008032   Sarma H P (Environmental Science Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014) : Assessing ground water quality in Kamrup district and its probable impact on human health. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 355-62.

100 drinking water samples ware collected from 25 different locations of Kamrup district of Assam in 2 seasons (winter and pre-monsoon and summer and post-monsoon) spreading over a period of 2 year (April, 2005 to March 2007) and were analysed for their physical, chemical and biological characteristics. The public health impact of the drinking water quality was studied by secondary data collection. The results reveal that the drinking water quality in the district was not absolutely pure and safe for drinking purposes and hence water borne diseases, such as dysentery, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, enteric fever, jaundice are very common among the people. Moreover, supply of water is almost non existent in the rural areas. Though municipal supply water facilities do exist in Guwahati city, yet it cannot cover the entire city area. As a result, a large section of the city dwellers have to suffer due to shortaga of safe drinking water facilities. So a long-term sustainable drinking water management strategy for the district can be concaived cantsring aro-nd multiple, larga scale, centralized, modern technology based water supply schemes based on the perennial source of the mighty river Brahmaputra and other sources.

1 illus, 9 tables, 7 ref

008031   Salve P R;Maurya A;Ramteke D S;Wate S R (NO, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020) : Fluoride and other inorganic constituents in groundwater. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(1), 45-48.

The physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater were investigated for 15 no. of samples collected during summer season (2007) at tehsil Kadi, district Mehsana, Gujarat. The abundance of major ions in groundwater is in the following order EC>Na>HCO₃>Cl <62> SO₄>Ca>Mg>K<6 2>F. The fluoride concentration varies from 1.22-3.14 (2.04±0.51) with highest fluoride level at Chandrasan (3.14 mg/L) and lowest at Kaiyal (1.22 mg/L). The pH values varied from 8.5-9.4 (8.96 ±0.20) indicating alkaline in nature. There is a positive correlation of pH with fluoride indicates that high alkaline nature of the water promotes leaching of fluoride and thus affect the concentration of fluoride in groundwater. A negative relationship was observed between fluoride and bicarbonate which is generally observed in deeper groundwater where pH in the range of 8.3-9.2. The average Na/Ca ratio was observed to be higher than one may be due to lowering calcium activity. Similarly the average HCO₃/Ca ratio was also higher may indicates favourable chemical condition during fluoride dissolution process. The correlation coefficient values [F = 0.0227 (Ca + Mg) R² = -3.58)] of Ca + Mg and fluoride is negative indicate that low solubility of fluoride with these ions. The physico-chemical conditions mainly dissociation and subsequent dissolution might be responsible for fluoride contamination in groundwater.

2 tables, 16 ref

008030   Rout K;Mohapatra M;Anand S (NO, Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 013) : Cu(II) adsorption on some low grade ores and industrial waste material. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(3), 210-7.

Studies on the utilization of low cost adsorbents for removal of heavy metals from waste-waters are gaining attention. In this work, iron ore slime (IOS), low grade red bauxite (RB) and low grade manganese (LMO) ores were used as adsorbents for removal of Cu(ll) from aqueous solutions. These materials are regarded as waste as these are not commercially exploited. The chemical analysis of these samples was: IOS 61.6% Fe, 2.5% Al and 5.43% SiO₂, RB 18.9% Fe, 26.15% Al and 3.2% SiO₂, LMO 15.38% Mn, 3.52% Fe, 4.6% Al and 48.375 SiO₂. The experimental parameters chosen for the present studies were : Equilibration time, pH, temperature, adsorbate and adsorbent concentrations. In all the cases Cu(ll) adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics. The adsorption efficiencies of IOS, RB and LMO for Cu(ll) at a pH of 5.25 were -12.8, 7.68 and 9.36 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption increased with increase in the temperature for all the adsorbents suggesting an endothermic process. The isothermic data fitted well to the Langmuir model.

11 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

008029   Reddy K R C (Rasa Shastra Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi-221 005) : Necessity of implication of GMP in ayurvedic pharmacies to prevent water pollution. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 142-4.

Ayurveda the ancient Indian Medical Science practiced since vedic period. In ayurvedic drugs contains not only plant, or the material derived from the herbs, besides them metals, minerals, and animal products are also used in a number of formulations, indicated for various ailments. In the process of manufacturing of ayurvedic drugs various processes, involve, like shodhana (purification), marana (incineration), swedana (fomentation), mardana (trituration), jarana (roasting) and many other unique procedures, employed for raw material (herbs, metals, minerals, animal origin) as per described in different ayurvedic texts. All these procedure involving the use of water, and there is large amount of water excreted by ayurvedic pharmacies, so there is a need of proper disposal of water to prevent hazardous untoward effect in human being, agriculture.

2 tables

008028   Rathinamala J;Jayashree S; Lakshmanaperumalsamy P (Environmental Sciences Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: plpsamy@rediff.com) : Protential utilization of domestic wastes as a suitable experimental diet to enhance the biomass of Eudrilus eugeniae in various seasons. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 43-50.

Six different feed combinations with cattle dung as substrate were tested for the production of earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. The organic wastes such as leaf litters, vegetables, fruits and tea wastes supported the growth and production of earthworms. The mixed feed prepared from cow dung, goat dung and leaf litters in the ratio of 1:1:2 was found to be ideal substrate among the treatments for mass cultivation of earthworms. The growth, cocoon production and biomass were higher particularly in winter season than in other seasons.The worm activity depends on the type of the substrates, season and the environmental factors.

5 tables, 30 ref

008027   Ramakrishna Ch;Prasada Rao P;Raju K K V S (Environmental Studies Dep, College of Engineering, TITAM, Visakhapatnam-530 045) : Impact of changing environment on hydro geochemistry of Pennar Delta system-East Coast of India. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 363-9.

Evaluation, development and management of qualitative ground water resources can be done only with the studies of hydrogeochemical characteristics of ground water of an area. Out of 81 samples, the hydrochemical parameters for 21 stations (dug well and filter points) were presented. Specific conductance and pH were determined in the field itself. TDS. TH, TA, CLF, HCO₃, CO₃, SO₄, Na, K, Ca and Mg were determined. Iso-concentration maps revealed significant variation in different parts of the area. The geochemical data was graphically plotted on to Collin and Piper diagram. Kelley's ratio, Collin ratio, sodium absorption ratio..., etc, were determined. Non-carbonate hardness determined. Base exchange index (BEI), permeability index (PI), potential soil salinity were assessed.

2 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

008026   Rajesh Kumar;Srivastava S K;Prasad R S (NO, Central Fuel Research Institute, Dhanbad-828 108) : Characterization of particulate matters (SPM and RPM) and its environmental impact on Korba coalfield. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 145-50.

The industrial activities related with winning, transport, processing of coal, bauxite and subsequent burning of fossil fuel in power plant generating 3650 Mw of thermal powers deteriorate the air quality of Korba coalfield. Paper focuses on some of the key issues of air pollutions. Coal mining activities, coal used in thermal power plant and transportations of bauxite ore through roads near the residential zone, generates high volume of flyash, SPM and RPM. The average concentration of SPM is high in summer season in all the monitoring locations. FTIR analysis confirms the presence of minerals, for example kaolinite AI₂O₃.2SiO₂ 2H₂O, oxides, sulphates phosphates and aliphatic hydrocarbons in air dust of Korba coalfield and AAS spectroscopy study revealed higher concentration levels of Al and Si along with the other trace elements determined in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and respirable particulate matter (RPM). These trace elements are iron (Fe), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). The occurrence of higher concentration of Al and Si in the air dust samples are mainly due to coal mining, coal combustion, and aluminium smelter.

7 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

008025   Patil Yogesh B (Post Graduate Dep of Environmental Management, Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research, (SIBER), University Road, Kolhapur-416 004, Email: dr_ybpatil@rediffmail.com) : Degradation of thiocyanate from aqueous waste by a mixed bacterial community. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(1), 69-75.

Aqueous wastes containing thiocyanate (SCN~) are frequently encountered from variety of industrial processes. These wastes can cause reversible or irreversible impact on the soil and water environment. In the process of developing a microbial technology for the SCN~ removal from aqueous waste, heterotrophic bacterial consortium's capable of degrading the SCN compound were isolated by an enrichment culture technique from activated sludge and garden soil. All the isolated cultures were Gram negative and motile. Bacterial community isolated from activated sludge was found to be more efficient. Experiments performed under standardised laboratory conditions revealed that biodegradation of SCN (50 mg/l) by microbial community isolated from activated sludge occurred within 24 h with an efficiency of >99.9 % at pH 7.0, temperature 30°C, glucose 5 mM and initial cell density of 10⁸ cells/ml.

4 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

008024   Parthasarathy P;Bulbule K A;Anantha Murthy K S (NO, , E-Parisaraa, No.B-41/1, III Stage, Peenya Industrial Estate, Bangalore-560 058, Email: recycle@ewasteindia.com) : E-waste recycling-best option for resource recovery and sustainable environment. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(1), 93-8.

Bangalore figures prominently in the world map for its contribution in Information Technology (IT), Business Process Outsourcing, Research and Development ( R&D) outsourcing and Bio-Technology. This phenomenal growth over the past decade, has given rise to the generation of lot of Electronic Waste. E-waste thus generated contains many recoverable metals and non metals along with hazardous wastes and their improper disposal may cause environmental problems. The main issue of E-Waste is that there are backyard recyclers who are practicing E-waste recycling by adopting crude methods resulting in inefficient recovery, besides causing health and environmental hazards.

4 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

008023   Obasohan E E;Oronsaye J A O (Animal Science Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Ambrose Ali-University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria) : Investigation of the impact of municipal waste waters on the diversity and abundance of the cichlid fishes of Ogba river in Benin city, Nigeria. Indian J Anim Res 2008, 42(1), 1-9.

Effects of municipal wastewaters on the fish species diversity and abundance of Cichlid fishes have been investigated in Ogba River in Benin City, Nigeria. The physico-chemical parameters of the water of the river were also monitored during the investigation. The results showed that the water chemistry, species diversity and abundance of the fishes of the river, which were all different at the sample stations, were negatively impacted upon by municipal wastewaters from the city. The Condition factor computed for each of the Cichlid fish species showed that the fishes were not in good condition. The results also showed that the effects were temporary, as the river recovered through self-purification, in the downstream area, further away from the wastewaters discharge point. It was recommended that the indiscriminate channeling of municipal wastewaters into river systems be checked, in view of the fact that such negative impacts could surpass the self-purification ability of the rivers and cause serious declines in fish and fisheries generally.

2 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

008022   Nowshaja P T;Rajagopalan S P;Harikumar P S (NO, Government Engineering College, Thrissur) : Dissolution of fluoride in the Warkali aquifer of Alappuzha : a water rock interaction study. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 307-11.

Fluoride content in ground water is mainly due to natural contamination, but the process of dissolution is still not well understood. Hence, in addition to mitigation of excess fluoride, inferring the responsible parameters for its dissolution and enrichment in time and space is essential. The object of this paper is to infer the parameters influencing the dissolution of fluoride in the ground waters. This has been achieved through a water rock interaction study carried out on sedimentary rock samples collected from varying depths of 4 specific locations of the Warkali aquifer in Alappuzha district, Kerala, reportedly yielding water with fluoride content above 1.2 ppm. Rock water interaction study was taken up incorporating spatial and temporal variations to the parameters involved and also by varying the EC and pH of the interacting water. Based on this, it is observed that rather than the spatial parameters, the temporal parameters and the quality of interacting water played a significant role in the dissolution of fluoride. The negative correlation between Ca⁺ and F^- is also established based on the hydrogeochemical analysis.

3 illus, 3 ref

008021   Naveen D;Puttaiah E T;Basavarajappa B E (Environmental Science Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Shankaraghatta-577 451) : Air quality index for Bhadravathi town. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 109-15.

Due to the presence of small and large-scale industries, Bhadravathi town in the state of Karnataka offers a unique opportunity for the study of environmental problems. In the present study, an effort has been made to study the air quality in terms of SPM, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur dioxide, at 5 different locations representing, residential, commercial, sensitive and industrial areas of Bhadravathi town. The present study indicates the potential source for fluctuation of SPM, SO₂ and NO_x in the study region. Air quality index for the town had been calculated and the pollution in the town had the order of site3 < site4 < site 5 < site 1 < site2. The data so obtained is discussed as to the present status of ambient air quality of the study region.

2 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

008020   Narvekar S;Vaidya V K (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, Mumbai-400 032) : Biosorption of Cr (VI) by Aspergillus niger: kinetic modeling and uptake parameters. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 296-306.

Chromium, the 21st most common element in the earth's crust is one of the major pollutant metals in the environment. Hexavalent chromium is toxic, with high mobility in the soil and ground water thereby producing harmful effects on organisms including humans. Biosorption has been demonstrated to be a useful alternative to conventional treatment systems for the removal of such toxic metals from dilute aqueous solutions. The objective of this study was to examine a possible strategy for the removal of chromium (VI), employing dead biomass of Aspergillus niger in batch experiments. Evaluation of the effect of pH (2.0-9.0) on biosorption indicated that a decrease in the pH of the solution increased the rate of removal of chromium (VI), showing highest biosorption of 20.17 % chromium (VI) removal at pH 2.0. Optimization indicated that the rate of removal of chromium (VI) increased with a decrease in chromium (VI) concentrations and with increases of biomass concentrations. The biosorption of chromium reached equilibrium after 75 min from the initial contact. Sorption data were well described by typical Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms.

7 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

008019   Nagarathna B N;Leelavathi S (P.G. Dep of Studies and Research in Botany, Mysore Univ, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006) : Occurrence of euglenoid red bloom in Uttanahalli lake water of Mysore, Karnataka State, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 537-9.

Two years successive study (1998 - 2000) on Uttanahalli Lake, situated in Mysore, Karnataka State have been made. Occurrence of Euglenoid red bloom was noticed in Uttanahalli Lake, found in the margin of lake water during summer, March 2000. The bloom was confined to upper surface of the lake water. Physico-chemical characterstics of the lake water at the bloom site analysed. Physico - chemical factors such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, oxidisable organic matter: calcium, sodium, potassium, nitrates and phosphates showed maximum concentration at the bloom site. Apart from these factors high intervention of human activities in the particular month increasing the nutrients status of the lake was responsible for the formation of Euglenoid bloom. A total of 34 species of Euglenoids were recorded from the water body at the time of bloom.

9 ref

008018   Mohan M;Sharma S (NO, Indian Institute of Technology, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016) : Air quality assessment from thermal power plants in national capital region India. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 116-28.

To meet the energy requirements of rapidly developing infrastructure and economy, Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), India relies on thermal power. With the city improving on air quality after implementation of environmental norms in transport and industry, there arises a need for assessment of the contribution of thermal power plants (TPPs), which are largely coal based. This study has been undertaken with an objective to assess and rank the contributors of air pollution due to ten TPP's in the National Capital Region in India installed at various times in the past and with different fuel and technology. USEPA's ISCST3 regulatory model has been used in assessment of sulphur dioxide (SOx), nitrogen dioxide (NOx) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) contribution. A comparison of the total pollution recorded vs that estimated using ISCST3 indicates the impact of pollution caused in that zone using TPPs. The overall annual contribution to the total emissions in the mega-city Delhi due to TPP's alone in the NCR for SOx and NOx are estimated as 31% and 9%, respectively. At ITO which is the most polluted site in the city, the SOx contribution ranges between 27 to 55 % and annually averages to 43% of the total. Badarpur and Indraprastha power plants rank amongst the worst due to location within the city and old technology though more recent amongst these, Dadri thermal plant quite far off from the city also influences the overall scenario. Spatial distribution is studied through concentration isopleths. Near BTPS, the maximum estimates for NOx concentration are as high as 220 to 260 μg/m³ and well above the standards thus threatening the air quality of areas, like Badarpur village, Sarita Vihar, Faridabad and parts of Noida and South Delhi. Concentration contours patterns have also been derived and analyzed. Validation of the estimated concentrations with that from the observed values is attempted through daily, monthly and seasonal trends where satisfactory patterns are obtained. With new power units planned to meet the upcoming developmental challenges, the inference from this study carried out using recent data inputs, can be put to benefit for adopting an environment friendly policy and approach.

18 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

008017   Mishra A K;Tewari D D (Botany Dep, M.L.K. College, Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of flyash and coal residue pollutant on floristic composition and biological spectrum of grassland of district Balrampur. Bioved 2008, 19(1-2), 117-21.

Balrampur is fast developing industrial city during last few decades. Balrampur is located in tarai of Indb-Nepal of Devi Patan Division. It is provided with sugar factory, distillery, fertilizer industry and township provides a number of habitats. The impact of Fly ash on the grassland species near the Balrampur sugar factory reveals that the herbs, sedges and grasses growing in the vicinity of factory were completely covered with polluted particles (polluted grassland), while Vishnapur village (5 km away from the factory) fly ash deposition was not found on plants (unpolluted grassland). The floristic composition changes from polluted to unpolluted grassland due to polluted water deposition. Maximum number of species was recovered in rainy and minimum in summer seasons both in polluted and unpolluted grasslands of the 44 species present at both the sites 13, 4, 7 and 20 species belonged to grass, sedge, legume and non-legume herbs respectively. Biological spectrum indicate the preponderance of therophytes followed by geophytes and chamaephytes respectively, thus exposed to thero-chameophytes phyto climate. The IVI values suggest that Dactyloctenium sindicum, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis tenella, Tridax procumbens Parthenium hysterophorus, Cyperus rotundus. Elytaria acaulies, Euphorbia hirta and Cassia fora are supposed to be pollution resistant in village Balrampur grasslands.

1 table, 16 ref

008016   Maji S K;Pal A;Pal T (Chemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: anjalipal@civil.iitkgp.ernet.in) : Arsenic removal household filter for small community. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(1), 23-32.

Natural adsorbent, laterite soil was selected and found to be an effective adsorbent for arsenic removal from arsenic bearing drinking water. The real arsenic bearing groundwater was collected from Nivedita Palli, 24 Paraganas, one of the arsenic affected areas of West Bengal. It was found that 20 g/L dose of the adsorbent removes ~98% of total arsenic from real arsenic bearing groundwater when the initial concentration was 0.33 mg/L with an agitation time and speed of 30 min and 170 rpm respectively. Isotherm study suggests that the removal capacity (0.18 mg/g) of the adsorbent is comparable with other natural adsorbents. Fixed bed column study was conducted to evaluate the column performance with the synthetic (using 20 cm bed depth) as well as real (using 10 cm bed depth) arsenic bearing groundwater samples. The fixed bed was designed by logit model. The values of adsorption rate constant (K) and adsorption capacity (N₀) were obtained as 0.3134, 0.7208, 1.21 L/(mg h) and 132.23, 70.81, and 69.22 mg/L for the minimum bed depth 13.89, 11.28 and 6.12 cm respectively for As(III) and As(V) and real sample. To get arsenic free water a domestic household filter "SANTA-2006" was designed with an earthen pitcher (kolsi). After continuous passing of 200.0 L of real sample of arsenic contaminated water under gravity, the breakthrough comes. The effluent water quality was tested. The results suggest that quality of water is acceptable for drinking purpose.

11 illus, 5 tables, 39 ref

008015   Lo S L;Wang Y L;Hu C Y (Research Center for Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control Tec, National Taiwan Univ, Taipei 106, Taiwan, Email: sllo@ntu.edu.tw) : High turbidity removal by magnetite particles. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(1), 40-5.

The high turbidity raw water during the rainstorm period has made the water treatment plants fail to supply applicative water in recent years. How to improve the treating capacity of water treatment plants is an important issue at present. In this study, high turbidity raw water was effectively treated by magnetite (Fe₃O₄) particles. After magnetization, magnetite particles can reduce turbidity from 9,600 NTU to 20 NTU. Furthermore, magnetite particles are suitable for the pH ranges of drinking water from pH=6.0 to pH=9.0 and an external magnetic field applied during sedimentation increases the removal rate. In addition, the recycle and reuse of magnetite particles were investigated. Magnetite particles were successfully regenerated by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and the effective used times of magnetite particles was five times.

7 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

008014   Liu K H;Yu F M;Peng S L (State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen Univ, Guangzhou 510275, China, Email: coffeeleave@126.com) : Effects of simumlated acid rain on disturbed, rehabilitated and mature forest soil of lower subtropic China: leaching experiment. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(1), 33-9.

An evaluation of response of one disturbed, one rehabilitated and one mature forest soil in lower subtropic China to simulated acid rain (SAR) (pH = 4.5, 3.5 with three ions concentration levels, and using distilled water, pH=6.5 as control) were studied using a controlled laboratory leaching experiment. Land-use change is one of the important factors in controlling soil response to acid deposition. Effects of SAR on leachate pH, electrical conductivity (EC), base cations and its adsorpted values by soil were studied in these soils. The results showed that (1) the decrease extent of leachate pH and EC were more intensive in PMF than that in PBMF and MEBF. There was significant relationship between leachate pH and EC (Y = -309+ 1377*X, R = -0.81, P < 0.001, N = 252); (2) Leachate ion trend was not always having the same leaching dynamics in each forest soil. The concentrations of univalent cations decreased with treatment time during the study period, while the concentrations of bivalent cations increased in the later leaching period (except Ca²⁺ in PBMF); (3) Soil base cations showed negative adsorption in PMF, while the opposite occurred in PBMF and MEBF; (4) Ionic strength played a more importhant role on leachate's content than acid strength; (5) As in the same forest soil, there were no significant differences between treatments in this study that might be the reason of extremly acidity soil and comparable short treatment time.

3 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

008013   Kushwaha B P;Kushwaha S K;Dwivedi R;Singh R; Kushwaha R (Jindal Steel and Power Ltd., Environmental Management Dep, , Raigarh-496 001) : Water quality of river Umrar at Umaria municipality. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(1), 25-30.

Deals with the physical and chemical parameter of water, like pH, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD, COD, alkalinity, total hardness, Ca and Mg hardness, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, etc., in four selected site in river Umrar at Umaria Town (M.P.). The physico-chemical characteristics of river Umrar water sampled from selected site were analyzed in mg/L for period of April to June months in year 2006, respectively according to (IS) International standard of drinking water. There is decreasing order found in all the parameter except DO in April to June month.

15 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

008012   Kumar Nikhil (Environmental Management Group, Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research (CIMFR), Barwa Road, Dhanbad-826 001, Email: nikhilkn@yahoo.com) : Restoration of mining wasteland: status and strategies. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 51-4.

Re-vegetation of the overburden dump is very crucial and important factor as it is a shortcut method to restore the derelict land. In India re-vegetation of overburden dump is a difficult task as physico-chemical and biological condition of dump restricts the vegetation establishment. In practice, the re-vegetation of overburden dumps were taken care mainly for three years and left as such. In many cases it has been observed that after four or more years that planted species shows retarded growth and finally die or dry. This may be due to non-compliance or continuation of standard practices or lack of vision to utilize that particular land for any fruitful purposes.

11 ref

008011   Kiran Kumar T;Kumara Swamy N;Abbaiah G (Civil Engineering Dep, K.S.R.M. College of Engineering, Kadapa-516 003) : Sustainable materials and technologies for intergrated watershed management. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 102-8.

Traditipnal technologies for development and conservation of land, water resources use the indigenous materials. Modern technologies which are presently used intensive irrigation practices consumes huge amount of natural resources. This leads to depletion of natural resources and damage the natural ecosystem balance. The availability of natural resources is rare for future generation. Hence, sustainable technologies have to be implemented in watershed management practices. This paper reviews the existing innovative sustainable technologies for conservation of water and soil resources and compare with concrete based structures.

13 illus, 8 ref

008010   Kiran B R;Puttaiah E T;Rajappa B; Pancheshwara (Environmental Science Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta-577 451) : Nutrient status of sediment in fish culture ponds of Bhadra fish farm, Karnataka. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 345-7.

Nurient status with reference to physico-chemical analysis of Bhadra fish farm ponds were studied during 2004-2005 to know the productivity of the fish in the culture ponds. The pH was slightly acidic to basic in nature and conductivity levels ranged between 0,23-0 84 conductivity/cm. Organic carbon content in the fish farm sediment shows 075-1,0 mg/103 gm. This is directly correlated with average productivity of the fish (0.5-1.5 mg/100gm). The other nutrients, such as total phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium values were also recorded, namely phosphorous (12.02-33.0 mg/100 gm), nitrogen (21-40 mg/100 gm) and potassium (80-160 mg/100 gm), AH these values indicate moderate productivity of the fish ponds,

1 table, 10 ref

008009   Khan M A A;Prabhu Prasadini P;Thatikunta R (Environmental Science and Technology Dep, College of Agriculture, Acharya N.G. Ranga, Agricultural Univ, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: prabhuprasadini@rediffmail.com) : Impact of limestone mining activity on nutrient content of red gram and black gram. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 143-6.

Study was conducted on the impact of limestone mining activity of cement industry on nutrient content of red gram and black gram. For the purpose observations were made in fields close to (< 1 km) and away (1 km⁺) from the mining activity. Nitrogen and phosphorous contents recorded were low in plants grown within I km from the mining activity compared to those in I km⁺ zone. Unlike N and P, higher values of potassium, calcium and magnesium were recorded in plants close to the mining activity compared to those in I km* zone. Comparison of the mean values of nutrient content of plants of the red gram and black gram near and far from the mining activity did not give any specific indication of adverse effect of dust fall on the plants. No deficiency or toxic symptoms were noticed in the crops studied.

2 tables, 7 ref

008008   Khan M A A;Prabhu Prasadini P;Ramesh T (Environmental Science and Technology Dep. College of Agriculture, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural Univ, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030) : Impact of limestone mining activity on soil properties. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 183-6.

Dust emanated from the limestone mining activity gets deposited on the soil surface over a period of time in the vicinity of the mining activity.A study was conducted on the impact of dust on properties of soil close to the mining activity in comparison with soils in 1 km + distance. It was found that there was significant increase in pH close (1 km) to the mining activity. In general available N, P and K values were lower in soils close to (1 km) the mining activity compared to that of soils in 1 km + zone.The change was significant in case of Nitrogen content which could be due to cultivation of exhaustive crops without applying enough fertilizers. Exchangeable Ca and Mg content were significantly higher in soils close (I km) to the mining activity compared to soils in 1 km + zone. This could be cumulative effect of dust fall due to mining activity over a period of time. However, the changes in N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents were neither to deficiency or toxicity level.

5 tables, 4 ref

008007   Khan A;Al-Salem S (Petroleum Research and Studies Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait, State of Kuwait, Email: ssalem@prsc.kisr.edu.kw) : Primary and secondary pollutants monitoring around an urban area in the state of Kuwait: a three years study. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(3), 77-81.

Data collected for a period of three years was analyzed and studied for the purpose of assessing the outdoor air quality of an urban area. The objective was to monitor major primary and secondary pollutants including benzene, toluene, NO₂ Cl₂, CH₄, H₂S, non-methane hydrocarbons (HCnM) and SO₂ levels in the ambient. Data filtration was performed to execute a series of concentration roses to identify the main prevailing winds and major contributing air pollution sources. Local rules and regulations regarding ambient limits enforced by Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KUEPA) were cross referenced. The majority of the airborne pollutants was in an increasing trend for a number of industrial, over working conditions and specifications reasons.

4 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

008006   Khade R;Dasgupta D (Microbiology Dep, the Institute of Science, 15 Madam Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032, Email: kranjanganesh@yahoo.co.in) : On biosurfactant production by Ochrobactrum anthropi isolated from petroleum contaminated site. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 591-9.

Ochrobactrum anthropi was isolated from oil contaminated soil collected from near an oil refinery in Navi Mumbai, India. It was found to yield biosurfactant optimally in mineral salt medium with 2% glucose and 2% hexadecane added after 18 hours of inoculation. Ammonium nitrate was found to be the best nitrogen source for biosurfactant production. The optimum pH and temperature for biosurfactant production were found to be 6.5 and 30°C respectively with agitation. Under ideal conditions, 2.5 gL^-1 of crude surfactant was obtained after 72 hours. Preliminary chemical characterization revealed the glycolipid nature of biosurfactant which retained its properties during exposure to wide range of temperatures, pH values and NaCl concentrations. The surfactant was capable of forming stable emulsions with several aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons indicating its potential in bioremediation.

6 illus, 5 tables, 38 ref

008005   Kesharwani S;Mandloi A K;Dube K K (Zoology Dep, Govt. M.H. College of H.Sc. & Sc. for women, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Rotifers as indicators of eutrophication. Bull Bio Sci 2006, 4(1), 75-9.

The village ponds, which used to be useful institutions have become a source of nuisance and environmental pollution. Therefore, an effort was made to determine the quality of water stored in village ponds and to develop a strategy for its optimum utilization. The results are based on the quali-quantitative occurrences of the different Rotifer forms. A higher density and species diversity of rotifers was found in eutrophic 'Amkhera' lake of village Amkhera of Jabalpur district (M.P.). It is suggested that rotifer dynamics, which is easy to assess and inexpensive tool can be taken as one of the method for assessing the water quality.

4 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

008004   Kesharwani S;Mandloi A K;Dube K K (Zoology Dep, Govt. M.H. College of H.Sc. & Sc. for Women, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Phytoplankton as biological indicator in a lentic water body of (Amkhera pond) Jabalpur - India. Bull Bio Sci 2006, 4(1), 53-7.

Plankton forms the basic link of food chain for all aquatic animals and, thus, play a key role in fishery. The pollution of surface water by discharges from human activities is one of the major environmental problems faced worldwide. Effluent discharge, in large proportions resulting in Eutrophication. This leads to excessive growth of algae. Pollution may selectively stimulate the growth of a few types of phytoplankton and that in turn reduces the water quality. The selective type of algae that exist in polluted water are being used as indicators of Pollution (Yazdandoost and Katadare, 2001).

2 tables, 13 ref

008003   Kesharwani S;Mandloi A K;Dube K K (Zoology Dep, Govt. M.H. College of H.Sc. & Sc. for Women, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Estimation of zooplanktonic diversity of Amkhera pond Jabalpur with the help of Shannon's (1949) and Pielou's (1966) index in relation to its pollutional status. Bull Bio Sci 2006, 4(1), 45-51.

Deals with the biological monitoring of pond water at Amkhera village and estimation of zooplanktonic diversity during the study period. Monthly samples of zooplankton were collected using standard methods given by APHA (1985) and Trivedy and Goel (1986). After the microscopic examination, they were identified with the help of standard literature and the count was done by Lackey's drop method (Lackey, 1938) as mentioned in APHA. Diversity is generally described as a composite property that reflects both the number of species in a biological community and the evenness with which the species community are distributed. Calculated value of general diversity H (Shannon Index) for the year 2000-01 was 1.1682 and for the year 2001-02 was 1.1441. These values indicate the low species diversity as compared to clean water. The Shannon index so formulated indicates that higher the value, greater the diversity. Lowest Evenness index is calculated for Protozoa as zero and highest for Crustacea (0.5662 and 0.6323 for year 2000-01 and 2001-02 respectively). These results indicate the fact that the Amkhera pond is 'slight' to 'moderately' polluted with low species diversity and uneven distribution of Protozoans, Rotiferans and Crustaceans.

3 tables, 18 ref

008002   Katja H;Mika S (Kuopio Univ, Laboratory of Applied Environmental Chemistry, Patteristonkatu 1, 50100 Mikkeli, Finland, Email: mika.sillanpaa@uku.fi) : Flocculation in paper and pulp mill sludge process. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(3), 96-103.

The flocculation of activated sludge is an active process and depends upon physical, chemical and biological factors. The basis of activated sludge floc formation lies in the abilities of micro-organisms to stick to each other and to nonbiological particles. Flocculation is an important phenomenon in the sludge process. Well flocculated sludge settles better, is easier to dewater and leads to a better quality effluent than poorly flocculated sludge. Paper deals with the mechanisms of flocculation, parameters that affect on flocculation and improvement of flocculation.

^iia73 ref

008001   Kathireswari P;Jeyaraaj R (P.G and Research Dep of Biotechnology, KSR College of Arts and Science, Tiruchengode, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, Email: kathireswari@yahoo.co.in) : Ecological category of earthworms of the western Ghats. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 687-92.

The Western Ghats is home for rich diversity of flora and fauna and is recognized as one of the 25 biodiversity 'hot spots' of the world. Our study area, the Coimbatore forest division of the Western Ghats has complex topography, high rainfall and warm humid tropical climate for habitat of 3 main ecological categories of 13 epigeic, 5 anecic and 20 endogeics earthworms. Based on the functional approach its again sub categorized into Epigeic, Epi-anecic, Aneic, Endo polyhumic, Endo mesohumic, Endo-anecic and Endo oligohumic which have different effects on soil function.

1 table, 18 ref

008000   Karthikeyan K;Nanthakumar K;Abhay Kumar;Anil Kumar;Lakshmanaperumalsamy P (Environmental Sciences Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046) : Bacteriological and chemical quality of ground water of Vypeen island, Kerala. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 329-39.

A total of 60 ground water samples (30 open wells and 30 bore walls) were collected from 15 different villages in Vypeeo Islands. When compared to bore wall water samples, open well water samples were found to contain higher bacterial load, The bacterial genera observed ware Bacillus spp, Enterobacter spp, Pseudomonas spp, Streptococcus spp, and E. coli, About 84 % of the isolates were found to tolerate 100 ppm nickel. Gelatinase production was recorded in 68,7 % of bacterial isolates, whereas no isolate elaborated cellulose. Among the isolates, 9.5 % of the isolates tolerated 10 % of sodium chloride concentration. The physico-chemical parameters, such as temperature, pH EC, TDS, turbidity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, total alkalinity, fluoride, chloride, sodium, potassium, DO, BOD and COD were found exceeding the permissible level. The results indicate that the groundwater has been polluted to the greater extent. It is suggested that the groundwa-ter should be treated before consumption and awareness must be created amongst the users to protect them from severe health hazards.

2 illus, 5 tables, 42 ref

007999   Kanmani S;Sridharan S J (NO, Anna Univ, Centre for Environmental Studies, Chennai-600 025) : Biomedical waste management in an Indian public hospital. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 97-101.

A waste audit was initiated to assess the existing biomedical waste management system under the lights of the provisions made in Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules in 1998 in an Indian public hospital. The amount of infectious and non-infectious waste generated was quantitatively estimated in different sectors. The waste generation rate ranges between 0.0626 and 0.0813 kg bed/day. It was estimated that annually about 78 tonne of biomedical solid waste and 6935 L of biomedical liquid waste are generated. The characterization of liquid waste revealed that the physico-chemical parameters are well below the permissible limits. The general waste from hospital includes food waste (30-32%), paper (15-17%), plastic (26-29%), yard waste (16-18%), glass (5-8%) and metals (1.3-1.7%). It was observed that most of the wastes were collected in mixed form and disposed of along with non-infectious wastes. The shortcomings of the existing waste management system are identified. The waste management plan for better management is proposed, which gives higher priority to staff training, operational plan, waste minimization options and financial management.

4 illus, 5 ref

007998   Kanmani S;Raja A (NO, Anna Univ, Centre for Environmental Studies, Chennai-600 025) : Pilot plant treatment of distillery wastewater by solar photo-fenton process. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(3), 218-26.

The study, a pilot scale solar photo Fenton reactor was developed and the practical applicability of the reactor for treating distillery wastewater having high obnoxious odour, dark brown colour, high COD (30,000 - 38,000 mg/L) and BOD (4,000 - 6,000 mg/L) was proved for the first time at Nellikkuppam, India. The pilot reactor was designed based on kinetics arrived from lab scale studies in which optimal conditions were found to be 50 % dilution, pH 5, H₂O₂ molar ratio of 28:1 and Fe²⁺ molar ratio of 50:1. The performance of pilot reactor was evaluated with optimum conditions in batch and continuous mode operations for 8 hr. In batch studies, maximum COD removal of 82 % and BOD removal of 75 % were observed. The absence of sunlight and agitation resulted in 25-30 % decrease in COD and BOD removal efficiencies. The increase of volume of wastewater from 200 to 500 L resulted in decrease of removal efficiencies by 5 - 8 % for every 100 L increase. In continuous studies, maximum COD removal of 59 % and BOD removal of 40 % were observed. The biodegradability of wastewater enhanced from 0.19 - 0.39 after photoFenton treatment. It is concluded that this pilot scale study provided information necessary for designing full-scale treatment system for treating distillery wastewater by solar photoFenton in tropical areas.

10 illus, 24 ref

007997   Kalyanaraman S B;Geetha G (NO, Annamalai Univ, Physics Wing (DDE), Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Effect of copper on raddish plants (Raphanus sativus L.). Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(2), 137-41.

An attempt has been made to study the influence of copper(Cu) on organic constituents like polysacrides, amino acids and chlorophyll in Raddish plants using FT-IR technique. Intensity variations in the absorption bands were observed with age of the plant and with applied Cu concentration. The extinction coefficient 'K' was calculated for the prominent absorption bands. The variation of 'K' values with age and concentration of Cu appear to vary linearly with the variations of chemical constituents in Raddish plants.

3 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

007996   Kalleshappa C M;Manjappa S;Aravinda H B; Pujar B G;Shanmukhappa S (Chemical Engineering Dep, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere-577 004) : Occurrence of fluoride in groundwaters used for irrigation in Harihar taluk situated in central part of Karnataka. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(1), 38-44.

Borewell water samples used for irrigation from 46 villages in the Harihar taluk of Davangere district of Karnataka in South India were analyzed for fluoride and other quality parameters. The fluoride map of the region was prepared based on fluoride data. The dependence of fluoride on the other parameters was assessed by simple correlation analysis. The fluoride content have positive correlation with pH, Na⁺, and total alkalinity, and negative correlation with EC, TDS, Cl, TH, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄^2- and NO₃^-.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

007995   Jayashree R;Vasudevan N (NO, , PG-2, Anna Univ Staff quarters, Chennai-600 025, Email: p_tamil@yahoo.com) : Bioremediation of pesticide (endosulfan) contaminated soils. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 527-32.

Endosulfan, a member of chlorinated insecticide, is widely used in the Indian sub-continent. Commercial endosulfan is a mixture of two isomers namely alpha and beta endosulfan at 7:3 ratio with a vapour pressure of 9xlO^-3 mm Hg. Endosulfan and its break down products are persistent in the environment with an estimated half-life of 9 months to 6 years. Endosulfan has been ubiquitously detected in atmosphere, soil, sediments and ground waters. Endosulfan affects the central nervous system, kidney, liver, blood chemistry and parathyroid gland and has reproductive tetragenic and mutagenic effects. Environmental issues are of increasing concern and research is now being directed to know the level of contamination and application of innovative technology to ameliorate the effects of pesticide pollution. Bioremediation which involves degradation of target chemicals by indigenous or added microbial cells is used to clean up sites contaminated by pollutants. This paper reviews the studies on bioremediation of soil and water contaminated with endosulfan residues.

49 ref

007994   Hussain M M (Protozoology and Environmental Biology lab, Zoology Dep, College of Science Univ, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007) : Biomagnification & bioremediation of sediment & water contamination of zinc and copper in the select belt of River Krishna in India. Bull Bio Sci 2006, 4(1), 93-8.

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

3 tables, 8 ref

007993   Hasan H H (Agricultural Dep, Payame Noor Univ, Babol, Mazandaran, Iran) : Impact of heavy metal pollution on revelry ecology from river Tajan. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 705-13.

Study on the determination and distribution of heavy metal concentration, i.e. Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn and Zn in water and in bed sediments of river Tajan have been studied from Alborze origin of river to join Caspian sea (a stretch of about 145 km. sq). Water and sediment samples were collected from 18 sampling stations at upstream, middle and downstream. These heavy metals were determined at monthly intervals for a period of October 2005 to September 2006 using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (A.A.S). In the water and sediments of river Tajan varies in it's downstream at various points as most of the industries discharging heavy metals are situated in this area. Dilution during autumn season decreased the metal level even below the prescribed limit. The study reveals that monthly and seasonal average values of sampling stations of the river values may cross the tolerance limit if their inflow though domestic and industrial wastes in checked. Present observations revealed high concentrations of heavy metals at downstream sites, because huge quantity of partially domestic sewage and industrial effluents were discharged into the river at all these sites. While in sediments contents of these metals showed considerable variation at different sampling sites. This may be due to precipitation and sedimentation of these metals. It may be concluded that downstream sampling stations got more polluted than upstream sampling stations. The results of the analysis level that all the heavy metals at eighteen stations to compared of standards heavy metals in the order of their relative dominal were in the sequence Cr> Mn> Fe> Ni> Zn> Pb> Cd> Cu in water river and Mn> Cr> Zn> Ni> Cu> Pb> Cd> Fe in the sediment of river Tajan.

3 tables, 35 ref

007992   Guru Prasad B (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Relevence of artificial neural networks in water quality index. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(1), 18-24.

The aim of the paper is to predict and classify the water quality index with the help of artificial neural network (ANN) using monitored physico-chemical parameters. The chosen neural model is a fully connected three layer feed forward network with symmetric sigmoid activation function and trained by the back propagation algorithm to minimize a quadratic error criterion. The phases of water quality index prediction using ANN includes network design from historical data; network training; testing of network; elucidation of the results. 67% of data records used for training and the remaining 33% relegated for validation in the proposed net. The predicted results were classified by selecting the obtained output as input and the expected outputs of the five categories of water qualities are defined as five axes in five-dimensional space. ANN realized nonlinear mapping between input and output parameter dimensions by the way of adjusting weights and biases of neural nodes. The results compared well with those determined using statistical method.

6 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

007991   Gupta S K;Soni L K (Applied Geology Dep, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar) : Improvising mining and mitigation strategies for environmental impact: a case study at Narshingarh limestone mines, distt. Damoh (M.P.). Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 129-33.

Narsingarh limestone mines serve as a captive raw material source to Diamond cement plant.The mines are located on a flat lying landscape, 440 meters above MSL. The limestone horizon within the mining lease area of 1639 hectares is sandwitched between shales of Bhander Group belonging to upper Vindhyan Super Group. Mining is accomplished by the opencast, mechanized and manual methods of working producing more than 2 million tonnes of limestone annually.The case study of this mining activity is presented to demonstrate how prudent environment management can be gradually implemented in accordance with mining. The environmental issues earlier till 1995 were ignored that. had caused great adverse effects on the environment and created substantial health hazards in the surroundings. Recently, significant ecological and socio-economic benefits have been brought to the community.This paper envisages all relevant issues and attempts have been made to find out ways and means by which mining activities are made not only sustainable but also beneficial economic activity.

3 tables, 12 ref

007990   Goswami U;Sarma H P (Environmental Science Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014) : Plastic waste pollution and management. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 25-8.

Now-a-days plastics and polymers have become a part of our daily life. Because of their non-breakable, corrosion free nature, light weight and easy handling characteristics, plastics have become very useful to mankind. But its non-biodegradable nature has made the plastic wastes a matter of concern to the environmentalists. Describes the prevailing hazards of plastic wastes and some of the possible management and recycling strategies. With the optimum utilization of plastic materials and by the help of adoptable recycling technology, the environmental menace arising out of plastic wastes can be minimized.

7 ref

007989   George A;Prakasam V R (Environmental Sciences Dep, Kerala Univ, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581) : Distribution of fluoride in Kerala with special reference to Edamulackkal Grama Panchayat, Kollam district. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 340-4.

Fluoride is considered as one of the important factors In water quality studies due to its adverse health effects. A few investigations have shown the high occurrence of fluoride in groundwater of certain parts of Kerala, especially Alappuzha and Palakkad. The paper consists of a review of the fluoride distribution in Kerala and report of an extensive quantitative analysis of fluoride in Edamuiackkal panchayat of Kerala. Sixty seven water samples collected from selected dugwells, borewells, ponds, and pipes of all the 21 wards of Edamuiackkal panchayat were analyzed for fluoride by SPADNS method. It ravsaled that in all the wards fluoride concentration was below desirable limit set by BIS, ranging from 0.01-0.5 mg/L. The mean amounts of fluoride in du-gwell, borewall, pond and pipeline were 0.13, 0.17, 0.05 and 0.15 mg/L, respectively, It is presumed that the low fluoride might have affasted the dantal haalth of consumers.

1 table, 39 ref

007988   Dhamotharan R;Murugesan S;Kamaleswari J; Dhamodhar Kumar (PG and Research Dep of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Presidency College, Chennai-5, Email: murugesan5@yahoo.com ) : Assessment on pollution load from dairy effluent. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(3), 679-85.

Biodegradation is increasingly being considered as a less expensive alternative to physical and chemical means of decomposing organic pollutants. Pathways of biodegradation have been characterized for a number of microorganisms, some of which have been used for remediation of wastewater. Since algae are photo autotrophic their use for bioremediation of surface waters would circumvent the need to supply biodegradative heterotrophs with organic nutrients. This paper demonstrates that green alga Scenedesmus bijugatus have a natural ability to degrade dairy wastewater.

3 illus, 28 ref

007987   Daoduo Q;Linda Z;Eric H (Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, Victoria Univ, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia, Email: linda.zou@vu.edu.au) : Electrosorption: an alternative option for desalination. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(3), 92-5.

Electrosorption is generally defined as adsorption on the surfaces of charged electrodes by applying potential or current. Electrosorption deionization method is a low-pressure non-membrane deionization process, with the potential to be a low energy cost alternative for desalination in the future. paper, the principle and mechanism of the electrosorption deionization method are discussed, the materials and properties of the electrode used in electrosorption process are summarized and the application and prospect of this promising desalination method are reviewed.

^iia1 illus, 20 ref

007986   Cyril W;Sharma B S (Post Graduate Dep of Chemistry, Fatima Mata National College, Kollam-691 001) : Seasonal variations of physico-chemical parameters in the coastal and estuarine waters of Kollam (quilon), south west coast of India. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(4), 317-28.

The study objectively analyses the physico-chemical parameters in the marine and estuarine waters of Kollam on the southwest coast of India. The marine water quality of Chavara, Neendakara, Tangasseri and Paravur zones and estuarine water quality of Vellimon, Chavara, Kureepuzha and Sampranikodi were examined by conducting marine (Arabian Sea) and estuarine (Ashtamudi estuary) water sampling on a monthly basis during the period of June 2003 to May 2004 and by measuring the parameters surface water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity and turbidity. The quality of marine water in the study area conforms the directives set by Central Pollution Control Board, India. DO values as low as 2.8 mg/L and low pH in certain pockets of the Ashtamudi estuary during the pre-monsoon is a signature of environmental pollution and degradation of the estuary. The study recommends regular monitoring of the coast and estuary of the study area to ensure environmental management and sustainable development.

6 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

007985   Chetia M;Singh S K;Bora K;Kalita H;Saikia L B;Goswami D C;Srivastava R B;Thakur R;Sarma H P (Defence Research Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organization, Tezpur-784 001) : Physico-chemical characteristics of ground-water in three blocks of Golaghat district. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(1), 1-8.

The study deals with an analysis of physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater quality of three blocks of Golaghat district of Assam. The three blocks selected for this study were Dergaon (Golaghat North) Kathalguri (Golaghat Central) and Podumoni (Golaghat East). Total 80 numbers of groundwater samples were collected from different locations of Dergaon, Kathalguri and Podumoni blocks of Golaghat district and analysed for the parameters pH, total hardness, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, sulphate, fluoride, lead, manganese, arsenic, copper, cadmium and zinc. Water samples were collected from shallow tube wells, deep tube wells (mark tube well, tara pump) and public water supply.

5 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

007984   Chaurasia S R;Shashikant (Civil Engineering Dep, Madan Mohan Malaviya Engineering College, Gorakhpur-273 010) : Removal of basic dye from aqueous solution using natural adsorbents: kinetic studies. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(3), 193-9.

Experiments were carried out in a batch process for the removal of colour methylene blue a basic dye from aqueous solution by adsorption using low cost adsorbent, like as rice husk, saw dust, wood coal and boiler bottom ash with impregnation. The operating variables studies are initial concentration of dye, contact time, dose of adsorbent, temperature, RPM (revolution per minute), pH, and particle size. The kinetics followed first order adsorption process with the intra-particle diffusion models.

13 illus, 7 ref

007983   Chakravorty J;Khound S J (Zoology Dep, Rajiv Gandhi Univ, Rono Hills, Itanagar-791 111) : Impact of human activities and fertilizer effluent on quality of water of disang river at Namrup, Dibrugarh district, Assam, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 179-82.

Deals with some of the physico-chemical parameters of water of Disang River at effluent discharge point of fertilizer factory and at immediate up and down stream of fertilizer effluent discharge point at Namrup area. Manually stones from riverbed are collected at effluent discharge area and immediate down stream. Period of study was from pre-monsoon/2004 to post-monsoon/2005. Parameters studied were PH, turbidity, alkalinity, Ammonical nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, hardness, carbonate, bicarbonate, phosphate, sulphates and chloride. The data generated was compared with ISI and WHO standards (1991). The parameters recorded were found that in effluent discharge point and in down stream results fluctuated and some of them not within the permissible limits. pH in effluent discharge point lies in the range of 8.1 to 9.8.Turbidity was in the range of 100 to 900 NTU, Ammonical nitrogen in the range of 8 to 20mg/ L, dissolve oxygen was less and in on sample it was found nil.

18 ref