007323   Sharma P C;Ranga M M;Mishra D (Zoology Dep, Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan Government College, Ajmer, Rajasthan, Email: sharmapc84@gmail.com) : Effect of mass bathing on water quality of sacred lakes of Rajasthan, India. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 67-71.

Pushkar Sarovar and Anasagar are among important water bodies for pilgrimage tourism in Rajasthan, India. Mass bathing is most common practice which adds organic pollutants to the lake system. In addition to this point source pollution from mass bathing these water bodies are also exposed to non-point source pollution from domestic and agriculture runoff. To assess effect of mass bathing water sampling was done before, during and after Pushkar fair (Kartik Snan) for Pushkar Sarovar for a period of six month. Similarly water sampling was done for a period of six months before, during and after Urs (fair) for Anasagar Lake at Ajmer. The samples were collected and analyzed for temperature, pH, turbidity, TDS, DO (% saturation), BOD (5day), Dissolved phosphate, Nitrate and fecal coliform. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated to assess overall quality of water samples. The WQI clearly reflected that the water of these two lakes is not safe for direct contact and bathing. The WQI values of Pushkar Sarovar and Anasagar are calculated 59.07 and 49.78 on 100-point scale. The water quality index value of these two lakes was found much lowered during Pushkar fair particularly at Brahma Ghat (54.86) of Pushkar Sarovar and during Urs (36.97) at Rishi Ghati of Anasagar Lake, where mass bathing is pronounced. The water quality of both holy water bodies is below their intended use, i.e. outdoor organized bathing, with desirable WQI value more than 71. Water Quality of Pushkar Sarovar is "Average" and belongs to "C" category of CPCB which can be used for bathing and drinking purpose only after conventional water treatment and disinfection. Similarly water quality of Anasagar Lake is "Fair" and belongs to "D" category of CPCB. This lake is good for wildlife propagation but is bad for outdoor bathing purpose.

3 tables, 15 ref

007322   Sharma D A;Rishi M S;Keesari T (NO, , ) : Understanding the factors responsible for groundwater contamination in parts of Southwest Punjab, India. J Energy envir Carbon Credits 2016, 6(2), 7-23.

Availability of fresh water in sufficient quantities is a major challenge as demand for groundwater resources has increased many folds for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes in recent years. This study is significant as the groundwater resources are being exploited indiscriminately in Mansa district. This article presents the current scenario of groundwater quality and also emphasizes the factors and processes governing the geochemical nature of groundwater. Hydrochemical data suggests that sodium is the major cation and bicarbonate and sulphate are the major anions. The fluoride concentration in the study was found to vary from 0.39 to 5.72 mg/L and about 53% of the total samples measured showed fluoride concentration above the WHO guideline value (1.5 mg/L). Consumption of this groundwater for drinking purposes might cause detrimental health effects. Nitrate concentration ranged from 0.3 to 240 mg/L and almost 36% of the total samples measured are contaminated (WHO: 50 mg/L). Groundwater in this district is mostly Na-Mg-HCO₃, Na-HCO₃-SO₄₄-Cl types. Major ion chemistry along with hydrogeology and geology indicate that high fluoride in groundwater is mostly derived from rock weathering facilitated by high bicarbonate content. The groundwater also showed low Ca^{2+ and high Na+ which is a commonly observed phenomenon in high F- groundwater. Nitrate concentration is mostly contributed by fertilizer application; however, a significant portion of nitrate was also contributed by industrial effluents. Regular monitoring of water quality along with water levels would help authorities to plan judicious use of groundwater resources in this region.}

007321   Shankara;Nagendra Prakash B S;Sivapullaiah P V (Civil Engineering Dep, Amrita School of Engineering, Bangalore-560 035, Email: siva@civil.iisc.ernet.in) : Removal efficiencies of iron from different soils during different processes of electro-kinetic extraction. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 97-105.

Decontamination of heavy metal ions from contaminated soils by electro-kinetic extraction has several advantages over conventional methods. The extent of removal may vary considerably as it is both soil specific and ion specific. The various conditions that affect the removal are the voltage applied across soil, duration of applied voltage, pH of purging fluid, availability of complexing agents etc. Thus in this paper an attempt has been to find out optimum conditions to be maintained for the removal of iron from three different soils viz., Red Earth, kaolinitic red earth, Illite, and montmorillonitic Black Cotton Soil. The effect of catholyte conditioning with dilute acetic acid and EDTA complexing agent, applied voltage and duration of extraction to enhance the removal of iron has been considered. It was found that the removal efficiencies of iron improved voltage applied, nature of pore fluid for illite and black cotton soil. This shows that desorption of iron from soil and consequent ion migration is favoured by acidic conditions. The removal efficiency of iron from red earth is only by flushing because of its high hydraulic conductivity lower surface charges.

5 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

007320   Sengupta M;Annadurai R;Nanda S;Datti A A (Civil Engineering Dep, SRM Univ, Kattankulathur-603 203, Email: meghna.2108@gmail.com) : Geospatial identification of algal blooms in inland waters: a post cyclone case study of Chilika lake, Odisha, India. Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(1), 234-9.

Algal blooms are referred to overgrowths of algae in fresh or marine water systems and are caused due to various factors including natural physical and chemical processes and can have severe impacts on human health, aquatic life and even economy in some cases. They flourish in the presence of inorganic nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This study focuses on identification of algal blooms in inland waters and hence Chilika Lake of Odisha, India is considered as the study area. It is the largest brackish water lake in Asia which was designated as the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (1981) for its rich biodiversity. In October 2013, the ecosystem of the lake was affected by a severe cyclone named, "Phailin" leading to increased runoff resulting in the formation of algal blooms. This study has used remote sensing techniques to detect those algal blooms by utilizing satellite imagery which was obtained from EO-1, by the multispectral sensor Advanced Land Imager (ALI). A methodology has been developed by the combination of various image processing techniques like Principal Component Analysis and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, which proved to be efficient in visualizing the spatial distribution of algal blooms on the lake surface.

4 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

007319   Sarma C;Deka D K (Chemistry Dep, Bajali College, Pathsala, Assam, Email: dilipkumardeka@gmail.com) : Evaluation of water quality of deepar beel wetland, a ramsar site in Kamrup district, Assam, India. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 73-83.

Wetlands are probably one of our most important natural and fresh water resources on this earth. This paper deals with the evaluation of physico-chemical parameter of Deepar Beel wetland in Kamrup District, Assam. The physico-chemical parameters play a vital role in the wetland ecosystems. Seasonal Changes in Physical and Chemical Parameters such as Water Temperature, pH, Conductivity, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical oxygen demand, Calcium, Magnesium, Chlorides, Nitrates and Total Dissolved Solids were analyzed for a periods of one year. A slight variation in some of these parameters in some stations was observed throughout the study period. The water quality of Deepar Beel wetland revealed that the water of this beel was good except few areas due to the inflow of effluents from the neighboring areas.

35 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

007318   Samie A;Ntekele P;Yagi A I;Elbakri A (Microbiology Dep, Venda Univ, Private Bag X5050, Thohyandou, South Africa, Email: aelbakri@sharjah.ac.ae) : Occurrence and elimination of helminth EGGS at different stages in the sewage treatment plants in the Vhembe district, South Africa. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(3), 707-16.

Little research has been done on the occurrence and removal of helminths ova from wastewater and sludge in South Africa. In the present study, wastewater and treated wastewater samples collected from 6 different sewage treatment plants over a period of nine months in the Vhembe district, South Africa were analysed microscopically for helminthova with the aim of determining the occurrence and capacity of the sewage treatment plants to eliminate them. Fifty nine out of the 141 samples (41.8%) analyzed tested positive for helminthova. The most common organism detected was Ascaris lumbricoides (31%) followed by Diphylobotrium latum and Opistorchis felines (4%). Other helminths eggs detected included: Hookworm and S. stercoralis (4%), B. coli and E. vermicularis (3%), Taeniaspp and C. sinensis (2.1%), P. westermanii, Trichostrongilus spp., and H. diminuta (0.7%). Infections with multiple helminth ova were also noted. Prevalence of helminth ova in the wastewater samples was highest in February, May and August indicating a possible seasonal occurrence. Findings suggest that it may be important to monitor the presence of helminth eggs in wastewater and treated wastewater in the Vhembe district, South Africa. Furthermore, urgent measures need to be taken in order to protect communities, especially the weak and vulnerable, against these infections.

4 illus, 8 tables, 20 ref

007317   Roopavathi K V;Shanthakumar S (VIT Univ, Environmentasl Engineering Div, School of Mechanical and Building Sciences, Vellore-632 014) : Adsorption of basic green 1 dye using activated carbon from Curcuma longa: kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(4), 283-92.

The adsorption potential of activated carbon prepared from Curcuma longa (turmeric plant) for the removal of basic green 1 (BG) dye from aqueous solution was studied. The effect of influencing parameters, such as pH(4-10), adsorbent dose (0.02-0.5 g/100 mL) and initial dye concentration (50-250 mg/L) were analyzed by conducting batch experiments. The adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and point of zero charge techniques. Adsorption kinetics was studied by employing Pseudo-first order. Pseudo-second order, Elovichand intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. Isotherm models, such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and D-R isotherm were analyzed. Kinetic and isotherm model depicts the best-fit model as Pseudo-second order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm for the removal of basic green dye. Thermodynamic parameters, such as change in enthalphy, change in entrophy and Gibb's free energy were studied and the result reveals that the process is spontaneous, feasible and endothermic in nature. The optimum conditions for the maximum removal efficiency of 88.7% were obtained as: pH 8, adsorbent dose 0.2 g/100 mL and contact time of 25 min, for the removal of basic green dye from aqueous solution.

7 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

007316   Ranjith L;Shukla S P (Aquatic Environment & Health Management Div, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Versova, Mumbai-400 061, Email: sps_s@rediffmail.com) : Column mode removal of copper through physically entrapped algal bioadsorbents. Indian J chem Technol 2016, 23(6), 527-32.

A polyurethane column with physically entrapped algal materials has been designed and tested for copper removal from aqueous medium. The performance of the column is assessed on the basis of the parameters viz. bio-removal efficiency, metal sequestered in the column and bio-sorption capacity. The findings show that the combination of calcium alginate and S. platensis exhibit highest bio-removal efficiency (38.42%) for Cu(II) in the concentration range 5-20 mg L^{-1. The maximum bio-sorption capacity (80.30 mg/g) is recorded for a mixture of calcium alginate and S. platensis after 60 min treatment time. FTIR analysis of algal adsorbents show that the adsorption efficiency depended on the availability of negatively charged groups such as carboxylic and hydroxyl groups. The study concluded that the algal compounds and dried biomass of S. platensis are effective bio-adsorbents for the removal of Cu(II) from water.}

4 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

007315   RameshBabu K;Selvanayagam M (Zoology Dep, R.V. Govt. Arts College, Chengalpet-603 001) : Water quality index of Kolavai lake, Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(4), 332-5.

Water quality index (WQI) has been calculated for surface drinking water in Kolavai Lake, Chengalpet Taluk, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu at 4 different sites in the monsoon, post monsoon, summer and pre monsoon seasons. 13 water quality parameters were selected as per the BIS guidelines and water quality physico-chemical parameters were estimated following the standard methods and procedures. The lake water of some sites was found to be moderately contaminated. Water quality index during the years 2011 and 2012, in general, the water quality showed deterioration. It is felt that some remedial measures are urgently required to optimize the water quality for this region.

1 table, 13 ref

007314   Rama Prabha M;Karthiyayini R (PG and Research Dep of Botany, Thiagarajar College, Madhrau, Tamilnadu, Email: rk.yayini@gmail.com) : Enumeration of air pollution tolerance index of plants growing in urban and industrial areas of Ganapathy, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 59-65.

An air pollutant is a substance in the air that can have adverse effects on humans and the ecosystem. Air pollution is both anthropogenic and natural but it is a major concern in developing countries like India. Since, pollution is an upcoming issue; we aimed at assessing the air pollution tolerance index of plants present in the urban and industrial area of Ganapathy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. To evaluate the impact of air pollution on plant species, 30 different plant species were selected for biochemical analysis (total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, pH of leaf extract and relative water content) by using standard methods. Phyllanthus acidus was the most tolerant species with its APTI value (196.17 ± 50.87) found around urban areas of Ganapthy and the sensitive species was Terminalia catappa (9.18 ± 1.07). Tolerant species can be utilized for urban plantation and green belt development in urban and industrial areas to reduce the level of air pollution. Plants which are sensitive to air pollution should be utilized as bioindicators of urban air quality. Thus this vast data base would be useful in identifying tolerant plants, sink plants and indicator species for effective air pollution management program.

1 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

007313   Rajalakshmi S M;Viji R (Civil Engineering Dep, Civil Engineering, Anna Univ, BIT Campus, Trichy) : Surface water quality assessment using multivariate statistical technique. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(3), 199-205.

In the study, multivariate statistical method factor analysis is applied to analyse surface water quality data sets obtained from the Cauvery river basin at Kallanai distributaries, namely Pudharu, Vennaru, Cauvery river at Thirukkatuppli, Kudamuruti, Kollidam and generated during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon (from June to September and November to January) in the year of 2014 to 2015, monitoring of 16 parameters at 20 different points. The water quality index shows the water quality of Cauvery river basin. The varifactor obtained from factor analysis indicate that the parameters responsible for water quality variations are mainly related to discharge and temperature (natural, organic pollution, point source: Domestic wastewater and nutrients) in relatively less polluted areas. Non-point source : Agriculture and orchard plantations) in medium polluted areas and organic pollution and nutrients (point source : Domestic wastewater, wastewater treatment plants and industries) in highly polluted areas in the basin. In this study illustarates the usefullness of multivariate statistical technique for analysis and interpretation of complex datasets and in water quality assessment identification of pollution sources and factor and understanding temporal and spatial variations in water quality for effective river water quality management.

4 illus, 5 tables, 7 ref

007312   Rahman E A A A;Kadhum M U (NO, Kufa Univ, Collage of Education for Girls, Iraq) : Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of adsorption Pb(II) ion on the micelles on anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(3), 186-92.

Adsorption lead (II) ion onto 3 different surfactant, anionic as a sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), cationic cetayl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and nonionic triton X-100 under different experimental conditions were studied. From aqueous solutions and has been investigated through batch mode adsorption experimental. And have been studied adsorption at different pH (4-9) determine by using HANNA, pH-meter (Instrument, Portugal, Electronic Balance Sartorius, W. Germany) and effect temperature change from 293 to 328 °K. Kinetic study shown this adsorption followed pseudo first order. The experimental isotherm data were analyzed by using 2 isotherm models the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. Our results provide that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic under natural conditions. All the data were carried out by UV-visible spectrophotometer (Libra Biochrom S60, England) after and before add surfactants.

12 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

007311   Ragoobar T;Ganpat W;Rocke K (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Science and Technology, ) : Impact of malodour exposure on the psychological well-being of a community in Trinidad. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(3), 717-25.

Large-scale farm production processes produce variable amounts of effluent either in the form of chemical, biological or physical waste which may have a detrimental effect on both the environment and residential communities. In particular with intensive livestock farming, it has been shown that animals produce a large quantity of biological waste. Currently, with greater emphasis being placed on environmental and human health and safety, concern has now shifted to focus on the quality of life of individuals living around areas of intensive farming. This study examined the impact of malodours on the psychological well-being of residents living near an intensive pig farming operation in Trinidad, West Indies. Direct measures of gases were done over a 3 month period and community members (test community) were surveyed using a questionnaire to determine their perception of the severity of the malodors and its impact on their mood using sixty five (65) questions based on the established Profile of Mood State (POMS) measure. Repeat measures were done in a matched (control) community some 5000m away from the piggery. Data were assessed using paired t-tests and multiple regression analysis. Results showed: a significant difference in levels of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide between the test and the control areas; participants residing in the test area reported significantly (p<0.05) higher symptom rating scores for tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, confusion-bewilderment, fatigue-inertia and total mood disturbance compared to participants residing in the control area; a positive association between psychological well-being scores and malodour scores (á= 4.970; p=<0.001). The findings suggest immediate intervention by the Environment Management Agency of Trinidad to have the piggery take measures to improve the situation so that the lives of community members and the surrounding environment are significantly improved.

3 tables, 31 ref

007310   Patel N;Suthar B N (NO, , ) : Dynamic economic environmental dispatch of electric power generation using TVAC-PSO. J Energy envir Carbon Credits 2016, 6(2), 30-9.

This research aims to propose solution to the dynamic non-convex economic load dispatch problem along with emission minimization using particle swarm optimization (PSO). The primitive solution of dynamic economic load dispatch (DELD) problem is to schedule the allocated generator outputs optimally so as to meet the required load demand of particular interval at minimum generation cost, while satisfying (i) all equality and inequality operational constraints and (ii) to reduce emission level. In this work, the DELD problem has been addressed using TVAC-TVIW PSO considering three cases viz. (i) with transmission losses (ii) generator ramp-rate limits and prohibited operating zones (iii) emission minimisation. The feasibility and effectiveness of the TVAC-TVIW PSO method are tested on the three cases with a test system having 10 units for the duration of 24 h with load-demand variation at each hour. Results are compared with the other contemporary methods and found effective in minimising generation cost while reducing emission. The scope of this work is to aid market operator to schedule generations at minimum cost.

007309   Pareek P;Sharma K P (Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 055, Email: sharmakp_in@yahoo.co.in) : Effects of coper treatment on growth of submerged macrophytes in eutrophic condition. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 199-203.

Present study evaluated growth of 4 submerged macrophytes viz, Ceratophyllum demersum, Hydrilla verticillata, Potamogetone crispus and P. pectinatus in eutrophic microcosms at 15 and 30 days following their explants growth in Hoagland solution (Control) and Hoagland solution + 0.5ppm copper (treatment) for 7 days in the indoor (sunshine: 3-4 hrs.) and outdoor (sunshine: 7- 8 hrs.). Copper treatment had little adverse effect on growth shoots of Ceratophyllum (19-20% Å), Hydrilla (14-29% Å) and P. pectinatus (chlorophyll = 27-62% Å). Potamogetone crispus was the only species unaffected by copper treatment. Our findings suggest that heavy metals exposure shall be less toxic to macrophytes growing in the eutrophic water bodies and their biomagnification in the food chain shall contaminate edible products harvested there from.

12 illus, 11 ref

007308   Olzhabayeva A O;Rau A G;Sarkynov E S; Baimanov Z N;Shomantaev A A (NO, Kazakh National Agrarian Univ, The Republic of Kazakhstan, 050010 Almaty, Abai 8) : Effect of irrigation and fertilizers on rice yield in conditions of Kyzylorda irrigation array. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(4), 2045-53.

The rice root nutrition is easy to regulate, and, therefore, it is the basis of high yields. It still remains unknown how the absorbed salt is used at different vegetation phases, so it is not always possible to explain the real causes of low yields. Most often it is associated with poor climatic conditions in the year. However, weather conditions cannot explain the lack of crop growth with an annual increase in the amount of fertilizers applied. The field experiments have been conducted to determine the standards and timing of fertilizers application for rice on degraded lands (Nauryzbai section), which provides a high rice yield and the efficiency of irrigation water use. The trial establishment on the standards and terms of mineral fertilizers application at a rate has been performed to determine the optimal fertilizer rate (N₁₂₀P₉₀K₆₀; N₁₅₀P₉₀K₆₀; N₁₈₀P₉₀K₆₀.) According to the results, the optimal fertilizer rate after melilot is N₁₅₀P₉₀K₆₀.

5 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

007307   Nandan Kumar B;Choudhary S K (Environmental Biology Research Laboratory, Botany Dep, T.M. Bhagalpur Univ, Bhagalpur-812 007, Email: brajalgae@yahoo.com) : Water quality and phytoplankton of river Gandak, Bihar (India). Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 167-76.

Water quality and algal species have been analyzed at 21 sampling stations of river Gandak in 331 km stretch from the point of entry of the river in India at Valmikinagar in Bihar to point of confluence with river Ganga near Hazipur in Bihar. The river water quality is somewhat egraded in last 43 km stretch of the river compared to upland stretch. pH values indicated the river water as neutral to moderately alkaline. The variations in conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, chloride, phosphate and nitrate were not significant in the river stretch investigated. Hardness values suggest the river water as moderately hard. The turbidity values increased apparently in the last 23 km river segment. COD increased in the last 43 km stretch of the river water compared to upland stretch. Water Quality Index of various physico-chemical parameters revealed that the water of all 21 sampling points was not fit for human consumption as it was under the category of poor and very poor. Seventy five (75) freshwater algal species were recorded from collections made from all sampling stations of River Gandak. These species belong to 38 genera. Diatoms formed the largest group with 37 species followed by green algae with 24 species. All these species are being reported for the first time from River Gandak (India Side).

2 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

007306   Mohanta T;Goel S (Advanced Technology Dep Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Email: sudhagiitkgp@gmail.com) : Statistical analysis of water quality and antibiotic resistance index for three aquatic environments over three seasons. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 107-22.

Water quality of river Hooghly, Kolkata (between Dakshineswar and Nazirgunj), river Kangsabati and groundwater in Kharagpur was assessed over three seasons - monsoon, winter and summer during the period 2012-2013. Water quality parameters and their relationship with antibiotic resistance index (ARI) were tested using various statistical methods like correlation analysis, cluster analysis and principal component analysis. River Hooghly is polluted by domestic, industrial, municipal and agricultural wastewater and flows through the metropolitan cities of Howrah and Kolkata. River Kangsabati and groundwater in Kharagpur served as controls since they are not affected by urbanization to the same extent as Kolkata. The water quality of river Hooghly was found to be moderately bad compared to untreated water and groundwater from Kharagpur based on the water quality index (WQI) calculated. Cadmium, iron and nickel were the heavy metals detected above the recommended permissible limit in Hooghly river water samples out of the nine heavy metals tested. Statistical analyses revealed a strong correlation between Ca^{2+ and Mg2+ (R = 0.97). Only one water quality parameter, sulphate, was found to correlate significantly with ARI (p<60>0.05). Sulphate is an important essential nutrient for bacterial growth and may have an important role to play in the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Principal component analysis (PCA) of river Hooghly water quality data revealed eight PCs that accounted for 88.54% of the total variation in water quality data while the first 2 PCs alone accounted for 53.8% of the variation in data. Cluster analysis (CA) divided all nine sampling locations on river Hooghly into two clusters - one cluster consisted of the northern-most, less polluted locations while the other cluster consisted of six downstream and more polluted locations.}

5 illus, 7 tables, 33 ref

007305   Mishra R K;Choudhary S K;Manish Kumar (University Dep of Botany, T.M. Bhagalpur Univ, Bhagalpur-812 007, Email: ranjanmsr@yahoo.com) : Regional geochemical evaluation of arsenic, iron, phosphate and nitrogenous contaminations in groundwater of the aquifers of eastern Bihar and north-eastern Jharkhand. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 177-85.

Ground water and surface water are extensively used for drinking and other domestic as well as industrial purposes. Since the dawn of the human civilization, the quality of water is being depleted and degraded due to various regions. The present study was conducted in the Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria districts of eastern Bihar and Sahibganj district of Jharkhand state, India. The present study proposed to determine the existence and intensity of arsenic contamination in aquifers along the Mid Ganga Plain. The quality of underground and surface water in the study area have been assessed considering five parameters viz. Arsenic, Iron, Phosphate, Ammonia and Nitrate. Altogether 60 water samples, including private and government hand pumps, deep tube wells, river water and natural spring were tested. It was observed that the underground water of the study area is highly contaminated with arsenic (BDL to 417.1 ppb) as well as of iron (0.1 to 20ppm). Arsenic in 50 water samples was above the drinking water specifications as prescribed by WHO (1999) and ISI (2003), whereas, Phosphate, Ammonia and Nitrate were well within the permissible limit, but exceeds in some places. Some commonly observed symptoms of chronic arsenic poisoning like melanosis, hyperkeratosis and skin diseases were also observed during study. This might be due to the excessive consumption of arsenic contaminated water. The correlation in between arsenic and other water parameters was examined and an inverse relationship was established in between Arsenic and Nitrate.

2 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

007304   Mishra D;Tiwari R;Dwivedi A K (Chemical Engineering Dep, Ujjain Engineering College, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Email: dhriti_cmengg25@yahoo.co.in) : Review on environmental impact assessment of thermal power plants. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 145-52.

A critical review of environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for thermal power plants has been carried out by considering available literature. In general, there are many types of power generating sources available in India; among all thermal power plants are the most economical and widely used source of power. Around 66% (Sarath et al. 2014) of electricity generation in our country is produced from coal fired thermal power plants. The coal fired thermal power plants are the main source of carbon dioxide emission in India which has caused serious environmental problems. In order to evaluate all possible effects of proposed project, environmental impact assessment is required prior to installation of any thermal power plant.

69 ref

007303   Mishra D;Tiwari R;Dwivedi A K (Chemical Engineering Dep, Ujjain Engineering College, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Email: dhriti_cmengg25@yahoo.co.in) : Environmental impact assessment of thermal power plants- CO₂ emission and control. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 127-30.

In general, there are many types of power generating sources available in India; among all thermal power plants is the most economical and widely used source of power. Around 66% (Sarath et al. 2014) of electricity generation in our country is produced from coal fired thermal power plants. Coal is primarily composed of carbon, along with a range of other elements, particularly sulphur (The Industrial Heritage of Britain, 2015). The burning of coal in thermal power plants can have many bad effects on both humans and the environment. Coal plants are the nation's top source of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, the primary cause of global warming. In this research work, our main emphasis is calculating CO₂ emission from thermal power plants stacks. In order to identify all possible effects of proposed project, environmental impact assessment is required prior to installation of any thermal power plant. Various mitigation measures for the control of pollution caused by thermal power plants along with some new technologies are discussed.

1 illus, 9 ref

007302   Mathur S;Talan A;Paudel D;Pokhrel S;Chug R (Amity Univ Rajasthan, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Jaipur-303 002) : Assement of bacteriological quality of industrial wastewater : a word of coution. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(3), 227-33.

The present work is a study on effect of nickel on testing bacteriological quality of drinking water. Industrial wastewater samples were used to assess levels of nickel and its effect on detection of coliforms. The test for coliforms revealed absence of faecal pollution. A bacterial isolate obtained from the effluent was found to be a non coliform and also resistant to 140 mg/L nickel. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was also estimated to assess chemical and biological pollution load. The high COD/BOD ratio obtained indicated a high level of unassimilable organic pollution load. Due to killing of autochthonous microbial population owing to presence of toxic heavy metals, like nickel, MPN values were also found to be low (29 cfu/100 ml). The results taken together suggest that role of bioindicators, like coliforms in analysis of bacteriological quality of water is not as reliable as it purports to be due to presence of heavy metals in water bodies. Negative results for faecal indicator bacteria (coliforms) does not necessarily indicate freedom from these organisms. It is, therefore, recommended that bacteriological analysis should be carried out in conjunction with heavy metal analysis to ascertain correctly the potability of water. The target audiences for the above recommendation are decision makers and their technical advisers from all relevant ministries concerned with water and public health and manufacturers of water treatment interventions (both at the household and community level).

2 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

007301   Kulshrestha U C;Singh Y (NO, , ) : New Delhi 'Odd-even II':A hasty repeat. J Energy envir Carbon Credits 2016, 6(3), 1-8.

Three months after Odd-Even I, Delhi government again came forward with Odd-Even phase II experiment during April 15-30, 2016 without making any change in the rules of 'Odd- Even' phase I. This time too, the pollution level was not improved. Results indicated that the levels of PM2.5 and ozone were showing poor air quality at various sites in the city. At Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Dilshad Garden, on April 14, 2016 one day before implementation of rule the PM2.5 level was recorded as 71 μg/m^{3 which corresponded with value of Air Quality Index (AQI) 137. While on April 15, 2016 the first day 110 μg/m3 which corresponded with value of AQI 267. Similarly, increasing levels of PM2.5 were obtained at various sites, i.e., Shadipur, Mandir Marg, ISBT Anand Vihar, R.K. Puram and Punjabi Bagh. These elevated values suggested that there was no improvement in air quality during implementation of the toughest calls for public well fare. Instead of decreasing, the pollution level went up because of several reasons such as climatic conditions, violation of rules by public and interference of other sources, etc. One important fact that Delhi is situated in the region where particulate matter levels are naturally high due to suspended atmospheric dust was ignored for choosing the timings of this trial. In order to differentiate the impact of vehicular traffic versus industrial emissions and road dust vs automobile exhaust, such kind of trials should have been conducted during monsoon season when dust is scavenged by the rain. In the months of July and August soil is generally wet and suspension of road dust and construction dust is also very least.}

007300   Khurshid S;Mathur R;Shah S R (Civil Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Hazratbal, Srinagar) : Study of biomedical waste in chest disease hospital in Srinagar city (evaluation and management). Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(3), 217-26.

Health care is important for our life, but the waste generated from various medical activities poses a severe problem to various living forms and to our environment as well. Various strategies which revolve around improper management of hazardous as well as non- hazardous wastes generated because of many health care facilities causes a direct health impact on the living forms. The large amount of infectious and hazardous waste generated in various health care hospitals and facilities are a matter of significant concern not only in India but also around the world. Unplanned and indiscriminate disposal of hazardous as well as non-hazardous biomedical wastes or hospital waste and severe exposure to them poses threat to environment and to human health. That is why the wastes require specific treatment and management before its final disposal. The present study aims to provide information about the evaluation, management, segregation, storage and disposal of medical wastes in Chest Disease Hospital (C.D.H.) which provides treatment specifically to patients suffering from chest related diseases and is attached to Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar Kashmir to study existing system of hospital waste management and evaluation of waste produced wardwise. A questionnaire developed by Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forest, India was used for collection of data. Special training was given to health workers. Observations were made regarding the evaluation and prevailing systems of hospital waste collection, segregation, transportation and disposal at Chest Disease Hospital (C.D.H.). Collection and weighing of wastes was carried out with the help of a weighing machine daily three times, that is morning, afternoon and in late evening hours for 10 consecutive days. It was found that there was no proper segregation of the waste starting from the generation to disposal : there was a separate committee for the management of the hospital waste and most of the waste was incinerated. Total infectious waste produced by Chest Disease Hospital (C.D.H.) was 14.90 kg/pt/day and the non-infectious waste was 30.30 kg/pt/day. Also, Chest Disease Hospital (C.D.H.) produced around 1.999 kg/pt/day of waste on average.

6 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

007299   Khatik V A;Attarde S B (NO, Saint Theresa International College, 1 Moo 6, Rangsit- Nakhonnayok Road, Klong 14, Bungsan Ongkarak, Nakhonnayok 26120, Thailand, Email: connectvasim@gmail.com) : Application of modified sawdust for nitrate removal from aqueous solutions. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 205-10.

Sawdust is an abundantly available byproduct of the wood industry utilized for various purposes. This study was undertaken to investigate nitrate (NO3 -) removal efficiency of modified saw dust from aqueous solutions. The nitrate removal experiments were performed using cylindrical biosorbent columns with pH, initial concentration, bed height as process parameters. The lowest nitrate removal rate was 27.9%; on calibration with process parameters removal has improved up to 70.9%. Assessment of results with statistical parameter (GLM) General Linear Model; shows significant effect of process parameters in the nitrate removal efficiencies. Though removal rate has achieved up to 70.9%; further studies hold scope to calibrate the processing parameters to improve the removal efficiency of biosorbent and test the commercial applicability of the biosorbent.

9 illus, 45 ref

007298   Kashyap M;Misra V;Bhat N (Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru-560 012) : Real time measurement of carbon dioxide levels at the periphery of the Indian institute of science (IISc) campus, Bengaluru. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(3), 193-8.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the major greenhouse gas, that is precursor to climate change. On-road vehicles burning fossil fuel are the second largest CO₂ emitters after fossil fuel fired power plants. Localized CO₂ concentration depends on the local traffic conditions and other sources, if any. For Indian Institute of Science campus gates, the main source of CO₂ is from the vehicles. CO₂ emission from the vehicles depends on the type of vehicle, age, fuel used, road condition and driving pattern. A preliminary study of CO₂ levels around the periphery of Indian Institute of Science (MSc) campus was conducted using the sensor developed by Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CelMSE). Measurements of CO₂ showed that the overall average of CO₂ concentration is between 401 to 495 ppm. Monitoring data was available on a real time basis at a remote location. Traffic volume and CO₂ levels were measured at the gates of the campus and at a major nearby traffic junction.

7 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

007297   Jusoh W N A W;Wong L S;Chai M K (College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga National (UNITEN), Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: lingshing79@yahoo.com) : Responses photosynthetic pigments in Anabaena cylindrica to short term exposure of copper, cadmium, and lead. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(3), 771-5.

The aquatic ecosystem has been disrupted due to the deposition of heavy metals from domestic and industrial sources. Some heavy metals are required in cell metabolism at low concentration, however, at higher concentration, these metals are lethal to the living cells. Conventional methods in detecting heavy metals in water have limitations. As alternatives, more economical and eco-friendly approaches such as bioindicators or biosensors are required to screen or detect heavy metals in the water. In this study, a cyanobacteria species, A. cylindrica was chosen as the potential bioindicator due to the ability of their photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and phycocyanin) to emit fluorescent when the cells were stressed. The percentage of change calculated could determine the degree of response of A. cylindrica towards Cu, Cd and Pb. Hence, the results from these studies confirmed that A. cylindrica showed responses to short-term exposure of Cu, Pb and were able to yield detectable fluorescent signals as short as 10 minutes after the exposure for all three metals. With further research and development, these pigments, showed a true potential for their applications in developing biosensors for the detection of heavy metals in drinking water.

2 illus, 31 ref

007296   Jayakumar N;Francis T;Jawahar P; Rajagopalsamy C B T;Santhakumar R;Subburaj A (Fisheries Biology and Resource Management Dep, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi-628 008, Email: jknap@rediffmail.com) : Acute toxicity bioassay of cadmium on the freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) and associated histological alterations in gills. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 131-6.

The natural aquatic ecosystem is extensively contaminated with heavy metals that are released from domestic, industrial and several other anthropogenic activities. The persistence and ubiquitous nature of these heavy metals and their tendency to accumulate in organisms affect the organism at tissue/cellular level which in turn affects the normal physiological processes in animals especially fishes. In the present study, the adult freshwater stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis were exposed to five different acute concentrations of Cadmium like 18.45, 36.9, 73.7, 147.4 and 294.8 mg/L Cd for 96 hrs. The 96 hr LC₅₀ of Cadmium for H. fossilis was determined to be 44.13 mg/L. In addition, the study aimed to investigate the histopathological impacts of acute concentrations of Cadmium in the gills. The most common histopathological alterations in the gills of fish exposed to cadmium were characterized by epithelial lifting, vacuolation, blood congestion, lamellar fusion, secondary lamellar damage, hyperplasia and lamellar disorganization. Ultimately, the study revealed that the degree of distortion of the gill was in proportion to the duration of exposure and concentration, i.e., dose and time dependent.

6 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

007295   Jalali G;Lakzian A;Astaraei A; Haddad-Mashadrizeh A;Azadvar M;Esfandiarpour E (NO, , Soil Science Dep, Ferdowsi Univ of Mashhad, Email: alakzian@um.ac.ir) : The impact of land use on bacterial community composition and physicochemical properties of soil. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(4), 2167-76.

In order to determine the effects of land useon bacterial community composition and some physicochemical properties of soil, a study was carried out in three different land uses (orchard, farm and shrub) in arid-region soils located in southeast of Iran. The selected land uses were adjacent to each other and have not been changed in 50 recent years. Three samples of surface soil were collected from each land use and the bacterial community composition of soil was assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Moreover, some physicochemical soil characteristics were investigated. The results showed that significant differences exist among all of the physicochemical soil characteristics in different land uses. Higher values of organic carbon, N, P, K, EC, clay, silt, CaCO₃, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu and lower values of pH and sand occurred in the agricultural lands (orchard and farm) than shrub land. The results of principal component analysis showed that land use can affect soil properties. Furthermore, results of canonical correspondence analysis showed that the variability in bacterial community composition was related to the selected soil characteristics. Clay and CaCO₃, sand, and OC, total N and EC were shown to be the most significant properties affecting the bacterial community composition in orchard, shrub and farm land uses, respectively. Generally, the findings of the present study showed that agricultural activities not only did not cause a reduction in species richness, but also resulted in a significant increase in the mentioned indices in orchard and farm land uses compared to shrub land use.

4 illus, 5 tables, 34 ref

007294   Hashemi S A (Forestry dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Lahijan Branch College of Natural Resources, Lahijan, Iran) : Evaluating neural networks model in forest cover changes using satellite data. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(4), 314-7.

Also estimating vegetation with conventional method that includes overall estimate of vegetation is time-consuming and also does not give very precise information. Hence remote sensing is very useful technology that because of time and cost reduction is preferred over other methods. In this study it was attempted to produce forest cover map using the techniques of remote sensing and ETM^{+ sensor image of 1999. The results of image digital classification of the study area to mapping the landuse using neural networks classifier and neural networks with participating different bands sets indicated that at best state, the total accuracy of image classification by ETM+ neural network method of 1999 was estimated 0.80 and kappa coefficient of 0.82. Also the study results showed that the forest cover reduction in neural network classification was 2354.2 ha.}

1 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

007293   Hamidpour M;Pooladi F;Shirani H;Hosseini M S;Darekordi D (Soil Science Dep, Vali-e-Asr, Rafsanjan Univ, Rafsanjan, Iran, Email: mohsen_hamidpour@yahoo.com) : Removal of borron from water by tranian natural and solovothermally treated zeolite. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 7-13.

Boron removal from aqueous solutions by natural and modified zeolite was studied in batch equilibrium experiments. Adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of pH, concentrations of Ca^{2+ and Mg2+ and boron concentrations. Boron species in equilibrium solutions was predicted by Visual MINTEQ speciation program. For both adsorbents, the adsorption amounts of boron increased with increasing equilibrium pH. Greater adsorption was observed in the presence of Ca2+ ions as compared with Mg2+ ions at the same concentrations. For natural zeolite, the amounts of B adsorbed at 0.03 M Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations were significantly higher than those at 0.06 M Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations. For solvothermally treated zeolite, effect of Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations on the adsorption of boron was not significantly different. The Freundlich adsorption model describes the interaction between B and the adsorbents better than Langmuir model. Maximum adsorption capacity (q_max) of natural zeolite (187.5 mmol/kg) was approximately 5 times higher than that of solvothermally treated-zeolite (33.1 mmol/kg). Solvothermally treated zeolite removed lesser amounts of B from the solutions as compared to natural zeolite in similar chemical conditions. This may be attributed to pores clogging and (or) structural damage in smaller particles during solvothermal treatment. The experimental data show that natural zeolite used in this study has a reasonable adsorption capacity for B, and therefore, may be useful for removal of B from polluted waters.}

7 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

007292   Habibah J;Khairiah J;Ismail B S (School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Scienc, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: ismail@ukm.edu.my) : Speciation of copper in vegetable and paddy soils of peninsular Malaysia. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 45-51.

Copper speciation in vegetable and paddy soils from selected areas in Peninsular Malaysia has been investigated to understand the Cu behaviour in agricultural soils of the humid tropic country. Copper concentrations in the Easily Leacheable and Ion Exchangeable (ELFE), Acid Reducible (AR), Organic Oxidizable (OO) and Resistant (RR) fractions in soil samples were determined. Except for the exceeded Cu values in Serdang (1849.65 mg/kg) and Kajang (2055.66 mg/kg), most of the vegetable soils studied showed normal range (2.01-116.40 mg/kg) of total Cu content in soils. Copper in vegetable soils was primarily concentrated in the organic bound form (OO), followed by the resistant form (RR), whilst the bioavailable Cu (ELFE) was low (less than 0.75 mg/kg). However, Cu soils in Cameron Highlands and Cheras were predominant in the resistant form (RR), followed by the organic bound form (OO fraction), and contain higher bioavailable Cu (ELFE) (5.26 mg/kg and 11.80 mg/kg respectively). Copper in the paddy soils studied were predominant in the resistant form (RR), followed by the organic bound form (OO). The bioavailable Cu (ELFE) was very low in the inland valley paddy fields (Besut), and undetected in the clayey and silty soils of marine alluvium (Pendang, Arau, Yan and Bumbung Lima). The predominant unavailable Cu in most agricultural soils of Peninsular Malaysia were due to the slightly acidic soil condition, occurences of oxides of Fe and Mn as well as clay minerals, and higher organic matters content in soils.

1 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

007291   Gumasta A;Shrivastava S B;Maini H (NO, Shri Gurunanak Women's College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Email: gumastaarunika@gmail.com) : Impacts of insecticide deltamethrin on integument of fresh water Labeo rohita. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(3), 619-21.

Aimless disposal or wastes consequently reach the organism either directly or through food chain into water bodies is major water pollutant as it contains fertilizers and pesticides. Contaminated water destroys aquatic life. Labeo rohita a thermal species exposed to Deltamethrin, changed histopathologically with degenerated epithelial and muscular tissue.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

007290   God E C T;Henry A N (Environmental Toxicology & Pollution Management Unit, Biochemistry Dep, Federal Univ Oye-Ekiti (FYOYE), Ekiti State, Nigeria, Email: thankgod.eze@fuoye.edu.ng) : Microbiological and heavy metal characterization of soil from an open hospital wastes dumpsite in Enugu, Nigeria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(3), 587-95.

The dumping of hospital wastes on the soil environment could be a channel for the spread of diseases and epidemic at large. Therefore, the study was aimed at assessing the infection and hazard potentials of soil from an open hospital wastes dumpsite in Enugu, Nigeria. Composite soil samples were collected from the inner part of the hospitals' dumpsite as well as adjacent area of the dumpsite at a distance of 100m (control site). The microbial loads and heavy metal (As, Cd, Pb, Hg and Cr) concentrations of the collected soil samples were assessed. The result of the microbiological analyses of the soil from the inner part of the dumpsite showed a mean total aerobic bacteria count of 5.4 ± 0.98 x 109 cfu/g, mean total anaerobic bacteria count of 3.6 ± 0.49 x 107cfu/g and mean total fungal count of 3.8 ± 0.82 x 105 cfu/g while microbiological analyses of soil from the adjacent area of the dumpsite showed a mean total aerobic bacteria count of 4.7 ± 0.82 x 108cfu/g, mean total anaerobic bacteria count of 2.8 ± 0.33 x 106 cfu/g and mean total fungal count of 1.5 ± 0.49 x 105 cfu/g. The isolated and characterized microorganisms observed included both pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. The varying concentrations of the detected heavy metal were generally higher in the dumpsite soil than adjacent (control) soil, except for Cr+6. The obtained concentrations of these metals however were within the WHO permissible limits. Given that these metals are continuously accumulated in the soil, exposed living organisms are likely to suffer some degree of toxicity when their respective tolerance threshold is exceeded. The findings from this study resounds the need for a coordinated waste management system in the country, especially for those generated in hospitals which may pose various environmental health hazards.

3 illus, 2 tables, 50 ref

007289   Goankar S M;Kalashetti M B;Kalashetty B M (R & D Centre, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: drkalshetty@gmail.com) : Fluoride toxicity on human health from water resources available at granite mine in Bagalkot district, Karnataka, India. Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(1), 165-75.

Physico-Chemical analysis of ground water samples was carried out from 30 locations of Bagalkot district such as Hungund, Badami, Ron, Kustagi and Bagalkot taluks. The analysis of different parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, Cl, SO₄, NO₃ and Fluoride were carried out as per the standard methods. All the parameters studied were within the permissible limit except Fluoride content in few locations. The analyzed results indicate the Fluoride concentration in some sampling spots namely Herur, Kesarabhavi, Benekanadoni, Balakundi, and Husur of Hunagund Taluk. Maradi village, Budanagad locations of Badami Taluk. Hanumasagar, Hanumanal villages of Kustagi Taluk. Tulasigeri, Simikeri (Govt. Primary School Campus) of Bagalkot Taluk, were found above standards (WHO- 1.0 ppm to 1.5 ppm) probably due to seasonal variations and salt water contamination. Fluoride ion in water sources is known for both beneficial and detrimental effects on live stock. The higher concentration of Fluoride in ground water causes a disease called "Fluorosis". It is a slow, progressive, crippling malady, which affects every organ, tissue and cells in the body system and results in health complaints having overlapping manifestations with several other diseases like chronic dental and skeletal Fluorosis.

4 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

007288   Fataei E;Varamesh S;Safavian S T S (Environmental sciences Dep, Basic Sciences Faculty, Basij Square, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Ardabil, Iran, Email: ebfataei@gmail.com ) : Carbon stocks in a 20-year-old coniferous plantation(Keys study: fandoghloo region in northwestern of Iran). Agric biol Res 2017, 33(1), 1-12.

At Fandoghloo region northwestern Iran, tree plantations were established on degraded rangeland, which was previously mainly used for grazing. We assessed the above- and belowground ecosystem biomass and carbon (C) pools of pure and mixed Pinus nigra, Cedeus libani and Picea abies plantation stands (20 years-old) in Ardabil, Iran. Biomass and C stocks of above- and belowground tree biomass and litter were determined from plot-level inventories. Mineral soil C stocks were estimated from soil cores at three depths 0-15, 15-30 and 30-50 cm. Our results showed an increase in the total ecosystem carbon stock after the afforestation. The highest total carbon stock was 55.57 Mg ha^{-1 in the mixed P. nigra - C. libani and it was 25.006 Mg ha-1 in the degraded rangeland. The carbon stock in the aboveground biomass ranged from 2.4 Mg ha-1 in the degraded rangeland to 19.28, 15.1, 6.17, 4.55, and 3.87 Mg ha-1 in the P.nigra-C. libani, P.nigra, P. abies- P.nigra, C. libani and P. abies stands, respectively. The amount of litter carbon stock ranged from 0.53Mgha-1 in the degraded rangeland to 3.51, 3.06, 2.03, 1.55, 1.41 Mg ha-1 in the P. abies- P.nigra, P.nigra-C. libani, P.nigra, C. libani and P. abies stands, respectively. The soil carbon stock increased from 21.41 to 30.11, 28.58, 28.41, 27.45 and 25.43 Mg ha-1 in the C. libani, P.nigra, P.nigra - C. libani, P. abies - P.nigra and P. abies stands, respectively. Significant interactions were observed between stand and soil depth on carbon stock after rangeland afforestation with coniferous species. Aboveground tree biomass became the major ecosystem C pool. The difference in total ecosystem C between the degraded rangeland and mixed P.nigra - C. libani stand was 30.56 Mg ha-1. The highest SOC accumulation was observed in the surface layer of the C. libani (34.95 Mg ha-1), but the accumulation rate is species dependent. Our results highlight the importance of coniferous plantations on degraded rangeland that will most probably increase the rate of C sequestration and thereby mitigate the negative effects of increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentrations. As a matter of fact, the selection of appropriate species and plantation will be considered in the next afforestation projects.}

3 illus, 2 tables, 51 ref

007287   El-Khateeb M A;Kamel M M;Megahed R A; Abdel-Shafy E (Water Pollution Control Dep, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo Egypt, Email: elkhateebcairo@yahoo.com) : Sewage water treatment using constructed wetland with different designs. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 193-7.

Constructed wetland (CW) system is a very promising and attractive technique especially for developing countries. Proper design of such systems can help in the improving of the quality of the final effluent. In this work different CW inlet designs were studied for the treatment of wastewater. The detention time was kept constant at 2 days in the different units. The triangular inlet could affect the performance of the CW units as revealed by the obtained results. The organic loads as represented by COD and BOD were reduced by 12% and 36% for FWS and 9% and 21% for SSF with triangular inlet shape than the rectangular inlet shape units. The count of fecal coliform (FC), Fecal streptococci (FS), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PS) were reduced by variable degrees while, Salmonellae not detected in the treated effluents.

6 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

007286   Dutta J;Mehta A (Environmental Sciences Univ Teaching Dep, Sarguja Univ, Ambikapur, Chhattisgargh-497 001) : Discussion on evaluation of land pattern of banni grassland using geoinformatics approach. e-J appl For Ecol 2016, 4(2), 39-42.

Grasslands can be found in all eco-regions of earth and is one of the important drivers of biological diversity. It plays a pivotal role in maintenance of ecological balance with its biodiversity in reference to the varying climatic conditions. Banni Grasslands spans up to 2617 km2 on northern borders of Bhuj taluka of Kachchh district at 23ø 19' to 23ø 52' N latitudes and 68ø 56' to 70ø 32' E longitudes (Joshi et al., 2009). Banni is Asia's second largest and India's finest grassland that represents a unique biodiversity. Recent years have seen random changes in the inherent characteristics of the grassland with land use and cover changes, increasing livestock population, rapidly propagating invasive species such as Prosopis juliflora locally known as gando bavad over the grassland, diverse developmental pressures etc. Rapidly developing frontiers such as geospatial technology would help decision makers to infer how this landscape is changing over the years with different parameters happening around this particular landscape. In current scenario, Geographic Information System (GIS) is an important technological tool used by scientists in the field of ecology and environmental science. It is very easy to map a particular object than to conduct an ancient and cumbersome survey method. It is very essential to identify and assess Banni grassland with its changing land-cover pattern to see temporal change using geo-informatics and other tools of geospatial technology. It is also true that this technology would open up a new vista in Kachchh landscape as there are very less researches and reviews in the past utilising Geoinformatics approach. The current paper while utilising Geoinformatics approach tries to evaluate and analyse the land use land cover changes of Banni grassland in current scenario. The important revelations of such approach would definitely help the researchers to understand the rapidly changing ecological scenario with varying climatic conditions over temporal scale.

007285   Debsarkar P;Roy P K;Majumder A;Mazumdar A (NO, Jadavpur Univ, School of Water Resource Engineering, Kolkata-700 032) : Biogas production through anaerobic digestion process from different kinds of wastes. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(3), 248-52.

Waste minimization and energy generation is the recent emerging concepts. Anaerobic digestion is the process that can sustainably convert waste to energy. With the rising demand for renewable energy and environmental protection, anaerobic digestion of biogas technology has attracted considerable attention with scientifically. Biogas production from variety of wastes through anaerobic digestion technology is growing worldwide and is considered ideal in many ways due to its economic and environmental benefits. This paper represents a comprehensive review of research achievements for biogas production from different wastes.

^iia3 tables, 23 ref

007284   Datti A A;Nanda S;Annadurai R;Sengupta M (Civil Engineering Dep, SRM Univ, Kattankulathur-603 203, Email: abdullahiadatti@gmail.com) : Geospatial estimation of chlorophyll-1 in urban lakes. Rasayan J Chem 2017, 10(1), 263-70.

Water is essential resource for life sustenance especially for drinking, domestic and irrigation purposes. Urban water bodies such as lakes, tanks and ponds plays a vital role in serving their localities as compliment to municipal water supply, irrigation and industrial purpose, controlling runoff and hubs for groundwater recharge. Quality assurance of water resources is mandatory for sustainable water resource management and ensuring compliance with water quality standards. Conventional methods of water quality evaluation are expensive and time consuming; also in situ measurement cannot be carried out in inaccessible areas. For that reason, geospatial technology is applied to evaluate the quality as it provides the required spatial and temporal frequency as well as its synoptic coverage. Chlorophyll-a concentration in water bodies provide the physiochemical property and tropic status of that water. In this study, estimation of Chlorophyll-a has been done from the spectral features extracted from Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data over Kolavai Lake in Kattankulathur Block, Tamil Nadu State, India.

5 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

007283   Choudhury S;Kishore J;Kohli C (NO, Forest Research Institute Univ, Dehradun) : Biomedical waste management practices in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. J Adv Res Hlthcare med Inf 2016, 3(3-4), 10-14.

The practices by healthcare workers in handling biomedical waste (BMW) are of great importance as it directly influences the environment around them and patients. To assess the current status of biomedical waste management in a tertiary hospital and suggesting remedial measures. A sample of 64 healthcare workers (HCW) participated, which included 32 nurses, 17 nursing orderlies and sanitary workers, and 15 doctors to provide information practices, hygiene, facilities available, etc. 20 facilities/ wards were included in the observation using checklist on BMW management. After collection of data compilation was done in Microsoft Excel sheets. The interpretation is made on BMW segregation, hygiene of facility, provision of facilities, safety measures, BMW management training, etc. The BMW practices of untrained and trained staff were comparable with little difference. Among the three categories of HCW, all showed equal percentage of correctness of practices. Nursing orderlies had least knowledge. Hygiene was maintained but corners were found in general unclean. Many respondents were unsure how liquid chemical waste and toxic spills are handled in the facilities. The posters were present but they were small in size and difficult to read. In two facilities, additional notices were placed over the bins. Injury risk was more among those who had received BMW training. BMW management in a tertiary hospital was not adequate and monitoring in general, and effective supervision of workers in particular, is required. Posters can be made more meaningful by proper designing.

4 tables, 14 ref

007282   Chaudhary R;Pandey A (NO, Devi Ahilya Univ, School of Energy and Environmental Studies, Indore-452 017) : Role of indicators for attain sustainability for advanced wastewater technologies: a mini review. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(3), 176-85.

To investigate the sustainability of wastewater treatment technologies a set of indicators which include social, economic L/day environmental aspect are compared and revived for plant capacities of less than 1 million L/day. The review paper focuses on technical and cost effective analysis of different wastewater treatment. Which later deals with the affordability of a particular technology to a community and rate of acceptance. Environmental indicators include energy use, performance of the technology in removing conventional wastewater constituents, such as biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, nitrogen, phosphorus and pathogens. The reuse potential of the treated wastewater can also be determined by these indicators. Societal indicators also taken into consideration, like public participation improved local environment. While selection of a set of, indicators is dependent on the geographic and demographic context of a particular community, the overall paper represents use wastewater management are varying degrees of sustainability with each treatment technology.

5 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

007281   Camacho J A;Lopez P H;Correa A F (Student of Environmental Engineering, St. Thomas Univ, Bogota, Colombia, Email: carpeguz@gmail.com) : Technical and economic evaluation for the use of electrocoagulation at a tannery in Bogota-Colombia. Pollut Res 2016, 35(1), 53-8.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr^{6+) is used in the leather tanning industry and has been one of the pollutants with the most environmental importance. The removal of this metal in industrial wastewater has been a problem that has been solved in different ways but its treatment is very expensive. This article presents a set of parameters of an electro coagulation process to determine the optimum operating conditions for the removal of Cr6+. For this purpose, an evaluation was conducted on the electrode material, electrode gap spacing, initial pH and residence time. The findings indicated that the combination of aluminum electrodes at a distance of 5 mm with a pH of 8 and a hydraulic retention time of 40 minutes, reached a 98.79% removal. Finally, these variables were validated in water samples taken from a tannery in Bogota where are modal efficiency of 99.75% was obtained. Lastly, the total cost per m3was calculated for the treatment of an effluent from a tannery.}

3 illus, 6 tables, 10 ref

007280   Bhargava D S (Bhargava Lane, Devpura, Haridwar-249 401) : Remote sensing in public health engineering. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(4), 344-6.

16 ref

007279   Beebi P M;Mini M (PG Studies and Research in Botany Dep, Sir Syed College, Taliparamba-670 142, Email: miniharitham@gmail.com) : Physico chemical properties of water from different water sources of midland laterite hill ecosystem of Kasaragod district of Kerala, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(3), 651-4.

Kasaragod is the Northern most district of Kerala blessed with different natural resources. Presence of midland laterite hill is the unique feature of this district and has good vegetations that are seasonally different and has various ecological attributes. Hills are the treasure house of ecologically and medicinally important plants. Borewell, Openwell, Surangam and Estuary were the different sources of water in these laterite hills and water of each sources have diffefent physico chemical properties. Physico chemical analysis of suranga water in summer season revealed that it has pH (6.22), Turbidity NTU(O.1), Electrical conductivity (50 μS/cm), acidity (2 mg/litre), alkalinity (12 mg/litre), Hardness (4 mg/L), Ca (0.802 mg/litre), Mg (0.486 mg/L), chloride (10 mg/litre) and fluoride, Iron, nitrate and Chemical Oxygen Demand were nil. But in rainy season water analysis revealed that all these contents are slightly increased. Fluoride, Iron and Chemical oxygen Demand (COD) were detected in rainy season. The content of fluoride was 0.20 mg/L, Iron was 0.09 mg/L and COD was 12 mg/L. Physico chemical analysis of openwell water in Summer season revealed that the pH (6.60), Turbidity NTU(O.4), Electrical conductivity(102μs/cm), acidity (18 mg/ L), alkalinity (8 mg/L), Hardness(24 mg/litre), Ca (4.01 mg/L),Mg (3.40 mg/L), chloride (34 mg/L) and fluoride (0.08 mg/L) and Iron (0.19 mg/L). But in rainy season all the chemical contents were decreased. Physico chemical analysis of borewell water in Summer season revealed that the pH (6.44), Turbidity NTU(28.8), Electrical conductivity( 268μs/cm), acidity (22 mg/L), alkalinity (50 mg/L), Hardness(68 mg/L), Ca (23.26 mg/litre), Mg (2.43 mg/L), chloride (52 mg/L) and fluoride (0.1 mg/L) and Iron (2.86 mg/L). But in rainy season the pH value is only increased (pH was 7.69) and all other contents were decreased. Physico chemical analysis in summer season revealed that its colour was pale yellow, pH (8.07), Turbidity NTU(15.9), Electrical conductivity (48400 μs/cm), acidity (5.5 mg/L), alkalinity (112 mg/L), Hardness (6600 mg/L), Ca(801.6 mg/L), Mg (117 mg/L), chloride (22400 mg/L), fluoride (2.4 mg/L) and Fe (0.71 mg/L) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (1032 mg/L). But in rainy season water analysis indicate that all the above parameters were decreased. Analysis proved that except estuary water all other sources of water is acceptable for drinking purpose. On open well water analysis in rainy and summer season it was observed that all the physico chemical parameters are within the acceptable limit of WHO. Openwell is suitable for all types of lands. All physico chemical analysis of different water revealed that the open well was better source of water and surangam was restricted in laterite hillocks. Seasonal changes did not affect the physico chemical properties of open well water and suranga water of laterite hillocks of Kasaragod district.

1 table, 5 ref

007278   Balwant;Melkania U;Singh S P;Saxena M K; Mishra D P (Vety. Biochemistry Dep, CVSc, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, Email: singhbalwant20@gmai..com) : Molecular characterization of rare serovars of Salmonella in Gangetic water by REP- PCR. J Vet Pharmac Toxic 2015, 14(1), 74-7.

Salmonella is one of the cardinal pathogenic bacteria present in contaminated water. Repetitive Extragenic Palindromic(REP)PCR has been reported to be polymorphic at serovars level in Salmonella. Salmonella isolates (rare serovars) collected from 10 different stations of Ganga River were studied for REP-PCR. Twenty isolates belonging to seven different serovars (S. Abuja, S. Lagos, S. Chinkual, S. Zwickau, S. Pontypridd, S. Goldenberg and S. Oritamerin) were studied for the REP-PCR. Out of 20 isolates 19 different profiles were observed and one sample has not shown REP sequence. There was no host specific, type specific, and region specific profile pattern but REP-PCR was found rapid and reproducible and can be used for differentiation of different Salmonella isolates.

6 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

007277   Bahura C K;Modasiya V;Khatri G (Zoology Dep, Govt. Dungar College, Bikaner, Rajasthan) : Fluoride and nitrate contamination in groundwaters of two villages of Sardarshahar tehsil of Churu district, Rajasthan. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2017, 11(1), 13-22.

Groundwater is the major source of fresh water on the earth. If groundwater containing dissolved ion beyond the permissible limit then it is harmful to use. Rajasthan suffers the problems of quantity and quality of water. In most part of the state groundwater is either saline or having high nitrates and fluoride content. Sardarshahar Tehsil is facing the problem of groundwater pollution. In the present investigation, groundwater samples from villages Adasisar and Kusumdesar were collected and analysed for different quality characteristics including Nitrate and Fluoride contamination. When these parameters were compared with BIS, ICMR, WHO standards of water quality then it was found that these water samples were not suitable for drinking and irrigation purpose. Level of Nitrate content in groundwater ranging between 120-140 mg/1 is higher than the permissible limit. In the present investigation, fluoride level ranged from 3.2 to 3.8 mg/1. This high level of fluoride is the cause of endemic fluorosis problems in living beings. The suggested remedial measures to reduce fluoride pollution in ground water and to aware the rural people that long time consumption of high fluoride ground water is not good for health. Otherwise major health hazards will inevitably experienced as some of the areas have high fluoride content in the drinking water.

1 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

007276   Anusathya M K;Illavarasan N (Civil Engineering Dep, Anna Univ, BIT Campus, Trichy) : Urbanization impact on ground water quality at Coimbatore city. Indian J envir Prot 2016, 36(3), 242-7.

Urbanization is the increasing number of people that migrate from rural to urban areas. It predominantly results in the 'physical growth of urban areas. Due to the pressure of human activity the ground water sources degraded gradually. In this paper urbanization impact of Coimbatore city is identified with the landuse pattern and increase in population. This study shows that, 3 main parameter influences the impact on ground water they are population, ground water quality, landuse pattern change. The population is mainly increased due to industrialization it also increase the human waste settlement. Due to the growth of population the demand of fresh water has been increased. The landuse pattern change is also affecting the ground water quality by evaluating the changed in builtup area and plantation in the study area for 1996 and 2012. For finding the impact on ground water quality, the ground water quality data collected for 2012 compared with change in landuse pattern and population. The ground water quality is analysed by using ANOVA analysis and compared with the population and landuse change. The environmental impact on ground water quality in Coimbatore city is analyzed and remedial measures have been suggested.

4 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

007275   Anil Kumar (NO, , ) : Effect of climate change on water resources. J Alternate Energy Sour Technol 2016, 7(1), 44-8.

Observational records and climate projections provided enough evidence for the effect of climate change on global water resources and its consequences for human societies and ecosystems. It is a big environmental challenge to environmentalist for planning a long term water resources system and its management. Extensive studies are required to establish a relation among hydrology, water resources, planning management, operation management, environmental protection and ecological balance due to climate change. It has a close relationship with industry, agriculture, city development and economic fields. Irrigated agriculture was affected due to impacts of climate change which leads to the temperature and precipitation changes. This paper deals with the impact of climate change on the strategies of water resources and hydrological phenomena. The relationship between sea surface temperatures and the frequency of tropical storms is less clear. A variety of climatic and non-climatic processes influence flood processes, resulting in river floods, flash floods, urban floods, sewer floods, glacial lake outburst floods and coastal floods.

007274   Ali A (NO, , ) : Community participation in enhancing actions on environment and disaster management. J Energy envir Carbon Credits 2016, 6(2), 40-4.

The integral part of development considered is environment. Individual's environment has an impact that also affects the well-being and welfare of the community. It has been depicted that in developing countries due to the absence of environmental legislation the environmental protection has been limited resulting in the creation of environmental problems in third world countries. Therefore community participation in development projects is necessary due to lack of legislation to protect human rights as well as the environment. Once the event has got underway, disasters can become unmanageable. Therefore to prevent the losses, certain preventive steps and mitigation steps must be taken. Control over the disaster event would be usually lost during its occurrence if the community is not well prepared. The disruption by a disaster can be reduced if each individual in the community is familiar with ways of coping and precautionary measures. The main objective of this study is that the local authorities and NGOs should interact and integrate with the community and gather basic information to have a general description about the community regarding its nature, needs and resources for disaster risk reduction. The term paper depicts about the relationship between environment and disaster management and the preventive steps taken to create awareness among community to actively participate and work for the welfare and well being of nation.