International Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology Research

124-129

Authors: Ihejirika CE1*, Nwachukwu MI4, Njoku-Tony RF1, Ihejirika OC2, Enwereuzoh UO1, Imo EO3, and Obenade M5

Disposal of industrial solid wastes in the environment is a major environmental challenge. This study investigated the effects of calcium carbide waste dumpsites on soil quality. Soil samples were collected with hand auger from three different dumpsites at varying depths and made into composite samples. Samples were subjected to standard analytical procedures. pH varied from 10.38 to 8.28, nitrate from 5.6mg/kg to 9.3mg/kg, phosphate from 8.8mg/kg to 12.3mg/kg, calcium carbide reduced from 10 to 3%. Calcium carbide was absent in control soil samples. Bacterial counts from dumpsites ranged from 1.8 x 105 - 2.5 x 105cfu/g while fungal ranged from 0.8 x 103 - 1.4 x 103cfu/g. Bacterial isolates included Pseudomonas spp, Flavobacterium spp, and Achromobacter spp, while fungal isolates include Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus niger, and Rhizopus stolonifer. No organism was isolated from the dumpsites at soil depth of 0-15 cm, while there were isolates from other soil depths. Toxicity might be due to alkaline condition of the dumpsite. Calcium carbide might be bactericidal and fungicidal leading to cellular physiology, growth retardation, death, general loss of biodiversity and reduction of ecosystem processes. Detoxification of calcium carbide waste before disposal on soil might be the best option in management. Keywords: Calcium carbide waste, Soil health, Denitrification, Toxicity, Biodiversity, Ecosystem processes.

136-142

Authors: 1*R.K. SRIVASTAVA, 1KALPANA SAGAR, GUFRAN BEIG2

The ambient air quality monitoring network involves measurement of a number of air pollutants. A variety of methods exist to measure particulate matter in air. This study evaluates the effects of particulate air pollution associated short-term exposure of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in Diwali festival. Fireworks display during festive celebrations can cause acute short term air pollution. Concentration of air pollutants such as PM10 and PM2.5 was monitored for six consecutive days during Diwali in, a densely populated residential area near, Jabalpur, India for assessing the impacts of fireworks on ambient air quality. The study was conducted for two consecutive years i.e. 2012 and 2013. The result shows that air quality deteriorates during Diwali festival is due to the use of excessive amount of firecrackers. A comparative account of two years air quality data is also presented. Keyword: Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5), Air Quality, Meteorological Parameter, firework comparison of air quality, Diwali festival, ozone.