Publications
Mapping long-term land use and land cover change in the central Himalayan region using a tree-based ensemble classification approach.
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Forest cover and its change analysis along with nexus between other land cover types are often seen as insufficient data quality for operational applications in the Himalayan region. Despite extensive documentation reporting rapid demographic, socio-economic and environmental changes in this region, we lack comprehensive detailed assessments of spatial distribution of land use/land cover (LULC) change over an extended period of time.
Microbial production of 2,3-butanediol through a two-stage pH and agitation strategy in 150 l bioreactor
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
This study was focused on scaling up of 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) production, via fermentation in a 150 l bioreactor using the newly isolated strain Enterobacter cloacae TERI BD 18. Operational parameters were customized for the strain E. cloacae using a fed- batch strategy, which enhanced the glucose to 2,3-BD conversion yield (0.44 g/g).
Mini-grid based off-grid electrification to enhance electricity access in developing countries: What policies may be required
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
With 1.2 billion people still lacking electricity access by 2013, electricity access remains a major global challenge. Although mini-grid based electrification has received attention in recent times, their full exploitation requires policy support covering a range of areas. Distilling the experience from a five year research project, OASYS South Asia, this paper presents the summary of research findings and shares the experience from four demonstration activities.
Mobile health units: Mobilizing healthcare to reach unreachable
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Purpose: Despite a considerable size, mobile health units (MHUs) are rarely noticed in healthcare network, probably due to its non-profit organization and lack of extensive evaluation. There is no published review, to best of our knowledge, which provides a descriptive insight of this sector and its position in public health. Present article thoroughly reviews available literature to explain MHU's setup, organization, and role in healthcare delivery. Methodology: Search was conducted using PUBMED, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Popline, CINAHL, and Google for grey literature.
Morphogenesis of edible gall in Zizania latifolia (Griseb.) Turcz. ex Stapf due to Ustilago esculenta Henn. infection in India.
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The Zizania latifolia Griseb. Turcz. ex Stapf., a perennial wetland wild rice species get infected by a basidiomycetous fungus Ustilago esculenta Henn that produces gall. Here we report the morphogenesis behaviour of this plant during gall transformation. The identity of Z. latifolia and U. esculenta were confirmed by comparing microsatellite and Internal Transcribed Spacer region of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence with the public database. U. esculenta infection transforms the Z. latifolia into two distinct morphotypes such as gall forming and non-gall forming.
On-site treatment of source separated domestic wastewater employing anaerobic package system
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
On-site treatment of black water generated at a residential school was investigated by employing an upgraded two-stage package system: a modified septic tank followed by an anaerobic filter. The findings revealed that the average removal efficiency for CODtot, CODss, BOD and TSS were 72.6, 90.2, 78.4 and 83.2%, respectively. Monthly septage characterization revealed a declining trend in VSS/TSS ratio, which indicated the progressive hydrolysis as well as stabilization of the sludge.
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in river and ground/drinking water of the Ganges River basin: Emissions and implications for human exposure
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Many perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. They have been widely used in production processes and daily-use products or may result from degradation of precursor compounds in products or the environment. India, with its developing industrialization and population moving from traditional to contemporary lifestyles, represents an interesting case study to investigate PFAS emission and exposure along steep environmental and socioeconomic gradients.
Performance of Upflow Anaerobic Bioelectrochemical Reactor Compared to the Sludge Blanket Reactor for Acidic Distillery Wastewater Treatment
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The performance of upflow anaerobic bioelectrochemical reactor (UABE), equipped with electrodes (anode and cathode) inside the upflow anaerobic reactor, was compared to that of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor for the treatment of acidic distillery wastewater. The UASB was stable in pH, alkalinity and VFAs until the organic loading rate (OLR) of 4.0 g COD/L.d, but it became unstable over 4.0 g COD/L.d. As a response to the abrupt doubling in OLR, the perturbation in the state variables for the UABE was smaller, compared to the UASB, and quickly recovered.
Photo fermentative hydrogen production by a new strain; Rhodobacter sphaeroides CNT 2A, isolated from pond sediment
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
In the present study, a new purple non sulfur (PNS) bacterial strain identified as Rhodobacter sphaeroides CNT 2A was investigated for photo fermentative hydrogen production from acetate, butyrate (short chain organic acids), glucose & sucrose (simple and complex sugar) as sole carbon source in presence of sodium glutamate (0.6 g/L) as nitrogen source. Initial medium pH, acetate and butyrate concentration (by using these substrates as sole carbon sources) were optimized.