Contrasting REE Signatures on Manganese Ores of Iron Ore Group in North Orissa, India

The distribution pattern of Rare Earth Elements （REE） in three categories of manganese ores viz. stratiform, stratabound-replacement, and detrital of Precambrian Iron Ore Group from north Orissa, India was reported. These categories of Mn-ore differed in their major and trace chemistry and exhibited contrasting REE signature. The stratiform ores were relatively enriched in ∑REE content （697 μg·g^-1） and their normalized pattern showed both positive Ce and Eu anomalies, whereas the stratabound-replacement types were comparatively depleted in ∑REE content （211 μg·g^-1） and showed negative Ce and flat Eu signatures. The detrital categories showed mixed REE pattern. The data plotted in different discrimination diagrams revealed a mixed volcaniclastic and chemogenic source of material for stratiform categories, and LREE （Light Rare Earth Elements） and HREE （Heavy Rare Earth Elements） are contributed by such sources, respectively. In contrast, the stratabound ore bodies were developed during the remobilization of stratiform ores, and associated Mncontaining rocks under supergene condition followed by the redeposition of circulating mineralized colloidal solutions in structurally favorable zones. During this process, some of the constituents were found only in very low concentration within stratabound ores, and this is attributed to their poor leachability/mobility. The detrital ores did not exhibit any significant characteristic in respect of REE as their development was via a complex combination of processes involving weathering, fragmentation, recementation, and burial under soil cover.

Integrated Mineralogical Characterisation of Banded Iron Ores of Orissa and Its Implications on Beneficiation

Iron is a primary raw material for steel industry. Increase in demand for steel puts pressure on iron resources of India in respect of its grade and reserve. With increase in demand for good grade of ore vis-a-vis its limited reserve, the utilization of low to medium grade iron ores is the order of the day with adoption of advanced beneficiation techniques. In order to find out the effective way of utilization, an in depth mineralogical study is essential as it throws light on the mineralogical peculiarities associated with the ores which affect the resultant beneficiation technique as well as the final product. In order to have a detail insight into the different mineralogical attributes, various characterisation studies megascopic, microscopic (both optical & electron), XRD, mossbauer and VSM are undertaken on the iron ores from different iron ore formations of Orissa. Importance of integrated mineralogical characterisation in beneficiation of iron ores is discussed.

A qualitative study on the adverse reactions of mass treatment for lymphatic filariasis in Orissa,India

Objective:To describe the perceptions of community members and programme partners regarding severity,management and impact of adverse reactions on mass drug administration (MDA) compliance.Methods:Based on various qualitative data collected from five districts of Orissa,India,where MDA had been implemented during 2002 and 2004.The qualitative surveys included focus group discussions with community members and health workers,and semi-structured interviews with key informants in the community,medical officers at primary health centres,district level health officers and private practitioners.Results:It showed that many people suffered from adverse reactions,though the reactions were not serious.The paper reported different ways of management of adverse reactions at the community level.The impact of adverse reactions on MDA compliance was serious,as many people did not consume the drug due to fear of adverse reactions.The rumours of adverse reactions and news in media deterred people from consuming the tablets.Conclusion:All categories of respondents indicates the need of more information to address the problem of adverse reactions during MDA.The present paper warrants incorporating the messages on adverse reactions during health communication and social mobilization campaigns of MDA.

Assessment of spatial and temporal dynamics of tropical forest cover： A case study in Malkangiri district of Orissa, India

Tropical forests have been recognized as having global conservation importance. However,they are being rapidly destroyed in many regions of the world. Regular monitoring of forests is necessary for an adaptive management approach and the successful implementation of ecosystem management. The present study analyses the temporal changes in forest ecosystem structure in tribal dominated Malkangiri district of Orissa,India,during 1973-2004 period based on digitized forest cover maps using geographic information system （GIS） and interpretation of satellite data. Three satellite images Landsat MSS （1973）,Landsat TM （1990） and IRS P6 LISS III （2004） were used to determine changes. Six land cover types were delineated which includes dense forest,open forest,scrub land,agriculture,barren land and water body. Different forest types were also demarcated within forest class for better understanding the degradation pattern in each forest types. The results showed that there was a net decrease of 475.7 km2 forest cover （rate of deforestation = 2.34） from 1973 to 1990 and 402.3 km2 （rate of deforestation = 2.27） from 1990 to 2004. Forest cover has changed over time depending on a few factors such as large-scale deforestation,shifting cultivation,dam and road construction,unregulated management actions,and social pressure. A significant increase of 1222.8 km2 agriculture area （1973-2004） clearly indicated the conversion of forest cover to agricultural land. These alterations had resulted in significant environmental consequences,including decline in forest cover,soil erosion,and loss of biodiversity. There is an urgent need for rational management of the remaining forest for it to be able to survive beyond next decades. Particular attention must be paid to tropical forests,which are rapidly being deforested.

The Medicinal Flora of Sambalpur District,Orissa,India

This paper describes an analysis of the plants of Sambalpur district of Orissa,India which have been used medicinally by local people. The families having medicinal values are analysed using Moerman's method of regression analysis. There were 136 plant families recorded from the study area. The analysis of families showed that the Euphorbiaceae family being used most ethnomedicinally by the local people in Sambalpur district of Orissa,whereas Poaceae is used least one. This type of study determines the degree of importance of plant families in the medicinal flora of the region.