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SCIENCE REPORTER FEBRUARY-2018

By Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari

- Scientist in IIT Delhi with the association of DST (GoI) - Author of McGraw Hill Publication of Science & Technology - More than 15 years teaching experiences - Faculty of Enroute IAS (Old rajendra Nagar, N.Delhi)

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FEBRUARY-2018

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

INDEX

➢ Nuclear Scientist Dr. Baldev Raj No More

➢ No where Safe!

➢ The silent killers

➢ Natural Air purifiers

➢ CSIR-NCL Develops Artificial Leaf

➢ Himalayan yew-

➢ METALS IN MEDICINES

➢ Antarctica’s Blood Falls

➢ Envigreen’s Bags

➢ Nuclear Scientist Dr. Baldev Raj No More

In 2017, country lost some of its most well-known scientists, including Dr. P.M.

Bhargava, Dr. U.R. Rao, Prof. Yashpal and Dr. Lalji Singh.

And the year 2018 too began on a sad note for Indian science as it lost another

of its stalwart scientists and administrators. Dr. Baldev Raj, Director, National

Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) Bengaluru, passed away in Pune on 7

January 2018 at the age of 71 after a massive heart attack.

Born on 9 April 1947, Dr. Baldev Raj was earlier the Director of the Indira

Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam. As someone who

deeply espoused the cause of indigenization, Dr. Baldev Raj’s efforts helped

India’s master the fast breeder technology which had been abandoned by

most countries. A prototype of the fast breeder reactor is already functional

and India is on course to start a state-of-the-art 500 MW commercial fast

breeder reactor.

When USA and other countries imposed sanctions on India following the

nuclear test explosion of 1998 at Pokhran, Dr. Baldev Raj led his team of

researchers at the IGCAR to develop some of the critical components required

by nuclear reactors such as the special steel with which the fast Breeder

Reactor was built. His studies on sodium fast reactors with closed fuel cycles

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helped evolve technology that could reduce high level radioactive waste by

almost two hundred times. This was one of the major factors that helped boost

public acceptance of nuclear power generation in India. In an interview given to

Science Reporter (May 2011), Dr. Baldev Raj emphasized that it is beyond

argument that “nuclear is the most preferred option in near future for most

of the countries and for the immediate future for the South Asian countries.

Continuous enhancement of the safety levels is the philosophy that will never

be given up, irrespective of the maturity levels of the nuclear power

technology.”

Since India has to import uranium at a high cost but has abundant reserves of

thorium, Dr. Baldev Raj worked on designing reactors that could utilise lower

amounts of uranium and more of thorium.

He also worked closely with the government to find solutions to challenges in

energy, water, healthcare, manufacturing and other national strategic goals.

He headed a major task force set up by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on

making the country self-reliant in strategic materials needed for defence

applications. He also headed another task force on rare earths, which have

applications in military and non-military areas. He worked closely with the NITI

Aayog to develop science action plans for the future. In 2017, he was also

appointed chairperson of the board of governors of the Academy of Scientific

and Innovative Research for a period of five years.

Author of around 1000 academic papers in peer reviewed journals and more

than 70 books, Dr. Baldev Raj was honoured with prestigious awards like the

Homi Bhabha Gold Medal, HK Firodia Award, Om Prakash Bhasin Award,

Vasvik Award, National Metallurgist Award, Lifetime Achievement Award of

Indian Nuclear Society, Distinguished Material Scientist Award, and Padma

Shri among many others. He was also a fellow of the Indian National Science

Academy and the World Academy of Sciences, chairman of the Board of

governors of IIT Gandhinagar, and a member of the Court of Jawaharlal Nehru

University, Delhi.

➢ No where Safe!

Pollution knows no borders. It destroys our health even inside the safe

confines of our homes. It is imperative, therefore, that every individual

contribute to safeguarding the present as well as the generations to come

from the perils of atmospheric pollution.

According to a WHO survey, 13 out of 25 most polluted cities in the world are

in India. Nearly 1.5 million people succumb (illness) to air pollution annually in

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India. WHO report, indoor air pollution is the second largest cause of

mortality in developing countries like India.

Sources of Dirty Air

Some air pollutants arise due to natural factors like forest fires and volcanic

eruptions. When aided by strong winds, the suspended particles get carried

across distances causing pollution.

Vehicular and industrial emissions:

Vehicular exhaust contributes to massive levels of air contaminants: oxides of

nitrogen, sulphur and carbon along with volatile organic compounds, react

with heat, sunlight and moisture to form toxic vapours. In 2015, the Times of

India reported that 53,700 private vehicles are registered daily across India. A

team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru

researched the deforestation levels in our country. In the past 30 years, India

has lost nearly 30,000 sq km of forest areas to industrial projects,

encroachment and non-forest produce activities.

Indoor particulate pollutants:

The visible indoor air contaminants are biological components that include

animal dander, fur, mites, pollen, moulds, fungus and animal faeces along

with dust, grime and fumes. These elements contribute to suspended

particulate matter (PM) in indoor atmospheres. A common sight in rural areas

is the burning of solid fuels like wood, coal and livestock dung, used for cooking

and heating purpose.

The price of conveniences:

Lifestyle conveniences are one of the primary contributors of indoor chemical

pollution in urban spaces. Volatile organic compounds lurk behind our everyday

items of use. Home improvement products, textiles, dry-cleaned clothes,

building material, all come with health risks. Formaldehyde volatilizes from

glue-bonded particle board, plywood and MDF decorative panels. Xylene,

toluene, benzene are some toxic gases released from stationary products and

photocopiers. Deodorisers, disinfectants, and room fresheners not only add

aerosols to the atmosphere but also release formaldehyde which persists in

the indoor air. Pesticides and insecticides get carried indoors, adding to further

contamination. Some of them are not just poisonous but carcinogenic too.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases)

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Here the damage caused to the lungs give rise to symptoms of breathlessness,

wheezing, tightness in the chest and cough leading to condition like chronic

bronchitis and non-reversible asthma. Early stages of COPD often go unnoticed

until the breathlessness escalates. As the disease progress, one begins to notice

the shortness of breath.

(SBS) Sick Building Syndrome

When the pollutants persist for extended periods of time, or if there is

inadequate maintenance of the building, long-term problems cause Sick

Building Syndrome (SBS). The common complaints of SBS are headaches eye,

nose or throat irritation, cough, dry and itchy skin, sensitivity to odours,

fatigue and irritation. Anti-inflammatory properties of Curcuma longa and

Ocimum sanctum-two common herbs we know as turmeric and tulsi. They act

as inhibitors and provide relief to aggravated mucosal layers. Chemical toxins

cause nerve, digestive and muscular disorders. Nausea, dizziness and persistent

headaches call for an immediate investigation.

Air Cleaners and Purifiers

Indoor air cleaners are devices used to clean particular type of air pollutants.

Different types provide different functions:

• HEPA filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters use mechanical filter

material to trap the particulate matter. These are the commonly

available filters in the affordable range.

• Electronic Air Cleaners: These filters use electrostatic attraction to trap

charged ions of particles in the air. An ion generator disperses ions into

the indoor spaces. These ions attach to the particulate matter, in turn,

charging them. These charged particles accumulate in a collector

provided or on furniture, walls and other solid surfaces to be cleaned.

• Gaseous Air Filters: These remove fumes and odours from the air, by

using absorbent material like activated carbon. The limitation of these

filters is that they are useful in removing only a specific type of gaseous

element and do not work on a broad range of contaminants.

• UVGI cleaners: Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation cleaners use UV

radiation to destroy germs and airborne allergens. They are useful in

specific regions and cannot replace filters.

• PCO cleaners: Photo Catalytic Oxidation cleaners use a UV source

along with a catalyst. This combination reacts with gaseous elements

and neutralizes them. However, these are ineffective on PM.

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• Ozone generators: These too use UV radiation; however, the device

produces ozone to remove pollutants. Ozone is a lung irritant, and if

the safe levels exceed, this type of cleaner will, in turn, cause more

harm. These types of filters are not always reliable.

• PECO Filters: Considered to be an innovative solution for home air

purification, this patented, new type of air filter uses Nanotechnology

and Photo Electrochemical Oxidation to not just trap particulate

matter, gaseous elements and VOC in the indoor air, but also destroy

the bacteria and neutralize the gases.

➢ The silent killers

Sources of contamination

Hazardous elements

Health risks Suggested alternatives/green options

Fuels fresheners, deodorizers, disinfectants

Carbon particulate matter

Breathlessness, congested air passages

Efficient fuels like biogas, LPG solar and electric stoves

Air fresheners, deodorizers, disinfectants

Formaldehyde, phenols, ammonia, sodium hypochlorite

Toxic/carcinogenic. Corrosive to skin and eyes. Prolonged exposure causes nervous, respiratory and digestive disorders.

Proper ventilation; Choose organic substitutes. Aromatic spices and potpourri of dried fragrant flowers make excellent air fresheners and deodorizers.

Drain cleaners, oven cleaners or de-greasers

Sodium potassium hydroxide (iye)

Highly corrosive, cause damage to nervous, respiratory, and urinary systems

Combine baking soda and vinegar to de-grease

Furniture polish Petroleum distillates

Toxic and corrosive in nature

Oil and vinegar

Toilet bowl cleaners

Hypochloric acid, chlorinated phenols

Highly toxic and corrosive

Vinegar and baking soda

Chlorinated water with potential contaminants

Volatilization of chlorine and radon

carcinogenic Ensure proper ventilation or exhaust

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➢ Natural Air purifiers

Botanical Name Common Names What they filter

Nephrolepis exaltata

Boston, fern, Sword fern or Fishbone fern

These tropical ferns are incredibly adept at synthesizing VOCs, especially formaldehyde, benzene and xylene.

Phoenix roebelenii Pygmy date palm or Robellini

Native to South-eastern Asia, parts of China and Vietnam, this variety of palm is capable of removing formaldehyde

Chamaedorea seifrizii

Bamboo palm, cane palm or reed palm. Readily available in nurseries and used in landscaping

These palms from the tropical regions of the Americas filter benzene and trichloroethylene

Syngonium podophyllum

Syngonium. Decorative plant available in a variety of colours

These expert air purifiers remove VOC, improve humidity and kill airborne microbes.

Spathiphyllum Peace lilies Remove benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde

Sansevieria trifasciata

Snake plant. The popular name ‘mother-in-law’s tongue.’

An ideal bedroom plant as this not only removes VOCs but also replenishes oxygen at night times too.

➢ CSIR-NCL Develops Artificial Leaf Scientists from the CSIR-National chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) have

developed an artificial leaf that absorbs sunlight to generate hydrogen

fuel from water.

➢ Himalayan yew- Exciting Conifer with Uncertain Future

In the Indian Himalayan, Taxus wallichiana occurs in the northern-

western states of Jammu, and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand,

Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh at altitudes between 1800 to 3300 m

(amsl) and in the hills of Meghalaya and Manipur at an altitude of 1500 m

(amsl).

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Traditionally, it has found use in medicine as an anti-cancer, anti-

inflammatory, anti-convulsant, anti-pyretic, analgesic, anti-fungal and

anti-bacterial. The extracts of T. wallichiana are known to be a source of a

drug, called.

Zarnab, which is very frequently prescribed in the Unani system of Indian

Medicine as sedative, and for the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, snake

bites, epilepsy, scorpion stings, diarrhoea, severe biliousness, giddiness,

coldness of extremities, feeble and falling pulse, besides applications as

an aphrodisiac (Mulliken). The tincture prepared from its young shoots is

used in Ayurveda as a plaster on bone fractures and is applied externally

on the forehead to provide relief from headache. It is a prime source of

an anti-cancer drug, known as Taxol, which is extracted from its bark

and leaves, and has demonstrated broad anti-tumor activity against

breast, liver, lung, blood, prostrate, head and neck, gynecological

cancers and Karposi’s Sarcoma.

Bilobetin a biflavone obtained from the needles of the species has also

been reported to possess antifungal activity. Taxus wood is the hardest

of all coniferous woods. It is also highly resistant to rot and insect attack

and can be worked, polished and stained excellently. The plant is rare,

endangered and listed in Appendix II of Convention on International

Trade in Endangered species of wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

➢ METALS IN MEDICINES According to a survey by WHO, nearly 7 lakh Indians die due to cancer

every year. Breast cancer is emerging as the deadliest among Indian

women; while for men, it is cancer of the lip and oral cavity.

Important Metals in the Human Body

Metal Chief food

source Main role Deficiency Overload

Ca Plain yogurt, milk, fish

Maintains structural integrity of bones, acid/alkaline balance, muscle and nerve functioning

Osteoporosis, hormonal imbalance

High blood pressure, high cholesterol

Mg Pumpkin seeds, green

Signaling enzyme

Muscular cramps, fatigue,

Heart disease, hypertension

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vegetable activation loss of appetite

Na ➢ Table salt, bread items

Generation of nerve impulses, maintenance of electrolyte fluid balance

Heart, liver and kidney failure, pneumonia

Weakness, seizures and and coma

K Kiwi fruit, banana, dry fruits potatoes

Maintains fluid and electrolyte balance

Hypertension, constipation

Palpitations and muscle weakness

Fe Soybeans, spinach, seafood

Enhances oxygen transport and supports energy production

Fatigue, muscle weakness, anemia

Heamochromatosis-Liver cirrhosis, diabetes and arthritis

Cu Cashews, soybeans, sesame seeds, mushrooms

Improves antioxidant activity, maintains bone and tissue integrity, cholesterol balance

Menkes disease, anemia

Wilson’s disease, fatigue

Mn Cloves oats, brown rice

In bone production, skin integrity, protection against free radical damage

Skeletal deformation, skin problems and asthma

Psychiatric and motor changes

Zn

Beef, lamb sesame seeds

In the proper functioning of immune system and sensory organs

Diarrhea, oral ulceration, acne, psychological disorders

Nausea vomiting and cramps

Cr Broccoli, barley oats

Suggested role in blood sugar control

Impaired glucose tolerance and weight loss suggest

Hemolysis, allergy

METALS TOXIC TO HUMAN BODY

Metal Contamination Sources Diseases caused Antidote

Sb (Antimony)

Fruit juices in enamel containers, paints, toys,

Possibly cancer Dimercaprol

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batteries

As Drinking water, insecticide

Black foot disease

Dimercaprol

Al Antacids Shaver’s disease Deferoxamine

Cd Plastics, batteries, dyes, occupational expousure, tobacco, rice

Itai-Itai disease Supportive therapy

Pb Paint-chips, gasoline, water, occupational exposure

Lead encephalopathy, Lead line

CaNa₂, EDTA, Dimercaprol, Succimer

Hg Fungicide, industrial discharge

Minamata disease, Hunter-Russel syndrome

Succimer, DMSA, Dimercaprol

APPROVED METAL-BASED DRUGS

Metal Uses Trade names

Pt (Platinum)

Anticancer Platinol; Paraplatin; Eloxatine; Satraplatin, BBR2464, AMD-473

Au Rheumatoid arthritis Ridaura

Bi Antiulcer; antacid Pepto-Bismol;Ranitidine Bismutrex

Mn Anticancer agents Mn SOD mimics

V (Vanadium)

Type II diabetes BEOV

Li Manic Depression Camcolit; Cibalith-S; Lithane

Fe Vasodilation Nipride

Ag Disinfectant, Antibacteria Flamazine; Silvadene

Sb (Antimony)

Antiparasitic Tartar Emetic, Stibophen

Hg Antiseptic, antifungal Thiomersal

Ru (Ruthenium)

Anticancer agent NAMI-A

Ln (Lanthanide)

Hyperphosphatemia Forsenol

Cu Rheumatoid Arthritis Copper aspirinate

Zn Antitching Calamine

Ga (Gallium) Hypercalcemia of malignancy

Ganite

As (Arsenic

trioxide (As2O3)

Anticancer agent Trisenox

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➢ Antarctica’s Blood Falls Located in Antarctica’s McMurdo dry Valleys at the northern end of

Taylor glacier, the enigma behind the bloody falls has finally been solved

by the geo-scientists. This natural phenomenon owns its gory-look

neither to the blood nor red `algae, but to the iron oxidized in brine

saltwater. The iron oxide which is responsible for the scary fleshy look

of this glacier is produced by the same process that gives iron a dark red

colour when it rusts.

➢ Envigreen’s Edible Bags India generates more than 5.6 billion toxic plastic waste every year.

Envigreen Biotech India Private Ltd produces India's first 100%

biodegradable substitute to plastics.

Link for webinar: https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowKey=50911&Affiliate

Data=Author`

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A Complete Solution for Science & Technology

Hindi & English medium both

Online classes available @ Study IQ

Offline classes available @ Enroute IAS

(Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes)

For offline classes you can join me in Delhi

@ Old rajendra Nagar & Mukherjee Nagar,

New Delhi – 9650540359

Whatsap- 9911809808