Studies on Latex Reclaim and its Blends

The primary aim of this work has been to develop a cost effective process that can be operated at room temperature for developing latex reclaim with superior mechanical properties. With this objective in mind the researcher proposes to study the reclaiming action of four different chemicals on latex products waste. Waste latex products are chosen because it has a higher potential to generate good quality rubber hydrocarbon since all latex products are based on either high quality concentrated latex or creamed latex. Moreover, all latex products are only lightly crosslinked and not masticated and hence not mechanically degraded. The author also proposes to fully explore the possible application of latex reclaim in various fields..

Aquatic Cyanobacteria Isolated from Cochin: Growth characteristics and bioactive impact on selected microflora

Aquatic ecosystem in the south west coast of India is noted for its diversity of habitats. Very often these environments turn bluegreen when the bloom of bluegreen algae (cyanobacteria) appear consequent to eutrophication. This phenomenon occursin these habitats one after the other or simultaneously. This conspicuousness make one curious enough to know more about these nature’s gift bestowed upon mankind. While persuing the literature on the magnificent flora) it is understood that it may provide food fertilizer, chemicals and bioactive substances. These bioactive substances are likely to be involved in regulating natural populations and are potentially useful as biochemical tools and as herbicidal or biocontrol agents. The role of cyanobacteria in the aquatic food chain and contribution in abatement of heavy metals from the natural environment are well documented. Considering the manifold utilization of the flora and their significance in the food chain, the present investigation has been undertaken

Laser Spectroscopy: TDLAS instrumentation and NIR analysis of some organic materials

Near-infrared spectroscopy can be a workhorse technique for materials analysis in industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and polymers. A near-infrared spectrum represents combination bands and overtone bands that are harmonics of absorption frequencies in the mid-infrared. Near-infrared absorption includes a combination-band region immediately adjacent to the mid-infrared and three overtone regions. All four near-infrared regions contain "echoes" of the fundamental mid-infrared absorptions. For example, vibrations in the mid-infrared due to the C-H stretches will produce four distinct bands in each of the overtone and combination regions. As the bands become more removed from the fundamental frequencies they become more widely separated from their neighbors, more broadened and are dramatically reduced in intensity. Because near-infrared bands are much less intense, more of the sample can be used to produce a spectra and with near-infrared, sample preparation activities are greatly reduced or eliminated so more of the sample can be utilized. In addition, long path lengths and the ability to sample through glass in the near-infrared allows samples to be measured in common media such as culture tubes, cuvettes and reaction bottles. This is unlike mid-infrared where very small amounts of a sample produce a strong spectrum; thus sample preparation techniques must be employed to limit the amount of the sample that interacts with the beam. In the present work we describe the successful the fabrication and calibration of a linear high resolution linear spectrometer using tunable diode laser and a 36 m path length cell and meuurement of a highly resolved structure of OH group in methanol in the transition region A v =3. We then analyse the NIR spectrum of certain aromatic molecules and study the substituent effects using local mode theory

Algae in industrial effluent treatment

The present research is based on two broader aspects of pollution assessment ,and treatability of petroleum and petrochemical effluents by algae. The objectives of the investigation are to study the algal ecology and trophic status of an oil refinery effluent holding pond , isolate and identify pure cultures of algae, study the role of algae in petroleum and petrochemical effluent treatment, develop strains of algae tolerant to toxic effluents, study the biotreatment potential of the tolerant algal strains developed The thesis comprises of six chapters. The first chapter gives the significance and objectives of the present study. The second chapter describes the methodology, and results of studies on the algal ecology, and trophic status of the effluent holding pond of Cochin Refineries Ltd., Ambalamugal, Kochi. The third chapter deals with the isolation, and development of pure cultures of algae, the algal bioassay of the refinery effluent, and the analyses of Chitrapuzha river water. The analysis, and assessment of the algal growth potential of the petrochemical effluent of Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd., Ambalamugal, Kochi. are summarised in the fourth chapter The fifth chapter deals with the algal growth potential in phenol and phenolic effluent, and subsequent absorption of phenol and total dissolved solids. The summary and conclusion of the present study are given in the sixth chapter.

Dynamics Of Pesticides In The Backwaters Of Kuttanad

The tremendous growth in industrial production and the consequent improving in the standards of living have provoked worldwide discussion on environmental quality. The question of abusive use of pesticides for crop protection and vector control programmes is only one aspect of this entire complex. Inspite of this, tendentious publications such as Rachel Carson’s Silent spring have brought crop protection into the foreground of environmental discussions. The persistence and high stability of organochlorine pesticides are regarded as problematic and the accumulation of pesticides residues and its metabolites in the different compartments of the environment is one of the major concerns. Because of their persistence in the aquatic environment and biomagnifications in food chain, the continuous use of pesticides will have wider implications not only in aquatic environmental quality but also on human health. The residual levels of these persistent chemicals exceed their permissible limits, and get partitioned among the constituent phases of the aquatic systems. Crop protection is only part of the agricultural economy and in agriculture itself has led to the most fundamental changes in the human environment. So, in all areas of life one must weigh the desired advantages against possible disadvantages. The proposed thesis is based on the investigations on the distributions of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides in the waters and sediments of Kuttanad backwaters. Kuttanad, a unique agricultural area, which forms the southern part of the Vembanad lake, is a deltaic formation of four river systems entering the southern part of the Cochin estuary. No systematic study has ever been done to assess the ecotoxicological impact of these diverse chemicals and their metabolites in Kuttanad area. So, a detailed systematic and rigorous investigation on the distributions of these persistent chemicals is carried out. The thesis is divided into 7 Chapters

Studies on seed pathology and seedling diseases of some important indigenous tree species of kerala

In forestry, availability of healthy seeds is an important factor in raising planting stock. Initial seed health and storage conditions are the major factors governing the germinability of seeds. Like seeds of agricultural and horticultural crops, forest tree seeds are also liable to be affected by micro-organisms during storage, which affects the germination, and reduces the viability. Further introduction of seed-borne diseases into newly sown crops/areas on account of using unhealthy seeds is also not ruled out. Availability of healthy stock of seedlings is intrinsic for raising plantations and to meet this requirement elimination of nursery diseases by appropriate chemicals is of prime imortance. As exotic tree species may become susceptible to various native pathogens, it is generally considered better to select indigenous tree species for large scale plantations as they are well adapted to local environment. However, before taking up large scale afforestation progranme involving any indigenous tree species, it is essential to have knowledge about seed disorders and seedling diseases and their management. with a View to select appropriate tree species with fewer seed disorders and seedling disease problems for use in further plantation programme, four indigenous tree species such as Albizia odoratissima (L.f) Benth., Lagerstroemia microcazpa Wt., Pterocazpus marsupiwn Roxb. and Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. were evaluated to meet the above parameters

Studies on the catalysis by sulfated mixed oxides of tin with some rare earth elements

A comparative study of acid-base properties and catalytic activity of Sn-La and Sn-Sm mixed oxides and their corresponding sulfate modified analogues are reported in this thesis. The catalytic activity and product selectivity in the decomposition of alcohols are correlated with the acid-base and redox properties of the catalyst systems under study The effect of catalyst preparation, pretreatment and various reaction parameters on the catalytic activity of sulfate modified oxides is investigated in the oxidative dehydrogenation reactions The experimental conditions are optimised to synthesise industrially important organic chemicals viz. 2,6 xylenol, o-cresol, N-methylanilne and N,N-dimethylaniline employing the mixed oxide systems. The effect of sulfate treatment on the catalytic activity of these systems in the alkylation reactions of phenol, anisole and aniline is also investigated and the merits and demerits of sulfate treatment are highlighted.

Seoimentology And Geochemistiiy Of Some Selected Mangrove Ecosystems Of Kerala, Southwest Coast Of India

As a result of the issues of care and conservation and sustainable utilisation, the proper management of mangrove forests have become more pressing than ever. Much recent ecological and toxicological debate has been centered around the question of validity of making predictions about the future of mangrove ecosystemas a result of the newly evolved environmental policy. Though muchinformation exist on the biodiversity, floristic composition and characteristics, geographical distribution and uses of mangroves, systematic documentation of the various sedimentological and geochemical phenomena in relation to the mangrove flora are scarce. Hazardous, persistent, man-made chemicals and waste produces are entering the mangrove ecosystem at from the adjacent watersheds which strengthened alarming rates the indispensible need for further researches on the environmental behaviours, fate and the effect of such products. Studies on the effect of heavy metals, pesticides and the other toxic signals through bioassay and toxicity tests on mangrove species as well as in sediments definitely will furnish ample clues to establish the actual operative mechanisms of these environments. A thorough review of literature made in this angle reveals that some attempts have already been initiated the world over the record the physico-chemical characteristics of major abiotic components such as sediments and water of many mangrove ecosystem, however, adequate information is lacking in the Indian Environmental Science scenario. The present investigation is an attempt to record the sedimentological, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of sediments as well as the heavy metal enrichment in the various species ofmangrove flora of three important mangrove ecosystems of Kerala, located at Veli (SouthKerala), Kochi (Central Kerala) and Kannur (North Kerala). The results of the above investigation have been analysed statistically, discussed based on the available literature and presented in this thesis under seven chapters

“Hydro Geochemical Quality Assessment of Groundwater – A General Perspective”

People in several parts of the world as well in India countenance an immense confront to meet the basic needs of water. The crisis is not due to lack of fresh water but its availability in adequate superiority. Environmental quality objectives should be developed in order to define acceptable loads on the terrain. There has been a number of initiatives in water quality monitoring but the next step towards improving its quality hasn’t taken the required pace. Today, there is a growing need to create awareness among citizens on the different technologies available for improving the water quality. Monitoring facilitate to apprehend how land and water use distress the quality of water and assist in estimating the extent of pollution. Once these issues are recognized, people can work towards local solutions to manage the indispensable resource effectively. Ground waters are extremely precious resources and in many countries together with India they represent the most important drinking water supply. They are generally microbiologically pure and, in most cases, they do not need any treatment. This communiqué is intended to act as a channel on the various paraphernalia and techniques accessible for groundwater quality assessment and suggesting the assured precautionary measures to embark on environment management. This learning is imperative considering that groundwater as the exclusive source of drinking water in the region which not makes situation alarming but also calls for immediate attention. The scope of this work is somewhat vast. Water quality in Ernakulam district is getting deteriorated due to the fast growth of urbanization. The closure of several water bodies due to land development and construction prevents infiltration of rainwater into the ground and hence recharge the aquifers. Most of the aquifers are getting polluted from the industrial effluents and chemicals and fertilizers used in agriculture. Such serious issues require proper monitoring of groundwater and steps are to be taken for remedial measures. This study helps in the total protection of the rich resource of groundwater and its sustainability. Socio-economic aspect covered could be used for conducting further individual case studies and to suggest remedial measures on a scientific basis. The specific study taken up for 15 sites can be further extended to the sources of pollution, especially industrial and agriculture

Studies on the toxic effects of selected heavy metals in the freshwater mussel lamellidens corrianus (lea)

Industrialisation affects air, water, and soil. Industrial effluents which enter the aquatic environment either by direct disposal or through run off, affect living organisms at morphological and physiological levels. In any living tissue toxic materials exert their effects first at molecular and biochemical levels (Robbins and Angell, 1976). Most of the industrial effluents contain elevated concentrations of organic and inorganic chemicals capable of eliciting stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the metabolism of aquatic organisms. Heavy metals form an important group of environmental pollutants. Effects of pollution on the aquatic environment by heavy metals have received considerable attention in recent years due to their toxicity even at very low levels, persistence in the environment, and chances of getting biomagnified. A pollutant that does not affect a particular process under normal unstressed condition may affect the ability of the animal to adjust to changing environmental conditions which ultimately decrease its chances of survival (Thurberg et al., 1973

“A comparative study of medium and large pore zeolites in alkylation reactions”

Zeolites have established themselves as industrial catalysts for over two decades for a variety of hydrocarbon processing reactions where acidity and shape selectivity are important factors. As solid catalysts, zeolites may be advantageous and superior compared to their homogenous counterparts due to their characteristic properties. It is only in recent years that the utility of zeolites for organic synthesis is recognized for producing specific organic intermediates and fine chemicals in high selectivity. In this thesis an attempt has been made to compare the catalytic activity of some medium and large pore zeolites in a few alkylation and acylation reactions. The work reported in the present study is basically centered around the following zeolites namely, ZSM-5, mordenite, zeolite Y and beta. The major reactions carried out were benzoylation of o-xylene, propionylation of toluene and anisole and benzylation of oxylene. . The programme involves the synthesis, modifications and characterization of the zeolite catalysts by various methods. The influence of various parameters such as non-framework cations, Si/Al ratio of zeolites, temperature of the reaction, catalyst concentration, molar ratio of the reactants and recycling of the catalysts were also examined upon the conversion of reactants and the formation of the desired products in the alkylation/ acylation reactions. The general conclusions drawn by us from the results obtained are summarized in the last chapter of the thesis. Zeolite beta ofi'ers interesting opportunities as a potential catalyst in alkylation reactions and the area of catalysis by medium and large pore zeolites is very fascinating and there is plenty of scope for further research in this field. Moreover, zeolite based catalysts are effective in meeting current industrial processing and more stringent environment pollution limits.

Acid-Base. Surface Electron Donatin6 &.Catai.Ytlc Properties Of Some Binary Mixed Oxides Containing Rare Earth Elements

Catalysis research underpins the science of modern chemical processing and fuel technologies. Catalysis is commercially one of the most important technologies in national economies. Solid state heterogeneous catalyst materials such as metal oxides and metal particles on ceramic oxide substrates are most common. They are typically used with commodity gases and liquid reactants. Selective oxidation catalysts of hydrocarbon feedstocks is the dominant process of converting them to key industrial chemicals, polymers and energy sources.[1] In the absence of a unique successfiil theory of heterogeneous catalysis, attempts are being made to correlate catalytic activity with some specific properties of the solid surface. Such correlations help to narrow down the search for a good catalyst for a given reaction. The heterogeneous catalytic performance of material depends on many factors such as [2] Crystal and surface structure of the catalyst. Thermodynamic stability of the catalyst and the reactant. Acid- base properties of the solid surface. Surface defect properties of the catalyst.Electronic and semiconducting properties and the band structure. Co-existence of dilferent types of ions or structures. Adsorption sites and adsorbed species such as oxygen.Preparation method of catalyst , surface area and nature of heat treatment. Molecular structure of the reactants. Many systematic investigations have been performed to correlate catalytic performances with the above mentioned properties. Many of these investigations remain isolated and further research is needed to bridge the gap in the present knowledge of the field.

Heavy metal tolerance patterns of total heterotrophic bacteria isolated from the soils of Mahatma Gandhi University campus, Kottayam, Kerala

Industrialization of our society has led to an increased production and discharge of both xenobiotic and natural chemical substances. Many of these chemicals will end up in the soil. Pollution of soils with heavy metals is becoming one of the most severe ecological and human health hazards. Elevated levels of heavy metals decrease soil microbial activity and bacteria need to develop different mechanisms to confer resistances to these heavy metals. Bacteria develop heavy-metal resistance mostly for their survivals, especially a significant portion of the resistant phenomena was found in the environmental strains. Therefore, in the present work, we check the multiple metal tolerance patterns of bacterial strains isolated from the soils of MG University campus, Kottayam. A total of 46 bacterial strains were isolated from different locations of the campus and tested for their resistant to 5 common metals in use (lead, zinc, copper, cadmium and nickel) by agar dilution method. The results of the present work revealed that there was a spatial variation of bacterial metal resistance in the soils of MG University campus, this may be due to the difference in metal contamination in different sampling location. All of the isolates showed resistance to one or more heavy metals selected. Tolerance to lead was relatively high followed by zinc, nickel, copper and cadmium. About 33% of the isolates showed very high tolerance (>4000μg/ml) to lead. Tolerance to cadmium (65%) was rather low (<100 μg/ml). Resistance to zinc was in between 100μg/ml - 1000μg/ml and the majority of them shows resistance in between 200μg/ml - 500μg/ml. Nickel resistance was in between 100μg/ml - 1000μg/ml and a good number of them shows resistance in between 300μg/ml - 400μg/ml. Resistance to copper was in between <100μg/ml - 500μg/ml and most of them showed resistance in between 300μg/ml - 400μg/ml. From the results of this study, it was concluded that heavy metal-resistant bacteria are widely distributed in the soils of MG university campus and the tolerance of heavy metals varied among bacteria and between locations

Microbial Treatment Of Rubber Latex Centrifugation Effluent

Many of the existing methods for the treatment of rubber latex centrifugation eflluent are not only unsatisfactory in their efliciency to effect near perfect treatment in bringing down the COD to optimum level, but also time consuming and need a large landspace. As the rate of effluent generation is extremely high (20 litres for kilogram of rubber) there is a need for development of efficient system,capable of rapid reduction of COD and BOD. Though the organic load of the rubber efiluent is very high, it does not contain much processed chemicals and therefore it can be considered as a ‘biological eflluent’. Further, the ratio of the Chemical Oxygen Demand to Biological Oxygen Demand (COD/BOD) of this effluent remain almost as a constant value. According to Montgomery (1967), estimation of BOD is not ideally suited for studies on process design, treatability, control of treatment plants, setting standards for treated effluents and assessing the effect of polluting discharges on the oxygen resources of receiving waters. Hence in the present study COD was measured to determine the impact of treatment system on the effluent. In the present study, attempts were made to evaluate the efficiencies of certain methods such as packed bed reactor using immobilized microbial cells, rotating biological contactor (RBC) and activated sludge process, for rapid and efficient treatment of natural rubber latex centrifugation effluent. In addition, studies were also carn'ed out to develop a suitable bioprocess for the coagulation of skim latex, as an alternative to the presently used acid coagulation process towards reducing the pollution load, besides recovering quality rubber

Efficacy of Cluster- Based Approach for the revival of Handloom Co-operative Societies in Kerala- with special reference to Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur Districts

one of the key sectors, identified by the Department of Industries Government of Kerala, for the cluster development initiative is Handloom, which gives employment to over over 50,000 people directly. Despite its age old tradition and fame, the performance of the sector vis-à-vis power looms is not very rosy owing to (i) competition from cheap power loom cloth from other states (ii) scarcity of quality yarn (iii) price escalation of yarn, dyes, chemicals and other raw materials (iv) the shrinking market for handlooms in Kerala (v) non-demand based production and inadequacy of new designs and (vi) inefficiencies in the system, particularly in the co-operative sector. Cluster based approach is adopted in the handloom sector with the objective of providing necessary support mechanism to come out of the crisis that the sector faces now. While four cluster schemes are being implemented in Kerala, it is under IHDS-CDP that the State got a sizeable number of clusters benefiting a large number of societies and weavers- 24 handloom clusters, bringing 152 handloom co-operative societies and over 19,800 handloom workers under the Programme. This research attempts to revisit the underlying rationale and context of the new direction and would attempt to broadly analyze the growth trends under the influence of cluster model adopted by the State IHDS-CDP for the revival of handloom sector through a detailed study of the handloom co-operative societies in Kerala. If handloom sector in Kerala can be revived using cluster based approach, it can be easily concluded that cluster is capable of taking the MSME in Kerala to a ‘high growth path.’ The study is aimed at understanding how best clusters emerge as appropriate industrial organization suitable for the current global structure of manufacture