Browsing by Author "Rajeev Pratap Singh"

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A comprehensive study on aquatic chemistry, health risk and remediation techniques of cadmium in groundwater
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Monika Mahajan; Pankaj Kumar Gupta; Anita Singh; Barkha Vaish; Pooja Singh; Richa Kothari; Rajeev Pratap Singh
Cadmium (Cd), a non-essential trace element, it's intrusion in groundwater has ubiquitous implications on the environment and human health. This review is an approach to comprehensively emphasize on i) chemistry and occurrence of Cd in groundwater and its concomitant response on human health ii) sustainable Cd remediation techniques, iii) and associated costs. Current study is depending on meta-analysis of Cd contaminations in groundwater and discusses its distributions around the globe. Literature review primarily comprises from the last three decades online electronic published database, which mainly includes i) research literatures, ii) government reports. On the basis of meta-data, it was concluded that Cd mobility depends on multiple factors: such as pH, redox state, and ionic strength, dissolved organic (DOC) and inorganic carbon (DIC). A substantially high Cd concentration has been reported in Lagos, Nigeria (0.130 mg/L). In India, groundwater is continuing to be contaminated by Cd in the proximity of industrial, agricultural areas, high concentrations (>8.20 mg/L) were reported in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Depending on chemical behavior and ionic radius cadmium disseminate into the food chain and ultimately cause health hazard that can be measured by various index-based assessment tools. Instead of chemical adsorbents, nanoparticles, phytoextraction, and bioremediation techniques can be very useful in the remediation and management of Cd polluted groundwater at a low-cost. For Cd pollution, the development of a comprehensive framework that links the hydro-geological, bio-geochemical processes to public health is important and need to be further studied. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.
A holistic review on trend, occurrence, factors affecting pesticide concentration, and ecological risk assessment
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2023) Rajeev Pratap Singh; Monika Mahajan; Kavita Gandhi; Pankaj Kumar Gupta; Anita Singh; Prafull Singh; Rahul Kumar Singh; Mohd Kashif Kidwai
Demographic outbursts and increased food demands invoke excessive use of pesticides in the agricultural field for increasing productivity which leads to the relentless decline of riverine health and its tributaries. These tributaries are connected to a plethora of point and non-point sources that transport pollutants including pesticides into the Ganga river’s mainstream. Simultaneous climate change and lack of rainfall significantly increase pesticide concentration in the soil and water matrix of the river basin. This paper is intended to review the paradigm shift of pesticide pollution in the last few decades in the river Ganga and its tributaries. Along with this, a comprehensive review suggests the ecological risk assessment method which facilitates policy development, sustainable riverine ecosystem management, and decision-making. Before 2011, the total mixture of Hexachlorocyclohexane was found at 0.004–0.026 ng/mL in Hooghly, but now, the concentration has increased up to 0.465–4.132 ng/mL. Aftermath of critical review, we observed maximum residual commodities and pesticide contamination reported in Uttar Pradesh > West Bengal > Bihar > Uttara Khand possibly because of agricultural load, increasing settlement, and incompetency of sewage treatment plant in the reclamation of pesticide contamination. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Abundance of ammonia-oxidizing organisms across a gradient of preserved Brazilian Cerrado
(International Society for Tropical Ecology, 2017) Ademir Sérgio Ferreira de Araújo; Sandra Mara Barbosa Rocha; Vilma Maria Dos Santos; Rajeev Pratap Singh; Radomir Schmidt; Kate M. Scow
The Brazilian cerrado comprises a diverse vegetation gradient with soils of different physicochemical properties. Previous studies have reported that these different physicochemical properties influence the responses of soil microbial properties. However, no study to date has evaluated the responses of ammonia-oxidizing organisms across the gradient of Brazilian cerrado. In this study, we measured the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) across the Cerrado gradient in northeast Brazil. Soil samples were collected in grassland, Cerrado sensu stricto and cerradao. The qPCR was performed using primers 341F/534R and Arch771F/957R for bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA gene amplification, respectively. The archaeal and bacterial amoA gene amplifications were carried out using primers Arch-amoAF/AR and A189 and amoA-2R′, respectively. The abundance of archaea, AOA, AOB, and AOA/AOB ratio varied according to the sites; while the abundance of bacteria that did not vary between sites. Usually, AOA and AOB were highest in cerradao than grassland. There were significant correlations between physicochemical and microbial properties and the multivariate analysis clearly separated the sites according to physicochemical and microbial properties. Interestingly, all sites were also clearly separated between the dry and rainy seasons, with soil moisture appearing to be one of the dominant factors influencing cluster separation. In conclusion, the different physicochemical properties of the soil found across the gradient influenced the ammonia-oxidizing archaea, while ammonia-oxidizing bacteria was not driven by these properties. © International Society for Tropical Ecology.
Agricultural utilization of biosolids: A review on potential effects on soil and plant grown
(Elsevier Ltd, 2017) Bhavisha Sharma; Abhijit Sarkar; Pooja Singh; Rajeev Pratap Singh
Environmental and economic implications linked with the proper ecofriendly disposal of modern day wastes, has made it essential to come up with alternative waste management practices that reduce the environmental pressures resulting from unwise disposal of such wastes. Urban wastes like biosolids are loaded with essential plant nutrients. In this view, agricultural use of biosolids would enable recycling of these nutrients and could be a sustainable approach towards management of this hugely generated waste. Therefore biosolids i.e. sewage sludge can serve as an important resource for agricultural utilization. Biosolids are characterized by the occurrence of beneficial plant nutrients (essential elements and micro and macronutrients) which can make help them to work as an effective soil amendment, thereby minimizing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. However, biosolids might contain toxic heavy metals that may limit its usage in the cropland. Heavy metals at higher concentration than the permissible limits may lead to food chain contamination and have fatal consequences. Biosolids amendment in soil can improve physical and nutrient property of soil depending on the quantity and portion of the mixture. Hence, biosolids can be a promising soil ameliorating supplement to increase plant productivity, reduce bioavailability of heavy metals and also lead to effective waste management. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Agro-environmental consequences of quality protein maize (QPM) hybrid development with special emphasis of soil nitrogen management
(Plant Archives, 2018) Saket Kumar; Abhijit Sarkar; Rajeev Pratap Singh; Rajesh Singh
Maize (Zea mays L.) ranks within the top three widely cultivated and consumed crops worldwide. More than one-third of the global population at both developed and underdeveloped countries depend on maize as their primary dietary supplement. During late 1990's, quality protein maize (QPM) hybrid was developed mainly to provide higher amounts of both the amino acids lysine and tryptophan, essential for humans and monogastric animals, through conventional crop breeding system. As a result of superior hybrid nature, QPM also shows improved tolerance to different environmental conditions and grows across a wide range of agro-ecological zones. In general, QPM inbred lines develop at both winter and summer season. The phenological responses and yield performance of QPM are significantly better than that of normal maize varieties. The nitrogen (N) utilization dynamics of QPM is also very interesting. Usually, it produces higher grain yield under lower N levels. The critical value of N plays an important role in tryptophan and lysine production of QPM. Therefore, lysine and tryptophan fluctuations might act as markers to understand regulatory aspects of amino acid synthesis in QPM plants under different N levels. The present review aims to catalogue previously published works at this sphere, and plans to draw a roadmap for the future researchers.
An insight to atmospheric pollution- Improper waste management and climate change nexus
(Springer International Publishing, 2017) Bhavisha Sharma; Barkha Vaish; Vaibhav Srivastava; Sonu Singh; Pooja Singh; Rajeev Pratap Singh
Urbanization and industrialization along with expansion of the cities, extract resources indiscriminately in order to provide better access to food security, education, health and employment. However, accompanying this urbanization and industrialization, there is an increase in generation of vast amount of waste. Per capita waste generation is closely related to high quality life style, consumer pattern and economic development. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is affected by many drivers (socio-economic, political, environmental, etc.) and its impact differs from country to country. The scenario is worse and complicated in developing countries due to negligence in waste management sector. Improper waste management has emerged as one of the potent source of series of air pollutants that arises concerns over ambient air quality, environmental degradation and public health. Overall waste sector is estimated to contribute around 3-5% of global greenhouse emission. But, this estimate does not include the emission from the uncollected waste that decays anaerobically and is the main cause of methane generation which has not yet been quantified. Therefore, it is imperative to integrate proper waste management technologies especially for developing economies. Thus, this chapter attempts to relate the nexus between improper management of municipal solid waste and climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through proven technologies and existing policies. © Springer International Publishing AG 2018.
An insight to municipal solid waste management of Varanasi city, India, and appraisal of vermicomposting as its efficient management approach
(Springer, 2020) Vaibhav Srivastava; Barkha Vaish; Rajeev Pratap Singh; Pooja Singh
Varanasi, India’s historic cultural capital, struggles with efficient waste management practices. This impacts environment and human well-being in terms of waste generation that is estimated around 550–650 TPD with a generation rate of 0.42 kg capita−1 day−1 (n = 117). The present study aims to explore and characterize wastes, current practices, ecological profiling, and phytotoxicity of an abandoned open dumping site, and vermicomposting of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) as sustainable waste management approach. Compositional analysis of waste indicates organic fraction (46.13%) as a major component along with a considerable amount of heavy metals. The calorific value and moisture content of municipal solid waste (MSW) was 2351.4 cal g−1 and 34.72%, respectively. Ecological profiling of the dumping site revealed that floral diversity and ecological species/indicators were negatively affected. Likewise, phytotoxicity results displayed a negative impact on germination and physiology of maize (Zea mays L.) plants grown on dumping site soil. Vermistabilization of OFMSW showed a significant increase in N (56.10–89.48%), P (33.93–82.87%), and K (25.55–50.42%) and a decrease in total organic carbon (15.15–24.81%). Similarly, C/N and C/P ratios decreased by 1.89–2.51 and 1.72–2.18 folds, respectively. A survey of stakeholders suggested that open dumping was the main practice adopted by Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) during 2013–2015. Recently (2017–2018), VMC adopted different methods, such as door-to-door collection and source segregation for effective waste management. Waste characteristics and nutrient profile of the vermicompost explains that vermicomposting could be used for efficient waste management in Varanasi, further reducing the collection, transportation, and disposal costs of waste, which enables to close the loop and move towards a circular economy. Moreover, implications of existing waste management practices and possible management options need to be addressed scientifically. Therefore, this research outcome will help in designing a successful waste management plan for Varanasi and other cities with similar waste characteristics. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
An Overview on Heavy Metal Contamination of Water System and Sustainable Approach for Remediation
(Springer Singapore, 2021) Indrani Mukherjee; Umesh Kumar Singh; Rajeev Pratap Singh
The occurrence of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) in water systems is a well-recognized threat to public health and biota at global scale due to their higher toxicity even at lower concentration. HMs in aqueous systems may cause several morbidities to the humans including tremors, anxiety and depression, infertility, memory losses, kidney dysfunction, digestive problems, poor immune function, recurrent infections, skin diseases, infertility, catastrophic diseases, or even cancers. HMs in water systems cause significant histopathological alterations in tissues of aquatic organisms including behavioral anomalies and structural damages such as vertebral deformities. Industrial activities such as thermal power plants, coal/mineral mines, electroplating, metal smelting, textiles, leather, e-waste processing, and chemical industries discharge numerous HMs into the soil, atmosphere, surface water courses, and eventually groundwater systems through runoff, atmospheric deposition, percolation, and leaching during subsequent recharge of the aquatic systems. Furthermore, geogenic sources such as volcanic eruptions, weathering of the HM-bearing minerals, mixing, sorption/desorption, and ion exchange processes release HMs into the aqueous environments where rock-water interaction time plays an important role. Sea water intrusion has also been attributed as the source of many HMs in groundwater of coastal aquifer. Geological profile consisting of igneous rocks (such as basaltic and granite) and sedimentary rocks (such as sandstone, clays, and shales) are the important sources of several HMs in water systems. Mitigation of the HM pollution in water systems is essential at the endemic sites in order to reduce and control the exposure of humans, aquatic habitants, and biota. Source reduction techniques along with phytoremediation and bioremediation techniques are found to be effective to reduce the HM concentration in aquatic systems as well as environment friendly and economic. However, HMs from water can also be removed by the nanoparticles, ion exchange, adsorption, membrane filtration, chemical precipitation, coagulation-flocculation, and electrochemical treatment methods. Adsorption over biomass-derived bio-sorbents has provided the capability to treat wastewater on a large scale. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.
Analysis and advanced characterization of municipal solid waste vermicompost maturity for a green environment
(Academic Press, 2020) Vaibhav Srivastava; Gaurav Goel; Vijay Kumar Thakur; Rajeev Pratap Singh; Ademir Sergio Ferreira de Araujo; Pooja Singh
Rapid demographic expansion along with increasing urbanization has aggravated the problem of solid waste management. Therefore, scientists are seeking waste management methods that are eco-friendly, cost effective and produce immediate results. In the developing world, municipal solid waste (MSW) contains mostly organic substances, therefore vermicomposting could be a better and cost-effective option for waste management. In this study, vermicomposting of organic portion of MSW with cow dung (additive) was performed using Eisenia fetida. The results showed significant (p < 0.001) decline in pH (13.17%), TOC (21.70%), C: N (62.53%) and C: P (57.66%) ratios, whilst total N (108.9%), P (84.89%) and K (21.85%) content increased (p < 0.001) in matured vermicompost. Different enzymatic activities declined during termination phase of vermicomposting experiment with maximum decrease of 41.72 (p = 0.002) and 39.56% (p = 0.001) in protease and β-glucosidase, respectively. FT-IR, TGA, DSC and SEM studies suggested that final vermicompost was more stabilized as compared to initial waste mixture, characterized by reduced levels of aliphatic materials, carbohydrates and increase in aromatic groups possibly due to biosynthesis of humic substances. Both, the conventional (physicochemical and enzyme activity) and advanced techniques depict maturity and stability of the ready vermicompost. However, FT-IR, TGA, DSC and SEM were proved to be more promising, fast and reliable techniques over conventional analyses. © 2019
Application of Wastewater in Irrigation and Its Regulation with Special Reference to Agriculture Residues
(Springer Singapore, 2021) Monika; Rajeev Pratap Singh; Pooja Singh; Richa Kothari; Kaushik Gautam; Anita Singh
Growing urban agglomeration across the world has promoted unscientific disposal of wastewater. In this view, wastewater exploitation in agriculture is a sustainable way of its utilization. Application of wastewater as irrigation water serves several goals such as promoting sustainable agriculture in an arid and semiarid region, preserving scarce water resources, and maintaining growth of plants. However, inadequate practices of wastewater application in present decades have resulted severe environmental issues like degrading river quality, groundwater pollution, heavy metal contamination, deterioration in soil health and nearby water reservoir quality, etc. With the treatment, the wastewater can be purified up to a certain level, but they cannot remove some constituents like heavy metals, pesticides, and other organic and inorganic compounds. Due to the unpredictable and unstable nature of wastewater, this becomes costly to treat either physically, chemically, or biologically. In this context, with the application of some sustainable strategies, the contamination can be reduced up to a certain extent particularly for heavy metals. Among all strategies, the applications of agricultural residues such as rice husk, sawdust, and other amendments are found to be the most suitable and lucrative way of reducing metal availability. Therefore, adjusted and scientific use of wastewater with certain treatment can be an economic and environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers for enhancing crop productivity and crop yield and, at the same time, help in handling wastewater as a valuable resource. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.
Assessment of naturally occurring radionuclides in the coastal sediment with statistical analysis of radiological risk parameters
(IWA Publishing, 2025) Kumar Pandion; Kantha Deivi Arunachalam; Abdel Rhman Gaafar; Bandar Mohsen Ahmed ALMunqedhi; Sowmya Kuppusamy; Rajeev Pratap Singh; M. Chandrasekaran; Mohammed Junaid Hussain Dowlath; Soonwoong Chang; Balsubramani Ravindran
This study reports on the spatial distributions of naturally occurring 238U, 232Th, 40K, 222Rn, and 220Rn from sediments across the coastal zone of the Bay of Bengal (BoB). The mean values of 238U, 232Th, and 40K activity are 23.42, 80.95, and 292.49 Bq kg-1, and the 220Rn surface mass exhalation rate value of 1,225.33 was calculated by 2.54 mBq kg-1 h-1. The radionuclide concentration range in all the samples estimated in the coastal region was 220Rn > 40K > 232Th > 238U and the radiological risk parameters (Raeq, DR, AEDE, AGDE, Iγr, AUI, Hex, Hin, and ELCR) were higher in the Kanyakumari region and lower in the Puducherry region of the BoB. The radionuclide levels of 232Th, 238U, and 220Rn displayed a strong step of positive association with all parameters of radiological hazards through constants of r > 0.75. This showed that radiation risks were correlated with, and regulated by, 238U and 232Th concentrations. Therefore, coastline sediments do not pose any serious hazard, and the statistics obtained from this analysis will serve as the reference data for the activity of natural radionuclides in sediments across the coastal zone of the BoB. © 2025 The Authors.
Bioaccumulation of fluoride in plants and its microbially assisted remediation: A review of biological processes and technological performance
(MDPI, 2021) Rakesh Kumar; Rama Sinha; Pushpa Kumari Sharma; Nishita Ivy; Pawan Kumar; Nishi Kant; Aprajita Jha; Prakash Kumar Jha; Pankaj Kumar Gupta; Prabhakar Sharma; Rakesh Kumar Singh; Rajeev Pratap Singh; Ashok Ghosh; P.V. Vara Prasad
Fluoride is widely found in soil–water systems due to anthropogenic and geogenic activities that affect millions worldwide. Fluoride ingestion results in chronic and acute toxicity, including skeletal and dental fluorosis, neurological damage, and bone softening in humans. Therefore, this review paper summarizes biological processes for fluoride remediation, i.e., bioaccumulation in plants and microbially assisted systems. Bioremediation approaches for fluoride removal have recently gained prominence in removing fluoride ions. Plants are vulnerable to fluoride accumulation in soil, and their growth and development can be negatively affected, even with low fluoride content in the soil. The microbial bioremediation processes involve bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and biosorption. Bacterial, fungal, and algal biomass are ecologically efficient bioremediators. Most bioremediation techniques are laboratory-scale based on contaminated solutions; however, treatment of fluoride-contaminated wastewater at an industrial scale is yet to be investigated. Therefore, this review recommends the practical applicability and sustainability of microbial bioremediation of fluoride in different environments. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Bioactive compost: An approach for managing plant growth in environmentally stressed soils
(Springer Singapore, 2020) Shivani Chaudhary; Barkha Vaish; Rajeev Pratap Singh; Vishal Prasad
The use of bioactive compost for improving the quality of plants and to increase their growth and yield in environmentally stressed soils is a promising approach as they contain beneficial microorganisms as one of the components applied to the soil supplying the plants with its nutritional needs by converting elements through their biological activity from unavailable form to available form which can be absorbed and assimilated. They may also provide the plants with growth stimulating factors such as hormones and other plant growth regulators. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020. All rights reserved.
Biobased treatment and resource recovery from slaughterhouse wastewater via reutilization and recycling for sustainable waste approach
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Richa Kothari; Rifat Azam; Anu Bharti; Kajol Goria; Tanu Allen; Veeramuthu Ashokkumar; Deepak Pathania; Rajeev Pratap Singh; V.V. Tyagi
Growing demands for meat production have resulted in the establishment of number of slaughterhouses. However, different processing and manufacturing units of the slaughterhouses leads to the generation of wastewater that pollute the water bodies and cause harm to organisms residing in the vicinity. A rise in the overall water footprint level from the whole process is also an emerging issue. The wastewater produced from slaughterhouses needs to be disposed of properly after suitable, efficient and economically viable treatments. Numerous treatment technologies are being explored for better decontamination of wastewater and production of valuable end products (VAEP). A variety of value-added products are produced during the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater as it is quite a rich source of organic matter, and it can be utilized in industries for the manufacturing of several products. This article is focused on evaluation of sustainable approach for treating slaughterhouse wastewater. Some of the biological treatment options called bioremediation are also explored which includes phytoremediation and phycoremediation of slaughterhouse wastewater (SHWW). This review has also summarized the reasons for variable water footprint in the slaughterhouse operational process and strategies to lower the level down. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd
Biochemical, morphological, and yield responses of lady's finger plants to varying ratios of palm oil mill waste (decanter cake) application as a bio-fertilizer
(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2013) Asha Embrandiri; Rajeev Pratap Singh; Mahamad Hakimi Ibrahim
Background: Decanter cake is produced in large amounts, and its disposal is a major concern in palm-producing countries. Growth morphology and biochemical responses of lady's finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants grown on soil amended with different ratios of decanter cake (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were investigated. Results: The soil pH decreased (unamended soil), whereas the electrical conductivity increased as compared with the control. There was a significant difference in ascorbic acid content with the increase in treatment ratio. Phenol content was however highest in 20% of the amendment (13.197 ± 0.36mg g-1). Conclusions: The results indicate that decanter cake amendments of up to 10% may be a probable substitute for inorganic fertilizers with respect to lady's finger (A. esculentus) plants due to high nutrient content, yield and biomass, as well as morphological characteristics. However, there were observable negative effects after 10% decanter cake amendment ratios. © 2013, Embrandiri et al.; licensee Springer.
Biochemical, physiological, and yield responses of lady’s finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) grown on varying ratios of municipal solid waste vermicompost
(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2018) Vaibhav Srivastava; Sanjay Kumar Gupta; Pooja Singh; Bhavisha Sharma; Rajeev Pratap Singh
Purpose: In the present study, effect of earthworm-processed MSW was seen on biochemical, physiological, and yield responses of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Methods: Plants were grown on different amendment ratios of municipal solid waste vermicompost (MSWVC). Pot experiments were conducted by mixing MSWVC at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% ratios to the agricultural soil. Results: An increase in photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of plants grown at 20 and 40% MSWVC amendment ratios was observed. Total chlorophyll, carotenoid, and protein contents also increased significantly in 20, 40, and 60% amendment ratios at 65 days after germination (DAG). Likewise, proline, peroxidase, and lipid peroxidation increased with increasing levels of MSWVC at both 45 and 65 DAG. Conclusion: The study suggests that MSWVC could be used as organic amendment in soil depicted by good yield and antioxidative response of lady’s finger (A. esculentus) at different amendments of MSWVC (up to 60% w/w ratios). Furthermore, agricultural utilization of MSWVC will help in managing dreadful effects of the burgeoning amount of organic solid waste. © 2018, The Author(s).
Biological response of using municipal solid waste compost in agriculture as fertilizer supplement
(Springer Netherlands, 2016) Vaibhav Srivastava; Ademir Sergio Ferreira De Araujo; Barkha Vaish; Shannon Bartelt-Hunt; Pooja Singh; Rajeev Pratap Singh
Waste management and declining soil fertility are the two main issues experienced by all developing nations, like India. Nowadays, agricultural utilization of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is one of the most promising and cost effective options for managing solid waste. It is helpful in solving two current burning issues viz. soil fertility and MSW management. However, there is always a potential threat because MSW may contain pathogens and toxic pollutants. Therefore, much emphasis has been paid to composting of MSW in recent years. Application of compost from MSW in agricultural land helps in ameliorating the soil’s physico-chemical properties. Apart from that it also assists in improving biological response of cultivated land. Keeping the present situation in mind, this review critially discusses the current scenario, agricultural utilization of MSWcompost, role of soil microbes and soil microbial response on municipal solid waste compost application. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2016.
Biological responses of agricultural soils to fly-ash amendment
(Springer New York LLC, 2014) Rajeev Pratap Singh; Bhavisha Sharma; Abhijit Sarkar; Chandan Sengupta; Pooja Singh; Mahamad Hakimi Ibrahim
Increased urbanization and industrialization worldwide has resulted in increased releases of solid waste, and enhanced environmental pollution around the globe. There are several categories of solid waste and these include sewage sludge, and municipal solid wastes (Singh et al. 2011). Fly Ash (FA), a coal combustion residue (CCR), is a major type of solid waste. The global dependence on coal as a major source of energy production, especially to produce electricity, has made FA a prime solid waste problem and a growing environmental pollutant. Proven global coal reserves have been estimated at 847 billion tons for the year 2007 (Sarkar et al. 2012). The USA has the largest share of global coal reserves (25.4 %), followed by Russia (15.9 %), China (11.6 %) and India (8.6 %) (Sarkar et al. 2012). Since India became independent in 1947, there has been a rapid increase in power generation, largely dominated by coal-based thermal generation constituting about 79 % of total production. Energy production has increased from a capacity of 1,362 MW in 1947 to 120,000 MW in 2005. The Indian government plans to increase installed capacity to 300,000 MW by 2017 (Kumar et al. 2005; Vaidya 2009). India, like the United States, Russia and China, possesses abundant coal reserves, and coal-fueled generation of electricity is the common national policy (Singh et al. 2012; Sarkar et al. 2012). © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.
Biomethanation potential of algal biomass
(Springer International Publishing, 2017) Barkha Vaish; Pooja Singh; Prabhat Kumar Singh; Rajeev Pratap Singh
[No abstract available]
Characterization of heavy metal pollution in an anthropogenically and geologically influenced semi-arid region of east India and assessment of ecological and human health risks
(Elsevier B.V., 2020) Indrani Mukherjee; Umesh Kumar Singh; Rajeev Pratap Singh; Anshumali; Deepa Kumari; Pawan Kumar Jha; Pankaj Mehta
The present study evaluated the heavy metal contamination in groundwater and associated ecological and human health risks of a geologically and anthropogenically diverse semi-arid region of Birbhum district, India. For a reliable evaluation, concentrations of nine heavy metals in 680 groundwater samples (N = 680) which were collected during premonsoon and postmonsoon seasons of consecutive two years from 170 wells were measured. The human health risk assessment using the USEPA model which is based on single value for each parameter may inherit certain inaccuracy and uncertainties in the evaluation. Unlike earlier studies, a higher degree of accuracy in carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health risk assessments was achieved through Monte Carlo simulations, sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis. The study revealed the occurrence of the target heavy metals in groundwater with mean dominance order of Fe > Zn > Sr > Mn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cd where mean concentrations of the carcinogens, Pb and Fe exceeded their maximum permissible limits. The water quality status evaluated using the modified heavy metal pollution index, Nemerow index and Heavy metal evaluation index methods resulted in medium to high heavy metal contamination in groundwater within a large portion of the study area which indicated its unsuitability for drinking purpose. The study suspects a moderate to very high risk for the groundwater dependent ecosystems in major part of the study area. The study further revealed cancer risks, ranging from high to very high within the residents due to accumulative exposure of the carcinogenic heavy metals in groundwater through ingestion and dermal contact. Minor populations of the study area were found to be more vulnerable to the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic diseases than teenagers and adults, mainly through oral exposure. The study recommends the residents to consume treated groundwater since the primary route of heavy metal exposure was identified to be the ingestion route. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.