Browsing by Author "Anju Patel"

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A modified methodology for extraction and quantification of microplastics in soil
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Ekta Gupta; Virendra Kumar Mishra; Anju Patel; Pankaj Kumar Srivastava
The ubiquitousness of microplastics (<5 mm) has become a pressing environmental concern globally due to the extensive use of plastics. Microplastics have been well-studied in aquatic environments but not well-characterized in soils. Present analytical processes to quantify microplastics accurately in soil samples are quite challenging and require improved and validated analytical steps to eliminate the obscurities and biases. We aimed to develop an effective method for the extraction and quantification of microplastics from soil samples. Different ratios of low-(NaCl) and high-density solutions (ZnCl2/ NaBr) were tested to determine the most efficient combination for density-dependent separation of microplastics from soil. The combination of low- (1:6) and high-density (1:3) solutions {as weight of soil(g)/volume of density solution(ml)} accounted for 95% recovery of the spiked microplastic particles from soil samples. Likewise, different soil-to-solution ratios of H2O2 were tested for the removal of soil organic matter with heating and non-heating steps. Prior removal of organic matter from soil samples achieved a clear supernatant that facilitated 99% recovery of microplastic particles. The validation of individually spiked microplastic particles of small (10-100 μm) and large scale (100-5000 μm) resulted in recovery ranging from 88 to 99%. A validated modified method with prior digestion followed by density-dependent separation was further tested using the field samples with microplastic contamination. The microplastics of different shapes, sizes, colours and polymeric compositions were reported efficiently and well characterized in the field-collected soil samples using this method. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
Agro-residue Wastes as a Key to Unlocking Future Bio-energy Potentials
(CRC Press, 2024) Aditi Roy; Priya Dubey; Ekta Gupta; Anju Patel; Suchi Srivastava; Pankaj Kumar Srivastava
Improvements in the search and utilisation of energy sources have unquestionably changed global lifestyle. Access to sufficient and sustainable energy is crucial for industrialisation as it plays a dynamic role in achieving economic domination and independence on the global stage. Extensive application of non-renewable fossil fuels gave rise to major environmental issues like increase in greenhouse gases and social costs of carbon. This has shifted the attention and dependence toward sustainable renewable energy resources. Amongst all, agricultural biomass remarks as the fourth largest contributor of renewable energy. Within developing countries like India, huge quantities of agricultural biomass are converted into valuable bioenergy. Agricultural, forestry, household, commercial and industrial residues and wastes constitute the raw material for bioenergy production. Recently, many developed countries with significant agricultural potential have attempted to harness their biomass resources to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Thus, the current chapter intends to evaluate the potential of agro-residue wastes for bioenergy production. Bioenergy derived from agricultural leftovers provides a practical and sustainable alternative to conventional approaches. Additionally, it can increase marginal and small farmer’s income and employment prospects. The present study focuses on providing comprehensive information about the production and utilisation of agricultural residues in different energy sectors. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Adarsh Kumar, Saroj Kumar and Sheel Ratna; individual chapters, the contributors.
Diversity analysis and risk assessment of microplastics in terrestrial soil across different landuses of northern India
(Elsevier Inc., 2025) Ekta Gupta; Shweta Yadav; Priyansha Gupta; Virendra kumar Mishra; Anju Patel; Mahua Saha; Poonam C. Singh; Pankaj Kumar Srivastava
Microplastics (MPs) are widely acknowledged as emerging pollutants in terrestrial ecosystem, yet their ecological threats in soil remain uncovered. This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of the abundance, characteristics, diversity, and ecological risks of soil-borne MPs across eight distinct landuse types in India, including industrial areas, dumping sites, municipal areas, wetlands, and various agricultural settings. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for MP abundance (MPs kg−1), morphology, polymer composition, diversity assessment and potential environmental risks. The results revealed the highest mean MP abundance in industrial areas (3710 ± 1127), followed by dumping sites (3310 ± 2195), municipal city areas (1247 ± 386), agriculture near dumping sites (546 ± 204), urban agriculture (478 ± 94), agriculture with plastic mulching (210 ± 54), peri-urban agriculture (113 ± 34), and wetlands (63 ± 21). Predominant shapes were fragments, fibers, films, and the particle sizes majorly belonged to 10–300 µm and 300–500 µm. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) were the most abundant polymers in all the landuses. Shannon-Wiener index (SWI) and Simpson Diversity index (SDI) indicated significant variations in MPs diversity across landuses for shape, size, color, and polymer composition. Landuses were categorized as Level V (>1000) in terms of the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), while Pollution Load Index (PLI) suggested a minor risk level. Based on the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI), wetlands exhibited low-risk and rest other landuses represented low to very high-risk category. The Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) was also computed and evident as less contaminated landuse (wetland) to extremely contaminated (industrial area) landuse. This study provides baseline data on the occurrence and ecological risk of MPs in Indian soil and highlights the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies. The findings contribute to a better understanding of MP dynamics across landuses and emphasize the necessity for policy interventions in terrestrial MPs management. © 2025 International Association for Gondwana Research
Unravelling the emerging threats of microplastics to agroecosystems
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2022) Shweta Yadav; Ekta Gupta; Anju Patel; Suchi Srivastava; Virendra Kumar Mishra; Poonam C. Singh; Pankaj Kumar Srivastava; Saroj Kanta Barik
In the past few decades, pollution from microplastics has emerged as an important issue on a global scale. These plastic particles are mainly the result of anthropogenic activities. Urban sprawl, industrialization, indiscriminate use and poor waste management of plastic products are the main factors responsible for the accumulation of microplastics in different ecosystems of the environment. The presence of microplastics in the soil matrix is considered an emerging threat to agroecosystems. Since most of the studies on microplastics have been done in the aquatic environment. The understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of these contaminants in terrestrial ecosystems is still limited, especially in agroecosystems. The negative effects of microplastics on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil are now revealing. But the effects of microplastics on plant growth and yield are largely unexplored. Microplastic contamination in the soil can alter the functioning of plants by affecting the microbial community of the rhizosphere and disturbing the homeostasis of the agroecosystem. Furthermore, it may transfer into the plant system through nutrient and water absorption channels and affect plant physiology. The pervasive nature of microplastics in the soil is considered a barrier to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem functioning. The present review gives an overview of the sources, dissipation and effects of microplastics with reference to the soil–plant system, highlights the research gaps, and deciphers the possible future threats to agroecosystems. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.