A hydrochemical elucidation of the groundwater composition under domestic and irrigated land in Jaipur City

The study area Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is one of the famous metropolises in India. In order to know the suitability of groundwater for domestic and irrigation purposes in Jaipur City, groundwater samples were composed of 15 stations during post-monsoon time of the year 2007–2008 (Nov 2007 to Feb 2008) and were analyzed for physicochemical characters. The physicochemical parameters of groundwater participate a significant role in classifying and assessing water quality. A preliminary characterization, carried out using the piper diagram, shows the different hydrochemistry of the sampled groundwater. This diagram shows that most of the groundwater samples fall in the field of calcium-magnesium-chloride-sulfate type (such water has permanent hardness) of water. Data are plotted on the US Salinity Laboratory diagram, which illustrates that most of the groundwater samples fall in the field of C2S1 and C3S1, which can be used for irrigation on almost all type of soil with little danger of exchangeable sodium. Based on the analytical results, chemical indices like %Na, SAR, and RSC were calculated which show that most of the samples are good for irrigation.     

Bioreactors for treatment of VOCs and odours – A review

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odorous compounds discharged into the environment create ecological and health hazards. In the recent past, biological waste air treatment processes using bioreactors have gained popularity in control of VOCs and odour, since they offer a cost effective and environment friendly alternative to conventional air pollution control technologies. This review provides an overview of the various bioreactors that are used in VOC and odour abatement, along with details on their configuration and design, mechanism of operation, insights into the microbial biodegradation process and future R&D needs in this area.     

Involvement of adrenal and thyroid activity in the annual testicular regression of red headed bunting (Emberiza bruniceps)

Thyroid and adrenal activities are closely associated with reproductive cycle and any alteration in these endocrine functions may cause changes in the pituitary-gonadal axis. To understand this interrelationship during testicular senstive phase (month of April) male birds were injected with metapyrone(corticosterone synthesis blocks 1 microg/bird/day & 10 microg/bird/day) and newmercazol (thyroxine synthesis blocks 10 microg/bird/day) over a period of 12 weeks. During late breeding phase (month of August) two sets of birds having large gonad (photosensitive) and regressed gonad (photorefractory) were injected with metapyrone (10 microg/bird/alternate day). Results indicate that decreased activity of both adrenal and thyroid, extended the breeding phase but rate of regression decreased only in the case of bird receiving higher level of metapyrone.However,in the second group rate of gonadal regression was slow only in those bird where treatment was started during photosensitive phase. It may be suggested that optimum level of activity of adrenal and thyroid function are essential for termination of reproduction and any alteration in these function may alter seasonal pattern of neuroendocrine gonadal axis.     

Estimation of fecal Coliform removal from domestic sewage in two sand filter column systems

The objective of the present research is to compare fecal coliform removal from two different sand column systems treating septic tank effluent over a range of hydraulic loading rates. Drain time measurements were performed to compare the hydraulic characteristic of the column systems at different hydraulic loading rates. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and pH were also measured for the septic tank effluent. A removal of the order of 99% for fecal coliform, TSS, and BOD in column effluent was achieved using the sand filter columns. The ‘break‐in’ period for determining the effectiveness of the sand filter columns is also discussed.     

Interaction of engineered nanoparticles with various components of the environment and possible strategies for their risk assessment

Nanoparticles are the materials with at least two dimensions between 1 and 100 nm. Mostly these nanoparticles are natural products but their tremendous commercial use has boosted the artificial synthesis of these particles (engineered nanoparticles). Accelerated production and use of these engineered nanoparticles may cause their release in the environment and facilitate the frequent interactions with biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystems. Despite remarkable commercial benefits, their presence in the nature may cause hazardous biological effects. Therefore, detail understanding of their sources, release interaction with environment, and possible risk assessment would provide a basis for safer use of engineered nanoparticles with minimal or no hazardous impact on environment. Keeping all these points in mind the present review provides updated information on various aspects, e.g. sources, different types, synthesis, interaction with environment, possible strategies for risk management of engineered nanoparticles.     

Groundwater quality assessment in the village of Lutfullapur Nawada, Loni, District Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

The groundwater quality for drinking, domestic and irrigation in the village Lutfullapur Nawada, Loni, district Ghaziabad, U.P., India, has been assessed. Groundwater samples were collected, processed and analyzed for temperature, pH, conductivity, salinity, total alkalinity, carbonate alkalinity, bicarbonate alkalinity, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, total solids, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, nitrate-nitrogen, chloride, fluoride, sulfate, phosphate, silica, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, total chromium, cadmium, copper, iron, nickel, lead and zinc. A number of groundwater samples showed levels of electrical conductivity (EC), alkalinity, chloride, calcium, sodium, potassium and iron exceeding their permissible limits. Except iron, the other metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were analyzed below the permissible limits. The correlation matrices for 28 variables were performed. EC, salinity, TS and TDS had significant positive correlations among themselves and also with NO (3) (-) , Cl(-), alkalinity, Na(+), K(+), and Ca(2+). Fluoride was not significantly correlated with any of the parameters. NO (3) (-) was significantly positively correlated with Cl(-), alkalinity, Na(+), K(+) and Ca(2+). Chloride also correlated significantly with alkalinity, Na(+), K(+) and Ca(2+). Sodium showed a strong and positive correlation with K(+) and Ca(2+). pH was negatively correlated with most of the physicochemical parameters. This groundwater is classified as a normal sulfate and chloride type. Base-exchange indices classified 73% of the groundwater sources as the Na(+)-SO (4) (2-) type. The meteoric genesis indices demonstrated that 67% of groundwater sources belong to a deep meteoric water percolation type. Hydrochemical groundwater evaluations revealed that most of the groundwaters belong to the Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-)-SO (4) (2-) type followed by Na(+)-K(+)-HCO (3) (-) type. Salinity, chlorinity and SAR indices indicated that majority of groundwater samples can be considered suitable for irrigation purposes.     

Response of antioxidants in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown on different amendments of tannery sludge: its metal accumulation potential

The interaction of metals present in tannery waste and their tolerance in the plants of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was studied in the present paper under field conditions. Effects of 100% tannery sludge and various amendments of tannery sludge (10%, 25%, 35%, 50%, 75%) along with one set of control were studied on the physiological and biochemical parameters of the plant along with their metal accumulation potential after 30, 60 and 90 d after sowing. The plants of H. annuus were found effective in the accumulation of metals (Cr, Fe, Zn and Mn) in roots, shoots and leaves, however, the level of toxic metal, Cr was found below detection limit in the seeds of the plant. The oil was extracted from the seeds of the plant and the level of oil content was increased up to 35% tannery sludge as compared to control followed by decrease at higher tannery sludge ratio. An increase in the chlorophyll, protein, cysteine, non-protein thiol and sugar contents was observed at the lower amendment of tannery sludge at initial exposure periods followed by decrease than their respective controls. Malondialdehyde content in the roots and leaves was increased beyond 50% sludge amendments at all the exposure periods as compared to control. However, proline and ascorbic acid contents of the roots and leaves of the plant increased at all the exposure periods and sludge amendments, compared to their respective controls.