Soil and plant samples collected from different sites receiving sewage and tube-well irrigation in Sangrur District of Punjab were analyzed for heavy metals to ascertain pollution potential.

A tremendous amount of radioactivity was discharged because of the damage to cooling systems of nuclear reactors in the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in March 2011. Fukushima and its adjacent prefectures were contaminated with fission products from the accident. Here, we show a geographical distribution of radioactive iodine, tellurium, and cesium in the surface soils of central-east Japan as determined by gamma-ray spectrometry. Especially in Fukushima prefecture, contaminated area spreads around Iitate and Naka-Dori for all the radionuclides we measured.

Twelve sewage and soil isolates belonging to genus Pseudomonas were screened for their ability to degrade and dechlorinate 2-chlorobenzoic acid (2-CBA), 3-chlorobenzoic acid (3-CBA) and 2,4-chlorobenzoic acid (2,4-DCBA). On the basis of growth of the isolates of three chlorobenzoates and their subsequent dechlorination rate, an aerobic Pseudomonas strain PNK-3 was selected for the study.

A pot experiment was conducted on a sandy loam soil (Typic ustochrepts) to assess the suitability of FYM in amelioration of Ni in maize on artificially contaminated soil.

Greenhouse pot culture studies were conducted to evaluate the bioremediation potential of spinach for removal of cadmium. The results indicated that spinach was able to take up cadmium in substantial quantity in the shoot. There were no visual cadmium toxicity effects on spinach and no significant reduction in the dry matter yield up to 20 μg g–1 cadmium. Significant growth retardation of fenugreek crop grown after spinach was observed at all the levels of cadmium, with no cadmium uptake in the shoot.

A recent report by the National Council of Applied Economic Research comparing benefits and costs of mining and forest services finds that mining benefits outweigh the costs they impose. A scrutiny of the methodology of the report suggests an overvaluation of social benefits and undervaluation of social costs. The report also deviates from received practices in environmental valuation of forest benefits. Its conclusions therefore are inaccurate and state policy must be cautious while allowing activities that may cause irreversible damages to Goa’s natural wealth.

Residents of most villages whose land was acquired for the Bokaro steel plant have no jobs or means of living. Those who were compensated are demanding more.

Environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals is reaching alarming levels and is set to rise. New partnerships between drug companies, the public-health sector and those who deliver environmental sustainability are urgently needed to tackle the issue. (Correspondence)