Khursheed Ahmad Wani

Bioconversion of garden waste, kitchen waste and cow dung into value-added products using earthworm Eisenia fetida.

Solid waste management is a worldwide problem and it is becoming more and more complicated day by day due to rise in population, industrialization and changes in our life style. Transformation of industrial sludges into vermicompost is of double interest: on the one hand, a waste is converted into value added product, and, on the other, it controls a pollutant that is a consequence of increasing industrialization. Garden waste, kitchen waste and cow dung were subjected to recycle through vermicomposting by using the epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida under field conditions. The pH, moisture content, total organic carbon, humus, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in vermicompost was analysed. It was found that moisture content, total organic carbon, humus, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium was high in cow dung, followed by kitchen waste and garden waste. This study clearly indicates that vermicomposting of garden waste, kitchen waste and cow dung can not only produce a value added produce (vermicomposting) but at the same time reduce the quantity of waste.

Evaluation of occupational exposure of carpet weavers in northern province of Madhya Pradesh (India) during different seasons

Objectives: We investigated general working conditions in the carpet manufacturing industry and assessed the health risk factors of weavers working in this industry. Materials and Methods: Noise level, light intensity, temperature and humidity were measured with the help of sound level meter, lux meter and thermohygrometer, respectively at the workplace and the result were subjected to One Way Analysis of Variance. A pretested questionnaire was used to evaluate the health problems among different weavers working in the carpet industry. Results: Results indicated that the weavers in these units were exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The majority of these weavers were suffering from eye irritation, back pain, allergies, general weakness, hearing loss, with most workers having three to five of these health problems. Our study reported higher incidence of musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases among weavers, during different season. Conclusion: A large variation during different seasons is an indication that environmental conditions play an important role in determining the health of weavers at the workplace. Results clearly demonstrate that working conditions were not suitable for the type of work carried out by the weavers.

Fungal contamination of carpet industry in Gwalior Madhya Pradesh (India)

The working environment in carpet industry was assessed for fungal contamination in Gwalior (India). The sampling was carried out in five carpet units that were selected randomly. The Petri plates containing potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium was exposed for a period of 15 min near the workplace (exposed) and outside environment (control). They were covered again with aluminium foil before transporting them to the laboratory for further analysis. It was found that various types of fungal species viz., Aspergillus niger, A. parasitics, Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp., Curvularia sp., Cladosporium sp., and yeast were present at the work place, which may cause various types of diseases among the weavers. Therefore, we recommended good housekeeping and workplace design, which is necessary for control of fungal contamination at the work place, that may not only reduce the disease among workers but may also increase productivity and efficiency of the workers.

Heavy metals in vegetables and their impact on the nutrient quality of vegetables: A review

ABSTRACT Vegetables are vital to the human diet, and in particular provide the well-known nutrients to maintain normal physiological functions. The prolonged application of large amount of fertilizers and pesticides has resulted in heavy metal accumulation in vegetable gardens. Exposure to heavy metals by the consumption of contaminated vegetables and its toxicity is a serious concern. This article reviews the presence of heavy metals in different vegetables, their mechanism of absorption, impact of heavy metals on physiology, and nutrient reduction and associated impact on humans with emphasis on pregnant women based on the existing scientific literature. However, a limited number of studies was found in the data base that examined the reduction of nutrients in the vegetables due to heavy metal contamination. The heavy metals were found in 36 vegetables in 61 regions of the world and were above permissible limits in most of the vegetables. Specific study to human toxicity due to the contamination of heavy metals may be conducted with emphasis on pregnant women, children, and elderly people. Furthermore, strategy and policy should be devised to control the heavy metals in vegetables and those vegetables that are hyper-accumulators of heavy metals should be identified for awareness purposes.

Nano Technology in Medicine and Future Implications: A Mini Review

Nanoparticles hold great potential in the field of medicine. In this review we have discuuded some of the diseases that are treated by the use of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has gained interest in recent years almost in every field with special emphasis on nanomedicine and nanobiology. Nanosystems with different compositions and biological properties have been extensively investigated for drug and gene delivery applications. However, it is important to understand the interactions of nanomaterials with the biological environment, targeting cell-surface receptors, drug release, multiple drug administration, stability of therapeutic agents under consideration.

Occurrence of Organochlorine and Organophosphorus Pesticides in M. scabra and M. tuberculata Species in Tighra Reservoir, Gwalior, India

ABSTRACT The concentrations of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides were determined in surface sediments and freshwater molluscs (Melanoides scabra and Melanoides tuberculata) from Tighra Reservoir in Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh). This reservoir is important not only for agricultural and drinking purposes, but is also located in close proximity to Great Indian Bustard sanctuary. The different types of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides were found in sediments and in the soft tissues of M. scabra and M. tuberculata. The concentration of different organochlorine and organophosphorus compounds were higher during winter seasons in sediments. On an average, M. scabra accumulated more organochlorine and organophosphorus compounds compared to M. tuberculata. Out of targeted 21 pesticides, 14 were found in the species selected for the present investigation.

Earthworms and Associated Microbiome: Natural Boosters for Agro-Ecosystems

Nature has bestowed every living creature with unique qualities for maintaining an ecological balance. Earthworms are equipped with wonderful machinery, absolutely different from other organisms, which allow them to nurture the soil beautifully, having a direct impact on the production and quality of crops. Worms act as natural boosters when organic matter is converted into vermicompost and as soil conditioners bringing beneficial microbial activity to plants for growth and development. Microbial stimulation in the presence of earthworms may be due to the utilization of additional nutritive substances (secretion and excretion products) that they provide. Vermicomposting is highly nutritive and a growth promoter as compared to conventional compost. The process of vermicomposting has been well studied by earlier researchers, covering almost every aspect, but scant scientific literature is available on the relationship of earthworms with microbial diversity in different ecosystems. This chapter investigates how earthworms are natural boosters for agro-ecosystems and the role earthworms play in activating different microbes in agriculture fields.

Evaluation of quality of air, water and noise in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (India)

Purpose – The first approach mainly aims at measurement of SPM, SO2 and NO2 from different sources in the Gwalior region and the second and third approach aims at the quantification of water and noise quality of the city of Gwalior. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these approaches.Design/methodology/approach – The water analysis was carried out by the standard methods of APHA, 2005 and the air and noise analysis were carried out by the standard procedures of CPCB, New Delhi and published work earlier respectively.Findings – The water quality in the city was well within the standards, however, the noise and air quality in the city was above the standards set by CPCB, New Delhi.Originality/value – This is the first approach in the city of Gwalior that related air pollution, water pollution and noise pollution to acute and chronic illnesses amongst all age groups. This will lead to the development of a sustainable city, while working to transform the city of Gwalior into a sustainable city.