Study of evaluation of groundwater in Gadilam basin using hydrogeochemical and isotope data

Gadilam river basin has gained its importance due to the presence of Neyveli Lignite open cast mines and other industrial complexes. It is also due to extensive depressurization of Cuddalore aquifer, and bore wells for New Veeranam Scheme are constructed downstream of the basin. Geochemical indicators of groundwater were used to identify the chemical processes that control hydrogeochemistry. Chemical parameters of groundwater such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, sodium (Na^?+?), potassium (K^?+?), calcium (Ca^?+?), magnesium (Mg^?+?), bicarbonate $({\rm HCO}_{3}^{-})$ , sulfate $({\rm SO}_{4}^{-})$ , phosphate $({\rm PO}_{4}^{-})$ , and silica (H₄SiO₄) were determined. Interpretation of hydrogeochemical data suggests that leaching of ions followed by weathering and anthropogenic impact controls the chemistry of the groundwater. Isotopic study reveals that recharge from meteoric source in sedimentary terrain and rock–water interaction with significant evaporation prevails in hard rock region.     

Relationship between water solubility of organic chemicals and their bioaccumulation by the alga

This paper reports the bioaccumulation of 34 organic chemicals in and on the green alga and their relationship to water solubility.     

Effect of Degree of Substitution of Octenyl Succinate Starch on the Emulsification Activity on Different Oil Phases

Octenyl succinic starch (OSA starch) was synthesized from an aqueous medium and pyridine medium using previously established literature methods. Such a substitution would conceivably impart some hydrophobicity to the already hydrophilic starch chain. Thus, an amphiphilic character could be introduced wherein while the water solubility of the final product would be retained or enhanced, interactions with hydrophobic phases could be enhanced. These products find a variety of applications. The emulsifying activity of OSA starch was tested against different oil phases. It was found that the activity was dependent on the oil phase chosen. The activity was largely independent of the concentration of the substrates when the modification was conducted in an aqueous medium. Products from an organic medium did show an increase in activity with concentration. This difference in activity was attributed to the molecular weight of the final product, which seemed to be lower for the products from an organic medium as suggested by viscometry. The granular state of starch could also have a great effect on the properties of modified starch.     

SARS-CoV-2 phase I transmission and mutability linked to the interplay of climatic variables: a global observation on the pandemic spread

The study aims to determine the impact of global meteorological parameters on SARS-COV-2, including population density and initiation of lockdown in twelve different countries. The daily trend of these parameters and COVID-19 variables from February 15th to April 25th, 2020, were considered. Asian countries show an increasing trend between infection rate and population density. A direct relationship between the time-lapse of the first infected case and the period of suspension of movement controls the transmissivity of COVID-19 in Asian countries. The increase in temperature has led to an increase in COVID-19 spread, while the decrease in humidity is consistent with the trend in daily deaths during the peak of the pandemic in European countries. Countries with 65°F temperature and 5 mm rainfall have a negative impact on COVID-19 spread. Lower oxygen availability in the atmosphere, fine droplets of submicron size together with infectious aerosols, and low wind speed have contributed to the increase in total cases and mortality in Germany and France. The onset of the D614G mutation and subsequent changes to D614 before March, later G614 in mid-March, and S943P, A831V, D839/Y/N/E in April were observed in Asian and European countries. The results of the correlation and factor analysis show that the COVID-19 cases and the climatic factors are significantly correlated with each other. The optimum meteorological conditions for the prevalence of G614 were identified. It was observed that the complex interaction of global meteorological factors and changes in the mutational form of CoV-2 phase I influenced the daily mortality rate along with other comorbid factors. The results of this study could help the public and policymakers to create awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic.