1. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 1-5 (2008)

EFFECT OF NEEM SEED EXTRACTS ON SOME HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF CYPRINUS CARPIO FINGERLINGS IN RICE CUM FISH FARMING SYSTEM

Khedkar, G. D. and Gyananath, G.

Aquaculture Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 021  E. mail: gdkhedkar@gmail.com

Abstract: Spraying effects of biopesticide, neem, Azadirachta indica (A. juss), (Family: Meliaceae) seed extracts in crude form were tested on fish, Cyprinus carpio in paddy cum fish farming system. Fish raised for 65 days in paddy fish complex by using neem seed extracts in sub lethal concentration (100 ppm),  as a pest control agent, was found to be safer. Toxicity studies were confined by observing the fish behavior and hematological parameters. Simultaneously fish production and paddy production levels were analyzed. It was found that neem seed extracts causes minor alterations in hematological parameters of the fish

2. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 7-9 (2008)

POLLUTION OF THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT BY ANESTHETIC GASES

Puri, A.  and Sharma, K. M.

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh-160012. E. mail: avinash_puri@hotmail.com

Abstract: Today anesthetic gases are most important sources of anesthetic pollution. These includes not proper use of available scavenging equipment, inhalational induction techniques, leaks from regular monitoring, and not proper maintenance of anesthetic equipment, loose connections at the patients breathing system. To prevent this pollution, health employers from anesthetic exposure should be assessed, control measures implemented, and informed about possible risks to health personnel’s which is created by such exposure and educated and trained about the precautions which should be taken to remove and control this remedy.

3. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 11-13 (2008)

HEALTH EFFECTS OF BENZENE AND POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON’S (PAH’S)

Puri, A.  and Sharma, K. M.

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh-160012. E. mail: avinash_puri@hotmail.com

Abstract: Benzene causes a serious condition where the number of circulating red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes) and clotting cells thrombocytes) is reduced (pancytopenia). At this stage, effects are thought to be readily reversible. However, continued exposure of benzene can result in aplastic anemia or leukemia. Benzene also damages the bone marrow, where new blood cells are produced. Studies on benzene exposure have fund changes in the immune system, which area least partially related to the changes in the blood system. The term polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s) refer to a large group of organic compounds widely distributed in the atmosphere, whose molecular structure contains two or more aromatic rings fused together. They are mainly formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil and gas, garbage and tobacco. Because of their low vapour pressure, some PAH’s are presented both in the form of gases as well as associated with particles. The lighter PAH’s such as phenanthrene, are found exclusively in the gas phase, the heavier PAH’s such as Benzo (α) pyrene are almost totally absorbed into particles. PAH’s are relatively insoluble in water but dissolve in fats and oils.

4. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 15-18 (2008)

EFFECT OF SALINITY ON GERMINATION AND SOME METABOLIC  CHANGES IN DOLICHOS LABLAB (L.) VAR. KONKAN VAL –2

Patil, D. A., Patil, A. G., Phatak, A. V.  and Naresh Chandra

Department of Botany,  Birla College, Kalyan  421304, India. E. mail: herbalsciences@rediffmail.com

Abstract: The effect of different salinity levels (0.0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 % NaCl) on germination and some related metabolic parameters of Dolichos lablab L. were studied. At higher salinity levels inhibitory effect on germination was recorded at different hours of germination. The delay in germination was also observed. The growth of embryonic axis in 5-day-old seedlings was affected severely at 0.5 % and 1.0 % salinity. Salinity also caused a considerable decrease in fresh weight at later hours of germination as well as in radical and plumule of 5-day-old seedlings. An inhibitory effect of salinity was reported on dry weight of all parts of embryonic axis in 5-day-old seedlings. A decrease in moisture percentage of seeds was observed at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of germination under salt stress conditions. An adverse effect of salinity on reducing sugar content was observed in radical, plumule and cotyledon of 5-day-old seedlings. The total sugar content remained high at higher salt concentration at different hours of germination as well as in different parts of embryonic axis of 5-day-old seedlings. Salinity has caused accumulation of soluble protein content at higher salinity levels at different hours of germination except at 48 hours. An increase in soluble protein content was also observed in radical, plumule and cotyledon of 5-day-old seedlings at 1.0 % salinity. 

5. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 19-21 (2008)

VERMIWASH: AN EXCELLENT SOURCE OF NUTRITION FOR PLANT GROWTH

Rai, N. and Bansiwal, K.

Department of Environmental Science, M.L.S. University, Udaipur 313001.
E. Mail: nidhiraimlsu@yahoo.com

Abstract: Vermiwash is an indispensable part of vermicompost, which is a watery extract of earthworms. It is basically a combination of secretion and wash of earthworms, present in the medium, honey brown in colour. It is a nutrient rich liquid produced by earthworms, feeding on organic waste material and plants residues. It is also non toxic and ecofriendly, which arrests bacterial growth and forms as a protective layer for their survival and growth. Vermiwash contains N, P, K, Ca and hormones such as auxin, cytokinine, some other secretions and many useful microbes like heleroprophic bacteria, fungi  etc.  The quality of vermiwash produced by earthworms depends on the vermicompost that is used. Worm worked soils have borrows formed by the earthworms, bacteria richly inhabit these burrows, also called as the drilospheres. Water passing through these passages, washes the nutrients from these burrows to the roots to be absorbed by the plants. This principal is applied in the preparations vermiwash.

6. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 23-27 (2008)

STUDY ON DRINKING WATER QUALITY FROM SOME AREAS OF AHMEDABAD CITY OF GUJARAT
Suthar, M.B., Mesariya, A.R. and Ravat, N.M.

Department of Biology, K. K. Shah Jarodwala Maninagar Science College, J. L. Trust, Campus, Rambaug, Maninagar, Ahmedabad  380 008. India. E-mail: sutharmb@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: Groundwater is an invaluable commodity available in very limited quantity to man and other living beings. Most of Indian towns and cities do not have access to safe drinking water. Studies on water quality in various parts of Gujarat shows alarming changes. The present study was carried out to evaluate the status of drinking water in some areas from Ahmedabad in the year 2004. Thirty six water samples were collected from various areas of eastern Ahmedabad and analyzed for chemical characteristics like total hardness, calcium hardness, chlorinity, magnesium hardness and salinity. Compared to GPCB drinking water standards, the total hardness and calcium hardness in most of the samples were within the desirable limits. The magnesium hardness, chlorinity and salinity in most of the samples were either more than desirable limits or maximum allowable limits. Continuous monitoring of the water quality is necessary.

7. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 29-32 (2008)

MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRUITS AND EFFECT OF ANTI-MICROBIAL AGENTS ON MICROBIAL LOAD

Joshi, P.A.  and Patel, S.P.

Department of Microbiology, Birla College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Kalyan   421 304,
E. mail: pradnyajoi@rediffmail.com,  Phone 0251-2231196

Abstract: Fresh vegetables and fruits are exposed to potential microbial contamination. Consumer demand is to use fresh vegetables and fruits which are bacteriologically safe. Bacteriological survey of 45 samples of fresh vegetables and fruits (15 samples collected from 3 different markets) was done. Samples were analyzed to study the density of micro-organisms by standard plate count (SPC), yeast & mould count (YMC), coliform counts (CC). The high contamination & high number of pathogens on the surface of fresh vegetables & fruits in case of local market samples (log 9-10 cfu/ml) as compared to super market samples (log 5-6 cfu/ml). Various pathogens were identified from the surface of these samples. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas were found to be the pre-dominant species in most of the samples. 5 different anti-microbial agents – hydrogen peroxide, calcium chloride, benzoic acid, citric acid, ethanol were used to eliminate the microbial load of these samples. Samples rinsed with these solutions for 5 minutes and washed with sterile distilled water; showed 40-80 % reduction in total number of organisms. hydrogen peroxide was found to be the most effective, where 80 % samples showed more reduction in total number of organisms. Results indicated that the microbial load in local market samples was very high as compared to super market and hydrogen peroxide can be used as rinsing agent to improve the quality of fresh vegetables and fruits.

8. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 33 -36 (2008)

PREFERRED  HEALTH COMMUNICATION PATTERNS IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Siadat, Z. D., Gharipour, M., Akhavan Tabib, A., Kelishadi, R., Khoorvash, F. and Shariat, S.

Community Medicine Specialist, Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Neurology, Department of Pathology,  Isfahan University of Medical Sciences,  Iran. Email: dsiadat@yahoo.com

Abstract: The community based interventions for preventing CVD is generalizable and cost effective specially because of the use of  mass communication methods. Unfortunately lower SES individuals appear to receive fewer  healthy messages from mass media. This analysis includes men and women over 20 years who were interviewed in the third and fourth phase of IHHP Data were presented as percentiles. Statistical methods used were Chi- square test and multivariable logistic regression. Our results show that in both men and women the most preferred method for obtaining health information specially CVD were health personnel. This preferred route differed according to the education levels of the participants. In higher educational levels the preferred methods were TV and radio in both men and women, but in lower educational levels it was health personnel. Although printed media was the least desired method for health communication, higher educational levels had more tendency toward this compared to lower educational levels. Printed media in lower educational levels have limited effectiveness and this suggests the need for strategies designed for less literate.

9. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 37-48 (2008)

GENOTOXICITY TESTING: A REVIEW

Rao, S. H.,   Vyawahare, N. S., Ghaisas, A. B., Hanamsagar, R. M. and Chothe, A. S.

AISSMS College of Pharmacy, Kennedy Road, Pune 411001, India. E. mail: shivanirao1976@yahoo.com

Abstract: Genotoxicity is a major limitation of various compounds used in clinical practices which range from gene mutations, chromosomal aberrations to other DNA effects. For the same reason, it must be assessed before bringing into the market. Moreover, various regulatory agencies have made it mandatory to submit the genotoxicity data while filing a New Drug Application (NDA). This in turn has given further importance to genotoxicity tests. This review deals with newer testing techniques used in genotoxicity in comparison with the established standard techniques.

10. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 49-56 (2008)

A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON WATER QUALITY FROM KHARICUT CANAL PASSING THROUGH VATVA AREA OF AHMEDABAD CITY, GUJARAT STATE

Shah, A. N., Ghariya, A. S., Puranik, A. D.  and Suthar, M. B.

Department of Biology, K. K. Shah Jarodwala Maninagar Science College,  J. L Trust Campus, Rambaug, Maninagar, Ahmedabad  380 008, Gujarat,  India. E. mail: sutharmb@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: Increase in urbanization and industrialization has posed a major problem of safe disposal of sewage and industrial effluents in different parts of country. Ahmedabad city had the highest number of composite textile mills in the country. In association, most of the SSIs and MSIs were established and they utilize large amount of water and discharge their effluents into the nearby Kharicut canal. The matter of pollution in Kharicut has been an important issue for the State Government and various agencies. The present study was conducted to investigate the water quality by analysing samples collected at various sites of Kharicut Canal passing through Vatva area and its vicinity in Ahmedabad city in months of February-March 2005. In date-wise study (study-A), there were changes in colour and odour at three sites on different dates. Site-III had maximum changes in most of chemical parameters studied compared to WHO and GPCB standards. A study at different sites on same day (Study-B) showed marked differences in water quality. Most of the samples were colourless and odourless. There was gradual increase in pH from site I towards site V. However, pH values were within permissible limit. Most of the changes were reported at site-IV and VI in terms of parameters like total hardness, calcium hardness, chlorinity and salinity. The residential areas of Vatva also showed higher amount of calcium and magnesium hardness, chlorinity and salinity compared to WHO and GPCB standards. There is need of more number of sampling and continuous monitoring to evaluate the pollution status.

11. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 57-60 (2008)

COMBINED EFFECTS OF SO2 AND  NO2 GASES ON BLOOD FEATURES OF ALBINO RAT

Agarwal, A.  and Guleria, R.

Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Khandari Campus,
Agra- 282002.  E. mail: raju2guleria@yahoo.com.

Abstract: The objective of present investigation was to evaluate combined effects of SO2 and  No2 gas on blood features of albino rat. The haematological parameters {total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume ( PCV), red cell indices-mean corpuscular volume,  mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count (DLC)} of albino rat, Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout) were evaluated after combined exposure to 40 ppm NO2 + 40ppm SO2 for 15 and 30 days for one hour per day. A highly significant decrease in the total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb. Conc.) and packed cell volume (PCV) and total leucocyte count (TLC), red cell indices, neutrophil count, monocyte count have been observed. A non-significant decrease in the  eosinophil count and basophil count and very highly significant increase in the lymphocyte count have observed  after combined exposure to these gases.

12. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 61-72 (2008)

FEMALES IN BIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES: A DIFFERENTIAL REVIEW

Suthar, M.B. and Suthar, T.M.

Department of Biology, K. K. Shah Jarodwala Maninagar Science College, J. L. Trust Campus, Rambaug, Maninagar, Ahmedabad 380 008,  India. E mail: sutharmb@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: In the human environment, there are many issues related with females. Feminism refers to a movement or theory supporting women’s rights on the grounds of equality of the sexes. Biologically, ‘sex’ is an aggregate of those morphological, physiological and behavioural quantities that differentiate the organism producing eggs from those organisms producing sperm. However, in the biological world, female express the ‘difference’ during the course of evolution called sexual dimorphism. There are differences in blood, hormones, metabolism and sports activities. Differences even at cellular and genetic levels and influence some of the body characters. During the embryonic development, the basic human template which is female in nature can change under the influence of hormones. Brain and behaviour have tremendous sexual dimorphism. On the bases from biological disciplines, the voice of difference is audible. After all, we, the human beings are part of the living world. We follow the same natural principles similar to other organisms. The present paper includes established facts, research findings and suitable examples to understand that nature has created the difference between sexes, biologically. It may be useful for understanding, managing and minimizing such gender-based issues.

13. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1: 73-80 (2008)

STATUS OF WILDLIFE HABITAT OF GIR PROTECTED AREA, GUJARAT. I: QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

Vachhrajani, K.D.  and Mankodi, P.C.

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-390002, India. E-mail: kdv_zdmsu@yahoo.com

Abstract: The Gir Sanctuary and National Park is home for variety of wildlife, distinctly being for the Asiatic lion. The conservation and management approaches in Gir have so far been successful in maintaining the habitat as evidenced by wildlife population growth. Present work was initiated to assess the water quality and availability of water resources in Gir. This comprehensive report summarizes the findings based on large number of sampling throughout the Gir Protected Area. The administrative zoning of Gir was considered while sampling since the finding can be implemented only if the observations and recommendations are in corroboration with the management criteria of administrative agency. The study area was digitized using digitizer and Geomedia 4.0 version of Intergraph. All the water sampling sites, Kutia and checkdams surveyed for varied purposes were localized using Geographical Positioning System (GPS) and were marked on “to the scale” maps. Physico-chemical, planktonic and microbiological analysis primarily assessed the quality of water while the surface water and ground water recharges were calculated to describe the availability and future potential of water resources with reference to dependency of wildlife. The water resources of Gir were of good quality featuring within the potability criteria. The possibility of water borne diseases to wildlife is also very less. The terrain of Gir limits the recharge potentials and therefore, the surface runoff is extensive and the Gir looses surface water within very short time period following precipitation. The check dams, cause ways and Kutias are developed to harness this surface water and enhance ground water recharge potential. A systematic study analyzing variety of parameters was carried out to estimate the requirement of water by the wildlife and dependent human population.