Journal of Environmental Science & Engineering

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Drinking water quality assessment of rain water harvested in ferrocement tanks in Alappuzha District, Kerala (India).
(2008-04-20) Varghese, Jainy; Jaya, D S
The study was conducted to assess the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of stored rain water in the ferrocement tanks of Alappuzha District, Kerala (India). Representative water samples were collected on random basis from ten stations (S1 to S10) with rain water harvesting facility during the periods January 2006 and April 2006. The present study revealed that the physico-chemical characteristics of stored rain water analysed during the winter and summer seasons were within the permissible drinking water standard limits prescribed by W.H.O. Microbiological analysis showed that most of the stored rainwater samples had microbial contamination in both winter and summer seasons and the bacterial count was above the permissible standards for drinking water. Faecal coliforms were also detected in the stored rain water samples collected from eight stations during the summer season. The present study revealed that the quality of stored rain water is suitable for drinking purpose in terms of physical and chemical characteristics. However, disinfection is necessary to make the water microbially safe for drinking purposes.
Adsorption of fluoride on synthetic iron (III), zirconium(IV) and binary iron(III)-zirconium (IV) oxides: comparative assessment on pH effect and isotherm.
(2008-04-20) Biswas, Krishna; Bandhopadhyay, Durjoy; Ghosh, Uday Chand
Fluoride is an accumulative poison at high dose of intake for humans and animals. In the present study, the sorption of fluoride from aqueous solution has been investigated on synthetic hydrous ferric oxide (HFO), hydrous zirconium oxide (HZO) and hydrous zirconium(IV)-iron(III) oxide (HZFO) by batch mode experiments. Both HFO and HZFO were crystalline and HZO was amorphous in nature. The parametes studied were the effect of pH and sorption equilibriums. The results showed increase in fluoride-sorption with increasing pH from nearly 2.0 to 5.0, 4.6 and 6.8 for HFO, HZO and HZFO, respectively. Analysis of temperature dependent sorption data obtained at equilibrium solution pH 6.8 (+/- 0.2) has been described by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Redlich-Peterson isotherm model equations. The present sorption data fit, in general, found very well with the Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson models; and the data fit for HZFO and HFO found to increase, but for HZO the data found to decrease with increasing temperature. The computed thermodynamic parameters such as deltaG0, delltaH0 and deltaS0 from the Langmuir equilibrium constant (b, L/Umg) values show that the fluoride-sorption on HZFO was more spontaneous and endothermic process compared to HFO. The deltaH0 value obtained for fluoride adsorption on HZO indicates exothermic nature.
Heavy metals leaching in Indian fly ash.
(2008-04-20) Prasad, Bably; Mondal, Kajal Kumar
Fly ash is an industrial waste generated from thermal power plants. Fly ash constitutes 80-85% of the total ash produced. A small part of fly ash is utilised in some sectors such as construction materials, building engineering, road, back fill, agriculture, selective engineering and processing useful materials. A large part of fly ash produced is disposed of with very high environmental risk. In the present paper, laboratory leaching test has been used to determine the potential mobility of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Ni in fly ash samples, collected from Chandrapura Thermal Power Plant, Jharkhand and Ramagundam Super Thermal Power Plant, Andhra Pradesh, in order to assess their leachability when these wastes are disposed of. A cascade-leaching test was used at liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) ranging between 20 and 100. Both fly ash samples exhibited neutral reactions, as indicated by pH values <11.75 and >7.0 at L/S=10 and contact time of 10 minutes. The percentage of leached amounts found to follow the trend Zn>Fe>Mn>Cr>Pb>Cu>Ni>Cd for fly ash from Chandrapura and Fe>Zn>Cu>Mn>Cr>Ni>Pb>Cd for fly ash from Ramagundam. Effect of pH on metals released from ash surface in aqueous solution followed a predictable pattern of decreasing release with increasing pH.
Decolorization of pulp paper mill effluent by Pleurotus sajorcaju.
(2008-04-20) Yadav, Meera; Yadav, K S
Pleurotus sajorcaju MTCC-141 procured from Microbial Type Culture Collection Centre and Gene Bank, Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh has been used for color removal from paper mill effluent. The paper mill effluent amended with basal medium supports the growth of Pleurrotus sajorcaju and removes the colour. The optimum concentrations of carbon source (glucose) and nitrogen source (NH4NO3) for the maximum decolourization of paper mill effluent were found to be 1% and 0.2% respectively. During the fungal growth process, the pH of the paper mill effluent decreased from 7.94 to 4.0.
Energy balance of a suburban vegetated area in a tropical city--Delhi (India).
(2008-04-20) Das, Yashvant; Padmanabhamurty, B
Energy balance measurements were carried out in a suburban vegetated area of southern part of Delhi. These measurements were made on several days during winter (January, February, November, December) and summer (April, May, June) of 1998 and 1999, respectively. During the winter 1998, net radiation (Q*) reached up to 108 W/m2 around noon and during the summer 1999, Q* was as high as 423.43 W/m2. The apportionments of Q* into sensible heat (H) and latent heat (LE) fluxes were 63% and 16% respectively during the summer 1998, whereas, during the winter Q* dissipated by 40% and 60%, respectively by H and LE. Similarly, during the summer 1999, partitioning of Q* into H and LE were 52 and 24%, respectively and during the winter, apportionments of H and LE found to be 37% and 39% respectively. On an average, about 34% of Q* was dissipated as soil heat flux (G) during both the summers (1998 and 1999) and the winter 1999, whereas, during the winter 1998, G was about 14% of Q*. Diurnal variations of H and LE showed erratic nature whereas that of G was relatively smoother during both the summers and winters. The calculated Bowen ratio was 0.67 to 0.91 during winters and 2.16 to 3.84 during summers, respectively. Probably, seasonal differences are due to local/synoptic conditions, nature of sub stratum and existence of vegetation, which influence the energy partitioning. However, as there was no surplus of energy, the area acts as a heat sink.
Removal of lead from aqueous effluents by adsorption on coconut shell carbon.
(2008-04-20) Sekhar, M Chandra
The application of adsorption for removal of heavy metals is quite popular and activated carbon is universally used as an adsorbent. However, high cost of its preparation and regeneration has led to a search for alternative sorbents, especially in the developing countries. A number of sorbents are used to remove metals by adsorption from industrial effluents, which include insoluble starch, xanthates, modified cotton and wool, tree barks, activated carbon, plant leaves and agricultural products. Therefore, as an alternative, coconut shell carbon (CSC), a low cost sorbent derived from organic waste material, was used in the present work, for removal of lead from aqueous effluents. The results of the batch sorption studies indicated that the efficiency of lead removal by coconut shell carbon is comparable to that of commercially available activated carbon. From the kinetic and equilibrium studies, the sorptive capacity of coconut shell carbon for lead was found to be 30 mg/g. Desorption and subsequent recovery of the metal from the surface of the sorbent was successfully demonstrated. Parameters affecting the sorption were evaluated.
Removal of colour from textile effluent using cyanobacterial biomass.
(2008-04-20) Vishnoi, Sukharam; Srivastava, P N; Shekhawat, N S
The cyanobacterial species were isolated from fresh water pond of Gura-vishnoiyan and were tested for their ability to decolourise the textile effluent. The reduction in colour of textile effluent with the use of dry biomass of Cylindrospermum indicum, Nostoc calcicola, Calothrix weberi was comparatively observed after 2, 4 and 6 days, but maximum colour absorption was observed after 6 days. Calothrix weberi was found the most effective species of cyanobacteria, which can remove the colour intensity upto 85 percent after 6 days of incubation. However, Nostoc calcicola and Cylindrospermum indicum showed 45 percent and 23 percent of colour reduction respectively.
2, 4 dichlorophenol (2, 4-DCP) sorption from aqueous solution using granular activated carbon and polymeric adsorbents and studies on effect of temperature on activated carbon adsorption.
(2008-04-20) Ghatbandhe, A S; Yenkie, M K N
Adsorption equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), one of the most commonly used chlorophenol, onto bituminous coal based Filtrasorb-400 grade granular activated carbon, were studied in aqueous solution in a batch system with respect to temperature. Uptake capacity of activated carbon found to increase with temperature. Langmuir isotherm models were applied to experimental equilibrium data of 2, 4-DCP adsorption and competitive studies with respect to XAD resin were carried out. Equilibrium data fitted very well to the Langmuir equilibrium model. Adsorbent monolayer capacity 'Q0, Langmuir constant 'b' and adsorption rate constant 'k(a)' were evaluated at different temperatures for activated carbon adsorption. This data was then used to calculate the energy of activation of adsorption and also the thermodynamic parameters, namely the free energy of adsorption, deltaG0, enthalpy of adsorption, deltaH0 and the entropy of adsorption deltaS0. The obtained results showed that the monolayer capacity increases with the increase in temperatures. The obtained values of thermodynamic parameters showed that adsorption of 2,4 DCP is an endothermic process. Synthetic resin was not found efficient to adsorb 2,4 DCP compared to activated carbon. The order of adsorption efficiencies of three resins used in the study found as XAD7HP > XAD4 > XAD1180.
Assessment of hand pump waters in three tribal dominated districts of southern Rajasthan, India.
(2008-04-20) Sharma, B K; Sharma, L L; Durve, V S
Udaipur, Banswara and Dungarpur districts of southern Rajasthan (India) have dominance of tribal population. In these districts besides other water resources, hand pumps are catering the need for drinking water. The present study was undertaken to assess the level of chemical and bacteriological status for comparing the water quality with the prevailing standards. 18 hand pumps were studied for selected water quality parameters such as, pH, hardness, chloride, fluoride, NO3 -N, EC, orthophosphate, TDS, TSS, BOD, total coliforms and faecal coliforms, following the standard methods. The data on chemical parameters revealed that in all 18 hand pumps the water quality was within the permissible level of WHO. However, in eight hand pumps the faecal coliforms were higher (2-6 MPN/100 mL) than the permissible limit which confirm organic contamination in these drinking water resources. On the basis of this study, suitable remedial measures for protection of water quality have been suggested.
Fuzzy rule based estimation of agricultural diffuse pollution concentration in streams.
(2008-04-20) Singh, Raj Mohan
Outflow from the agricultural fields carries diffuse pollutants like nutrients, pesticides, herbicides etc. and transports the pollutants into the nearby streams. It is a matter of serious concern for water managers and environmental researchers. The application of chemicals in the agricultural fields, and transport of these chemicals into streams are uncertain that cause complexity in reliable stream quality predictions. The chemical characteristics of applied chemical, percentage of area under the chemical application etc. are some of the main inputs that cause pollution concentration as output in streams. Each of these inputs and outputs may contain measurement errors. Fuzzy rule based model based on fuzzy sets suits to address uncertainties in inputs by incorporating overlapping membership functions for each of inputs even for limited data availability situations. In this study, the property of fuzzy sets to address the uncertainty in input-output relationship is utilized to obtain the estimate of concentrations of a herbicide, atrazine, in a stream. The data of White river basin, a part of the Mississippi river system, is used for developing the fuzzy rule based models. The performance of the developed methodology is found encouraging.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air at Agra: distribution and toxicity assessment.
(2008-04-20) Rajput, Nirat; Khemani, L D; Lakhani, Anita
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of organic pollutants that are commonly found in the environment, largely due to combustion or processing of hydrocarbon fuels. PAHs are considered highly toxic for human beings and several of these compounds are carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic. Human exposure to PAHs occurs principally by direct inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact as a result of the widespread presence and persistence of PAHs in the urban environment. With increasing awareness that PAHs are known and suspected carcinogens, this study was undertaken to monitor PAH compounds in Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSPM) at the industrial site--Nunhai, Agra. For this purpose, TSPM samples were collected on glass fibre filter papers (EPM 2000) using High Volume Sampler (HVS 430) at Nunhai, Agra. 16 EPA priority PAH compounds were analyzed by a Gas Chromatograph equipped with FID detector. PAHs having high molecular weight, i.e., BghiP, BbF, DbA, BaA, BaP and IP, were the most abundant with concentrations ranging between 0.026 to 0.56 ng m(-3). The calculated mean TPAH value was 0.32 ng m(-3). The probably carcinogenic and possibly carcinogenic PAH as classified by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) accounted for 42% and 38% respectively of the total PAH. The health risk associated with inhalatory exposure to PAHs was assessed on the basis of Benzo(a)pyrene concentration in air and Toxic Equivalency Factor (TEF) for individual PAH. In the present study, BaP concentrations ranged from 0.005 to 0.23 ng m(-3) with a mean value of 0.04 ng m(-3). Carcinogenic potencies for DbA and BaP in PAH mixtures based on TEF concept were 45% and 39% respectively. This underlines the importance of DbA and BaPas a surrogate compound of a PAH mixture in our environment in assessing human health risk.
Fluoride contamination in ground water of Malaprabha sub basin.
(2008-04-20) Varadarajan, N; Purandara, B K
The fluoride contamination study has been carried out in ground waters of Khanapur, Bailhongal and Saundatti taluks of Malaprabha sub basin, Belgaum district, Karnataka (India). 21 samples were collected from different locations covering shallow and deep aquifers. The samples were collected during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season of 1999.The fluoride concentrations varied from 0.55 to 3.85 mg/L during pre-monsoon and 0.20 to 3.50 mg/L during post-monsoon seasons. Higher concentration of fluoride was observed in Ugargol village of Saundatti taluk. It was observed that about 28.60% of the Samples have fluoride concentration less than 1 mg/L, 23.80% have concentration in the range of 1.0-1.50 mg/L, 42.85% have concentration in the range of 1.50-3.0 mg/L and 4.75% have concentration more than 3.0 mg/L during the pre-monsoon. During post-monsoon, it was found that about 35% of the samples have fluoride concentration less than 1.00 mg/L, 25% have concentration in the range of 1.0-1.50 mg/L, 35% have concentration in the range of 1.50-3.0 mg/L and 5% have concentration more than 3.0 mg/L, A positive correlation of fluoride was observed with bicarbonate, alkalinity and pH during the pre-monsoon and with EC, TDS, carbonate, bicarbonate and potassium during the post-monsoon. This suggests that source of fluoride may be partially from potassium rich rocks and constituents of fertilizers leaching down to ground water. The regression equations have been developed between fluoride and other water quality parameters.
Design of enclosure of a grinding machine for the noise attenuation.
(2008-04-20) Gorai, A K; Mukhopadhyay, A K; Pal, A K; Dey, U K
Since most of the equipments are usually installed in rooms or enclosed plants, the effect of an enclosure is important. Absorptive surface of the enclosure can reduce levels to the extent of 5 dB(A) which is quite significant. Effectiveness of enclosures in sound varies with the frequency of sound and the shape, size, laying pattern of sound absorbing material, which is put on the walls of the enclosure. The sound absorbing material accomplishes little shielding if there is no acoustical absorption within it. Acoustical absorbents when applied to the interior surface of the enclosure adsorb some of the energy and the noise level within the enclosure builds up only by the energy not absorbed. This paper elucidates the procedure of developing an enclosure to study its performance in attenuating sound at varying conditions. The results found encouraging and such enclosures can be developed for plant machineries by the plant personnels without getting confused by the claims and rhetoric of advertisements of big companies engaged in developing such items.
Hydrochemical assessment of the pollutants in groundwaters of Vrishabhavathi Valley Basin in Bangalore (India).
(2008-04-20) Shankar, B S; Balasubramanya, N; Reddy, M T Maruthesha
The present study aims at the assessment of groundwater quality in and around the Vrishabhavathi Valley, the erstwhile fresh water stream, today carrying huge quantities of industrial, agricultural and domestic effluents from the western part of Bangalore metropolis. Groundwater samples were collected from both bore wells and open wells along the Vrishabhavathi watershed and subjected to a comprehensive physico-chemical and bacteriological analysis. The study revealed that 57% of the samples were non-potable due to their values when compared to the BIS standards. The concentrations of nitrate and total hardness were found higher than the standards in 43.33% and 40% of the samples respectively. 50% of the samples examined, indicated bacterial contamination in the groundwater.
Studies on production and characterization of enriched urban waste composts and their influence on crops productivity.
(2008-01-06) Salakinkop, S R; Hunshal, C S; Gorogi, P T; Basavaraj, B
Enriched compost produced with use of municipal solid wastes (MSW) recorded narrow C:N ratio at the end of decomposition period than municipal solid wastes decomposed without enrichers. To enhance the decomposition rate, quality of municipal solid wastes and enrichers/amendments are found very significant for production of compost. Nutrient content particularly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium could be enhanced with addition of organic amendment/enrichers. Response of different crops for composts produced with addition of different enrichers like night soil, 25% distillery sludge and bio-fertilizers (Azospirillum sp and Bacillus sp) was conspicuous compared to the compost derived from municipal solid wastes alone with respect to increased growth and yield of crops. Among the enriched composts, night soil enriched compost significantly increased the response of potato and groundnut crops. According to farmer's opinion obtained with matrix scoring, chemical fertilizers and sheep penning are cheaper compared to pit compost or urban solid waste compost. While chemical fertilizers are considered to have adverse effects on soil more than pit compost, tank silt, sheep penning and urban solid waste. Weed infestation is associated more with urban waste than other sources. For dry land, agriculture urban waste could be useful due to good moisture holding capacity. Crop yields could be improved under low rainfall condition whenever pit compost or urban solid waste is used.
Adsorption studies on teak leaves (Tectona grandis): removal of lead ions from wastewater.
(2008-01-06) Ajmal, Mohammad; Rao, Rifaqat A K; Ahmad, Jameel; Anwar, Shahana; Ahmad, Rais
Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) abundantly available in India showed high sorption capacity for lead ions and were found efficient for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions. The extent of removal was found to be dependent on pH, temperature, concentration of metal ions and the dose of adsorbent. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated at different temperatures. The sorbent once used can be regenerated and recycled two - three times almost with the same capacity. However, regeneration by column operation gave better results than batch process.
Temperature effect on behaviour, oxygen consumption, ammonia excretion and tolerance limit of the post larvae of shrimp Penaeus indicus.
(2008-01-06) Krishnamoorthy, R; Mohamed, E H Syed; Rao, T Subba; Venugopalanj, V P; Hameed, P Shahul
The present study has been carried out to know the effect of temperature on behaviour, equilibrium loss and tolerance limit of the post larvae of shrimp Penaeus indicus. The experimental temperatures were selected based on the thermal tolerance limit. The experiments were conducted at a specific temperature for duration of 48 hr. The thermal tolerance experiments were conducted in two ways: in direct exposure and in gradually increasing temperature. The upper and lower lethal temperatures for the post larvae of shrimp P. indicus were 43.5 degrees C and 8 degrees C respectively. During tolerance experiment, no mortality was observed at 33 degrees C and 35 degrees C. But at 38 degrees C with gradual increase in temperature, 30% loss of equilibrium and mortality were recorded in 24.31 hrs and 25.07 hrs, and the remaining 70% were alive. On the contrary, when the post larvae of shrimps were directly exposed to 38 degrees C, almost 80% loss of equilibrium and mortality were recorded in 30.22 hrs and 30.40 hrs, remaining 20% were alive. At 40 degrees C with gradual increase in temperature, 100% loss of equilibrium and mortality were recorded in 25.32 hrs and 25.56 hrs. On the other hand, when the post larvae of shrimps were directly exposed to 40 degrees C, 100% loss of equilibrium was observed in 0.37 hrs and mortality in 1.40 hrs. These behavioral responses include an elevated temperature of 12 degrees C, surfacing, dashing against glass wall, jumping out of the water, etc. In general, the rate of oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion was found to enhance with increasing temperature. In the present study, it was found that gradual increase in temperature favours the shellfish population to escape from the thermal exposure as compared to direct exposure.
Motion of a density current head in a diverging channel.
(2008-01-06) Poudeh, H Torabi; Fathi-Moghadam, M; Ghomesi, M; Shafaei, M
Velocity of density current head in the diverging channel, where a river enters a dam reservoir, lake, or sea, is a key parameter when evaluating the extent to which suspended material travels, and determining the type and distribution of sediment in the reservoir. Effects of the channel degree of divergence on the density current head velocity were experimentally evaluated. Experiments were conducted in a 6.0m long and 0.72m wide flume at two slopes of 0.009 and 0.016. Head velocity was measured at three diverging degrees of 8, 12, 26, also in a uniform cross section channel 0.2m wide for various discharges. For the same slope and density current discharge, results showed that head velocity is higher in the diverging channels compared to that in the uniform cross section channel. As the channel degree of divergence was increased, the head velocity also increased. The increase of head velocity was insignificant beyond 12 degrees of divergence. In consent to the previous studies, the current head velocity increased as the bed slope increased. Using theory of dimensional analysis supported by experiments, a mathematical model was developed to calculate the head velocity for a variety of slopes and degrees of divergence.
Impact of Tehri Dam on aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity of Bhagirathi, Uttarakhand (India).
(2008-01-06) Sharma, Ramesh C; Chauhan, Punam; Bahuguna, Manju
Aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity in the Bhagirathi river was monitored for the period of twelve months (September 2004 to August 2005) for assessing the impact of Asia's highest dam, Tehri Dam. Comparative data on diversity of macroinvertebrates revealed that the number of taxa in the downstream stretch, especially close to the dam was significantly reduced. The velocity of water current, hydromedian depth, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and the bottom substrates of the river were found drastically influenced due to the construction activities of the dam. Macroinvertebrate diversity (Shannon-Wiener Index) was altered from 3.44 to 1.98. The members of ephemeroptera and trichoptera were drastically influenced in comparison to other macroinvertebrates.
Effect of different organic materials on maize at different concentrations of lead.
(2008-01-06) Bansal, O P
The present study has been undertaken to know the effect of concentrations of lead (Pb) and different organic materials on the maize yield, concentrations of lead on maize plants and diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) extractable lead (Pb) on the post harvested soils. The results revealed that growth of maize increased by adding lead (Pb) upto 25 mg kg(-1) soil and thereafter the growth decreased. Application of organic matter increased the growth of maize in Pb-contaminated soil. With the increase in Pb concentration in soil, the concentration of Pb in plants also increased, however, application of organic material decreased Pb concentration in maize. The concentration of DTPA extractable lead (Pb) in post harvested soil samples significantly and consistently increased with increase in Pb. The addition of organic manure decreased the DTPA extractable Pb in soil which might be due to complexation/chelation of Pb with organic matter.

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