查看更多>>摘要：Noise levels and traffic flow were recorded simultaneously during the day at 19 locations along the four major arterial roads of the Kurukshetra city in India. The L_(eq,2h) analysis revealed a cyclic pattern with noise crests and troughs over 24 hr, thus identifying the peak and lean noise periods. The day-time and night-time noise levels (L_D and L_N), as well as day-night and day-evening-night average noise levels (L_(DN) and L_(DEN)) exceeded the permissible levels as per Indian and/or WHO guidelines at most of the sites. The noise pollution level (NP) and traffic noise index (TNI) for the day exceeded the permissible limits of 88 dB(A) and 74 dB(A), respectively at all sites. The highly annoyed (HA) persons due to road traffic noise was in the range of 23.40-62.34%. Passenger car unit (PCU)/hr exhibited a very strong correlation with L_(eq,24h), L_(DN) and L_(DEN). The proposed mathematical models revealed a strong logarithmic relationship between them (R~2 = 0.8774 to 0.9309; ε= -00003 to -0.0005; RMSE = 1.07 to 3.92; r = 0.94 to 0.96). Thus, it shows the potential of PCU/hr in predicting standard noise level indices and highly annoyed persons in the case of urban arterial road traffic. The study revealed that high noise levels due to traffic congestion and lack of traffic management in the city have the potential to cause adverse health effects to exposed persons.
查看更多>>摘要：In this modern era, rapid urbanization results in changes in landuse and land cover (LULC) patterns that have a significant impact on urban ecosystems and the loss of native diversity.This study aims to investigate the spatio-temporal variability in the quality of the urban ecosystem of Rourkela city over a decade. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to prepare urban ecosystem impact index (UEII) maps (2011 and 2021) by assigning the weights of various environmental parameters, namely air quality index (AQI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference building index (NDBI), normalized difference water index (NDWI) and land surface temperature (LST). The result revealed that the quality of the ecosystem in Rourkela, especially in the northwestern (Kuarmunda region) and south-western (Kalunga region) parts of the city, has been deteriorating rapidly over the last decade. From 2011 to 2021, more than 5%, 6% and 2.5% of the area of least, low and moderate ecosystem impact zones decreased, respectively and on the other hand, almost 15% of the area of high ecosystem impact zone increased in Rourkela. Such conversion is the result of the large size alteration of open land (13%) and agricultural land (5%) into built-up areas (17%) because of rapid urbanization and industrial growth in Rourkela. The study's findings may be helpful for policy and decision-makers in regard to ecosystem impact assessment, natural resource management in the area and sustainable development of urban areas. Furthermore, the result of this study will help to determine the degree of impact on the ecosystem due to growing anthropogenic activities.
查看更多>>摘要：Heavy metal pollution poses a significant threat to both the environment and living organisms. The release of heavy metals is a crucial indicator of environmental change, impacting ecosystems, agricultural productivity and human health. Industries, such as tanneries and mining are major contributors to this pollution. Chromium contamination, particularly from Cr (Ⅵ) used in industrial processes, like leather tanning, is extremely hazardous due to its toxicity and persistence in soil and water. Phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly method that uses plants to naturally uptake, accumulate and detoxify contaminants from the environment. This study aimed to assess the accumulation of chromium in soils and plants exposed to both simulated and industrial wastewater. It analyzed various parameters, including industrial wastewater characteristics, morphological characteristics of plants, seed germination percentage, soil pH, plant growth and accumulation of Cr in Helianthus annuus and Gossypium herbaceum. Over a 45 day period, chromium concentrations in soil and plants were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Helianthus annuus accumulated more chromium in its tissues compared to Gossypium herbaceum. Both Helianthus annuus and Gossypium herbaceum demonstrated significant potential as phyto-remediators. This study highlights the feasibility of using Helianthus annuus and Gossypium herbaceum for phytoremediation in chromium-contaminated soils, offering a sustainable approach to mitigating industrial pollution.
查看更多>>摘要：This article looks into the contribution of the power industry to the distribution of CO_2 emissions in India, a concern in climate change conversations. The sectorwise analysis from the year 1970 to 2022 reflects that the emissions of the power industry have enhanced from 15.4 to 46% in total samples of PSY and total samples of SCI, respectively. 6% due to the growing use of electricity in the transportation sector, agricultural consumers, domestic consumers, industries and commercial and others. The phenomenon of backward linkages describes their relation to the electricity industry that, in effect, bolsters the emission levels. A speedy transition to electric personal vehicles and making Indian Railways electric has reduced emissions in their respective fields while, at the same time, rising electricity demand has been fulfilled with thermal power generation, primarily through coal, thereby increasing CO_2 emission. The backward linkage method helps regulatory bodies to measure scope 2 more effectively. In line with the recommendations given in the article, there is still the requirement for an increased and more comprehensive policy agenda that includes promoting both renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as supporting sustainable practices to a greater extent.
查看更多>>摘要：Urban sprawl, commercial activities, vehicular pollution and traffic congestion are the major reasons leading to air pollution. The consequences of air pollution by vehicular exhausts are responsible for spirometric impairments. The purpose of this study is to assess and compare the lung function test, restrictive and airway obstructive defects and respiratory and other health symptoms between roadside workers and healthy individuals. Spirometry parameters were assessed to evaluate the respiratory impairments of both groups. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) respirator medical evaluation questionnaire and automated Medispiror spirometer were used to assess the heath-related symptoms and lung function parameters. The statistical analysis was performed with MINITAB version 17. Two sampled t-tests were used to compare the significant differences at p< 0.05 in pulmonary parameters. Binary logistic regression was used for modelling the chance of being exposed to air pollution using the factors of age and pulmonary parameters. It was seen that the control unexposed group, contrary to the exposed group, had higher mean percentage observed values for forced vital capacity (FVC) (82.53% vs 71.85%), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV_1) (98.15% vs 85.61 %), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (82.21 % vs 71.75%), forced expiratory flow (FEF_(25-75)) (122.6% vs 121.06%). Most of the exposed group respondents reported respiratory symptoms, like frequent coughing (49%), shortness of breath (30%), wheezing (36%) and chest pain (42%). This study reveals that vehicular pollution is one of the reasons for respiratory impairment.
查看更多>>摘要：This developmental research focuses on the creation and efficacy evaluation of a prototype for a household electricity generator utilizing heat energy. Employing a research and development (R and D) methodology, the study follows a prototype development model structured into four main stages: needs analysis, prototype construction, installation and testing and evaluation. The core of the study is to determine the system functionality, achieving a functionality score of F= 1. The prototype's primary components include solar cells and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) module. The TEG was tested using four different heat sources for 1 hr, yielding an average electrical output of 0.172 W at an efficiency of 4.25%. Solar cell testing was conducted under sunlight for 6 hr, producing an average output of 1.3 W at an efficiency of 25%. Combined testing of the TEG and solar cells over 4 hr resulted in an average output of 1.4 W at the same efficiency rate. Battery charging and discharging tests were conducted, with the charging process using TEG and solar panels lasting 37.4 hr and discharging taking 1.8 hr. The study recommends utilizing a TEG of type HZ-14 and solar cells of type 100 WP, accompanied by a specialized solar panel accumulator, for optimal performance. These modifications are suggested to enhance the electrical output and efficiency while minimizing battery charging time. This research contributes to the growing field of sustainable energy solutions by demonstrating the practical applications and effectiveness of combining thermoelectric and solar technologies in small-scale energy generation.
查看更多>>摘要：This study aims to develop spatial variability maps of groundwater quality parameters within the municipal ward boundary of Jabalpur city and estimates the water quality index (WQI) for the various sources in the city. The spatial variability of groundwater quality is critical for effective water resource management and sustainable development. With the aid of geographical information system (GIS) mapping and analysis methodologies, this research article examines the spatial distribution and variability of groundwater quality in Jabalpur city. For the study, water samples from various landuse types and hydrogeological conditions within the city were collected at different times. The concentrations of significant ions and pollutants were examined in addition to physico-chemical characteristics, like pH, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids. The characteristics of groundwater quality were spatially visualized using GIS software to produce themed maps throughout the research region. A range of interpolation methods, including inverse distance weighting and kriging, were used to produce continuous surfaces that approximated the distribution patterns of groundwater quality measures. In addition, this study also focuses on the measurement of the WQI for the study area and it was also important to create a thematic map of WQI distribution. The WQI map reveals the water quality status of the city and it also shows that there is a lot of variation in the distribution pattern of WQI throughout the city. This study can help the authorities in policy-making for groundwater usage and the cleanliness programme of the city.
查看更多>>摘要：This work represents the water quality assessment of surface and groundwater sources of the Bhopal city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The sixteen physico-chemical parameters have been checked on a monthly basis for 10 months in accordance with APHA (2017). The water was collected from the tubewells and reservoirs located in Bhopal. The nine water samples were tested monthly, including four surface water and five groundwater samples. The findings were subjected to a water quality index study and mathematical modelling was used to draw conclusions. The physico-chemical data was also investigated for the Gibbs and Piper plot and it was inferred that both water sources belong to rock dominance with NaHCO_3 hydrochemical facies. The high iron (Fe) content of the groundwater site, Kolua Khurd (3.33 mg/L), exceeded the permissible limit (1.0 mg/L) given by the World Health Organization (WHO). The chemical oxygen demand (COD) value (53.85 mg/L) for the upper lake indicated contamination of the principal drinking water source due to highly oxidizable inorganic pollutants from the city. The water quality index (WQI) values (189.11 > 180.82 > 178.89 > 159.4) for surface water sites, namely SW3, SW1, SW4 and SW2, respectively, suggested that the quality of water is deteriorating here. The WQI values (241.74> 175.39 > 141.93>141.15>132.09) for groundwater sites, such as GW4, GW3, GW5, GW1 and GW2, are informed that water is poor and of low quality. The other parameters ensure the safe drinking parameters of water. The results showed that the water sources in Bhopal are getting unsuitable and polluted for drinking purposes. They should be chemically treated for future needs.
查看更多>>摘要：The influence of chemical stress on the photosynthetic apparatus of agricultural plants has been studied. A decrease in the concentrations of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids in agricultural plants growing in close proximity to the highway has been established. Chemical stress can be reduced by using blended fuels for internal combustion engines. It has been shown that the use of the mixture of mineral and biodiesel fuel in a volume ratio of 4:1 improves the environmental performance of a tractor engine. A method for the express test of the presence of biodiesel fuel (from 2% and above) in a mixture with petroleum diesel fuel using thin-layer chromatography has been developed.
查看更多>>摘要：India's population is on the rise and by 2050, it will be required to feed 1.6 billion people. Alongwith this, there is a constant decline in the cultivable land. Hence, there is an added burden of improving its agricultural productivity. The application of agrochemicals, like pesticides and fertilizers to boost agricultural productivity has been causing damage to the environment. Its use and overuse cause problems, including pollution and in turn, harm to mankind and animals. There is an urgent need to find alternatives to these agrochemicals. Various policies need to be implemented at the national and global levels to continue the agricultural output without causing harm to the environment. This article addresses the issue. A comparative analysis of the production and use of pesticides and fertilizers is provided. Suggestions for improving agricultural productivity without causing harm to the environment have been highlighted and alternatives to conventional agrochemicals have been proposed.
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