NOPR Collection:

Extraction of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solution by Emulsion Liquid Membrane

2014-02-05T16:53:49Z

Title: Extraction of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solution by Emulsion Liquid Membrane Authors: Singh, D K; Bharadwaj, R K; Srivastava, Bhavana; Sahu, Archana Abstract: The extraction of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution by cocobetaine in a mixture of kerosene and benzene is investigated. The results indicate that in acidic solution the extraction efficiency of Cr(VI) is excellent. In these experiments the relative affinities of different anions to cocobetaine are in the order: NO₃^- > Cl^-> SO₄^2-. Experimental results show that dichromate ion (Cr₂O₇^2-) is the major extractable species of Cr (VI) at lower pH. The strippant composed of 0.1 M sodium hydroxide and 1 M sodium nitrate, results in maximum stripping. Page(s): 538-542

Production of Beneficiated Phosphogypsum for Cement Manufacture

2014-02-04T16:53:02Z

Title: Production of Beneficiated Phosphogypsum for Cement Manufacture Authors: Singh, Manjit; Garg, Mridul Abstract: The beneficiation of phosphogypsum procured from two sources was conducted in the pilot plant of 2 t/shift capacity installed at Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) to reduce impurities of phosphates, fluorides, organic matter, alkalies, etc. The techno-economic feasibility of beneficiating phosphogypsum has been highlighted. The beneficiated phosphogypsum was used for making portland cement and portland slag cement. The results favour use of phosphogypsum as an additive to cement clinker in place of natural gypsum. Page(s): 533-537

Evaluation of Binding Properties of Selected Natural Mucilages

2014-02-10T16:54:50Z

Title: Evaluation of Binding Properties of Selected Natural Mucilages Authors: Kulkarni, T Giriraj; Gowthamarajan, K; Rao, G Brahmaji; Suresh, B Abstract: Mucilages from Asparagus racemosus and Cassia sophera were isolated by maceration technique using water as solvent and precipitated by the addition of acetone, used as non-solvent. The percentage yields of mucilages front the selected sources were 11 and 20 per cent, respectively. Both the mucilages were evaluated for their granulating and binding properties in tablets, using paracetamol as model drug. The mucilages were used at three different concentrations, i.e., 8, 9 and 10 per cent, respectively. Wet granulation technique was used for preparation of granules. The prepared granules were evaluated for percentage of fines, particle size, and flow properties. The properties were compared with starch. The tablets were punched by using a Cadmach single punch machine and were evaluated for content uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration time, and in vitro dissolution profiles. The tablets had good physical properties and the drug release was more than 90 per cent within 3 h. The tablets prepared using 10 per cent mucilage as binder exhibited more hardness than 8 and 9 per cent batches. Hence, 8 and 9 per cent concentrations can be considered as ideal concentrations for preparation of tablets. Page(s): 529-532

A Sustainable Agro-biotechnology for Bioremediation of Saline Soil

2014-02-05T16:53:55Z

Title: A Sustainable Agro-biotechnology for Bioremediation of Saline Soil Authors: Patil, D P; Kulkarni, M V; Maheshwari, V L; Kothari, R M Abstract: To restore fertility and productivity of saline soil through bioremediation, a farm-scale trial was undertaken by exploring the effect of three factors, viz, soil conditioner (SC, recycled agrowaste), halophiles culture, and a plant growth regulator (PGR), modified industrial byproduct. A three factor factorial design was used with each factor at two levels - the lower level indicated no treatment, while the upper level indicated treatment, and there were eight experiments in all, which were replicated thrice. One out of the eight treatment combinations was without SC, PGR, or halophiles inputs served as control. The plantation and growth of Casuarina equisetifolia, in the treated soils as per the design, was monitored through various relevant parameters that included soil characteristics, level of (micro) nutrients, and exchangeable cations, and growth-related parameters. The analysis of data thus generated through appropriate ANOV A indicated an overwhelming role of SC in the bioremediation of soil salinity and growth parameters of the C equisetifolia plantation, followed by that of halophiles and then the PGR as envisaged. The role of PGR was however important in first establishing the plantation in the saline soil, when halophiles get enough time to establish favourable pattern and concentration of microbes in soil by up to more than a million times of the initial microflora level of 5.9× 10³/g soil. Data collected up to six months clearly indicated bioremediation of the otherwise saline soil, and effectiveness of the given treatments was evident. It is proposed that such bio-measures may go a long way in converting large tracts of saline soils into Fertile ones with healthy soil-microflora in an eco-friendly manner which is cost-effective as well. Page(s): 517-528