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Nutrient pollution of rivers is one of the prime threats facing the aquatic systems. In the present study, water samples (n = 20) were collected from the Karamana river (KR) during the pre-monsoon (PMN) and monsoon (MN) seasons of 2019 to analyze the seasonal variations. The water samples were analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters and to understand the nutrient status of the river. Furthermore, gross primary productivity (GPP), net primary productivity (NPP) and phytoplankton analysis were carried out to assess relationship among productivity variables and phytoplanktons. The study revealed that water quality is better during MN than PMN due to dilution. Among the two seasons, PMN showed relatively higher values for most of parameters like pH, EC, TDS, TA, Cl, NH4-N, NO3-N, NO2-N, Chl-a, GPP and NPP. The correlation among GPP, NPP, nutrients and other water quality parameters were done using SPSS. Phytoplankton of 23 genera belonging to three classes, namely Chlorophyceae (40%), Bacillariophyceae (40%) and Cyanophyceae (20%) have been identified in KR. The various phytoplankton diversity indices and statistical analyses were estimated and their relevance discussed in this paper. The nutrient enrichment in the downstream regions was affected the phytoplanktonic structure and diversity of the river. HIGHLIGHTS Water quality of Karamana river is better during monsoon.; Higher nutrient contents enhances productivity of Karamana river.; Higher values of nutrients and productivity variables noted at downstream stretches.; Phytoplankton analysis and diversity indices of Karamana river.; Palmer's index shows downstream stations are organically polluted.;

Introduction: Antibiotics are the life saving therapeutic agents used worldwide from neonates to geriatric patients for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. Antibiotics Self-medication (ASM) is a major public health problem due to irrational and inappropriate use of antibiotics as a routine practice among public. Aim: To assess the knowledge and ASM behaviours among Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree students and also to estimate the prevalence of ASM among students of non medical background. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to November 2017 in Tumakuru, Karnataka, India, using a validated questionnaire. A total of 152 degree students were enrolled in the present study. The questionnaire consisted of 28 questions based on knowledge and behaviour towards self antibiotic medication practice was used to collect data from face to face interaction. Data were entered into MS excel and were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 19.0. Results: Out of 152 students, 93 (61.2%) were treated with antibiotics and among them 64 (42.1%) were self-medicated with antibiotics. Students self-medicated with antibiotics, due to convenience 32 (50%), lack of trust in doctor 9 (14.1%). Selection of antibiotic were maximally from the previous doctor's prescription 30 (46%), followed by opinion of family members 16 (25%). Around 50% and 22% of the students obtained antibiotics from community pharmacist and from the left over from previous prescription, respectively. Conclusion: The ASM was practiced among students and was encouraged by the community pharmacists and family members. Even without the proper knowledge, due to convenience the ASM has increased among the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar stills were developed to fulfil the freshwater need of the growing population. The paper presents the recent modifications made in still to improve their productivity like the application of phase change materials (PCM), connecting flat-plate collector (FPC), use of nanoparticles, stepped solar still, and attaching separate condenser in the still. Active solar stills are found more productive than passive ones and the thermal efficiency of active solar stills lie in the range of 50-70%, which is far better than passive still having 20-55% thermal efficiency. According to the literature studied in the paper, the maximum productivity of active solar still is 10 litres per day and in passive solar stills, it is 6 litres per day. The different approaches used to carry out the heat and mass transfer analysis of single and double slope active and passive solar stills are also discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedimentation rates in Arctic fjords are influenced by the changes in the glacial inputs. The recent studies have indicated the retreat of glaciers due to climate change and subsequent increase in melt water outflow with high content of debris. The debris may contain natural and anthropogenically originated contaminants. The present study analysed the sedimentation rate in inner Kongsfjorden, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard using 210 Pb/ 210 Po dating technique. The sedimentation rate ranged between 0.22 and 0.37 cm/year during the last 112 years. The average sedimentation rate obtained was 0.28 cm/y. The rate has been increased during the last 20 years and it might be due to the increased influx of glacial melt water containing debris. Metals and other elements showed an increasing trend towards the surface and observed high deposition rate since 1970s, indicating influence of industrial emissions and it can be a potential threat to Arctic biota., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)