bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofilm Characteristics and Compositions in Fluidized Porcelanite	Bioreactors: An Experimental Work
Authors: Afaj Adnan H. , Abbood Dheyaa W. , Mostafa Ayad S.
Published: November 2024

Two systems of Fluidized Porcelanite Bioreactors (FPBR) were designed and constructed at Al-Rustamiyah Sewage Treatment Plant, South of Baghdad. The first system consists of Upflow Expanded Bed Reactor (UEBR) which is connected in sequence with aerated fluidized bed reactor (AFBR), while the other system is composed of two identical upflow expanded reactors operated in parallel. In order to evaluate the biofilm compositions and its characteristics on Porcelanite aggregates or fragment surfaces, an experimental measurements of the biofilm formation using the light microscopy in fixed media have been undertaken. Systems operation consists of various distinct phases, where influent substrate concentrations were taken from primary sewage and clarifier effluent of Al-Rustamiyah sewage.

Three effective parameters, that could influence the rate of biofilm growth such as superficial velocity, substrate, and biomass concentration, were investigated. The rate of biofilm was tested in two types of aeration; the first one was aerated directly compared with second one, which was operated by indirect aeration. Also the rate of biofilm losses for different influent flow rates, substrate concentrations, locations of packing bed in the reactor, and the periods of operation was evaluated. This work showed the main following conclusions:

1. The physical, chemical and biological analyses depend on the environmental conditions to which the attachment surface is exposed. The large portion of biofilm composition was water with 90.4%, and with a small value of volatile fraction ranged to 9.2%, while the fixed fraction is composed of 0.4% of total biofilm by mass.

2. Organic and chemical composition of the fixed fraction of biofilm was determined, where the primary constituents. carbon (C) was to be 58%, and nitrogen (N) to be 15%, and phosphorus (P) to be 2%, while the fixed solid composition was 25%.

3. The inorganic composition of fixed fraction of biofilm varies with chemical and organic properties of bulk water, chemical and physical properties of media, which composes mainly of silica with (45%), and with Fe $^{+2}$ (20%), Mn $^{+2}$ (14%), Al $^{+3}$ (10%), Ca $^{+2}$ (6%) and Mg $^{+2}$ (5%).
Evaluation of the Quality of Drinking Water in Kerala State, India
Authors: Karthick B. , Boominathan M. , Ali Sameer , Ramachandra T.V.
Published: November 2024

The quality of tap water from water supplies from 14 districts of Kerala state, India was studied. Parameters like pH, water temperature, total dissolved solids, salinity, nitrates, chloride, hardness, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, fluoride, sulphate, phosphates, and coliform bacteria were enumerated. The results showed that all water samples were contaminated by coliform bacteria. About 20% of the tap water samples from Alappuzha and 15% samples from Palakkad district are above desirable limits prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards. The contamination of the source water (due to lack of community hygiene) and insufficient treatment are the major cause for the coliform contamination in the state. Water samples from Alappuzha and Palakkad have high ionic and fluoride content which could be attributed to the geology of the region. Water supplied for drinking in rural areas are relatively free of any contamination than the water supplied in urban area by municipalities, which may be attributed to higher chances of contamination in urban area due to mismanagement of solid and liquid wastes. The study highlights the need for regular bacteriological enumeration along with water quality in addition to setting up decentralised region-specific improved treatment system.
Physicochemical Quality and Trace Metal Levels of Municipal Water	from Three Reservoirs in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunfowokan A.O. , Ajibola R.O. , Akanni M.S.
Published: November 2024

The physicochemical quality of municipal water from three waterworks in Osun State, Nigeria was monitored in terms of temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, solids (total, suspended and dissolved), nitrates and phosphates from April, 2003 to March, 2004 in order to assess the adequacy of treatment at the waterworks. The trace metal levels as well as the microbial quality of the municipal water from these waterworks were also monitored for the same length of time to establish their pollution levels.

The temperature values varied between 24.6°C and 32.0°C. The annual mean pH values for the three municipal water varied between 6.92 and 7.54 and therefore conforms with the WHO guideline of <8.0 in drinking water. The electrical conductivity values obtained ranged from 120.05 μS/cm to 265.00 μS/cm.

The mean levels of oxygen-demanding substances, nitrate, phosphate, total solids and dissolved solids were generally low and ranged from 6.23 mg/l to 8.99 mg/l; Not Detected (ND) to 2.59 mg/l; ND to 3.56 mg/l; 77.33 mg/l to 180.00 mg/l and 58.27 mg/l to 116.67 mg/l respectively. The concentrations of these substances were within safe limits. The coliform population varied from zero to 93 coliforms per 100 ml, the total bacteria count ranged between 0.3 × 10 $^4$ Cfu/ml and 45.50 × 10 $^8$ Cfu/ml while Escherichia coli was rarely detected throughout the study. Among the nine trace metals of interest only Hg, As and Cd occurred at concentrations above the WHO limits for drinking water and this give cause for concern
Modelling the Role of Fluctuations in Volume on Self-purification	of Natural Water Bodies
Authors: Mehta K.N. , Bhadauria B.S.
Published: November 2024

We present a simple mathematical model for examining the role of seasonal fluctuations of volume on self-purification of natural water bodies such as a lake ecosystem. The evolution of self-purification process, activated by natural mechanisms of flushing by clean water and degradation of pollutants by aeration, is influenced by a number of parameters depending on lake-specific characteristics. These parameters have been identified in the formulation of the model. The model consists of an initial value problem which has been solved analytically. Numerical results are presented graphically to highlight the effect of these parameters on clean-up time corresponding to all pollution levels. Results for a few simpler situations derived as particular cases from the general solution are also included and discussed.
Prevalence and Persistence of Organophosphate and Carbamate	Pesticides in Cambodian Market Vegetables
Authors: Neufeld D.S.G. , Savoeun H. , Phoeurk C. , Glick A. , Hernandez C.
Published: November 2024

The prevalence of pesticide residue contamination in market vegetables, and the rate of pesticide disappearance from field vegetables, were assessed as indicators of the health risk to vegetable consumers in Cambodia. A total of 245 leafy vegetable and long bean samples from multiple markets in Phnom Penh were screened using cholinesterase-inhibition assays, and indicated that between 15% (long bean) and 95% (white-stemmed kale) of market vegetables contain detectable levels of organophosphate/carbamate (OP/C) pesticides. OP/C levels varied significantly between vegetable types, and between individual vegetable sellers in the markets. Methylparathion, which is banned and highly toxic, but widely used in Cambodia, was not detected in 30 subsamples analyzed with HPLC. In test plots, methylparathion rapidly disappeared after spraying, reaching levels below maximum residue limits within 10 days. Field trials with water spinach indicated dithiocarbamates also have a short half-life (approximately three days), but that overall OP/C levels on crops depend on the specific pesticides used, and on the specific field conditions. These results point towards the need for a regular monitoring programme in Cambodia to assess the extent of pesticide contamination on vegetables, and to give guidance on strategies for limiting pesticide exposure to vegetable consumers.
A Cheap and Rapidly Built Bottom Water Sampler for Shallow-water	Environments
Authors: Krumme Uwe , Zheng Yun , Wang Tianci
Published: November 2024

We present a bottom water sampler made of a plastic bottle, a weight, and four pieces of rope which can be operated by one person from any working platform in shallow-water environments. The measurements of our sampler were equal to those taken with a Niskin bottle. The water sampler was operational in tidal currents up to 0.6 ms-1 and may be used in water at least 10 m deep.
Sustaining the In-stream Flow of Rivers: Comparative Case Study of	Germany and Bangladesh
Authors: Shoaib Syed Abu , Baur Rolf , Sultana Nahid , Haque M. Aminul , Hossain Md Jahid
Published: November 2024

Life of the river sustains on its flow. River systems provide many beneficial values and services, including flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, navigation, water supplies, pollution attenuation, nutrient transport and recycling, biological productivity, aesthetic values, and recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, swimming and wildlife viewing. In-stream flow is necessary to sustain these and other utilitarian and intrinsic values. For Bangladesh being located downstream of many rivers, it is very important to care about the quantity and chemical as well as ecological quality of its river water. Germany's river Elbe originates in Czech Republic, thus the situation is comparable to the transboundary water problems Bangladesh faces. The comparative analysis of water framework directives and policy, plan of Germany and Bangladesh on maintaining the in-stream flow of rivers (Surma and Teesta rivers of Bangladesh and Elbe river of Germany) is the main focus of this paper. The study puts forward key information and recommendations to maintain the in-stream flow of river.
Assessment of Groundwater Pollution near Municipal Solid Waste	Landfill
Authors: Bhalla Gunjan , Kumar Arvind , Bansal Ajay
Published: November 2024

The leachate produced by waste disposal sites contains a large amount of contaminants which are likely to pollute ground water. The impact of such sites upon ground water can be judged by monitoring the concentration of potential contaminants at a number of specific monitoring points. In this study, the quality of ground water around a municipal solid waste dumping site was investigated. It is clearly evident from the ground water monitoring that the leachate generated from the landfill site is affecting the groundwater quality in the adjacent areas through percolation in the subsoil and with the passage of time the concentration of most of the parameters were found to be increased. Thus the study revealed that the ground water in and around the landfill site should not be used for drinking purpose unless it meets specific standards. Indiscriminate dumping of wastes in developed areas without proper solid waste management practices should be stopped.
Geochemical Modelling of Ground Water by Cluster Analysis in Hard	Rock Area of Kadiri Schist Belt, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh (India)
Authors: Prasad K.S.S. , Parameswara D. , Reddy N.B.Y.
Published: November 2024

An assessment of the quality of ground water for the Kadiri schist belt of Anantapur district has been carried out with an objective to determine the hydrochemical variability. A total of 41 representative samples from different geological formations were collected in both pre- and post-monsoon seasons and analyzed for the major chemical constituents, viz. Ca, Mg, Na, K, CO $_3$ , HCO $_3$ , SO $_4$ , Cl, F, pH and EC. Cluster analysis, a multivariate statistical tool, has been used in the study as qualitative means for differentiating ground waters into distinctive types. Based on hydrochemistry, chemical variability deciphered from cluster analysis suggests three distinct types of ground waters, viz. mixed type (Si-Ec-Ca-Cl-SO $_4$ -Mg or Ca-Cl-EC-Si-Mg) and Na-HCO $_3$ type in both pre- and post-monsoon, whereas in post-monsoon in addition to these two types one more type has been formed in the form of SO $_4$ . Sulphate type occurs only in the post-monsoon season due to the use of excessive sulfate fertilizers to improve the yield of the crops. Ground water of the study area is (except fluorine) within the permissible limits for domestic and irrigation purposes.
Control of Terrain Parameters on Glacier Shrinkage Pattern in Pin	Parbati Valley, Himachal Himalaya, India
Authors: Ahmad Sarfaraz , Islam Zahoor Ul
Published: November 2024

The PCA (Principal Component Analysis) technique is used in evaluating the relationship between terrain parameters and old and new glacier surface area. The results indicate that the profile curvature shows a clear relationship with new glacier surface area development, whereas it does not show any relationship with the old glaciers surface area. It indicates that the new glaciers are being controlled by the terrain characteristics whereas the terrain characteristics have less control on the older glaciers surface. The correlation matrix between terrain characteristics of old and new glacier surface area also conforms to the results of principal component analysis.

The present study also shows a clear trend in glacier shrinkage between 1963 and 2001 in the Pin Parbati valley in Himachal Himalayas, India. Temporal change in glacier area indicates overall loss of 27% for the period 1963–2001. The shrinkage of glacier varies with glacier size. The smaller glaciers show maximum shrinkage in comparison to the larger glaciers.
Biosorption of Cr(VI) by Metal Resistant Bacteria from Industrial	Effluent
Authors: Shetty Ronak , Rajkumar Shalini
Published: November 2024

Chromium biosorption was found to be influenced by the pH of the solution, initial metal concentration, amount of the dried powdered cells and contact time. Batch biosorption of chromium(VI) from an aqueous solution was studied using dry biomass of inactivated bacteria isolated from the industrial effluent. At the initial metal ion concentration of 50 mg L $^{-1}$ , the Cr(VI) adsorbed was 7.14 mg g $^{-1}$ of adsorbent. At 300 mg L $^{-1}$ initial Cr(VI) concentration, removal of 47.02 mg g $^{-1}$ of Cr(VI) was recorded. The Cr(VI) adsorbed increased with increasing initial metal ion concentration up to 300 mg L $^{-1}$ . Optimum biosorption was recorded at pH 3. At all the concentrations, the adsorption equilibrium was obtained within 6 h. The adsorption equilibrium constants were obtained from both Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms. The organism could remove 60 mg of Cr(VI) per gram of adsorbent from an effluent (300 mg L $^{-1}$ ) at pH 3. Several desorping agents like EDTA, oxalic acid, citric acid etc. were used for desorption process of which citric acid was found to be better desorping agent. Immobilization with alginate preparation was found to maintain the biosorption potential.
Zooplankton Diversity in Vallarpadam, India: Influence of	Hydrochemistry, Season and Semi Diel Cycle
Authors: Jose J. Jean , Udayakumar P. , Chandran A. , Babu K. Narendra , Sudhanandh V.S.
Published: November 2024

Statistical analysis of data concerning the zooplankton standing crop influenced by the hydrochemical characters and season over semi diel cycle were presented. A dendrogram for hierarchical classification of multivariate cluster analysis showed a succession of two clusters. Copepod varieties form a single cluster apart from the other zooplankton group indicated a positive correlation expressed by a low distance cluster scale combination. The chemical factors, especially salinity and nutrient composition, showed significant correlation sustaining the zooplankton standing crop.
Reduction of COD and BOD from Textile Wastewater Using Activated	Charcoal
Authors: Vashi R.T. , Oza B.N. , Patel Himanshu
Published: November 2024

The textile industry, one of the essential and largest sectors, requires fresh water and generates a substantial quantity of effluents containing mineral salts and dyes, both concentrated. To address this problem, the present study deals with the removal of COD and BOD from textile wastewater by activated charcoal. The various adsorbent dosage, contact duration and temperature effects have been studied in this investigation in order to remove COD and BOD. Adsorption isothermal data could be interpreted by the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The maximum COD and BOD reduction was found to be 97.6% and 93.7% respectively.
Mapping of Airborne Particulates in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:	Comparisons with Bangkok, Thailand and Phoenix, Arizona
Authors: Vermette Stephen , Bernosky Joel , Neufeld Doug Graber
Published: November 2024

The city of Phnom Penh is experiencing growth and, with this growth, an increased level of air pollution in the form of airborne particles that are attributed to increased vehicle traffic in the city – vehicular exhaust and re-entrained dust. For this study, airborne particulates were counted and sorted using a six-channel laser particle counter. Initial sample counts were taken at 88 sites within the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on days representative of dry season conditions. A subset of 33 sites was re-sampled on a day representative of the wet season. Objectives of this study are to provide a baseline count for airborne particulates in the city of Phnom Penh, and to explore the characteristics of the particulate counts utilizing summary statistics and maps. The median Phnom Penh city-wide fine and coarse particle counts are 1.07 *10 $^8$ /m $^3$ and 1.36*10 $^6$ /m $^3$ , respectively. While the fine particle count can be attributed to vehicle exhaust, the coarse particle count is attributed to re-entrained road dust and dirt roads. The overall coarse particle count is influenced by a number of hot spots across the city. Selective paving of these hot spots will greatly reduce the level of airborne coarse particulates.
Heavy Metal Translocation in Soil Near to the Effluent Discharge	Channel of Industrial Complex, West Bengal, India
Authors: Nayek Sumanta , Gupta Srimanta , Saha Rajnarayan , Satpati Satarupa
Published: November 2024

The present study focuses on the heavy metal translocation and its potential impact on soil contamination near to the industrial effluents discharge channel. Metal concentrations in contaminated soil are considerably higher than background levels and decreases with increasing depth and distance from effluent channel. A significant correlation between heavy metals and soil physical factor was observed in both vertical and lateral direction. The enrichment of heavy metals in vertical direction are Fe > Cr > Mn > Cd > Cu > Pb > Zn > Ni whereas in lateral direction Fe > Cr > Mn > Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd. Concentration factor (CF) was very high for Fe and Cr compared to other metals. Pollution Load Index (PLI) of soil samples shows highest metal accumulation at surface soil, nearest to wastewater channel. Fe, Cr, Mn and Zn were found to be present in greater amounts in comparison to Pb, Cu, Cd and Ni. The results indicate that heavy metal concentration in surrounding soil is highly influenced by discharge of untreated effluents from sponge iron industries which is expected to increase with time due to geoaccumulation.
Optimal Conversion of Solar Energy of Statically Mounted Systems	in India
Authors: Sharan Anand M.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the optimum energy conversion conditions of stationary panels are calculated at different latitudes for 180 days of a year to cover various angular orientation of sun's rays on the earth. On a given day, the incident energy flux of the sun is resolved into three components, and the conversion efficiency is based on the flux normal to the panels. The efficiency of conversion is measured with respect to a solar tracking process. The number of days in a given year are divided into two groups – one between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, and another between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.

The results show that, there exist two maxima, one for each of the two periods. By setting the panels at each of these maxima significant (of the order of 5% over the single optimal setting condition also derived in this work) improvement in energy conversion can be achieved.
Effect of EDTA, Phosphate, pH and Metal Species on Cadmium and	Nickel Uptake by Aquatic Macrophyte Spirodela Polyrhiza
Authors: Singh Antaryami , Malodia P. , Kachhawaha M. , Ansari N. , Jain S.K. , Khatri P.K.
Published: November 2024

The phytoremediation potential of an aquatic macrophyte, Spirodela polyrhiza for cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) removal was studied. Effect of different concentrations (1–10 mg/L) of Cd and Ni on multiplication rate and photosynthetic pigments were determined to evaluate the tolerance of the plants and the toxicity of Cd and Ni. Presence of EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) exerted a remarkable inhibition on the uptake of both Cd and Ni by the plants. Phosphate in the medium was found to favour the growth of the plants. However, the uptake Cd and Ni by the plant decreased significantly on the addition of phosphate. Spirodela exhibited a pH dependent phenomenon of metal accumulation. As compared to uptake at pH 7, Cd and Ni uptake was increased by 29% and 60% at pH 5. However, decline in Cd and Ni uptake was observed at alkaline pH 9 and pH 11. Accumulation of Cd and Ni by plants in the presence of single metal and combination of metal species (Cd+Ni+Zn+Cu) at different concentrations was evaluated. In the presence of other metal species, Cd and Ni uptake was reduced by 21–35% and 21–27%, respectively, as compared to plants exposed to Cd or Ni singly.
Monetizing the Environmental Welfare Impact of Deforestation in	Ogun State, Nigeria: The Contingent Valuation Approach
Authors: Okojie L.O. , Akinwumi J.A.
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the economic valuation of alternative uses of rainforest land using the contingent valuation approach. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in the collection of the 260 respondents in the data from the four Ogun State Agricultural Development zones used for the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the dichotomous-choice contingent valuation method that terminated into the logit model. Food crop cultivation accounted for 66.4% of deforestation. The households yearly willingness to pay/hectare (WTP/ha) for rainforest protection was N16,186.76. This translated to N0.60 billion for the average 36,817.62 hectares/year deforested for food crop cultivation. The key determinants of the likelihood to pay for rainforest protection were the bid, rainforest visitation, and immigrant status that had the coefficient of −0.0074, −0.11 and −0.71, and were significant (p<0.01) for bid and (p<0.05) for the others. In addition were the income, educational status and food crop producer status that had the coefficients of 0.13, 0.0063 and 0.00012 and were significant (p<0.01). Lower cost of rainforest protection as indicated by the WTP would lead to further deforestation and the consequent environmental impacts for a long time. There is therefore the urgent need for environmental sensitization through education to arrest deforestation.
Assessment of Seasonal Variation in Surface Water Quality of	Savitri River by Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques
Authors: Lokhande P.B. , Mujawar H.A.
Published: November 2024

An attempt was made to study the physico-chemical parameters of Savitri river water using multivariate statistical techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis. In this study, data of 26 water quality parameters for six sampling locations were analyzed during monsoon, winter and summer season of June, 2004 to May, 2007. Scree plots for the eigenvalues obtained in this study shows pronounced seasonal change in slope. Water Quality Index (WQI) values were found to be increasing during the seasons and indicate the deterioration of water quality in summer season. Cluster analysis demonstrates that the surface water character changes significantly with seasons.
Ecological Enumeration of Tree Vegetation and Their Contribution	in Removal of Atmospheric Pollution Load: A Case Study in an Industrial Complex	of Western Orissa, India
Authors: Mishra P.C. , Behera N. , Mishra S.P. , Meher Kumarmani
Published: November 2024

The study involves a detailed ecological and taxonomic enumeration of tree vegetation in and around the thermal power station (ITPS) at Banharpali, Jharsuguda district of Orissa. Information on phyto-sociological characters were used to calculate species frequency, density, girth size, canopy coverage and Importance Value Index (IVI), dominance and evenness indices. Presence of 37 native and 17 ornamental tree species besides planted trees were recorded. Species richness varied from 1 to 22, expected maximum diversity (H̄ $_{max}$ ) from 1.099 to 3.091, observed diversity from 0.877 to 2.708, gap in diversity from 3% to 44%, The dominance index (Cd) from 0.082 to 0.516 and evenness index (E') from 0.7 to 0.8. The canopy density of different sites varied from 5% to 252% with a total canopy area from 1,838,472 to 2,639,010 m $^2$ . From the coal combustion data, it was estimated that the ITPS annually releases 2.22 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO $_2$ ) into atmosphere and vegetation in ITPS complex was able to sequester 4.6%–6.7% of the emitted CO $_2$ . Annual dust emission by ITPS power plant was estimated to be 3318 tonnes. Vegetation inside ITPS complex was able to collect only 6.13%–8.8% (203–291 tonnes/year) of the emitted dust. However, if vegetational leaf area of surrounding forest around ITPS campus is taken into consideration, total annual dust collection figure amounts to 2413 (71%) to 4711 tonnes (>100%).
Regionalization of Storm Duration for Determining Derived Flood	Frequency Curve: A Case Study for Victoria in Australia
Authors: Haddad Khaled , Rahman Ataur
Published: November 2024

A holistic approach of design flood estimation such as the Monte Carlo simulation technique involves the simulation of thousands of storm and runoff events to determine a derived flood frequency curve. The implementation of such a technique requires the specification of the distributions of various input variables to the rainfall runoff model such as storm duration, storm intensity and initial and continuing losses. This paper presents a case study which focuses on the regionalization of the distribution of storm duration in the state of Victoria, Australia. This in particular compares the one-parameter exponential and two-parameter Gamma distributions in approximating the distribution of storm duration from 91 pluviograph stations in Victoria. Based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling tests, it has been found that the two-parameter Gamma distribution provides a better fit to the storm duration data in Victoria than the one-parameter exponential distribution. The application of the fitted Gamma distribution in the Monte Carlo simulation technique for generating flood frequency curves shows that this approximates the observed flood frequency curves for the selected test catchments quite well. The methodology presented in this paper can be adapted to other states of Australia or other countries, in particular where a sufficient quantity of continuous rainfall and stream flow data are available. This would particularly be useful in hydrological study of the important/large water infrastructure projects.
Hydrography of Dhaka City Catchment and Impact of Urbanization on	Water Flows: A Review
Authors: Hossain A.M.M. Maruf , Rahman Shafiqur
Published: November 2024

Dhaka has one of the fastest urban growth rates of the world with around 12 million people in 2006. It is located on extensive sub-continental floodplains of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra with average elevation of 6 m above mean sea level (MSL). It is surrounded by four rivers with well distributed streams, drainage channels, inland and open waters. Physiographical, spatial and temporal environments of these waters profoundly influence inhabitants' life. Mass shrinkage has occurred during the last four decades due to encroachment and filling-up, man-made changes in elevation pattern and siltation with debris from urban development activities. Groundwater storage is on the verge of mass threat because of increasing pollution of surface waters. Water logging has become every-rainy season phenomenon due to unplanned urbanization. Development activities are required to enhance the water environments safe and sustained, and regulations are needed to be imposed to protect these environments.
Analysis of Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water Samples from	Cherthala Taluk, Kerala, India
Authors: Chandran R. Pratap , Kiran K. , Divakaran Dibu , Prajisha P.K.
Published: November 2024

Microbial flora of water plays a major role in determining quality of potable water. In the present study a comparative analysis is carried out on the microbial population of drinking water samples from wells and municipal water collected from eight locations of Cherthala taluk, Kerala state, for the presence of coliforms, Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella typhi in two different seasons, i.e., summer and monsoon. The pH of the water samples collected ranged from 6.3 to 6.8. The results showed that in summer, 87.5% of the total samples were positive for E.coli, 87.5% positive for Salmonella typhi and 25% positive for Vibrio cholerae among tap water samples, and in well water 62.5% of the total samples were positive for E.coli, 37.5% positive for Salmonella typhi and 12.5% positive for Vibrio cholerae. In contrast, during monsoon, among well water samples only 37.5% of the total samples were positive for E.coli, 12.5% positive for Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholerae were absent. Among tap water samples in monsoon only 12.5% of the total samples were positive for E.coli, 25% positive for Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholerae were absent.
Bioconversion of Poultry and Fish Waste by Lucilia Sericata and	Sarcophaga Carnaria Larvae
Authors: Yehuda Braverman , Marchaim Uri , Glatman Larisa , Drabkin Vladimir , Chizov-Ginzburg Alexey , Mumcuoglu Kosta Y. , Gelman Alexander
Published: November 2024

Agricultural, industrial, and household waste contaminates the environment, disrupts the food chain, and spreads infectious diseases. Fly larvae digest animal waste, and in so doing significantly reduce their volume and convert the waste to materials that can be used as food additives and fertilizers for organic farming. Larvae of L. sericata and S. carnaria were efficient in reducing the mass of poultry and fish waste by 2.5–5.5 fold. The average yield of larvae reared on fish and poultry waste was approximately 304 g, while the bioconversion rate ranged between 16.6 and 39.6%. Water and undigested waste accounted for 60%–77% of the larvae and pupae body mass, while protein followed by fat and carbohydrate were the most important components. Representatives of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Micrococcus and sulfite-reducing Clostridia species were isolated from the waste products as well as from the larvae and pupae of both flies used. The weights of striped bass fed with standard fish food supplemented with larvae increased slightly, when compared to those fed on standard food alone. The species of fly, the number of eggs, the type of waste material used and its chemical composition affected the bioconversion rate, the yield of fly larvae, and the waste mass reduction. Fly larvae and their byproducts could be used beneficially as a supplement for animal food for the poultry and fish industry, as well as reducing the quantity of waste.
Soundscape of Bhadrak Town, India: An Analysis from Road Traffic	Noise Perspective
Authors: Goswami Shreerup
Published: November 2024

The road traffic noise environment in Bhadrak, one of the district head quarters of Orissa in terms of standard noise indices, community response and community health effects are worked out in the present study. Noise pollution is analysed in five different squares (road sections) to assess the sound scape of the town. The sources of noise at the studied sites are predominantly attributable to motor vehicular traffic. Taking the tolerated noise level of 70 dB (A) during the day time on the main roads as standard for United Kingdom and many other European countries, in absence of regulation regarding permissible level for road traffic noise in India, the noise levels of all the five investigated locations were found to be beyond permissible limit during day time. Noise produced from cargo carrying trucks, bus, Bolero, trekker, motor cycle, tractor, dumper, tempo, ranges from 103.2–123.4, 101.2–118.3, 96.8–115.5, 98.3–113.2, 92.5–110.2, 106.4–116.5, 101.2–119.6 and 95.5–114.7 respectively. Thus, the contributions of individual vehicles towards noise pollution were found to be more than the road traffic noise-limit, i.e., 70 dB (A). A preliminary survey adopting questionnaire method amongst 256 local inhabitants has also been carried out to gather information about the suffering of people. The direct impacts include sleep disturbance, loss of concentration, annoyance and irritation, hypertension, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problem, restlessness, depression, fatigue and mental stress etc.
Detention Time as a Critical Parameter in Septic Tank Design
Authors: Nnaji Chidozie Charles , Agunwamba Jonah Chukwuemeka
Published: November 2024

In order to reveal the importance of detention time in septic tank design, an expression was derived to show the relationship between detention time and sludge level. Charts that show the decline of detention time with sludge accumulation were produced. These charts show that the usual recommendation that septic tanks be desludged when they are one-third full could be irrational most of the time. It was shown that a tank that is one-third full may still have enough residual detention time for optimal performance. A more rational approach is that septic tanks should be desludged when they no longer have enough detention time for efficient performance. It was also shown that water use should be given serious attention in septic tank design as it can have serious consequences for detention time.
Triclosan Residues in Estuarine Sediments from Valliyar Estuary,	Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Jeyakumar T. , Kodisundaram P. , Rajavel A. , Kumar Rajendra , Anbu M. , Latha P. , Roselet P.
Published: November 2024

Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent added to a wide array of consumer goods and personal care products. Through its use, it is introduced into municipal sewer systems where it is partially removed during wastewater treatment. In this study residues of triclosan (TCS) was measured in surface sediments collected from the Valliyar estuary, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India. Sediment samples were collected from a total of fifteen sampling sites, at different locations of Valliyar estuary near Arabian Sea. Triclosan was widely distributed in the estuarine environment. Concentration of triclosan ranged from 132 to 3073 ng g $^1$ d.w. with a mean concentration of 1102.2 ng g $^1$ d.w. The data obtained provides information on the levels of sources of triclosan in the estuarine environment. When compared with other areas, the triclosan level in the study area are some high. These results underscore the need to improved environmental protection measures in order to reduce the exposure of the population and aquatic biota to this antimicrobial agent.
Approaches to Groundwater Vulnerability to Pollution: A Literature	Review
Authors: Iqbal Jawed , Gorai A.K. , Tirkey Poonam , Pathak Gopal
Published: November 2024

It is not feasible and perhaps impossible to formulate an universal technique for predicting groundwater vulnerability, one that considers all of the ways in which contamination occurs or that is appropriate for all situations. The intended use of the vulnerability assessment process is the most obvious and important factor to consider in selecting a vulnerability assessment approach. The three classes (Overlay and Index Methods, Process based Simulation Model Methods and Statistical Methods) of methods for assessing groundwater vulnerability range in complexity from a subjective evaluation of available map data to the application of complex transport models are available. Each class has its own characteristic strengths and weaknesses that affect its suitability for particular application. This paper attempts to review all the major approaches developed worldwide for groundwater vulnerability assessment.
Saltwater Intrusion and Its Impact on Koggala Lagoon and	Associated Waters, Southern Coast of Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasiri H.B. , Dahanayaka D.D.G.L.
Published: November 2024

Saltwater intrusion is a major coastal management problem which leads to the destruction of fishery, breeding grounds and habitat. Several dykes and water regulatory systems have been implemented to prevent salt water intrusion and to regulate water level in the catchment area in the Koggala lagoon. The groyne built at the lagoon mouth helped to keep the outlet open throughout the year for better mixing and water exchange, but it has been a matter of concern for local resource users due to salinity increase in the lagoon. Therefore, the study was focused in salt water intrusion into lagoon and upstream areas and its impact on water quality and drinking water wells of surrounding areas. Monthly mean salinity of the lagoon varied strongly from 20 psu to 34.5 psu in relation to the monsoon rains. During the drought, due to the water level difference between lagoon and the canal created a salt water intrusion into upstream areas through the sluice gates, even the gates were closed. During the period of high salinity (February and March) of the lagoon, surface and bottom salinity levels of the upsteam area were 16 and 22 psu respectively due to saltwater intrusion through the anicut at Warabokka. Moreover, the water exchange and mixing of the lagoon is governed by the gravitational circulation. However during the dry season, tide plays a major role for salt water intrusion and mixing creating well mixed condition. Thus, the lagoons can be classified as a partially mixed estuary. The faunal and the floral compositions of the lagoon had changed markedly due to salt water intrusion. Present analysis indicated that the salinity, dissolved oxygen content and chlorophyll-a content mostly affected the abundance and diversity of zooplankton in the Koggala lagoon. Construction of barrier across the rockfill groyne may minimize the salt water intrusion.
Toxicity of East Sumatra River Sediments – Bacterial	Luminescence, Brine Shrimp and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Tests
Authors: Scholz Bettina , Ziehe Daniel , Pivetta Lucinéia A. , Pielok Nils , Liebezeit Gerd
Published: November 2024

Bioassays employing the luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri (LUMIStox system), the brine shrimp (Artemia salina) as well as the acetylcholinesterase inhibition test were used to evaluate sediment toxicity of surface sediments from five East Sumatra rivers. In March and November of 2008 samples were collected from Rokan, Siak, Kampar, Indragiri and Musi rivers from overall 52 stations. The sediments were extracted with a sediment/water ratio of 1:1 (w/v). The most toxic sediments were found at the stations 529 (Kampar), 543 (Musi) as well as 517 (Siak) during the November 2008 campaign. Of the bioassays employed in this study, the acetylcholinesterase inhibition test was the most responsive to the extracts (EC $_{50}$ : 0.4 ± 0.1 to 1.02 ± 0.3 g/L), whereas the invertebrate lethality assay using Artemia salina was less sensitive (EC $_{50}$ : 6.1 ± 0.6 to 9.3 ±; 0.4 g/L). While it was not possible to correlate the observed ecotoxicological effects with a specific and/or class of contaminants it is notable that the Siak sediment extracts were consistently ranked the most toxic with all test species and all test phases.
Human Impacts on Two Wetlands in the Nairobi National Park, Kenya
Authors: Ruto W.K.S. , Kinyamario J.I. , Ngétich N.K. , Akunda E. , Mworia J.K.
Published: November 2024

Environmental gradients in physico-chemical properties and distance to human settlements at two wetlands (around Hyena and Nalogomon dams) in the Nairobi National Park were studied. Ordination showed that over 84% of the variation in both wetland waters and soils was accounted for by twelve parameters (physico-chemical properties and distance to settlements). In wetland waters, Cu and Mn contributed most to variation that was related to distance to nearest urban settlements. This means that the concentration of the two elements increased as distance to settlements decreased. Elements Cu and Mn are pollution indicators and their increased concentration during the wet season in wetlands close to urban areas could be due to run-off or storm waters from the settled areas finding its way into the wetland. Critically, P and Cu varied along the distance gradient, being highest closest to urban settlements. The ordination plots on the wetland soil/sediment show a clear gradient, that is, a distance to urban settlements gradient that separates the two wetlands.
Kinetic Modelling of Phenol Biodegradation by Mixed Microbial	Culture in Static Batch Mode
Authors: Kumar Hemant , Mohanty Kaustubha
Published: November 2024

In the present study, mixed microbial culture isolated from the sludge of effluent treatment plant of a refinery was tested for its phenol biodegradation potential under static batch condition. The result showed that, after acclimatization, the culture could biodegrade upto 750 mg L $^{-1}$ of phenol. 100% phenol degradation was achieved for the various concentrations studied. Kinetic study showed that specific growth rate of microorganisms and specific substrate degradation rate increased up to 300 mg L $^{-1}$ of initial phenol concentration and then started decreasing. The biodegradation kinetics was fitted to different substrate inhibition models by using optimization software tool (solver) in Microsoft office 2007. Among all models, Aiba model (μmax = 0.3187 h $^{-1}$ , K $_I$ = 400, R $^2$ = 0.915) and Edward Model (μmax = 0.0011 h $^{-1}$ , K $_I$ = 210 mg L $^{-1}$ , R $^2$ = 0.942) were fitted the best. Growth kinetics was also fitted well to the classical Haldane model. The values of inhibition constant, K $_I$ from Yano model indicated that this culture may well degrade phenol beyond 750 mg L $^{-1}$ .
Quantification of Aniline with Bleaching Powder via Indophenol	Reaction and Its Residual Determination in Lubricating Oils
Authors: Ansari Anjum , Joshi Smita , Amlathe Sulbha
Published: November 2024

A rapid and one step condensation method for trace level determination of aniline is developed in environmental and real sample i.e., lubricating oil. The method involves the use of oxidative coupling reaction for aniline and phenol using bleaching powder as an oxidizing agent in alkaline medium. The dye has a maximum absorption at 640 nm. Beer's law is obeyed in the range of 0.125 to 0.75 μg/ml and its detection limit is 0.025 μg. Molar Absorptivity and Sandell's Sensitivity were found to be 4.4 × 10 $^3$ litres/mol/cm (± 100) and 0.021 μg cm $^{-2}$ , respectively. Standard Deviation and Relative Standard Deviation were found to be ±0.0074 and 3.12% respectively, for 5 μg of aniline in 10 ml of the final volume. All important parameters have been optimized for complete colour reaction and applied for the analysis of aniline in environmental samples i.e. water and air. It is also applied for the residual aniline determination in lubricating oils.
Does High Silicate Supply Control Phytoplankton Composition and	Particulate Organic Matter Formation in Two Eutrophic Reservoirs in the Brantas	River Catchment, Java, Indonesia?
Authors: Jennerjahn Tim C. , Klöpper Sascha
Published: November 2024

The Brantas River catchment on the Indonesian island of Java is among the most densely-populated regions in the world. Damming of the river and intensive agriculture in the catchment are supposed to affect the biogeochemistry and ecology of the river, its reservoirs and coastal waters. We collected water, suspended matter and phytoplankton samples from the Sutami and the Selorejo lakes, two major reservoirs in the catchment, in May 2001 and June 2002. Water samples were analyzed for dissolved inorganic nutrients and suspended matter was analyzed for carbon and nitrogen contents and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition. Phytoplankton cells were counted, identified and grouped into four major classes. Both reservoirs displayed clear signs of eutrophication as shown by high nutrient concentrations and high phytoplankton abundance. Phytoplankton abundance was generally higher in the Sutami than in the Selorejo reservoir and in the Sutami reservoir it was much higher in June 2002 than in May 2001. Phytoplankton responded to the amount and composition of nutrients in such a way that diatoms dominated when silicate concentrations and N/P ratios were high in the Sutami reservoir in May 2001.

The mass occurrence of the water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes in the Selorejo reservoir was probably responsible for a high uptake of dissolved nutrients resulting in an N/P ratio <8. This favoured the growth of cyanobacteria which can fix atmospheric nitrogen. Excessive phytoplankton growth in the Sutami reservoir in June 2002 led to a drastic silicate reduction (165 μM in May 2001, 95 μM in June 2002). This and an N/P ratio <4 consequently resulted in a much lower abundance of diatoms and a much higher abundance of cyanobacteria than in May 2001. The biogenic extraction of silicate by diatoms in reservoirs has often been observed in high latitude regions where it, in combination with high anthropogenic additions of nitrogen and phosphorus and a lack of silicate replenishment downstream of reservoirs, leads to eutrophication of coastal waters and a shift from biomineralizing to nonbiomineralizing phytoplankton. Because of the high weathering rates in the tropical Brantas River catchment, silicate concentrations in the downstream portion of the river were as high as in the headwaters and coastal phytoplankton was dominated by diatoms despite nutrient extraction in reservoirs. It indicates that human activities in river catchments in the humid tropics affect coastal ecosystems in a different way than in high latitude regions.
Water Quality Time-series Data of the Lower Brantas River, East	Java, Indonesia: Results from an Automated Water Quality Monitoring Station
Authors: Schroeder Friedhelm , Knauth Hans-Diethard
Published: November 2024

Using an automated water quality station in the lower Brantas River, East Java, Indonesia, highly time-resolved time series (1 min $^1$ ) of main parameters that govern water quality have been measured (oxygen, chlorophyll-a, turbidity, nutrients, total inorganic and organic carbon) from 2003 to 2008. All parameters showed distinct seasonal variations related to dry and wet seasons. Due to the large input of organic material from sewage and industry into the river the most important parameter is the dissolved oxygen that displays a distinct seasonal behaviour with relatively large values during wet season and very low values in dry season. In addition, during dry season high variations between day and night were observed with zero oxygen concentrations at night. From highly time-resolved oxygen time series the main metabolic rates (primary production, respiration) together with atmospheric exchange rates could be calculated in a semi-quantitative way. From this, it could be estimated that the anthropogenic carbon input into the river has to be reduced from about 70 t/d BOD equivalents to at least 33 t/d in order to prevent anaerobic conditions.