Loading...
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.
Browse
34 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access ESTIMATION OF SOLAR RADIATION AND ROOFTOP SOLAR POWER POTENTIAL IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF Nauni, 2024-03-24) SARGUNDEEP KAUR; RK AggarwalThe present investigation entitled “Estimation of Solar Radiation and Rooftop Solar Power Potential in Himachal Pradesh” was conducted during 2020-2023 in the Department of Environmental Science, College of Forestry, Dr. Y.S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, H.P.The study focuses on the estimation of solar radiation in hilly areas, specifically Solan and Palampur, using various empirical models based on sunshine hours and temperature. Emphasizing sunshine hours as a critical parameter, a comprehensive statistical analysis involving 82 global models was conducted to determine the most suitable model for these regions, culminating in the development of a new linear regression model. The model demonstrated exceptional precision, evidenced by significant coefficient of determination (R²) values of 0.97 and 0.99 for Solan and Palampur, respectively. Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values of 0.90 and 0.95, along with correlation coefficient (r) values of 0.99. Furthermore, an analysis of 30 existing temperature-based empirical models was also undertaken for Solan and Palampur, resulting in the development of a novel model with high precision, as evidenced by coefficient of determination values of 0.93 and 0.85 for Solan and Palampur.The accuracy of both the developed models was further demonstrated by commendably low values for mean squared error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean bias error (MBE), and standard deviation. Both the models emerged as the best-fit solution for accurately estimating global solar radiation in Himalayan region.The new model based on sunshine hours was then used to estimate GSR for the Kullu while new model based on temperature was used to estimate GSRin eight other hilly locations where temperature data is available, but sunshine hour and global solar radiation data are unavailable, including Kullu, Bhuntar, Shimla, Dharamshala, Sundernagar, Kalpa, Una, and Nahan. The study also employed Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for the estimation of solar radiation, considering input parameters such as latitude, longitude, altitude, extraterrestrial solar radiation, sunshine hours, and maximum and minimum temperature. Two models were developed, each with one hidden layer. The first model, based on sunshine hours, utilized five neurons in the hidden layer, resulting in an impressive coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.99. The second model, focusing on temperature, incorporated ten neurons in the hidden layer and achieved an R² of 0.93. Moreover, the study conducts a comprehensive analysis of rooftop solar power potential in Solan City, focusing on 6,102 manually digitized rooftops with a cumulative area of 2,820,000 square meters. Emphasis on south-facing areas, totaling 1,210,000 square meter, highlights significant solar exposure optimization. The calculated annual rooftop solar power potential was an impressive 1,35,520 kilowatts, indicating substantial energy contribution. Additionally, the research examined the influence of weather parameters on solar radiation in Solan and Palampur, and mapped solar energy potential across Himachal Pradesh, revealing a seasonal variation with peak potential in May and a low in December. Overall, this study provides a holistic assessment of solar resources, rooftop solar potential, and the impact of weather parameters in Himachal Pradesh, contributing valuable insights for sustainable energy planning in hilly regions.ThesisItem Open Access HYDROTHERMAL CARBONIZATION OF AGRO-WASTE, ENERGY ENRICHMENT AND STANDARDIZATION OF ITS APPLICATION IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT(UHF Nauni, 2024-05-24) SADISH O; S K BhardwajThe present study entitled “Hydrothermal carbonization of Agro-waste, energy enrichment and standardization of its application in wastewater treatment” was conducted during 2021 to 2023 in the Department of Environmental Science, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni 173230, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India and Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. The study was conducted to evaluate the environmental applications of spent mushroom substrate (agro-waste) derived hydrochar. The temperature, time and moisture content required for the hydrochar production was optimized using response surface methodology. The physico-chemical, proximate, ultimate, surface, structural morphology, functional moieties, mineral composition, and energy characteristics of the resultant hydrochar were assessed using standard methodologies. The spent mushroom substrate with acidic pH, smooth sheathed morphology was hydrothermally carbonized at an optimized process temperature of 204℃ for 3.65 h with 73.18% moisture content to produce hydrochar with oxygenated functional groups, micro/nano-spherical carbon structures and spatially dispersed nutrients into their skeletal matrix. The spent mushroom substrate derived hydrochar had 71.6% yield and 13.97 MJ kg-1 calorific value which can supplement the fossil fuel. The utilization of hydrochar as a substitute to coal was investigated by forming different blending ratios with coal. The usage of coal and hydrochar blend at 80:20 ratio proved effective to be applied in industrial boilers with reduced CO2, NO2 and SO2 emissions by 5.3%, 6.8% and 10.6%, respectively. The energy characterisation and thermogravimetric analysis of hydrochar indicated its application in the renewable energy domain thereby promoting circular economy through agro-waste management. The hydrochar was amorphous in nature with a macro-porous surface having a higher intensity of oxygenated functional groups that enhanced its potential as an adsorbent. The activation of adsorption sites on the hydrochar surface was performed through ethanol washing. The activated hydrochar was used as an adsorbent and as a supplement in the anaerobic digestion-based wastewater treatment of silage effluent. The impact of hydrochar on the biomethane production and nutrient removal was also investigated. The presence of carboxylic and ketonic functional groups in the hydrochar inhibited its capacity as the terminal electron acceptor during the methanogenesis process thereby reducing the methane generation. In addition, hydrochar influenced nutrient removal by excluding the toxic effects of their reactive forms like Ammonia and Hydrogen sulphide. The adsorption capacity of hydrochar was enhanced with the fixation of methane inhibitory factors during the wastewater treatment. At the hydrochar concentration of 15 g L-1, nutrient removal was observed in terms of 32.8% for nitrogen, 46.93% for phosphorus, 59.1% for potassium, and 45.2% for sodium, 20.3% for magnesium. This suggests that the spent mushroom substrate based hydrochar can be used for nutrient removal (N, P, S, K, etc.,) in silage wastewater treatment thereby reducing the carbon in the treated water. Although, the addition of hydrochar proved effective in removal of elements, the treated wastewater had a higher proportion on comparison with the permissible limits of Central Pollution Control Board except for zinc and copper. The study indicated that hydrochar based single stage process for wastewater treatment must be transformed into a multistage process thereby promoting the elemental reduction at different stages below permissible limits for irrigation. The outcome of this research will help in converting waste-to-wealth thereby promoting circular economy.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF SPRING WATER QUALITY AND IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES ON SPRINGSHEDS IN SOLAN DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2024-01-27) UPASANA; S K BhardwajThe present investigation entitled “Assessment of spring water quality and impact of environmental changes on springsheds in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh” was conducted in the Department of Environmental Science Dr.Y S Parmar University of Horticultural and Forestry Nauni -173230, Solan Himachal Pradesh during the year 2021 and 2022. The primary and secondary data was collected and springs of the district were invenotrized. The usage, seasonality and discharge of springs was recorded by following standards procedure. The physical chemical and biological characteristics of spring water of the district were determined using standards methods in pre and post monsoon months. The soil health of springshed was also assessed and factors affecting its health were also identified. The block wise distribution of springs were in order of Solan(328)>Kandaghat(198)>Dharampur(173)>Kunihar (131)>Nalagarh(124) . Presently district Solan of the state has 478 perennial, 366 seasonal springs out of which 124 springs have gone dry. The spring water usage for people in Solan, Dharampur, Kandaght, Kunihar and Nalagarh block ranged from 60-30 Lpd, 55-30 Lpd, 50-25 Lpd, 56-28 Lpd and 40-20 Lpd respectively. The spring water usage for livestock in Solan, Dharampur, Kandaght, Kunihar and Nalagarh block ranged from 55-30 Lpd, 56-30 Lpd, 50-25 Lpd, 55-28 Lpd and 45-20 Lpd respectively. The seasons wise discharge rate of the springs ranged from 7.60 (post monsoon) to 1.20 Lmin-1(pre monsoon). Spring water quality parameters like pH, Turbidity, TDS, DO, Alkalinity, Cl-, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO4 3-, TH, Na+, K+ and trace elements like Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn were within the permissible limits as prescribed by BIS and WHO for drinking water. The spring water pH was in the range of 7.57 to 7.64. Temperature of spring water was in range of 23.43ºC to 29.80ºC. turbidity of spring water ranged from 1.78 to 3.13 mg l-1. TDS of spring water ranged from 313 to 505mg l-1. EC of spring water ranged from 4 80.77to 776.92μS cm-1. DO, alkalinity and chloride of spring water ranged from 6.46-5.29mg l-1, 87.50-96.73mg l-1 and 34.05-47.55mg l-1. respectively. Calcium, magnesium and total hardness of spring water in the district ranged from 47.98-62.05mg l-1, 12.32- 35.62mg l-1 and 82.95-299.94mg l-1 respectively. Sodium, potassium and sulphate of spring water ranged from 6.34-27.02mg l-1, 0.36-4.07mg l-1 and 20.53-61.15mg l1 respectively. Trace elements namely Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn ranged from 0.002 to 0.003 mg l-1, 0.02 to 0.03 mg l-1, 0.04 to 0.11 mg l-1, 0.17 mg l-1 to 0.31 mg l-1and 0.36 to 1.35 mg l-1 respectively. The spring water quality index was in good category (33.57-50.40). The soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics of springshed like EC, pH, soil organic carbon and total microbial biomass were in the range of 0.35 to 0.46 dSm-1, 7.52 to 7.18, 5.79 to 13.34 g kg-1 and 49.90 to109.72mg kg-1 respectively. The trace elements in soil of springshed namely Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Cr ranged from 5.56 to 10.61mg kg-1,0.55 to1.81 mg kg-1 ,1.43 to 3.11mg kg-1,1.71 to 4.72mg kg-1 and 0.003 to 0.005 mg kg-1 respectively. The soil quality index of springshed was also in good category (0.67-0.37). The good soil health of the springshed reflected in water quality of springs having good WQI. However, developmental activities have been identified to alter the status and discharge pattern of springs these factors coupled with climatic variability have started impacting springs as being perceived by local people of the region. Therefor proper awareness and policy decisions regarding sustainable management of these resources needs to be ensured in the region to cope up with emerging demand of good quality freshwater in the present era of climate change and changed lifestyle of the people.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.
