In this issue:

RESEARCH ARTICLES

• Investigation on Physicochemical Parameters of Tannery Effluent
  Authors: Md. Farhad Ali; Umme Habiba Bodrun Naher; A M Sarwar Uddin Chowdhury; G.M Shafiur Rahman; Md. Mahamudul Hasan

Abstract : This study was accomplished to find out the qualities of tannery effluents with the assessment of Physicochemical parameters of effluents liberated by the tanneries in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Effluents were gathered from nine tanneries and three ejected points of area Hazaribagh, Dhaka. Various physical and chemical properties like Alkalinity, Biological Oxygen Demand , Chemical Oxygen Demand , Chloride, Color , Dissolved Oxygen , Electrical Conductivity , Nitrate, Odor, Phosphorous, , Sulphate, , Suspended Solid, Temperature, The pH, total Dissolved Solids etc. were evaluated and matched up to standard levels .The observed ranges of the values are 1072-3833 mg/L for TSS, 1251-6240 mg/L for COD, 3.2-10.43 for pH, 2375-4385 mg/L for TDS, 200-1257 mg/L for BOD5, 7.81-13.85 mg/L for phosphorous, 2100-9745.8 μs/cm for EC, 684-1020.2 mg/L for alkalinity, 2.85-32.34 mg/L Cr3+, 8-26 mg/L for NO3- ,484-1928 mg/L for Cl-, 0.68-2.8 mg/L for NO2- and 124-512 mg/L for SO42-.

• Studies on Assessment of Heavy Metals in Samples Collected from Surrounding Area of Fly Ash Dumping Ground
  Authors: Nalawade P. M., Solunke K. R. and Mule M. B.

Abstract : Coal burning can organize trace elements by presenting them to the surrounding environment. When these elements leached out may cause the contamination of soil, surface water and groundwater. Disposal or any function of coal ash is becoming a major topic because of its potential to pollute surface and groundwater with heavy metals. Potential heavy metal problems with power plant wastes are greatly shortened by the pronounced liming effects of the wastelands. In the present study relative abundance of total heavy metals in fly ash was found in the order As, Cu, Cd, Pb, Hg and Zn. The concentration and availability of metals depends on the character and nature of the coal used in thermal power plant. In the acid digested solution all metals were found above detectable limits. Arsenic, Mercury and Zinc found in greatest extent in soil samples i.e. Hg – 20.51 to21.74 ppm, As – 3.32 to 4.47 ppm Zn – 7.39 to 9.00 ppm. The assessment of the great metal shows that the fly ash dumping ground and surrounding area contains bioavailability of different heavy metals which can well recover, reuse and recycling potential of fly ash.

• Role of Bed Surface on the Growth Rate of Algae and Treatability Studies to Control Algae
  Authors: Deepa Maishale and Savitha Ulavi

Abstract : Controlling the growth of algae is a major issue, wherever there is adequate light, moisture and simple nutrients sustain. The main objective of the current research was to carry out treatability studies to control the growth of algae using barley, rice and ragi straws and a comparison was made between straws by varying its dosages. This study revealed the fact that decomposing straw is effective in controlling the growth of algae. Barley straw at a dosage of 5 g/L was found to be more effective in controlling the growth of algae with 80% reduction in chlorophyll ‘a’ concentrations when compare with control tray, at an average temperature 290 C, light intensity of 562 μ mol-2s-1 photon flux and pH of 7.9. However, barley 2 g/L and rice 5 g/L were also found to control the growth of the algae. ANOVA results express barley 5 g/L was highly significant when compared with the control tray with 99% confidence level. Simulation of Kembalu water treatment plant was done to study the effect of bed surface on the growth of algae. Surface study gives an insight about role of surface on the growth rate of algae. In the present study it was observed that growth of Chlorophyace and Euglenophyceae were predominant on concrete surface compared Bacillariophyceae, however ceramic surface promoted the growth of Bacillariophyceae. Higher biomass of Cyanophyceae was found on brick surface.

• Identification of Soil Erosion Susceptible Areas in Hinglo River Basin, Eastern India Based on Geo-Statistics
  Authors: Ghosh Krishna Gopal and Saha Sunil

Abstract : Reliable databases are the prime requirement for identifying vulnerable erosion zone in order to execute alleviation measures. Geo-morphometric characterizations of a watershed are commonly used and scientific approach in this connection. In the present paper un-gauged 5th order Hinglo River Basin draining through the Rarh regions of Eastern India as a tributary of the river Ajay having 444.308 sq. km. area have been selected for detection of erosion susceptible areas. A total of 15 (7 relief and 8 drainage) geo-morphometric parameters have been considered for the study with the aid of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS). Principle Component Analysis (PCA) based Average Weighted Composite Score (AWCS) method is used to assimilate the erosion driving variables and thereby to fabricate spatial soil erosion vulnerable map. According to the result, high to severe erosion susceptibility zone counts about 34.85% (154.84 sq.km.) of the basin area, mainly concentrated in the upper catchment due to excessive drainage conditions, steep slope, high dissection and ruggedness index, surplus drainage density and stream frequency. These erosion hotspot areas of the river basin needs special attention to take up mechanical soil conservation measures, gully control structures and grass erection to protect nutrient rich topsoil loss this agriculturally conquered region.

• Assessment of Water Quality Index of Nambol River, Manipur, India
  Authors: Waribam Suraj Devi, Kh. Rajmani Singh and N.Sony Meitei

Abstract : Water Quality Index (WQI) Nambol River was analysed from July 2014 to January 2015 based on various physicochemical parameters obtained during this period. Nambol river flows through the small town of Nambol in Bishnupur district, Manipur and drains into the Loktak Lake which is included in Ramsar site. The water quality of this river has been severely affected while passing through Nambol town due to various anthropogenic activities. The physico-chemical parameter of water such as water temperature, free Carbondioxide, Dissolved Oxygen, Alkalinity, pH, Turbidity, BOD, Ammonia, Phosphate, and some metal elements were analysed. Water samples were collected from four sampling sites. The WQI value for these samples ranges from 67.878-85.276. The highest WQI value of 85.276 was recorded from Site IV which shows very poor water quality. The analysis indicates that the water is nearly polluted and not suitable for human consumption. Thus, river needs treatment so as to conserve this water body from future contamination and pollution. These findings have been discussed in the light of recent published literature.