Microbiological and physicochemical analyses of top soils obtained from four ...Innspub Net
Several methodologies were utilized to evaluate the microbiological and physico chemical properties of top soil samples bored from four municipal waste dumpsites and a farmland (control sample) all located in Benin City, Edo State. The soil samples were obtained during the month of January, 2013. The mean aerobic bacterial counts for the soil samples ranged from 9.7 × 103 cfu/g for the control soil to 1.80 × 104 cfu/g for the soil sourced from the dump site at Ikheuniro. The mean heterotrophic fungal counts varied from 7.0 × 102 cfu/g for capitol dumpsite to 3.3 × 103 cfu/g for the control soil. Ten (10) microbial isolates were characterized and identified; Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Aeromonas sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp. and Staphylococcus sp., Aspergillus sp., Mucor sp., Saccharomyces sp. and Fusarium sp. respectively. Both Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were the most dominant amongst the bacterial isolates whilst Staphylococcus sp. was the least occurring bacterial isolate. Aspergillus sp. was the highest occurring fungal isolate while the least isolated fungal culture was Saccharomyces sp. The physico chemical results showed values which ranged from 5.60 to 8.08, 164.00 µS/cm to 540.00 µS/cm, 2.378 mg/kg to 3.444 mg/kg, 0.009 mg/kg to 0.016 mg/kg for pH, electrical conductivity, sulphate and cadmium. Despite the positive impacts of the dumped municipal wastes on the microbial and organic properties of the analyzed soils, disposal of municipal wastes in open dump sites is an archaic and unsustainable option in the management of municipal wastes. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/volume-1-number-1-september-2013/
The effects of cadmium and cow manure on nodulation and growth attributes of ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— Different biotic and abiotic factors are involved in the availability of heavy metals in soil including organic matter. In order to study the effects of cow manure on cadmium availability and their interactions on common bean nodulation and growth parameters, an experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions. The treatments included five cadmium levels (0, 2, 5, 10, 20 mg cadmium per kg soil) and four cow manure levels (0, 15, 30, 60 t ha-1) based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Results indicated that increased soil cadmium concentrations caused higher cadmium uptake by root tissues whereas, Root nodulation and total N content of shoot tissues decreased significantly at all cadmium concentration levels except for 2 mg Kg-1. In addition, the interaction of cow manure and high concentrations of cadmium caused a decrease in nodule number, nodule fresh weights and total N content of shoot in common bean.
The study examined the concentration of heavy metals
in water, soil and vegetables growing wildly on cement-polluted
soil of Rewa city, India. Accumulation of HMs in vegetables
occurs by various sources but soil is considered the major one. In
this study, soil to vegetable transfer factor (TF) for various HMs
were also calculated and data showed that TF values differed
significantly between soil and vegetable, the difference in TF
values among different vegetables may be attributed to
differences in element uptake by different vegetables. However
TF values obtained for all vegetables were below (1) at all sites.
TF were computed to quantify relative differences in
bioavailability of metals to vegetables to identify the efficiency of
a vegetables species to accumulate a HM(s). These factors were
based on roots uptake of metals and discount the foliar
absorption of atmospheric metal deposits. However TF does not
present the risk associated with the metal in any form.
Microbiological and physicochemical analyses of top soils obtained from four ...Innspub Net
Several methodologies were utilized to evaluate the microbiological and physico chemical properties of top soil samples bored from four municipal waste dumpsites and a farmland (control sample) all located in Benin City, Edo State. The soil samples were obtained during the month of January, 2013. The mean aerobic bacterial counts for the soil samples ranged from 9.7 × 103 cfu/g for the control soil to 1.80 × 104 cfu/g for the soil sourced from the dump site at Ikheuniro. The mean heterotrophic fungal counts varied from 7.0 × 102 cfu/g for capitol dumpsite to 3.3 × 103 cfu/g for the control soil. Ten (10) microbial isolates were characterized and identified; Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Aeromonas sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp. and Staphylococcus sp., Aspergillus sp., Mucor sp., Saccharomyces sp. and Fusarium sp. respectively. Both Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were the most dominant amongst the bacterial isolates whilst Staphylococcus sp. was the least occurring bacterial isolate. Aspergillus sp. was the highest occurring fungal isolate while the least isolated fungal culture was Saccharomyces sp. The physico chemical results showed values which ranged from 5.60 to 8.08, 164.00 µS/cm to 540.00 µS/cm, 2.378 mg/kg to 3.444 mg/kg, 0.009 mg/kg to 0.016 mg/kg for pH, electrical conductivity, sulphate and cadmium. Despite the positive impacts of the dumped municipal wastes on the microbial and organic properties of the analyzed soils, disposal of municipal wastes in open dump sites is an archaic and unsustainable option in the management of municipal wastes. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/volume-1-number-1-september-2013/
The effects of cadmium and cow manure on nodulation and growth attributes of ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— Different biotic and abiotic factors are involved in the availability of heavy metals in soil including organic matter. In order to study the effects of cow manure on cadmium availability and their interactions on common bean nodulation and growth parameters, an experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions. The treatments included five cadmium levels (0, 2, 5, 10, 20 mg cadmium per kg soil) and four cow manure levels (0, 15, 30, 60 t ha-1) based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Results indicated that increased soil cadmium concentrations caused higher cadmium uptake by root tissues whereas, Root nodulation and total N content of shoot tissues decreased significantly at all cadmium concentration levels except for 2 mg Kg-1. In addition, the interaction of cow manure and high concentrations of cadmium caused a decrease in nodule number, nodule fresh weights and total N content of shoot in common bean.
The study examined the concentration of heavy metals
in water, soil and vegetables growing wildly on cement-polluted
soil of Rewa city, India. Accumulation of HMs in vegetables
occurs by various sources but soil is considered the major one. In
this study, soil to vegetable transfer factor (TF) for various HMs
were also calculated and data showed that TF values differed
significantly between soil and vegetable, the difference in TF
values among different vegetables may be attributed to
differences in element uptake by different vegetables. However
TF values obtained for all vegetables were below (1) at all sites.
TF were computed to quantify relative differences in
bioavailability of metals to vegetables to identify the efficiency of
a vegetables species to accumulate a HM(s). These factors were
based on roots uptake of metals and discount the foliar
absorption of atmospheric metal deposits. However TF does not
present the risk associated with the metal in any form.
Development of sawdust from the Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria as a renewable feedst...Innspub Net
The accumulation of solid waste and consumption of fossil fuels are two phenomenons which already have a major destructive effect on the environment. The lack of alternative solid waste management procedures and shortage of the development of renewable energy resources should be addressed in order to sustain environmental quality. Sawdust is a major waste product along the Lagos lagoon with cellulose one of the predominant structural components of sawdust. The bio-conversion of waste cellulose, a glucose biopolymer into glucose a fermentable sugar has been performed with cellulase from Aspergillus Niger. Delignified and non-delignified sawdust from five different trees along the Lagos Lagoon have been saccharified with A. niger cellulase. The saccharification of these sawdust materials have been performed at different incubation temperatures of 30°C, 40°C, 50°C and 60°C. Optimum saccharification of non-delignified and delignified cellulose from the various trees along the Lagos Lagoon were optimum saccharified at different temperatures resulting in different sugar concentrations produced. A temperature of 40°C was optimum for maximum degradation of non-delignified cellulose from all the trees producing sugar at concentration between 3.0 – 4.3mg.ml-1. Optimum saccharification of delignified cellulose from all the trees was obtained at a temperature of 50°C resulting in a sugar concentration of 5.9 – 8.4mg.ml-1.
STUDY OF FUNGAL, BACTERIAL AND ACTINOMYCETES POPULATION IN TENDU LEAF LITTER ...Dr Dama
STUDY OF FUNGAL, BACTERIAL AND ACTINOMYCETES POPULATION IN TENDU LEAF LITTER VERMICOMPOST IN COMPARISON WITH PRESS MUDCAKE.
Mushan L.C*. Rao K.R.**, Shagalolu V.V*. and Dama L.B*@.
Methylene blue is widely used in various industrial branches. Due to insufficient treatment, its occurrence in wastewater is frequently detected, which may result in serious environment problems to aquatic organisms. Hydroponic experiments were conducted with rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L. cv. XZX 45) exposed to methylene blue to determine the effective concentration using relative growth rate and water use efficiency as response endpoints. Results showed that acute toxicity of methylene blue to rice seedlings was evident. Although a linear decrease in relative growth rate and water use efficiency was observed in rice seedlings with increasing methylene blue concentrations, relative growth rate of rice seedlings was more sensitive to change of methylene blue than water use efficiency. Using non-linear regression, EC-48 h values for 10%, 20% and 50% inhibition of the relative growth rate were estimated to be 1.54, 3.22 and 10.13 mg MB/L for rice seedlings exposed to methylene blue, respectively, while smaller EC were obtained for 96 h exposure. In conclusion, the toxic response of young rice seedlings to methylene blue is obvious and inhibitory effects are highly dependent on response endpoints and the duration of exposure period.
Impact of Compost Prepared from Invasive Alien Species in Alleviating Water S...YogeshIJTSRD
Invasive alien plant species are major thread to biodiversity, climate change and environmental sustainability. Management of these invasive alien plant species become a typical task at global level. Composting can be an efficient and environment friendly solution for management of these invasive alien species. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of compost prepared from three invasive alien species Cuscutareflexa, Eupatorium adenophorum and Lantana camaraon the tomato plant vigour, antioxidant and nutrient content under water deficit and irrigated well watered conditions. The results revealed that Cuscutareflexa CR compost treatment gave highest shoot length 23.0 , 23.7 , root length 30.0 , 21.4 , shoot fresh weight 47.9 , 52.2 , shoot dry weight 71.0 , 49.4 and root dry weight 66.7 , 51.5 , under water stressand irrigated conditions, respectively. The application of compostCR under water stress has enhanced chlorophyll and prolinecontent over control. Similarly, antioxidant enzymes analysis showed the increased superoxide dismutase 1.33 2.17fold , peroxidase 1.38 1.82fold and catalase 1.06 1.73fold activity under water deficit condition. Nutrient content such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sodiumin tomato leaf were higher under both water stress and irrigated conditions compared to their respective control. It can be concluded from above outcomes that compost prepared from invasive alien species have potential to ameliorate the negative effects of water stress and enhance the tomato growth. Sandhya Bind | A. K. Sharma "Impact of Compost Prepared from Invasive Alien Species in Alleviating Water Stress in Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.)" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-3 , April 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd39961.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/botany/39961/impact-of-compost-prepared-from-invasive-alien-species-in-alleviating-water-stress-in-tomato-solanum-lycopersicum-l/sandhya-bind
Qualitative Study of Landfill Leachate from Different Ages of Landfill Sites ...iosrjce
The present paper describes the qualitative analysis of landfill leachate at different ages of landfill
sites (LFS) around the world and it has been prepared on the basis of extensive survey of literatures. The main
objective of this study was to explore the knowledge on qualitative analysis of municipal solid waste landfill
leachate. This paper provides a reliable and robust database for the prediction of leachate quality when new
landfills are to be developed in Nepal and other parts of the world.
Large amount of biodegradable organic matter is indicated though high ratio of BOD/COD. This in turn leads
to relative high concentration of Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn. The lower concentration of VFAs and high pH represents
“old” leachate from the late methanogenic phase. The humic substances give a dark color to stabilized
leachate. Due to the decreasing solubility of many metal ions with increasing pH, the concentration of metal
ions is low in general. The strength of the leachate decreases with time with precipitation of soluble elements
such as heavy metals as the organic compounds break down biologically. This is the reason why leachate
management is problematic due to complexity in its design, operation, and composition, age of landfill, specific
climate conditions and moisture routing through the landfill. In order to avoid pollution and toxicity level in the
water bodies, it is legal necessity to treat landfill leachate before discharging it
Use of Autochthonous Organic Inputs for Amelioration of Fluoride Toxicity and...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— An assessment was undertaken to study the combating capacity of autochthonous organic inputs viz. vermicompost, compost and bacterial consortia isolated from different sources viz. oil spillage sludge of petrol pump and rhizosphere of rice plant against the fluoride toxicity under field condition. Brassica campestris L. cv.B9 was selected as a test species. Experiments were carried out in two consecutive years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 designed as experiment I and experiment II. One unique thing was observed that mustard which were grown under indigenous organic inputs treated plots gave maximum yield under T1 treatment (25 mg Kg-1 F) and was above the control set. Moreover, autochthonous organic inputs were capable of reducing the amount of fluoride content within the different plant parts of mustard. Maximum amount of fluoride was accumulated within the leaves and minimum quantity of fluoride was accumulated within the seed but within the permissible range (< 0.3 mg Kg-1 as recommended by EPA, FAO and WHO). Data were significantly different at 5% level using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Therefore, combination of vermicompost, compost and bacterial consortia acted upon reduction of fluoride level in the crop field of mustard.
Mutagenic and genotoxic assessment of atrazine-based herbicide to freshwater ...Taqprimer institute
Mutagenic and genotoxic assessment of atrazine-based
herbicide to freshwater fishChanna punctatus(Bloch) using
micronucleus test and single cell gel electrophoresis
Effects of inorganic nutrient P and N application on Azolla biomass growth an...Innspub Net
Rice farmers in Mwea Irrigation Scheme routinely apply P and N fertilizers which affect water nutrient levels. A study was conducted to establish the effects of nutrient N and P application on Azolla biomass accumulation. The study was conducted in a batch culture experiment, using 5g of fresh Azolla biomass samples from each of the six major paddy schemes namely: Mwea, Ahero, West Kano, Bunyala, TARDA, and Taveta. Treatments consisted of 0 and 3mg P l-1 and 0 and 200mg N l-1, laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Azolla samples were grown in batch culture plastic pots of 8.4 x 10-3m3 for 10 days using canal water, which was replenished every three days. Fresh Azolla biomass weight was recorded at 0, 5 and 10 days after inoculation. Data was subjected to analysis of variance using SAS statistical package version 9.1 and means separated using the least significant difference test (p≤0.05). The pH levels in irrigation water averaged 7.2 while N, P and K levels were 20.2, 11.6 and 15ppm respectively. Tissue N and K for Azolla accession averaged 4.2% and 1.6% respectively. Biomass accumulation and doubling time of Azolla were significantly affected by exogenous P and N nutrient application. Doubling time ranged from 5.5 days to 6.7. Application N and P significantly reduced Azolla biomass accumulation and increased biomass doubling time.
Soil is a mixture of broken rocks and mineral which contain living organisms, in which microorganisms can transfer either by erosion or wind dispersal to other living things when come in close contact which can be as a source of contact to pathogenic microbes and can ponderous to health hazard of the community. This study investigates the microbial analysis and also to check the influence of soil with fallen rotten cocoa against soil without rotten cocoa on soil microbes in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun state, Nigeria. Total bacterial and fungal counts were determined using pour plating method. Total bacterial count was higher from soil with fallen rotten cocoa pod 92 ×105 cfu/ml to soil without fallen rotten cocoa which is 86 ×105 cfu/ml and Total fungal count ranges was higher from soil with fallen rotten cocoa pod is 44 ×105 cfu/ml to soil without rotten cocoa pod which is 33 ×105 cfu/ml. The isolation and enumeration of microbial population was carried out using standard culture-based methods. Bacteria isolates such as Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp, Enterobacter aerogene., Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Micrococcus sp, Erysipelothrix spp and the fungi isolate include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer. All the microbes were present for the two samples except Micrococcus sp and Enterobacter aerogenes. The bacteria count were more alpine and higher in bacterial count than the fungal count. The presence of these microorganisms indicates a suitable soil for general plantation by the microbial degradative activities.
Development of sawdust from the Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria as a renewable feedst...Innspub Net
The accumulation of solid waste and consumption of fossil fuels are two phenomenons which already have a major destructive effect on the environment. The lack of alternative solid waste management procedures and shortage of the development of renewable energy resources should be addressed in order to sustain environmental quality. Sawdust is a major waste product along the Lagos lagoon with cellulose one of the predominant structural components of sawdust. The bio-conversion of waste cellulose, a glucose biopolymer into glucose a fermentable sugar has been performed with cellulase from Aspergillus Niger. Delignified and non-delignified sawdust from five different trees along the Lagos Lagoon have been saccharified with A. niger cellulase. The saccharification of these sawdust materials have been performed at different incubation temperatures of 30°C, 40°C, 50°C and 60°C. Optimum saccharification of non-delignified and delignified cellulose from the various trees along the Lagos Lagoon were optimum saccharified at different temperatures resulting in different sugar concentrations produced. A temperature of 40°C was optimum for maximum degradation of non-delignified cellulose from all the trees producing sugar at concentration between 3.0 – 4.3mg.ml-1. Optimum saccharification of delignified cellulose from all the trees was obtained at a temperature of 50°C resulting in a sugar concentration of 5.9 – 8.4mg.ml-1.
STUDY OF FUNGAL, BACTERIAL AND ACTINOMYCETES POPULATION IN TENDU LEAF LITTER ...Dr Dama
STUDY OF FUNGAL, BACTERIAL AND ACTINOMYCETES POPULATION IN TENDU LEAF LITTER VERMICOMPOST IN COMPARISON WITH PRESS MUDCAKE.
Mushan L.C*. Rao K.R.**, Shagalolu V.V*. and Dama L.B*@.
Methylene blue is widely used in various industrial branches. Due to insufficient treatment, its occurrence in wastewater is frequently detected, which may result in serious environment problems to aquatic organisms. Hydroponic experiments were conducted with rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L. cv. XZX 45) exposed to methylene blue to determine the effective concentration using relative growth rate and water use efficiency as response endpoints. Results showed that acute toxicity of methylene blue to rice seedlings was evident. Although a linear decrease in relative growth rate and water use efficiency was observed in rice seedlings with increasing methylene blue concentrations, relative growth rate of rice seedlings was more sensitive to change of methylene blue than water use efficiency. Using non-linear regression, EC-48 h values for 10%, 20% and 50% inhibition of the relative growth rate were estimated to be 1.54, 3.22 and 10.13 mg MB/L for rice seedlings exposed to methylene blue, respectively, while smaller EC were obtained for 96 h exposure. In conclusion, the toxic response of young rice seedlings to methylene blue is obvious and inhibitory effects are highly dependent on response endpoints and the duration of exposure period.
Impact of Compost Prepared from Invasive Alien Species in Alleviating Water S...YogeshIJTSRD
Invasive alien plant species are major thread to biodiversity, climate change and environmental sustainability. Management of these invasive alien plant species become a typical task at global level. Composting can be an efficient and environment friendly solution for management of these invasive alien species. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of compost prepared from three invasive alien species Cuscutareflexa, Eupatorium adenophorum and Lantana camaraon the tomato plant vigour, antioxidant and nutrient content under water deficit and irrigated well watered conditions. The results revealed that Cuscutareflexa CR compost treatment gave highest shoot length 23.0 , 23.7 , root length 30.0 , 21.4 , shoot fresh weight 47.9 , 52.2 , shoot dry weight 71.0 , 49.4 and root dry weight 66.7 , 51.5 , under water stressand irrigated conditions, respectively. The application of compostCR under water stress has enhanced chlorophyll and prolinecontent over control. Similarly, antioxidant enzymes analysis showed the increased superoxide dismutase 1.33 2.17fold , peroxidase 1.38 1.82fold and catalase 1.06 1.73fold activity under water deficit condition. Nutrient content such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sodiumin tomato leaf were higher under both water stress and irrigated conditions compared to their respective control. It can be concluded from above outcomes that compost prepared from invasive alien species have potential to ameliorate the negative effects of water stress and enhance the tomato growth. Sandhya Bind | A. K. Sharma "Impact of Compost Prepared from Invasive Alien Species in Alleviating Water Stress in Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.)" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-3 , April 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd39961.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/botany/39961/impact-of-compost-prepared-from-invasive-alien-species-in-alleviating-water-stress-in-tomato-solanum-lycopersicum-l/sandhya-bind
Qualitative Study of Landfill Leachate from Different Ages of Landfill Sites ...iosrjce
The present paper describes the qualitative analysis of landfill leachate at different ages of landfill
sites (LFS) around the world and it has been prepared on the basis of extensive survey of literatures. The main
objective of this study was to explore the knowledge on qualitative analysis of municipal solid waste landfill
leachate. This paper provides a reliable and robust database for the prediction of leachate quality when new
landfills are to be developed in Nepal and other parts of the world.
Large amount of biodegradable organic matter is indicated though high ratio of BOD/COD. This in turn leads
to relative high concentration of Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn. The lower concentration of VFAs and high pH represents
“old” leachate from the late methanogenic phase. The humic substances give a dark color to stabilized
leachate. Due to the decreasing solubility of many metal ions with increasing pH, the concentration of metal
ions is low in general. The strength of the leachate decreases with time with precipitation of soluble elements
such as heavy metals as the organic compounds break down biologically. This is the reason why leachate
management is problematic due to complexity in its design, operation, and composition, age of landfill, specific
climate conditions and moisture routing through the landfill. In order to avoid pollution and toxicity level in the
water bodies, it is legal necessity to treat landfill leachate before discharging it
Use of Autochthonous Organic Inputs for Amelioration of Fluoride Toxicity and...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— An assessment was undertaken to study the combating capacity of autochthonous organic inputs viz. vermicompost, compost and bacterial consortia isolated from different sources viz. oil spillage sludge of petrol pump and rhizosphere of rice plant against the fluoride toxicity under field condition. Brassica campestris L. cv.B9 was selected as a test species. Experiments were carried out in two consecutive years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 designed as experiment I and experiment II. One unique thing was observed that mustard which were grown under indigenous organic inputs treated plots gave maximum yield under T1 treatment (25 mg Kg-1 F) and was above the control set. Moreover, autochthonous organic inputs were capable of reducing the amount of fluoride content within the different plant parts of mustard. Maximum amount of fluoride was accumulated within the leaves and minimum quantity of fluoride was accumulated within the seed but within the permissible range (< 0.3 mg Kg-1 as recommended by EPA, FAO and WHO). Data were significantly different at 5% level using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Therefore, combination of vermicompost, compost and bacterial consortia acted upon reduction of fluoride level in the crop field of mustard.
Mutagenic and genotoxic assessment of atrazine-based herbicide to freshwater ...Taqprimer institute
Mutagenic and genotoxic assessment of atrazine-based
herbicide to freshwater fishChanna punctatus(Bloch) using
micronucleus test and single cell gel electrophoresis
Effects of inorganic nutrient P and N application on Azolla biomass growth an...Innspub Net
Rice farmers in Mwea Irrigation Scheme routinely apply P and N fertilizers which affect water nutrient levels. A study was conducted to establish the effects of nutrient N and P application on Azolla biomass accumulation. The study was conducted in a batch culture experiment, using 5g of fresh Azolla biomass samples from each of the six major paddy schemes namely: Mwea, Ahero, West Kano, Bunyala, TARDA, and Taveta. Treatments consisted of 0 and 3mg P l-1 and 0 and 200mg N l-1, laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Azolla samples were grown in batch culture plastic pots of 8.4 x 10-3m3 for 10 days using canal water, which was replenished every three days. Fresh Azolla biomass weight was recorded at 0, 5 and 10 days after inoculation. Data was subjected to analysis of variance using SAS statistical package version 9.1 and means separated using the least significant difference test (p≤0.05). The pH levels in irrigation water averaged 7.2 while N, P and K levels were 20.2, 11.6 and 15ppm respectively. Tissue N and K for Azolla accession averaged 4.2% and 1.6% respectively. Biomass accumulation and doubling time of Azolla were significantly affected by exogenous P and N nutrient application. Doubling time ranged from 5.5 days to 6.7. Application N and P significantly reduced Azolla biomass accumulation and increased biomass doubling time.
Soil is a mixture of broken rocks and mineral which contain living organisms, in which microorganisms can transfer either by erosion or wind dispersal to other living things when come in close contact which can be as a source of contact to pathogenic microbes and can ponderous to health hazard of the community. This study investigates the microbial analysis and also to check the influence of soil with fallen rotten cocoa against soil without rotten cocoa on soil microbes in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun state, Nigeria. Total bacterial and fungal counts were determined using pour plating method. Total bacterial count was higher from soil with fallen rotten cocoa pod 92 ×105 cfu/ml to soil without fallen rotten cocoa which is 86 ×105 cfu/ml and Total fungal count ranges was higher from soil with fallen rotten cocoa pod is 44 ×105 cfu/ml to soil without rotten cocoa pod which is 33 ×105 cfu/ml. The isolation and enumeration of microbial population was carried out using standard culture-based methods. Bacteria isolates such as Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp, Enterobacter aerogene., Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Micrococcus sp, Erysipelothrix spp and the fungi isolate include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer. All the microbes were present for the two samples except Micrococcus sp and Enterobacter aerogenes. The bacteria count were more alpine and higher in bacterial count than the fungal count. The presence of these microorganisms indicates a suitable soil for general plantation by the microbial degradative activities.
Bioremediating Effect of Glomus Hoi and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa on the Organic...IJEAB
This study analyzed the degrading effect of Glomus hoi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the organic content and heavy metals of oil refinery effluent polluted soil using Amaranthus cruentus as the test plant. This study was carried out to determine if agricultural activities can be improved using any or both of the micoorganisms. Eight different treatment layouts were used with three replicates for each level of pollution in the treatment layout. Ninety six (96) pots, each containing three kilograms of soil from both sterilized and unsterilized soil were used for the study. Fifty (50) grams of soil inoculum from propagated Arbuscular mycorrhiza was inoculated to a set of twenty four (24) experimental pots containing both sterilized and unsterilized soil before A. cruentus seedlings were transplanted to them. Another set of twenty four (24) pots containing both sterilized and unsterilized soil were injected with thirty (30) mL of P. aeruginosa inoculum solution before transplanting A. cruentus seedlings to them. The third set of twenty four (24) pots received dual inoculation of both fifty (50) grams of soil inoculum containing G. hoi and thirty (30) mL of P. aeruginosa inoculum solution before A. cruentus were transplanted to them. The residual twenty four (24) pots served as the control. Thereafter, pot preparation was arranged in the screenhouse in a randomized block design. The A. cruentus seedlings were raised in nursery for a period of two weeks before they were transplanted to the pots, seedlings were left for 3 days to overcome transplanting shock before contaminating the soil with refinery effluent at various concentrations of 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% v/w. The seedlings were allowed to grow for eight weeks before the termination of the experiment. The pre planting analysis of soil showed that heavy metals analyses (zinc and iron) of sterilized soil had a lower concentration to the unsterilized. The soil pH ranged from 6.3 to 6.8. It also revealed that organic matter and organic carbon content ranged from 0.8% to 1.3% and 0.4% to 1.7%. However, after the experiment, it was discovered in this study that treatments without any microorganism inoculation in sterilized and unsterilized soil had a higher level of % organic carbon and % organic matter content compared to the other treatments that were inoculated with one or two micro-organisms across all the levels of effluent concentration. Heavy metals of soil in all the soil samples were found to increase as the petrochemical effluent increased in concentration. The results obtained were analyzed using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and other descriptive statistics. This study opined that the combined use of G. hoi and P. aeruginosa was more effective in improving the organic contentand the reduce heavy metals of oil refinery effluent polluted soil than when either is used singly.
Growth, gas exchanges and accumulation of inorganic matter of Populus nigra L...Innspub Net
Tunisia has made considerable efforts to solve major environmental problems. Reforestation of vast marginal
spaces with appropriate species, such as poplar, is one of the economic and environmental challenges (I-488). The fast-growingof this rupicolous species has a high specific versatility in its use. However, its need for water will limit their use in reforestation in areas where water resources are scarce. To cope with this situation, the use of unconventional water resources, including wastewater treatment, is a promising way to increase domestic
production of wood. Thus, the treated wastewater is valued as a source of unquestionable water, but also as a
source of nutrients. These plants were raised under non-binding for four months and divided into two lots
irrigated daily to field capacity with (i) potable water (control : T) and (ii) with treated waste water (TWW).
Biomass production, gas exchange and some mineral ions were measured during the experiment, in summer. Our results indicate that irrigation with treated wastewater has submitted a substantially marked effect resulting in an increase of gas exchange. Furthermore, after 60 days, the accumulation of certain metal ions (Cd, Pb and Ni) has resulted in a major malfunction on gas exchange.
Phosphorus mineralization of bioslurry and other manures in soil Premier Publishers
The experiment was conducted to see the phosphorus (P) mineralization pattern of bioslurry under aerobic and anaerobic soil conditions. Two bioslurry (cowdung bioslurry and poultry manure bioslurry) and their original manure (cowdung and poultry manure) at 3, 5, 10 and 20 t ha-1, respectively were thoroughly mixed with soil and incubated in aerobic and anaerobic moisture condition for 12 weeks. Among the four different types of manure, P release from poultry manure slurry was the highest. Poultry manure and cowdung slurry recorded very closer amount of available P. Both cowdung slurry and poultry manure slurry released higher amount of P compared to their original state (cowdung and poultry manure). P mineralization reaches in peak within 4-6 weeks of incubation. Under anaerobic condition the P mineralization was found higher compared to aerobic condition. The P mineralization data fitted strongly to the first order kinetic model. The bioslurries had lower rate of mineralization but had higher potentiality to release P in the soil compared to their original state.
Growth Assessment of Microorganisms in Vermicomposting of Municipal Wastes Ma...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
In India over population, migrate village to town, various industries development, agricultural and municipal wastes have release to dumping of waste materials caused a serious causes to the environment. India enormous quantities of disposable organic wastes materials like municipal solid waste (MSW) rich in plant nutrients were presented.
The macro and micro nutrients are available more in MSW, it is not properly decomposed (or) vermicomposting. MSW can’t be eaten directly by earthworms due to it bad smell, heavy metals, insects; water leachate to organic wastes etc. So the organic wastes such as dairy farm waste – cowdung (CD) and sugar industrial waste - pressmud (PM) with clay soil high nutritive content were mixed in equal ratio and used as bedding material (BM). The experimental bedding materials were prepared on dry weight basis by mixing the MSW + BM in the following percentage: T1 – 20% BM + 80% MSW, T2 – 40% BM + 60% MSW, T3 – 60% BM + 40% MSW, T4 – 80% BM + 20% MSW, C1 Control (BM alone) were also maintained separately. The microbial populations (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) were enumerated in the samples of 0 (Initial day), 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. The quantity of microbial population in the worm worked compost (vermicomposts) has significantly increased than worm unworked mixture. Microbial population was observed more in the vermicomposts of E. eugeniae than the L. mauritii. It could be due to the higher feeding rate, prolific breeding ability, suitable environment and multiplication of microbes while passing through the gut of worms and optimal moisture and activity of microbes.
Green waste compost with wood ash additive improves physico-chemical and biol...AI Publications
A greenhouse study was conducted to assess the potential of green waste wood ash compost on a tropical acid soil. Four types of compost (prepared with 0, 5, 10 and 15% of wood ash prior composting) were used to amend an Oxisol from the centre region of Cameroon. The different composts were mixed with the soil in 1/4 proportions (w/w); the experimental design was a completely randomized block with three replicates per treatment. The different treatments were planted with soybean (Glycine max L.) for three month growing period. Compost amendment increased the soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus. Bacterial and fungal biomass together with cellulase and protease activities also increased in amended soil. Following soil chemical, physical and chemical parameters, plant growth and yield also improved in compost treated sols. However, compost prepared with 15% wood ash additive showed trends of inhibition of the soil microbiota. It can be concluded that green waste wood ash compost could be used as a suitable soil fertilizer for tropical acid soils, although precautions are to be taken when using these composts prepared with addition of wood ash ≥ 15%.
Earthworms for Safe and Useful Management of Solid Wastes and Wastewaters, Remediation of Contaminated Soils and Restoration of Soil Fertility, Promotion of Organic Farming and Mitigation of Global Warming
Earthworms for Safe and Useful Management of Solid Wastes and Wastewatersx3G9
Earthworms for Safe and Useful Management of Solid Wastes and Wastewaters, Remediation of Contaminated Soils and Restoration of Soil Fertility, Promotion of Organic Farming and Mitigation of Global Warming
The present study intended to compare the efficiency of the wetland plants Phragmites australis (cav.)
Trin. ex Steudel and Cyperus papyrus L. for the accumulation of heavy metals. Maximum accumulation
of the heavy metals Pb (132.5-175 μg/g DW), Zn (97.5-100 μg/g DW) and Cr (80.5-90 μg/g DW) was
recorded in roots of the two wetland plants C. papyrus and P. australis, respectively. Cadmium showed
the lowest metal accumulation in the tissues of both plants (0.55-5.5 μg/g DW). C. papyrus roots
accumulated higher levels of most metals than those of P. australis. Heavy metals were shown to be not
only accumulated in roots of both plants but also were translocated to the shoots and accumulated in the
harvestable plant parts. The results showed variation in the levels of the heavy metals accumulated in the
different parts of C. papyrus and P. australis, in spite of being planted at the same site and subjected to
the same conditions. The potential use of Phragmites australis and Cyperus papyrus in phytoremediation
is also discussed.
Uptake and translocation of copper by mycorrhized seedlings Sterculia setiger...researchagriculture
Pot culture experiments were established to determine the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) (Glomus fasciculatum) on tropical gum tree (Sterculia setigera Del.) grown in Copper contaminated soils. AMF and non-AMF inoculated plants were grown in sterilized substrates and subjected to different copper level (0, 200, 400,600, 800 mg kg-1) concentrations. Root and shoot biomasses of inoculated plants were significantly higher than those of non-inoculated. Copper concentrations in roots were significantly higher than those in shoots in both the inoculated and non-inoculated plants, indicating this heavy metal mostly accumulated in the roots of plants. Copper translocation efficiency from root to shoot was lower in mycorrhizal plants than in nonmycorrhizal ones at any Copper addition levels. However, at high soil Copper concentrations, shoot Copper concentration of inoculated plant were significantly reduced by about 50% compared to non-inoculated plants. These results indicated that AMF could promote tropical gum tree growth and decrease the uptake of Cu at higher soil concentrations, thus protecting their hosts from the toxicity of Copper contaminated soils.
Article Citation:
Malick Ndiaye, Cavalli Eric, Diouf Adama, Diop Tahir Abdoulaye.
Uptake and translocation of copper by mycorrhized seedlings Sterculia setigera (Del.) under Copper-contamined soil.
Journal of Research in Agriculture (2012) 1(1): 022-028.
Full Text:
http://www.jagri.info/documents/AG0012.pdf
Uptake and translocation of copper by mycorrhized seedlings Sterculia setige...researchagriculture
Pot culture experiments were established to determine the effects of
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) (
Glomus fasciculatum
) on tropical gum tree
(
Sterculia setigera
Del.) grown in Copper contaminated soils. AMF and non
-
AMF
inoculated plants were grown in sterilized substrates and subjected to different
copper level (0, 200, 400,600, 800 mg kg
-
1
) concentrations. Root and shoot biomasses
of inoculated plants were significantly higher than those of non
-
inoculated. Copper
concentrations in roots were significantly higher than those in shoots in both the
inoculated and non
-
inoculated plants, indicating this heavy metal mostly accumulated
in the roots of plants. Copper translocation efficiency from root to shoot was lower in
mycorrhizal plants than in nonmycorrhizal ones at any Copper addition levels.
However, at high soil Copper concentrations, shoot Copper concentration of
inoculated plant were significantly reduced by about 50% compared to non
-
inoculated plants. These results indicated that AMF could promote tropical gum tree
growth and decrease the uptake of Cu at higher soil concentrations, thus protecting
their hosts from the toxicity of Copper contaminated soils.
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Effect of different bulking materials and earthworms species on bioremediation potential of municipal sewage sludge
1. Journal of Environment and Earth Science
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.12, 2013
www.iiste.org
Effect of Different Bulking Materials and Earthworms Species on
Bioremediation Potential of Municipal Sewage Sludge
Hossein Azarpira1*, Pejman Behdarvand2 & Kondiram Dhumal1
1. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Pune, Pune-07-India
2. Department of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
* E-mail of the corresponding author: hazarpira912@gmail.com
Abstract
In present study the efficiency for vermiremediation of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) with different bulking
materials such as Cow Dung (CD), Sheep Manure (SM) and Garden Soil (GS) in presence of Eudrilus eugeniae
and Eisenia foetida was investigated. The results revealed that interaction of worm species and bulking materials
had significant effect on moisture %, EC and Cl- but it was non significant for pH and Organic Carbon (OC). At
final stage of vermiremediation OC, EC and Cl- were reduced as compare to initial stage. The highest values for
EC (8804 µmohs/cm) and OC (25.63 %), were noted in the treatment SS + CD and no worm species. While
maximum Cl- (1423 ppm) was found in treatment SS + no bulking material and no worm species. The results
also indicated that the lowest EC (3424 µmohs/cm) was in treatment SS + GS + Eudrilus eugeniae, OC (13.83
%) was in treatment SS + no bulking material + Eudrilus Eugeniae and Cl- (643.0 ppm) was noted in treatment
SS + CD + Eudrilus eugeniae. It is concluded that the effective bioremediation of sewage sludge is possible with
cow dung manure or garden soil along with Eudrilus eugeniae or Eisenia foetida.
Keywords: bulking, earthworm, remediation, sewage sludge
1. Introduction
The wastewater treatment is concentrated on the treatment of sewage water rather than sewage sludge. Sewage
sludge is always dumped on the open grounds and left alone for natural degradation. Most of the times sewage
sludge is directly applied to the crop land as fertilizer. Different studies (Smith et al. 2001; Oleszczuk 2006)
indicated that its application can be harmful to soil and plants if directly used. Heavy metals and organic
compounds are the most serious pollutants present in the sewage sludge Stevens et al. (2003). Most of the
sewage treatment plants have only primary wastewater treatment facilities (sedimentation), which generate high
quantities of primary sewage sludge. Such huge quantities of sewage sludge appear to be serious environmental
pollution issue in developing countries. Sludge production is unavoidable problem arising from the treatment of
municipal wastewater. This sludge contains considerable amounts of organic matter, pathogens and chemical
contaminates. If it is not properly managed may create extensive health hazards Mesdaghinia et al. (2004).
Amongst the several available alternatives for disposal of sewage sludge, one of the most convenient is using it
in agriculture. Sewage may be a good plant growth substance, if undesired chemicals are removed from sludge
through vermiremediation system. In recent years, the potential of earthworms has been tested to stabilize the
sewage sludge from urban and industrial localities Suthar (2010).
Vermiremediation is most accepted and highly beneficial method for the management of sewage sludge.
Vermicomposting involves the defragmentation and partial digestion of organic waste by earthworms, and
further digestion by exogenous hydrolytic enzymes provided by earthworm gut-associated microflora. Recent
studies indicated the potential of earthworms in stabilization of urban sewage sludge. In the vermicomposting
process, earthworms maintain aerobic condition in the organic wastes and convert a portion of it into biological
biomass and respiration products, and expel the remaining stabilized product, i.e. vermicompost Khwairakpam &
Bhargava (2009). Therefore the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different bulking
materials such as cow dung, sheep manure and garden soil on the remediation potential of two earthworm
species viz Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia foetida.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1 Collection of samples
The sewage sludge samples were collected from sewage treatment plant situated in Pune city (Bopodi area)
during the year 2012 in the month of Jan-Feb and brought to the laboratory for the remediation study. After sun
drying these samples were crushed into fine powder which was passed through 0.5 mm size sieve Gupta (2007).
These samples were analyzed for pH, EC, Moisture, OC and Cl-. The bulking materials such as cow dung, sheep
manure and garden soil were collected from local sources. The species of earthworm viz Eisenia foetida and
Eudrilus eugeniae were obtained from Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) and Institute of Natural Organic
Agriculture (INORA), Pune.
68
2. Journal of Environment and Earth Science
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.12, 2013
www.iiste.org
2.2 Experimental Design
The vermiremediation experiment was conducted at Department of Environmental Science, University of Pune,
India, by using factorial arrangement with randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments
included W0: no worm, W1: Eisenia foetida and W2: Eudrilus eugeniae; and for bulking materials (B0: sewage
sludge, B1: sewage sludge + cow dung, B2: sewage sludge + sheep manure and B3: sewage sludge + garden
soil). The earthen pots (25x25x30cm) were filled with sewage sludge and bulking materials in proportion of 2:1
along with 50 earthworms of species Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae. The experiment was carried out for
90 days.
2.3 Physico-chemical Analysis
Moisture % in sludge and vermicompost was determined using 25 g of sample from each treatment, by drying it
at 103-105°C for 18 to 23 h in hot air oven till the constant weight was recorded. OC was measured after ignition
of the sample in muffle furnace at 550°C for 1 h Nelson & Sommers (1996). The pH and EC were measured in
1:10 (w/v) suspension of samples in de-ionized water which was mixed at 230 rpm for 30 minutes and filtered
through Whatsman No. 1 filter paper APHA AWWA WEF (1995). For analysis of Cl- 25 g dried sample was
taken and to it 50 ml distilled water was added. After shaking and filtering the sample, the filtrate was used for
further analysis Gupta (2007).
2.4 Statistical Analysis
The recorded data was analyzed statistically by using MSTATC computer software and a comparison of
recorded data was done on the basis of Duncan’s multiple range tests at Alfa level 5%.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1 Organic Carbon
The analysis of data showed that interaction of worm species and bulking materials had non significant effect on
organic carbon (OC) at final stage of vermiremediation (Table 1). As compare to initial stage OC was decreased
in final stage. The highest OC (25.63 %) was recorded in SS + CD in absence of worm species in final stage
(Table 2). The increase of OC in absence of earthworms also reported by Ndegwa & Thomson (2000). The
highest carbon content may be due to highest carbon in cow dung. As there was no worm species there was no
consumption of carbon and no release of CO2 through their respiration. Similarly there was no digestion of
carbohydrates and polysaccharides from the substrates (cow dung) by earthworms Suthar (2010). The increase in
OC % in the present investigation may be attributed to above mentioned reasons.
The lowest OC (13.83 %) was noted in treatment SS + no bulking material and in presence of E. eugeniae in
final stage (Table 2). Similar results were reported by Yadav & Garg (2011) during vermicomposting of organic
wastes. The combined action of earthworms and microorganisms may be responsible for loss of OC in the form
of CO2 Prakash & Karmegam (2010). Similar may be the reason for decrease in OC during vermicomposting of
sewage sludge. Azizi et al. (2013) also recorded reduction in OC during vermicomposting of sludge. They
further explained that loss in OC was due to use of OC by earthworms and microorganisms as source of energy,
organic matter stabilisation in the substrate as a result of combined action of earthworms and microorganisms.
3.2 Moisture
The statistical analysis of data revealed that interaction of worm species and bulking materials had significant
effect on moisture % at final stage of vermiremediation (Table 1). The moisture % was higher at final stage of
vermicomposting as compare to initial stage. At final stage of vermicomposting, the maximum moisture (60.83
%) was reported in SS + CD in presence of Eudrilus eugeniae (Table 2).
Patnaik & Reddy (2010) also reported similar trend for moisture % in presence of different species of
earthworms during vermicomposting. According to Yadav & Garg (2011) adequate moisture content is one of
the most important factors necessary for the biological activities of earthworms and microorganisms in
vermicomposting process. It also acts as a medium for different chemical reactions and transport of nutrients.
The ideal moisture % range is 60-80 % (Edwards 1998). In present study the highest moisture % recorded was in
the above range (60.83 %), which may be helping the worm species for various biological activities.
The minimum moisture % (43 %) was noted in treatment SS + SM in absence of worm species (Table 2).
Similar finding was reported during vermicomposting of sugar mill and distillery effluents Rai & Singh (2012).
69
3. Journal of Environment and Earth Science
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.12, 2013
www.iiste.org
Table 1. Mean squares of variance analysis for organic carbon and moisture content
of sewage sludge + bulking materials
OC content (%)
Moisture content (%)
Sources
df
Initial
Final
Initial
Final
Replication
2
9.810
2.59
6.44
2.92
Worm (W)
2
0.000 ns
6.87*
0.000 ns
128.552 **
**
**
**
Bulking (B)
3
213.84
176.23
405.593
279.017**
ns
ns
ns
W×B
6
0.000
2.706
0.000
8.474*
Error
22
4.23
1.94
2.94
6.794
C. V (%)
8.23
7.46
3.70
5.16
*, **: significant at 5 and 1 %, respectively, ns: not significant
Table 2. Interaction effect of worm species and bulking materials on organic carbon
and moisture % of vermiremediation
Treatment
OC content (%)
Moisture content (%)
Initial
Final
Initial
Final
W0B0
20.07 b
15.30 c
45.60 b
45.50 f
W0B1
30.37 a
25.63 a
56.03 a
55.10 bc
W0B2
21.73 b
15.70 c
42.80 bc
43.00 f
W0B3
27.73 a
21.53 b
41.03 c
43.27 f
W1B0
20.07 b
14.47 c
45.60 b
51.73 cde
W1B1
30.37 a
22.07 b
56.03 a
59.50 ab
W1B2
21.73 b
15.13 c
42.80 bc
47.60 ef
W1B3
27.73 a
21.77 b
41.03 c
52.10 cde
W2B0
20.07 b
13.83 c
45.60 b
52.57 cd
W2B1
30.37 a
22.03 b
56.03 a
60.83 a
W2B2
21.73 b
14.93 c
42.80 bc
47.87 def
W2B3
27.73 a
21.73 b
41.03 c
46.57 f
Means with different letters are significantly different at P=0.05, using Duncan's
Multiple Range Test.
3.3 Chlorides
The results revealed that interaction of worm species and bulking materials had significant effect on chloride
contents during vermicomposting (Table 3). Chloride content varied with interaction of worm species and
bulking materials. The Cl- content was reduced in final stage as compare to initial stage. Amongst the treatments,
maximum Cl- (1423 ppm) was noted in absence of worm species and bulking material at final stage (Table 4).
The result of present investigation is in agreement with Shirazi & Marandi (2012) who reported that the chloride
content in absence of worm species was very high.
The minimum chloride contents (643 ppm) were reported in SS + CD in presence of Eudrilus eugeniae. It was
statistically followed by the treatment SS + CD in presence of Eisenia foetida (747.7 ppm) (Table 4). Similar
results were reported by Reddy et al (2012) for chloride content of sewage sludge due to the use of different
bulking materials. The earthworm species are capable to change the biochemical constituents like chlorides from
higher to lower level. This may be due to enzymatic digestion, transformation of chemical constituents and
microbial action on different organic and inorganic compounds in the sewage sludge Yadav & Garg (2011).
3.4 pH
The results shown in Table 3 indicated that worm species and bulking materials had no significant effect on pH
during vermiremediation. The pH value at final stage was increased for all the treatments as compare to initial
stage (Table 4). The pH greatly influences vermicomposting process and the acceptable pH range for biological
activities of earthworms is (5.5–8.5). The evolution of CO2 and utilization of volatile fatty acids, are responsible
to increase the pH Yadav & Garg (2011). The increase in pH of vermicompost was in consistence with findings
of Loh et al. (2005).
3.5 Electrical Conductivity
Worm species and bulking materials had significant effect on EC during vermicomposting process (Table 3).
The EC values decreased during vermicomposting at final stage over initial stage (Table 4). The highest EC
(8804 µmohs/cm) was in SS + CD and in absence of worm species. The findings of present study are in
agreement with Lombard et al. (2011) who reported that increasing of EC in vermicomposting may be due to
accumulation of soluble salts and release of different mineral salts in available forms such as phosphate,
70
4. Journal of Environment and Earth Science
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.12, 2013
www.iiste.org
ammonium, potassium etc.
The lowest EC (3424 µmohs/cm) was noted in treatment SS + GS with Eudrilus eugeniae (Table 4). Singh et al
(2010) also recorded decrease in EC during vermicomposting with worm species and bulking materials. The
reduction in EC may be attributed to biochemical changes in sewage sludge by the activities of worm species.
Table 3. Mean squares of variance analysis for chloride, pH and
bulking material
Cl- content (ppm)
pH
Sources
df
Initial
Final
Initial
Replication
2
315.3
49.1
0.1
Worm (W)
2
0.000 ns
609370**
0.000 ns
Bulking (B)
3
130566 **
196537**
2.34**
ns
**
W×B
6
0.000
29679
0.000ns
Error
22
9438.9
5103.1
0.089
C. V (%)
7.17
6.68
4.48
*, **: significant at 5 and 1 %, respectively, ns: not significant
electrical conductivity content of sludge +
Ec (µmohs/cm)
Final
0.03
0.01 ns
0.03*
0.02 ns
0.03
2.44
Initial
154563.3
0.000 ns
14792812**
0.000 ns
61011.9
3.24
Final
145523.4
14999179**
7381875**
1447520**
139408.6
6.29
Table 4. Interaction effect of worm species and bulking materials on chloride, pH and electrical conductivity of
vermiremediation
pH
Ec (µmohs/cm)
Treatment
Cl- content (ppm)
Initial
Final
Initial
Final
Initial
Final
W0B0
1450.0 a
1423.0 a
6.3 b
6.9 a
7776.0 b
6941.0 bc
W0B1
1188.0 b
1159.0 b
6.5 b
7.1 a
9019.0 a
8804.0 a
W0B2
1346.0 ab
1321.0 a
6.4 b
7.0 a
7782.0 b
7361.0 b
W0B3
1435.0 a
1397.0 a
6.5 a
7.0 a
5910.0 c
5714.0 def
W1B0
1450.0 a
977.3 c
6.3 b
6.9 a
7776.0 b
5464.0 ef
W1B1
1188.0 b
747.7 de
6.5 b
7.1 a
9019.0 a
5849.0 de
W1B2
1346.0 ab
1044.0 bc
6.4 b
7.1 a
7782.0 b
5965.0 de
W1B3
1435.0 a
827.0 d
6.3 a
7.0 a
5910.0 c
4777.0 g
W2B0
1450.0 a
1057.0 bc
6.3 b
7.1 a
7776.0 b
5578.0 ef
W2B1
1188.0 b
643.0 e
6.5 b
7.1 a
9019.0 a
5043.0 fg
W2B2
1346.0 ab
1118.0 b
6.4 b
7.1 a
7782.0 b
6326.0 cd
W2B3
1435.0 a
1122.0 b
6.4 a
6.9 a
5910.0 c
3424.0 h
Means with different letters are significantly different at P=0.05, using Duncan's Multiple Range Test.
4. Conclusion
The serious issue of environmental pollution created by municipal sewage sludge may be resolved by using ecofriendly technology of vermiremediation. Use of bulking materials along with earthworms speed up the process,
removing different environmental pollutants, heavy metals and chemical contaminants, leading to protection of
the environment and safe use in agriculture. The results emerged from present investigation clearly indicated that
cow dung along with Eudrilus eugeniae is the best combination for vermiremediation of municipal sewage
sludge.
Acknowledgments
The authors are thankful to Head, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Pune for providing
research facilities and encouragement. We also thank the authorities of Pune Municipal Corporation for availing
the samples of municipal wastewater sludge.
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