Correction to: Assessment of bioavailable nitrogen and phosphorus content in the sediments of Indian mangroves

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14155-3     

Studies on comparative population growth of some species of the rotifer Lecane (Rotifera)

We compared the population growth patterns of 5 species of the rotifer genus Lecane [(L. quadridentata (Ehrenberg, 1830), L. comuta (Muller, 1786), L. papuana (Murray, 1913), L. unguitata (Fadeev, 1925) and L. pyriformis (Daday, 1905)] ranging in adult average body size from 30 to 140 microm. All species were cultured under laboratory conditions for 25-30 days using the green alga Scenedesmus acutus as the exclusive diet, at a density of 1.0 x 10(6) cells ml(-1) at 24 degrees C. Regardless of the species, lecanids reached their peak population densities after 4 weeks. Peak population densities ranged from 15 to 320 ind. ml(-1), depending on body size. There was an inverse curvilinear relation between body lengths and peak population abundances (densities) of the Lecane species. Egg ratios (eggs per female) for the tested species were < 0.6 during the exponential phase but declined to 0.1 (or lower) as the population density increased. The rates of population increase for the lecanids were in general lower(0.10 to 0.21 day (-1)) than other well-studied rotifer species including members of Brachionidae.     

A short-cut method for assessing absorbents for post-combustion carbon dioxide capture

A short-cut method for the estimation of the minimum regeneration energy and optimum solvent flow rate in post-combustion carbon dioxide capture by absorption is presented. It is developed for comparing solvents of which only little thermo-physical data is known. The closed absorber–desorber cycle is described by an equilibrium stage model (modified Kremser equation with discretized equilibrium curves). The method can be implemented in any mathematical toolbox or as stand-alone solution. The only required input is the solubility data at absorber and desorber conditions, the heat of absorption and heat capacities. The caloric data may be estimated. The method was applied to monoethanolamine (MEA) and two solvents from the EU-project CASTOR. Comparisons with experimental results from pilot-plant studies with MEA show that the method, despite its simplicity, gives reasonable results. The method should also be useful in other applications where absorbents, of which only little data is available, need to be screened.     

Heavy metal contamination of drinking water in Kamrup district, Assam, India

This study was undertaken to assess the heavy metal concentration of the drinking water with respect to zinc, copper, cadmium, manganese, lead and arsenic in Kamrup district of Assam, India. Ground water samples were collected from tube wells, deep tube wells and ring wells covering all the major hydrogeological environs. Heavy metals in groundwater are estimated by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Perkin Elmer Analyst 200. Data were assessed statistically to find the distribution pattern and other related information for each metal. The study revealed that a good number of the drinking water sources were contaminated with cadmium, manganese and lead. Arsenic concentrations although did not exceeded WHO limits but was found to be slightly elevated. Copper and zinc concentrations were found to be within the prescribed WHO limits. An attempt has also been made to ascertain the possible source of origin of the metals. Positive and significant correlation existing between manganese with zinc and copper indicates towards their similar source of origin and mobility. In view of the present study and the level of heavy metal contamination, it could be suggested to test the potability of the water sources before using it for drinking purpose.     

Contemporary forest loss in Myanmar: Effect of democratic transition and subsequent timber bans on landscape structure and composition

This study addresses the effect of political transition and subsequent timber bans on forest loss in Myanmar, in the context of identified drivers. Cook’s Distance (CD) was applied to remotely sensed time-series forest loss dataset to measure the effect of the events. Forest loss derived fragmentation metrics were linked to drivers at a landscape scale. Results show that at the national level, the political transition in 2011 had maximum effect (CD 0.935) on forest loss while the timber bans decreased forest loss by 612.04 km² and 213.15 km² in 2015 and 2017 (CD 0.146 and 0.035), respectively. The effect of the events varied for different States/Regions. The dominant drivers of change shifted from plantations in 2011 to infrastructure development in 2015. This study demonstrates the effects of policy on forest loss at various scales and can inform decision-makers for forest conservation, planning and development of mitigation measures.     

Arsenate and arsenite-induced inhibition and recovery in two diazotrophic cyanobacteria Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena sp.: study on time-dependent toxicity regulation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Exposure time, metal bio-accumulation, and upregulation of ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle are the key factor that provide tolerance against...     

A review on efficient electromagnetic interference shielding materials by recycling waste—a trio of land to lab to land concept

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The materials used in electrical and electronic applications have great importance and broader applications, but they have severe electromagnetic...