Isolation and characterisation of organochlorine pesticides residues from landfill sites

Organochlorine pesticides (OClPs) have been analysed in the soil samples collected from landfill site, which was abandoned for more than ten years. The most commonly used OClPs of the region were identified and analysed in the soil samples collected at various depths. The method involves extraction of OClPs by soxhlet assembly, concentration cleanup by alumina and florisil columns and gas chromatographic analysis. Among OClPs analysed, g-HCH concentration was found maximum at 5 m layer and minimum at the bottom layer. p,p'-DDT was not found in any of the layers, this could be due to its degradation into its metabolites like p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDD. p,p'-DDE was detected in 2 m, 5 m and bottom (7 m) layer while p,p'-DDD was found only at 2 m level.

A comparison of the effects of hard rock and easy listening on the frequency of observed inappropriate behaviors: control of environmental antecedents in a large public area

Observation of clients at a state mental health hospital by direct care staff indicated that they appeared to act in more inappropriate ways when "hard rock" or "rap" music was played in an open courtyard than when "easy listening" or "country" music was played. A study was conducted to compare the inappropriate behavior of clients when hard rock and rap music were played (21 days), followed by easy listening and country and western music (21 days). This comparison was followed by a reversal phase in which hard rock and rap music were again played (18 days). The behaviors of the clients were observed and recorded via a controlled methodology. The results demonstrated that more inappropriate behavior was observed under conditions in which hard rock and rap music were played than when easy listening and country western music were played. The implications of these findings are discussed.