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OBJECTIVE: With the nationwide lockdown in India, and with a near-exclusive focus on the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) there has been a great deal of neglect in the management of other illnesses leading to significant mortality and morbidity. We aimed to assess the feasibility of keeping obstetrics & gynecology services in a secondary care hospital functioning (in terms of regional experiences and comprehensive patient care measures) in the COVID-19 pandemic situation using a clinical approach. STUDY DESIGN: All policies of the World Health Organization and other international obstetrics- gynecological recommendations or guidelines were followed in keeping the services functional. Hospital data of obstetrics and gynecology services were maintained and compared with the previous year’s data of the corresponding period (January to December) through a retrospective observational study. RESULTS: Compared to figures for 2019, in-patient admissions, surgeries, and daycare procedures performed, and deliveries conducted were reduced in total but almost approached previous levels. The number of out-patient attendance and gynecologic laparoscopic surgeries were significantly reduced mostly in the initial month of lockdown (April 2020) and thereafter. Only limited COVID-19 testing was done and there was no mortality in patients or health care workers (HCW) in the obstetrics and gynecological department. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic had caused an unprecedented global healthcare crisis. The experience and data collected from our hospital in the study period validate the ‘clinical’ working protocol that enables comprehensive maternity and gynecology care at secondary level care centers even in a pandemic situation without adverse outcomes on patients or the hospital staff.

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are considered as emerging contaminants (ECs) in the environment due to their known or suspected adverse ecological effects and human health risks....

usc The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems has raised concerns because of their adverse effects on ecosystem functions and human health. Plastic waste management has become a universal problem in recent years. Hence, sustainable plastic waste management techniques are vital for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Although many reviews have focused on the occurrence and impact of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), there has been limited focus on the management of MNPs. This review first summarizes the ecotoxicological impacts of plastic waste sources and issues related to the sustainable management of MNPs in the environment. This paper then critically evaluates possible approaches for incorporating plastics into the circular economy in order to cope with the problem of plastics. Pollution associated with MNPs can be tackled through source reduction, incorporation of plastics into the circular economy, and suitable waste management. Appropriate infrastructure development, waste valorization, and economically sound plastic waste management techniques and viable alternatives are essential for reducing MNPs in the environment. Policymakers must pay more attention to this critical issue and implement appropriate environmental regulations to achieve environmental sustainability. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Heavy metals (HMs) are non-biodegradable and persistent contaminants generated from diverse anthropogenic activities and discharged into the environment often via wastewater. HMs can cause toxicity to living organisms including human beings. The conventional environmental technologies such as electrolytic technologies, ion exchange, precipitation, chemical extraction, hydrolysis, polymer microencapsulation used for removal of HMs from wastewater are considered energy intensive and costly. Since several microalgae are endowed with the capability of removing HMs, they are considered as efficient biological agents for their environmental clean-up. Additionally, several microalgae show excellent ability of carbon sequestration, which draws attention of the scientists in reducing carbon dioxide concentration in the environment, and thereby combating global warming and climate change. Biological carbon sequestration using microalgae can offer a sustainable, ecofriendly and cost-effective approach, which has significant advantages over physical, chemical, and geoengineering approaches such as biomass burial, artificial capture, and sequestration of industrially produced CO2 using subsurface saline aquifers, reservoirs, ocean storage, underground storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline formations or deep, unminable coal beds, stratospheric aerosol injection, marine cloud brightening, cirrus cloud thinning, ground-based albedo modification for managing solar radiation. In this situation, phycoremediation technologies are seen as the most ecofriendly, efficient and suitable technologies for HM removal from wastewater. Numerous photosynthetic microalgae are not only able to remediate the toxic contaminants but also serve as agents of carbon capture from the environment. The present book chapter will deal with the unique potential of some microalgae like Scenedesmus spp., Chlorella spp., and Spirulina spp. for multiple environmental remediations based on coupled carbon sequestration and HM removal processes.

Microbial electrochemical processes are primary platforms for generating electricity or value-added products by relying on the interaction between electroactive microorganisms and electrodes by utilizing electron carriers like hydrogen and enzyme through the oxidation–reduction reactions. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES), initially introduced as electricity-driven bioproduction from CO2, offered a novel pathway to produce biochemicals that eventually contribute to the CO2 sequestration. While most of the previous reviews concentrate on these microbial electrochemical platforms jointly referred to as MXC, such as Microbial fuel cell and microbial electrolysis cell, MES has grown tremendously in recent years, requiring a severe update on the scientific information on this topic. In this mini-review, the significant achievements in MES, specifically towards the production of a wide array of specialty chemicals, have been addressed by summarizing the recent scientific breakthroughs of the MES technology. Furthermore, improving MES's performance through modification of electrodes and membranes and outlook section with the technical challenges and probable solutions have been discussed. The review summarizes the technological drawbacks of the MES's towards a sustainable commercial platform for industrial commodities production and proposes ways to overcome the existing technical challenges in a nutshell towards turning MES in a full-fledged industrial-scale production platform.

Different reliable methods of contraception are used. However, women still get pregnant when it fails. It would be dramatic when a lady has an intrauterine device in place and still she conceive and delivers a healthy baby at term. Failure rate of copper containing intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is usually less than 2 women per 100 women years. Pregnancy continued with IUCD in situ can result in adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcome in comparison to its removal at an early stage of pregnancy. Early detection of pregnancy with IUCD in situ and proper management are very important to avoid many obstetric emergencies later on. The reported case is precisely the same kind of case, where the lady had left with no other option but to continue her pregnancy due to lack of required medical facility early in her gestation, but had a favourable maternal and neonatal outcome.

Winter reduction of fish growth is one of the major concerns in aquaculture. Using the principle of greenhouse mediated raised temperature, the issue has been addressed by examining the growth responses of some tropical fishes in polyculture (rohu, mrigal, bata, Japanese punti, grass carp, common carp, magur, freshwater prawn) and two stocking ratios (80:20 and 20:80) with surface and column feeder (catla, silver carp, rohu, Japanese punti and bata) and bottom feeder (mrigal and common carp). Advanced fry of these fishes were introduced separately in solar heated greenhouse and in open polyhouse (13 × 1.5 × 2 m3) placed in triplicate in a pond and reared for 120 or 98 days during the winter for two consecutive years. The rate of survival (20–83%) and net weight gained by different species of fish were distinctly higher in closed set up (0.22–2.95 g/day) than in open (4–66%; 0.11–1.80 g/day) ones in both trials. Among the species, warmth induced net weight gain was maximal for Japanese punti (196 g), followed by rohu (159 g), mrigal (115 g), grass carp (104 g), bata (36 g) and freshwater prawn (28 g) in polyculture. The frequency distribution of harvested fishes was skewed towards large fishes in solar heated greenhouse and smaller ones in open units. Water temperature ranged from 21.6–28.1 °C and 17.2–23.7 °C in the closed and open units, whereas mean temperature remained 4.5–5 °C higher in the former than in latter. There was no marked differences in total alkalinity (219–231 mg/l), inorganic carbon (289–417 mg/l), organic carbon (4.27–4.52 mg/l), dissolved oxygen (6.61–6.75 mg/l), total dissolved solids (420.48–423.74 mg/l) and conductivity (549.83–563.29 μs/cm) between the closed and open enclosures, and remained within the range for fish culture. The score values of the sum total of the integrated ecological conditions revealed that ~ 5 °C rise in water temperature during winter enhanced as high as 36% increased yield of fish (2546 kg/ha) over open units mediated through microbial driven augmented manure mineralization leading to increased primary productivity, zooplankton abundance and ecological integrity. In essence, the solar heated greenhouse would be of considerable use for circumventing the retarded growth during winter in tropical fishes.

River Hooghly, a tributary of river Ganges is one of the major rivers of Asia having traditional, social, economic, religious, and spiritual values. Water samples were collected from 18 sampling locations of river Hooghly during summer (dry), monsoon (wet), and winter (cold) seasons. The samples are analysed for basic physicochemical properties and abundance of selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are measured. Several PTEs, e.g., Al, Fe, Ni, and Pb, were found to be above the permissible limits, prescribed by national and international guidelines for safe human consumption. The trend of variation in the mean PTE concentrations showed the following order: Cd

OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, more precisely as a result of restrictions on movement and continuing altered perception of essential health care services, women’s health is disproportionately affected due to reduced access to services as per reports and statements made by different global and national level Government and non-government agencies. We aimed to evaluate the health care impacts related to contraception, family planning, and safe motherhood in an Indian Armed Forces secondary level care hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: Immediate health care effect on women’s sexual and reproductive life during pandemic months (April to August of the year 2020) is analyzed through a retrospective observational cohort study in a single Indian Armed Forces secondary level care hospital experience. RESULTS: It has shown more late reported unintended pregnancies requiring surgical intervention, more late-registered antenatal cases and consequently delayed essential evaluations, increased trend in high-risk cases requiring in-patient care (IPD), and reduced access to contraception and family planning services in comparison to those in the previous two years. CONCLUSION: Considering these negative impacts noted in this observation, with the help of policymakers, government, and other non-government agencies, all services should be made available to women including un-interrupted out-patient (OPD) and IPD services in all hospitals, along with continued basic infection prevention and control precautions (IPC) to both clientele and health care workers (HCW). Telemedicine can also play a supplementary role in various aspects of women’s health to avoid upcoming population explosion and for better maternal-child health care.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) in lumbar spine is one of the major musculoskeletal disorders that cause low back pain (LBP). The intervertebral disc structure and dynamics of the lumbar spine are significantly affected by lumbar DDD, leading to a reduced range of motion (ROM), muscle weakness and gradual degradation. Spinal fusion and inter-vertebral disc replacement prostheses are two major surgical methods used for treating lumbar DDD. The aim of this present study is to examine biomechanical impacts of single level (L3-L4 and L4-L5) and multi level (L3-L4-L5) inter-vertebral disc replacement in lumbar spine (L2-L5) and to compare the performance with intact spine. Finite element (FE) analysis has been used to compare the mobility and stress distribution of all the models for four physiological movements, namely flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending under 6, 8 and 10 Nm moments. Spinal fusion implants completely restrict the motion of the implanted segment and increase disc stress at the adjacent levels. In contrast to that, the results single level ADR models showed closer ROM and disc stress to natural model. At the spinal segments adjacent to the implantation, single level ADR shows lower chance of disc degeneration. However, significantly increased ROM was observed in case of double level ADR.

The aim of this study is to design a novel expanding flexible rod device, for pedicle screw fixation to provide dynamic stability, based on strength and flexibility. Three-dimensional finite-element models of lumbar spine (L1-S) with flexible rod device on L3-L4-L5 levels are developed. The implant material is taken to be Ti-6Al-4V. The models are simulated under different boundary conditions, and the results are compared with intact model. In natural model, total range of motion under 10 Nm moment were found 66.7°, 24.3° and 13.59°, respectively during flexion–extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. The von Mises stress at intact bone was 4 ± 2 MPa and at bone, adjacent to the screw in the implanted bone, was 6 ± 3 MPa. The von Mises stress of disc of intact bone varied from 0.36 to 2.13 MPa while that of the disc between the fixed vertebra of the fixation model reduced by approximately 10% for flexion and 25% for extension compared to intact model. The von Mises stresses of pedicle screw were 120, 135, 110 and 90 MPa during flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively. All the stress values were within the safe limit of the material. Using the flexible rod device, flexibility was significantly increased in flexion/extension but not in axial rotation and lateral bending. The results suggest that dynamic stabilization system with respect to fusion is more effective for homogenizing the range of motion of the spine.

Modern agricultural practices use a huge amount of agro-pesticides to control insect pests, pathogens, and unwanted weeds. Many of such agrochemicals persist in the soil and plant systems for long time and pose a risk of migration into the drinking water sources and food chain. Often these agrochemicals occur as a mixture of multiple compounds in the soil due to their simultaneous and/or subsequent seasonal applications. The mobility, fate, and transformation of agrochemicals depend largely on soil types, especially the type and content of soil clays, organic matter content, pH, and microbial activity. The sorption–desorption behaviors of agrochemicals on soil clays, which are the most reactive particle components of soils, may alter significantly when these compounds appear as a mixture. This chapter aims to discuss various soil attributes that control the sorption–desorption of agrochemical contaminants in soils under different soil–plant systems.

Background: Despite the available clinico-epidemiological evidence of heavy metal-associated respiratory health hazards among metal arc-welders, experimental confirmation of such an association is lacking. Methods: In this study, we recruited 15 metal arc-welders and 10 referent workers without direct exposure. We assessed respiratory health through a questionnaire and spirometry; estimated manganese, nickel and cadmium levels in blood, urine and induced sputum; performed differential counts of sputum leucocytes and measured plasma malondialdehyde (MDA). We used atomic force and scanning electron microscopy to assess the physical property of the alveolar macrophages (AMs) obtained from induced sputum and analysed cell surface deposition of heavy metals using energy dispersion X-ray analysis (EDX). Sputum cellular DNA damage was assessed by DNA-laddering assay. Results: There was a higher body burden of manganese and nickel in the metal arc-welders than the referents. Among major spirometric indices, only the forced mid-expiratory flow rates (FEF25–75) were reduced in the welders compared with the referents (63.4 ± 14.7 vs. 89.2 ± 26.7, p < 0.01); this reduction was associated with both heavy metal levels ( β: −41.8, 95% CI: −78.5% to −5.1%) and plasma MDA (−0.37; −0.68 to −0.06). In metal arc-welders, significant physical and morphological changes were observed in AMs through microscopic evaluation while EDX analyses demonstrated higher deposition of heavy metals on the AM cell surface than the referents. We also observed a higher degree of DNA damage in the sputum cells of the exposed workers than the referents. Conclusion: Heavy metal exposure-induced adverse respiratory effects among metal arc-welders are mediated through haematological and cytological interactions.

Recent advancements in biochemical sciences have helped the researchers to explore the molecular logic of life inclusive of its multifarious expressions and explain many facts about the structure and functions of cellular macromolecules. Due to its simple and cost-effective nature, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) has become the most favored technique for qualitative and quantitative examination of macromolecules. Major drawbacks of such modifications are the cost and operational complexities faced by naive students. Many interlinking laboratory equipment are needed in the school laboratories for the conduct of even simple scientific experiment. Some of these costly modern equipment are inaccessible for students of small laboratories, and their alternatives are not easily available. Many of these laboratory equipment required for routine gel electrophoresis technique can be fabricated in their simplest form using off-the-shelf components. A short term biochemistry training program was executed for high school students to provide them "hands-on" training using newly modified equipment, which was proved to be an exciting way of learning biochemical gel separation techniques. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(5):566-577, 2018.

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is the most classical technique favored worldwide for resolution of macromolecules in many biochemistry laboratories due to its incessant advanced developments and wide modifications. These ever-growing advancements in the basic laboratory equipments lead to emergence of many expensive, complex, and tricky laboratory equipments. Practical courses of biochemistry at high school or undergraduate levels are often affected by these complications. Two dimensional gel electrophoresis technique (2D-PAGE) used for resolving thousands of proteins in a gel is a combination of isoelectric focusing (first dimension gel electrophoresis technique) and sodium-dodecylsulphate PAGE (second dimension gel electrophoresis technique or SDS-PAGE). Two different laboratory equipments are needed to carry out effective 2D-PAGE technique, which also invites extra burden to the school laboratory. Here, we describe a low cost, time saving and simple gel cassette for protein 2D-PAGE technique that uses easily fabricated components and routine off-the-shelf materials. The performance of the apparatus was verified in a practical exercise by a group of high school students with positive outcomes. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(3):237-244, 2018.

As an interesting conjugated polymer, g-C 3 N 4 has drawn huge interdisciplinary consideration as the latest research “hotspot” in energy conversion and wastewater mitigation. Nonetheless, due to less surface area and charge carrier transfer photocatalytic efficacy of g-C 3 N 4 is restricted. Lately, new advancements has been attained concerning avant-garde all-solid-state (ASS) Z-scheme systems to boost photocatalytic efficiency. Therefore, coupling g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst with appropriate photocatalyst to construct ASS Z-scheme structure proposes a significant way to enhance charge separation, expand the specific surface area and boost catalytic performance. This review extensively aims at g-C 3 N 4 based ASS Z-scheme photocatalysts grounded on their structure, DFT calculations, photocatalytic properties, interface charge transfer, and drawbacks. We have predominantly introduced various techniques to enhance catalytic performances of g-C 3 N 4 grounded ASS Z-scheme semiconductor photocatalysts. Apart from this, photocatalytic applications towards CO 2 reduction, water splitting, bacterial disinfection, pollutant degradation are systematically discussed. Lastly, challenges and invigorating perspectives that g-C 3 N 4 grounded ASS Z-scheme semiconductor photocatalysts face are recapitulated and explored. In current paper, we have extensively focused on g-C 3 N 4 based ASS Z-scheme systems and expect that the present review on rapid-improving pace of research field is apt for engineering g-C 3 N 4 grounded ASS Z-scheme photocatalysts for sustainable advanced applications.

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is the most widely used technique for the separation and biochemical analysis of biomolecules. The ever growing field of proteomics and genomics necessitates the analysis of many proteins and nucleic acid samples to understand further about the structure and function of cells. Simultaneous analysis of multiple protein samples often requires casting of many PAGE gels. Several variants of multi-gel casting/electrophoresis apparatuses are frequently used in research laboratories. Requirement of supplementary gels to match the growing demand for analyzing additional protein samples sometimes become a cause of concern. Available apparatuses are not amenable to and therefore, not recommended for any modification to accommodate additional gel casting units other than what is prescribed by the manufacturer. A novel apparatus is described here for casting multiple PAGE gels comprising four detachable components that provide enhanced practicability and performance of the apparatus. This newly modified apparatus promises to be a reliable source for making multiple gels in less time without hassle. Synchronized functioning of unique components broaden the possibilities of developing inexpensive, safe and time saving multi-gel casting apparatus. This apparatus can be easily fabricated and modified to accommodate desired number of gel casting units. The estimated cost (∼$300) for fabrication of the main apparatus is very competitive and effortless assembly procedure can be completed within ∼30 min. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Human urine (HU) is a biogenic fertilizer which has raised immense interest owing to its capacity of combining sanitation and nutrient recovery. In search of an alternative organic fertilizer for fish culture, the nutrient potential of HU was evaluated. Fries of Indian carps and larvae of freshwater prawn were reared for 120 days under six conditions: (a) aerated and (b) non-aerated fresh HU (0.01%), (c) cattle manure (CM; 1.8 kg tank-1), mixed treatment with CM and HU under (d) iso-phosphorus and (e) iso-nitrogenous condition and (f) control. Monitoring of water quality and biological parameters revealed that total fish yield was the highest in CM (621.5 g tank-1) followed by mixed treatments under iso-nitrogenous (428 g tank-1) and iso-phosphorus (333 g tank-1) conditions, aerated HU (321 g tank-1) and HU (319 g tank-1). The gross primary productivity (GPP) in HU was satisfactory (601.8 mg C m-2 h-1) and superior to all but CM treatment. The abundance of heterotrophic bacteria (HB) was highest in CM and lowest in HU. Both GPP and HB population were correlated positively with fish yield per tank. Although pH in all treatments remained high (pH 8.4-8.9), no ammonia toxicity was observed. No E. coli infestation in any fish muscle was encountered. The concentrations of cadmium and lead in fish muscle were within respective safe level. The study established that high fertilizer potential of HU could be exploited as an alternative organic fertilizer or as a candidate to be blended with cattle manure.

Electronic waste (E-waste) has been stated as one of the most rapidly growing waste streams in the world. It consists of a wide range of elements and compounds including both valuable and hazardous materials. E-waste can contaminate the environment and threaten human health through its improper recycling and disposal methods. Moreover, E-waste represents a significant potential source of valuable materials to make the recycling of this waste economically fascinating. This chapter presents an overview of E-waste treatment technologies including sanitary landfill and recycling of precious metals, nonmetal elements, plastics, and glasses. The recycling of E-waste has become a significant issue because of the strange growth in the production of E-waste and increased awareness among people regarding environmental protection. Consequently, the primitive treatment technologies cannot reach the future obligations of industry because of the potential risk of environmental contamination, high cost, and low efficiency. An effective utilization of the reusable resources is therefore a prerequisite for developing new technologies to treat E-waste.

When on March 24, 2020 the Government of India ordered a complete lockdown of the country as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it had serious unwanted implications for farmers and the supply chains for agricultural produce. This was magnified by the fact that, as typically in developing countries, India's economy is strongly based on farming, industrialization of its agricultural systems being only modest. This paper reports on the various consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown for farming systems in India, including the economy, taking into account the associated emergency responses of state and national governments. Combining quantitative and qualitative sources of information with a focus on the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, including expert elicitation and a survey of farmers, the paper identifies and analyzes the different factors that contributed to the severe disruption of farming systems and the agricultural sector as a whole following the lockdown. Among other issues, our study finds that the lack of migrant labor in some regions and a surplus of workers in others greatly affected the April harvest, leading to a decline in agricultural wages in some communities and an increase in others, as well as to critical losses of produce. Moreover, the partial closure of rural markets and procurement options, combined with the insufficient supply of products, led to shortages of food supplies and dramatically increased prices, which particularly affected urban dwellers and the poor. We argue that the lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis could fuel the development of new sustainable agro-policies and decision-making in response not only to future pandemics but also to the sustainable development of agricultural systems in India and in developing countries in general.

Implants have created a great impact in the bio medical industry. There are different kinds of dental implants which are existing in the market. Every implant has a unique feature and withstands for different time period. This study on the dental implant creates a new model which includes the porous and tapered angle. Titanium alloy was used for making the implant and supporting bone tissue was considered. Computed tomography data were used to generate the mandible model. In the analysis both static and dynamic loading condition were considered. Three dimensional FEM was performed on the implant to find out the mechanical response for this specific type of implant. The von-Misses stress were calculated for implants and it was observed that safe when compared with yield strength of implant and abundant. In analysis it was also varied bone quality for cortical and cancellous bone and the effect of stress produced can be predated before the implantation done for the patients.

Traditional medicine is the earliest healthcare system of humanity, which relies on the revered traditional legacy of healing powers hidden in the natural objects like medicinal plants, animals, etc. It encompasses the Indian Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, Arabic Unani medicine, and other forms of indigenous medicine. The Ayurveda is the most commonly practised system of traditional medicine in the Indian subcontinent and has been carving niche in the Western countries. It is based on the Vedic hypothesis that there are some common cardinal premises underlying the harmony and homeostasis maintained in the microcosm (individual body) and macrocosm (nature/universe). Both man and the universe are composed of the same basic elements, and disease manifests when the balance is destabilized. Some heavy metal(oid)s are added intentionally in Ayurvedic products as it is thought that the equilibrium of lead, copper, gold, iron, mercury, silver, tin, zinc thallium, and arsenic is essential for normal functioning of the human body. Similarly, traditional Chinese medicine believes that the human body has an organic unity based on the opposing and complementary relationships of yin and yang. Such medicine also contains heavy metals which come from contaminated soil source or are deliberately added as ingredients for specific curative cause. Traditional medicine focuses on causes, not the symptoms, heal the “whole”, not the “part” by only correcting the symptoms, like the modern medicine. These low-cost medicines are thought of treating diseases and disorders without posing any risk of side effects. But it is wrong in reality, raising human health concerns and side effects due to their pharmaceutically non-validated nature and indiscriminate and irrational use. The quality, safety, and toxicity of herbal medicines have become a major concern for public health, health authorities, and pharmaceutical industries. Herbal medicines and products may contain highly active pharmacological components or contaminants including several toxic metals and metaloids. The metal(oid) contaminants or additives may be introduced during different phases such as cultivation, harvesting, collecting, cleaning, and drying of the medicinal plants in contaminated environment and/or during the processing and formulation of the herbal products. The objective of the present chapter is to show how through traditional medicine humans may be exposed to a cocktail of heavy metal(oid)s—the nonbiodegradable toxic group of environmental chemicals. Citing selected priority heavy metal(oid)s like lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and mercury, it presents the spectra of vast array of toxic insults and injuries inflicted by them, ranging from cell to system levels, as well as the unique biochemical/molecular fingerprints the toxicants leave on human body.

Hooghly-Matla estuarine system along with the Sundarbans mangroves forms one of the most diverse and vulnerable ecosystems in the world. We have investigated the distribution of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe and Zn along with sediment properties at six locations [Shamshernagar (S1), Kumirmari (S2 and S3), Petuaghat (S4), Tapoban (S5) and Chemaguri (S6)] in the Hooghly estuary and reclaimed islands of the Sundarbans for assessing the degree of contamination and potential ecological risks. Enrichment factor values (0.9-21.6) show enrichment of Co, Cu and Zn in the intertidal sediments considering all sampling locations and depth profiles. Geo-accumulation index values irrespective of sampling locations and depth revealed that Co and Cu are under class II and class III level indicating a moderate contamination of sediments. The pollution load index was higher than unity (1.6-2.1), and Co and Cu were the major contributors to the sediment pollution followed by Zn, Cr and Fe with the minimum values at S1 and the maximum values at S5. The sediments of the Hooghly-Matla estuarine region (S4, S5 and S6) showed considerable ecological risks, when compared with effect range low/effect range median and threshold effect level/probable effect level values. The variation in the distribution of the studied elements may be due to variation in discharge pattern and exposure to industrial effluent and domestic sewage, storm water and agricultural run-off and fluvial dynamics of the region. The study illuminates the necessity for the proper management of vulnerable coastal estuarine ecosystem by stringent pollution control measures along with regular monitoring and checking program.

Roadside transitory water bodies being manmade depressions have a great ecological and socio-economic importance from years. The effects of agricultural runoffs, jute retting, macro-phytes infestations and inadequate rainfall in changed climate often degrade transitory water bodies’ environment while the biodiversity have impacted severely because of population pressure, over exploitation and indiscriminate use of fine meshed fishing gears as a whole. Physico-chemical and biological analysis with fish species composition, relative abundance, diversity indices like species richness, evenness and Shannon-Wiener index were carried out for pre-, during and post-jute retting season and for year mean as a whole to assess impact of jute retting on the roadside transitory water body’s environmental health and indigenous fish diversity at Sahebnagar village in Nadia District, India. All the physico-chemical parameters barring biochemical oxygen demand and water transparency remained more or less same or marginally got little changed during those three seasons. As much as 19 native fish species with varied relative abundances and dominances were identified. Jute retting impacted lower native fish diversity indices like Shannon-Wiener index values (1.94 to 2.68) clearly indicated poor to moderate pollution status of the transitory water body in that area during monsoon in particular and throughout the year in general. So we opined there should be some control over the intense jute retting in the road side transitory water bodies for sustainable management of these manmade resources.

Water and soil pollution by toxic heavy metals (HMs) is increasing globally because of increase in population, industrialization and urbanization. It is a burning problem for the public, scientists, academicians and politicians how to tackle the toxic contaminants which jeopardize the environment. One possible solution for pollution abatement is a bioremediation-effective and innovative technology that uses biological systems for treatment of contaminants. Many bacteria synthesize indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) which is a product of L-tryptophan metabolism and belongs to the auxin class of plant growth-promoting hormone. The present study aimed at assessing the resistance pattern of wastewater bacteria against multiple HMs and plant growth promotion activity associated with IAA. A Gram-negative bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa KUJM was isolated from Kalyani Sewage Treatment Plant. This strain showed the potential to tolerate multiple contaminations such as As(III) (50 mM), As(V) (800 mM), Cd (8 mM), Co (18 mM), Cu (7 mM), Cr (2.5 mM), Ni (3 mM) and Zn (14 mM). The capability of IAA production at different tryptophan concentration (1, 2, 5 and 10 mg mL-1) was determined, and seed germination-enhancing potential was also estimated on lentil (Lens culinaris). Such type of HM-resistant, IAA-producing and seed germination-enhancing P. aeruginosa KUJM offer great promise as inoculants to promote plant growth in the presence of toxic HMs, as well as plant inoculant systems useful for phytoremediation of polluted soils. Hence, P. aeruginosa KUJM finds significant applications in HM-contaminated poor agricultural field as well as in bioremediation of HM-contaminated wastewater system.

The study was designed to quantify cadmium accumulation in different components of sewage treatment ponds during different seasons and to assess risk for human consumption perspective. The study estimated cadmium concentration in water, sludge, Eichhornia, plankton and tilapia fish from anaerobic, facultative, maturation-1 and -4 ponds during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon periods. It resulted that cadmium accumulated among different components of anaerobic, facultative, maturation-1 and -4 ponds ranging 0–18, 0–10, 0–7 and 0–15.4 ppb, respectively. During monsoon, highest accumulation was observed in tilapia in both facultative and maturation ponds, but during post-monsoon, plankton community showed highest value in all. The highest bio-magnification of cadmium was recorded during monsoon with varying degrees (facultative pond: 4.39, maturation pond-1: 3.03 and maturation pond-4: 7.08). Cadmium concentration in tilapia lied within WHO’s safe level and may be recommended for human consumption. The concentration of cadmium was estimated by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The above findings occurred due to chelation, adsorption and sedimentation, absorption and bio-accumulation, ionization, leaching through sediment and rainfall. Water pH (6.7–8.8), dissolved oxygen (0–17 mg L−1), total solids (251–650 mg L−1), iron (Fe2+) concentration (0.61–4.87 mg L−1) and sedimentation rate (278.9–2,409.6 g day−1 m−3) were conducive for the distribution of cadmium into different ecosystem components of treatment ponds. These ponds reclaimed 28.57–61.11 % of sewage-cadmium and may be promoted as a low-cost eco-tech for sewage treatment.

The distribution pattern of cadmium was investigated in waste stabilization ponds designed for three-step sewage treatment processes. The overall mean concentration of cadmium in water and sludge was reduced by 30% and 33%, respectively, from the inlet of the anaerobic pond to the final outlet of the maturation pond. The level of cadmium in water hyacinth, plankton and fish remained higher in all the samples collected from the anaerobic or facultative pond compared to the last maturation pond. It may be reasonable to conclude that three-step ecological treatments accompanied by physical, chemical and biological processes of the waste stabilization ponds were effective in reducing the load of cadmium from sewage effluents.