Effects of Road Networks on Bird Populations

Abstract: One potential contributor to the worldwide decline of bird populations is the increasing prevalence of roads, which have several negative effects on birds and other vertebrates. We synthesized the results of studies and reviews that explore the effects of roads on birds with an emphasis on paved roads. The well‐known direct effects of roads on birds include habitat loss and fragmentation, vehicle‐caused mortality, pollution, and poisoning. Nevertheless, indirect effects may exert a greater influence on bird populations. These effects include noise, artificial light, barriers to movement, and edges associated with roads. Moreover, indirect and direct effects may act synergistically to cause decreases in population density and species richness. Of the many effects of roads, it appears that road mortality and traffic noise may have the most substantial effects on birds relative to other effects and taxonomic groups. Potential measures for mitigating the detrimental effects of roads include noise‐reduction strategies and changes to roadway lighting and vegetation and traffic flow. Road networks and traffic volumes are projected to increase in many countries around the world. Increasing habitat loss and fragmentation and predicted species distribution shifts due to climate change are likely to compound the overall effects of roads on birds.     

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...     

Effects of Two Amphibian Pathogens on the Developmental Stability of Green Frogs

Abstract: Developmental instability, measured as fluctuating asymmetry (FA), is often used as a tool to measure stress and the overall quality of organisms. Under FA, it is assumed that control of symmetry during development is costly and that under stress the trajectory of development is disturbed, resulting in asymmetric morphologies. Amphibian emergent infectious diseases (EIDs), such as Ranavirus and chytrid fungus, have been involved in several mortality events, which makes them stressors and allows for the study of FA. We analyzed nine populations of green frogs (Rana clamitans) for the presence or absence of Ranavirus and chytrid fungus. Individuals were measured to determine levels of FA in seven traits under the hypothesis that FA is more likely to be observed in individuals infected by the pathogens. Significantly higher levels of FA were found in individuals with Ranavirus compared with uninfected individuals among all populations and all traits. We did not observe FA in individuals infected with chytrid fungus for any of the traits measured. Additionally, we observed a significant association between Ranavirus infection and levels of FA in both males and females, which may indicate this viral disease is likely to affect both sexes during development. Altogether, our results indicate that some EIDs may have far‐reaching and nonlethal effects on individual development and populations harboring such diseases and that FA can be used as a conservation tool to identify populations subject to such a stress.     

Models predicting the fate of pollutants in rivers

The spill of 2,4,‐D in the Rhine river was used to show the evolution from simple to sophisticated models. The first simulation was done with an analytical solution of the dispersion‐advection equation without elimination. Elimination was introduced in a second simulation. The third simulation was carried out with a numerical model. This included elimination and variable dispersion. The lack of data limited the use of very detailed models.     

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...