Browsing by Author "Saini N."

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    Algal Membrane Photo-Bioreactors for Efficient Removal of Emerging Contaminants and Resource Recovery: Current Advances and Future Outlook
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Saini N.; Dhull P.; Pal M.; Manzoor I.; Rao R.; Mushtaq B.; Aamir M.
    Emerging contaminants (ECs), whether of synthetic or natural origin, pose a significant environmental concern, particularly in the context of industrial wastewater. The Algae Membrane Photobioreactor (AMBR) has emerged as a promising technology for ECs remediation. AMBRs effectively remove contaminants due to its considerable flexibility, scalability and a huge surface area for pollutant adsorption. The productivity and efficiency of biomass are increased when it operates in regulated conditions, which minimizes land footprint. AMBR hold immense appeal in favoring integrated circular economy approach and its implementation could achieve the goals for carbon-neutrality and resource recovery by producing value-added products like biofuels, bioplastics, biochemicals, animal feed, biofertilizers and waste re-uses. However, addressing scalability, harvesting efficiency, membrane fouling, algal strain optimization, economic viability, and regulatory approval are some of the challenges faced in order to the advancement of AMBR technology. Life cycle assessments (LCA) and techno-economic assessments (TEAs) are crucial area of future research in implementation of AMBR at pilot scale. LCA evaluates the sustainability of AMBRs with those of conventional techniques. In contrast, TEA examines economic viability parameters like cost-effectiveness, by-product market potential, and policy implications for AMBR implementation. This review emphasizes AMBR's advantages over conventional wastewater treatment technologies in detail, focusing on algal physiology responsible for ECs removal. The innovations related to the design and configuration of AMBRs are also discussed. Several benefits of this technology via integrated circular paradigm are highlighted. Noteworthy pilot case studies, LCA, TEA, challenges and future perspective are spotlighted to underscore the compelling promise of this technology. � 2024 Elsevier Ltd
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    Deciphering Toxic Pollutants Breakdown Potential in Microbial Community of Chumathang Hot Spring, Ladakh, India via Shotgun Metagenome Sequencing
    (Springer, 2024) Saini N.; Aamir M.; Khan Z.A.; Singh V.K.; Sah P.; Mona S.
    Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have been in focus of research due to their massive contamination of�environment and bio-accumulation. Bioremediation and high-throughput research have gained momentum to curb the harmful effects of POPs. The present research has explored the microbial diversity of Chumathang Hot Spring, Ladakh, India, through Illumina metagenomic HiSeq 4000 sequencing platform and their potential to degrade persistent pollutants, especially xenobiotics. Taxonomic characterization based on raw metagenomic data illuminated the abundance of members of Pseudomonadota and Actinomyceota. The re-construction of the microbial genomes from assembled contigs and scaffolds using de novo assembler metaSPAdes and their further annotation through contig alignment with available reference genomes elucidated the landscape of the hot spring's microbes. The predominantly occupied key genera reported were Pannonibacter and Novosphingobium. Comparative genomic analysis established evolutionary relationships and functional diversities among hot spring microbial communities. The function annotation through MG-RAST has revealed their metabolic versatility of degrading a wide array of xenobiotic compounds, including caprolactam, dioxin, chlorobenzene, benzoate, and. Further, the hydroxylating dioxygenase (Saro_3901) was identified as a pivotal component in the aromatic degradation pathways, showcasing extensive metabolic interconnectivity. Interestingly, protein interaction network analysis identified hub genes like Saro_1233 (protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase alpha subunit), while Saro_3057 (amidase) was noted for its critical role in network communication and control. The resilience of thermal ecosystems, evidenced by robust enzymatic activity and degradation capability among organisms with < 95% genetic similarity, underscores their potential for industrial and bioremediation exploration, emphasizing the importance of preserving and studying biodiverse habitats. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) � The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.