Browsing by Author "Kuldeep Bauddh"

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21-Day Lockdown in India Dramatically Reduced Air Pollution Indices in Lucknow and New Delhi, India
(Springer, 2020) Sudhakar Srivastava; Amit Kumar; Kuldeep Bauddh; Alok Sagar Gautam; Sanjeev Kumar
In December 2019, the outbreak of viral disease labeled as Novel Coronavirus started in Wuhan, China, which later came to be known as Covid-19. The disease has spread in almost every part of the world and has been declared a global pandemic in March 2020 by World Health Organization (WHO). The corona virus outbreak has emerged as one of the deadliest pandemics of all time in human history. The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has forced several countries of the world to observe complete lockdown forcing people to live in their homes. India also faced the phase of total lockdown for 21 days (in first phase) to avoid the spread of coronavirus to the maximum possible extent. This lockdown impacted the pollution levels of environment and improved air and water quality in the short span owing to very less human activities. The present work scientifically analyzed the available data for primary air pollutants (PM2.5, NO2, SO2 and CO) from two major Indian cities, Lucknow and New Delhi. The analysis was based on air quality data for before lockdown and after lockdown (first phase of 21 days) periods of 21 days each. The results showed significant decline in the studied air pollution indices and demonstrated improvement of air quality in both the cities. The major impact was seen in the levels of PM2.5, NO2 and CO. The levels of SO2 showed less significant decline during the lockdown period. The results are presented with future perspectives to mitigate air pollution in near future by adopting the short and periodical lockdown as a tool. © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
A study on the effect of cadmium on the antioxidative defense system and alteration in different functional groups in castor bean and indian mustard
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2015) Kuldeep Bauddh; Amit Kumar; Sudhakar Srivastava; Rana P. Singh; R.D. Tripathi
The present study was planned to delineate the role of antioxidants and different functional groups of Ricinus communis and Brassica juncea in the tolerance mechanisms toward cadmium (Cd) for phytoremediation. Application of Cd caused a reduction in dry biomass of 53.84% and 26.58% in root and 45.33% and 33.84% in shoots of B. juncea and R. communis, respectively. Antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase, and metabolites (proline) increased in both the species due to Cd exposure. The metal caused substantial changes in the functional groups present in the roots and leaves of the plants. A number of new peaks appeared in the Cd-treated plants, which indicate the production of the compounds responsible for the metal tolerance of these plants. R. communis has been found to possess a good antioxidant defense system against Cd stress and may be used for the phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soils in place of edible crops, which enhance the risk of contaminating the food chain. It has been observed that R. communis accumulated 213.39 and 335.68 mg Cd in roots and shoots, respectively, whereas B. juncea accumulated 28.19 and 310.15 mg Cd in the roots and shoots, respectively. © 2015 Taylor & Francis.
Agroecosystem contamination with heavy metals due to road transportation: A global threat to safe food security
(Institution of Chemical Engineers, 2025) Akshay Kumar Singh; Jatin Kumar Choudhary; Sushil Kumar Shukla; Kuldeep Bauddh; Gavendra C. Pandey; Sughosh Madhav; Ajai Singh; Manoj Kumar
Road transportation significantly contributes to heavy metals (HMs) in the atmosphere. The introduction of HMs into the environment is a major global ecotoxicological concern. The proliferation of road networks, coupled with the escalating vehicular volume, has exacerbated the presence of HMs, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), in agricultural soil and crops proximate to transportation arteries, thereby imperilling global food security. The current review focused on the significant contamination of HMs in agroecosystems worldwide due to road transportation. It highlights the various pathways through which HMs are transported to agroecosystems and their impact on nearby ecosystems. The review also evaluates the degree of HMs contamination and its subsequent transfer into soil and crops such as geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), translocation factor (TF), and bioaccumulation factor (BAF). Recent studies have shown that harmful HMs can be absorbed by edible parts of crops, which are then consumed directly by humans. A study conducted near the National Highway in Jhansi, India found high levels of HMs in the edible parts of tomato plants (Cu – 4.77 mg/kg, Cd- 0.14 mg/kg, nickel (Ni) – 0.89 mg/kg, and Mn – 14.46). Similar studies conducted in various parts of the world have also observed increased HMs in agricultural soil and crops near roads. The current review aims to investigate HMs contamination in agroecosystems caused by road transportation and to suggest directions for future research to reduce HMs emissions from the sources. © 2024 The Institution of Chemical Engineers
Assessing the suitability of cement industry effluent for irrigating eight different genetic varieties of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.): A case study
(Springer Nature, 2025) Ankit; Kuldeep Bauddh
Using industrial effluent for edible crop irrigation poses a significant risk of contaminating the food chain with toxic metals. However, utilizing it for non-edible crop irrigation, particularly bioenergy plants, may be economically feasible and environmentally sustainable. This study was aimed to assess the effect of cement industry effluent (CIE) on early stages of plant development of eight different varieties of Ricinus communis. For this study, early growth parameters such as seed germination, seedling vigor index (SVI), relative seed germination (RSG), and effluent tolerance index (ETI) were measured up to 30 days after emergence of seedlings. The soil having R. communis seeds was irrigated with different dosage of CIE, i.e., 25 (T1), 50 (T2), 75 (T3), and 100% (T4). Tap water served as control (T0). There was an increase of 3.5% from T0 to T2 and a decrease of 23.3% from T0 to T4 in seed germination of MSC-55, and an increase of 20.74% from T0 to T2 and a decrease of 23.12% from T0 to T4 in germination of Western-6. SVI ranged between 739.18 (lowest) and 2703.51 (highest). Up to 50% concentration, the SVI increased; however, it decreased significantly at higher concentrations. The study concluded that R. communis has enough potential to be irrigated with CIE at 50%. Conclusively, the different varieties of R. communis based on vigor at T4 were detected in the order of MSC-55 > Swati-1515 > Western-27 > Western VJ-66 > Western Sarpanch > Sai-33 > Western Mukhi > Western-6. MSC-55 emerged as a tolerant variety whereas; Western-6 came out as a sensitive variety. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved.
Assessment of phytotoxicity bioassay and metal accumulation potential of Ricinus communis L. genotypes during cultivation in iron mine soil of Jharkhand, India
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Lala Saha; Kuldeep Bauddh
ABSTRACTS: Seed germination and early seedling growth are crucial characteristics for determining a plant species ability to survive in stressed soil including mine soil (MS). In the present study, four genotypes of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) an industrially important bioenergy crop, were grown in iron MS with different treatments of garden soil (GS) (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) to examine germination, growth indices (tolerance index (TI), seedling vigor index (SVI)) and metal accumulation potential. The study recorded significantly high germination, growth and biomass in 75% GS treatments and for the cultivar MSC-55. The TI was highest in 75% GS treatments for all genotypes, with no significant difference. The metal accumulation potential of castor was evaluated for Fe, Pb, Cu and Ni, all of which were detected in high concentration in iron MS. The translocation factors (TF) for Fe and Ni were recorded <1 for all genotypes which imply metals are stabilized in the castor roots, although for Cu and Pb it was found >1. The bioaccumulation factor was recorded highest for Fe (1.224–7.433) and Pb (0.846–9.056) for all genotypes. Furthermore, the root accumulation of Fe, Pb and Ni was observed highest with 8039.20, 177.70 and 88.10 mg kg−1, respectively. The metal extraction ratio (MER) for Fe and Pb showed the highest. Overall, the highest MER was recorded in order of MSC-55 > Leetos > Swati-1515 > Sai-33. The finding of the study indicates that the genotypes MSC-55 followed by Leetos can grow in MS and accumulate multiple metals in their root and shoots and can be employed as phytostabilizers and phytoextractors. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Assessment of phytotoxicity bioassay and metal accumulation potential of Ricinus communis L. genotypes during cultivation in iron mine soil of Jharkhand, India
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2024) Lala Saha; Kuldeep Bauddh
ABSTRACTS: Seed germination and early seedling growth are crucial characteristics for determining a plant species ability to survive in stressed soil including mine soil (MS). In the present study, four genotypes of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) an industrially important bioenergy crop, were grown in iron MS with different treatments of garden soil (GS) (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) to examine germination, growth indices (tolerance index (TI), seedling vigor index (SVI)) and metal accumulation potential. The study recorded significantly high germination, growth and biomass in 75% GS treatments and for the cultivar MSC-55. The TI was highest in 75% GS treatments for all genotypes, with no significant difference. The metal accumulation potential of castor was evaluated for Fe, Pb, Cu and Ni, all of which were detected in high concentration in iron MS. The translocation factors (TF) for Fe and Ni were recorded <1 for all genotypes which imply metals are stabilized in the castor roots, although for Cu and Pb it was found >1. The bioaccumulation factor was recorded highest for Fe (1.224–7.433) and Pb (0.846–9.056) for all genotypes. Furthermore, the root accumulation of Fe, Pb and Ni was observed highest with 8039.20, 177.70 and 88.10 mg kg−1, respectively. The metal extraction ratio (MER) for Fe and Pb showed the highest. Overall, the highest MER was recorded in order of MSC-55 > Leetos > Swati-1515 > Sai-33. The finding of the study indicates that the genotypes MSC-55 followed by Leetos can grow in MS and accumulate multiple metals in their root and shoots and can be employed as phytostabilizers and phytoextractors. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Mechanisms of microbe-assisted metal tolerance in phytoremediators: A review
(Soil Science Society of China, 2025) Swati Sachdev; Keswani Chetan; Tatiana Mikhailovna Minkina; Kuldeep Bauddh
Escalating anthropogenic activities have caused heavy metal contamination in the environmental matrices. Due to their recalcitrant and toxic nature, their occurrence in high titers in the environment can threaten survival of biotic components. To take the edge off, remediation of metal-contaminated sites by phytoremediators that exhibit a potential to withstand heavy metal stress and quench harmful metals is considered an eco-sustainable approach. Despite the enormous potential, phytoremediation technique suffers a setback owing to high metal concentrations, occurrence of multiple pollutants, low plant biomass, and soil physicochemical status that affect plants at cellular and molecular levels, inducing morphological, physiological, and genetic alterations. Nevertheless, augmentation of soil with microorganisms can alleviate the challenge. A positive nexus between microbes, particularly plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), and phytoremediators can prevent phytotoxicity and augment phytoremediation by employing strategies such as production of secondary metabolites, solubilization of phosphate, and synthesis of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase and phytohormones. Microbes can mediate tolerance in plants by fortifying their antioxidant machinery, which maintains redox homeostasis and alleviates metal-induced oxidative damage in the plants. Associated microbes can also activate stress-responsive genes in plants and abridge metal-induced toxic effects. An in-depth exploration of the mechanisms employed by plant-associated microbes to trigger tolerance in phytoremediators is crucial for improving their phytoremediation potential and real-world applications. The present article attempts to comprehensively review these mechanisms that eventually facilitate the development of improved/new technology for soil ecosystem restoration. © 2025 Soil Science Society of China
Microplastic pollution in agricultural environments: Origins, impacts, and mitigation strategies
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Shreya Singh; Saraniya S; Swati Sachdev; Kumar Satish Sahoo; Balram Ambade; Kuldeep Bauddh
Microplastic contamination is an important global issue that has been increasing rapidly due to the increased application of plastic-based commodities in various sectors, in particular, agriculture, healthcare, personal care products, construction, textiles, etc. The waste generated through these sectors majorly remains unmanaged or mismanaged leading to the contamination of the terrestrial environment. Among various sectors, agriculture largely contributes to this problem owing to the intentional use of plastic-based products or unintentional application of contaminated materials. Plastics reaching to soil are migrated and disintegrated into small micro-size fragments leading to microplastic pollution. Migration is influenced by the number of soil characteristics, soil biota activities, and/or management choices, whereas transformation occurs via photo-degradation, microbial degradation, and/or mechanical abrasion. Microplastics on disintegration releases harmful additives and monomers in soil and act as carriers of toxic compounds, inducing serious risk toward living organisms. The ubiquitous occurrence of micro-sized plastic in agricultural ecosystems, mismanagement of waste, and the associated risk have ignited global concern. Thus, management of microplastic pollution is crucial, which requires an integrated approach at the individual as well as community level. Moreover, involvement of government, stakeholders, and policy-makers is crucial to meet the increasing challenge of microplastic pollution. © 2025
Phytoremediation of heavy metals from the metal-polluted soil using Ricinus communis
(Springer Nature, 2025) Nopi Stiyati Prihatini; Eko Suhartono; Isna Syauqiah; Kuldeep Bauddh; R. K. Srivastava
Soil heavy metal (HM) pollution is a major worldwide issue that poses a risk to the environment, ecosystems, and human health. Commonly occurring HMs in soil that pose environmental and health hazards are lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni). Remediation techniques, such as phytoremediation, soil washing, and soil stabilization, are employed to mitigate HM pollution and restore contaminated soil to safe levels. Remediating soil by HMs pollution can be done more affordably and sustainably by using phytoremediation. Many plant species have confirmed the capability of accumulating HMs and then immobilizing or detoxifying them through a range of processes, including hydraulic control, phytostabilization, rhizo-degradation, phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, and phytovolatilization. The phytoremediation technique is environment-friendly, more widely applicable, and reasonably priced. Numerous elements, such as plant choice, soil quality, pollutant properties, and ambient conditions, are crucial for phytoremediation success. Among many plants, Ricinus communis is the plant whose potential as a phytoremediation agent has been thoroughly investigated. This is because of its capacity to both tolerate and absorb heavy metals (HMs) and organic contaminants from contaminated soil and water. In addition to its phytoremediation capabilities, Ricinus communis has several other benefits that make it an attractive option for remediation projects. It is a fast-growing, hardy plant that can grow in various environmental conditions, making it suitable for use in various contaminated sites. It also has a deep root system that can penetrate and loosen compacted soils, improving soil structure and promoting water infiltration. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the complex interactions between these factors and develop integrated strategies for effective and long-lasting phytoremediation. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved.
Phytoremediation Potential of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: A Bioeconomical Approach
(CRC Press, 2023) Amit Kumar; Kuldeep Bauddh; Sudhakar Srivastava
Environmental contamination of heavy metals is a major problem, threatening sustainable agricultural production and health of millions of people. The extensive distribution of heavy metals in soil and water makes it necessary to employ environment-friendly low-cost and sustainable approaches for the remediation of contaminated sites. Phytoremediation has been considered a viable approach to meet these demands; however, it must provide some economic gains too. The use of economically important medicinal and aromatic plants is helpful in restoration of metal-contaminated sites and also may provide economic gains to the farmers. The book brings about a critical overview of the prospects of utilizing medicinal and aromatic plants in phytoremediation, including their utility, economic benefits and human safety issues. The book will be a timely addition to the field and would act as landmark. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, doctoral and graduate students working in the area of environmental pollution and cleanup technologies. The students working in the field of metal(loid) stress and crop biofortification will also find this to be a useful read. The content of the book is presented in simple language and represented through beautiful and scientifically informative figures and tables. © 2024 Amit Kumar, Kuldeep Bauddh, and Sudhakar Srivastava.
Preface
(Springer Nature, 2025) Kuldeep Bauddh; Rana Pratap Singh
[No abstract available]
Remediation and improvement of abandoned iron mine soil bio-physicochemical properties by amendments and bioenergy plant Ricinus communis L
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Lala Saha; Kuldeep Bauddh
Abandoned iron mine soil (MS) contains elevated concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) with poor bio-physicochemical characteristics, causing significant risk to the environment including associated living organisms if not handled properly. Studies related to iron ore MS remediation and reclamation with commercially important bioenergy plants and economically viable amendments are still scarce and elusive. This study investigates the influence of farmyard manure (FYM), NPK fertilizer and the blending of different ratios of garden soil (0–100 %) on the MS bio-physicochemical parameters and the response of Ricinus communis L. The pot experiment was carried out for 90 days in a naturally illuminated net house to record the growth parameters, tolerance index (TI), metal accumulation, bioaccumulation factor (BAF), total metal extract by plant (MetalEx) and improvement of soil bio-physicochemical properties after harvesting. Study shows MS has low pH, low organic carbon (OC), and matter (OM), water holding capacity (WHC) and lack of key nutrients along with low soil microbial biomass carbon (Cmic) and nitrogen (Nmic) with high levels of Fe, Cu, Pb, and Ni with 2032.33, 34.52, 64.94 and 70.67 mg kg−1 respectively. The amendments of NPK and FYM enhanced the growth of R. communis by 179.86 and 441.32 % respectively. The TI, chlorophyll and carotenoid levels show an upward trend along the growing period. The accumulation of HMs in NPK unit was found in order of Fe > Ni > Pb > Cu and for FYM unit as Fe > Pb > Cu > Ni. The BAF and MetalEx values were significantly high for FYM treatment sets. The soil properties like OC, OM, Cmic and Nmic improved after harvesting by 13, 17, 8.84 and 6.38-fold, respectively. Overall, the study concludes that the application of FYM showed better results than NPK. R. communis has found to bear a substantial potential to accumulate high concentrations of HMs and grow well in multi-metal contaminated MS. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd
Ricinus communis: A climate resilient commercial crop for sustainable environment
(Springer Nature, 2025) Kuldeep Bauddh; Rana Pratap Singh
Due to the diverse properties of Ricinus communis (castor), this book provides a comprehensive account of castor as a 'climate resilient and value-added crop.' It explores the morphological variations, various cultivation techniques, genotypic differences, suitable soil types, and the crop's yield. The book also discusses the phytoremediation efficiency of castor, focusing on its role in restoring degraded lands, abandoned mining sites, and lands contaminated by heavy metals. The application of suitable plants for the restoration of degraded lands is an efficient method due to its ecological and economic viability. Castor is a hardy angiosperm with multiple benefits. It serves the dual purpose of being an excellent phytoremediator and a source of bioenergy. Additionally, castor has proven effective in treating several human diseases. The castor plant's ability to thrive in stressed soils makes it particularly suitable for the phytoremediation of polluted lands in various climatic conditions. Given its wide range of industrial uses, castor has gained significant attention for further exploration of its biology, cultivation techniques, and genotypic variations. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, botanists, capacity builders, and policymakers. It also serves as good reading material for undergraduate and master students of botany, ecology, and environmental sciences. National and international agricultural scientists, ecologists, and policymakers will also find it a valuable resource. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved.
Ricinus communis: An abiotic stress-tolerant crop for reclamation of wasteland reclamation
(Springer Nature, 2025) Shreya Singh; R. K. Srivastava; Kuldeep Bauddh
Land resources are limited and under pressure for food production and biofuels. Polluted and contaminated land will negatively impact the economy and standard of living. Ecologically, socially, and commercially, it would be advantageous to clean up this land and plant non-food crops. Phytoremediation with Ricinus communis (R. communis, castor bean) gained enormous attention. This plant is delving significance in environmental remediation, especially when it comes to abiotic challenges such as salt, drought, HMs (HM) contamination, and industrial pollutants. Originating from Ethiopia and Africa, this plant exhibits remarkable adaptability to adverse conditions and has a long history dating back to ancient times. R. communis has garnered attention for its multifaceted utility, including the manufacture of valuable materials such as castor oil and ricinoleic acid. In recent decades, the focus has shifted towards the ecological positivity of R. communis, particularly to mitigate soil pollution. With the rise in HM pollution from unplanned disposal of waste and industrial effluents, the need for sustainable solutions to restore contaminated sites has become paramount. Because of its resilience to a range of stressors, including exposure to harmful elements like nickel, chromium, copper, manganese, and arsenate, it has emerged as a boon in this domain. Overall, the utilization of R. communis holds significant promise in various domains, including environmental remediation, bioenergy production, and soil restoration. By leveraging its multifaceted utility and advancements in further approaches, R. communis is the crop that can withstand abiotic stress and be utilized to reclaim wasteland and help create a more sustainable future. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved.
The efficient applications of native flora for phytorestoration of mine tailings: a pan-global survey
(Springer, 2024) Ankit Abhilash Swain; Pallavi Sharma; Chetan Keswani; Tatiana Minkina; Purushotham Tukkaraja; Venkataramana Gadhamshetty; Sanjeev Kumar; Kuldeep Bauddh; Narendra Kumar; Sushil Kumar Shukla; Manoj Kumar; Rama Shanker Dubey; Ming Hung Wong
Mine tailings are the discarded materials resulting from mining processes after minerals have been extracted. They consist of leftover mineral fragments, excavated land masses, and disrupted ecosystems. The uncontrolled handling or discharge of tailings from abandoned mine lands (AMLs) poses a threat to the surrounding environment. Numerous untreated mine tailings have been abandoned globally, necessitating immediate reclamation and restoration efforts. The limited feasibility of conventional reclamation methods, such as cost and acceptability, presents challenges in reclaiming tailings around AMLs. This study focuses on phytorestoration as a sustainable method for treating mine tailings. Phytorestoration utilizes existing native plants on the mine sites while applying advanced principles of environmental biotechnology. These approaches can remediate toxic elements and simultaneously improve soil quality. The current study provides a global overview of phytorestoration methods, emphasizing the specifics of mine tailings and the research on native plant species to enhance restoration ecosystem services. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024.
Understanding Hyperaccumulation of Zinc in Plants
(Springer Science+Business Media, 2025) Fizanaj Sheikh; Kuldeep Bauddh; Swati Sachdev
Metal pollution as a result of escalated industrial activities has become a global issue. Accumulation of metals in the environment can induce hazardous impact on human health, reduce plant productivity, and alter microbial community dynamic in soil, owing to nondegradable and toxic nature. Existing metals on earth are either essential or nonessential based on whether needed or not by living being to perform their functions. Although essential metals such as Zn are required, their presence above threshold limit may cause toxicity. In plants, Zn orchestrates various crucial processes like photosynthesis and cell division; however, excess quantity may trigger oxidative stress resulting in cellular damage, disrupt respiration and photosynthesis, abridge nutrient uptake, and alter the structure and functions of enzymes and pigments. The content of Zn in soil, which is the primary site for metal uptake by plants, influences its bioavailability. Employing phytoremediation technique like phytoextraction that involves hyperaccumulator plants could help in alleviating toxicity. Hyperaccumulators recruit various mechanisms to uptake and accumulate excess Zn in aboveground parts, without exhibiting phytotoxicity. Exploring the potential of such plants can sustainably facilitate remediation of contaminated soil and restore their fertility. Furthermore, encompassing research in improving capacity of such plants through integration of new techniques like genetic engineering could pave way for obtaining better outcomes. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.