Pollution level in distillery effluent and its phytotoxic effect on seed germination and early growth of maize and rice

The effluent from a Lucknow- based distillery (Mohan Meakin Distillery) was analyzed for physico-chemical and biological parameters of pollution and concentration of potentially toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) and the effect of the distillery effluent, as such and on 50% dilution with tap water was studied on seed germination and seedling growth of maize (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). The effluent was wine red in colour and highly acidic (pH approximately 55) and possessed decaying alcoholic smell. The effluent contained high values of different pollution parameters, particularly total solids, 3450 mgl(-1) (soluble plus suspended solids), alkalinity 1500 mgl(-1), biological oxygen demand (BOD, 1649 mgl(-1)) and chemical oxygen demand (COD, 2036 mgl(-1)). It had very low values of dissolved oxygen (DO, 0.34 mgl(-1)). The heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) content, particularly the nickel concentration (0.029 mg l(-1)) was high. Use of the distillery effluent, even on 1:1 dilution with tap water inhibited germination and early seedling growth of maize and rice. In both maize and rice, more so in the former germination % of seeds, length of radicle and plumule and the fresh and dry weight of the seedlings were significantly reduced. The emerging leaves of the seedlings also developed visible effects of toxicity some of which resembled the symptoms of nickel toxicity. Our observations suggest that the effluent, as discharged from the distillery carry a heavy load of pollutants. Its discharge into the river Gomti poses a potential threat to the aquatic life, perticularly during the summer months when the water flow in the river is drastically reduced. The distillery effluentis also harmful for irrigating crops grown along the drain carrying it.     

Study of bio-physico-chemical parameters of Mothronwala swamp, Dehradun (Uttarakhand)

Aquatic biodiversity is one of the most essential characteristics of the aquatic ecosystem formaintaining its stability and a means of coping with any environmental change. The entire stretch of the Mothronwala swamp has rich riparian vegetation for providing conducive environment for the growth of aquatic organisms. The present work has been undertaken to study the bio-physico-chemical characteristics of the swamp. The data on physico-chemical environmental variables (temperature, total dissolved solutes, size and composition of substratum, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity chlorides, and hardness) have been given under the present contribution. A total of 16 genera of aquatic insects belonging to orders Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Phylum Mollusca represented the macroinvertebrates of Mothronwala swamp. The fresh water swamp of Mothronwala is under threat due to human interference and other anthropogenic activities. Some of the natural and anthropogenic environmental problems of the Mothronwala swamp have been identified and the ameliorative measures for the protection of aquatic environment and the conservation measures for the swamp have been suggested. The qualitative study revealed the present status of the aquatic biodiversity of the swamp and also about the physico-chemical parameters, which would be very helpful for policy makers to take precautionary measures to save the swamp.     

Histopathological changes in testis of the freshwater fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) exposed to linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS)

The objective of this study was to use the freshwater food fish, Heteropneustes fossilis, as a model to evaluate the concentration-dependent effects of LAS on the testicular structure through short-term static bioassays. Concentration mediated histopathological leisions were observed in testis of H. fossilis, treated with four different concentrations of LAS for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr Inference drawn from the study is that the cytotoxic damage is more pronounced in fish exposed to higher concentrations of LAS for shorter durations than lower concentrations of LAS for longer durations. Gross damage of germinal epithelium, inflammatory response, intertubular vacuolations and contraction and condensation in the cells of tubules under all sets of intoxication and exposures are quite suggestive of reproductive impairment leading to delayed gonadal maturity.     

Toxic mine drainage from Asia’s biggest copper mine at Malanjkhand,India

This paper has studied the environmental deterioration due to copper mining in Malanjkhand at Central-east India. No data is available on environmental degradation at the studied site although geological aspects are well studied. Mine drainage from the mines is definitively toxic. The site is also undergoing various stages of acid mine drainage (AMD) particularly from the heap leaching sites and the tailing area. AMD impacted water steam and sediment were also analysed. Results show substantial level of contamination of almost all segments of environment. Presence of elevated level of other heavy metal viz. Au, Ag, Pb, Cr, Cd, Fe, Cu and base metals like Na, K in AMD impacted water and sediments is due to metal leaching effect of AMD. Bio monitoring with the help of benthic macro invertebrates and metal accumulation in plants was also carried to know the impact of the toxic drainage. Results prove a very significant impact on the environmental health.     

Population dynamics of vibrio species in the river Narmada at Jabalpur

Several studies on the presence and ecology of various Vibrio sp have been reported in coastal and estuarine waters throughout the world, but there is trifling information available on the distribution of this organism of colossal pathogenic potential in the fresh water riverine environment. Thus, we conducted a multiyearenvironmental study to scrutinize the occurrence of members of genus Vibrio in the largest west flowing river of the Indian subcontinent, which is also the largest river of central India, the Narmada. Statistical analysis was done to reveal major environmental factors controlling the presence of Vibrio sp in the river Narmada. Monthly field samplings were conducted between January 2002 and December 2003 at four different sites in Jabalpur (MP), India. At each site, water samples were taken and physicochemical and bacteriological parameters were measured. The identity of the isolates was confirmed by employing 16S rRNA analysis. The organisms were found to be widely distributed in the river with regular seasonal variations. The density of Vibrio was found to be correlated with temperature, coliforms and other heterotrophic bacteria. Water temperature accounted for most of the variability in the concentration of Vibrio spAs typical fecal pollution indicators may not access public health risk from potential pathogens such as vibrios, hence special monitoring programme for vibrios may adequately be included in the water quality management.     

Water quality index and suitability assessment of urban ground water of Hisar and Panipat in Haryana

Ground water quality in two well-developed cities of Haryana, viz. Hisar and Panipat was assessed for drinking purpose based on water quality parameters like pH, EC, turbidity, TDS, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), nitrate (NO3), phosphate (PO4), sulphate (SO4) and fluoride (F) with respect to different land-use areas viz. residential, industrial, commercial and agricultural. Water quality index based on 9 parameters showed that at Panipat, underground water in all the land-use zones was fit for consumption (WQI < 50), whereas at Hisar, water in agricultural areas was good in quality, but that in other areas varied in magnitude of pollution (WQI > 50 to 100).     

Breast cancer incidence and exposure to pesticides among women originating from Jaipur

Environmental contamination by pesticides has been documented in biotic and abiotic components. These persistent organic pollutants are lipid soluble, nonbiodegradable, and endocrine disrupters. The present study was therefore planned to determine whether the levels of these pesticides like DDT and its metabolites DDD and DDE, dieldrin, heptachlor, and HCH and its isomers (alpha, beta, and gamma) were higher in blood of breast cancer patients when compared with normal women who did not suffer from major diseases like blood pressure, tuberculosis, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, arthritis, cancer, etc. and had not undergone any major surgery. The results indicated that organochlorine pesticides taken for analysis were found significantly high in breast cancer patients irrespective of age, diet, and geographic distribution.     

Macroinvertebrates as indicators of pollution

Various pollution indicators of stream Ban-Ganga have been identified on the basis of presence/absence/numerical abundance at various stations. They have been categorized as pollution tolerant, facultative and pollution intolerant groups in relation with the water quality at different stations of stream.     

Temperature related seasonal changes in Golgi complex of brain, heart and intestine of a teleost

Impact of temperature related seasonal changes in density of Golgi complex were studied in brain, heart and intestine of the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus). The density of Golgi complex was more in these organs of the fish acclimatized to a lower temperature (20 degrees C) than that to a higher temperature (29 degrees C). This suggests that lower temperature induces secretory activity in cells to cope up with the changes in surrounding environment. It could be a kind of histophysiological adaptation in poikilothermic animal.     

Soil, water and nutrient conservation in mountain farming systems: case-study from the Sikkim Himalaya

The Khanikhola watershed in Sikkim is agrarian with about 50% area under rain-fed agriculture representing the conditions of the middle mountains all over the Himalaya. The study was conducted to assess overland flow, soil loss and subsequent nutrient losses from different land uses in the watershed, and identify biotechnological inputs for management of mountain farming systems. Overland flow, soil and nutrient losses were very high from open agricultural (cropped) fields compared to other land uses, and more than 72% of nutrient losses were attributable to agriculture land use. Forests and large cardamom agroforestry conserved more soil compared to other land uses. Interventions, like cultivation of broom grass upon terrace risers, N2-fixing Albizia trees for maintenance of soil fertility and plantation of horticulture trees, have reduced the soil loss (by 22%). Soil and water conservation values (> 80%) of both large cardamom and broom grass were higher compared to other crops. Use of N2-fixing Albizia tree in large cardamom agroforestry and croplands contributed to soil fertility, and increased productivity and yield. Bio-composting of farm resources ensured increase in nutrient availability specially phosphorus in cropped areas. Agricultural practices in mountain areas should be strengthened with more agroforestry components, and cash crops like large cardamom and broom grass in agroforestry provide high economic return and are hydroecologically sustainable.