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Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, was established on 1st December, 1985 with the objective to promote education, research and extension education in the fields of Horticulture, Forestry and allied disciplines. Late Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, the first Chief Minister and the architect of Himachal Pradesh perceived the importance of Horticulture and Forestry to develop and improve the State economy which led to the establishment of this University. Its history lies in erstwhile Himachal Agricultural College, Solan, established in 1962 and affiliated to the Panjab University. It became one of the campuses of Agriculture Complex of Himachal Pradesh University on its formation in 1970. Consequent upon the establishment of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in 1978, this campus became its Horticulture Complex and finally in 1985, assumed the status of a State University, being the only University in the country engaged exclusively in teaching, research and extension in Horticulture and Forestry.
The University is located at Nauni in Solan District of Himachal Pradesh, 13 km from Solan on Solan-Rajgarh Road, at an elevation of 1300 metres above mean sea level. Solan town is situated on national highway (NH-22) and is well connected by train and bus services.
The University has four constituent colleges, out of which, two are located at the main campus Nauni, one for horticulture and the other for forestry, having 9 and 7 departments, respectively. The third College i.e., College of Horticulture & Forestry is located at Neri in Hamirpur District on Nadaun-Hamirpur state highway, about 6 Km from Hamirpur town and is well connected with bus service. The college offers three Undergraduate Degree Programmes i.e. BSc (Hons.) Horticulture, BSc (Hons.) Forestry and B. Tech. Biotechnology and MSc degree programme in a few subjects. The fourth college i.e. College of Horticulture and Forestry, Thunag (Mandi) is located at Thunag District Mandi. This college offer BSc (Hons.) Horticulture and BSc (Hons.) Forestry degree programme. In addition, there are five Regional Research Stations, 12 Satellite Stations and five Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) situated in different zones of the State.
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ThesisItem Open Access PHENOLOGY OF STONE FRUITS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN MID HILLS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-10-07) LEKHIKA PARIHAR; S K BHARDWAJABSTRACT The present investigations entitled “Phenology of stone fruits and its relationship with environmental factors in mid hills of mid hills” was conducted in the Department of Environmental Science, Dr YSP University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni- 173230 Solan HP during 2020-22. The study was conducted to determine the influence of changing environment of different altitudinal gradients in mid hills of Himachal Pradesh on crop phenology of major stone fruits. To accomplish objectives of the study the major stone fruits namely, apricot, peach and nectarine growing at two altitudinal gradients viz.,1200-1400 and 1400-1600 m amsl having different environmental conditions including edaphic factors were considered. At each selected elevation five commonly growing varieties namely New Castle of apricot, Red Gold & Sun Crest of peach and Glo Haven & Silver King of nectarine were selected at two different sites of each gradient. In the region stone fruits exhibited variations in attaining phases from pink bud to fruit maturity at both the altitudinal gradients. The cultivar New Castle of apricot plants took maximum of 114.4 days to complete all phases up to maturity. In case of peach plants cultivar Red Gold and Sun Crest took 112.6 and 111.1 days to complete their phenological cycle. Whereas, the Silver King and Glo Haven of nectarine fruit plants took 110.3 and 108.6 days to complete the cycle up to maturity of fruits. Among all the stone fruits, apricot cultivar New Castle accumulated the highest GDD of 731.4oC days to complete the phases up to fruit ripening. The highest accumulation of GDD of apricot was followed by peach cultivars namely Red Gold and Sun Crest with values of 723.3 and 718.5oC days. Whereas, the cultivars Glo Haven and Silver King of nectarine fruit plants accumulated lowest GDD of 708.3 and 715.3 oC days to complete all the phenophases. The accumulation of GDD increased with elevations and on an average all the stone fruits accumulated 10.6oC days at 1400-1600 m amsl higher than at lower elevation. The study indicated that the stone fruits chilling requirement ranges from 238.2 to 301.7 CH in the region. Among all the stone fruit plants the highest CU of 301.7 CH accumulated by New castle of apricot to break dormancy and achieve pink bud stage. The Red Gold and Sun Crest cultivar of peach plants accumulated effective CU of 268.4 and 250.5 CH to break the dormant bud. The cultivars Glo Haven and Silver King of nectarine plants accumulated 238.2 and 243.7 CH to attain pink bud stage after dormancy. The HTU accumulated ranged from 5388.4 to 5530.1 oC day hrs in the region. Among all fruits the highest HTU of 5530.1oC days hrs. accumulated by New Castle to complete the phenological cycle. The Red Gold and Sun Crest cultivar of peach and Glo Haven and Silver King of nectarine accumulated HTU of 5427.6, 5392.1 and 5388.4 and 5418.9 oC day hrs respectively to attain all phenological stages. The HTU accumulation by the plants decreased with increased elevation as it was 5103.0 oC days hrs at 1400-1600 m amsl and 5759.8 oC days hrs at lower altitudinal gradient of 1200-1400 m amsl. The soils of 1400-1600 m amsl under stone fruits exhibited higher soil moisture, available NPK and micronutrients namely, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn with respective ranges of 27.9- 30.1%, 417.5- 467.5 kghg-1, 29.5- 38.0 kghg-1, 187.5- 290.0 kghg-1, 12.9-20.0 mgkg-1, 0.82- 1.34 mgkg-1,1.43- 2.25 mgkg-1,10.1- 14.4 mgkg-1 whereas, at lower elevations the values of these parameters ranged from 26.28- 28.05%, 409.5- 458 kghg-1, 27- 40 kghg-1, 180.5- 281 kghg-1, 12.61- 17.29 mgkg-1, 0.77- 1.29 mgkg-1, 1.33- 2.19 mgkg-1, 9.78- 13.51 mgkg-1. The altitude wise average temperature was in order of 21.1°C (1200-1400 m amsl) > 20.0°C (1400-1600 m amsl) during first year (2020-21). Whereas, during second year (2021-22) the average temperature was in the order of 21.9°C (1200-1400 m amsl) > 20.8°C (1400-1600 m amsl). At lower elevation on an average 0.6-1oC temperature was higher than the higher elevation. Among all the stone fruits, apricot cultivar New Castle exhibited advancement of 6-7 days in attainment of phenophases at lower elevation of 1200-1400 m amsl. While, the cultivars Red Gold and Sun Crest of peach and Glo Haven and Silver king of nectarine exhibited advancement of 7-8 days at low altitudinal gradients. The instability index indicated altitude wise irregularity in the range of 13.6 to 14.8 % to attain various phenological stages which decreased with increasing elevations. In stone fruits the syrphids was most dominant insect in the region followed by Apis cerana, other hymenopterans, Apis mellifera and other insects with respective values of 12.68, 10.94, 3.10, 2.22, 0.85 m-2 5 min-1 afternoon at higher elevation of 1400-1600 m amsl. Whereas, their order was 12.11 > 9.56 > 2.66 > 2 > 0.65 m-2 5 min-1 at lower elevation. The study inferred that the altitudinal wise significant variation in environmental conditions which might have influenced phenological cycle of stone fruit plants and their GDD and HTU accumulation as well as pollinator insect visitation. The altitude wise variation in their parameters can be exploited for planning judicious marketing of fruits and identification of new areas of their cultivation. The phenophase wise pattern at different altitudinal gradients under influence of varied temperature and other edaphic factors also indicated that how climate variability may influence the crop production in the region in coming years and hence there is urgent need to enhance climate resilience of these important fruits by managing the edaphic factors on sustainable basis so that stone fruit crops productivity can be enhanced and crop harvest and marketing may be planned judiciously in the region.ThesisItem Open Access ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-10-18) ANKUSH; R K AGGARWALABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Environmental Implications of Solid Waste Landfills in Himachal Pradesh” was carried out in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP). The study was carried out in two landfill sites in Himachal Pradesh viz., Bhariyal and BBN located in districts Shimla and Solan respectively. Leachate, soil, surface and groundwater and vegetation samples were collected from both sites. Leachate was collected after the monsoon season in both landfills. Soil samples were collected at three distances and in three seasons from both landfill sites. Surface and groundwater were also collected at three distances and in three seasons. Surface water was present in Bhariyal only, while groundwater was collected from both landfill sites. Vegetation samples were collected at three distances in both landfill sites. Leachate collected from landfill sites was treated with alum @, 45, 90 and 120 mgl-1. In leachate pH varies from 7.51-7.88, EC (10.42-14.35 dSm-1), TDS (8332.35-11850.73 mgl-1), BOD (425.88-476.36 mgl-1), COD (1927.59-2814.77 mgl-1), Zn (0.16-0.19 mgl-1), Fe (4.75-4.96 mgl-1), Cu (0.09-0.14 mgl-1), Ni (1.01-1.10 mgl-1) and Cr (0.98-1.25 mgl-1). In soil samples pH varies from 7.09-7.73, EC (0.28-0.74 dSm-1), N (162.81-259.41 kgha-1), P (18.01-46.05 kgha-1), K (215.44-370.27 kgha-1), Cr (3.77- 33.34 mgkg-1), Cd (0.02-0.96 mgkg-1). In surface water pH was in the range of 6.74-7.44, EC (0.36-0.56 dSm-1), TDS (308.41-358.73 mgl-1), DO (4.28-6.09 mgl-1), BOD (20.93-51.56 mgl-1), COD (138.24-175.81 mgl-1), Zn (0.050-0.145 mgl-1), Fe (0.16 -0.39 mgl-1), Cu (0.007-0.042 mgl-1), Cd (0.000-0.005 mgl-1). In groundwater pH ranged 6.97-7.84, EC (0.28-0.56 dSm-1), TDS (200.76-246.81 mgl-1), DO (2.36-5.07 mgl-1), BOD (2.49-14.59 mgl-1), COD (8.25-93.65 mgl-1), Zn (0.007-0.082 mgl-1), Fe (0.017-0.154 mgl-1), Cu (0.007-0.060 mgl-1). Among different species from landfills Total N varied from 2.62 – 1.03 percent, Total P (0.16-0.47%), Total K(0.26-1.21 %), Fe (302.038-398.965 mgkg-1), Cu (9.687-22.668 mgkg-1), Mn (21.333-133.613 mgkg-1), Cd (0.006-1.667 mgkg-1), Pb (0.380-6.242 mgkg-1). Among different treatments of alum,the best wasof 120 mgl-1i.e., for Bhariyal and BBN pH was 6.74 and 6.97, EC (5.13 and 6.61 dSm-1), TDS (3710.61 and 5546.38 mgl-1), BOD (290.31 and 312.64 mgl-1), COD (1270.08 and 1811.54 mgl-1), Zn (0.07 and 0.06 mgl-1), Fe(0.94 and 0.91 mgl-1), Cu (0.04 and 0.02 mgl-1), Ni (0.43 and 0.44 mgl-1) and Cr 0.37 and 0.31 mgl-1) respectively. The best removal efficiency was by treating leachate with an alum dose of 120 mgl-1. Removal efficiency for Bhariyal and BBN in TDS was 55.46 and 55.47 percent, COD (34.11 and 35.64 %), BOD (31.83 and 34.36 %), Fe (80.24 and 81.55 %), Cu (70.34 and 71.57 %), Ni (70.05 and 66.27 %), Cr (69.83 and 68.62 %) and Zn (62.43 and 60.60 %) respectively.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE OF BASIC SERVICE DELIVERY ASSETS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-05-26) APURVA SHARMA; S K BHARDWAJABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Studies on environmental compatibility and climate change resilience of basic service delivery assets in Himachal Pradesh” was conducted in the Department of Environmental Science during the year 2020 and 2021. The study aimed to evaluate the environmental compatibility and climate change resilience of basic services with respect to sewage treatment plants, municipal solid waste and bio-medical waste management facilities in the state of Himachal Pradesh. A preliminary survey was conducted to identify the status of these infrastructures and their operating processes and purposeful selection of waste management facilities in the state was done to evaluate their impacts on important natural resources like soil, water and air. The greenhouse gas emission potential and life cycle assessment of the selected infrastructures was evaluated by using standard methodology. The study indicated that older STPs in the state have enhanced soil heavy metals like Cu (1.91 mg kg-1) and Pb (0.11 mg kg-1) in their vicinity. The geo-accumulation indices also indicated moderate contamination. Further, high levels of BOD (6.49 mg l-1), Cu (1.48 mg l-1) and Fe (0.33 mg l-1) in water sources also indicated incompatibility of STPs to the environment in HP. The STPs in Himachal Pradesh contributed to 48,237 tCO2 eq emissions of greenhouse gases in total and contributed 10 % to the total GHG emissions from waste management facilities. The GHG emissions from STPs of different capacities was in order of more than 3 MLD > 1-3 MLD > less than 1 MLD with respective values of 1,733, 719 and 581 tCO2 eq. The unkempt landfills had the most deteriorating impact on the environment as concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in soil were recorded as high as 1.97, 0.137 and 19.0 mg kg-1 under their influence. The geo-accumulation index also pointed to moderate contamination of soil by heavy metals. Further, Cd, Cr and Fe levels were as high as 0.038, 0.064 and 0.52 mg l-1 in water sources. The municipal solid waste management infrastructures in the state contributed to 3,98,098 tCO2 eq emissions (82 %). Transportation of waste and landfills were identified as the major sources of these GHG emissions. Landfilling of waste from hospitals without proper treatment impacted the environment as concentrations of Cd, Cr and Pb in soil were recorded as high as 0.014, 0.057 and 0.11 mg kg-1 under their influence. The geo-accumulation index indicated moderate level of contamination of these heavy metals. Further, Cd, Cr and Fe levels were as high as 0.018, 0.048 and 0.44 mg l-1 in water sources under the influence of these infrastructures. Bio-medical waste management facilities lead to 34,605 CO2 eq emissions in the state forming 8 % of total emissions from waste management infrastructures. Transportation and landfilling of untreated biomedical waste were identified as the major sources of these emissions in the state. The LCA studies further confirmed that electricity consumption in STPs, landfills in municipal solid waste disposal facilities and use of chemicals for sterilization in bio-medical waste management facilities were the major sources of incompatibility in the state. However, material recovery practices in municipal waste management facilities drastically reduced the impacts on indicators namely, abiotic depletion, acidification, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, human toxicity and ozone depletion potential. In the state, inadequate facilities with rudimentary processes, unskilled personnel and energy use have been identified as factors for environmental incompatibility. Therefore, introduction of advanced sewage treatment technologies material recovery facilities and use of renewable sources of energy may enhance climate change resilience and environmental compatibility of these facilities in the state.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF GROUND WATER STATUS IN LOW-HILLS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2022-02) LALRINZUALI, R K; AGGARWAL, RKABSTRACT The present study entitled “Assessment of ground water status in low-hills of Himachal Pradesh” was carried out in the low hills of districts Sirmaur and Una, with the aim to checkthe quality and quantity of groundwater in the region. The study was conducted to check whether theindustries, national highway and residential areas have impacted the quality of groundwater in the area by comparing with the IPH supply source (control) during 2020-2022 by collecting 15 samples from each district during two seasons viz. pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. The groundwater quality parameters under study were temperature, turbidity, TDS, EC, pH, DO, alkalinity, SO4 2-, NO3 -, Na+, Ca2+, TH, Cl-, Mg2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Cr2+, Pb2+ and total coliform. The concentrations of the physicochemical parameters under study were found to be within BIS permissible limits and the presence of total coliform was not detected in the low hills of selected districts. Site-wise, the concentration of all the parameters was highest around the industries followed by samples within the industries, along the main highway,and residential areas and lowest at control, indicating that the industrial activities have started to impact the groundwater quality. In the Sirmaur district, the correlation coefficient, (r) was in the order of 0.993 (Ca2+ and TH) > 0.983 (TDS and Mg2+) > 0.982 (TDS and Cl-) > 0.977 (Cl- and Mg2+) > 0.976 (alkalinity and Ca2+> 0.969 (Ca2+ and Cl-) > 0.963 (Ca2+ and Mg2+, alkalinity and Cl-) > 0.959 (SO4 2- and TH) > 0.948 (alkalinity and Mg2+> 0.940 (turbidity and DO) > 0.931 ( TH and Mn2+) > 0.927 (TDS and EC) > 0.924 (TDS and alkalinity) > 0.916 (EC and Mg2+) > 0.913 (Na+ and Cl-) > 0.911 (TDS and Na+) > 0.902 (SO4 2- and Ca2+) > 0.900 (EC and chloride). In district Una, the correlation coefficient, (r) was in the order of 0.998 (alkalinity and Ca2+) > 0.984 (EC and Ca2+) > 0.980 (EC and alkalinity) > 0.978 (alkalinity and TH) > 0.970 (Ca2+ and TH, Na+ and Mn2+) > 0.963 (SO4 2- and TH) > 0.956 (EC and TH) > 0.940 (alkalinity and SO4 2-) > 0.931 (SO4 2- and Ca2+) > 0.924 (TDS and EC) > 0.911 (DO and Na+). Among the toxic metals, the correlation coefficient, (r) was in the order of 0.991 (Cu2+ and Pb2+) > 0.982 (Zn2+ and Cu2+) > 0.954 (Zn2+and Pb2+) > 0.910 (Cr2+and Pb2+) > 0.906 (Fe2+ and Cr2+) in district Sirmaur and 0.962 (Cr2+ and Pb2+) > 0.903 (Cu2+ and Pb2+) > 0.861 (Fe2+ and Cu2+) > 0.700 (Fe2+ and Pb2+) in district Una. In both districts, the WQI fell under the good to excellent category and was still suitable for drinking purposes. In district Sirmaur,the WQI was highest around the industries (42.31) followed by within the industries (41.48), main highway (38.64), residential areas (38.64) and control (37.58). In district Una, the WQI wasthe also highest around the industries (38.82) followed by within the industries (38.24), main highway (37.86), residential areas (37.56) and control (26.25). In district Sirmaur, a significant regression equation with R2 of 0.864 was obtained for turbidity (Turbidity = 4.173+0.0011 TDS) followed by 0.863 (Manganese = 0.082+0.001 TDS) and 0.854 (Total Hardness = 61.952+0.079 TDS) while only chromium showed a significant R2 with a value of 0.782 (Cr = 0.185 + 0.223 Fe) among the toxic metals. In district Una, a significant R2 of 0.899 was found for EC (EC = -0.288+0.0060 TDS) followed by 0.852 (Calcium = 19.671+0.079 TDS) and 0.842 (Chloride = 11.242+0.137 TDS) while the highest R2 of 0.898 (Zn = -0.011 + 0.993 Fe) was found for the toxic metals. To check the quantity of groundwater, a groundwater potential zone map was prepared for the low hills of both districts using ArcGis. In the low hills of district Sirmaur, about 74.62 per cent of the area fell under the poor zone, and high to very high potential zones were found along the Markanda river and its tributaries. In the low hills of district Una, around 64 per cent of the area fell under the poor potential zone and about 17 per cent fell under a poor potential zone and around 18 per cent came under a moderate to a very high potential zone. Validation results of the groundwater potential zone map indicated an overall efficiency of 80 per cent with a kappa coefficient of 0.73 in the low hills of district Sirmaur and overall efficiency of 86.67 per cent with a kappa coefficient of 0.81 in the low hills ofdistrict UnThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF TOXIC METAL STATUS IN CONTAMINATED INDUSTRIAL SITES AND THEIR BIOREMEDIATION IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-02) SHIVANI; AGGARWAL, R KABSTRACT The present study entitled “Assessment of toxic metal status in contaminated industrial sites and their bioremediation in Himachal Pradesh” was conducted during 2021-2022 in the Department of Environmental Science, Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan H.P. The study aims at determining the status of toxic metals in the soil of industrial sites and isolation of potential fungal strains to test their bioremediation potential at different concentrations of toxic metals. Seven toxic metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were identified from the soil samples of steel, dye and paper industries at three distances; within the industry, 50 m from the industry and 100 m from the industry in Kala-Amb (Sirmour), Baddi (Solan) and Una (Una). Four toxic metals Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were found in high concentrations in soil samples from the industries. Five strains of fungi were successfully isolated from soil samples and identified by NCMR, Pune as Penicillium commune, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma asperellum, Pencillium camemberti and Aspergillus niger. Six fungal consortia were obtained namely; Penicillium commune × Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium camemberti × Penicillium commune, Aspergillus flavus × Penicillium camemberti, Penicillium camemberti × Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma asperellum × Penicillium camemberti and Aspergillus flavus × Aspergillus niger. The bioremediation potential of identified fungi and consortia was tested in-vitro at 0ppm, 10ppm, 20ppm, 30 ppm and 40 ppm concentrations of Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn by studying parameters viz. radial growth rate, per cent growth inhibition, tolerance index, mycelium dry weight and biosorption of toxic metals by fungi. The maximum mean radial growth rate of 0.692 mmh-1 was exhibited by T. Asperellum for Cu; for Ni and Pb (0.692 mmh-1) by T. asperellum and P. camemberti; and for Zn (0.695 mmh-1) by T. asperellum. Maximum biosorption of 144 mgg-1 and 142 mgg-1 was exhibited by T. Asperellum for Cu and Zn, 148 mgg-1 and 135 mgg- 1 by P. Camemberti for Ni and Pb respectively. The maximum removal efficiency was exhibited by T. asperellum, for Cu (16.7 %) Ni (17.3 %), Pb (17.0 %) and Zn (19.4 %). Maximum biosorption of Cu (135 mgg- 1), Ni (147 mgg-1), Pb (151 mgg-1) and Zn (150 mgg-1) was exhibited by consortia Trichoderma asperellum × Penicillium camemberti. The consortia Trichoderma asperellum × Penicillium camemberti showed maximum removal efficiency for Cu (19.4 %), Ni (15.9 %), Pb (17.3 %) and Zn (15.9 %). Fungi T. Asperellum, P. Camemberti and consortia Trichoderma asperellum × Penicillium camemberti exhibited high radial growth rates, minimum per cent growth inhibition, high tolerance index and high biosorption capacity at all concentrations of Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. From this study, it can be concluded that fungi T. asperellum, P. camemberti and consortia Trichoderma asperellum × Penicillium camemberti have high remediation potential for Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. The present study also widens the scope for studying the bioremediation potential of fungal consortia for toxic metals in the futurThesisItem Open Access STATUS OF TOXIC METAL CONTAMINANTS AND THEIR BIOREMEDIATION IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2022-11) KAVITA KUMARI; AGGARWAL R KABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Status of toxic metal contaminants and their bioremediation in industrial areas of Himachal Pradesh” was conducted during 2019-2021 in the Department of Environmental Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni Solan H.P. The study showed the status of seven toxic metals that detected from soil and wastewater from industrial contaminated areas. The concentrations of identified heavy metals in soil were in the range of Fe (2.067 – 8.433 mg kg-1) > Zn (0.300 – 6.800 mg kg-1) > Ni (0.633 – 1.633 mg kg-1) > Cu (0.367 – 1.300 mg kg-1) > Cr (0.333 – 1.133 mg kg-1) > Pb (0.333 – 1.033 mg kg-1) and Cd (0.133 – 0.567 mg kg-1). The metals that detected from wastewater samples were observed in range of; Zn (2.676 – 9.000 mg l-1) > Fe (5.333 – 8.967 mg l-1) > Cu (0.133 – 2.000 mg l-1) > Ni (0.300 – 1.900 mg l-1) > Cr (0.667 – 1.500 mg l-1) > Pb (0.200 – 1.400 mg l-1) and Cd (0.133 – 0.900 mg l-1). For recovery of bacteria from the soil and wastewater samples, a total of eight Colonies were isolated on the basis of different morphological features from the mixed cultures and then colonies were sub cultured in order to obtain pure colonies. These colonies were then grown on nutrient agar containing different molarities of salts of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Ni). The highest concentration of each heavy metal at which the growth was observed was Pb (7-10ppm), Cu (7-10ppm), Cu (5-10ppm), and Ni (7-10ppm). The best five bacteria having multiple tolerances were identified as Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Bacillus altitudinis, Exiguabacterium acetylium, Planomicrobium akaeonokites, and Paenibacillus pinisoli on the basis of partial nucleotide sequencing of amplicons of their 16S rDNA technique showed a greater potential application for the removal of lead, at 1ppm all isolates were able to remove up to (99- 100%), and at 10 ppm (55- 91%). For Cadmium, at 1ppm all isolates were able to remove up to (98- 100%), and at 10 ppm (52- 68%). For Nickel, at 1ppm all isolates were able to remove up to (95- 100%), and at 10 ppm (52- 68%). For Copper, at 1ppm all isolates were able to remove up to (97- 99%), and at 10 ppm (42- 63%). The results revealed that all the putative strains showed maximum growth at a pH of 9. Results also revealed that 37℃ is the best temperature for their maximum growth.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF SOIL, WATER AND AIR QUALITY STATUS IN ROADS OF SHIVALIK FOOTHILLS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2021-07) BHARDWAJ, ANUJA; AGGARWAL, R KABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Assessment of soil, water and air quality status in roads of Shivalik foothills in Himachal Pradesh” was conducted during the year 2018-2019 in the Department of Environmental Science, Dr. YSP University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The study aimed to determine the impact of road activities (national highway, state highway and link road) on air, soil and water quality, noise pollution and on the socio-economic conditions of the natives, to assess effect of dust accumulation on leaves as well as air pollution tolerance index of plants growing along the road. To undertake present study three sites (NH, SH and Link Road) were taken for study which further divided into two segments in each road. The observations on different parameters at each site was recorded during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon season. The socio-economic impact of vehicular activities on the natives was observed on the basis of pre-tested questionnaire. The study revealed that SO2, NO2, VOCs and PM10 ranged from 6.16 to 7.86, 32.55 to 44.47, 3.04 to 6.54 and 71.61 to 115.21 μg m-3, respectively. The concentration of PM10 at NH was above the permissible limits. The soil surface pH varied from 7.00 to 7.42, EC from 0.32 to 0.75 dS m-1, OC from 0.37 to 1.48 per cent, respectively. Available NPK content in the soil ranged from 271.79 to 290.99, 26.43 to 40.10 and 184.93 to 212.73.64 kg ha-1, respectively. The concentration of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Pb, As, Cu, Ni and Hg ranged from 0.003 to 0.030, 0.013 to 0.043, 0.27 to 2.47, 0.013 to 0.03, 0.10 to 0.43, 0.013 to 0.047 and 0.22 to 0.84 mg kg-1, respectively. The mean values for the total microbial counts of the sampling site ranged as 35 x 106 CFU/g to 149 x 106 CFU/g, respectively. The surface water pH varied from 6.91 to 7.35, EC from 0.17 to 0.29 dS m-1, TDS from 140.12 to 175.54 mg l-1, turbidity from 2.34 to 3.87 NTU, respectively. BOD and COD ranged from 2.25 to 2.89 and 13.49 to 20.19 mg l-1, respectively. The concentration of chloride and nitrate in the surface water ranged from 14.36 to 30.15 and 3.12 to 4.89 mg l-1, respectively. The heavy metal concentrations, viz. Cd, Cr, Pb, As, Cu and Ni ranged from 0.004 to 0.021, 0.019 to 0.048, 0.021 to 0.049, 0.018 to 0.056, 0.021 to 0.054 and 0.014 to 0.029 mg l-1, respectively. The equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) varied from 45.42 dB (A) to 82.80 dB (A) and noise pollution level (Lnp) varied from 50.91 dB (A) to 86.67 dB (A). Leaf dust was accumulated maximum on the leaves of Dalbergia sisso. The APTI of the selected plant species ranged from 8.23 to 10.76 during premonsoon and 9.03 to 11.09 during post-monsoon. API was in order of Mangifera indica with highest API grade (6) and it was excellent among plants followed by Dalbergia sisso (5) in very good and Ficus palmata (3) in moderate. The road activities significantly affected the natives as NH and SH are connecting routes between tourist places so there was positive as well as negative effects, employment generation and financial upliftment are the key factors considered as benefits whereas, traffic congestion and noise pollution during peak tourist season are the main concern of the nativesThesisItem Open Access ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF URBANIZATION IN KANGRA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2021-07) RANA, DIKSHA; BHARDWAJ, S KABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Environmental implications of urbanization in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh” was conducted during the year 2019 and 2020 by considering the varying degree of urbanization in Municipal Corporation, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats of Kangra district. The impacts of urbanization on surface and ground water quality, urban solid waste generation and ecosystem services like water supply, soil carbon sequestration status, water quality index and waste footprint were assessed. The urban area wise seasonal variation in surface and ground water quality was evaluated during monsoon and post monsoon months. To communicate water quality effectively the water quality index was calculated by using 13 parameters. The urban area wise quantification and characterization of the waste was done by considering three sectors namely residential, commercial and institutional. Attitudinal behavior of urban habitants towards ecosystem services was also assessed by undertaking the standard survey with pretested questionnaire. Soil carbon stock in urban settings was also worked out in reference to countryside areas to assess the impact of urbanization on carbon sequestration in soils. The study pointed out that urbanization has started impacting surface and ground water quality by unveiling seasonal variations although within the permissible limits. Per capita urban solid waste was highest in Municipal Corporation (0.275 kg capita-1 day -1) followed by Municipal Council (0.233 kg capita-1 day -1) and Nagar Panchayat (0.169 kg capita-1 day -1), although it was less than the national average. The waste footprint varied from 0.001 to 0.027 ha and followed the trend: Municipal Corporation (0.026 ha) > Nagar Panchayat (0.005 ha) > Municipal Council (0.001 ha). Urban solid waste generation was significantly higher in summer season as compared to winter season in all the three urban areas. The surface water quality of Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat was rated as good and excellent respectively. Surface water quality index followed order: Nagar Panchayat (25.65) > Municipal Corporation (23.88) > Municipal Council (19.86). The ground water quality of Municipal Corporation, Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council was rated as good and excellent respectively. Ground water quality index followed order: Municipal Corporation (26.47) > Nagar Panchayat (25.64) > Municipal Council (20.36). During soil carbon stock assessment highest carbon stock was recorded in Municipal Corporation (26.48 Mg C ha-1) which was significantly higher than Municipal Council (23.84 Mg C ha-1) and Nagar Panchayat (22.24 Mg C ha-1). Interestingly, attitudinal behavior of the urban dwellers towards payment of ecosystem services was reluctant and were not having awareness about the benefits they were drawing free of cost from the nature. Further, upon investigating the water sources of all the urban areas of district Kangra from past 3 decades; it was noticed that the urbanization has severely impacted the surface and ground water resources. The total number of water sources decreased from 524 to 436 by 2020, i.e., an absolute decline of 88 water sources since 1990. The increasing urbanization in the district has been projected to enhance water requirement resulting increase from 24.47 MLD in 2021 to 41.61 MLD in 2051.Thus 1.7 times more water is required to meet the demand of urban population of Kangra district in 2051. Hence, urbanization has started impacting the ecosystem services and subsequently, there rises an urgent need to educate the urban dwellers regarding value of ecosystem services, so that policymakers and planners may undertake conservation to ensure judicious use of resources for sustainable urbanization in the region.ThesisItem Open Access QUANTIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION, BIO-RECYCLING AND ENERGY POTENTIAL OF URBAN SOLID WASTE IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2021-01) PATHANIA, RADHIKA; BHARDWAJ, S KABSTRACT The present investigations entitled “Quantification, Characterization, Quantification, Characterization Solid Waste of Himachal Pradesh” was conducted during the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 in the Department of Environmental Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The investigation was aimed at quantification, characterization of urban solid waste and assessment of energy, methane emission potential, its bio-recycling through composting and evaluation of its effectiveness in vegetable crop production. The study was conducted by selecting five major towns namely: Shimla, Dharamshala, Kangra, Hamirpur and Una in HP. In each urban area three activities residential, commercial, institutional were selected for conducting the study. Bio-recycling of urban solid waste was done by imposing five treatments consists of different combinations of cow dung, earthworms, microbial consortium and agricultural waste. The effect of best quality urban solid waste compost was studied on bell pepper by imposing eight treatment combinations of graded doses of NPK fertilizer alone and in combination with waste compost in Randomized Block Design by replicating thrice. The study pointed out that waste quantity varied with activities like residential, commercial and institutional in each urban area. In residential commercial & institutional sectors waste generation ranged from 0.952 to 1.523 kg day-1 residence-1, 32.38 to 82.02 kg day-1 commercial activity-1 and 5.30 to 16.59 kg day-1 institution-1. In major urban areas of HP the total waste generation rate varied from 5.13-85.95 t day-1 and area wise the order was: Shimla (85.95 t day-1), Dharamshala (22.82 t day-1), Una (7.10 t day-1), Hamirpur (7.02 t day-1), Kangra (5.13 t day-1). The waste generation per capita ranged from 0.33 -0.45 kg capita day-1. The urban area wise waste footprint varied from 0.009-0.153 ha with order of: Shimla (0.153 ha) > Dharamshala (0.041 ha) > Una (0.013ha) > Hamirpur (0.012 ha) > Kangra (0.009 ha). Waste generation in selected towns need 55.77 ha, 14.81 ha, 3.33 ha, 4.56 h and 4.61 ha of land per annum with respect to Shimla, Dharamshala, Kangra, Hamirpur and Una for its proper disposal which, however is projected to 72.99 ha, 19.98 ha, 3.75 ha, 4.87 ha and 4.92 ha by 2025. The component wise waste generation was in the order of: food waste (52.39%) > paper/ cardboard (21.84%) > plastic (15.84%) > glass (4.22%) > others (2.26%) > textile (1.27%) > metallic (1.21%) > rubber (0.90%). The waste quantity also varied with the seasons and was higher during summer months. The waste contained moisture content, volatile matter, calorific value ranged from 41.33- 53.21%, 20.89-27.72% and 2250.86- 2391.24 kcal kg-1, which indicated its biodegradable nature. The elemental composition like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen varied from 31.58-40.29%, 4.01 -7.44% and 0.51-0.82%, respectively and its energy content ranged from 9021.57 – 12537.47 KJkg-1 indicating the suitability of USW for energy generation. The methane emission potential ranged from 0.09 – 1.43 Gg indicating thereby the urgency of waste management to avoid its contribution towards inducing climate change. Bio recycling of USW using cow dung and earthworms proved effective and yielded compost with high NPK content of 0.98, 0.33 and 0.55 %, respectively. The conjoint application of 75% NPK and USW compost in bell pepper was found superior for enhancing growth, quality and yield attributes viz; plant height (70.2 cm), fruit length (5.21cm), pericarp thickness (4.85 mm), number of fruits per plant (22.54), fruit weight (50.76 g), ascorbic acid (175.79 mg100g-1), total soluble solids (5.56 0B), chlorophyll content (1.90 mg100g-1) and consequently the highest crop yield (335.28 qha-1). The agronomic effectiveness of the conjoint application of 75% NPK and compost was 25% higher than alone application of 100% NPK. Further, the combined application of 50% NPK and USW compost resulted yield equivalent to 100% NPK alone indicating that compost has replaced 50% of chemical fertilizers. From the study it can be concluded that increasing urban solid waste generation with the high fraction of organic waste and its unscientific disposal may deteriorate environmental quality by enhancing waste footprint and GHG emissions. Therefore, more emphasis needs to develop a system for segregation of waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable components at source level, so that biodegradable material which is generated in high quantity (52.39%) may be bio-recycled into a valuable compost for supplementing the nutrient requirements of agriculture/horticulture sector. Further, adoption of integrated sustainable waste management may help in achieving potential economic benefits from the waste while combating climate change