Production and characterization of Komagataeibacter xylinus SGP8 nanocellulose and its calcite based composite for removal of Cd ions

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In the present study, fermentative production of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) by using Komagataeibacter xylinus strain SGP8 and characterization of...     

Source identification of particulate matter and associated intake of elements through inhalation in an industrial area of Odisha,India

Particulate matter concentrations were measured in an industrial region in the Ganjam district of Odisha. The average levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM) were measured to be 142 ± 8 and PM₁₀ of particulate matter with a size of less than 10 micrometers (PM₁₀) to be 50 ± 15 μg m^?3. Out of the 14 elements determined, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, and K contributed more than 95% of the total weight. In enrichment factors, the trace elements, i.e., Zn, Pb, Cd, and Hg were observed to be highly enriched in the SPM and PM₁₀. Factor analysis indicates that more than 75% of the variance was due to five component factors, which have eigenvalues greater than 1. Intake of elements through inhalation route to adults has been estimated.     

Effect of salicylic acid on morphological and biochemical attributes in cowpea

Effects of salicylic acid (SA) on seed germination, seedling growth, flowering and biochemical activities were studied out in four cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes in control environments. The results revealed that both germination and seedling growth were negatively affected by 0.02%. SA application, however did not affect the size of full expanded buds, time of 50% flowering and date of flower initiation. A maximum increase in peroxidase (EC1.11.1.7) activity was observed in UPC 4200 over other genotypes. No significant change in the content of total soluble and intercellular fluid proteins was observed except in UPC 4200 genotype. SA induced accumulation of total soluble sugars more at flowering stage than at seed setting stage. It is evident from the present study that UPC 4200 genotype was more responsive to salicylic acid both in terms of increased peroxidase activity and less negative effect on morphological attributes, thus suggesting its wider use without negative impact on environment as salicylic acid has been reported in plants.     

Personal exposure measurement of students to various microenvironments inside and outside the college campus

This study characterizes the exposure of a typical Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur student to particulate matter and gaseous co-pollutants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen dioxide in various microenvironments, within and outside the college campus. Chemical analysis of filter, used for the particulate matter measurement, was also carried out to determine the concentration of various elements such as Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Pb, Zn, and anions like F^?, Cl^?, NO₃ ^?, and SO₄ ^2?. Furthermore, time activity diary along with temperature data was maintained for the precise evaluation and analysis of results for various microenvironments. The results showed PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations to be higher at some outdoor microenvironments, particularly near the Ganga riverbank. From the chemical analysis, concentrations of chloride and fluoride were found higher in indoor microenvironments as compared to outdoors. Also, nitrate concentrations were quite higher within the laboratory premises. Concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Mg were significant outdoors, whereas Na, Ca, Fe, and K were prominent indoors. The study highlights the real-time personal exposure of a student cohort to various toxic pollutants typically found within their breathing levels and their potential sources both indoors and outdoors.     

Dissipation kinetics of spiromesifen on tea (Camellia sinensis) under tropical conditions

Spiromesifen (Oberon) is a new insecticide and miticide of chemical class ketoenol active against white flies (Bemisia spp., Trialeuroides spp.) and spider mites (Tetranychus and Panonychus spp.). Due to its potential significance in insect resistance management, it is important to establish its behaviour on crop and environment. In the present study, the degradation/dissipation of spiromesifen on tea crop under tropical environmental conditions was studied and its DT(50) (t(1/2)), and DT(90) (time to reduce to 90% of the initial value) were estimated. Spiromesifen was sprayed on tea crop after first rain flush at four different locations @ 96 and 192ga.i.ha(-1). Samples of tea leaves were drawn at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days after treatment and that of soil at 10 days after treatment and at harvest from 0 to 15 and 15 to 30cm layers. After crude extraction of tea leaves for spiromesifen residues with acetone:water, the contents were partitioned with cyclohexane:ethyl acetate and cleaned up on Florosil column. Soil residues were also extracted similarly. Quantification of residues was done on GC-MS in Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode in mass range 271-274m/z. The LOQ of this method was found to be 0.05microgg(-1) while LOD being 0.015microgg(-1). The DT(50) of spiromesifen when applied at recommended doses in tea leaves was found to be 5.0-8.5 days. Ninety-nine percent degradation was found to occur within 33-57 days after application. In soil, no residues of spiromesifen were detectable 10 days after treatment.     

Persistence and Dissipation Kinetics of Spiromesifen in Chili and Cotton

In a field study carried out at three different locations, the dissipation of spiromesifen on cotton and chili was studied and its DT₅₀, and DT₉₉ were estimated at each location. Spiromesifen was sprayed on chili at 96 and 192 g a.i. ha⁻¹ and cotton at 120 and 240 g a.i. ha⁻¹. Samples of chili fruits were drawn at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 21, 30 days after treatment and that of cotton seed and lint at first picking and harvest. Soil samples were drawn 30 days after treatment from 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm layer. Quantification of residues was done on GC–MS in Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode in mass range 271–274 m/z. The LOQ of this method was found 0.033 μg g⁻¹, LOD being 0.01 μg g⁻¹. The DT₅₀ of spiromesifen when applied at recommended doses in chili fruits was found to be 2.18–2.40 days. Ninety-nine percent degradation was found to occur within 14.5–16.3 days after application. Residues of spiromesifen were not detected in cotton seed and lint samples at the first picking. In soil, no residues of spiromesifen were detectable 15 days after treatment.     

Fish diversity,habitat ecology and their conservation and management issues of a tropical River in Ganga basin,India

In the present communication habitat ecology, species diversity; distribution and different indices of fish biodiversity management were studied in a Central India river (River Betwa, a tributary of River Ganga basin approved under India’s first river linking plan). Correlation between fish species richness with the hydrological attributes showed good relationship and water depth, dissolved oxygen and pH were found the most important variables in shaping fish assemblage. Altogether, sixty-three fish species belonging to 20 families and 45 genera were collected from five sampling stations spread along the upstream, mid stream and lower streams. Cyprinids were the most dominated group represented by 26 species belonging to 15 genera, followed by Bagridae (6 species from 3 genera), and Schilbeidae (4 species from 4 genera). The distribution of fish showed interesting pattern and about 10% species were common to all the sites showing long migration range. Shannon-Weiner diversity index showed considerable variation and ranged from 1.89 to 3.51. Out of 63 species status of 10 species were not known due to data deficit, 29 categorized as lower risk, 14 as vulnerable, 8 as endangered, while the remaining two species were introduced. Our study shows that the River supports considerable diversity of the fishes and is important for conservation and about 34% fish fauna is threatened being either vulnerable or endangered. We assessed that the river supports considerable percentage of food fish (89.47), ornamental fish (49.12%) and sport fish (5.26%). Among the eight major types of fish habitats identified along the entire stretch of river, open river, shallow water and deep pools were habitats contributing maximum diversity. Fish species richness (FSR) were significantly different (P < 0.05) in all the habitats except channel confluence and scour pool. Trophic niche model may be useful for assessing altered as well as less altered fish habitat of the tropical rivers. Since this river will be interlinked in near future, this study would be useful for conservation planning and management and also for future assessment after interlinking. Issues related to various threats to aquatic environment and conservation management strategies have been discussed.