Effects of rogar and endosulfan on the metabolism of fresh water sponge (Spongilla lacustris)

Spongilla lacustris were exposed to sub lethal concentrations of pesticides, rogar and endosulfan for one month period. Metabolites like carbohydrates, protein and enzymes like those that peroxidase and carbonic anhydrase were estimated in the experimental and control animals. The results show, depletion of carbohydrates while protein elevated as the days progressed. Similarly an enzyme activity found to be decreased in exposed Spongilla lacustris.     

Smart nanopackaging for the enhancement of food shelf life

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Food spoilage is a major global concern due to the lack of proper packaging technology. Nanotechnology is expected to improve food packaging. Indeed, novel...     

Respiratory Impairment in Cotton-Ginning Workers Exposed to Cotton Dust

Dust generated during the handling and processing of cotton causes ill health of ginning workers. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among cotton-ginning workers. This study involved 188 workers of 10 cotton-ginning factories. Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) declined significantly with increasing duration of exposure (p < .001) of the cotton-ginning workers. Results of a standard respirator medical evaluation questionnaire indicated that, depending on duration of exposure, 51%–71% of cotton-ginning workers suffered from chest tightness, 55%–62% experienced chest pain, while 33%–42% of the workers reported frequent cough. Blood tests of the workers showed higher values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, eosinophils, and white blood cells when exposure was longer. Byssinosis symptoms were observed among the workers. We recommend regular periodical medical check-ups, compulsory use of personal protective equipment, and proper ventilation at the workplace.     

Ecofriendly approach of urban solid waste management: a case study of Jalgaon city, Maharashtra

In India, the traditional methods are used for urban solid waste management. These practices are associated with degradation of the urban environment Hence, an environmentally sound garbage management system is required for the urban waste management. The concept of waste minimization needs to be adopted in such systems. It is possible to implement certain corrective measures at collection, storage, transport and disposal of urban solid waste to minimize the adverse impacts on the environment The present investigations are emphasized on generation, characterzation and ecofriendly disposal of solid waste generated in Jalgaon city, Maharashtra. In the present study the waste generation at source was studied in the various income groups of the city. The per capita waste generation was studied by sampling the waste directly from the source of generation. The study reveals that the waste generation is large in the high-income group followed by middle and low-income group public. Further the physicochemical characterization of the waste was also studied. The data generated will help to develop environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management system for Ihe city.     

Perspective of reactive separation of levulinic acid in conceptual mixer settler reactor

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Levulinic acid is a carboxylic acid present in industrial downstream. It is an important chemical and can be transformed into various important...     

Occupational noise exposure and hearing loss among pulse processing workers

Occupational noise exposure and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has been recognised as a problem among workers in Indian industries. The major industries in India are based on the processing of agricultural products. There are appreciable numbers of pulse processing units spread throughout the country. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hearing loss among pulse processing workers. As a part of hearing protection intervention, audiometric tests were conducted at the binaural low (250–1,500 Hz), the binaural mid (1,500–4,000 Hz) and the binaural high (3,000–8,000 Hz) frequency averages. The prevalence of hearing loss was determined based on hearing threshold levels (HTLs) with a low fence of 25 dB. Over 50% of pulse processing workers (dana bazaar and dal mill) showed hearing loss in the noise-sensitive higher (binaural mid and high) frequencies. The rate of hearing loss was particularly high among workers in the dal mill. The analyses show a higher risk of prevalence of hearing loss among the dal mill workers compared to the workers associated with the grain preprocessing activities. The study shows alarming signals of NIHL, especially in the dal mill workers. The occupational exposure to noise could be minimised by efficient control measures through engineering controls, administrative controls and the use of personal protective devices. Applications of engineering and/or administrative controls are frequently not feasible in developing countries for technical and financial reasons. A complete hearing conservation programme, including training, audiometry and the use of hearing protection devices, is the most feasible method for the protection of industrial workers from prevailing noise in workplace environments in the developing countries.     

Identification of hot spot and safe zones of ambient air quality in North Maharashtra region,India

The continuous infrastructural and economic development exerted pressure on the environmental conditions of the North Maharashtra region. The air quality of North Maharashtra region was analysed for the identification of hot spots and safe zones of ambient air quality. The result shows air pollution at some part of North Maharashtra region. The levels of particulate matter were above the prescribed limits especially at Bhusawal, Dhule and Jalgaon Urban centres. The traces of polyaromatic hydrocarbons were also observed in the urban centres of study area. The binary ratios of the persistent prevailing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)'s show great correlation with the vehicular exhaust in the study region. The higher levels of pollutants in the study region were recorded in the post-monsoon season. The present study is first of its kind in the North Maharashtra region and an attempt has been made to analyse the anthropogenic sources and concentration of air pollutants in the area. The air pollutants reduce the defence system of human body and lead into severe health consequences like damage of lung tissues with escalation in the existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.     

Study of zooplankton emergence pattern and resting egg diversity of recently dried waterbodies in North Maharashtra Region

Seasonal patterns of temperature, pH, conductivity dissolved oxygen, phosphate and sulphate have been studied on the basis of physico-chemical characteristics of pond ecosystem. Importance of soil egg banks and their contribution to the diversity in freshwater ecosystem has been studied. We have focussed our attention on soil egg bank diversity and zooplankton emergence patterns of some recently dried aquatic habitats, comparing to that of neighbouring temporary pools with the permanent ponds. The emergence pattern from the soil egg bank followed an orderly succession from Protists-Rotifers and Crustaceans have been investigated. Dominant Protists emerged from the egg bank were Lacrymaria within rotifers. They were the first to emerge followed by Hexarthra blooms. The diversity of zooplankton in permanent ponds was significantly higher (i.e., 19) than the diversity in the ephemeral pools (i.e., 08). However; the zooplankton abundance in the ephemeral pools was higher with more than an order of magnitude, than that in ponds. Interestingly the number of species recorded in the egg bank was more than those present in the water columns of the pools. We have recorded 08 species of rotifera i.e. Lecane sp L curvicornis, L. bulla, K. quadrata, B. patulus, B. rubens, Branchionus calyciflorus, Testudinella sp which were not present in the neighboring permanent or ephemeral waterbodies during that period. Unequivocally suggest that in order to understand the zooplankton biodiversity; it is also important to evaluate the diversity of egg bank present in the sediment. A total 19 species were recorded including Copepoda 06 sp, Cladocera 05 sp and Rotifera 08 sp.