009339   Chavan M;Tarar J L;Thacker N (NO, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEER, Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020, Email: mrinmayichavan@gmail.com ) : Health risk assessment of pesticide residues via dietary intake of market vegetables from Nagpur district, India. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(1), 80-8.

Carries out to assess the health risk of pesticide residues via dietary intake of vegetables collected from the agro-based market of Nagpur District, Maharashtra. The analysis was carried out as per the standard method of ICAR followed by Gas Chromatographic technique with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). It was used to identify organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (e.g. aldrin, HCH, endosulphan, endosulphan sulfate, DDT, DDE, DDD, dicofol), in common vegetables of Nagpur district (cauliflower, brinjal, chili, carrot). Pesticide residues were compared with MRL established by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Codex Alimentarius Commission. It was found that pesticide residues detected in all vegetable samples were within the prescribed limits, whereas the highest health indices were found for aldrin (1.540), endosulphan (2.190) and dicofol (3.657) in brinjal, alone. Therefore, the main health risk may be posed by these recorded compounds, while the remaining pesticide residues present no risk in the other vegetables analyzed.

3 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

009338   Chandra A;Srivastava D;Ashok Kumar (School of Chemical Sciences, Chemistry Dep, St. John's College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh) : Concentrations of volatile organic compound (Styrene) in an industrial area of Agra, India. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 315-8.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major group of air pollutants which play critical role in atmospheric chemistry. These contribute to toxic oxidants which are harmful to ecosystem, human health and atmosphere. A sampling program was conducted to determine the ambient VOC levels in the city of Agra (Uttar Pradesh), India during day time and overnight in 2010. Sampling sites were selected at three industrial area of Agra. Samples were analyzed for styrene. Concentration of Styrene was determined at different sampling points in the air of Agra in order to investigate their spatial distributions. The vertical motions of air masses also had a large impact on the variations of the level of VOC. The inter-species ratios exhibit clear seasonal variation indicating deferential reactivity of the VOCs species in different seasons.

5 tables, 8 ref

009337   Bose S (Architecture Dep, Jadavpur Univ, 188, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, Email: shivashishbose@yahoo.co.in) : Integrated drainage water management for environmental improvement in Kolkata, India. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 487-94.

Kolkata city situated beside Hugli (Ganges) river in West Bengal has perennial problem of water logging during monsoon. The city proper has a combined sewer disposal system, and some parts of the added areas have only recently central drainage collection system. Major works have been done by various government organizations for augmentation and management of drainage and sewerage system in the city. Yet, inundation problem at many parts in the city imparting inconvenience to people is still observed. Pressure from tremendous urbanization in and around the city and lack of matching infrastructure development have resulted multiple environmental problems from urban flooding to groundwater depletion to air pollution. This paper addresses the drainage and environmental problems in the city, recent measures taken to mitigate the problems, and author's proposal for integrated drainage water management for environmental improvement in Kolkata.

8 illus, 30 ref

009336   Beenakumari K S (Chemistry Dep, All Saints College, Kerala Univ, Thiruvananthapuram) : Turbidity removal of water-challenging criteria. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2016, 6(3), 10-3.

Surface water contains different kind of suspended materials which cause turbidity and colour. In drinking water, the higher the turbidity level, the higher the risk for the people to develop gastrointestinal diseases. This is especially problematic for immune- compromised people, because contaminants like bacteria can become attached to the suspended solids. Coagulation and flocculation using alum and lime are the physical and chemical processes in which small particles causing turbidity and colour change into giant particles and finally eliminated. It is very important to ensure that coagulation is optimized to prevent excessive amount of chemicals remaining in the drinking water. It is not easy to calculate the amount of chemicals required to maintain the turbidity in the standard level by simply conducting jar test in different environmental conditions like rainy falls, since the turbidity of raw water will change within seconds in the river during these times. This study determines the exact quantity of alum and lime required to maintain the quality of water at varied turbid and pH levels. This ratio will help to add lime and alum only by measuring the turbidity and pH of the raw water without conducting the jar text experiments. This ratio of lime and alum to maintain the water quality is very useful for persons working in water treatment plants.

1 table, 5 ref

009335   Basumatary B;Saikia R;Bordoloi S;Sarma H P (Resource Management and Environment Div, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati-781 035, Email: budhaiasst.basumatary5@gmail.com) : Phytoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) contaminated soil by using Mimosa pudica L.. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 327-32.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Mimosa pudica L. that could be effective in phytoremediation of PHC-contarainated soil. Experiments were conducted in net house to determine the tolerance of this species to a heavy crude oil contaminated soil under the application of two fertilizer levels and reduction of PHC was monitored for 180 days. Assessment of plant growth, biomass and Total Oil and Grease (TOG) degradation were carried out at an interval of 60 days. In the presence of contaminants, biomass and plant height were reduced up to 27% and 10.4% respectively. Experiments with different percentages of crude oil showed that M. pudica could tolerate crude-oil contamination up to 6.2% (w/w). The estimation of TOG in soil of the tested plants revealed that M. pudica could decrease 31.7% of crude oil contaminants in low fertilizer level (200N, 100P, 100K) and 24.7% in high fertilizer level (240N, 120P, 120K). In case of unplanted pots, the reduction of TOG was 13.7% in low fertilizer level and 11.2% in high fertilizer level. This experiment has identified the suitability of a native candidate plant species for further investigation of their phytoremediation potential.

7 tables, 45 ref

009334   Banerjee S;Pramanik A;Sengupta S; Chattopadhyay D;bhattacharyya M (Biochemistry Dep, Calcutta Univ, 5, Ballyugunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Distribution and source identification of heavy metal concentration in Chilika lake, Odisha India: an assessment over salinity gradient. Curr Sci 2017, 112(1), 87-94.

Extent of heavy metal contamination in Chilika Lake was assessed to conserve the eco-dynamics of the lake. Distribution of heavy metals, cations and total organic carbon were analysed in the sediment samples collected from three sites that represent a salinity gradient. Analysis of environmental indices, viz. enrichment and contamination factors, geo-accumulation (I_geo) and pollution load indices showed that the concentrations of Cd and Hg were significantly high with geo-accumulation index being greater than one in all three stations. Levels of Pb and Co were also found to be elevated with I_geo value of 0.025 and 0.048 respectively. Among the three sampling stations, Kaluparaghat witnessed the highest pollution load index followed by Balugaon and Rambhartia. Principal component analysis revealed that the high-salinity zone was associated with high concentration of Hg and decreased concentration of other toxic metals, indicating that source of pollution of Hg is different from that of other metals.

3 illus, 4 table, 21 ref

009333   Balal O (Environment Science Dep, Malayer Univ, Malayer, Hamadan, 6541747387, Iran, Email: balal.oroji@stu.malayeru.ac.ir) : Evaluation of aquifer vulnerability by GIS application: case study from Asadabad, Hamadan (Western Iran). Ambient Sci 2017, 4(1), 38-44.

DRASTIC model has been used to map groundwater vulnerability due to pollution in various areas. This method needs to be calibrated and reformed for a specific aquifer and pollution. The suggested methodology was applied to Asadabad aquifer located in western Iran. In the present research, the rates of DRASTIC parameters have been reformed so that the vulnerability potential to pollution can be determined more exactly. The new rates were calculated using the relationships between each parameter and the nitrate concentration in the groundwater. The measured nitrate condensation values were used to correlate the pollution potential in the aquifer to DRASTIC index. The results showed that the modified DRASTIC is better than the original method for the nonpoint source of pollutions in agricultural zones. Application of the new rates, a new DRASTIC map was expanded that shows that 2.1% of the area fall in high vulnerability class. The assessed area was 34.2% and 58.19% for moderate class and, for low vulnerability class, 63.7% and 31.39% respectively, before and after using the new rates.

5 illus, 7 tables, 32 ref

009332   Asl M K;Hasani A H;Naserkhaki E (School of Marine Science and Technology, Islamic Azad Univ, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran, Email: ENK7770@gmail.com) : Evaluation of nitrate removal from water using activated carbon and clinoptilolite by adsorption method. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(2), 1045-54.

Nitrate is colorless, odorless and has no taste and is not detectable in drinking water without testing. Nitrate is one of the most important pollutants of urban and rural drinking water. Recently, the use of different technologies to remove these contaminants is investigated. In this study, activated carbon and natural zeolite clinoptilolite are used as two adsorpents for the removal of nitrate from the water by adsorption in different situations. Results of removing these two adsorbents by batch method and changing effective factors such as contact time, temperature, pH, adsorbent dosage and initial concentration of the Nitrate. The best efficiency for nitrate removal from 60ml water for activated carbon in a 4 g dose sorbent, contact time of 60 min, temperature of ° c 20, pH=6.5 and the initial concentration of 100 mg/lit is 62.61 percent and from adsorpent Clinoptilolite, in terms of 4 g adsorbent dosage, contact time of 60min, temperature of ° c 20, pH=5.5 and the initial concentration of 100 mg/lit is 8.7 percent. Freundlich adsorption isotherm for activated carbon and Langmuir adsorption isotherm have good match for clinoptilolite. Second order pseudo adsorbing kinetics (Ho) for activated carbon and first order pseudo adsorbing kinetics (Lagergren) are in good agreement for clinoptilolite. From the obtained adsorbing kinetics, we can conclude that Nitrate adsorbing from the water using chemical activated carbon and physical clinoptilolite are used.

13 illus, 9 tables, 18 ref

009331   Amudha B;Raj Y E A (Indian Meteorological Dep, Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai-600 006, Email: amudha_aug@yahoo.com) : Micro-environmental influences on human discomfort during the summer months of year 2011 in Chennai, India. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 471-82.

An analysis of the degree of human discomfort experienced in a tropical coastal city like Chennai during the summer months of March to June 2011 has been undertaken. Hourly meteorological data from three state-of-art Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in the urban neighbourhood of Chennai located at Nungambakkam, Madhavaram and Ennore has been utilised. The micro-environmental influences on the weather elements are in turn linked to the human discomfort levels and indicate that areas like Madhavaram with green vegetative cover are cooler and less uncomfortable than Nungambakkam which comes under the influence of heavy vehicular traffic and high-rise concrete buildings. Industrial areas like Ennore are the most uncomfortable. Analysis of wind data from AWS and High Wind Speed Recorder shows the positive effect of sea breeze onset in reducing the levels of human discomfort in a coastal city like Chennai. Importance of having a dense network of AWS in the urban scenario to understand the variability in weather parameters has been highlighted.

9 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

009330   Alexander T;Nayar M P;Thushara L (NO, Environmental Resources Research Centre (ERRC), P.B. No 1230, Peroorkada P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Email: errc1230@gmail.com) : Status and seasonal distribution of plankton diversity in Sasthamkotta lake-the largest fresh water lake of Kerala. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 423-30.

Sasthamkotta Lake is the largest fresh water lake of Kerala in India, which has incidentally figured in the Ramsar list of conservation significant wetlands in 2002. The lake serves as a source of drinking water for half a million people in the Kollam district. In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess the status and seasonal distribution of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the Sasthamkotta fresh water Lake. 83 species of phytoplankters, and relatively smaller number of zooplankters have been identified from samples collected from different locations covering the entire area during pre -monsoon, monsoon and post - monsoon seasons. Phytoplankton comprises mainly of five classes namely, Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Dinophyceae and Chrysophyceae. Major zooplankters reported are Nauplius, Copepods, Rotifers and Cladocerans. Seasonal distribution of plankton elements showed that both Phytoplankton and Zooplankton dominate during monsoon season. Out of 83 species of phytoplankters, 8 species are noted as pollution tolerant. Further, the zooplankton population was found to be very low in the lake.

3 tables, 18 ref

009329   Aleksandrovich G E;Ivanovna D Y;Victorovna G O (NO, K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Scie, Russia, Email: gladkovu@mail.ru) : Assessing the possibility of the use of cell selection in phytoremediation. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 499-502.

Accumulation of heavy metals in plants, as well as the ratio of concentrations of a certain element in plant organs and tissues, depends on the features of a certain plant species as well as on the properties of the metals. A method of environment decontamination based on extraction of different elements from the environment by plants and their accumulation in plant was named phytoremediation. We have previously obtained plants resistant to heavy metals using cell selection. The aim of research was to evaluate the possibility of using plants to clean soil from heavy metals, obtained by the cell selection. The objects of our study was to lawn grasses- Festuca rubra rubra L. and Agrostis stolonifera L. The ability of plants to accumulate heavy metals was determined in the following way: the plants were trimmed to 10 cm, and then heavy metal salts were introduced into the soil by watering with the corresponding solution until the required concentration in dry mass was achieved. Lawn grasses produced from heavy metals -resistant cells are capable of a significant accumulation of metals. Some clones of Agrostis stolonifera, to accumulate commensurate to the plants hyperaccumulators lead. The plants obtained can be recommended for the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils in urban ecosystems. Cell selection can be used not only for obtaining of plants tolerant to adverse environmental factors, but also for phytoremediation technologies.

3 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

009328   Akbar S;Prasuna R G;Theja B;Chakradhar Y M S (Microbiology Dep, A.Q.J Degree & P.G. College, Lawson's Bay Colony, Visakhapatnam, Email: sabika2009@gmail.com) : Optimisation of environmental conditions for enhanced production of fungal exopectinase using agro-industrial wastes. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(3), 333-40.

Management of household solid waste and agro industrial residues generated from various sources is a serious problem due to huge ever increasing population and pollution. Application of these worthless agro waste materials to generate a commercially valuable product, pectinase enzyme, using locally isolated fungal strain, Aspergillus flavipes, was the main motive of this study. Physiological characterisation and enzyme profile determination were done along with formulation of production media. Fruit skins, rags were used as C source and oil cakes were used for N source. Various combinations of these C and N sources were applied for revised production of pectinase enzyme compared to YEP basal media (29 U/ml). A huge increase in pectinase production of 40 U/ml was obtained with Citrus peel - Sesame oil cake (CS) media. The enzyme had its maximum activity at 50°C, 4.5 pH. This was achieved at 45 min in 1.5% substrate concentration.

11 illus, 24 ref

009327   Agrawal J;Sahu R;Bharadwaj N;Kalpana S (Chemistry Dep, Research Scholars, Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Govt. College, Kota, Rajasthan-324 001, Email: agrawal_jagrati@yahoo.co.in) : Investigations on heavy metal uptake by Aloe vera from metal contaminated soils during cultivation. J envir Sci Engng 2014, 56(4), 441-8.

Studies were carried out to determine the levels of uptake of heavy metals viz. Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn by fleshy leaves of Aloe vera. Samples of Aloe vera plant, a plant of wide spread utility and medicinal importance, along with soil samples, were collected from fifteen different sites within and around industrial city of Kota, Rajasthan. Samples were processed, digested and then metals were determined by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Correlation matrix has shown that most of the metal concentrations in plants and corresponding soil samples are significantly correlated.

6 tables, 32 ref

009326   Abbiramy K S;Ross P R;Paramanandham J (Zoology Dep, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Email: umak.senthil@gmail.com) : Degradation of tea factory waste by mushroom cultivation and vermicomposting. J envir Sci Engng 2015, 57(2), 126-30.

India is one of the largest tea (Camellia sinensis) producing countries in the world. In India, yearly production of tea is approximately 857000 tonnes which is 27.4% of total world production. The amount of dry tea production from produced from 100 kg green tea leaves is 22 kg on average and approximately 18 kg tea is packed for the market. The other 4 kg of dry tea material is wasted. Amount of tea factory waste (TFW) produced per year after processing is about 190400 tonnes in India alone. TFW is largely made up of cellulose and hemicelluloses, lignin, condensed tannins and structural proteins which can be broken up by growing Pleurotus sajor caju (Oyster mushroom). In this experiment, the TFW was subjected to mushroom cultivation for partial degradation and then the spent waste was utilized for vermicomposting (Eudrilus eugeniae) combined with cow dung in different ratios. The mycelium growth, mushroom production, biomass, number of juveniles and mortality percentage of earthworms were measured. As a result of this trial, the TFW was converted into value added vermicompost. Also a cost effective method was gained for the degradation of industrial tea waste by producing mushrooms as by-products.

1 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

008311   Vaezi A R;Karbassi A R;Habibzadeh S K; Heidari M;Valikhani Samani A R (Graduate Faculty of Environment, Tehran Univ, No. 23, zip code: 141785311, Tehran, Iran, Email: Akarbasi@ut.ac.ir) : Heavy metal contamination and risk assessment in the riverine sediment. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(8), 1017-23.

Intensity of pollution was evaluated using enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (I_POLL), m - ERM - Q and RF for (As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in sediments collected from Siahrud river, Iran. Chemical sequential extractions were employed for determination of the anthropogenic portions of metals. Heavy metal contents in the sediments follow the order of Al <62> Ca <62> Mn <62> Zn <62> Ni <62> Cu <62> Pb <62> As <62> Cd. Anthropogenic portion of the metals was determined through three-step chemical sequential extraction. The results of partition studies revealed the proportion of anthropogenic metals to their original bulk concentrations are Pb(85%) <62> Zn(84%) <62> Cd( 62%) <62> As(47%) <62> Mn(35%) <62> Ni(34%) <62> Cu(2l%). Mean enrichment factor (EF) values obtained for various metals were between moderate enrichment and extremely high enrichment. Based on the classification of metals contamination, all sediment samples have a 74% probability of toxicity. Newly developed pollution index (RF) showes very good perfomance to determine the degree of contamination. Interestingly, the results of chemical partitioning tallies well with cluster analysis. Metals with highest anthropogenic portions are grouped together at a high similarity coefficient. Presence of organic matter in this group may be indicative of organic pollution source.

2 illus, 8 tables, 35 ref

008310   Smitha;Mustak M S (Entomology Div, UPASI, Tea Research Institute, TRF, Nirar, Dam(po), Valparai, Coimbatore) : Gastropod diversity with physico-chemical characteristics of water and soil in selected areas of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Int J Fauna biol Stud 2017, 4(1), 15-21.

A study on population dynamics of freshwater and terrestrial gastropods and also physico-chemical characteristics of soil and water was studied during October 2008 to November 2009 at Mangalore, Bantwal and Puttur taluks of Dakshina Kannada. Gastropods were collected using the traditional method of handpicking and mean values of all the studied sites were taken to determine the density, frequency and abundance of these species. The physico-chemical characteristics of water and soil in the selected areas were analyzed using standard methods. Thirteen species of terrestrial gastropods belonging to six families and 6 species of freshwater gastropods belonging to five different families were observed and identified. Shannon diversity indices and Simpson's indices revealed the species richness and diversity were maximum at Mangalore when compared to the other two study locations. The value of physico-chemical parameters indicates that there was a moderate positive relation with the population dynamics of gastropods.

7 illus, 27 ref

008309   Shanthipreya N;Arunachalam M;Sukumaran N; Sivakumar P;Esakkiammal B (NO, Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Environmental Sciences, Alwarkurichi, Email: shanthipriya770@gmail.com) : Karyotypic analysis of devario aequipinnatus (Mcclelland, 1839) from Gadana river South India with NOR banding and C-banding. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 185-8.

Devario aequipinnatus is an aquarium fish. The wider distribution of Devario aequipinnatus throughout Asia is due to the existence of intraspecific variation in its germplasm in the form of chromosomes. The diploid chromosomal number 2n=50 with 14m+11sm+15st+10t chromosomes and the fundamental arm number NF=90. A pair of heteromorphic marker chromosome is present. There are two pairs of NOR bearing chromosomes. In C-banding all chromosomes having centromeric region of constitutive heterochromatin.

3 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

008308   Savita R S;Satishkumar U;Maheshwarbabu B M; Ayyangowdar M S;Nemichandrappa M;Veeresh H (Soil and Water Engineering Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Raichur-584 104, Email: veereshpatil@rediffmail.com) : Morphometric analysis of Patapur micro-watershed using remote sensing and GIS. Int J Trop Agric 2016, 34(3), 545-54.

Geomorphological analysis is the systematic description of watershed geometry and its stream system. These parameters directly or indirectly reflect the response of entire watershed based on causative factors that are affecting runoff and sediment loss. To prepare a watershed development plan, morphometric analysis have been studied in the Patapur micro-watershed (541.39 ha), being located at Raichur district of Karnataka. The boundary of the watershed has been digitized from the SOI (Survey of India) toposheet and also DEM and slope maps were prepared with the help of remote sensing and GIS techniques (Arc GIS). Parallelly morphometric parameters such as linear, aerial and relief aspects have been determined to understand the watershed characteristics. In the study area bifurcation ratio (Kb) was varied from 3° to 2°, which shows that on undistorted geologic structure and drainage system of moderate peaks and lower order streams. The values of form factor (R_f), shape factor (S_b), circulatory ratio (R_c) and elongation ratios (R) were °.°3116, 3.2, °.26 and °.198 respectively which indicates moderately elongated micro-watershed with leading moderate influence on time parameters. The estimated values of relief, relief ratio (R) and relative relief (R_R) were found to be 129 m, °.°3°9 and 1.29 km° respectively, these indicates the possibly moderate erosion. Over all study suggests that the watershed should be treated with soil and water conservation measures.

4 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

008307   Samara F;Ali T A;Haverila J;Knuteson S (Biology Dep, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, American Univ of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Email: fsamara@aus.edu) : Investigation of fecal contamination of groundwater and surface water at Al Wasit Nature Reserve, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 35-45.

Domestic waste contamination has adverse health effects and detrimental ecological impact. This paper presents the results of an investigation of domestic waste contamination; specifically fecal contamination of ground and surface water in Al Wasit Nature Reserve in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This reserve, which comprises a broad hyper-saline wetland expanse on the outskirts of the city, is polluted due to chemical and organic waste dumping, perennial inundation, and sewage disposal, among others. A total of five ground and ten surface water samples were collected from the reserve in September, October and November of 2009, respectively and analyzed for major water quality parameters such as pH, chloride, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), total coliforms and E. coli. To help understand the spatial distribution of these parameters in the reserve, GIS representations were created in ArcGIS 10.1. Analysis results suggest no significant fecal contamination in groundwater in the reserve. However, there was evidence of fecal contamination in surface water, which is not believed to be from domestic sources. The results of this study support the decision by the Sharjah Municipality, to declare Al Wasit Nature Reserve a protected area.

16 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

008306   Sadiq M S;Singh I P;Umar S M;Grema I J;Usman B I;Isah M A (Agricultural Economics Dep, SKRAU, Bikaner, Email: sadiqsanusi30@gmail.com) : Energy inputs flow modeling and sensitivity analysis in sesame production in Jigawa state, Nigeria. Int J Trop Agric 2016, 34(1), 149-58.

Data for this research was elicited through pre-tested questionnaire viz. 99 sesame farmers in Jigawa State of Nigeria via multi-stage sampling technique. Energy inputs flow modeling and sensitivity analysis in sesame production was studied using energy index models and traditional response function. Findings revealed that total energy inputs consumed in sesame production was 3944.01MJha^{-1, with 79.94% of energy contributed by non-renewable energy inputs. However, energy ratio was found to be 3.34, implying that output energy obtained was 3.34 times greater than total input energy. Furthermore, results showed that farmers were operating within the rational stage of production, findings suggest that reduction in agrochemical consumptions are important for energy saving and decreasing the environmental risk problem in the area. Also policies that prevent global warming, soil and water pollution should be enacted in order to insure environmental friendly ecosystem.}

3 illus, 7 tables, 10 ref

008305   Sadiq M S;Singh I P;Umar S M;Grema I J;Usman B I;Isah M A (Agricultural Economics Dep, SKRAU, Bikaner, Email: sadiqsanusi30@gmail.com) : Global warming and tragedy of the commons: comparative evidence of greenhouse gas emission (CO₂) between efficient and inefficient sesame producers in Jigawa state of Nigeria. Int J Trop Agric 2016, 34(1), 135-47.

Data for this research were elicited from 99 sesame farmers in Jigawa State, Nigeria via multi-stage sampling technique. Energy efficiency was studied and degrees of technical efficiency (TE), pure technical efficiency (PTE) and scale efficiency (SE) were determined using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Additionally, wasteful uses of energy by inefficient farms were assessed and energy saving of different sources was computed. Furthermore, the effect of energy optimization on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission was investigated and the total amount of GHG emission of efficient farms was compared with inefficient ones. Results revealed that only 9.4% DMUs were technically efficient and the average TE score was 0.624; based on BCC model 34.4% DMUs were identified to be efficient and the mean PTE score was 0.79; while based on scale efficiency only 12.5% DMUs were efficient, and the mean SE score was 0.804. Furthermore it was observed that approximately 38.17% (1505.58MJha^{-1) of overall input energies can be saved if performance of inefficient DMUs rose to a high level Comparative results of GHG emissions for efficient farmers and inefficient farmers revealed that the amount of CO, emissions in efficient DMUs was less than inefficient DMUs. Moreover, findings inferred that, by energy Optimization, total GHG emission can be reduced to an estimated value of 21.87 KgCO₂eaha-1. Generally, the application of data envelopment analysis method can improve energy efficiency and GHG emissions in sesame production, significantly.}

4 illus, 11 tables, 11 ref

008304   Revathi S;Madhan Kumar S;Santhanam P;Dinesh Kumar S;Son N;Kim M K (Microbiology Dep, Srinivasan College of Arts and Science, Perambalur-621 212, Email: sanplankton@yahoo.co.in) : Bioremoval of the indigo blue dye by immobilized microalga Chlorella vulgaris (PSBDU06). J scient ind Res 2017, 76(1), 50-6.

In the present study, microalga Chlorella vulgaris (PSBDU06) was immobilized with sodium alginate to clinch its conceivable for decolorizing indigo blue dye under various set of factors. The microalgal immobilized beads were evaluated at different pH (5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), incubation time (6, 12, 18 and 24hours), algal cell concentration in beads (25000, 50000, 100000, 200000, 400000 and 800000cells/ml) and beads density (25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 numbers). Reusability of algal biomass was also examined by the HNO3 desorption studies. The acid and base properties of wastewaters, incubation time, algal cell concentration and variation in beads density were significantly influenced the rate of dye decolorization. The lowest pH (5) and longest incubation time (24 hours) showed maximum decolorization (33%). At 50,000 cells/ml of algal cells concentration with 100 numbers of beads densities had result the highest dye decolorization (49.03%). The rate of elimination of the dye in the effluent was about 27% after the third cycle. Infra-red analyses of the algal beads were done scanning from 500 to 4,000 cm-1. This revealed the presence of functional groups associated with the algal beads and dye that provided possible explanations for the decolorization of the dye under various factors.

1 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

008303   Noor mohamed M B;Rao G R;Sharath Kumar P; SathiReddy P;Shukla A K;Jangid B L;Keerthika A;Gupta D K (ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Regional Research Station, Pali-Marwar, Rajasthan-306 401, Email: mohamedforester@gmail.com ) : Biomass and carbon allocation in different components of Simarouba glauca and Azadirachta indica. Int J Trop Agric 2016, 34(3), 515-20.

Global climate changing has been a focus for a long time in many fields, the increasing CO₂ concentration in atmosphere was considered as one main driving force for global warming. Carbon sequestration through biomass is considered as the most promising approach to mitigate the climate change. Thepresent study was conducted to estimate the biomass and carbon allocation in different components of ten old trees viz., Simarouba glauca and Azadirachta indica at Hyderabad, Telangana. The study reveals that the above ground components were contributed 71.82% and below ground components contributed 28.17% to the total biomass and carbon of the Simarouba glauca tree. In that, secondary branch component was recorded highest biomass and carbon allocation of 31.92 per cent followed by primary branch, primary root and stem. Of the total biomass and carbon stored in ten year old Azadirachta indica plantation, 63.91% was allocated in the above ground components where as 36.08% carbon was allocated in the below ground components of the trees. In that maximum biomass and carbon was allocated in primary roots (29.54%) followed by primary branch, secondary branch and stem.

3 tables, 22 ref

008302   Murugesan;Pravinkumar P M;Muthuvelu S; Ravichandran S;Vijayalakshmi S;Balasubramanian T (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: pmurugesaan74@gmail.com) : Benthic biodiversity in natural vis-a-vis artificially developed mangroves of south east coasi of India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(8), 1049-58.

Benthic biodiversity was compared between natural (Pichavaram) and artificially developed mangrove (Vellar estuary) systems in southeast coast of India. As many as 23 species of benthic macrofauna were recorded in Pichavaram (14 species of polychaetes, 7 species of crustaceans 2 species of molluscs), while 19 species of macrofauna were recorded in Vellar (11 species of polychaetes, 5 species of crustaceans and 3 species of molluscs). Population density varied between the habitats (39 and 3346 nos/m^{2 in Pichavaram and 39 and 2908 nos/m2 in Vellar). In short, among the faunal groups, crustaceans topped the list in terms of abundance in Pichavaram and polychaetes in Vellar. Calculated diversity indices also varied between these two areas. Species diversity was in the range of 2.47 - 3.17 in Pichavaram and 2.37 - 2.86 in Vellar; species richness ranged from 1.70 to 1.86 in Pichavaram, and from 1.54 to 1.76 in Vellar; species evenness varied from 0.60 to 0.76 in Pichavaram and from 0.59 to 0.71 in Vellar. As observed in the species diversity, taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic diversity values were also more in natural system than those in artificially developed habitat.}

8 illus, 5 tables, 37 ref

008301   Madan S;Chanchal;Hussain A (Environmental Science Dep, Gurukul Kangri Univ, Hardwar, Email: snmadan21@gmail.com) : Assessment of groundwater quality status around ash pond of thermal power plant. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 223-26.

Groundwater aquifer pollution in the vicinity of ash pond of a thermal power plant is the major problem related to wet disposal method of fly ash. Groundwater contamination due to disposal of ash slurry on land surface was assessed through analysing the physico chemical properties (pH, E.C., TDS, Chloride or Cl^{-, Hardness, Ca++, Mg++ and Sulphate or (SO₄-) and heavy metals (Fe and Pb). The study area was selected around the ash disposal site of Parichha Thermal Power Plant, Jhansi. Groundwater samples were collected from bore wells on monthly basis throughout the year 2014. The measured concentrations of the parameters were ranged as: pH (8.1-8.9), electrical conductivity (0.92-5.41 mS/cm), total dissolved solids (550-3630 mg/L), chloride (42.6-470.23 mg/L), hardness (124.23-1435.16 mg/L), calcium (48.09-592.23 mg/ L), magnesium (34.05-842.93 mg/L), sulphate (9-240 mg/L), iron (0.48-1.99 mg/L) and lead (0.32-0.48 mg/L). The enrichment of some elements above BIS guidelines for drinking water indicating significant contamination load of ash pond on groundwater in the surrounding area. The results indicated alkaline water with high pH, higher value of electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, magnesium, iron and lead.}

2 tables, 12 ref

008300   Krishna Ram H;Navya H;Shivabasavaiah (Studies in Zoology Dep, Mysore Univ, Mysore-570 006, Email: krishnaram.mys@gmail.com) : Statistical evaluation of hydrobiological parameters of silicon city lakes, India. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(4), 707-13.

The present study deals with the study of physico-chemical parameters of lakes of silicon city, (Bangalore), India. Systematic calculation of correlation coefficient between water quality parameters has been done with the objective of minimizing the complexity and dimensionality of large set of data. The significant correlation has been further verified by using t-test. The water samples were collected and analyzed for three consecutive years 2003-2005. In the study an appreciable significant positive correlation was found in Byramangala lake for pH with BOD, temperature, alkalinity and total hardness (TH); conductivity with dissolved oxygen (DO), sulphate, nitrate, potassium and phosphate with nitrate, sulphate. A significant negative correlation was found for pH-DO, DO-BOD, TDS-turbidity, turbidity-sulphate, COD and DO-COD. In Hebbal lake significant positive correlation was found for temperature-COD, sulphate-nitrate, TDS-nitrate, TDS-conductivity, TH-alkalinity and significant negative correlation was found in temperature-DO, TH-potassium, DO-BOD, TDS-TH and in Yelahanka lake significant positive correlation was found for pH-temperature, BOD, COD, TDS-phosphate, TDS-potassium, phosphate-sulphate, conductivity-phosphate, conductivity-nitrate and potassium, TH-BOD, COD and significant negative correlation was found in pH-turbidity, pH-DO, temperature-turbidity, turbidity-TH, COD and conductivity-TH. The results revealed that most of the water samples were below or out of limited according to the WHO and BIS standards.

3 tables, 8 ref

008299   Korrapati K;Nelapati K (Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology Dep, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: kotinagu@gmail.com) : Levels of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in water and soil of Musi river belt area Hyderabad, India. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(3), 601-6.

A study was conducted to estimate residues of certain pesticides of organochlorines viz., dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (e.g., o,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, o,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), dicofol, α-, β-, γ-, δ-hexachlorocyclohexane, cyclodiene compounds (aldrin, endosulfan sulphate and heptachlor) and organophosphates (dichlorovas, phorate, dimetheoate, methyl-chlorpyrifos, methyl-parathion, fenitrothion, chlorpyrifos, quinolphos, profenophos, ethion and phosalone) in water and soil samples collected from six zones of Musi river belt area Hyderabad, to evaluate the pollution level of Musi river. The river belt was divided in to six zones. Organophosphorus pesticide residues quinolphos was found in water and soil samples collected from zone 2, 3, 4 and 5, Ethion residues were found in water and soil samples collected from zone 2, 3, 4 and 6. Whereas soil samples collected from zone 1 showed residues of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, o,p'-dichloro-diphenyldichloroethane, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and d hexachlorocyclohexane. The residues of all other organochlorine, cyclodienes and organophosphorus pesticides were below detection level in the water and soil samples collected from all six zones.

1 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

008298   Karthikeyan P;Venkatachalapathy R (Geology Dep, Periyar Univ, Salem-636 011, Email: pkarthikeyangold@gmail.com) : Relationship between diatom indices and water quality index in environmental conditions of cauvery river in parts of Tamil Nadu, India. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(8), 987-98.

The relationship between diatom indices and water quality index in physico-chemical variables are explored at different ten locations of Cauvery River in parts of Tamil Nadu, India. Macrophytic and epiphytic diatom assemblages in the study areas were identified from 2012 and 2013. Their relationships with physico-chemicals parameters are examined using Canonical Correspondence Analysis with forward selection and Monte Carlo permutation. The results of the present study on diatom assemblages in Cauvery River at Siluvampalayam and Koneripatti indicates moderate pollution, while at Peramachipalayam, Kottampatty, Sanyasipatti and Bhavani shows high level of pollution due to sewage, industrial effluents and dying factories. Water quality index reveals that water of river Cauvery to be unpolluted in the upstream of the city and unfit for drinking towards the downstream at Bhavani town.

3 illus, 6 tables, 74 ref

008297   Haritha M;Nisha K A S;Raja Sekhar P S (Environmental Sciences Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh) : Study on mangrove ecology and socio-economic status of fishing communities in Coringa region of east Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Int J Fauna biol Stud 2017, 4(1), 1-4.

Mangrove forests are considered as one of the rich ecological resources consists of salt tolerant plants and aquatic faunal species formed in intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical regions. These forests are least concerned and often over utilised by the human communities for their development in the process of housing, aquaculture or agricultural practices. This resulted in gradual change in ecology of mangrove forests and traditional dependency of the fishing communities. Thus the present study reports the ecological status of mangrove forests and the level of dependency of fishing communities in coringa mangroves. The study found that coringa mangroves consist of 34 floral species and the aquatic faunal resources on which the fishing communities primarily depending were identified as 38 species. It revealed that livelihood practices of fishermen community on coringa mangrove forest is being changed by commercial exploitation and growing industrial activity nearby Kakinada city after the recent up gradation of Kakinada sea port. Steps have to be taken to conserve these resources that reap environmental benefits besides providing livelihood to fishermen communities.

4 tables, 10 ref

008296   Hamid A;Yaqub G;Riaz A;Sadiq Z (Environmental Sciences Dep, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore-54000, Pakistan, Email: ghazala_yaqub@yahoo.com) : Physico-chemical characterization and quantification of selected persistent trace organic pollutants containing wastewater samples. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(3), 683-6.

Release of untreated effluents from industries and domestic sources deteriorates the water quality of receiving water bodies and drains. Hence, characterization of wastewater holds an important place as it can help the use of this wastewater for other purposes. For this purpose, wastewater analysis of the selected parameters and quantitative validation was performed to determine the presence of persistent trace organic pollutants in samples collected from different sources of Lahore city of Pakistan. Total suspended solid for the respective samples was found to be exceeding the NEQS limits. Chemical oxygen demand for the wastewater samples was 896, 166, 419, 812 and 610 mg/L, respectively, all in excess of NEQS (150 mg/L). Similarly, the biological oxygen demand values were also above NEQS limits (80 mg/L). Trace organic pollutants selected for analysis included five pesticides/insecticides and three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The results showed the presence of 1,2-dichloropropane and 1,3-dichloropropane in all the wastewater samples, pesticides was identified in housing society sample and textile industry sample. Finis and bifenthrin were detected in housing society and Hudiara drain wastewater samples. In case of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenanthrene was identified in textile industry sample. Anthracene was detected in samples of housing society, PET bottles industry and pharmaceutical industry.

4 tables, 20 ref

008295   Gad H M H;Mohammaden T F;Mahmoud M A (Hot Labs & Waste Management Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authorities, P.O. 13759, Cairo, Egypt, Email: hamdigad22@gmail.com) : Solid phase extractive pre-concentration of uranium(VI) from liquid waste onto peach stone steam pyrolysis activated carbon. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(4), 751-60.

Drinking water contaminants, especially heavy metals and uranium, have been recognized as a worldwide problem pose a serious threat to human health. Among several treatment technologies applied for contaminant removal, adsorption methods have been studied extensively and proven to offer satisfactory results with high selectivity. In this study, steam pyrolysis activated carbons from biomass were synthesized with characterizations giving a higher capacity for uranium and other heavy metal contaminants. In this study, a batch equilibration pre-concentration of uranium(VI) was carried out in the pH range (2-10), adsorbent dosage (0.166-0.833 g L^{-1), sorption time (5 min to 24 h), temperatures (25, 50 and 70 °C), different types of activated carbon precursor, uranium initial concentration (50-500 mg L-1) and different interfering ions (cations: Cr, Pb, Fe, K and anions: NO3-, Cl-, SO₄2-, HPO42-). The equilibrium data fitted well to the Freundlich and Langmuir equilibrium models in the studied concentration range and temperatures. The kinetics of the adsorption process followed a second-order adsorption and intra-particle diffusion is not the only rate determining step. 0.25 M H₂SO₄ was effective in uranium recovery. The results indicated that the conversion of naturally abundant peach stone of the nuisance value to valuable material exhibited considerable potential for application in pre-concentration and separation of uranium from aqueous solution.}

13 illus, 8 tables, 38 ref

008294   Dao H T N;Danshita T;Hatamoto M;Yamaguchi T (Environmental System Engineering Dep, Nagaoka Univ of Technology, 1603-1, Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan) : Leachate characteristic and treatment efficiency at Khanh Son landfill, Vietnam. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 79-91.

The aims of this study were to determine the chemical properties of the leachate and to assess the efficiency of the current leachate treatment process at Khanh Son landfill site, Danang City, Vietnam. The landfill has been operational since 2007 and produces about 250-400 m3/d and 400-700 m3/d of leachate during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Leachate from the Khanh Son landfill is treated before it is discharged into a river; however, there is no reliable data on how effectively the current treatment process is working or on whether the effluent satisfies the National Regulation on Leachate. The research results show that the leachate at the Khanh Son landfill had high concentrations of SS (1500-6600 mg/L), TN (800-1200 mg/L), NH3-N (230-1100 mg/L), and COD (4000-4700 mg/L) and a low ratio of BOD5/COD (0.09-0.19). Sediment tanks showed high efficiencies in removing SS, leading to decreases in TN, COD, and BOD5. Polishing ponds containing vegetation played a crucial role, as they removed significant amounts of COD, BOD5, TN, and color. Anaerobic and anoxic ponds did not perform effectively. Therefore, ceasing operation of the anaerobic and anoxic ponds and using sediment tanks as the first stage in the treatment process are recommended. This study contributes to the development of landfill management by providing recommendations for more effective operation of the leachate treatment system.

9 illus, 4 tables, 40 ref

008293   Canencia O P;Walag A M P (University Professor and Director of Research, Mindanao Univ of Science and Technology, Philippines, Email: walang.angelo@gmail.com) : Coal combustion from power plant industry in misamis oriental, philippines: a potential groundwater contamination and heavy metal detection. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 55-9.

The rising demand of energy in the Philippines paved way for the proliferation of different power sources, a more dependable energy source which is coal ? based thermal power plant. The disposal of coal combustion products in ponds and landfills is a great concern because of its leachability. It can become a problem when elements from the ash are leached contaminating groundwater sources. The main goal of this research is to determine the concentration of heavy metals in the groundwater sources leached from coal combustion products and the to assess the physico-chemical parameters of water quality. Standard methods were employed in collection and determination of the pH, color, alkalinity, odor and temperature and the heavy metals; As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, and Hg. Mn was found to have the highest concentration while Hg has the least concentration. The concentrations of heavy metals follow the trend Hg <60> Cd <60> Cu = Pb <60> Cr <60> As <60> Mn. Concentrations of heavy metals were detected but not excessive enough to be over the permissible limit set in the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water thus making the groundwater potable with regards to the measured parameters in the study.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

008292   Banu N;Malaikumar B;Pavithra S (Biotechnology Dep, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), V, Velan Nagar, P.V. Vaithiyalingam Road, Pallavaram, Chennai-600 117, Email: banunkl@yahoo.com ) : Enumeration of terrestrial mycobiota and aflatoxin in drinking water. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 211-21.

Aflatoxins, one of the major mycotoxins have received considerable attention in recent years due to their hepatocarcinogenic nature. In the present study, we have isolated 13 different fungi from sources of drinking water viz., river water, well water, bore water, metro water and can water using 3 different media namely czapex dox agar, malt extract agar, tap water agar. Five isolates of Aspergillus flavus, isolated from the drinking water samples were further screened for its production of aflatoxin by TLC, HPTLC, IR and quantified by HPLC. This ranged from 0.00052 to 0.00075 μg/L.

13 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

008291   Bamin A I;asbi H;Yuliati K;Yazid M (Doctoral Study Program in Environmental Science, Postgraduate Program, Sriwijaya Univ, Palembang, South Sumatra-Indonesia, Indonesia) : Mismatch identification of landuse planning and formulation of landuse pattern based on tidal swamp agroecosystem. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 9-17.

The research objectives are to identify the mismatch of Banyuasin spatial plan with the existing landuse, to formulate landuse patterns based on agro ecosystems, and to develop recommendation strategies to to achieve optimally sustainable landuse. The study was conducted in a tidal reclaimed area of Delta II Telang Banyuasin in South Sumatra Province with is approximately 13,800 ha. The choice of location was based on the typological system of tidal area, accessibility and the pattern of landuse change. Research was carried out within two stages, namely: 1) identifying nonconformities between land utilization and spatial planning of Banyuasin regency. 2) Performing agro-ecosystems evaluation on landuse in order to formulate recommendation strategies. The obtained research result indicates that there was incompatibility between existing land utilization and the Regence's spatial plan, This has happened since 1989 till 2013. Conditions of land use have undergone many changes over the span of 24 years (1989-2013). Increasing population growth has brought a change in land use pattern. The diminishing on primary and secondary forest is a result of land utilization for paddy fields, settlement and plantation area. The area of rice fields covers an area of 3,709.87 ha in 1989 and in the year 2013 to 5,458.53 ha (increasing of 39.55%). The agro-ecosystem based landuse patterns would be able to support the crops growth and improve land suitability to be level S2.

4 illus, 6 tables, 34 ref

008290   Aosrib A R;Djawad Y A;Dirawan G D (NO, Makassar State Univ, Jl. Bonto Langkasa, 90222, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Email: ahmad_rifqiasrib@yahoo.co.id) : Sedimentation rate and the effect toward capacity on Bili-Bili Reservoir, Indonesia. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 61-6.

A decrease in the capacity of a reservoir due to sediment entering the reservoir exceeds the allowed rate. Therefore it is very necessary research that can provide information on the balance of sediment inflow into the reservoir and the sediment is allowed that can be used as a reference in maintaining the capacity of the reservoir sustainable capacity. Sedimentation rate control performed in Bili-Bili dam due to the avalanche of material Mount Bawakaraeng upstream reservoirs Jeneberang in order to function optimally. This study was conducted to obtain data on sedimentation rate, and the rate of sediment entering the reservoir capacity to know how long the sediment flow is not caused debris flow downstream reservoirs. The results showed that the changes in the surface of reservoir sedimentation results from 1997 through 2014 with a capacity of 75 million m3 volume into reservoirs distributed unevenly. The volume of sediment into the reservoir more concentrated predominantly in the upper area of the reservoir. Nevertheless dead storage area (capacity of the dead) near the dam still be controlled even if the sediment that reaches the area is only about 20%. Then, the volume of reservoir sedimentation is based on high-elevation surface shows that the majority (75.7%) sedimentation occurred at an elevation of 65 to 99.5 m in the amount of 56.835 million m3. Then at 15.069 million m3 (20.1%), which reached the dead bin reservoir at an elevation below 65 m. Dead storage capacity of the reservoir has been filled more than 50%.

4 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

007337   Younesi A;Farrokhi M;Mostofi A N;Rahmani R (Novo Nordisk Pars Company, , Iran) : Assessment of incineration plants and autoclave by rapid impact assessment matrix method. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(4), 2161-5.

Using method to disinfect hospital waste in Gillan province because of population density and high groundwater levels as well as touristic area, the pollutions and controlling them need special management and planning. This research is cross sectional in terms of studied time and it is applied in terms of purpose. The studied population is governmental hospitals of Gilan province. The effects were studied by identifying health and environmental, biology and ecology, social and economic standards, use of incinerator and annihilator under the various scenarios and by using survey of related professionals and experts and then by using quickly assess matrix method. Results related to the chemical physical environment showed that the annihilator system with 12 negative scores has more negative effects compared with 4 negative scores of incinerator. But an incinerator is more important due to huge negative impacts on the air quality. Biological and ecological consequences showed annihilator system has more chance with 3 negative scores compared with 20 negative scores of incinerator. Diagram related to socio-cultural components showed that annihilator with 73 positive scores has better place compared with 37 positive scores of incinerator. Annihilator system is more acceptable economically from the point of view of experts, although it has 34 negative scores but economically it is more affordable compared with 47 negative scores of incinerator.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

007336   Yadav N;Tripathi R;Shastri R K (Humanities and Social Sciences Dep, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad-211 004) : Polythene and plastic waste management: coping strategy for health and environmental hazards. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(4), 324-31.

Present scenario use of polythene and plastic bags are integral part of our day to day life but polythene and plastic bags created threat of pollution in environment. In this research paper researchers highlighted different threats of polythene and plastic bags through literature, available data and suggested different course of action for policymakers and all stakeholders to tackle different challenges through technological application. There is normally policy of production of polythene and plastic bags but there should be also strong consumption policy.

1 illus, 6 tables, 42 ref

007335   Vijayalakshmi P;Geetha V;Meenakshi B K (Civil Engineering Dep, Sathyabama Univ, Chennai-600 119, Email: vijayalakshmisound@gmail.com) : Assessment of deposition of poultry waste on physico-chemical properties of soil. Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(1), 195-205.

Information regarding the disposal of on-farm poultry wastes (manure, litter and dead birds) and the effects of poultry waste disposal on environmental quality was investigated in this study. Variability in the Physico-chemical properties of soils affected by poultry wastes were investigated on disposal area is 7m X 7m. Six soil sample were collected near and away from the poultry waste disposal site and the each soil sampling pit is divided into three layers of size vertical depth 0-30cm, 30-60cm, and 60-90cm respectively. Using standard methods the variations in quality of soil samples i.e., Physico-Chemical properties such as bulk density, moisture content, pH value, hydraulic conductivity, temperature and porosity has been analyzed. The bulk density is between 1.5 to 1.7g/cm^{3 and the porosity is between 0.43 to 0.36 which conclude the soil type is sandy soil. The variations in quality of soil samples are good and safe when compared with standard values. Appropriate precautionary measures should be taken in the disposal of Poultry wastes to avoid environmental hazards.}

16 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

007334   Verma G;Chishty N;Meena K K (Zoology Dep, Government Meera Girls'College, Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Email: verma.garima13@gmail.com) : Characterization of water bodies related to Berach river system of Udaipur, Rajasthan by using physicochemical and microbial techniques. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 187-92.

This study was aimed to estimate current status of physico-chemical characteristic, heavy metals (Lead, Zinc, Copper, and Iron) content and total bacterial load of four water bodies Pichhola lake, Udaisagar lake, Bichhdi pond and Gadwa pond of Berach river system Udaipur Rajasthan. Water samples collected from these water bodies were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Seasonal changes in physico- chemical parameters such as water temperature, pH, Total dissolved solids (TDS), Total hardness, Dissolved oxygen (DO) and Conductivity were observed for a period of one year from June 2014 to February 2015. It was found that water samples from Gadwa pond showed highest TDS, hardness and conductivity values with lowest pH values (pH 6.5). Heavy metal pollution especially zinc content was also found highest in Gadwa pond and lowest in Pichhola lake. Bichhdi pond followed by Gadwa pond in zinc content TDS, hardness and conductivity values. Total bacterial load was observed highest in Gadwa pond and lowest in Pichhola lake.

8 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

007333   Tharakeshwari M;Jagannath S (DOS in Botany, The National PU College, Basavanagudi, Bangalore-560 004, Email: shobhajags25@gmail.com) : Impact of distillery spentwash on nutrient uptake of Vigna radiata. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 137-43.

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the suitability of spentwash at different concentrations on nutrient uptake (N,P,K,) of Vigna radiata crop plant. The physico - chemical analysis of the spentwash showed high alkalinity (8.41) with high BOD (2100 mg/L), COD (9561 mg/L) contents, Total dissolved solids (22560 mg/L) and Total suspended solids (21566 mg/L). The experiment was formulated with four effluent concentrations (T₂, T₃, T₄, T₅) and set of control (T₁), with three replicates. The study reveals that the spent wash decreases nutrient uptake in all the effluent treatments except T₂ treatment which enhances uptake when compared to control. The Nitrogen uptake was maximum in leaves of fruiting stages at T₂ conc. Nitrogen (4.90), Phosphorus (0.287), Potassium (3.73) in stem and minimum at vegetative stage at T₅ conc. in roots such as N (1.07), P(0.05), K (0.28). It is suggested that the treated distillery effluent be used for irrigation purpose after proper dilution. Monitoring and integrated approaches are needed to effectively utilize distillery effluent as valuable resource in agriculture.

3 illus, 4 tables, 32 ref

007332   Tamilselvi S;Asaithambi M;Sivakumar V (Chemistry Dep, Erode Arts and Science College, Erode-638 009, Email: s.tamilselvieac@gmail.com) : Eco-friendly non-conventional adsorbent from silk cotton fiber for the removal of methylene blue dye. Indian J chem Technol 2016, 23(6), 497-505.

Highly porous activated carbon fiber with excellent surface area has been prepared using silk cotton fiber as a precursor. The Activated Silk Cotton Fiber (ASC) has well developed porosity with rose flower like structure. The BET surface area of the prepared adsorbent is 1041.08 m^{2/g with a total pore volume of 0.4944 cm3/g. The adsorption capability of the prepared adsorbent ASC has been analyzed using methylene blue (MB) dye. The effect of pH indicates that ASC has its maximum adsorption at a pH of 10. On analyzing the kinetics of MB adsorption, the pseudo-second order kinetic model describes the adsorption with good r2 value of 0.9895 <60> r2 <60> 0.9997. The maximum Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity is found to be 80.65 mg/g at 45øC. The experimental results and the thermodynamic studies prove the physisorption nature of MB adsorption onto ASC.}

4 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

007331   Sudarsana Raju G (Geology Dep, Yogi Vemana Univ, Kadapa) : Evaluation of chemical quality of groundwater in Galiveedu mandal of Kadapa district. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(3), 234-41.

Fifty water samples of different locations has been carried out in and around Galiveedu mandal of Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. These samples are analysed for their physico-chemical parameters, that is SO₄, hardness, iron, nitrate, fluoride, chloride, pH, total dissolved solids (IDS) and alkalinity. The study area is mainly composed of granites, granite gneiss. Granodiorite and migmatites of peninsular gneissic complex of Archeans. The results indicate that physico-chemical properties of water in the study area were not found in within desirable limit of drinking water but suitable for irrigation and industrial purpose.

1 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

007330   Sreenivaslu P;Diwakar Reddy A C R;Padmasree P (Political Sciences Dep, Govt. Degree College, Anantapuram) : Environmental ethics and mineral legislations in India for sustainable development. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(4), 336-43.

Mining and mineral exploration practices are very much essential for the economic prosperity of the country. The environmental ethical problem of this field is the economic benefits on one hand and the environmental costs on the other hand. The problem of environmental impacts on exploitation and utilization of mineral resources presents a complex socio-economic dilemma defying solution. Responsible mining principles and DPSIR (drivers, pressures, states, impacts and responses) analysis are the 2 analytical tools which are highly supportive in a decision-making process. Through drivers, pressures, states, impacts and responses and stakeholder analysis, we can assess how future mining in India can be sustainably implemented. The analysis revealed that numerous stakeholders have to be taken into consideration with a wide range of different interests. Strict environmental legislation of 'National Mineral Policy', 'Environment Impact Assessment' and 'Polluter Pays Principle' can ensure economic benefits while environmental impacts remain negligible.

2 illus, 10 ref

007329   Singh Y;Kulshrestha U (NO, , ) : Critical assessment of 'odd and even' in Delhi. J Energy envir Carbon Credits 2016, 6(2), 1-6.

Due to rapid growth of Delhi city and nearby areas, air pollution problem is everybody's concern. In spite of some measures taken by the government, the levels of air pollutants have increased drastically, especially during past two decades. Recently, the Delhi government called for odd-even trial during January 1-15, 2016. In general, the trial was successful for saving travelling time across the city destinations. However, the results indicated no significant reduction in PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and CO levels at various sites in the city. At Anand Vihar site, PM_2.5 level was recorded as 381 μg/m^{3 on 31st December 2015 before the implementation of the odd-even trial while 400 μg/m3 on January 1st, 2016. Similarly, CO level was 108 μg/m3on 31st December, 2015 and 113 μg/m3 on January 1st, 2016 suggesting no significant change in the values. Nevertheless, the exercise suggested that the public of Delhi is highly disciplined and can march in tune with the difficult calls of government for any common cause of community life. The experiment is seen as social networking tool which compelled people to come closer for sharing the vehicles. Since, the particulate matter is naturally high due to suspension of soil and road dust in north India, such trials should be done in the months of July and August when soil is relatively wet and road dust suspension is minimum.}

007328   Singh P (NO, , ) : Impact of different types of pollution. J Energy envir Carbon Credits 2016, 6(2), 24-9.

Pollution can be defined as the introduction of substances or energy (heat, radiation, noise) into the environment resulting in harmful effect to the environment by humans either knowingly or unknowingly; whereas, contamination is the presence of elevated concentration of substances in the environment, food etc., which may not necessarily be harmful or a nuisance. Pollution involves contamination, but contamination need not include pollution. Or when harmful substances contaminate the environment it is called pollution, or pollution refers to the very bad condition of environment in terms of quantity and quality.

007327   Siddi Raju R;Sudarsdana Raju G;Ravikumar M; Raghubabu K (Geology Dep, Yogi Vemana Univ, adapa-516 003) : Applications of remote sensing and GIS, for identification of ground water prospecting zones in and around Nandalur, YSR district. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(4), 293-304.

Groundwater is considered the major part of the world's freshwater resources. One of the main challenges facing the sustainable development of Kadapa is the need for better management of its limited fresh water resources. The present study on integration approach on remote sensing and geographical information system to generate groundwater potential zones using various thematic layers, such as geology, geomorphology, hydrogeomorphology and other meteorological data, like rainfall. This landuse and land cover alter in turn has influence on various hydrogeomorphological processes, such as soil erosion rate, sediment deposition in rivers and dams and also stream flow pattern in a catchment. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of landuse and land cover (LU/LC) changes is necessary to assess the impacts of change in the pattern of natural vegetation on the earth's environment. Satellite images can provide useful information regarding spatial and temporal variation of landuse/land cover in an area. In this study, to delineate the groundwater potential zones in the Nandalur mandal, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. Groundwater exists in the Cheyyeru river south eastern part of the Kadapa in Rayalaseema region. Hydrogeomorphological mapping of groundwater resources is one of the key tools for the controlling development of groundwater resources. In the present study area different hydrogeomorphic units, like channel bar, flood plains (FP), pedi plain moderate (PPM), pedi plain shallow (PPS), Pediment (PD), structural hill (SH) are identified. River, channel bars, flood plains are having very good groundwater potentials, pedi plain moderate have good, pedi plain shallow have moderate and the pediment. Structural hills are indicated as runoff zone so these are poor groundwater potential zones. Remotely sensed surface indicators of groundwater provide useful data where sensible standard alternatives are not available. Integrated remote sensing and GIS are widely used in groundwater mapping. Locating potential groundwater targets is becoming more convenient, cost efficient than persistent methods and efficient with the advent of a number of satellite imagery. The nature of remote sensing-based groundwater investigation is to delineate all potential features associated with localization of groundwater data.

9 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

007326   Shobha N;Kalshetty B M (Research and Development center, Bharathiar University Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: drkalshetty@gmail.com) : Assessment of heavy metals in green vegetables and sereals collected from jamkhandi local market, Bagalkot, India. Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(1), 124-35.

Heavy metals determination in Cereals and vegetables is of vital interest because of their essential or toxic nature. In order to assess the levels and impact of different trace metals on human health, a study was carried out to determine the levels of different trace heavy metals present in commonly edible cereals and vegetables which are available in the local market of Jamkhandi City. Industrial effluents, domestic waste, municipal sewage water, agricultural runoff -significantly affected the water quality on short- and long -term basis. The present investigation reveals with the assessment of heavy metals in soils, selected cereals and green vegetables available in the region irrigated with contaminated water. All the samples were analyzed using Flame photometer (Elico), Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Elico). The concentrations of most of the heavy metals were found in the normal legal limit in irrigation water, soil samples and food set as compared with international regulations. The obtained results declared that concentrations of metals were exceeding than the recommended maximum acceptable levels. The concentration of heavy metals in wheat gains of lands was found to be in the order of Cu<62>Zn<60>Ni<60>Cd. Other grains and green vegetables were analyzed for heavy metals such as Mn, Pb, and Fe, all were beyond recommended dietary limits. It is recommended that treatment facility must be installed to reduce heavy metals concentrations of waste water being used for downstream irrigation. The study suggests that contaminated water irrigation led to the accumulation of heavy metals in foodstuff causing potential health problems for consumers.

5 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

007325   Shirsalimian M S;Sepahy A A;Amoozegar M A; Kalantar S M;Dabbagh R (Microbiology Dep, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad Univ North Tehran Branch, Tehran, IR Iran, Email: bioshk@yahoo.com) : Isolation of a mesophilic and halotolerant strain of Kocuriapolaris from Gandom Beryan area in the Lut desert of Iran, moderately resistant to Gamma radiation and desiccation. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(4), 2343-50.

Despite the extreme environmental conditions, hot arid deserts have a number of microhabitats that allow the evolution of unique extremophiles so as to being adapted to desiccation and ionizing radiation. There have been several attempts to demonstrate a link between radiation resistance and desiccation tolerance phenotypes. The diversity of ionizing radiation resistant bacteria was investigated in soil and surface sand samples collected from arid Gandom Beryan area located in the Lut desert in Iran, by exposing to different periods of dehydration in a desiccator. The surviving bacteria were recovered after plating on R2A, TSA and TGY agar media. After discarding the spore-forming isolates; Twelve orange, pink, yellow and white pigmented colonies forming Gram-positive cocci-shaped were obtained. The isolated strains on R2A agar were more diverse (9 isolates) compared with those on TSA (3 isolates) and TGY (without any isolates). A gamma radiation and desiccation resistant, coccoid Gram-positive, lemon-yellow to pale-orange pigmented actinobacterium, designated strain A10, was isolated from a mixture of sand samples. Morphological and Biochemical characteristics and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain A10 belonged to the genus Kocuria and was closely related to Kocuriapolaris CMS 76orT (99.4 % similarity). Strain A10 was shown to be resistant to gamma radiation up to 4 kGy and remained viable after desiccation for 28 days.

4 illus, 27 ref

007324   Sheng Z;Wang X;Xin Y;Hao R (Donlinks School of Economics and Management, Univ of Science and Technology Beijing, No.30, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100 083, P.R. China, Email: sheng075071@hotmail.com) : Study and estimation of embodied carbon based on input-output analysis. J scient ind Res 2016, 75(9), 529-33.

In this paper, we use input-output analysis and commodity exporting data of China during 1999-2012 to conduct an empirical study and calculate carbon embodiments in China's exporting goods. The results show that China has been exporting a large amount of carbon embodiments, and its increase of CO₂ emissions has a close relationship with its export and import, among the annual CO₂ emissions of China, about 12%-24% were caused by the demands of other countries.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref