Noise pollution in residential areas of Jharsuguda Town, Orissa (India) and its impact.

In this paper, an attempt has been made to study noise levels in different residential areas of Jharsuguda town in western Orissa (India). Minimum, maximum, L10, L50 and L90 noise levels have been computed. It was found that noise levels in the residential areas exceed the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board, India. Vehicular traffic, with air horns of loud noise, was found to be the main reason for these high noise levels. Strict measures need to be taken to reduce and control the noise pollution.

Pharmacological evaluation of some bioactive plant products on albino rats.

The study comprises the pharmacological trials with essential oils of Caesulia axillaris, Ocimum gratissimum and Mentha arvensis which have shown strong antifungal property. The biochemical analysis of blood and serum of albino rats fed with the oil treated diet for sixty days exhibited nonanimal toxic nature of the oils. The study reveals the possibility of further exploitation of the oils as safe antifungal agents of plant origin.