The study was conducted as a pot experiment in the tropical glasshouse to evaluate the response of grain legumes (Phaseolus vulgaris, Vigna unguiculata, andLablab purpureus) in comparison to maize (Zea mays) and estimate their potential and performance. Two experiments were established using completely randomized design. Physiological measurements (stomatal conductance, photosynthetic activities, and transpiration rates) were measured using LCpro instrument. Scholander bomb was used for the measurement of plant cell water potential. Significant difference was observed in different plant species with increase of different water regimes. Among the legumes,L. purpureusshowed better response in water stressed conditions. At the beginning, in dry watered treatment the photosynthetic rate was below 0 µmol m−2 s−1and in fully watered condition it was 48 µmol m−2 s−1. In dry treatment, total dry weight was 10 g/pot and in fully watered condition it was near to 20 g/pot inP. vulgaris. The study concludes that water stress condition should be taken into consideration for such type of crop cultivation in arid and semiarid regions.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge (industrial and residential) on seed germination and growth performance of Acacia auriculiformis seedlings at the nursery of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University (IFESCU), Bangladesh. Before sowing of the seeds, different combinations of sludge were incorporated with the nutrient-deficient natural forest soils. Seed germination and growth parameters of the seedlings (shoot and root length, collar diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoot, and root and total dry biomass) were recorded after one, two and three months of seed sowing. Physio-chemical parameters (pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and heavy metals (chromium, nickel, manganese, cadmium and zinc) of each treatment were also analyzed before sowing of seeds and after harvesting of seedlings. Results show that the seed germination percentage and the seedling growth parameters varied significantly in the soil added with sludge in comparison to control. The highest germination percentage (90%) was observed in the treatment of soil with residential sludge of 2:1 compared to control. The highest growth and biomass of the seedlings as well as the maximum percentage of organic carbon and nutrients (N, P and K) were also recorded in the same combination. Soil added with industrial sludge had a higher concentration of heavy metal than that of residential sludge. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in soil added with industrial sludge of 1:1. It is recommended that soil added with residential sludge of 2:1 provide good condition for better seed germination and growth of A. auriculiformis seedlings in degraded forest soil.

Abstract. This study reports the equilibrium adsorption mechanism and thermodynamics for the removal of Malachite Green (MG) from acidic solution using Used Black Tea Leaves (UBTL) as a low cost adsorbent. The effect of initial dye concentration, processing temperature and the presence of electrolytes on the adsorption from acidic solutions were investigated in batch process. Adsorption process was attained to the equilibrium at about 24 hours. Adsorption isotherms of MG on UBTL for different temperatures were constructed at pH 2.0 and the equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed using different model equations such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, DubininRadushkevich (D-R), Harkin-Jura, Halsey, Elovich-Larionov and Flory-Huggens isotherms. The experimental results were reasonably correlated by Langmuir, Flory-Huggins and D-R models than other isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity (q m ), intensity of adsorption (b) and separation factor (R b ) were calculated from Langmuir plot and activation energy of adsorption (E ad ) was determined from D-R isotherm. At pH 2.0, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of UBTL to MG is 110 mg•g -1 at 30°C, which was increased with increasing temperature suggested endothermic nature of adsorption. Thermodynamics parameters: ΔG ads , ΔH ads and ΔS ads were calculated from Langmuir constant (b). The positive values of enthalpy and free energy, and negative value of entropy suggested that the adsorption is less spontaneous and surface migration or fragmentation of MG molecules on UBTL surface might be occur. Again, the low value of activation energy of adsorption (E ad = 0.3 kJ•mol -1 <8 kJ•mol -1 ) suggested that the adsorption is controlled by physical in nature. A possible mechanism involvement of protonation is proposed from the effect of electrolytes during the adsorption of MG on UBTL at pH 2.0.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <em>Bixa orellana</em> Linn, (Family: Bixaceae) commonly known as “Lipstick tree” have been extensively used traditional medicine in India and others part of the world to cure laxative, cardiotonic, hypotensive, expectorant, antibiotic, antipyretic, aphrodisaic etc. It has been found that <em>B. orellana</em> contains different phytochemical groups such as phenolic compounds, glycosides, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, saponins. The project work has been designed to investigate the phytochemical nature (group determination of plant constituents), analgesic and neuropharmacological activity of <em>B. orellana</em> leaves extract.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Analgesic activity of <em>B. orellana</em> was determined by acetic acid induced writhing, hot plate, tail immersion and paw tickling test/formalin induced nociceptor test. Open field, hole cross, tail suspension and light/dark box test were employed for the assessment of neuropharmacological activity of <em>B. orellana</em>.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing sugar, alkaloids, glycosides, gum, terpenoids, tannins, steroids and flavonoids. In analgesic activity test, the sample showed significant analgesic activity. The dose-dependent neuropharmacological activity is shown in neuropharmacological activity test.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our exploration suggests that <em>B. orellana</em> contains bioactive compounds and it should be studied further for isolation and purification of such novel compounds.</p>

Spotted flapshell turtle, Lissemys punctata was found in all types of habitats of Bangladesh. Of the 9 categories of habitats studied, the highest number (17.42%) of the turtle species was found in marshland followed by puddles (17.26%), agriculture fields (17.12%), streams (12.1%), canals (10.54%), tanks (10.39%), derelict ponds (9.18%) and domestic ponds (6.08%). Most of the time the turtle was found in burrowing condition (55.83%), rarely it was observed in feeding (7.2%) condition. The turtle seem to have a considerably higher tolerant in all types of environment, so it may be possible to set-up turtle farm commercially in Bangladesh. Key words: Spotted flapshell turtle, ecology, habitat preference, behavioral patterns. doi: 10.3126/eco.v15i0.1943  ECOPRINT 15: 59-67, 2008

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <em>Bacopa monnieri</em> (L.) locally called Brahmi of Scrophulariaceae family has a long history for numerous therapeutic purposes like memory enhancing, antianxiety and antiepileptic agent. The aim of this study was to investigate phytochemical screening, antibacterial, cytotoxic, analgesic and neuropharmacological activities of <em>B. monnieri</em>.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The antibacterial activity was performed by disc diffusion method.  Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was carried out to determine cytotoxic potential. Acetic acid induced writhing method was employed for the assessment of analgesic activity of <em>B. monnieri</em> extracts. The neuropharmacological activity was determined by hole cross, open field and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time test using Swiss Albino mice as experimental animal.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Phytochemical screening revealed that <em>n-</em>hexane, dichloromethame and methanolic extracts contained reducing sugar, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and saponins. The sample showed comparable antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. In analgesic activity test, methanol soluble extract showed highest activity compared to standard drug, Diclofenac sodium. The neuropharmacological activity of three extracts showed moderate activity as compared with standard drug, Diazepam and Thiopental sodium.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our exploration suggests that <em>B. monnieri</em> contains bioactive compounds and it should be studied further for isolation and purification of such novel compounds.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>

The concentrations of 18 different elements (K, Ca, Fe, Cl, P, Zn, S, Mn, Ti, Cr, Rb, Co, Br, Sr, Ru, Si, Ni, and Cu) were analyzed in five selected vegetables through Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique. The objective of this study was to provide updated information on concentrations of elements in vegetables available in the local markets at Savar subdistrict in Bangladesh. These elements were found in varying concentrations in the studied vegetables. The results also indicated that P, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, and Zn were found in all vegetables. Overall, K and Ca exhibited the highest concentrations. Cu and Ni exhibited the lowest concentrations in vegetables. The necessity of these elements was also evaluated, based on the established limits of regulatory standards. The findings of this study suggest that the consumption of these vegetables is not completely free of health risks.

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