009842   Dhariwal A;Soni S R (Civil Engineering Dep, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur-342 011) : Performance evaluation of anaerobic pond at sewage treatment plant, Nandri, Jodhpur. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(6), 498-504.

Presents the results of critical performance evaluation study of anaerobic pond at Nandri, Jodhpur. Sewage collection and transportation system of Nandri is a gravity system. The treatment system is an anaerobic pond. The three anaerobic ponds have been designed to treat an average flow of 20 MLD. The salient features of the pond, physico-chemical characteristics of sewage and effluent after treatment are presented along with discussion on pond performance. The study revealed that the BOD removal efficiency in anaerobic process is dependent on a variety of factors, like influent BOD, Temperature, pH, etc.

7 illus, 2 tables

009841   Dhariwal A;Sharma U S (Civil Engineering Dep, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur-342 011) : Performance of dune sand multi-media filter. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(5), 398-404.

An attempt has been made to find out the effect of variation of some physical parameters like rate of filtration and influent water turbidity on the development of head loss and performance of filter in removing the turbidity of water keeping the chemical parameters as constant. For this purpose dune sand multi-media filter has been selected for laboratory study. The various curves plotted and the results of this investigation will be very useful for the designing of dune send multi-media filter as regards to data for frequency and type of cleaning, length of filter run, age of filter bed, and available head, etc.

6 illus, 2 tables, 2 ref

009840   Dhariwal A;Sharma A (Civil Engineering Dep, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur-342 001) : Performance studies of common effluent treatment plant, Sangaria, Jodhpur. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(6), 481-5.

Water bearing industries, like textile and S.S. rolling industries, etc., generate large quantity of wastewater with alkaline and acidic characteristics, respectively that affect the environment and receiving bodies. The cotton textile processing units predominantly discharge alkaline wastewater (alkalinity of around 1500 mg/L as CaCO₃, SS, BOD, COD and IDS concentration are 740 mg/L,120 mg/L, 350 mg/L and 3140 mg/L, respectively) with pH ranging from 9.0 to 10.3; whereas S.S. Rolling mills and synthetic units discharge highly acidic wastewater (acidity of around 3080 mg/L as CaC0₃, SS, BOD, COD and TDS concentration are 940 mg/L, 30 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 10148 mg/L, respectively) with pH ranging from 1.2 to 1.7. In the present plant the effluent are segregated at source for textile and rolling mills and effluent separately equalized. Attempt has been made to study the performance evaluation of common effluent treatment plant, at Sangaria in Jodhpur. Laboratory scale treatments have also been carried out to suggest the necessary improvements in the existing facilities. The existing flow diagram has also been discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

009839   Deshmukh J U;Siddiqui T;Ambore N E (Zoology Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded-431 602, Email: deshmukh.jayashri@gmail.com) : Godavari river water pollution due to industrial effluent and seasonal variations in temperature and dissolved oxygen at Nanded Maharashtra. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(2-3), 503-6.

Godavari is life line for people living on the bank of the river. Godavari river is termed as southern Ganga, which is the main source of drinking water for the people living on the bank of the river. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the pollution strength of industrial effluents in terms of temperature and dissolved oxygen, that will be required for aquatic biota to maintain aerobic conditions. The water samples were collected over a period of two year monthly from February 2000 to January 2002. In the present study values of temperature were maximum in may is 38.3 °C and minimum in December 23 °C and values of D.O. were maximum 7.8 mg/L in winter and minimum 8.0 mg/L in summer. The values show that temperature and D.O. content are inversely proportional to each other.

3 tables, 12 ref

009838   Deshmukh J U;Siddiqui T;Ambore N E (Zoology Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded-431 602, Email: deshmukh.jayashri@gmail.com) : Ground water pollution and occurence of excess nitrates besides Nanded, in Maharashtra, India.. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(2-3), 299-301.

Nitrate and nitrite are considered together because conversion from one form to the other occurs in the environment. Several physico-chemical parameters studied from ground water beside Nanded city out of these Nitrates are in higher quantity, which affects health of people. Fertilizer use, decayed vegetables and animal matter domestic effluents, sewage sludge disposal to land, industrial discharges, leachiest from refuse dump, and atmospheric washout all contribute to these ions in water sources. Excess of nitrates causes health effects like methaemoglobinaemia.

1 table, 11 ref

009837   Deshmukh J U;Siddiqui T;Ambore N E (Zoology Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded-431 602, Email: deshmukh.jayashri@gmail.com) : Fluoride in ground water surrounding Nanded city district Nanded has made the life miserable. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(2-3), 277-9.

Fluoride contents in water more than 3 mg/L is dangerous it causes flurosis. It is found in the border area of Maharashtra towards Andhra Pradesh, the ground water contains about 10 to 13 mg/Lof fluoride and as a result, the school children in this area show dental flurosis and elderly persons show bent bones. Fluoride is found to affect calcium and phosphate contents in bones making the bones brittle. The preliminary survey shows several cases of arthritis in this area. The similar condition is observed beside Nanded city in Asarjan, Brahmanwada and Punegaon Villages. Hence it is suggested to take immediate measures to defluoridify the drinking water from this area.

1 table, 10 ref

009836   Deshmukh J U;Mali, R P;Ambore N E (Zoology Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded-431 602) : Godavari river water quality (Alkalinity and Chlorides) status due to M.I.D.C. effluents Nanded, Maharashtra, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(2-3), 467-9.

The alkalinity of water is a measure of its capacity to neutralize acids. The presence of phytoplankton, there is continuous photosynthetic activity which affects total alkalinity slight alkalinity conditions are favourable for the growth of primary producer's. The salty taste produced by chlorides depends on the chemical composition of the water. A high chloride content also has a deleterious effect on metallic pipes and structures as well as on agricultural plants. High concentrations of chlorides may affect some persons who already suffer from diseases of heart or kidneys.

2 tables, 12 ref

009835   Chaurasia S;Rajesh Singh (Dep of Energy and environmental Science, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalay, Chitrakoot-485 331) : Pollution oriented diseases in stone crusher workers in Chitrakoot region. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(5), 415-19.

Air is most important natural resources for sustenance of life on the biosphere. Air pollution has emerged as most challenging problem before the mankind. The urban population is choked with combined onslaughts of smoke spewing industries and automobiles, while the countryside with industrial area is silently suffering is hardly any notice of their woes. With a rapid rise in population, number of automobiles and industries, the pollution which was ignored for long has come to stay as a major environmental problem in most of the countries. The health impacts of air pollutants are numerous and can become manifest in any compartment of the human body, such as respiratory system, immune system, skin, mucous tissues, sensory system, nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. Fine inhalable particulate matter {PM 2.5) which is more associated with human health problem was found high in the work place of stone crushers. It was oserved that most of the worker exposed to stone crusher air pollution are suffered with respiratory problems. They were exposed to high concentration of inhalable particulate matter in ambient air around the stone crusher. Study aims to investigate the impact of stone crusher's air polution on workers health at work places.

1 illus, 8 tables, 4 ref

009834   Chaurasia S;Rajesh Singh (Environmental Science Dep, Mahatma gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalay, Chittrakoot-485 331) : Water treatment to produce potable water for rural communities of Chitrakoot region. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(6), 521-5.

The problem of supplying adequate amounts of water for distribution to the public does not end with the construction of water works. Many water borne epidemics of disease have been traced to detect in the operating procadurea used in water treatment plants and it is self evident that the level of operating skill and practica is of great public health significance. Deals especially with the operation and control of water treatment procass designed to produce water for domestic purposes. Water treatment involves physical, chemical and biologicla changes that transform raw water into potable waters. The treatment processes used in any specific instances must depend depend on to the quality and nature of raw water.

7 tables

009833   Chanda D;Jha D K (Botany Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014, Email: dkjha_203@yahoo.com) : Arbuscular mycorrhizal associations of plants growing in soils polluted with paper mill effluents. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(4), 911-20.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant tolerance to a variety of stresses such as nutrient, drought, salinity and heavy metals. A study was undertaken to assess the influence of paper mill effluents on mycorrhizal colonization and endogonaceous spore population. Plants growing on polluted soil were less mycotrophic than their counterparts on the nonpolluted one. Glomus was the most frequently isolated mycorrhizal species from the polluted soil. The study highlights the possible use of mycorrhizal fungi as bioremediation agent of polluted soils and as bio-indicator of pollution for future research priorities.

13 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

009832   Bobakera A M;Alakilia I;Elkhidirb E E; Sarmanic S B (Chemistry Dep, Garyounis Univ, Libya) : Predict and describe relationships between the levels of methylmercury in hair samples of Kuala Lumpur residents and their social characteristics. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(4), 749-52.

A quasi-quadratic polynomial model is developed to predict and describe relationships between the level of methylmercury in hair samples of Kuala Lumpur residents and their social characteristics. The race, gender, age and fish diet factors appear to account for the ability to predict level of methylmercury. The model has a high explanatory power with coefficient of determination R2= 88.4%. The results including interaction terms, showed a significant correlation at 1% level of significance. The results further revealed that the depicted rate of methylmercury level is heavily depending on the prevalence of the fish diet factor with an increasing rate.

4 tables, 11 ref

009831   Balachandran S;Rudramoorthy R (School of Energy, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 004) : Efficient water utilisation in textile wet processing units in Tirupur. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(5), 447-51.

The amount of water used in various wet textile processing mills vary depending on the equipment, process adopted and types of fabric. However, improper operation and lack of maintenance have resulted in excessive water usage in these units. A recent study on water audit in selected textile processing unit at Tirupur cluster have confirmed this fact. Water is becoming scarce and also the quality of available water is deteriorating. Hence it is worthwhile to consider various steps in order to reduce the consumption and also the amount of effluents discharged from the plants. Reviews of various water conservation techniques is being presented so that industry can benefit to a considerably extent by adopting these measures.

4 illus, 2 tables, 3 ref

009830   Bakkialakshmi S;R R Vinodhini (Physics Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Spectro-chemical study of Ambika sugar factory waste affected soil and water in Pennadam, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(5), 405-14.

Results obtained from the physico-chemical analysis of soil and water samples are presented. The estimated trace elements using SEM-EDS are tabulated and briefly discussed. An attempt is made to find the suitability of the groundwater for irrigational and drinking purpose by comparing the results with the standard limits given by CHPEEO standards and ISI (1983).

16 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

009829   Amutha V;Srisudha S (Botany and P.G. Dep of Microbiology Dep, Lady Doak College, Madurai-625 002, Email: s_srisudha2006@rediffmail.com) : Comparison on the algal diversity and physico chemical profile of selected contaminated water bodies of Madurai, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(2-3), 375-8.

Study focuses attention on the relationship between algal diversity and physicochemical characteristics of contaminated water bodies of Madurai. Cyanophycean members were quantitatively rich in all water bodies. Predominant population of diatoms was noticed in Narasingapuram and Chinnachokkikulam site. Principal component and Bray Curtis analysis was conducted to pre duct the similarity matrices of study sites.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

009828   Amutha Jaisheeba A;Sornaraj R;Ranjit Singh A J A (Research Dep of Zoology, Kamaraj College, Thoothukudi-628 003) : Impact of traditional method of salt production on the visual organs of the saltpan workers in Thoothukudi area. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(4), 899-902.

A study was carried out to assess the occupational hazards created by the traditional method of salt production and saltpan environment on the saltpan workers of Thoothukudi area. The study mainly focused its attention on the impact of saltpan environment on the functioning of the vital sense organ, the eye. The various hazardous impacts were assessed by direct interview with the workers by giving questionnaire and with the help of the screening test conducted by an ophthalmologist. Totally 490 subjects were turned up to the study. The major disorders observed were eye irritation, cataract, reddening of eye, conjunctivitis, long sight and short sight. As far as the general eye disorders are concerned about 56% of the workers were affected. Among the affected about 41.8% were affected by short sight and only 4% were affected by long sight. About 21% of the individuals were developed cataract in their eye. The study concluded that the entirely different and extreme environment in the saltpan could be the reason for the large percentage of eye disorders among the workers. Even today the age old traditional method of salt production is followed, which is crude one, providing no protection to the workers resulted in occupational illness.

3 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

008910   Yeledhalli N A;Ravi M V;Prakash S S (Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agriculture, Raichur-584 410, Email: yeledhalli@yahoo.com) : Crop responses to SLASH (mixture of sewage sludge and fly ash) as influenced by soil texture and fertility. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(3), 971-7.

Use of mixtures of sewage sludge and fly ash as a soil ameliorant has tremendous potential, which has large quantities of such waste materials. An attempt was made to investigate the feasibility of converting waste disposal problems in to a soil beneficiation strategy. Field experiments were conducted on two soil types on sunflower to determine the effect of SLASH under different conditions (sandy loam and clay loam texture. optimal or sub-optimal fertilization) on crop yields and composition. Sunflower yield differed in their response to soil texture and fertility. It was a general finding that the fertility levels used in this study augmentation with SLASH improved the sunflower yield. The rates of application employed (3:1 ratio) the yield of sunflower was 28% higher than the NPK control. However, no evidence was found of heavy metal translocation from the soil to the biomass. The field experiments showed the potential soil ameliorative properties of SLASH, which might benefit crop production.

8 tables, 12 ref

008909   Vishnoi S;Bishnoi N R (Environmental Science and Engineering Dep, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hissar-125 001) : Cadminum phytoextration potential of three maize genotypes. Ann Biol 2008, 24(2), 131-8.

Study was conducted to investigate the Cd phytoextraction potential of three maize plant genotypes, namely. HKM-I183. HM-4 and J-1006 in a light soil from sand dune areas of Balsamand, Hisar. Six levels of Cd concentration ranging from 0-150 mg/kg soil were taken for the study. The toxicity symptoms, biomass production. Cd concentration and finally the Cd uptake were measured to screen the best Cd tolerant maize genotype. The plants were harvested at maturity. Results of the study showed that there was no adverse effect of applied Cd on the germination of seeds of maize genotypes but four weeks after germination, chlorosis appeared on leaves of higher levels of Cd which increased with the passage of growth period. Overall growth of genotype J-1006 was better as compared to other two genotypes. In all maize genotypes, the highest total chlorophyll was observed at Cd₃₀ level. It was 23.78. 21.08 and 16.03 mg/g in J-1006. HKH-1183 and HM-4 genotypes, respcctively at Cd₃₀. Hence, the highest mean Cd concentration was 33.52 μg/g in shoot of HKH-1183. followed by HM-4 (32.82 μg/g) and 1-1 006 (28.25 μg/g). In shoot of HKH-1 183. it was 1 3.92% higher than HM-4 and 15.72% higher than 1-1006. The mean Cd uptake by J-1006 was highest (1477.28 μg/pot) followed by HM-4 (799.52 μg pot) and HKH-1183 (486.39 μg/pot). Cd uptake significantly increased from Cd to Cd treatment hut thereafter it decreased with no statistical difference in J-1006. However. in HM-4 and HKII-I 183 the Cd uptake decreased significantly after attaining highest uptake at Cd₉₀ and Cd₆₀ respectively. On the basis of highest Cd uptake. J-1006 genotype was found best accumulator among three genotypes of maize.

4 tables, 11 ref

008908   Suhag V;Jha S;Jha A;Suhag A (NO, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Majitar, Rangpo-737 136) : Sewage irrigation : an enviromental challenge. Ann Biol 2008, 24(2), 125-9.

Today human activities are constantly adding industrial, domestic and agricultural wastes to the ground water reservoir at an alarming rate. Industrial wastes, particularly those from mineral, chemical and metallurgical industries, are generating a lot of polluting materials in our environment. Most of these wastes are hazardous in nature. In order to protect our environment, it has been essential to properly treat these wastes for their safe disposal. Continuous use of sewage water for irrigation has led to the build up of heavy metals in soils and plant, which were in the toxic range. DTPA-extractable Ni in soil significantly affected (r = 0.67) the Ni concentration in plants. The sewage irrigation was found to increase the level of some toxic elements in soils and plants. Sewage water mixed with effluents of leather complex in Hisar district is retained by soils and is not proportionally absorbed by the plants, whereas some other elements are absorbed in proportionate to the build up in soils. Accumulation of heavy metals from soil to plant parts varied with respect to metals, plant species and plant parts. High concentration of Pb. Cd and Ni was observed in cauliflower, cabbage, radish and mustard, The toxic elements Cd and Pb accumulated more in roots than in shoots. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of application of sewage water in one of the most industrialized cities of Haryana (Panipat) on contamination of soils.

2 tables, 12 ref

008907   Singh M K (Agronomy Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciencdes, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005) : Biological pollution: impact and control of invasive alien weeds in north east resgion. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(3), 983-8.

Invasion of alien weeds has threatened the native species in various agro-ecological conditions of the north cast region. Invasive weeds can threaten biodiversity, agricultural yields, trade, development plants, infrastructure and even health. The most common alien weeds found in the region arc Ageratum spp. Chromolaena odorata, Eichhornia crassipes, Lantana camara, Milcania micrantha, Mimosa spp. Parthenium hysterophorus, Salvinia molesta. These weed species have infested wastelands, roadsides, pasture land, railway tracts and agricultural fields. Out of these species, Parthenium hysterophorus is a recent introduction in this region and is spreading fast due to its universal adaptability and high competitive ability. There is an urgent need to stop the further encroachment of these weeds into new habitat, at the same time, these weeds should be man d in integrated manner through people's participation, so that their population could be kept under check.

^iia2 tables, 24 ref

008906   Odoemelam S A;Eddy N O (Chemistry Dep, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, Email: saodoemelam@yahoo.com) : Use of oyster, snail and periwinkle shells as adsorbents for the removeal of Pb<. E J Chem 2009, 6(1), 213-22.

Increasing rate of lead pollution resulting from discharge of lead containing effluents by industries into the environment, this study was carried out to investigate the removal of Pb²⁺ from aqueous solutions by oyster, snail and periwinkle shells. The effects of contact time and concentration on adsorption, thermodynamics of sorption and distribution coefficients of the adsorbents were examined to 0rtimize the conditions to be utilized for decontamination of effluents containing Pb²⁺. The study revealed that these materials are good adsorbents that can be used for the removal of Pb²⁺ from aqueous solution. Adsorption of Pb²⁺ by oyster, snail and periwinkle shells were found to conform to the classical models of Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherms. Thermodynamic consideration revealed that adsorption of Pb²⁺ by these materials was spontaneous and proceeded via chemical adsorption. The use of these materials for the removal of lead ion from aqueous solution is therefore advocated.

7 illus, 5 tables, 24 ref

008905   Najim T S;Elais N;Dawood A A (Chemistry Dep, Dohuk University, College of Education, Dohuk, Iraq, Email: tariq_pru@yahoo.com) : Adsorption of copper and iron using low cost material as adsorbent. E J Chem 2009, 6(1), 161-8.

In the study, pine fruit was used as solid adsorbent for removal of ferrous and copper ions from aqueous solutions through batch equilibrium technique. The influence of contact time, pH of the solution and initial concentration of metal ions on adsorbed amount of metal ions were investigated. 90 minutes of adsorption time was found sufficient to reach equilibrium for ferrous ion and 120 minutes for copper ion. Adsorption of metal ions were pH dependent and the results indicate the optimum pH for the removal of Fe⁺² was found to be 5.0 and that of Cu⁺² was 7.0, the highest adsorption capacity was found to be 4.8 and 14.1 mg of metal ion per gram of adsorbent at initial concentration of 22.22 mg/L and 57.6 mg/L of ferrous and copper ions respectively and would be higher with higher initial concentration. Ferrous ion was removed by 96.3 - 97.3% and copper ion by 94.1-96% along the whole range of initial concentrations. Isotherm studies showed that the data were best fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model. The kinetic data corresponded well with the pseudo-second order equation, suggesting that the adsorption process is presumably a chemisorption.

6 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

008904   Naik S P;Puttaiah E T;Kiran B R;Babu K H; Mahadevan K M (Chemistry Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Shankaraghatta-577 451, Email: gangadk_2001@yahoo.co.in) : Photo oxidation of textile industrial effluent in the presence of semiconductor particles by solar exposure. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(4), 73-7.

The efficacy of the photocatalyst using TiO₂ ZnO and H₂O₂ for decolorizing textile industrial effluent using solar light illumination was investigated. The result shows that combination of TiO₂ and H₂O₂ treatment provided maximum color removal, when compared to TiO₂ alone The data showed that the colour and COD removal by photocatalytic treatment for dosage of both TiO₂ and ZnO at 1.5 mg/50 mL of effluent with small amount (0.5mL) of H₂O₂ is the optimum dosage for photocatalysis. Increased or decreased concentration of these optimum dosage retards the rate of photocatalysis. The present data revealed that at acidic pH (2-6) the color removal and COD reduction was maximum. When compared to TiO₂ and ZnO, the performance of TiO₂ is better than ZnO.

3 illus, 6 tables, 14 ref

008903   Murali Krishnan V;Satakopan V N (Biochemistry Dep, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamin Nadu) : Evaluation of the effect of Cd(II) on the growth parameters leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (Lad) and crop growth rate (CGR) of soybean [Glycine max (L.) merr.]. Asian J expl Chem 2008, 3(1-2), 46-9.

Heavy metals are important environmental pollutants and their toxicity is a problem of increasing significance for ecological, evolutionary, nutritional and environmental reasons. Plants posses' homeostatic cellular mechanisms to regulate the concentration of metal ions inside the cell to minimize the potential damage that could result from the exposure to nonessential metal ions. Study aims to evaluate the effect of soybean growth parameters under heavy metal Cadmium stress given at varying concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ppm). The Co-2 variety of soybean seeds was used for the study and was observed for various physical parameters by growing in pot culture method. The observation was done on 20th day and 40th day of its growth and the results were compared and evaluated.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

008902   Hyunook K;Guisu P;Myongjin Y;Eunjung K; Youngkook H;Colosimo Mark F (Environmental Engineering Dep, The Univ of Seoul, 90 Jeonnong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-743, Korea, Email: h_kim@uos.ac.kr) : Oxidation of nonylphenol in water using O₃. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(2), 7-12.

In study, ozone (O₃) was applied to oxidize nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphnol ethoxylates (NPEOs). Both oxidation performance and kinetics were evaluated under different operating conditions created by varying O₃ doses,solution pHs or molar ratios of H₂O₂/O₃ Study demonstrates that at pH 7, more than 90% NP (initial NP concentration: 0.51 mg/L) can be removed by 4 mg/L O₃. In all pH range (5-9), NP was also effectively oxidized. However, the amount of NP destructed by O₃ in the ID phase (instantaneous O₃ demand during 30 sec) was more significant at higher pH. The NP destruction in the ID_30SEC phase was also significantly increased when H₂O₂ was applied along with O₃. O₃ was also found to be very effective in oxidizing NPEOs.

8 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

008901   Gupta B;Begum Zarina I;Rajput G (Chemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttaranchal-247 667, Email: bvgcyfcy@iitr.ernet.in) : Equilibrium and kinetic studies for the adsorption of Mn(II) and Co(II) from aqueous media using agar-agar as sorbent. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(2), 16-22.

The intensification of industrial activity and environmental accidents during recent years is greatly contributing to the increase of metal pollution in water resources, thereby causing threat to terrestrial as well as aquatic life. The toxicity of metal pollution is slow and long lasting, as these metal ions are non-biodegradable. The most appropriate solution for controlling the biogeochemistry of metal contaminants is sorption technique, to produce high-quality treated effluents from polluted wastewaters. Agar-agar, a readily available seaweed was used as sorbent for the removal of Mn(II) and Co(II) from aqueous media. Adsorption studies were performed by batch experiments as a function of process parameters: sorption time, pH, concentration of sorbate and sorbent. Freundlich model fitted best with the experimental equilibrium data among the two adsorption isotherm models tested. The kinetic data correlated well with the Lagergren pseudo second-order kinetic model for the sorption studies of both Mn(II) and Co(II) using agar-agar. Adsorbed metal ions were quantitatively recovered from the spent adsorbent using 5.0 mol L^-1 HCl. The efficiency of agar-agar for decontaminating Mn(II) and Co(II) from the electroplating effluent has also been evaluated. The results proved agar-agar to be a favorable adsorbent to remove and recover Mn(II) and Co(II) from waste for further use in diversified industrial applications.

8 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

008900   Bu-Olayan A H;Thomas B V (Chemistry Dep, Kuwait Univ, P.O. Box 5969, Safat-130 060, Email: bivint@yahoo.com) : Synergistic effect of biocides toxicity to Liza klunzingeri (Mugilidae: Perciformes) in Kuwait marine ecosystem, off the Arabian Gulf. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(2), 29-33.

Biocides (formaldehyde HCHO, sodium hypochtorite NaOCl and glutaraldehyde C₅H₈O₂) that are commonly used in thermal, desalination and power plants and industries located near Kuwait Bay sites (I-III) were toxically tested on commercially important mullet fish, Liza klunzingeri. Multi-factor Probit analysis toxicity tests (96 h) on L. klunzingeri showed the lowest observed effective concentration LOEC at 0.019 μg/l (corresponding exposure at LC₁₅ and maximum effect at median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) with NaOCl followed by HCHO and C₅H₈O₂. Marking's equation on toxicity of mixture showed additive toxicity with biocides in combination of 1:1 ratio. Site-wise analysis showed more additive biocides toxicity in L. klunzingeri tested with seawater collected from site I when compared to sites II-III. Reasons may be attributed to the synergic influences of hydrological variables and the biocide discharges into the Bay. These results may characterize (1) the use of L. klunzingeri as a pollution indicator and (2) quantify the synergistic effect of biocides toxicity in mullet fish.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

008899   Begum A;Ramaiah M;Harikrishna;Khan I;Veena K (Chemistry Dep, P.E.S. School of Engineering, Bangalore) : Heavy metal pollution and chemical profile of cauvery river water. E J Chem 2009, 6(1), 47-52.

Analysis of water, plankton, fish and sediment reveals that the Cauvery River water in the downstream is contaminated by certain heavy metals. Water samples have high carbonate hardness. Concentrations of all elements and ions increase in the downstream. Main ions are in the following order: Na > HCO₃ >Mg > K > Ca > Cl > SO₄, Heavy metal concentration in water was Cr > Cu ≈ Mn > Co > Ni > Pb > Zn, in fish muscles Cr > Mn > Cu > Ni > Co > Pb ≈ Zn, in phytoplanktens Co > Zn > Pb > Mn > Cr and in the sediments the heavy metal concentration was Co > Cr > Ni ≈ Cu > Mn > Zn > Pb. Although, the quality of Cauvery River may be classified as very good based on the salt and sodium for irrigation, Zn, Pb and Cr concentration exceeded the upper limit of standards. Metal concentrations in the downstream indicate an increase in the pollution load due to movement of fertilizers, agricultural ashes, industrial effluents and anthropogenic wastes. An immediate attention from the concerned authorities is required in order to protect the river from further pollution.

1 illus, 6 tables, 11 ref

008898   Apodaca Dahlia C;Laurio Maricon M;David Carlos Primo C (School of Graduate Studies, MAPUA Institute of Technology, Muralla St. Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, Email: d_chemist-1@yahoo.com) : Response of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to arsenic using the 96-hour toxicity test. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(4), 68-72.

Specific objectives of the study were: to expose the fathead minnows to different arsenic and iron concentrations, to determine the highest arsenic concentration that the minnows can survive and to determine the effect of iron relative to the response of fathead minnows to arsenic when both are present in water.

5 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

008897   Agrawal P (NO, State Forest Service College, Dehra Dun) : Biological treatment of sewage water by reed bed technology - a case study of corporate sector of India. Indian For 2008, 134(2), 171-6.

Treatment of waste water like industrial effluents and sewage is a major problem being faced by corporate sector in India. Traditionally most of the corporate sector in India did not care to treat such effluent and used to release it, directly in nearby rivers. Of the late, due to major policy shift in industrial licensing policy, corporate sector have now started treatment of industrial waste before releasing the same in rivers. Even now, household sewage generated from the large residential colonies of these corporate houses is being left at the disposal of municipal authorities. When such industries are required to be established at the interior places outside the municipal limits, then treatment of sewage is still an enigma faced by these corporate sector. Gagal unit of Associated Cement Companies Limited (ACC Ltd.) has adopted the Root Zone Technology for treatment of sewage water. Root zone technology in essence, is nature's answer to the modern industrialized world's water pollution problems. Reeds are wetland plants which develop extensive network of rhizomes. When these plants are raised in specially designed beds and waste water is released in these beds, it provides eco-friendly mode of waste water treatment. This paper analyses as how Gagal Unit of ACC Ltd. put in use this technology successfully to treat household waste water and how they manage other related issues of waste water treatment by adopting the Root Zone Technology.

2 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

008053   Yongzhen D;Shirong T;Zhian L;Murray M B (Institute of Agro-environmental Protection, Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, Tianjin 300191, China, Email: lizan@scbg.ac.cn) : Effect of low molecule weight organic acids on Cd solubility in paddy and red soils in South China. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(1), 7-16.

Batch experiments of Cd adsorption and Cd desorption were conducted to study the effects of low-molecule-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) on Cd solubility in paddy and red soils in south China. Cadmium solubility was highly pH dependent. As pH increased from 2 to 8, Cd solubility decreased in the presence of fumaric, oxalic, tartaric and malic acids. Citric acid showed very different behavior causing Cd solubility to reach a minimum at an intermediate pH of 4-5. At low pH, increasing citric, oxalic or malic acid concentrations resulted in a decrease in Cd solubility, whereas fumaric and tartaric acids had little effect. At high pH, citric acid increased Cd solubility dramatically even at the lowest concentration (0.5 mmol L^-1). Other acids had little effect except that fumaric and oxalic acids increased Cd solubility slightly in red soil with concentrations above 5.0 mmol L^-1. Overall, the effects of LMWOAs on Cd solubility were small, but oxalic and citric acid strongly influenced solubility at low and high pH respectively. Among the LMWOAs, those with higher stability constants for Cd-LMWOA complexes and weak tendency to adsorb on soils had maximum ability to solubilize Cd. Higher Cd solubility was observed in red soil compared to paddy soil due to lower pH, CEC and clay content of the red soil.

4 illus, 1 table, 47 ref

008052   Yadav V P;Tyagi M S;Shukla M K (Agricultural Extension Dep, Amar Singh P.G. College, Lakhaoti, Bulandshahr-245 407) : Study of effectiveness of radio as a mass media communication in dessemination of environmental information. Bioved 2008, 19(1-2), 135-6.

The investigation was carried out in the six randomly selected villages of Community Development (C.D.) block Rampur Karkhana, District-Deoria of Uttar Pradesh in the year 2004, It was found that from among the total respondents, 21.7% possessed radio set in their families. The percentage of respondents listening to radio for environmental news 56.2%, 15.7% respondents listening radio only once a week followed by 10.4% respondents, who rarely listen and only 2.6% respondents did not listen to radio at all and only 71.31% respondents listen to radio daily. Other types of programmes listened by the respondents in radio namely music, News, Rural programme, Farm programme and Drama. The environmental informations were broadly categorized into four groups for seeking their opinions whether radio provides only any specific information on these topic.

3 tables, 2 ref

008051   Wu Y;Yin D Z;Li Y F (Applied Chemistry Dep, Northwestern Polytechnical Univ, Xi'an 710072, China, Email: wuygal@163.com) : Aniline biodegradation in riverbed sediments with low concent of organic carbon under denitrification conditions. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(1), 51-7.

The riverbed sediments (collected from Weihe River, close to Xi'an, China) treated with chemical sequential extraction procedures as well as groundwater (from a 20m-depth well in Xi'an) are used in the microcosms tests to research the characteristics of aniline biodegradation in the riverbed sediments with low content of organic carbons (SLC) under denitrification conditions. The results show that aniline can be degraded in SLC under denitrification conditions. It takes about 20d, 45d and 70d to degrade (about 50mg/L) aniline 95%, when the intinal concentration of nitrate is 30.69 mg/L, 184.16 mg/L and 245.54 mg/L respectively. But, when 35.98 mg/L acetate is added as external organic matter to the microcosm, and the intinal concentration of nitrate is 184.16 mg/L, aniline is degraded quicker than that when nitrate is 30.69 mg/L or 245.54 mg/L. Compared the rates of aniline degradation in the microcosms without and with (35.98 mg/L) acetate added aniline is degraded faster in the microcosms without acetate than that in the microcosms with acetate added. So the external matters have a potential to inhibit the degradation of aniline under these conditions. However, when the concentration of nitrate is 184.16 mg/L or 245.54 mg/L, the external matters have a potential to enhance the degradation. Hydrous metal oxides accelerate the degradation of aniline in SLC under denitrification conditions.

6 illus, 29 ref

008050   Vyas N;Dua K K;Prakash S (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra-282 005) : Bioassay of secondary metabolites of Lagenidium giganteum on mosquito larvae for vector control. Bull Bio Sci 2006, 4(1), 65-9.

Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles Stephensi, and Aedes aegypti are major vector species of Malaria, Filaria and Dengue. Lagenidium giganteum is a fungi and a promising microbial control agent of mosquito larvae. Many workers have studied the efficacies of Lagenidium giganteum by zoospore on vectors. No efficacy studies have so far been carried out by Lagenidium giganteum metabolites in tropical climate. This study aims to determine its efficacy on three species of mosquitoes larvae by secondary metabolite. Mosquito colonies were maintained in laboratory at certain temperature, relative humidity and photoperiods. Colonies of L. giganteum were cultured in PYG broth. Filtrates were obtained by Whatman filter paper. Larvicide activities of metabolite were assessed on different concentrations and their mortalities were recorded after 24, 48, and 72 hours and analyzed by Probit Analysis. Significant mortality have been observed in third instar of An. Stephensi, Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti. Metabolite of L. giganteum was found to be effective for both the species of Cx. quinquefasciatus and An. Stephensi however, not significantly effective for the Ae. aegypti. Determining the efficacy of L. gignteum metabolite against three major species of mosquito depict comparisons of larval infection rates and the extent of infections between the control and the experiment in laboratory. Results on mosquito infections with L. giganteum were then tabulated and have been displayed for purposes of vector control.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

008049   Vijayalkshmi L J;Prakasam V R (Environmental Sciences Dep, Kerala Univ, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581) : Impact of (Dahasamani) thirst quenching herbal products on selected water quality parameters. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 289-95.

Thirst Quenching Herbal Products (TQHPs) are used by Keralites along with boiled water for quenching thirst. Changes in water quality parameters take place when these plant products are added to drinking water. In the study 35 mixed plant products were made use of. The mean total hardness of well water was 42.31 mg/L; on boiling with TQHPs it got slightly reduced to 41.61 mg/L. It was, however, below the desirable limit set for drinking. Of the 35 products studied, 10 products showed a decrease in pH and all the others showed an increase. Further 17 products recorded an increase in the chloride content to a maximum of 71.74 mg/L and the other 17 products decreased to a minimum of 60.82mg/L; one product produced no change. Similarly all the 35 products produced an increase in the turbidity and it was beyond the permissible limit set by BIS. It was derived from the study that addition of TQHPs into boiled water produced varied changes in water quality.

2 tables, 7 ref

008048   Tubonimi;Ideriah J K;Igwe C (Institute of Pollution Studies, Science and Technology Univ, Port Harcourt, Nigeria) : Effect of soil ammendment with organic wastes on soil properties in Port Harcourt and environs, Nigeria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 457-62.

Topsoil samples (0-15 cm) from parts of Port Harcourt were incubated for 56 days by treating the soil samples with inorganic fertilizer and organic wastes from five waste dumpsites under aerobic condition at 27 °C. The samples were analyzed for pH, total nitrogen, organic matter, carbon/nitrogen ratio and available phosphorus before and after incubation at intervals of 0,14,28 and 56 days. The results showed that incubation and the different loading of organic wastes led to marked reduction in the organic matter and total nitrogen contents and significant increase in available phosphorus of organic wastes but had little effect on the ratio of carbon to total nitrogen. An ANOY A showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between the organic matter, total nitrogen content and available phosphorus in organic materials at the beginning of the experiment (0-day) and at the end of the experiment (56 days). There was a general decrease in pH with time of incubation and a slight decrease in pH was observed with increase in organic waste application due to the presence of fungi. The process of nitrification and incorporation of inorganic fertilizer increased the pH from 5.9-7.9. Organic wastes were found to be richer in total nitrogen than most soils. The increased levels of soil parameters after incubation imply that it is necessary to compost degradable wastes for use as organic fertilizer by farmers.

5 tables, 25 ref

008047   Tripathi I P;Richhariya N;Tamrakar S (Physical Sciences Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramoday Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot-485 331) : Studies on water of rural areas of Satna district with special reference to fluoride concentration. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 173-6.

Analysis of the fluoride concentration in the ground water of rural areas of Satna region was done and the samples were classified as acceptable and unacceptable according to fluoride concentration. 30 samples were collected from different villages of Satna region. The fluoride concentration in the samples was determined by SPADNS method of fluoride determination. Samples with fluoride concentration less than 1.5 mg/L were considered acceptable and those having concentration more than this were unacceptable. The fluoride concentration of studied area is varied between 0.16 to 2.33 mgL.

1 table, 15 ref

008046   Tamboli S S;Chaudhari P R;Wate S R (NO, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020) : Assessment of swimming pool water quality using phytoplankton bioindicators. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(1), 71-80.

Swimming pool is now the choice of people especially from urban area for getting safe water body for swimming and recreation. Therefore, regular monitoring of sanitary status of pool water is necessary from public health point of view. The swimming pool water quality has not yet been assessed by using economical and proven method based on phytoplankton bioindicators. The study is thus oriented to develop phytoplankton indicator of water quality for swimming pools at Nagpur. The results were validated by comparing these observations with physico-chemical and microbiological assessment of the quality and trophic status of pool water. The physic-ochemical and bacteriological observations indicated that the swimming pool water quality of NEERI and Centre Point School were of good quality followed by mediumly polluted swimming pools in Government Medical College (GMC) and Hadas High School. The more polluted pools were observed at Kamgar Kalyan and Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT). Same observations have been obtained on the basis of biological assessment of pool water quality by making use of indicator value of phytoplankton community. Phytoplankton indicators of clean and polluted water of swimming pool have been recorded in this study.

3 illus, 6 tables, 33 ref

008045   Taikiru H A;Okolo (Chemistry Dep, College of Education, Warri, Nigeria, Email: ataikuri@yahoo.com) : Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in shrimp (Crago nigricauda) and periwinkle (Litorina littorea) from escravos, rivers Creeks, Delta state, Nigeria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 667-9.

Concentration levels of lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium and copper in the sea snail periwinkle and shrimps from Escravos river's creeks, Delta State, Nigeria were determined in order to assess the impact of petroleum exploration activities. Shell and tissue samples of periwinkle and shrimps were collected. Sample solutions prepared were analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. The results obtained showed that the tissue of periwinkle contain as much as < 0.01 ug/g Pb, 1.26 ug/g, Cr, 0.90 ug/g Ni, 0.08 ug/g Cd, and 0.46 ug/g Cu while the shell contain 0.07 ug/g Pb, 0.28 ug/g Cr, 0.04 ug/g Ni, and 0.06 ug/g Cd and 0.14 ug/g Cu. The levels in the periwinkle tissue reported had an abundance ratio in the order Cr>Ni>Cu> Cd>Pb while the shell had an abundance ratio in the order Cr>Cu>Pb>Cd<62> Ni. The levels found in the shells of shrimps were 0.03 ug/g Pb, 0.16 ug/g Cr, 0.30 ug/g Ni, 0.07 ug/g Cd and 0.48 ug/g Cu, while the tissue of shrimp contain 0.03 ug/g Pb, 0.04 ug/g Cr, 0.18 ug/ g Ni, 0.04 ug/g Cd. and 0.41 ug/g Cu. The abundance ratio of the heavy metals in the shrimp shells is in the order Cu>Ni>Cr>Cd<62>Pb while the tissue had an abundance ratio in the order Cu>Ni> (Cd and Cr) >Pb. The concentrations of cadmium, chromium and nickel were found to be higher in the tissue of periwinkle than that of shrimp while the concentrations of copper, chromium and nickel were found to be higher in the shell of shrimp than the shell of periwinkle samples.

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

008044   Srinivasarao V;Khan A M;Murthy Y L N; Viplavaprasad U;Machiraju P V S (Chemistry Dep, Aditya College, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Email: pavanchu@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of water quality of Godavari river at Nanded, Maharastra and Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(1), 65-8.

Paper represents the result of chemical characteristics such as Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen demand, and Chemical Oxygen demand during one year at Nanded (Maharashtra) and Rajahmundry (A.P). It was observed that Godavari River at Nanded was more polluted than Rajahmundry.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

008043   Sreenivas B S;Chandra Sekhar M;Reddy S (Civil Engineering Dep, Water and Environment Div, National Institute of Technology, Warangal-506 004) : Impact of disposal of wastewater effluents on water quality of Godavari at Badrachalam. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(1), 9-17.

Godavari river is the second largest river in India, originating near Trimbak in Nashik district of Maharashtra state. It flows east through the states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to empty into the Bay of Bengal. Bhadrachalam is a census town located on the banks of the river Godavari. Bhadrachalam shrine is a site of pilgrimage for Hindus and in the recent decades assumed importance due to the industrial development. The rapid industrialization and urbanization is leading to significant water pollution of the river which demands for assessment of the water quality degradation and subsequently control of water quality degradation. Reports the variations in water quality at various points on the river Godavari, located upstream and downstream of Badrachalam. The study aims at assessing the impacts of wastewater effluents on the river water quality. The water quality trends for various parameters for the years between 2000 and 2005 show the deterioration of water quality. The seasonal trends and the yearwise trends presented demand for control of water pollution arising from the disposal of wastewater into freshwater bodies.

5 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

008042   Sivakumar D;Swaminathan G (Civil Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli-620 015) : Physico-chemical characteristic of ground water in and around sugar industry. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(1), 49-59.

Any chemicals that are easily soluble an penetrate the soil are prime candidates for groundwater pollutants. The movement of contaminants through soil to groundwater is influenced by many variables, including properties of the contaminant itself, soil conditions and climatic factors. In addition, high population pressure, intense human activities, inappropriate resource use and absence of proper management practices leads into the deterioration of groundwater. Nevertheless, as thorough an understanding as possible of these processes and variables in critical to effective management of potential groundwater contaminants. An attempt is made here to study the groundwater chemistry of aquifers, which lie along the channel in which effluent from the cane sugar industry is disposed. Results in general indicated that the groundwater in the shallow aquifers was found to be deteriorated.

10 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

008041   Sivakumar C;Elango L (Geology Dep, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025) : Groundwater quality in upper palar river basin, Tamil Nadu. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(1), 60-66.

The effect of tannery effluent let into a river on groundwater quality was evaluated in Vaniyambadi, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. Water samples from surface, dug well, bore well, handpump and dug-cum bore wells were collected and analysed for major ions. The results show that the sample have high values of electrical conductivity, Na, HCO₃ and Cl ions. Based on the general hydrochemistry, two types of water were identified as Na-Cl type and mixed Na-Ca-HCO₃ type. Irrigation suitability diagram confirms that the agricultural wells samples are unsuitable for irrigation in the study area. The results of the study revealed that the groundwater aquifers of the study area are highly contaminated with the NaCl salts and indicates point source pollution of NaCl in the study area.

6 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

008040   Sinha R K;Bharambe G;Agarwal S (NO, Griffith Univ, School of Engineering (Environment), Nathan Campus, Brisbane, QLD-4116, Australia) : Vermiculture for sustainable solid waste management : making wealth from waste while diverting huge organics from landfills and reducing greenhouse gases. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 157-72.

Earthworm participation enhances natural biodegradation and decomposition of solid wastes from 60 to 80% thus significantly reducing the composting time by several weeks. Given the optimum conditions of temperature (20-30 °C) and moisture (60-70 %), about 5 kg of worms (numbering approx. 10,000) can vermiprocess 1 tonne of waste into nutrient rich vermi-compost in just 30 day. Upon vermicomposting the volume of solid waste is reduced from 1 to 0.5 cum of vermi-compost and it is saving over 13,000 cum of landfill space every year in Australia. Composting by worms decrease the proportion of 'anaerobic to aerobic decomposition', resulting in a significant decrease in methane (greenhouse gas) and volatile sulphur compounds which are readily emitted from the conventional microbial composting process. Vermi-process is 'hygienic' and 'odourless'. Earthworms ensures complete environmental sanitation by selectively devouring on the anaerobic micro-organisms which release foul-smelling hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans. They also release anti-bacterial co-elomic fluids in the waste biomass which arrest decay and growth of anaerobic pathogens.

6 illus, 2 tables, 47 ref

008039   Sinha D K;Singh R;Rastogi G K (Chemistry Dep, K.G.K., P.G. College, Moradabad-244 001) : Groundwater quality at Sambhal, Moradabad : a mathematical approach. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 312-16.

Water quality indices for groundwater at 8 different sites at Sambhal, Moradabad have been calculated with the help of water quality standards prescribed by WHO and values of 13 different water quality physico-chemical parameters estimated for all the sites following standard methods and procedures of sampling and estimation as well. Out of 8 sites, 5 are India Mark-II (IM2) handpumps and 3 are bore wells. The groundwater of IM2 handpumps invariably at all the sites of study was found to be severely polluted and unfit for human consumption and other domestic purposes, however, the water of bore wells was found to be fit for human consumption. Some strict and effective measures are urgently needed for groundwater quality management at the sites of IM2 handpumps at Sambhal, Moradabad.

1 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

008038   Sinha D K;Rastogi G K;Kumar N (Chemistry Dep, K.G.K. (P.G.) College, Moradabad-244 001) : Assessment of underground drinking water quality at Moradabad : a mathematical approach. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(1), 67-70.

To study the underground drinking water quality at Moradabad, water quality indices (WQI) of underground drinking water for five different sites have been calculated with the help of quantitative data of fourteen water quality physico-chemical parameters estimated and water quality standards recommended by WHO. Out of five samples two were ordinary handpump water and rest of three were IM2 handpump water. Sampling and estimation of water quality parameters were done by following standard methods and procedures. Underground drinking water was found to be uncontaminated at two sites, excessively contaminated at one site and severely contaminated at other two sites of study during the year 2006. Residents exposed to water of contaminated sites are prone to health hazards of contaminated drinking water. Water quality management is urgently needed at the sites of contaminated water. Once again, water quality index in proved to be an effective tool for the assessment of water quality.

4 tables, 8 ref

008037   Singh S S;Dikshit A K (NO, Indian Institute of Technology, Centre for Environmental Science and E, Powai, Mumbai-400 076) : Biological treatment of distillery wastewater: various options. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(3), 200-9.

Distilleries generate large volumes of spent wash, high strength wastewater, that is of serious environmental concern. The spent wash is characterized by high chemical oxygen demand (COD) (80,000-100,000 mg/L), high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (40,000-50.000 mg/L), low pH, strong odour and dark brown colour. Different processes covering anaerobic, aerobic as well as physico-chemical have been employed to treat this effluent. The biological treatment in form of anaerobic treatment is generally done as first step for BOD removal combined with energy recovery in the form of biogas. The post-anaerobic treatment stage effluent still has high organic loading and is dark brown in colour; hence it is generally followed by a secondary aerobic treatment. Aerobic treatment can be bacterial or fungal treatment to remove the colour. This paper presents the existing status and advances in biological methods applied to the treatment of molasses-based distillery waste-water.

9 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

008036   Singh S N;Singh T N;Singh M K (Chemistry Dep, Udai Pratap College, Varanasi) : Assessment of ambient air quality in Varanasi City and its environmental management. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 151-6.

Ambient air quality has been a global phenomena and is a matter of serious concern. In view of this monitoring was conducted in Varanasi city of Uttar Pradesh in silence, residential, industrial and commercial, total four locations. For the assessment of seasonal variability in ambient air quality concentration, the sampling was carried out during different sampling periods of the year using high volume air sampler at each sampling sites. Results were compared with ambient air quality standard laid down by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India. It was observed that the concentration of the pollutants are more than the prescribed limits except the gaseous pollutants. The gaseous pollutants are well within their respective standards for all categories. Vehicular traffic and diesel generator set are the root cause of air pollution, in general in all the areas of Varanasi city. In the core zone, the automobile emission for the heavy traffic flow and jams as well as exhaust of petrol pump and bus stand are responsible for the observed pollution level. The results of the study clearly indicate that the air quality of the area falls under the unhygienic category.

4 tables, 8 ref

008035   Singh B K;Singh A K;Prasad S C (Civil Engineering Dep, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi) : Prediction of vehicle emitted suspended particulates using general motors model. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 129-36.

The alarming vehicular air pollution scenario in urban areas warrants its precise assessment for appropriate planning and management strategies. Mathematical models are frequently used to predict the air pollution scenario of urban areas for the needful. General Motors (GM) model, a model of Gaussian class is widely used abroad and its performance has been found satisfactory but it has yet to be tested thoroughly for Indian traffic and meteorological conditions to judge its suitability. The present study is aimed to evaluate the performance of GM model to judge its suitability for predicting vehicle emitted suspended par-ticulates with a special thrust on the sensitivity analysis of the model in response to its input parameters. The model input parameters have been monitored at the selected study locations of the model city. The performance evaluation of the model has been done by using statistical and quantitative techniques. The analyses indicate that the performance of GM model is reasonably good and is found suitable to be used for the prediction of vehicle generated SPM for typical Indian cities.

8 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

008034   Shrivastava S;Gupta M (Microbiology Dep, Bhavan's College, Andheri(W), Mumbai-400 058, Email: sandhya_s10@rediffmail.com) : Diesel degradation by Acinetobacter sp and it's effect on germination of Medicago sativa. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 487-96.

Ten diesel degrading isolates were obtained on serial enrichment of soils obtained from vicinity of three different petrol pumps in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. Of the 10 isolates, the best degrader was selected on the basis of growth in liquid and solid media supplemented with diesel as sole carbon source. The isolate, identified as Acinetobacter sp. was further studied in batch culture for its diesel biodegradation potential under aerobic conditions, and was observed for 7 days where loss in diesel constituents was up to 74%. Germination and growth of Medicago sativa was significantly enhanced in presence of the diesel degrading Acinetobacter isolate in soil contaminated with 3-10% diesel as compared to uninoculated soil indicating the bioremediation potential of the isolate.

4 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

008033   Seethalakshmi M;Meenakshi S (Chemistry Dep, Gandhigram Rural Univ, Gandhigram-624 302) : Characteristics of dairy effluents and its suitability for irrigation. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 348-54.

The effluents from dairy units of Dindigul district In Tamilnadu are analysed for its pollution characterization. The wastewater found to contain a high degree of pollutants. The effluents discharged from these industries are used for irrigation purpose. Hence, the characteristic of effluent and also suitability for irrigation purpose has been tested. The water quality index (WQl) was calculated for all the 3 samples in order to assess the composite influence of all the quality parameters on the overall quality. The inter relationship among the quality parameters and the contribution of the parameters on the extent of pollution was measured quantitatively using correlation analysis.

8 tables, 21 ref