Hydrodynamic Signatures of Stationary Marangoni-Driven Surfactant Transport

We experimentally study steady Marangoni-driven surfactant transport on the interface of a deep water layer. Using hydrodynamic measurements, and without using any knowledge of the surfactant physicochemical properties, we show that sodium dodecyl sulphate and Tergitol 15-S-9 introduced in low concentrations result in a flow driven by adsorbed surfactant. At higher surfactant concentration, the flow is dominated by the dissolved surfactant. Using camphoric acid, whose properties are a priori unknown, we demonstrate this method's efficacy by showing its spreading is adsorption dominated.

Observation of pseudogap in MgB2

We investigate the electronic structure of a specially prepared highly dense conventional high temperature superconductor, MgB₂, employing high resolution photoemission spectroscopy. The spectral evolution close to the Fermi energy is commensurate to BCS descriptions as expected. However, the spectra in the wider energy range reveal the emergence of a pseudogap much above the superconducting transition temperature indicating an apparent departure from the BCS scenario. The energy scale of the pseudogap is comparable to the energy of the [Formula: see text] phonon mode responsible for superconductivity in MgB₂ and the pseudogap can be attributed to the effect of electron-phonon coupling on the electronic structure. These results reveal a scenario of the emergence of the superconducting gap within an electron-phonon coupling induced pseudogap and have significant implications in the study of high temperature superconductors.

Assessment of pesticides removal using two-stage Integrated Aerobic Treatment Plant (IATP) by Bacillus sp. isolated from agricultural field

The biodegradation of synthetic wastewater containing Atrazine, Malathion and Parathion was studied in two stage Integrated Aerobic Treatment Plant using Bacillus sp. (consortia) isolated from agricultural field. The influent stream containing these pesticides with initial COD of 1232mg/L were fed to first reactor and treated effluent of first reactor was fed to second reactor. The maximum removal of pesticides in IATP was found to be greater than 90%. The various process parameters such as pH, DO, Redox potential and BOD₅/COD were monitored during the treatment. The degradation of pesticides and its metabolites in the treated effluent were confirmed by GC-MS. Kinetic parameters such as first order rate constant (K_obs), cell yield (Y_X/C) and decay coefficients (K_dp) were evaluated and found to be 0.00425 per hr, 0.696mg of COD/mg MLSS and 0.0010 per hr respectively. This integrated process was found more effective than physico-chemical treatment of pesticides.

Biofiltration of xylene using wood charcoal as the biofilter media under transient and high loading conditions

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of wood charcoal as biofilter media under transient and high loading condition. Biofiltration of xylene was investigated for 150days in a laboratory scale unit packed with wood charcoal and inoculated with mixed microbial culture at the xylene loading rates ranged from 12 to 553gm^-3h^-1. The kinetic analysis of the xylene revealed absence of substrate inhibition and possibility of achieving higher elimination under optimum condition. The pH, temperature, pressure drop and CO₂ production rate were regularly monitored during the experiments. Throughout experimental period, the removal efficiency (RE) was found to be in the range of 65-98.7% and the maximum elimination capacity (EC) was 405.7gm^-3h^-1. Molecular characterization results show Bacillus sp. as dominating microbial group in the biofilm.

Biodegradation and kinetic study of benzene in bioreactor packed with PUF and alginate beads and immobilized with Bacillus sp. M3

Benzene removal in free and immobilized cells on polyurethane foam (PUF) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-alginate beads was studied using an indigenous soil bacterium Bacillus sp. M3 isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil. The important process parameters (pH, temperature and inoculums size) were optimized and found to be 7, 37°C and 6.0×10⁸CFU/mL, respectively. Benzene removals were observed to be 70, 84 and 90% within 9days in a free cell, immobilized PVA-alginate beads and PUF, respectively under optimum operating conditions. FT-IR and GC-MS analysis confirm the presence of phenol, 1,2-benzenediol, hydroquinone and benzoate as metabolites. The important kinetic parameter ratios (µ_max/K_s; L/mg·day₎ calculated using Monod model was found to be 0.00123 for free cell, 0.00159 for immobilized alginate beads and 0.002016 for immobilized PUF. Similarly inhibition constants (K_i; mg/L) calculated using Andrew-Haldane model was found to be 435.84 for free cell, 664.25 for immobilized alginate beads and 724.93 for immobilized PUF.

Efficacy of wood charcoal and its modified form as packing media for biofiltration of isoprene

The efficacy of wood charcoal (WC) and nutrient-enriched wood charcoal (NWC) as biofilter packing media were assessed for isoprene biodegradation in a bioreactor comprising bioscrubber and a biofilter connected in series and inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. The bioreactors using WC and NWC exhibited >90% removal efficiency and around 369 g m^-3 h^-1 elimination capacity at around 404 g m^-3 h^-1 inlet loading rate. In both the bioreactors, the biofilter component showed better degradation capacity compared to the bioscrubber unit. The kinetic parameters, maximum elimination capacity, EC_max; substrate constant, K_s and EC_max/K_s for Michaelis-Menten model were evaluated. The lower K_s for the WC packed bioreactor indicated that EC_max achieved, was faster compared to others, while higher EC_max and EC_max/K_s for the NWC packed bioreactor suggests its superiority in isoprene abatement in the continuous mode. A comparison of the available published information on biofiltration of isoprene reflected polyurethane foam as the superior packing media.

Removal of hydrogen sulfide generated during anaerobic treatment of sulfate-laden wastewater using biochar: Evaluation of efficiency and mechanisms

Removal of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from biogas was investigated in a biochar column integrated with a bench-scale continuous-stirred tank reactor (CSTR) treating sulfate-laden wastewater. Synthetic wastewater containing sulfate concentrations of 200-2000mg SO₄^2-/L was used as substrate, and the CSTR was operated at an organic loading rate of 1.5g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L·day and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 20days. The biochar was able to remove about 98.0 (±1.2)% of H₂S for the ranges of concentrations from 105-1020ppmv, especially at high moisture content (80-85%). Very high H₂S adsorption capacity (up to 273.2±1.9mg H₂S/g) of biochar is expected to enhance the H₂S oxidation into S⁰ and sulfate. These findings bring a potentially novel application of sulfur-rich biochar as a source of sulfur, an essential but often deficient micro-nutrient in soils.

Airing 'clean air' in Clean India Mission

The submission explores the possibility of a policy revision for considering clean air quality in recently launched nationwide campaign, Clean India Mission (CIM). Despite of several efforts for improving availability of clean household energy and sanitation facilities, situation remain still depressing as almost half of global population lacks access to clean energy and proper sanitation. Globally, at least 2.5 billion people do not have access to basic sanitation facilities. There are also evidences of 7 million premature deaths by air pollution in year 2012. The situation is even more disastrous for India especially in rural areas. Although, India has reasonably progressed in developing sanitary facilities and disseminating clean fuel to its urban households, the situation in rural areas is still miserable and needs to be reviewed. Several policy interventions and campaigns were made to improve the scenario but outcomes were remarkably poor. Indian census revealed a mere 31% sanitation coverage (in 2011) compared to 22% in 2001 while 60% of population (700 million) still use solid biofuels and traditional cook stoves for household cooking. Further, last decade (2001-2011) witnessed the progress decelerating down with rural households without sanitation facilities increased by 8.3 million while minimum progress has been made in conversion of conventional to modern fuels. To revamp the sanitation coverage, an overambitious nationwide campaign CIM was initiated in 2014 and present submission explores the possibility of including 'clean air' considerations within it. The article draws evidence from literatures on scenarios of rural sanitation, energy practises, pollution induced mortality and climatic impacts of air pollution. This subsequently hypothesised with possible modification in available technologies, dissemination modes, financing and implementation for integration of CIM with 'clean air' so that access to both sanitation and clean household energy may be effectively addressed.

Performance evaluation of Malathion biodegradation in batch and continuous packed bed bioreactor (PBBR)

The aim of this work was to study the biodegradation of Malathion in batch and continuous packed bed (Polyurethane foam; PUF) bioreactor (PBBR). After 10days, 89% Malathion removal was observed in batch PBBR. Continuous PBBR was operated at various flow rates (5-30mL/h) under optimum condition over a period of 75days. Inlet loading rates and elimination capacities were observed in the range of 36-216 and 7.20-145.4mg/L/day with an average removal efficiency of more than 90% under steady state conditions. GC/MS analysis confirms phosphorodithionicacid,O,O,S-trimethylester and diethylmercaptosuccinate as metabolites. Biodegradation of Malathion under inhibitory and non-inhibitory conditions was studied using Monod and Andrew-Haldane models and the kinetic constants were calculated and found to be μ_max: 0.271 per day; K_s: 126.3mg/L using Monod and μ_max: 0.315 per day; K_s: 151.32mg/L; K_i: 594.75mg/L using Andrew-Haldane models.

Kinetic studies on degradation of Reactive Red 120 dye in immobilized packed bed reactor by Bacillus cohnii RAPT1

The degradation of Reactive Red 120 using Bacillus cohnii RAPT1 immobilized on polyurethane was studied. Initial experiments indicated that the percentage removal of dye in immobilized batch was significantly higher than batch (without immobilization). The optimum process parameters such as effect of dye concentration, time of immobilization on Poly Urethane Foam, initial inoculum size, pH and temperature for removal of dye were investigated and was found as 200ppm, 36h, 300*10(6) colony forming units/ml, 8.0 and 35°C respectively. Under optimum conditions, 100% removal of dye was obtained within 4h. The kinetics of biodegradation for the batch with free cells and immobilised packed batch was found to be IInd order with kinetic constant and initial rate of reaction as 0.0408, 0.084L/(mgday) and 1632, 3360 (mg/Lday) respectively.

Degradation kinetics and metabolites in continuous biodegradation of isoprene

The kinetic parameters of isoprene biodegradation were studied in a bioreactor, comprising of bioscrubber and polyurethane foam packed biofilter in series and inoculated with Pseudomonas sp., using a Michaelis-Menten type model. The maximum elimination capacity, ECmax; substrate constant, Ks and ECmax/Ks values for bioscrubber were found to be 666.7 g m(-3) h(-1), 9.86 g m(-3) and 67.56 h(-1), respectively while those for biofilter were 3333 g m(-3) h(-1), 13.96 g m(-3) and 238.7 h(-1), respectively. The biofilter section exhibited better degradation efficiency compared to the bioscrubber unit. Around 62-75% of the feed isoprene got converted to carbon dioxide, indicating the efficient capability of bacteria to mineralize isoprene. The FTIR and GC-MS analyses of degradation products indicated oxidative cleavage of unsaturated bond of isoprene. These results were used for proposing a plausible degradation pathway for isoprene.

Characterization and antimicrobial activity of lectins from Penicillium sp

Ten Penicillium sp. were screened for lectin activity for occurrence of lectins. Mycelial extracts from submerged cultures of P. corylophilum, P. expansum and P. purpurogenum showed agglutination against human (A, B, AB and O), goat, sheep, pig and rabbit erythrocytes. Neuraminidase treatment to human blood- type O erythrocytes substantially increased their agglutinability by all the lectins as compared to untreated erythrocytes. Modification of erythrocyte surfaces by protease increased the lectin titre only of P. corylophilum with no effect on other two lectins. P. corylophilum and P. expansum displayed relatively lower titres in mycelial extracts prepared from agar plate cultures as compared to broth cultures. A panel of sugars was tested for inhibition of lectin activity. All the lectins were found to be specific for asialofetuin, bovine submaxillary mucin, porcine stomach mucin, chondroitin-6-sulphate, D-sucrose and D-glucose. P. corylophilum lectin was expressed (Titre 8) by 5 day old cultures, reaching its maximum level (Titre 32) upon 8 days of cultivation, thereafter declin in lectin activity was observed. P. purpurogenum lectin was expressed by 7-10 days old cultures, while in P. expansum maximum lectin activity was elaborated by 5-8 days old cultures. Lectin extracts from all the three species were found to possess antimicrobial activities. Lectin extracts from the three Penicillium species displayed antifungal activity and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains.

A comparative study on cell disruption methods for release of aspartase from E. coli K-12

Applicability of different mechanical cell disruption techniques namely sonication, bead milling and French press for the release of aspartase from E. coli K-12 was compared. Various operating parameters of each technique were optimized to obtain maximum aspartase release. The efficiency of aspartase release and cell disruption by all the methods was also compared under optimal conditions. The maximum release of aspartase (98.22%) and maximum cell breakage (84.25%) was observed using French press, while 92% of aspartase release was obtained by both sonication and bead milling. The order of cell disruption constant (k) for aspartase release by these methods was French press > bead milling > sonication. Disruption of cells using French press also demonstrated maximum protein release (14.12 mg/mL). The crude enzyme preparations can be further used for purification and its applications.

Degradation kinetics of chlorpyrifos and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) by fungal communities

Fungal isolates obtained from soil were used for degrading chlorpyrifos (CP) and TCP. The percentage degradation ranged from 69.4 to 89.8 for CP and 62.2 to 92.6 for TCP after one week. The values of K(s) and V(max) were different for different isolates. The K(s) ranged from 66.66 to 169.5mg/L and V(max) from 6.56 to 40.4 mg/L/d for CP and from 53.19 to 163.9 mg/L and 3.41 to 40.40 mg/L/d, respectively, for TCP. Fungal community showed high affinity for both CP and TCP. The genetic relatedness of isolate F1 to Aspergillus sp., F2 and F3 to Penicillium sp., F4 to Eurotium sp. and F5 to Emericella sp. were confirmed. The degradation potential was in the order: F1>F2=F3>F4>F5.

Sulfation of Aegle marmelos gum: synthesis, physico-chemical and functional characterization

The present investigation was aimed at optimizing the conditions for preparing sulfated derivative of gum obtained from partially ripe fruits of Aegle marmelos. Elemental analysis, FTIR-ATR and NMR studies confirmed successful sulfation. The ratio of chlorosulfonic acid to pyridine exerted maximum influence on the degree of substitution followed by reaction temperature and reaction time. The sulfated derivative showed higher swelling in both acidic and alkaline pH as compared to unmodified gum. It also possessed higher negative zeta potential, higher viscosity, work of shear, firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and index of viscosity as compared to both unmodified gum as well as sodium alginate. Sulfated derivative was superior to unmodified gum and sodium alginate in terms of antimicrobial and anticoagulant activity. The sulfated sample appears to be a potential substitute over the unmodified gum sample and sodium alginate for modulating physicochemical properties of food and drug release dosage forms.

Successful therapeutic management of notoedric mange in rodents

A total of six laboratory animals (four rats and two guinea pigs) from "Laboratory Animal Unit, (Govt. Medical College) Patiala" were presented to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital, GADVASU with the history of severe itching, alopecia, erythema, hyperkeratotic skin lesions involving face, head, ears, dorsal body and paws since last 1 month. The other animals of the unit (50 rats and 40 guinea pigs) were reported to have similar lesions. Skin scraping examination from the infested rats and guinea pigs revealed Notoedres spp. mite. The animals were treated with conjunctive drug therapy consisting of ivermectin, enrofloxacin and multivitamins. The treatment resulted in marked clinical improvement on day seven post-treatment and complete healing, with disappearance of crusts and scabs leading to normal skin, was recorded by day 25 post-treatment.

Geographic variation in Drosophila: From molecules to morphology and back

The examination of spatial variation can act as a substitute for temporal variation in population studies. Of particular use in the effort to understand the selective forces that govern spatial variation are the sibling species Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans. Recent work at the level of both molecules and morphology has uncovered a great deal of spatial variation within and between these two species. Here we summarize these data, with reference to what they tell us about the history and nature of selection operating in these species.

Characterization of different road dusts in opencast coal mining areas of India

Dust from haul and transport roads are the major source of air pollution in opencast coal mining areas. Dust generated during mining operations pollutes air which causes different health problems. Various available techniques are implemented in the field to minimize and control dust in mining areas. However, they are not very effective because dust deposited on road surfaces are not removed by these techniques. For effective control of dust in opencast mining areas, it has to be regularly collected from road surfaces and may be converted into solid form, and subsequently can be used as a domestic fuel considering its physicochemical properties. The present paper describes a comparative study of qualitative and quantitative aspects of road dust samples of four coalfields of India. The pH of the dust was found to be in the range of 5.1-7.7. Moisture, ash, volatile matter, fixed carbon, water-holding capacity, bulk density, and specific gravity of dust samples were found to be in the range of 0.5-3.0%, 45-76%, 12.6-20.0%, 10.2-45.3%, 21.17-31.71%, 1.15-1.70, and 1.73-2.30 g cm(-3), respectively. Observing the overall generation and characteristics of coal dust, it is suggested that coal dust from haul and transport roads of mining areas can be effectively collected and used as domestic fuel.

Antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity factors in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitic Sahiwal cattle

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a serious problem in dairy animals suffering from mastitis. In the present study, the distribution of mastitic MRSA and antibiotic resistance was studied in 107 strains of S. aureus isolated from milk samples from 195 infected udders. The characterizations pathogenic factors (adhesin and toxin genes) and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates were carried out using gene amplification and disc diffusion assays, respectively. A high prevalence of MRSA was observed in the tested isolates (13.1%). The isolates were also highly resistant to antibiotics, i.e. 36.4% were resistant to streptomycin, 33.6% to oxytetracycline, 29.9% to gentamicin and 26.2% each to chloramphenicol, pristinomycin and ciprofloxacin. A significant variation in the expression of pathogenic factors (Ig, coa and clf) was observed in these isolates. The overall distribution of adhesin genes ebp, fib, bbp, fnbB, cap5, cap8, map and cna in the isolates was found to be 69.1, 67.2, 6.5, 20.5, 60.7, 26.1, 81.3 and 8.4%, respectively. The presence of fib, fnbB, bbp and map genes was considerably greater in MRSA than in methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. The proportions of toxin genes, namely, hlb, seb, sec, sed, seg and sei, in the isolates were found to be 94.3, 0.9, 8.4, 0.9, 10.2 and 49.5%, respectively. The proportions of agr genes I, II, III and IV were found to be 39.2, 27.1, 21.5 and 12.1%, respectively. A few isolates showed similar antibiotic-resistance patterns, which could be due to identical strains or the dissemination of the same strains among animals. These findings can be utilized in mastitis treatment programmes and antimicrobials strategies in organized herd.

Substrate inhibition during bio-filtration of TCE using diazotrophic bacterial community

The kinetics of biodegradation of TCE in the biofilter packed with wood charcoal and inoculated with diazotrophic bacterial community had been investigated. Use of Michaelis-Menten type model showed that substrate inhibition was present in the system. The kinetic model proposed by Edwards (1970) was used to calculate kinetic parameters-maximum elimination capacity (EC(max)), substrate constant (K(s)), and inhibition constant (K(I)). The model fitted well with the experimental data and the EC(max) was found to be in the range of 10.8-6.1 g/m(3) h. The K(s) values depended upon substrate concentration and ranged from 0.024 to 0.043 g/m(3) indicating the high affinity of diazotrophs for TCE. The K(I) values were low and nearly constant (0.011-0.015 g/m(3)) indicating a moderate substrate inhibition.

Kinetics of bio-filtration of trichloroethylene by methanotrophs in presence of methanol

The biodegradation of TCE was studied in a laboratory scale biofilter packed with wood charcoal and inoculated with mixed culture of methanotrophs isolated from local soil. The removal efficiency was found to be higher than 90% up to an inlet load of 5.1g/m(3)h. The maximum elimination capacity was 6.7g/m(3)h at an inlet loading rate of 11.3g/m(3)h. The reaction constants EC(max,)K(s) and K(i) calculated from the experimental results are also presented. The biodegradation process is found to be inhibited at higher TCE concentration. The carbon dioxide production rate has been found to be a linear function of elimination capacity. The DNA finger printing techniques has indicated the presence of functionally active methanotrophic community including Methylocystis sp. in the biofilter.