Variations in the physico-chemical properties of Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir

Basic physical and chemical characteristics of the water in Dal lake Srinagar were determined. Surface water was sampled on monthly basis from June 2010 to April 2011. To determine the variations in physico-chemical parameters of Dal lake, a total of 21 physico-chemical parameters from six different site spread in four basins of lake was monitored. Our findings highlighted the deterioration of water quality in the lake due to anthropogenic activity in the lake and urbanization. The lake can be considered as eutrophic as evidenced by its shallow depth (1 to 4.5 m), low transparency (1 to 2.8 m), and higher concentrations of other nutrients such as phosphates, nitrates, sulphates and chloride. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to identify the strength of relation between the variables. The significant correlation was found among the temperature, depth, alkalinity, calcium, ammonia, nitrate and total phosphorus. Cluster analysis was additionally performed to obtain similarity between the sites.Key words: Physico-chemical characteristics, Dal lake, anthropogenic activity

Morphological studies and meiotic chromosome analysis of Epimedium elatum (Morr & Decne) - Rare endemic medicinal plant of Northwestern Himalayas in India.

Epimedium elatum (Berberidaceace) is a rare endemic medicinal herb of Northwestern Himalayas in India. Recent ethnopharmacological reports have demonstrated its traditional medicinal use against various bone related diseases in the Kashmir Himalayas. It owes its pharmaceutical importance due to high concentration of flavonoid glycosides like Epimedin A, B, C and Icariin which are known mainly for aphrodisiac, antiosteoporosis, anticancer, antioxidant, antiaging, antifatigue and antiviral activities. It is a neglected medicinal plant in Northwestern Himalayan region and may fall in the list of endangered species due to continuous anthropogenic pressures in its native habitats. In this study, we investigated distributional and altitudinal range of this prized species from twenty diverse eco-geographical zones of Kashmir Himalayas for the first time. We also report here its diversity in morphological attributes both in wild and captive cultivation. The species has a very small population size in most of the surveyed habitats with no natural protection. Under cultivation it showed increased plant height (63.09±4.9cm), more number of leaves (95.53±11cm) and flowers (160.76±20cm), indicating importance of high altitude medicinal garden for its immediate ex situ conservation. Further, the acetocarmine staining and squashing of young anthers confirmed it as a diploid species (2n=12) like other Epimedium species. Chromosome number and meiotic abnormalities are also reported for the first time in the species. Finally, constant anthropogenic pressures in Northwestern Himalayas demand immediate in situ and ex situ conservation programmes for E.elatum

Effect of palm-sesame biodiesel fuels with alcoholic and nanoparticle additives on tribological characteristics of lubricating oil by four ball tribo-tester

Dilution of engine oil with unburned fuels alters its lubricity and tribological properties. In this research paper, SAE-40 lubricating oil samples were contaminated with known percentages (5%) of fuels (diesel, palm-sesame biodiesel blend (B30), B30 + ethanol, B30 + dimethyl carbonate, B30 + carbon nanotubes and, B30 + titanium oxide). The effect of all these fuels on wear and frictional characteristics of lubricating oil was determined by using a 4-ball tribo tester and wear types on worn surfaces were analyzed by using SEM. Lubricating oil diluted with B10 (commercial diesel) showed highest COF (42.95%) with severe abrasive and adhesive wear than mineral lubricant among other fuels. Lubricating oil diluted with palm-sesame biodiesel (B30 blend) with alcoholic additives showed comparatively less COF, less wear scar diameter and polishing wear due to presence of ester molecules. Lub + B30 + Eth exhibited increment in COF value (35.81%) compared to SAE-40 mineral lubricant. While lubricating oil contaminated with B30 with nanoparticles showed least frictional characteristics with abrasive wear. Lub + B30 + TiO2 showed least increment in COF value (13.78%) among all other contaminated fuels compared to SAE-40 mineral lubricant. It is concluded that nanoparticles in biodiesel blends (B30) helps in reducing degradation of lubricants than alcoholic fuel additives and commercial diesel. (C) 2021 THE AUTHORS. Published by Elsevier BV on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University

A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Zika Virus Indexed in Web of Science

Background: Lead is most commonly released environmental contaminant making its way to air, soils and water. It causes hormonal imbalance and over production of reactive oxygen in plants when absorbed through leaves and roots. It contaminates the ground water depending on the type of soils and characteristics of lead. Plants ability to tolerate lead is linked with cell wall potential, activation of antioxidants defense mechanism and synthesis of osmolytes. Methods: The study was designed to evaluate the effects of Pb(NO3)2 induced stress on biological activity and bioactive compounds in maize. The plants were subjected under two different lead concentrations (T1- 0.35mg/ml and T2- 0.45mg/ml). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, saponins, tannins and terpenoids in maize. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) was increased (T1- 45%, T2- 58.42%) under lead stress when compared with control (36.29%). The cytotoxicity was checked using hemolytic activity against human red blood cells. Results: The scavenging rate was highest (T1- 33.5%, T2- 52%) when compared with control (18.6%). Zone of inhibition of Aspergillus niger was highest amongst other fungal strains. The HPLC results showed that maize has some phyto-ingredients which may be accountable for cell reinforcement and anti-microbial activity. The extracts were further analyzed for the biochemical profile like superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, amylase and protease. Escherichia coli showed maximum activity with control (25±3.46mm) and maximum under stress (T1- 17±1.633 mm, T2- 20±4.08 mm). Conclusion: Lead stress altered all the activities when compared to control plants. In conclusion, Maize can be used as a potential indicator for lead and other compounds to play a vital role in phytoremediation. The results would further lead to find the new compounds and plant mechanism to cope with stress