Reliability of three pain assessment tools in children requiring dental treatment: A comparative clinical study.

Background: The appropriate intervention of pain is based on its accurate evaluation, which is a challenge in the pediatric population as they often do not have the language development or cognitive sophistication to describe it correctly. Untreated pain has a negative impact on the psychosocial well-being of children. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the reliability of different pain assessment scales, namely, the Wong Baker Facial Pain Rating scale (WBFPS), Modified Emoji Pain Scale (MEPS), and indigenously developed indigenously made GIF Pain Scale (SPGPS) in children undergoing dental treatment under local anesthesia (LA). Materials and Methods: The study included 152 children aged 4-6 years with a Frankl behavior rating of score 3 and 4 (positive and definitely positive) requiring dental treatment under LA. After local infiltration, each child with two independent observers was asked to record the response of the current pain on the WBFPS, MEPS, and SPGPS. The reliability of the pain scales was assessed on the basis of similar responses given by all three individuals. Results: The Pearson correlation test was performed to determine the correlation among the scales. A very strong correlation was found between the WBFPS and SPGPS (r = 0.848), while a moderate correlation was found among the WBFPS and MEPS (r = 0.691). A strong correlation was found between the SPGPS and MEPS (r = 0.723). Conclusion: The SPGPS proved to be a more reliable pain assessment tool compared to the WBFPS and MEPS in clinical pediatric dentistry.

Comparative evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of active oxygen containing versus other dentifrices against Streptococcus mutans count in children with early childhood caries: A clinico-microbiological study.

Background: Fluoridated dentifrices have been used for the prevention of dental caries since ages. However, to avoid the risk of fluorosis, the use of newer nonfluoridated options in dentifrices has shown a great interest in reducing Streptococcus mutans (SM) in early childhood caries (ECC). Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of active oxygen (AO)-based dentifrice with amine fluoride (AF)-, sodium monofluorophosphate (SMP)-, herbal (HB)-, and tricalcium phosphate (TCP)-based dentifrices on SM count in children with ECC. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fifty children aged 3-6 years with def ≥4 were selected and randomly divided into five groups of 50 each, based on the type of dentifrices used; Group I: AO-based, Group II: TCP, Group III: SMP, Group IV: AF, and Group V: HB dentifrice, and were asked to brush twice daily for 15 days. The saliva samples were collected at baseline, and after 15 days, cultured for SM colonies count. Results: Difference in colony-forming units (CFU)/ml between baseline and 15 days was highly significant in all the five groups (P < 0.001). Significant difference was observed in SM count after 15 days between Groups I and IV (P = 0.017), while nonsignificant differences were seen when compared with Groups II, III, and V (P = 0.975, 0.137, and 0.992). Conclusions: All the dentifrices were efficacious in reducing SM count in children with ECC. Although AO dentifrice showed superior results when compared to SMP, TCP, and HB, it did not prove to be superior to AF.

Peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma - A rare case report.

Peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma (PCOF) is a relatively rare tumor classified between fibro-osseous lesions. PCOF is an osteogenic neoplasm that ordinarily presents as an epulis-like growth with uncertain pathogenesis. It predominantly affects young adults, with peak prevalence between the first and second decades of life. We present here the case report of a 15-year-old girl, which was previously surgically excised twice and had recurred both the times. The disease duration was 2 years and a follow-up of 1-year was done. Clinical, radiographic, and histological characteristics are discussed with recommendations regarding the treatment is provided.

Efficacy of Root Canal Instrumentation and Fracture Strength Assessment in Primary Molars after Preparing Two Different Shapes of Access Cavity: An Ex Vivo Histological Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of root canal instrumentation and fracture strength assessment in primary molars after preparing different shapes of access cavity design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted primary mandibular molars with at least 2/3rd roots were randomly, equally divided into two groups based on shapes of the access cavities; Group I: Traditional access cavity (TAC), Group II: Conservative access cavity (CAC). Each group was further subdivided into two subgroups with 15 samples each. After, root canal debridement, samples in subgroup 1 were sectioned for histological evaluation of root canal instrumentation efficacy, while subgroup 2 were assessed for fracture strength using a Universal Testing Machine. The data were analyzed statistically using Mann-Whitney and post hoc Tukey tests, with a p value <0.05. RESULTS: Traditional access cavity showed statistically significant root canal debridement efficacy (p < 0.05) compared with CAC. Statistically significant differences were obtained between fracture strength values among the two groups (p < 0.05), with considerably higher fracture strength in the CAC group than TAC. CONCLUSION: Traditional access cavity design resulted in complete root canal debridement but caused weakening of tooth structure due to low fracture strength, necessitating the use of full coverage restoration postendodontic therapy. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Singhal Y, Srivastava N, Rana V, et al. Efficacy of Root Canal Instrumentation and Fracture Strength Assessment in Primary Molars after Preparing Two Different Shapes of Access Cavity: An Ex Vivo Histological Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):518-524.

Total crown replacement technique: A biological treatment option for grossly destructed primary molars.

BACKGROUND: Restoration of severely damaged primary molars with very short clinical crowns is a big challenge and often extracted due to the lack of restorative options. Total crown replacement (TCR) is a novel treatment alternative for the restoration of such teeth through bonding of the biological restorations which are the sterile decoronated crowns of the extracted human teeth, obtained from a tooth bank. CASE REPORT: Presented here is a report of two cases restored with the TCR technique. A 9-month follow-up showed satisfactory results in terms of function, esthetics, gingival health, and morphology including occlusal wear. TCR can be a viable and economical alternative for restoration of severely decayed/damaged primary teeth, otherwise indicated for extraction.

Comparison of the Conventional Band and Loop Space Maintainers with Modified Space Maintainers: A Split-mouth Randomized Clinical Trial.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Space maintainers (SMs) are used to preserve space created by premature loss of primary teeth. The most commonly used band and loop (B&L) SMs have several demerits, e.g., non-functional, poor gingival health, limited survival, laboratory work for fabrication and multi-sitting procedure, etc. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of conventional B&L SMs with conventional tube and loop (CTL), bonded tube and loop (BTL) and bonded B&L in terms of gingival health, survival time, and patients' and parents' satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen children between 4 years and 8 years of age with at least two fresh extraction sites of primary molars contra- or bilaterally in each child (total 30 fresh extraction sites) were included in the study. Conventional B&L on one site while bonded loop (BL)/CTL or BTL on the other site were delivered, based on random allocation. An evaluation was done at 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 9th months for survival time, gingival health, and patients'/parents' satisfaction. Results were statistically analyzed using independent t-test and Chi-square test under SPSS version 20.0 software. RESULTS: 100% B&L and CTL while only 60% BL and 80% BTL survived till the end of the study. For gingival health, statistically significant differences were obtained at 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 9th month's intervals (p < 0.05) when CTL was compared with B&L, BL, and BTL. In terms of patients' acceptance, all the SMs were well accepted by the patients. However, on the intergroup comparison, patients' acceptance was higher with bonded SMs. CONCLUSION: Conventional tube and loop SMs were found to be most efficacious in terms of survival time, gingival health, and patients' satisfaction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: To find a better alternative for the conventional B&L SMs. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Tyagi M, Rana V, Srivastava N, et al. Comparison of the Conventional Band and Loop Space Maintainers with Modified Space Maintainers: A Split-mouth Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-1):S63-S68.

Effectiveness of different behavior guidance techniques in managing children with negative behavior in a dental setting: A randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: Dental fear is a common cause of uncooperative behavior among young children, which poses a challenge in providing effective dental treatment. With the advancements in technology, several behavior guidance techniques in the form of distraction have emerged over time for managing uncooperative pediatric dental patients. AIM: The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of four different behavior guidance techniques in managing uncooperative pediatric patients by measuring pre- and post-operative dental fear/anxiety levels using physiological and nonphysiological parameters. METHODOLOGY: Sixty systemically healthy children aged 5-8 years with negative behavior as per Frankl's Rating Scale, requiring restoration were included in the study and randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 15), based on the guidance techniques used: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) as a control group and audio distraction, audiovisual distraction (AVD) (virtual reality [VR]) and Mobile Phone Game Distraction as test groups. Pre- and post-intervention levels of the child's fear/anxiety were assessed using both physiological (blood pressure and pulse rate) and nonphysiological (facial image scale) parameters. The data were evaluated using t-test and one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in both physiological and non-physiological parameters post-intervention in the groups with a maximum decrease in the AVD (VR) group. CONCLUSIONS: AVD (VR) was found to be the most effective while TSD alone as the least effective behavior guidance technique in reducing dental fear/anxiety in uncooperative pediatric dental patients.

Assessment of Intraoral Findings of Neonates, Born in and around Meerut City.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the occlusal relationships between the gum pads of neonates and to record intraoral findings in neonates and compare with the existing findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The oral cavities of 1,000 healthy neonates from birth to 1 month of age were examined to evaluate the occlusal relationships between the gum pads and to record other intraoral findings in neonates and compare with the existing findings. Oral findings recorded were oral mucosal cysts, Fordyce's spot, Epstein's pearls, Bohn's nodules, ankyloglossia, natal or neonatal teeth and attachment of the upper midline frenum. Relationship between the alveolar ridges was also recorded. Obtained data were evaluated and statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and Epi-info version 3.0. RESULTS: The maxillo-mandibular relationship of gum pads in approximately 97% cases, the mandible was found distal and lingual to maxilla. The presence of anterior open bite was observed in 9.1% cases. The most common intraoral finding in examined neonates was an oral mucosal cyst, 61.2%. The presence of Epstein's pearls was the next most common finding 38.3%. Fordyce's spots were found only in 1.2% of cases, while the presence of natal/neonatal teeth was only in 0.6% of cases. Ankyloglossia was present in only 0.5% neonates. Maxillary frenum was present in 79.1% of cases and it was attached on the alveolar crest. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study were in accordance with the pre-existing data. However, anterior open-bite was seen in significantly less percentage of the population. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Niranjan MM, Srivastava N, Rana V, et al. Assessment of Intraoral Findings of Neonates, Born in and around Meerut City. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(1):48-52.

Tumor markers in oral cancer: A review.

Tumor markers are the substances produced in response to the presence of cancer either by the body itself or by the cancer cells. These markers mostly are the proteins that are produced at a greater rate by the cancer cells. Increased levels of these substances can be detected in urine, blood, or body tissues of the patients with certain types of cancer. These markers are useful in differentiating primary or secondary tumors. In few noncancerous conditions, these markers are often found to be elevated. For these reasons, the knowledge regarding these biomarkers has increased tremendously. This article classifies the different types of tumor markers and implicates their role in some diseases.

Clinical Evaluation of Restoration of Grossly Carious Primary Teeth Using Biological Approach.

BACKGROUND: To widen the treatment option of primary teeth with mutilated crown tooth structure but having more than two-thirds of root structure were restored by using natural tooth crowns with the help of adhesive materials. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To restore the grossly decayed primary molars with biological crowns and to evaluate them for longevity, change in color, occlusal wear, marginal integrity, and patient/parent acceptance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty primary molars from 6 to 10 years old children were restored with biological crowns (extracted/exfoliated tooth crowns) and follow-up was done till 12 months. Data tabulated and results were statistically analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The statistical software SPSS 19.0 was used. RESULTS: 89.47% of biological restorations survived successfully till 12 months follow-up period. No occlusal wear was found in any of the samples, a breach in marginal integrity was seen only in 16.6% of cases, and only 5.5% of biological crowns showed discoloration (darker) at 12 months intervals. 65.00% of patients well accepted the treatment and showed satisfaction while 20.0% of patients remained neutral. Only 15% of patients experienced dissatisfaction at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Biological restorations proved to be a viable alternative for the restoration of grossly mutilated primary molars. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Singh P, Srivastava N, Rana V, et al. Clinical Evaluation of Restoration of Grossly Carious Primary Teeth Using Biological Approach. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(S-1):S55-S63.

Association of leukemia and mitochondrial diseases-A review.

Mitochondria play an important role in various metabolic pathways like oxidative phosphorylation free radical generation and apoptosis. Defects in mitochondrial function are responsible for a number of heterogenous clinical presentations along with development and progression of cancer. Decrease in cellular energy (ATP) production because of impaired oxidative phosphorylation is the most important cause for these underlying disorders. The present review article aims to provide current understanding of mitochondrial genetics and biology and relates the mt-DNA alterations in leukemia patients.

Compound Odontome: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Odontomas generally appear as small, solitary, or multiple radio-opaque lesions found on routine radiographic examinations. Traditionally, odontomas have been classified as benign odontogenic tumors and are subdivided into complex or compound odontomas morphologically. Frequently, they interfere with the eruption of the teeth. CASE REPORT: This paper describes the case of a compound odontoma in a 10-year-old boy diagnosed after extraction of the retained right primary mandibular first molar in the radiograph. A surgical excision was performed and the histopathological examination revealed a compound odontome. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of odontomas and complete removal ensures better prognosis. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Rana V, Srivastava N, et al. Compound Odontome: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(1):64-67.

Bone Level Measurements Around Platform Switched and Platform Matched Implants: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: The overall success of dental implants depends on the crestal bone support around the implants. During the initial years, the bone loss around the implants determines the success rate of treatment. Platform switching (PLS) preserves the crestal bone loss, and this approach must be applied clinically. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in vertical and horizontal marginal bone levels in platform-switched and platform-matched dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One fifty patients received one fifty dental implants in the present study over a 1-year period. Measurement was performed between the implant shoulder and the most apical and horizontal marginal defect by periapical radiographs to examine the changes of peri-implant alveolar bone before and 12 months after prosthodontic restoration delivery. RESULTS: These marginal bone measurements showed a bone gain of 1.56 ± 2.4 mm in the vertical gap and 1.49 ± 2.24 mm in the horizontal gap of the platform matching, while in the PLS, a bone gain of 2.67 ± 2.0 mm in the vertical gap (P < 0.05) and 2.89 ± 1.67 mm in the horizontal gap was found. Only a statistically significant difference was found comparing bone gains in the vertical gap between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PLS helps preserve crestal bone around the implants, and this concept should be followed when clinical situations in implant placement permit.

Bone level measurements around platform switched and platform matched implants: a comparative study

Background: The overall success of dental implants depends on the crestal bone support around the implants. During the initial years, the bone loss around the implants determines the success rate of treatment. Platform switching (PLS) preserves the crestal bone loss, and this approach must be applied clinically. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in vertical and horizontal marginal bone levels in platform-switched and platform-matched dental implants. Materials and Methods: One fifty patients received one fifty dental implants in the present study over a 1-year period. Measurement was performed between the implant shoulder and the most apical and horizontal marginal defect by periapical radiographs to examine the changes of peri-implant alveolar bone before and 12 months after prosthodontic restoration delivery. Results: These marginal bone measurements showed a bone gain of 1.56 ± 2.4 mm in the vertical gap and 1.49 ± 2.24 mm in the horizontal gap of the platform matching, while in the PLS, a bone gain of 2.67 ± 2.0 mm in the vertical gap (P < 0.05) and 2.89 ± 1.67 mm in the horizontal gap was found. Only a statistically significant difference was found comparing bone gains in the vertical gap between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PLS helps preserve crestal bone around the implants, and this concept should be followed when clinical situations in implant placement permit

Quantitative analysis of AgNOR counts and pap stain in exfoliative cytology specimens of oral mucosa in bidi smokers and nonsmokers.

Background: Bidi smoking is a serious health hazard which is common throughout South Asia and parts of the Middle East. It has been strongly implicated to various benign and malignant lesions of oral cavity and oropharynx. These tobacco-filled leaves deliver more than three times the amount of nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar as cigarettes which exert injurious effects on cells reflected in terms of accelerated proliferative activity in normal oral mucosal cells. Aim: This study aimed to compare the exfoliated cells from the oral mucosa of bidi smokers and nonsmokers, with emphasis on proliferative activity. Materials and Methods: Exfoliative smears were obtained from the oral mucosa of forty participants (twenty nonsmokers and twenty smokers) with age group ranging from 30-80 years, in and around Barwala (Haryana). The cytologic smears were evaluated using Papanicolaou (PAP) stain and AgNOR in order to evaluate the presence of cytological alterations suggestive of inflammation, dysplasia, keratinization, and proliferative activity of epithelial cells. Only PAP Class I and Class II smears were observed. Results: Comparison of the mean number of AgNORs showed a significant difference between nonsmokers and smokers. Inflammatory alterations were found in 70% of smokers and 55% of nonsmokers. A significant difference in proliferative activity was observed between smokers and nonsmokers classified as PAP Class II. Conclusion: A significant difference of AgNORs/nucleus was observed between bidi smokers and nonsmokers.

RésuméContexte: Bidi fumeurs est un grave danger pour la santé qui est commune dans toute l'Asie du Sud et certaines parties du Moyen-Orient. Il a été fortement impliqué dans diverses lésions bénignes et malignes de la cavité buccale et l'oropharynx. Ces feuilles de tabac offrent plus de trois fois la quantité de nicotine, monoxyde de carbone et de goudron que les cigarettes qui exercent des effets préjudiciables sur les cellules reflétés sous la forme d' une accélération de l'activité proliférative des cellules de la muqueuse buccale normale. Objectif: Cette étude visait à comparer les cellules exfoliées de la muqueuse orale des bidis fumeurs et non fumeurs, avec l'accent sur l'activité proliférative. Matériels et méthodes: frottis Exfoliative ont été obtenus à partir de la muqueuse orale de 40 participants (20 non-fumeurs et fumeurs) avec 20 Groupe d'âge allant de 30-80 ans, dans et autour de Barwala (Haryana). Le frottis cytologique ont été évalués à l'aide de la coloration de Papanicolaou (PAP) et d'AgNOR afin d'évaluer la présence d' altérations cytologiques évocateurs d'infl ammation, dysplasie, la kératinisation, et l'activité proliférative des cellules épithéliales. PAP uniquement les catégories I et II de Papanicolaou n'a été observé. Résultats: comparaison du nombre moyen d'AgNORs ont montré une différence entre les non-fumeurs et les fumeurs. Des modifications ont été trouvés infl ammatory dans 70% des fumeurs et 55% des non-fumeurs. Une différence dans l'activité proliférative a été observée entre les fumeurs et les non-fumeurs PAP, le niveau d'emploi de la classe II. Conclusion: une différence de AgNORs/noyau a été observée entre fumeurs et non-fumeurs bidi. Mots-clés: AgNOR, frottis exfoliative, les fumeurs.

Chronological Variation of Metals in Reclaimed Coal Mine Soil and Tissues of Eucalyptus Hybrid Tree After 25 Years of Reclamation, Jharia Coal Field (India).

Fast-growing metal-accumulating woody trees are potential candidates for phytoremediation of coal mine overburden (OB) dumps. The present study assessed chronological variation in metals (Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co) concentration in reclaimed mine soil (RMS) and tissues (leaf, stem bark, stem wood, root bark and root wood) of Eucalyptus hybrid tree between 3 and 25-year old OB dumps (RMS3 and RMS25) from Jharia coal field (India). Total metal concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cu in RMS25 were 1.55, 3.46, and 1.44 times lower (p < 0.05), respectively, than RMS3. Higher concentrations of total (110%-565%) and available form (DTPA-extractable) of metals (109%-480%) were observed in RMS25 than in control soil. Pb selectively accumulated in stem bark, Zn and Mn in leaves, and Cu and Co in root wood. Metal concentrations were higher (1.04-4.15 times at p < 0.05) in tree tissues growing on RMS25 than in RMS3. This study concluded that Eucalyptus hybrid could be utilized for reclamation of coal mine OB dumps.

Clinical Characteristics, Complications, and Treatment Practices in Patients With RHD: 6-Year Results From HP-RHD Registry.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in developing countries such as India, data on characteristics, complications, and treatment practices are lacking. The HP-RHD (Himachal Pradesh Rheumatic Heart Disease) registry aimed at reporting these parameters in patients with RHD from a northern state of India. METHODS: A total of 2,005 consecutive patients of RHD were enrolled over a period of 6 years (2011 to 2016) in the present study. The clinical characteristics, complications, and treatment practices were systematically recorded. RESULTS: The mean age for patients with RHD was 40.3 ± 14.3 (range 5 to 83 years). RHD predominantly affected females (72.3%) and population from rural background (92%). Multivalvular involvement was frequent (43.2%), mitral valve was the commonest affected valve (83.3%). The majority of the patients had moderate-to-severe valvular dysfunction (69.3%). Mitral and tricuspid valve involvement was more frequent in female subjects compared with more frequent aortic valve involvement in male subjects (p < 0.001). The major adverse cardiovascular events were recorded in 23.4% patients at the time of registry and comprised mainly advanced heart failure (15.6%), peripheral embolism (4.1%), and stroke (3.9%). The independent risk determinants of major adverse cardiovascular events (were advanced age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.02), severe mitral stenosis (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.34-2.20), severe tricuspid regurgitation (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.48-3.02), presence of pulmonary artery hypertension (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.04-1.69), and atrial fibrillation (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.28-2.11). Evidence-based use of oral anticoagulant therapy was documented in 77.7% of high-risk patients. Only 28.5% of study population was receiving secondary prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Complications in patients with RHD increase with age and worsening valvular dysfunction. Programs focused on early detection and evidence-based management will assist in improving outcomes.

Metal Accumulation Strategies of Emergent Plants in Natural Wetland Ecosystems Contaminated with Coke-Oven Effluent.

The release of industrial effluents into natural wetlands is a ubiquitous problem worldwide, and phytoremediation could be a viable option for treatment. The present study assessed metal accumulation strategies of three dominant emergent plants [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Scirpus grossus (L.) f., and Typha latifolia L.] growing in a wetland contaminated with coke-oven effluent. Metals concentration (mg kg-1) in wetland sediment followed the order Mn (408) > Cu (97) > Co (14.2) > Cr (14) > Cd (2.7). Plant tissues (root and shoot) showed metal-specific accumulation at different extents due to plant response against metal utility or toxicity. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) of metals in plants revealed Cd and Mn pollution could be remediated through phytoextraction (BCF > 1 and TF > 1); however, Co, Cu, and Cr pollution could be remediated through phytostabilization (BCF > 1 and TF < 1).

Municipal wastewater treatment potential and metal accumulation strategies of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott and Typha latifolia L. in a constructed wetland.

This paper elucidates phytoremediation potential of two wetland plants (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott and Typha latifolia L.) for municipal wastewater treatment using constructed wetland (CW) mesocosms. The concentrations (mg L-1) of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn, and Pb in municipal wastewater were higher than permissible Indian standards for inland surface water disposal; however, Mn and Ni were within the permissible limits. The pollutant removal efficiencies of planted CWs varied as electrical conductivity (EC) 67.8-71.4%; COD 70.7-71.1%; TKN 63.8-72.3%; Cu 75.3-83.4%; Cd 73.9-83.1%; Mn 74.1-74.5%; Cr 64.8-73.6%; Co 82.2-84.2%; Zn 63.3-66.1%; Pb 71.4-77.9%; and Ni 76-80%. Mass balance analysis revealed that the loss of metals from wastewater was equivalent to net accumulation in plants and natural degradation of metals. Metal accumulation strategies of plants were investigated using bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) of metals which indicated that both plants could be employed for phytostabilization (BCF > 1 and TF < 1) of Cu, Cd, Co, Pb, and Ni and phytoextraction (BCF > 1 and TF > 1) of Mn and Zn. The study demonstrated that a reduction of pollutants (except Pb) was observed within permissible levels (BIS) and suggested disposal of municipal wastewater into the inland surface water bodies after 20 days of treatment. The study concluded that both the plants could potentially be used for an efficient municipal wastewater treatment using constructed wetlands.

Differential distribution of metals in tree tissues growing on reclaimed coal mine overburden dumps, Jharia coal field (India).

Opencast bituminous coal mining invariably generates huge amount of metal-polluted waste rocks (stored as overburden (OB) dumps) and reclaimed by planting fast growing hardy tree species which accumulate metals in their tissues. In the present study, reclaimed OB dumps located in Jharia coal field (Jharkhand, India) were selected to assess the accumulation of selected metals (Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu and Co) in tissues (leaf, stem bark, stem wood, root bark and root wood) of two commonly planted tree species (Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn. ex Benth. and Melia azedarach L.). In reclaimed mine soil (RMS), the concentrations of pseudo-total and available metals (DTPA-extractable) were found 182-498 and 196-1877% higher, respectively, than control soil (CS). The positive Spearman's correlation coefficients between pseudo-total concentration of Pb and Cu (r = 0.717; p < 0.05), Pb and Co (r = 0.650; p < 0.05), Zn and Mn (0.359), Cu and Co (r = 0.896; p < 0.01) suggested similar sources for Pb-Cu-Co and Mn-Zn. Among the five tree tissues considered, Pb selectively accumulated in root bark, stem bark and leaves; Zn and Mn in leaves; and Cu in root wood and stem wood. These results suggested metal accumulation to be "tissue-specific". The biological indices (BCF, TFleaf, TFstem bark and TFstem wood) indicated variation in metal uptake potential of different tree tissues. The study indicated that A. auriculiformis could be employed for Mn phytoextraction (BCF, TFleaf, TFstem bark and TFstem wood > 1). The applicability of both the trees in Cu phytostabilization (BCF > 1; TFleaf, TFstem bark and TFstem wood < 1) was suggested. The study enhanced knowledge about the selection of tree species for the phytoremediation of coal mine OB dumps and specific tree tissues for monitoring metal pollution.