Ambient levels of volatile organic compounds in the vicinity of petrochemical industrial area of Yokohama, Japan

Urban ambient air concentrations of 39 aromatic (including benzene, toluene, and xylenes) and aliphatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured in Yokohama city, Japan. Yokohama city was selected as a case study to assess the amount of VOC released from Industrial area to characterize the ambient air quality with respect to VOC as well as to know the impact of petrochemical storage facilities on local air quality. For this purpose, ambient air samples were collected (from June 2007 to November 2008) at six selected locations which are designated as industrial, residential, or commercial areas. To find out the diurnal variations of VOC, hourly nighttime sampling was carried out for three nights at one of the industrial locations (Shiohama). Samples were analyzed using gas chromatographic system (GC-FID). Results show strong variation between day and nighttime concentrations and among the seasons. Aliphatic fractions were most abundant, suggesting petrochemical storage facilities as the major source of atmospheric hydrocarbons. High concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) were observed at industrial locations. BTEX showed strong diurnal variation which is attributed to change in meteorology. During our campaign, low ambient VOC concentrations were observed at the residential site

ACUTE TOXICITY OF PESTICIDES IN THE FRESH WATER FISH BARBUS STIGMA : HISTOPATHOLOGY OF THE STOMACH

Toxicity tests of Endosulfan, Malathion and Sevin were carried out using fish, B. Stigma, exposed for 96 h. Histopathological changes in the stomach were studied. Several changes were found in the texture of the digestive tract, epithelial cells and mucosal layer; atrophy of the mucosa was present. Endosulfan induced more changes than Malathion. It may be noted that rupture of the cells and deformation in texture of the tissue may affect the functional activity of the digestive enzymes. This may interfere with the digestion, resulting in reduced appetite and growth rate

Incidence of Helminthic infection in Axis Deer

The parasitic investigation was carried out in 200 Axis deer of scrub forest of Borgaon Manju in Western Vidarbha region of Maharashtra and revealed the presence of Strogylides sp., Strogyle sp.,Trichostrogylus sp, Trichuris sp., Oesophagosomum sp. Total 89.05% animal were positive for parasites representing Strogyloides(31.50%),Strogyles sp(20.00%),Haemonchus sp.(13.80%), Trichostrongylus(11.50%), Trichuris (8.50%), and Bunostomum sp.(4.00%). The incidence was highest in winter season followed by rainy season. [Vet World 2008; 1(1.000): 10-10

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Cattle of Western Vidarbha Region

Total 350 fecal samples of cattle from representative area of Western vidarbha region around Akola was collected and examined for incidence of gastrointestinal helminth infestation. Out of total 232, positive sample 62.29% had single and 6.00% had mixed infection of Haemonchus and Trichris spp. Seasonal prevalence revealed higher in rainy season and lower in winter. Stogylus sp. was the predominant helminth infection in all the season. The nematodes infection were higher followed by cestodes and trmatodes. [Veterinary World 2008; 1(2.000): 45-45