Comparative studies of liver and brain glycogen content of male and female Clarias batrachus (L.) after exposure of different doses of arsenic

Different doses of arsenic (As) were used to investigate comparative toxicity on the liver and brain glycogen content on male and female Indian catfish Clarias batrachus (L.). As-induced effects were associated with gender, dose (5, 10, or 15?mg?L^?1), and varying time periods (48, 96, or 144?h). It was noted that As produced dose- and time-dependent liver glycogenolysis and late brain glycogenolysis. Liver glycogenolysis was significantly increased after 48?h at all three As doses. At the highest dose 15?mg?L^?1, liver glycogen were markedly diminished at in both male and female fish, but in females more reduction was observed than in males. However, with brain glycogen, the significant decrease was noted at 144?h with all three dose levels in both genders, with male being more susceptible. Thus, this study indicates that As produces glycogenolysis. The reduction in the liver glycogen content was more pronounced in female than in the male fish, whereas brain glycogen content decrease was more prominent in males.     

Immunotoxic manifestations in rats following inhalative exposure to furfural vapors

Furfural is an industrial compound used as a process intermediate and as a solvent; it poses a potential inhalation hazard in occupational settings. This study was carried out to find furfural-induced immunotoxicity in Wistar rat following inhalative exposure. The weights of thymus and lymph node were found decreased, while the weights of the liver and the adrenal gland were significantly increased following furfural exposure. Delayed-type hypersensitivity response was found decreased in furfural vapors-exposed animals when compared to that of control animals. The phagocytic index of peritoneal and alveolar exudates showed significant decrease and was most prominent (90%) in 30 days-exposed groups. The number of anti-rat anti-sheep red blood cell immunoglobulin M plaque forming cells of spleen got decreased in furfural-exposed groups in comparison to control. Taken together, this study indicates that inhalation of furfural induces immunotoxic manifestations that could lead to severe immunological disorders.     

Historical evidence of climatic variability and changes,and its effect on high-altitude regions: insights from Rara and Langtang,Nepal

ABSTRACT

Climatic variability and its effects have been experienced in the high-altitude regions of Nepal for some considerable time. Most of the studies on local people’s perception available so far in Nepal on climate include with respect to weather changes, and almost none have been verified with satellite imagery. This study thus attempts to combine meteorological and satellite imagery for comparing local people’s perception so that a more robust validation can be established. Both qualitative (transect walk, key informant interview, focus group discussion and institutional visit) and quantitative (meteorological and satellite image) data and techniques were employed. Local people from Rara and Langtang in Nepal shared their observations and perceptions on the changing climate for the last three decades and the effects on them and their local microclimate. Apart from temperature, rainfall and snowfall anomalies, locals observed changes in the water sources and increasing drought along with alteration in the phenology of tree and agricultural crops as well as vegetation range migration. Satellite image analysis also confirms a change in snow cover as notified by the local people. This study shows that local people’s knowledge could be considered as a complement to the observed scientific evidences of climate change science and their perceptions can be used reliably where scientific data are lacking. Finally, perceived climatic risks, current gaps and future opportunities are discussed and some recommendations are suggested.     

Community structure of zooplankton across environmental variables in a high-altitude lake of central Himalayas,India

We determined seasonal and spatial variation of zooplankton and their correlation with environment variables in a subtropical lake of the Himalayas. Thirty-eight species of zooplankton were identified, of which, 38.0% belonged to rotifera, 26.3% to cladocera, and 15.7% to copepoda. Nitrogen nutrients, total organic matter (TOM), and clay particles significantly influenced on the distribution pattern of zooplankton. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis showed homogeneous assemblages of dominant zooplankton species except Chydorus gibbus which has wider range of niche partitioning. Turbidity formed by suspended materials facilitated better avoidance of larger zooplankton like Daphnia similis from predators. Sedimentary silt particles influenced on the assemblages of sensitive species such as Tropocyclops prasinus, Asplanchna priodonta and Colurella obtuse. Changes within the land-use pattern in the catchment of the central Himalayan lakes either directly or indirectly impact on the distribution of zooplankton community.     

Biological impacts of ocean acidification: a postgraduate perspective on research priorities

Research into the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on marine organisms has greatly increased during the past decade, as realization of the potential dramatic impacts has grown. Studies have revealed the multifarious responses of organisms to OA conditions, indicating a high level of intra- and interspecific variation in species’ ability to accommodate these alterations. If we are to provide policy makers with sound, scientific input regarding the expected consequences of OA, we need a broader understanding of these predicted changes. As a group of 20 multi-disciplinary postgraduate students from around the globe, with a study focus on OA, we are a strong representation of ‘next generation’ scientists in this field. In this unique cumulative paper, we review knowledge gaps in terms of assessing the biological impacts of OA, outlining directions for future research.     

Evolution of spit morphology: a case study using a remote sensing and statistical based approach

The dynamics and factors responsible for morphological changes of spits viz., Uliyargoli-Padukere, Oddu Bengre and Kodi Bengre, southern Karnataka, India, are investigated using multi-dated satellite images and topographic maps during the last 95-years (1910–2005). Variations and overall rate of changes in length, area and coefficient of determination (R²) of each spit are calculated separately for two periods (1910 and 1967 as base years) to find out whether there is any significant trend in the case of change in length and area in all the three spits that are under study. Linear trend lines are fitted using a least squares method and the statistical significance is considered at 80 % level of confidence. The results recorded significant changes in spit morphology, especially in length and area if 1910 and 1967 are considered separately as base years, are may be due to non-availability of data set between 1910 and 1967 period. The study reveals that coastal processes, such as SW-monsoon influenced strong currents and longshore drifts are the main process for formation and growth of spits, whereas rivers influence/drift also plays significant role. The statistical uncertainty estimation in spits morphology is prevalent wherever the coast is affected by human interventions. The study demonstrates that combined use of satellite imagery and statistical techniques can be effectively used to understand the evolution of spits morphology.     

Natural gas engine driven heat pump system – a case study of an office building

ABSTRACT

An eQUEST model was developed to conduct a simulation study of a natural gas engine-driven heat pump (GEHP) for an office building in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. Prior to the installation of the GEHP, the heating and cooling demands of the office building were provided by rooftop units (RTUs), comprising of natural gas heater and electric air conditioner. Energy consumption for both GEHP and RTUs were monitored for operation in alternating months. These recorded energy consumptions along with weather data were used in the regression analysis. The developed eQUEST models were validated and calibrated with the regression analysis results with respect to the ASHRAE Guideline 14–2014. The eventual models were then applied to investigate the potential annual energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and energy cost savings achieved by using the GEHP in Woodstock, and other cities in Canada, particularly in Ontario.     

Aerogels and metal–organic frameworks for environmental remediation and energy production

Environmental pollution and climate change are requiring new methods to clean pollutants and produce sustainable energy. Aerogels and metal organic frameworks are emerging as advanced porous materials with higher functionality, high surface area, high porosity and flexible chemistry. Aerogels are dried gels prepared using the sol–gel procedure, whereas metal organic frameworks are networks of organic ligands and metal ions connected by coordination bonds. Applications of aerogels include the removal of heavy metals, CO₂ capture and reduction, photodegradation of pollutants, air cleanup and water splitting. This article reviews the synthesis and types of aerogels and metal organic frameworks, and the application to pollutant removal, energy production including hydrogen, methane reforming, CO₂ conversion and NOx removal.     

Organochlorines in urban soils from Central India: probabilistic health hazard and risk implications to human population

This study presents distribution of organochlorines (OCs) including HCH, DDT and PCBs in urban soils, and their environmental and human health risk. Forty-eight soil samples were extracted using ultrasonication, cleaned with modified silica gel chromatography and analyzed by GC-ECD. The observed concentrations of ∑HCH, ∑DDT and ∑PCBs in soils ranged between?<?0.01–2.54, 1.30–27.41 and?<?0.01–62.8 µg kg^?1, respectively, which were lower than the recommended soil quality guidelines. Human health risk was estimated following recommended guidelines. Lifetime average daily dose (LADD), non-cancer risk or hazard quotient (HQ) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for humans due to individual and total OCs were estimated and presented. Estimated LADD were lower than acceptable daily intake and reference dose. Human health risk estimates were lower than safe limit of non-cancer risk (HQ?<?1.0) and the acceptable distribution range of ILCR (10^?6–10^?4). Therefore, this study concluded that present levels of OCs (HCH, DDT and PCBs) in studied soils were low, and subsequently posed low health risk to human population in the study area.     

Estimation of maximum scour depths at upstream of front and rear piers for two in-line circular columns

Previous investigations indicate that scour around bridge piers is one of the most important factors for the failure of waterway bridges. Hence, it is essential to determine the accurate scour depth around the bridge piers. Most of the previous studies were based on scour around a single pier; however, in practice, new bridges are usually wide and then piers comprise two circular piers aligned in the flow direction that together support the loading of the structure. In this study, the effect on maximum scour depth of the spacing between two piers aligned in the flow direction was investigated experimentally under clear water scour conditions. The results show that the maximum scour depth at upstream of the front pier occurs when the spacing between the two piers is 2.5 times the diameter of the pier. Two semi empirical equations have been developed to predict the maximum scour depth at upstream of both front and rear piers as a function of the spacing between the piers, in terms of a pier-spacing factor. If the new equations for the pier-spacing factor are used with some of the existing equations for scour at a single pier, the predicted scouring depths are in good agreement with observed results. The S/M equation exhibited the best performance among the various equations tested and was recommended for use in prediction of the equilibrium scour depth. The findings of this study can be used to facilitate the positioning of piers when scouring is a design concern.