Geospatial technology for assessment of soil erosion and prioritization of watersheds using RUSLE model for lower Sutlej sub-basin of Punjab,India

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Erosion of soil by water coupled with human activities is considered as one of the...     

Multiresidue analysis of neonicotinoids by solid-phase extraction technique using high-performance liquid chromatography

For routine monitoring of pesticides, a multiresidue analysis through solid-phase extraction technique and using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in cotton seed cake (CSC) has been developed. Extraction of fortified samples was carried out with aqueous acetone under vacuum. The concentrated extract was loaded onto the solid-phase extraction units, preconditioned with acetonitrile. The extraction units were then washed with hexane and finally eluted with acetonitrile. The pesticide residues were determined using a multiresidue method by reversed-phase HPLC. The average percentage recoveries were found to range between 65.47% and 110% at spiking levels of 10 to 40 mg/kg. The method developed shows a healthy rate of recovery and can successfully be utilized for the extraction and screening of neonicotinoid residues in CSC. The detection limits for imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid using this method were found to be 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, respectively.     

Use of silicon and ferrosilicon industry by-products (silica fume) in cement paste and mortar

With increased environmental awareness, recycling/utilization of industrial byproducts is gaining ground. One such by-product is silica fume (SF), which is byproduct of the smelting process in the silicon and ferrosilicon industry. By-products of the production of silicon metal and the ferrosilicon alloys having silicon contents of 75% or more contain 85-95% non crystalline silica. Silica fume is very useful in the design and development of high quality cement paste/mortar and concrete.This paper presents comprehensive details of the physical, chemical, properties, and its reaction mechanism. It also covers the hydration characteristics, consistency, setting times, workability and compressive strength of cement paste and mortar.     

Impact of land-use change on the water resources of the Upper Kharun Catchment,Chhattisgarh, India

Regional Environmental Change - Reliable information on the water balance components today and their future changes is a prerequisite for foresightful and sustainable water management. Basically,...