Synthesis and use of a catalyst in the production of biodiesel from Pongamia pinnata seed oil with dimethyl carbonate

The preparation of sodium methoxide-treated algae catalysts and their activity in the transesterification of Pongamia pinnata seed oil by dimethyl carbonate were investigated. We also investigated the effect of the sodium methoxide-treated algae catalyst on the biodiesel yield. The development of sodium methoxide-treated algae catalysts can overcome most problems associated with dissolution in dimethyl carbonate. The products were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy to identify the fatty acid methyl esters in the biodiesel produced. The molar ratio of Pongamia pinnata seed oil to dimethyl carbonate in transesterification in the presence of the sodium methoxide-treated algae catalyst was observed to play a substantial role in this study, wherein the Pongamia pinnata seed oil conversion increased with increasing catalyst concentration. The highest percent conversion rate was 97%. With intense research focus and development, an ideal catalyst can indeed be developed for optimal biodiesel production that is both economically feasible and environmentally benign.     

Toxic effect of transition metal complexes on Salmonella typhi,Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens

The present article describes the synthesis, structural features and toxicological studies of the complexes of the type [M(L)(dipy-amine)(H₂O)] or [M(L)(bendan)(H₂O)] where M?=?Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II), H₂L?=?salicylidene-o-aminothiophenol, dipy-amine?=di(2-pyridyal)amine, or bendan?=?bis(benzylidene)1,8-diaminonaphthalene. The complexes have been characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, electronic spectra, magnetic measurement and thermogravimetric analyses. The nature of the bonding has been discussed on the basis of infrared spectral data. A thermal study of the complexes has been carried out to ascertain their thermal stability. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and electronic spectral data suggest a six-coordinated octahedral structure for these complexes. The complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) are paramagnetic, while Zn(II) and Cd(II) are diamagnetic in nature. The toxic effects of the investigated complexes were tested against three Gram-negative bacteria, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens by the “Disc Diffusion Method”. It is observed that the complexes show higher toxic effects as compared to the ligands, metal salts and control (DMSO), but moderate toxic effects as compared to the standard drug (tetracycline) and the results are discussed.     

In vitro fungitoxic activity of some Schiff bases and their oxovanadium(IV) complexes

The oxovanadium(IV) (VO(IV)) complexes, Schiff bases, vanadyl sulphate, standard fungicides (bavistin and emcarb) and control (dimethyl sulphoxide) were tested for their in vitro fungitoxic activity on A. niger, F. oxysporum and A. flavus. The oxovanadium(IV) complexes show higher fungitoxic activity as compared with the free ligands, vanadyl sulphate and control (dimethyl sulphoxide), but moderate fungitoxic activity as compared with the standard fungicides (bavistin and emcarb). Oxovanadium(IV) complexes have been prepared with biologically active Schiff bases viz. the potassium salt of salicylidene-DL-alanine (sal-ala), 2,2′-bipyridylamine (bipym), bis(benzylidene)ethylenediamine (benen), thiophene-o-carboxaldeneaniline (tca), thiophene-o-carboxaldene-p-toluidine (tct), bis(benzylidene)-1,8-diaminonaphthalene (bendan) or bis(acetophenone)ethylenediamine (acphen). They have been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, magnetic measurements, electronic and infrared spectra. An octahedral geometry has been tentatively assigned to all the complexes.     

Effects of manganese waste on growth,nodulation, proline levels,and enzymatic activities in Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

Phytoremediation studies were carried out on the waste of Kalakhunta manganese (Mn) mines located in Banswara, Rajasthan, which is rich in Mn and iron. Various treatments, including the addition of soil, farmyard manure, sawdust, and biogas slurry, as well as differing quantities of NPK and capping with 10% soil were undertaken to ameliorate the effects of inhospitable waste. The effect of unamended and variously treated amended waste was studied on the growth, nodulation, yield, leaf area, and enzymatic activity of the test plants to ascertain the degree of toxicosis that plants may encounter during the process of phytostabilization. The levels of proline and activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, acid phosphatase, and nitrate reductase were affected by the treatments applied. Data showed that addition of 10% soil + 3 NPK is the most suitable treatment for the purpose of revegetation of Mn-mine waste, as the plants displayed the highest growth under this treatment condition.