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This paper builds upon the theoretical framework advanced by the growing literature on vulnerability. The paper explores how vulnerability to HIV/AIDS applies to young women living in the slum areas of New Delhi and Hyderabad. This circumscription of scope is based on a study on AIDS awareness levels in these two Indian cities conducted during summer of 2006. Using a qualitative approach, the paper offers insightful narratives from a sample of 26 women about their cultural and socio-economic circumstances with reference to HIV/AIDS. The excerpts from these women give a poignant view of their precarious circumstances with reference to lack of female autonomy, economic vulnerability, low AIDS awareness, and lack of access to pertinent information about HIV. The female youth were highly susceptible to the double bind of age and gender based hierarchies present in the patriarchal Indian social system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efforts to encourage sustainable development have brought to attention the use of secondary materials in civil engineering applications. Global experimental data suggest that municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration bottom ash (IBA) can potentially replace natural aggregates in field applications. However, IBA is currently disposed in open dumps or sanitary landfills in India. Assessing contaminant leaching from IBA is crucial to ascertain its options for disposal or reuse. The current study analyzes the mineralogy, chemical constituents, organic content, and leaching of contaminants from IBA collected from two incineration plants in Delhi. The study takes into consideration the effect of particle size, liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio, and pH on contaminant leaching. The experimental results revealed that the leaching concentration of contaminants and organic content of IBA decreases with an increase in particle size. A considerable influence of pH was noted on the leaching of all contaminants except chlorides, sulfates, and antimony. The results further indicate that IBA is suitable for disposal in non-hazardous waste landfills regardless of particle size at its intrinsic pH. However, it is recommended to dispose IBA in monofils as co-disposal with MSW in sanitary landfills can cause the pH of IBA to shift toward the acidic range, which may exacerbate the contaminant leaching from IBA. The comparison of leaching test results with international regulatory standards for reuse demonstrates that using IBA in unbound applications is feasible in paved roads and earthworks subjected to minimal infiltration of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the process of urbanization and land use change in the urban ecosystems of the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, India. Two types of land use change are considered--from natural to urban and from agricultural to urban. Both types are explained in terms of economic variables known to be drivers of change. A panel data method was used, and economic variables were combined with GIS-based information on land use change during 1986-2004 for 11 administrative units of the NCR. The results suggest that investment in the construction sector plays a major role in converting the land from natural to urban areas, while differences in land productivity seems to be the major driver for change from agricultural to urban uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban transport has serious problems that are symptoms of the general process of rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. Policymakers in general and urban economists in particular have paid little attention to public transport system pricing leading to the absence of a financially viable, self-supporting urban transport system. In this paper, we report a partial equilibrium model developed by us, which captures transport tax reforms in the presence of certain transport externalities. Our theoretical model shows that the question of public transport subsidies to reduce congestion and provide quality transport services depends on three factors: (a) the extent to which such subsidies induce people to switch from private transport to public transport; (b) if the price elasticity of current users of public transport is higher, there may be a sharp rise in public transport ridership as a reaction to increased subsidies, which will have an undesirable effect; and (c) there is the danger that subsidies will cause a loss in productive efficiency. The numerical model of our paper for Delhi shows that the cross price elasticity of public transport demand with respect to the price of private transport is significant (0.63) in the off-peak period whereas the same in the peak period is somewhat low (0.16) and the combined effect of these elasticities will result in a considerable modal shift in favour of bus transport demand (19%) if the price of public transport were to be subsidized and private transport were to be priced optimally. Even without subsidy, the modal shift will be significant (18%), if the under-priced private transport modes are optimally priced keeping the current bus prices constant. This paper shows that there will be significant welfare gains in both these scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution has become a growing problem in megacities and large urban areas through out the globe, and transportation is recognized as the major source of air pollution in many cities, especially in developing countries. Contribution of automobiles is reported in the range of 40 to 80% of the total air pollution. The challenge facing megacities is how to reduce the adverse environmental impacts and other negative effects of transportation without giving up the benefits of mobility. The dilemma becomes most pressing under conditions of rapid urban growth, which is likely to increase travel demand significantly. The paper is aimed at understanding the problem of vehicular pollution vis-a-vis ambient air quality for a highly traffic affected megacity, Delhi, wherein, the contribution of transport sector was estimated to be as high as 72%. An effort has been made to review and evaluate the benefits (in terms of improved air quality) of the technological interventions/policies adopted for vehicular pollution control in Delhi. It also highlights the outcome of the efforts and suggests further improvements thereon. The importance of public participation and awareness are also discussed. The paper focuses on deriving the benefits of the implementation of management strategies, supported by scientific and technical data/interpretation, so that the people can realize and participate in the government's endeavor for clean city drive in a more effective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper is an attempt to examine the trend in the level of environmental pollution in Delhi and measures taken to control it. The data have been analyzed from various secondary sources of data. The analysis reveals that rapid population growth continues to be a matter of concern as it has manifold effects, one of the most important being environmental pollution. Densely populated and rapidly growing Delhi mega city is often entombed in a pall of pollution from vehicles, sewage and liquid wastes generated by human settlement and uncontrolled pollution from industries. The recent pollution control measures taken by central government reduced the environmental pollution up to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile banking liberates people from spatial and temporal constraints and delivers significant convenience but people are still hesitant to use mobile banking. The purpose of this study is to examine the most important factors influencing and impeding consumer adoption of mobile banking. This study uses Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Technology Readiness (TR) as a theoretical basis and integrates it with cognitive resistance to propose a conceptual model for m-banking adoption in India. Data was collected from 536 mobile banking customers from Delhi/NCR, using convenience sampling and was analysed using structural equation modelling. The findings revealed that the impact of facilitating factors namely, performance expectancy, effort expectance, social influence, optimism and innovativeness on behavioural intention to use m-banking is much more than the impact of inhibiting factors namely, discomfort, insecurity and cognitive resistance and also that behavioral intention has a significant impact on adoption of m-banking. In examining the relationship between facilitating factors and behavioral intention, there is no substantial moderation impact of age groups. However, gender moderated the relationship between effort expectancy and behavioral intention, as well as the relationship between optimism and behavioral intention. This research would help policymakers to understand and overcome the reluctance and barriers of adoption and would result in ensuring more adoption of advanced technological channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the development of artificial neural network (ANN) based carbon monoxide (CO) persistence (ANNCOP) models to forecast 8-h average CO concentration using 1-h maximum predicted CO data for the critical (winter) period (November–March). The models have been developed for three 8-h groupings of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2–10 p.m., at two air quality control regions (AQCRs) in Delhi city, representing an urban intersection and an arterial road consisting heterogeneous traffic flows. The result indicates that time grouping of 2–10 pm is dominantly affected by inversion conditions and peak traffic flow. The ANNCOP model corresponding to this grouping predicts the 8-h average CO concentrations within the accuracy range of 68–71%. The CO persistence values derived from ANNCOP model are comparable with the persistence values as suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USA. This work demonstrates that ANN based model is capable of describing winter period CO persistence phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is one of the major environmental problems in India, affecting health of thousands of ‘urban’ residents residing in mega cities. The need of the day is to evolve an ‘effective’ and ‘efficient’ air quality management plan (AQMP) encompassing the essential ‘key players’ and ‘stakeholders.’ This paper describes the formulation of an AQMP for mega cities like Delhi in India taking into account the aforementioned key ‘inputs.’ The AQMP formulation methodology is based on past studies of Longhurst et al., ( Atmospheric Environment, 30, 3975–3985, 1996); Longhurst & Elsom, ((1997). Air Pollution-II, Vol. 2 (pp. 525–532)) and Beatti et al., ( Atmospheric Environment, 35, 1479–1490, 2001). Further, the vulnerability analysis (VA) has been carried out to evaluate the stresses due to air pollution in the study area. The VA has given the vulnerability index (VI) of ‘medium to high’ and ‘low’ at urban roadways/intersections and residential areas, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of policy measures have been activated in India in order to control the levels of air pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Delhi, which is one of the most polluted cities in the world, is also going through the implementation phase of the control policies. Ambient air quality data monitored during 2000 to 2003, at 10 sites in Delhi, were analyzed to assess the impact of implementation of these measures, specifically fuel change in vehicles. This paper presents the impact of policy measures on ambient air quality levels and also the source apportionment. CO and NO2 concentration levels in ambient air are found to be associated with the mobile sources. The temporal variation of air quality data shows the significant effect of shift to CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) in vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 have significant impact on travel behaviour and greenhouse gases (GHG), especially for the most affected city in India, Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR). The present study attempts to explore the risk on different modes of transportation and GHG emissions (based on change in travel behavior) during peak/non-peak hours in a day by an online/offline survey for commuters in Indian metropolitan cities like MMR, Delhi and Bengaluru. In MMR, the probability of infection in car estimated to be 0.88 and 0.29 during peak and non-peak hour, respectively, considering all windows open. The risk of infection in public transportation system such as in bus (0.307), train (0.521), and metro (0.26) observed to be lower than in private vehicles. Furthermore, impact of COVID-19 on GHG emissions have also been explored considering three scenarios. The GHG emissions have been estimated for base (3.83–16.87 tonne), lockdown (0.22–0.48 tonne) and unlocking (2.13–9.30 tonne) scenarios. It has been observed that emissions are highest during base scenario and lowest during lockdown situation. This study will be a breakthrough in understanding the impact of pandemic on environment and transportation. The study shall help transport planners and decision makers to operate public transport during pandemic like situation such that the modal share of public transportation is always highest. It shall also help in regulating the GHG emissions causing climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial panicle blight (BPB) caused by Burkholderia glumae (BG) has become significantly more prevalent in the rice-growing regions of North India. Based on virulence screening and in vitro quantification of toxoflavin, the BG strains were classified as hyper- (BG1 and BG3), moderate- (BG2, BG4, BG6, BG8, and BG9), and hypo- (BG5, BG7, and BG10) virulent. Plant inoculation assays with cell-free culture filtrate revealed strains with higher toxoflavin-producing ability had higher virulence. Based on 16S rRNA sequence, 6 isolates from Uttar Pradesh were grouped in clad C1; whereas, clad C2 exhibited 4 isolates, two each from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Strain BG1 being the most virulent Indian strain from Uttar Pradesh was further profiled for 11 tox genes. We found all the 11 tox genes present in strain BG1. In toxRABCDE cluster, all tox genes showed high similarity to B. glumae BGR1 except toxB, whereas in toxFGHIJ cluster toxF, toxG, toxH and toxI shared maximum similarity to B. glumae 336gr-1. tox genes of BG1 exhibited homology as well as divergence with B. gladioli. The domain prediction and protein association network analysis indicated the possible involvement of tox genes in the toxoflavin biosynthesis. As per our knowledge, this is the first report in India on characterization of tox genes cluster in B. glumae. Altogether, our study unravels a reliable method for identifying and characterizing B. glumae using tox genes and its relationship with disease production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stubble burning is an emerging environmental issue in Northern India, which has severe implications for the air quality of the region. Although stubble burning occurs twice during a year, first during April–May and again in October–November due to paddy burning, the effects are severe during October–November months. This is exacerbated by the role of meteorological parameters and presence of inversion conditions in the atmosphere. The deterioration in the atmospheric quality can be attributed to the emissions from stubble burning which can be perceived from the changes observed in land use land cover (LULC) pattern, fire events, and sources of aerosol and gaseous pollutants. In addition, wind speed and wind direction also play a role in changing the concentration of pollutants and particulate matter over a specified area. The present study has been carried out for the states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh to study the influence of stubble burning on the aerosol load of this region of Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). In this study, the aerosol level, smoke plume characteristics, long-range transport of pollutants, and affected areas during October–November from year 2016 to 2020 were examined over the Indo-Gangetic Plains (Northern India) region by the satellite observations. By MODIS-FIRMS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer-Fire Information for Resource Management System) observations, it was revealed that there was an increase in stubble burning events with the highest number of events being observed during the year 2016 and then a decrease in the number of events in subsequent years from 2017 to 2020. MODIS observations revealed a strong AOD gradient from west to east. The prevailing north-westerly winds assist the spread of smoke plumes over Northern India during the peak burning season of October to November. The findings of this study might be used to expand on the atmospheric processes that occur over northern India during the post-monsoon season. The pollutant, smoke plume features, and impacted regions of biomass-burning aerosols in this region are critical for weather and climate research, especially given the rising trend in agricultural burning over the previous two decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane is an important greenhouse gas, which constitutes minimum 90% of automotive grade compressed natural gas (CNG) used in India. The use of CNG as automotive fuel has been implemented in almost all major tier I to tier III cities of the country. Delhi, the capital city of India, has world largest CNG-fuelled public transport system. The cylinders fitted to the CNG-fuelled vehicles are required to be subjected to hydrostatic stretch test every 3 years at Government of India approved CNG cylinder testing stations, as mandated under Rule 35 of Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016. During the testing of cylinders, CNG present in the cylinders are discharged in the atmosphere at the degassing point of CNG testing stations. This study estimates annual methane emissions from the CNG cylinder testing stations of Delhi. The annual average methane emission from the CNG cylinder testing stations of Delhi was found to be 30.8 tons during the year 2019. The uncertainties in the emission estimate are also identified and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels using satellite-based (Sentinel-5P TROPOMI) and ground-based (Central Pollution Control Board) observations of 2020. The lockdown duration, monthly, seasonal and annual changes in NO2 were assessed comparing the similar time period in 2019. The study also examines the role of atmospheric parameters like wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and atmospheric pressure in altering the monthly and annual values of the pollutant. It was ascertained that there was a mean reduction of ~ 61% (~ 66.5%), ~ 58% (~ 51%) in daily mean NO2 pollution during lockdown phase 1 when compared with similar period of 2019 and pre-lockdown phase in 2020 from ground-based (satellite-based) measurements. April month with ~ 57% (~ 57%), summer season with ~ 48% (~ 32%) decline and an annual reduction of ~ 20% (~ 18%) in tropospheric NO2 values were observed (p < 0.001) compared to similar time periods of 2019. It was assessed that the meteorological parameters remained almost similar during various parts of the year in 2019 and 2020, indicating a negligent role in reducing the values of atmospheric pollution, particularly NO2 in the study area. It was concluded that the halt in anthropogenic activities and associated factors was mainly responsible for the reduced values in the Delhi conglomerate. Similar work can be proposed for other pollutants to holistically describe the pollution scenario as an aftermath of COVID-19-induced lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yamuna is one of the main tributaries of the river Ganga and passes through Delhi, the national capital of India. In the last few years, it is considered one of the most polluted rivers of India. We carried out the analysis for the physiochemical and biological conditions of the river Yamuna based on measurements acquired at Palla station, Delhi during 2009–19. For our analysis, we considered various physicochemical and biological parameters (Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Saturation, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Alkalinity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Total Coliform. The water stats of river Yamuna at Palla station were matched with Water Standards of India, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and World Health Organization (WHO). Maximum changes are observed in DO saturation and total coliform, while BOD and COD values are also seen higher than the upper limits. Total alkalinity rarely meets the minimum standards. TDS is found to be satisfactory as per the standard limit. The river quality falls under Class D or E (IS2296), Class III or IV (UNECE), and fails to fulfill WHO standards for water. After spending more than 130 million USD for the establishment of a large number of effluent treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, and common effluent treatment plants, increasing discharges of untreated sewage, partially treated industrial effluents and reduced discharge of freshwater from Hathnikund are causing deterioration in water quality and no major improvements are seen in water quality of river Yamuna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Delhi were evaluated to study particulate PAHs profiles during the different seasons of 2003. Samples of urban suspended particulate matter were collected during January 2003 to December 2003 at three locations (Okhla, Dhaulakuan and Daryaganj), using a high volume sampler provided with glass fiber filters. Samples were analyzed using the gas chromatography technique. The annual average concentrations of total PAHs were found as 1,049.3 ng/m3 at Okhla, 1,344.37 ng/m3 at Daryaganj, and 1,117.14 ng/m3 at Dhaulakuan. The seasonal average concentrations were found to be maximum in winter and minimum during the monsoon season. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the data was also carried out and the results indicate that diesel and gasoline driven vehicles are the principal sources of PAHs at all the three sites under investigation. Other sources might come from stationary combustion sources such as cooking fuel combustion and industrial emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extreme temperature events are a concern in recent years due to climate variability particularly in India as there is an increase in the temperature intensity, frequency, and duration. This study represents stationary temperature-duration-frequency (TDF) analysis over two mega cities in India Delhi (north) and Bengaluru (south) using the daily maximum temperatures at meteorological stations for the period 1969–2016 observed by India Meteorological Department (IMD).The interannual variability of maximum temperature and the maximum daily recorded value indicates the increasing trend in both the cities. The study investigates the extreme analysis of the maximum temperature using two distributions, i.e., Gumbel's Extreme Value Type 1 (GEVT) and Log Pearson Type III (LPT), for return periods 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years at both the locations and the positive temporal trend is observed. The TDF curves were build using annual maximum temperature values for total 8 durations (different days) of 48 years analyzed and results show the increasing trend of maximum temperature at lower duration and high return period values. The TDF is also used for prediction of the maximum temperature for the 2 hottest years in India, i.e., 2012 and 2015, and it is comparable with the observed maximum temperature. Similarly, the predictions for 11 years, i.e. 2006 to 2016, over both the cities are simulated using both the GEVT-I and LPT-III and the models have better potential skill in predicting the extreme maximum temperature. These results can be useful for the sectors like health, energy, agriculture, urban management, and ecology management and can help the policy decision makers and disaster managers in the mitigation and adoption steps to face the extreme temperature disaster at city scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lockdown was imposed by the Indian government in the month of March 2020 as an early precaution to the COVID-19 pandemic which obstructed the socio-economic growth globally. The main aim of this study was to analyse the impact of lockdown (imposed in March and continued in April 2020) on the existing air quality in three megacities of India (Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata) by assessing the trends of PM10 and NO2 concentrations. A comparison of the percentage reduction in concentrations of lockdown period with respect to same period in year 2019 and pre-lockdown period (February 14–March 24) was made. It was observed from the study that an overall decrease of pollutant concentrations was in the ranges of 30–60% and 52–80% of PM10 and NO2, respectively, in the three cities during lockdown in comparison with previous year and pre-lockdown period. The overall decrease in concentrations of pollutants at urban sites was greater than the background sites. Highest decline in concentrations of PM10 were observed in Kolkata city, followed by Mumbai and Delhi, while decline in NO2 was highest in Mumbai. Results also highlighted that capital city Delhi had the worst air quality amongst three cities, with particulate matter (PM10) being the dominant pollutant. Although COVID-19 has significantly affected the human life considering the mortality and morbidity, lockdowns imposed to control the pandemic had significantly improved the air quality in the selected study locations, although for the short amount of period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of the most relevant parameters of a sustainable transportation system is regarded as a significant choice that influences the success of policy-related intervention to improve efficiency. A hybrid-based approach has been used to analyze the data in multiple steps to improve accuracy and objectivity. In the first step, evidence on social, economic, and environmental indicators was formed for each opinion and then combined. The second step proposed a mathematical framework to treat indecision on the indicators collected from multiple sources, viz. expert and public opinion survey, models, and actual measurement during pre- and post-implementation stages of the Odd–Even scheme. By setting up, a reliability function and consistency index are used to evaluate and rank the Odd–Even transportation scheme introduced by the Government of Delhi. A case study in South Delhi's surrounding areas has been examined to demonstrate the proposed hybrid approach and evaluate the parameters in terms of the index. The result shows that the indicators like trip cost, trip time, safety and security, user's satisfaction, congestion level, parking demand, and fuel consumption affected positively by 1766.6, 22.9, 283.3, 19.1, 187.5, 200, and 17.2 percent, respectively, after the implementation of the scheme. The overall increase in the index was found as 28.2%, which favors the "Odd–Even" scheme as a sustainable transportation measure in Delhi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing frequency of heat waves (HW) in many parts of the world is emerging as one of the climatic vulnerabilities across the world resulting in elevated thermal stress and high mortality. With increase in HW intensity, frequency and duration at global level, India has seen several major HW events in the last decade. HW conditions have mostly been studied by analysing ground-based observations; however, this approach lacks information on spatial variability at the local scale, which is not adequate to identify HW risk and vulnerability hotspots. In this study, gridded analysis of spatio-temporal variability of HW indices has been carried out by utilising freely available Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) Land Surface Temperature (LST) data on Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. HW indices to analyse duration, frequency and intensity of HW have been identified and further computed on a grid size of 10 km*10 km area. HW risk and vulnerability hotspot in the study region have been identified by spatial modelling of HW indices, LULC change and population density. The HW risk and vulnerability hotspot layer identified NCT Delhi and its surrounding region at the highest risk of HW with high vulnerability. A strong positive correlation of variability of HW indicators with increasing built-up shows that built-up surfaces affect strongly the HW conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study deals with the combined contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals to health risk in Delhi soils. Surface soils (0-5 cm) collected from three different land-use regions (industrial, flood-plain and a reference site) in Delhi, India over a period of 1 year were characterized with respect to 16 US Environmental Protection Agency priority PAHs and five trace metals (Zn, Fe, Ni, Cr and Cd). Mean annual ∑PAH concentrations at the industrial and flood-plain sites (10,893.2 ± 2826.4 and 3075.4 ± 948.7 μg/kg, respectively) were ~15 and ~4 times, respectively, higher than reference levels. Significant spatial and seasonal variations were observed for PAHs. Toxicity potentials of industrial and flood-plain soils were ~88 and ~8 times higher than reference levels. Trace metal concentrations in soils also showed marked dependencies on nearness to sources and seasonal effects. Correlation analysis, PAH diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) led to the identification of sources such as coal and wood combustion, vehicular and industrial emissions, and atmospheric transport. Metal enrichment in soil and the degree of soil contamination were investigated using enrichment factors and index of geoaccumulation, respectively. Health risk assessment (incremental lifetime cancer risk and hazard index) showed that floodplain soils have potential high risk due to PAHs while industrial soils have potential risks due to both PAHs and Cr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study deals with the statistical analysis of long-term ground level ozone (O) trend and the influence of meteorological variables on its variation over Delhi, India. Daily mean and maximum of O and meteorological data, obtained from India Meteorological Department, were arranged for the period of 9 years (1998-2006). Based on the preliminary correlation study of all the data with O, six variables viz. daily maximum temperature, daily average relative humidity, dew point, wind speed, visibility, and total sunshine were selected. Classical additive time series decomposition technique was used to obtain seasonally adjusted long-term trend. To analyze the masking effect of meteorology, adjustment was made using Kolmogorov-Zurbenko filters followed by stepwise regression analysis to the smoothed series of O maximum and meteorological variables, which showed that long-term trend was independent of sunshine duration. Results indicate a significant increasing trend with annual increase of 1.13 % for O mean and 3 % for O maximum. Annual deseasonalized trend for seasonal cycle shows bimodal oscillations. About 43 % of O variation was explained by the selected meteorological factors and rest of variation attributed to factors like emission of precursor gases, pollutant transport, policy changes, etc. Among the three tested regression models, performance of Model 2 with variable temperature, wind speed, and visibility was found to be best that resulted in lowering of O trend. Large variability (23 %) was explained by the variable visibility depicted that the emission of primary pollutants not only provides the precursor gases but also control the local photochemical reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leguminous flora of Delhi comprises 78 Papilionoideae, 24 Caesalpinioideae and 24 Mimosoideae species; 80 of them are perennials. Five types of imparipinnate and two types of paripinnate compound leaves were observed in the species. The paripinnate leaves are bipinnate in 25 species (mostly mimosoid) and bifoliate in two species. The imparipinnate leaves were trifoliate or multifoliate in 59 papilionoid species and multifoliate in 16 caesalpinioid species; four of the papilionoid species produced leafletted and tendrilled unipinnate leaves. Leaves were bifacially simple in 22 species, simple with ectopic terminal growth in one species and simple tendril in one species. Twenty-one species (mostly mimosoid) were devoid of stipules. In 82 species stipules were small and free. Stipules were large and lobed in 17 species and large and adnate in four species. Two species of Caesalpinioideae produce compound leaf-like stipules. All four stipule phenotypes of 126 species corresponded with stipular phenotypes observed in wild type, coch, st and coch st genotypes of the model legume P. sativum. The seven leaf phenotypes observed in 126 species corresponded with phenotypes expected among combinations of uni ( uni- tac), af, ins, mfp and tl mutants of P. sativum and sgl1, cfl1, slm1 and palm1 mutants of M. truncatula, also an IRL model legume. All the variation in leaf and stipule morphologies observed in the leguminous flora of Delhi could be explained in terms of the gene regulatory networks already revealed in P. sativum and M. truncatula. It is hypothesized that the ancestral gene regulatory networks for leaves and stipules produced in Leguminosae were like that prevalent in P. sativum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study proposed to investigate the atmospheric distribution, sources, and inhalation health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a tropical megacity (Delhi, India). To this end, 16 US EPA priority PAHs were measured in the inhalable fraction of atmospheric particles (PM; aerodynamic diameter, ≤10 μm) collected weekly at three residential areas in Delhi from December 2008 to November 2009. Mean annual 24 h PM levels at the sites (166.5-192.3 μg m) were eight to ten times the WHO limit. Weekday/weekend effects on PM and associated PAHs were investigated. ΣPAH concentrations (sum of 16 PAHs analyzed; overall annual mean, 105.3 ng m; overall range, 10.5-511.9 ng m) observed were at least an order of magnitude greater than values reported from European and US cities. Spatial variations in PAHs were influenced by nearness to traffic and thermal power plants while seasonal variation trends showed highest concentrations in winter. Associations between ΣPAHs and various meteorological parameters were investigated. The overall PAH profile was dominated by combustion-derived large-ring species (85-87 %) that were essentially local in origin. Carcinogenic PAHs contributed 58-62 % to ΣPAH loads at the sites. Molecular diagnostic ratios were used for preliminary assessment of PAH sources. Principal component analysis coupled with multiple linear regression-identified vehicular emissions as the predominant source (62-83 %), followed by coal combustion (18-19 %), residential fuel use (19 %), and industrial emissions (16 %). Spatio-temporal variations and time-evolution of source contributions were studied. Inhalation cancer risk assessment showed that a maximum of 39,780 excess cancer cases might occur due to lifetime inhalation exposure to the analyzed PAH concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities across the globe are considered as major anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gases (GHG), yet very few efforts has been made to monitor ambient concentration of GHG in cities, especially in a developing country like India. Here, variations in the ambient concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO) and methane (CH) in residential, commercial, and industrial areas of Delhi are determined from fortnightly daytime observations from July, 2008 to March, 2009. Results indicate that the average daytime ambient concentration of CO varied from 495 to 554 ppm in authorized residential areas, 503 to 621 ppm in the slums or jhuggies in the unauthorized residential areas, 489 to 582 ppm in commercial areas, and 512 to 568 ppm in industrial areas with an average of 541 ± 27 ppm. CH concentration varied from 652 to 5,356 ppbv in authorized residential areas, 500 to15,220 ppbv in the unauthorized residential areas, 921 to 11,000 ppbv in the commercial areas, and 250 to 2,550 ppbv in the industrial areas with an average of 3,226 ± 1,090 ppbv. A low mid-afternoon CO concentration was observed at most of the sites, primarily due to strong biospheric photosynthesis coupled with strong vertical mixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: (i) To study the clinical and immunological profile of HIV infected children attending the ART centre; (ii) To correlate CD4 count with clinical staging at diagnosis; and, iii) To study the clinical and immunological response to antiretroviral treatment. Setting: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) centres of two tertiary care hospitals of Delhi. Patients: 100 children attending the centres between December 2008 to June 2009. Methods: The clinical features, immunological profile (CD4 count) and response to ART were recorded in a structured proforma. Design: Prospective follow-up. Results: Average age of enrolled children was 6.24 y (range 1-14 years) and mode of transmission was parent to child in 92%. Most common clinical presentation was fever (83%), cough (50.8%) and diarrhea (38.9%). Tuberculosis was the most common opportunistic infection seen in 11% of children. 59% of enrolled children were malnourished. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) was initiated in 33 children. Children who were initiated on ART had a significant improvement in both clinical and immunological staging at the 6 months follow up. Immunological response (rise in CD4 count) to ART was better in children with lesser degree of immunosuppression. The measure of agreement between the clinical and immunological stage at presentation was poor. Conclusions: Baseline CD4 counts rather than clinical staging can be a primary determinant for initiation of antiretroviral treatment in HIV infected children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study unhealthy dietary behaviors amongst adolescent students in South Delhi and the epidemiological correlates. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Three schools and two colleges in South Delhi. Subjects: Adolescent students aged 14-19 year selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. Statistical Analysis: Proportions, Chi square test, Multivariate logistic regression. Results: Almost half of the respondents reported not having fruits, green vegetables or other vegetables daily. About 177 (32.2%) students were having 'junk food' and 28.2% were consuming carbonated soft drinks daily. More boys than girls reported unhealthy dietary practices. One in every two students (49.6%) had missed their breakfast once or more in the past 30 days. On logistic regression analysis, father's education and type of residence were found to be the two chief correlates of unhealthy dietary behaviors. Adolescents with father's education level lesser than graduation were more likely to be at risk for unhealthy dietary practices (Odds Ratio 4.5, 95% CI: 1.6-12.7). Those residing in private colonies or bungalows were more likely to be having unhealthy dietary practices, than those from government colonies (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3-6.5). Conclusion: The dietary behavior of an overwhelming majority of the students was found to be unhealthy. The study points to an urgent need for measures amongst the adolescents to prevent a catastrophic burden of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes in the coming generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient respirable particles (PM; aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm) collected in a tropical urban environment (Delhi, India) during December 2008-November 2009 were characterized with respect to 16 US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 8 major and trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cr). Concentrations of ΣPAHs (annual mean: 74.7 ± 50.7 ng m, range 22.1-258.4 ng m) and most metallic species were at least an order of magnitude greater than values reported from similar locations worldwide. Seasonal variations in ΣPAHs were significant ( p < 0.001) with highest levels in winter while crustal and anthropogenic metals showed significant but mutually opposite seasonal dependence. Statistically significant associations were observed between chemical species and various meteorological parameters. The PAH profile was dominated by combustion-derived large-ring species (~85%) that were essentially local in origin. Principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) apportioned four sources: crustal dust (73%), vehicular emission (21%), coal combustion (4%) and industrial emission (2%) that was further validated by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Temporal trend analysis showed that crustal sources were predominant in summer ( p < 0.05) while the remaining sources were most active in winter. Summertime intrusions of Saharan dust were identified with the help of aerosol maps and air parcel backward trajectories. Inhalation cancer risk assessment showed that up to 3,907 excess cancer cases (357 for PAHs, 122 for Cd, 2040 for Cr (VI) and 1387 for Ni) are likely in Delhi considering lifetime inhalation exposure to these chemicals at their current concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration, exploitation, and unscientific management of groundwater resources in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, India have posed a serious threat of reduction in quantity and deterioration of quality. The objective of the study is to determine the groundwater quality and to assess the risk of groundwater pollution at Najafgarh, NCT of Delhi. The groundwater quality parameters were analyzed from the existing wells of the Najafgarh and the thematic maps were generated using geostatistical concepts. Ordinary kriging and indicator kriging methods were used as geostatistical approach for preparation of thematic maps of the groundwater quality parameters such as bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, electrical conductivity (EC), magnesium, nitrate, sodium, and sulphate with concentrations equal or greater than their respective groundwater pollution cutoff value. Experimental semivariogram values were fitted well in spherical model for the water quality parameters, such as bicarbonate, chloride, EC, magnesium, sodium, and sulphate and in exponential model for calcium and nitrate. The thematic maps of all the groundwater quality parameters exhibited an increasing trend of pollution from the northern and western part of the study area towards the southern and eastern part. The concentration was highest at the southernmost part of the study area but it could not reflect correctly the groundwater pollution status. The indicator kriging method is useful to assess the risk of groundwater pollution by giving the conditional probability of concentrations of different chemical parameters exceeding their cutoff values. Thus, risk assessment of groundwater pollution is useful for proper management of groundwater resources and minimizing the pollution threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water quality monitoring exercise was carried out with water quality index (WQI) method by using water characteristics data for bore wells and a water treatment plant in Delhi city from December 2006 to August 2007. The water treatment plant received surface water as raw water, and product water is supplied after treatment. The WQI is used to classify water quality as excellent, good, medium, bad, and very bad. The National Sanitation Foundation WQI procedure was used to calculate the WQI. The index ranges from 0 to 100, where 100 represents an excellent water quality condition. Water samples were collected monthly from a bore well in Nehru Camp (site 1), a bore well in Sanjay Gandhi pumping station (site 2), and water treatment plant in Haiderpur (site 3). Five parameters were analyzed, namely, nitrate, pH, total dissolved solids, turbidity, and temperature. We found that the WQI was around 73–80 in site 3, which corresponds to “good,” and it decreased to 54.32–60.19 and 59.93–70.63 in site 1 and site 2, respectively, indicating that these bore wells were classified as “medium” quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporal variation of ambient SO and the chemical composition of particulate matters (PM and PM) were studied at National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi (28°38′N, 77°10′E). Spatial variation of SO at seven air quality monitoring stations over Delhi was also studied simultaneously. Wide range of ambient SO was recorded during winter (2.55 to 17.43 ppb) compare to other seasons. SO mixing ratio was recorded significantly high at industrial sites during winter and summer; however, no significant spatial difference in SO mixing ratio was recorded during monsoon. SO/(SO+SO) ratio was recorded high (0.74) during winter and low (0.69) during summer. Monthly variation of PSCF was analyzed using HYSPLIT seven days backward trajectories and daily average SO data. PSCF analysis suggests that, during winter (December, January, February) ambient SO at the study site might have contributed from long distance sources, located towards west and southwest directions; during monsoon (July, August, September) marine contribution was noticed; whereas, during summer (April, May and June) it was from regional sources (located within few 100 km of study site). During winter there was significant contribution from the long distance sources located in western Asia, northwestern Pakistan, Rajasthan and Punjab provinces of India. Coal used in thermal power plants at Panipat (in the northwestern side) and Faridabad (in the southeastern side), local industries, soil erosion and biomass burning may be major contributing factors for SO during summer. The study establishes that the transport sector may not be the major source of ambient SO in Delhi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study illustrates the utility of STREAM II as a modeling package to determine the pollution load due to organic matter in the River Yamuna during its course through the National Capital Territory that is Delhi, India. The study was done for a period from 1995–2005. Model simulates the dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand parameters in a two-dimensional fashion by performing the numerical solution to a set of differential equations representing aquatic life with the help of Crank–Nicholson finite difference method. The model was simulated and calibrated through the field water-quality primary data and the secondary data which were taken from Central Pollution Control Board. The main reasons for the high river pollution is increasing population of Delhi and other states, leading to generation of huge amounts of domestic sewage into the river Yamuna. The model gave a good agreement between calibrated and observed data, thus, actualizing the validity of the model. However, discrepancies noticed during model calibrations were attributed to the assumptions adopted in the model formulation and to lack of field data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Old Fort Lake, a small (1.6 ha), shallow, and recreational water body in Delhi (India) was studied through monthly surveys in two consecutive years (January, 2000–December, 2001). Precipitation is the major source of water for this closed basin lake. In addition, ground water is used for replenishing the lake regularly. This alkaline, hyposaline hard water lake contains very high ionic concentration, especially of nitrates. Based on overall ionic composition, this lake can be categorized as chloride–sulfate alkaline waters with the anion sequence dominated by SO4 2− > Cl− > HCO3 −, and the cations by Mg++ > Ca++. The overall seasonal variability in physicochemical profile was largely regulated by the annual cycle of evaporation and precipitation, whereas the ground water largely influences its water quality. The lake exhibited phytoplankton-dominated turbid state due to dominance of the blue green alga, Microcystis aeruginosa. The persistent cyanobacterial blooms and the elevated nutrient levels are indicative of the cultural eutrophication of the lake. This study focuses on the relative importance of eutrophic vis-à-vis hyposaline conditions in determining the structure and seasonal dynamics of zooplankton species assemblages. A total of 52 zooplankton species were recorded and rotifers dominated the community structure qualitatively as well as quantitatively. The genus Brachionus comprised a significant component of zooplankton community with B. plicatilis as the most dominant species. The other common taxa were B. quadridentatus, B. angularis, Lecane grandis, L. thalera, L. punctata, Mesocyclops sp., and Alona rectangula. Multivariate data analysis techniques, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) along with Monte Carlo Permutation Tests were used to determine the minimum number of environmental factors that could explain statistically significant ( P < 0.05) proportions of variation in the species data. The significant variables selected by CCA were NH3–N followed by percent saturation of DO, COD, SS, BOD, NO2–N, rainfall, silicates, and PO4–P. The results indicate that the seasonal succession patterns of the zooplankton species were largely controlled by physicochemical factors related directly or indirectly to the process of eutrophication, whereas hyposaline conditions in the lake determined the characteristic species composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical, chemical and microbiological efficiencies of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) located in Delhi’s watershed in context of different treatment technologies employed in these plants have been determined. There were in all seventeen STPs treating domestic wastewater which were studied over a period of 12 months. These STPs were based on Conventional Activated sludge process (ASP), Extended aeration (Ex. Aeration), physical, chemical and biological removal treatment (BIOFORE) and oxidation pond treatment process. Results suggests that except “Mehrauli” STP which was based on Extended aeration process and “Oxidation pond”, effluents from all other STPs exceeded FC standard of 103 MPN/100 ml for unrestricted irrigation criteria set by National river conservation directorate (NRCD). Actual integrated efficiency (IEa) of each STP was evaluated and compared with the standard integrated efficiency (IEs) based upon physical, biological and microbiological removal efficiencies depending upon influent sewage characteristics. The best results were obtained for STPs employing extended aeration, BIOFORE and oxidation pond treatment process thus can be safely used for irrigation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas are facing increasing fog frequencies that may result due to increased air pollution emanating from variety of sources. The increased pollution levels may lead to the atmospheric reactions resulting into the formation of secondary pollutants that may also lead to increased aerosol number concentrations (ANC) in the atmosphere. This could cause enhanced water aerosols in the presence of favourable meteorological conditions and high relative humidity. This study deals with the atmospheric pollution and visibility during winter season of megacity Delhi in order to assess the relationship between the two specifically during fog episodes. Thus, this study analyses the levels of air pollutants, aerosol spectrum and meteorological conditions during one week each in the winter season of the years 2004 and 2006 in order to have an improved understanding of their role in fog formation in mega-city Delhi. More than 300 h of measurements which included episodes of dense, thick and moderate fogs of about 25 h, were studied. The measurements cover most of the accumulation mode and greater size spectrum of aerosols. Thus, the analysis is performed for the entire period, specifically, before the fog sets up, during and afterwards. In general, the relatively small variations in number concentration show larger variations in visibility prior and post dense fog formation than during dense fog episodes. Preliminary analysis of monthly averaged RSPM (Respirable Suspended particulate Matter or PM10) concentration values for four winter months for a period of 6 years (1996–2001) and visibility did not show a good correlation with total occurrences of fog. However, daily averaged RSPM concentration showed a good correlation with the occurrences of thick fog. Diurnal variation of Sulfur-dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide were found to have inverse relationship with visibility during fog which may be due to formation of secondary pollutants such as sulfate and to a lesser extent nitrates. Amongst, the daily averaged concentrations of all the criteria pollutants, RSPM was found to be best correlated with the fog in comparison to other pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) was used to understand the differences in morphology, elemental composition and particle density of aerosols in different five size ranges to further investigate the potential sources as well as transport of pollutants from/at a much polluted and a very clean area of Delhi. Aerosol samples were obtained in five different size ranges viz. ≥10.9, 10.9–5.4, 5.4–1.6, 1.6–0.7 and ≤0.7 μm from a considerably very clean and a much polluted area of Delhi. It was observed that at polluted area most of the particles irrespective of size are of anthropogenic origin. At clean area, in coarse size fractions particles are of natural origin while in fine size range the presence of anthropogenic particles suggests the transport of particles from one area to the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of alternative fuel is considered to be an effective measure to improve the urban air quality. Concerned over deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the Delhi government initiated different measures including stringent emission norms, improved fuel quality and above all introduction of cleaner fuel-CNG in public transport system. The entire city bus fleet was converted to CNG mode by 2002. The present study reports the comparative assessment of the status of air quality with respect to PM10 and PAH before and after the introduction of CNG in public transport system in Delhi. The study has been carried out for two different time periods: first in the year 1998 and second in the year 2004. Following the total conversion of public transport system to CNG in 2002, Post-CNG data indicate a sharp reduction of 51–74% in the PM10 concentration and 58–68% in the TPAH concentration as compared to the Pre-CNG data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass size distributions of total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) was measured from Sep 2002 to April 2003 in indoor kitchen environments of five locations in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, with the help of a high volume cascade impactor. Particulate matters were separated in five different size ranges, i.e. >10.9 μm, 10.9–5.4 μm, 5.4–1.6 μm, 1.6–0.7 μm and <0.7 μm. The particle size distribution at various sites appears to follow uni-modal trend corresponding to fine particles i.e. size range <0.7 μm. The contributions of fine particles are estimated to be approximately 50% of TSPM and PM10.9, while PM10.9 comprises 80% of TSPM. Good correlations were observed between various size fractions. Regression results reveal that TSPM can adequately act as a surrogate for PM10.9 and fine particles, while PM10.9 can also act as surrogate for fine particles. The concentrations of heavy metals are found to be dominantly associated with fine particles. However, the concentration of some metals and their size distribution, to some extent is also site specific (fuel type used). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent advances in global position systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing (RS) can be exploited for spatial sampling design for demographic and health surveys. These technologies are particularly useful when a sampling frame is unavailable and/or location (of household) is important for data collection (e.g., location of residence might greatly impact exposure to ambient air pollution among members of a population). Building on these technologies, this article presents a methodology of spatial sampling adopted for the respiratory health and demographic survey conducted in Delhi and its environs from January through April 2004. The overall goal of the survey was to select households that adequately represented exposure to ambient air pollution. The proposed methodology involved constructing a sampling frame of residential areas and the simulation of weighted random points within residential areas. The simulated locations were navigated with the aid of GPS to identify households at these locations and to acquire residents’ consent to participate in the survey; a total of 1,576 households at the 2,000 simulated locations were found suitable and participated in the survey. The average ambient air pollution at the sample sites was not significantly different from the average air pollution observed in the study area, which demonstrates the robustness of the proposed sampling method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open window buses without air-conditioning are a major mode of urban and inter-city transport in most countries. High occupancy combined with hot and humid conditions makes travel in these buses quite uncomfortable. In this study air flow through a bus has been studied that could be the basis for low cost and eco-friendly methods of increasing passenger comfort and possibly reduce drag. The aerodynamics of such a road vehicle has not been studied as previous investigations have been confined to vehicles with closed windows that present a smooth exterior to air flow. Using a 1:25 scaled Perspex model of an urban bus in Delhi, flow visualization was performed in a water channel. The Reynolds numbers were one tenth of a real bus moving at 10 m/s. Smoke and tuft visualizations were also performed on an urban bus at 40 km/h. Numerical simulations were performed at the actual Reynolds number. Even though there were Reynolds number differences, the broad features were similar. Air enters the bus from the rear windows, moves to the front (relative to the bus) and exits from the front windows. Inside air velocity relative to the bus is about one-tenth of the free-stream velocity. The flow is highly three-dimensional and unsteady. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on assessing the status of respiratory morbidity in Delhi over a four years period from 2000–2003. An attempt was made to investigate the role of important pollutants (SO2, NO2, SPM and RSPM) and various meteorological factors (temperature minimum & maximum, relative humidity at 0830 and 1730 hrs. and wind speed) in being responsible for respiratory admissions on account of COPD, asthma and emphysema. The study showed that winter months had greater exposure risk as pollutants often get trapped in the lower layers of atmosphere resulting in high concentrations. Statistical analysis revealed that two pollutants have significant positive correlation with the number of COPD cases viz., SPM ( r = 0.474; p < 0.01) and RSPM ( r = 0.353; p < 0.05), while a meteorological factor temperature (minimum) has a significant negative correlation ( r = −0.318; p < 0.05) with COPD. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed for COPD as dependent variable and R2 value of 0.33 was obtained indicating that SPM and RH(1730) were able to explain 33 percent variability in COPD. The partial correlation of SPM and RH(1730) on COPD was higher than any other combination and therefore they can be regarded as important contributing variables on COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variability of pollutants is an important factor in determining human exposure to the chemicals. This study presents the result of investigation of variability of Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urban area of Delhi, capital of India. Fifteen locations, in five categories namely residential, commercial, industrial, traffic intersections and petrol pump were monitored for one year every month during peak hours in morning and evening. Measurement focused on target VOCs as defined by USEPA. Variability was divided into measurement, spatial, temporal and temporal–spatial interaction components. Temporal component along with temporal–spatial interaction were found to be the major contributors to the variability of measured VOC concentrations. Need of continuous monitoring to capture short–term peak concentration and averages is evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The levels of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and heavy metals viz. Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni and Fe were measured. Aerosol samples from four different locations in Delhi were collected by High-volume samplers for a period of one year from July 1997 June 1998. Metal concentration was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The annual average concentration of SPM in Delhi was found to be 416.34 ± 223 μg m-3. The atmospheric aerosol samples were highly enriched with elements viz. Pb and Cd, which originate from various human activities like transportation and industrial processes. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed vehicular traffic and industrial emission as the major contributors of metals. The annual average concentration of Pb did not exceed the national standard of 0.75 μg m-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The noise status of growing urban centres of the country are very much required to develop acoustic design and planning guidelines for various land use classification. An attempt in this direction has been made by measuring noise equivalent levels for cities like Delhi, Jamshedpur, Dehradun and Nagpur. The choice of Ldn (Day–Night noise level) which is a better descriptor of noise quality provides an interesting status of noise in these urban centres. It has been observed that maximum percentage of areas in Delhi and Jamshedpur fall under moderately severe to very severe noisy conditions as compared to Dehradun and Nagpur on the noise rating scale. Ways and means are also considered for mitigation of noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article profiles editor P.N. Taneja, who was referred as the senior most pediatrician of Delhi. India. It notes that Taneja took over as the first editor of the journal published from Delhi and has become the only editor who was a former president of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). It adds that Taneja held the position for three years before turning it over to his successor O. P. Ghai.

A comparative study was undertaken to understand the various measures required to strengthen and improve the health record cards (HRC) of various schools that subsequently help in improving the medical examination of children. By using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method, 24 schools from Delhi, eight each from three broad categories of (i) corporation schools, (ii) other government schools, (iii) private schools were included in the study. The study finding revealed that in most of the government schools the health record cards were properly developed and structured as per the recommendations of various committee, though they are always in short supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article appreciates the efforts of the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) to environmental issues in India. An overview CSE, started by Anil Agarwal in 1980, and its focus on main areas including air pollution, climate change, and water management, is presented. The author also outlines the success of CSI for introduction of CNG for public transport in Delhi and fight of Sunita Narain, against Cola companies for pesticide residues and their low standards of soft drinks in India.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 775 adolescent girls (11-18 years) residing in a slum of Delhi to assess plasma vitamin C levels. The mean (SD) plasma levels of vitamin C were 0.76 (0.45) mg/dL. Overall, 6.3% and 27.6% girls had deficient (<0.2 mg/dL) and suboptimal levels (0.2-0.49 mg/dL) of plasma vitamin C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]