bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Holistic GIS-based Approach for Thematic Extraction of the Soil	Erosion Estimates Using Predictors as a Function of Climate, Land Cover,	Relief, Soil and Topography
Authors: Kumar P.S. Senthil , Geetha S. Aruna
Published: November 2024

Present claim for update of existing soil information has taken a heavy toll to fit the needs of the current environmental modelling data demands. The information derived from the age old data of 1960's and 1970's that are being used in most cases at present situation are losing its relevance to represent the reality of now existing soil status. Due to various transformations that have undergone in the land use, crop management practices, intensive cultivation integrated with unscrupulous fertilization (imbalanced fertilization), certain fertile soils of the past have reached a status of degraded lands or unproductive lands. Henceforth, present focus is visualized on developing modelling approaches through exploitation of the new GIS and remote sensing techniques as a feasible option and to cut down the cost factor that would be a certain unaffordable demand through conventional approaches. In this study, "SEIMS network" (Soil and Environment based Mapping System) approach was adopted to update information on the soil loss due to water erosion. Conceptually, this approach is based on the principles of Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery (KDD) method. The spatial relationships among the independent variable related to the soil erosion process (predictors) are accounted to estimate soil erosion through spatial modelling. In this study, about four climatic variables (temperature, rainfall, potential evapotranspiration and rainfall seasonality), one for land cover (derived from MODIS spectral bands), three variables for soil attributes (soil crusting, soil erodibility, top soil organic carbon content) and two terrain parameters (altitude and slope) were chosen as predictors for modelling soil erosion process. The reclassified soil erosion map derived through SEIMS network scheme exhibited a better correlation (r $^2$ = 0.891) with the published class-based soil erosion map of Tamil Nadu (NBSS & LUP, 1997). Thereby, holistic GIS-based approach was found to be efficient in transforming the useful subjective, qualitative and categorical information into objective and quantitative information serving the present demands of soil information update.
Managing River Water Quality Index: A Malaysian Case Study
Authors: Ismail Z. , Sulaiman R.
Published: November 2024

The past few years have seen several issues that have led to the widespread concerns for the river environment in Malaysia. There has been inadequate supply of water in the big cities, unexpected floods threatening human lives and property, and the image of the country has been affected because of this recurring problem. This paper will discuss on the proposal to clean-up Penchala river in Kuala Lumpur. Penchala river is a tributary of the Klang River and passes through several important townships. Water Quality Index derived from parameters measured by the Department of Environment of Malaysia will be the bench-mark used to assess the severity of pollution condition in Penchala river. Proposed clean-up methods include public participation, engineering and river works and strict regulation by government. It is hoped that efforts from stakeholders can be harnessed to strive for a healthier Penchala River in the future.
Severity of Tropical Cyclones atypical during El Nino –	A Statistical Elucidation
Authors: Chaudhuri Sutapa , De Sarkar Anindita
Published: November 2024

Tropical cyclones are one of nature's most violent manifestations and potentially the deadliest of all meteorological phenomena. The casualty associated with major cyclones in the Indian sub-continent gives an idea about its enormous destructive capability.

The effect of El Nino over Indian Ocean is not fully understood yet. The present study is an attempt to establish a relationship between El Nino and severity of tropical cyclones. The rationale of the present study is to view whether a persistent cyclonic disturbance leads to the development of a tropical cyclone or severe tropical cyclone during an El Nino year. Statistical techniques are adopted to attain the objectives. The results of the study reveal that in the El Nino year cyclonic disturbances may turn to tropical cyclones but turning to its severity is absolutely unusual.
Operating Strategies for Activated Sludge Process to Enhanced	Coliform Removal
Authors: Tyagi V.K. , Renganayagi B. , Subramaniyan Shankar , Kazmi A.A. , Chopra A.K.
Published: November 2024

This paper deals with the effectiveness of activated sludge process in removing coliforms with respect to operating parameters like MLSS, F/M and SVI. It was observed that operation of biological treatment with high MLSS (3000-3500), low F/M ratio (0.2-0.35) and SVI in the range of 80-150 ml/g tended to result in increased removal of microbial indicators and pathogens. Therefore, it can be taken as a controlling range for higher coliform removal efficiency. Monitoring of these parameters at regular intervals will reveal the total spectrum of plants working efficiency so that operations and maintenance troubles in treatment system can be corrected in time.
Arsenic Catastrophe in Bangladesh: Mitigation Perspective and	Implementation Challenges
Authors: Rahman M. Habibur , Al-Muyeed A. , Ahmed A.
Published: November 2024

One of the worst health hazards in Bangladesh is arsenic contamination of drinking water, which demands immediate and urgent remedial measures. About 29 percent of the tested tubewells in the shallow aquifers are contaminated with arsenic beyond safe limit of Bangladesh standards and about 81 percent of the villagers are now affected with this poison where 27 percent of those are beyond Bangladesh standard. This study identifies treatment technologies and alternative water supply options presently available in Bangladesh for minimizing this catastrophe. The paper reveals that deep tubewells, well accepted by the communities during the past few decades, emerge to be a more suitable alternate option to mitigate this crisis in Bangladesh. Finally the paper identifies the challenges for institutionalizing these treatment technologies or alternative water supply options in arsenic problem areas.
Contextualizing Disaster in Relation to Human Health in	Bangladesh
Authors: Nahar Papreen , Alamgir Fariba , Collins Andrew E. , Bhuiya Abbas
Published: November 2024

The leading cause of health problems associated with environmental disasters in Bangladesh is water. The relationship between health and disaster is a well-discussed issue. However, health outcomes due to water use during and after environmental disasters are a context specific experience influenced by socio-political and economic factors. Although, the concept of social determinants of health are acknowledged, people's perception of relations between health and natural disaster are not documented yet, also being a function of complex socio-cultural processes. In the absence of such knowledge, this paper aims to examine some of the cultural dimensions of natural disasters and their impacts on health. Three disaster prone rural areas specifically relating to flood, drought, and cyclones in the country were chosen for data collection. It is suggested that health impacts on disasters and disaster impacts on health vary between rich and poor, male and female, dependent on the nature of the disaster event. Participants related disaster information with water supply, infrastructure and with illness. The study also shows the various health impacts of disasters on coping mechanisms. For example, people cope with disaster impacts through migration, changes in occupation, low consumption of food, taking loans, surviving on relief, and these mediate health risks. Borrowing food from relatives, neighbours, or shop-keepers is another strategy for disaster victims. The study includes some significant documentation of existing indigenous knowledge and views on this topic.
Biodiversity of Heavy Metal-tolerant Terrestrial Mycobiota in	Drainage Water Resources
Authors: Hashem Mohamed
Published: November 2024

This work was initiated to study the biodiversity of filamentous fungi in drainage water channels and their correlation with heavy metal pollution. Results showed that all water samples collected from different drainage channels were contaminated by Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn but in various and relatively low concentrations. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Trichoderma and Rhizopus were the most prevalent genera. The dominance of these genera varied in different sites. There was a basic similarity in prevalence and fluctuation of fungi isolated from both the large and the small channels.

Tolerance of A. flavus var. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. terreus var. africanus, A. niger, A. oryzae, M. racemosus, P. citrinum, R. stolonifer and T. viride to Zn, Pb and Cd was studied. Results proved that all of these fungi could resist presence of heavy metal but to various limits. T. viride seemed to be the most tolerant fungus against Zn and Pb whereas M. racemosus was the most tolerant one to Cd. This study recommends that application of multi-species system could play an effective role in biosorption of heavy metals from waste waters rather than using of individual species.
Application of Fuzzy Expert System to Determine the Degree of	Sustainable Development of Mineral Resources
Authors: Gorai A.K.
Published: November 2024

Sustainable development of mineral resources is the result of carefully integrating environmental, economical, and social needs to achieve both an increased living standard in the short term, and maintain the equilibrium of the natural resources to support future generations. The increasing demand of the mineral resources needs sustainable exploitation of these resources. But the worldwide accepted scale to measure the sustainability is not available with us. The objective of this paper is to develop a methodology to determine the degree of sustainable development of the mineral resources. The methodology is based on the fuzzy logic to make the quantification of the sustainable development. Though, there are number of parameters, on which sustainable development depends, we have considered only four major parameters like availability of mineral resources, economical development, societal development, and environmental protection, to evaluate the degree of sustainable development.
Molecular Characterization of Cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) in Asian	Sea bass (Lates calcalifer Bloch) and Its Application as a Biomarker in the	Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Kachanopas-Barnette Praparsiri , Mokkongpai Phaithoon , Wassmur Britt , Celander Malin C. , Sawangwong Pichan
Published: November 2024

This study focusses on aquatic pollution in Thailand, using induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) in Asian sea bass as a biomarker to assess exposure to polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Polyclonal antibodies (PAb) were raised against Asian sea bass CYP1A in mice. Western blot analyses revealed that these antibodies recognized a CYP1A protein in Asian sea bass treated with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). The presence of a CYP1A orthologue in Asian sea bass liver was confirmed by isolating a partial cDNA, using a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approach. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that CYP1A mRNA was 2.5-fold higher in fish injected with BaP. The PAb were next applied on 15 different tropical fish species, caught off the Chonburi from three different stations: (1) Koh Loi, Si Racha, (2) Ao Udom and (3) Laem chabang. Although, species variation in CYP1A protein levels was observed, the data suggest that Si Racha and Ao Udom were more contaminated with PAH-type contaminants compared with Laem chabang. This study confirm studies in temperate waters that CYP1A could be used as early indicators of PAH-type exposure in Thailand, and that PAb against Asian sea bass is suitable for analyses of CYP1A in different tropical fish species.
Migration of Tracer Contaminants from Landfills: Case Study for	Chloride
Authors: Jhamnani Bharat , Singh S.K.
Published: November 2024

Point sources, such as landfills, can release high concentrations of pollutant into the ground water because of migration of leachate from its bottom, which is generated primarily as a result of precipitation falling on an active landfill surface, leaching out the potential organic and inorganic contaminants from landfilled waste and discharging the same to ground water in underlying aquifer. Leachate contains a high level of dissolved solids content, high concentration of organic matter, and a trace amount of hazardous constituents. To protect the ground water from contamination by landfill leachate, it is quite essential to provide the bottom barrier of suitable thickness, and to minimize the amount of water that could enter the landfill to create leachate. The present study was undertaken to determine the rate of movement of potential contaminants from its bottom to the aquifer media, so as to evolve a rational method for the determination of thickness of bottom barrier. The study was undertaken for conservative contaminant chloride. The governing equation of contaminant transport was solved using finite difference method, and finite mass boundary condition, to ape the field conditions of landfill. The solution of the model was run in MatLab 7.0 for a range of Darcy velocities, and equivalent height of leachate. Design curves were drawn which can be used for determination of suitable barrier thickness on the basis of expected maximum concentration of contaminant in landfill leachate and maximum permissible concentration of the same in groundwater.
A Comparative Analysis of Coir and Sugar Mill Effluents Treated	with Endophytic Organisms Isolated from Oryza sativa
Authors: Jayanthi A. , Jency C. , Suhiji S. Berlin
Published: November 2024

The objective of the present study was to investigate the biodegradation capacity of endophytic organisms isolated from Oryza sativa shoots on industrial effluent. A comparative analysis was done on coir and sugar mill effluent. Physico-chemical parameters and microbial screening were conducted. The endophytic organisms were isolated from shoots in flowering stages of Oryza sativa–both bacteria and fungi–which were co-cultured for a period of 10 days. After the biofilm formation they were introduced into the coir and sugar mill effluents and the physico-chemical parameters were analysed. The results from this study indicate that there was reduction in BOD, COD, chloride, sulphide, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium in coir effluent and pronounced decrease in sugar mill effluent which was found to be proved statistically significant. The endophytic organisms were identified by morphological and biochemical parameters and further confirmed with RAPD analysis.
Application of Water Quality Index to Monitor Groundwater Quality	in Nagpur City
Authors: Rajankar P.N. , Gulhane S.R. , Tambekar D.H. , Wate S.R.
Published: November 2024

The present work is aimed at assessing the seasonal (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon) water quality index (WQI) for the groundwater of different areas of Nagpur city during the year 2006-2007. 15 locations (45 samples in each season) for three alternate weeks were studied for comprehensive, bacteriological and physicochemical analysis. The WQI for these 15 locations ranges from 76 to 83 in pre-monsoon and 68 to 82 in postmonsoon season. Only 13% of the locations (two locations) showed the quality change from good to medium and other 87% showed variation in WQI but not change in water quality. The analysis reveals that the groundwater of few areas needs some treatment before consumption, and it also needs to be protected from the perils of contamination.
pH and Temperature Effect on Transport Parameters of Zn Retention	by NF Membrane
Authors: Naïma Ben Fares , Moomen Baroudi , Samir Taha
Published: November 2024

The objective of our study was to take knowledge about the possible influence of various operating parameters on the performance of the membrane process through evolution of transport parameters in order to understand the mechanism which governs the separation of the zinc ions by nanofiltration. The operating parameters to be considered in this study were temperature and pH. The experiments were performed on zinc nitrate solutions prepared at 10 mg/L in Zn $^{2+}$ . The results have shown that an increase in the temperature generates a reduction in the solute retention (68% at 13°C and 23% at 36°C). The study on the pH effect have shown that the Zn ions retention decreases when the pH increases (90% at pH 2 and 60% at pH 6), while that of the nitrate ions retention increases (17% at pH 2), reached a maximum (67% at pH 4) and then decreases (56% at pH 6). These results were related to the calculation of solute transport parameters in order to know more comprehensive retention and transfer mechanism.
A Remediation Technique for Removal of Fenvalerate from Contaminated Soil
Authors: Geetha M. , Fulekar M.H.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Fenvalerate is a synthetic pyrethroid used for controlling pests in agriculture. Fenvalerate has the property to adsorb soil particles and when it comes in contact with aqueous environment causes pollution leading to the toxicity in soil-water environment. The technique for removal of fenvalerate from soil has been developed in the present study. Fenvalerate is amended in the soil at varying concentration viz. 25 ppm, 50 ppm and 100 ppm and taken in the surface soil treatment unit. The activated cow-dung slurry is used as a source of microbial consortium for bioremediation of fenvalerate amended soil. The physico-chemical parameters have been maintained for bioremediation of fenvalerate in contaminated surface soil. The research finding shows that the fenvalerate was degrading over a period of seven days with the formation of prominent intermediates such as 4-chloro-alpha (1-methylethyl) benzene acetic acid and 3-phenoxy-benzoic acid. These intermediates are less toxic than the parent compound and further on longer acclimatization in the environment would be mineralized into inorganic, biomass and CO $_2$ . This technique has been proved successful for bioremediation of pesticides in particular fenvalerate from contaminated agricultural surface soil.
Calotropis as Bioindicator Plant for Assessing Trace Elemental	Contamination of Environment
Authors: Pandey Madhurima , Gupta Sunita , Pandey Piyush Kant
Published: November 2024

This paper is an attempt to study the efficacy of Calotropis, a perennial wild plant, to act as a bioindicator of trace elemental pollution at Central East Indian locations. In the study the Calotropis has been found to be an efficient indicator of trace element. Corresponding physical change was observed in the wild plant due to the accumulation of trace element. High values of trace element correspond to stunted growth of the plant with small sized leaves and flowers. Concentration of trace element obtained indicated the degree of disturbance when assessed against background values obtained from unpolluted vegetation. Results show that the plant can be used as an effective bioindicator of metal pollution. Its sensitivity towards the metal in environment follows the order of Fe > Ni > Pb > Mg > Zn > Mn > Ca > Cu. Enrichment calculations show high enrichment of Pb and Cu.
Mitigation of Arsenic by Water Hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes)	Plant
Authors: Iqbal M.T.
Published: November 2024

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) plant removes arsenic remarkably both from artificial arsenic solution and naturally arsenic contaminated ground water. Two clay containers (locally known as "Chari"), one with water hyacinth plant in distilled water as a control and another with water hyacinth plant in artificial arsenic solution (0.3 mg/l) was used to set up the experiment. The arsenic concentration of the water was tested over multiple trails using a Hach colorimetric test kit. It was observed that water hyacinth reduced arsenic level from 0.3 mg/l to 0.01 mg/l for one trail, 0.05 mg/l for two trails and lost all ability to remove arsenic after five trails. Again, water hyacinth plant was placed in a clay container in which naturally arsenic contaminated (0.8 mg/l) ground water was used for a period of one month. Sampling was conducted in every two successive days. Rate of arsenic extraction through water hyacinth plant was higher in first two weeks and after that it seems to be constant. All laboratory tests were performed by SDDC method to determine arsenic content in root, bladder and leaves of hyacinth plant. About 40–50% arsenic was removed through water hyacinth from arsenic contaminated ground water. Roots, bladders and leaves of hyacinth plant absorbed most of the removed arsenic.
Determination of Chironomus javanus Behaviour Using Multispecies	Freshwater Biomonitor (MFB)
Authors: Ahmad A.K. , Sharif Sharifah Mohammad , Shuhaimi-Othman M.
Published: November 2024

Study on Chironomus riparius behaviour in laboratory conditions was undertaken using Multispecies Freshwater Bioindicator (MFB). Chironomus larvae were collected from permanent culture tank and placed in MFB chamber. One individual C. javanus was placed in the chamber and the test repeated three times. Three different conditions were tested for C. javanus behaviour i.e., C. javanus free swimming in chamber, C. javanus placed in the modified case inserted in the chamber and C. javanus in its tube placed in the modified case. Locomotion, ventilation and inactivity were measured for chosen period. Result indicates that the signal produced in FFT and long-term modes did not much differ between each tests and one-way ANOVA confirmed that no significant difference was recorded (p > 0.05). However, C. javanus from third condition test (in tube and case) exhibited more constant and regular pattern in short-term signal (amplitude signal). The signal produced from third condition test exhibited more regular locomotion, ventilation and inactivity patterns. The one-way ANOVA test indicated that data from third condition test were significantly different from the first and second test condition.
Coastal Sand Dunes–Vegetation Structure, Diversity and	Disturbance in Nallavadu Village, Puducherry, India
Authors: Poyyamoli G. , Padmavathy K. , Balachandran N.
Published: November 2024

Tropical coastal sand dunes (CSD) are exposed to various disturbances. CSD vegetation in South East coast of India was sampled by belt transect and quadrate method at three gradients of disturbance–highly disturbed, moderately disturbed and slightly disturbed. Three clear zones could be identified–Cyperus sps. > Ipomea pescapre > Spinifix litoreus in the fore dune, Ginisekia pharmacoeides > Glinus oppositifolius along with few minor dune species in the mid zone, and Bulbostylis barbata, along with a few dune species in back dune. In moderately disturbed sites species diversity was higher, supporting intermediate disturbance hypothesis.
Application of WQI Technique for the Classification of Water	Quality: Mahanadi River-estuarine System, India – A Case Study
Authors: Sundaray Sanjay Kumar , Nayak Binod Bihari , Bhatta Dinabandhu
Published: November 2024

Water Quality Index (WQI) plays an important role in interpreting the information on water quality trends of a water body and was used to denote degradation of river water quality. WQI technique was applied for the classification of Mahanadi river-estuarine waters with respect to three major use purposes. WQI representing importance of the variables was studied with respect to suitability of river water for drinking, aquatic lives and irrigation purposes for 31 different stations of the river during six different seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon during 2001–02 and 2002–03). In the formulation of a WQI, the importance of various parameters (pH, EC (electrical conductance), DO (dissolved oxygen), BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), TDS (total dissolved solids), turbidity, SO4, chloride, nitrate, sodium, calcium, magnesium, alkalinity and hardness) depends on the intend use of water. The results of different WQI produce similar trend but different index values as well as some different remarks. The present study reveals that the water quality of Atherbanki creek irrespective of seasons, is quite unsuitable for all the three purposes, which may be due to the combined impact of municipal effluent from Paradip township, industrial effluents from industries like PPL** and also saline influence. The application of a WQI to the Mahanadi river allows a water quality classification both spatial and temporally, that is reproducible within the river by means of uniform, objective criteria. Such an approach permits the identification of stretches of river that may require urgent measures in order to restore minimal water quality uses for different purposes, and can be applied beyond the Mahanadi river.

From the present observation, it can be concluded that three major townships (Sambalpur, Cuttack and Paradip) in the basin produce negative impact on the Mahanadi river water quality, particularly serious after the city sewage discharge. Effective pollution control measures must be taken in the near future.
Combinational System for the Treatment of Textile Waste Water: A	Future Perspective
Authors: Chaudhari Ketaki , Bhatt Vaidehi , Bhargava Arpit , Seshadri Sriram
Published: November 2024

In recent times, control of pollution has been a major concern. Textile dyes which are important organic compounds are also significant industrial pollutants. Textile dyes are commonly xenobiotic in nature and are not degraded easily by biological systems. Currently the treatment of textile waste water for remediation of recalcitrant dyes is based on either physical, chemical and biological treatment. Each process has its own advantages as well as disadvantages and therefore various combinations have been tried to achieve efficient, eco-friendly and economic treatment of textile waste water. The present review is an attempt to summarise the three treatments and the possible combination in use. We have also proposed alternatives comprising of adsorption, chemical oxidation and biodegradation process. The proposed combination system involves use of pre treated sugarcane bagasse for adsorption of dyes followed by treatment of dyes with Fenton reagent for chemical oxidation which can then be easily biodegraded with suitable micro organisms under aerobic conditions.
Heavy Metal Accumulation in Brain of Fishes Consequent to River	Pollution
Authors: James T.J. , Roshini M.D. , Subramanian Manju V.
Published: November 2024

Periyar, one of the major rivers of Kerala state passes through the highly polluted industrial area, Eloor and Chitrapuzha region. Heavy metal pollution is one of the major problems of the water pollution in this region. Heavy metals are vigorous oxidizing agents and thus are highly bound to biochemical inability of tissues and thus affect fishes.

The main objective of the study was to check whether the heavy metals have targeted the most vitally protected tissue – the brain and to analyse the increasing tendency of heavy metal accumulation with age in fishes. The study area includes the highly polluted Eloor and Chitraphuzha area, nearly 11 kms away from Kochi.

The Fish, Gobius malabaricus, belonging to the family Gobidae were collected, weighed and grouped. Fishes were dissected for brain tissue, weighed, homogenized and heavy metals were detected using ICPAES (Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer). The study showed heavy metal accumulation in the order Copper ⩾ Manganese ⩾ Zinc (0.55 ppm). Cadmium and Chromium were found below detection limit. The greatest accumulation of heavy metals was found in the brain of older fishes. Accumulation of heavy metals even in the brain of fishes, thus, indicates the extent of heavy metal pollution in the industrial area.
Recovery and Utilization of Sulphur Dioxide from Exhaust Flue	Gases to Control SO$_2$ Emission at Thermal Power Plant, Rajasthan
Authors: Sharma Arun Kumar , Acharya Shveta , Sharma Rashmi
Published: November 2024

SO $_2$ is a major constituent in air pollution. Pet coke (having 6% Sulphur) with lime stone are being used for power generation in thermal power plants. Sulphur dioxide is produced during combustion of fuels containing sulphur and affects the environment in number of ways like acid rain corrosion and severe damage to health. Flue gas desulphurization (FGD) is the technique used for removal of SO $_2$ from exhaust flue gases in power plants. In accordance with the invention, flue gases containing sulphur dioxide are passed through a solution which was rich with sodium ions to produce sulphate by using SO $_2$ monitoring kit of SO $_2$ measurement.

To find the optimum temperature of absorption of SO $_2$ in NaOH solution, the study was carried out at various temperatures. As is clear from Table 2 it is 20–25°C which is the most appropriate for the maximum absorption of SO $_2$ by NaOH solution. Similar sets of experiments were carried out by varying the time intervals for absorption of SO $_2$ by NaOH solution. As is shown in Table 4 the increased absorption of SO $_2$ is observed with increase in time intervals.
Nickel Recovery from Spent Ni/Al$_2$O$_3$ Catalysts Using Nitric Acid	Solution
Authors: Oza Rachit , Shah Nikhil , Patel Sanjay
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the possibility of recovering nickel from the spent catalyst (Ni/Al $_2$ O $_3$ ) used in the steam reforming process of a fertilizer industry. In the leaching process, nickel is recovered as nickel nitrate using nitric acid as a solvent The effects of acid concentration, temperature, solid to liquid (S:L) ratio and reaction time on nickel recovery were examined. The 95% leaching efficiency of nickel from the spent catalysts having size between 1–2 mm was achieved at optimized conditions: 40% acid concentration (v/v), temperature 90°C, solid:liquid ratio of 1:10 g/ml and leaching time 5 hour.
Old Coal Mine Workings Shaping to Cataclysm – A Study at	Jharia and Raniganj Coalfields
Authors: Prakash Amar , Singh K.B.
Published: November 2024

Cataclysm of underground old/abandoned coal mine workings is a sudden subsidence which occur in the form of trough/discontinuous and pot-hole subsidence with extensive cracks. Rainfall, illegal mining operations and underground mine fires are the causative factors of subsidence. This paper deals with the different causative factors of subsidence and their impact on surface over old workings with precautionary measures of Jharia and Raniganj coalfields.
Studies on Pollution in River Chambal: Zooplankton in Relation to	Water Quality
Authors: Singh D.P.
Published: November 2024

Progressive increase of pollution at three sampling stations selected on river Chambal is indicated by the physico-chemical characteristics and zooplankton. A total of 25 genera of zooplankton are recorded from three stations with a maximum (22) at the least polluted station and the minimum (13) at highly polluted station. Keratella, Branchionus, Filinia, Daphnia, Cyclops and Cypridopsis were found tolerant to different physico-chemical conditions. The diversity index was minimum (1.0 to 2.7) at highly polluted station and maximum (3.1 to 4.9) at the least polluted station.
Microbial Denitrification of Ground Water ¨C Batch Study
Authors: Archna  , Sobti R.C. , Sharma S.K.
Published: November 2024

Nitrate pollution of ground water is increasing alarmingly in various countries. Biological denitrification has been found as the most inexpensive and effective technique for nitrate removal. The present work involves batch studies for heterotrophic biological denitrification using cotton as the carbon source and Pseudomonas fluorescens NCIM 5059 and Pseudomonas stutzeri NCIM 5136 as the microbial strains. A maximum removal of 91.0 mg/l at 30°C for the strain Pseudomonas fluorescens and 89.2 mg/l at 40°C for the strain Pseudomonas stutzeri was observed for an initial nitrate concentration of 100 mg/l. Both the organisms followed Monods Growth Kinetics with μ $_{max}$ values of 5.88 days $^{-1}$ for Pseudomonas fluorescens and 5 days $^{-1}$ for Pseudomonas stutzeri, respectively.
Environmental Auditing for Sustainable Development of Indian	Industries
Authors: Tripathy D.P.
Published: November 2024

Environmental auditing is a process whereby an organization's environmental performance is tested against its environmental policies and objectives. Current environmental legislation, marketing requirements and community expectations reflect an increased awareness of the need to protect the environment that requires all aspects of the mining and allied industries to be undertaken in an environmentally responsible way. Environmental audits can help the industry to become environmentally responsible and demonstrate this responsibility to the community. Environmental auditing refers to the statement of assessment of environmental impact of an existing industry. It is a tool to assess the environmental management system, policy and equipment. The need to conduct an environmental audit varies for different organizations, as per the objectives of auditing. It is not available in the form of a readymade package, applicable to all situations. Thus, the procedure of environmental audit should be planned as per the objectives of auditing. It should be incorporated with other effective environmental tools like Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management System (EMS) for better results. Effective implementation of environmental auditing helps in minimization of environmental risks at low cost.

This paper discusses in detail the concepts and types of environmental audits, the different stages of audit processes and methodology for ensuring sustainable development of Indian industrial sectors. This also emphasizes on EA skills and audit protocols along with discussions on key audit techniques and their applicability in a developing country like India.
Softening of Hard Water by Bentonite Mineral
Authors: Jha Ashok Kumar , Jha Arun Kumar , Mishra Arun Kumar , Kumari Vineeta , Mishra B.
Published: November 2024

The paper reports and discusses the results of removal of hardness by Bentonite minerals. Hybridised IXfibres that contain dispersed hydrated ferric oxide (HFO) nano particles have also been reported for removal of hardness. Locally available bentonite minerals generally consist of montmorillonite. Besides useful adsorbent of ions in solution, bentonite is known for ion exchange. Bentonite is mixed well with water sample and time is allowed for ion exchange to take place. As a result calcium ion is exchanged. This ion exchange process here has been recognized for softening of water or benign removal of hardness. The particle size is of 0.3 m prepared in the laboratory. The main constituents of bentonite minerals are alumina, silica, iron oxide and oxides of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The bentonites have been found to be a natural exchanger. The cation exchange capacity of bentonite minerals may be attributed to the lattice structure as the clay minerals contain anions and cations in the exchangeable state. The bentonite minerals of 0.3 m size has been studied with different doses up to a certain interval of time and with fixed dose to different interval of time. The experiments were done by simple titration with N/50 HCl using methyl orange as an indicator.
Correlation between Physicochemical Water Parameters Using	Regression Analysis: A Case Study of River Ram Ganga at Moradabad, India
Authors: Agarwal Animesh , Saxena Manish , Agarwal Megha
Published: November 2024

A study was carried out in river Ram Ganga (India) to assess the extent of pollution by different industrial and domestic activities. Water samples were collected from river Ram Ganga at six sites and analysed for acidity, alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) during summer, winter and rainy season. The collected data subjected to statistical analysis and some good correlation between parameters is established. Regression equations also established between above parameters to predict the level of contamination of river Ram Ganga. The present study gives us a tool to find the value of physicochemical parameters and extent of pollution theoretically, which is not only time saving but also cost effective.
Sustainable Design of Ship Breaking Industry in Developing	Countries
Authors: Khan Iftekhar , Chowdhury Harun , Alam Firoz , Kumar Arun
Published: November 2024

Ship breaking industry is one of the important industries for developing economies. It provides employment, economic prosperity and much needed re-useable materials for country's economic development. Ship breaking industry is green per se as it allows using scrap metals and other machineries for vertical and horizontal recycling. It provides raw materials for national economic activities including industrialization, construction, and building and infrastructure development. Ship breaking is crucial especially for Bangladesh as it does not have any natural resources including iron ore except the natural gas. Although ship breaking is economically beneficial but it comes with a huge environmental and occupational health and safety cost. Ship breaking industries have been developed through unplanned and unscientific ways in most developing countries. In this study, a systematic and sustainable approach to ship breaking activities has been proposed. With proper implementation, it will not only safeguard the environment and occupational health and safety but also improve productivity, profit margin and national economic prosperity. The proposed approach can be replicated in most developing countries with little or no modification.
Treatment of Pharmaceutical Effluent by Photochemical Oxidation on	Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Safiullah S. , Mohammad G. , Sabur M.A. , Howlader B.K.
Published: November 2024

The waste effluent from Gonoshasthaya Antibiotic Ltd. (GAL) was treated by photochemical (sunlight) degradation on TiO $_2$ prepared from ilmenite (FeTiO $_3$ ). Results showed that after 18 hours of irradiation, 94% of dissolved organic compounds were degraded to environmentally acceptable products such as CO $_2$ , H $_2$ O and other mineral acids or their salts. The GAL effluent had the initial chlorine content (CC) of 7024 ppm and this increased to 7842 ppm in solar water purifier after 18 hours of irradiation. The concentration of total dissolved solid (TDS) in GAL effluent had 46,000 ppm which was reduced to 2600 ppm after 18 hours of irradiation. The concentration of total suspended solid (TSS) in the GAL effluent was 455 ppm and after 18 hours of irradiation no change in concentration was observed. Furthermore, the relative distribution of the number of compounds decreased with increasing irradiation time.
Physicochemical Investigation of Surface Water Quality of Urban	Wetlands of Bangalore, India
Authors: Jumbe Aboud S. , Nandini N.
Published: November 2024

The urban aquatic ecosystems are strongly influenced by long term discharge of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater, storm water runoff, accidental spills and direct solid waste dumping. In this study, a survey of physico-chemical pollution of surface water of existing water bodies in Bangalore urban region was carried out. The findings show that total and magnesium hardness, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand exceeded desirable limits. Magnesium, chlorides and orthophosphates were also excessive. Calcium carbonate saturation indices showed that the water from the surveyed water bodies had a scale forming tendency. Pearson's coefficient correlation between the chemical contaminants showed a very strong and a statistically significant relationship between sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorides and fluorides.
Suitability of Ground Water for Irrigation in the Sheri Nala	Basin, Sangli District, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Yadav A.S. , Sawant P.T.
Published: November 2024

The Sheri nala basin (latitude 16°50'05'' N to 16°54'45'' N and longitude 74°33'20'' E to 74°38'30'' E) in Sangli District, Maharashtra, has been taken up for evaluation to find the suitability of ground water for irrigation and its effect on the growth of plants on the basis of chemical analysis of ground water. The chemical parameters, viz., sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), magnesium hazards, Kelley's ratio and chloride concentrations were estimated to know the suitability of water for the irrigation purposes.
Effect of Rice Mill Wastewater on Soil Respiration and Enzyme	Activities under Field and Pot Conditions
Authors: Padhan A. , Sahu S.K.
Published: November 2024

The physico-chemical characteristics of rice mill wastewater was measured and the effect of rice mill wastewater on respiration and enzyme activities (amylase, invertase, protease and dehydrogenase) of rice cropped soil was investigated under field and pot conditions at 15 days interval for 90 days. For the pot experiment five different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) of rice mill wastewater was used. The results of the field experiment revealed significant difference in the soil respiration and enzyme activities rates of control and experimental plots from 30 days onwards. After 90 days the soil respiration and enzyme activities were inhibited by about 25-34% in experimental plots, whereas the results of the pot experiment revealed a maximum increase of about 36% in soil respiration and 24-45% in enzyme activities (amylase, invertase, protease and dehydrogenase) in 50% wastewater irrigated soil and a maximum decrease of about 40% in soil respiration and 24-40% in enzyme activities in 100% wastewater irrigated soil. The adverse effects of rice mill wastewater (100%) on soil respiration and enzyme activities were attributed to alkaline pH (8.0) of wastewater with higher contents of phenols (35 mg $^{-1}$ l), silica (58 mg $^{-1}$ l) and sodium (235 mg $^{-1}$ l). Significant increase in soil respiration and enzyme activities at lower concentrations (i.e. 50%) may be due to the fact that, the above parameters being in the diluted form could favour the microflora to boost their activities. On the basis of above findings, we suggest that the rice mill wastewater should be diluted up to 50% before use for agricultural purpose. However, further works on the effect of rice mill wastewater on different crops and soil animals are needed to corroborate the present findings.
Water Quality Status of River Sabarmati within Ahmedabad	City
Authors: Srivastava V.K. , Pathak Chintan
Published: November 2024

With the rise of the environmental protection movement, greater emphasis has been given to the water quality safeguarding in terms of minimizing water pollution and thereby reducing the environmental impact to nature. The contamination and availability of clean water plays an important role in meeting the demand of domestic, industry and agriculture. The fresh river water is depleting at a much faster rate. The study aims at the assessment of water quality of the river Sabarmati within Ahmedabad city. Total six sampling stations have been selected for river water sample collection. Various parameters like pH, TDS, DO, BOD and TC were being analyzed as per the prescribed method of GPCB. Discussion also emphasises on the toxicological impacts of various pollutants to the human health as well as environment and minimizes potential environmental impacts of them. From this study, we concluded that the water quality of river Sabarmati is getting contaminated with impurities and it requires certain water treatments so that it can be directly used for drinking purpose although it is found suitable for agricultural purpose.
Removal of Copper(II) Ion from Aqueous Solution by Adsorption on	Iron Oxide and Kaolin
Authors: Sen Tushar Kanti
Published: November 2024

The effect of various physiochemical parameters on kinetics and equilibrium adsorption of Cu(II) metal ion from its aqueous solution by iron oxide and kaolin have been investigated using batch adsorption experiment. The results show that the amount of adsorption of Cu(II) metal ion increases with initial metal ion concentration, contact time, solution pH but decreases with the amount of adsorbent. The kinetic experimental results show that the adsorption of Cu(II) on oxide as well as on kaolin is a two-step process: a rapid adsorption of metal ions to the external surface is followed by possible slow intraparticle diffusion in the interior of the particles which has been confirmed by intra-particle diffusion model. Higher linear regression correlation coefficients (R $^2$ ) among fitted pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion model suggest that adsorption of copper metal ion on iron oxide as well as on kaolin follow pseudo-second-order kinetics and various kinetic parameters have been calculated. Langmuir and Freundlich models are used to describe the adsorption of copper metal ion on iron oxide and kaolin within specified metal ion concentration range. The value of separation factor, R $_L$ from Langmuir equation and rate of biosorption, 'n' from Freundlich model also gives an indication of favourable adsorption.
Ecological Assessment for Water Quality of Bhavanapadu (Mangrove)	Swamps of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, East Coast of India
Authors: Krishna Mohan G.V. , Rao K. Kameswara , Prasada P.V.V.
Published: November 2024

This paper examined nutrient dissolved metal concentration in Bhavanapadu mangrove ecosystem at North Coastal Andhra Pradesh in the east coast of India – the area studied. Surface water samples were collected from the different regions of mangrove-creek complex during the post-monsoon season. There was distinct variation in chemical constituents of water among the creek, mangrove and bay region. Physicochemical parameters like pH, EC and TDS and nutrients like NO $_3$ and PO $_4$ varied significantly among three sectors. The cations like K $^+$ , Ca $^{2+}$ and NH $_4$ and anions like SO $_4^{2-}$ , HCO $_3^-$ and SiO $_2$ didn't showed any significant variation. There is high concentration of dissolved metal in this mangrove system. The above fact will reveal that mangrove is facing severe threat due to industrial pollution. The metals, Cu, Zn and Co showed higher affinity, while Pb and Cr also result in strong coupling with each other.