Soil and Groundwater Pollution from Agricultural Activities

This book introduces the major agricultural activities in India and their impact on soil and groundwater. It lists the basic aspects of agricultural activities and introduces soil properties, classification and processes, and groundwater characteristics, movement, and recharge aspects. It further discusses soil and groundwater pollution from various sources, impacts of irrigation, drainage, fertilizer, and pesticide. Finally, the book dwells upon conservation and management of groundwater and soil.

Investigation of biodegradable and biocompatible castor oil poly(mannitol-citric-sebacate) polyester as a drug carrier

Castor oil-based poly(mannitol-citric sebacate) was synthesized by simple, catalyst-free melt condensation process using monomers having potential to be metabolized in vivo. The polymer was characterized using various techniques and the tensile and hydration properties of the polymers were also determined. The biocompatibility of the polymer was tested using human foreskin fibroblasts cells. The in vitro degradation studies show that the time for complete degradation of the polymer was more than 21 days. The usage of castor oil polyester as a drug carrier was analysed by doping the polymer with 5-fluorouracil model drug and the release rate was studied by varying the percentage loading of drugs and the pH of the PBS solution medium. The cumulative drug-release profiles exhibited a biphasic release with an initial burst release and cumulative 100% release within 42 h. To understand the role of the polymer as a drug carrier in the release behaviour, drug-release studies were conducted with another drug, isoniazid. The release behaviour of isoniazid drug from the same polymer matrix followed an nth order kinetic model and 100% cumulative release was achieved after 12 days. The variation in the release behaviour for two model drugs from the same polymer matrix suggests a strong interaction between the polymer and the drug molecule.

Post combustion in cupola for pollution control

Carbon monoxide, a major pollutant from the cupola, is poisonous and flammable. It can vary from 12 to 25% in cupola emissions. Carbon monoxide content in cupola emissions can be reduced by the post-combustion air input at the appropriate level into the stack. Scientific support to this has been provided by simulation of the combustion process in the cupola. Location and the extent of input of air for post combustion into the stack have been determined.