Bio-efficacy evaluation of nanoformulations of β-cyfluthrin against Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

In the present investigation, bioefficacy of developed β-cyfluthrin formulations, utilizing laboratory synthesized poly(ethylene glycols) based amphiphilic copolymers, were evaluated against Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). The bioefficacy data indicated that the formulations developed by utilizing polymers having PEG - 1500 (3c) and PEG - 2000 (3d) as the hydrophilic segment showed greater efficacy after 14 days as evident from EC(50) values (2.2 and 1.58 mg L(-1) respectively). Also, release from the commercial SC formulation was faster than developed formulations as the commercial formulation had the lowest EC(50) value on the first day (0.51 mg L(-1)). The mean EC(50) of the commercial formulation against C. maculatus was quite high as compared to those of developed formulations. The results suggest that depending upon the polymer matrix used, the application rate of β-cyfluthrin can be optimized to achieve insect control at the desired level and period. The results described in this paper are promising and provide a comparison of developed formulations with the commercial one showing an earlier degradation of β-cyfluthrin in the latter and relatively prolonged activity in the former.     

Removal of ultrafine and fine particulate matter from air by a granular bed filter

The removal efficiency of granular filters packed with lava rock and sand was studied for collection of airborne particles 0.05-2.5 microm in diameter. The effects of filter depth, packing wetness, grain size, and flow rate on collection efficiency were investigated. Two packing grain sizes (0.3 and 0.15 cm) were tested for flow rates of 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 L/min, corresponding to empty bed residence times (equal to the bulk volume of the packing divided by the airflow rate) in the granular media of 60, 30, and 20 sec, respectively. The results showed that at 1.2 L/min, dry packing with grains 0.15 cm in diameter removed more than 80% (by number) of the particles. Particle collection efficiency decreased with increasing flow rate. Diffusion was identified as the predominant collection mechanism for ultrafine particles, while the larger particles in the accumulation mode of 0.7-2.5 microm were removed primarily by gravitational settling. For all packing depths and airflow rates, particle removal efficiency was generally higher on dry packing than on wet packing for particles smaller than 0.25 microm. The results suggest that development of biological filters for fine particles is possible.     

Efficacy of different organophosphate and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides to the larvae of malaria vector Anopheles stephensi, Liston

Evaluation of the potency of four organophosphate (OP) (Malathion, Fenthion, Fenitrothion and Temephos) and two synthetic pyrethroid (SP) compounds (cypermethrin and deltamethrin) was carried out against larvae of Anopheles stephensi, the major malaria vector in district Bikaner (Rajasthan). Different concentrations supplied by WHO were used for determining the percent mortalities. LC50 values as calculated by probit analysis were 1.2740, 0.0600, 0.0405, 0.0046, 0.0019 and 0.0016 mg/l respectively for the above six insecticides. Both SP compounds were found more toxic followed by temephos among the OP compounds. Malathion was found the least toxic while fenthion and fenitrothion were in between these two extremes.     

Soil microbial population and enzyme activity related to grazing pressure in alpine meadows of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

The present study aims to analyze the interaction of prevailing biotic pressure on soil environment with emphasis on its physicochemical and microbiological characteristics determining soil fertility status and thus supporting plant and animal biodiversity in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) which is located in northern part of Uttaranchal hills between 79 degrees 40'E to 80 degrees 05'E longitude and 30 degrees 17'N to 30 degrees 41'E latitude. The experimental results revealed that the physico-chemical characteristics (viz., moisture, pH, EC, C, N, P, K, CEC) of soil were maximum in moderately grazed meadow and minimum in intensively grazed meadow. Soil microbial analysis measured in terms of total viable count (TVC) exhibited grazing sensitivity trend being maximum population of bacteria > fungi > actinomycetes. The soil microbial population was positively correlated with soil respiration, dehydrogenase activity, acid phosphatase and microbial biomass, which exhibited uneven trend with grazing pressure. Soil from moderately grazed meadow showed highest microbial count and enzyme activities, whilst intensively grazed meadow showed lowest microbial count and enzyme activities. This depicts the beneficial role of prescribed grazing up to limited extent in management of soil fertility, which might have supported luxuriant growth of a variety of grasses.     

Statistical modeling to assess drinking water crisis

We modify the beta distribution by adding a parameter ρ ≥ 0 to capture the urgency level with which nations address drinking water crises. In essence, the urgency parameter relates to region’s environmental or development levels. The modified version is named an urgency biased beta distribution (UBBD). Its statistical properties are considered and illustrated by analysis of the drinking water data in the World Health Organization (2011) report. The methodology of this article is applicable to similar data sets arising in ecological, engineering, medical, business, marketing, and communication, etc. studies.     

Assessment of wetland ecosystem health in Lower Songkhram,Thailand

A study was conducted to assess the ecosystem health of Lower Songkhram wetland in Thailand, using a newly developed wetland ecosystem health index (WEHI) based on analysis of field survey and secondary data of the most dominant physical, environmental and socio-economic factors extracted by principal components analysis (PCA). The most influential physical, environmental and socio-economic factors identified were rainfall and awareness and participation of the local community, which had positive effects, whereas soil electrical conductivity (EC), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and urban development had negative effects. Based on the results, 9 of the 40 land units of the study area were in very good or good health, 11 in reasonable health, while 20 were found to be in poor or even very poor condition. These findings will be useful for decision-makers in planning and executing an effective and holistic strategy to prevent further wetland degradation.     

Removal of cadmium(II), lead(II), and chromium(VI) ions from aqueous solution using clay

Removal of cadmium(II), lead(II), and chromium(VI) from aqueous solution using clay, a naturally occurring low-cost adsorbent, under various conditions, such as contact time, initial concentration, temperature, and pH has been investigated. The sorption of these metals follows both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The magnitude of Langmuir and Freundlich constants at 30°C for cadmium, lead, and chromium indicate good adsorption capacity. The kinetic rate constants (K _ad) indicate that the adsorption follows first order. The thermodynamic parameters: free energy change (ΔG ^o), enthalpy change (ΔH ^o), and entropy change (ΔS ^o) show that adsorption is an endothermic process and that adsorption is favored at high temperature. The results reveal that clay is a good adsorbent for the removal of these metals from wastewater.     

Accumulation of heavy metals in soil and paddy crop (Oryza sativa), irrigated with water of Ramgarh Lake,Gorakhpur, UP,India

Heavy metals, a highly polluting group of constituents known to exert adverse effects, tend to accumulate in living organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the accumulation and translocation of heavy metals in soil and in paddy crop irrigated with lake water compared to soil and paddy crop irrigated with bore-well water. The quantities of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg) were determined in different parts of rice plants (Oryza sativa). Results revealed that the mean levels of soil Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg in experimental soil and in different parts of rice plant (root, straw, and grain) were higher than the control except for Cu. The content of eight toxic metals was significantly higher in root than in aerial parts of the rice (straw and grains). Rice roots were enriched in Cd, As, Hg, and Pb from the soil, while Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mn were hardly taken by the roots. Bioaccumulation factor for Hg was significantly higher than other heavy metals. Metal transfer factors from soil to rice plants were significant for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg. The concentrations of metals in lake water were found to be within the permissible limit of Indian standard prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (2000), except for Hg and As, which were higher than the limit of Indian standard. However, the concentrations of heavy metals in soil and rice grains were still below the maximal levels, as stipulated by Indian Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA, 1954) and World Health Organization (WHO, 1993) guidelines.