Journal of Environmental Nanotechnology

06-14

Authors: P. Vinisha Valsaraj, C. Janardanan

A novel four component inorganic cation exchange material tinzirconium molybdophosphate with two cations and two anions has been synthesized. Chemical composition of the compound was determined by ICP-AES method and structural studies were carried out using TGA, XRD, and FT-IR, SEM. Bifunctional behaviour of the material has been indicated by its pH titration curves. The material shows high ion exchange capacity of 1.96 meqg-1. The distribution coefficient studies of metal ions on the material were performed in different solvent systems and the material was found to be selective for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) ions. On the basis of distribution coefficient value, some analytically important binary separations of metal ion like Pb(II)-Co(II), Pb(II)-Ni(II), Pb(II)-Mg(II), Pb(II)-Hg(II), Cu(II)- Bi(III), Cu(II)-Zn(II), Cu(II)-Mg(II), Hg(II)-Zn(II), Hg(II)-Bi(III), Hg(II)-Mg(II) were achieved on tinzirconium molybdophosphate column. In order to demonstrate the practical utility of the material, quantitative separation of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) from textile effluent, paper industry and wood industry have been achieved. Keywords : Binary Separation, Ion Exchanger, Tetravalent Metal Acid Salts,".standard-a

22-29

Authors: Arun Bhatt1, Piyusha Singh1, Vineet Kumar1, Mamta Baunthiy2

This study aims to document information about ethanobotanical information of plant used by the people for the treatment of livestock in different parts of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state. The documentation of biodiversity and its traditional use(s) by the local inhabitant of this region have assumed priority due to the rampant loss of biodiversity, the increasing patent wars on bio-resources. Traditional use of plant and plant resources has a long history in Uttarakhand and its use is rapidly increasing due to having no side effects, easily available at affordable prices and some time only available to the poor especially in remote regions of Garhwal region. The methods employed during the present study were designed with the sole purpose of eliciting the precious wealth of information on the ethno-veterinary uses of medicinal plants by the people of Garhwal region. Field surveys were conducted in the various thickly populated live-stocks rich places of Garhwal region between 2007-11.Key informants were identified after preliminary discussion with the people. Information on ethanobotanical uses of the plants was collected by interviewing key informants of the community using a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire. Usually, the elderly and experienced members of the society, locally known as 'Vaidyas', were interviewed.Often,they were accompanied to the field for the identification of plant species used and their preferred habitats. All the relevant information, in particular the mode of preparation, method of use and dosage of each medicinal plant species was recorded. Echno-veterinary practices used by the people are interesting, and have been practiced since long back. In general bleeding, foot and mouth disease, gastrointestinal helminthiasis, mange, myiasis, pain, pediculosis, pneumonia, tick infestation and uterine prolapsed were ten common conditions/ailments of animals for which traditional ethno-veterinary prescriptions are usually being used in the area. The data generated by this study will be helpful for making the maximum and sustainable use of plants as well as animal resources. The disappearance of these practices will not only affect poor villagers and their livestock but also be a permanent loss of our culture, heritage and biodiversity .It is finally hoped that ethno-veterinary practices will be useful to the Department of Animal Husbandry, extension workers, scientists, and policy makers in their efforts towards sustainable livestock farming system and might be able to offer a broader range of animal healthcare options in the different regions of Garhwal Himalaya. Keywords : Ethano-botanical, Livestock, Traditional knowledge, Ethno-veterinary, Biodiversity, Sustainable livestock farming system�

37-41

Authors: N. Veerabagu Suresh1, R. C. Sarasvathi2, Haresh M. Pandya3, K. B. Rajesh3*

Based on the vector diffraction theory, the effect of phase modulation on the intensity distribution of TEM11 mode azimuthally polarized Laguerre-Gaussian beam in the focal region of high NA lens is investigated theoretically. It is observed that a properly designed complex phase filter can generate multiple focal hole segment and it is useful for the manipulation of optical traps. Keywords : polarized double ring shaped beam, radial electric field component

46-52

Authors: Omkar Singh1*, C.K. Jain

In this study, water quality and eutrophication aspects of Mansar, Surinsar, Tsokar, Tsomoriri and Renuka lakes have been discussed. The water quality parameters were compared with BIS standards for drinking purposes. The values of physico-chemical water quality parameters for Mansar and Surinsar lakes (Jammu Division) were found within the desirable limits except low DO in hypolimnion. Whereas, the values of physico-chemical parameters for Tsomoriri and Tsokar lakes (Ladakh region) were found beyond limits having much higher concentration of pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, chloride, calcium, magnesium. The water quality of Renuka lake shown higher concentration of magnesium, iron, manganese, lead, total coliform, faecal coliform and low DO in hypolimnion. The eutrophication status assessed on the basis of phosphate concentration show eutrophic condition of Mansar, Surinsar, Tsomoriri and hyper-eutrophic condition of Tsokar and Renuka lake. The results indicate that efforts are required to lower the existing eutrophication levels by adopting conservation measures for the lakes. Kewords : Carlson's TSI, Eutrophication, Lake, Water Quality, Western Himalayas.

59-69

Authors: S.N. Maity

Energy and pollution are the present burning questions. So, there is an impending demand of an alternative green power. Solar, as believed, is the only major alternative in comparison to other sources of available renewable energies. For absorbing the sun solid silicon-crystalline photo-voltaic (SPV) method is the best. SPV panels are laid on structures at tilt angle. SPV is a land consuming system. Scarcity of land is the greatest crisis of the earth. Solar Power Tree is invented for installing PV-modules on a tall pole-like structure with branch- like panels and takes only 1% of land than conventional SPV layout. Keywords : Silicon-crystalline Photo-Voltaic (SPV), Solar Power Tree.������

74-82

Authors: Monika Mishra, Avanish Pratap Singh, S. K. Dhawan*

A matrix having conducting, magnetic and dielectric filler, due to their unique attenuation and electrical properties have shown their potential application in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. However, the difficulties of reflection of microwave are yet to be overcome. Recently, exfoliated graphite along with iron oxide and fly ash found to a better alternate to the conventional shielding materials. Conductivity of composites lies in the range 0.013"14.57 S/cm. The microwave absorption properties of the composites have been studied in the 8.2-12.4 GHz (X-Band) frequency range which shows a shielding effectiveness upto 59.83 dB, which strongly depends on dielectric loss and weight fraction of fly ash and γ-Fe2O3 in EG matrix. Keywords : Composite materials, Magnetically ordered materials, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

97-100

Authors: B. Parasuram1, S. Karthikeyan2, S. Sundram3*

The recycling of waste plastics by thermal and catalytic degradation processes can be an important source of producing alternative fuel oil from the view point of an economical aspect and contributing to the environmental protection from the view point of an environmental aspect. In this work pyrolysis of Polystyrene (PS) was carried out with bentonite as a catalyst at temperature between 380 to 420°C to explore its effect on pyrolysis product distribution. Three fractions of products were obtained: Pyrolysis oil (55 wt %), pyro gas (10 wt %) and char (34 wt %). The presences of catalyst produces light oil as well as increase in yields of liquid and gas fractions as the temperature increases were reported. Keywords : Catalyst; Oil; Plastic; and Pyrolysis

06-10

Authors: P. Muthuraja, V. Prabhu, M. Sethuram, M.Dhandapani, G. Amirthaganesan

The title compound,Tetrakis(hydrazine) barium(II) chloride monohydrate (TBCM) was crystallised by solvent evaporation- solution growth technique. Energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) and elemental analysis confirmed the stoichiometry of the compound. FTIR spectral study has been performed to identify the presence of various functional groups. The optical transmittance window and the lower cut off wavelength of the TBCM have been identified by UV-Vis-NIR studies. The proton configuration of TBCM is confirmed by 1H NMR Spectroscopy. The sharp Bragg peaks of powder X-ray diffraction pattern show crystalline nature of the compound. Thermogravimetry (TG), Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and low temperature differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study thermal properties of the compound. Kurtz powder test with Nd:YAG laser radiation shows a considerable second harmonic generation by TBCM. Keywords: FT-IR; NLO; NMR; Solvent evaporation; Thermogravimetry.

15-20

Authors: S. Karthikeyan, S. Kalaiselvan, D. Manorangitham, S. Maragathamani

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized using methyl ester of Madhucalongifolia oil over Fe-Mo impregnated alumina support at 650 C under N2 atmosphere at normal pressure.Structural characterizations have been done by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and Raman Spectroscopic analysis. We confirmed that well graphitized multi-walled carbon nanotubes were nicely grown on the chosen catalytic supporting material. The diameter of the carbon nanotubes obtained were between 30 and 40 nm. Keywords: Carbon nanotubes; FESEM; HRTEM; Madhucalongifolia oil; Spray-pyrolysis.

28-33

Authors: S. Cheemadan, K. Keerthana, M. C. Santhosh Kumar*

We have deposited PbS and Al doped PbS thin films by chemical bath deposition. Lead acetate and thiourea were used as sources of Pb2+ and S2- respectively. The films were deposited at a pH of 12.5. The deposited films were further annealed at three different temperatures 250 p C, 300 p C, 350 p C. The structural analysis reveals that PbS has a preferential growth at (200) planes and high crystalline PbS were obtained when the films were annealed at 300p C. Crystallite size for all the films varies from 30 to 50 nm. SEM analysis shows almost dense spherical and uniform grains were distributed upon the surface of the film. The Aluminium concentration were varied from (1,2,3 and 4 at %). The electrical conductivity of the Al doped PbS films increases upto to 3 at % and then it decreases at 4 at %. All films exhibits highly stable p-type behavior with maximum conductivity for 3% Al doped PbS films which is 13.32(cm)-1. Thereby it is concluded that 3% Al is the opimum concentration for the doping for PbS films and can be used for the application of IR detectors and sensors. Keywords: Chemical bath deposition (CBD); PbS.q

41-44

Authors: S. Shri Prasad*, D. Arun kumar, J. Madhavan

Titanium dioxide TiO2 nano particles of size around 13nm were synthesized by sol-gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide, isopropyl alcohol and NH3 precursors. The XRD diffraction pattern shows the anatase structure of TiO2 and FESEM shows the particle size of TiO2 is 13 nm. Nanostructured TiO2 thin films were prepared by doctor blade method on an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate. The mesoporous TiO2 thin film was sensitized by cadmium sulfide (CdS) by successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) method. CdS sensitized solar cell was fabricated by following standard dye-sensitized solar cell fabrication method. It was tested under standard illumination 1.5 AM,100mW cm-2. The photo energy conversion efficiency of the CdS sensitized solar cell was observed as 1.31%. Keywords: Titanium dioxide; Sol-gel; Doctor-blade; Solar cell; Cadmium sulfide.

51-56

Authors: R. Amiruddin1, Akshay Srinivas2, C. S. Sujith Kumar3, M. C. Santhosh Kumar4*

We have deposited undoped ZnO and 3% Al doped ZnO layers upon stainless steel (SS 304) substrates to study the hydrophobic nature of the surface. The ZnO layers were deposited at 673K by spray pyrolysis. Then the prepared films were annealed at various temperature like 723K, 773K, 873K and 973K. The structural and compositional analysis shows that the ZnO has a preferential growth along (002) planes. By contact angle measurement, it is revealed that annealed samples at 723K for both ZnO as well as 3% Al doped ZnO surfaces exhibits maximum contact angle of 120.59 and 125.97 respectively, which shows that the surfaces are hydrophobic. The photoluminescence spectra show that there are blue and green emission peaks in all samples. Thus, the hydrophobic ZnO thin films can be of great importance in commercial application as transparent self-cleaning surfaces. Keywords: Contact angle; Hydrophobicity; ZnO.��

62-67

Authors: M. Saravanabhavan, V. Murugesan, M. Sekar1*ine

A new class of heterocyclic compound, substituted 2-methyl-3,4,5,10-tetarahydro-pyrrolo [3,2-a]carbazole-1-ethyl carboxylate derivatives have been prepared from 1-oxo-1,2,3,4,-tetrahydrocarbazoles. The structural features were determined by analytical and spectral techniques. DNA binding study of the compounds was investigated by absorption titration experiments which indicated that the compounds showed good binding affinity to CT-DNA via intercalation. Keywords: 1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole; DNA binding; Ethylaceto acetate; EI mass spectroscopy; NMR spectroscopy.

06-09

Authors: S. Gunasekaran1, K. Rajalakshmi2*, S. Kumaresan3

The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra of Levofloxacin has been recorded and analysed. The equilibrium geometry, bonding features and harmonic frequencies of the title molecule is investigated with the help of ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) method using B3LYP levels employing 6-31 G(d,p) basis sets. The difference between the observed and scaled wavenumber values is very small. The first order hyperpolarizability (â) and other related properties (á and μ) of Levofloxacin have been examined using density functional theory (DFT). The calculated values show that the molecule might have non-linear optical NLO) behaviour with non-zero values. The molecular HOMO-LUMO composition, their respective energy gaps, MESP Contours and Surfaces has also been drawn to explain the activity of Levofloxacin. Thermodynamic properties (heat capacity, entropy and enthalpy) of the title compound were calculated. In general, there is a good agreement between experimental and calculated normal modes of vibration have been observed. Keywords: Density functional theory; HOMO-LUMO ; Hyperpolarizability; Levofloxacin. Non linear optical properties; Polarizability.

17-20

Authors: Vikas Srivastava1*, Mohd Monish2, V. C. Agarwal3, P. K. Mehta4

Demolition of old structures to make way for new and modern ones is common features in metropolitan areas due to rapid urbanization. Very little demolished concrete is recycled or reused. Due to strict environmental laws and lack of dumping sites in urban areas, demolished waste disposal poses problems. In the present work, experimental investigations were carried out to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of regular cement in concrete by different parts of demolished wastes. For the study, concrete cubes were cast by replacing part of cement with recycled powder. The cubes were tested at 7 and 28 days. The compressive strength of these cubes is compared with the strength of referral concrete (Design mix concrete, M25 ). Test results show that behavior of recycled waste concrete with partial replacement of cement (20%) by recycled waste powder is almost similar to that of referral concrete. Key words : Compressive strength; Concrete; Demolition waste; Demolition waste powder.

25-28

Authors: M. R. Devi, C. Kannan*

The liquid phase esterification of acetic acid with ethanol and n-butanol with no usage of mineral acid has been achieved by using recyclable and acidic nanoporous Mg substituted aluminophosphate (MgAlPO4) as catalyst. The N2 adsorption desorption measurements and electron diffraction patterns (SEM and TEM) makes a clear view about the nanopore and crystallinity of the catalyst MgAlPO4. The optimization of experimental conditions for the esterification reaction like time, temperature, catalyst dosage, molar ratio of reactants and selectivity of the products were examined. The maximum ethanol conversion was found to be 87% and the selectivity of the product also very high. Keywords: MgAlPO4; Esterification; Acetic acid; Ethanol.

36-42

Authors: Kumarasamy Muthuraja, Chellapandian Kannan*

In the present investigation, the hazardous anionic dye, orange G (OG) is removed from aqueous solution by using nanoporous aluminophosphate molecular sieves through adsorption. The adsorption studies are carried out at different experimental conditions such as contact time (upto 30 minutes), dye concentration(100-500 mg/L), pH (2-11), temperature (30oC-70oC) and adsorbent dosage (0.5g-2.5 g) for optimizing the maximum removal of OG. The experimental data are analyzed by adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics. Adsorption of OG increased with increase of temperature. The thermodynamic reports revealed that the adsorption of OG over nanoporous aluminophosphate molecular sieves is spontaneous and endothermic. Keywords: Adsorptive removal; Aluminophosphate; Mesoporous; Nanoporous;Orange G.

63-66

Authors: Vikas Srivastava1*, P.K.Mehta2, Satyendra Nath33

The natural fibres, abundantly available in nature and also generated as agricultural waste, can be used advantageously in improving certain physical properties of cement matrix and concrete, even though the durability of resultant mix is relatively poor. As compared to the fibres widely used in construction activities viz. steel, glass carbon synthetic etc., these are advantageous in the sense that they are renewable,non abrasive, cheaper, comparatively more flexible etc. Also, the health and safety concerns during their handling, processing and mixing are less. Several natural fibres have been used in experimental studies and construction activities to investigate and improve upon the mechanical properties of cement and concrete matrices which are brittle in nature. This paper presents a review of the effects of natural fiber inclusion on the mechanical properties of cement and concrete matrices in green and hardened state. Keywords: Brittle matrix; Mechanical properties; Natural fibres.

81-90

Authors: T. Venkatesan, Haresh M. Pandya*

A Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) is a wave propagating along the surface of an elastic substrate with an amplitude that typically decays exponentially with depth into the substrate. To generate SAWs, an Interdigital Transducer (IDT) is used which can also act as a source or receiver of SAW. The present paper attempts to review the latest research work done in the last twenty years in design and computational modelling of such devices. Of the many computational models available, the Impulse Response model is selected, adopted and MATLAB is employed as a modelling tool for the simulation of the SAW device. Modelling results of a SAW delay line device functioning at a center frequency of 400 MHz with 25 finger pairs are studied and presented. Keywords: Delay Line; Impulse Response; Modelling; SAW .

06-12

Authors: S. Karpagam Chinnammal1*, K. V. ArunKumar2

In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of enzyme on desizing of cotton. Cotton fabric was subjected to desizing using commercially available enzyme. An attempt has also been made, to synthesize amylase enzyme from microbe and evaluate their suitability for desizing of cotton fabrics. The performance of enzyme treated fabric has been compared with that of the acid desized sample. The desized samples were subjected to various tests like residual starch, iodine test, absorbency, shrinkage, breaking strength and fabric weight. The effluent after the process was analysed for pH, BOD, COD, TDS and TSS. Keywrods : Amylase; Cotton fabrics; Desizing; Enzyme.

17-28

Authors: M. Altaf1*, Ram Vyas2

Whistler observations during nighttimes made at low latitude Indian ground stations Jammu (geomag.lat.,29o 26/ N; L = 1.17), Nainital (geomag.lat.,19o 1/ N; L = 1.16) and Varanasi (geomag.lat.,14o 55/ N; L = 1.11) are used to deduce electron temperatures and electric field in the vicinity of the magnetospheric equator. The accurate curve fitting and parameter estimation technique are used to compute nose frequency and equatorial electron densities from the dispersion measurements of short whistlers recorded at Jammu, Nainital and Varanasi. In this paper our aim is to estimate the Magnetospheric electron temperatures and electric field from the dispersion analysis of short whistlers observed at low latitudes by using the different methods, the results obtained are in good agreement with the results reported by other workers. Keywords: Whistlers; Magnetospheric; Latitude.

34-37

Authors: R. Ganesh 2*, V. Senthil kumar 1, K. Panneerselvam 1, M. Raja2

Doped cadmium sulfide (CdS) thin films were prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique at 70 ± 5 oC Silver (Ag) and zinc (Zn) are the dopent materials. This paper presents the analysis of optical, structural and surface properties of the CdS thin films by UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer, Xray Diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) respectively. Optical spectra of CdS Thin films exhibit high transmittance in the visible region and high absorbance near Ultra-Violet (UV) range. XRD studies showed all the doped CdS thin films exhibits amorphous in nature. Possible alications of the doped CdS thin films are also discussed. Keywords :Cadmium sulfide; Coer; Silver; Aluminum; Zinc etc.

44-52

Authors: S. N. Dhamangaonkar1, L. Shukla2*

Callus induction potential of nine economically important indica rice genotypes of Tamil Nadu and neighboring areas was examined on different callus induction medium. Nine genotypes include Improved White Ponni(I W Ponni), BPT-5204, TKM-9, CR1009, ADT-39, ADT-43, KKL(R) -1, CO(R)-48 and Savitri/Ponmani. These rice genotypes were having distinct useful agronomical trait like resistance to various pest, tolerance to salinity and drought conditions. Most of the indica rice genotypes having good grain quality and nutritional properties are susceptible to pest and diseases causing loss in annual yield. The yield could be enhanced by genetic improvement by rice transformation to enable them to withstand biotic and abiotic stress. First step towards this approach is to produce a pleuripotent cell mass, callus induced from scutellum of mature rice seeds. MS basal medium with various 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) concentrations (2mg/L, 2.5mg/L, 3mg/L, 4mg/L and 5 mg/L) was used for these studies. Four indica rice genotypes I. W. Ponni, ADT- 43, BPT-5204 and TKM-9 found to be potent for callus induction from scutellum of mature seed at the concentration of 2mg/l to 5 mg /l 2,4-D. The varieties ADT-39, KKL (1) R, CO(R) 48, CR1009 and Savitri/Ponmani were recalcitrant and no embryogenic calli was obtained on either of the 2, 4-D concentration. 34 % of healthy calli obtained from I W Ponni 20 % of healthy callus induction obtained from BPT-5204 and 10 % of healthy calli from each of the ADT-43 and TKM-9. These indica rice genotypes could be used for various plant science researches. Keywords - Callus Induction; scutellum; Indica rice genothype.

56-65

Authors: I. Jayalakshmi1*, V. Yamuna2

The natural fibre products are found to be much more environment friendly. They would also offer economical benefits to a number of developing countries, where vegetable fibres are grown and cultivated in large quantity. The use of nanotechnology in textiles aims to improve the material’s functionalities or give it new characteristics (“Smart Clothes”). Nano particles can be released by mechanical load, abrasion and other external influences. This study mainly focuses on the application of Nano Silver to Tencel and its blended textile yarns, converting them to materials, dyeing with selected Natural Dyes and subjecting to Bio enzyme wash. The impact of this study would create a demand for comfortable, clean and hygienic textile goods which would cal for an urgent need for production of antimicrobial textile goods. With the advent of new technologies such as nano silver and new fibres, the growing needs of consumers in terms of health and hygiene can be fulfilled without compromising issues related to safety, human health and the environment. Keywords: Textile; Silver particles; Fiber.

76-80

Authors: A. Jafar Ahamed1*, P. Vijaya Kumar2

The monodisperse Fe-Co-Ni trimetalic powder has been synthesized by polyol method. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive Xray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).The morphological features as studied using SEM revealed that the nanoparticles were agglomerated, crispy with porous. Keywords: Nanoparticles; Polyol method; Characterization; SEM; FTIR.

88-91

Authors: Garima Kadiyan1*, Annubhawi Annu2, Amit Sachdeva3

The synthesis of nanoparticles from plant source has to be prove to be effective and alternate method for the noble production of nanoparticles .A number of synthesis technique have been developed including chemical method ,physical method and biosynthetic method. In this research synthesis of silver nanoparticles using putranjiva roxyburghii wall leaves has been investigated .we successfully synthesized uniformly dispersed silver nanoparticles with the size and shape in the range of 3 to 20nm with an average size of 6 nm .The haracterization of nanoparticles was done by using UV-VIS spectrophotometer and fluorescent spectrometer.the resulting formation of silver nanoparticles are characterized by using Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) .The TEM study shows the formation of silver nanoparticles .The antibacterial activity of these nanoparticles was studied against E.coli and staphylococcus aurenus .The bacterial property was analysed by measuring the growth curve of bacteria and 50ug/ml concentration of silver nanoparticles was found to be effective antibacterial. Keywords : Silver nanoparticles; Biological synthesis; Putranjiva roxyburghii wall; E.coli.

102-106

Authors: Vikas Srivastava1*, Rakesh Kumar2 , P. K. Mehta2

The rapid population increase, industrial activities and living trends are generating variety of waste materials. These on the one hand require costly disposal practices and invaluable land while on the other hand pollute the different natural resources and environment. Further, a lot of natural resources are being depleted at a much faster rate now than ever before. The use of waste or waste by product for substitutions of cement and aggregate has greatly contributed to sustainable development practices. The replacement of cement and aggregates by waste materials either in part or in whole improves the mechanical properties too viz., compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, bond strength, modulus of elasticity and reduces permeability, chloride penetration and chloride diffusion of concrete. The workability of waste concrete is generally improved. In this paper, a review of the effects of waste inclusion on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete is presented. Keywords: Waste materials; Flexural strength; Modulus of elasticity; Permeability

04-10

Authors: G. GnanaJobitha1, S. Rajeshkumar1, G. Annadurai1,*, C. Kannan2,*

Today the "Green" nanoparticle synthesis has been Achieved using environmentally acceptable solvent systems and eco-friendly reducing and capping agents. The present study investigated the synthesis of silver nanoparticle using pomegranate fruit extract as reducing agent to synthesize silver nanoparticles. The formation of nanosized silver was confirmed by its characteristic surface plasmon absorption peak at around 460 nm in UV-vis spectra. The morphology and crystalline nature, were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) X-ray diffraction (XRD), and conform the active functional groups present in the synthesized silver molecule by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Moreover, their antibacterial activity has been tested against Bacillus subtilis, (Gram positive) and Klebsiella planticolae (Gram-negative). The approach of plant-mediated synthesis appears to be cost efficient, eco-friendly and easy alternative to conventional methods of silver nanoparticles synthesis. Keywords : Biosynthesis ; Bacillus subtilis ; Klebsiella Planticolae ; Pomegranate fruit and Silver nanoparticle

16-19

Authors: A. P. Sharavana Kumaar 1,*, J. Vanitha 2, K. Venkateshwaran 3, K. Srikanth Reddy 1, D. Karthikeyan 4

The antimicrobial activity of plant extracts and phytochemicals was evaluated with antibiotic susceptible and resistant micro organisms. Methanolic extract of Opuntia dillenii (OD) was tested for its antibacterial (plate hole method) activity against fourteen different bacterial strains. From the results, it is deduced 100 % of methanolic extract were active in concentration of 1000 μg/ml, 93 % active in concentration of 500 μg/ml, 87.5 % active in concentration of 250 μg/ml, 50 % active in concentration of 125 μg/ml and no activity in lowest test concentration of 62.5 μg/ml. Antifungal activity against six different fungal organisms were studied and the results were indicated that the 1000 μg/ml & 500 μg/ ml showed good activity in all fungus (100%). The methanolic extracts in concentration of 250 μg/ml (83%) and 125 μg/ ml (33 %) showed moderate activity in all tested microorganisms. Oxy tetracycline and Amphotericin B with concentration of 1000 μg/ml were used as a standard drug for antibacterial and antifungal studies respectively. Keywords : Antibacterial ; Antifungal ; Opuntia dillenii.

28-34

Authors: Mohan Lal 1,* , BharatBhushanSharma2, PoornenduChaturvedi1, PikaJha1, Jaswant Singh Rawat1, Partap Kumar Chaudhury1

Catalytic films of FeCl3 were coated on Si using simple and highly scalable technique of dip drying of silicon in aqueous FeCl3 solution. The catalyst coated samples were pretreated at 850oC to reduce the deposited FeCl3 into iron nanoparticles. The size distribution of nanoparticles was found to be strongly dependent on initial concentration of FeCl3 in aqueous solution. The catalytic activity of nanoparticles was ascertained by growthof carbon nanotubes using Chemical Vapour Deposition. The C2H2was used as the carbon precursed along with the carrier gas of H2 and NH3.Characterization of the grown CNT revealed the direct relationship between the catalytic concentration and the diameter of carbon nanotubes. Key words : Carbon nanotubes; Catalytic films; Chemical vapour deposition; Dip dry method.

42-46

Authors: P. Khalid1,3, M. A. Hussain2, P. D. Rekha3, V. B. Suman4, A. B. Arun3*

Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs) were procured from Nanoshel, USA. Covalent functionalization was accomplished with three types of oxidants: (1) 70% Nitric acid under reflux (2) Sulfuric acid and Nitric acid (v/v = 3/1) under sonication (3) 20% Sulfuric acid and Nitric acid (v/v = 3/1) by heating. The non covalent functionalization was accomplished via di-imide activated amidation using N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N2 -ethyl carbodiimides hydrochloride (EDAC) and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA).The covalent functionlized carbon nanotubes in combination with Non Covalent functionalized Carbon Nanotubes were readily dispersed in water, DMF and cell culture media to investigate their toxicity. Characterization of functionalized and dispersed Nanotubes were carried out by using FTIR, FESEM,and UV-vis spectroscopy. Keywords : Multi-walled CNT; Covalent Funtionalization; Non-Covalent Functionalization; Nanotoxicology

52-62

Authors: Pankaj Kumar Singh,1,2* Subir Kundu2

Biosynthesis of gold nano particles (GNPs) is considered to be a novel, effective and eco-friendly method. Biosynthesis of GNPs from Benincasa hispida, Justicia gendarussa & Ocimum basilicum. Biosynthesis of stable and nearly spherical GNPs using the extract of Benincasa hispida seeds as reducing and capping agents. The particle size could be easily tuned by the reaction conditions including quantity of extract, temperature and pH. GNP shaving different sizes in the range from10-30nm could be obtained by controlling the synthesis parameters. Justicia gendarussa leaf extract mediated synthesis of GNPs by the reduction of gold ions. Three different phytochemical fractions were prepared from methanolic leaf extract by liquid-liquid extraction method using immiscible solvents. The size of the GNPs ranged from 20-42nm and 62-88nm with spherical, triangle, truncated triangle and hexagonal shapes. Ocimum basilicum (Thai Tulsi) leaf extract worked as a potential substrate for bioreduction of HAuCl4 into GNPs within 10 minutes of reaction time. It was also observed that GNPs synthesized were crystalline and uniformly spherical in shape with size range 5–40 nm which were stable even after 3 months of reaction. The gold nanoparticles were characterised by UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Keywords : Benincasa hispida; Gold nano particles (GNPs); Justicia gendarussa; Ocimum basilicum; Transmission electron microscope (TEM).

71-80

Authors: N. Srinivasan

Bioactive imidazole derivative absorbs in the UV region at 305 nm. The interaction of imidazole derivative with nanoparticulate WO3, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, CuO, ZrO2 and Al2O3 has been studied by UV-visible absorption, FT-IR and fluorescence spectroscopies. The imidazole derivative adsorbs strongly on the surfaces of nanosemiconductor, the apparent binding constants for the association between nanomaterials and imidazole derivative have been determined from the fluorescence quenching. In the case of nanocrystalline insulator, fluorescence quenching through electron transfer from the excited state of the imidazole derivative to alumina is not possible. However, a possible mechanism for the quenching of fluorescence by the insulator is energy transfer, that is, energy transferred from the organic molecule to the alumina lattice. Based on Forster’s non-radiation energy transfer theory, the distance between the imidazole derivative and nanoparticles (r0 ~2.00 nm) as well as the critical energy transfer distance (R0 ~1.70 nm) has been calculated. The interaction between the imidazole derivative and nanosurfaces occurs through static quenching mechanism. The free energy change (—Get) for electron transfer process has been calculated by applying Rehm-Weller equation. Keywords : Association constant ; Electron transfer; Imidazole; Nanoparticles; Quenching