Stabilization of tannery sludge amended soil using Ricinus communis,Brassica juncea and Nerium oleander

Purpose

Characterization of tannery sludge (TS) for its plausible use in amelioration and phytoremediation of heavy metal rich TS treated soil by growing economically important plants (Ricinus communis, Brassica juncea and Nerium oleander).

Materials and methods

Treatments were prepared by amalgamation of TS (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100 %) with garden soil (GS). All treatments were analysed for chemical properties, total and DTPA (Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) extractable heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cu, and Mn). Seed germination experiment was conducted; unvarying saplings were selected and planted in concerned pots and allowed to grow for 90 days in green house. At harvest, plant samples were washed with distilled water and used for determination of growth parameters (biomass of root, shoot and total biomass on dry weight basis) and metal accumulation in different parts of the plant. Translocation factor (TF) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) have been calculated to check the phytostabilization capability of studied plants.

Results and discussion

Application of TS in fixed quantity as an amendment resulted in significant improvements of GS characteristics (alkaline pH with high electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available NPK and heavy metals) and in treatments. DTPA extractable heavy metal concentrations were found very low and total heavy metal concentrations were also found under allowable range in control and treated soil (T-I to T-VI). The maximum seed germination percentage, plant growth, biomass production for all plant species were observed in T-III treatment (20 % TS + 80 % GS) with majority of the metal accumulation in underground part (BCF >1) and meagre translocation in aerial part (TF <1). From T-IV to T-VII treatment, accumulation of heavy metals in plant parts has generally increased; however, biomass has been tremendously decreased.

Conclusions

TS was found rich in NPK content with significant concentration of heavy metals. Pot growth experiment suggested amelioration of GS with specific quantity of 20 % TS can tremendously enhance the plant growth, help in the utilization of TS and can act as a substitute of synthetic fertilizer. Majority of the metals was accumulated in root part (BCF >1) and meagre translocation (TF <1) in aerial part, concludes R. communis and B. juncea could be suitable plant species to be grown in heavy metal rich TS treated soil, vis-à-vis for phytostabilization of heavy metals. In addition, these oil yielding and medicinal plants can also be used for phytoremediation of moderately contaminated tannery soils.

     

Screening of alternative products for integrated pest management of cucurbit powdery mildew in Sweden

Cucurbit powdery mildew (CPM) is one of the most important plant protection problems in Swedish cucumber production. CPM fungi have developed resistance to the commonly used fungicide (Imazalil) rendering its current use less effective. We therefore screened a selection of alternative products, evaluating their ability to control CPM in seven small-scale, semi-commercial, greenhouse experiments. Products were screened for their ability to suppress CPM on a susceptible cultivar, in 2013. In 2015, the best treatments were tested in different combinations, in different intervals on a susceptible and a partially resistant cultivar. The treatment that gave the best CPM control was Sakalia in combination with wetting agent Yuccah, (based on Reynoutria sachaliensis and Yucca schidigera respectively) applied at 7-day intervals. This treatment was highly efficient on both cucumber cultivars. Sakalia mixed with Yuccah applied at 14-day intervals had an almost equally controlling effect on CPM. The microbial pesticides, Polyversum (Pythium oligandrum) and AQ10 (Ampelomyces quiscalis) and the fungicide Imazalil, provided no to poor control of CPM compared to control treatments. Hortistar (Silicon) partially reduced CPM infections and was more efficient on the partially resistant cultivar. We conclude that Sakalia in combination with wetting agent Yuccah could efficiently control the disease even under the severe conditions caused by artificial inoculation. Further testing of this combination in commercial greenhouses will enable evaluation of the potential effects on yield and beneficial or pest insects. The knowledge gained from this study can be used to develop IPM tools for commercial production systems.     

A Comparison of Trace Gases and Particulate Matter over Beijing (China) and Delhi (India)

Air pollution represents a significant fraction of the total mortality estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) global burden of disease projec?t (GBD). The present paper discusses the characteristics of trace gases (O₃, NO, NO₂, and CO) and particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) in two Asian megacities, Delhi (India) and Beijing (China). A continuous measurement of trace gases and particulate matter are considered from 12 measuring sites in Beijing and 8 sites in Delhi. Over Beijing, the annual average of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, O₃, NO₂, and CO is, respectively, 85.3, 112.8, 58.7, and 53.4 μg/m³ and 1.4 mg/m³, and, respectively, over Delhi 146.5, 264.3, 24.7,and 19.8 μg/m³ and 1.73 mg/m³. From the spatial variations of pollutants, the concentrations of particulate matter and trace gases are observed to be much higher in the urban areas compared to the suburban areas. The higher average concentrations of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 over Delhi and Beijing are observed during winter season compared with other seasons. The maximum diurnal variation of PM₁₀ concentration is observed during winter season over Beijing and Delhi. The comparison of trace gases shows that the O₃ concentrations during daytime are obviously higher compared with nighttime, and the highest diurnal variation of O₃ is observed during summer. The concentrations of CO are highest during winter season, and higher concentrations are observed during nighttime compared to daytime. The O₃ and CO show negative correlation over Beijing and Delhi. The negative correlation between O₃ and NO₂ is merely observed over Beijing, while CO and NO₂ concentrations, in contrast, show positive correlation over Beijing.     

Pharmacokinetic Disposition of Subcutaneously Administered Enrofloxacin in Goats

The pharmacokinetic disposition of enrofloxacin was studied in goats after subcutaneous (s.c.) administration at a single dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were drawn from a jugular vein into heparinized tubes at predetermined time intervals after administration of the drug and the plasma was separated by centrifugation. The concentrations of enrofloxacin in the plasma were determined by a microbiological assay using Escherichia coli as the test organism. The plasma concentration–time data were analysed by non-compartmental methods. Enrofloxacin was rapidly absorbed, an appreciable concentration of the drug (0.30±0.13 g/ml) being present in the plasma by 5 min after s.c. administration. The maximum plasma concentration of enrofloxacin and the time to reach that maximum were 2.91±0.39 g/ml and 2.9±0.51 h, respectively. A detectable concentration of enrofloxacin persisted in the plasma for 12 h. The elimination half-life and mean residence time of enrofloxacin were 2.84±0.57 and 5.74±0.28 h, respectively. It is suggested that enrofloxacin given subcutaneously may be useful in the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections in goats.