2 tables, 8 ref