Résumé/Abstract The climate change, as noticed through trends of temperature rise and increased C... more Résumé/Abstract The climate change, as noticed through trends of temperature rise and increased CO 2 concentration, is a major concern. In the recent past, the number of studies for assessing its impact on agriculture has increased. Cropgrowth models have been ...
International Review of Biophysical Chemistry, 2010
The most important renewable resource on this planet is biomass. As the value of biomass content ... more The most important renewable resource on this planet is biomass. As the value of biomass content is related to the chemical and physical properties of large molecules, the challenges for the future are to be found in a combination of the biological, physical and chemical sciences, to replicate an oil refinery with a biorefinery thus replacing finite non-renewable fossil resources with biorenewable biomass resources for the production of food, feed, fertilizer, fuel, energy, medicinal products, industrial chemical and related consumer product through the use of clean and green bioprocess technologies. Algal biorefineries offer significant potential for future supply of oils, protein, and carbohydrates for fuels and chemicals without impacting food supplies. The residual biomass from biodiesel production processes can be used potentially as animal and fisheries feed and after anaerobic digestion can be used as fertilizers in the form of compost. Even it could solve the problem of huge...
Transgenic crops are new products of agriculture biotechnology. The environmental risks and benef... more Transgenic crops are new products of agriculture biotechnology. The environmental risks and benefits of transgenic crops are topic of hot debate. Current agriculture management practices and ecosystems have their own impacts on the environment and further any additional negative effect of transgenic crops may mitigate their positive impacts as well as increase the background value of negative impacts due to new agriculture practices. Most of the risk assessment studies on transgenic plants have done observations on changes in their respective aboveground environment and its biota. Very few reports are available on the impacts of transgenic plants or their products (that they release in soil) on soil biota (both invertebrates and. microorganisms) and soil processes mediated by them. However, observations of these studies were not delivering anything conclusively and creating state of confusion also regarding impact of transgenic plants on soil ecosystem. As some of the studies suggested that If production and release of the transgene products from transgenic plants through different routes in soil exceed to its consumption/ biodegradation, may lead to their accumulation beyond threshold levels, which may have acute as well as chronic effect on soil ecosystem. Impacts of transgenic plants are also dependent upon spatial and temporal environmental variables. Whereas some of the studies observation suggests that transgenic plants don't have any negative impact on soil ecosystem. Keeping this status in background we prepared this manuscript. Our manuscript is divided in two parts, first part comprises review of the available literature on impacts of commercialized transgenic plants on soil ecosystem and its diversity, and in second part keeping above information as background, a framework is proposed for future comparative impact assessment of transgenic plants and its non transgenic isoline on soil ecosystem. In this approach each transgenic crop along with its non-transgenic isoline should be dealt separately according to its construct. The proposed approach is precautionary at each step, if there is any doubt at any stage they should be clarified by repetition of experiments. This approach will be helpful in filling of information gaps, which still exists in impact assessment studies of transgenic plants on soil ecosystem. This approach suggested monitoring should be carried out prior as well as post release of transgenic plants. Impact assessment of transgenic plants with respect to soil ecosystem should be made mandatory in current regulatory framework of transgenic crops throughout the world, to assure the use of transgenic technology without affecting the diversity and functioning of soil ecosystem.
ABSTRACT It is now well identified that agricultural activities affect and 20th century, to 6 bil... more ABSTRACT It is now well identified that agricultural activities affect and 20th century, to 6 billion people is forecast to increase to 7.5 are affected by the class of the environment and vice versa. billion by the year 2020 and to about 9 billion by 2050 (World Understanding how agriculture impacts ecosystem services, Population Prospects: The 1998 Revision). During the next 50 which in turn affect agricultural productivity, is of particular years, which is likely to be the final period of speedy agricultural importance because of agriculture is a dominant form of land expansion, demand for food by a wealthier and 50 per cent management (Dale and Polasky 2007). Food production will larger global population will be a major driver of global have to increase by 50 per cent to feed a population of nine environmental change to affect he ecosystem services. This billion people by 2050 (FAO, 2007). This brings agricultural would be accompanied by 2.4-to 2.7-fold increases in nitrogen-production under extreme pressure. Alongside the demands on and phosphorus-driven eutrophication of terrestrial, freshwater, the agricultural sector for increased production, there are also and near-shore marine ecosystems, and comparable increases increasing expectations and needs for cultivation practices to be in pesticide use (Tilman et al., 2001). Noteworthy scientific sustainable. advances and regulatory, technological, and policy changes are needed to control the implication of agricultural practices on Globally, it is estimated that 38 per cent of land is in ecosystem services. Sustainable agriculture would require for agricultural uses (FAO, 2007), and excluding boreal lands, the production of both food and ecosystem services. But desert, rock and ice, this amount rises to 50 per cent due to appropriately farmers and other agriculturalists will require the exponential population growth (Tilman et al., 2002). During the ability to accurately measure ecosystem services in a verifiable first 35 years of the Green Revolution, global grain production quantitative manner. doubled, greatly reducing food shortages, but at high environmental cost (Tilman et al., 2001). Agriculture practices ECOSYSTEM SERVICES (ES) affects ecosystems by the use and release of limiting resources that influence ecosystem functioning (nitrogen, phosphorus, Humankind benefits from a multitude of resources and and water), release of pesticides, and conversion of natural processes that are supplied by natural ecosystem. Collectively, ecosystems to agriculture. Population explosion and per capita these benefits are known as ecosystem services (ES) and consumption are assumed to be the two greatest drivers of include products like clean drinking water and processes such global environmental change and affecting the ecosystem as the decomposition of wastes. Daily (1997) has defined services. Global population, which increased 3.7-fold during the ecosystem services as "the conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems, and the species that make them up, sustain and fulfill human life". The natural ecosystem 1 2 Scientist (Sr. Scale), Sr. Scientist *Correspondence INTRODUCTION
ABSTRACT Phycoremediation is the process of employing algae for removing excess nutrient load fro... more ABSTRACT Phycoremediation is the process of employing algae for removing excess nutrient load from wastewater and subsequently diminish the pollution load. It is an alternative technology of treating sewage wastewater compare to conventional treatment process in economical and sustainable way. Therefore, in the present investigation we had made an effort to phycoremediate the IARI's sewage wastewater with different microalgae viz. Chlorella minutissima, Scendesmus spp & BGA (Nostoc) and their consortium. Results showed that these algae were very effective in reduction of BOD 5 , COD, NO 3, -NH 4 , PO4 3 -and TDS in sewage wastewater. Further, it has been observed that Chlorella was having best phycoremediation potential as well as manure production among all three microalgae and even better than consortium. Among the potential uses of algal biomass from such systems is its use as a slow release fertilizer. After 20 days microalgae were harvested using muslin cloth and fresh and dry weigh were determined. The maximum biomass was observed in Scendesmus spp and Chlorella minutissima while percentage of nitrogen and phosphorus was highest in Chlorella minutissima . So we could conclude that Chlorella minutissima has the best manurial potential. The results of this study suggest that growing algae in nutrient-rich sewage wastewater offers a new option of applying algae to manage the nutrient load and after phycoremediation the biomass itself can be utilized for manure application in agriculture, serving the dual roles of nutrient reduction and valuable manure feedstock production.
Biogas plant (BGP) with anaerobic digestion providing a facility to generate manure (Biogas spent... more Biogas plant (BGP) with anaerobic digestion providing a facility to generate manure (Biogas spent slurry) and energy generation. The digested biogas slurry (DBGS) is rich in macro and micro nutrients that provide essential plant nutrients for longer period. Biogas slurry may be considered as a good quality organic fertilizer for sustainable agriculture. Biogas slurry provides huge nutrient potential for vegetative and reproductive growth of field crops with long term sustainability. By applying the digested biogas slurry (DBGS) in the field for long term basis help in reducing fertilizer demand and provide an eco-friendly way of maintaining productivity and soil health. In this study we are summarizing nutrient potential of digested biogas slurry (DBGS) and relation with synthetic fertilizers in India, as a potential source.
Phycoremediation is the process of employing algae toget rid of excess nutrient load from wastewa... more Phycoremediation is the process of employing algae toget rid of excess nutrient load from wastewater and subsequently diminish the pollution load and eutrophication. The present work was aimed to evaluate the role of inoculated microalgae in nutrient dynamics, phycoremediation and biomass production of IARI sewage water. Three microalgae viz.Chlorella minutissima, Scendesmus spp and Nostoc muscorum as well as their mixed consortium were used. These selected microalgae reduced TDS, BOD and Ammonium-N by more than 90% and COD and Nitrate-N by >80% and total P > 70% in the raw wastewater.The maximum biomass was observed in Scendesmus and C. minutissima, i.e. 0.79 ± 0.02 and 0.78 ± 0.01 g L-1, respectively. Investigation revealed that C. minutissima was having best phycoremediation potential among all three microalgae and even better than consortium. The results of this study suggest that growing algae in nutrient-rich sewage wastewater offers a new option of applying microalgae to manage the nutrient load and reuse same water for irrigation purpose after the phycoremediation.
ABSTRACT The quality of treated effluent of Mayapuri Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), Delh... more ABSTRACT The quality of treated effluent of Mayapuri Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), Delhi was investigated to judge its suitability for agricultural use. Samples of the treated effluent were periodically collected and analyzed for agriculturally significant physico-chemical and biological parameters by standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater of American Public Health Association. Indices like sodium adsorption ration (SAR), Na %, residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI), and US salinity diagram were utilized for better understanding of quality of effluent for irrigation. Characterisation for agricultural use was done in accordance with the guideline of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and Environmental protection Act, 1986 (EPA, 1986). Results of pH, HCO 3 -, NO 3
ABSTRACT Low Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) continues to be a problem in wetland rice situation as... more ABSTRACT Low Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) continues to be a problem in wetland rice situation as nitrogen (N) is subjected to several transformation losses in the rice ecosystem. Chlorophyll meter (SPAD) and Leaf Color Chart (LCC) can be potentially employed for the precise N measurement, which is based on the leaf N status to synchronize the timely N application with the crop demand. Two field experiments were conducted during 1998 and 1999 at Coimbatore, India with the rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars of ADT 36 (short duration) and ASD 19 (long duration) respectively for efficient N management based on the leaf N status of rice. The experiments consisted of four SPAD and LCC-N regimes, blanket N recommendation, green manure N regime and Controlled Release N (CRN) fertilizer regimes, which were compared with the zero-N regime. The technology involves the indirect measurement of leaf N status by the chlorophyll meter and LCC and N application only if the measured meter value is below the predetermined threshold value. The study reveals that N requirement with LCC was higher than SPAD for all the time intervals of measurements. In terms of NUE parameters, LCC was inferior to SPAD-N management, but the lesser cost of LCC, when compared to SPAD meter, provides an opportunity as a simple tool for the individual rice farmers to own it. The study also reveals that the application of controlled release N fertilizer as polymer coatings at the rate of 60% of blanket N recommendation would save 40% of fertilizer N.
Field experiments were carried out during 1996–97at Gulawathi, Muthiani and Salarpur Villages, IA... more Field experiments were carried out during 1996–97at Gulawathi, Muthiani and Salarpur Villages, IARI Farm, NewDelhi and NCPP Campus, Dadri to evaluate changes in soilcharacteristics and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.),mustard (Brassica juncea L.), lentil (Lence esculentaMoench.), rice (Oryza sativa L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) byvarying amounts of flyash addition (up to 50t ha-1) in soils atsowing/transplanting time of
... Algae having the ability to synthesize TAGs are considered as a second generation feedstock f... more ... Algae having the ability to synthesize TAGs are considered as a second generation feedstock for production of biofuels, specifically biodiesel. ... as a source of transportation biofuels are numerous: 1. Microalgae synthesize and accumulate large quantities of neutral lipids/oil [20 ...
ABSTRACT The integrated approach of wastewater treatment and microalgal biodiesel production base... more ABSTRACT The integrated approach of wastewater treatment and microalgal biodiesel production based on phycoremediation is a promising process. The experiment was set up to study the phycoremediation potential of Chlorella minutissima to remove the pollution load from primary treated IARI’s (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) wastewater and tertiary treated CETP (Common Effluent Treatment Plant) wastewater and evaluation of biomass for biodiesel after harvesting. The physical and chemical parameters of wastewater quality such as nitrate, phosphate, potassium, EC, TDS, BOD, COD, etc., were studied. C. minutissima removed about 90–98% TDS, 70–80% N, 60–70% P and 45–50% K from the wastewater within 12 days. The level of BOD and COD were reduced by 60 and 75%, respectively. The algal biomasses were harvested for biodiesel extraction. The highest specific lipid productivity for CETP and IARI wastewater was 0.171 and 0.132 g-lipids g-cell�1 day�1, respectively. The oleic acid had increased 59.6% in CETP wastewater in comparison to IARI wastewater. The results of this study concluded that algal strain C. minutissima is not only a means for remediation of pollutant load, but it can also be used as potential driving force for biodiesel production.
The study aimed to identify the tolerance level of rice and wheat due to air pollutants around th... more The study aimed to identify the tolerance level of rice and wheat due to air pollutants around the gasbased power plant. Ten sites were selected around 10km radius of gas based power plant. Major air pollutants like NOx, SOx, ozone, and PM10 were monitored in ten sites during the growth of rice and wheat. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of villages falls mostly in the category of moderately polluted sites. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is a tool applied for categorizing sensitive or tolerant plants towards air pollution and is calculated by using four biochemical parameters like total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid, pH, and relative water content of rice and wheat. Results indicated that the pH of cell sap of both the crops was acidic to neutral pH (3.5-6.9) at polluted sites while neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0-7.9) at less polluted sites. Ascorbic acid content was high at polluted sites since ascorbic acid shows a defense mechanism against air pollution. Chlorophyll content (up to 0.61mg/g) and relative water content have shown a significant decrease at most polluted sites. As per APTI values (APTI<11), both the crops were sensitive to air pollution in the selected area. APTI might be beneficial in the selection of crop species in the polluted area which shows that a higher concentration of air pollutants can damage crops severely. APTI was found to be positively correlated with pH, total chlorophyll content, and relative water content and negatively correlated with ascorbic acid.
Renewable energy deriving from biomass sources has great potential for growth to meet our future ... more Renewable energy deriving from biomass sources has great potential for growth to meet our future energy demands. Biogas is one of a very important source of renewable methane produced from anaerobic biodegradation of biomass in the absence of oxygen with the help of anaerobic microorganisms. Raw biogas contains about 55–65% methane (CH 4), 30–45% carbon dioxide (CO 2), traces of hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S) and fractions of water vapour. Pure methane has a calorific value of 9100 kcal/m 3 at 15.5 • C and 1 atm; the calorific value of biogas varies from 4800 to 6900 kcal/m 3 . Biogas purified and enriched in methane can be used for household applications, automobile fuel (liquefied) or electricity generation.There are three primary compounds that must be removed to improve the combustibility of biogas. First, water vapour in biogas is problematic for compressibility and should be removed prior to storage. Secondly, biogas typically contains a high percentage of CO 2 , which decreases it...
Climate variability has been and continues to be, the principal source of fluctuations in global ... more Climate variability has been and continues to be, the principal source of fluctuations in global food production in countries of the developing world and is of serious concern. Process-based models use simplified functions to express the interactions between crop growth and the major environmental factors that affect crops (i.e., climate, soils and management), and many have been used in climate impact assessments. Average of 10 years weather data from 1985 to 2010, maximum temperature shows an increasing trend ranges from 18.5 to 20.5°C.This means there is an increase of 2°C within a span of 25 years. Decreasing trend was observed with respect to precipitation was observed with the same data. The magnitude of decrease was from 925 mm to 650 mm of rainfall which is almost decrease of 275 mm of rainfall in 25 years. Future climate for 2011-2090 from A1B scenario extracted from PRECIS run shows that overall maximum and minimum temperature increase by 5.39°C (±1.76) and 5.08°C (±1.37) also precipitation will Original Research Article
A groundwater geochemistry study was conducted in Agra where 28 samples were collected from shall... more A groundwater geochemistry study was conducted in Agra where 28 samples were collected from shallow aquifers in May 2016 from different sites. The aim of this research was to assess the quality of groundwater for drinking purposes in the study area.
Résumé/Abstract The climate change, as noticed through trends of temperature rise and increased C... more Résumé/Abstract The climate change, as noticed through trends of temperature rise and increased CO 2 concentration, is a major concern. In the recent past, the number of studies for assessing its impact on agriculture has increased. Cropgrowth models have been ...
International Review of Biophysical Chemistry, 2010
The most important renewable resource on this planet is biomass. As the value of biomass content ... more The most important renewable resource on this planet is biomass. As the value of biomass content is related to the chemical and physical properties of large molecules, the challenges for the future are to be found in a combination of the biological, physical and chemical sciences, to replicate an oil refinery with a biorefinery thus replacing finite non-renewable fossil resources with biorenewable biomass resources for the production of food, feed, fertilizer, fuel, energy, medicinal products, industrial chemical and related consumer product through the use of clean and green bioprocess technologies. Algal biorefineries offer significant potential for future supply of oils, protein, and carbohydrates for fuels and chemicals without impacting food supplies. The residual biomass from biodiesel production processes can be used potentially as animal and fisheries feed and after anaerobic digestion can be used as fertilizers in the form of compost. Even it could solve the problem of huge...
Transgenic crops are new products of agriculture biotechnology. The environmental risks and benef... more Transgenic crops are new products of agriculture biotechnology. The environmental risks and benefits of transgenic crops are topic of hot debate. Current agriculture management practices and ecosystems have their own impacts on the environment and further any additional negative effect of transgenic crops may mitigate their positive impacts as well as increase the background value of negative impacts due to new agriculture practices. Most of the risk assessment studies on transgenic plants have done observations on changes in their respective aboveground environment and its biota. Very few reports are available on the impacts of transgenic plants or their products (that they release in soil) on soil biota (both invertebrates and. microorganisms) and soil processes mediated by them. However, observations of these studies were not delivering anything conclusively and creating state of confusion also regarding impact of transgenic plants on soil ecosystem. As some of the studies suggested that If production and release of the transgene products from transgenic plants through different routes in soil exceed to its consumption/ biodegradation, may lead to their accumulation beyond threshold levels, which may have acute as well as chronic effect on soil ecosystem. Impacts of transgenic plants are also dependent upon spatial and temporal environmental variables. Whereas some of the studies observation suggests that transgenic plants don't have any negative impact on soil ecosystem. Keeping this status in background we prepared this manuscript. Our manuscript is divided in two parts, first part comprises review of the available literature on impacts of commercialized transgenic plants on soil ecosystem and its diversity, and in second part keeping above information as background, a framework is proposed for future comparative impact assessment of transgenic plants and its non transgenic isoline on soil ecosystem. In this approach each transgenic crop along with its non-transgenic isoline should be dealt separately according to its construct. The proposed approach is precautionary at each step, if there is any doubt at any stage they should be clarified by repetition of experiments. This approach will be helpful in filling of information gaps, which still exists in impact assessment studies of transgenic plants on soil ecosystem. This approach suggested monitoring should be carried out prior as well as post release of transgenic plants. Impact assessment of transgenic plants with respect to soil ecosystem should be made mandatory in current regulatory framework of transgenic crops throughout the world, to assure the use of transgenic technology without affecting the diversity and functioning of soil ecosystem.
ABSTRACT It is now well identified that agricultural activities affect and 20th century, to 6 bil... more ABSTRACT It is now well identified that agricultural activities affect and 20th century, to 6 billion people is forecast to increase to 7.5 are affected by the class of the environment and vice versa. billion by the year 2020 and to about 9 billion by 2050 (World Understanding how agriculture impacts ecosystem services, Population Prospects: The 1998 Revision). During the next 50 which in turn affect agricultural productivity, is of particular years, which is likely to be the final period of speedy agricultural importance because of agriculture is a dominant form of land expansion, demand for food by a wealthier and 50 per cent management (Dale and Polasky 2007). Food production will larger global population will be a major driver of global have to increase by 50 per cent to feed a population of nine environmental change to affect he ecosystem services. This billion people by 2050 (FAO, 2007). This brings agricultural would be accompanied by 2.4-to 2.7-fold increases in nitrogen-production under extreme pressure. Alongside the demands on and phosphorus-driven eutrophication of terrestrial, freshwater, the agricultural sector for increased production, there are also and near-shore marine ecosystems, and comparable increases increasing expectations and needs for cultivation practices to be in pesticide use (Tilman et al., 2001). Noteworthy scientific sustainable. advances and regulatory, technological, and policy changes are needed to control the implication of agricultural practices on Globally, it is estimated that 38 per cent of land is in ecosystem services. Sustainable agriculture would require for agricultural uses (FAO, 2007), and excluding boreal lands, the production of both food and ecosystem services. But desert, rock and ice, this amount rises to 50 per cent due to appropriately farmers and other agriculturalists will require the exponential population growth (Tilman et al., 2002). During the ability to accurately measure ecosystem services in a verifiable first 35 years of the Green Revolution, global grain production quantitative manner. doubled, greatly reducing food shortages, but at high environmental cost (Tilman et al., 2001). Agriculture practices ECOSYSTEM SERVICES (ES) affects ecosystems by the use and release of limiting resources that influence ecosystem functioning (nitrogen, phosphorus, Humankind benefits from a multitude of resources and and water), release of pesticides, and conversion of natural processes that are supplied by natural ecosystem. Collectively, ecosystems to agriculture. Population explosion and per capita these benefits are known as ecosystem services (ES) and consumption are assumed to be the two greatest drivers of include products like clean drinking water and processes such global environmental change and affecting the ecosystem as the decomposition of wastes. Daily (1997) has defined services. Global population, which increased 3.7-fold during the ecosystem services as &amp;quot;the conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems, and the species that make them up, sustain and fulfill human life&amp;quot;. The natural ecosystem 1 2 Scientist (Sr. Scale), Sr. Scientist *Correspondence INTRODUCTION
ABSTRACT Phycoremediation is the process of employing algae for removing excess nutrient load fro... more ABSTRACT Phycoremediation is the process of employing algae for removing excess nutrient load from wastewater and subsequently diminish the pollution load. It is an alternative technology of treating sewage wastewater compare to conventional treatment process in economical and sustainable way. Therefore, in the present investigation we had made an effort to phycoremediate the IARI&amp;#39;s sewage wastewater with different microalgae viz. Chlorella minutissima, Scendesmus spp &amp;amp; BGA (Nostoc) and their consortium. Results showed that these algae were very effective in reduction of BOD 5 , COD, NO 3, -NH 4 , PO4 3 -and TDS in sewage wastewater. Further, it has been observed that Chlorella was having best phycoremediation potential as well as manure production among all three microalgae and even better than consortium. Among the potential uses of algal biomass from such systems is its use as a slow release fertilizer. After 20 days microalgae were harvested using muslin cloth and fresh and dry weigh were determined. The maximum biomass was observed in Scendesmus spp and Chlorella minutissima while percentage of nitrogen and phosphorus was highest in Chlorella minutissima . So we could conclude that Chlorella minutissima has the best manurial potential. The results of this study suggest that growing algae in nutrient-rich sewage wastewater offers a new option of applying algae to manage the nutrient load and after phycoremediation the biomass itself can be utilized for manure application in agriculture, serving the dual roles of nutrient reduction and valuable manure feedstock production.
Biogas plant (BGP) with anaerobic digestion providing a facility to generate manure (Biogas spent... more Biogas plant (BGP) with anaerobic digestion providing a facility to generate manure (Biogas spent slurry) and energy generation. The digested biogas slurry (DBGS) is rich in macro and micro nutrients that provide essential plant nutrients for longer period. Biogas slurry may be considered as a good quality organic fertilizer for sustainable agriculture. Biogas slurry provides huge nutrient potential for vegetative and reproductive growth of field crops with long term sustainability. By applying the digested biogas slurry (DBGS) in the field for long term basis help in reducing fertilizer demand and provide an eco-friendly way of maintaining productivity and soil health. In this study we are summarizing nutrient potential of digested biogas slurry (DBGS) and relation with synthetic fertilizers in India, as a potential source.
Phycoremediation is the process of employing algae toget rid of excess nutrient load from wastewa... more Phycoremediation is the process of employing algae toget rid of excess nutrient load from wastewater and subsequently diminish the pollution load and eutrophication. The present work was aimed to evaluate the role of inoculated microalgae in nutrient dynamics, phycoremediation and biomass production of IARI sewage water. Three microalgae viz.Chlorella minutissima, Scendesmus spp and Nostoc muscorum as well as their mixed consortium were used. These selected microalgae reduced TDS, BOD and Ammonium-N by more than 90% and COD and Nitrate-N by &gt;80% and total P &gt; 70% in the raw wastewater.The maximum biomass was observed in Scendesmus and C. minutissima, i.e. 0.79 ± 0.02 and 0.78 ± 0.01 g L-1, respectively. Investigation revealed that C. minutissima was having best phycoremediation potential among all three microalgae and even better than consortium. The results of this study suggest that growing algae in nutrient-rich sewage wastewater offers a new option of applying microalgae to manage the nutrient load and reuse same water for irrigation purpose after the phycoremediation.
ABSTRACT The quality of treated effluent of Mayapuri Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), Delh... more ABSTRACT The quality of treated effluent of Mayapuri Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), Delhi was investigated to judge its suitability for agricultural use. Samples of the treated effluent were periodically collected and analyzed for agriculturally significant physico-chemical and biological parameters by standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater of American Public Health Association. Indices like sodium adsorption ration (SAR), Na %, residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI), and US salinity diagram were utilized for better understanding of quality of effluent for irrigation. Characterisation for agricultural use was done in accordance with the guideline of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and Environmental protection Act, 1986 (EPA, 1986). Results of pH, HCO 3 -, NO 3
ABSTRACT Low Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) continues to be a problem in wetland rice situation as... more ABSTRACT Low Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) continues to be a problem in wetland rice situation as nitrogen (N) is subjected to several transformation losses in the rice ecosystem. Chlorophyll meter (SPAD) and Leaf Color Chart (LCC) can be potentially employed for the precise N measurement, which is based on the leaf N status to synchronize the timely N application with the crop demand. Two field experiments were conducted during 1998 and 1999 at Coimbatore, India with the rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars of ADT 36 (short duration) and ASD 19 (long duration) respectively for efficient N management based on the leaf N status of rice. The experiments consisted of four SPAD and LCC-N regimes, blanket N recommendation, green manure N regime and Controlled Release N (CRN) fertilizer regimes, which were compared with the zero-N regime. The technology involves the indirect measurement of leaf N status by the chlorophyll meter and LCC and N application only if the measured meter value is below the predetermined threshold value. The study reveals that N requirement with LCC was higher than SPAD for all the time intervals of measurements. In terms of NUE parameters, LCC was inferior to SPAD-N management, but the lesser cost of LCC, when compared to SPAD meter, provides an opportunity as a simple tool for the individual rice farmers to own it. The study also reveals that the application of controlled release N fertilizer as polymer coatings at the rate of 60% of blanket N recommendation would save 40% of fertilizer N.
Field experiments were carried out during 1996–97at Gulawathi, Muthiani and Salarpur Villages, IA... more Field experiments were carried out during 1996–97at Gulawathi, Muthiani and Salarpur Villages, IARI Farm, NewDelhi and NCPP Campus, Dadri to evaluate changes in soilcharacteristics and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.),mustard (Brassica juncea L.), lentil (Lence esculentaMoench.), rice (Oryza sativa L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) byvarying amounts of flyash addition (up to 50t ha-1) in soils atsowing/transplanting time of
... Algae having the ability to synthesize TAGs are considered as a second generation feedstock f... more ... Algae having the ability to synthesize TAGs are considered as a second generation feedstock for production of biofuels, specifically biodiesel. ... as a source of transportation biofuels are numerous: 1. Microalgae synthesize and accumulate large quantities of neutral lipids/oil [20 ...
ABSTRACT The integrated approach of wastewater treatment and microalgal biodiesel production base... more ABSTRACT The integrated approach of wastewater treatment and microalgal biodiesel production based on phycoremediation is a promising process. The experiment was set up to study the phycoremediation potential of Chlorella minutissima to remove the pollution load from primary treated IARI’s (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) wastewater and tertiary treated CETP (Common Effluent Treatment Plant) wastewater and evaluation of biomass for biodiesel after harvesting. The physical and chemical parameters of wastewater quality such as nitrate, phosphate, potassium, EC, TDS, BOD, COD, etc., were studied. C. minutissima removed about 90–98% TDS, 70–80% N, 60–70% P and 45–50% K from the wastewater within 12 days. The level of BOD and COD were reduced by 60 and 75%, respectively. The algal biomasses were harvested for biodiesel extraction. The highest specific lipid productivity for CETP and IARI wastewater was 0.171 and 0.132 g-lipids g-cell�1 day�1, respectively. The oleic acid had increased 59.6% in CETP wastewater in comparison to IARI wastewater. The results of this study concluded that algal strain C. minutissima is not only a means for remediation of pollutant load, but it can also be used as potential driving force for biodiesel production.
The study aimed to identify the tolerance level of rice and wheat due to air pollutants around th... more The study aimed to identify the tolerance level of rice and wheat due to air pollutants around the gasbased power plant. Ten sites were selected around 10km radius of gas based power plant. Major air pollutants like NOx, SOx, ozone, and PM10 were monitored in ten sites during the growth of rice and wheat. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of villages falls mostly in the category of moderately polluted sites. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is a tool applied for categorizing sensitive or tolerant plants towards air pollution and is calculated by using four biochemical parameters like total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid, pH, and relative water content of rice and wheat. Results indicated that the pH of cell sap of both the crops was acidic to neutral pH (3.5-6.9) at polluted sites while neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0-7.9) at less polluted sites. Ascorbic acid content was high at polluted sites since ascorbic acid shows a defense mechanism against air pollution. Chlorophyll content (up to 0.61mg/g) and relative water content have shown a significant decrease at most polluted sites. As per APTI values (APTI<11), both the crops were sensitive to air pollution in the selected area. APTI might be beneficial in the selection of crop species in the polluted area which shows that a higher concentration of air pollutants can damage crops severely. APTI was found to be positively correlated with pH, total chlorophyll content, and relative water content and negatively correlated with ascorbic acid.
Renewable energy deriving from biomass sources has great potential for growth to meet our future ... more Renewable energy deriving from biomass sources has great potential for growth to meet our future energy demands. Biogas is one of a very important source of renewable methane produced from anaerobic biodegradation of biomass in the absence of oxygen with the help of anaerobic microorganisms. Raw biogas contains about 55–65% methane (CH 4), 30–45% carbon dioxide (CO 2), traces of hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S) and fractions of water vapour. Pure methane has a calorific value of 9100 kcal/m 3 at 15.5 • C and 1 atm; the calorific value of biogas varies from 4800 to 6900 kcal/m 3 . Biogas purified and enriched in methane can be used for household applications, automobile fuel (liquefied) or electricity generation.There are three primary compounds that must be removed to improve the combustibility of biogas. First, water vapour in biogas is problematic for compressibility and should be removed prior to storage. Secondly, biogas typically contains a high percentage of CO 2 , which decreases it...
Climate variability has been and continues to be, the principal source of fluctuations in global ... more Climate variability has been and continues to be, the principal source of fluctuations in global food production in countries of the developing world and is of serious concern. Process-based models use simplified functions to express the interactions between crop growth and the major environmental factors that affect crops (i.e., climate, soils and management), and many have been used in climate impact assessments. Average of 10 years weather data from 1985 to 2010, maximum temperature shows an increasing trend ranges from 18.5 to 20.5°C.This means there is an increase of 2°C within a span of 25 years. Decreasing trend was observed with respect to precipitation was observed with the same data. The magnitude of decrease was from 925 mm to 650 mm of rainfall which is almost decrease of 275 mm of rainfall in 25 years. Future climate for 2011-2090 from A1B scenario extracted from PRECIS run shows that overall maximum and minimum temperature increase by 5.39°C (±1.76) and 5.08°C (±1.37) also precipitation will Original Research Article
A groundwater geochemistry study was conducted in Agra where 28 samples were collected from shall... more A groundwater geochemistry study was conducted in Agra where 28 samples were collected from shallow aquifers in May 2016 from different sites. The aim of this research was to assess the quality of groundwater for drinking purposes in the study area.
Uploads
Papers by Shakeel Khan
pollutants like NOx, SOx, ozone, and PM10 were monitored in ten sites during the growth of rice and
wheat. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of villages falls mostly in the category of moderately polluted sites.
Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is a tool applied for categorizing sensitive or tolerant plants
towards air pollution and is calculated by using four biochemical parameters like total chlorophyll
content, ascorbic acid, pH, and relative water content of rice and wheat. Results indicated that the pH of
cell sap of both the crops was acidic to neutral pH (3.5-6.9) at polluted sites while neutral to slightly
alkaline (7.0-7.9) at less polluted sites. Ascorbic acid content was high at polluted sites since ascorbic
acid shows a defense mechanism against air pollution. Chlorophyll content (up to 0.61mg/g) and relative
water content have shown a significant decrease at most polluted sites. As per APTI values (APTI<11),
both the crops were sensitive to air pollution in the selected area. APTI might be beneficial in the
selection of crop species in the polluted area which shows that a higher concentration of air pollutants
can damage crops severely. APTI was found to be positively correlated with pH, total chlorophyll
content, and relative water content and negatively correlated with ascorbic acid.
pollutants like NOx, SOx, ozone, and PM10 were monitored in ten sites during the growth of rice and
wheat. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of villages falls mostly in the category of moderately polluted sites.
Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is a tool applied for categorizing sensitive or tolerant plants
towards air pollution and is calculated by using four biochemical parameters like total chlorophyll
content, ascorbic acid, pH, and relative water content of rice and wheat. Results indicated that the pH of
cell sap of both the crops was acidic to neutral pH (3.5-6.9) at polluted sites while neutral to slightly
alkaline (7.0-7.9) at less polluted sites. Ascorbic acid content was high at polluted sites since ascorbic
acid shows a defense mechanism against air pollution. Chlorophyll content (up to 0.61mg/g) and relative
water content have shown a significant decrease at most polluted sites. As per APTI values (APTI<11),
both the crops were sensitive to air pollution in the selected area. APTI might be beneficial in the
selection of crop species in the polluted area which shows that a higher concentration of air pollutants
can damage crops severely. APTI was found to be positively correlated with pH, total chlorophyll
content, and relative water content and negatively correlated with ascorbic acid.