Elucidation of the tidal influence on bacterial populations in a monsoon influenced estuary through simultaneous observations

The influence of tides on bacterial populations in a monsoon influenced tropical estuary was assessed through fine resolution sampling (1 to 3 h) during spring and neap tides from mouth to the freshwater end at four stations during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Higher abundance of total bacterial count (TBC) in surface water near the river mouth, compared to the upstream, during pre-monsoon was followed by an opposite scenario during the monsoon When seasonally compared, it was during the post-monsoon season when TBC in surface water was highest, with simultaneous decrease in their count in the river sediment. The total viable bacterial count (TVC) was influenced by the depth-wise stratification of salinity, which varied with tidal fluctuation, usually high and low during the neap and spring tides respectively. The abundance of both the autochthonous Vibrio spp. and allochthonous coliform bacteria was influenced by the concentrations of dissolved nutrients and suspended particulate matter (SPM). It is concluded that depending on the interplay of riverine discharge and tidal amplitude, sediment re-suspension mediated increase in SPM significantly regulates bacteria populations in the estuarine water, urging the need of systematic regular monitoring for better prediction of related hazards, including those associated with the rise in pathogenic Vibrio spp. in the changing climatic scenarios.     

A linear and nonlinear approach for interpretation of groundwater quality based on water quality index

In this study using linear and nonlinear approach, aggregate indices for various water quality parameters were analyzed. Using a linear and nonlinear interpolating surface, various water quality variables at grid points were investigated that is essential for mapping. The values help in constituting a key approach for determining the water quality index (WQI), which converts pollutant concentration data into subindex values and then combines them into a single score. One of the biggest advantages of WQI is its summary and intuitive communication capability which will be extremely helpful for demarcating safe aquifer zones of groundwater and in the selection of suitable method for remedial. The present study also describes pollution potential in ground water of Madhya Pradesh, India. The aggregate indices suggest intermediate to high pollution susceptibility in some region of Madhya Pradesh that may increase further if not managed. The overall interpretation of the study will be helpful in formulating suitable approach for water quality interpretation and sustainable planning of groundwater resources.     

Behaviour of endosulfan in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.)

Residue levels of endosulfan were determined in cabbage heads after being sprayed with a formulation containing the insecticide and upon storage at room temperature (15–27°C) and in a refrigerator (2–5°C). The half-life was calculated to be 4.8 and 5.5 days. Peeling removed the residues by 92%. Similarly, washing and washing followed by cooking removed 72% and 97% residue in cabbage stored at room temperature. These treatments were slightly less effective for samples stored in a refrigerator. Household processes such as peeling, washing, and washing followed by cooking should be regular practice before the vegetables are used.     

An empirical study of estimating vehicle emissions under cordon and distance based road user charging in Leeds, UK

This paper presents the impact of road user charging (RUC) on vehicle emissions through application of traffic assignment and pollutant emission models. It presents results of an analysis of five RUC schemes on vehicle emissions in Leeds, UK for 2005. The schemes were: a ￡3 inner ring road cordoncharge; a double cordon with a ￡2 inner ring road and a ￡1 outer ring road charge; and distance charges of 2, 10 and 20 p/km levied for travel within the outer cordon. Schemes were compared to a no charge option and results presented here. Emissions are significantly reduced within the inner cordon, whilst beyond the cordon, localised increases and decreases occur. The double cordon exhibits a similar but less marked pattern. Distance charging reduces city-wide emissions by 10% under a 2 p/km charge, 42–49% under a 10 p/km charge and 52–59% under a 20 p/km charge. The higher distance charges reduce emissions within the charge zone, and are also associated with elevated emissions outside the zone, but to a lesser extent than that observed for cordon charging.     

Estimation of age-related vulnerability to air pollution: assessment of respiratory health at local scale

This paper demonstrates association of short-term variation in pollution and health outcomes within the same geographical area for a typical urban setting in the northern part of the UK from time series analysis. It utilises publicly available datasets for regulated air pollutants (PM??, NO?, SO?, CO and O?), meteorology and respiratory hospital admissions (and mortality) between April 2002 and December 2005 to estimate the respiratory health effect of pollution exposure, mainly in the elderly. Our results show that PM?? and O? are positively associated with respiratory hospital admissions in the elderly, specifically in the age group 70-79. CO effects seem to be concentrated on the most elderly age group (80+) whereas NO? seems to have the opposite age-related effect, with lower effects on the more elderly.     

Some industrial effluents in Durgapur and their impact on the Damodar river

The industrial waste effluents from two industries of Durgapur have been traced along the course of Tamla Nalah at selected sites up to its confluence with the Damodar river and downstream. There are evidences of contamination of the river with toxic pollutants—ammonia, phenol, cyanide, sulphide, and trace mercury from Tamla Nalah. The upstream river water (Durgapur barrage), which is believed to be fairly pure, is actually not much better than the downstream river water. Monitoring data for about a year are presented and discussed.     

Role of environmental lead in the occurrence of anemia in Indian children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Exposure to lead among children, as well as adults, is a major global health issue. With diverse routes of exposure (e.g., food, air, and water)...