019125   Khan S A (Mathematics and Sciences Dep, College of Arts and Applied Sciences, Dhofar Univ, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman, Email: rohelakhan@yahoo.com) : 2015 UNESCO sultan qaboos prize for environmental preservation. Curr Sci 2016, 110(1), 15.

5 ref

019124   Kamaladhasan N;Tyagi B K;Swamy P S; Chandrasekaran S (Plant Sciences Dep, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: krishnanasc@yahoo.co.in) : Studies on the maintenance of 'self-sustained' mosquito vector population in Vaigai river, South India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(1), 57-68.

Study of mosquito species diversity and its relationship with ecosystems is essential to understand disease epidemiology and to develop control measures of vector populations in human-dominated ecosystems. In the present study, the structure and composition of immature mosquito population and associated ecological parameters were analysed in three different ecosystems (urban, semi-urban and rural) along Vaigai river, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Average larval density was higher in urban than the semi-urban and rural sites during the study period. In 2012-13, immature mosquito diversity was higher in rural site during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, whereas mosquito larval diversity was greater in semi-urban site during the post-monsoon season. In 2013-14, mosquito larval diversity was found to be high in semi-urban site during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Culicine species dominated the urban areas, while Anopheline species dominated the rural and semi-urban sites during the study period. Among the mosquito species, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. geldius, Cx. vishnuvi, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. bitaeniorhynchus, Anopheles subpictus and An. culicifacies were prevalent throughout the year. Filamentous algal-dominated sites showed a higher number of mosquito species (23 species) than other hydrophytes-dominated sites. Maximum number of sewage inlets was recorded in urban than the other two sites. As a result, the highest turbidity level was recorded in the urban site followed by semi-urban and rural sites. The present study shows that the immature mosquito population is maintained with the help of ecological parameters in all the study sites throughout the year. Therefore, it is essential to take steps to eradicate the mosquito vectors from the Vaigai river basin to avoid disease outbreak in the region.

2 illus, 9 tables, 47 ref

019123   Hasan M A;Atwa S T;El-Taweel A A (NO, Hot Labs & Waste Management Center, Atomic Energy Authority, 3 Ahmed El-Zomor St., El-Zohour District, Naser City, 11787 Cairo Egypt, Email: mamhasan2004@yahoo.com) : Liquid emulsion membrane stabitiy studies for removal of nickel from liquid aqueous waste. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(7), 2712-18.

Stability of the liquid emulsion membrane (LEM) is a measure of its leakage during the operation of metals extraction in liquid emulsion membrane process. As liquid emulsion membrane stability decreases, the permeation of metal ions decreases due to release of the internal stripping aqueous phase containing the extracted metals to the external aqueous phase, which reverses some of the metal already extracted. Liquid- liquid extraction of nickel ions from acetate media was first investigated using di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid as an extractant diluted with cyclohexane as a diluent. The results showed that the optimum conditions for extraction of nickel ions from acetate media were as follows, pH 8 at the feed solution containing 0.01 M ammonium acetate, 6% di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid as a carrier, 0.1 M sulfuric acid as a stripper and cyclohexane as a diluent. The different parameters affecting the stability of the prepared liquid emulsion membrane were studied; pH values at the feed solution; surfactant types and concentrations; emulsification time and speed; volume ratios of emulsion to feed solution; and ammonium acetate concentration in the feed solution. The result obtained well be used to prepare a stable membrane to study the permeation and removal of nickel from aqueous waste solution.

15 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

019122   Arun P R (Environmental Impact Assessment Div, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty, Coimbatore-641 108, Email: eiasacon@gmail.com) : Outbreak of dengue in Tamil Nadu, India-a rejoinder. Curr Sci 2016, 110(1), 12-13.

3 ref

019121   Al-Sulaiman M A (Community College, Huraimla, Shaqra Univ, P.O. Box 300, Huraimla 11962, Saudi Arabia, Email: mohazizsu@yahoo.com) : Applying of an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system for prediction of unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(3), 2261-72.

The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of soil (K_u) is one of the most principal parameters in the study of water movement in the soil. The field measurement methods of (K_u) are hard and expensive. So, indirect prediction of (K_u) has received considerable attention as published in the research papers to be an alternative approach. However, prediction models for soil hydraulic conductivity are now widely used informative tools for rapid and cost-effective assessment. Thus in this study, an attempt has been made to apply an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for predicting (K_u). The input variables were ECRatio (electric conductivity of water divided by electric conductivity of soil), SARRatio (sodium adsorption ratio of water divided by sodium adsorption ratio of soil), soil texture index (calculated from clay, sand and silt), suction rate, organic matter in the soil, initial soil moisture content and initial soil bulk density. The Gaussian membership function was the best for the input variables. The Hybrid learning was selected for predicting (K_u) with ANFIS. Three performance functions namely; root mean squared error (RMSE), mean error (ME) and coefficient of determination (R²), were used to evaluate the predictive capability of the suggested (ANFIS). The obtained results for testing data (9 points) indicated that the R² values relating predicted versus measured estimates of (K_u) was 0.783, ME was found to be 0.118 cm/sec and RMSE was found to be 0.472 cm/sec. As a result, it appears that applying ANFIS suggests a new approach for determining (K_u) along with saving time and cost.

9 illus, 3 tables, 42 ref

018151   Waghmare S S;Arfin T;Manwar N;Lataye D H; Labhsetwar N;Rayalu S (Mathematics Dep, Govt. P. G. College, Panna, Madhaya Pradesh, Email: jk.verma87@yahoo.com) : Preparation and characterization of Polyalthia longifolia based alumina as a novel adsorbent for removing fluoride from drinking water. Asian J Adv Basic Sci 2015, 4(1), 12-24.

This research addresses i) synthesis of an alumina composite based on high capacity adsorbent using a leaf as a template and ii) the issue of handling spent regenerant resulting from regeneration of such high capacity adsorbents. A low-cost composite type adsorbent has been synthesized for removal of excess fluoride from drinking water, using Polyalthia longifolia (false Ashoka tree) leaf as a template and alum as a source of alumina. The composite adsorbent having heterogeneous phases of Al(OH)₃ and Al₂O₃ is associated with carbon and free Al(OH)3 and alumina has been identified using XRD, SEM, FTIR and BET surface area analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out including the effect of various physico-chemical parameters, such as adsorbent dose, pH, contact time, initial fluoride ion concentration and temperature to ascertain optimal performance conditions. The elemental composition of material and SEM analysis suggests a composite material with different phases. Polyalthia longifolia based adsorbent (PBA) effectively removes fluoride with substantially high adsorption capacity of 17.57 mg g^-1 at initial fluoride concentration of 5 mg l^-1 using very low dose of 0.4 g l^-1 as compared to 1.82 mg g^-1 for activated alumina. PBA has been regenerated to the tune of about 80% using alum solution. The spent regenerant has been subjected to two new options i) recovery of alum and formation of chitosan/CaF composite by treating with slaked lime and ii) immobilization of AlF in chitosan to form chitosan/AlF composite. These composites may prove to be useful optic materials for UV absorption.

17 illus, 5 tables, 32 ref

018150   Vijayakumar R;Vaijayanthi G;Sandhiya K (Microbiology Dep, Bharathidasan University Constituent College, Kurumablur-621 107, Email: taxonmurugesh@gmail.com) : Decolourization potentiality of Actinobacteria on synthetic textile dyes and effluents - A comparative study. Scient Trans Envir Technovation 2015, 8(4), 178-84.

Decolourization of potentiality of the isolates of actinobacteria obtained from the soil polluted with textile dye effluents and three synthetic dyes namely red M5B, orange M2R and blue G was determined. Twenty five isolates of actinobacteria were isolated from the polluted samples of soil collected from Karur, Tamil Nadu. From the 25 isolates screened to determine the decolorization potentiality, only seven isolates were selected for further studies. The isolates of Nocardiopsis sp. K2 and Streptomyces sp. K6 showed more percentage loss of intensity of colour against red M5B than orange M2R and blue G. Effect of pH, temperature, incubation period, culture media, carbon and nitrogen sources was optimized for suitable conditions for maximal decolourization.

4 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

018149   Ugonna C N;Awwal B (Geoinformatics and Surveying Dep, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria, Email: ugonna.nkwunonwo@port.ac.uk) : Potential impacts of urban development around the Apese Lagoon in the Lagos Metropolis of Nigeria. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 830-9.

General concern for ongoing urban developments such as built-up areas, road networks and commercial activities in the neighbourhood of Apese lagoon in the Lagos metropolis of Nigeria is expressed in this paper. Urbanization in many places seems to constitute a potential source of threat to the aquatic environment, particularly the lagoons. Arguably, the sustainable existence of lagoons globally is endangered by land reclamation and some industrial activities which results in dumping of poisonous wastes and chemical substances into the lagoons. Naturally, by exchange of nutrients with its living organisms, lagoons serve as platforms for establishing harbours, which generally function as hubs for trade and transportation. Due to such important function, most lagoons can be described as marine protected areas (MPAs) when their physico-chemical parameters such as pH values, salinity and temperature meet some international standards, and should be preserved from external environmental influences. Apese lagoon is a MPA, following previous investigations carried out in the area. Unfortunately, urbanization in the surrounding areas of the lagoon is assuming a critical dimension and much uncertainty surrounds the future of the MPA. In the present study, several samples of water taken from the lagoon for both the dry and wet seasons were measured, analysed and discussed. The results show that at the moment, despite being alkaline (a pH value which is <62>7.5), the MPA is stable based on the values obtained for its physico-chemical parameters, which compare well with international environmental standards. However, given the observed rate of urban growth in the area, it is possible the MPA will be affected in the future. The study suggests possible ways of arresting the situation and ultimately recommends comprehensive environmental impacts assessment (EIA) towards future urban development around the Apese lagoon area.

2 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

018148   Tian L;Zeng Q;Tian X;Li J;Wang Z;Li W (State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079,China) : Water environment remote sensing atmospheric correction of Geostationary Ocean Color Imager data over turbid coastal waters in the Bohai Sea using artificial neural networks. Curr Sci 2016, 110(6), 1079-85.

Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) can produce good ocean colour products in the open sea. However, an atmospheric correction problem continues to occur for turbid coastal water environment monitoring. In this communication, a regional atmospheric correction method based on an artificial neural network (ANN) model has been proposed. The ANN model was built according to differences in the spatial and radiometric characteristicsbetween the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) and GOCI, with 3000 pixels of the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance of seven GOCI images from 2011 to 2012 above turbid water used as the inputs and coinciding validated remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs) of MERIS used as the outputs. Subsequently, the water-leaving reflectance of GOCI in turbid coastal water are as of the Bohai Sea was derived. Compared with the products produced by the standard GOCI Data Processing System (GDPS Version 1.3), the Rrs retrieved according to the proposed methodshowed a significant improvement in spatial pattern. Although the ANN model displayed a degree of difficulty in representing high water-leaving reflectance values, a comparison with three in situ measurements collected on 11 November 2011 in the study area showed encouraging results. The results suggest that the ANN method can be used for atmospheric correction process in turbid waters without requiring numerous in situ measurements.

6 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

018147   Thokchom A;Yadava P S (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur University, Imphal-795 003, Email: yadava.ps1@gmail.com) : Changes in the seasonal cycle of carbon stocks and fluxes due to fires in the grassland ecosystem of Manipur, Northeast India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(6), 1088-94.

Fire is a common perturbation in the grassland ecosystems throughout the world. Effect of fire on carbon stock, rate of C-accumulation and soil CO2 flux have been studied in Imperata cylindrica-Sporobolus indicus-dominated grassland community of Manipur, Northeast India. Carbon stock in the vegetation components was estimated to be 12.59 and 12.06 Mg ha^-1 and soil organic carbon stock was found to be 57.28 and 44.74 Mg ha^-1 in the control and burnt site respectively. It indicates that fire decreases the carbon stock in the grassland. However in the following year the annual rate of carbon accumulation increased in burnt site (7.94 Mg ha^-1 year^-1) compared to the control site (6.75 Mg ha^-1 year^-1) whereas the annual soil CO2 flux decreased in the burnt site (4.06 Mg ha^-1 year^-1) in comparison to the control site (7.26 Mg ha^-1 year^-1). Our estimates of carbon budget reveal that the net uptake was 3.88 Mg C ha^-1 year^-1 in the grassland ecosystem after the burning treatment. Thus, the annual burning of grassland can cause major changes to carbon stocks and fluxes.

4 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

018146   Thapa G J;Wikramanayake E;Jnawali S R; Oglethorpe J;Adhikari R (NO, WWF Nepal Program, Baluwater, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: gokarna.thapa@wwfnepal.org) : Assessing climate change impacts on forest ecosystems for landscape-scale spatial planning in Nepal. Curr Sci 2016, 110(3), 345-52.

Global climate change is affecting biodiversity and ecological processes. We coupled a general circulation model that uses global datasets with terrain-based analyses to identify potential climate refugia in two conservation landscapes in Nepal for climate changeintegrated conservation planning. The results indicate that lower and mid-montane forests are vulnerable to climate change, but the temperate upper montane and subalpine forests are more resilient and represent macrorefugia. However, the terrain-based analysis indicates persistence of climate microrefugia in the lower and mid-mountains. Conservation strategies should prioritize the larger climate-resilient forests as macrorefugia, but also include the microrefugia in landscape conservation plans.

4 illus, 1 table, 44 ref

018145   Suresh Kumar G (Ocean Engineering Dep, Indan Institute of Technology, Madras, Email: gskumar@iitm.ac.in) : Subsurface transport of nuclear wastes in the Indian subcontinent. J Hydrol Engng 2015, 21(2), 162-76.

Given the diminishing non-renewable energy resources and limited progresses achieved in the renewable energy sectors in India, the existing data projects that nuclear power can play a significant role in sharing the burden of meeting the growing energy demand. Low-, medium-, and high-level radioactive wastes generated from such nuclear power plants are to be disposed safely in the subsurface geological formation with the least environmental impact. In this context, a mathematical model for describing the spatial and temporal distribution of concentration of a radionuclide chain in a saturated subsurface system is presented. The transport of radionuclides occurs by advection and hydrodynamic dispersion, while diffusive transport of radionuclides takes place from mobile into immobile water zone, in a direction, normal to the direction of fluid flow. For decay of radioactive species within fracture and rock matrix, the ingrowth of daughters is considered. In addition, unlike earlier models, the present mathematical model also takes into account precipitation and dissolution of radionuclides within high-permeable fractures and low-permeable rock matrix using first-order reaction kinetics. Further, it is also proposed that unlike dispersive-dominant sub-surface disposal of radionuclides, molecular-level surface and Knudsen diffusion play a critical role for diffusive-dominant deep geological disposal.

2 illus, 2 tables, 55 ref

018144   Slngh B K;Srivastav K;Joshi K D;Srivastava S K (Regional Centre Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, , 24, Pannalal Road, Allahabad Uttar Pradesh) : Biotic parameters of the river Yamuna in relation to pollution status. J Inld Fish Soc India 2015, 47(2), 51-8.

Among biotic communities in river Yamuna, plankton population ranged from 237 ul^-1 to 2570 ul^-1periphyton 917 ucm^-2 to 4913 ucm^-2 and bottom biota 100 nom^-2 to 1366 nom^-2. Euglenophyceae was not recorded in upper and lower stretch while it was maximum in the middle stretch. Molluscs were noticed in lower stretch only. Diversity index lies between 0-2.9 indicating moderate to high pollution in the river Yamuna. Increased percentage of zooplankton in the middle stretch particularly at Delhi and Mathura is also a symptom of eutrophication. Palmer algal genera pollution index also revealed heavy pollution in the middle stretch of the river.

4 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

018143   Sahu G;Mohanty A K;Sarangi R K;Bramha S N; Satpathy K K (Environment and Safety Div, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, , Kalpakkam-603 102, Email: satpathy@igcar.gov.in ) : Upwelling-initiated algal bloom event in the coastal waters of Bay of Bengal during post-North East monsoon period. Curr Sci 2016, 110(6), 979-81.

3 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

018142   Sahu B K;Panigrahy R C;Baliarsingh S K; Parida C;Sahu K C;Lotliker A A (Marine Sciences Dep, Berhampur University, Berhampur-760 007, Email: birajkumar@gmail.com) : Red-tide of Mesodinium rubrum (Lohmann, 1908) in Indian waters. Curr Sci 2016, 110(6), 982-3.

1 illus, 13 ref

018141   Sable M G;Rana D K (Entomology Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur-492 012, Email: sablemangesh36@gmail.com) : Impact of global warming on insect behavior. Agric Rev 2016, 37(1), 81-4.

Global warming is a great concern throughout the world. Being poikilothermic in nature insects are greatly affected by changing temperature. Insect will experience additional life cycles with rapid growth rate. As a result of changes in the population dynamics including distribution and migration the reliability on current insect pest ETL will be reduced. Increased insect pests outbreak will affect agricultural production. Research on basic biology of insect, population dynamics and behavior patterns should be focused to ascertain the effect of global warming on insect behavior.

^iia24 ref

018140   Ravi Ranjan Kumar;Parita K (Biotechnology Dep, Shree M. & N. Virani Science College, , Email: raviranjan@vsc.edu.in) : Physico-chemical and microbial analysis of drinking water in Rajkot district, Gujarat (India). Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 688-96.

Diseases related to contamination of drinking water constitute a major burden on human health. Interventions to improve the quality of drinking-water provide significant benefits to health. Therefore, in this study 28 drinking-water samples from Government Supply and Tube wells of 14 major towns of Rajkot District, Gujarat (India), where no information is available were collected. The various Physico-Chemical parameters studied were Colour, Odour, Taste, pH, Turbidity, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD, COD, EC, Total Hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate, Phosphate and Iron. The result indicated that physical parameters Colour, Odour, Taste, pH, TSS and DO were within the permissible limit. BOD and COD values were high, indicating high pollution load. EC and TDS in all samples exceeded the ICMR value, and particularly tube wells contained high concentration. The total hardness, concentration of calcium and magnesium in tube wells were more than potability limit. The concentration of chloride, sulphate and nitrate in tube wells were high and the concentration of phosphate and sulphate were within the permissible limit. In our investigation it was found that almost all sources were positive for TC and Salmonella differential analysis. This investigation revealed that only 50% source was completely fit for drinking purpose with respect to Physico-chemical parameters studied.

1 illus, 7 tables, 10 ref

018139   Rathi D B;Rathod S D (Chemistry Dep, Vasantrao Naik Mahavidyalaya, Aurangabad-431 003) : Air pollutants at Aurangabad city (M.S.). Bioinfolet 2016, 13(2A), 289-90.

Data on ambient air quality at Aurangabad city (M.S.) during the year 2005-2010 from three residential sites during rainy, winter and summer season were statistical analyzed. The concentrations of SO₂, NO_x, RSPM in the air were well below, while those of SPM were above the permissible limits. The sampling sites were with heavy traffic intersection cum residential areas located within Aurangabad City. It was observed that the values for the pollutants always exceeded NAAQS value. The average annual values for all sampling sites for SPM showed statistically significant variation.

2 tables, 3 ref

018138   Rai P K;Chutia B M (Environmental Science Dep, Mizoram University, Tanhril, Aizawl-796 004, Email: prabhatrai24@gmail.com) : Biomonitoring of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) using magnetic properties of Ficus benghalensis tree leaves in Aizawl, Mizoram, North-East India. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 856-69.

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the most harmful pollution components widely present in the environment. It has been demonstrated that magnetic measurement is an important means in PM pollution study through plant leaves. Plants species are found as effective biomonitors and may act as natural filters by trapping and retaining PM on their surfaces. In the present study, Ficus benghalensis tree leaves were sampled in the city area, peri-urban area and rural area, for the purpose of a magnetic study on atmospheric pollution in Aizawl City, Mizoram. Magnetic parameters [magnetic susceptibility (χ), anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM)] of Ficus benghalensis tree leaves showed a significant variation range for three different study sites. Overall all values of magnetic parameters declined in the following sequence: city area <62> peri-urban area <62> rural area. Significant correlation of magnetic parameters with Fe, Pb and Cu revealed that leaf dust samples were dominated by multidomain, magnetite-like minerals. The results of the present study indicate that magnetic measurements of tree leaves are practicable for monitoring and determination of atmospheric pollution in Aizawl city. Biomonitoring of particulate pollution through magnetic properties of plant leaves is a rapid and inexpensive alternative to conventional atmospheric pollution monitoring. Moreover, bio-magnetic monitoring as an application of environmental geomagnetism may act as proxy for ambient PM pollution and may act as an eco-sustainable tool for environmental management.

12 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

018137   Quarcoo A;Adotey G;Ayittey K (Accra Polytechnic, Science Laboratory Technology Dep, , Box GP 561, Accra, Email: nooaqia@yahoo.com) : Heavy metal levels in fish caught and processed at Lavender - Hill, Accra. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 776-82.

This study was conducted to determine the presence and concentration of heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cr, and As, in fresh and dry herrings (Clupea harengus), and fresh sole fish (Cynoflossus senegalensis), from the selected site, Lavender Hill, Accra, Ghana using VARIAN AA240 FS- Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), The levels of heavy metals by dry weight in mg/kg found in these fishes ranged from 1.57 to 3.64 for Pb, 0.33 to 0.47 for Cd, 0.88 to 1.04 for Cr, and 1.01 to 1.11 for As respectively. The results of this study show that the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, were relatively high. Arsenic, with values between 1.01 to 1.11 mg/kg was lower when compared to the standard level of heavy metals adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA - 407), It was concluded that consuming fish caught and processed in the Lavendar Hill area of Accra is not safe and represents a potential health risk to consumers of fish caught there as a result of bioaccumulation over a long period in consumers.

1 illus, 1 tables, 17 ref

018136   Perveen A;Taufiq I;Hamzah H B;Khan R K B A W (NO, University of Education Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Malaysia, Email: asmaperveen@fppm.upsi.edu.my) : Environment pollution's effects on human health and psychological wellbeing. Asian J Adv Basic Sci 2015, 4(1), 52-6.

Present study was aimed to explore the effects of environment pollution on human health and well- being. Environmental pollution is causing various emotional and psychological issues on the health of humans and animals. Everything on the planet is interconnected and while the nature supplies us with valuable environment, without which we cannot exist. Environmental effects could be truly damaging either, air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution. For this cross cultural research survey population were selected randomly from three countries, United Arab Emirate (N=25), Pakistan (N=25) and Malaysia (N=25). Study consist (N=75) both gender male and females, with various level of education and employment. Personal consent form to record the interview information and to fill formal questionnaire was obtained from all participants. Results were formulated on the information originated from interview and questionnaire related their psychologi- cal mental state and issues in reference their environmental pollution and changes. Statistical test were applied to get data for results interpretation. Results revealed that in Pakistan there are greater psychological health issues as compared to Malaysia and UAE. Depression, anxiety and physical health related symptoms were more reported in main city of Lahore, Pakistan. Study provides further recommendations to work on strategies and polices to promote healthy, productive mental wellbeing.

4 tables, 19 ref

018135   Nishi Rani;Shrivastava J P;Bajpai R K (Geology Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: jpshrivastava.du@gmail.com ) : Long-term performance assessment of nuclear waste and natural glasses in the geological repository: a geochemical modelling. Curr Sci 2016, 110(2), 214-19.

Nuclear waste loaded and natural (analogue) glasses were studied to understand neo-formed mineral species, formed in equilibrium with the physico-chemical conditions existing in the geological repository. To predict alteration-phases, dissolution equations for average vitrification system (AVS), barium borosilicate (BBS) and obsidian glasses were calculated, considering glass composition, pressure, temperature and pH conditions. Progress of reaction plotted against saturation index indicates saturation with solid phases - chamosite, chalcedony and Ca-beidellite in obsidian; greenalite and fayalite in AVS; and coffinite in BBS glass. Activities and molalities of aqueous species together with the number of moles of each mineral species produced and degenerated during the progress of the reaction (as a function of time) are discussed here.

6 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

018134   Ngele S O;Onwu F K (Industrial Chemistry Dep, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria, Email: drsongele@gmail.com) : Comparison of particulate matter levels in major urban centres in Eastern Nigeria. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 765-75.

This study investigated the particulate matter (PM) load( total suspended particulate matter (TSP) and PM of diameter ≤ ten micrometers (PM₁₀)) in ten urban centres in South- Eastern Nigeria in the dry and wet seasons from December, 2008 to September, 2009 using particulate counter instrument. The results showed that the cities' seasonal mean TSP ranged from 103.31±22.26 to 1260.25±608.59 and 28.69±4.77 to 555.13±304.57 μg.m^-3 in the dry and wet seasons respectively. The corresponding range for the dry and wet seasonal means of PM¹⁰ was 14.38±3.01 to 288.06±129.79 μg.m^-3 respectively. Comparatively the cities had PM load in the order: Onitsha <62> Aba <62> Umuahia <62> Owerri <62> Enugu <62> Nsukka <62> Abakaliki <62> Nnewi <62> Afikpo <62> Orlu. Four cities representing 40% of the cities studied namely: Nnewi, Abakaliki, Afikpo and Orlu recorded dry seasonal mean TSP values within the WHO annual guideline limit of 150-230 μgm^-3 for combined exposure to TSP and SO₂, while other cities had dry season TSP mean values above the limit. The dry seasonal mean PM₁₀ levels in all the cities exceeded the US annual National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 50 μg.m^-3. The Correlation matrix showed that the TSP seasonal means (dry and wet) correlated positively with that of the PM₁₀ (p<62>0.05) while the student t-test statistics showed that the dry seasonal means (TSP and PM₁₀) were statistically significant from that of the wet season (p<62>0.05). The study concluded that recording high values (which exceeded the recommended annual guideline limit) of these pollutants in these cities portends public health risk particularly to people dwelling in the affected cities.

6 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

018133   Neelamsetti P;Pandit S;Kantakumar L N (Zoology Dep, University of Pune, Pune-411 007, Email: drpanditsv@unipune.ac.in) : Monitoring Secchi disk transparency of Warasgaon reservoir of Pune by using LISS III sensor. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 794-801.

Secchi disk transparency (SDT) is simplest and efficient measure to monitor water quality of the reservoir. The nutrients from the agriculture fields, sewage from human settlements and industries drain into reservoirs and lakes. It contributes to the increasing level of suspended particles, algae growth, and coloring of water and reduces transparency of water. These changes can be detectable by remote sensors. In this study LISS III sensor of Resourcesat-2 used to model SDT of Warasgaon reservoir, Pune. The green (r = 0.75), red (r = 0.79) and NIR (r = 0.75) bands of LISS III shown good correlation with observed SDT, while band ratios Red/NIR (r = 0.81) and NIR/SWIR (r = 0.81) shown significant correlations. Several linear and multiple linear regression models developed from the in-situ measurements of SDT and the radiance value of LISS III image. The multiple linear regression model based on green, red, NIR and red/SWIR found to be best fit (r = 0.88) to the in-situ data. The results showed Warasgaon reservoir was oligotrophic in condition during the December 2012.

3 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

018132   Madhu G M;Thomas A;Deepak S;Preetham H S; Rajanandam K S (Chemical Engineering Dep, M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Email: madhugm_2000@yahoo.com) : Heavy metal recovery by native macrophytes from Subarnarekha river-India. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 880-90.

Degradation of malachite green and methyl violet solution was studied using hydrodynamic cavitation. Effect of inlet pressure, oxidizing agent, geometry of the orifice, cavitation number and pH were studied with the aim of maximizing degradation. Studies were done individually and in combination with H₂O₂. It was found that there was an obvious synergetic effect of H₂O₂ and hydrodynamic cavitation in the degradation of dyes. With the increase in pressure the degradation was found to be increased and with decrease in orifice diameter and cavitation number the degradation was found to be increased. It was observed that maximum of 98.42% and 62.48% of malachite green and methyl violet solution degraded without oxidant at 5 kg/cm² using 2 mm orifice. 2 mm orifice was found to give maximum degradation. Degradation increased with increase in pH and temperature. At pH 11, 100% degradation of green solution was observed at the end of 40 minutes and 95.22% degradation of violet dye solution at end of 60 minutes was found, when operated at 5 kg/cm² pressure using 2 mm orifice.

16 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

018131   Lahoti S R;Rathi N S;Chole S R (Dairy Science Dep, Yogeshwari Science College, Ambajogai-431 517, Email: shantilahoti@yahoo.co.in) : Ruminant and environment. Agric Rev 2016, 37(1), 72-6.

Major green house gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide which are emitted directly and indirectly by ruminants. More than 80 per cent methane is normally produced during enteric fermentation. Methane has the second largest contributor to the green house effect and has 23 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide. The Indian contribution of methane from all sources is around 12 per cent of total world production, in which mostly by emission by ruminants. India possesses largest ruminant population. An effort is made to mitigate the methane production in the ruminants. Nutritional management like good quality feed, use of higher concentrates, supplementing cattle diets with urea molasses block licks, fiber palletisation, breeding management like AI., ETT, In vitro fertilization which improves genetics and reproductive efficiency can also improve production efficiency which reduces green house gas emission.

^iia1 table, 48 ref

018130   Koti H;Ranganath G;Rajakumara H N (Mechanical Engineering De, Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur-635 109, Email: halkoti@gmail.com) : Study of Traffic noise in urban street canyons of Bengaluru city. Curr Sci 2016, 110(6), 1072-8.

In urban street canyons, external noise environment is a critical restriction to the opening of building windows for natural ventilation. The high external noise intensities are often used to substantiate the utilization of air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings. Therefore, a systematic method of examining the noise levels in urban street canyons is essential if the potential for natural ventilation is to be estimated. The noise levels and natural ventilation in urban street canyons depend on many aspects such as existing street dimensions, height of buildings and traffic density. A study has been carried out in a street to examine the variation in noise levels vertically in order to provide technical inputs on natural ventilation potential in urban street canyons. In this study, a number of noise measurements were made in urban street canyons of Bengaluru City, in residential and commercial areas with respect to aspect ratio (height of building/street width) changing from 1.0 to 4.0. With the help of measured data, a statistical model was developed. A linear regression analysis has been used. The model can be used to predict variation of noise level in vertical direction in urban street canyons. The variation of noise level is found to be a function of street width and height of a building above the street level, but the highest level of reduction is almost entirely a function of the aspect ratio. The rate of attenuation of foreground noise (L₁₀) is greater than the background noise (L₉₀) with height.

11 illus, 6 tables, 4 ref

018129   Karna N;Hari Prasad K S;Giri S;Lodhi A S (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Roorkee, Roorkee, Email: nilav.nitk@gmail.com) : Intrusion of fine sediments into river bed and its effect on river environment. J Hydrol Engng 2015, 21(2), 142-50.

Fine sediments enter into the river through various sources such as channel bed, bank, and catchment. It has been regarded as a type of pollution in river. Fine sediments present in a river have a significant effect on river health. Benthic micro-organism, plants, and large fishes, all are part of food chain of river biota. Any detrimental effect on any of these components of food chain misbalances the entire riverine ecosystem. Numerous studies have been carried out on the various environmental aspects of rivers considering the presence of fine sediment in river flow. The present paper critically reviews many of these aspects to understand the various environmental impacts of suspended sediment on river health, flora and fauna.

1 illus, 1 table, 85 ref

018128   Kanber S A (NO, Dentistry College, Wasit University, Kut, Wasit, Iraq, Email: saka1_nz@yahoo.com.au) : Flocculation as an analytical pre-concentration step and regeneration of flocculent agent. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 783-93.

Finding that resin acids could be recovered from flocs prompted the hypothesis that it might be possible to design an analytical technique based on pre-concentration by flocculation of the low levels of resin acids in highly diluted receiving water samples. 95-100% of expected resin acid levels were recovered in experiments performed using undiluted, 5, 10 and 50-fold diluted Tarawera River water. The tertiary flocculation/filtration technology could be efficient as process for resin acid and turbidity removal and more effective for colour removal. It is possible this could be improved by recovery or partial recovery and reuse of the flocculating agent.

1 illus, 10 tables, 9 ref

018127   Jaweed T H;Saptarshi P G;Gaikwad S W (Environmental Sciences Dep, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune-411 007, Email: tasadoqhussain@gmail.com) : Impact of transhumant grazing on physical and chemical properties of soils in temperate pasturelands of Kashmir Himalaya. Range Mgmt Agrofor 2015, 36(2), 128-35.

Lack of data on the soil component of pastures in Kashmir Himalaya is a strong limitation to assess the impact of transhumant livestock on it. During present study the data has been raised for physico-chemical properties of such soils among different grazing intensities designated as lightly grazed (LG), moderately grazed (MG) and heavily grazed (HG). Besides, physical properties like bulk density (BD) and texture, chemical properties like (OC), total N (TN), P, K, Ca, S, Mg, pH and electrical conductivity (EC), which are a function of these cations were worked out. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) and other relevant techniques have been used to analyze the various parameters of soil, which are mostly effected by grazing. Soil OC, Ca and Mg content were observed to decrease with increase in the grazing intensity at sampling depths 0-10 cm. Conversely, total N, P, S and K showed an increase in the total concentration in areas with increased grazing pressures. The uneven grazing intensity (an inherent feature of a transhumant grazing system) makes the soils susceptible for degradation. We need to find the proper balance between light to heavy grazing intensity through proper grazing management and in some cases using judicious herding to distribute livestock.

2 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

018126   Jasper A;et. al. (Program de Pos-Graduacao em Ambiente e Desenvolvimento, PPGAD. Centro Universitario Univates, Lajeado, Brazil, Email: ajasper@univates.br) : Evidence of wildfires in the late permian (Changsinghian) zewan formation of Kashmir, India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(3), 419-23.

The first record of palaeo-wildfire evidence in the form of charcoal is documented from the Late Permian Zewan Formation of the Kashmir region, northwest Himalaya. This evidence is in the form of fragments of tracheids that show homogenized cell walls, a characteristic feature of charcoal. Considering that palaeowildfire studies provide important palaeoecological information, the present study is significant, as it allows reconstructing new information about environmental conditions during the deposition of the sediments of the Late Permian Zewan Formation.

4 illus, 38 ref

018125   Gupta A;Singh A;Tripathi A;Pathak J K (Pollution Ecology Research Laboratory, Botany Dep, Hindu College Moradabad, University of Rohilkand, Rohilkand-244 001, Email: akhil.gupta4@gmail.com) : Bioaccumulation, translocation and internal partitioning of cadmium in Vigna mungo and assessment of its phytoremediation potential. Asian J Adv Basic Sci 2015, 4(1), 42-7.

Seedlings of Vigna mungo T-9 were given Cd exposure (0 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 200 ppm, 300 ppm 500 ppm CdSO₄) in pot experiments having metal amended soils. After 45 days plant parts roots, shoot, and leaves were analysed. Cd accumulation in them was measured with the help of inductively coupled plasma - Optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), after digestion with HNO₃ and perchloric acid. Significant accumulation of Cd occurred in root, shoot and leaves of Vigna mungo. Chlorophyll estimation as also done at different exposure of Cd. Despite high Cd exposure there was mild decline in chlorophyll content and better Cd accumulation especially in roots (37.5 μg/g at 200 ppm CdSO₄) and shoots (20.7 μg/g at 200 ppm CdSO₄) of Vigna mungo T-9 was reported.

3 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

018124   Gadgil S;Francis P A (Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru-560 012, Email: sulugadgil@gmail.com) : El Nino and the Indian rainfall in June. Curr Sci 2016, 110(6), 1010-22.

Variation of convection over the Northern part of the Tropical West Pacific (NWTP: 120-150E, 20-30N) plays a major role in determining the all-India rainfall in June with deficit (excess) in rainfall associated with enhancement (sup-pression) of convection over NWTP. In June 2014, the outgoing long wave radiation (OLR) anomaly over this region was unfavourable, whereas in June 2015, the OLR anomaly over NWTP was favourable and the all-India rainfall was 16% higher than the long-term average. We find that during El Nino, when the convection over the equatorial central Pacific intensifies, there is a high propensity for intensification of convection over NWTP. Thus, El Nino appears to have an impact on the rainfall over the Indian region via its impact on the convection over the West Pacific, particularly over NWTP. This occurred in June 2014, which suggests that the large deficit in June 2014, could be primarily attributed to the El Nino acting via intensification of convection over NWTP. variation of convection over the Northern part of the Tropical West Pacific (NWTP: 120-150E, 20-30N) plays a major role in determining the all-India rainfall in June with deficit (excess) in rainfall associated with enhancement (sup-pression) of convection over NWTP. In June 2014, the outgoing long wave radiation (OLR) anomaly over this region was unfavourable, whereas in June 2015, the OLR anomaly over NWTP was favourable and the all-India rainfall was 16 higher than the long-term average. We find that during El Nino, when the convection over the equatorial central Pacific intensifies, there is a high propensity for intensification of convection over NWTP. Thus, El Nino appears to have an impact on the rainfall over the Indian region via its impact on the convection over the West Pacific, particularly over NWTP. This occurred in June 2014, which suggests that the large deficit in June 2014, could be primarily attributed to the El Nino acting via intensification of convection over NWTP.

12 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

018123   Dubey S K;Trivedi R K;Chand B K;Rout S K; Mandal B (Aquatic Environment Management Dep, Faculty of Fisfiery Sciences, West, , Kolkata-700 094) : Response of Anabas testudineus (bloch, 1792) to salinity for assessing their culturepotential in brackish water inundation prone areas of Indian Sundarbans. J Inld Fish Soc India 2015, 47(2), 59-69.

Present study investigated the effect of salinity on growth and survival of Anabas testudineus for assessing their culture potential in brackish water. The estimated median lethal salinity concentration of 96-hour for A. testudineus (1l.74 g) was 18.86 g I". Based on median lethal salinity concentration, survival and growth performances were assessed at three sub-lethal salinity levels. Highest growth performances were obtained in 5 g 1^-1 salinity followed by o g 1^{-1, 10 g 1-1 and 15 g 1-1 salinity. The survival rate was not hampered up to 10 g 1-1 salinity. This study implies that A. testudineus can be cultured up to 15 g 1-1 salinity and can be considered as an ideal species to promote in Indian Sundarban delta where brackish water intrusion is frequent phenomenon.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 52 ref

018122   Das P K (Geography Dep, Sree Chaitanya College, Habra, P.O- Prafullanagar, Habra, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, Email: pranabtaki@gmail.com) : Global warming, glacial lakes and cloud burst events in Garhwal -Kumaon Himalaya: a hypothetical analysis. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 697-708.

Gloud Burst in Garwal-Kumaon Himalaya, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a common phenomenon. Cloud Burst is a massive downpour associating with flashflood, landslide, and earth flow that causes enough devastation in mountain areas. However, in recent years the frequency of this event has been increased tremendously. One of the important causes of frequent cloud burst is faster evaporation rate from high altitude glacial lakes. The mean temperature of the Earth has been increased 0.75ø C during last century due to global warming, resulting faster destruction of mountain or valley glacier. This phenomenon is already witnessed in Himalaya where glacier and glacial lakes are changing alarmingly. Glacier retreating rate in Himalaya is 10 to 60 m per year. A well number of small glacier (<0.2 sq km) have already disappeared. This glacier melts water and lake comes direct contact with clouds due to higher altitude, create favorable condition of cloud burst in high altitude areas of Uttarakhand. This paper is a Geographical approach to study the Cloud Burst events in Garwal-Kumaon Himalaya highlighting the role of glacier melt water and high altitude lakes on this catastrophic event.

5 illus, 6 tables, 11 ref

018121   Choi S K;Yi H;Moon J;Sung Y;Kang S G (Principal Researcher, Environment Research Center, , RIST, 67, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea, Email: chltkdry@rist.re.kr) : Fouling characteristics of UF and RO membranes for reclamation of the wastewater from Iron and Steel Industry. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 709-16.

Among the whole iron and steel-making processes, wastewaters from coke-making, blast furnace and steel-making contain relatively high organic contaminants due to direct using of raw materials like coal or iron ore. These wastewaters are pretreated by biological nutrients removal processes. On the other hand, wastewater from rolling-mill processes contains mainly inorganic contaminants. In this study, the fouling characteristics of membranes for reclamation of wastewaters from the processes using raw materials were analyzed through the pilot plant operation. The pilot plant was comprised of sand filter, activated carbon filter, ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) processes. Through the fouling effect analysis, algal and bacterial bio-foulings were dominant in the raw water tank and ultrafiltration membrane modules. This serious microbial contamination problem was greatly improved by using disinfectant and protection of sun-light by black painting. In the RO membranes, the alginate type biopolymer originated from microbial metabolism in the biological wastewater treatment process or contaminated membrane module was the main organic contaminant and inorganic contaminants exhibited conventional compound of calcium, silicon or aluminum.

11 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

018120   Bindu Kumari;Mukherjee S;Singh N (School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110 067, Email: binduses@gmail.com) : Groundwater quality assessment in hard rock terrain of part of Ranchi district, Jharkhand, India: an integrated approach. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 754-64.

Physico-chemical parameters of groundwater in the hard rock terrain largely depend upon geological setup of the area. However, anthropogenic activities adversely affected the quality of groundwater. Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) was calculated by considering various physico-chemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, Bicarbonate, Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrate, Sulfate, Calcium, Sodium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, and Manganese) of the groundwater samples, to assess overall quality of groundwater for drinking purposes. Groundwater with poor and very poor quality was observed in the sites contaminated by Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, F^- and Zn²⁺, as these ions were given more weightage due to their greater influence in water quality even in very low concentration. Inverse distance weighted (IDW) raster interpolation technique of Spatial Analyst Module was used to generate the spatial distribution maps of various groundwater quality parameters. Good to very good quality of groundwater (GWQI <60>50) was reported in approximately 33% of the study area while Poor to very poor quality of groundwater GWQI <62>75) was reported in around 35% of the study area, which needs immediate management.

6 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

018119   Bhuyan S I;Momin K G (Botany Dep, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, 9th Mile, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya-793 101, Email: safibhuyan@gmail.com) : Role of soil physical properties in Ecological restoration of coal mine land: a study in East Garo hills, Meghalaya. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 681-7.

Meghalaya is a state of the north eastern region which is recognized as a treasure of many valuable minerals. Mining operations were left to the local miners to take up coal mining as cottage industries since most of the coal deposits are small and isolated and were not amenable for scientific mining to be conducted in the organized sector. The study of soil physical properties has been done between different restored sites from 5 to 25 years old restored land. The changes in physical properties affect ecological succession and distribution pattern of plant species in our environment. When deforested land is abandoned, it goes through successional stages by varying stages of vegetation re-establishment. By this process the soil will regenerate restoring physical, chemical properties and microbial population. The soil samples collected from different restored areas shows quite improvement in soil properties. The good indicators of the soil quality including soil macroporosity, total porosity and bulk density were being recovered. The improvement in the soil properties helps in further recovery of the derelict soil.

3 tables, 18 ref

018118   Bayu T Y (NO, Arba Minch Univ, Arba Minch, Ethiopia) : Mountain resource degradation and out-migration in Sura-Lanta plateau, sw Ethiopia. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2015, 5(3), 216-29.

The Sura-Lanta plateau of Gamo highland, is an extensive mountain grassland, which is the home of nearly a tenth of a million people, likely to constitute one of the most affected part of the Ethiopian mountain system that have long suffered from environmental degradation of varying categories. In the study GIS and Remote sensing techniques, multiple regression model and qualitative data analysis techniques were utilized to analyze the collected data. Landover and use change detection analysis depicts that there was a substantial alteration of cover types. Here cropland, bare land and homesteads were revealed significant positive change at the expense of woodland and grassland, which was squeezed by 5.83% and 4.97%, respectively. Furthermore in the same period, the grassland was overstocked and size of livestock is exceeded beyond the carrying capacity of the grassland (24.5%), suggesting that overgrazing is critical environmental constraint in the area. Due to extreme poverty, landlessness, lack of market outlet to traditional garment products, locally known as "shema" and subsistence farm production young people are prone to rural-urban migration. The study confirmed that among considered thirteen independent variables, eight variables such as farmland scarcity, low livestock possession, seeking for better social services, large household size, preference of weaving, lack of family support, low market outlet and unproductive farmland are the determinants of out migration as explained by 55% of the variance and found to be statistically significant with F-ratio (ANOVA) 15.43.

2 illus, 6 tables, 24 ref

018117   Banwade N;Padigala B;Chattergee K (JK Lakshmi Cement, , Dist- Durg, Chhattisgarh, Email: padigala.bhaskar@gmail.com) : Comparative performance evaluation of aerobic treatment technologies on food industry effluent. Int J envir Sci 2015, 5(4), 870-9.

Amongst growing concern on depleting water resources and surface water pollution, industrial sectors in India are in dilemma, especially food and fruit processing industries. Traditionally, food industries contribute majorly, both in water consumption and discharge of effluent with high percentage of organic content. Unsupervised and unregulated operation of these units has significantly contributed in aggravating water pollution in India, and continues to do so. However, treatment of the food and fruit processing waste water is possible, but the important issue is to choose efficient and economically viable treatment technology for the specific type of waste water. Thus, this article has tried to dwell on this issue by undertaking lab scale comparative performance analysis of few aerobic treatment technologies (Stabilization Pond, Activated Sludge Process, Fluidized Aerobic Biological Reactor and Rotating Biological Contractor) on food and fruit processing industry effluent. The study was conducted at same organic loading rate and the performance of the technology is find out on the basis of the HRT and highest COD and BOD reduction rate. Study results indicates that fluidized aerobic biological reactor shows the highest COD and BOD reduction with lowest HRT as compare to other technology, whereas activated sludge process shows 84.76% COD and 90.76% BOD reduction in 9 days HRT. The lowest COD and BOD reduction was shown by rotating biological contractor and stabilization pond.

4 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

018116   Bagchi S S (VIPL, Reliance Power, D-3, MIDC, , Butibori, Nagpur) : Weaver ants as bioindicator for rainfall: An observation. Archiv appl Sci Res 2015, 7(1), 66-7.

Weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) build their nest by binding fresh leaves with silk from their larva. They have a shade of red colour and are known for their painful, irritating sting. They built nests when relative humidity is high, ranging from a mean daily minimum of 54% to amean daily maximum of 94%, during monsoon , before rainy season and off- seasonal rain. This humidity range is very much applicable to Central India especially Nagpur. Recent observation has shown that ant behaviour of building nest is related to rainfall and amount of rain in monsoon of Nagpur district can be predicted based on the size, shape, numbers and position of weaver ants' nests. This data is not valid in coastal region of India as the humidity is prevalent almost in all seasons.

1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

018115   Akhand A;Chanda A;Das S;Sanyal P;Hazra S (School of Oceanographics Studies, Jadavpur Univ, 188 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, Email: aniraban.akhand@gmail.com) : High cadmium contamination at the gateway to sundarban ecosystem driven by Kolkata metropolitan sewage in India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(3), 386-91.

Cr, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, Co and Fe content in the surface sediments was studied at three sites along a 20 km stretch on the Bidyadhari River (situated at the gateway to Indian Sundarban mangrove ecosystem) starting from the sewage outfall zone of the Kolkata metropolis (northern limit of Sundarban) during the dry (March) and wet (August) seasons in the year 2011. The concentration levels of the heavy metals (mg kg^-1) were in the following order: Fe (30399 ± 3679) <62> Cr (68.16 ± 39.28) <62> Zn (61.33 ± 10.47) <62> Ni (32.50 ± 4.79) <62> Cu (27.67 ± 6.59) <62> Pb (19.69 ± 5.20) <62> Co (15.23 ± 4.39) <62> Cd (1.70 ± 0.63). Computation of pollution load index comprising all the heavy metals was found higher during the wet season, mainly due to the enhanced surface run-off led by monsoonal rain. Concentrations of Cr and Co were found higher than the world average in a few cases (especially during wet season); however, computation of pollution indices like contamination factors, enrichment ratio and geoaccumulation index exhibited extremely high Cd contamination in all the sites and during both seasons.

2 illus, 5 tables, 30 ref

018114   Ahmad H (Mathematics Dep, Statistics & Computer Science, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G. B. Pant University of Agr, Pantnagar-263 145) : Trends and variability of climatic parameters in Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Bioinfolet 2016, 13(2A), 226-33.

Climatic data over a period of 33 years (1981-2013) was processed to find out the annual trend and as well as variability of various metrological parameters. An increasing trend in maximum and minimum temperature, rain fall, rainy days, relative humidity; while decreasing trend in wind speed was observed over the years. There was increase in maximum temperature @ 0.03°C per year, and that in minimum temperature it was 0.06°C per year. Rainfall increased @ 23.7 mm per year with marginal increase in rainy days. Type IV Pearson's distribution was observed in case of rain fall and rainy days.

14 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

017106   Zohra A;Khalladi M;Okkacha H;Zohra B (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, Univ of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, BP 32 EL Alia 16111 BAB Ezzouar Algiers, Algeria, Email: zohra-zouzou@volia.fr) : Integration of multi-source data into A geographic information system G.I.S for the mapping Alfa grass Southern Oran Saida, Algeria. Ecol Envir Conserv 2015, 21(4), 1633-42.

The objective of the study is the identification and mapping of zones Alfa at the level of wilaya of Saida. and this through a methodology which combines both between phytoecological diagnosis (sampling techniques) and tools of GIS Geographic Information Systems, to create a georeferenced database on the Alfa. This enables to characterize the ecosystem of Alfa in its environment (climate, flora and soil). The study identified 13 plant groups corresponding to the steppe to Alfa. The synthesis of different historical cartographic data associated with field studies and applications related to the G.I.S has developed a geographic distribution map of the Stipa tenacissima and also to establish a map of proposed actions for a better management of this ecosystem in the study area. Two types of ecosystems can be distinguished: mixed ecosystem to Alfa in Northern and ecosystem to Alfa in Southern.

6 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

017105   Velumani K;Kumar P E;Sivakumar V (Chemistry Dep, Sri Vasavi College, Erode-638 009, Email: kvsvc06@rediffmail.com) : Adsorption of chromium (VI) using a non-conventional adsorbent. Rasayan J Chem 2016, 9(2), 149-59.

Activated carbon was prepared from Passiflora foetida plant seed by chemical activation with KOH. The prepared activated carbon was characterized and utilized for the chromium (VI) removal from the aqueous solution. The effect of pH, contact time, initial concentration of adsorbate and temperature on the adsorption of Cr (VI) was investigated. The Cr (VI) adsorption followed the pseudo second order kinetics with good correlation coefficient. The Freundlich model best described the Cr (VI) adsorption with high correlation coefficient. The thermodynamic parameters such as Free energy change (ΔG°), Enthalpy change (ΔH°) and Entropy change (ΔS°) were evaluated. The negative value of ΔG° confirmed the feasibility and spontaneity of the process. Reversibility of Cr (VI) adsorption and reuse of the adsorbent, was investigated by desorption process.

13 illus, 4 tables, 28 ref

017104   Tandon S A;Kumar R;Parsana S (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (N.E.E.R.I.)., Mumbai Zonal Laboratory, 89-B, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Near Worli Flyover, Worli, Mumbai-40 018, Email: tandon.shalini@gmail.com) : Auxin treatment of wetland and non-wetland plant species to enhance their phytoremediation efficiency to treat municipal wastewater. J scient ind Res 2015, 74(12), 702-707.

Auxin treatment of wetland and non-wetland plant species for increasing their phytoremediation efficiency to treat municipal wastewater was studied. The mesocosms were set up with gravels and polyethylene balls as the inert support media. The wetland plant species (Alternanthera philoxeroides, Eichhornia crassipes) and non-wetland species (Chrysopogon zizanioides, Festuca arundinaceae) were treated with six concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 and 10.0 mg/L) of natural auxins (Indole-3-acetic acid, Indole-3-butyric acid) and a synthetic auxin (1-Naphathaleneacetic acid). The optimum auxin concentration was found to be 2 mg/L of IAA, 1mg/L of IAA and 1mg/L of IBA for Alternanthera philoxeroides, Festuca arundinaceae and Chrysopogon zizanioides, respectively. The removal efficiencies of auxin treated Alternanthera philoxeroides, Festuca arundinaceae and Chrysopogon zizanioides for BOD, Nitrate and Phosphate was 12-15, 30-44 and 29-42% more than the untreated plants.

4 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

017103   Susetyo B;Arifin H S;Machfud;Widiatmaka; Arifin N H S (Faculty of Engineering, Bogor, Ibn Khaldun Univ, West Java, Indonesia, Email: budi.susetyo@ft.uika-bogor.ac.id) : Model of trees appraisal using an international shading tree evaluation method at the Ciliwung Riparian area, Indonesia. Ecol Envir Conserv 2015, 21(4), 2067-80.

Riparian zones are globally dominated by illegal settlements leading to reduced green open space area (GOS) and negative ecological impacts. Several tree appraisal methods were implemented in many researches in the world, such as ISA formula-Texas, CTLA-USA, Burnley-Australia, Helliwell-UK, STEM-New Zealand and Norma Granada-Spain. Commonly, the methods considered the basic value, species of tree, condition and location aspect of the tree. The main objective of this research is to evaluate trees value around the Ciliwung riparian area. The current research is a case study of the Ciliwung riparian area of Bogor City, Indonesia. Tree appraisal method in this research is ISTEM (International Shading Tree Evaluation Method), as the modification of ISA formula. The total researched area was approximately 303.84 ha, which consisted of a buffer area of 200 meters on either side of the river up to a distance of 15.19 km from the Ciliwung River, limited to Bogor City. The land cover consisted of a settlement area of 58% and a GOS area of 42%. Potential trees were evaluated using the standard sampling plot method with three repetitions of each type of structure (i.e. rare, moderate and dense areas) depending on the density of building (settlement) and density of standing trees (GOS). The percentage of standing trees area in the settlement were; rare area 12% of total settlement area, moderate area 17%, and dense area 30%, while in the GOS the values were rare area 8% of total GOS area, moderate area 16%, and dense area 8%. Total tree values for 2014 were calculated to be US $ 16.791.234. Current dynamic model was designed to estimate the projected trees value until the year 2030. Three scenarios developed resulted in trees yield value of U.S. $ 64,706,109 (optimistic); U.S. $ 78,556,923 (moderate), and U.S. $ 93,623,117 (pessimistic). The finding of research is implementation of trees appraisal model using ISTEM to predict the potential trees value in the river riparian through the urban area in Indonesia. Hence the model should serve as a tool for new regulations formulation of riparian management.

10 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

017102   Shubhankar B;Ambade B (Chemistry Dep, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur-831 014, Email: 2013rsch001@nitjsr.ac.in) : Review on deposition of atmospheric PAH_s and interaction with other environmental matrices and its source apportionment with respect to Indian scenario. Rasayan J Chem 2016, 9(2), 243-53.

Atmospheric bulk deposition of PAH_s is the comprehensive pathway for transfer of these compounds to other environmental matrices. In India, prevailing atmospheric conditions during different seasons of the year are unique. Thus, the factors governing bulk deposition of PAH_s in India are quite discrete from that of other parts of the world. In our literature survey, an attempt has been made to study the contribution of bulk deposition PAH_s into various other environmental compartments including soil, street dust, river water and sediment. PAH_s are a unique class of organic pollutants containing 2 or more fused aromatic rings, which are very lethal and potent carcinogens. Their occurrence has been reported from various places which indicates their ubiquitous nature of our environment. USEPA has already listed 16PAH_s as most priority ones to be analysed in various environmental matrices. The meteorological parameters played a significant role in atmospheric deposition of PAH_s with temperature dependent scavenging for LMWPAH_s. The exposure risk for PAH_s in all the environmental matrices was found to be the maximum during dry season.

94 ref

017101   Shubhankar B;Ambade B (Chemistry Dep, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur-831 014, Email: 2013rsch01@nitjsr.ac.in) : Spatio-temporal variability of ambient trace gas pollutants and their PCA predication: A comprehensive review. Rasayan J Chem 2016, 9(2), 112-20.

This review work is intended to serve as an in-depth analysis of national and international spatial and temporal variation of ambient air pollutants patterns like SO₂, NO₂ and diurnal variation of surface O₃ and CO are taken into consideration. The gaseous pollutants vary from city to city. As the local people's life style influences a lot in their emission. It is found that in most of the city SO₂ is under permissible level, Whereas NO₂ is somewhere seen to have high concentration as well as somewhere low concentration. Vehicle emission is the main source of NO₂. Similarly, CO pollution is also dependent on vehicle emission. The secondary pollutant surface O₃ are found in different parts of India and abroad. It is found that in most of the places it has not exceeded its prescribed standard limits, but its formation is not only dependent on its precursors but also on the prevailing meteorological condition. For validation of the result and for predicting and identifying the major source Factor analysis and PCA have also been used. A few mentionable research works on monitoring of the trace gas pollutant in the ambient air are as follows.

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017100   Sengupta K K (ISSPA Mitra and Director, Centre for Fundamental Studies in Coatings Technology, Kolkata, Email: author.paintindia@gmail.com) : Journey towards independence from fossil solvents. Paintindia 2015, 65(1), 79-80.

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