Bacteriophages as a model for studying carbon regulation in aquatic system

The interconversion of carbon in organic, inorganic and refractory carbon is still beyond the grasp of present environmentalists. The bacteria and their phages, being the most abundant constituents of the aquatic environment, represent an ideal model for studing carbon regulation in the aquatic system. The refractory dissolved organic carbon (DOC), a recently coined terminology from the microbe-driven conversion of bioavailable organic carbon into difficult-to-digest refractory DOC by microbial carbon pump (MCP), is suggested to have the potential to revolutionize our view of carbon sequestration. It is estimated that about 95% of organic carbon is in the form of refractory DOC, which is the largest pool of organic matter in the ocean. The refractory DOC is supposed to be the major factor in the global carbon cycle whose source is not yet well understood. A key element of the carbon cycle is the microbial conversion of dissolved organic carbon into inedible forms. The time studies of phage-host interaction under control conditions reveal their impact on the total carbon content of the source and their interconversion among organic, inorganic and other forms of carbon with respect to control source. The TOC- analysis statistics stipulate an increase in inorganic carbon content by 15-25 percent in the sample with phage as compared to the sample without phage. The results signify a 60-70 fold increase in inorganic carbon content in sample with phage, whereas, 50-55 fold in the case of sample without phages as compared with control. This increase in inorganic carbon content may be due to lysis of the host cell releasing its cellular constituents and utilization of carbon constituent for phage assembly and development. It also proves the role of phages in regulating the carbon flow in aquatic systems like oceans, where their concentration outnumbered other species

The phage-host interaction as a model for studying carbon regulation in aquatic system

This document contains the presentation by Swapnil G Sanmukh et al, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur on “The phage-host interaction as a model for studying carbon regulation in aquatic system” during Second National Research Conference on Climate Change, organized by the Centre for Science and Environment, IIT Delhi and IIT Madras on November 5-6, 2011 at New Delhi

Understanding carbon regulation in aquatic systems - Bacteriophages as a model

The bacteria and their phages are the most abundant constituents of the aquatic environment, and so represent an ideal model for studying carbon regulation in an aquatic system. The microbe-mediated interconversion of bioavailable organic carbon (OC) into dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by the microbial carbon pump (MCP) has been suggested to have the potential to revolutionize our view of carbon sequestration. It is estimated that DOC is the largest pool of organic matter in the ocean and, though a major component of the global carbon cycle, its source is not yet well understood. A key element of the carbon cycle is the microbial conversion of DOC into inedible forms. The primary aim of this study is to understand the phage conversion from organic to inorganic carbon during phage-host interactions. Time studies of phage-host interactions under controlled conditions reveal their impact on the total carbon content of the samples and their interconversion of organic and inorganic carbon compared to control samples. A total organic carbon (TOC) analysis showed an increase in inorganic carbon content by 15-25 percent in samples with bacteria and phage compared to samples with bacteria alone. Compared to control samples, the increase in inorganic carbon content was 60-70-fold in samples with bacteria and phage, and 50-55-fold for samples with bacteria alone. This study indicates the potential impact of phages in regulating the carbon cycle of aquatic systems

Appraisal of Noise Level Dissemination Surrounding Mining and Industrial Areas of Keonjhar, Odisha: a Comprehensive Approach Using Noise Mapping

Noise mapping is a well-established practice among the European nations, and it has been following for almost two decades. Recently, as per guidelines of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), India, noise mapping has made mandatory in the mining expanses. This study is an effort made to map the noise levels in nearby areas of mines in the northern Keonjhar district. The motive of this study is to quantify the existing A-weighted time-average sound level (LAeq,T) in the study area to probe its effects on the human dwellings and noise sensitive areas with the probability of future development of the mines, roads and industrial & commercial zone. The LAeq,T was measured at 39 identified locations, includes industrial, commercial, residential and sensitive zones, 15 open cast mines, 3 major highways and 3 haulage roads. With the utilization of Predictor LimA Software and other GIS tools, the worked out data is mapped and noise contours are developed for the visualization and identification of the extent and distribution of sound levels across the study area. This investigation discloses that the present noise level at 60% of the locations in silence and residential zone are exposed to significantly high noise levels surpasses the prescribed limit of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. The observed day and night time LAeq,T level of both the zone, ranged between 43.2 - 62.2 dB (A) and 30.5 – 53.4 dB (A) respectively whereas, the average Ldn values vary between 32.7 – 51.2 dB (A). The extensive mobility of heavy vehicles adjoining the sensitive areas and a nearby plethora of open cast mines is the leading cause of exceeded noise levels. The study divulges that the delicate establishments like school and hospitals are susceptible to high noise levels throughout the day and night. A correlation between observed and software predicted values gives R2 of 0.605 for Ld; 0.217 for Ln; and 0.524 for Ldn. Finally, the mitigation measure proposed and demonstrated using contour map showing a significant reduction in the noise levels by 0 – 5.3 dB (A)

Recycling and treatment of herbal pharmaceutical wastewater using Scenedesmus quadricuada

Globally, herbal pharmaceutical industries are among the leading pharmaceutical industries. They generate large volume of wastewater during processing and production, which is highly biodegradable in nature and cannot be discharged into environment as such. Hence efforts are being made to evaluate the toxicity of herbal pharmaceutical effluents using green algae Scenedesmus quadricauda. Physico-chemically treated effluents (PCTEs) as well as biologically treated effluents (BTEs) were observed after the application of S. quadricauda. Also, S. quadricauda showed higher growth rate after the addition of PCTE and BTE. The highest yield of algae was observed in BTE up to 15 days of incubation by synthesis of chlorophyll and cell metabolites, even with 10–100% dilution of effluents. The present study also discusses the evaluation of biotoxicity and recycling on herbal pharmaceutical wastewater along with heavy metal remova

Wire arc additive manufacturing : A brief review on advancements in addressing industrial challenges incurred with processing metallic alloys

Whenever there is a need for manufacturing products with higher deposition rates (usually more than 10 kg per hour) with different alloys of primary metal materials such as titanium, nickel, aluminum, steel and other superalloys, wire arc additive manufacturing is often considered the best AM (additive manufacturing) technology from the state of art technologies around practice. This practice usually incorporates usage of wire as a feedstock material with standard tools used for arc welding. The perks associated with higher deposition rates of material, low wastage and higher equipment costs combined with structure intactness makes it an irresistible process to override traditional billeting and forging methods ranging from low to medium complex manufacturing products. Large applications can be seen in existence with the help of this technology such as manufacturing assembly line for automobile sectors, wing ribs in aerospace industry, wind tunnels in hydraulic sector. This paper discusses the usual complexities faced with managing residual stress in manufactured product, also with prime focus on improving mechanical properties as compared to traditional methods while eliminating defects such as porosity and distortions are widely discussed in detail. Finally, the prospects of post machining operations carried over product such as non-destructive testing, in-situ process and monitoring are assessed

A review for advancements in standardization for additive manufacturing

The need for standardization is important for all sectors starting from industrial manufacturers to delivering it to the consumers. The acceptance of AM in all aspects of manufacturing is always subjected to a lack of additive manufacturing standards. This issue is always being addressed by an eminent group of researchers, and scientists and organizations over the last three decades for developing the desired qualified standards in additive manufacturing. However, ASTM) and ISO along with different research groups have been working with high integrity to resolve this aspect to a greater extent across all sectors. The current research signifies the adoption of standards between ASTM and ISO for enforcing it globally by law with the inculcation of common AM standards. This work emphasizes recent development carried by such organizations and projects, depending on pathways laid by the conductance of several workshops with a focus on developing new standards in this field

Understanding carbon regulation in aquatic systems - Bacteriophages as a model [v1; ref status: indexed, http://f1000r.es/4zd]

The bacteria and their phages are the most abundant constituents of the aquatic environment, and so represent an ideal model for studying carbon regulation in an aquatic system. The microbe-mediated interconversion of bioavailable organic carbon (OC) into dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by the microbial carbon pump (MCP) has been suggested to have the potential to revolutionize our view of carbon sequestration. It is estimated that DOC is the largest pool of organic matter in the ocean and, though a major component of the global carbon cycle, its source is not yet well understood. A key element of the carbon cycle is the microbial conversion of DOC into inedible forms. The primary aim of this study is to understand the phage conversion from organic to inorganic carbon during phage-host interactions. Time studies of phage-host interactions under controlled conditions reveal their impact on the total carbon content of the samples and their interconversion of organic and inorganic carbon compared to control samples. A total organic carbon (TOC) analysis showed an increase in inorganic carbon content by 15-25 percent in samples with bacteria and phage compared to samples with bacteria alone. Compared to control samples, the increase in inorganic carbon content was 60-70-fold in samples with bacteria and phage, and 50-55-fold for samples with bacteria alone. This study indicates the potential impact of phages in regulating the carbon cycle of aquatic systems

Realizing modeling and mapping tools to study the upsurge of noise pollution as a result of open-cast mining and transportation activities

Introduction: In open-cast mines, noise pollution has become a serious concern due to the extreme use of heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM). Materials and Methods: This study is focused to measure and assess the effects of the existing noise levels of major operational mines in the Keonjhar, Sundergadh, and Mayurbhanj districts of Odisha, India. The transportation noise levels were also considered in this study, which was predicted using the modified Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) model. Result and Discussion: It was observed that noise induced by HEMM such as rock breakers, jackhammers, dumpers, and excavators, blasting noise in the mining terrain, as well as associated transportation noise became a major source of annoyance to the habitants living in proximity to the mines. The noise produced by mechanized mining operations was observed between 74.3 and 115.2 dB(A), and its impact on residential areas was observed between 49.4 and 58.9 dB(A). In addition, the noise contour maps of sound level dispersion were demonstrated with the utilization of advanced noise prediction software tools for better understanding. Conclusion: Finally, the predicted values at residential zone and traffic noise are correlated with observed values, and the coefficient of determination, R2, was calculated to be 0.6891 and 0.5967, respectively