Trimetallic Pd@Au@Pt nanocomposites platform on -COOH terminated reduced graphene oxide for highly sensitive CEA and PSA biomarkers detection.

In this paper, a trimetallic Pd@Au@Pt nanocomposites platform on -COOH terminated reduced graphene oxide (COOH-rGO) was newly developed for sensing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) biomarkers. Trimetallic electro-catalytic surfaces were prepared by the electrodeposition of noble metals (Pd@Au@Pt) nanoparticles on COOH- rGO. After EDC/NHS treatment, the anti-CEA and anti-PSA were immobilized separately on two different platforms. Under optimized conditions, the platforms were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The platform shows good electro catalytic activity, high sensitivity, and acceptable stability for sensing CEA and PSA biomarkers. For CEA, we obtained sensitivity of 0.099 ± 0.007µAng-1ml, wide linear range from 12pgml-1 to 85ngml-1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 8pgml-1, while for PSA sensitivity is 0.267 ± 0.02µAng -1 ml, wide linear range from 3pgml-1 to 60ngml-1 and LOD of 2pgml-1. The validation of the platform was observed through standard addition method. Thus, the sensing platform could be used for the point of care detection of CEA and PSA.

Airborne particulate in Varanasi over middle Indo-Gangetic Plain: variation in particulate types and meteorological influences.

The variation in particulate mass and particulate types (PM2.5 and PM10) with respect to local/regional meteorology was analyzed from January to December 2014 (n = 104) for an urban location over the middle Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). Both coarser (mean ± SD; PM10 161.3 ± 110.4 µg m-3, n = 104) and finer particulates (PM2.5 81.78 ± 66.4 µg m-3) revealed enormous mass loading with distinct seasonal effects (range: PM10 12-535 µg m-3; PM2.5 8-362 µg m-3). Further, 56% (for PM2.5) to 81% (for PM10) of monitoring events revealed non-attainment national air quality standard especially during winter months. Particulate types (in terms of PM2.5/PM10 0.49 ± 0.19) also exhibited temporal variations with high PM2.5 loading particularly during winter (0.62) compared to summer months (0.38). Local meteorology has clear distinguishing trends in terms of dry summer (March to June), wet winter (December to February), and monsoon (July to September). Among all the meteorological variables (average temperature, rainfall, relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS)), temperature was found to be inversely related with particulate loading (rPM10 -0.79; rPM2.5 -0.87) while RH only resulted a significant association with PM2.5 during summer (rPM10 0.07; rPM2.5 0.55) and with PM10 during winter (rPM10 0.53; rPM2.5 0.24). Temperature, atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), and RH were cumulatively recognized as the dominant factors regulating particulate concentration as days with high particulate loading (PM2.5 >150 µg m-3; PM10 >260 µg m-3) appeared to have lower ABL (mean 660 m), minimum temperature (<22.6 °C), and high RH (∼79%). The diurnal variations of particulate ratio were mostly insignificant except minor increases during night having a high wintertime ratio (0.58 ± 0.07) over monsoon (0.34 ± 0.05) and summer (0.30 ± 0.07). Across the region, atmospheric visibility appeared to be inversely associated with particulate (rPM2.5 -0.84; rPM10 -0.79) for all humid conditions, while at RH ≥80%, RH appeared as the most dominant factor in regulating visibility compared to particulate loading. The Lagrangian particle dispersion model was further used to identify possible regions contributing particulate loading through regional/transboundary movement.

Fine particulates over South Asia: Review and meta-analysis of PM2.5 source apportionment through receptor model.

Fine particulates (PM2.5) constitute dominant proportion of airborne particulates and have been often associated with human health disorders, changes in regional climate, hydrological cycle and more recently to food security. Intrinsic properties of particulates are direct function of sources. This initiates the necessity of conducting a comprehensive review on PM2.5 sources over South Asia which in turn may be valuable to develop strategies for emission control. Particulate source apportionment (SA) through receptor models is one of the existing tool to quantify contribution of particulate sources. Review of 51 SA studies were performed of which 48 (94%) were appeared within a span of 2007-2016. Almost half of SA studies (55%) were found concentrated over few typical urban stations (Delhi, Dhaka, Mumbai, Agra and Lahore). Due to lack of local particulate source profile and emission inventory, positive matrix factorization and principal component analysis (62% of studies) were the primary choices, followed by chemical mass balance (CMB, 18%). Metallic species were most regularly used as source tracers while use of organic molecular markers and gas-to-particle conversion were minimum. Among all the SA sites, vehicular emissions (mean ± sd: 37 ± 20%) emerged as most dominating PM2.5 source followed by industrial emissions (23 ± 16%), secondary aerosols (22 ± 12%) and natural sources (20 ± 15%). Vehicular emissions (39 ± 24%) also identified as dominating source for highly polluted sites (PM2.5>100 µgm-3, n = 15) while site specific influence of either or in combination of industrial, secondary aerosols and natural sources were recognized. Source specific trends were considerably varied in terms of region and seasonality. Both natural and industrial sources were most influential over Pakistan and Afghanistan while over Indo-Gangetic plain, vehicular, natural and industrial emissions appeared dominant. Influence of vehicular emission was found single dominating source over southern part while over Bangladesh, both vehicular, biomass burning and industrial sources were significant.

Temporal variability of MODIS aerosol optical depth and chemical characterization of airborne particulates in Varanasi, India.

Temporal variation of airborne particulate mass concentration was measured in terms of toxic organics, metals and water-soluble ionic components to identify compositional variation of particulates in Varanasi. Information-related fine particulate mass loading and its compositional variation in middle Indo-Gangetic plain were unique and pioneering as no such scientific literature was available. One-year ground monitoring data was further compared to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Level 3 retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) to identify trends in seasonal variation. Observed AOD exhibits spatiotemporal heterogeneity during the entire monitoring period reflecting monsoonal low and summer and winter high. Ground-level particulate mass loading was measured, and annual mean concentration of PM2.5 (100.0 ± 29.6 µg/m(3)) and PM10 (176.1 ± 85.0 µg/m(3)) was found to exceed the annual permissible limit (PM10: 80 %; PM2.5: 84 %) and pose a risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Average PM2.5/PM10 ratio of 0.59 ± 0.18 also indicates contribution of finer particulates to major variability of PM10. Particulate sample was further processed for trace metals, viz. Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Mn, Ni, Cr, Na, K and Cd. Metals originated mostly from soil/earth crust, road dust and re-suspended dust, viz. Ca, Fe, Na and Mg were found to constitute major fractions of particulates (PM2.5: 4.6 %; PM10: 9.7 %). Water-soluble ionic constituents accounted for approximately 27 % (PM10: 26.9 %; PM2.5: 27.5 %) of the particulate mass loading, while sulphate (8.0-9.5 %) was found as most dominant species followed by ammonium (6.0-8.2 %) and nitrate (5.5-7.0 %). The concentration of toxic organics representing both aliphatic and aromatic organics was determined by organic solvent extraction process. Annual mean toxic organic concentration was found to be 27.5 ± 12.3 µg/m(3) (n = 104) which constitutes significant proportion of (PM2.5, 17-19 %; PM10, 11-20 %) particulate mass loading with certain exceptions up to 50 %. Conclusively, compositional variation of both PM2.5 and PM10 was compared to understand association of specific sources with different fractions of particulates.

Toxicity assessment of effluent from flash light manufacturing industry by bioassay tests in Trigonella foenumgracum.

A rapid bioassay test was conducted to study heavy metal accumulation and biochemical changes in Trigonella foenumgracum (methi) irrigated with 25, 50, 75 and 100% of effluent from flash light manufacturing industry at 60 days after sowing. Total metal concentration in effluent samples was: Cr = 0.12 < Cd = 0.18 < Pb = 0.24 < Cu = 2.68 mg l(-1) whereas, metals were not detected in control. An increase in photosynthetic pigments of exposed plant was noticed up to 50% concentrations of the effluent followed by a decrease at higher concentration as compared to their respective control.An enhanced lipid peroxidation in the treated plants was observed, which was evident by increased level of antioxidants: proline, cysteine, malondialdehyde and ascorbic acid content. The treated plants accumulated metals in the following order: Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd in the roots and shoots.

Does elevating the fetal head prior to delivery using a fetal pillow reduce maternal and fetal complications in a full dilatation caesarean section? A prospective study with historical controls.

A caesarean section at full dilatation (CSFD) can be technically demanding and has consistent association with increased intraoperative trauma. There is evidence that the incidence of caesarean sections at full dilation is on the rise. We report on a prospective study of 50 women undergoing CSFD using a fetal pillow (FP) to elevate the fetal head. Data were compared with historical controls of 124 women without FP use on uterine extensions, uterine incision delivery interval, blood loss, need for transfusion, operating time, length of stay, intensive care unit admission. The FP elevated the fetal head in all 50 women (p < 0.001). We found that patients in the FP group had a lower incidence of extensions (p = 0.03), shorter operating time (p < 0.001), uterine incision to delivery interval (p < 0.001) and shorter length of hospital stay (p < 0.001). Blood loss > 1,000 ml and admission to ICU was also lower but were not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the fetal complications studied, APGAR scores, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, seizures, neonatal injury or death.

Temporal distribution of fine particulates (PM2.5:PM10), potentially toxic metals, PAHs and Metal-bound carcinogenic risk in the population of Lucknow City, India.

Ubiquitous fine particulates can readily be bound to toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and are considered to be a great threat to human health. The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude of air pollution risks to public health by determining four crucial parameters- inhalable particulates, metals in particulates and PAHs which are associated with PM10 in the air environment of Lucknow, India during 2007-09. The values of PM10 and PM2.5 ranged between 102.3-240.5 and 28.0-196.9 µg/m³ whilst the average PM10 was 1.7 times and PM was 1.5 times higher than their respective NAAQS of 100 and 60 µg/m³ respectively. The estimated relative death rate and hospital admissions for each increase in the PM10 levels of 10 µg/m³ ranged from 1.5-8% and from 3.9-8.0% (as per APHEA2 1990) respectively in persons > 65 yrs. Among the locations; AQ, AQ and AQ (with diversified activities and heavy traffic) recorded higher concentrations of both the particulate fractions than the AQ (residential area with low traffic). The average concentrations of Fe, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd in PM10 were 219.4, 40.6, 35.1, 27.3, 22.2 and 16.2 ng/m³ and that in PM2.5 were 54.3, 33.9, 38.5, 29.4, 8.4, and 1.17 ng/m³ respectively Regression analysis revealed that correlation of metals with PM2.5 was stronger than PM. The ratio of metals adsorbed on surface of particles (PM2.5:PM10) reveals that PM2.5 has more affinity for Ni, Cu and Pb and PM10 for Cd, Fe and Cr. Health risk due to carcinogenic metals bound to respirable particulates was predicted by estimating excess cancer risk (ECR). The highest ECR value was estimated for Cr, 266.70 × 10⁻6, which was associated with PM10 and 100.92 × 10⁻6 which was associated with PM2.5, whereas lead has the lowest ECR value. Amongst PAHs, benzo(a)pyrene (51.96 ± 19.71 ng/m) was maximum in PM10 samples. Maximum concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, metals and PAHs were detected during winter, and the lowest was during monsoon. The higher prevalence of diseases among the population may be due to high concentration of particulates coated with toxic metals and PAHs present in air environment.

Accumulation of metals in selected macrophytes grown in mixture of drain water and tannery effluent and their phytoremediation potential.

Phytoremediation is an emerging, ecofriendly and economically feasible technique for the restoration of heavy metals contaminated environment. In the present investigation, five native macrophytes growing naturally in a drain receiving tannery effluent viz Bacopa monnieri, Eichhornia crassipes, Hydrilla verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica and Marsilea minuta were evaluated for their heavy metal (Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb) accumulation potential in field conditions at Unnao, U.P., India. The results showed that metal accumulation by these macrophytes differed among species and tissue parts. The concentration of Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in the root tissues were estimated in the range 3.38-45.59,1.01-16.85,1.81-4.43 and 1.02-4.24 microg g(-1) d.wt., whereas the corresponding shoot values were 8.79-48.81, 1.01-8.67, 0.84-2.89 and 1.02-2.84 for Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb respectively. Among the studied plants the translocation factor (TF) ranged between 1.07-2.60, 0.75-3.83, 1.44-2.57 and 0.49-3.76 for Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb, respectively. The highest metal TF was found in M. minuta (2.60, 3.83 and 2.57) for Cr, Cu and Ni respectively, whereas Pb was best translocated (3.76) by B. monnieri. Roots and shoots of the studied macrophytes showed a value of greater than 1 for metal enrichment coefficient. Findings suggest that E. crassipes can be used for phytoremediation of Cu and Ni whereas M. minuta and H. verticillata can be applied for the removal of Cr and Pb respectively from the contaminated water bodies.

Application of air pollution dispersion modeling for source-contribution assessment and model performance evaluation at integrated industrial estate-Pantnagar.

Source-contribution assessment of ambient NO2 concentration was performed at Pantnagar, India through simulation of two urban mathematical dispersive models namely Gaussian Finite Line Source Model (GFLSM) and Industrial Source Complex Model (ISCST-3) and model performances were evaluated. Principal approaches were development of comprehensive emission inventory, monitoring of traffic density and regional air quality and conclusively simulation of urban dispersive models. Initially, 18 industries were found responsible for emission of 39.11 kg/h of NO2 through 43 elevated stacks. Further, vehicular emission potential in terms of NO2 was computed as 7.1 kg/h. Air quality monitoring delineates an annual average NO2 concentration of 32.6 µg/m³. Finally, GFLSM and ISCST-3 were simulated in conjunction with developed emission inventories and existing meteorological conditions. Models simulation indicated that contribution of NO2 from industrial and vehicular source was in a range of 45-70% and 9-39%, respectively. Further, statistical analysis revealed satisfactory model performance with an aggregate accuracy of 61.9%.

Accumulation and translocation of heavy metals in soil and plants from fly ash contaminated area.

The present investigation deals with the accumulation of heavy metals in fields contaminated with fly ash from a thermal power plant and subsequent uptake in different parts of naturally grown plants. Results revealed that in the contaminated site, the mean level of all the metals (Cd, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mn and Fe) in soil and different parts (root and shoots) of plant species were found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher than the uncontaminated site. The enrichment factor (EF) of these metals in contaminated soil was found to be in the sequence of Cd (2.33) > Fe (1.88) > Ni (1.58) > Pb (1.42) > Zn (1.31) > Mn (1.27) > Cr (1.11) > Cu (1.10). Whereas, enrichment factor of metals in root and shoot parts, were found to be in the order of Cd (7.56) > Fe (4.75) > Zn (2.79) > Ni (2.22) > Cu (1.69) > Mn (1.53) > Pb (1.31) > Cr (1.02) and Cd (6.06) approximately equal Fe (6.06) > Zn (2.65) > Ni (2.57) > Mn (2.19) > Cu (1.58) > Pb (1.37) > Cr (1.01) respectively. In contaminated site, translocation factor (TF) of metals from root to shoot was found to be in the order of Mn (1.38) > Fe (1.27) > Pb (1.03) > Ni (0.94) > Zn (0.85) > Cd (0.82) > Cr (0.73) and that of the metals Cd with Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe; Cr with Pb, Mn, Fe and Pb with Fe were found to be significantly correlated. The present findings provide us a clue for the selection of plant species, which show natural resistance against toxic metals and are efficient metal accumulators.

Assessment of urban air pollution and it's probable health impact.

The present study deals with the quantitative effect of vehicular emission on ambient air quality during May 2006 in urban area of Lucknow city. In this study SPM, RSPM, SO2, NOx and 7 trace metals associated with RSPM were estimated at 10 representative locations in urban area and one village area for control. Beside this, air quality index (AQI), health effects of different metals and mortality were assessed. The 24 hr average concentration of SPM, RSPM, SO2 and NOx was found to be 382.3, 171.5, 24.3 and 33.8 microg m(-3) respectively in urban area and these concentrations were found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher by 94.8, 134.8, 107.4 and 129.6% than control site respectively The 24 hr mean of SPM and RSPM at each location of urban area were found to be higher than prescribed limit of National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) except SPM for industrial area. The 24 hr mean concentration of metals associated with RSPM was found to be higher than the control site by 52.3, 271.8, 408.9, 75.81, 62.7, 487.54 and 189.5% for Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn and Cr respectively. The inter correlation of metals Pb with Mn, Fe and Cr; Zn with Ni and Cr; Ni with Cr; Mn with Fe and Cu with Cr showed significant positive relation either at p < 0.05 or p < 0.01 level. Metals Pb, Mn and Cr (p < 0.01) and Cu (p < 0.05) showed significant positive correlation with RSPM. These results indicate that ambient air quality in the urban area is affected adversely due to emission and accumulation of SPM, RSPM, SO2, NOx and trace metals. These pollutants may pose detrimental effect on human health, as exposure of these are associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, neurological impairments, increased risk of preterm birth and even mortality and morbidity.

Fine particles (PM2.5) in ambient air of Lucknow city due to fireworks on Diwali festival.

People burn crackers world over on different occasions in different countries to express their happiness. Fireworks in large amounts aggravate the level of air pollutants and cause significant short-term air quality degradation with possible impact on human health. Fine particles (PM2.5 < or = 2.5 microm), which may pose detrimental effects on human health and ecosystems were monitored in a residential area of Lucknow city to assess the elevated level due to bursting of firecrackers during Diwali festival. The 24 hr mean PM2.5 of normal day, pre Diwali day, Diwali day and post Diwali day was found to be 124, 154, 352 and 174 microg m(-3) respectively and much above the US-EPA limit (65 microg m(-3)). The 12 hr mean concentration of PM2.5 on Diwali night (591 microg m(-3)) increased 3.9 fold than the respective night of normal day (159 microg m(-3)) and was significantly higher (p<0.01) than normal day and pre and post Diwali night. Mean comparison showed that Diwali day was significantly (p<0.01) different from others (except post Diwali day) and for this high accumulation during night time, after fireworks (suspension) was found to be more responsible than the period of lighting of crackers (formation). This study indicated that there is high accumulation of PM2.5 generated due to fireworks on Diwali festival which remains suspended in the air for up to 20 hr During this period, extra mass burden of 289 microg m(-3) equivalent to 1.9 normal day (of this study) was imposed in the environment. The short-term high accumulation of PM2.5 is a matter of serious concern for city dwellers as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause many respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Metals concentration associated with respirable particulate matter (PM10) in industrial area of Eastern U.P. India.

The present study deals with the assessment of ambient air quality with respect to respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM or PM10 < or = 10 microm) and trace metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr Ni, Cd, Mn and Pb) concentrations in RSPM at five locations of Renukoot, an industrial area of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The 24 hr mean concentrations of PM10 ranged between 69.3 to 118.9 microg m(-3), which is well within the permissible limit (150 microg m(-3)) of national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) but found higher than the prescribed annual daily limit of US EPA (50 microg m(-3)). The ambient air was mostly dominated by the Fe and least by the Cd among the metal analysed. Murdhawa, a commercial place influenced by vehicular population, is found to be the most polluted area of Renukoot and Dongia nalla (forest area) the least. The ambient air of Murdhawa is rich in Cu and Ni, indicating contribution of mobile sources. The Rammandir a residential place near the industry, is rich in Cd and Cr suggesting contribution of point sources. The Ni concentration is found to be alarmingly high in the air at all the locations except Dongia nallah, when compared with the EC (European Commission) limit (20 ng m(-3)). The Cd concentration is found to be higher only at Rammandir as compared with the EC limit (5 ng m(-3)). Mean concentrations of Zn, Pb and Mn are found to be almost equal in the ambient air of all the locations, suggesting the significance of sources contributing to presence of these metals. Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni having a significant correlation with PM10 indicate the same source contributing these metals as well as PM10. The present study has focused on the quantitative variation in different metals in the PM10, which is extremely harmful due to their toxic and carcinogenic nature.

Ambient air quality of Lucknow City (India) during use of fireworks on Diwali Festival.

The present study deals with the effect of fireworks on ambient air quality during Diwali Festival in Lucknow City. In this study, PM(10), SO(2), NO( x ) and 10 trace metals associated with PM(10) were estimated at four representative locations, during day and night times for Pre Diwali (day before Diwali) and Diwali day. On Diwali day 24 h average concentration of PM(10), SO(2), and NO( x ) was found to be 753.3, 139.1, and 107.3 mug m(-3), respectively, and these concentrations were found to be higher at 2.49 and 5.67 times for PM(10), 1.95 and 6.59 times for SO(2) and 1.79 and 2.69 for NO( x ), when compared with the respective concentration of Pre Diwali and normal day, respectively. On Diwali day, 24 h values for PM(10), SO(2), and NO( x ) were found to be higher than prescribed limit of National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), and exceptionally high (7.53 times) for PM(10). On Diwali night (12 h) mean level of PM(10), SO(2) and NO( x ) was 1,206.2, 205.4 and 149.0 mug m(-3), respectively, which was 4.02, 2.82 and 2.27 times higher than their respective daytime concentrations and showed strong correlations (p < 0.01) with each other. The 24 h mean concentration of metals associated with PM(10) was found to be in the order of Ca (3,169.44) > Fe (747.23) > Zn (542.62) > Cu (454.03), > Pb (307.54) > Mn (83.90) > Co (78.69) > Cr (42.10) > Ni (41.47) > Cd (34.69) in ng m(-3) and all these values were found to be higher than the Pre Diwali (except Fe) and normal day. The metal concentrations on Diwali day were found to be significantly different than normal day (except Fe & Cu). The concentrations of Co, Ni, Cr and Cd on Diwali night were found to be significantly higher than daytime concentrations for Pre Diwali (control). The inter correlation of metals between Ca with Pb, Zn with Ni and Cr, Cu with Co, Co with Mn, Ni with Cd, Mn with Cd, Ni with Cd and Cr, and Cr with Cd showed significant relation either at p < 0.05 or P < 0.01 levels, which indicated that their sources were the same. The metals Cu, Co, Ni, Cr and Cd showed significant (p < 0.01) association with PM(10). These results indicate that fireworks during Diwali festival affected the ambient air quality adversely due to emission and accumulation of PM(10), SO(2), NO( x ) and trace metals.

Profile of noise pollution in Lucknow city and its impact on environment.

Automobiles, construction, festivals, factories, stations, diesel shades, garages and workshops are sources of noise. Vehicles are increasing enormously beyond the carrying capacity of the road. Study was carried out at 12 locations with sound level meter to assess day time and night time noise levels of Lucknow city. In residential areas, noise ranged between 67.7 to 78.9 and 52.9 to 56.4; in commercial cum traffic areas 74.8 to 84.2 and 68.2 to 74.9 and in industrial areas 76.9-77.2 and 72.2-73.1 dB(A) during day and night time respectively. Values were higher than their prescribed standards which may pose a significant impact on quality of life.

Environmental impact of noise levels in and around opencast bauxite mine.

Until recently, noise pollution has not been paid adequate attention as air, water and land pollution. In order to assess (predict) the impact of bauxite mine noise on employees health and in and around bauxite mine environment, general noise sources and equipment noise were monitored. All these noise sources were compared with prescribed standard noise levels laid down by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Data has also been compared with reference site, north block hill top which is barren and virgin plateau/top covered with grass only and free from human interference. Equipment noise levels were much higher than the other zone of the mine which does not have the corresponding standards. Rock breaker recorded the highest noise level with 73.1 +/- 14.2 to 89.5 +/- 10.1 dB (A) while from ripper dozer it was least with 61.0 +/- 17.3 to 76.2 +/- 6.2 dB (A). Meteorological parameters did not have much influence upon equipment noise up to 100 feet from the source.

Assessment of industrial effluent and its impact on soil and plants.

The present study deals with the assessment of industrial water of an electronic component manufacturing unit with electroplating and its subsequent effects on soil and plants receiving the effluent. The physico-chemical parameters of the effluent samples showed higher value than that of ground water. The treated effluent was within the permissible limit. Microtox test was conducted and determined the degree of toxicity of untreated, treated effluents as well as the water sample collected at effluent discharge point of receiving river (confluence point). The physico- mechanical parameters of the soil samples were not changed due to irrigation of the treated effluent, but the concentration of metals were comparatively higher than the control soil. Higher accumulation of metals was found in the plant parts in naturally growing weeds and cultivated crop plant irrigated with treated effluent. Elevated accumulation of metals in Eichhornia crassipes and Marsilea sp. growing along the effluent channel has been identified as a potential source of biomonitoring of metals particularly for Cu and Ca and can be utilised for the removal of heavy metal from wastewater.