010176   Rajeshwari Devi R K;Dhamendra H;Gyaneshwari R K;Kosygin L (Zoology Dep, Oriental College, Imphal-795 001, Manipur) : Physico-chemical characteristics and aquatic biodiversity of Potsangbam river, Manipur. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(2), 447-51.

An attempt has been made to study the physico-chemical characteristics and aquatic bio-diversity of Potsangbam river during September 2000 - June 2002. Well marked seasonal variations have been recorded in respect of physico-chemical characteristics. The river is considered eutrophic as it has rich concentration of nutrients, fecal coliform bacteria and aquatic flora and fauna, which can thrive well in different environmental conditions. The river water is not suitable for drinking purpose.

3 tables, 13 ref

010175   Prasad N;Sinha M (Geography Dep, Univ of Burdwan, Burdwan-731 104) : Potentiality, utilisation, problems and management of ground water in the northwest Bankura district, West Bengal. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2006, 28(1), 57-66.

Water is regarded as the most essential matter of nature. There is no life withª out water. It has been estimated that almost all the vegetables and grasses contain three fourths of water out of their total weight. An adult, on an averªage, consumes about 9,000 litres of water in a year and he requires about 4.5 million litres of water for all the food he consumes in a year. Such huge water needs come mainly from rainfall and ground water resources. The Northªwest Bankura District (NBD) in west Bengal receives seasonal rainfall, most of which is lost as run-off. So, the permanent resource of water is ground water which if it is not properly utilised and maintained, the whole environment balance will be distrubed. The main objective of this paper is, therefore, to discuss the potential, utilisation, problems and management of ground water in the NBD, so that the future becomes safe in this regard. The study reveals that in the recent years NDB has sputio-temporal variations in ground water resources because of both physical and socio-economic setªups and due to the unplanned and sometimes irrational use of ground water. This is creating alarming situations a 'danger signal' in the context of develªopment, environment and society is already looming large.

5 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

010174   Paramesha Naik D;Maline U;Somashekar R K (Dep of Environment Sciences, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore, Email: dpnnaik@hotmail.com) : High fluoride content in ground water-a case study in Bagepalli, Kolar district, Karnataka state. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(2), 303-5.

High concentration of fluoride causes health bazards which is noticed in the study area. Increase in fluoride level leads to dental and skeletal fluorosis, whereas the decrease of the same leads to dental caries. Water samples were analyzed for various parameters like pH, Electrical conductance, Total dissolved solids, alkalinity, Total hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphates, Sodium and Potassium. the maximum fluoride ion concentration analyzed was 6.2 mg/L and minimum 1.2 mg/L. The concentration of fluoride was beyond the permissible limits in all the samples analyzed. Suggestions have been made to ameliorate the adverse effect by incorporating various defluoridation techniques.

2 tables, 11 ref

010173   Munot A A;Krishna Kumar K (Indian Inst of Tropical Meteorology, , Pune-411 008) : Long range prediction of Indian summer monsoon rainfall. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(1), 73-9.

The search for new parameters for predicting the all India summer monsoon rainfall (AISMR) has been an important aspect of long range prediction of AISMR. In recent years NCEP/INCAR reanalysis has improved the geographical coverage and availability of the data and this can be easily updated. In this study using NCEP/INCAR reanalysis data on temperature, zonal and meridional wind at different pressure levels, few predictors are identified and a prediction scheme is developed for predicting AISMR. The regression coefficients are computed by stepwise multiple regression procedure. The final equation explained 87% of the variance with multiple correlation coefficient (MCC), 0.934. The estimated rainfall in the El-Niiio year of 1997 was -1.7% as against actual of 4.4%. The estimated rainfall deficiency in both the recent deficient years of 2002 and 2004 were -19.5% and -8.5% as against observed -20.4% and -11.5% respectively.

3 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

010172   Maurya A S;Rai A K (Earth and Planetary Sci Dep, Univ of Allahabad, Allahabad-211 002, Email: asmaurya2001@yahoo.co.in,akrai@sabcgarbet.in) : Paleoceanographic significance of early miocene deep sea benthic foraminifera at the Wombat Plateau, eastern Indian Ocean. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2006, 29(5-6), 213-9.

3 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

010171   Krishna Ram H;Ramachandra Mohan M (Dep of Zoology, Bangalore Univ, Jnanabharathi Campus, Bangalore-560 056) : Seasonal variation of physico-chemical parameters of Byramangala lake, Bangalore, district, Karnataka. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(2), 327-8.

Physico-chemical characteristics of water samples from Byeramangala lake, were analyzed fo a period of one year from Jan.2003 to Dec.2003. Spatial and temporal variations were evident in all parameters investigated comparatively higher values of BOD, COD and low D.O. levels were observed during premonsoon (Summer) suggesting strong indication of contamination by organic matter and sewage effuents.

14 ref

010170   Kewalramani G (Geography Dep, Univ of Mumbai, ) : Urbanisation and flooding in Mumbai suburban district. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2006, 28(1), 24-39.

Urban flooding has become an endemic problem in recent years endangering lives and causing heavy economic losses. The process of urbanisation has played a major role in aggravating the problem as it causes significant alterations to the hydrology, morphology, habitat and ecology of an area. Built up regions are highly vulnerable to flooding because they comprise extensive tracts of impenetrable surfaces. Impermeable areas promote rapid rates of runoff that result in large quantities of water inundating urban drainage networks. The blockage of existing natural drainage systems further exacerbates the problem. This paper attempts to examine the factors contributing to flooding in Mumbai Suburban District in view of the need to implement a range of measures or management practices, which would help alleviate this problem. This is vital as extreme rainfall events are likely to become more common in future due to climate change.

4 illus, 15 ref

010169   Kar R (Geology Dep, J.K. Coll, Purulia-723 101) : Domainal fabric development, asociated microstructures and P-T records attesting to polymetamorphism in a granulite complex of the Eastern ghats granulite belt, India. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(1), 21-5.

The granulite complex around Jenapore, Orissa, Eastern Ghats granulite belt, bears the imprint of two episodes of strong deformation (D1 and D2) attended with foliation (fabric) development (81 and 82), Two distinct metamorphic events at P-T conditions of <126>900°C at <126>9kbar and <126>600°C at <126>6kbar are correlated with Dl and D2 respectively. The reaction textures in S1-microdomains are interpreted to be the product of near isobaric cooling at <126>9kbar from 950°C to 600°C, whereas those in the S2-microdomains are considered to be the result of an up-pressure trajectory from <126>6kbar at 600°C. The D1-M1 high P-T granulite event is interpreted to be Archean in age (ca. 3 Ga) on the basis of the isotopic data obtained from the charnockite suite of the area. The later relatively low P- T granulite facies event, attendant to D2-S2 is considered to be related to the Grenvillian orogeny as represented by the dominant isotopic record in the belt.

8 illus, 6 tables, 50 ref

010168   Joseph P V;Chacko J (Dep of Chemistry, Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, Email: josephpv60@yahoo.com) : Speciation of trace metals in the surface sediments of chitrapuzha, a tropical tidal river on the southwest coast of India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(2), 205-13.

The observed order of abundance was Zn <62> Ni <62> Cu <62> Pb. The speciation studies indicated selective accumulation of various metals in different phases of the sediments with sparial variability. Residual phase was found to be the prominent metal host for all metals. In the case of Pb, the residual phase accounted for 64% of the total Pb. Oxidizable phase was the second most important host for all the metals. Cu behaved in a different manner. Oxidizable phase was as significant as residual in the case of Cu. For Zn, alll the geochemical phases were of comparable significance as metal host. 63% of total zn was found to be in the environmentally labile fractions leaving only 37% in the residual fraction. Metal fractions of all the metals recorded comparatively higher concentrations in the industrial zone (zone 3) indicating anthropogenic inputs in this region. Metals generally showed lower concentrations for metal fractions at bar-mouth (station 1).

3 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

010167   Jeyavel Raja Kumar T;Kumar R S; Singarasubramanian S R;Manokaran K (Dep of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: tjeyavel@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of fluoride pollution in shallow groundwater aquifers of parts of Chittar sub basin, Tambaraparani river, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(2), 265-9.

The present study of Fluoride pollution assessment has been carriedout in parts of Chittar subbasin, Tambaraparani river, Tamilnadu. About 45 groundwater samples have been collected from shallow aquifers of the study area. The concentration of Fluoride level varies from 0.4 mg/L to 2.8 mg/L with an average concentration of 0.85 mg/L. Out of 45 sample locations only 3 locations have identified with high concentration of above 1.5mg/1. Further, the common effects of fluoride pollution has discussed.

1 table, 4 illus, 9 ref

010166   Inder Jeet (Geography Dep, Univ Coll, M.D. Univ, Rohtak-124 001) : Polynomial regression analysis for the estimation of rainfall pattern in Haryana. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2006, 28(1), 40-7.

In the State of Haryana rainfall is the main determinant of groundwater regime. Rainfall is markedly restricted in season and dry conditions are usual occurrence in the State. The short rainy season is succeeded by long spells of dry season. The distribution of rainfall is irregular in both time and space and water deficiency is a problem everywhere. The main source of rainfall is the monsoon (northeast and southwest), which covªers the entire State between the third week of June and middle of July. The amount and distribution of monthly rainfall are not uniform in space. Therefore, to determine the trend in the rainfall pattern in the State, a polynomial regression analysis is applied. The analysis shows that rainª fall has a random pattern with a periodic trend.

4 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

010165   Gupta I;Gorai A C;Singh R S (NO, SSLNT College, Dhanbad) : Reclamation of coal-mine overburden dump through vegetation and association with macro-fauna. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(2), 319-25.

A study was conducted on overburden mine spoil in Mandaman Coal Mine located in Dhanbad district under Jharkhand State. The results indicated that plant overburden mine spoil are not phytotoxic for the flora as well as fauna. Soil fertility of overburden dump was increased by vegetation. Physical and chemical analysis of OB dump was done. It was found that re-vegetation increased the fertility of the soil. Fertility was also enhanced by the invertebrates like, earthworm, termites and ants. Although mine spoils are rich in heavy metals like Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, etc. These micro-nutrients did not affect the plant because these are on the lowest side. Invertebrates like termites, ants and earthworms present in the soil stimulate the microbial activity lead to the reclamation of land.

2 tables, 37 ref

010164   Gundogdu K S;Guney I (Agric Structures and Irrigation Dep, Faculty of Agric, Uludag Univ, Bursa 16059) : Spatial analyses of groundwater levels using universal kriging. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(1), 49-5.

For water levels, generally a non-stationary variable, the technique of universal kriging is applied in preference to ordinary kriging as the interpolation method. Each set of data in every sector can fit different empirical semivariogram models since they have different spatial structures. These models can be classified as circular, spherical, tetraspherical, pentaspherical, exponential, gaussian, rational quadratic, hole effect, K-bessel, J-bessel and stable. This study aims to determine which of these empirical semivariogram models will be best matched with the experimental models obtained from groundwater-table values collected from Mustafakemalpasa left bank irrigation scheme in 2002. The model having the least error was selected by comparing the observed water-table values with the values predicted by empirical semivariogram models. It was determined that the rational quadratic empirical semivariogram model is the best fitted model for the studied irrigation area.

4 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

010163   Freeda Gnana Rai D (Dep of Chemistry, Govt Arts College, Ariyalur-621 713) : Drinking water quality of villages in different unions of Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(2), 271-3.

Physico-chemical analysis of drinking water from various sources in villages confirmed their potability.

^ssc2 tables, 7 ref

010162   Dasgupta P;Sahoo R (Geology Dep, Presidency Coll, 86/1 Coll Street, Kolkata-700 073) : Facies characteristics of the basal part of the Talchir formation, talchir basin, India - depositional history revisited. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(1), 15-20.

The lowest unit of the Talchir Formation of Talchir Basin, Orissa, was described by pioneer workers as the 'basal boulder bed'. In an attempt to explain the co-existence of gravel and clay, materials of contrasting hydraulic properties, a probable situation resembling the effects of the action of ground-ice enabled boulders to be carried down by sluggish currents resulting in an intermixture of large boulders and fine mud was conceived. Misinterpretation of this conclusion led to a general tendency to describe the 'basal boulder bed' as 'glacial tillite'. However, the unit described as 'basal boulder bed' is actually represented by a matrix rich conglomerate with pockets of normally graded silty clay. The present study reveals that the depositional imprints preserved in this part of the sedimentary succession indicate emplacement of successive debris flows generated through remobilization of pre-existing unconsolidated sediments. Small pockets of fine-grained turbidites presumably deposited from the entrained turbidity currents associated with the debris flows suggest the composite character of the debris flow deposit.

3 illus, 25 ref

010161   Chaudhuri S;Sarkar A D (Atmospheric Sciences Dep, Calcutta Univ, 51/2 Hazra Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: chaudhuri_sutapa@yahoo.com) : Apposite statistical model to view the occurrence of tropical cyclines and severe tropical cyclones. Sci Cult 2007, 73(7-8), 237-41.

Categorize suitable statistical model to view the occurrence of Tropical Cyclones (TC) and Severe Tropical Cyclones (STC). The goodness of fit of Binomial & Poisson distribution is checked with the data series pertaining to the occurrence and non - occurrence of TC and STC over different segments of Bay coast. The results show that the Poisson distribution could be a better predictive model for the occurrence of tropical cyclones whereas both Binomial & Poisson distributions are desirable models for forecasting the occurrence of severe tropical cyclones.

4 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

010160   Baruah S;Hazarika D;Gogoi N K;Raju P S (Geosci Division, Regional Res Lab (CSIR), , Jorhat-785 006) : Effects of attenuation and site on the spectra of micro earthquakes in the jubilee hills region of Hyderabad, India. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(1), 37-7.

Microearthquake spectra from Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad are analyzed to observe the effect of attenuªation and site on these spectra. The ratios of spectral amplitudes at lower and higher frequency are measured for three different stations at varying epicentral distances to estimate Q value for both P- and S-wave in near and sub-surface layer. Average estimates of Qp and Qs are 235 and 278 respectively. Value of Qs/Qp larger than 1.0 suggests dry crust for most of the Jubilee Hills region. The near-surface low Qp and Qs for 0 km to 0.9 km depth coincide with the soil layer, top and semi-weathered and highly fractured zone. In contrast, at a shallower depth beneath the Jubilee Hills area, Hyderabad, author obtained high Qp and Qs zone, which corresponds to the dense and high velocity rocks of the region. The varying corner frequencies for these spectra are inferred to be characteristics of site. Comparisons of disparity in spectral content with reference to hard rock site conclude that lithology of the northwest part of Jubilee Hills area amplify about twice the incoming seismic signal, as compared to the southern part best outlined at 8 to 10 Hz only.

8 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

010159   Banakar V K;Hein J R;Rajani R P;Chodankar A R (National Institute of Oceanography, , Dona Paula, Goa-403 004) : Platinum group elements and gold in ferromanganese crusts from Afanasiy-nikitin seamount, equatorial Indian Ocean: sources and fractionation. J Earth Syst Sci 2007, 116(1), 3-13.

The major element relationships in ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) crusts from Afanasiy-Nikitin seamount (ANS), eastern equatorial Indian Ocean, appear to be atypical. High positive correlaªtions (r = 0.99) between Mn/Co and Fe/Co ratios, and lack of correlation of those ratios with Co, Ce, and Ce/Co, indicate that the ANS Fe-Mn crusts are distinct from Pacific seamount Fe-Mn crusts, and reflect region-specific chemical characteristics. The platinum group elements (PGE: Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, and Pd) and Au in ANS Fe-Mn crusts are derived from seawater and are mainly of terrestrial origin, with a minor cosmogenic component. The Ru/Rh (0.5-2) and Pt/Ru ratios (7-28) are closely comparable to ratios in continental basalts, whereas Pd/Ir ratios exhibit values (<60> 2) similar to CI-chondrite (″ 1). The chondrite-normalized PGE patterns are similar to those of igneous rocks, except that Pd is relatively depleted. The water depth of Fe-Mn crust formation appears to have a first-order control on both major element and PGE enrichments. These relaªtionships are defined statistically by significant (r <62> 0.75) correlations between water depth and Mn/Co, Fe/Co, Ce/Co, Co, and the PGEs. Fractionation of the PGE-Au from seawater during colloidal precipitation of the major-oxide phases is indicated by well-defined linear positive corªrelations (r <62> 0.8) of Co and Ce with Ir, Ru, Rh, and Ptj Au/Co with Mn/Co; and by weak or no correlations of Pd with water depth, Co-normalized major-element ratios, and with the other PGE (r <60> 0.5). The strong enrichment of Pt (up to 1 ppm) relative to the other PGE and its posªitive correlations with Ce and Co demonstrate a common link for the high concentrations of all three elements, which likely involves an oxidation reaction on the Mn-oxide and Fe-oxyhydroxide surfaces. The documented fractionation of PGE-Au and their positive association with redox senªsitive Co and Ce may have applications in reconstructing past-ocean redox conditions and water masses.

5 illus, 2 tables, 50 ref

010158   Arunkumar K S;Joseph S (Dep of Environmental Sciences, Univ of Kerala, Kariavattom-695 581) : Sedimentological and geochemical studies of Kadinamkulam estuary, Southern Kerala. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(2), 329-37.

Sedimentological and geochemical studies of sub-aqueous sediments are vital for understanding the aquatic ecosystem, particularly the processes like elemental cycles, transportation of nutrients and contaminants, and are signatures of the overlying water quality. The Kadinamkulam estuary, one of the largest laregest estuary in Trivandrum district, has been selected for this study due to variegated reasons like organic pollution from retting of coconut husk and discharge of untreated sewage. This study focuses on aspects like texture, nutrients, total organic carbon (TOC), major and trace elements, and their distribution in the sub-aqueous sediments. The spatial and temporal distribution of these attributes are dominantly controlled by factors like hydrodynamic regime of the estuary, effluent discharge from urban, agricultural and industrial sources, retting etc.

2 illus, 13 tables, 17 ref

008999   Ziauddin A;Siddiqui N A (NO, , Door Number 1-91-6, MIG 63, Sector 5, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam-530 017, Email: akbar_ziauddin@yahoo.com) : Ground water quality of a coastal area. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(3), 645-8.

The water is the foremost requirement of all human being. In most of the developing countries the problem of drinking water is increasing day by day. This can be solved only be implementing modern treatment plants at the industries and proper sewage treatment facilities a t urban areas. Water harvesting and watershed management are other options available to mankind to get rid of this type of water crises. In this paper an attempt has been made to highlight the ground water quality of a coastal area. The water quality analysis has been carried out in 25 monitoring stations for 15 parameters and final WQI have been calculated. Eleven stations showed water is undesirable for drinking with WQI values above 100. Six sites showed WQI values between 76 and 100, representing quality of water is very poor. The major pollutants of concern was Hardness, Dissolved solids, Chlorides and Sulphate which exceeded the permissible standards. The concentrations of pH, Turbidity and Ammonia were below the standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

3 tables, 12 ref

008998   Verma S P;Ojha K G (NO, , K-21-Gandhi Nagar, Nakamadar, Ajmer-305 007) : Study on some physico-chemical characteristics of ground water of district Jalore-a statistical approach. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(3), 561-5.

A systematic study has been carried out to explore the water quality index of ground water of various Tehsils of district Jalore. Twenty five water samples from tube wells, open wells and hand pumps at various locations were collected and analyzed for pH, Nitrate, Turbidity, Total dissolve solid, Chlorides, Total hardness ,Alkalinity and Fluoride. In this study overall water quality of Jalore district is very poor and unsuitable for drinking purpose. Water quality of Sanchore, Bhinmal and Jalore tehsil shows that water may not be used for drinking as well as domestic purpose. The study recommended that top priority should be given to water quality monitoring and indigenous technologies should be adopted to make water fit for drinking after treatment such as defluoridation, desalination.

1 table, 7 ref

008997   Srivastava K;Swaroopa V;Srinagesh D;Dimri V P (NO, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: kirti@ngri.res.in) : Could the 12 September 2007 earthquake of southern Sumatra, Indonesia, have generated a large tsunami causing damage to the east coast of India?. Curr Sci 2007, 93(9), 1228-9.

2 illus, 3 ref

008996   Sinha S;Shrivastava P;Swarup A;Agnivanshi S (Zoology Dep, Govt. D.B. Girls P.G. College, Raipur-492 001) : Interrelationships of sediment texture, organic matter and water depth of upper lake, Bhopal. Geobios 2007, 34(2-3), 117-20.

Upper lake Bhopal, a shallow man made lake of 11th century is the major source of drinking water for the city. Silty clay constituted the major portion of the sediment and organic matter was depth dependent. Concentrations of organic matter exhibited yearly variations.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

008995   Singh B N (Applied Geology Laboratory, Civil Engineering Dep, Institute of Techno, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: bnsgranite@yahoo.co.in) : Petrology and geochemistry of the Mount Abu granites, southwestern Rajasthan. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 247-52.

The Neoproterozoic mount Abu batholith comprises medium to coarse-grained, grey and pink porphyritic to non-porpnyntic biotite granites. Chemically and mineralogically, these are sub-aluminous and potash-rich granites. They are characterized by high SiO₂, Na₂O + K₂O), Fe/Mg, Rb, Nb, Zr, Y, Zn, Ga and Th, and low MgO, Fe₂O₃, CaO and Sr contents, and show close affinity to the A-type granites. High K/Rb, Rb/Sr, Ba/Sr and Ga/Al ratios of these granites are suggestive of crustal origin, which were most likely derived by low-degree partial melting of pre-existing depleted lower crustal source. The mount Abu granites were emplaced at 650degree-700degreeC at an assumed pressure of around 5 kb.

5 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

008994   Singh A K (NO, North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management, Tezpur-784 027, Email: singh_ak30@rediffmail.com) : Approaches for removal of arsenic from groundwater of northeastern India. Curr Sci 2007, 92(11), 1506-15.

Deals with As-free water production and may be recommended according to National Standard for use in rural areas of the north-eastern region. Also explains the removal of As from water using wood charcoal and sand, by chemical treatment, by sedimentation method, by coagulation process or by removing the layer floating on As-bearing water. Using this method more than 90% removal of As can be achieved. Therefore, it is a possible option for use in rural areas.

4 illus, 6 tables, 36 ref

008993   Seethamma G;Nanda Kumar N V (Environmental Biology Div, Zoology Dep, S.U. Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: dr.seetha_zoology@yahoo.co.in) : Paper chromatographic-succinate dehydrogenase inhibition method for detection and separation of lead compounds from industrial water sample. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(3), 667-72.

Chick heads thrown out as biowaste were employed as enzyme source for the detection of lead compounds from industrial water sample by an enzyme inhibition technique on paper chromatograms. The lead compounds (lead nitrate and lead acetate) appeared as white spots on a pink back ground due to the inhibition of chick brain succinate dehydrogenase employing a chromogenic reagent mixture containing sodium succinate substrate, (2- (4- lodophenyl) -3-( 4-nitrophenyl)-5 phenyl tetrazolium chloride and N-methyl phenazonium metho sulphate. Many other animal succinate dehydrogenases also gave inhibition spot under the same conditions on paper chromatographic strips but they were less sensitive than chick brain succinate dehydrogenases. Industrial water sample was collected from a scrap smelter plant and was used for detection of lead compounds by enzyme inhibition technique on paper chromatography.d shows that the worm casts having a potential antimicrobial activity.

3 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

008992   Satyendra Kumar (Geography Dep, Hindu P.G. College, Moradabad) : Destructed lotic ecosystem of Ramganga river near Moradabad city. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2007, 21(2), 307-10.

Research reveals that the black colour of water, high sediment load and participate matter, a thick bottom sludge, high turbidity, low dissolved oxygen, almost no plant for photosynthesis, much quantity of organic or non living material to decompose, high biochemical oxygen demand etc. have destructed the ecosystem of Ramganga river to such an extent that it has become too much simplified. There are no plants in the river, no any herbivorous organism like grass shrimp and all other insects, and no carnivorous fish of any size. Only detritus food chain is in existence. The presence of black fly larva and roundworms and absence of any kind of fish are indicators that the water of Ramganga river has reached to septic stage near Moradabad city.

1 illus, 4 ref

008991   Saha D K;Naskar D C;Bhattacharya P M;Kayal J R (Central Geophysics Div, , Geological Survey of India, 27, J.L. Nehru Road, Kolkata-700 016, Email: jr_kayal@hotmail.com) : Geophysical and seismological investigations for the hidden oldham fault in the shillong plateau and Assam valley of northeast India. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 359-72.

A geophysical field investigation, deploying Magnetoteliuric (MT) and Deep Electrical Resistivity Sounding (DES), and analysis of the seismological data were carried out in the Shillong Plateau and Assam Valley area for deciphering the south dipping hidden Oldham fault at the plateau and valley boundary. Bilham and England (2001 reported that the great 1897 Shillong earthquake was caused by the pop-up tectonics of the Shillong Plateau between the two bounding faults, the south dipping hidden Oldham fault to the north and the well known north dipping Dauki fault to the south at the Plateau and Bengal basin boundary. The MT survey was.carried out using SAMTEC-2 MT instrument, and the DES was conducted by unilateral equatorial arrays with 5-10 km separation between the transmitting and receiving dipoles. A total of 14 DES and 21 MT soundings were observed in the area. The DES delineated different subsurface layers down to a depth of about 1.5 km. It is observed that the depth of the high resistivity basement (granite gneiss/Archaean gneiss) increases towards north of Brahmaputra river; the depth varies from 150m to 650 m. To the south of Brahmputra, on the other hand, the depth of the basement is shallower, it varies from 56m to 340 m. The MT soundings were conducted along three parallel north-south traverses in the area : Traverse I along Dauki-Kaurbaha, from Bangladesh border to Bhutan border, Traverse II along Chherapunjee-Chhagaon and the Traverse III along Dainadubi-Dalgama, across the boundary of the Shillong Plateau and Assam Valley. The traverses II and III were too short due to local problems. Interpretation of the 21 MT soundings reveals a conductive horizon at a deeper level (7-8 km) only at the Kulsi (Traverse II) and at the Dalgama (Traverse III) stations, to the north of the proposed Oldham fault. These limited MT observations, however, do not resolve the south dipping hidden Oldham fault. The seismological data recorded by the permanent network in the Shillong Plateau and Assam Valley area during the last decade (1990-1997) are analysed. A intense seismic activity is observed in the Plateau region. A north-south depth section of the earthquakes across the Plateau and the valley, suggests that the most intense seismic activity beneath the Plateau is bounded by two major tectonic features, the north dipping Dapsi thrust, western extension of the Dauki fault, and the south dipping Oldham fault. A detailed gravity survey and a deeper MT survey along longer traverses across the Oldham fault may shed more light on this hidden structure.

10 illus, 26 ref

008990   Reis S;Yalcin A;Nisanci R;Yomralioglu T (Geodesy and Photogrammetry Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Aksaray Univ, Aksaray-Turkey, Email: ayalcin@nigde.edu.tr) : Geology and geomorphology of gumushane area, northeastern Turkey using digitally enhanced satellite images and geographical information system. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 261-73.

Geomorphic data is required in multi-disciplinary studies for engineering projects, hazard zone delineation, risk assessment and planning. In the present study, Landsat ETM+ data was used to delineate the geological and geomorphological features in the (semi) arid Gumushane region of Turkey. This region has a complex geology and is located north of the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) in northeastern Turkey. The geological, topographical and structural characteristics of the area were studied using digital image processing techniques such as band rationing, principal component analysis (PCA) and generation of false colour composite (FCC) of ETM data. Georeferenced information such as land cover data, hydrology and digital elevation models (DEMs) were integrated with remotely sensed data to enable better inteipretation, analysis and mapping of geornorphic features. The interpretation of the new data contributes to a more detailed geological mapping of selected test sites that were studied during the fieldwork. Finally, the understanding of the geologic/geomorphologic process in the complex and rugged topography of the Gumushane region was much improved by employing image enhancement and CIS techniques.

9 illus, 7 tables, 32 ref

008989   Reddy M S;Mehta B;Dave S;Joshi M;Karthikeyan L;Sarma V K S;Basha S;Ramchandraiah G;Bhatt P (NO, Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar-364 002, Email: grama@csmcri.org) : Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some commercial fishes and crabs of the Gulf of Cambay, India. Curr Sci 2007, 92(11), 1489-91.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

008988   Rawat R K;Trivedi R K;Soni L (Applied Geology Dep, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidhyalaya, Sagar-470 003, Email: krawat04@rediffmail.com) : Patalkot landslide, Madhya Pradesh. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 344-6.

At Patalkot, the surface runoff causes extremely rapid soil erosion of the slope material causing slope failure, resulting in heavy loss of lives and property. The study brings out that this failure is confined within moderate to steep slope and the nature of slope failure is debris slump, rock /soil fall or rock-cum-debris-slides type.

2 illus, 6 ref

008987   Ravindra B M;Nagaraja Sharma S N (Mines and Geology Dep, , Khanija Bhavan, 49, Race Course Road, Bangalore-560 001, Email: bmravindra@gmail.com) : Groundwater depletion signatures in southeastern Karnataka. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 253-60.

Groundwater level data for 1909 and 2004 evince marked but non-uniform groundwater depletion in southeastern Karnataka. Over the century period, vertical depletion is distinct in the fractured regional aquifer system, mainly in four zones or nadirs. Out of these four, the zone discharging into Palar basin on the southwest of Kolar schist belt shows widest nadir of groundwater depletion. Deep mining at Kolar Gold fields over a prolonged period induced deep fractures that facilitated massive migration of groundwater to deeper levels by viscous flow. It is estimated that in deeply fractured zones like KGF, the quantity of groundwater accumulated annually is about 0.4 MCM /km², whereas the average annual rainfall recharge in the average surrounding area is only about 0.09 MCM/km². The groundwater suction effect in KGF mines and further transfer of groundwater laterally into the highly fractured discharge zone of low lying river basins, along shear zones and major fractures, appears to be primarily responsible for the severe lowering of groundwater in the region.

4 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

008986   Rao C R M;Venkataramaiah M;Reddy A V;Jaya K (NO, , Geological Survey of India, Southern Region, Hyderabad-500 068, Email: chebrolumohan@yahoo.com) : International proficiency tests for analytical geochemistry laboratories: an assessment of accuracy and precision in routine geochemical analysis in a GSI-LAB. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 242-6.

The results of thirteenth international proficiency test (Geo PT 13) obtained at the geochemical laboratory of Geological Survey of India, Hyderabad are presented. Estimation of 34 trace elements including all the fourteen rare earths obtained by 1CP-MS in Koln Loess sample (Loess-1) is compared with the assigned values. Sample decomposition method and other relevant details of the analytical procedures adopted are presented. Depending up on the 'Z-scores' calculated, the fitness of the data for either "pure geochemistry" or "applied geochemistry" was assessed. An overview of 'Z- score' results indicates that all of the elements except barium of the data contributed from our laboratory fell with in the -2<60>Z<60>2 range which included the majority of the trace and rare earth elements used normally in several pure geochemical investigations. The results have indicated that the data obtained at our laboratory is excellent and further allowed us to investigate the very minor analytical discrepancy observed in the barium data and optimize necessary aspects to rectify the bias.

5 tables, 8 ref

008985   Ramaiah N;Catul V;Kurian S;Rodrigues V;Paul J T;Fernandes V;Imtiaz C A (NO, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: ramaiah@nio.org) : Analysis of phytoplankton composition from southern Malabar coast during the 2005 monsoon as a follow-up of September 2004 stench event. Curr Sci 2007, 93(9), 1223-7.

2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

008984   Rajeswari G;Raghu Prakash R (NO, Research center of Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Shore seines of Visakhapatnam in the east coast of India. Fish Technol 2007, 44(2), 237-40.

Shore seines are traditional gears used to exploit the inshore fishery along East Coast of Andhra Pradesh. This gear varies in their construction and mode of operation from one region to another. Two types of seines are operated along the Visakhapatnam Coast. The seines operated without cod end are locally called as Alivi vala. The Seines operated with cod end are called Pedda vala. Gives technical details of the two types of shore seines, its design, materials used, method of fabrication and operation.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

008983   Rai A K;Srinivasan M S;Maurya A S (Earth and Planetary Sciences Dep, Nehru Science Centre, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: akrai@sancharnet.in) : Influence of antarctic bottom water (AABW) and monsoonal activity in the central Indian ocean over past 5 million years: benthic foraminiferal record at DSDP site 238. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 222-32.

This study quantitatively analyzes Pliocene-Pleistocene benthic foramiriifera from DSDP Site 238 in the central Indan Ocean. A Q-mode factor analysis of 28 most abundant species defines three significant faunal assemblages reflecting different environmental characteristics. The Cibicides wuellerstorfi-Oridorsalis umbonatus assemblage (Factor 1) represents well oxygenated bottom waters with active currents and intermediate to low supply of organic matter. The Uvigerina proboscidea assemblage (Factor 2) indicates a continuously high flux of organic matters to the sea floor in response to increased surface water productivity. The Nuiiallides umbonifera assemblage (Factor 3) is associated with Antarctic Bottom Water (A ABW) and reflects cold, oligotrophic, increased carbonate corrosiveness and high oxygen concentration. In most of the past 5 Ma (i.e. 5-4.2 Ma. 2.8-1.8 Ma and 1.2 Ma to Recent) the dominant occurrences of Cibicides wuellerstorfi-Oridorsalis umbonatus assemblage represent active bottom water currents with more ventilation and relatively low trophic levels reflecting the influence of N ADW at abyssal depths in the central Indian Ocean. The early Late Pliocene (c. 3.6-2.8 Ma) and Early Pleistocene (c. 1.8-1.2 Ma) are two significant intervals of prominent faunal change, which indicate entirely different deep-sea conditions. The prominent occurrence of Nuiiallides umbonifera assemblage during 3.6-2.8 Ma reflects cold, corrosive and well-oxygenated bottom waters possibly in response to increased flow of AABW towards the central Indian Ocean at abyssal depths. The Early Pleistocene (c. 1.8-1.2 Ma) is characterized by distinct occurrence of the Uvigerina proboscidea assemblage reflecting higher surface productivity. The widespread, intensified monsoon system during Early Pleistocene causes increased upwelhng and higher surface productivity, which also enhanced the supply of organic carbon to the ocean floor.

3 illus, 4 tables, 82 ref

008982   Priju C P;Narayana A C (Marine Geology & Geophysics Dep, Cochin Univ Science & Technology, Cochin-682 016, Email: acnarayana@cusat.ac.in) : Particle size characterization and late holocene depositional processes in vembanad lagoon, Kerala: inferences from suite statistics. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 311-18.

In this paper, we present the textural characteristics, and Tanner's bivariate plots of grain size parameters to understand the depositional processes in a lagoonal system during the Late Holocene. For this purpose, 16 core samples recovered from the Vembanad lagoon, the largest backwater system on the west coast of India, were investigated, in northern and southern sectors of the lagoon, sand is the dominant textural fades, while in the central sector mixed textural fades - muddy sand and sandy mud - are prevalent. Suite statistics suggest that open- and closed-basin conditions prevailed, which punctuated the high and low energy conditions. High-energy conditions prevailed in northern and southern parts of the lagoon, particularly in areas close to the river mouths. Other parts of the lagoon exhibit low to moderate energy regime and open-to-restricted estuarine conditions. The study emphasizes that the bivariate plot is an extremely useful tool in distinguishing between open- and closed basin conditions in coastal environments.

4 illus, 24 ref

008981   Praveen M N;Ghosh B (NO, , Geological Survey of India, E-5 Arera Colony, Bhopal-462 016, Email: bghosh_geol@hotmail.com) : Multiple origins of gahnite associated with hydrothermal alteration from the bhuyari base metal prospect of Proterozoic betul belt, Madhya Pradesh. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 233-41.

Multiple origin of gahnite of different generations and their relationship with other coexisting minerals like garnet, biotite.-chlorite and sphalerite were studied in metamorphosed synvolcanic hydrothermal altered lock associated with base metal mineralisation from the Proterozoic Bhuyari prospect. Betul Belt, Central India. The present assemblages appear to be the result of overprinting of amphibohte grade metamorphism on primary hydrothermal alteration products. Gahnite is found in a quartz + biotite + muscovite + plagioclase + gahnite + garnet + chlorite assemblage. Petrographic evidence with supporting mineral composition data suggests the presence of two generations of gahnite. The first generation gahnite is found surrounding sphalerite grains and may be the product of desulphidation of primary sphalerite involving first generation garnet. Second generation gahnite show petrographic evidence of transformation from biotite and might be the result of overstepping of the zinc saturation limit of biotite during alteration to chlorite. The Bhuyari area was subjected to one prograde event followed by a retrograde metamorphic event and minerai paragenesis is in conformity with the metamorphic history.

5 illus, 3 tables, 42 ref

008980   Prakash D;Arima M;Mohan A (Geology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: dprakash_ynu@yahoo.com) : Colour-coded compositional mapping of orthopyroxene-plagioclase symplectites in mafic granulites from panrimalai south India. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 285-90.

Orthopyroxene-plagioclase symplectites have been observed in garnet-bearing mafic granulites from Panrimalai, South India Symplectites are arrested textures from which one can study diffusional processes. We have used colour-coded compositional mapping for reaction textures from mafic granulites to understand the element mobility pattern. The variable, composition of anorthite in plagioclase supports the interpretation that the orthopyroxene-plagioclase symplectites adjoining embayed garnet blast were formed by open-system diffusion - controlled reaction in the NCFMAS model system.

3 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

008979   Pathak J K;Alam M;Pant J C (Zoology Dep, Hindu College, Rohelkhand Univ, Moradabad) : Application of multivariate analysis in hydro-chemical data: an example of river Ramganga. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2007, 21(2), 269-75.

Examines the effects of data transformation and standardization on factor analysis of water quality of river Ramganga. Following the applications of multivariate analytical techniques, this method proves very effective tool to reduce the number of variables In the data file. By means of scatter and loading plots, factor analysis revealed the relationships among samples and hydro chemical parameters. Out of twenty components only five principal components form the extracted solution and they explain nearly 89.6% of the variability In the original twenty variables.

1 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

008978   Mishra A P;Rai S;Pandey A C (K. Banerjee Centre of Atmospheric and Ocean Studies, Nehru Science Cen, University of Allahabad, Allahad-211 002) : Validation of model-simulated sea surface current and sea surface temperature with observations in the Southern Indian Ocean. Curr Sci 2007, 92(11), 1579-85.

Twenty-five-layer Ocean General Circulation Model has been used to investigate and analyse the model-simulated sea surface current (SSC) and sea surface temperature (SST) fields from a 26-year model simulation covering the Southern Indian Ocean region (50°S-10°N and 30-120°E). In general, simulated time-mean SSC and SST fields are found to agree well with the corresponding observed datasets in most parts of the model domain. All major currents such as Antarctic Circumpolar Current, Equatorial Counter Current, South Equatorial Current, North Equatorial Current and Agulhas Current are preserved in the model, as verified by the observation. However, slight variation in current intensity is reflected on monthly scale. Similarly, the pattern of time-mean monthly SST field is found to agree with Levitus climatology. However, disparities do exist as evidenced by the SST bias calculation in some parts of the model domain. The vertical profile of temperature from the model simulation is found to agree well with the Levitus climatology. Concludes that the model is able to reproduce well, the observed structure in the ocean.

8 illus, 34 ref

008977   Mandal A;Sengupta D;Sharma S P (Geology and Geophysics Dep, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: dsgg@gg.iitkgp.ernet.in) : DC resistivity studies for mapping groundwater contamination in and around ash-disposal site of Kolaghat thermal power plant, West Bengal. J Geol Soc India 2007, 69(2), 373-380.

Coal combustion in thermal power plants contributes to more than 70% of the electricity generated in India. Combustion of coal generates huge amounts of wastes which are disposed off in nearby ponds. The ash generated from the coal combustion process contains a lot of toxic elements which are leached out by the percolating rain water and subsurface runoff from the ash ponds. These toxics cause sufficient amount of groundwater contamination. DC resistivity studies are very helpful in determining the subsurface lithology and in delineating the zones of groundwater contamination. The present study was conducted in and around the ash disposal sites of Kolaghat Thermal Power Plant in West Bengal. Six Schlumberger soundings were conducted in the four ash ponds of the thermal power plant. The quantitative interpretation of the VES curves has been done by a very fast simulated annealing computer program developed for this purpose. The subsurface lithology as determined from the VES curves shows alternate layers of clay and sand upto a depth of 60m. All the sounding locations show a general thin top layer of ash of high resistivity mixed with coarse sand or clay followed by a 29-50m thick layer of wet clay of very low resistivity. The lowermost layer is sandy clay to clayey sand in all the cases. Groundwater samples have also been collected from the tube wells located near the ash ponds and analysed for pH, TDS and trace elements. Results of the chemical analysis show high values of TDS and high concentration of the toxics. Earlier studies on the geochemistry of the pond ash have shown tljat the ashes are characterized by high concentration of As, Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn, Cr, Co, Mn all of which exceed the crustal abundance by a factor of 3-5. The high concentration of the toxics (As. AI, Li, As, Zn, Ag, Sb, Si, Mo, Ba, Rb, Se, Pb) in the water samples implies significant input from the ash pile due to leaching. This increases the TDS values of the water. The low resistivity values of the intermediate clayey layer along with the high values of TDS and high concentration of the toxics imply that the contaminant zone lies at a shallow depth of 29-50m thick. It is formed due to leaching of the toxics from the top sandy layer and adsorption in the clayey layer.

3 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref