Pyrolysis products obtained from heating a shale under vacuum have been analyzed for alkenylbenze... more Pyrolysis products obtained from heating a shale under vacuum have been analyzed for alkenylbenzenes using GC±MS and GC±FTIR. The shale pyrolysate contains a homologous series (C 11 ±C 23 ) of alkenylbenzenes with terminal unsaturations concomitant with lesser amounts of hitherto unknown trans alk-1-enylbenzenes. These latter compounds are unique constituents of kerogen pyrolyzates and are suggested to be derived from alkylbenzene moieties bound to kerogen at the benzylic position. The presence of these unsaturated compounds in pyrolyzates has been interpreted as evidence for site-speci®c binding of alkylbenzene moieties in kerogen. Formation of alkenylbenzene moieties is suggested to result from diagenetic cyclization/aromatization reactions of fatty acid precursors. Incorporation of structurally dierent lipid precursors such as saturated, mono-and polyunsaturated fatty acids is suggested to re¯ect the nature of the dierent alkenylbenzene products generated upon pyrolysis. The application of `compound speci®c' GC±FTIR techniques, provides a new and complementary tool to the study of geochemical samples. Compound speci®c IR spectra in conjunction with electron impact mass spectra are shown to facilitate the structural identi®cation of hydrocarbons in geochemical samples.
Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, 2020
Antibiotic pollution is a much newer situation but reflection of a much longer problem of substan... more Antibiotic pollution is a much newer situation but reflection of a much longer problem of substance misuse. This review article focusses on the discussion of antibiotics as pollutants and their effect on the microbial population in terms of development of antibiotic resistance in the contaminated sites especially river waters. Also, this study highlights the impeding role of inefficient treatment by sewage treatment plants that may further aggravate the situation of antibiotic resistance.
Heavy metals on fly ash surface has tendency to leach and contaminate the ground water,
which wil... more Heavy metals on fly ash surface has tendency to leach and contaminate the ground water, which will affect the human by entering food chain. Present study has been carried out to assess the ground water contamination in the surrounding villages closer to two thermal power plants in Delhi, India. Ground water samples from different location within the 2 Km radius of both thermal power plants were collected and analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb). This study indicates that the bore well and pond water within the study area is contaminated with higher concentration level of these heavy metals. The concentrations of these selected heavy metals are crossing the prescribed standard of drinking water quality in India. Supernatant of ash ponds contain heavy metals, needs remediation before discharging into the environment.
Coal combustion in thermal power plants leads to concentration of various metals in the fly ash. ... more Coal combustion in thermal power plants leads to concentration of various metals in the fly ash. The fly ash requires proper handling, disposal and monitoring in order to control their harmful effects on environment. Leachability of few metals have been examined in fly ash at different pH conditions in the laboratory. The results obtained from shake tests at different pH value exhibit that during leaching period the selected elements register their presence. The mobility of the selected elements present in fly ash is markedly pH dependent. The leaching experiments conducted for three different pH with different leaching period of time showed that pH is more important than the leaching interval in controlling the amount of metals leached out from fly ash. At some locations, Cd, Cr, Cu and Fe have crossed the prescribed standard of drinking water quality in ground water samples collected from the nearby area of ash pond. The elements available in drinking water may have adverse health impact on human being as well as on surrounding ecosystem.
The Yamuna river, which is the lifeline of Delhi, is one of the most-polluted river in the countr... more The Yamuna river, which is the lifeline of Delhi, is one of the most-polluted river in the country. About 85 percent of the pollution is caused by domestic and industrial sources. The quality of the river is severely affected by the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial effluents. The water quality is not fit for bathing, underwater life and domestic supply. A wide range of contaminants are continuously introduced into the river and their toxicity is a problem of increasing significance for ecological, evolutionary, and environmental reasons. Among these contaminants, heavy metals due to their toxicity, accumulation and non-degradable nature, constitute one of the most dangerous groups. Heavy metals viz., Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni) and Arsenic (As) have adverse effects on human metabolism and health. Bioaccumulation of the heavy metals may cause damage to the central nervous system, lungs, kidneys, liver, endocrine glands, and bones. The prevailing condition of the river is of serious concern, and there is an urgent need to take strict measures to ensure cleansing of the river and prevent further contamination.
There is severe deterioration in the quality of water due to the discharge of municipal and indus... more There is severe deterioration in the quality of water due to the discharge of municipal and industrial effluents into the rivers. The municipal pollutants majorly comprise of untreated domestic and sewage wastes, while the industrial pollutants constitute the discharge of heavy metals into the river which is responsible for the increase in metal load in water. In this study we have carried out a comparative analysis of the various physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal load in three major rivers of India. The water quality of the Ganges river at Kanpur and Varanasi, the Yamuna river at Delhi and the Sabarmati river at Ahmedabad were analyzed for the determination of metal load (Lead, Copper, Zinc, Chromium, Cadmium and Nickel) and biological load (physico-chemical parameters like pH, Total dissolved solids, Total suspended solids, Biological oxygen demand, Chemical oxygen demand and Total coliform). Our study indicates that, of the four stations, the levels of Chromium exceeded the acceptable levels in the Yamuna river (0.08mg/L). The levels of Cadmium and Lead were found to be within permissible limits, however, as they tend to persist in the system for a long time, they undergo bioaccumulation and biomagnification. This leads to severe nephrosis and liver damage over a long period of time.
groundwater has disturbed the hydrological balance, leading to decline in productivity of wells, ... more groundwater has disturbed the hydrological balance, leading to decline in productivity of wells, increasing pumping cost, more energy requirement, brackish water upcoming etc. The line of fresh-saline interface also varies greatly in the entire area.
Thermal power plants generate a large amount of fly ash as a solid waste material from coal combu... more Thermal power plants generate a large amount of fly ash as a solid waste material from coal combustion. In the present study, the results obtained from shake tests of class 'F' fly ash with different leaching medium reveal that during leaching period, the selected trace elements register their presence. Among the trace metal present in fly ash, Pb, Fe and Cr occur at alarming concentrations in the leachate obtained over the different intervals. The other elements like Ni, Cu and Cd which were noticeable in the leachates show their presence in samples. Out of six elements, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni and Fe have crossed the prescribed permissible limit of drinking water quality in ground water collected from the adjacent area of ash pond. This indicates the influence of ash leachate on the ground water via percolation from the ash pond. The concentration of these elements in drinking water at this level is a threat for ground water contamination and human health.
Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) hold a great potential in generation of electricity and has proved as... more Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) hold a great potential in generation of electricity and has proved as an alternative source of renewable energy. In the present research work, a mediator-less MFC with an anaerobic anode & aerobic cathode chamber linked with a salt bridge for the exchange of generated protons is constructed. Yamuna water from four different locations in Delhi viz., Palla, ITO,
Nizamuddin Bridge and Okhla Barrage were collected to study the generation of electricity and pure culture of Escherichia coli &
Bacillus subtilis were taken as controls. Glucose is used as substrate, which is considered as an instantaneous source of energy for biological systems. The pure cultures of E. coli and B. subtilis generated electric current varying from 326 - 522 mV and 260 - 580 mV respectively at different cellular concentrations. An increasing trend is observed when the cell counts were doubled. A variable increase in generation of electricity is obtained ie., 80 - 360 mV (Palla), 400 - 620 mV (ITO), 280 - 360 mV (Nizamuddin Bridge) and 320-480 mV (Okhla Barrage) respectively. This is higher as compared to the pure cultures used. The Yamuna water samples are deemed to contain a consortium of bacteria namely E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, Streptococcus lactis, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, S. cerevisiae, Candida utilis, Streptomyces albus, S. griseus, Aspergillus and Mucor hiemalis. Thus implying that, in consortium the other microbes enhance the performance of the MFC. Secondly, chemical compounds (Fe+++, NO2--, SO4-- ) present in the Yamuna water may act as mediators of the electrons transporter to the anode and hence increasing the potential difference.
Coal is the most abundant available fossil fuel in India and provides a substantial part of energ... more Coal is the most abundant available fossil fuel in India and provides a substantial part of energy needs of the country. About 69% of India's total installed capacity of power generation is thermal, of which coal-based generation is 90% (balance 10% is diesel, gas, renewable etc.). Thus the power generation is predominantly coal based (Ministry of power, 2005-06). Indian coal used in thermal power plant predominantly has high ash content (35-45%) and is of lower quality . The fly ash generation has increased from 40 million tones in 1994 to 112 million tones in 2004-05. At present, generation of fly ash is 150 million tones per year in the country. Such a huge generation of fly ash causes a considerable impact on the environment and ABSTRACT Fly ash is an industrial waste generated from the thermal energy sector. The environmental concerns regarding the potential contamination of soil, surface water and ground water due to the presence of heavy metals in the ash is of serious concern. Moreover, the use of low quality coal with high ash content results in large quantities of bottom and fly ashes for disposal. This study is carried out to analyze the heavy metals concentration of fly ash and pond ash from Badarpur thermal power plant located in Delhi. The current disposal methods of fly ash by the plant management are also studied. The samples of the fly ashes were analyzed for the presence of Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) and the detectable levels of these metals were found in both fly ash and pond ash. The concentration of Ni was higher as compared to Cr concentration. The wet disposal method is used in the thermal power plant. The ground water samples of the ash pond were also analyzed and investigated for the presence of these heavy metals. The concentration of Zn was found in higher side while Ni concentration was very less and Cr was below detectable limit. No ash pond lining is employed in the construction of the ash pond; hence leaching of heavy metals is possible. Promotion of increased use of fly ash in construction activities, proper disposal practices with better management need to be undertaken to minimize the adverse impacts of fly ash on the surrounding environment.
In India about 54.09 percent of electricity is generated from coal based thermal power plants. At... more In India about 54.09 percent of electricity is generated from coal based thermal power plants. At present the total fly ash generation is about 131.09 million tonnes per annum and utilization rate is 73.13 million tonnes per annum. Considering backlog of un-utilized fly ash in India from 1996-97 to 2010-11, the total quantity of fly ash is about 922.95 million tonnes, which are lying dumped in fly ash ponds/lagoons. These un-used fly ashes will impose an adverse impact on environment and ecosystem. A suitable and sustainable solution for the utilization of fly ash is required to be done to minimize the threat to environment. The use of fly ash as adsorbent for various gaseous pollutants like SOx, NOx and various metals is reported by many researcher. The fly ash can be used for removal of Phosphate, Fluoride, Boron, Phenolic Compound, and Mercury. The use of fly ash in different sector like Forestry, Agriculture, Wetland reclamation etc. is required to be promoted by the government with other stake holder agencies.
Pyrolysis products obtained from heating a shale under vacuum have been analyzed for alkenylbenze... more Pyrolysis products obtained from heating a shale under vacuum have been analyzed for alkenylbenzenes using GC±MS and GC±FTIR. The shale pyrolysate contains a homologous series (C 11 ±C 23 ) of alkenylbenzenes with terminal unsaturations concomitant with lesser amounts of hitherto unknown trans alk-1-enylbenzenes. These latter compounds are unique constituents of kerogen pyrolyzates and are suggested to be derived from alkylbenzene moieties bound to kerogen at the benzylic position. The presence of these unsaturated compounds in pyrolyzates has been interpreted as evidence for site-speci®c binding of alkylbenzene moieties in kerogen. Formation of alkenylbenzene moieties is suggested to result from diagenetic cyclization/aromatization reactions of fatty acid precursors. Incorporation of structurally dierent lipid precursors such as saturated, mono-and polyunsaturated fatty acids is suggested to re¯ect the nature of the dierent alkenylbenzene products generated upon pyrolysis. The application of `compound speci®c' GC±FTIR techniques, provides a new and complementary tool to the study of geochemical samples. Compound speci®c IR spectra in conjunction with electron impact mass spectra are shown to facilitate the structural identi®cation of hydrocarbons in geochemical samples.
Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, 2020
Antibiotic pollution is a much newer situation but reflection of a much longer problem of substan... more Antibiotic pollution is a much newer situation but reflection of a much longer problem of substance misuse. This review article focusses on the discussion of antibiotics as pollutants and their effect on the microbial population in terms of development of antibiotic resistance in the contaminated sites especially river waters. Also, this study highlights the impeding role of inefficient treatment by sewage treatment plants that may further aggravate the situation of antibiotic resistance.
Heavy metals on fly ash surface has tendency to leach and contaminate the ground water,
which wil... more Heavy metals on fly ash surface has tendency to leach and contaminate the ground water, which will affect the human by entering food chain. Present study has been carried out to assess the ground water contamination in the surrounding villages closer to two thermal power plants in Delhi, India. Ground water samples from different location within the 2 Km radius of both thermal power plants were collected and analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb). This study indicates that the bore well and pond water within the study area is contaminated with higher concentration level of these heavy metals. The concentrations of these selected heavy metals are crossing the prescribed standard of drinking water quality in India. Supernatant of ash ponds contain heavy metals, needs remediation before discharging into the environment.
Coal combustion in thermal power plants leads to concentration of various metals in the fly ash. ... more Coal combustion in thermal power plants leads to concentration of various metals in the fly ash. The fly ash requires proper handling, disposal and monitoring in order to control their harmful effects on environment. Leachability of few metals have been examined in fly ash at different pH conditions in the laboratory. The results obtained from shake tests at different pH value exhibit that during leaching period the selected elements register their presence. The mobility of the selected elements present in fly ash is markedly pH dependent. The leaching experiments conducted for three different pH with different leaching period of time showed that pH is more important than the leaching interval in controlling the amount of metals leached out from fly ash. At some locations, Cd, Cr, Cu and Fe have crossed the prescribed standard of drinking water quality in ground water samples collected from the nearby area of ash pond. The elements available in drinking water may have adverse health impact on human being as well as on surrounding ecosystem.
The Yamuna river, which is the lifeline of Delhi, is one of the most-polluted river in the countr... more The Yamuna river, which is the lifeline of Delhi, is one of the most-polluted river in the country. About 85 percent of the pollution is caused by domestic and industrial sources. The quality of the river is severely affected by the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial effluents. The water quality is not fit for bathing, underwater life and domestic supply. A wide range of contaminants are continuously introduced into the river and their toxicity is a problem of increasing significance for ecological, evolutionary, and environmental reasons. Among these contaminants, heavy metals due to their toxicity, accumulation and non-degradable nature, constitute one of the most dangerous groups. Heavy metals viz., Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni) and Arsenic (As) have adverse effects on human metabolism and health. Bioaccumulation of the heavy metals may cause damage to the central nervous system, lungs, kidneys, liver, endocrine glands, and bones. The prevailing condition of the river is of serious concern, and there is an urgent need to take strict measures to ensure cleansing of the river and prevent further contamination.
There is severe deterioration in the quality of water due to the discharge of municipal and indus... more There is severe deterioration in the quality of water due to the discharge of municipal and industrial effluents into the rivers. The municipal pollutants majorly comprise of untreated domestic and sewage wastes, while the industrial pollutants constitute the discharge of heavy metals into the river which is responsible for the increase in metal load in water. In this study we have carried out a comparative analysis of the various physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal load in three major rivers of India. The water quality of the Ganges river at Kanpur and Varanasi, the Yamuna river at Delhi and the Sabarmati river at Ahmedabad were analyzed for the determination of metal load (Lead, Copper, Zinc, Chromium, Cadmium and Nickel) and biological load (physico-chemical parameters like pH, Total dissolved solids, Total suspended solids, Biological oxygen demand, Chemical oxygen demand and Total coliform). Our study indicates that, of the four stations, the levels of Chromium exceeded the acceptable levels in the Yamuna river (0.08mg/L). The levels of Cadmium and Lead were found to be within permissible limits, however, as they tend to persist in the system for a long time, they undergo bioaccumulation and biomagnification. This leads to severe nephrosis and liver damage over a long period of time.
groundwater has disturbed the hydrological balance, leading to decline in productivity of wells, ... more groundwater has disturbed the hydrological balance, leading to decline in productivity of wells, increasing pumping cost, more energy requirement, brackish water upcoming etc. The line of fresh-saline interface also varies greatly in the entire area.
Thermal power plants generate a large amount of fly ash as a solid waste material from coal combu... more Thermal power plants generate a large amount of fly ash as a solid waste material from coal combustion. In the present study, the results obtained from shake tests of class 'F' fly ash with different leaching medium reveal that during leaching period, the selected trace elements register their presence. Among the trace metal present in fly ash, Pb, Fe and Cr occur at alarming concentrations in the leachate obtained over the different intervals. The other elements like Ni, Cu and Cd which were noticeable in the leachates show their presence in samples. Out of six elements, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni and Fe have crossed the prescribed permissible limit of drinking water quality in ground water collected from the adjacent area of ash pond. This indicates the influence of ash leachate on the ground water via percolation from the ash pond. The concentration of these elements in drinking water at this level is a threat for ground water contamination and human health.
Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) hold a great potential in generation of electricity and has proved as... more Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) hold a great potential in generation of electricity and has proved as an alternative source of renewable energy. In the present research work, a mediator-less MFC with an anaerobic anode & aerobic cathode chamber linked with a salt bridge for the exchange of generated protons is constructed. Yamuna water from four different locations in Delhi viz., Palla, ITO,
Nizamuddin Bridge and Okhla Barrage were collected to study the generation of electricity and pure culture of Escherichia coli &
Bacillus subtilis were taken as controls. Glucose is used as substrate, which is considered as an instantaneous source of energy for biological systems. The pure cultures of E. coli and B. subtilis generated electric current varying from 326 - 522 mV and 260 - 580 mV respectively at different cellular concentrations. An increasing trend is observed when the cell counts were doubled. A variable increase in generation of electricity is obtained ie., 80 - 360 mV (Palla), 400 - 620 mV (ITO), 280 - 360 mV (Nizamuddin Bridge) and 320-480 mV (Okhla Barrage) respectively. This is higher as compared to the pure cultures used. The Yamuna water samples are deemed to contain a consortium of bacteria namely E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, Streptococcus lactis, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, S. cerevisiae, Candida utilis, Streptomyces albus, S. griseus, Aspergillus and Mucor hiemalis. Thus implying that, in consortium the other microbes enhance the performance of the MFC. Secondly, chemical compounds (Fe+++, NO2--, SO4-- ) present in the Yamuna water may act as mediators of the electrons transporter to the anode and hence increasing the potential difference.
Coal is the most abundant available fossil fuel in India and provides a substantial part of energ... more Coal is the most abundant available fossil fuel in India and provides a substantial part of energy needs of the country. About 69% of India's total installed capacity of power generation is thermal, of which coal-based generation is 90% (balance 10% is diesel, gas, renewable etc.). Thus the power generation is predominantly coal based (Ministry of power, 2005-06). Indian coal used in thermal power plant predominantly has high ash content (35-45%) and is of lower quality . The fly ash generation has increased from 40 million tones in 1994 to 112 million tones in 2004-05. At present, generation of fly ash is 150 million tones per year in the country. Such a huge generation of fly ash causes a considerable impact on the environment and ABSTRACT Fly ash is an industrial waste generated from the thermal energy sector. The environmental concerns regarding the potential contamination of soil, surface water and ground water due to the presence of heavy metals in the ash is of serious concern. Moreover, the use of low quality coal with high ash content results in large quantities of bottom and fly ashes for disposal. This study is carried out to analyze the heavy metals concentration of fly ash and pond ash from Badarpur thermal power plant located in Delhi. The current disposal methods of fly ash by the plant management are also studied. The samples of the fly ashes were analyzed for the presence of Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) and the detectable levels of these metals were found in both fly ash and pond ash. The concentration of Ni was higher as compared to Cr concentration. The wet disposal method is used in the thermal power plant. The ground water samples of the ash pond were also analyzed and investigated for the presence of these heavy metals. The concentration of Zn was found in higher side while Ni concentration was very less and Cr was below detectable limit. No ash pond lining is employed in the construction of the ash pond; hence leaching of heavy metals is possible. Promotion of increased use of fly ash in construction activities, proper disposal practices with better management need to be undertaken to minimize the adverse impacts of fly ash on the surrounding environment.
In India about 54.09 percent of electricity is generated from coal based thermal power plants. At... more In India about 54.09 percent of electricity is generated from coal based thermal power plants. At present the total fly ash generation is about 131.09 million tonnes per annum and utilization rate is 73.13 million tonnes per annum. Considering backlog of un-utilized fly ash in India from 1996-97 to 2010-11, the total quantity of fly ash is about 922.95 million tonnes, which are lying dumped in fly ash ponds/lagoons. These un-used fly ashes will impose an adverse impact on environment and ecosystem. A suitable and sustainable solution for the utilization of fly ash is required to be done to minimize the threat to environment. The use of fly ash as adsorbent for various gaseous pollutants like SOx, NOx and various metals is reported by many researcher. The fly ash can be used for removal of Phosphate, Fluoride, Boron, Phenolic Compound, and Mercury. The use of fly ash in different sector like Forestry, Agriculture, Wetland reclamation etc. is required to be promoted by the government with other stake holder agencies.
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Papers by R K Singh
which will affect the human by entering food chain. Present study has been carried out to
assess the ground water contamination in the surrounding villages closer to two thermal
power plants in Delhi, India. Ground water samples from different location within the 2
Km radius of both thermal power plants were collected and analyzed for heavy metals
(Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb). This study indicates that the bore well and pond water within
the study area is contaminated with higher concentration level of these heavy metals. The
concentrations of these selected heavy metals are crossing the prescribed standard of
drinking water quality in India. Supernatant of ash ponds contain heavy metals, needs
remediation before discharging into the environment.
their toxicity, accumulation and non-degradable nature, constitute one of the most dangerous groups. Heavy metals viz., Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni) and Arsenic (As) have adverse effects on human metabolism and health. Bioaccumulation of the heavy metals may cause damage to the central nervous system, lungs,
kidneys, liver, endocrine glands, and bones. The prevailing condition of the river is of serious concern, and there is an urgent need to take strict measures to ensure cleansing of the river and prevent further contamination.
The municipal pollutants majorly comprise of untreated domestic and sewage wastes, while the industrial pollutants constitute the
discharge of heavy metals into the river which is responsible for the increase in metal load in water. In this study we have carried out a
comparative analysis of the various physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal load in three major rivers of India. The water quality
of the Ganges river at Kanpur and Varanasi, the Yamuna river at Delhi and the Sabarmati river at Ahmedabad were analyzed for the
determination of metal load (Lead, Copper, Zinc, Chromium, Cadmium and Nickel) and biological load (physico-chemical parameters
like pH, Total dissolved solids, Total suspended solids, Biological oxygen demand, Chemical oxygen demand and Total coliform). Our
study indicates that, of the four stations, the levels of Chromium exceeded the acceptable levels in the Yamuna river (0.08mg/L). The
levels of Cadmium and Lead were found to be within permissible limits, however, as they tend to persist in the system for a long time,
they undergo bioaccumulation and biomagnification. This leads to severe nephrosis and liver damage over a long period of time.
Nizamuddin Bridge and Okhla Barrage were collected to study the generation of electricity and pure culture of Escherichia coli &
Bacillus subtilis were taken as controls. Glucose is used as substrate, which is considered as an instantaneous source of energy for biological systems. The pure cultures of E. coli and B. subtilis generated electric current varying from 326 - 522 mV and 260 - 580 mV respectively at different cellular concentrations. An increasing trend is observed when the cell counts were doubled. A variable increase in generation of electricity is obtained ie., 80 - 360 mV (Palla), 400 - 620 mV (ITO), 280 - 360 mV (Nizamuddin Bridge) and 320-480 mV (Okhla Barrage) respectively. This is higher as compared to the pure cultures used. The Yamuna water samples are deemed to contain a consortium of bacteria namely E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, Streptococcus lactis, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, S. cerevisiae, Candida utilis, Streptomyces albus, S. griseus, Aspergillus and Mucor hiemalis. Thus implying that, in consortium the other microbes enhance the performance of the MFC. Secondly, chemical compounds (Fe+++, NO2--, SO4-- ) present in the Yamuna water may act as mediators of the electrons transporter to the anode and hence increasing the potential difference.
which will affect the human by entering food chain. Present study has been carried out to
assess the ground water contamination in the surrounding villages closer to two thermal
power plants in Delhi, India. Ground water samples from different location within the 2
Km radius of both thermal power plants were collected and analyzed for heavy metals
(Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb). This study indicates that the bore well and pond water within
the study area is contaminated with higher concentration level of these heavy metals. The
concentrations of these selected heavy metals are crossing the prescribed standard of
drinking water quality in India. Supernatant of ash ponds contain heavy metals, needs
remediation before discharging into the environment.
their toxicity, accumulation and non-degradable nature, constitute one of the most dangerous groups. Heavy metals viz., Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni) and Arsenic (As) have adverse effects on human metabolism and health. Bioaccumulation of the heavy metals may cause damage to the central nervous system, lungs,
kidneys, liver, endocrine glands, and bones. The prevailing condition of the river is of serious concern, and there is an urgent need to take strict measures to ensure cleansing of the river and prevent further contamination.
The municipal pollutants majorly comprise of untreated domestic and sewage wastes, while the industrial pollutants constitute the
discharge of heavy metals into the river which is responsible for the increase in metal load in water. In this study we have carried out a
comparative analysis of the various physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal load in three major rivers of India. The water quality
of the Ganges river at Kanpur and Varanasi, the Yamuna river at Delhi and the Sabarmati river at Ahmedabad were analyzed for the
determination of metal load (Lead, Copper, Zinc, Chromium, Cadmium and Nickel) and biological load (physico-chemical parameters
like pH, Total dissolved solids, Total suspended solids, Biological oxygen demand, Chemical oxygen demand and Total coliform). Our
study indicates that, of the four stations, the levels of Chromium exceeded the acceptable levels in the Yamuna river (0.08mg/L). The
levels of Cadmium and Lead were found to be within permissible limits, however, as they tend to persist in the system for a long time,
they undergo bioaccumulation and biomagnification. This leads to severe nephrosis and liver damage over a long period of time.
Nizamuddin Bridge and Okhla Barrage were collected to study the generation of electricity and pure culture of Escherichia coli &
Bacillus subtilis were taken as controls. Glucose is used as substrate, which is considered as an instantaneous source of energy for biological systems. The pure cultures of E. coli and B. subtilis generated electric current varying from 326 - 522 mV and 260 - 580 mV respectively at different cellular concentrations. An increasing trend is observed when the cell counts were doubled. A variable increase in generation of electricity is obtained ie., 80 - 360 mV (Palla), 400 - 620 mV (ITO), 280 - 360 mV (Nizamuddin Bridge) and 320-480 mV (Okhla Barrage) respectively. This is higher as compared to the pure cultures used. The Yamuna water samples are deemed to contain a consortium of bacteria namely E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, Streptococcus lactis, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, S. cerevisiae, Candida utilis, Streptomyces albus, S. griseus, Aspergillus and Mucor hiemalis. Thus implying that, in consortium the other microbes enhance the performance of the MFC. Secondly, chemical compounds (Fe+++, NO2--, SO4-- ) present in the Yamuna water may act as mediators of the electrons transporter to the anode and hence increasing the potential difference.