Do emissions from thermal power plants affect crop productivity? A study from the vicinity of Bellary Thermal Power Station, Karnataka, India.

In the present study, ambient air quality was monitored during July to November 2013 in the vicinity of Bellary Thermal Power Station (BTPS), Karnataka to assess the impact of pollutants emitted from power plant on the productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). Atmospheric pollutant load were measured in five different villages at varying distances and directions from thermal power plant, with the village farthest away from BTPS (Yelubenchi) as control. Maize yield was also estimated in these locations and correlated to the pollutant concentrations. It was found that, both particulate matter and SO2 which are indicators of emissions from coal-fueled power plants were highest in Thimmalapur village located in the predominant down wind direction. A significant reduction in maize yield was noticed (8197 to 6509 kg ha-1 for seed and 14041 to 9933 kg ha-1 for stover) across the gradient in distance and direction from BTPS which might be influenced by the pollutants emitted. The implications of these observations are further discussed in the paper.

Hemoglobin-stimulated growth and antioxidant activities in cultured cotton cells.

Changes in cellular reactive oxygen scavenging enzymes were assessed in suspension-derived cells of cotton (Gossypium herbaceum) cv. Dhumad following culture with a commercial bovine hemoglobin (Hb) solution (Erythrogen) at 1:100-1:1000 (v:v). Mean (+/- SEM) fresh (f.wt.) and dry weights (d.wt.) of cells after 25 d of culture were significantly (p <.05) greater in medium supplemented with 1:750 and 1:1000 (v:v) Erythrogen, compared to controls lacking Erythrogen. For example, with 1:750 (v:v) Erythrogen, mean cell f.wt. and d.wt. were increased by 45 and 31%, respectively. Total soluble cellular protein increased by 141, 176, and 191% with Erythrogen at 1:50, 1:750, and 1:1000 (v:v), respectively. Cellular catalase and glutathione reductase activities decreased significantly (p <.05) following addition of low concentrations (1:1000 and 1:750 v:v) of Erythrogen to culture medium. However, increasing the concentration of Erythrogen to a maximum of 1:100 (v:v), caused a concomitant increase in catalase to a maximum of 62% over control. Mean total superoxide dismutase activity increased linearly with increasing Erythrogen concentration, reaching a maximum mean value over 2-fold greater than control with 1:100 (v:v) Erythrogen. A similar trend was observed in cellular H2O2 content, which reached a maximum of 98% over control with 1:250 (v:v) Erythrogen. These results demonstrate that culture of cotton cells with Hb solution causes changes in cellular oxygenation sufficient to modify cellular antioxidant status.