Seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton in response to environmental variables in contrasting coastal ecosystems

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Seasonal distribution of phytoplankton community and size structure was assessed in three different tropical ecosystems of the western Bay of Bengal...     

Environmental epidemiology and neurological manifestations of dengue serotypes with special inference on molecular trends,virus detection,and pathogenicity

Environment, Development and Sustainability - The emergence of new viruses is a matter of significant concern in the current decade. It has dazed the indigenous healthcare systems in various parts...     

Hydrogen Release Compound: A Cost‐Effective Alternative to PCE Remediation at Dry Cleaning Facilities

Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or PCE, is one of the most difficult to treat chlorinated solvents when present in groundwater. Unfortunately, this elusive and recalcitrant compound is also the most commonly used dry cleaning solvent. As a result, releases of PCE at dry cleaning sites are somewhat common. Regenesis Bioremediation Products, of San Clemente, California, has developed Hydrogen Release Compound (HRC), which has been successfully used to promote bioremediation of PCE in groundwater. This product is directly injected into contaminated groundwater to speed up the natural attenuation of PCE through an anaerobic, natural process known as reductive dechlorination. A key benefit of HRC is its ability to slowly release hydrogen over extended periods of time. Reductive dechlorination relies on a steady source and readily available supply of electron donors as part of the degradation process. Hydrogen is one of the best electron donors available, and thus, the application of HRC significantly enhances the rate of PCE degradation. For dry cleaners, this technology can substantially reduce major design, capital, and operating costs, allowing the implementation of a low‐impact application and remediation solution. This article discusses the use of the HRC to remediate PCE contamination and presents the results of two specific HRC‐treated dry cleaner sites. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Comparative study of leaching of silver nanoparticles from fabric and effective effluent treatment

Nano silver (Ag_n) is employed as an active antimicrobial agent, but the environmental impact of Ag_n released from commercial products is unknown. The quantity of nanomaterial released from consumer products during use should be determined to assess the environmental risks of advancement of nanotechnology. This work investigated the amount of silver released from three different types of fabric into water during washing. Three different types of fabric were loaded with chemically synthesized Ag nanoparticles and washed repeatedly under simulated washing conditions. Variable leaching rates among fabric types suggest that the manufacturing process may control the release of silver reaching the waste water treatment plants. In an attempt to recover the Ag_n for reutilization and to save it from polluting water, the effluents from the wash were efficiently treated with bacterial strains. This treatment was based on biosorption and was very efficient for the elimination of silver nanoparticles in the wash water. The process ensured the recovery of the Ag_n leached into the effluent for reutilization, thus preventing environmental repercussions.