North Chennai Research Articles

Estimation of Personal Height from the Head Length in North Chennai Region

Estimation of stature is a prime work of forensic expert, which helps in identification. In this study 100 students (50 male and 50 female) of age group 17–22 years of Madha Medical College, Chennai hailing from Chennai region are included for the study. Spreading caliper is used to measure head length and height of subject was measured with standard height measuring instrument. The result obtained were analysed and attempt was made to derive a formula between head length and height of an individual.

Reliability of Foramen Magnum Length & Breadth and Mastoid Length in Identification of Gender of North Chennai Region

Identification of the sex from the skeletal remains is the prime work of forensic experts. The present study is carried out to determine the sex of the skull bone from foramen magnum length, breadth and mastoid length. One hundred adult human skull bones of known sex (50 male and 50 female) available in the Department of Anatomy and Forensic Medicine& Toxicology, Madha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai are used for the present study. Among all the three variables statistically analyzed, the most reliable parameter is foremena magnum length which helps to sort out 38% of male skulls and 06% of female skulls i.e. overall 22% of skull bones can be sorted out with this parameter alone. This parameter is also found to be statistically significant.

A prototype flash cooling desalination system using cooling water effluents

This paper presents a flash cooling desalination system to reduce thermal pollution and also to produce freshwater using the heat rejected by the process plant into the environment. The prototype plant was erected in an existing coal-based thermal power plant at North Chennai, India. It consists of an air-tight barometric sealed flash cooler, positioned at a level at least 10.13 m above the ground level, for the feed seawater to flow under the effect of gravity and to maintain a low pressure. The prototype plant was tested by using a small fraction of the available flows without using any mechanical energy such as motive steam from the power plant. A freshwater production rate of 0.49% of the feed seawater is obtained from the available thermal gradient of 8.5 °C from the condenser reject heat of the power plant, and then the waste water is discharged at near intake concentration of salinity into the sea. The temperature of hot feed seawater is also reduced by 3 °C. The results are used to provide an outline technical specification for larger capacity desalination plant to meet the growing need for freshwater. This is an environment friendly desalination process and consumes no chemicals as it operates at near ambient temperature. This can be effectively utilized for the generation of freshwater, besides protecting the marine ecosystem along the shore, and reducing the load on the cooling tower or eliminating the need for it completely. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Seasonal variation on physico-chemical parameters and trace metals in groundwater of an industrial area of north Chennai, India

Seasonal variation on physico-chemical parameters and trace metals in groundwater of an industrial area of north Chennai, India

Seasonal variation on physico-chemical parameters and trace metals in groundwater of an industrial area of north Chennai, India

Seasonal variation on physico-chemical parameters and trace metals of groundwater in and around Ambattur industrial area, Chennai were determined. The hydrochemical investigation revealed that the seasonal effect does not change the order of abundance of cations and anions but it does change the concentration of various ions present in the groundwater. Alkali metals (Na + , K + ) and strong acids (Cl - , SO 4 2- ) are dominating over alkaline earth metals (Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ ) and weak acids (HCO 3 - , CO 3 2- ) for both seasons. Statistical analysis indicates the highest positive correlation exists between EC and Cl with correlation co-efficient of 0.97 and 0.96 during pre and post-monsoon respectively. Nitrate concentration in the groundwater ranges from 2 to 258 mg/l during pre-monsoon. in the case of post-monsoon, it ranges from 0 to 230 mg/L. During post-monsoon period, nitrate concentration decreased in many wells that are located mostly inside the industrial area. However, it has increased in the residential area, reflecting that the leaching of nitrate from the open sewerage lines. Groundwater in the study area is generally hard, fresh to brackish and low alkaline nature. The unsuitability of groundwater for drinking was identified in few places due to high total hardness and TDS. Fluoride is within the permissible limit for human consumption as per international standards.

Studies on Serum Lipids, Lipoproteins and High Sensitive C-reactive Protein in Type 2 Diabetes

The aim of the study was to determine the association of lipid profile with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), obese, hypertensive in type 2 diabetes in north Chennai area, Tamil Nadu, India. Nearly 300 blood sample were collected from patients in JPM diagnostic centre, north Chennai, Tamil Nadu and grouped them into diabetic (n=150) and non diabetic (n=150). Behavioral characters were calculated by using the data from the questionnaire like age, sex, height, weight, food habits, obesity, blood pressure (BP), family history, alcohol and smoking habits were correlated for interpretation. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured by using standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was diagnosed as per the criteria provided by the WHO (1959&1978). The body weight was calculated by taking weight in kg and height was measured in cms. The body mass index was calculated from the formula BMI = weight in kg/(height in meters) 2 Patients were taken as obese if their body mass index was 29.9. All biochemical analyses were done on a semi autoanalyser (RA 50). hs-CRP levels were measured with Elisa reader (Star Fax 325). The lipid concentration level was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared with non diabetic patients, serum total cholesterol mean ± SD 209.57±26.56 (P<0.001), serum triglycerides mean ± SD 184.78±49.10 (P<0.001), serum LDL - cholesterol mean ± SD 165.27±29.43,(P<0.001) and decrease in serum HDL-cholesterol levels mean ± SD 42.30±7.12, (P<0.001), and total cholesterol/HDL ratio, mean ± SD 5.13±1.27 (P<.001), Regression analysis revealed obese to be strongly associated with diabetes observed. BMI mean±SD 26.93-3.10 (P<0.001). hs-CRP values increased with increase of obese mean ± SD 6.71±2.78 (ANOVA P<0.001) and HbA1c mean± SD 8.54±1.07 (ANOVA P<0.001). Lipid concentration is elevated in hypertensive with diabetes serum total cholesterol mean ± SD 211.61±26.21 (P<0.001) and compared with hypertensive with non diabetic subjects. Lipid concentration level increased (Total cholesterol, LDL, TGL&VLDL) and decreased (HDL) in diabetes subjects. Lipoprotein particles significantly higher in diabetic female, compared to diabetic male. hs-CRP, increased in obese diabetes when compared with non obese diabetics, and obese non diabetics. hs-CRP strongly associated in obese with diabetes. Lipid concentration elevated in hypertensive with diabetes. The risk factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, food habits and family history were found to promote the development of type 2 diabetes.

Studies on serum lipids, lipoproteins and high sensitive C-Reactive protein in type 2 diabetes

The aim of the study was to determine the association of lipid profile with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), obese, hypertensive in type 2 diabetes in north Chennai area, Tamil Nadu, India. Nearly 300 blood sample were collected from patients in JPM diagnostic centre, north Chennai, Tamil Nadu and grouped them into diabetic (n=150) and non diabetic (n=150). Behavioral characters were calculated by using the data from the questionnaire like age, sex, height, weight, food habits, obesity, blood pressure (BP), family history, alcohol and smoking habits were correlated for interpretation. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured by using standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was diagnosed as per the criteria provided by the WHO (1959 & 1978). The body weight was calculated by taking weight in kg and height was measured in cms. The body mass index was calculated from the formula BMI = weight in kg/(height in meters)2 Patients were taken as obese if their body mass index was 29.9. All biochemical analyses were done on a semi autoanalyser (RA 50). hs-CRP levels were measured with Elisa reader (Star Fax 325). The lipid concentration level was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared with non diabetic patients, serum total cholesterol mean ± SD 209.57r26.56 (P<0.001), serum triglycerides mean ± SD 184.78r49.10 (P<0.001), serum LDL - cholesterol mean ± SD 165.27r29.43,(P<0.001) and decrease in serum HDL-cholesterol levels mean ± SD 42.30r7.12, (P<0.001), and total cholesterol/HDL ratio, mean ± SD 5.13r1.27 (P<.001), Regression analysis revealed obese to be strongly associated with diabetes observed. BMI mean±SD 26.93-3.10 (P<0.001). hs-CRP values increased with increase of obese mean ± SD 6.71r2.78 (ANOVA P<0.001) and HbA1c mean± SD 8.54r1.07 (ANOVA P<0.001). Lipid concentration is elevated in hypertensive with diabetes serum total cholesterol mean ± SD 211.61r26.21 (P<0.001) and compared with hypertensive with non diabetic subjects. Lipid concentration level increased (Total cholesterol, LDL, TGL & VLDL) and decreased (HDL) in diabetes subjects. Lipoprotein particles significantly higher in diabetic female, compared to diabetic male. hs-CRP, increased in obese diabetes when compared with non obese diabetics, and obese non diabetics. hs-CRP strongly associated in obese with diabetes. Lipid concentration elevated in hypertensive with diabetes. The risk factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, food habits and family history were found to promote the development of type 2 diabetes. Keywords: Lipid profile, lipoprotein C-reactive protein, type 2 diabetes, obese, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia,

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in mullet (Mugil cephalus) and oyster (Crassostrea madrasensis) from Pulicat lake, south east coast of India

The accumulation of six heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni) in sediment, water and in tissue parts of Mugil cephalus and Crassostrea madrasensis was studied in two locations of Pulicat lake, Southeast coast of India, which receives considerable quantity of effluents from industries located in North Chennai coastal region. The results reveal that the metal concentration in water is decreasing in the following order of Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd both in lake and barmouth and highest concentration was observed for Zn (32.5 μg L(-1) in lake and 25.2 μg L(-1) in bar mouth). Metals were highly concentrated in sediments when compared to water and biota. Metals abundance in sediments has following sequential order of Cr > Ni > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd and the accumulation pattern in barmouth showed minor variation indicating the following pattern of Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Cd. The geoaccumulation index (I(geo)) for Pulicat lake sediments indicate that the sediments are extremely contaminated with Cd and moderately contaminated with Cu and Ni. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Mugil cephalus and Crassostrea madrasensis showed marked differences in the accumulation patterns. It is observed that Zn, Cu and Pb are accumulated in elevated concentrations in various parts of the fish and oyster when compared with other metals.

Empire and Alternatives: Swietenia febrifuga and the Cinchona Substitutes

Empire and Alternatives: <i>Swietenia febrifuga</i> and the Cinchona Substitutes

Analysis and numerical simulation of the meteorological observations at a tropical coastal site Chennai in India

Meteorological measurements were carried out at North Chennai semi rural area during pre-monsoon period as a part of an air quality study program. Analysis of the data showed the effects of coastal terrain namely the land-sea breeze circulation, temperature cooling during the sea breeze, difference in onset times at these sites etc. Sea breeze onset was observed with a sharp turning of the wind from westerly to south easterly associated with rise in wind speed. Advection speed of the front was about 2.0 m s − 1 . A simple mesoscale meteorological model (MAM-I) developed at Kalpakkam for coastal atmospheric dispersion estimation was used to simulate the observed characteristics. All the major features observed could be simulated by the model while significant difference was noticed in sea breeze frontal movement. MAM results were also inter-compared with MM5. There were no significant differences in the estimate of mean parameters by both the models. It is concluded that the simple model, which takes less run time in a desktop PC, is adequate enough for practical application of providing wind field for plume dispersion models at coastal sites.

Epidemiological Risk Factors of Urban Leptospirosis in North Chennai (Tamil Nadu) - A South India Study

Background: Leptospirosis is under diagnosed and under reported in India due to lack of awareness of the disease and lack of appropriate laboratory diagnostic facilities in most parts of the country. Out of 28 States and 7 Union Territories in India, leptospirosis is endemic in 5 States [Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra] and in one Union Territory, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Chennai (formerly Madras) is an important coastal metropolis in South India and has a land area of 172 kilometer square with a population around 6 million. The average yearly rainfall is about 1500mm, with most rainfall coming from North East Monsoon (September December). This study was undertaken to study the epidemiological profile of urban leptospirosis in North Chennai.

A correlation study of the ground water quality in the Manali Petroleum Industrial Region in Tamil Nadu, India

The increased prominence of the petroleum industry in Manali at North Chennai has given rise to a concomitant upsurge of ecological disturbances together with groundwater pollution. Ten representative groundwater samples were collected from various parts of the industrial region in the monsoon, winter and summer seasons during 2006-2007 and those water samples were analysed by standard analytic methods. As many as twenty water quality parameters were taken into account in the correlation analysis. Some parameters were found within and some parameters beyond the permissible limit. Correlation coefficients (r) between different pairs of parameters were computed. Significant positive correlation was found to exist between the pairs of parameters; turbidity-alkalinity, turbidity-iron, ECNa, TDS-EC, TDS-TH, EC-TH, TH-K and CODBOD. It is also observed that, some of the parameters were found to have weak correlation and some parameters have negative correlation. Keywords: Manali, petroleum industry, groundwater quality, correlation coefficients.

A Correlation Study of the Ground Water Quality in the Manali Petroleum Industrial Region in Tamil Nadu, India

The increased prominence of the petroleum industry in Manali at North Chennai has given rise to a concomitant upsurge of ecological disturbances together with groundwater pollution. Ten representative groundwater samples were collected from various parts of the industrial region in the monsoon, winter and summer seasons during 2006-2007 and those water samples were analysed by standard analytic methods. As many as twenty water quality parameters were taken into account in the correlation analysis. Some parameters were found within and some parameters beyond the permissible limit. Correlation coefficients (r) between different pairs of parameters were computed. Significant positive correlation was found to exist between the pairs of parameters; turbidity-alkalinity, turbidity-iron, ECNa, TDS-EC, TDS-TH, EC-TH, TH-K and CODBOD. It is also observed that, some of the parameters were found to have weak correlation and some parameters have negative correlation.

Assessment of heavy metals (Cd, Cr and Pb) in water, sediment and seaweed (Ulva lactuca) in the Pulicat Lake, South East India

The concentrations of three heavy metals chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were examined in water, sediment and green algae (Ulva lactuca); collected from six different stations at Pulicat Lake, which receives effluents from industries located in North Chennai Coastal region. Concentrations of Cd (64.21μgg−1) and Cr (28.51μgg−1) were found to be high in sediment, whereas in green algae concentration of Pb (8.32μgg−1) was higher than water and sediment samples. The relative abundance of these heavy metals in U. lactuca and sediment were found to be in the order Cd>Cr>Pb, whereas in water the ratio was found to be Cr>Pb>Cd. The seasonal variations in Cd and Pb followed a similar pattern in both seaweeds and sediments, but not in water samples. Spearman correlation coefficient study showed no significant correlation in the concentration of metals in U. lactuca, water and sediment samples.

A comparative seasonal pollution assessment study on Ennore Estuary with respect to metal accumulation in the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus

Abstract Environmental pollution is currently a major concern due to unorganised and increased industrialization and urban development. In the Tamilnadu state of India, on the Bay of Bengal, lies the Ennore estuary, which is an important industrial centre. The main industries in the region include a fertilizer company, refineries, a rubber factory, paint industry and a thermal power station. Investigations into the seasonal pollution impacts on the distribution of various metals in the waters of the Ennore estuary, situated in North Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, and the concentrations of some of the toxic metals in the tissue of the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus L., inhabiting in the same estuary were conducted during the period of April 2004 to March 2006. The results were compared to those of the Kovalam estuary, which is unpolluted. In the water at one sample site of the Ennore estuary, heavy metal concentrations ranged between: Pb 0.15-0.23, Hg 0.05-0.06, Cd 0.01-0.03, and Cr 3.33-1.093 ppm for summer and monsoon seasons, and were significantly related to the seasonal rains (p&lt;0.01). In contrast, heavy metal concentrations in the Kovalam estuary ranged between: Pb 0.043-0.039, Hg non-detectable-0.001, Cd 0.01-0.098, and Cr 0.063-0.052 ppm, and were not significantly related to the rainy season. The metal concentrations found in the muscle tissues of Mugil cephalus L., at the same site on the Ennore estuary were: Fe 11.06 ±0.29, Zn 1.67 ±0.14, Cr 2.98 ±0.15, and Pb 1.26 ±0.11 ppm, which were also significantly related to season (p&lt;0.01). The metal concentrations in fish inhabiting the Kovalam estuary were: Fe 2.17 ±0.15, Zn 0.42 ±0.05, Cr 0.63 ±0.04, and Pb 0.31 ±0.04, and showed no significant seasonal difference. The highest metal concentrations found in the tissues of the Ennore estuary fish which lead to the oxidative stress and shorten the lifespan of the fish are postulated to primarily result from anthropogenic activities and effluent discharge from the local industrial activities.

Heavy metals in two fish species (Carangoidel malabaricus and Belone stronglurus) from Pulicat Lake, North of Chennai, Southeast Coast of India

We present the results from a detailed study based on five metals (Cr, Cd, Zn, Pb and Fe) measured in four organs (gills, liver, intestine and muscle) of two fish species (Carangoidel malabaricus and Belone stronglurus) from Pulicat Lake in southeast coast of India. The results show marked differences between the two species and organs as well as significant variations within the five analyzed metals. Although the metal concentrations measured in fish muscle are low, high levels of Pb and Fe were observed in the liver and gills of the two fish species. The concentrations of heavy metals in edible parts (muscle) of fish were within the permissible levels and are safe for the human consumption.

Acid-leachable trace metals in sediments from an industrialized region (Ennore Creek) of Chennai City, SE coast of India: An approach towards regular monitoring

The article presents the results for enrichment of acid-leachable trace metals (ALTMs) from Ennore Creek in north Chennai, a metropolis on the southeast coast of India. ALTMs Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn and Cd along with sediment texture, OC and CaCO 3 were analyzed in surface sediments collected during two different seasons, pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) seasons to identify and observe the input of trace metals in the creek from various sources in the city limits. The most prominent feature of the ALTMs is the enrichment of Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the sediments, which is mainly attributed to the intense industrial activities around Chennai, and to the rapid industrialization policies. The ALTMs also indicate their association with the finer fractions, OC and Fe–Mn oxyhydroxides. The enrichment is very well supported by the correlation, grouping and clustering of ALTMs in statistical analysis. The differential behavior of ALTMs in POM season compared to PRM season is possibly due to the excess level of industrial effluents in the channel feeding Ennore Creek. Comparative results of ALTMs with other estuarine regions also indicate that the study area has been enriched with trace metals during the past two decades. The results of the present study suggest the need for a regular monitoring program which will help to improve the quality of Ennore Creek.

Beach Accretion and Erosion with S-Type Rubble Mound Sea Wall

The north Chennai coast, on the east coast of India, experiences severe erosion caused by waves, and an area of the beach about 600 m wide has eroded over the past 120 years. To protect the seafront, natural stones were dumped by government agencies along the coast for a distance of about 6 km, and in the process, a short beach pocket 400 m long was left unprotected for various reasons. Because the property of a chemical factory located in this 400-m stretch of beach pocket suffered damage caused by erosion, and because the need for a wide beachfront was stressed by local fishermen, an alternative method of protecting the beach was suggested. The proposal involved construction of an S-type rubble sea wall about 100 m long on the southern end of the beach pocket. This paper discusses the numerical model studies conducted to determine the configuration of the S-type rubble sea wall and its effectiveness in beach protection. The model studies suggested a length of projection of 14 m with a radius of curvature of 310 m for the S-type sea wall to achieve the desired performance. Field studies conducted on the 40-m-wide and 400-m-long beach pocket with the 100-m-long S-type sea wall indicate that the sea wall is effective in protecting the beach.

Observation of Sea Breeze Front and its Induced Convection over Chennai in Southern Peninsular India Using Doppler Weather Radar

Sea breeze, the onshore wind over a coastal belt during daytime, is a welcoming weather phenomenon as it modulates the weather condition by moderating the scorching temperature and acts as a favourable mechanism to trigger convection and induce precipitation over coastal and interior locations. Sea breeze aids dispersal of pollutants as well. Observational studies about its onset, depth of circulation and induced precipitation have been carried out in this paper for the period April to September, 2004–2005 using a S-band Doppler Weather Radar functioning at Cyclone Detection Radar Station, India Meteorological Department, Chennai, India. The onset of sea breeze has been observed to be between 0900 and 1000 UTC with the earliest onset at 0508 UTC and late onset at 1138 UTC. The frequency is greater during the southwest monsoon season, viz., June – September and the frequency of initial onset is greater in north Chennai. The modal length of sea breeze is between 20 and 50 km with extreme length as high as 100 km also having been observed. Though the inland penetration is on average 10 to 20 km, penetration reaching 100 km was also observed on a number of cases. The induced convection could be seen in the range 50–100 km in more than 53% of the cases. The mean depth of sea breeze circulation is 300–600 m but may go well beyond 1000 m on conducive atmospheric conditions.

Factor analysis and linear regression model (LRM) of metal speciation and physico-chemical characters of groundwater samples

An approach is described for viewing the interrelationship between different variables and also tracing the sources of pollution of groundwater of north Chennai (India). The data set of 43 variables which include major ions, minor ions and trace metal speciation (Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn) collected during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of the year 2000-2001, was subjected to R-mode factor analysis to comprehend the distribution pattern of the said variables. It was found that first factor measures salinity and hardness which explained 19.12% of the total variance (comprised of variables EC, TDS, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, total hardness, Cl- and SO4(2-)) during pre-monsoon, while it was 25.08% during post-monsoon. The second and third factors were attributed to speciation of zinc and copper ions during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Although there were two more factors, loaded with speciation parameters of lead and cadmium, the variance of them were less than 10%. From this study it is seen that sea water intrusion, municipal solid waste disposal are the identified sources of component of pollution. The importance of metal ions is taking a secondary role and the anthropogenic origin-industrial activity, is the reason in the evaluation of pollution status as they come in the second, third, fourth and fifth factors. As the trace metal speciation was grouped in separate factors, linear regression model (LRM) with correlation analysis was applied to check its validity for prediction of speciation and to apply LRM for rapid monitoring of water pollution.