Vol. 10(2) June 2006
Hybrid Ceramic Beads synthesized from Natural Minerals
and Titanium Dioxide for Cleaning Wastewater
Akiyoshi Sata, Masanao Hirose, Junichi Kurawaki, Yoshifumi Kusumoto and Katumitu
Hayakawa
Porous hybrid ceramic beads were synthesized by burning
at 1090°C in a reducing atmosphere. They consisted of the natural mineral graphite
silica (GS), the pyroclastic deposit “shirasu” and titanium dioxide. The beads bleached
aqueous solutions of the dyes rhodamine B, acridine orange, methyl orange and methylene
blue and degraded the surfactant dodecylpyridinium bromide and humic acid. The rate
of dye decolorization was monitored using absorption spectra under UV irradiation
and in the dark. The performance of repeatedly reused ceramic beads was comparable
to that of new ceramic beads for decolorizing the dye solutions. The rates for ceramic
beads with different components and structures were compared. The effects of anatase
titanium oxide on the ceramic surface and UV irradiation were not clear. The ceramic
beads performed well when used to decolorize cattle urine pretreated with microorganisms.
Full Text
Colorimetric Determination of Ferric Iron with 1,
8-Naphthalenediol
Mazen T. Saleh1, Subhash C. Mojumdar and Marc Lamoureux
1, 8-naphthalene diol (1, 8-Nadol) is a prototype of
a new class of synthetic antioxidants. Solutions of freshly prepared and properly
stored 1,8-naphthalene diol are colorless. However, it oxidizes in air and the solution
turns charcoal in colour. This compound was investigated for its ability to form
complexes with various metal ions to take advantage of this formation. We found
that 1,8-naphthalene diol forms a complex with ferric ion resulting in the formation
of a green colour, absorbing maximally at 650 nm. This complex formation occurs
within minutes and precedes air oxidation of the antioxidant. 1,8-naphthalene diol
forms less stable complexes with Cu(II) and Ag(II), producing precipitate of brown
and black colour, respectively. The complex with Fe(III) forms preferentially at
alkaline pH at ambient temperatures. This antioxidant may thus provide a useful
alternative for the quantitative determination of ferric ion.
Full Text
Microwave assisted degradation of H-acid
A. Braroo, T. Chakrabarti, A. M. Deshkar and V. A. Mahisalkar
This investigation pertains to microwave assisted complete
degradation of recalcitrant H-Acid (1-amino, 8-naphthol, 3,6-disulfonic acid). This
is one of the major dye intermediates used in India for the synthesis of direct
reactive and azo dyes. H-Acid can impart toxicity to the environment following biotransformation
to naphthylamine derivatives. The influence of major physical and chemical variables
of Microwave Assisted Process (MAP) on degradation of H-Acid was studied. The operating
parameters such as magnetron power output (350 Watts), the reagents (Fe2+/H2O2 –20/500
mg l-1), pH (2.5) and the time of contact i.e. heating time (6 min) were determined.
The rate of reaction for degradation of H-Acid was found to be fast in the presence
of microwave radiations and followed zero order rate kinetics. This was due to the
formation of vast number of free radicals and hydrated electrons following exposure
to microwaves, which resulted in the breaking of this molecule.
Full Text
Application of Interpolymer Complexes of Novel Poly
(ampholyte-electrolyte) as Soil Structuring Agents and for Extraction of Radioactive
Strontium
S.E. Kudaibergenov, L.A. Bimendina, M.G. Yashkarova and L.K. Orazzhanova
Novel linear copolymer exhibiting poly(ampholyte-electrolyte)
behavior was involved into complexation reaction with anionic, cationic and nonionic
polymers. The formed interpolymer complexes showed soil structuring effect and the
ability to extract the radioactive strontium from the polluted topsoil of Semipalatinsk
Test Site.
Full Text
Interactions of Different Heterocyclic Compounds with
Monoionic Forms of Montmorillonite. I. Diffraction and Spectral Study of Co(II)-Montmorillonite
with 3- and 2-R Pyridines (R = Me, Cl, NH2).
E. Jóna, E. Rudinská, M. Sapietová, M. Pajtášová and D. Ondrušová
Interactions of 3-R- and 2-R pyridines (R = Me, Cl, NH2)
with Co(II)-exchanged montmorillonite were investigated. The intercalation of these
compounds was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction of the products. Infrared spectral
data of studied samples shows that the Lewis and/or Brönsted type of interactions
of pyridine derivatives is connected with different steric and inductive effects
of the substituents (R) on the pyridine ring.
Full Text
Preparation and Properties of Biodegradable Poly(propylene
carbonate) Foams using OBSH as Chemical Blowing Agent
L. T. Guan, F. G. Du, M. Xiao and Y. Z. Meng
Completely biodegradable foams of poly (propylene carbonate)
(PPC) derived from carbon dioxide and propylene oxide were produced using 4,4’-
Oxybis (benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) (OBSH) as main chemical blowing agent. Thermogravimetric
analysis (TGA) and gas evolution behavior of OBSH were fully investigated. The formulation
of the blowing agent mixture, the foaming condition and the morphology of the produced
PPC foams were studied accordingly. Gel permeation chromato-graphy (GPC) and thermal
analyses (DSC and TGA) revealed that OBSH can act as both chain-extension agent
and blowing agent. The foamed PPC exhibited superior mechanical properties for packaging
material.
Full Text
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity
of Schiff bases derived from Diamine and their Metal Complexes with Manganese, Oxovanadium
and Dioxouranium
Zoeb A. Filmwala, Sanjay M. Nandavadekar and Raju M. Patil
A series of Polydentate Schiff bases have been prepared
by the condensation of 2-2’– diaminodibenzyl with substituted salicylaldehydes.
The Schiff bases were characterized by elemental analysis and spectral methods.
The metal complexes of Mn(II), VO(II) and UO2(II) have been prepared by the reaction
of Schiff bases. The analytical and spectral data support the octahedral structure
for Mn(II) and UO2(II) and square pyramidal for VO(II) complexes. The biological
activities of Schiff bases and their metal complexes have been studied by screening
the compounds against micro organisms such as E..coli, S .typhi, B. subtilis and
S.aureus.
Full Text
Improvement of the Biological Treatability of the
Effluents of the Tannery by the Use of the Fungic Biomass
K. Louhab and N. Sahmoune
To implement a process in view of purifying effluents
of the tannery containing chromium toxic element, tests of biosorption of chromium
(III) were realized on a mycelium biomass of Streptomycine rimosus type. This biomass
is an industrial by-product of fungic fermentations resulting from the antibiotic
industry of the pharmaceutical complex. They are residues of the cultivation of
filamentous mushrooms into fermentor for the production of organic compounds such
as organic enzymes, acids, antibiotics and certain vitamins. They present properties
of interesting absorption and accumulation with respect to heavy metals. Their cellular
coating contains a strong proportion of chitin and/or chitosane as well as anion
groupings which present a high absorbent capacity with respect to the majority of
the metal cations. To that effect, our aim is to show the possibilities of using
a dead biomass of Streptomycines rimosus type resulting from the antibiotic activity
of the complex of SAIDAL, Médéa in order to eliminate chromium from the effluent
of the tannery. To this end, we have studied the influence of the physicochemical
parameters such as concentration of the chromium ion, the influence of the pH on
the capacity of absorption of chromium on the biomass. To implement a process of
biological purification by the activated sludge of the effluents of the tannery,
tests of biosorption of chromium by the biomass were realized in the presence of
the activated sludge as well as the influence of the physicochemical parameters.
Full Text
Effect of Surface Charge on Reduction Rate of Erythrosin-B
photosensitized by ZnO
Ritu Sharma, Harish Swarnkar and Suresh C. Ameta
Photocatalytic bleaching of erythrosin-B in presence
of zinc oxide powder was carried out in presence of light. The effects of variation
of different paramaters, like concentration of erythrosin-B, pH, amount and particle
size of semiconductor, light intensity, cations, anions and ligands on the rate
of bleaching were observed. A tentative mechanism for the photocatalytic bleaching
of erythrosin-B has been proposed.
Full Text
Hydro-biological assessment of water quality of River
Bhagirathi with reference to Hydel Projects in Uttaranchal (India)
N. Semwal and and P. Akolkar
River Bhagirathi has a great potential to serve as a
major source for a number of Hydro-electric power projects situated on its entire
stretch in Uttaranchal state. The present study deals with the ecological assessment
of River Bhagirathi, through bio-monitoring of about 225 km river stretch from Gangotri
to upstream of confluence point to River Alaknanda at Devprayag. The field studies
were carried out during the month of May 2005 for biological water quality assessment.
The hydrological status of river Bhagirathi was compared with the bio-assessment
of water quality at 15 locations selected for five ongoing Hydro-Electric Power
Projects. River Bhagirathi has a steep gradient with an altitudinal difference of
3038 msl from Gangotri to 475 msl at upstream of its confluence to River Alaknanda.
The water body is turbulent in its upstream reaches thus maintaining an average
Dissolved Oxygen levels of 11.15 mg/l throughout the stretch. Presently, the running
water body is blocked only at Hydro – electric projects. The river bed gets deposited
mostly at downstream stretches of Hydro – electric power projects. Alteration in
substratum composition of riverbed has a significant anthropogenic influence on
water quality in terms of change in biological composition of benthic macro – invertebrates
inhabiting the river. Clean water quality of River Bhagirathi could be observed
only in the undisturbed upstream stretches starting from Lohari Nag–Pala to upstream
of Old Tehri at Malideval. At Gangotri the water quality of River Bhagirathi gets
slightly polluted due to various religious human activities. At Dharasu, the water
quality becomes moderately polluted . Heavy pollution due to siltation in River
Bahgirathi was observed resulting from the hydrological changes at the Reservoir
of Maneri Bhali Hydro project phase–1. Total absence of the Benthic Macro – invertebrates
was indicated by severe pollution Class “E” of Biological water quality Criteria
(BWQC), in River Bhagirathi at old Tehri town near Mosque, downstream of Tehri Dam
at Zero point, inlet of Diversion tunnel at THDC Koteshwer and at upstream of Devprayag.
Maneri Bhali Hydro Electric Project reservoir site provided various habitats supporting
equal distribution ofArthropods, Molluscs, Annelids and Platyhelminthes. The family
Heptagenidae has specifically indicated the non availability of proper substratum.
Full Text
Spectrophotometric Determination of Micro Gram Quantities
of Selenium using 3, 4, 5–Trimethoxy Benzaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone
D.V. Rathnam and V. Surayanarayana Rao
The colour reaction between selenium (IV) and 3, 4, 5–TMBTSC
is used to develop a sensitive method for the spectrophotometric determination of
the metal ion. A pH of 3 is found to be appropriate for maximum colour development.
Effect of metal ion concentration and reagent concentration is studied. Interference
of various metal ions and anions is also investigated. Compositions of the complex,
stability constant, molar absorptivity are also calculated using Job’s method and
mole ratio method. The method has been applied to the analysis of fire-refined copper.
Full Text
2D QSAR Studies on Some Bakers Triazine Derivatives
P. Sudele, A. Thakur, M. Thakur, S.L. Gargh, S. Baghel, A. Agrawal and B.K. Tiwari
QSAR study of some 33 triazine derivatives have been
performed as a trial set. along with two extra triazines as test set. The regression
analysis resulted into multi parameter model using Physico-chemical properties and
indicator parameters. The results are discussed critically on the basis of regression
parameters. Authors also tried to model a new molecule and calculate the activity
of the molecule from the mathematical model. Molecular mechanics and ab intio calculations
have been performed on the test set molecules. Geometrical parameters, certain physico-chemical
properties, dipole moment and atomic charges are reported.
Full Text
Kinetics and Mechanism of Ru(III) Catalysed Oxidation
of p-hydroxy Benzoic Acid by Sodium N-Bromobenzenesulphonamide in Perchloric Acid
Medium
Jyoti Verma, V.K. Srivastava and R.A. Singh
Kinetics studies of the oxidation of p-hydroxy benzoic
acid(p-HBA) by sodium N-bromobenzene sulphonamide (Bromamine-B or BAB) have been
carried out in aqueous HClO4 medium at 350C. The rate shows first order dependence
each on [BAB] and [p-HBA] and depends on first power of concentration of catalyst
[Ru(III)]. During the reaction, it is observed that there is an inverse first order
with respect to [H+]. The rate remained unchanged with the variation in the ionic
strength of the medium for [p-HBA], indicating interaction in the rate determining
steps is ion-dipole type, not ion-ion type. The addition of benzene sulphonamide
[BSA], which is one of the reaction products, had no significant effect on the reaction
rate. Thermodynamic parameters were computed by studying the reactions at different
temperatures (303-318K). The rate laws derived are in excellent agreement with the
experimental results. Plausible mechanisms are suggested.
Full Text
Distribution and abundance of Bithynia tentaculata
(Gastropoda, Bithyniidae) in Lake Naroch (Republic of Belarus)
Sergey E. Mastitsky and Oleg A. Makarevich
The largest waterbody in the Republic of Belarus, Lake
Naroch, is actively used for recreational purposes. In recent years medical services
of the region are confronted with problems of cercarial dermatitis in swimmers (“swimmers’
itch”) caused by larvae of avian shistosomes. Among several possible intermediate
hosts for shistosomes in Lake Naroch, important one is gastropod mollusc Bithynia
tentaculata. We found disproportionate bathymetric distribution of this snail within
the lake, with maximal values of density, biomass and occurrence pointed out at
2 m depth. At the same time, degree of snails’ spatial aggregation at depth of 2
m was the least (estimated via standardized Morisita index of dispersion). Since
B. tentaculata is highly phytophilous hydrobiont, its distribution in Lake Naroch
is discussed in relation to that of submerged macrophytes and epiphyton growing
on their surfaces.
Full Text
Adsorption Behavior of Alachlor in Soil in different
Humic Acid Levels
Shiny Mathews
Alachlor [2-chloro-2’, 6’-diethyl-N-(methoxy methyl)
acetanilide] is a major pre-emergent herbicide being used widely on agricultural
crops. The adsorption of alachlor in soils in presence of different concentration
of humic acid levels was carried out following batch equilibration method. Adsorption
of alachlor continued to increase with increase in solution concentration in natural
soils and adsorption increased with increase in humic acid concentration. The adsorption
can be characterized as L type adsorption isotherm, which signifies that soil had
high affinity for alachlor.
Full Text
Synthetic and Ion-Exchange Studies on a Lead Selective
Acrylamide Thorium (IV) Phosphate Hybrid Fibrous Ion Exchanger
S.C. Mojumdar, K.G. Varshney, Puja Gupta and Arun Agrawal
Acrylamide thorium (IV) phosphate has been synthesized
as a new hybrid fibrous ion exchanger. It has been characterized using IR, TGA,
XRD and SEM studies in addition to its ion exchange capacity, pH titration, elution
and concentration behaviour. The distribution behaviour towards several metal ions
in different media/concentration has also been studied and the material is found
to be highly selective for Pb(II). Some binary separations of Pb(II) have been achieved
on the column of this material. X-ray studies reveal its poorly crystalline behaviour.
Full Text
Review Paper : Advances in Extraction Techniques of
Pesticide Residues in Food and Environment
Irani Mukherjee and Praveen Kumar Sharma
An advance in analytical methodology allows the detection
of the most minute trace amounts of pesticide residues present in any substrate.
Extraction is the single most important process in the determination of pesticide
residues. Current methods of extraction are often too time-consuming, expensive
and labor-intensive. Recent techniques such as Microwave Assisted Process (MAP),
Accelerated solvent extraction, solid-phase extraction (SPE) and solid-phase microextaction
(SPME) and Super critical fluid extraction (SFE) make the process of extraction
more sensitive, more precise and a reliable analytical technique.
Full Text
Chemical Speciation of Trace Metals in Aquatic Environment-
An Overview
Ramesh kumar and P. Riyazuddin
The need for speciation related information of trace
metals in aquatic environment is critically evaluated. The importance of metal speciation
in different areas of science is established. The role of hydrogen ion activity
(pH), redox potential (Eh), dissolved organic matter (DOM), colloidal matter, microorganisms,
natural and anthropogenic ligands present in the aquatic media on the speciation
of metals particularly arsenic, chromium, mercury and selenium are reviewed. Methods
of speciation of trace metals and their limitations have also been discussed.
Full Text