Browsing by Author "R.S. Singh"

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A comparative study on the performance of microbial fuel cell for the treatment of reactive orange 16 dye using mixed and pure bacterial species and its optimization using response surface methodology
(Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Amrita Shahi; Padmanaban Velayudhaperumal Chellam; Ankur Verma; R.S. Singh
The present work provides an insight on the removal of dye and energy recovery simultaneously by Acinetobacter pitii in microbial fuel cells. It focuses on decolorization of reactive orange 16 dye and electricity production in a microbial fuel cell using bacterial isolate Acinetobacter pitii. This isolate removes 92.70% of color at a fixed concentration of 500 ppm of dye within 24 h on the 20th day of operation. The maximum voltage and current density obtained from the species is found to be 0.4379 V and 0.973 A/m3 at 1000 Ω. The central composite design was used to model the process for the removal of 243 ppm of dye from the initial dye concentration of 295 ppm at pH of 7.5, time 71.27 h, with simultaneous production of 1.06 A/m3 of current density. Analytical techniques such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy analysis (LCMS), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and carbon-di-oxide (CO2) determination were used to study about the nature of the removal of reactive orange 16 dye in a microbial fuel cell. The toxicity of the degraded sample was assessed using Phytotoxicity analysis. © 2021
A review on health impacts, monitoring and mitigation strategies of arsenic compounds present in air
(Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Yogesh Kumar Vishwakarma; Sonam Tiwari; Devendra Mohan; R.S. Singh
Arsenic, even in trace concentration presents several adverse impacts on human health and are classified among carcinogenic species. The subsequent health concerns owing to consumption of arsenic contaminated water has been widely reported, however, the presence and effects of arsenic through air still remains to be explored thoroughly, due to the availability of limited research and literature; the reason being difficulty in estimation of arsenic compounds in gaseous or particulate associated form. The objective of the current review is to present a detailed picture of sources, estimation techniques and control strategies available currently and propose futuristic approaches for abatement of the problem. A summary of the studies conducted globally has been included in the review with an objective to figure out the occurrence and exposure to arsenic in different parts of the world, exposure assessment and control strategies followed to overcome the problem. Studies on dispersion of As in gaseous or particulate form has also been discussed, on the basis of ground observation as well as predicted models. © 2021 The Authors
Airing ‘clean air’ in Clean India Mission
(Springer Verlag, 2017) T. Banerjee; M. Kumar; R.K. Mall; R.S. Singh
The submission explores the possibility of a policy revision for considering clean air quality in recently launched nationwide campaign, Clean India Mission (CIM). Despite of several efforts for improving availability of clean household energy and sanitation facilities, situation remain still depressing as almost half of global population lacks access to clean energy and proper sanitation. Globally, at least 2.5 billion people do not have access to basic sanitation facilities. There are also evidences of 7 million premature deaths by air pollution in year 2012. The situation is even more disastrous for India especially in rural areas. Although, India has reasonably progressed in developing sanitary facilities and disseminating clean fuel to its urban households, the situation in rural areas is still miserable and needs to be reviewed. Several policy interventions and campaigns were made to improve the scenario but outcomes were remarkably poor. Indian census revealed a mere 31% sanitation coverage (in 2011) compared to 22% in 2001 while 60% of population (700 million) still use solid biofuels and traditional cook stoves for household cooking. Further, last decade (2001–2011) witnessed the progress decelerating down with rural households without sanitation facilities increased by 8.3 million while minimum progress has been made in conversion of conventional to modern fuels. To revamp the sanitation coverage, an overambitious nationwide campaign CIM was initiated in 2014 and present submission explores the possibility of including ‘clean air’ considerations within it. The article draws evidence from literatures on scenarios of rural sanitation, energy practises, pollution induced mortality and climatic impacts of air pollution. This subsequently hypothesised with possible modification in available technologies, dissemination modes, financing and implementation for integration of CIM with ‘clean air’ so that access to both sanitation and clean household energy may be effectively addressed. © 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
Analysis of gene effects governing yield and yield traits in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)
(Agricultural Research Communication Centre, 2016) R.S. Singh; M.N. Singh
The six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) of twelve cross combinations of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) were studied during 2003-2006 for days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, harvest index and seed yield per plant. The means of six generations were subjected to detect main gene effects and interactions. The estimates of six parameter model revealed that both additive and dominant gene effects were important in all the crosses for almost all the traits. However, the relative contribution of dominant gene effects was much higher than additive gene effects for plant height, pods per plant and seed yield per plant. Higher frequency of duplicate type of epistasis also confirms the prevalence of dominance gene effects for above traits except for seed yield per plant.
Analysis of rainfall pattern and extreme events during southwest monsoon season over Varanasi during 1971-2010
(India Meteorological Department, 2016) R. Bhatla; A. Tripathi; R.S. Singh
An attempt has been made to detect the pattern of rainfall and examine the trends and variations of extreme events of rainfall over Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh, India) through seasonal, monthly and decadal analysis during southwest monsoon season (June-September) using the daily rainfall data of 40 years period from 1971-2010. The results show that cumulative rainfall during 1971-2010 is overall decreasing in monsoon season as well as in all the months June, July, August and September. In general, the observed rainfall events in all categories (Non rainy day, 0-2.4 mm; Category I, 2.5-64.4; Category II, 64.5 to 124.4; Category III, 124.5 mm or more) have a decreasing trend in all the months and monsoon season over the entire period of study. However, decadal analysis reveals that in general frequency of rainfall events in almost every category is decreasing in recent decade. Different results are seen in August, as cumulative rainfall is decreasing in this month, whereas very heavy and exceptionally heavy rainfall events and their contribution have increased in recent decade as well as over total period. © 2016, India Meteorological Department. All rights reserved.
Antimicrobial Resistance: Introduction and Challenges
(Springer, 2024) Arunima Singh; Yogesh Kumar Vishwakarma; Mayank; Neelmani Bhardwaj; R.S. Singh
The infection-causing microorganisms are a severe issue for the health of humans, plants, and animals. To overcome this issue, various drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic, are used to inhibit or kill these infection-causing microorganisms. These pharmaceuticals are collectively called “antimicrobials.” But when microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites evolve over some time and become capable of flourishing even in the presence of medication which was once used to inhibit them, the phenomenon is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). And it occurs because an organism develops resistance to that medication, such as drugs, and it no longer affects it. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are significant contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. AMR in human pathogens has emerged as the greatest threat to public health in developing countries and worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated AMR as one of the top ten worldwide public health hazards to humanity. Also, it is one of the hurdles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lack of clean water, poor sanitation, and inadequate infection prevention and control measures encourage AMR pathogens’ proliferation. The prolonged illness causes more frequent hospital visits, sometimes more expensive medications, and ultimately financial stress for individuals affected, in addition to mortality and disability. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.
Application of CERES-sorghum crop simulation model DSSAT v4.7 for determining crop water stress in crop phenological stages
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2022) G.B. Gohain; K.K. Singh; R.S. Singh; K.K. Dakhore; Kripan Ghosh
The water requirement of the crop is an important phenomenon to estimate the crop yield and understanding the crop water necessity at different crop phenological stages as soil and plant water deficits cause yield reduction. The most crucial crop stages that dictate crop yield are at the vegetative and reproductive stages, reducing the crop yield by more than 35% and 50%, respectively. Our study is to determine the crop water stress using the Crop Environmental Resource Synthesis (CERES)-Sorghum model, which is a component of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT)—crop simulation model (CSM). Crop water stress is simulated spatially for Rainfed Kharif Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) in 10 districts of Maharashtra state, India, from 2000 to 2018 using DSSAT-CSM. Besides other factors as well that impact crop yield, rainfall also has an impact on crop growth, development, and managing water efficiency for the crops. Simulated crop water stress above a specific threshold value of ≥ 0.5 (50%) impacts crop growth and development process. Considering the drought year 2015 with sowing dates June (15, 22, 29) and July (6, 15); it shows that late sowing of kharif sorghum for 2015 minimal crop water stress can be seen. CERES-Sorghum model can efficiently determine the crop water stress at different crop phenological stages with different dates of sowing. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Assessment of climate change impact on different pigeonpea maturity groups in north Indian condition
(Association of Agrometeorologists, 2021) M.K. Yadav; C. Patel; R.S. Singh; K.K. Singh; R. Balasubramanian; R.K. Mall; M.K. Singh; S.M. Singh; S.K. Yadav
The CROPGRO-pigeonpea model embedded in DSSAT v4.7.5 was used to assess the impact of climate change on phenology and grain yield of reference genotype of different pigeonpea maturity groups. The impact of climate change delayed reproductive stages (anthesis, maturity) and decreased grain yield of reference genotype of different pigeonpea maturity groups were evident in all scenarios. Short duration genotypes (MN5, ICPL88039, Prabhat, UPAS120) showed progressively higher decrease in yield as compared to medium (Maruti, Asha, ICP7035) and long (Bahar, MAL13) duration genotypes with each successive increase in scenatio from RCP2.6 to RCP8.5 and projected year from 2010 to 2095. Anthesis was delayed 9 days in MN5 to 20 days in Bahar and maturity delayed 15 days in MN5 to 24 days in Bahar with RCP 8.5 in year 2095 in comparison to RCP2.6 in years 2010, whereas, grain yield was decreased 14% in Bahar to 66% in MN5 among genotypes of different maturity groups. © 2021, Association of Agrometeorologists. All rights reserved.
Assessment of climate change impact on productivity of different cereal crops in Varanasi, India
(Association of Agrometeorologists, 2015) M.K. Yadav; R.S. Singh; K.K. Singh; R.K. Mall; C.B. Patel; S.K. Yadav; M.K. Singh
Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT v4.5) Cropping System Model (CSM) was used to study the impact of climate change and variability on productivity of different kharif (rice, maize, jowar and bajra) and rabi crops (wheat and barley) at Varanasi. Keeping in view the observed trends in climate variability, productivity of different kharif and rabi crops were simulated under plausible synthetic climatic scenarios of changes in temperature, solar radiation and carbon dioxide. Productivity of kharif crops viz. rice, maize, jowar and bajra and rabi crops viz. wheat, and barley decreased with an increase in temperature or a decrease in solar radiation above normal. However, productivity of different kharif and rabi crops increased under expected enhanced CO2 concentrations. Highest productivity decreased in barley crop (40.7%) of rabi season and minimum in rice crop (5%) of kharif season with an increase of 3.0 0C in temperature from normal. Whereas, maximum productivity decreased in barley crop (5.0%) of rabi season and minimum in jowar crop (1.8%) of kharif season with a decrease of 2.5 per cent in solar radiation from normal. Highest productivity increase in barley crop (58.2%) of rabi season and lowest in jowar crop (4.2%) of kharif season were simulated under expected enhanced CO2 concentration of 660 ppm. The maximum decrease in productivity of barley crop (45%) in rabi season and minimum in rice crop (7%) in kharif season were simulated when a decrease in temperature by 30C and solar radiation by 2.5 percent from normal. Highest counter-balance on productivity of rice crop (13%) in kharif season and lowest in barja crop (-23%) of kharif season were simulated when an increase in temperature by 30C from normal under expected enhanced CO2 concentration of 660 ppm. © 2015, Association of Agrometeorologists. All rights reserved.
Assessment of climate change impact on pulse, oilseed and vegetable crops at Varanasi, India
(Association of Agrometeorologists, 2016) M.K. Yadav; R.S. Singh; K.K. Singh; R.K. Mall; Chandrabhan Patel; S.K. Yadav; M.K. Singh
Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT v4.6.1) was used to study the impact of climate change and variability on productivity of different monsoon (pigeonpea and groundnut) and winter season crops (chickpea, mustard, tomato and potato) at Varanasi. Keeping in view the observed trends in climate variability, productivity of different cash crops were simulated under plausible synthetic climatic scenarios of changes in temperature and carbon dioxide. Productivity of pigeonpea and groundnut in monsoon season and mustard, tomato and potato in winter season decreased with an increase in temperature. Productivity of different pulse, oilseed and vegetable crops increased under expected enhanced CO2 concentrations. Highest productivity decreased in pigeonpea crop (96.0%) in monsoon season and minimum in tomato crop (4.0%) in winter season with an increase of 3.0 °C in temperature above normal. Highest productivity increase in mustard crop (164.0%) in winter season and lowest in pigeonpea crop (33.0%) in monsoon season were simulated under projected enhanced CO2 concentration of 760 ppm. Highest counter-balance in productivity of mustard crop (150%) followed by tomato crop (81%) during winter season and lowest in pigeonpea crop (99%) during monsoon season were simulated when an increase in temperature by 3.0 °C above normal under projected enhanced CO2 concentration of 760 ppm. © 2016, Association of Agrometeorologists. All rights reserved.
Assessment of climate change impact on wheat crop using MarkSim GCM in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
(Association of Agrometeorologists, 2018) C. Patel; A.K. Nema; R.S. Singh; M.K. Yadav; K.K. Singh; S.K. Singh; P.K. Rai; S.M. Singh
GFLD-CM3 model was used to generate weather data under RCPs scenario i.e. RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 for years 2010, 2035, 2065 and 2095 for Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The generated data were used to assess the impact of climate change on phenology and yield of wheat crop using CERES-Wheat model. The results revealed that the impact climate change hastened reproductive stages (anthesis, maturity) and decreased yield in all scenarios. The impact was highest under RCP 8.5. Days to antheis and days to maturity were proj ected to reduce by 22 days and 24 days, respectively in 2095 whereas, grain yield decreased by 61.0 per cent. © 2018, Association of Agrometeorologists. All rights reserved.
Associating airborne particulates and human health: Exploring possibilities: Comment on: Kim, Ki-Hyun, Kabir, E. and Kabir, S. 2015. A review on the human health impact of airborne particulate matter. Environment International 74 (2015) 136–143
(Elsevier Ltd, 2015) M. Kumar; R.S. Singh; T. Banerjee
[No abstract available]
Association of aerosols, trace gases and black carbon with mortality in an urban pollution hotspot over central Indo-Gangetic Plain
(Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Nidhi Singh; Alaa Mhawish; Tirthankar Banerjee; Santu Ghosh; R.S. Singh; R.K. Mall
The short term effect of multiple air pollutants e.g. aerosols (black carbon, BC; PM2.5 and PM10) and trace gases (NO2, SO2, and O3) on all-cause mortality was systematically investigated in a typical urban pollution hotspot over central Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). To our knowledge, this would be the first report of mortality estimates for exposure to BC aerosols and multiple trace gases over South Asia. Daily all-cause mortality and ambient air quality were analyzed from 2009 to 2016 following a semiparametric quasi-Poisson regression model adjusting mean temperature (Tmean), relative humidity (RH), and long term time trend (Time) as potential confounders. Single pollutant model clearly established the significant impact of BC aerosols (against 10-unit increase in pollutant; 4.95%, 95% CI: 2.16–7.74), NO2 (2.38%, 95% CI: 0.88–3.87%) and PM2.5 exposure (1.06%, 95% CI: 0.45–1.66%) on mortality. The inclusion of co-pollutants in the multi-pollutant model increased the individual mortality risks for BC aerosols (7.3%). Mortality estimates were further stratified considering different effect modifiers viz. sex, age, place of death, and season. Almost in all the cases statistically insignificant differences in effect modification were noted for all the pollutants except PM10. We also explored a distributed lag nonlinear model to estimate the lag effect and all the pollutants showed significant lag up to 3 days while BC showed lag effect up to 5 days. The exposure-response curves for individual air pollutants were mostly linear, while a considerable increase in mortality was noted for an exposure >15 μg m−3 for BC aerosols and >60 μg m−3 for PM2.5. The effect estimates of air pollutants during haze and no-haze days were also defined. During haze days, mortality rose to 6.11% and 3.06% for each 10-unit increase in BC and NO2 exposure, respectively. Significant effect of BC aerosol exposure on human mortality was established which reaffirms its inclusion as a potential health regulator for epidemiological studies. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd
Ayurvedic processed seeds of nux-vomica: Neuropharmacological and chemical evaluation
(2010) Chandrakant Katiyar; Abhishek Kumar; S.K. Bhattacharya; R.S. Singh
The effect of detoxification on Strychnos nux-vomica seeds by traditional processing with aloe and ginger juices (B), by frying in cow ghee (C), and by boiling in cow milk (D) was investigated. The ethanolic extracts of these samples were subjected to spontaneous motor activity (SMA), pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis, PTZ induced convulsions, diazepam-assisted protection, and morphine-induced catalepsy. All samples reduced SMA and inhibited catalepsy. The seeds processed in milk (D) showed the lowest strychnine content in the cotyledons, exhibited marked inhibition of PTZ induced convulsions and maximal potentiation of hypnosis, and were the safest (LD50). © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Base catalysed methanolysis of 4-anilinomethylene-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one: Unexpected formation of N-benzoylaminoacetanilide
(2000) R.S. Singh; M.K. Singh; R.M. Singh
The reaction of 4-anilinomethylene-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one 1 with 3.0 equivalents of sodium methoxide in methanol affords N-benzoylaminoacetanilide 3. Further, methyl 3-anilino-2-benzoylaminopropenoate 2 also affords product 3, when treated with sodium methoxide in methanol at reflux temperature. A plausible mechanism for this conversion has been proposed.
Bayesian survival analysis of head and neck cancer data using lognormal model
(Taylor and Francis Inc., 2014) Puja Makkar; Puneet K. Srivastava; R.S. Singh; S.K. Upadhyay
The paper considers a lognormal model for the survival times and obtains a Bayes solution by means of Gibbs sampler algorithm when the priors for the parameters are vague. The formulation given in the paper is mainly focused for censored data problems though it is equally well applicable for complete data scenarios as well. For the purpose of numerical illustration, we considered two real data sets on head and neck cancer patients when they have been treated using either radiotherapy or chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. The paper not only compares the survival functions for the two therapies assuming a lognormal model but also provides a model compatibility study based on predictive simulation results so that the choice of lognormal model can be justified for the two data sets. The ease of our analysis as compared to an earlier approach is certainly an advantage. © 2014 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Bio filtration of styrene using composite beads of wood charcoal and compost as biofilter media
(International Congress of Chemistry and Environment, 2015) S. Singh; S. Naidu; B.N. Rai; R.S. Singh
Bio filtration of Styrene laden air stream using (PVA/Charcoal + Compost/KNO3 Composite beads) as modified biofilter media was carried out for a period of 131 days. Media was characterized and results showed that it has most of the favourable properties required for biofiltration. Activated sludge from the aeration tank of a local sewage treatment plant after acclimation with Styrene was used as inoculum. Surface morphology of the biofilter media before and after inoculation using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) clearly indicated growth of bacteria along with some fungi on its surface. The maximum removal efficiency of 97.3 % was obtained at the styrene loading of 522.5g m-3 h-1 during the phase II without supply of nutrients to the packing media. During the whole experimental period total inlet loading rate of styrene was varied in the range of 17.5 to 1100.1 g m-3 h-1. The maximum elimination capacity of 870.9 g m-3 h-1 was obtained at the styrene loading of 990 g m-3 h-1.
Bio-filtration of trichloroethylene using diazotrophic bacterial community
(Elsevier Ltd, 2010) Awadhesh K. Shukla; Pranjali Vishwakarma; R.S. Singh; S.N. Upadhyay; Suresh K. Dubey
Biodegradation of TCE was studied in a biofilter packed with wood charcoal and inoculated with diazotrophic bacterial community isolated from local soil. Steady state TCE removal efficiencies higher than 85% were observed up to inlet load of 2.866 g m-3 h-1. The maximum elimination capacity of 5.31 gm-3 h-1 was observed at an inlet load of more than 7.90 g m-3 h-1. The biofilter was sensitive to fluctuations in the process conditions but could easily recover its performance after 10 days shutdown. Almost constant and small pressure drop per unit length and very negligible compaction was observed during the whole experimental period. The molecular analyses such as RT-PCR and gene sequencing revealed the presence of functionally active Azospirillum species in the biofilm. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Bioaerosol emissions from wastewater treatment process at urban environment and potential health impacts
(Academic Press, 2024) Yogesh Kumar Vishwakarma; Mayank; Kirpa Ram; Mukunda M. Gogoi; Tirthankar Banerjee; R.S. Singh
The inlet of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contains pathogenic microorganisms which during aeration and by mechanical mixing through wind typically aerosolized microbes into ambient air. Bioaerosol emission and its characterization (bacterial and fungal) was investigated considering low-flow and high-flow inlet of wastewater treatment plant. Generation of bioaerosols was found influenced by prevailing seasons while both during summer and winter, fungal concentration (winter: 1406 ± 517; summer: 1743 ± 271 CFU/m3) was higher compared to bacterial concentration (winter: 1077 ± 460; summer: 1415 ± 588 CFU/m3). Bioaerosols produced from WWTPs were predominately in the size range of 2.1–4.7 μm while fraction of fungal bioaerosols were also in ultra-fine range (0.65 μm). Bioaerosols reaching to the air from WWTPs varied seasonally and was calculated by aerosolization ratio. During summer, aerosolization of the bioaerosols was nearly 6 times higher than winter. To constitute potential health effects from the exposure to these bioaerosols, biological characterization, antibiotics resistance and the health survey of the nearby area were also performed. The biological characterization of the bioaerosols samples were done through metagenomic approach using 16s and ITS metagenomic sequencing. Presence of 167 genus of bacteria and 41 genus of fungi has been found. Out of this, bacillus (73%), curtobacterium (21%), pseudomonas, Exiguo bacterium, Acinetobacter bacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Prevotella were the dominant genus (top 10) of bacteria. In case of fungi, xylariales (49%), Hypocreales (19%), Coperinopsis (9%), Alternaria (8%), Fusarium (6%), Biopolaris, Epicoccum, Pleosporaceae, Cladosporium and Nectriaceae were dominant. Antibiotics like, Azithromycin and cefixime were tested on the most dominant bacillus showed resistance on higher concentration of cefixime and lower concentration of azithromycin. Population-based health survey in WWTP nearby areas (50–150 m periphery) found several types of diseases/symptoms including respiratory problem, skin rash/irritation, change in smell and taste, eye irritation within the resident population and workers. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd
Biofiltration of xylene using wood charcoal as the biofilter media under transient and high loading conditions
(Elsevier Ltd, 2017) Kiran Singh; B.S. Giri; Amrita Sahi; S.R. Geed; M.K. Kureel; Sanjay Singh; S.K. Dubey; B.N. Rai; Surendra Kumar; S.N. Upadhyay; R.S. Singh
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of wood charcoal as biofilter media under transient and high loading condition. Biofiltration of xylene was investigated for 150 days in a laboratory scale unit packed with wood charcoal and inoculated with mixed microbial culture at the xylene loading rates ranged from 12 to 553 g m−3 h−1. The kinetic analysis of the xylene revealed absence of substrate inhibition and possibility of achieving higher elimination under optimum condition. The pH, temperature, pressure drop and CO2 production rate were regularly monitored during the experiments. Throughout experimental period, the removal efficiency (RE) was found to be in the range of 65–98.7% and the maximum elimination capacity (EC) was 405.7 g m−3 h−1. Molecular characterization results show Bacillus sp. as dominating microbial group in the biofilm. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd