Seasonal variation of arsenic concentrations in tubewells in west Bengal, India.

This study was conducted to monitor the changes in arsenic concentration during different seasons in a one-year period during 2002-2003 in selected tubewells in an arsenic-affected area in the district of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal, India, and to map the location of the wells. Seasonal variations in concentrations of arsenic in water were measured from 74 selected tubewells, ranging in depth from 40 to 500 feet. Water samples were collected from these wells during winter, summer, monsoon, and the following winter in 2002-2003. A global positioning system was used for locating the tubewells, and a geographic information system was used for mapping. There was evidence of seasonal variation in concentrations of arsenic in water (p=0.02) with the minimum average concentration occurring in the summer season (694 microg/L) and the maximum in the monsoon season (906 microg/L). From the winter of 2002 to the winter of 2003, arsenic concentrations increased, irrespective of the depth of the tubewells, from an average of 464 microg/L to 820 microg/L (p<0.001). This extent of variation in arsenic concentration, if confirmed, has important implications for both epidemiological research and mitigation programmes

Self Circulation using RFID Technology with KOHA Software at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata.

St. Xavier’s College Central Library has installed Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology based kiosk for self circulation through open source library management software KOHA. This technology is also improved library annual stock taking, ensure foolproof security and access control i.e. circulation management. This articles briefly describes why our library switch over from barcode based circulation to RFID based circulation, SWOT analysis of RFID technology, self-circulation using RFID technology, types of problem faced during implementation of the new technology and possible remedies. Lastly, the conclusions are drawn based on SWOT analysis

Environmental communication research

Climate change and its anticipated dangers have become imminent and face us repeatedly while the philosophy of infinite economic growth and technological triumphalism is promoting a complicit approach towards environmental issues. In the light of this environmental communication (EC), research needs to promote a broader message which would include larger public awareness and engagement. But the EC research is found to be mere academic and media-centric. Given the urgency and complexity of environmental issues, this article presents an overview of the need for a praxis of EC research that is broader and action-centric from social, political and economic perspectives, safeguarding human rights and climate justice and promoting local community actions and comprehensive sustainable living

Seasonal variation of arsenic concentrations in tubewells in west Bengal, India.

This study was conducted to monitor the changes in arsenic concentration during different seasons in a one-year period during 2002-2003 in selected tubewells in an arsenic-affected area in the district of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal, India, and to map the location of the wells. Seasonal variations in concentrations of arsenic in water were measured from 74 selected tubewells, ranging in depth from 40 to 500 feet. Water samples were collected from these wells during winter, summer, monsoon, and the following winter in 2002-2003. A global positioning system was used for locating the tubewells, and a geographic information system was used for mapping. There was evidence of seasonal variation in concentrations of arsenic in water (p=0.02) with the minimum average concentration occurring in the summer season (694 microg/L) and the maximum in the monsoon season (906 microg/L). From the winter of 2002 to the winter of 2003, arsenic concentrations increased, irrespective of the depth of the tubewells, from an average of 464 microg/L to 820 microg/L (p<0.001). This extent of variation in arsenic concentration, if confirmed, has important implications for both epidemiological research and mitigation programmes

Marcel Dekker, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of Marcel Dekker, Inc.

In 1982, Dr. K. C. Saha, a dermatologist of Calcutta, West Bengal, identified patients with skin lesions from the district of 24 Parganas, leading him and others to search for a cause. The cause was soon identified to be arsenic in drinking water, but even today, 20 years later, large number of people continue to drink arsenic contaminated water and patients are increasing in number. Project Well is a program chosen for implementation in some villages of North 24 Parganas