Environmental Pollution and Protection

7

Authors: Kannan, V.M., Renjini, P., Gopikrishna V.G., Binsh, M.B., Mahesh Mohan

The anthropogenic release of pollutants, to the aquatic ecosystem, can cause severe damage to the flora and fauna of that ecosystem. Fish is a key unit in many natural food webs, but the effects of organic and inorganic pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers and suspended solids alter the water quality and may cause many problems to these organisms, such as diseases and structural alterations. Haematological parameters can be considered as a valuable tool to understand the alterations of physiological status of the fish. Vembanad ecosystem is considered as a highly productive zone, and has been divided into two distinct regions by Thannermukkom barriage. The northern part is more prone to pollution from industrial sector. The present study analysed some haematological parameters along with the heavy metal contents and found that elevated concentrations of Zn and Pb in fish tissue in Cochin estuary (northern part) than Kumarakom. The concentrations were higher than permissible limit recommended by WHO. The result of the haematological analysis has showed considerable variation between the two sites. A positive statistical correlation was observed between the haematological parameters and heavy metals especially Cd.

7

Authors: Gülşen Altuğ, Mine Çardak, Pelin S. Çiftçi Türetken, Serap Koşal Şahin, Samet Kalkan

In this study, anthropogenic influences on the natural fresh water sources regarding the levels of indicator bacteria were investigated in the Eastern Anatolian, Turkey. The surface water samples (0–30 cm) were collected seasonally in the period between November 2008 and October 2009. The levels of total and faecal coliform bacteria were tested using membrane filtration technique. The detected coliform bacteria in the sampling region, where livestock raising activities are intense, revealed the region under the influences of bacteriological pollution inputs. The results also showed that freshwater sources of the region carry a potential risk for human health. This is the first data that can be used in the assessment of bacterial risks of these water sources in the Tunceli and Munzur Valley of the Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. Bacteriological monitoring studies are needed to be established for detecting of pollution sources and sustainable use of natural water resources.

8

Authors: Sheila A Scoville, J Peter Doherty

Avian hematocrit can be used to monitor the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during the aftermath of oil spills and their cleanup. Exposure to PAHs can result in a rapid and dramatic drop in hematocrit. Some baseline hematocrit data has been reported for waterbirds before and during coastline spills, but the equivalent baseline hematocrit data does not exist for monitoring land-based spills affecting migratory and resident songbirds. In this study, blood samples were taken from 310 North American migratory birds on their wintering grounds in The Bahamas and Panama. Hematocrit was measured in 20 species of passerines and near passerines plus one shorebird species. The results show that hematocrit values rose prior to northbound migration in mid-March to midApril when samples were compared to those taken in January. Among those species able to be reliably sexed by plumage, increases in hematocrit were found only in males. Hematocrit samples from 8 neo-tropical species and one avian family met new guidelines for determining reference intervals as published by The American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathologists. This study establishes hematocrit baseline values for a portion of the annual cycle of these neo-tropical migrant species and explains how monitoring changes in hematocrit after polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure can be used to determine injury and possible recovery after an oil spill.

21

Authors: Daniel Jost, Josef Winter, Claudia Gallert

We followed the development of a Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilm on quartz sand in an instrumented horizontal flow-through stainless steel container (SSC) in lysimeter-scale, to investigate its impact on physical soil parameters within the aquifer and the capillary fringe (CF). Increasingly concentrated biodegradable substances in a liquid medium were pumped through the sand in the SSC creating an artificial aquifer. Biofilm development and its influence on flow parameters and oxygen concentration profiles, as well as temperature or water suction changes with time were determined. After more than 19 weeks of medium flow, at DOC concentrations of finally about 300 mg/L, P. fluorescens formed a strong biofilm and the highest biomass concentrations with up to 2.8 mg volatile solids per g dry sand were found in the transition zone of the CF. The soil temperature, which was slightly increased, or the water suction was significantly influenced during the experiment. The effects were strongest within the first 0.3 m of flow stretch, where the highest biomass values were detected. During the total experimental duration of 54 weeks the average flow velocity was reduced by up to 15 % due to clogging effects and the oxygen profiles were changed drastically. Results may be representative for real polluted aquifers.

7

Authors: Swabha Takshak, Shashi Bhushan Agrawal

Supplemental ultraviolet-B (s-UV-B) radiation (ambient+3.6kJ m-2 day-1) was given to two medicinal plants Withania somnifera and Coleus forskohlii for 3 h day-1 during the solar noon period. Changes at the anatomical level were studied in leaves and roots of the plants. Variations were observed in all s-UV-B treated plant-parts (except roots of W. somnifera). The changes included increased leaf thickness (W. somnifera), enhanced accumulation of UV-B absorbing compounds in leaves of both plants and roots of C. forskohlii, and reduced thickness of cork- and cambial cell layers in C. forskohlii. Due to reduction in the number of oil bodies in cork cells, essential oil content of C. forskohlii also reduced. The results suggest that the test plants are capable of defending themselves (at least partially) against s-UV-B; further in-depth studies are required to derive more substantial results linking the cellular level changes to the overall plant performance.

10

Authors: M. H. Kabir, M.M.H. Miah, M.M. Rahman, M. Kamal, M.T. Chowdhury

The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K radionuclides have been determined for Sediment, Fish and Coral Samples collected from the St. Martin’s Island, Chittagong, Bangladesh. A total of 7 Samples (4 sediments, 2 fishes and 1 coral) from 3 different kinds were analyzed by using a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector of relative efficiency of 38%. For sediment samples, the mean activity concentrations of 238 U, 232Th and 40 K have been found 17.243±2.14, 25.207±2.302 and 460.802±50.957 Bq/Kg, respectively. The mean activity concentrations of fish samples for the corresponding radionuclide were 10.86±16.615, 10.555±13.51 and 364.92±361.345 Bq/Kg respectively. Also for coral sample, the mean activity concentrations for the corresponding radionuclide were13.06±2.1, 16.57±2.65 and 84.96±43.29 Bq/kg, respectively. The radionuclide 137Cs has not been detected in any of the samples. For sediment samples, the mean radiological hazard parameter values of outdoor absorbed dose rate, indoor absorbed dose rate, external radiation hazard, internal radiation hazard, annual effective dose equivalent, radium equivalent activity and representative level index were 43.863±2.877, 52.636±3.452 nGy.h-1, 0.239±0.015, 0.286±0.018, 53.793±3.525 µSvy-1, 88.695±5.672 Bq/kg, and 0.673±.04375 respectively. For fish samples, the mean values of the corresponding radiological indices were 27.368±19.606, 32.841±23.52 nGy.h-1, 0.146±0.103, 0.175±0.129, 33.563±24.227µSvy-1, 54.052±38.446 Bq/kg, and 0.421±0.302, respectively. For the case of coral sample, the values of the corresponding radiological indices were 20.183±7.36, 24.219±8.832 nGy.h-1,0.117±0.014, 0.152±0.017, 24.752±9.02 µSvy-1, 43.29±5.466 Bq/kg, and 0.309±0.041 respectively. The obtained results of this study show that most of the sample’s values are lower and the remaining are higher than the World average values. The mean representative index value is less than unity which confirms that the St. Martin area is safe for the inhabitants and the tourists. The results will be used as a baseline data for further researchers.

10

Authors: Arezoo Dadrasnia, Mohammed Maikudi Usman, Kang Tzin Lim, Rita Devi Velappan, Nasser Shahsavari, Pravin Vejan, Ahmad Fahim Mahmud, Salmah Ismail

Generation of wastewater is just unavoidable but its discharge into the environment is of great concern. Wastewater mainly comprised of any unwanted waste that could pollute our water system including sewage sludge, wastewater from domestic, industrial, dairy, fish canning and oil and gas industry. Since the early 1990s, microbial treatment processes have gained increasing attention due to its facility and high efficiency compared to conventional techniques. This paper focuses on the essential mechanisms involved in different microbial treatment techniques and special attention on the most recent challenges and developments will be highlighted in this review.

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.

8

Authors: Yun Liu, J.H. Martin Willison

The drawdown zone of China's Three Gorges Reservoir is available for crops during summer, but few perennial crops tolerate the winter flooding stress. We examined white mulberry (Morus alba L.) at a site in Muhe Village, Chongqing, where a 15-yearold mulberry plantation has survived seven cycles of winter immersion since 2009. The plantation lies on riverside terraces and is maintained by silk farmers who have adapted their crop management regime for the changed conditions. Despite benefits to farmers, their use of the resource conflicts with the management regime for the reservoir, which had not anticipated mulberry survival. It is concluded that mulberry trees have potential roles in a strategy for managing the drawdown zone so as to provide environmental protection, ecosystem services and use of the land resource. It is recommended that the reservoir management system become more adaptive and participatory, and that land-use regulations encourage mulberry use.

12

Authors: Alvin L. Young, Kristian L. Young

In numerous domestic and international media reports throughout May and June 2011, allegations were made by United States veterans that the military defoliant Agent Orange had been buried in 1978 at Camp Carroll, a US military installation in the Republic of South Korea. Moreover, some US veterans who had served in South Korea in the 1960s and 1970s claimed that Agent Orange had been routinely sprayed in South Korea. Records and publications confirmed that the only use of the tactical herbicides Agents Orange and Blue in Korea occurred in April – July 1968 on the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This article is intended to clarify what occurred in 1968, to explain why Agent Orange could not have been buried or sprayed in other locations in Korea, to describe the actual Korean military operation on the DMZ, and to briefly review the supporting science.

14

Authors: Dhruti Patel, Chitresh Saraswat, Pankaj Kumar, Nirmal Kumar JI

The study of the magnitude of temporal and spatial patterns of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) fluxes from the cultivated land of subtropical regions of India is still an uncharted territory. The paper contributes towards the improvement of actual estimate and investigates the seasonal variation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions (N2O, CH4 and CO2). For the purpose three mono specific plantation viz. Manilkara zapota, Mangifera indica, Dendrocalumus stictus, and Mixed plantation are studied in semi arid region of central Gujarat, India to assess the extent of GHG fluxes in response to their soils and the comparative analysis presented to understand the atmospheric interchanges. The research contributes in building a framework for plantation approach for carbon sequestration by analyzing the patterns of GHGs emission under different ecosystem.

8

Authors: Elif Ipek Cengiz, Babu Velmurugan, Palaniswamy Senthilkumaar, Ersin Uysal, Ali Satar

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the hematological effect of cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid on Anabas testudineus. The effect was assessed based on the comparison results of control group and experimental groups exposed to sublethal concentrations (0.015, 0.030, 0.045 mg L-1) of cypermethrin on 7th, 14th and 21st days. It was observed that with the increase of cypermethrin concentration, Red Blood Cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, hematocrit (Hct) levels and thrombocyte (platelet) counts decreased. White Blood Cell (WBC) counts increased on 7th day of exposure but WBC counts decreased with the increase of cypermethrin concentrations after 14th and 21st days. The results are statistically significant at p < 0.05 level. These reports indicate that hematological parameters may be useful as a diagnostic test for cypermethrin exposure in A. testudineus.

11

Authors: Gagné, F., Trépanier, S., André, C.

Municipal effluents are known to be able of disrupting neuro-endocrine signaling pathways in oviparous organisms. The purpose of this study was to examine the neurotoxicity of a chemically-treated municipal effluent to adult fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) after 21 days. Brain somatic index and lipid peroxidation (LPO), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels were determined in both male and female fish. The estrogenicity of the municipal effluent was confirmed by measuring vitellogenin production and energy expenses in the liver. Brain MAO and AChE activities increased at low effluent concentrations and decreased at higher concentrations (>10% v/v). The data suggest that males expend more metabolic energy than females and was related to vitellogenin, and that brain activity is impaired in both sexes in the presence of the effluent. In conclusion, exposure to municipal effluents could produce biochemical changes in the central nervous system in fish.

14

Authors: Swapnila Roy, Papita Das

The present study focused on de-fluoridation of waste water using thermally activated bio-sorbents prepared from Lemon Shell [LS] and Wheat Bran [WB]. Adsorption efficiency of the synthesized activated carbon was analyzed using batch and column study. Batch studies using both the adsorbent were carried out at different experimental condition to achieve the optimum condition for removal of fluoride present in water. The fluoride uptake capacity of the adsorbent was fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model and it was observed that Langmuir model can better represent the experimental results. The Thomas model and the BDST model were used for continuous column studied and it was observed that both model can represented the experimental results. The optimum dose, contact time and temperature were found to be 1.0 g/100 mL,70 min, 343 K respectively for lemon shell activated carbon and 2.0 g/100 mL, 60 min,343 K respectively for wheat bran activated carbon.