Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

Subroto Dutta ¹, Firoz Khan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Science, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, IN

Abstract

Lead is a naturally-occurring element that can be harmful to humans when ingested or inhaled. The determination of lead in blood serum and urine is a very important clinical investigation procedure. The aim of this investigation was to determine the concentration of lead (Pb) in blood serum and urine samples of silver jewellery workers (SJW), because of their exposure to lead fumes and lead oxide dust during their routine activities of silver jewellery processing affecting many systems in their body. The relationship between serum lead levels and urinary lead levels with health effects were also assessed in a cross sectional study of the SJW group of Ajmer city. Blood and urine samples were collected from 40 SJW. Lead concentration in the samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results indicate that the level of serum lead concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 142.65 μg/dl and the urinary lead level concentrations ranging from 0.66 to 134.98 μg/dl. The prominent findings among the lead exposed SJW group were impaired concentration, encephalopathy, fatigue, abdominal colic, spontaneous abortion, abnormal sperm, anaemia, kidney failure, etc. Such results might point that lead exposure increases the serum and urinary lead levels of SJW group. Lead poisoning affects multiple organ systems and can cause permanent damage.

Keywords

Lead, Silver Jewellery Worker, Blood Serum, Urinary Lead Levels.

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Subroto Dutta ¹, Abha Sisodia ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Science, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer-305001, Rajasthan, IN

Abstract

Environmental pollution by heavy metals from automobiles has attained much attention in the recent past. The present research was conducted to study Pb and Cd level concentrations in soil along a major highway with high traffic density. Soil samples along highway were collected from 10 sites on the National Highway -8 between Kishangarh Toll to Bagru Toll in Ajmer and analysed for two heavy metals (lead and cadmium) using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Physicochemical factors, believed to affect the mobility of metals in the soil of the study area, were examined such as pH, TOM, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, etc. The general decrease in concentrations of these metals with distance from the highway indicates their relation to traffic. Higher accumulations of metals have been observed in soil samples near to the highway (0-5 m) than in soil samples from sites a little farther away (5-10 m, 10-15 m). This is attributed mainly to aerial deposition of the metal particulates from motor vehicles. The values of heavy metals were compared with the results found by other investigators in various countries worldwide.

Keywords

Heavy Metals, Highways Traffic Density, Organic Carbon, Roadside Soil.

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Subroto Dutta ¹, Manoj K. Meena ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Studies, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer-305 009, Rajasthan, IN

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the heavy metal concentration in the wastewater used in irrigation for vegetable production. Seven heavy metals viz., Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr and Fe were targeted for the present investigation. Ten sampling sites were selected on thebasis of mass vegetable production.The results showed that the average level of Zn, Cu and Ni (3.78, 0.015 and 0.006 mg/L respectively) were within the permissible limit at all the sampling sites. Chromium was below the detectable limit and the concentration of Fe, Cd and Pb (1.004, 0.042 and 0.239 mg/L respectively) were found above the prescribed limit at all the sampling sites.

Keywords

Wastewater Irrigation, Heavy Metals, Vegetables.

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Subroto Dutta ¹, Rashmi Pradhan ¹, Manoj Kumar Meena ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Studies, M.D.S. University, Ajmer-305 009, Rajasthan, IN

Abstract

Heavy metals are widely distributed in the earth's crust, atmosphere, seawater and freshwaters as a result of soil erosion, release of industrial effluents and agricultural practices, etc. Industrial effluents may be considered as one of the major sources of heavy metal pollution. The contamination of groundwater and soil has received great significance during recent years due to the toxicity and accumulation behaviour, which may have an adverse effect on ecosystems and human health. Present study involves analysis of heavy metals and other physicochemical parameters like pH, EC, colour and COD in effluent discharged from Loco and CarriageWorkshops, Ajmer. Effluent samples were collected monthly in the year 2007. The study indicates slightly acidic nature of the effluent. Colour of all the effluent samples was black. Oil and grease and COD in all the samples were found higher than the prescribed limits of WHO. Cu and Zn content of all the samples werewithin the prescribed limits, whereas Cd, Fe and Pb were higher than the prescribed limits.

Keywords

Heavy Metals, Industrial Effluent, Loco & Carriage Workshop, Human Health.

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Ambika Sharma ¹, Subroto Dutta ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Studies, M. D. S. University, Ajmer-305 009, Rajasthan, IN

Abstract

Water chemistry provides precious parameters to evaluate the environmental impact assessment of irrigation projects. The Panchana Dam is situated 12 km north to Karauli in the eastern part of Rajasthan. Panchana Dam site falls under the eastern gravelly/ rocky plateau with outliers of Aravallis, and the total catchment area is about 621.60 sq. km and the command area is about 10606 ha. The climate of Panchana Dam area is almost semi-arid and comparatively milder with distinct winter, summer and rainy seasons. The summer season is from the middle of March to June, being extreme in the month of June. The present study revealed that the water has pH (7.6-8.3), electrical conductivity (260-300 μmhos), total dissolve solids (169-195 mg/L), phosphate (0.121- 1.939 mg/L), total alkalinity (410-650 mg/L), carbonate alkalinity (20-100 mg/L), bicarbonate alkalinity (390-610 mg/L), total hardness (92-128 mg/L), calcium hardness (22.44-33.67 mg/L), magnesium hardness (69.56-90.33 mg/L), chloride (24.14 -28.4 mg/L), and acidity (2.0-4.0 mg/L). Water in Panchana Dam irrigation project (PIP) is influenced by hydrology and related factors, which cause variations in nutrients present in a particular time. PIP as wetland plays an important role to develop the favourable microclimatic conditions for biodiversity as a whole. The physico-chemical analysis of water samples from this area showed that the water is within the safe limits of drinking water quality. Seasonal variations in water quality are due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors of the aquatic system.

Keywords

Panchana Dam, Irrigation Project, Water Quality, Hydrology.

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Subroto Dutta ¹, Pinkey Chowhan ¹, Vinita Gupta ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Environmental Studies, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer-305 009, Rajasthan, IN

Abstract

In this work an attempt has been made to access the groundwater quality in the Masuda Tehsil situated south-west of Ajmer city covering an area of 87,898 hectare and having the population of 1,87,295 in the year 2001. It consists of 147 villages, nearby all facing an acute shortage of water and, thus, creating a tremendous pressure on the fragile water resources due to high population growth and over consumption, finally leading to deterioration of the quality and quantity of water. The present investigation was carried out by collecting the groundwater samples during the pre-monsoon 2006 from 25 different sites in the Masuda Tehsil. The physicochemical parameters which were analysed are pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, total alkalinity, sodium, potassium, fluoride, sulphate and nitrate. The value obtained were compared with standards prescribed by WHO and BIS. The analysis revealed high content of TDS, fluoride, nitrate, bicarbonate, etc. along with high variability, which is a matter of great concern, thus, leading to adverse effects on the people residing in the study area. As it is never late to realize that water is the most critical factor, so we need to take proper remedial measures to maintain its quality and conserve it as we do not have it on any other planet except earth making it the only place where man can survive.

Keywords

Groundwater Quality, Masuda Tehsil, Water Resources, Drinking Water Standards.

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