Biodiversity of brackish water amphipods (crustacean) in two estuaries, southeast coast of India

The present study about the gammarid amphipods of Vellar and Uppanar estuaries was performed during two seasons (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, 2005–2006), respectively, in nine habitats: five in the Vellar estuary and four in the Uppanar estuary. Amphipod samples were collected from sediments, oyster beds, seaweeds, sea grass, and mangroves. A total of 29 species of gammarid amphipods were collected in each area. The surface water temperature ranged from 16°C to 26°C, the salinity from 20 to 32 psu, and the pH between 7.5 and 8.3. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 5.3 to 7.8 ml/l. The maximum abundance of amphipods was observed during the pre-monsoon (July to September) in Vellar mangrove, and it was minimum during the pre-monsoon in Uppanar sea grass. It was found that several physicochemical factors, such as salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and the substrate have a marked effect on the distribution and the relative abundance of amphipods. The ranges of species diversity, richness, dominance, and evenness in the Vellar and Uppanar estuaries were 1.58–4.15, 1.82–5.29, 0–0.11, and 0.96–1, respectively. Using multivariate analyses, in each estuary, it was possible to identify different communities of amphipod species according to their habitats.     

Thermodynamics of interaction of lindane on silty loam and silty clay loam Indian soils

Abstract

Interaction of lindane with silty loam and silty clay loam soils was studied in batch tests at 23, 30 and 37° C. Sorption experiments were carried out at four concentrations and for varying time of contact upto 72 hours. This was followed by desorption studies. No desorption was observed. The sorption data was analysed using sorption equations and evaluating the thermodynamic parameters. The sorption was found to be predominantly entropic in nature and a combined effect of adsorption and chemisorption. The effect of organic matter and other chemical and mineralogical constituents of soils has also been discussed. The sorption with single application of lindane with the two soil types indicates that the insecticide is less likely to reach groundwater.     

Domestic water conservation potential in Saudi Arabia

Domestic water conservation in arid climates can result in efficient utilization of existing water supplies. The impacts of conservation measures such as the installation of water-saving devices, water metering and pricing schemes, water rationing and public awareness programs, strict plumbing codes, penalties for wasting water, programs designed to reduce leakage from public water lines and within the home, water-efficient landscaping, economic and ethical incentives are addressed in detail. Cost savings in arid climates, with particular reference to Saudi Arabia, in relation to some conservation techniques, are presented. Water conservation technology and tentative demonstration and implementation of water conservation programs are discussed.     

Sorption of strontium on bentonite

Sorption of Sr on bentonite was studied using the batch technique. Distribution coefficients (K_d) were determined as a function of contact time, pH, sorbent and sorbate concentration and temperature. The data were interpreted in terms of Freundlich, Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms. Thermodynamic parameters for the sorption system were determined at three different temperatures. The positive value of the heat of sorption, ΔH° = 30.62 kJ/mol at 298 K, shows that the sorption of strontium on bentonite is endothermic. The negative value of the free energy of sorption, ΔG° = −10.69 kJ/mol at 298 K, shows the spontaneity of the reaction. ΔG° becomes more negative with increasing temperature, which shows that the sorption process is more favorable at higher temperatures. The mean free energy for sorption, E 9 kJ/mol, suggests that ion exchange is the predominant mode of sorption in the Sr concentration range studied, i.e. 0.01 – 0.3 mol/dm³. The presence of complementary cations depresses the sorption of strontium on bentonite in the order Ca²⁺>Mg²⁺>K⁺>Na⁺. Some organic complexing agents and natural ligands also affect the sorption of strontium. The desorption studies with ground water at low strontium loadings on bentonite show that about 90% of Sr is irreversibly sorbed on the bentonite.     

The integrated programme for commodities: An assessment of negotiations on minerals and metals

No agreement has yet emerged from the negotiations on mineral commodities held under the Integrated Programme for Commodities (IPC), and there is little, if any, prospect for one in the near future. This article examines the reasons for this standstill and the underlying assumptions on which the IPC is based. The following points are raised: the premise that problems of individual commodities are mutually exclusive and can be dealt with in a single framework of measures is shown to be doubtful; the principle of a commodity-by-commodity approach can no longer remain unchallenged; and structural flaws in the negotiating machinery are manifest. However, results of negotiations have not been entirely negative: the need for two-tier preparatory negotiations has been accepted and a case for a permanent consultative body, perhaps covering several commodities, has been made out. Lack of substantive reciprocity, hence political discord, remains the stumbling-block.     

Moderation of dust explosions

Inherent safety is a proactive approach to process safety in which hazards are removed or minimized so as to reduce risk without engineered (add-on) or procedural intervention. Four basic principles are available to attain an inherently safer design—minimization, substitution, moderation, and simplification. The subject of the current paper is the principle of moderation as it applies to the prevention and mitigation of dust explosions.

Moderation can be achieved by processing a material under less severe operating conditions or by processing the material in a less hazardous form. With respect to the latter approach, it may be possible to alter the composition of a dust by admixture of solid inertants, or to increase the dust particle size so as to decrease its reactivity. Additionally, avoidance of the formation of hybrid mixtures of explosible dusts and flammable gases is an application of moderation of the material hazard.

Several examples are given for each of the above three forms of moderation. The discussion on admixture of solid inertants includes examples from the following industrial applications: (i) refractory materials manufacturing, (ii) food processing, (iii) power generation, (iv) industrial recycling, and (v) foundry shell mold fabrication. The importance of particle size consideration is explained first from the perspective of engineering tools such as the Dow Fire & Explosion Index, and professional guidance on the definition of a dust and suitable particle sizes for explosibility testing. Industrial examples are then drawn from the following areas: (i) rubber recycling and textile manufacturing, (ii) industrial recycling, (iii) wood processing, (iv) dry additive handling (polyethylene facility), (v) polyethylene production, (vi) carbon block recycling, and (vii) coal mining. The concluding discussion on hybrid mixtures includes brief cases from the process safety literature.     

WASTE WATER DISPOSAL THROUGH A COASTAL AQUIFER1

ABSTRACT: Feasibility of disposing treated sewage in wells sunk into a partially confined coastal limestone aquifer at Waimanalo in the island of Oahu was investigated using an electric analog model. Electric analog modeling was preferred over digital modeling because of ease with which tides could be generated at the ocean boundary in the form of sinusoidal waves. The results of model operation showed that high permeability, low storativity, and the presence of ocean render the Waimanalo aquifer highly suitable for the disposal of waste water in deep wells. Since the quality of water in the aquifer is already unsuitable for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, waste water injection will not result in any loss of fresh water supply source to the island. It is also believed that the cost of waste water disposal through the aquifer will be considerably less than that through an ocean outfall. During model development it was discovered that electric analog models can help prepare certain graphs which can be useful for aquifer analysis without any further use of the model.     

Genotoxicity of ferric oxide nanoparticles in Raphanus sativus: Deciphering the role of signaling factors, oxidative stress and cell death

We have studied the genotoxic and apoptotic potential of ferric oxide nanoparticles(Fe_2O_3-NPs) in Raphanus sativus(radish).Fe_2O_3-NPs retarded the root length and seed germination in radish.Ultrathin sections of treated roots showed subcellular localization of Fe_2O_3-NPs,along with the appearance of damaged mitochondria and excessive vacuolization.Flow cytometric analysis of Fe_2O_3-NPs(1.0 mg/m L) treated groups exhibited 219.5%,161%,120.4% and 161.4% increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨm),nitric oxide(NO) and Ca2+influx in radish protoplasts.A concentration dependent increase in the antioxidative enzymes glutathione(GSH),catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD) and lipid peroxidation(LPO) has been recorded.Comet assay showed a concentration dependent increase in deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) strand breaks in Fe_2O_3-NPs treated groups.Cell cycle analysis revealed 88.4% of cells in sub-G1 apoptotic phase,suggesting cell death in Fe_2O_3-NPs(2.0 mg/m L) treated group.Taking together,the genotoxicity induced by Fe_2O_3-NPs highlights the importance of environmental risk associated with improper disposal of nanoparticles(NPs) and radish can serve as a good indicator for measuring the phytotoxicity of NPs grown in NP-polluted environment.     

A comparison of acute toxicity of biodiesel, biodiesel blends, and diesel on aquatic organisms

The increased demand of alternative energy sources has created interest in biodiesel and biodiesel blends; biodiesel is promoted as a diesel substitute that is safer, produces less harmful combustion emissions, and biodegrades more easily. Like diesel spills, biodiesel can have deleterious effects on the aquatic environments. The effect of neat biodiesel, biodiesel blends, and diesel on Oncorhynchus mykiss and Daphnia magna was evaluated using acute toxicity testing. Static nonrenewal bioassays of freshwater organisms containing B100, B50, B20, B5, and conventional diesel fuel were used to compare the acute effects of biodiesel to diesel. Mortality was the significant end point measured in this study; percent mortality and lethal concentration (LC50) at different exposure times were determined from the acute toxicity tests performed. Trials were considered valid if the controls exhibited > 90% survival. Based on percentage of mortality and LC50 values, a toxicity ranking of fuels was developed.     

An optimal level of dust explosion risk management: Framework and application

The current research provides guidance on the prevention and mitigation of dust explosion using a Quantitative Risk Management Framework (QRMF). Using concepts drawn from previous studies, the framework consists of three main steps: (i) a new combined safety management protocol, (ii) the use of DESC (Dust Explosion Simulation Code) and FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) to assess explosion consequences and likelihood, respectively, and (iii) application of the hierarchy of controls (inherent, engineered and procedural safety). QRMF assessment of an industrial case study showed that the original process was at high risk. DESC simulations and Probit equations determined the destructive percentages. FTAs revealed high probabilities of explosion occurrence; in addition, detailed individual and societal risks calculations were made, before and after the framework was applied. Based on the hierarchy of controls technique, the framework showed significant risk reduction to the point where the residual risk was acceptable for the process.