Environmental Pollution and Protection

5

Authors: D.M. Tripathi, S. Tripathi

Jhansi is situated in Central part of India in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Betwa is the main river in Jhansi which is also a tributary of river Yamuna. The present investigation was carried out on Betwa River for the assessment of water quality. The sampling locations were chosen carefully in order to get maximum representation of the diverse ecohydrological environment within the river system. The water samples were analyzed for various physicochemical and microbial parameters such as pH, EC, TSS, TS,TDS, total hardness, Ca, Mg , alkalinity, acidity, Cl, DO, BOD, free CO2, temperature and MPN. Results showed that the water of Betwa River is alkaline in nature with higher concentration of cations. Nitrates, phosphates and heavy metals are significant in the water which can be attributed due to high rate of decomposition and anthropogenic pressure. Higher BOD, COD, Turbidity and low DO level in water is due to abundance of animated life and the microbial activity, which results in the depletion of the dissolved oxygen.

8

Authors: U.S. Banerjee, S. Gupta

The present study was conducted to determine the metal contamination in cultivated vegetables and agricultural soils irrigated with untreated industrial wastewater. Untreated industrial wastewaters pose a serious threat to ecosystem health and therefore, to check metal contamination in soil, eco-toxicological assessment of industrial effluents is necessary. The study deals with the characterization of effluent released from various industries and distribution of heavy metals in soil near to effluent discharge channel. The samples were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters using standard laboratory procedures and giving prime thrust to determine the heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, Mn, Cu and Cr) of wastewater. The five heavy metals in the wastewater irrigated soil viz. Pb, Cd, Mn, Cu and Cr were detected in most of the samples (mg/kg) ranged from 29.347–49.358, 0.169–2.265, 75.786–95.228, 2.852–15.532, 26.969– 49.245 respectively. Enrichment of metals in wastewater irrigated soil sample ranged between 1.467–2.468 (Pb), 0.563–7.550 (Cd), 0.089–0.112 (Mn), 0.063–0.345 (Cu), and 0.300–0.547 (Cr). The soil of the agricultural land showed significant enrichment with Pb and Cd indicating inputs from industrial sources. From the above study, it has been found that the wastewaters at various locations are rich in essential micronutrients (Mn and Cu) and have a good pH for agricultural use. The high values for Cd BCF may be explained by the fact that Cd is easily absorbed by plants. The depth wise study showed that metal concentrations were in higher magnitude at top-soil zone in comparison to sub-soil zone both in affected and control soils. The investigation showed pronounced metal contamination of agricultural soils irrigated with untreated industrial wastewater.

9

Authors: Hakeem Ijaiya

Today the greatest hazard facing human activities in outer space is space debris. These man-made objects orbiting Earth pose dangers to spacecraft and the astronaut alike. The study examines the sources of space debris, the risk posed by space debris to space activities and the outer space environment. The study also examines the effectiveness of the present legal mechanisms for the regulation of space refuse through an analysis of international legal policy with particular reference to the national space law and policy of the United States, European Union (EU), Russia and Japan. The study analyses the legal and policy implications of space debris in order to evaluate the adequacy of the present international legal regime for recognizing and regulating space debris. The study relies on primary and secondary sources of information. The information obtained through these sources was subjected to content analysis. The study concludes with a non-binding treaty-based proposal for a new legal debris control regime that can encourage compliance and enhance accountability. The study recommended a review of the international law as well as the laws and policies of international organizations and the major space-faring States.