Felsic Volcanic Rocks, a Potential Source of Uranium - An Indian Overview

AbstractFelsic volcanics constitute a primary source of uranium for forming an economic deposit. All over the world, volcanic rocks have not received due attention they deserve in uranium exploration. The volcanogenic deposits have been grouped with “other deposits”, as they constitute a meager<0.5% of world uranium resources. Exploration inputs in the western world have identified a number of uranium deposits associated with volcanic rocks. The uranium resources contributed by volcanic type deposits all over the world stand at 3, 62,000 te U3O8 (IAEA 2008 Compilation). The significance of acid volcanic rocks as a potential uranium source lies in the readily leachable form of their uranium content. A detailed study carried out in Australia to understand the spatial and temporal relationsh ip between the uranium deposits and the unmineralized, uranium enriched rocks from across the continent clearly indicated the role of the acidic volcanics as a potential provenance. Among the acid volcanics, rhyolites form an ideal source followed by welde d tuffs, ignimbrites, etc. The alkali or topaz rhyolite is ideal for its enrichment in many lithophile elements including uranium, which are amenable to subsequent leaching by meteoric water.In India the uranium exploration activities in the early 50s till the 90s were mainly confined to the Singhbhum Shear Zones, the Himalayas,Meghalaya plateau, parts of Central India and the geological environs of the Dharwar Craton. The granitic rocks, especially the peraluminous biotite – granite was always considered as a potential source for uranium and the geological environs closer to these granites always remained the first order targets. A number of small to medium size uranium deposits have been identified in Singhbhum Shear Zone, parts of Cuddappah, Bhima Basins and in Meghalaya. Now since the significance of the volcanic rocks, especially the felsic volcanics as a potential source of uranium has been clearly understood, it is imperative to reorient our exploration strategy to tap the potential of these volcanic rocks. The Malani Magmatic Province (MMP) in the northwestern part is the largest suite of an -orogenic acid volcanics in India occupying an area of 50000 sqkm. The Proterozoic Basins of India are replete with volcanic activity, mainly acid volcanism. In the southern and Central India, Dharwar and parts of Central Indian Craton also witnessed significant acidic igneous activities. The Cuddapah and the Vindhyan Basins have also recorded extensive acidic volcanic activity in the Papaghni, Chitrvati, Nallamalai Groups and Semri and Kaimur Groups respectively. In view of this the Proterozoic Basins mentioned above and the geological environs adjacent to the MMP deserve a re -look to have a proper assessment of their uranium potential, using integrated exploration inputs

Aloe barbadensis: how a miraculous plant becomes reality

Aloe barbadensis Miller is a plant that is native to North and East Africa and has accompanied man for over 5,000 years. The aloe vera plant has been endowed with digestive, dermatological, culinary and cosmetic virtues. On this basis, aloe provides a range of possibilities for fascinating studies from several points of view, including the analysis of chemical composition, the biochemistry involved in various activities and its application in pharmacology, as well as from horticultural and economic standpoints. The use of aloe vera as a medicinal plant is mentioned in numerous ancient texts such as the Bible. This multitude of medicinal uses has been described and discussed for centuries, thus transforming this miracle plant into reality. A summary of the historical uses, chemical composition and biological activities of this species is presented in this review. The latest clinical studies involved in vivo and in vitro assays conducted with aloe vera gel or its metabolites and the results of these studies are reviewed

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF POLYHERBAL FORMULATION: SANJIVANI VATI

Sanjivani Vati is official in Ayurvedic formulary of India and is prescribed for the treatment of cough and fever. It is a polyherbal preparation containing ten ingredients. Sanjivani Vati is a diaphoretic formula that increases sweating. It is a detoxifying formula that reduces aama. This "Aama" leads to blockage in channels and many diseases like high cholesterol, blocked coronary arteries, piles, auto-immune disorders like sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis. The ingredients of Sanjivani Vati are universal digestive aid, antihelminthic, diuretic, carminative etc. This review explains the potential of Sanjivani Vati which help the researchers to explode more about this ayurvedic formulation

Spatio - temporal variations of urban heat island over Delhi

Temporal and spatial trends of the surface urban heat island (UHI) formation over Delhi are examined with respect to aerosol load and land-cover variations. The study reveals that temperatures over Delhi are higher than those over the surrounding regions almost through-out the year during the night time. The nocturnal heat island intensity is minimum (0–2 K) during the monsoon months and maximum during the month of March (4–6 K). The UHI trends during the day-time are however, significantly different. It is observed that a day-time cool island forms over Delhi twice during the year in the months of May–June and October–December. Analysis of temporal variations in urban heat island intensity (UHII) and aerosol load over Delhi reveals a significant negative correlation between UHII and aerosol optical depth (AOD). Spatial analysis of LST, land-cover and AOD for the months of March, May and November confirms the significant role of AOD along with land-cover variables such as percentage area under the classes built-up, rock, vegetation and bare soil. Comparative analysis of LST in the regions lying north, south, east and west of Delhi in relation to the prevailing land-cover suggests that thermal inertia is also a very important factor determining the urban-rural thermal structure