Ferrate(VI) oxidation of ibuprofen: A kinetic study

The kinetics of ferrate(VI) (Fe^VIO₄ ²⁻, Fe(VI)) oxidation of an antiphlogistic drug, ibuprofen (IBP), as a function of pH (7.75–9.10) and temperature (25–45°C) were investigated to see the applicability of Fe(VI) in removing this drug from water. The rates decrease with an increase in pH and the rates are related to protonation of ferrate(VI). The rates increase with an increase in temperature. The E _a of the reaction at pH 9.10 was calculated as 65.4±6.4 kJ mol⁻¹. The rate constant of the HFeO₄ ⁻ with ibuprofen is lower than with the sulphur drug, sulfamethoxazole. The use of Fe(VI) to remove ibuprofen is briefly discussed.     

Host plant resistance to insects: an eco-friendly approach for pest management and environment conservation

Host plant resistance (HPR) to insects is an effective, economical, and environment friendly method of pest control. The most attractive feature of HPR is that farmers virtually do not need any skill in application techniques, and there is no cash investment by the resource poor farmers. Considerable progress has been made in identification and development of crop cultivars with resistance to the major pests in different crops. There is a need to transfer resistance genes into high-yielding cultivars with adaptation to different agro-ecosystems. Resistance to insects should form one of the criteria to release varieties and hybrids for cultivation by the farmers. Genes from the wild relatives of crops, and novel genes, such as those from Bacillus thuringiensis can also be deployed in different crops to make HPR an effective weapon to minimize the losses due to insect pests. HPR will not only cause a major reduction in pesticide use and slowdown the rate of development of resistance to insecticides in insect populations, but also lead to increased activity of beneficial organisms and reduction in pesticide residues in food and food products.     

Enrichment and exposure of particulate lead in a traffic environment in India

Enrichment of lead in respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and exposure of human blood to particulate lead in traffic environment were investigated. Samples of RSPM, non-respirable suspended particulate matter (NRSPM) and total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) were collected in 10 sampling sites located on National Highway No. 6, Durg–Bhilai section of Chhattisgarh State of India. Forty blood samples, out of which 20 of highway traffic personnel with chronic exposure and other 20 of general population who were residing more than 10 km away from the National Highway, were collected. Samples of particulate matter were weighed and analysed for particulate lead. Results have shown a higher concentration of average RSPM and TSPM in all the sampling sites compared to the Indian permissible limits. Geometric mean of lead levels was found in the range of 0.880–1.414 µg/m³ (TSPM) in the study sites. Concentrations of lead in RSPM have shown a higher enrichment (range 2.645–3.171) relative to NRSPM. Blood lead levels in traffic personnel and general population were found in the range of 56.70–101.17 µg/dL and 7.92–31.22 µg/dL, respectively.     

Follicovitellosum indicum,a new trematode,found in the fish Belone belone

A new trematode, collected in 1971 from Ratnagiri, India, is described as Follicovitellosum indicum sp. nov. A new subfamily, Follicovitellotrematinae is created within the family Zoogonidae Odhner, 1911, to receive the new genus Follicovitellosum, with its genotype F. indicum. The new species is characterized by the follicularized nature of its ovary; the ovarian follicles are posttesticular. The vitellarium is further divided into several follicles which are largely in the pre-ovarian zone, but post-acetabular and posttesticular in location.     

Maximum likelihood method for parameter estimation in non-linear models with below detection data

The maximum likelihood (ML) method for regression analyzes of censored data (below detection limit) for nonlinear models is presented. The proposed ML method has been translated into an equivalent least squares method (ML-LS). A two stage iterative algorithm is proposed to estimate statistical parameters from the derived least squares translation. The developed algorithm is applied to a nonlinear model for prediction of ambient air CO concentration in terms of concentrations of respirable particulate matter (RSPM) and NO₂. It has been shown that if censored data are ignored or estimated through simplifications such as (i) censored data are equal to detection limit, (ii) censored data are half of the difference between detection limit and lower limit (e.g., zero or background level) or (iii) censored data are equal to lower limit, this can cause significant bias in estimated parameters. The developed ML-LS method provided better estimates of parameters than any of the simplifications in censored data.     

Role of traditional conservation practice: highlighting the importance of Shivbari sacred grove in biodiversity conservation

Recognizing the importance of sacred groves in biodiversity conservation and management, and the recent threats to them, the present study was conducted in Shivbari sacred grove of Himachal Pradesh. The study aimed at documenting the floral wealth of Shivbari and promoting plantation of indigenous species in participation with local people. For this, systematic field surveys in different seasons were conducted in Shivbari from April 2005 to November 2009, and liaison was maintained with the local community and temple management authority for gaining insight into the history and problems of Shivbari and initiating plantation activities. A total of 69 flowering plant species were identified inside the grove, which include 14 trees, 9 shrubs, 3 lianas and 43 herbs. This represents almost 2% of the total flowering plant species occurring in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Mallotus philippensis followed by Putranjiva roxburghii was the most dominant tree species. Adhatoda zeylanica was the most common shrub species, while Achyranthes aspera was the most common herb species. The grove harbours 23 plants species that are in high demand in the market, and at the same time also influences the microclimate of the area. The temperature inside the grove was significantly lower than the temperature outside the grove. The recent changes in socio-economic status of the local people and a shift towards market-oriented economy have threatened the survival of Shivbari. However, the deeply held beliefs of the pilgrims, local people and priest offer a ray of hope. During the course of the study, 3,000 plants were planted inside the grove out of which 60% have survived.     

Complete dechlorination of DDE/DDD using magnesium/palladium system.

Kinetic studies on the dechlorination of 1,1-dichloro-2,2 bis (4,-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDD) and 1,1,dichloro-2,2 bis (4,-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) in 0.05% biosurfactant revealed that the reaction follows second-order kinetics. The rate of reaction was dependent on the presence of acid, initial concentrations of the target compound, and zerovalent magnesium/tetravalent palladium. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of DDE dechlorination revealed the formation of a completely dechlorinated hydrocarbon skeleton, with diphenylethane as the end product, thereby implying the removal of all four chlorine atoms of DDE. In the case of DDD, we identified two partially dechlorinated intermediates [namely, 1,1-dichloro-2, 2 bis (phenyl) ethane and 1, chloro-2, 2 bis (phenyl) ethane] and diphenylethane as the end product. On the basis of products formed from DDD dehalogenation, we propose the removal of aryl chlorine atoms as a first step. Our investigation reveals that biosurfactant may be an attractive solubilizing agent for DDT and its residues. The magnesium/palladium system is a promising option because of its high reactivity and ability to achieve complete dechlorination of DDE and DDD.