Determination of pesticide residues in IPM and non-IPM samples of mango (Mangifera indica)

Studies were conducted to analyze the residue of commonly used pesticides viz. methyl parathion, chloropyrifos, endosulfan, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, carbendazim, imidacloprid and carbaryl in mango, Dashehari variety, integrated pest management (IPM) and non-IPM samples were collected from the IPM and non-IPM orchards, Lucknow, India. We also present a method for the simultaneous determination of these pesticides in mango samples. Residues of methyl parathion, chloropyriphos, endosulfan, cypermethrin, fenvalerate were extracted from the samples with acetone: cyclohexane: ethyl acetate in the ratio 2:1:1 followed by cleanup using neutral alumina. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) with a megabore column (OV-1). Residues of carbendazim, imidacloprid and carbaryl were extracted with acetone and after cleanup, analysis was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using photo diode array (PDA) detector. Recoveries of all the pesticides ranged between 72.7-110.6%, at 0.1 and 1.0 microg g(-1) level of fortification. The residues detected in non-IPM samples of mango were found to be below the prescribed limits of maximum residue limit (MRL) while IPM samples were free from pesticide residues.     

Determination of pesticide residues in IPM and non-IPM samples of mango (Mangifera indica)

Studies were conducted to analyze the residue of commonly used pesticides viz. methyl parathion, chloropyrifos, endosulfan, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, carbendazim, imidacloprid and carbaryl in mango, Dashehari variety, integrated pest management (IPM) and non-IPM samples were collected from the IPM and non-IPM orchards, Lucknow, India. We also present a method for the simultaneous determination of these pesticides in mango samples. Residues of methyl parathion, chloropyriphos, endosulfan, cypermethrin, fenvalerate were extracted from the samples with acetone: cyclohexane: ethyl acetate in the ratio 2:1:1 followed by cleanup using neutral alumina. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) with a megabore column (OV-1). Residues of carbendazim, imidacloprid and carbaryl were extracted with acetone and after cleanup, analysis was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using photo diode array (PDA) detector. Recoveries of all the pesticides ranged between 72.7 – 110.6%, at 0.1 and 1.0 μg g^{? 1} level of fortification. The residues detected in non-IPM samples of mango were found to be below the prescribed limits of maximum residue limit (MRL) while IPM samples were free from pesticide residues.     

A new apparatus to enhance the rate of gas hydrate formation: Application to capture of carbon dioxide

A new apparatus employing a modular, mechanically agitated gas-inducing crystallizer is used to demonstrate the capture of CO₂ via hydrate crystallization. The crystallizer enhances the contact of hydrate forming gases with water and thus the rate of hydrate crystallization increases. Flue gas (CO₂/N₂) and fuel gas (CO₂/H₂) mixtures were used to represent post- and precombustion capture. A comparison between the rates of hydrate formation in different crystallizers is presented by defining a metric called the normalized rate of hydrate formation. The gas uptake and the separation efficiency for the fuel and flue gas mixtures were found to be greater compared to the results obtained in a smaller scale stirred tank reactor (Kumar et al., 2009c, Linga et al., 2008). The gas uptake and CO₂ recovery for flue gas mixture in the presence of THF obtained in this work was higher than that reported in the literature with tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide and tetra-n-butyl ammonium fluoride (Fan et al., 2009, Li et al., 2009). Although hydrate crystallization is able to capture CO₂, the power required for mechanical agitation was found to be very significant. If the hydrate process is to be used industrially then hydrate crystallization must be carried out without mechanical agitation.     

Safety effectiveness and crash cost benefit of red light cameras in Missouri

Objective: Red light cameras (RLCs) have generated heated discussions over issues of safety effectiveness, revenue generation, and procedural due process. This study focuses on the safety evaluation of RLCs in Missouri, including the economic valuation of safety benefits. The publication of the national Highway Safety Manual (HSM; American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) in 2010 produced statistical safety models for intersections and spurred the calibration of these models to local conditions.

Methods: This study adds to existing knowledge by applying the latest statistical methodology presented in the HSM and more current data. Driver behavior constantly changes due in part to driving conditions and the use of technology. The safety and economic benefit evaluation was performed using the empirical Bayes method, which accounts for regression to the mean bias. For the economic benefit evaluation, the KABCO crash severity scale and crash cost estimates were used. A total of 24 4-leg urban intersections were randomly selected from a master list of RLCs in Missouri from 2006 to 2011. Additionally, 35 comparable nontreated intersections were selected for the analysis.

Results and Conclusions: The implementation of RLCs reduced overall angle crashes by 11.6%, whereas rear-end crashes increased by 16.5%. The net economic crash cost benefit of the implementation of RLCs was $35,269 per site per year in 2001 dollars (approximately $47,000 in 2015 dollars). Thus, RLCs produced a sizable net positive safety benefit that is consistent with previous statistical studies.     

Statistical evaluation of hydrobiological parameters of Narmada River water at Hoshangabad City, India

Narmada is considered to be the lifeline of the state of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The Narmada water is used for bathing, drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes. The city sewage and industrial effluent from Security paper mill at Hoshangabad drains in the Narmada River and pollutes the water quality. Urban sewage enters into Narmada through main nallas. River water quality at Hoshangabad has become a matter of concern due to continuous changing environment and increasing social and industrial activity that influence the water quality directly or indirectly. The present investigation is undertaken to study the effect of domestic sewage and effluent from Security paper Mill on the water quality and ecology of river Narmada at Hoshangabad. The study is carried on at four sites along with the bank of river Narmada. Water samples from four stations were collected, out of which three main sewage mixing points of the city and one fresh water site are taken into account. The samples collected were analyzed, as per standard methods parameters such as Temperature, pH, were measured in-situ. The statistical evaluations were also made. The result showed increase in BOD, Nitrates, Phosphates and Total Coliforms, No. of phytoplanktons. The results revealed that most of the water samples were below or out of limited; according to the WHO, BIS standards.     

Cytogenetic evaluation of Fansidar on human lymphocyte chromosomes in vitro

Fansidar is a fixed combination of two antimalarial agents a diaminopyrimidine (Pyrimethamine) and a sulphonamide (Sulphadoxine) in the ratio 1:20- that have been used extensively worldwide for the treatment of Chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria, toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This study examined the effect of Fansidar on chromosomes in human lymphocyte culture. Fansidar was added to peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures in vitro at four different concentrations: 5,15, 25 and 50 microl in the ratio 1:20, 3:60, 5:100 and 10:200 microg ml(-1). Result shows that this drug induces moderate increase in the frequency of gaps, breaks and rearrangements. Therefore it can be concluded that Fansidar has moderate clastogenic effect on human chromosomes in vitro.     

Nanosensors for food quality and safety assessment

Food toxins are produced as defense tools by microorganisms that use nutrients for their growth. Microorganisms thus spoil food, taste and can infect humans, sometimes leading to death. Food adulteration and brand protection are also major issues in the food industry. Here we review the use of nanomaterials for sensing food quality. Nanosensors can detect pathogenic bacteria, food-contaminating toxins, adulterant, vitamins, dyes, fertilizers, pesticides, taste and smell. Food freshness can be monitored using time–temperature and oxygen indicators. Product authenticity and brand protection can be assessed using invisible nanobarcodes. Overall, nanosensors with unique properties are improving food security.     

Influence of environmental factors on biodegradation of quinalphos by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus thuringiensis</Emphasis>

Background

The extensive and intensive uses of organophosphorus insecticide—quinalphos in agriculture, pose a health hazard to animals, humans, and environment because of its persistence in the soil and crops. However, there is no much information available on the biodegradation of quinalphos by the soil micro-organisms, which play a significant role in detoxifying pesticides in the environment; so research is initiated in biodegradation of quinalphos.

Results

A soil bacterium strain, capable of utilizing quinalphos as its sole source of carbon and energy, was isolated from soil via the enrichment method on minimal salts medium (MSM). On the basis of morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the bacterium was identified as to be Bacillus thuringiensis. Bacillus thuringiensis grew on quinalphos with a generation time of 28.38 min or 0.473 h in logarithmic phase. Maximum degradation of quinalphos was observed with an inoculum of 1.0 OD, an optimum pH (6.5–7.5), and an optimum temperature of 35–37 °C. Among the additional carbon and nitrogen sources, the carbon source—sodium acetate and nitrogen source—a yeast extract marginally improved the rate of degradation of quinalphos.

Conclusions

Display of degradation of quinalphos by B. thuringiensis in liquid culture in the present study indicates the potential of the culture for decontamination of quinalphos in polluted environment sites.

     

Comparative Toxicological Evaluation of Untreated and Treated Tannery Effluent with Nostoc Muscorum L. (Algal Assay) and Microtox Bioassay

The relative sensitivity of tannery effluent before and after treatment was compared by employing Nostoc muscorum and microtox assay in laboratory. The effect on chlorophyll, protein and biomass content of Nostoc muscorum was studied with the luminescent property inhibition of Photobacterium phosphorium and compared with algal bioassay. The results of microtox assay after 5, 15 and 30 min of exposure were compared with data obtained from algal bioassay. It was observed that the luminescent property of Photobacterium phosphorium in microtox assay as well as the chlorophyll content of Nostoc muscorum in algal assay were the most sensitive parameters in toxicity evaluation of tannery effluent. The microtox assay produced notably comparable EC50 values with that of algal bioassay. The microtox assay of toxicity showed that EC50 (%) in 30 min was 3.19 and 63.49 for untreated and treated tannery effluent, respectively while in algal bioassay the EC50 for chlorophyll was in between 0-2.5% and 100%, respectively, in untreated and treated effluent. More than 60% reduction of toxicity was noted in treated tannery effluent in both test system.