014047   Rahman A (Botany Dep, R.D & D.J. College, Munger-811 201, Email: hedaya033@gmail.com) : Impact of cigarette factory effluent on morphological and biochemical contents of gram (Cicer arietinum L.). Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(1), 97-104.

Tobacco is commonly used for cigarette production and chewing purposes. The wastewater of cigarette factory contains processes wastewater and domestic wastewater. Treatment plant basically includes equalization tank, chemical treatment unit and biological unit. Tobacco factory wastewater contains some toxic contaminants are nicotine, flavouring chemicals containing glycogen and alcohol, absorbable organic halogens. (AOX) and pesticides from tobacco leaves. A laboratory work was under taken to assess the wastewater quality parameters of ITC Munger, cigarette factory effluent and their effect of various concentrations like %, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% on morphological and biochemical contents of gram (Cicer arietinum L.) seedlings, The Physico-chemical analysis of the effluent revealed that cigarette factory effluent was acidic in nature and rich in TDS (1770), BOD (1350), COD (1216) indicates high inorganic and organic load. The morphological growth parameters (seed germination percentage, seedling growth, fresh and dry weight of seedlings) and biochemical characteristics (chlorophyll, carotenoids, sugar, starch, protein and amino acid) showed the increased trend at 25% (v/v) concentration. However, the increased concentration from 50% to 100% (v/v) of effluent reduced the above mentioned parameters. Re-use of cigarette factory diluted effluent for irrigation would not only solve the disposal problem but also serve as a additional source of liquid fertilizer.

6 illus, 2 tables, 50 ref

014046   Pramanik S;Chaudhuri S (Botany Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani, Nadia-741 404, Email: sujatachaudhuri@gmail.com) : Decolourization of congo red by Hypocrea nigricans from forest litter layer. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(1), 49-53.

Soil and water body contamination by high molecular weight dye effluents is a major concern worldwide. Congo Red (CR), a high molecular weight diazo dye, is extensively used in textile industries as well as in biological laboratories. In the present work fungi mediated decolourization of CR by Hypocrea nigricans collected from the forest litter bed of Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary, Nadia, West Bengal was studied. Positive and significant decolourization (61.7%) was observed in liquid growth media supplemented with CR.

4 illus, 29 ref

014045   Pragati (Botany Dep, M.S. College, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: dr.pragatishivach@yahoo.com) : Microbial analysis of water. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(1), 127-8.

Purpose of microbial testing of product and water is the microbial contamination in drugs, because if product and water are contaminated by microorganisms these are harmful to human beings and animals. It pathogen contamination is present in drugs, these pathogenic bacteria cause diseases in consumer while we know that these products are used to inhibit the causative agents so microbial testing is most important for drugs, products and water.

2 tables, 5 ref

014044   Mukherjee S;Tappe W;Weihermuller L;Burauel P;Vereecken H (NO, Institute fur Bio- und Geowissenschaften, IBG-3 Agrosphare, Forschungszentrum Julich, 52428 Julich, Germany, Email: s.mukherjee@fz-juelich.de) : Soil using for decontamination of point source pollution of ground and surface water in combination with bio-energy residues. SATSA Mukhapatra 2015, 19, 83-7.

To overcome the problem of on-farm point pollution originated from cleaning pesticide spraying equipment, easy and cheap on-farm biopurification systems are under development. To optimize such systems, the combination of soil amended with biochar and/or digestate are under investigations. Therefore, a sophisticated screening procedure based on respiration, degradation and sorption/desorption are under investigations to identify the most appropriate mixture with respect to different radiolabelled pesticide classes (herbicides, fungicides and mixtures). The present paper is aimed mainly to focus on the outcomes of the screening steps which will already provide information about the microbial activity and efficiency of the suitable mixture for the biopurification system.

10 ref

014043   More R S;Chaubal S S (NO, The Institute of Science, Cama Road, Mumbai-32, Email: rrushikeshh@gmail.com) : Physico-chemical characteristestics of Mithi river, Mumbai. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(1), 165-8.

Present paper deals with the assessment of water quality of Mithi river of Mumbai. The study was carried out over a period of one year. Water Samples were collected from four different sampling locations, each with ecological and geographical variation. Tha results obtained from different parameters studied were pH (75 -7.28), Sodium (12mg/l - 4080mg/l), Potassium (07mg/l - 792.6mg/l), Magnesium (140mg/l - 3000mg/l), Total Phosphorous (0.0004 mg/1 - 2.30 mg/1), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (0.8 mg/1 - 3.5 mg/1) and Chloride (1.775 mg/1 - 3.25 mg/1), Dissolved Oxygen (1.2mg/l - 4 mg/1), Biological Oxygen Demand (0.0mg/1 -3.4mg/l), Chemical Oxygen demand(8mg/l - 44mg/l), MPN (4.0 - 400 MPN/100ml). Each of which kess or greater in quantity, contributes to the ecosystem significantly. Majority of the parameters exhibited higher levels at sampling stations 2, 3 and 4 indicating pollution load due to domestic sewage discharge and addition of effluents from nearby industries.

1 table, 22 ref

014042   Maruthi Y A;Das N L;Ramprasad S (Environmental Studies Dep, GITAM Institute of Science, GITAM Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 045, Email: ymjournal2014@gmail.com) : Assessment of the quality of school chalks: an intuitive approach. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 567-71.

Most of chalks producing in India are of poor quality and dusty black board chalks. Good quality and dustless black board chalks are importing from Europe, China, Taiwan and United States of America. The essential factors required for chalks are lacking in the chalks. Investigations of the factors that indicate the quality of chalks were determined based on Indian standard institute certification standards for school chalk.

7 tables, 6 ref

014041   Mamatha H M;Jayalatha N A;Veena D V;Veena Kumara A D I (Environmental Engineering PG Dep, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere-577 004, Email: drveena.adi@gmail.com) : Assessment of groundwater quality in and around Shanthisagar lake, Channagiri taluka region, Karnataka, India. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 527-34.

Ground waters amples collected from different areas in and around Shanthisagar Lake, Channagiri taluk, Davangere District, India were analysed for their physicochemical characteristics. The various physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, Chloride & Fluoride were determined using standard procedures. The results of analysis were compared with the water quality standards of WHO, ICMR, Indian Standards, and USEPA. The study is an attempt to as certain the quality of groundwater for different purposes in the sampling areas.

6 illus, 6 tables, 7 ref

014040   Loria N;Verma K S;Bhardwaj S K;Brahmi M K (Environmental Science Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: lorianancy@gmail.com) : Impact of catchment land use on water quality of pong wetland of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J Ecol 2015, 42(1), 21-6.

Four tributaries viz., Buhal, Dehar, Gaj and Baner those directly drain into Pong reservoir of Himachal Pradesh and three land uses viz., agriculture, pasture, forest in the tributries' catchment were selected and their impact was studied on the water and silt quality of the wetland during the year 2:11-12. The results of correlation studies exhibited that the characteristics of the wetland catchment area has a bearing on the quality of lake water which further indicated that the land use in the catchment of wetland has started impacting the water quality of the wetland. Bathymetric analysis revealed that lake was sedimented upto the level of 6 meters since its formation during 1975.

1 illus, 5 tables, 12 ref

014039   Kumar A;Ranjan A;Gulati K;Thakur S;Jindal T (NO, Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology Safety and Management Amit, Noida-201 303, Email: akumar6@amity.edu) : Assessment of groundwater quality: leachabilty of the contaminants from soil near unlined drain site of Delhi, India. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 635-45.

Identification of proxy indicator for groundwater infiltration of chemical and bacteriological contamination is an important step in managing groundwater resources and hazard assessment. The study explored, physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses of borehole water samples from three different locations of Delhi, named Khyberpass, Mori gate and Delhi gate. All the borehole water samples were collected near drain site from a radial distance of 100-150 meter. The parameters determined included; color, odor, visible particles, pH, temperature, chloride, total hardness, Ca^{2+ hardness, Mg2+ hardness, electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, total alkalinity, dissolved Oxygen, biological oxygen demand chemical oxygen demand, NO₃- and NO2- using convectional equipments and standard laboratory procedure. Most of these parameters indicated traceable pollution but most of these were below World Health Organization (WHO), water quality standard for drinking purpose. The pH and temperature were ranged between 6.7 to 7.0 and 21.5 °C to 23.0 °C respectively below the standard. However concentration of NO₃- (51.65 mg L-1) in Morigate, dissolved oxygen above 6.0 mg L-1, alkalinity (256.0 mg L-1) in Khyberpass, total dissolved solids above from 500.0 mg L-1, electric conductivity above from 1400.0 μs/cm, Ca2+ hardness above from 75 mg L-1 and chloride (264.0 mg L-1) in Morigate were indicating toxic pollution level in borehole water samples. However, higher contamination was estimated in Mori gate borehole water sample than Delhi gate and Khyberpass. Contamination in water samples indicated unlined drain of nearby location and saturated soil profile from contaminants (naturally occurring ions, CO32-, HCO₃-, and OH- salts of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Cl- and Na+) may present possible risk to leach down into the water aquifer. Bacteriological examinations revealed severe pollution in all borehole water samples. Statistical analysis indicated significant difference among most of the parameters tested for in the borehole water samples at 95% level. The effect of such pollution as determined from the study declined away from the polluting source. Therefore, in conclusion, preventing human's activities to control the sewage discharge directly into environment and entering water body is the key to avoiding bacterial as well as chemical contamination of borehole water.}

5 illus, 4 tables, 43 ref

014038   Krishan G (NO, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, Uttrakhand) : Environmental tracer techniques in groundwater investigations. Wat Energy int 2015, 58(7), 57-63.

5 illus, 3 tables, 43 ref

014037   Kaushal Kumar;James A;Mishra S;Paliwal H B (Environmental Science Dep, SHIATS-Deemed Univ, Allahabad-211 007, Email: a.james552@gmail.com) : Environmental impact of flyash on growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum mill.) and soil health. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 597-601.

Fly ash (FA), the notorious waste product of coal based thermal power plants, known for its ill effects on agricultural land, may now come as an aid for the farming community. Because of its great availability and low cost, further possibility of its usage should be investigated. Fly ash from both coal and lignite- acts as a good carrier for bio pesticides. It is used as a conditioner to arrest soil erosion, and to induce plant resistance against diseases. However, several studies proposed that FA can be used to improve physical, chemical and biological properties of the degraded soils and is a source of easily available and cheaper micro, macro-nutrients for crops. Thus use of fly-ash is an effective way of utilization of problematic fly-ash waste in a useful manner. In this study, the review covers the sources, merits and applications of fly ash and fly ash based bio pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture.

13 illus, 18 ref

014036   Kashyap R;Verma K S;Bhardwaj S K;Sharma J K (Environmental Science Dep, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: rachit198@gmail.com) : Hydrochemistry of dissolved metals in Yamuna river around industrial hub of Himachal Pradesh, India. Appl biol Res 2015, 17(3), 288-96.

The Yamuna river flows through Sirmour district in Himachal Pradesh (India) and receives domestic and industrial effluents from different villages and Ponta-sahib industrial hub situated on its bank. Ninety six surface water samples were collected from eight sites from the river during 2014 and 2015. Water quality with respect to 9 heavy metals (Cr, Cu, As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Mn, Zn & Fe) and 3 non-metals (NO3, Mg & Ca) was assessed for their variations, source apportionment and pollution indexing. Principal component analysis (PCA) outcome of different factors indicated natural and anthropogenic activities as contributing factors for metals profusion in the river. During 2014, three principal components were identified to be responsible for river water deterioration and accounted for 94.73% of overall total variance. PCA1 in 2014 accounted for 70.16% of total variance and was characterized by high loading for Cr, Cu, NO3, As, Mn, Zn, Fe, Mg and Ca. River stretch during 2015 showed high pollution load and two principal components were identified responsible for the impairment of river water which accounted for 88.67% of the overall total variance. PCA1 in 2015 accounted for 75.74% total variance and registered high loading for Cr, Cu, As, Ni, Mn, Zn, Fe, Mg and Ca. Based on pooled pollution index, in river water Cr, As and Zn were seriously (24.74), moderately (0.616) and slightly (0.380) polluting metals, respectively. Although river quality does not pose any serious threat to human health still various activities domiciledatdownstreamneedtobediscontinuedto restore water quality.

1 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

014035   Jena S;Pradhan K C (Chemistry Dep, College of Basic Science & Humanities, OUAT, BBSR, Odisha, Email: swarnajena.chem@gmail.com) : Linear regression and correlation analysis of water quality parameters of daya canal at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 611-17.

Present study was carried out in Daya Canal to assess the river's water pollution. Eight different sites were selected to collect samples which are regularly polluted by industrial, domestic and municipal wastes. Different parameters were measured and the data were used to statistical analysis. By calculating correlation coefficient 'r' and drawing dotted graphs a good correlation was established between different parameters which shows a significant linear relationship between them.

10 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

014034   Gunaga S V;Vasudeva R (College of Forestry, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Sirsi campus, Sirsi-581 401, Email: msgunaga@gmail.com) : Do fresh water swamps of the central western ghats differ in their species composition across latitude?. Indian J Ecol 2015, 42(1), 135-8.

Study was conducted in three geographically isolated clusters of fresh water swamps of the Central Western Ghats viz. Northern, Central and the Southern regions to understand differences in the species composition of different latitudes. A checklist of all the plant species was prepared by running a line transect along the main stream of every swamp. Total of 129 plant species belonging to 104 genera and 49 families were recorded. Swamps of central region were more specious (73) than southern latitudes swamp (48). Species categorized as exclusive swampy and evergreen species were predominant in central swamp where as invaded species are more in Southern Swamp. However, when typical swamp species were compared, northern and central swamps shared 50% species, while northern and southern swamps were similar only for about 30%. Further, central and southern swamps were more similar (37%); suggesting a gradual change in the typical swamp species across latitudes.

2 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

014033   Bhaskar Padigala (Faculty of Planning, Center for Environmental Planning & Technology Univ, Ahmedabad-380 009, Email: padigala.bhaskar@gmail.com) : Urbanization and river health in India: understanding interactions and impacts. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 519-26.

Cities in India are developing at a faster rate, stimulating ever increasing demand for natural resources, resulting in various environmental & health stresses. One such environmental externality of rapid and haphazard urbanization is urban river pollution. One of the primary reasons for deterioration of river stretches across India is due to uncontrolled disposal of untreated wastewater, especially domestic sewage disposal from urban areas. Significant difference in the sewage generation & treatment capacities within the cities, owing to increasing wastewater generation and insufficient sewerage and sanitation infrastructures, is leading to disposal of large amount of untreated domestic sewage into the rivers. Thus, there is an urgent need for both policymakers and practitioners to rethink on strategies such as increasing sewerage collection networks, decentralized wastewater treatment and wastewater reuse etc. which could contribute in reducing disposal of wastewater and thereby improving river health in the country.

3 illus, 32 ref

014032   Basri K;Sahabuddin E S;Tokan M K (Technology and Vocational Education Dep, FKIP Undana, Kupang - Indonesia., Email: basrik.1964@yahoo.com) : Car pollution measurement (a study on 'health' environment). Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 497-502.

Fact that vehicles, especially cars both which use gasoline or diesel fuel significantly effect air pollution. Such a condition needs a measurement of the air pollution intensity as a basic of solution of the air pollution increase. Therefore the aim of this article is to study the measurements of: (1) engine CARB test; (2) constant volume sampling system (CVS); (3) driving cycle for emission test; and (4) engine exhause smoke. The method used is the study of the CARB test to measure gas emissions, where the cars are arranged on the chassis dynamometer that can stimulate the attraction following the road and cars are tensioned moisture; CVS system, in which a positive displacement fan draw air into the aqueous and mixing with the flue gas; then cycle for emission test, where the car is placed on a chassis dynamometer, starting from a cold engine and driven through the 23-minute driving cycle, and the engine smoke measurement performed on an experimental place, and the machine is turned on and then gassed, no load. The result of this study shows that for: (1) engine CARB test results a condition stimulation of continously speed and load vehicles in an engine test; (2) CVS with constituent results a light exhaust gas with a higher clean volume air, a less pollutant, and a good calculation and accurate; (3) driving cycle of emission test results a tighter emission control development; (4) smoke of engine for a certain speed and a maximum load results smoke concentration more accurate.

5 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

014031   Bansal O P (Chemistry Dep, Dharm Samaj Degree College, (Affilited to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Univ, Agra), Aligarh-202 001, Email: drop1955@gmail.com) : Impact of three carbamate pesticides on soil microbial diversity and soil enzymatic activities. Pesticide Res J 2015, 27(2), 180-6.

Effect of different doses of three carbamate pesticides[oxamyl, l{methyl-2-(dimethylamine)-N-[(methylamino) carbonyl)oxy]}-2-oxoethanimidothioate (I);{S-ethyl-N-ethyl (carbamoyl) oxy] thioacetimidate (II) and {N-phenyl (ethylcarbamoyl) propyl carbamate (III) on soil microbial biomass, microbial population and soil enzymatic [dehydogenase (DHA), acid and alkaline phosphatase, urease and catalase] activities in an alluvial soil in laboratory is reported. The enzymatic activities were additionally analyzed in soil amended with sewage sludge and a combination of sewage sludge and pesticides. The microbial biomass increased significantly over the control up to 35 days of incubation under lower doses of pesticides (up to 0.25 g for I, 0.2 g for II and 0.3 g for III kg-1 soil). At lower doses of the pesticides, the microbial population also increased up to 5 weeks of incubation. The higher doses showed adverse effect on microbial biomass and population. All the enzymatic activities significantly decreased up to 2-3 weeks of incubation (14 d for DHA, acid phosphatase and urease, 21 d for alkaline phosphatase and catalase). The activities of all the studied enzymes decreased with increase in pesticide dose. Enzymatic activities were comparatively higher in sewage sludge amended soil in comparison to the unamended soil. A mixture of pesticides and sewage sludge showed no appreciable effect on enzymatic activities.

3 illus, 28 ref

014030   Bandyopadhyay M K;Saha K;Das M K;Sharma A P; Mohanty B P (NO, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120) : Pollution monitoring with Brachionus caudatus as bioindicator. J Inld Fish Soc India 2015, 47(1), 74-7.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

014029   Ajay Kumar;Singh C;Saini P (Life Sciences Dep, ITM Univ, Gwalior-475 001, Email: kumarajayitm@gmail.com) : Seasonal variation in physico-chemical and microbiological analysis of sewage water in Gwalior city, India. Indian J Ecol 2015, 42(1), 279-81.

Present studies were undertaken to assess the pollution level in sewage water in different season such as summer (April), monsoon (July) and winter (December). Sewage water samples were analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters like colour, temperature, taste, pH, turbidity, acidity, hardness, TDS, TSS, TS, chloride, alkalinity, free CO₂, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulphate, DO, BOD, COD. The bacteriological study of these samples included bacteriological parameters like Total plate count (TPC), Most Probable Number (MPN), Total Faecal Coliform (TFC) and Total Streptococcal Count (TSC) has given the information regarding the bacterial load and contamination limit. The present findings reveal that sewage water was highly polluted in summer as a result of contamination with industrial, agricultural and domestic wastes.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

014028   Ahmadi M;Ravanbakhsh M;Ahmadi K;Ramavandi B (Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur Univ of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Email: ramavandi_b@yahoo.com) : Trend analysis of long-term water quality for Zohre river water, Iran. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 489-96.

Zohre River, which is one of four major river systems in Iran, plays an important role as a water resource for agriculture, industry and municipalities in the southwest area of Iran. Low, medium and high values of a water parameter are very important issues in climatological, meteorological and hydrological events. Moreover these values are used to decide various design parameters based on scientific aspects and real applications everywhere in the world. Statistical analysis is essential to analyze environmental data and to identify trends of pollutants over space and time. With this concept, a method proposed by Mann-Kendall was used for water parameters trend. The data of four different stationsat the Zohre River (Kheir Abad, Dehmolla stations, Chambostan and Poleflour) were analyzed for the period 1967-2012. Monthly recorded water electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), HCO₃", SO₄^{2", Cl", Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, water flow rate (m3/s), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), total cations, and total anions were studied. These parameters have been measured by the Khuzestan Water and Power Authority, Iran. Results demonstrated in Chambostan, Kheir Abad, Dehmola, and Poleflure stations Ca2+ and Mg2+ has upward trends due to agricultural activities especially sugar cane drainage. Accordingly, the river issue may need to be factored into the proper establishment of regulatory load requirements and the development of watershed implementation plans.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

014027   Adhikary S P (Botany Dep, Aska Science College, Aska-761 111, Email: adhikarysankarprasad@yahoo.co.in) : Assessment of soil quality along the National highway roadside areas in Berhampur city, Odisha, India. Pollut Res 2015, 34(3), 653-6.

Assessment of soil quality was studied along the NH-59 of high traffic density area in Berhampur city during 2013-14 at different location. The experimental results showed highly contaminated soils basing on their location and traffic density. All observed values of contaminated soil exceed the normal permissible standards. Loading of pollutants in soil might be due to the vehicular emissions, lithogenic and human activities. The modification of soil showed change in pH, EC, WHC, bulk density and heavy metal concentration. Modified environment, with different kind of pollutants affect the ecological homeostasis and human health. The finding in this study will serve to create awareness about dust, particulate matter, heavy metals related pollutant that are produced by vehicular emission and necessary steps should be taken to monitor and curtail vehicular emitted pollutant in city area.

1 table, 15 ref

013036   Young E;Tarawou T (Chemical Sciences Dep, Niger Delta Univ Wlberforce Island, P.M.B. 071, Bayelsa State, Nigeria) : High performance liquid chromatographic determination of pesticide residue in zobo leaves available at local markets in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Int J chem Stud 2016, 4(2), 10-2.

The ingestion of food contaminated with residue pesticides is dangerous to human health. In order to avoid health risks to consumers, residue pesticides must be kept within the WHO/FAO-recommended limits. The aim of this study was to determine residues of Methomyl, carbendazim, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, and thiophanate methyl in zobo leaves. Zobo leaf is a major constituent of zobo drink; a local beverage in Nigeria, Ghana, Caribbean, etc. Seven zobo leaf samples were purchased from three local markets of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Extraction of the pesticides was carried out on each zobo leaf samples using a mixture of ethyl acetate, hexane, and sodium chloride in the ratio of 3:1:1. The extracts were cleaned up on a glass column (containing activated charcoal and anhydrous sodium sulphate) and pre-concentrated in a water bath maintained at 45 °C. Residue pesticides were detected in all samples. The concentrations of residue pesticides ranged from 0.07-0.1 mg per kg of zobo sample while the % contamination in respect of 50 g zobo sample ranged from 0.0001-0.0004. It was found that the concentrations of all residue pesticides were within the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) of Codex Alimentarius Commission standard of 0.1 mg kg^{-1 in zobo leaves. The results indicate that zobo leaves sold at the local markets have sufficient quality for making zobo drinks with respect to residue pesticides.}

1 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

013035   Venkaiah K;Kokku S B;Arlappa N;Rao K M;Reddy C G;Kumar S;Ravindranath M;Laxmaiah A;Brahmam G N V (Division of Biostatistics, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Email: arlappan@yahoo.com) : Impact of chronic drought on nutritional status of the community in drought affected areas in India. Indian J community Hlth 2015, 27(4), 478-84.

Communities affected by chronic drought conditions face a wide variety of challenges including an adverse effect on their nutritional status. The Government of India, during the year 2002-03, declared nine States viz., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Orissa as drought affected. At the request of Department of Agriculture, Government of India, a rapid community based cross-sectional study was carried out adopting multistage random sampling procedure with the objective to assess the nutritional status of community in these nine chronic drought affected states in India. In general, the intakes of all the nutrients were grossly deficit as against their RDAs. The nutrition intervention programmes initiated by the Government of India, in general, contributed to meet the daily requirement of staples like cereals & millets in most of the States. In drought-affected areas, where the level of famine impact is unknown, an early rapid assessment of the nutritional status and the health needs of the population are critical to estimate the degree of impact to plan timely and appropriate interventions.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

013034   Singh R P;Singh P K;Singh R L (Biochemistry Dep, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh Univ, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: drrlsingh@rediffmail.com) : Bacterial decolorization of textile azo dye acid orange by Staphylococcus hominis RMLRTO3. Toxic int 2014, 21(2), 160-6.

Bacterial strain RMLRT03 with ability to decolorize textile dye Acid Orange dye was isolated from textile effluent contaminated soil of Tanda, Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh (India). The decolorization studies were performed in Bushnell and Haas medium (BHM) amended with Acid Orange dye. The bacterial strain was identified as Staphylococcus hominis on the basis of 16S rDNA sequence. The bacterial strain exhibited good decolorization ability with glucose and yeast extract supplementation as cosubstrate in static conditions. The optimal condition for the decolorization of Acid Orange dye by Staphylococcus hominis RMLRT03 strain were at pH 7.0 and 35 °C in 60 h of incubation. The bacterial strain could tolerate high concentrations of Acid Orange dye up to 600 mg l^{-1. The high decolorizing activity under natural environmental conditions indicates that the bacterial strain has practical application in the treatment of dye containing wastewaters.}

7 illus, 37 ref

013033   Singh I B;Chaturvedi K (NO, CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, Bhopal-462 064, Email: ibsingh58@yahoo.com) : Immobilization of toxic metals of industrial waste via low temperature vitrification. Indian J chem Technol 2015, 22(3-4), 162-6.

Wastes generated from metal finishing and galvanizing processes, have been vitrified at 800-950°C after heating of waste, clay and sodium carbonate in their different proportions. Observed results indicate that a composition containing 1:1:2 ratio of waste, sodium carbonate and clay attains a clear vitrification at 950°C. TCLP analysis of the leachates obtained from the vitrified masses of different wastes indicates the leachability of Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb becomes far below from their threshold values. Decrease of waste content and increase of sodium carbonate in the mixture has shown a further decrease of vitrification temperature. However, compressive strength of the vitrified mass is found to reduce considerably with the increase of sodium carbonate content in the vitrifying compositions.

3 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

013032   Sebastian J;Thomas A;Suresh Kumar D (NO, Ayurvedic Renaissance-Keralam Ltd, KINFRA Small Industries Park, Nalukettu Road, KINFRA Park P.O.-680 309) : Heavy metals in ayurvedic herbs and traditional ayurvedic formulation. Aryavaidyan 2014, 28(2), 101-14.

Many reports have been published in recent times highlighting the heavy metal toxicity of ayurvedic medicines. Almost all these studies are based on ayurvedic medicines prepared from calcined metals and inorganic substances. No information is available on the content of heavy metals in traditional ayurvedic medicines prepared exclusively from herbs. The present study was therefore, undertaken to fill this lacuna. An attempt has also been made to analyze the heavy metal content of some common ayurvedic herbs. The content of lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury in 126 ayurvedic medicines manufactured by 32 companies was analyzed using ICP-MS. The content of these heavy metals in 34 common ayurvedic herbs was also estimated.

3 tables, 19 ref

013031   Paudyal K;Jhorar R K;Mothi Kumar K E;Sanjay Kumar (Soil and Water Engineering Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: jhorar@yahoo.com) : RS and GIS based quantification of waterlogged areas of Rohtak district with respect to surface drains. Ann Biol 2015, 31(2), 220-3.

Study area (Rohtak district) is faced with both surface and sub-surface waterlogging problems. Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS)-1D imagery was used to delineate surface waterlogged areas through visual inspection of False Colour Composite (FCC) of the study area. Drainage network was digitized using toposheets and updated with satellite imagery. Available data on depth of groundwater level were used to prepare depth to water table map. The total length of digitized drains in the district was computed as 158 km. The total surface waterlogged area in Rohtak district during March 2010 was 16.72 km^{2 which comprised nearly 1% of the total area. Based on water table depth norms, the fully waterlogged area (water table depth <60> 1.5 m) was spread over 1.04% of the study area. Likewise, 28.52% of study area was categorized as waterlogged (water table depth 1.5 to 3 m), 69.08% as potentially waterlogged (water table depth 3 to 10 m) and only 1.36% as safe (water table depth <62>10 m). Majority of surface waterlogged area was located at distance greater than 500 m from the drains. For instance, only about 7, 17, 10, 3 and 11% of the surface waterlogged area in Kalanaur, Lakhan Majra, Meham, Rohtak and Sampla block, respectively, was located within a distance of 500 m from the surface drains. Likewise, negligible area under shallow water table depth (60> 1.5 m) was within a distance of 500 m from the surface drains. Therefore, surface drains are quite effective in controlling both surface and sub-surface waterlogging problems in the vicinity of the drains.}

2 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

013030   Masto R E;Rout T K;Srivastava;Ram L C (Environment Management Div, CSIR-Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research Digwadih Campus, P.O. FRI 828 108 Dhanbad, Jharkhand) : Health status of communities living around Jharia coalfield area. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2015, 23(2), 87-92.

Coal is one of the most abundant and important energy resource of the world. It plays an imperative role in defining economy of a nation. It dominates the energy matrix in India, contributing over 50% of the total primary energy production and is expected to continue as a crucial future energy source. Each step of the coal utilization: mining, transportation, washing, combustion, and disposing of post combustion ashes has impacts on human health. Various human diseases associated with coal mining mainly results from inhalation of particulate matter during the mining process. High levels of coal production were associated with worse health status and with higher rates of cardiopulmonary (heart/lung) disease, hypertension, lung disease, and kidney disease. Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis is characterized by coal dust-induced lesions in the gas exchange regions of the lung. The connection between potential environmental problems with human health is a fairly new field and requires the cooperation of both the geoscience and medical disciplines. The miners as well as the inhabitant's vicinity to the mining areas are generally susceptible to the respiratory disorders due to constant exposure to the coalmine dust for a prolonged period. Health survey was conducted in the close proximity of the 18 different spots where the dust samples were collected with epidemiological questionnaires. Peoples were interacted to give respond about the diseases symptoms they have due to the exposure of environmental contaminants. Each subject was interviewed to assess the accurate medical history like symptoms related with cough, sputum production, and other symptoms related with eyes, nose, throat, chest, etc. Results are presented as percentage of those affected in each site, for a particular characteristic. The extent to which there was a difference between coal mine and control communities was estimated by odds ratio (OR). Statistical significance was evaluated by chi-square test using software (SYSTAT-12). Among the males, the severity of disease symptom in residential site could be arranged as joint discomfort, eye irritation, general weakness, dizziness etc. In case of commercial site the severity is dry cough, eye irritation, general weakness etc. Whereas for female the severity was higher for hip pain followed by eye irritation, general weakness and dizziness. In general, female are more vulnerable to general weakness.

1 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

013029   Maisnam G;Nongtdu D;Rangad L (Agricultural Extension Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia-741 252) : Effect of climate in Meghalaya as percived by the scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Meghalaya, India. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(1), 112-15.

Study was conducted to assess the adverse effect of climate change as perceived by the scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra,Megahlaya. Data were collected from 25 scientists by questionnaire method in the month of October,2012 to January,2013. For this purpose five important components viz. Environment, Hill agriculture and allied, Human and animal health, Forest and wildlife and Hydrology and water resources were identified and presented to the scientists in pairs, in 10 possible combinations, and the scientists were requested to select one component from each pair separately which would be more adversely affected, than the other component due to climate change. For analysis of data the method of Paired Comparisons was followed.It was found that due to climate change Hill agriculture and allied may be severely damaged with highest scale value of 1.513 followed by hydrology and water resources(0.629),environment(0.418),forest and wildlife(0.029) and least affected component is Human and animal health(0.00).The findings revealed that Hill agriculture will be most adversely affected due to climate change in Meghalaya.One of the main reason is practising of jhum cultivation. Therefore,the scientists and the government of Meghalaya may adopt some necessary steps for controlling jhum cultivation.

1 illus, 5 tables, 7 ref

013028   Ishtiyak P;Reddy M;Panse S;Wani I;Peer Q J A (Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir (J&K)) : Impact of climate change and anthropogenic interventions on natural vis-a-vis human resources in Kashmir, India- an overview. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(1), 489-93.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world is facing today and it has the potential to create havoc with the agrarian livelihoods across the globe. Therefore, this paper attempts to explain the probable impacts of human induced climate change on natural resources in Kashmir, India. An ample amount of literature was reviewed meticulously to ascertain the impacts of climatic variability on natural resources vis-a-vis agriculture, biodiversity and water bodies as well as other common issues related to human resources in Kashmir. Loss of certain indigenous food varieties (i.e. nick cheena), reduction in natural forest cover (less than 11%) and loss of important water resources has aggravated the already dilapidated situation in this most vulnerable state of India. Scientific evidences revealed that there will be more devastating climatic effects on natural resources in Kashmir- India, which will fall disproportionately on poor communities, particularly dry land farmers, forest dwellers and fishermen of the state.

18 ref

013027   Gupta R;Sundarrajan S;Mohana Priya K; Arumugam M P;Palanichamy V;Nancy Veena Kumari D (School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: nancyveenakumari@gmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of heavy metal tolerant bacterial isolates VITNJ12 and VITNJ13 from paper mill effluent, Erode district, Tamilnadu, India. Int J Drug Dev Res 2015, 7(1), 145-9.

In this present study total six bacterial isolates were obtained from paper mill effluent collected from Erode district, Tamilnadu, India. Out of these, two isolates VITNJ12 and VITNJ13 has shown the resistance to heavy metals at maximum concentration of 300mg/ml. Then, the isolates were further characterized by morphological, biochemical and molecular technique and the isolates were found to be Acinetobacterschindeleri and Lysinibacillussphaericus. Both the isolates have shown the maximum resistance to antibiotics such as Rifampicin, Miconazole, Fluconazole, Ceflazidime and Methicillin. The heavy metal and antibiotic resistant bacteria isolated from paper mill effluent could be further explored for bioremediation purpose.

5 tables, 17 ref

013026   Fataei E;Varamesh S;Safavian S T S (Environmental sciences Dep, 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 2016, 32(1), 76-87.

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

013025   Fataei E (Environmental sciences Dep, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Ardabil, Iran, Email: ebfataei@gmail.com) : Soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus pools under exotic tree plantations in the degraded grasslands of Iran. Agric biol Res 2016, 32(1), 54-68.

The aim of current research is to evaluate soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus pools, and selected physico-chemical soil properties in a plantation area with 20-year-old exotic tree (Picea abies and Pinus nigra) species. The study area is degraded grassland of Fandogloo Region, Ardabil Province, Iran. Soil samples were collected at three depths such as 0-15 cm, 15-3 Ocm, 20-30cm, and 30-50 cm, and characterized with respect to bulk density, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, texture, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorous. The results showed that afforested stands significantly affected on soil characteristics. The soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (P) were significantly different among the various stands and depths. The minimum amount of soil carbon sequestration in the degraded grassland was 21.40 Mg ha^{-1, which had significantly different from afforested stands. The Pinus nigra had high significant difference in the amount of TN (2.52 Mg ha-1) from the other stands and degraded grassland (1.75Mg ha-1). The amount of available phosphorus of forest stands compared to degraded grassland did not show a significant increase, while a significant decrease of phosphorus was seen in the mixed Picea abies - Pinus nigra stand (42.07 kg ha-1) than the degraded grassland (49.27 kg ha-1). The soil surface layer (0-15 cm) had the minimum SOC, TN, and P than the other lower layers which it could be due to high consumption rate in the primary stages of growth to develop biomass. There was a significant positive correlation between the SOC and TN in the all afforested stands. In general, the afforestation with exotic coniferous species in the degraded grassland improved the SOC and TN, but available phosphorus was no significant increase, meanwhile, it shows a decreasing trend in the study area. Finally, this study illustrated that afforestation with exotic coniferous species in degraded grasslands have a positive impact on surface soil properties and the planting of these species might be useful in soil reclamation projects in the semi-humid regions.}

6 illus, 3 tables, 64 ref

013024   Chelliapan S;Sallis P J (NO, UTM Razak School of Engineering and Advanced Technologi Malaysia, Jalan Semarak-54100, Email: shreeshivadasan@ic.utm.my) : Anaerobic treatment of high containing pharmaceutical wastewater. J scient ind Res 2015, 74(9), 526-30.

Effect of different organic loading rate (OLR) to an anaerobic reactor performance and sulphate reduction was investigated. Sulphate concentration in the feed varied from 100 to 3000 mg.L^{-1 and up to 97% removal efficiency was observed at OLR 0.43 - 1.23 kg COD.m-3.d-1. However, the removal efficiency showed some decline (to 53 - 67% removal) at OLR 1.53 - 3.73 kg COD.m-3.d-1, probably due to high sulphate concentration in the feed during this period. At a reactor OLR of 1.86 kg COD.m-3.d-1 (HRT 4 d), the soluble COD reduction was around 70 - 75%. Nevertheless, when the OLR was increased to 2.48 - 3.73 kg COD.m-3.d-1, the COD removal efficiency decreased to 45%. The microbial aspects of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) results indicated that sulfidogenic bacteria, such as Desulfovibrio, had contributed substantially to the treatment process (around 16 - 36% when the reactor was operated at OLR 0.86 - 2.98 kg COD.m-3.d-1).}

2 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

013023   Agrawal S;Tipre D;Patel B;Dave S (Biotechnology Dep, Sanghvi Institute of Management and Science, Indore-453 331, Email: shaileshrdave@yahoo.co.in) : Nutrients optimization for enhanced bioremediation of textile industry effluent by Providencia sp. SRS82. Agric biol Res 2016, 32(1), 40-53.

In the present bioremediation study, Providencia sp. SRS82, originally isolated from dye contaminated soil showed decolourization and degradation of the textile dye containing effluent. The dye decolourization and degradation activity of the culture was enhanced 12 fold by optimization of required carbohydrate, nitrogen and phosphorus content in the waste water. For the studied textile effluent, 24 h contact time, pH 7.0, temperature 32±2 °C. Addition of 10.0 g/L of Glucose, 6.0 g/L concentration of urea and 0.4 g/L of potassium phosphates in Bushnell Hass medium supplemented with 10% of the textile effluent were found to be optimum for treatment of the textile effluent by Providencia sp. SRS82. In case of undiluted effluents investigated, the organism showed 69.0% to78.42% reduction in COD and 81.0% to 84.32% reduction in ADMI value of the effluent having an initial COD 5632 mg/L and 6600 mg/L and ADMI value 2674 and 8442 respectively, after 48 h of incubation.

3 tables, 7 ref

012033   Zhantlessova S;Zhumadina S (NO, S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State Univ, Kazakhstan, 140 000, Pavlodar, Lomov Street, 64) : Use of dendrochronological methods in the study of birch forest plantations in Kazakhstan. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(2), 1719-25.

This article contains the preliminary study of Betula pendula Roth research in the forest steppe of East Kazakhstan. During a scientific expedition was collected research material for the study of birch plantations, as dendrochronological research of the Betula pendula Roth in the study area has not yet been carried out. Tree-ring chronologies are widely used in the reconstruction, the forecast of the environment, in the dating of historical events, and in recent years in monitoring studies. Their use fundamentally alters the normal monitoring procedure, practically at the same time giving many years material for versatile objective analysis of environmental changes.

2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

012032   Wayal A S;Ameta N K (NO, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dep, Mumbai, Maharashtra) : Experimental analysis of runoff for rain water harvesting catchments with surface improvements. J Indian Wat Wks Ass 2015, 47(1), 312-18.

If the natural soil does not meet the requirements of the structure to be built, for rainwater harvesting catchments, alternate solutions like changing the place of the construction or removing the unsuitable soil layer are uneconomical. For this reason, improvements of the soil properties with various admixtures are widely used in the engineering applications today, as an appropriate and economical solution. This paper focuses on catchment improvement of dune sand fields of Western Rajasthan for water harvesting by addition of Bentonite clay in dune sand. In this study four water harvesting structures (Taankas) were constructed and two catchment surfaces were improved with Dune sand mixed with Bentonite clay and the other two by murum. There was significant yield in catchments prepared from the Dune sand Bentonite mix compared to murum.

4 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

012031   Vankineni I P;Usha Madhuri T (Civil Engineering Dep, Andhra Univ, College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam) : Study on assessment of groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking in Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(2), 138-43.

The importance of water in human life is so much that the development of any civilization has particulary taken place near some sources of water supply. There is a pressing global problem of increasing freshwater scarcity. The other side of the problem is diminishing water quality. The upcoming sub-urban area of Visakhapatnam city, that is Madhurawada is taken as the area of study. Fortyeight samples of groundwater are collected from many of the existing open well, bore well and handpump. These samples are analysed for their physico-chemical parameters, that is pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, total alkalinity, total hardness, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, iron, calcium and magnesium. Suitable conclusions are drawn from the results regarding the existing groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking.

7 ref

012030   Swarna Latha P;Ramesh Kumar P V (Geography Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Monitoring the quality of groundwater in Cherukupalli Mandal, Guntur district. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(2), 110-17.

The results of physico-chemical properties of groundwater samples from selected bore wells in Cherukupalli mandal area of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh were collected in the month of May during the year 2011 (pre-monsoon season) which were analyzed for various water quality parameters by adopting standard methods and compared with the Bureau of Indian Standards. Most of the analyzed groundwater samples showed that the area is under hard water category. Hence, it is suggested to the local authorities that, groundwater in the Cherukupalli mandal area, can be used safely for drinking and domestic purposes after proper pretreatmenf only.

4 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

012029   Sunitha V;Muralidhara Reddy B;Venkata Nagaraja P;Nagamani H (Geology Dep, Yogi Vemana Univ, Kadapa-516 003) : Assessment of groundwater quality in and around Pendlimarri Mandal, Kadapa district. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(2), 163-71.

Drinking water is an important resource that needs to be protected from pollution and biological contamination. Water is vital to health, well-being, food security and socio-economic development of mankind. Underground water is clean but it depends upon quality and quantity of materials dispersed and dissolved in it. Therefore, the presence of contaminants in natural freshwater continues to be one of the most important environmental issues in many areas of the world, particularly in developing countries, where several communities are far away from potable water supply. Low-income communities, which rely on untreated surface water and groundwater supplies for domestic and agricultural uses are the most exposed to the impact of poor water quality. The main objective of this study is to assess groundwater quality in and around Pendlimarri Mandal, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. The study area falls in the Survey of India toposheet no. 57 J/11. Eighteen sample locations were selected and water samples used for drinking purpose were collected from bore wells at different villags of Pendlimarri Mandal of YSR district, Kadapa during the months of Februay and March 2014. Geologically the study area consists of shales, schists amphibolites and iron ore formations. The soil type is predominantly red. This soil is generally of poor quality and extends only to a small depth below the ground level. The top soil has a thickness of 1-2 m and is followed by weathered shales, fractured shales and phyllites. It is observed that most of the groundwater is alkaline in nature. The analytical data reports that the water quality parameters, like pH, EC, Cl^{-, SO₄2-, TDS, Ca2+, Mg2+, total hardness do not meet the water quality standards. The water in the study area is not suitable for domestic consumption without prior treatment.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

012028   Sudarsana Raju G (Geology Dep, Yogi Vemana Univ, Kodapa-516 003) : Hydrogeomorphological and groundwater prospects in and around Rajampet : a combined geophysical and remote sensing approach. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(2), 89-99.

In the study, an attempt has been made to delineate the groundwater potential zones in the Rajampet, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. The present study has been for targeting ground-water in hard rock terrain by adopting geophysical and remote sensing techniques. Information on geomorphology and lineaments were generated and integrated to prepare the hydrogeomorphological and lineament map of the study area. The hydrogeomorphic units, like floodplains, intermontane valley have good groundwater potential and pediplains and pediments have moderate to poor groundwater potential. The structural hills, denudational hills and inselberg are indicated as runoff zone. The areas of intersection points of lineaments in pediplain, floodplain and intermontane valleys are important loci for groundwater occurrence. Vertical electrical soundings reveals that the thickness of the aquifer (that is water bearing and yielding formation) ranges from 20 to 60 m in hydrogeomorphic units, like floodplain, intermontane valley and weathered buried pediplain. The weathered and fractured zone constitutes the aquifer system in area. Depending upon the depth to massive bedrock, suitable groundwater structures have been suggested to harness groundwater for sustaining growth of agriculture and mitigating drinking water problem in Rajampet area.

6 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

012027   Sivakumar R;Sekaran V (Civil Engineering Dep, As-Salam College of Engineering and Technology, Aduthurai, Thanjavur-612 102) : Performance evaluation of modified UASB reactor for treating brewery effluent in mesophilic temperature. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(4), 316-21.

Among all the biodegradable waste streams brewery waste is one of the high biodegradable waste stream with BOD in the range of 2500 to 3500 mg/L and COD from 4600 to 7000 mg/ L. While envisaging in conventional biological treatment process the brewery waste stream suffers substrate inhibition. Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASBR) is a versatile, proven, high rate anaerobic reactor. The substances of the sludge blanket which is more dependent on the biodegradability and nutrients offers an edge for treating highly biodegradable waste stream, such as brewery. The present study evaluated the performance of UASBR through a laboratory model (25 L of effective volume) for treating the brewery effluent in mesophilic temperature (30-35°C). This model was studied its treatment efficiency in terms of COD reduction. The experiment was conducted for average varying influent COD 3442.46, 4321.10, 4815.40, 5558.00 and 6157.60 mg/L. The flow rates of the experiments are 4.80, 9.60, 14.40, 19.20 and 24.00 L/d, respectively. The experimental work on UASBR model is found to be successful with % COD removal from 91.22% for the operating conditions of OLR at 0.0450 kg COD/kg VSS. Day, VLR at 0.935 kg COD/m^{3 day and HRT at 5.21 days.}

5 ref

012026   Singh O B (IT and Mathematics Dep, Icfai Univ Nagaland, Dimapur-797 112) : Impact of web server on the environment: need for greening the internet. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(3), 257-61.

Web servers are the heart of today's web hosting industry. There are millions, perhaps, billions of web servers in the world as the number of internet users increase day by day. But, they are also the main contributors to web hosting industry's energy consumption problem. To give uninterrupted service to the users web servers have to be on 24/7, 365 day non-stop. This requires huge energy backup from diesel engine generators, large UPS supported by lead-acid batteries. And half of this energy is used for cooling as lot of heat is produced. Directly or indirectly web server also produce carbon dioxide to a very large extend which leads to climate change. While the internet reduces commute times, lessening our reliance on physical copies of documents and making it easier to search and connect with information, they also contribute harmful greenhouse gas emission, e-waste, landfill contamination and air quality issues. All of us need to understand and contribute something as the web industry search for alternate source of energy.

012025   Singh N B;Chauhan S N;Khare A K;Bhargava D S;Shukla S P (NO, , Bhargava Lane, Devpura, Haridwar-249 401) : Model for optimum initial earthworm population in vermicomposting. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(3), 188-99.

The epigeic earthworm (Perionyx excavatus] is increasingly used for the stabilization of a variety of non-toxic organic solid waste, as a modern tool of waste management. The effect of initial earthworm population on substrate density, ash content and temperature during vermicomposting of mixed vegetable residues using Perionyx exacavatus have been studied. It was observed that substrate density and ash content increases with time of vermicomposting at a fater rate as compared to aerobic composting without earthworms. The substrate temperature was almost similar in all the experiments without a significant variation. The substrate density during vermicomposting as a function of time and earthworm population was assessed and a model for predicting initial earthworm population density required for minimum processing time has been worked out. The model was further used to develop a guide curve which can be used for predicting initial earthworm population density required to achieve desired processing time.

7 illus, 4 tables, 41 ref

012024   Shukla P M;Patel J A;Joshi D S;Joshi P P (NO, International Waste Research and Technology Centre (IWRTC), Vadodara-390 021) : Recovery of barium sulphate from brine sludge. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(4), 312-15.

Brine sludge is a hazardous waste generated during the manufacture of CI₂ and NaOH by chlor-alkali process. The brine sludge has to be disposed into a secure TSDF site which adds to monitory expense of chlor-alkali industries. Upon analysis it was found that the sludge contains around 40% barium sulphate (BaSO₄), which has good economic value. In the present paper we propose a method to recover BaSO₄ from brine sludge using simple chemical separation method. The BaSO₄ thus obtained was found to be 93% pure and can be used in several industrial applications.

3 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

012023   Sengupta A;Behera J (NO, Wool Research Association, Kolshet Road, Thane-400 607) : Recycling of textiles: a dire need for protection of environs and sustainability. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(3), 216-27.

Textile industry is one of the most polluting industries, not only the production but the consumption produces wastes. Thus production and consumption of textiles create environmental problems and to minimize this 'Reduce-Reuse-Recycling' is mandatory. In this era of consumerism each one has to be sensitive to the textile sustainability issue. To counter the problem, textile industry has taken many measures for reducing its negative contribution towards environment, this is true from the production point of view, but as consumers, how far we are familiar with this concept, for this our textile consumption and disposal patterns needs to be examined. Textile recycling is the reuse, remanufacturing or reprocessing or back processing of a material or product with the scope of waste reduction. There is a huge amount of textiles which end up in landfill every year in the UK and recycling is one of the most easily understood and effective ways to address this. In terms of textiles, recycling can cover many different areas. Firstly, there is the recycling of clothing as whole garments. This could be through charity shops or via the vintage clothes market or through the reuse of clothing items which have been reworked, printed over or re-cut, to be resold. Secondly, there is the recycling of materials in a more industrial context. This could include the production of recycled yarn where textiles are unravelled and re-spun into new fibres. Or it could include the reuse of waste textiles as fillings for upholstery or as cleaning wipes for industrial purposes. Alongside this, is the sort of reuse that mainly occurs in a domestic setting. The 'make-do and mend' approach is either extending the useful life of an item or product, for example by darning some old wool socks, or reusing a material or product and giving it another function, such as turning old curtains into a garment. By upcycling textiles in this way, we can offer garments a second life and prevent them from ending up in landfill. Nearly three-quarter of the world's population uses second-hand clothes, either bought through the marketplace or distributed by charitable organisations. A large amount of fibrous waste is generated each year in the United States. For economic and environmental reasons, industries and research organizations have been looking for various technologies to recycle fibrous waste. This paper reviews the waste statistics, troubles and manufacturing consequence, recycling processes, international and Indian recycle scenario.

9 illus, 3 tables, 54 ref

012022   Saykin A M;Malkin M A (Director of Centre, Doctor of Science, Federal State Unitary Enterprise Central Scientific Research Automobil, Avtomotornaya Street, 2, Moscow, Russia-125 438) : Research on content of particulates in passenger compartments of motor vehicles in operating conditins. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(2), 1567-75.

Article delivers the research results on content of particulates in passenger compartments in the course of driving in urban settings and results of assessment of air cleaning with serial and specially designed cabin air filters. It has been established, that particulates air pollution in passenger compartments in operating conditions is high and dangerous. There is no ecological standards on efficiency of air cleaning in passenger compartments. Thus, the vast majority of cabin air filters are ineffective in dealing with particulates that are less than 1-2 microns, which are the most dangerous for humans. It has been experimentally proven that efficient cabin air cleaning for limiting the content of the particulates that are less than 1-2 microns is technically feasible by means of particular air cleaning ecosystems, which allows justifying development of new ecological standards for "environmentally friendly vehicles".

7 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

012021   Sarkar S;Padaria R N;Vijayragavan K;Pathak H;Kumar P;Jha G K (Agricultural Extension Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-12, Email: sujitgovt@gmail.com) : Assessing the potential of indigenous technological knowledge (ITK) for adaptation to climate changes in the Himalayan and arid ecosystems. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(2), 251-7.

The present study was conducted with the objective of documenting and assessing the potential of indigenous knowledge towards adaptation to climate change covering a sample of 200 farmers, hundred each from Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan representing Himalayan and Arid ecosystems respectively. Documentation of ITK was done using both primary and secondary source of information. In-depth study was designed by combining survey and anthropological approach of participant study. The major documented indigenous knowledge was 'mind' cultivation, 'chal' to harvest water, 'apple paste' to control diseases and 'siddu' to protect from extreme cold in Himachal Pradesh. Similarly, the major documented indigenous knowledge of Rajasthan were-Khadin' farming system to manage drought, 'kanabandi' to manage soil and wind storm, 'tanka' to harvest water, 'jupka' and 'kothi' for storing the grain and feed, etc. Beside these, the people of both the ecosystems observed the movement of insects and animals (butterfly, ant, and termite) to forecast the rainfall and other climatic parameter. As the indigenous practices hold high potential to address the issue of climate change, these may be promoted after establishing their scientific validity and rationality.

5 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

012020   Pathak V;Singh S;Singh K K (Physical Science Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot-485 780) : Estimation of physico-chemical parameter of water in and around Sangam in Allahabad. Indian J envir Prot 2015, 35(2), 100-9.

This paper deals with the physico-chemical parameter of Ganga and Yamuna rivers in and around Sangam in Allahabad district, U.P. Monthly changes in physical and chemical parameters, such as water temperature, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, calcium, magnesium hardness, alkalinity and biological parameters (total conliform Mpn, 100 mL, fecal colliform, Mpn100 mL) were analyzed for a period of 9 months from April 2011 to December 2011. The results indicate that physico-chemical properties of Ganga and Yamuna river water at Sangam in Allahabad district were not found in within the desirable limit of drinking water but suitable for irrigation and pisiculture purpose.

14 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

012019   Nasiyev B;Tulegenova D;Zhanatalapov N; Bekkaliev A;Shamsutdinov Z (West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical Univ Named After Zhangir Khan, Republic of Kazakhstan, 090 000, Uralsk, Zhangir Khan Str, 51) : Impact of grazing on the current state of grassland in the semi-desert zone. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(2), 1735-42.

Agrarians of the Republic of Kazakhstan face the task of exporting 60 tons of meat by 2016. While 20 years ago Kazakhstan exported over 180 thousand tons of meat, in 2009 it exported only 300 tons. This shows great unfulfilled potential of livestock breeding. Since 2015, thanks to the Eurasian Union, barriers have been eliminated between many countries, licensing procedures were simplified, and veterinary norms were unified, thus creating all conditions for increasing export. Availability of natural forage lands, low-cost pasture technology of beef cattle breeding creates the potential for establishing Kazakhstan as a significant and a competitive player in the global market. In this regard, increasing productivity of natural pastures is a priority task. The purpose of the research is to develop adaptive technologies for rational use of natural grassland ecosystems, ensuring their faster recovery and increasing their productivity, and improving the parameters of the environment in the semi-desert zone of Kazakhstan. The modern state of the semi-desert grassland areas has been determined in the study. The results of the research have established feasibility of moderate (65-75% grazing) pasture use. With intensive use of pastures, a change in floristic composition and productivity has been detected, as well as deterioration of agrochemical and agrophysical parameters of pasture soils. The research performed on a variety of environmental and anthropogenic levels in terms of light-chestnut soils of the semi-desert zone revealed 5 degrees of pasture degradation.

24 ref