Page 323 - e-Book

(Photo-1. Location of Jaykaypur Pulp & Paper Mill at Rayagada. Photo-2: Satelite google

map of effluent contaminated site of JK Paper Mills at Chandili (nearby village)
Analysis of physico-chemical parameters were carried out following the procedure of APHA

(1985). From the triple acid digested samples of the water samples in a Klein’s apparatus,
sodium and potassium analysis was carried out by a Flame photometer. The pigment

contents of the leaves of the crop plants and algal samples (uncontaminated, contaminated

and experimental algal samples) were estimated and calculated following the method
described by Vernon (1960) and Davies (1976). Measurement of mercury in the leaf samples

and algal samples were carried out followed the procedure of Wantorp and Dyfverman
(1955) and mercury was estimated in a Mercury Analyser MA 5800A (ECIL, 1981). The

cadmium and lead content of the digested extract was estimated by using Atomic Absorption

Spectrophotometer following the procedure of Yoshida et al.
(1976).

Pure axenic culture of Anabaena cylindrica, Lemm., Nostoc muscorum, C.Agardh

and Westiellopsis prolifica, Janet was grown in the laboratory for the experimental study.
Allen and Arnon’s (1955) nitrogen free medium as adopteed by Sahu (1987) was most

suitable for the organism. The algae were grown in presence of paper mill effluent at

sub-lethal concentration (3.85% effluent dose) along with standard nutrient solution for
15days. After 15days, the algae were harvested for analysis of residual mercury and

cadmium and changes in pigment content of the exposed alga when compared to control
algae by following the above cited methods.

RESULTS

The physic-chemical properties of the effluent changed insignificantly till it reached

the river and further the effluent was diluted by river water (Table-1). The pale yellowish
brown colour of the effluent changed to light yellow from S1 to S3 station. The strong

pungent smell of the effluent changed to filthy smell from S1 to S3. The cause of both the
parameters change was only due to dilution by river water. Significant amount of mercury

-1
and cadmium to the tune of 0.46±0.07mg.l and 0.32±0.05mg.l was available in effluent
-1
respectively. The concentration of mercury in the effluent discharge decreased to
0.19±0.03mg.l -1 and 0.08±0.03mg.l -1 after ½ and 1km distance from the meeting point,

-1
respectively. The concentration of cadmium in effluent decreased to 0.15±0.02mg.l and

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