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ThesisItem Open Access IN-VITRO STUDIES ON NANOPARTICLE MEDIATED BIODEGRADATION OF ELECTRONIC WASTE BY NATIVE BACTERIA(2023-02-01) Chakraborty, Moumita; Rai, J. P. N.The management of electronic waste (e-waste) becomes a global issue in this digital era. Plastics are neither the main residue nor the most important pollutant in electronic trash, but they take up a lot of room due to their low density and the forms of their parts. They make up about 17 percent of the WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) stream. More than 55% of all the polymers in e-waste are made up of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene Sheet). Existing conventional practices are harmful for dealing with e-waste, therefore, indigenous soil bacteria were explored for e-waste treatment through enrichment culture approach followed by screening, identification and their characterization used for in-vitro biodegradation investigation. Soil bacteria were enriched in the presence of e-waste for 6 months and the findings were established through optical density value that were higher in the case of soil enrichment than the control. Based on their morphological, biochemical and molecular characterizations, the bacterial isolates MGP1, MGP4 and MGP15 were identified as Bacillus aryabhattai, Sporosarcina sp., Rhodococcus kroppenstedtii. The selection and biocompatibility testing of potential isolates were performed for the formation of bacterial consortia. All the isolates displayed their best performance at pH 7, temperature 30°C and shaking speed 120 rpm. Supplementing the nutrient medium with additional carbon and nitrogen sources enhanced the rate of polymer degradation by the bacterial isolates. A known bacterial strain Pseudomonas fluorescens was selected for the degradation of the electronic waste and its comparison with that of screened bacterial isolates. Comparative studies showed that e-waste degradation potential of consortium is better than the individual bacterial strains. Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were used to study its effect on biodegradation ability of the best suited bacterial strain. The biodegradation of e-waste by the selected strains during in vitro experiment was confirmed by analytical processes like FT-IR, FESEM, EDX elemental analysis. Thus, this study besides providing direct and standardized protocol for screening and selection of efficient e-waste utilizing bacteria is also demonstrating potential consortia which are ready to be used. The bacterial isolates were able to degrade e-polymer both in media and soil and therefore can be used profitably for field scale bioremediation technology.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment and characterization of microplastics in Gaula river(G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 2022-08) Sheikh Shifa; Saraswat, ShwetaPlastic pollution is presently a serious environmental threat and microplastics are plastic fragments that are less than 5 mm in size which created bigger environmental threat because of their small size. This research work highlighted the assessment and characterization of microplastics in Gaula River. A few methods suitable for sampling them are sieving, filtration, visual sorting, digesting, and density separation. The FTIR characterized different type of microplastics in both the upstream and downstream samples such as polyethene (PE), Poly vinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene(PP), polystyrene(PS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyamide (PA). According to SEM images, majority of microplastics in both upstream and downstream were fibers followed by fragments, films and pellets and the size of the microplastics were found to be in the range of 30-100 μm (0.03-0.1 mm). Fiber was the dominant shape. EDS for microplastics in upstream and downstream represented additional peaks for carbon and oxygen along with the peaks of other elements. The elements C is significant component of polymers and the occurrence of its peaks confirms the presence of microplastic. While SEM-EDS and FTIR were the identifying techniques applied in this research work, there is still a need and space for the development of more practical and accessible methods. The assessment and characterization of microplastics was done in Gaula River and the presence of microplastics was confirmed in both upstream and downstream sites and the number of microplastic particles was found to be higher in downstream site than upstream site.ThesisItem Open Access Defluoridation of groundwater using low-cost biosorbents(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. PIN - 263145, 2022-07) Tewari, Pratibha; Saraswat, ShwetaThe present study was carried out to reduce the fluoride contamination in groundwater using low-cost biosorbents viz. egg-shell powder (ES Powder), rice husk dust (RHD) and coconut Fibre Dust (CFD). The biosorbents were characterised using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis and their functional group peaks were identified. The optimization of different biosorbents was performed at various parameters such as pH, initial fluoride concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time,agitation speed and temperature. Fluoride adsorption efficiency was also compared using SPADNS method of fluoride testing and absorbance was taken using UV-visible spectrophotometer before and after adsorption. Among all biosorbents, maximum fluoride adsorption was obtained using egg shell powder at pH 6, 600 rpm, at 5 g/100ml of adsorbent dose and 1.5 mg/L initial fluoride concentration at 30°C temperature. The maximum fluoride removal efficiency of egg shell came out to be 88%. The biosorbents were reused four times and RHD showed maximum regeneration power of 56% in fourth stage. The results revealed that the low-cost biosorbents are promising resource for the defluoridation of groundwater which may ensure the availability of safe drinking water among the poorer sections of the society in fluoride contaminated areas.ThesisItem Open Access Analysis of active ingredients of natural coagulants and their efficiency in reducing turbidity of potable water(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. PIN - 263145, 2022-07) Ratha, Sonali; Rai, J. P. N.The present study was carried out in order to use various natural coagulants to reduce turbidity of potable water. The coagulants used were rice husk, Moringa oleifera seeds, groundnut shell and sago seeds. They were used in doses of 1g, 2g, 3g, 4g, and 5g and the research work was carried out in pH range of 6.5-8.5. Synthetic turbid water of 100 NTU was prepared and used for carrying out the experiments. Maximum turbidity removal efficiency was of sago seeds with an efficiency of 99.56 when pH was 7. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis of the natural coagulants were done to determine the functional groups present in the coagulants which aid in coagulation process. It was observed that silica derivatives in rice husk, proteins and lipids in Moringa oleifera and groundnut shell and starch present in sago seeds were aiding in coagulation process. It was observed that natural coagulants showed good turbidity removal efficiency and the sludge obtained after their use was also very minimal.ThesisItem Open Access Groundwater quality of Lalkuan and its suburb and the disease incidences after its consumption(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. PIN - 263145, 2022-08) Arya, Divya; Rai, J. P. N.Groundwater resources are important sources of drinking water in India, and they are hugely important in satisfying the urban water needs and supporting a varied range of commercial and agricultural activities. The modern civilization, industrialization, urbanization and increase in population have lead to fast degradation of our groundwater quality. Groundwater contains various types of pollutants and several other substances are dissolved in it. Concentration of which is useful for the human body but in a specific limit. The present study was undertaken to analyze the Groundwater quality of Lalkuan and its suburb and the disease incidences after its consumption. Different parameters (pH, EC, TDS, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4, PO4, NO3, TH, F, BOD, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu) were analysed so as to determine the physicochemical parameters of groundwater. To determine the prevalence of diseases caused by poor water quality, a survey was carried out in the Lalkuan area. The common illnesses and the variables affecting water quality were correlated. The results showed that groundwater quality of Lalkuan and its suburbs was average. Site 1 was the most polluted site among all the sites. It was found that diarrhea and typhoid were the most prevalent illnesses. pH, fluorides, lead, copper and cadmium were negatively correlated with diarrhea and turbidity, TDS, TA, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, chlorides, phosphate, nitrate, BOD, zinc and iron were positively correlated with diarrhea. Correlation analysis showed that the water quality leads to disease like diarrhea.ThesisItem Open Access Remediation of wastewater through algae and natural coagulants(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-10) Pachhai, Vandana; Srivastava, R.K.The present study was done in order to use various natural coagulants and algae culture for the removal of water pollutants from wastewater. Natural coagulants were prepared from bark of plant spp. such as Eucalyptus grandis (Eucalyptus) and Melia azedarach (Bakain or Pride of India) by drying and subsequent grinding. Initial concentrations of various parameters in the wastewater were analyzed to determine the pollutants characteristics in wastewater. The prepared natural coagulants were used to remove water pollutants that include BOD, COD, Pb and Cu present in the wastewater sample. The wastewater was found with higher BOD and COD value of about 230 mg/l and 1000 mg/l respectively. Pb and Cu content were found in wastewater of about 0.942 mg/l and 0.145 mg/l respectively. Wastewater treatment was carried out using different dosages of all the above prepared natural coagulants (1gm, 2gm and 5gm) and algae culture (1 ml, 2 ml, 5 ml) separately at three different retention times (24 HRT, 48 HRT and 72 HRT). Maximum removal efficiency was recorded using natural coagulants at 5gm dosages per liter of the sample at 72hrs retention time. The maximum pollutant removal efficiency in percentage for BOD, COD, Pb and Cu was found to be 91.30, 91.00, 91.61 and 91.03 respectively. Further, it has been observed that the natural coagulants had higher removal efficiency for water pollutants as compared to the algae so it may conclude that natural coagulants may be used as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for remediation of wastewater.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of river Kalyani in context of its pollutants load(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-11) Arya, Vandana; Srivastava, R.K.The present study was done to assess the water quality of river Kalyani in context of its pollutants load. Water samples were collected from five sampling locations of the river and analysed for physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, BOD, COD, Sodium and Chloride. Among the five sampling locations, Jagatpura and Dhobhighat i.e. 230 mg/l, 1010 mg/l and 260 mg/l, 1012 mg/l respectively. The Sodium and Chloride concentration were also high in location Jagatpura and Dhobhighat i.e. 110 mg/l, 738 mg/l and 114 mg/l, 741 mg/l respectively. These results indicated these locations are the most polluted because of the discharge of domestic waste and untreated or partial treated industrial effluent. The WQI was calculated for all the locations and the results estimated that location Pattharchatta has moderate water quality, location River Crest has poor water quality, and location Jagatpura, Dhobhighat and Khanpur has unsuitable for drinking water quality .Rivers are remain an important source of drinking water for many towns and cities, so it is necessary to protect river system and from pollution. Hence WQI is the best tool to determine water quality status and provides data that can be simply understood by the community. Thus, it facilitates the water management system that need to be implemented to improve the water quality on the basis of its water quality status.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of poultry litter biochar on soil chemical properties and growth of baby corn (Zea mays L.)(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-10) Pandey, Ashutosh; Saraswat, ShwetaA pot experiment was conducted at Department of Environmental science, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, G.B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pantnagar, Uttarakhand with the objective to study the effects of poultry litter biochar on soil chemical characteristics and growth of Baby corn (Zea mays L.) as well as economic analysis for the application of poultry litter biochar (PLB) on plant growth during spring season 2021. The pot experiment included 4 treatment and 6 replications. The results revealed that application of 75% RDF + 132 g PLB recorded higher plant parameter viz. plant height, number of leaves, width of leaf, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, cob yield, net returns and benefit cost ratio observed significantly higher in T4 while lowest was recorded in T1 that received (100% RDF). However, significantly higher protein content (13.64g/100g) were recorded in T4 (75% RDF+132 g PLB) which was found at par with T3 (13.51g/100g). The lowest crude protein was recorded in T1 (control). The chemical analysis of PLB indicated that it was highly alkaline in nature with pH (9.5), medium in salt content with an electrical conductivity 0.15 (dSm-1), total Carbon (43.4%), nitrogen (1.56%), phosphorus (0.07%) and potassium (0.05%). The chemical properties of soil differed significantly due to the application of varied levels of poultry litter biochar. In the present investigation soil pH (7.15), EC (0.25 dSm-1), Organic carbon (0.73%), available nitrogen (173.83 kg/ha), available phosphorous (22.82 kg/ha) and available potassium (161.17 kg/ha) were significantly higher in treatment T4 (75% RDF+132 g PLB) while the lowest was recorded in treatment T1 (100 % RDF). Significantly higher value of DTPA extractable zinc (0.68 mg/kg) and DTPA extractable Iron (4.30 mg/kg) was noticed in treatment T4 (75 % RDF + 132 g PLB), however did not showed any significant variation in soil after harvest of Baby corn. Application of poultry litter biochar (PLB) in to the soil decreased the soil acidity and improved the EC, soil organic carbon and soil nutrient status (available N, available P and available K) as a result the growth (plant height, number of plant leaf, Length and width of leaves, crop growth rate and protein content), yield and nutrient uptake of Baby corn increased as compared to fertilizers. Therefore 3 kg/pot soil amendment with 75% RDF and 132 g PLB can be used to increase its fertility, plant growth and further research is needed to be done in same. PLB might be a promising organic fertilizer with high nutrient composition. This will provide long-term productivity and eco-friendly management strategy for sustainable agriculture.ThesisItem Open Access Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles employing fruits peel waste and their efficiency for degrading malachite green dye(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-09) Bahuguna, Deepak; Saraswat, ShwetaOne of the major challenges in the 21st century is to satisfy the human requirement of clean water. Discharge of several untreated chemical and biological pollutants has deteriorated the drinking water quality. To minimize the effects of toxic chemicals, biological reduction agents are being explored worldwide for nanoparticle fabrication. The present study was undertaken to assess the synthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from multiple fruits peel waste and their application for degradation of Malachite green dye. The fruit peels contain active biomolecules such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids in large quantity. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques such as UV-Vis Spectroscopy, FT-IR), DLS, XRD analysi, FE-SEM and EDX. Precursors used in synthesis were Zinc nitrate hexahydrate and NaOH, method used was bio-reduction and the prepared nanoparticles were employed under different parameters for degradation of malachite green dye. The size range of nanoparticles obtained was within the range of 60-100nm as reported by FESEM. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. The maximum malachite green degradation, about 93.08% was obtained at pH 7, ZnO NPs concentration 150ppm and dye concentration 20ppm under solar irradiation. The results revealed that the pretreated mixed fruit peel waste is a promising resource for synthesizing nanoparticles due to the phytochemicals that act as good reducing and stabilizing agent, and can be further employed for the sake of environmental pollution remediation.