Abstract of Volume 17 (2) 2005
 

A Multivariate Assessment of metal distribution in the sediments of the Hugly estuary, East Coast of India
B. Bhattacharya, Kasturi Mitra and Nilanjana Mukherjee
Abstract: The present study was designed to assess the nature and concentration of heavy metal pollution from river run-off, agricultural and industrial wastes, sewage outfall and anthropogenic inputs; its accumulation in the sediments of Sagar Island, the Hugly-Matla estuarine complex. Samples were collected month wise for a period of two years. Sediment samples were analyzed by ICP-MS. High concentrations of metals (Fe, Cr, Zn and As) were detected in the sediments. This may be due to the indiscriminate discharge of industrial and agricultural wastes. Such accumulation of toxic heavy metals in the sediment may result in entry of heavy metals in our food chain through the aquatic flora and fauna11-17.
Key Words: Assessment, Heavy Metals, Sediment and Estuary.
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Freely propagation of cylindrical shock in uniform atmosphere
R. P. Yadav* and Yogember Singh**
Abstract: Freely propagation of cylindrical converging shock wave has been carried out by C.C.W. method, for two cases viz (1) when shock waves isothermally and (2) when they move adiabatically. Assuming the medium to be uniform, the expressions for flow variables are derived for both the cases. All the flow variables are numerically computed and discussed through figures. It is found that flow variables increase gradualy for both isothermal and adiabatic process, while they increase rapidly for large values of r, is a case of adiabatic process.
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Impact assessment of Guinea worm eradication programme in Akoko area Ondo state, Nigeria
S. O. Adewole and A. A. Hassan
Abstract

The current status of impact of control programme on the prevalence of Guinea worm disease was assessed in Akoko, a large community in South - Western Nigeria. Before the initiation of organized control Programmes in Akoko area of Ondo State, Nigeria, the prevalence rate of guinea worm disease was observed to be 78.0%. This work evaluated the influence of improved water supplies, improved methods of collecting water and various health education measures on Guinea worm Status in this area. Reported cases of Guinea worm had reduced by about 55.3% in 2001, between the time of herald of Global 2000 / Carter foundation/government intervention, 94.9% in2002 and 0.0% in 2003.
Both male and female showed no significant difference (P<0.05) in susceptibility to infection. With respect to age, adult, male showed higher infection.

School survey conducted during this period revealed that 25.1%; 4.2%; and 1.3% were absent due to Guinea worm infection. A correlation between reduction in Guinea worm cases and significant increase in crop yield and self help development projects was observed. The impact of control intervention on Guinea wormdisease was high, a 100% reduction in cases was observed within three years.

Key words: Dracunculiasis; Guinea worm, prevalence. Hand purnp/bore holes, Akoko.

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Performance evaluation of artificial aeration
units on the water quality of upper lake

Anshu Bahl1, Smita Joshi*2 and Avinash Bajpai3

1,2*Department of Chemistry S.N.G.G.P.G. College, Bhopal, M.P.-462016 (India)
3Department of Research Associate, Environmental Planning and Co-ordination
Organization Research Lab (ERL), Bhopal (India)
Abstract

The present study is undertaken to evaluate the impact of aeration units on the Physico-chemical characteristic of Upper Lake situated in Bhopal. The lake receives a large amount of sewage from its densely populated habitation. The continuous input of biologically active nutrients (Phosphates & Nitrates) through inflow of sewage has changed the water body into eutrophic lake resulting frequent oxygen depletion. The installations of aeration units have been found to have significant impact in increasing the oxygen concentrations, changing the species diversity besides reducing the pathogenic microbial population1-3.

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Comparative Adsorption Study of DCIC and F-200 GAC
Samples For Phenolic Waste

N. B. Selukar*, G. M. Hend*, A. L. RATHOD*, S. M. Wagh** and N. D. Bansod***

*Department of Chemical Technology, Amravati University, Amravati (India)
**Department of Chemical Technology, L. I. T., Nagpur University (India)
***Department of Petrochemical Technology, L.I.T, Nagpur University (India)
Abstract

Trace organic compounds like phenolic compounds are frequently found in surface and waste water. Phenol have been classifieds as priority pollutants because of their multiple toxic health effects at very low concentration.
Activated carbon adsorption is one of the well established method for removal of trace organic compounds. This method is widely used due to its simplicity, effectiveness, low space requirement and nuisance free operation. Activated carbon can be produced from variety of materials such as wood, coal, peat, lignin, coconut shell etc.

This research paper is related with the comparison of two
types of GAC manufacturer from different type of material for phenolic waste treatment.

Key words : Adsorbent, GAC, Phenol, Adsorption.

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Enteromorpha intestinalis - An indicator of heavy metal pollution in coastal environment

1ABHIJIT MITRA, 1ANUMITA DAS, 1RAJIB CHAKRABORTY, 2KAKOLI
BANERJEE, 3SUBHAS BANERJEE, 4D.P. BHATTACHARYA

1Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta. 35, B.C. Road, Kolkata-700 019 (India)

2WWF- India Secretariat, Tiger and Wildlife Programme, Canning Field Office, 24 Parganas (S), 743329

3Pollution Control Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Department, Jadavpur University,
Kolkata 700 032 (India)

4Department of Theoretical Physics, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science,
Kolkata 700 032 (India)
Abstract

Sagar Island is the largest island in the Indian Sundarbans sustaining a wide variety of mangrove flora and mangrove associate species. Three important species of macroalgae namely Enteromorpha intestinalis, Ulva luctuca and Catenella repens are widely distributed in the intertidal zone of the island. They are exposed to tidal waters and often get contaminated with wastes of anthropogenic and industrial origin. Seasonal concentrations of Zn, Cu artd Pb were determined in these estuarine macroalgae inhabiting three different stations of the island. Metals in the algal tissue accumulated in the order Zn> Cu > Pb. Highest concentrations of these heavy metals were found in the surface water in the month of monsoon, the period characterized by lowest salinity and pH of the ambient aquatic phase. A unique compartmentation was observed between sediment and surface water with respect to selected heavy metals. Among the three macroalgal species, Enteromorpha intestinalis seems to reflect the water quality in terms of dissolved Zn and Cu.

Key words : Indian Sundarbans, macroalgae, heavy metals, aquatic salinity.

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Synthesis, Characterization and Glass reinforced Laminates of Acrylic modified Unsaturated Polyester Resin for electrical
application

B.Z. Dholakiya*a and K.D. Patelb

aChemical Sciences Department, N.V. Patel College of Pure & Applied Sciences, Sardar Patel University,
Vallabh Vidyanagar-388120, Anand, Gujarat (India)
bChemistry Department, V.P. & R.P.T.P. Science College, Sardar Patel University,
Vallabh Vidyanagar-388120, Anand, Gujarat (India)
Abstract

Composite based on thermoset resin like unsaturated polyesters are used to a wide extent in the electro technical and electronic components. Unsaturated polyester resin was prepared using Isophthalic acid (IPA), Maleic anhydride (MA), propylene glycol (PG) and modified using methyl methacrylate (MMA) as acrylic monomer. The resin was prepared and characterized by IR, GPC and effect on electrical and mechanical properties of composite laminates made of glass fiber, acrylic modified unsaturated polyester resin (AMUPR) and additives as calcined clay and calcium carbonate in an amount of up to 40 weight percentage was determined. The electrical resistance behavior of the additives filled laminates was better than that of unfilled laminates.

Key words : Calcined Clay, Isophthalic acid, Electric Resistance, Polyester resin.

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Decoding and encoding in (+1, –1) system

M. Tiwari, R.K. Dubey and R.A. Singh

Department of Physics and Electronic
Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar-470003 (INDIA)
Abstract

Decoders and encoders are being studied in (+1, -1) system. These decoders and encoders are suitable in digital signal processing where quantized analog signals are digitized before transmission and the digital signals are converted into discrete analog before reception. They are suitable for the fractional signed magnitude decimal numbers. The positive and negative numbers are decoded and encoded in unified way. The advantages or these decoders and encoders over two's complement decoders and encoders have been discussed.

Key words: Decoder, encoder, (+1, -1) number system.

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Thermal Relaxation and Structural investigation of Crystalline
Polypropylene Films

A.A. Al-Ghamdi*, S. Al-Heniti and G.G. Barakati

Physics Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdul Aziz University
P.O. Box 80203, jeddah 21589 (Saudi Arabia)
Abstract

The X ray diffraction lattice constant interplanner spacing, type of lattice and the crystallite thickness were measured for the annealing highly crystalline polypropylene thin films. All measured crystallographic parameters were found periodically dependent on the annealing time following a damped sin function. A mechanism to describe the observed variation has been proposed, a model for the macrostructure is introduced which explain the observed data.

Keywords : Polypropylene, Annealing technique and XRD Analysis.

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Seasonal Abundance of Reef Fishes in Relation to Live Coral
Coverage in Karah Island, Terengganu, Malaysia

SAKRI IBRAHIM1, WAN MOHD. RAUHAN WAN HUSSIN1, ZALEHA KASSIM1,
ZULIATINI MOHAMMAD JONI1, MOHAMAD ZAIDI ZAKARIA1
and SUKREE HAJISAMAE2

1Faculty of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences
Kolej Universiti Sains dan Teknologi Malaysia (KUSTEM)
Mengabang Telipot 21030 Kuala Terengganu (Malaysia)

2Faculty of Science and Technology Prince of Songkla University
94000 Pattani Thailand
Abstract

Coral reef fish communities of Karah Island were studied to determine their relationship with monsoon season and coral coverage. Surveys were conducted 4 times; two times during pre-monsoon phase (September-October) and two times during postmonsoon phase (April-May). Visual census technique with SCUBA aid was employed to identify the reef fishes. Line Intercept Transect method was used for the observation of coral communities. Two transect lines were laid parallel to the shoreline at 10 m and 15 m depth to identify reef fish abundance and coral coverage. A total of 47 species belonging to 21 families of reef fishes were identified. Number of individuals in the postmonsoon season was found to be higher (64.15%) than the pre-monsoon season (35.85%). Pomacentridae was the most abundant in terms of numbers for both the premonsoon (57.31 %) and post-monsoon seasons (93.20%). Caesionidae was the second most abundant family in post-monsoon phase (28.21 %) while Labridae in pre-monsoon phase (2.46%). The 10 m depth transect (Transect 1) was covered with 59.24% of live corals while the 15 m depth transect (Transect 2) was covered with only 30.26% of live corals. The results showed that fishes were more attracted to the area with higher percentage of live coral cover. The abundance of fish in Transect 1 was 6934 (72.34%) while only 2651 individuals (27.66%) were observed in Transect 2. Overall, there were more live corals in Transect 1 with 59.24% as compared to transect 2 with only 30.26%. This results of the study shows that fish abundance was relatively higher in live coral areas than the area covered with other substrates like sand, rocks or rubbles.

Key words: Coral reef areas, fish families, monsoon seasons.

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Image filtering of Airborne Thematic Mapper for landslide
delineation

Ramli, M.F.1 and Petley, D.N.2

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia-43400 Serdang (Malaysia)
2Department of Geography, University of Durham, Durham, DH1 3LE (United Kingdom)
Abstract

This paper describes the application of high resolution Airborne Thematic Mapper for landslide studies. The advantage of these data apart from its capability of recording wide range of wavelength in electromagnetic spectrum is that it is in digital format, thus it can be processed using digital image enhancements, in which data manipulation can be performed. In this study, digital image processing of filtering is utilised where common methods of filtering were tested. The filtered image is then compared to the morphological map of the study area. The results shows that the common methods that were used were not useful in showing detailed landslides features. However, the use of local enhanced filter that is normally used in geophysical studies are found to be useful and can show much better landslide features.

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Synthesis and characterization of two novel extra large pore aluminophosphate molecular sieves
N. Venkatathri
Catalysis Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune-411 008 (India)
Tel./Fax: +91-20-25893761, E-mail:
venkat@cata.ncl.res.in
Abstract: Novel extra large pore aluminophosphate molecular sieves such as NCL-10 and NCL-11 were discovered. They were synthesized from a standard molar gel compositions A12O3: 1.8P2O5: 4.5HEM: 45EG at 453K for 15 days, with different aging periods ie for 24 and 48 hours respectively. The synthesized materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, Carbon and nitrogen analysis, TG/DTA and FT-IR techniques. XRD analysis shows that NCL-10 and NCL-11 were extra large pore. Scanning electron micrograph shows that NCL-10 having polymeric aggregates morphology and NCL-11 having flage morphology with 2-3µm particle size. TG/DTA analysis shows the presence of one endothermic and two exothermic weight loss. The total weight loss were 32.70 and 42.55% for NCL-10 and NCL-11 respectively. FT-IR shows that the framework vibrations are similar to other known aluminophosphates.
Key words : NCL-10; NCL-11; extra largepore; molecular sieves; XRD; SEM; TG/DTA; FT-IR.
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A study of sediment texture and net shore drift direction along Sabak Bernam coast, Selangor

Rosnan Yaacob., Mohd Azlim Othman., M.L. Hussain and Kamaruzzaman Yunus
Institute of Oceanography, University College of Science and Technology Malaysia
21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. (
rosnan@kustem.edu.my )
Abstract :Study on sediment texture and net shore drift direction was conducted along the coastline of Kampung Banting where an aquaculture project has been developed and Kampung Sungai Pulai as a control station. Data were collected every two months from May to November 2001. This study was conducted to determine the changes and to compare the beach profile as well as sediment characteristics. Sediments sampling were carried out at four substations in both study area, which include four littoral zones: the berm, high tide, mid tide and low tide. The sediment distribution was found to be coaser, moderately sorted ang negative skewed. The study shows that the beach profile of Kampung Banting as compared to Kampung Sungai Pulai, which was finer, moderately well sorted and positively skewed. The study shows that the beach profile of Kampung Banting is steeper than Kampung Sungai Pulai due to the high sorting value especially at berm and low tide. Consequently, erosion tends to occur here as compared to Kampung Sungai Pulai. This study also indicates the influence of the force along the coastal as well as aquaculture projects in Kampung Banting on the changes of morphology and sediment characteristics.
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Spontaneous assembly of ordered macroporous silicon containing titania
N. Venkatathri
Catalysis Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411 008 (India)

Abstract: Spontaneous formation of ordered macroporous silicon containing titania is achieved by hydrothermal crystallization of silicon and titanium sources along with hexamethyleneimine template in non-aqueous media.
Key words: Synthesis, Anatase, titania, macroporous.
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Synthesis and characterization of Schiff base complexes and application
Kavita Gour
Department of Applied Chemistry Priyadarshini College of Engg. & Architecture, Nagpur-19 (India)

Abstract : Schiff base complexes have wide spread application as anticancer agents anateptics, copolymer, antioxidants, antifungicised, catalyst in hydrogenation, etc. These complexes show multifacet activity in various fields.
Metal complexes are prepared employing element of block series to prepare complexes. Schiff base complexes involving aldehyde with diamine are
extensively studied by numerous workers. Synthesized compounds have been evaluated for their antifungal activities.

Present paper deals the study of f block complexes with bis (o-vanillin) o-phenylen ediamine and o-vanillin 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone. All the complexes and ligands have been characterized on the basis of analytical data magnetic moment, spectral and thermal data.
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Pollution Free Natural Air-conditioning System through An Earth Air-Pipe

R.N. Khare*, R.G.Gupta** and A.K. Jain***
*Department of Civil Engineering, BIT, Durg (Chhattisgarh)-491001 (India)
Email:
drrnkhare@Indiatimes.com
**Department of Civil Engineering, Govt. Engineering College, Jabalpur ( M.P.)-482002 (India)
***Department of Civil Engineering, Govt. Engineering College, Rewa (M.P.)-488001(India)

Abstract : This paper presents the performance of an earth air -pipe system installed for natural air-conditioning, a residential building at a Gulmohar farm house (situated at about 45kms south-west from New Delhi, Latitude 2802'N, Longitude 270o'E on Gurgaon-Patoudi road-Haryana State) has been experimentally evaluated. Site of farmhouse is flat agricultural land with sandy soil. Earth because of its large mass and low thermal conductivity provides very stable thermal environment. The hourly temperature fluctuations (periodicity 24hours ) of the earth surface die down within 15-20 cm from the earth surface as hourly thermal wave travels downward. Hence at a depth of about 4-5m, earth provides a very stable thermal environment in that region. The temperature at these depth will be equal to the annual average of the solair temperature of the earth surface which for an unshaded dry earth surface in Delhi climate is 26-280C, therefore for the large storage capacity of the soil (Earth), the stable environment in the earth at 26-280C (thermally most comfortable range) can be used for creating thermal comfort conditions in building spaces by directly or indirectly coupling them to this stable environment.

With growing concern towards Energy conservation and the Environment, there has been renewed interest in the aspects of Architechture that lead to thermal comfort inside a building in a natural way by a suitable soil -energy arrangements. The system consists of two main rectangular tunnels(0.8m x 0.6m) of length 67.5m burried at a depth of 4m. The two tunnels at the two ends are joined together into one tunnel of 0.8mx0.6m sizes. At one end the tunnel is connected to a 3 hp blower. At the other end the tunnel is divided into four channels (0.25m x 0.25m each), three of which are further divided into two with the help of pvc pipes of dia 25cm. The seven pvc pipes open up into different rooms of a main house which is under construction at the farm house of Wazirpur. So it is observed that this natural air-conditiong system is not success for heating purpose and now needs for further research works for making it most effective and successful.

Keywords: Heating and Cooling Potential, Humidity ratio, Air conditioning & an earth air-pipe system.

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Earthquake resistant design and construction
R. N. Khare
Department of Civil Engineering,B.I.T. Durg (C.G.) (India)
Abstract : Whenever there is an earthquake -related disaster in the news with pictures of collapsed buildings and other structures strewn all over the place, one may probably think that earthquake -resistant design (EQRD) of structures is still in the dark ages. Of course, the objectives of professionals engaged in the area of EQRD is to create various cost- effective design solutions to make structures less vulnerable to earthquakes, even large earthquakes.

As a multi -disciplinary field of engineering, the design of earthquake-resistant structures is at a threshold from where many exciting developments are possible in the coming years. Developments of new techniques and shifting to new materials, which are not traditionally used in civil engineering structures, offer significant promise in reducing seismic risk. Notable improvements have been made in our understanding of earthquakes and the response of structures. Advances in modeling ground motions; developments of more involved special construction features, which made them less vulnerable to earthquakes. Of course the future of EQRD is a function of the past performances of such designs. Today, we understand to a great deal, how our built environment will respond to a wide range of earthquake motions.

In this paper, the main aspects of EQRD will be presented, followed by the research efforts, and future trends that are most llkely to emerge in the next few years.

Keywords: EQRD, Isolation, Passive energy, Bands.
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Physico - Chemical Comparison of ground water quality status of different locations in Bhopal city (India)

Smita Joshi, Pushpa M. Rawtani and Arpana Gaur
Department of Chemistry S.N.G.G.P.G. College, Shivaji Nagar, Bhopal (India)

Abstract : The aim of present study is to asses the degree of pollution in ground water of different locations in Bhopal city. These locations are residential area, commercial area, industrial area and mixed use area. This study shows that ground water of industrial area, commercial area and mixed use area are polluted due to presence of coliform & soluble ions. Among these three samples ground water of industrial area is most polluted and should be restricted for common use. The ground water of residential area can be used as potable water.
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