Publications
Estimating biomass and carbon mitigation of temperate coniferous forests using spectral modeling and field inventory data
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Realizing the importance of forest carbon monitoring and reporting in climate change, the present study was conducted to derive spectrally modeled aboveground biomass and mitigation using Landsat data in combination with sampled field inventory data in the coniferous forests of Western Himalaya. After conducting preliminary survey in 2009, 90 quadrats (45 each for calibration and validation) of 0.1 ha were laid in six forest types for recording field inventory data viz. diameter at breast height, height, slope and aspect.
Estimation of outcrossing rates in interspecific backcross plants of Jatropha curcas (L.) using AFLP and SSR markers
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
In this paper, we report the estimates of outcrossing rates using open-pollinated progeny arrays of 40 BC1 individuals of Jatropha developed as a result of interspecific hybridization between J. curcas and J. integerrima. For analysis PCR-based dominant AFLP and codominant SSR markers were used. The multilocus outcrossing rate (tm) estimated from AFLP markers (0.892 ± 0.112) are almost in the same range with SSR (0.884 ± 0.293) markers which indicate a high level of heterozygosity.
Factors influencing Spatio-temporal Variation of Methane and Nitrous oxide Emission from a Tropical Mangrove of Eastern Coast of India
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
We have studied the seasonal and tidal variation of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from the intertidal sediment of Bhitarkanika mangrove in the east coast of India. Seasonal variability study was conducted at five sites (three replicate of each site) inside the core area of the national park during three different seasons (summer, monsoon and winter) whereas tidal variation was studied at three different sites outside the core area during monsoon and winter season.
Financing large scale wind and solar projects-A review of emerging experiences in the Indian context
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Renewable energy can play a strategic role in India in meeting the country’s growing energy demands, as well as combating climate change. Policymakers have recognized this potential and over the last decade have intensified their efforts towards creating a conducive regulatory and policy framework. Policy instruments such as renewable obligations, feed-in-tariffs and generation based incentives have specially aided the transformation towards large scale generation, enabling higher efficiency and lower costs of generation.
For Sustainable SDGs: Righting Through Responsibilities
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Sustainability of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are contingent on both ‘ weak sustainability ’ and ‘ strong sustainability. ’ Rights- based approach, the most prevalent one in the international policy space towards sustained realization of development goals, is unlikely to ensure either of the sustainability notions. Rather it has to be the (moral) responsibility of the State, communities, and even individuals.
Formation and characterisation of aerobic sludge aggregates in a lab-scale activated sludge system
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Sludge aggregates were developed under ambient conditions in the aeration tank of a lab-scale activated sludge system. Different strategies were employed to accelerate the aggregation process viz.: i) initiating aggregation with large-dense flocs; ii) supplementing sewage with food-waste leachate containing readily biodegradable substrates; iii) periodic aerobic starvation; iv) addition of support materials to nucleate aggregate formation.
Geospatial and geostatistical approach for groundwater potential zone delineation
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Over the past few decades, groundwater has become an essential commodity owing to increased demand as a result of growing population, industrialization, urbanization and so on. The water supply situation is expected to become more severe in the future because of continued unsustainable water use and projected change in hydrometeorological parameters due to climate change.
Green Index: Grading Companies on Sustainability Initiatives
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Background: Commercial entities are adopting sustainable business practices to show-case their ‘Green Quotient’ in form of ‘Business Sustainability Reports’. However, these reports are difficult to comprehend and do not provide the overall socio-environmental impact of the business operations of a company. Methods: In this regard, a comprehensive ‘GREEN-INDEX’ has been developed to grade the sustainability initiatives of a company.
High density polyethylene/cenosphere composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes: Mechanical, thermal and fire retardancy studies
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Nanocomposites of high density polyethylene (HDPE) along with lightweight hollow fly ash cenospheres and acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have been developed. In order to enhance the interfacial adhesion, an epoxy functionalized HDPE has been added to the composites while the cenospheres have been surface modified using aminosilane coupling agent. Improvement in mechanical properties for the nanocomposites using both cenospheres and MWCNT was seen and were further analysed using micromechanical models.
High strength distillery wastewater treatment by a PAC-MBR with low PAC dosage
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Augmentation of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) with activated carbon is established to offer several operational advantages. This work investigates the influence of low dosing (2 g/L) of powdered activated carbons (PACs) with different characteristics on the performance of MBR treating high strength molasses distillery wastewater containing difficult-to-biodegrade recalcitrant components.