009787   Zakaria N H;Yasin Y;Ahmad Faujan B H (International Education Centre, Teknologi MARA Univ, Kampus Seksyen 17 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: yamin961@salam.uitm.edu.my) : Use of anion clay hydrotalcite to remove coloured organics from aqueous solutions. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(4), 31-6.

Anion clay hydrotalcite adsorbent was prepared to investigate their adsorption capabilities in the removal of humic acid from aqueous systems. Anion clay hydrotalcite was found to be particularly effective at removing negatively charged species. Its excellent uptake levels of anionic species can be accounted for by its high surface area and anion exchange ability. The potential feasibility of anionic clay hydrotalcite for removal of coloured organics from aqueous solution was investigated. The effects of various experimental parameters such as contact time, temperature and adsorbent dosage were investigated. The extent of humic acid removal increased with the increase in contact time, temperature and amount of adsorbent used. Adsorption data was better fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. The results in the study indicated that anioic clay hydrotalcite was an attractive candidate for removing humic acid which shows great colour reduction of humic acid solution.

7 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

009786   Yakai F;Li Z;Wu Z (School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Univ, Tianjin 300072, China, Email: yakaifeng@hotmail.com) : Biodegradable polyurethanes in medical applications. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(2), 78-83.

Biodegradable polyurethane materials, which possess excellent properties such as biocompatibility and mechanical strength, facile formation etc. have been widely used in medical applications. The new applications and research progresses in this area are introduced in the paper. Histocompatibility, blood compatibility and degradation of polyurethanes are also discussed. In addition, the multifunctional biodegradable polyurethanes are also reviewed.

^iia2 illus, 38 ref

009785   Virkutyte J;Sillanpaa M (NO, Kuopio Univ, Laboratory of Applied Environmental Chemistry, Kuopio Uni, FIN-50101 Mikkeli, Finland, Email: mika.sillanpaa@uku.fi) : Distribution and removal of radionuclides from contaminated medium. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(4), 86-103.

The threat of radionuclide pollution to the environment has contributed to an increased interest in developing the most efficient soil and water treatment systems. To efficiently mitigate adverse radionuclides impacts and specify the most feasible treatment technology, it is vital to determine radionuclides geochemical behavior in the soil and water. Objective of the study is to summarize recent research attempts on the distribution and potential removal of radionuclides from contaminated medium. Primary attention was focused on the speciation and migration of radionuclides as well as on the physicochemical and biological treatment technologies. From the treatment methods considered, it is apparent that there is no single available solution for the efficient removal of radionuclides from soil and water, which is both economically and technologically feasible. The main problems are associated with the long removal time and high technological costs. Therefore, to overcome these disadvantages, it is necessary to combine several conventional and/or innovative technologies.

^iia5 illus, 84 ref

009784   Verma A M;Sharma B D (Livestock Products Technology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122) : Rabbit meat pickle stored in amber coloured glass jars. Indian J Small Rumin 2008, 14(1), 103-6.

^ssc1 table, 13 ref

009783   Vaghasia P M (Main Oilseeds Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh, Gujarat) : Impact of improved technology in castor (Ricinus communis L.) on farmer's fields. Int J agric Sci 2008, 4(1), 201-3.

To ascertain the yield gaps between frontline demonstrations (FLD) and farmer's field, extent of technology adoption and extension gap, field studies were carried out in castor crop at 43 farmer's field in Saurashtra region of Gujarat state durjng the last five consecutive years i.e. 2001-02 to 2005-06. Results of demonstration revealed that on an average seed yield of castor in FLD was 17 % more than farmer's practice. Highest technological gap (3264 kg/ha) was found in variety GCH-6. In each year extension gap was lower than technology gap, so still there is a need to educate farmers in the adoption of improved technology.

2 tables, 8 ref

009782   Tamez Uddin M;Rakanuzzaman M;Khan M M R;Islam M A (Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science Dep, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh, Email: mtuddin_cep@yahoo.com) : Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) leaf powder: An effective adsorbent for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 142-9.

Batch sorption experiments were carried out using jackfruit leaf powder (JLP), for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. Effects of process parameters pH, adsorbent mass, concentration and contact time were studied. The amount of MB adsorbed per unit weight of the adsorbent increased with the increase of pH, concentration and contact time. The pH at the point of zero charge (pH_PZC) of the adsorbent was found to be 3.9. Adsorption of MB was found highly pH dependent. The FTIR of the adsorbent was done to find the potential adsorption sites for interaction with the cationic MB dye. Equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The equilibrium data were best represented by both the isotherms. Maximum dye uptake was found to be 326.32 mg/g, indicating that JLP can be used as an excellent low-cost adsorbent for removal of MB dye. From experimental data it was found that adsorption of MB onto JLP followed pseudo second order kinetics. The desorption studies showed that most of the MB can be recovered by decreasing the pH of the solution. The experimental result inferred that electrostatic attraction between the surface and the dye is one of the major adsorption mechanisms for binding MB to JLP surface.

009781   Sunilkumar K;Pushpalatha P B;Prasanna Kumari Amma S (Processing Technology Dep, College of Horticulture, KAU, Thrissur, Kerala, Email: sunilk.icar@gmail.com) : Quality of cocoa beans in small scale processing as influenced by methods of drying and season. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(3), 1001-5.

Experiment was conducted to analyze the feasibility of resorting to artificial drying in small scale processing of cocoa to reduce the drying period or for drying during adverse climatic conditions. Sun drying and artificial drying with the help of a cabinet drier were tried for two seasons. In cabinet drying the moisture removal was fast compared to sun drying method. The initial moisture of 57.74% of fermented beans was reduced to around 6% by 4 days in cabinet method and 9 days in sun drying. With regard to pH of the beans during drying, there was a gradual increase in both the methods though, there was no significant difference between the methods. Analysis of biochemical parameters (polyphenol, amino acid and antho-cyanin content) revealed that sun drying was better with respect to quality of cured beans. During the April-May season a superior cut test score of 55.53 was observed in sun dried samples as compared to 36.75 for cabinet dried samples. Recovery percent was also higher in sun dried samples i.e. 39.09 and 38.11% respectively during April-May and October-November whereas it was 32.09 and 33.13% respectively for cabinet dried samples. Improved quality in sun drying could be due to the better removal of acids and improvement of flavor though better amino acid formation. Thus, though drying was faster in artificial method in both the seasons, considering the quality of beans, slow sun drying is preferred. Artificial drying can be resorted to during adverse climatic conditions as in the second season to save the beams from spoilage.

2 tables, 11 ref

009780   Sofi A H;Wani S A;Malik A H;Mir Salahuddin; Munshi Z H;Pal M A (Livestock Products Technology Div, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of K, Shuhama-190 006) : Evalution of commercially available Goshtaba for quality parameters. Indian J Small Rumin 2008, 14(2), 230-5.

A study was conducted to assess the quality of commercially available Goshtaba (a traditional meat product of Kashmir) sold in Srinagar city in terms of physicochemical microbiological and sensor}' parameters. The outlets serving Goshtaba in Srinagar city were divided into high standard, medium standard and low standard type on the basis of their infrastructure and services. The physicochemical parameters evaluated include pH, moisture (%). protein (%). ether extract (%) and ash (%) and microbiological parameter studied were total viable count (TVC), Coliform count and percent positive samples for E. coli. All the physicochemical parameters did not differ significantly among the types of outlets. TVC and Coliform count showed significantly decreasing trend from LS to HS. None of the sample from the types of restaurants showed presence of E. coli. The overall acceptability scores for the samples from HS, MS and LS type of catering institutions was found to be 6.81 ± 0.11, 5.91 ± 0.14 and 5.61 ± 0.15 respectively on 8 point descriptive scale (where 8= extremely palatable and 1 = extremely unpalatable). Overall quality of Goshtaba from all the outlets was found to be acceptable.

3 tables, 3 ref

009779   Sivakumar G;Mohanraj K;Barathan S (Centralised Instrumentation and Service Laboratory (CISL), Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: gsk_cisl@yahoo.com) : Dielectric study on fly ash blended cement. E J Chem 2009, 6(1), 231-6.

Paper investigates the hydration behaviour of ordinary portland cement (OPC) and fly ash blended cement (l0, 25 and 40%) replaced by two different fly ashes (FA). The samples were hydrated with distilled water (DW) in water to solid ratio 0:4 and its setting time and dielectric measurement are carried out. Results of the study found that the fly ash blended cement composites have slow hydration than OPC during early stages (up to 24 h).

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

009778   Singha A S;Thakur V K (Applied Chemistry Research Laboratory, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur-177 005, Email: assigha@gmail.com) : Grewia optiva fiber reinforced novel, low cost polymer composites. E J Chem 2009, 6(1), 71-6.

The assessment of properties of compression molded Grewia optiva fiber reinforced Urea-Formaldehyde (UF) matrix based polymer composites is reported. Reinforcing of the UF resin with Grewia optiva fiber was accomplished in the particle, short and long fiber reinforcement. Present work reveals that mechanical properties such as: tensile strength, compressive strength and wear resistance of urea - formaldehyde resin increases to a significant extent when reinforced with Grewia optiva fiber. Analysis of results shows that particle reinforcement is more effective as compared to short and long fiber reinforcement. Morphological and Thermal studies of the matrix and fibre reinforced biocomposites have also been carried out.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

009777   Singha A S;Thakur V K (Applied Chemistry Research Laboratory, Chemistry Dep, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur-177 005, Email: assingha@gmail.com) : Synthesis and characterization of short Saccaharum cilliare fibre reinforced polymer composites. E J Chem 2009, 6(1), 34-8.

Paper deals with the synthesis of short Saccaharum Cilliare fibre (SC) reinforced Urea-Formaldehyde (UF) matrix based polymer composites. Work reveals that mechanical properties such as: tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength and wear resistance of the UF matrix increase up to 30% fibre loading (in terms of weight) and then decreases for higher loading when fibers are incorporated into the matrix polymer. Morphological and Thermal studies of the matrix, fibre and short fibre reinforced (SF-Rnf) green composites have also been carried out. The results obtained emphasize the applications of these fibres, as potential reinforcing materials in bio based composites.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

009776   Singh A P;Srivastava K K;Shekhar H (Chemistry Dep, VKS University, Ara-802 301) : Arsenic (III) removal from aqueous solutions by mixed adsorbent. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 136-41.

The removal of As(III) from its aqueous solutions by adsorption on homogeneous mixture of china clay and fly ash in equal proportions has been found to be dependent on various operating parameters such as concentration, temperature and pH. The As(III) removal is favourable at low concentration, high temperature and slightly basic condition at pH 8.0. The applicability of Langmuir isotherm in present system suggests the formation of monolayer coverage of As(III) molecules at the outer surface of the adsorbent. Thermodynamic parameters indicate the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the process. Adsorption kinetics studied using the model suggested by Lagergren infers a first order rate expression.

009775   Singh A K;Singh M (Processing and Food Engineering Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004) : Overview on high pressure processing of selected foods. Int J Trop Agric 2008, 26(1-2), 215-20.

India has diverse agro-climatic conditions and consumer preferences and hence it produces a vast variety of agricultural and livestock materials. India is second largest producer of fruits and vegetables (127.6 MT) in the world after China (506.7 MT) and is also world leader in producing milk to a tune of 95.6 MT. However, their market potential is not being fully realized due to poor post production management and inadequate processing facilities for agro-produce. Post production losses in food commodities have been estimated in the range of Rs. 75,000-1,00,000 crore per annum in India as only about 2 % of agricultural produce is processed as compared to nearly 80% in USA and other advanced countries. Hence, it would be in the long term interest of the economy to invest in developing suitable infrastructure including processing technologies to minimize the losses. High-pressure processing (HPP) is an emerging and novel technique representing a solution to a growing consumer demand for wholesome, fresh-tasting foods, where application of pressure makes the food safe without retorting or cooking them. This paper deals about tile status of use of high pressure technology for value addition to the foods like fruits, vegetables and dairy products in terms of food safety, nutrients and enhancement of shelf life.

3 tables, 19 ref

009774   Sen R;Srivastava S K;Singh M M (NO, Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research, Digwadih Campus, P.O.- F.R.I., Dhanbad-828 108, Email: sukusri1@rediffmail.com) : Aerial oxidation of coal-analytical methods, instrumental techniques and test methods: A survey. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 103-35.

Aerial oxidation of coal particularly atmospheric oxidation of coal is mainly responsible for self heating of coal and deterioration of most of its useful technological properties like calorific value, floatability and caking properties. A lot of work has been done over the years to understand the exact mechanism of the processes responsible for this phenomenon. This literature survey attempts to list and describe various analytical techniques, both chemical and instrumental, standard tests and novel experimental procedures applied by various authors to study the different aspects of this phenomenon.

009773   Sao K P;Pandey S K (NO, Indian Institute of Natural Resins & Gums, Namkum, Ranchi-834 010, Email: Email: sao_kp@hotmail.com) : Utilization of aleuritic acid free gummy mass - an industrial by-product for making particle board. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 192-5.

Aleuritic acid free gummy mass, a by-product obtained during the preparation of aleuritic acid from lac resin has been used in conjunction with lac resin for making medium density particle board from the particles of arhar (Cajanus cajan) plant stalk. The proportion of gummy mass and lac in the binder composition has been optimized. Influence of various parameters such as the amount of binder, time and temperature of hot press and particle size on the impact strength of the particle board was studied. The other mechanical properties namely water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture, tensile strength perpendicular to surface of board, and screw withdrawal forces of the particle board of dimensions 120x120x12 mm indicate that these boards can be used for interior applications.

009772   Sagar N P;Singh B K (Chemistry Dep, Govt. M.H. College of Home Science and Science for Women, Jabalpur-482 002, Email: preetisagarnayak@rediffmail.com) : Sorption dynamics of phenol on naturally occuring low cost clay. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(2), 23-8.

Most of the chemical contaminants are of organic origin. Phenols are among the most common water pollutant. Naturally occurring clay is new non-conventional sorbent having good sorption quality. Clay for the sorption of phenol from aqueous solution at different particle size, pH, concentration and temperature has been investigated by the batch shaking sorption experiment. It is found that the sorption of clay sample for phenol increases by decreasing particle size, pH and increasing temperature. The sorption process is described by means of the pseudo-second order mechanisms. The objective is to test the pseudo-second order model for analyzing the sorption of a phenol onto clay and to assess the usefulness and accuracy of the model. A rate parameter k has been defined and used to describe the sorption of phenol onto clay and experimental data were calculated. This helps to design a treatment plant for phenolic effluents where continuous removal can be achieved on a large scale.

4 illus, 5 tables, 36 ref

009771   Ramesh Saliyan V;Adhikari A V (Chemistry Dep, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Mangalore-575 025, Email: avchem@nitk.ac.in) : Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in acid media by quinolinyl thiopropano hydrazone. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 162-74.

3-{[8-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-yl]thio}-N'-(2,3,4-trihydroxybenzyli dene)propano hydrazide (TQTHBH) was synthesized, characterized and tested as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in HCl and H₂SO₄ solutions using weight loss method, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization methods. The corrosion inhibition efficiency results obtained by all the above three techniques were in good agreement with each other. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique is used to confirm the effectiveness of inhibition of mild steel corrosion in acid media. The results showed that TQTHBH is a good inhibitor for mild steel in acid media. The inhibition efficiency of TQTHBH in different media was in the following order: 2 M HCl < 1 M H₂SO₄ < 1 M HCl < 0.5 M H₂SO₄. The inhibition was assumed to occur via adsorption of the inhibitor molecule on the metal surface. The adsorption follows Langmuir isotherm. TQTHBH acts as an anodic inhibitor. The protection efficiency increased with increasing inhibitor concentration in the range 0.222 x 10^-4 - 11.086 x 10^-4 M, also slightly increased with increasing temperature. Chemisorption mechanism is proposed. The apparent activation energies and enthalpies for the adsorption process were determined. The fundamental thermodynamic functions were used to gain information about TQTHBH inhibitory behaviour.

009770   Ramani V (Plasvac Engineering Services, , D-30/B, Diamond Park, GIDC Naroda, Ahmedabad-382 330) : Importance of helium leak detection in industries. Bull Indian Vacuum Soc 2007, 10(3), 3-6.

The clean, safe, non-active, fast response and penetrating features of Helium Mass Spectrometric Leak Detection technique (He-MSLD) make it a very useful tool in hazardous as well as clean environments. He-MSLD has become the most popular topic in the Leak Detection world. Societies are emerging, Standards are being set, Techniques are defined and refined - activities in this field are growing every day. This paper presents and discusses the importance of He-MSLD applications in industries and addresses the subtle variations involved, in a few typical cases, for exploiting the power of the technique.

009769   Ram Kumar B V;Sarma G V S;Bhaskara Sarma C; Raju G M J (Chemical Engineering Dep, AU College of Engineering (A), Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: bhaskaraidg@yahoo.co.in) : Effectiveness of thermoil granodine against the corrosion of aluminum and Al-Cu alloy in chloride solutions. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 155-61.

The corrosion of aluminum and aluminum-copper alloy in 0.1 N NaCl solution has been studied by linear polarization technique. Current-potential data were obtained from which I_corr values and corrosion rates were estimated using Stern-Geary equation and Faraday's laws. The phosphatizing chemical, thermoil granodine (trade name) was used as the inhibitor to study the effect of inhibitor on the corrosion of Al and 4 % Cu - Al alloy in chloride solutions. The optimum inhibitor concentration for maximum inhibition was determined and the effectiveness of the inhibitor was evaluated. The inhibition efficiency ranged from 40 to 65% for pure aluminum and 70 to 96% for aluminum-copper alloy.

009768   Patil B S;Shinde K J;Murumkar R P;Champawat P S;Nimkar P M (Processing & Food Engineering Dep, MPUAT, Udaipur-313 001) : Dehydration characteristics of tomato slices in recirculatory convective tray dryer. Green Fmg 2008, 1(12), 51-4.

Tomatoes pretreated with freezing mixture of crushed ice and salt in the ratio of 10:1 for 5 mm followed by dipping in 2 per cent sodium chloride at 60 °C for 5 min were cut into 1 cm thick slices. Dehydration was carried out at 70/60 °C (70 °C for first 1 h and 60 °C, thereafter) and 70/65 °C under four recirculation rates (0, 50, 75and90%). The initial moisture content of tomato slices was 93 to 94 per cent (wb) which reduced to 6 to 6.5 per cent (db) and it took 8 to 11 h for drying under different conditions. Dehydration of tomato slices took place in falling rate period only. Diffusivity values for tomato dehydration process were observed to vary between 4.55 x 10^-10 and 6.43 x 10^-10 m²/s. highest retention of ascorbic acid was 10.67 mg/100 g of the samples dried at temperature of 70/60 °C under 50% recirculation. Rehydration ratio was maximum for the test carried out at 75% recirculation rate.

6 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

009767   Ojeda Bosclt C;Rojas Sanchez F (Analytical Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain, Email: fsanchezr@uma.es) : Synthesis, characterization and dissolution of biomorphic ceramics - determination of metal ions. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(2), 34-42.

Ceramic and glasses are some of the more recent and more resistant materials of engineering to the environmental conditions. They belong to advanced materials more than they are being developed for the aerospace and electronic industry. In the last decade, a new class of ceramic materials has attained particular attention. The materials were produced with natural, renewable resources (wood or wood-based products). In this work a new biomorphic ceramic material from oak wood and Si infiltration has been synthesized. After the material characterization, the dissolution of sample by acid attack in an oven under microwave irradiation was optimized. Experimental designs were used as a multivariate strategy for the evaluation of the effects of varying several variables at once. The optimization was performed in two steps using factorial design for preliminary evaluation and a Draper-Lin design for determination of the critical experimental conditions. Five variables (time, power, volume of HNO₃ volume H₂SO₄ and volume of HF) were considered as factors and as response the concentration of different metal ions in the optimization process. Interactions between analytical factors and their optimal levels were investigated using a Draper-Lin design.

4 illus, 8 tables, 26 ref

009766   Nouar S L;Djebaili Baki A;Iddou A (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Sciences, University of the Sciences and Technology of Oran (U.S.T.O.MB), BP-1505 Oran El-M' naouer (31000), Algeria, Email: labidi19722004@yahoo.fr) : Studies of the mechanism of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) adsorption on the calcite/water interface in the presence of sodium oleate (SOL). Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(4), 52-62.

An influence of poly (vinyl alcohol) PVA with sodium oleate (SOL) interaction on the adsorption behavior of the polymer at CaCO₃/solution interface was investigated by measurements the adsorbed amount, FTIR spectra, X-Ray diffraction and zeta potential. Effects of solid to liquid ratio and temperature was also examined. Observed increase of the PVA adsorption in the presence of Sodium oleate resulted from a polymer-surfactant complex formation. The presence of the surfactant influences also on the structure of the adsorbed polymer layers. This effect was proved by adsorption measurements that allow to calculate thickness of the adsorbed layer of the polymer on the surface of CaCO₃ in the presence and the absence of sodium oleate. The amount of PVA adsorbed decreases with increasing solid to liquid ratio and increasing temperature beyond 45°C.

10 illus, 2 tables, 48 ref

009765   Liu Y Y;Wang S J;Xiao M;Meng Y Z (State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies/Inst, Sun Yat-Sen Univ, Guangzhou 510275, P.R. China, Email: mengyzh@mail.sysu.edu.cn) : Halogen-free polymeric flame-retardants for common resins. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(2), 84-103.

Recent developments of halogen-free flame-retardants of general resins, which are epoxy resins, polyphosphates resins, polycarbonates resins and phenol formaldehyde resins are reviewed. Focused on the reactive additives or inherent flame retardant resins. Some reactive additives can be used in several kinds of resins. Among these resins, phenyl formaldehyde (PF) resins are the most flame resistant, resins and pure PF resins have Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) value of 35. The phosphorous-containing compound is the most flame resistant additive, not only as reactive additive hut also as physical additive. The flammability testing methods and mechanism of some flame retardant elements or their flame-retardants are also introduced.

^iia31 illus, 2 tables, 93 ref

009764   Lallan Ram;Singh S (NRC for Citrus, , Amiravati Road, Nagpur-440 010) : Enjoying value-added delicacies of Nagpur mandarin. Indian Hort 2008, 53(2), 15-16.

Processing laboratory at NRC for Citrus, Nagpur, is devoted to prepare and evaluate value-added products, juice beverages and disseminating the knowledge to needy at home scale, contributing to processing industry as well.

009763   Kumar V K;Porkodi K (Departamento de Engenharia Quimica, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n 4200-465 Porto, Portugal, Email: vasanth_vit@yahoo.com) : Tha rate determining step in adsorption processes. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(4), 63-7.

A kinetic model was developed to determine the kinetics and mechanism of adsorption process on the basis of unit volume of sorber. An effectiveness factor for adsorption systems is defined for the first time considering the diffusion limitation of the proposed model. The kinetic model was proposed for a flat shaped adsorbent for a first order kinetics. A Thiele modulus was defined first time corresponding to the adsorption process to determine the rate controlling step in the sorption process. The proposed model was found to be valid for the geometrical adsorbent shape such as slab, cylinder and sphere. The model was found to be excellent in determining the transport mechanism and the corresponding mass transfer coefficients overcoming the existing theoretical models.

4 illus, 6 ref

009762   Karthikeyan S;Mahalingam P;Karthik M (Chemistry Dep, Erode Sengunthar Engineering College, Thudupathi, Erode, Email: skmush@rediffmail.com) : Large scale synthesis of carbon nanotubes. E J Chem 2009, 6(1), 1-12.

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes in 1991 by Iijima, they have been of great interest both from the fundamental point of view and for future applications. The most eye catching features of this structure are their electronic, mechanical, optical and chemical characteristics, which opens a way to future applications. These properties can even be measured on single nanotubes. For commercial applications, large quantities of purified nanotubes are needed. Recent research on preparation of carbon nanotubes with special reference to tow temperature synthesis of high purity is reviewed. The reported achievements in this area will open up more knowledge on carbon nanostructured materials in many areas of emerging nanoscale science and nanotechnology.

^iia4 illus, 98 ref

009761   Kannan N;Veemaraj T (Centre for Research & Post Graduate Studies in Chemistry, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Sivakasi-626 124, Email: dr_n_kannan@yahoo.co.in) : Removal of lead(II) ions by adsorption onto bamboo dust and commercial activated carbons. E J Chem 2009, 6(1), 247-56.

Studies on the removal of lead(II) ions by adsorption onto indigenously prepared bamboo dust carbon (BOC) and commercial activated carbon (CAC) have been carried out with an aim to obtain data for treating effluents from metal processing and metal finishing industries. Effect of various process parameters has been investigated by following the batch adsorption technique at 30±1°C. Percentage removal of lead(II) ions increased with the decrease in initial concentration and increased with increase in contact time and dose of adsorbent. Amount of lead(II) ions adsorbed increases with the decrease in particle size of the adsorbent. As initial pH of the slurry increased, the percentage removal increased, reached a maximum and the final solution pH after adsorption decreases. Adsorption data were modeled with the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, the first order kinetic equations proposed by Natarajan - Khalaf, Lagergren and Bhattacharya and Venkobachar and intra- particle diffusion model and the models were found to be applicable. Kinetics of adsorption is observed to be first order with intra-particle diffusion as one of the rate determining steps. Removal of lead(II) ions by bamboo dust carbon (BOC) is found to be favourable and hence BOC could be employed as an alternative adsorbent to commercial activated carbon (CAC) for effluent treatment, especially for the removal of lead(II) ions.

4 illus, 4 tables, 32 ref

009760   Gu Z;Luo L;Chen S (Institute of Applied Chemistry, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330 031, China, Email: luolaitao@yahoo.com) : Effect of calcination temperature of TiO₂-Al₂O₃ mixed oxides on hydrodesulphurization performance of Au-Pd catalysts. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 175-80.

A series of TiO₂-Al₂O₃ mixed oxides calcined at different temperatures was prepared by the sol-gel method. The influence of calcination temperature of TiO₂-Al₂O₃ on Au-Pd catalysts was investigated in the hydrodesulphurization of thiophene. The structural and surface properties of the samples were analyzed by nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed desorption, temperature-programmed reduction and infrared spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that the prepared TiO₂-Al₂O₃ mixed oxides had mesoporous structure. The TiO₂-Al₂O₃ mixed oxide calcined at 773 K exhibited larger BET surface area, pore volume and more acid sites than the samples calcined among 873-1073 K. All the Au-Pd catalysts supported TiO₂-Al₂O₃ calcined at different temperature had higher catalytic activity towards the hydrodesulphurization of thiophene, and the catalytic activity of Au-Pd/ TiO₂-Al₂O₃ (773 K) was better than that of other samples in hydrodesulphurization reaction. This was explained in terms of their structure: interaction between Au-Pd and TiO₂-Al₂O₃, dispersion, apparent activation energy, the number of AuxPdy alloy particles and acid sites.

009759   Debnath B;Bit G;Saha S K (Chemistry Dep, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling-734 013, Email: ssahanbu@hotmail.com) : Free radical cross-linking copolymerization of acrylamide and N,N/ methylene-bis-acrylamide by using Fe(III)/thiourea and Ce(IV)/thiourea redox initiator systems. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 196-9.

Acrylamide (AM) and N,N/ methylene-bis-acrylamide (Bis) copolymerization in water has been investigated at a total monomer concentration (AM + Bis) of 0.4 M. Extent of conversion of monomer into polymer was measured as a function of the reaction time upto the onset of macrogelation (gelation observed visually). The critical conversion at the gel point shows a minimum at ~5.7 mol% Bis concentration for Fe(III)/thiourea (TU) redox system whereas for Ce(IV)/TU redox system it occurs at ~2.6 mol% Bis concentration. It was found that polymer formed after gel points with different Bis% were not soluble in water, acetic acid, toluene or chloroform. In the copolymerization reaction involving Fe(III)/TU redox initiator system, no induction period is observed at 50°C. In the case of Ce(IV)/TU redox initiator system, however, a significant induction period is observed at 40°C, which depends upon the Bis% in the monomer mixture. Unlike Fe(III)/TU, the reaction takes only a few minutes to complete for Ce(IV)/TU redox initiator system after the induction period is over.

009758   Dallali N;Ghiasi J;Agrawal Y K (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Sciences, Zanjan University, Zanjan 45195-313, Iran, Email: drykagrawal@yahoo.com) : Synergic extraction of copper with N-phenylbenzohydroxamic acid and tri-n-octyl phosphinoxide or tributylphosphate. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 150-4.

The synergic extraction of copper(II) with N-phenylbenzohydroxamic acid (PBHA) and tri-n-octyl phosphinoxide (TOPO) or tributyl phosphate (TBP) was investigated in chloroform. The synergic effect found in presence of neutral ligand is due to the formation of the adduct Cu(PBHA)₂S in chloroform (S denotes TOPO or TBP). The synergic coefficients (SC) were determined which have higher value in presence of TOPO than TBP, since TOPO has the higher basicity then TBP.

009757   Daga K;Gehlot P;Mehta R (Chemistry Dep, M.B.M.Engineering College, J.N.V.Univ, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: punam_isha@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative study and treatment of synthetic dye water using poly vinyl alcohol coated activated wood charcoal as adsorbent.. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(4), 26-30.

The comparative studies to explore the potential of Poly vinyl alcohol coated carbon black as low cost and biodegradable adsorbent to treat dyes have been conducted. The operating variables studied are pH, initial dye concentration/adsorbent concentration ratio and contact time. Batch kinetic and isotherm experiment were conducted to determine the sorption -desorption behaviour of the examined dyes from aqueous solution. The aim of the work is to study the effectiveness of the adsorbent to remove dyes from their aqueous solution and the removal of colour from textile wastewater.

6 illus, 8 tables, 6 ref

009756   Chithra P G;Tharayil N J;Beena B (Chemistry Dep, S N College, Punalur, Kollam, Email: chithrasumej@yahoo.co.in) : [Cu(NH₃)₄]<. Indian J chem Technol 2009, 16(2), 188-91.

The complex cation [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺ has been sorbed onto tin phosphate (SnP) support and the product has been characterized by elemental analysis. The catalytic activity of the [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺ sorbed SnP support has been studied through the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The kinetic data and calculated energy of activation show that the new catalyst system exhibits good catalytic activity.

009755   Budiman H;Fransiska Sri H K;Setiawan A H (Research Centre for Chemistry, Indonesian Institute of Science, Kawasan PUSPIPTEK, Serpong, Banten 15314, Indonesia, Email: atomic_chem@yahoo.com) : Preparation of silica modified with 2-mercaptoimidazole and its sorption properties of chromium (III). E J Chem 2009, 6(1), 141-50.

Modified silica gel was prepared to remove the heavy metal of chromium(III) from water sample. Silica gel was used as supporting material and the 2-mercaptoimidazole was immobilized onto surface silica so that the silica would have selective properties to adsorb the heavy metal chromium(III) through the formation of coordination compound between the 2-mercaptoimidazole and chromium(III). The characterization of modified silica gel was carried out by analyzing the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum of this material in order to ensure the immobilization of 2-mercaptoimidazole onto the surface. The effect of pH solution, initial concentration of chromium(III), and interaction time were investigated in batch mode to find the adsorption properties of chromium(III) onto modified silica. The condition optimum of these parameters was applied to determine the removal percentage of chromium(III) in water sample using the modified silica gel.

10 illus, 1 tables, 18 ref

009754   Baptista F S (NO, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janerio, CCMN, Instituto de Quimica, Av, CT, Bioco A, Sala 605, LABRMN Cidade Universitaria, 21941590-Rio de Janerio, Brazil, Email: sabrinferreira_ufrj@yahoo.com.br) : NaIO₄/Silica: a safe and efficient reagent. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(4), 78-9.

Sodium periodate supported on silica gel is an environment-friendly feasible reagent which can be applied in different organic reactions.

1 table, 9 ref

009753   Bajia S;Sharma R;Bajia B (Pure and Applied Chemistry Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Sarawati University, Ajmer-305 009, Email: subhash_bajia@indiatime.com) : Solid-state microwave synthesis of melamine-formaldehyde resin. E J Chem 2009, 6(1), 120-4.

An efficient synthesis of melamine-formaldehyde resin has been achieved using conventional as well as microwave irradiations (without and with solid support) in different molar ratio. Resin samples were tested for their chemical as well as physical properties. The structure of all the resin has been supported by their spectral data.

2 illus, 24 ref

009752   Alcantara Rochelle T;Apodaca Dahlia C (School of Graduate Studies, Mapua Institute of Technology, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, Email: d_chemist01@yahoo.com) : Mechanism of sorption of mercuric ion (Hg<. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(2), 63-9.

Sargassum cristaefolium is capable of binding with metal ions. The metal sorbing property of Sargassum cristaefolium suggests its possible participation in the removal of Hg²⁺ ions in water and wastewater. However, the potential application of Sargassum cristaefolium for environmental remediation and precious metals recovery depends on the understanding of the mechanism involved. The has attempted to explain the sorption process involving the binding of Hg²⁺ ions to Sargassum cristaefolium by deducing the mechanism involved and by determining the effect of competing ions. The sorption of Hg²⁺ ion is affected by the efficiency of the release of counterions such as K⁺ and Na^{+. A significant amount of K+ ion and few amounts of Na+ and Ca2+ ions were found to be displaced upon the binding of Hg2+ ions. The total concentration of counterions displaced corresponds to the total amount of Hg2+ ion bound to the Sargassum which is typical of an ion exchange behavior. A complex model of BM_0.5 or B₂M can be expected from the binding of Hg2+ ion to the Sargassum cristaefolium.}

2 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

008831   Supal B R;Basu S;Satam S B;Chaudhari B S (NO, College of Fisheries, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri-415 629, Email: sachin_satam@rediffmail.com) : Assesment of microwave cooked fish product. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 21-3.

Smgle fish, three fishes in a single layer, six fishes in double layer and nine to ten fishes in a heap cooked in microwave oven at different power levels shows the straight line relation with total weight of fish cooked. Time of cooking proportionately increases with weight of fish. The Fish cooking at 100% power level showed partial surface burning, resulting in slight surface discoloration and tough muscle texture. At 60% and 70% power level, surface burning was less, hardness of surface was noticed. At 50% power level, surface hardness was minimum and time required was also not to long. So cooking of fish at 50% power level was recommended. Microwave saves time for cooking, but affects sensory quality of the fish, although there was a significant difference in sensory attribute in microwave cooked fish compared to conventional cooked fish. The microwave cooked fish scored quit high in sensory evaluation and hence quite acceptable. So it is expected that little loss of sensory attributes will not hinder the property of microwave oven.

4 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

008830   Sunil Kumar (Physics Dep, Dronacharya College of Engg., Knowledge Park-III, Gr. Noida, Uttar Pradesh) : Role of demulsifier in crude desalting. Acta Cienc Indica-Phys 2008, 34(3), 447-52.

4 illus, 11 ref

008829   Srinivasan C (Materials Science Dep, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: ceesri@yahoo.com) : Blackest black material from carbon nanotubes. Curr Sci 2008, 94(8), 974-5.

^ssc

008828   Sindhu S;Krishnakumar S;Nambudiri D D;Korath A (Processing Technology Dep, College of Fisheries, Panangad, Kochi-682 506) : Quality changes during storage of smoked 'cubes' and 'fillet steaks' prepared from marine perch Lethrinus lentjan (lacepede). Fish Technol 2008, 45(2), 189-96.

The study evaluated keeping quality and storage life of cubes and fillet steaks from a marine perch King Emperor (Lethrinus lentjan, (Lacepede). Smoked cubes and fillet steaks were prepared using a brine concentration of 10% and brining time of 15 min, draining at +10°C for 30 min, pre-drying in mechanical drier for 30 min at 50°C and smoking at 80°C for a period of 3 h. Smoked cubes and fillet steaks prepared using a standardised procedure were subjected to storage studies for a period of four months under different packings viz., (i) packed in PE bags (C) (ii) dried at 50°C for 1h and packed in PE bags (S1) and (iii) dried at 50°C for 1 h and packed in paper bags (S2). Quality changes during the storage period were monitored every 15 days time intervals for parameters viz., moisture content, per cent free fatty acids, thio barbituric acid value, total plate count, total fungal count and sensory quality. Samples packed in paper bags remained acceptable only upto 60 days of storage while samples packed in PE bags were acceptable upto 90 days.

9 illus, 41 ref

008827   Satam S B;Joshi V R;Kshirasagar S;Girkar M M; Supal B R (NO, College of Fisheries, Shirgaon Ratnagiri-415 629, Email: sachin_satam@rediffmail.com) : Shelf life lobster analogs stored at 0°-2°C. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(1), 15-19.

Lobster analogs were prepared as per the standard method and recipe and stored at 0° - 2°C and the control sample were stored at room temperature, and subjected to biochemical, microbiological and organoleptic evaluation at regular intervals. It was noticed that there was decrease in the pH and moisture content of the product, while TVB-N, TN4A-N, TPC and spore count showed increasing trend during the storage period. It was observed that the product was acceptable organolepticallv up to 18th day.

3 illus, 14 ref

008826   Ravishankar C N;Bindu J;Srinivasa Gopal T K (Fish Processing Div, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin-682 029) : Ready to serve mackerel curry (goan style) in retortable pouches. Fish Technol 2008, 45(2), 171-80.

Flexible retort pouch is an ideal alternative to metal containers for heat-processed foods. Mackerel fish curry prepared in Goan style was processed and packed in indigenously developed retortable pouches having three-layer configuration of 12.5 μ polyester/12.5 μ aluminium foil/ 85 μ cast polypropylene. About 140g fish and 90 g of curry medium were packed in retort pouch of size 17x15.5 cm. Air inside the pouch was exhausted by steam injection, heat-sealed and processed at 121.1°C to F₀ values of 7, 8 & 9 minutes. Product processed to all the three F₀ values were analyzed for their instrumental color, texture, shear force, commercial sterility and sensory attributes. Based on these observations, a sterilization value of 8 minutes was found to be optimum for mackerel curry with good acceptability. Processed mackerel curry in goan style was kept for storage study during which instrumental color, texture, shear force, chemical parameters like TEA, pH and sensory attributes were analysed for a period of one year at ambient temperature (28±2°C). The product remained sterile throughout the storage period. Shelf life studies showed that samples stored at ambient temperature (28±2°C) had good sensory attributes and were acceptable even after a period of one year.

9 illus, 5 tables, 20 ref

008825   Raju P;Saseetharan M K (NO, RVS Polytechnic College, Sulur, Coimbatore-641 402) : Removal of nickel (ii) using sludge based low cost activated carbon as adsorbent. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(3), 227-32.

Rapid growth of population, industrialization and urbanization in India has led to the increase in pollution, which resulted in degradation of environment. Pollution is the change in the property of components of environment, like air, water and land, which is capable of causing harmful effects to man and his environment. The main source of pollution for the water resources is the effluents from industries. The industrial wastewater if not properly treated, will cause severe damage to the environment and adversely affect the health of the people. Water pollution resulting from increased concentration of heavy metals is the main cause of ecological imbalance. It is reported that the concentration of heavy metals, like As, Cd (II), Cu, Cr (VI), Pb, Hg, Ni and Zn, etc., in the industrial area are higher than the permissible limits. Various methodologies are available for treatment of heavy metals, and use of activated carbon is a promising technique. Because of high cost of commercial activated carbon (CAC), there is a need to find alternative for heavy metals removal. Hence, low cost sludge based activated carbon (SAC) was tried in this study for nickel(ll) removal. SAC was prepared to the required size of 355-710 μm by thermal activation. Experiments were conducted to assess the influence of various parameters, such as adsorbent dose, contact time, effects of pH and dilution for SAC and CAC on adsorption. The results of the experiment provided that SAC was found to be efficient in removing the nickel bearing effluents.

10 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

008824   Muppa Ravi;Somasekhara Rao M;Sreedhar B; Srinivasarao V;Ramakrishna M;Rajeswara Reddy B V;Subba Rao M (Chemistry Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ Post-Graduate Centre, Nuzvid-521 201) : Surface characterization and adsorption of lead (II) by activated carbons. Indian J envir Prot 2008, 28(3), 233-46.

Activated carbons prepared from Cajanus Cajan (Fabaceae), Brassica (Cruciferae), Dolichos lablab (Fabaceae) and Typha angastata (Typhaceae) have been used to study the adsorption of lead. Parameters, like dose of adsorbent, agitation time, effect of pH, effect of initial concentration and adsorption capacities were investigated. The extent of chemical modification and surface chemical changes were detected by means of Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and x-ray photoelectron spec-troscopy (XPS). The lead sorption isotherms fitted well the Langmuir and Freundlich equations that gave consistent estimations of sorption capacities.

16 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

008823   Mokrejs P;Janacova D;Mladek M;Langmaier F; Kolomaznik K;Vasek V (Tomas Bata Univ, Faculty of Technology, Protein and Leather, nam. TGM 275, 762 72 Zlin, The Czech Republic, Email: mokrejs@ft.utb.cz) : Solubility of biodegradable films prepared from collagen hydrolysate. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(1), 17-22.

Biodegradable films were prepared by casting from 50% solution of hydrolysate (w/w) cross-linked with starch dialdehyde (DAS). DAS was dosed 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 % based on weight of hydrolysate. 30 g of hydrolysate were dissolved in 100 ml of water at 60 °C and after adjustment of pH to 11 with 1 N NaOH, starch dialdehyde was added. The solution was cast on a silicone plate and the film was made after evaporation of water at 30 °C for 72 hours. Test film samples measuring 2 by 2 cm were cut and conditioned over silica gel in a dessicator for 2 and/or for 15 days. Solubility tests were conducted in glass bottles where test film samples were covered with water and incubated at 37 °C for a desired period of time. After the prescribed dissolution time, the non-dissolved fraction of the test film sample was separated by filtration, dried at 103°C to a constant weight and weighed. The dependences of dissolved film sample fractions on time of dissolution with various amounts of DAS, are presented graphically. It was found that the higher is dosage of DAS, the lower is solubility of films. A longer conditioning time also showed a lower dissolving rate of films. Solubility curves of biodegradable films are very important characteristics for their utilization in practice.

6 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

008822   Goyal M;Amutha R (Chemical Engg. & Tech. Dep, Punjab Univ, Chandigarh, Email: meenakshi_chem.@yahoo.co.in) : Adsorption of Hg (II) ions water by activated carbons. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(1), 76-83.

The adsorption isotherms of Hg (II) ions from aqueous solutions have been studied on three granulated activated carbons and a sample of activated carbon cloth. The adsorption data obeys both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. The x_m value obtained from the linear Langmuir plots has been used to determine the fraction of the carbon surface occupied by the Hg (II) ions while the linear Freundlich plot constant n has been used to look at the heterogeneity of the carbon surface. The adsorption takes place on certain specific sites on the carbon surface and only a fraction of the BET surface area is occupied by the Hg (II) ions. The adsorption is determined by the amount of acidic carbon - oxygen surface groups present on the carbon surface. It increases with increase in the amount of these surface groups on oxidation and decreases when these surface groups are eliminated on degassing of the oxidized carbon. The adsorption involves attractive electrostatic interactions between the negative sites created by the ionization of the acidic carbon -oxygen surface groups and the positively charged Hg (II) cations.

7 illus, 5 tables, 25 ref

008821   Chitra C P;Ganesh K;Vasudev V;Sridhar N; Hemaprasanth K;Raghunath M R (NO, Mysore PG Center Univ, Hemagangothri, Hassan-573 220) : Efficacy of sanitizers on the shelf life of rohu steaks stored at two refrigeration temperatures. Fish Technol 2008, 45(2), 197-208.

Steaks of rohu (Labeo rohita) were washed and dipped in 0, 30 and 50 ppm concentrations of either Chlorine (Cl) or Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) for 20min, packed in trays and stored at one of the two refrigeration temperatures; 4-6°C and 1-2°C. Changes in moisture of steaks were not significant. The pH of steaks stored at both temperatures increased significantly from 6.55 to 7.37 at 4-6°C and 6.5 to 7.32 at 1-2°C during storage across all treatments and especially in the last phase. Mesophilic bacteria in steaks treated with either sanitizer recorded low or nil counts initially, but quickly rebounded after 4-6 days storage at both temperatures and increased with no significant differences between treatments. Psychrophilic bacteria followed a similar pattern of increase during storage, but 50 ppm ClO₂ treated steaks had significantly lower counts than others when stored at 1-2°C. Total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) levels increased significantly at 1-2°C but not at 4-6°C. At 1-2°C, TVBN increased markedly between 8-14 days, but more slowly in C1O₂ treated steaks. Organoleptically the 4-6°C stored steaks were inedible by the 10th day, but were still acceptable when stored at 1-2°C. Sensory signs of spoilage, mainly appearance of off-odours were found to be delayed in ClO₂ treated steaks at both temperatures. The lower temperature of storage for steaks appeared to be the primary cause of extension in shelf life, but C1O₂ treatment did appear to improve the sensory properties of steaks.

8 tables, 38 ref

008820   Chattopadhyay A K;Madhusudana Rao B;Gupta S (NO, Research Centre of Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: cift@itpvis.ap.nic.in) : Edible fish powder from small sized Indian major carps. Fish Technol 2008, 45(2), 181-8.

A new product in the form of edible fish powder was developed from small sized Indian Major Carps by utilizing these fish at the time of glut. Small sized rohu, catla and mrigal were converted to nutritionally rich edible fish powder by thermal processing, without deboning the fish. Freshly prepared edible fish powders from rohu, catla and mrigal were rich in protein (67.4 to 72.6%) and minerals like calcium (1213 to 1344 mg%) and phosphorus (1770 to 1934 mg%). Water activity (a_w) of edible fish powders was low. The fresh edible fish powders were negative for the presence of E. coli, coagulase +ve Staphylococci and Yeast & mould. The powder made from rohu was acceptable up to 4 months and the powder made from catla was acceptable up to 5 months (maximum period tested) of storage in 200 gauge HDPE at room temperature. Sensory quality of edible fish powders made from rohu and catla (both fresh and at monthly storage intervals) used at 10% level was found acceptable.

2 illus, 6 tables, 23 ref

008819   Brahmbhatt M N (Veterinary Public Health Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal, Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand-388 001) : Detection of meat adulteration by immunodiffusion technique. Indian J Field Vet 2008, 3(3), 15-17.

Agar gel precipitation technique was successfully used for identification of meat species, cross-reaction study and detection of adulteration level in meat. Hyper-immune sera were raised in rabbits by intramuscular injection of meat extracts. Anti-buffalo meat sera cross-reacted to ox, sheep and goat meat extracts. At the same time anti-ox meat sera were also found to cross-react with buffalo, sheep and goat meat extracts. Species-specific sera were made by absorption technique. These sera were used to detect level of adulteration. By AGPT, up to 10 per cent level of adulteration between buffalo or ox meat with sheep and goat meat was successfully detected.

2 tables, 12 ref

007917   Vinod A V;Kumar K A;Reddy G V (Chemical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Warangal-506 004, Email: avv@nitw.ac.in) : Evolving genetic algorithm trained feed forward neural network for the simulation of tubular reactor with axial mixing (TRAM). Indian chem Engr 2008, 50(2), 129-40.

An isothermal tubular reactor with axial mixing (TRAM), in which an irreversible, second order reaction is taking place, has been considered in the present work. The model equation for the reactor describing the concentration of the reactant as a function of axial position has been solved using feed forward artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA). The mathematical model has been directly mapped onto the network architecture and the network has been used to find an error function (mean squared error criterion). The minimisation of the error function with respect to network parameters (weights and biases) has been considered as training of the network. Real-coded GA has been used for training the network in an unsupervised manner. The solution obtained has been compared with that obtained using numerical methods. The effect of variation of Peclet and Damkohler numbers on the dimensionless reactant concentration profile in the reactor has been studied. It is concluded that the neural network-GA approach can be effectively used to simulate the performance of a tubular reactor.

7 illus, 1 table, 13 ref