The Nucleus

Occupational Hazards and Environmental Consequences of Sandstone Mining: A Case Study from Soorsagar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

B. Saha — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Mining plays a crucial role in the economic growth and supports national development. However, it also raises significant concerns due to its environmental impact and health risks, particularly in the nearby areas. In India’s sandstone mines, both mechanical and manual methods are employed. Mining operations rely heavily on equipment such as trucks, dumpers, compressors, drills for blasting, and cranes for lifting heavy blocks. These activities generate large amounts of dust containing high levels of silica, which poses severe health risks. Prolonged inhalation of silica dust can lead to silicosis, a preventable but serious disease characterized by dyspnoea (shortness of breath) and persistent cough, and is sometimes associated with lung cancer and tuberculosis. Silicosis is one of the most common occupational diseases globally and has a significant impact on workers' health in developing countries like India. The use of heavy machinery and vehicles also creates high levels of noise and vibration in the surrounding. Prolonged exposure to noise can result in occupational hearing loss due to neurosensory deafness. Additionally, continuous exposure to whole-body vibrations leads to degenerative spinal conditions, including chronic back pain. Although stone quarrying near Soorsagar, Jodhpur, contributes to both the rural and national economies, its environmental consequences are considerable. Unplanned and haphazard quarrying has resulted in environmental degradation, and unauthorized mining activities have further worsened the local ecological balance.

LRS Bianchi Type-I Cosmological Model in Modified f(R, T) Gravitation Theory filled with Perfect Fluid

V. Ingle, V.G. Mete — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0500

This study explores LRS Bianchi Type-I space time filled with a perfect fluid within the framework of f(R,T) gravity, where R represents the Ricci scalar and T denotes the trace of the stress-energy momentum tensor. We analyze the simplest form of cosmic evolution in the context of general non-minimally coupled gravity models. Two specific models of f(R,T) gravity are considered. A time-dependent deceleration parameter is introduced, leading to an accelerated universe with an exact field solution. Additionally, we examine the kinematical and physical properties of the proposed models.

Assessment of Spring Distribution across Pakistan: Implications for Water Security

G. Akbar, M.B. Iqbal — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Springs play a vital role in Pakistan’s water security, particularly in remote regions where they serve as a lifeline for agriculture, livestock, and domestic needs. However, increased pressure on spring resources from climate change, population growth, deforestation, and land degradation has significantly declined their availability. Springs have been largely overlooked in both research and policy formulation in Pakistan. This study assesses the distribution and status of springs across Pakistan’s main provinces and regions. Focusing on the springs data from the 2023 Survey of Pakistan, along with population data from the 2023 census and climatic data from the nearest stations of Pakistan Meteorological Department, this study maps the spatial distribution of springs and examines the influence of environmental parameters, such as rainfall, temperature, elevation, and slope on their existence. The findings highlight that 81% of the nation’s springs are concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Baluchistan provinces, with substantial regional dependency on these resources. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region of Pakistan host 5051 springs (28%) for the 21 million people in Pakistan. Approximately 114 million people live in 108 spring districts with an average of 26,252 persons per spring, while the average spring density is around three springs per hectare. Through province-level mapping, this study underscores the urgent need for sustainable policies to conserve springs and improve water security. This study emphasized on the need for sustainable water management policies and their urgent field implementation that prioritize spring conservation and adaptation to climate change impacts.

Statistical Analysis of Yttrium-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles for Gas Sensing Applications

S. Kumar, A. Nehra — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Yttrium-doped ZnO (YZ) thin films were synthesized using sol-gel spin coating technique on planar glass substrates. Their optical and electrical properties were analyzed to assess their potential for O₂ gas detection. XRD analysis confirmed a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure, while FE-SEM images revealed a network of spherical nanoparticles. Optical transmission spectra showed that increasing Y-dopant concentration widened the bandgap from 3.27 eV to 3.30 eV. Electrical measurements indicated that YZ3 exhibited highest conductivity. Gas sensing performance was evaluated for YZ2 and YZ4 at an O₂ flow rate of 450 sccm and an operating temperature of 70°C. Among them, YZ4 demonstrated the highest response, reaching a value of 1, with a fast response time of 2 seconds and a recovery time of 4 seconds. Statistical analysis suggests that YZ thin films hold promise for efficient gas sensing at lower operating temperatures.