A Novel Biodegradable Green Poly(l-Aspartic Acid-Citric Acid) Copolymer for Antimicrobial Applications

Poly (l-aspartic acid-citric acid) green copolymers were developed using thermal polymerization of aspartic acid (ASP) and citric acid (CA) followed by direct bulk melt condensation technique. Antibacterial properties of copolymer of aspartic acid based were investigated as a function of citric acid content. This study is focused on the microorganism inhibition performance of aspartic acid based copolymers. Results showed that inhibition properties increase with increasing citric acid content. Characterization of obtained copolymers was carried out with the help of infrared absorption spectra (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The antibacterial activity of copolymers against bacteria like E-coli, Bacillus and pseudomonas was investigated. The copolymers showed excellent antimicrobial activities against three types of microorganisms. Overall studies indicated that the above copolymers possess a broad wound dressing activity against above three types of bacteria and may be useful as antibacterial agents.     

Biochemical changes in plant leaves as a biomarker of pollution due to anthropogenic activity

The air pollution due to anthropogenic activities seriously affected human life, vegetation, and heritage as well. The vegetation cover in and around the city mitigates the air pollution by acting as a sink for pollution. An attempt was made to evaluate biochemical changes occurred in four selected plant species, namely Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, Delonix regia, and Cassia fistula of residential, commercial, and industrial areas of Nagpur city in India. It was observed that the correlated values of air pollutants and plant leaves characteristics alter foliar biochemical features (i.e., chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content, pH and relative water content) of plants due to air pollution. The changes in air pollution tolerance index of plants was also estimated which revealed that these plants can be used as a biomarker of air pollution.     

Zinc induced histological changes in brain and liver of Labeo rohita (Ham.)

Labeo rohita fingerlings were exposed to zinc metal toxicity (5 and 10 ppm) for duration of 5 and 15 days. The histological changes were studied in brain and liver of the treated fish. The brain tissues showed enlarged pyramidal cells with extensive vacoulation while severe necrosis, haemorrhage and degeneration of hepatocytes were witnessed in the liver tissues.     

In vivo studies on the effect of Ocimum sanctum L. leaf extract in modifying the genotoxicity induced by chromium and mercury in Allium root meristems

In vivo cytogenetic assay in Allium cepa root tip cells has been carried out to detect the modifying effect of Ocimum sanctum aqueous leaf extract against chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) induced genotoxicity. It was observed that the roots post-treated with the leaf extract showed highly significant (p < 0.001) recovery in mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) when compared to pre-treated (Cr/Hg) samples and the lower doses of the leaf extract were found to be more effective than higher doses. The present study reveals that the Ocimum sanctum leaf extract possesses the protective effect against Cr/Hg induced genetic damage.     

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Indian rivers

Pharmaceutical concentration data for Indian surface waters are currently scarce. Sewage often enters Indian rivers without prior treatment, and so previously reported environmental concentrations from regions with routinely implemented sewage treatment cannot simply be used to predict concentrations in Indian surface water. Improved knowledge of pharmaceutical concentrations in Indian waters would enable determination of potential risks posed to aquatic wildlife and human health in this region. The concentrations of five common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; diclofenac, ketoprofen, naproxen, ibuprofen, and acetylsalicylic acid) were determined in surface waters from 27 locations of the Kaveri, Vellar, and Tamiraparani Rivers in southern India. The samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction and analyzed by GC-MS. The measured concentrations of four of the five drugs in this reconnaissance were relatively similar to those reported elsewhere (ND–200 ng/l); however, acetylsalicylic acid, the most readily degradable of the investigated drugs, was found at all sites and at considerably higher concentrations (up to 660 ng/l) than reported in European surface waters. This is the first report on the occurrence of NSAIDs in Indian rivers. The finding of elevated concentrations of acetylsalicylic acid is most likely a result of direct discharges of untreated sewage. Therefore, readily degradable pharmaceuticals may present larger concern in regions without consistent sewage treatment. Based on measured environmental concentrations, the risks of direct toxicity to aquatic wildlife and of humans consuming the water are discussed.     

Impact of salinity and pH on phytoplankton communities in a tropical freshwater system: An investigation with pigment analysis by HPLC

An in vitro study was carried out to understand the effects of salinity shock and variation in pH on phytoplankton communities in a tropical freshwater system of the Godavari River (a major peninsular river in India). The distributions of, and variations in, phytoplankton communities were assessed by quantitative determination of their class specific marker pigments, using HPLC. Subtle changes in salinity of the freshwater by one practical salinity unit (PSU) completely removed green algae from the system and allowed the cyanobacteria to come into dominance. The cyanobacteria were found to tolerate higher osmotic stress until the salinity reached a PSU of 16. The higher salinity tolerance range of the cyanobacteria was attributed to the enhanced synthesis of zeaxanthin as protective xanthophylls against the osmotic stress. However, the effects of changing pH were not as dramatic as salinity where the green algae and the cyanobacteria from the same freshwater system showed a considerable acclimation towards the fluctuating pH. These findings are environmentally relevant to understand the likely impact of salt water intrusion and pH variation on phytoplankton communities in a tropical freshwater system.     

Utilization of rice husk ash for the treatment of leachate generated from Perungudi semi-urban solid waste dumping site of Chennai city,Tamil Nadu,India

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Leachate from the secured landfill sites and open dumpsite seems to be threat to environment, which requires an immediate attention to investigate...     

Biofabrication of ecofriendly copper oxide nanoparticles using Ocimum americanum aqueous leaf extract: analysis of in vitro antibacterial,anticancer, and photocatalytic activities

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Nanotechnology tends to be a swiftly growing field of research that actively influences and inhibits the growth of bacteria/cancer. Noble metal...     

Need for adaptation strategy against global sea level rise: an example from Saudi coast of Arabian gulf

This paper reports sea level rise (SLR) scenarios causing land loss, environmental degradation and destruction of infrastructure in the Saudi coast of the Arabian Gulf. Human development structures such as, sea ports, desalination plants, industrial establishments, commercial buildings, fish farms etc. will be impacted, leading to great economic losses. A systematic analysis on the current environmental setting of east coast of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) versus the existing infrastructure assets indicates that a 1?m sea level rise in Arabian Gulf affects approximately 650?km² land area, along the Saudi coastline of ~1,800?km in 1:50,000 scale. Three simulation scenarios were created with respect to 1?m, 2?m and 3?m rises from the present mean sea level and its impacts were assessed. Maps depicting major infrastructure assets, ecologically sensitive elements, historical locations, anthropogenic zones, and Environmental Sensitivity Indices (ESI) were used for overlaying the sea level change map, in a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. In general, the Jubail Marine Park area will have serious impact due to SLR. The inundation of low?Clying lands will affect the mangroves species of Dawhat Ad Dafi, coral reefs, coastal salt marshes, groundwater aquifers, and fish stocks. The risk of inundation on the Abu Ali Island, given their status as marine sanctuary of international importance, is particularly high. As an adaptation strategy, it is proposed that the KSA should implement Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZMP) for the Arabian Gulf coast without further delay for the protection of its vulnerable resources and for sustainable development.