Publications
Integrated treatment of molasses distillery wastewater using microfiltration (MF)
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
To achieve zero-liquid discharge, high pressure reverse osmosis (RO) of effluent is being employed by molasses based alcohol distilleries. Low pressure and thus less energy intensive microfiltration (MF) is well established for particulate separation but is not suitable for removal of dissolved organics and color. This work investigates two schemes incorporating MF for molasses distillery wastewater (a) chemical coagulation followed by treatment in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) using MF and (b) electrocoagulation followed by MF.
Inventorization of vascular plant diversity in Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kamrup Metro district, Assam
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The present investigation deals with the composition of vascular plants in the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam. A total of 301 vascular plant species under 234 genera and 106 families including Pteridophytes 35 species, Gymnosperm 01 species and Angiosperm 265 species were recorded from the sanctuary during the survey period. Angiosperm included trees (82), shrubs (19), herbs (96), climber (35), lianas (9), epiphytes (6), grass (9), bamboo (6) and palm (2) and stem parasite (1).
Large-Scale Diffusion of Biomass Thermal Gasifiers in India
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of the Indian economy. However, MSMEs are going through a turbulent phase due to overall sluggishness in the economy and rising input energy costs. In the current energy-supply scenario, energy pricing and enforcement of pollution norms for MSMEs have created a favorable environment for rapid acceptance of biomass energy-based clean energy technologies as a potential option for replacing fossil fuels in MSMEs.
Livelihood and Value Chain Development study
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
As part of the demonstration project carried out through the OASYS South Asia project, an off-grid electrification intervention was undertaken in a cluster of villages in Dhenkenal district of Odisha. In order to develop productive uses of electricity, a detailed study of livelihoods was undertaken and potential areas for improvement in the value chain were identified. This paper reports the above activity and documents the existing livelihoods in the area.
Long-term changes in soil pH across major forest ecosystems in China
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Atmospheric acidic deposition has been a major environmental problem since the industrial revolution. However, our understanding of the effect of acidic deposition on soil pH is inconclusive. Here we examined temporal variations in topsoil pH and their relationships with atmospheric sulfur and nitrogen deposition across China's forests from the 1980s to the 2000s. To accomplish this goal, we conducted artificial neural network simulations using historical soil inventory data from the 1980s and a data set synthesized from literature published after 2000.
Mass Balance Reconstruction since 1963 and Mass Balance Model for East Rathong Galcier, Eastern Himalaya, using remote sensing methods
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
In this study mass balance, accumulation, ablation, runoff and temperature lapse rate for the East Rathong glacier are estimated for the time period 1963–2011 using remote sensing methods and climate data. A mass balance model is proposed for the glacier that computes mass balance as difference of volumes of consecutive years. Volume estimates of glacier are based on application of volume–area scaling law to glacier area computed from satellite images. It is observed that the glacier is summer-accumulation type. Time series analysis is applied to the annual mass balance series.
Mechanical, thermal and bio-compatibility studies of PAEK-hydroxyapatite nanocomposites
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
In this study high performance bone analogue has been developed using poly(aryl ether) ketone, poly(dimethyl siloxane) and reinforced with nanohydroxyapatite as biocompatible filler. Compressive, tensile and flexural properties have shown sustained improvement up to 7% of nanohydroxyapatite loading. The mechanical properties were further analyzed using micromechanical theories for good interfacial adhesion between matrix and filler. The composites are cytocompatible and revealed multiple layers of apatite formation in simulated body fluid.
Methodology to nanoencapsulate hepatoprotective components from Picrorhiza kurroa as food supplement.
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Picrorhiza kurroa root and rhizome powder of extract is well-recognized neutraceutical for healthy liver functioning. The major hepatoprotective components (picrosides I and II) of P. kurroa extract shows poor intestinal absorption and poor bioavailability due to sparingly aqueous solubility. To improve bioavailability of these biomolecules, a nanoformulation of this extract has been developed with pluronic-F-68 copolymer based biodegradable PLA nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation method.
Motivations for implementing environmental management practices in Indian industries
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The motivations to implement environmental management system (EMS) practices in Indian industries are explored empirically. The study presents a survey of 104 industries from different sectors to identify the main motivational factors and firms' characteristics that determine the adoption of EMS practices by firms. The empirical evidence suggested that the comprehensiveness of the adopted EMS practices is positively influenced by relational motivations as firms consider their image, compliance and prevention of environmental incidents as significant drivers to implement EMS practices.
Nitric oxide metabolism and indole acetic acid biosynthesis cross-talk in Azospirillum brasilense SM
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Production of nitric oxide (NO) and the presence of NO metabolism genes, nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ ), nitrous oxide reductase regulator (nosR) and nitric oxide reductase (norB) were identified in the plant-associated bacterium (PAB) Azospirillum brasilense SM. NO presence was confirmed in all overexpressing strains, while improvement in the plant growth response of these strains was mediated by increased NO and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels in the strains. Electron microscopy showed random distribution to biofilm, with surface colonization of pleiomorphic Azospirilla.