In this issue:

RESEARCH ARTICLES

• Phosphorus Removal in Mangrove Constructed Wetland
  Authors: Anesi Satoki Mahenge

Abstract : The probable application of Mangrove Constructed Wetlands as a suitable method for phosphorus removal from wastewater generated in coastal areas of Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania was examined. In-Situ examinations were made on horizontal surface-flow mangrove constructed wetland situated at Kunduchi coastline in Dar es Salaam. A wetland of 40 meters by 7 meters was built to collect domestic wastewater from septic-tank of Belinda Resort Hotel and was run in an intermittent continuous flow mode. It employed the existing mangrove specie known as Avicennia Marina which had an average breast height of 4 meter and it collected a mixture of wastewater and seawater at a ratio of 6 to 4. The efficiency of the wetland in removal of phosphorus was established. The removal rate of phosphorus informs of phosphate (PO4-P) was found to be 35%. Mangrove Constructed wetland has a potential in phosphorus removal from domestic wastewaters when soils comprising minerals contents are used.

• Detection of Adulteratants in Milk Samples of Bhiwandi
  Authors: *Nandita Singh, Hafsa Khan, Naba Khan, Ayesha D, Tuba A., Ayesha M, Umama M.

Abstract : The study was done to investigate adulteration of market samples of fresh milk in Bhiwandi town of Thane district. 25 samples were collected from the city at random selective points. Qualitative analyses were done to detect the most common adulterants-starch, sucrose, water, urea and formalin. The results shows that out of 25samples, all the samples were adulterated with water and 12% of the samples were adulterated with sucrose. All the samples were free of starch, urea and formalin. The study show that the milk procured from the local vendors was free from most of the adulterants tested and was fit for consumption.

• Variation in Reducing Sugar and Proline Content of Saracaasoca Due to Air Pollution
  Authors: Chhabra Akshita, TerwayNandini, Mohan Sumedha, Udhwani Trishang

Abstract : Air pollution due to anthropogenic activities imparts superfluous stress to plants and compels it to respond in the same manner as other environmental stress conditions. In an attempt to investigate the effects of air pollution on the biochemical properties of plants, the proline and the reducing sugar content of Saracaasocawas analysed in this study which so far has not been determined in this species. Biochemical properties for two different samples from similar ecological statues but exposed to varying levels of atmospheric pollution were analysed in this study. Saracaasocawas chosen due to its high relative abundance in both the locations. The samples were collected from both the locations and labelled as control sample (unpolluted site) and polluted sample (near commercial and industrial area). The results indicated an increase in the proline content in the polluted sample, signifying its role in the defence mechanism when the plant is under environmental stress. On the other hand, the reducing sugar content in polluted sample declined which indicated photosynthetic inhibition. These variations in biochemical parameters occurring as a consequence of air pollution help the plant to make maximum use of its resources during stress. Thus, biomonitoring with plants assists in a low-cost and beneficial method to indicate the degree of air pollution in an area.