011974   Tripahty J K (Remote Sensing and GIS Dep, North Orissa University, Baripada, Orissa, Email: jkt1231@rediff.com) : Hydrochemical analysis of groundwater in hard rock terrain of Chikiti block in Ganjam district, Orissa, India. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 201-5.

Groundwater samples were collected from several places of Chikiti Block in Ganjam district to analyze their hydrochemistry so as to ascertain their suitability for drinking and agricultural use. In addition to TDS (total dissolved solids), the concentration of several ions such as Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃^-, CI^-, SO₄^-2, NO₃^-, PO₄^3-, CO₃^2-, F^- and Fe²⁺ were determined. Analysis results showed that the concentration of all the major ions were well within their limiting values as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). The TDS is also within the recommended limiting values. It is found that the water is completely fit for its use as drinking and agricultural purposes. However, during the pre-monsoon seasons, one or two places exhibited higher TDS values thus making it imperative to use more of surface water so that pressure would be lessened on groundwater resources.

8 tables, 10 ref

011973   Tiwari R R (Occupational Medicine Div, National Institute of Occupational Health, Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad-380 016, Email: rajtiwari2810@yahoo.co.in) : Occupational health hazards in sewage and sanitary workers. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(3), 112-15.

An estimated 1.2 million scavengers in the country are involved in the sanitation of our surroundings. The working conditions of these sanitary workers have remained virtually unchanged for over a century. Apart from the social atrocities that these workers face, they are exposed to certain health problems by virtue of their occupation. These health hazards include exposure to harmful gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, cardiovascular degeneration, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritic changes and intervertebral disc herniation, infections like hepatitis, leptospirosis and helicobacter, skin problems, respiratory system problems and altered pulmonary function parameters. This can be prevented through engineering, medical and legislative measures. While the engineering measures will help in protecting against exposures, the medical measures will help in early detection of the effects of these exposures. This can be partly achieved by developing an effective occupational health service for this group of workers. Also, regular awareness programs should be conducted to impart education regarding safer work procedures and use of personal protective devices.

24 ref

011972   Talebi S M;Abollahi A;Hossein S V (Chemistry Dep, Isfahan University, Isfahan 81745, Iran) : Identification and quantitation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM₁₀ extract by gas chromatography. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 41-4.

Airborne fine particulate matter (PM₁₀) was collected from the atmosphere of the city of Isfahan. The extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the samples was performed by soxhlet method and the extracts were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography. The variation in concentrations of PM₁₀ and PAHs was investigated and an excellent similarity was found between them. The distribution of PAHs in different geographical directions and also seasonal variation in concentrations of PAHs were investigated.

3 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

011971   Subodh Kumar Rastogi;Amit Pandey;Tripathi S (Epidemiology Div, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Post Box No. 80, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: subodhkrastogi@gmail.com) : Occupational health risks among the workers employed in leather tanneries at Kanpur. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(3), 132-5.

In a cross-sectional study, a random sample of 197 male workers drawn from different sections of 10 leather tanneries in Kanpur were selected for the assessment of health risks. A control group comprising of 117 male subjects belonging to a similar age group and socioeconomic strata, who never had any occupational exposure in the leather tanneries, were also examined for the comparison purpose. The findings revealed a significantly higher prevalence of morbidity among the exposed workers in contrast to that observed in the controls (40.1% vs. 19.6%). The respiratory diseases (16.7%) were mainly responsible for a higher morbidity among the exposed workers whereas the gastrointestinal tract problems were predominant in the control group. The urinary and blood samples collected from the exposed group showed significantly higher levels of chromium, thereby reflecting the body burden of Cr in the exposed workers as a result of a high concentration of environmental Cr at the work place.

7 tables, 30 ref

011970   Sthapak A K;Killedar D J;Bhole A G (Civil Engineering Dep, Govt. Engineering College, Ujjain-456 010, Email: atulsthapak@yahoo.co.in) : Applicability of alkaline method to alum recovery from waste stabilization pond sludge. J envir Sci Engng 2008, 50(4), 307-18.

The results of laboratory experiments carried out for the recovery of alum from the sludge obtained from the tertiary treatment of effluent collected from waste stabilization pond have been discussed. The effluent had suspended colloidal impurities. The laboratory test results revealed that at pH 12.0, alum recovery of 79.90 % was obtained which made the recovery of alum from sludge practically feasible and economically viable option.

10 illus, 10 tables, 8 ref

011969   Srinivasarao V;Khan A M;Murthy Y L N; Machiraju P V S (Chemistry Dep, Aditya College, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh) : Physical characteristics of Godavari river water at Nanded and Rajahmundry. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 173-5.

River water plays a major role to meet day-to-day requirements of human settlement and most important for all agricultural and industrials needs. The examination of physical parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids and conductivity, it was observed that there was a significant variation in the physical characteristic of Godavari River water at Nanded (Maharastra) and Rajahmundry (A.P). The study indicates that some remedial steps to be taken for avoiding water Pollution.

1 table, 6 ref

011968   Srinivas P;Raveendra Kumar V;Pradeep Kumar G N (Civil Engineering Dep, R.V.R. & J.C. College of Engineering, No.Door No: 5-87-54, Chandramouli Nagar - 6th Lane, Guntur-522 007, Email: srinivas7_pasupuleti@yahoo.co.in) : Possibilities of waste water irrigation of the sewage effluent from the designed sewage treatment system of Suda, A.P., India. Pollut Res 2008, 27(2), 247-52.

In this modern world of advanced techniques, sewage treatment works are considered to be one of the most popular procedures carried out to use the treated wastewater for agricultural purposes or to dispose off on to the land. The primary objective of this study is to design a Sewage Treatment System for Sri Satya Sai Urban Development Authority (SUDA) in A.P and studying the possibilities for usage of treated wastewater for irrigation. The study area, Puttaparthy being a pilgrim center attracts people all over the world and during some special occasions the place gets over crowded. Hence, sewage treatment units were designed specially keeping in view of the peak population. In the present study, design of the various sewage treatment units like screens, grit chambers, primary settling tanks, trickling filters, secondary settling tanks, sludge digestion tanks, sludge drying beds were carried out. Puttaparthy and its surrounding areas come under drought prone areas of Anantapur district. Hence large numbers of people are migrating for works due to lack of irrigation water for growing of crops. Hence, the treated wastewater of SUDA can be used effectively for raising some suitable crops in that area. The National Water Policy of India also emphasizes the need for recycling and reuse of wastewater.

2 tables, 15 ref

011967   Sinha D K;Rajeev Kumar (Chemistry Dep, K.G.K. (P.G.) College, Moradabad-244 001) : Statistical assessment of underground drinking water contamination at J.P. Nagar. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 169-72.

Underground drinking water samples at six different sites of hand pump at J.P. Nagar were collected and analysed for thirteen different water quality parameters following standard methods and procedures. Water quality index (WQI) has been calculated for all the sites using the statistical data of all thirteen parameters and WHO drinking water standards. Comparison of WQI values with standard assumptions revealed that underground drinking water at all the sites at J.P. Nagar is either excessively contaminated or severely contaminated and water quality of ordinary hand pumps are almost similar to that of IM2 hand pumps. The study suggests that people dependent on this water are prone to health hazards of contaminated drinking water.

4 tables, 13 ref

011966   Singh S N;Singh T N;Singh M K (Chemistry Dep, Udai Pratap College, Varanasi) : Estimation of vehicular pollution in Varanasi. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(8), 728-32.

Discusses the estimation vehicular pollution in the city of Varanasi. The technique given in AP-42 has been applied to estimate the tail pipe exhaust emission and road lifted fugitive dust emission. The results show that the vehicular pollution contributes a major role to the total environmental pollution. It is of the order of around 2500 kg/day. It is found that this type of pollution is heavy both during morning and evening. Some control measures to assess the pollution load have also been mentioned.

3 tables, 9 ref

011965   Singh A L;Murali Krishna P;Nageswara Rao T; Sarma P N (Bio-engineering and Environmental Centre, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007) : Biosorption on zinc by Staphylococcus aureus from waste water: effect of modifying factors. Pollut Res 2008, 27(2), 219-22.

Studies on biosorption of zinc (Zn) from synthetic solutions using Staphylococcus aureus were carried out. Staphylococcus aureus showed a very high capacity of biosorption (60.17 ppm Zn mg^-1 dry biomass) of Zn from synthetic solutions. Biosorption of Zn was rapid and was dependent on pH and the quantity of biomass used. The influence of increase in the quantity of biomass from 1 mg per mL to 5 mg per mL of Zn from synthetic solutions was also studied. However further increase in biomass of Staphylococcus aureus decreased the biosorption of Zn. Effect of magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) on biosorption was also studied. Addition of MgCl₂ was found to enhance the biosorption of Zn. Nutrient deficient conditions inhibited Zn biosorption from synthetic solutions by Staphylococcus aureus.

5 tables, 13 ref

011964   Shrivastava R;Dave N (NO, M.P. Water Resources Department, Bhopal) : Assessment of environmental-economic impacts om agriculture land through water resource development project. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(8), 714-20.

Assessment environmental-economic impacts on agriculture land through water resource development project. Critically reviews "the environmental of the water resources development in the field of agriculture land". The physical benefits due to the project are eco-friendly with agriculture and land environment. The observed rate of the development before and after the construction of water resource project provides incremental strategy in favour of their construction. Water resources project and their analysis prove that agriculture land gets long time sustainability in the field of production, friendly environment and self forestation because of assured water availability. The study is based on the real existing water resource project and emphasizes that water resources development should be encouraged for real agriculture enhancement and eco-friendly relation with the environment. Provides a methodological instrument on comprehensive assessments of environmental economic impacts (costs and benefits), and the complexities involved in assessing water resource impacts in a real sense. The study is useful thread for picking/carrying out detailed analyses, in the necessity of water sector development.

2 illus

011963   Sharma U;John S (Civil Engineering Dep, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh-160 012, Email: umesh_prec@yahoo.co.in) : Studies on traffic related noise pollution in commercial areas of Chandigarh (India). Indian Highw 2008, 36(10), 49-55.

Most of the cities in India arc facing serious noise pollution problems due to the concentration of motor vehicles and human population within the confined urban areas. The increase in noise pollution with increase in vehicular population is intuitive. Study presents the status of noise pollution in commercial areas of Chandigarh due to road traffic. The study indicated that the noise levels in commercial areas exceeded permissible levels. A correlation model of noise level with traffic characteristics has been proposed. The model could be used as an effective tool in traffic management, land use planning and pollution control.

1 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

011962   Sharma R C;Bahuguna M;Chauhan P (Environmental Sciences Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Post Box 67, Srinagar-Garhwal-246 174) : Periphytonic diversity in Bhagirathi: Preimpoundment study of Tehri dam reservoir. J envir Sci Engng 2008, 50(4), 255-62.

Tehri hydroelectric project of 2,400 MW capacity, the Asia's highest dam constructed on the Bhagirathi river in Uttarakhand is one of the most debatable dams of the country. The fluvial system of Bhagirathi and Bhilagana has been converted into a huge lentic water reservoir of 2.62x10⁹ m³ capacity. Therefore, the information on periphytonic diversity before impoundment is very important. The preimpoundment study over one year (September 2004 - August 2005) was carried out monthly to analyse the periphytonic diversity in a lotic environment of Bhagirathi, one of the parent streams of Ganges. Periphytons are the important primary producers of metarhithronic stretch of Bhagirathi. 40 taxa of periphytons, represented by the families of Bacillariophyceae (25 taxa), Chlorophyceae (11 taxa) and Myxophyceae (4 taxa), were recorded from the Bhagirathi river before impoundment. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index ranged between 3.404 to 4.360 for periphytons, which indicates a good health of the ecosystem. The present study revealed that the combined impact of velocity of the water, hydromedian depth (HMD), turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids (TDS), and water temperature influenced the diversity of periphytons dwelling Bhagirathi.

1 illus, 6 tables, 31 ref

011961   Sharma A;Thakur I S;Sharma A K (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru University, School of Environmental Sciences, New Delhi-110 067) : Enrichment and characterization of bacterial consortium isolated from tannery effluent for degradation of pentachlorophenol. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(8), 721-7.

Microbial consortium was developed by continuous enrichment of bacterial population isolated from sediment core of tannery effluent in mineral salts medium (MSM) supplemented with pentachlorophenol (PCP) as sole source of carbon and energy in the chemostat. The enriched consortium contained 3 bacterial strains identified as Escherichia coli (PCP1), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PCP2) and Acinetobacter sp. (PCP3) by morphological and biochemical tests, further confirmation was done using 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The strains were tested for their utilization of various organic compounds. The strain PCP3, showed higher potency to utilize PCP as sole source of carbon and energy than PCP1 and PCP2. The bacterial strain were able to utilize PCP through an oxidative and reductive route as indicated with the formation of tetrachloro-p-hydroquinone (TeCH), 2-chloro-1,4-benzenediol and 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol. The enriched strains could possibly be used for bioremediation of sites contaminated with PCP.

3 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

011960   Shahul Hameed A;Narasimha Prasad N B (NO, Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Kunnamangalam P.O, Kozhikode-673 571, Email: nbnprasad@hotmail.com) : Hydro-chemical assessment and groundwater recharg mechanism in the humid tropics. J envir Sci Engng 2008, 50(4), 263-70.

The study related to assessment of various chemical constituents in the groundwater, their origin and suitability for human use has been carried out in the Chaliyar river basin of Kerala (India). Groundwater samples were collected from 27 open dug wells and 7 bore wells, and analyzed. Piper tri-linear classification was followed in segregating the data with respect to source of dissolved constituents in groundwater. Most of the wells fall within the no dominant ion zone in the piper diagram, indicating the equal distribution of alkalis and alkaline earths. High level of dissolved solids, with the presence of chloride and sulphate, was observed in a few wells in the coastal region, which may be due to the salinity intrusion from the sea. The groundwater quality was found fairly good and potable in the lateritic midland region, except for a few wells, which were having significant level of nitrate and/or chloride. An attempt has been made to understand the source of groundwater recharge in the basin using environmental tritium as a tracer. It has been observed that the groundwater is predominantly recharged through rainfall, as evidenced from the level of tritium close to that of local precipitation.

3 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

011959   Sebastian G;Thomas M;Karthikeyan G (Chemistry Dep, ST. Berchmans College, Changanacherry-686 101) : Comparative study of water quality of vembanad lake at Thanneermukkom, Kerala. Pollut Res 2008, 27(2), 253-6.

A barrage was constructed across the vemband lake to prevent salt-water intrusion into the polders of Kuttanad. It divides the lake into two different ecosystems. In the present study marked variations were noted in water quality. However, the water quality was within permissible limits.

4 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

011958   Sati S C;Paliwal P C (Botany Dep, Kumaun University, Nainital-263 002) : Physico-chemical and bacteriological analysis of Kosi river in Central Himalaya. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 179-83.

Water quality monitoring of a central Himalayan river, river Kosi was done for a period of one year. The study was done to ascertain the suitability of its water for potable supplies and to generate benchmark data for the management of the river ecosystem, as the river has a great bearing on the socio-agricultural life of the region. Fifteen physicochemical and two biological parameters were analyzed. The data suggest that river is under stress of anthropogenic activities. Many of the water quality parameters viz., pH, DO, BOD, COD and Fe exceed the WHO (1971) norms of water quality. The study suggests high anthropogenic activities along the catchment of the river, and the high amplitude of these activities at sampling stations manifested proves water quality of that site.

3 tables, 16 ref

011957   Sarkar S;Hazra J;Upadhyay S N;Singh R K; Chowdhury A R (Industrial Toxicology Div, Regional Occupational Health Centre (E), Indian Council of Medical Research, Block DP, Sector V, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700 091, Email: amalrc@yahoo.com) : Arsenic induced toxicity of testicular tissue of mice. Indian J Physiol Pharmac 2008, 52(1), 84-90.

Effect of arsenic was studied on the testicular tissue of Swiss albino mice. Sodium-meta-arsenite (NaAsO₂) was administered to adult mice (25±30g) at a dose level of 30 mg/L and 40 mg/L through drinking water for 30, 45 and 60 days. After the treatment, the testicular organ was removed, weighed and processed for histopathological observation. No change in the body weight was recorded in treated groups after arsenic exposure but significant decrease in the relative testicular weight was observed in comparison with the control. The result showed that arsenic-treated mice exhibited dose dependent gradual reductions in seminiferous tubular diameter and various gametogenic cell population i.e. resting spermatocyte, pachytene spermatocyte and step-7-spermatid except spermatogonia. Leydig cell atrophy was significantly increased in dose dependent manner indicating a definite effect of arsenic on the spermatogenesis in mice. These observations were supported by gradual reduction in Leydig cell population in the above treated groups. In conclusion, the above results confirm the toxic effect of arsenic in testis of mice.

4 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

011956   Sampanpanish P;Chaengcharoen W;Tongcumpou C (National Center of Excellence for Environmental and Hazardous Waste Ma, Chulalongkorn Univ, Bangkok 10330 Thailand, Email: pantawat.s@chula.ac.th) : Heavy metals removal from contaminated soill by siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) and vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(3), 23-34.

The ability for heavy metals removal by C. odorata and V. zizanioides grown on contaminated soil and synthetic contaminated soil in experimental pots was investigated. Both contaminated and uncontaminated soils, for preparing the synthetic contaminated soil in this study, were obtained from Mae Sot district, Tak province. The contaminated synthetic soil was prepared by adding a solution of cadmium nitrate, zinc sulfate, lead nitrate and copper sulfate to uncontaminated soil to make the concentration of each metal: Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu 100 mg/kg soil above its initial concentration. In both plants grown on-site contaminated soil and on the synthetic soil, although some abnormal symptoms such as chlorosis, scorching in leaves and necrosis appeared, the plants still grew well. Each part of the plant was examined for heavy metal uptake at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after planting. Root uptake was greater than that of stem and leaves in all samples. For the on-site contaminated soil, the highest concentrations found in the root part for Cd, Zn, Pb and Cu of C. odorata were 50.22, 123.45, 29.07 and 31.89 mg/kg on a dry weight basis respectively and of V. zizanioide were 11.24, 163.18, 40.63 and 15.62 mg/kg on a dry weight basis respectively. The synthetic contaminated soil plants also showed higher concentration in root part than the other two parts for all metals both in C. odorata and in V. zizanioide. This is due to the metals being present in a readily available form. Accumulation of Cd in mass for both plants grown in contaminated soil at the time of harvesting showed that C. odorata performed better than V. zizanioide, especially for the aboveground parts and the time for harvesting that yielded the highest uptake of Cd was at 120 days.

14 illus, 9 tables, 15 ref

011955   Sadhu H G;Amin B K;Parikh D J;Sathawara N G; Mishra U;Virani B K;Lakkad B C;Shivgotra V K;Patel S (NO, National Institute of Occupational Health, Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad-380 016, Email: hg_sadhu@yahoo.co.in) : Poisoning of workers working in small lead-based units. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(3), 139-41.

No data are available with the labor departments among the workers of small-scale lead-based units with regard to lead poisoning. One hundred and ninety-five workers were investigated for lead exposure and three were found exceeding the limit of 80 mg/dL, which required a treatment for lead poisoning. To assess the exposure and health risk in workers working in small lead-based units. Random sampling is selected from the cross-sectional medical study. Medical examination cum biochemical/hematological investigations along with blood lead estimation were carried out in these workers. Epi-lnfo and SPSS 16.0 were used for statistical analysis. Workers' blood lead levels were brought down from 114.4, 110.0 and 120.6 mg/dL with treatment of D-penicillamine to 40 mg/dL. It may be concluded that lead poisoning is a preventable public health problem that particularly affects the industrial workers in small lead-based units.

1 illus, 6 ref

011954   Roy P;Prasad J;Joshi A P (Chemistry Dep, RTM Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033) : Changes in soil properties due to irrigation with paper industry wastewater. J envir Sci Engng 2008, 50(4), 277-82.

The effect of irrigation by the effluent of paper industry versus well water on properties of soils in three seasons was studied in Nagpur district, Maharashtra. The effluent had high total dissolved salts and biological oxygen demand than well water. pH, EC and availability of N, P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, particularly in surface layer of paper industry effluent irrigated soil at different seasons found to increase compared to well water irrigated soils, but heavy metals (non-essential nutrients) were within the permissible limits.

6 tables, 22 ref

011953   Renuga G;Lakshminarayan S;Babu A;Armugam K R (Biochemistry Dep, SBS, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu) : Purification of chromate reductase and their bioremediation potential. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 129-36.

Cr (VI) (Chromate) is a toxic, soluble environmental contaminant. Bacteria can reduce chromate to the insoluble and less toxic Cr (III), and thus chromate bioremediation is of interest. Several bacteria possess chromate reductase activity than can convert chromate to Cr (III), which is much less toxic and less soluble and thus reduction by these enzymes affords a means of chromate bioremediation. In this work, purified and characterized Chromate reductase from Pseudomonas putida using stepwise procedure consisting of [NH₄]SO₄ precipitation, anion exchange chromatography (DEAE sepharose CL-6B) and gel filtration (Sephadex -G-25). The enzyme activity was dependent on NADH or NADPH, the temperature and pH optima for chromate reduction were 75<144C and 8.5 respectively and the Km was 260 μM with a Vmax of 8.8 umol/min/mg of protein. This procedure resulted in single band on Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gels indicating that the protein may be 20 KDa on comparison with molecular protein marker. To improve bacterial chromate remediation by these approaches, it is necessary to clone the genes that encode chromate reductase activity.

5 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

011952   Renganathan S;Venkatakrishnan R; Venkataramana S;DharmendiraKumar M;Deepak S;Limarose Miranda;Velan M (Chemical Engineering Dep, Alagappa College of Technology, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: rengsah@rediffmail.com) : Kinetic studies on sorption of basic dye using Eichhornia crassipes. J envir Sci Engng 2008, 50(4), 249-54.

Sorption capacity of different parts of Eichhornia crassipes, such as rhizome, root, lamina and petiole on basic aurophine-o was studied in a batch system. The equilibrium uptake capacity was observed as 13.65 mg/g (using root), 13.5 mg/g (using lamina), 12.9 mg/g (using rhizome) and 12.75 mg/g (using petiole). It was observed that the equilibrium dye uptake capacity using root was found to be more when compared to all other E. crassipes parts used in the present investigation. The shortcut equations developed are accurate and can be used in the place of experimental data. The shortcut equations form the basis for further research. The intra particle diffusion coefficient (K₁) and effective diffusion coefficient (D₁) were evaluated for the removal of dye using root, which were found to be more when compared to all other parts of E. crassipes studied such as, lamina, rhizome and petiole.

5 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

011951   Rastogi S K (Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, , Post Box No. 80, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: subodhkrastogi@gmail.com) : Renal effect of environmental and occupational lead exposure. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(3), 103-6.

Lead is one of the most useful elements in industry, but serves no useful function in the human body. Environmental and industrial lead exposures continue to pose major public health problems in the exposed population. Over the years, it has become increasingly evident that low-level lead exposure resulting in blood lead levels between 10 and 15 μg/dL can lead to deleterious effects like cognitive impairment and behavioral deficits, high blood pressure (BP) and impaired renal function. Lancereaux provided the first description of kidney disease and interstitial nephritis by postmortem examination of a lead-poisoned artist. It was not until the late 1920s when an epidemic of chronic nephritis in Queensland, Australia, was linked to childhood lead poisoning that the full spectrum of lead-induced nephropathy became apparent. This was followed by cases of renal diseases from the US in individuals consuming lead-contaminated illegally distilled moonshine whisky.

1 table, 41 ref

011950   Rampal R;Pathania D (Environmental Sciences Dep, University of Jammu, Jammu, J&K) : Assessment of noise levels in households of Bishnah town, Jammu (J & K) India. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 69-72.

Study has been made to evaluate Indoor and Outdoor Noise Levels at different zones of Bishnah Town, Jammu. Jammu district is located between 74° 24" and 75° 18" longitude and 32° 50" and 33°30" North latitude. Bishnah Town, with population of about 9000, is one of the five Tehsil Headquarters of Jammu, India.

7 tables, 7 ref

011949   Rafiei M;Gadgil A S;Ghole V S;Jaafarzadeh N; Gore S D;Aberomand M;Shabab M (Occupational Hygiene Dep, Ahvaz Jundishapour Univ of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Email: rafiei_2001@yahoo.com) : Investigation of respirable particulate matter pollutants on air-breathing zone workers in the beam rolling mills factory (Iran national steel industrial group), Ahvaz, Iran. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(2), 71-5.

Workers of iron and steel factories are exposed to a wide range of pollutants depending on the particular process, the materials involved, the effectiveness of monitoring and the control measures. Adverse effects are determined by the physical state and propensities of the pollutant involved, the intensity and duration of the exposure, the extent of pollutant accumulation in the body and the sensitivity of the individual to its effects. The main aim of this study is to assess the levels of the indoor respirable particulate matter (RPM) and to compare the health condition of exposed workers, with nonexposed employees group. Line 630 has only one furnace of 40 tons and line 650 has two furnaces of 20 and 40 tons capacity due to which the mean of the RPM concentrations in the breathing zone was significantly different (P < 0.05) in line 650 but not in line 630 as compared with National Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene's (3 mg/m³). The average of the RPM concentrations in production line 650 is higher than that of production line 630, with the 95% confidence interval in saw cabin station number 1 of production line 650.

3 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

011948   Quayoom Mir A B;Yazdani T;Kamini Narain A K; Yunus M (NO, School for Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimarao Ambedkar (Centra, Lucknow-226 025) : Vehicular population and pigment content of certain avenue trees. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 59-63.

Study was under taken to work out the impact of vehicular pollution on the pigment content of four plant species namely- Alstonia scholaris, Ficus religiosa, Nerium odorum and Polyalthia longifolia growing at different road sides with varying number and type of plying vehicles and also to observe, if any, correlation exists between the two. For this, leaf samples from different sites of the above-referred species were collected and analyzed for leaf extract pH, chl.a, chl.b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid and protein content. Leaves were sampled from all the four directions and from almost equal heights of the plants. All the parameters registered a definite reduction with the increase in vehicular density in comparison to the control (least polluted) site. However, no definite trend was seen in case of the leaf extract pH. Thus, the study pinpoints a possibility of using these modifiable parameters as traits to be used as biological indicators of pollution loads in the city.

2 tables, 9 ref

011947   Puri A;Manoj Kumar;Johal E (A-22 ODH, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh-160 012, Email: avinash_puri@hotmail.com) : Solid-waste management in Jalandhar city and its impact on community health. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(2), 76-81.

Solid waste management practices were evaluated in order to find out its link with occurrence of vector-borne disease. Strategies for solid-waste management were employed as practical model to solve the problems regarding pollution which is originated by solid-waste.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

011946   Pinto V N (NO, , 3, 'Ave', 1st Floor, Plot 188, Road 33A, Wadala, Mumbai-400 031, Email: violadesa@gmail.com) : E-waste hazard: the impending challenge. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(2), 65-70.

Electronic waste or e-waste is one of the rapidly growing problems of the world. E-waste comprises of a multitude of components, some containing toxic substances that can have an adverse impact on human health and the environment if not handled properly. In India, e-waste management assumes greater significance not only due to the generation of its own e-waste but also because of the dumping of e-waste from developed countries. This is coupled with India's lack of appropriate infrastructure and procedures for its disposal and recycling. This review article provides a concise overview of India's current e-waste scenario, namely magnitude of the problem, environmental and health hazards, current disposal and recycling operations, existing legal framework, organizations working on this issue and recommendations for action.

1 table, 25 ref

011945   Patil S A;Katpatal Y B (Maharashtra Remote Sensing, Applications Centre, VNIT campus, Nagpur) : Impact assessment of coal mines in Erai watershed of Chandrapur district using geoinformatics. J envir Sci Engng 2008, 50(4), 271-6.

The industrial development and growing population in India is in demand of more energy. Coal based thermal power generation is a major source of energy and is expanding at a very high rate leading to over exploitation of coal reserves, which is causing adverse impacts on the environment. Remote sensing and GIS techniques have been found to be useful in mapping and monitoring of dynamic changes taking place due to mining activity. Satellite based environmental impact assessment involves various aspects, such as land use, water resources, land degradation, etc. These studies help in formulating environmental management plan for the mining sector. Coal mines in Erai watershed of Chandrapur district so far have lost 2139.68 hectares of land constituting a fertile agriculture land, reserve forest, protected forest and natural river course of Erai river, Upsa nala and Motaghat nala severely affecting the watershed eco-system. Therefore, an in-depth impact assessment study of coal mines in Erai watershed of Chandrapur district was carried out using geoinformatics and the results are presented in this paper.

5 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

011944   Patil M P;Sonolikar R L (SWM Unit, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020, Email: mp_patil@neeri.res.in) : Approach for modeling thermal destruction of hazardous wastes in circulating fluidized bed incinerator. J envir Sci Engng 2008, 50(4), 289-98.

This paper presents a detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based approach for modeling thermal destruction of hazardous wastes in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) incinerator. The model is based on Eular - Lagrangian approach in which gas phase (continuous phase) is treated in a Eularian reference frame, whereas the waste particulate (dispersed phase) is treated in a Lagrangian reference frame. The reaction chemistry has been modeled through a mixture fraction/ PDF approach. The conservation equations for mass, momentum, energy, mixture fraction and other closure equations have been solved using a general purpose CFD code FLUENT4.5. Afinite volume method on a structured grid has been used for solution of governing equations. The model provides detailed information on the hydrodynamics (gas velocity, particulate trajectories), gas composition (CO, CO₂, O₂) and temperature inside the riser. The model also allows different operating scenarios to be examined in an efficient manner.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

011943   Patil A M;Gaikwad D D;Pawar R P;Tayadec D T; Somvanshi J L;Akuskar S K (NO, , Bannalikar Niwas, Ganesh Nagar, Mondha Road, Dharmabad, Nanded-431 809, Email: ampatil_2006@rediffmail.com) : Physico-chemical analysis of Pochampad Dam back water of Godavari river on Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh border. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 153-6.

Water samples were collected from different places in Godavari River located at Sangam point in Maharashtra and Basar point in Andhrapradesh. Three samples were collected each from Basar point in Andhrapradesh and Sangam point in Maharashtra. The periodical Physico-chemical analysis of pochampad Dam of Godavari River backwater to access the quality of water has been carried out. The parameters such as pH, conductivity, TDS, BOD, COD, DO, Chlorides and hardness of water have been studied. The chemical analysis of the samples and physicochemical properties revealed that all samples were polluted containing the various constituents.

2 tables, 5 ref

011942   Parab S R;Pandit R A;Kadam A N;Indap M M (Zoology Dep, D.G. Ruparel College, Mahim, Mumbai-400 016, Email: madhaviindap@yahoo.com) : Effect of Bombay high crude oil and its fractions on growth and primary productivity of the phytoplankton. Pollut Res 2008, 27(2), 317-22.

An oil spill was simulated in microcosms in the laboratory using phytoplankton assemblage collected from Versova, Mumbai. Bombay High Crude oil (1%, w/v), water-soluble fraction (0.01%, w/v) and water-dispersed fraction (0.01%, w/v) were added to respective tanks. Their effect was investigated on various parameters like primary productivity, growth and biomass of the phytoplankton at different time intervals. There was reduction in primary productivity and cell number resulting in decreased biomass after 6 h, 24 h and 48 h. Net as well as gross productivity was less in tanks treated with water soluble and water dispersed fractions. Soluble fraction was more toxic than dispersed fraction of crude oil as it caused drastic reduction in cell count within 1 h. These results indicate that the above-mentioned levels of oil contamination in seawater are not having an immediate and serious detrimental effect on the photosynthesis of the natural phytoplankton communities.

2 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

011941   Pandve H T (Community Medicine Dep, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune-411 018, Email: dr_harshalpandve@yahoo.co.in) : Awareness regarding global warming: popular media like films need to contribute. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(1), 41.

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011940   Pandve H T (Community Medicine Dep, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune-411 018, Email: dr_harshalpandve@yahoo.co.in) : Global initiatives to prevent climate change. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(2), 96-7.

11 ref

011939   Pandve H T (Community Medicine Dep, Dr. D. Y Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune-411 018, Email: dr_harshalpandve@yahoo.co.in) : Asian brown cloud. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(2), 93-5.

10 ref

011938   Pandit K;Tiwari R R (Occupational Medicine Div, National Institute of Occupational Health, Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad-380 016, Email: rajtiwari2810@yahoo.co.in) : Morbidity profile of steel pipe production workers. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(2), 88-90.

To study the different morbid conditions among steel pipe producing workers. The present cross-sectional study has been carried out among the workers of one of the steel pipes and tubes manufacturing factory of Gujarat. Hundred workers from the four major departments of the steel pipe production plant, namely welding, pressing machine, X-ray welding and loading/transportation department were covered. The information regarding demographic, occupational, clinical characteristics and diagnosis were recorded on a pre-designed proforma. Statistical analysis included calculation of percentages and proportions and was carried out using the statistical software Epi Info Version 3.3.2. The mean age of the study subjects was found to be 38.7±7.1 years. The mean duration of exposure was found to be 9.0±3.4 years. Forty-four percent of the subjects had an upper respiratory tract infection, as evidenced by symptoms like dry cough, cough with rhinitis and cough with fever. Symptoms suggestive of allergic bronchitis were observed in 12% of the subjects while symptoms suggestive of heat stress such as prickly heat, dehydration, perspiration and pyrexia were observed in 13% of the subjects.

2 tables, 12 ref

011937   Pandey S;Maiti T K (Botany Dep, B.B. College, Asansol, Dist.- Burdwan, West Bengal-713 303, Email: spandey_01@rediffmail.com) : Physicochemical and biological characterization of slag disposal site at Burnpur, West Bengal. Pollut Res 2008, 27(2), 345-8.

The Burnpur IISCO (Indian Iron and Steel Company) slag disposal site which is located in West Bengal, India at 23° 40' ON latitude and 86° 55' 60E longitude, about 5 km away from Asansol has been characterized in the present study with respect to its physicochemical and biological aspects. The pH, BOD, COD, DO, alkalinity and water holding capacity etc have been determined and are found to be unsuitable for the growth of normal vegetation. However, these parameters vary widely in fresh released slag and the slag which has been dumped for a long time. This may be due to microbial and chemical activities inside the slag. The microbial diversity as determined by the species richness method was found to be 0.408 and 1.028 for the fresh and the old slag. The meteorological data of the area indicates that the average annual rainfall, average annual temperature (max. and min) and average annual humidity etc. are nearly 1400mm, 33.82 ° C (max) and 20.70 °C (min) and 63.82% respectively. However, the maximum and minimum temperatures reach to 49° C in summer and 5 °C in winter respectively. The vegetation is quite different from nearby normal flora with maximum frequency of Eragrostis and Eupatorium and minimum of Euphorbia hirta, Evolvulus, Calotropis etc.

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011936   Nath S K;Roy D;Thingbaijam K K S (Geology and Geophysics Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: nath@gg.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Disaster mitigation and management for West Bengal, India - an appraisal. Curr Sci 2008, 94(7), 858-64.

Examines the predominant natural hazards in West Bengal, along with an analysis of the prevalent disaster mitigation and management perspectives. Pre-hazard activities towards its mitigation are emphasized and explicated. In cognizance with the existence of multiple hazards in the region, a composite vulnerability map is prepared through integration of earthquake, flood, wind and cyclone, landslide, and subsidence hazard distributions along with vulnerability components represented by district-wise population density, and industrial output distribution to project a combined first-hand qualitative hazard and vulnerability description of the region. A combined management strategy through collaborations and coordination has been thought of to be more pragmatic than segregated efforts.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

011935   Nashim Unnesa;Azad P (Life Sciences Div, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, Email: padumazad1@yahoo.co.in) : Trace metal levels in soil and water of tipong, tirap and tikak collieries of Makum coal field, Tinsukia, Assam. Pollut Res 2008, 27(2), 237-9.

The trace metal levels were studied in soil and water of Tipong, Tirap and Tikak Collieries of Makum Coal Field, Tinsukia, Assam. The toxic trace metals viz Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Pb was found to be below detectable level (BDL) in both the soil and water samples. The metals Cd, Cu and Zn were found in water samples while Cd and Zn were found in the soil samples. The highest amount of Cd (0.127ppm) & Zn (0.157ppm) were detected in water samples of Tipong colliery and the concentration of both the metals were found to be present above the permissible level while other two metals (Pb and Cu) were under the permissible level as recommended by WHO (1985). The highest amount of Cd (44 ppm) & Zn (249ppm) in soil samples were detected in Tirap and Tipong colliery. On the basis of results obtained, it is clear that continuous mining operation have left permanent scars in the coalfield environmental scenario to a large extent.

3 tables, 9 ref

011934   Munawar Pasha G S;Nagendra Prasad B C; Shivashankara G P (Civil Engineering Dep, Ghousia College of Engineering, Ramanagaram-571 511) : Chemical composition of bulk precipitation during 2005 Southwest monsoon in Bangalore city, India. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 83-6.

During the Southwest monsoon (June to September) season of 2005 in Bangalore City, 32 bulk (wet and dry) precipitation samples were collected from two sampling stations. Concentration of major cations (H, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na, K and NH₄⁺-N) and anions (Cl^-, SO₄^2--, HCO₃^-, NO₂^--N, NO₃^- and PO₄^3--P) were determined. The study established through statistical analysis, that positive correlation exist between H+ and SO₄², H+ and NO₃ in the bulk precipitation samples of the city. The study also concluded that decreasing trend of pH of precipitation from alkaline 6.61 to acidic 5.40 (2005) could be because of SO₄^2- and NO₃^- ions which may be attributed to rapid industrialization, urbanization and also increase of automobile exhausts in the city during the last two and half decades.

2 tables, 10 ref

011933   Mohamed C A R;Mahmood Z U W;Ahmad Z (Faculty of Science and Technology, National University of Malaysia (UKM), 43600 Bangi, Malaysia, Email: carmohd@ukm.my) : Recent sedimentation of sediments in the coastal waters of Peninsular Malaysia. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 27-36.

Sediment core samples were collected at nine stations in the coastal Peninsular Malaysia using a box corer for estimation of sedimentation rates based on the contents of ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁶Ra and ²²⁸Ra in bulk sediments. The core sediments were generally composed of homogenous mud especially in the west coast Peninsular Malaysia (Malacca Straits) sampling stations. Sedimentation rates calculated using models of ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra and ²¹⁰Pb/²²⁶Ra ratios fluctuated in the range 0.20-0.42, 0.08-0.44, 0.12-0.45 and 0.06-0.45 cm year^-1 respectively, with highly sedimentation rate for the stations located in the Malacca Straits. The geography of Malacca Straits was a closed system where the water flows, in general, come from the north to the south during monsoon season and received also large input from the Sumatra Island in Indonesia and the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. But in the east coast Peninsular Malaysia (Sunda Shelf) sector had influence from the northeast and southwest monsoon, and input also from the western Pacific region.

4 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

011932   Modi H A (Life Sciences Dep, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Biodecolorization of synthetic dyes by ligninolytic enzymes of Geastrum triplex. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 107-11.

Litter basidiomycete Geastrum triplex was isolated from fruiting body. G. triplex growing on low nitrogen medium produced lignin peroxidase (20 U/I, manganese peroxidase (46 um and laccase (23 U/I) activities as early as three days. The ability of G. triplex to decolorize representative sulfonphthalein, triphenylmethane and textile dyes on solid medium was evaluated. Manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase were studied for the decolorization of phenol red, bromophenol blue, fast green, methyl violet, reactive blue HSG and remazol magenta HB.

5 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

011931   Misra R K (NO, , BM/2, V.S.S. Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751 007, Email: rkmisra@yahoo.com) : Carbon footprint of livestock. Anim Sci Reptr 2009, 3(2), 73-9.

Global warming, caused by accumulation of green house gases (GHG) in atmosphere has wreaked serious catastrophe on mankind in terms of intense rain, devastating hurricanes, drop in grain production and deluge of land mass under swollen seas due to erratic weather behavior. It has serious impact on livestock production too. The resurgence of blue tongue disease in cattle is believed to be a sequel to global warming. Strangely, livestock is also a partner to this crime through emission of green house gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia to the atmosphere, which constitute 18% of the total GHG in terms of CO₂ equivalent. De-carbonation of the atmosphere by moderating animal production is not a pragmatic solution because of its enormous economic impact on food production sector. Livestock is the life-line of 92 million impoverished people of third world nations. Livestock constitute 40% of the total global agricultural output, and contribute 654 million metric tons of milk and 271.3 million metric tons of meat per year to the global food pool, besides generating employment for 1.3 billion people in the rural sector. Therefore, diminution of GHG emission through tactical livestock management and siphoning of CO₂ from the atmosphere through carbon sequestration are the best options to resist this menace.

14 ref

011930   Maurya A;Salve P R;Ramteke D S;Wate S R (NO, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020) : Assessment of benzene solvent organic fraction (BSOF) in PM₁₀. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(8), 704-8.

Sampling was conducted at National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Ajni Square and laxmi Nagar Square in terms of PM₁₀ and benzene-soluble organic fraction (BSOF). Thirty two samples were collected at each location on 24 hr basis during post-monsoon and winter season (2005-06). The collected PM₁₀ samples were subjected to determination of toxic organic fraction by measuring BSOF. The average PM₁₀ concentration during the post-monsoon season was observed to be 98± 18, 120±11 and 107±11μg/m³, respectively and during the winter season 120±20, 135±13 and 129±13 μg/m³, respectively. Similarly the average BSOF concentration was observed to be 28±21, 31±11 and 29±12 μg/m³ for post-monsoon and 32±25, 33±13 and 31±10 μg/m³ for winter season, respectively. The result shows that the concentration of PM₁₀ and BSOF is higher in winter season than post-monsoon season because during winter season atmospheric stability built up pollutant in the atmosphere. The study indicates that the air quality of Nagpur city exceeding the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards of PM₁₀ which any be attributed to terrestrial and anthropogenic sources. In PM₁₀, BSOF is exceeding the limit of 20μg/m³ indicating high levels of organic compounds including PAH. The study focuses the environmental quality of organics concentration available in ambient air and helps to generate baseline data to tackle the air pollution problems and implement effective regionbased control measures.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

011929   Masoud S;Shushtarian;Mirdehghan M S; Valiollahi P (Biophysics Dep, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: mshushtarian@yahoo.com) : Retinal damages in turner workers of a factory exposed to intraocular foreign bodies. Indian J occup envir Med 2008, 12(3), 136-8.

Damages caused by an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) to the visual system, mainly the retina, mostly occur during certain occupational activities. Turners are among the laborers who are mostly exposed to IOFB. The aim of the present work is to survey the effect of an IOFB on the visual system, mainly the retina. Fifty laborers of a turner factory who were exposed to IOFB were selected. Electroretinography (ERG) was recorded in all the laborers. Beside these workers, 50 laborers with no incidence of IOFB were also selected. They were also tested using ERG. The results obtained in the two groups were compared together to search for the possible changes in the two groups. The ERG patterns of the case groups were found to be changed in comparison to the control group. The changes were observed in the area under the b-wave of the ERG pattern in the early stage of damage and in the late stages, the latency and amplitude of the ERG b-wave were also affected. Finally, from the result of the present study, one can conclude that ERG is a suitable technique to search for the retinal changes in the laborers exposed to IOFB.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

011928   Mamtaz R;Chowdhury M H (Civil Engineering Dep, Bangladesh Univ of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh, Email: mamtaz@ce.buet.ac.bd) : Environmental pollution at a solid waste disposal site. Pollut Res 2008, 27(2), 207-12.

Dhaka city produces tonnes of solid wastes everyday. Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) does not have any sanitary landfill for ultimate disposal of solid waste and for a long time it is a common practice of DCC to dispose off solid waste in open low lying areas without any segregation and soil cover. Matuail is one of the disposal sites operated by DCC and has been selected as the study area in the present research. Solid wastes and soil samples (normal and converted) at different depths were collected from the site and analysed in the laboratory to assess the potential contamination due to this dumping. This study was an attempt to investigate the characteristics of solid wastes and pollution level in natural and converted soil and surface water in the study area. Test results shows that the solid waste disposed at Matuail dumping site contains significant amount of heavy metals such as iron, manganese, copper, zinc and nickel. The concentration of heavy metals in converted soil is much higher than the natural soil in the dumping site. This indicates that the converted soil, which is formed due to dumping of wastes over the years is highly contaminated with toxic metals. The concentration of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in converted soil are significantly higher than the maximum allowable limits of the concentration of those heavy metals used in different countries. The high concentration of heavy metals in converted soil may lead to groundwater pollution in future. Surface water around the disposal site has been found to be highly polluted which indicates an unhealthy environment for aquatic life. The high concentration of colour, BOD₅, COD, TC, FC, Pb, Cu, Zn etc. shows that the water is not suitable for domestic use. The presence of such hazardous toxic metals in waste, soil and surface water is a great concern of public health and the surrounding environment (soil, groundwater, surface water).

3 illus, 7 tables, 8 ref

011927   Malik K;Garg F C (NO, , Room No. 111, PG Married Hostel, New Campus, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004) : Physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of Sella-rice plant effluent. Pollut Res 2008, 27(1), 117-20.

`Sella' rice plant effluent is one of the major environmental pollutants. The physico-chemical characterization of effluent collected from three `Sella' rice plants revealed that the pH of the effluent varied from 6.9-7.4 and effluent was yellow brown in colour and turbid. The effluent contained low concentration of starch varying from 700-1200 μJ.1g/mL and traces of nitrogen. The COD and BOD values were recorded in the range of 1400-2200 mg/L and 360-480 mg/L respectively. The effluent also contained minor quantities of metals like Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Using three different types of media, 130 microbial isolates were isolated and characterized. Out of these 4 bacterial isolates were found to grow and degrade starch efficiently. These isolates were identified on the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics.

3 illus, 7 ref

011926   Lalrinpuii H;Lalramnghinglova H (Forest Ecology Dep, Bidiversity and Environmental Sciences, Aizawal-796 001, Email: deaumzu@yahoo.co.in) : Assessment of air pollution in Aizawal city. Curr Sci 2008, 94(7), 852-3.

^ssc2 tables, 5 ref

011925   Kushwaha S K;Rajesh Singh;Kushwaha B P; Pathak V;Rai O P;Dwivedi R (Environment Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalay, Chitrakoot-485 331, ) : Air quality and human health of certain villages of industrial area, Raigarh. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(8), 709-13.

Statical analysis of series of ambient air concentration of SPM, RPM, SO₂ and NO_x> are monitored at selected 4 residential location of Industrial area Raigarh during summer, winter and rainy season. Result indicates that average concentration of SPM and RPM are above the permissible limit, where as the gaseous pollutants, such as SO₂, NO_x are well bellow the permissible limit. Moderate (summer) to low (rainy month) level of pollutants were found on all the location. About 400 families (2400 peoples) in the study area have been surveyed for prevalence of air pollution oriented diseases. The result indicates higher incidence of respiratory diseases among the people.

2 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref