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Eco-Auditing
 
 
Revegetation of overburden dump
 
Vegetating the fly ash dykes or landfills by systematic means enhances stability, optimum plant productivity and post-mining land use8. Since re-vegetation objectives may not be met if a suitable soil environment is not provided, intervention of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and bacteria can help in creating a functional soil. The objective of the were to (i) identify and evaluate micro-organism that are resistant to fly ash toxicity and their use in bioremediation of fly ash dykes, and (ii) effectiveness of indigenous and non-indigenous isolates and their stress adaptation and tolerance mechanisms for inoculation in revegetation practice.

The study was under taken at Thermal Power Plant, Renusagar. Thorough surveys of the fly ash dykes samples were taken for isolation and characterization of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza(VAM) and bacteria. The feeder roots in the rhizosphere of all the plants species growing on the fly ash dykes were studied for VAM. Four mycorrhizal fungi were found to colonize the roots of Azadiracta indica, Cynodon dactylon, species of Cassia, Prosopis and Perkinsonia. The fungi identified belong to genus – Glomus, Scutellospora. Glomus sps was found to form mycorrhizal association with both the garden and fly ash seedlings, respectively. A. indica and C. dactylon plants growing in the garden soil formed mycorrhizae with three out of four VAM fungus species while C. dactylon and D. sisoo growing in fly ash were infected with only two VAM species viz: Glomus sps. and Scutellospora sps (Figure 1). Number of chlamydospores isolated from rhizosphere soil ranged from 315 in C. dactylon growing in garden soil to 88/100 g soil in D. sisoo growing in flyash medium respectively. Percent root colonization varied significantly in the plant species investigated. It was as high as 65.7% of C. dactylon growing in garden soil and the only 25.10% in D. sissoo growing in flyash respectively. Further analytical as well as comparative studies of the morphological and physico-chemical variations between plants and AM fungal populations in their rhizosphere are in progress in order to identify heavy metal tolerant and/or hyperaccumulator ecotypes and the mechanism of hyperaccumulation and tolerance involved. The potential phytoremediation of soil can be enhanced by inoculating plants perceived to be the most efficient hyperaccumulator with AM fungal appropriate for heavy metal contaminated sites.
     
     
A
B
 C

Figure 1. VAM infection in the stained root (A), and, chlamydospores of Scutelospora sps. (B) and Glomus sps. (C).
 
 
Bioremediation of polluted water bodies: an ecofriendly and sustainable approach
 
The freshwater ponds have come under considerable threat owing to the fast pace of development. Surveys of the ponds in Lucknow area show that large quantities of inorganic nutrients present in effluents from garbage dumps and runoff of drains from households and small industries located in residential areas have contaminated the water bodies with heavy metals, solid wastes, suspended solids, volatile solids, organic matters, macro and micro-nutrients. The major heavy metals found in the water were lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, zinc, copper and nickel. Fluoride, phosphate, nitrate and chloride levels were also beyond the specified Indian standards for inland surface water. Oil and grease are also above the permissible limit17.
Extensive water sampling was carried out (seasonal) in the selected ponds from different sites in a pond body (Figure 2). The water was analysed for physical and chemical characteristics. Nutrients were analysed as it is the indicator of water quality to promote plant growth. While dealing with the ions and metal studies extra care was given to avoid any contamination from other sources. The microbial culture was developed to isolate the bacteria and fungul colonies. The floral and faunal diversity of the ponds were also estimated.
 

Figure 2. Site showing depth gradients for water sampling of a pond
 
The post and pre monsoon data show the change in the ion chemistry of water where most of the ions get diluted and provide more nutritious environment for the growth of flora and fauna as most of the fresh water animals live in hypotonic solution.

A leachate study (shoreline) was undertaken to evaluate soil related factors that contribute to the nutrient of the water body. Three ponds : one (ISG) located in the mid of city; another (RJP) was selected for its unique character as it is situated on the outskirts of the Lucknow city and receives the agricultural run off; third (BT) is situated in the underdeveloped, locality and surrounded by the slums. Porosity of each types of soil varied greatly. The results of leachate analysis showed that the cations were high in the RJP system. It also had high reactive tracers such as phosphates and nitrates. Studies are being undertaken to know the concentration of nutrients especially on the shoreline at and after rainy seasons.

Role of Phragmitis and Vetiver in removing the chemical pollutants especially the phosphates and nitrate has been investigated for the removal of soluble reactive phosphates (SRP). SRP are the chief source of eutrophication in surface water bodies. The species viz., Phragmitis karka (Common reed) and Vetiver zizanioides (Khas) were grown ex-situ and were subjected to the high concentration of PO4-2 more than a threshold level. The exposure time was also taken in consideration for the total uptake of ions. Both the plants Phragmitis karka and Vetiver showed significant uptake of phosphate. The plants were also tested for remediation of nitrogen species and bacteria. The rhizomatous roots render the exceptional property of ion uptake (Figure 3).
 
Figure 3. Vetiver floats for phytoremediation of pond water
 
A Remediation System for pond water has been developed. Combination of non toxic and non-hazardous chemicals have been used to reduce pollutants including bacteriological profile.
An aquatic treatment system consisting of a series of steps has been developed for biological treatment of polluted water. This system consista of two flow based models (1) Horizontal surface flow model and (2) Vertical surface flow model. The system has been tested in lab and is being constructed at two major ponds of Lucknow in collaboration of State Departments.
 
Evaluation of Microbial Biomass of degraded soil of U.P.
 
The present investigation was undertaken to determine the change ion the microbial system after restoration of degraded land to agricultural production system in U.P. The present studies opens a new door for the strategic management of the ecosystem. Microbial biomass is an indicator of soil amelioration.

Reclamation of sodic lands under traditional agriculture transformed the barren land into cultivated fields. However, the performance of crops, associated microbes differ from site to site corresponding to the intensity of the management practices and original soil conditions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the change in selected reclaimed areas after 5 years of reclamation and cultivation. The study aims to compare the soil microbial biomass of selected sites in the districts of U.P. where such type of survey has been done at zero year.

The earmarked sites were surveyed periodically and microbial biomass was recorded in different districts of U.P. Soil samples were analyzed for microbial biomass carbon. Microbial biomass in surface soil of rhizosphere (0-15 cm) at 5th year was highest in rainy season and it decreased significantly with soil depth. On an average, approximately 40-50% improvement in microbial biomass (gain percent) was noticed over the original sodic soils. The microbial biomass has still not achieved the expected status as compared to normal cultivated fields of the respective districts under study. Green manuring was recommended which has resulted in good growth of crops and restoration of land to the normal field stage.
 
Evaluation of Biodiversity in Mainpuri and Etawah Wetlands of U.P. frequented by Saras Cranes
 
The declining population of Sarus Crane in North India is of concern. National Botanical Research Institute undertook a study of habitat for probable causes of the decreasing population of the birds. The northern India, especially the lakes of Mainpuri and Etawah districts being the hotspot of these birds were the focus of study as contracted by the Remote Sensing Application Center. The most important habitat is Sarsai Nawar, which is in Etawah district and has the largest population of this threatened species of Sarus Crane. It is estimated that around 2500 – 3000 Cranes live in Etawah and Mainpuri districts.

Amberpur, Chenori, Sauj, Sarsai Nawar and Hasil tal wetlands in Mainpuri and Etawah districts were surveyed. Primary as well as secondary data were collected on various physical and biological parameters.

Water level was found considerably reduced at all the marked sites. Amberpur and Chenori lakes were found completely dried during February 2003 killing all the aquatic fauna. Dried lakes were completely/partially being used by the farmers for cultivation of crops. Less and shallow water has encouraged entry of pigs and other animals insides the lakes which in turn resulted in highly turbid muddy water. Crop residue left inside lakes (paddy straw) resulted in discoloration of lake water with oily layer on the surface. Empty packets of insecticide (Phorate) and herbicide (Losoproturan) were found inside lakes indicating misuse of lake water by farmers.

Large numbers of Sarus cranes were observed at the marked sites (202 at Sarsai Nawar and 149 at Hasil tal) in the winter months of 2003. Egreets were the dominant species of birds found inside the lakes. As many as 22 species of aquatic birds were recorded at the sites. The aquatic birds like coot, jacana and cormorants disappeared from the lakes with reduction in the water level thus disturbing the food chain.

Aquatic weed Ecchicornia and floating plant Azola were the predominant flora at the Chenori and Sauj lakes. Trapa was the major plant at Sarsai Nawar lake as it was being cultivated inside the lake water. Other aquatic flora recorded included Hydrilla verticilata, Hygrorhiza aristata, Spirodella polyrhiza, Segittaria lancifolia, Marselia minuta, Marselia minuta, Potamogeton species Limnobium spomgia, Chara najas and Ipomea aquatica. Wheat and mustard were the major crops being cultivated around the lakes. Other crops that were cultivated included paddy, chick pea, pigeon pea, green pea and potato. Aquatic fauna was dominated by prawn (Palaemon malcolmsonii) fish (Hetropneustus fossilis, Clarias batrachus, Labio rohita, Trichgaster species), pyla (Pyla globosa, Lymnaea columella, Physa gyrina, Helisona trivolvis) and aquatic insects.

Physical parameters of water EC, pH and E. coli count were within the normal range described by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, India for propagation of life and fisheries. BOD of water decreased with reduction in the water volume of the lake. Decrease in water level coupled with high human and animal (pigs) activity resulted in very high turbidity of lake water, which recorded up to 77.66 NTU.

However, apart from shallow water, turbidity of water, the pH, E coli counts and EC of the water (when available) was not in the alarming range and was fit for fish growth and thus there are indications and possibilities that if the lakes are managed, the farmers are not allowed to cultivate in the lake area and it can be kept free of animals like pigs, it can be recreated into a useful water body that will encourage Saras cranes and other visiting birds, fishes and other diversity that makes the food chain.
 
Establishment of ENVIS-NODE on “Plants and Pollution” in NBRI
 
The activities of the group were appreciated by the Minister of Environment and Forest, New Delhi who assigned a prestigious node for all technical and scientific information on Plants and Pollution. This node is a part of larger programme of Government of India known as ENVIS. The Group is involved in the development of this NODE by creation of website on “Plants and Pollution” with regional language interface. The website was officially launched on February 17, 2004. The website address is www.envisnbri.com. This website provides information of “Plants and Pollution” in the form of bibliography, database, patents, news, events and links to other organization working in this area. It answers queries from researches and public; established linkages with user organization and impart training to the environmentalists, industrialists etc., for proper use of vegetation for pollution abatement. The website has regional language interface having information in Hindi.

A comprehensive database of “Plants and Pollution” is available for easy search of relevant subject by researchers7.
The first ENVIS-NBRI newsletter has been published having the Topic “Tropospheric Ozone”. It can also be accessed through the website (Figure 4).
 
 
Figure 4. Home page of the website
 
 
Environment Impact Assessment and auditing of Industries
 
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one of the proven management tools for incorporating environmental concerns in development process and also in improved decision making. The growing awareness, over the years, on environmental protection and sustainable development has further given the needed emphasis on requirement of sound environmental management practices through preparation of Environmental Management Plans for minimizing the impacts from development activities.

NBRI has been recognized by State Pollution Control Board to undertake Environmental Impact Assessment and auditing of Industries. In this regard NBRI has undertaken studies for various industries.

Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study was undertaken for an industry to study current environmental impacts arising from the industry and prediction due to the de-bottlenecking of existing processes to maintain the production rate at a requisite level.

A detailed characterization of the environment in an area of 10km radius around the industry was carried out in different seasons. Monitoring of air, water, land, noise, biological and socio-economic components of environment was undertaken to evaluate the significant impacts of various operations on the surrounding environment.

The baseline data were used to make prediction models to delineate post-project (de-bottlenecking) environmental quality. The evaluation of quality of the environment subsequent to de-bottlenecking in all weather conditions without affecting the plant reliability and on-stream factor and simultaneously improving the energy efficiency of fertilizer complex, value functions for selected parameters have been developed through a weighing scale checklist adopting the Battelle Environmental Evaluation System. The Environmental Impact Assessment report was prepared having detailed Environment Management Plan (EMP) to suggest modifications/improvement in various environmental components. The report has been forwarded to State Pollution Control Board for approval to carry out de-bottlenecking in IGFL.
 
Energy flow, carbon and nitrogen cycling in Populus deltoides clones in north India
 
Three clones of Populus deltoides were planted on a degraded alluvium from the river Ganges at Lucknow, India (80° 53'E, 26° 42'N). These were studied for biomass production, energy conservation and nitrogen (N) cycling efficiency at 6–7 years of growth stage15. The clones did not differ from each other in energy and carbon (C) concentration, however, N concentration decreased significantly in the order G3>D121>G48. The average N concentration of the aerial plant components increased about 21% from lower to upper portions of the trees. Energy values in the root were less than the shoot. The C concentration was greater in woody components in comparison to leaf tissues, whereas the inverse pattern was recorded for N concentration. Energy, C and N contents in the standing crop were greatest in clone G3 followed by G48 and D121 clones. Though the fluxes of energy, C and N were greatest for clone G3 at community levels (tree and grass), at tree populations G48 was found to be more efficient in energy flow as well as C and N cycling. Trees having high N concentration in their foliage (G3) had greater N resorption prior to senescence. Clone G48 was found to be superior to others in N use efficiency based on wood or net production per unit of net N uptake. Integration of N uptake with energy fixation and C intake through a mathematical model estimated about 20 kg ha-1 year-1 of N demand for the sustained production of P. deltoides under the present set of conditions16.
 
S&T support for Monitoring and Analysis
 
  • S & T support was provided to industry for monitoring and analysis of their products such as fertilizers. The group has undertaken assessments from several industries such as Simbholi Sugar mill; for Government Institutions such as CSIR labs; multi national companies such as Asia Bio Energy etc. The group has provided support not only in the analysis of their products but also standardization of the products for field application and marketing.
  • Greenbelt designing of industries like GAIL, NTPC, Asia Bioenergy was undertaken. The trees were suggested depending on the pollution type, load and wind direction.
 
Acknowledgements
 
The group is grateful to Ministry of Environment and Forests, World Bank, HINDALCO, Indo Gulf Fertilisers Limited, Directorate of Environment U.P., Remote Sensing Application Centre U.P., and CSIR for financial support.
 
Literature cited
 
  1. Ahmad, K.J., Yunus, M., Singh, S.N. , K. Srivastava, Singh, N. and Kulshreshtha, K. (1988). In: Perspective in Environmental Botany. Vol.2, 1988 (Eds.) D.N. Rao, Ahmad, K.J. , Yunus, M. and Singh, S.N. . pp 283 - 306. Today and Tomorrows Printers and Publishers, New Delhi (India).
  2. Ahmad, K.J. , Yunus, M., Singh, S.N. , Kanti Srivastava, Nandita Singh, Pandey, V. and Jyoti Misra, (1991). My Forest 27: 355 - 360.
  3. Ali, M. B., Vajpayee, P., Tripathi, R.D., Rai, U.N., Kumar, A. Behl, H.M. & Singh, S.P. (2000). Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 65:573 - 582.
  4. Amit, P., Kulshreshtha, K., Ahmad, K.J. & Behl, H.M. (2002). Flora 197:47 - 55.
  5. Farooqui, A., Farooqui, S. A., Kulshreshtha, K., Srivastava, K., Ahmad, K.J. , Yunus, M. and Singh, N., (1995). Ind. J. Agri. Res., 30: 157 - 163.
  6. Khan, A.M., Pandey, V., Shukla, J., Singh, Nandita, Yunus, M., Singh S.N. and Ahmad, K.J. (1990). Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 44: 865 - 870.
  7. Mehrotra, S. and Singh, N. (2002). In: Conference of Women Scientists and Technologists: Role in National Development. DBT and Dept. of Women and Child Development. Govt. of India pp 113 - 117.
  8. Misra, J. , Pandey, V. and Singh, N. (1994). J. Env. Sci. Hlth. A 28: 2229 - 2234.
  9. Misra, J., Pandey, V., Singh, S.N. , Nandita Singh, Yunus, M. and Ahmad, K.J. (1993). J. Env. Sci. Hlth. A 28: 1771 - 1780.
  10. Misra, J., Singh, N., Pandey, V. and Yunus, M. (2000). In Environmental Stress: Indication, Mitigation and Eco-conservation (Eds.) Yunus, M., N. Singh and L. J. de Kok. Pp 2690 - 284. Kluwer Academic Publisher, Dordrecht.
  11. Pandey, V., A. Kumar, Amit P., N. Singh and Yunus, M. (1999). Indian J. Env. Protect. 19: 181 - 184.
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  14. Shukla, J., Pandey, V., Singh, S.N., Singh, Nandita, Yunus, M. and Ahmad, K.J. (1990). Environ. Pollut. 66: 81 - 88.
  15. Singh B. and H.M. Behl (1999). Biomass and Bioenergy. 17(4): 345 - 356.
  16. Singh, B. and Behl, H.M. (2001). Indian Forester, 127(1):91 - 100.
  17. Singh, N. and Lena Q.Ma (2004). In: Phytoremediation: Methods and Reviews (Ed) Neil Willey , Humana Press (In Press).
  18. Singh, N. and Yunus, M. (2000). In: Environmental Hazards – Plant and People (Eds.) M. Iqbal, P.S. Srivastava and T.O. Siddiqui, pp 60-79, CBS publishers and Distributors, New Delhi.
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  23. Singh, N., Singh, S.N., Yunus, M. and Ahmad, K.J. (1992). In: Precipitation Scavenging and Atmosphere Surface Exchange Processes, (Eds.) S.E. Schwartz and W.G.N. Slinn, pp 1023 - 1032. Hemisphere Publish Corporation, Washington DC, USA.
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  25. Singh, Nandita In: Perspectives in Environmental Botany Vol. 2, (1988) (Eds.) D.N. Rao, Ahmad, K.J. , Yunus, M. and Singh, S.N. . pp 163 - 184. Today and Tomorrows Printers and Publishers, New Delhi (India).
  26. Singh, Nandita, Singh, S.N. , Yunus, M. and Ahmad, K.J. (1992). Bull. Environ. Cont. Toxicol. 48: 243 - 248.
  27. Singh, Nandita, Singh, S.N. , Yunus, M. and Ahmad, K.J. (1994). Growth response and element accumulation in Beta vulgaris L. raised in fly-ash amended soils. Ecotoxicology 3: 287 - 298.
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  29. Yunus, M., Singh, N. and Iqbal, M. (1996). In: Plant Response to Air Pollution. pp 1-34 (Eds.) Yunus, M. and M. Iqbal, John Wiley, UK.
 
 
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