Biosorption of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species from aqueous solution by Cabomba caroliniana: kinetic and equilibrium study

This study reports the potential ability of non-living biomass of Cabomba caroliniana for biosorption of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Effects of contact time, biosorbent dosage, pH of the medium, initial concentration of metal ion and protonation of the biosorbent on heavy metal–biosorbent interactions were studied through batch sorption experiments. Cr(III) was sorbed more rapidly than Cr(VI) and the pH of the medium significantly affected the extent of biosorption of the two metal species differently. Surface titrations showed that the surface of the biosorbent is positively charged at low pH while it is negatively charged at pH higher than 4.0. Protonation of the biosorbent increased its capacity for removal of Cr(III), while decreasing that of Cr(VI). FT-IR spectra of the biosorbent confirmed the involvement of –OH groups on the biosorbent surface in the chromium removal process. Kinetic and equilibrium data showed that the sorption process of each chromium species followed pseudo second-order kinetic model and both Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal models. A possible mechanism for the biosorption of chromium species by non-living C. caroliniana is suggested.     

Initiation process of debris flows on different slopes due to surface flow and trigger-specific strategies for mitigating post-earthquake in old Beichuan County, China

The 12 May 2008 Wenchuan earthquake (Ms 8.0) in China, produced an estimated volume of 28 × 10⁸ m³ loosened material, which led to debris flows after the earthquake. Debris flows are the dominant mountain hazards, and serious threat to lives, properties, buildings, traffic, and post-earthquake reconstruction in the earthquake-hit areas. It is very important to understand the debris flow initiation processes and characteristics, for designing debris flow mitigation. The main objective of this article is to examine the different debris flow initiation processes in order to identify suitable mitigation strategies. Three types of debris flow initiation processes were identified (designated as Types A, B, and C) by field survey and experiments. In “A” type initiation, the debris flow forms as a result of dam failure in the process of rill erosion, slope failure, landslide dam, or dam failure. This type of debris flow occurs at the slope of 10 ± 2°, with a high bulk density, and several surges following dam failure. “B” type initiation is the result of a gradual increase in headward down cutting, bank and lateral erosion, and then large amount of loose material interfusion into water flow, which increases the bulk density, and forms the debris flow. This type of debris flow occurs mainly on slopes of 15 ± 3° without surges. “C” type debris flow results from slope failures by surface flow, infiltration, loose material crack, slope failure, and fluidization. This type of debris flow occurs mainly on slopes of 21 ± 4°, and has several surges of debris flow following slope failure, and a high bulk density. To minimize the hazards from debris flows in areas affected by the Wenchuan earthquake, the erosion control measures, such as the construction of grid dams, slope failure control measures, the construction of storage sediment dams, and the drainage measures, such as construction of drainage ditches are proposed. Based on our results, it is recommend that the control measures should be chosen based on the debris flow initiation type, which affects the peak discharge, bulk density and the discharge process. The mitigation strategies discussed in this paper are based on experimental simulations of the debris flows in the Weijia, Huashiban, and Xijia gullies of old Beichuan city. The results are useful for post-disaster reconstruction and recovery, as well as for preventing similar geohazards in the future.     

Forecasting flood risk in the Indus River system using hydrological parameters and its damage assessment

Hydrological parameters are among the widely used parameters in assessing flood risk. On the other hand, anticipated flood damages, in case of flooding, are estimated with the help of expected losses in areas nearer to the watercourse. The major source of almost every-year flooding in Pakistan is the Indus River system that comprises the major rivers of Pakistan. We first use observed data to construct simulated data models based on various probability distributions namely normal, lognormal, Weibull, largest extreme value, gamma-3, and log-Pearson type-3 distributions and thereby compute probable maximum flood. Secondly, we perform log-Pearson type-3 analysis with and without historic adjustment on the observed data series of 17 years to forecast floods with return periods T of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 years. We also categorize the river structures based on the risk of flooding. Lastly, we estimate risk of flood damages in terms of expected losses based on observed data. The present study reveals that the log-Pearson type-3 distribution is relatively better for estimating probable maximum flood. We use exceedence probability to assess the risk of flooding in the various structures of the said rivers. The analysis shows that flood damages in Pakistan may be reduced by increasing the design capacity of the structures and also by giving awareness to people about the flood-generating factors.     

Polar wandering path for India during the Precambrian

Summary The recent radiometric dating on some Precambrian formations of India and the available paleomagnetic data have enhanced the possibility of deducing the Polar wander path for India during the remote past. The data indicate that India was in the northern hemisphere during the Precambrian times. This inference has also been substantiated by the paleoclimatic evidences.     

Stability of remanent magnetization of some dykes from Mysore State,India

Summary The magnetic properties of some dykes from Mysore State, India, have been studied in detail. The rocks were found to have aQ _n ratio varying from 1.5 to 11.6, a remanent coercive force varying from 100 to 250 Oersteds, Curie temperature varying from 250 to 480°C and were found to have lamellae of ilmenite oriented in (111) plane of magnetite. The stable natural remanent magnetization of the rock seems to be of TRM origin with titanomagnetite and low grade titanomaghemite being the main carrier of remanent magnetization.N.G.R.I. Contribution No. 70-215.     

Number Counts,Confusion, Mapping Issues,and Sky Coverage Analysis for Radio Continuum Surveys through Emu Early Science,EMU-ASKAP,and WODAN Especially for Cosmology Science Goals

In this study, we discuss the challenges radio astronomers face while observing radio continuum sources. We consider issues related to rms noise, confusion, position accuracy, shot noise and how these issues affect observation results, data analysis and the science goals we are trying to achieve. We mainly focus on the Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU-ASKAP) sky survey, EMU Early science survey and Westerbork Observations of the Deep APERTIF Northern sky (WODAN). The study will also be useful for future surveys like with possible continuum surveys through MeerKAT (e.g., MIGHTEE) and SKA-1. The late time Integrated Sachs-Wolfe (ISW) effect detection is one of the major areas of research related to dark energy cosmology. We will particularly discuss how technical, data analysis and mapping issues, affect galaxy over/under density dependent science goals like the detection of the late time Integrated Sachs-Wolfe (ISW) effect through wide-field radio continuum surveys.

     

Debris flow susceptibility analysis based on the combined impacts of antecedent earthquakes and droughts: a case study for cascade hydropower stations in the upper Yangtze River,China

The upper Yangtze River region is one of the most frequent debris flow areas in China. The study area contains a cascade of six large hydropower stations located along the river with total capacity of more than 70 million kilowatts. The purpose of the study was to determine potential and dynamic differences in debris flow susceptibility and intensity with regard to seasonal monsoon events. We analyzed this region’s debris flow history by examining the effective peak acceleration of antecedent earthquakes, the impacts of antecedent droughts, the combined effects of earthquakes and droughts, with regard to topography, precipitation, and loose solid material conditions. Based on these factors, we developed a debris flow susceptibility map. Results indicate that the entire debris flow susceptibility area is 167,500 km², of which 26,800 km² falls within the high susceptibility area, with 60,900 km² in medium and 79,800 km² are in low susceptibility areas. Three of the six large hydropower stations are located within the areas with high risk of debris flows. The synthetic zonation map of debris flow susceptibility for the study area corresponds with both the investigation data and actual distribution of debris flows. The results of debris flow susceptibility provide base-line data for mitigating, assessing, controlling and monitoring of debris flows hazards.     

Disaster risk management in agriculture: tragedies of the smallholders

Agriculture sector is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties which can lead to sizeable losses in crop yields and alter farm incomes. Risk management is, therefore, an essential element of the overall farm management process. Farmers have number of options in managing farm risks; however, smallholders, due to their small operations and limited financial capabilities, find it difficult to adopt sophisticated risk management strategies to overcome yield and income instabilities at farm level. This study is, therefore, designed to investigate the enabling environment for small farmers to manage climatic risks at farm level. A total of 330 sampled respondents from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan are randomly selected for the study using multistage sampling technique. Analysis of variance technique is employed to compare the risk management adoption decision of small, medium and large farmers. A post hoc analysis is also performed to highlight the difference in means and the magnitude of differences. The results indicate that smallholders have significantly lower access to credit (both formal and informal), formal information sources along with significantly higher perceptions of pest and diseases. Smallholders are also at the tail end in the adoption of precautionary savings and agricultural credit to manage climatic risk at farm level. The study urges for risk management policies particularly in favor of the small farmers and intervention in the existing information and credit provision programs to facilitate smallholders in managing farm risks.     

Comparative study of body composition of different fish species from brackish water pond

Seven species of fish (Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala, Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmicthys molitrix, Labeo rohita, Mori-Rahu Hybrid and Thalla-Rahu Hybrid) were collected from a brackish water pond near Muzaffargarh, Pakistan for the comparison of body composition. All the seven species were found relatively well adapted to the saline environment though some of them showed significant differences in body composition. Results obtained did not show any adverse effect of salinity on these fish species. The mean values of body constituents, except for protein content (dry and wet body weight) differed significantly (P<0.05) among various fish species. Minimum amount of water content and maximum amount of lipids, organic content and condition factor were observed in Cyprinus carpio indicating that Cyprinus carpio show overall better growth in brackish water as compared to other species. Cyprinus carpio may be recommended for culturing in such water bodies and farmers may be encouraged to farm this species on mass scale.