Deep eutectic solvents in the transformation of biomass into biofuels and fine chemicals: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - The global energy demand has been projected to rise over 28% by 2040, calling for more renewable resources such as lignocellulosic biomass to produce biofuels, and...     

Influence of culture media and environmental factors on mycelial growth and sporulation of Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon and Maubl

Lasiodiplodia theobromae, a common tea (Camellia sinensis) pathogen, usually does not sporulate or sporulates poorly in common media, which makes spore production difficult. In this study the effects of culture media, carbon source, nitrogen source, temperature, pH and light on mycelial growth and sporulation were evaluated. Among several carbon sources tested, glucose and sucrose were found superior for growth. Potassium nitrate supplemented media showed maximum growth amongst the tested inorganic nitrogen sources while peptone produced maximum growth among the tested organic nitrogen sources. Tea root extract supplemented potato dextrose agar medium was found to be the most suitable for mycelial growth and sporulation of L. theobromae. The fungus grow at temperatures ranging from 40 to 36 degrees C, with optimum growth at 28 degrees C and no growth was noted at 40 degrees C. There was no significant effect of different light period on growth of L. theobromae, but light enhanced sporulation. The fungus grow at pH 3.0-8.0 and optimum growth was observed at pH 6.0. Tea root extract supplemented potato dextrose agar medium with pH 6.0 was the most suitable for production of conidia of L. theobromae at 28 degrees C. Hence this media may be recommended for inoculum production for further studies.     

Waterborne outbreaks in diarrhoea endemic foci of India: a longitudinal exploration and its implications

Diarrhoea remains a global public health enigma raising deep concerns for the health planners since contaminated potable water often spoils the community health structure. We hereby report a 6-year odd continuing outbreak surveillance report based on potable water indices, during which 264 water samples were screened from different districts of West Bengal, India. Samples were analysed for the presence of different enteropathogenic bacterial species by conventional molecular tools and their sensitivity to antibiotics. 78.03% samples were positive for enteropathogenic bacterial organisms and 75% samples harbored Coliform. 45.45, 12.12, and 4.16% samples were positive for E.coli, V. cholerae, and V. mimicus, respectively. Diarrhoeagenic E.coli 7 EPEC, 10 ETEC, and 2 EIEC were isolated along with 2 V. cholerae O1 Ogawa (ctxA and tcpA ElTor positive), one each from tube well and pond. Interestingly, 4 V.cholerae non-O1/non-O139 also harbored hlyA gene. The detection of toxin genes among this bacterial pool of sampled water indicates the fallout of the potable water sources, thus enabling us to establish that it is none other than the contaminated potable water system which often wreaks havoc in the south Bengal diarrhoeal menace. The consequences are further complicated by the presence of drug-resistant pathogenic bacterial pool to fluoroquinolone, beta-lactams, and cephalosporins, in the accessible potable water, with threats of outbreaks exploding into an epidemic, given suitable environment, poor sanitation, and unhygienic practices. Therefore, we strongly recommend re-modelling of ‘point-of-use water disinfection’ measures and adequate personal hygiene for healthier community life.     

Conservation perceptions and attitudes of semi-nomadic pastoralist towards relocation and biodiversity management: a case study of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Van Gujjars</Emphasis> residing in and around Corbett Tiger Reserve,India

This article examines the perceptions and attitude of the semi-nomadic pastoral community “Van Gujjars” on the use and conservation of natural resources in Corbett Tiger Reserve, India. In this research article, in-depth interview and questionnaire data (n = 340) about demography and perceptions were examined from both qualitative and quantitative information. Respondents have expressed their perception about their own territories, problems, attachments, positive or negative change that occurred during their stay in and around protected area. Respondents overall positive attitudes towards conservation scenarios despite high losses from wildlife while living around protected area suggest that they may support conservation if their livelihood needs are met. Most of the respondents support the concept of conservation, and some respondents have negative attitude towards management authorities, mainly because of restricted access to the forest resources. The study illustrates and suggests a number of options for the viability of resettlement of pastoralist community. A majority of respondents indicated that there is a need for public participation in planning and implementation of resettlement process. Resettlement of Van Gujjar community may be better if exercised with the consensus of all the stakeholders. Resettlement will provide better livelihood opportunity to the pastoral community and enhance the economic status of these people as the educational level increases in time, while also improving habitat recovery leading to better biodiversity conservation. Thus, resettlements could benefit both the pastoral people and the natural resources.     

Nanoemulsions in food: market demand

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Food nanotechnology involves the study of interactions between oil, water, surfactants and various ingredients such as active compounds, gelling agents,...     

Measurement of Trace Levels of Atmospheric Sulfur Dioxide with a Gold Film Sensor

The mercury translation principle, wherein S(IV) reacts with Hg(l) to produce Hg(ll) and Hg(O), was utilized to measure trace levels of SO₂ with a conductometric gold film sensor. One approach involved impregnated glass fiber filters containing mercurous salts. The second and more successful approach utilized a porous membrane reactor where the reaction occurs in the interstitial liquid-gas interface as the sample gas flows inside and a dilute solution of Hg₂(NO₃)₂ flows outside the porous PTFE membrane tube. The first approach attained a LOD of 200 pptv SO₂(g), however, batch to batch reproducibility of the filters was poor and the filters could not be stored more than two days. The membrane reactor method provided better translation efficiency and highly reproducible results, with an LOD of 50 pptv SO₂(g). An intercomparlson of this method with an independent method relying on completely different chemistry showed good agreement for the measurement of subppbv levels of ambient SO₂. Both mercury translation methods were essentially unaffected by H₂S or CH₃SH.     

Determination of Atmospheric Sulfur Dioxide Without Tetrachloromercurate(II): Further Refinements of a Pararosaniline Method and Field Application.

Results are presented for the field application of a pararosaniline method which determines sulfur dioxide by utilizing a nontoxic thermally stable dilute formaldehyde absorber buffered at pH 4. Parallel results by the Federal Reference Method are reported. Further refinements of the pararosaniline procedure including dye reagent purification and inclusion of a trichloroacetic acid buffer system are described. Merits and limitations of direct and reverse reagent addition are discussed.