Remediation of noxious pollutants using nano-titania-based photocatalytic construction materials: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Nano-titania (n-TiO2), due to its unique photocatalytic and hydrophobic properties, can be used to prepare self-cleaning cement-based smart building...     

Use of 2–methoxyethyl ether and nitromethane as oxygenated additives for performance improvement and emission reduction of CI engine: experimental investigation and numerical simulation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Diesel engines are playing a vital responsibility in the field of automobile, agriculture, construction, and power generation. In the present world,...     

Male reproductive toxicity of organophosphorous compounds: a review

Fertility is declining in many countries and there has been substantial interest in the potential adverse effects of exposure to environmental hazardous chemicals, including pesticides on male reproduction. Organophosphorous compounds (organophosphates, OP) constitute a heterogeneous category of chemicals specifically designed for the control of pests or plant diseases. OP are known to produce reproductive toxicity, resulting in a decrease in the fertility levels of humans and animals. This review article mainly focused on toxicity of some OP such as acephate, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, fenitrothion, malathion, and monocrotophos especially dealing with reproductive toxicity in males. Furthermore, this review deals with mode of action and clinical syndromes of OP. Considerable lab studies on animals concluded that OP produce adverse effects on male reproductive system.     

Chemistry of atmospheric dust and critical load assessment in Delhi region (India)

This is the first study in the Delhi region that assesses the critical load capacity of soil systems with respect to the atmospheric deposition and air quality, from July to October in 2012. Trend analysis of NO₂ and SO₂ in Delhi, using the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, showed interesting patterns matching with the trends in vehicular load in the city. This was followed by the calculation of the critical load of atmospheric acidity for sulphur and nitrogen in order to check the vulnerability of the soil systems in Delhi. Here, the steady state mass balance approach was majorly applied and the study conducted in the Agra region was taken as reference. The calculated values of critical loads of sulphur (225–275?eq/ha/yr) and nitrogen (298–303?eq/ha/yr), for the soil system in Delhi, were calculated with respect to three plant species, namely Anjan grass, Hibiscus and Black siris. The present loads of sulphur (PL(S)?=?26.40?eq/ha/yr) and nitrogen (PL(N)?=?36.51?eq/ha/yr) were found to be much lower than their respective critical loads. From the results, it can be concluded that the present loads of atmospheric acidic deposition in Delhi region do not pose any danger of acidification of soil system because it is countered by buffering capacity of soil generated dust. However, considering the pace at which the city is growing, it is likely that in coming decades, the present load will increase and thus the values evaluated in this study are likely to serve as an important reference for future assessment of the pollution scenario in the city.     

Nitrogen and sulphur mustard induced histopathological observations in mouse visceral organs

Nitrogen mustards (HN) and sulphur mustard (SM) are potent alkylating blister inducing chemical warfare agents. Single 1.0 LD50 dose produced a progressive fall in body weight from second day onwards in all groups of mustard agents exposed animals. Histological examination of spleen, liver skin and kidney revealed significant histopathological lesions in nitrogen mustards and sulphur mustard. These lesions include granulovascular degeneration with perinuclear clumping of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and renal parenchymal cells. Renal lesions were characterized by congestion and hemorrhage. The maximum toxic manifestation were noted in spleen and skin of HN-3 exposed mice while sulphur mustard reported maximum toxicity in liver and kidneys. The study suggests both nitrogen mustards and sulphur mustard to be extremely toxic by percutaneous route based on histopathological observation and can contributed to earlier reported free radical generation by these toxicants.     

Real-time quantification of mcrA, pmoA for methanogen, methanotroph estimations during composting

Composting is the controlled biological decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms during predominantly aerobic conditions. It is being increasingly adopted due to its benefits in nutrient recycling, soil reclamation, and urban land use. However, it poses an environmental concern related to its contribution to greenhouse gas production. During composting, activities of methanogenic and methanotrophic communities influence the net methane (CH4) release into the atmosphere. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), this study was aimed at assessing the changes in the methyl-coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) and particulate methane monooxygenase (pmoA) copy numbers for estimation of methanogenic and methanotrophic communities, respectively. Open-windrow composting of beef cattle (Bos Taurus L.) manure with temperatures reaching > 55 degrees C was effective indegrading commensal Escherichia coli within the first week. Quantification of community DNA revealed significant differences in mcrA and pmoA copy numbers between top and middle sections. Consistent mcrA copy numbers (7.07 to 8.69 log copy number g(-1)) were detected throughout the 15-wk composting period. However, pmoA copy number varied significantly over time, with higher values during Week 0 and 1 (6.31 and 5.41 log copy number g(-1), respectively) and the lowest at Week 11 (1.6 log copy number g(-1)). Net surface CH4 emissions over the 15-wk period were correlated with higher mcrA copy number. Higher net ratio of mrA: pmoA copy numbers was observed when surface CH4 flux was high. Our results indicate that mcrA and pmoA copy numbers vary during composting and that methanogen and methanotroph populations need to be examined in conjunction with net CH4 emissions from open-windrow composting of cattle feedlot manure.     

Overview of non-hazardous solid waste in the small island state of Mauritius

In Mauritius, solid waste disposal has been a cause for concern since the 1980s. Currently, there is no segregation of waste and some 1200 tonnes of solid waste are generated daily by the 1.24 million inhabitants of the island. As processes such as recycling and composting are still in their infancy stage, most of the waste generated have to be disposed of at the sole landfill. The solid waste management practices of 1980s and early 1990s are no longer compatible with the changing composition and quantity of wastes now generated. As a result, there is an urgency to review the whole waste management system and come forward with sustainable solutions.This paper presents an overview of the disposal of non-hazardous solid waste in Mauritius and provides recommendations for improving the current disposal system.     

Alteration in biochemical constituents and nutrients partitioning of Asparagus racemosus in response to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Understanding the response of medicinal plants to elevated CO2 concentrations is crucial to evaluate the climate change impacts on medicinal...     

Novel concentration master curve and rheological characterization of recycled asphalt binders

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The recycling of asphalt pavements requires a good understanding of the material’s characteristics. However, the rheological behavior of...