Managing natural resources with eco-friendly technologies for sustainable rural development: a case of Garhwal Himalaya

Traditional Central Himalaya societies face a range of socio-economic and environmental problems. The potential of science and technology has not yet been adequately and appropriately harnessed to overcome the development constraints posed by the fragile Himalayan environment. Thus there is a need for large-scale establishment of technology resource centers. The Garhwal Unit of GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development established rural technology demonstration and training centers in three different agroecological zones between 550 and 2200 m asl and in 13–15 locations, with suitable technologies based on appropriate use and management of locally available bio-resources that ensure people participation. About 35 on-site training courses were organised for about 2329 participants. The participants were given on-site demonstrations, training and technical know-how on various technologies, to enable farmers to better understand problems faced during implementation of new technologies for sustainable management of natural resources. An action research framework and training manuals were also developed in consideration of local socio-economic condition. The documentation and analysis of research (quantitative and qualitative) and data related to cost–benefit analysis of the technologies adopted by farmers generated through this study has created wider sharing of farmer training outputs, at farm level, amongst the scientific communities and with policy planners.     

Traditional crop diversity for sustainable development of Central Himalayan agroecosystems

SUMMARY

A rich diversity of traditional crops occurs generally in the Himalaya and more particularly in Central Himalaya. Over forty species of food grains are grown in traditional agroecosystems of Central Himalaya, which have been managed by the local farming communities since time immemorial. These traditional crop varieties have evolved over centuries and are well adapted to the particular area. A number of edaphic, topographic and climatic factors associated with different selection pressures over centuries of cultivation resulted in immense variations in the crop species.

The grain and by-product yield of the majority of the traditional crops cultivated across an altitudinal gradient were worked out and compared with common food crops (paddy, wheat, mustard) at two points in time (1970-74, 1990–94) and it was found that almost all the traditional crops had slightly higher yields during 1970–74 than between 1990–94. However, common food crops grown during the Kharif season had higher yields during 1990–94 whereas, Rabi season crops exhibited higher yield during 1970–74. The yield of rainfed paddy remained static over the years across the altitudinal gradient. Among the traditional crops cultivated during the Kharif and Rabi seasons in mixed and pure forms at different altitudes were Macrotyloma uniforum (at higher altitude), Parilla frutescens and Vigna mungo (at middle altitude) and Panicum miliaceum (at lower altitude) which were found to be eco-energetically efficient. Avena sativa (oat) and mixed cropping of Fagopyrum esculentum and potato had higher energy efficiency ratios whereas the latter also exhibited a higher monetary output/input ratio. Crops like paddy and wheat with mustard, grown in irrigated land were found to be more eco-energetically efficient than the same crops grown in the rainfed land. In general, traditional crops possess higher nutritive value than the common food crops. The contribution of traditional crops to the local diet (kg/capita/year) and their energy and protein equivalents were higher during both time periods. It was observed that while exporting these traditional crops, the locals of the region are highly exploited by middlemen. Despite having huge potential, traditional crop diversity of this region has been reduced to a great extent during the last two decades. Besides, the area under cultivation with these crops has been declining rapidly. However, many of these crops possess immense potential to meet the growing food demand and ensure food security of an increasing population. Therefore, a comprehensive programme of conservation through various means and improvement of agronomic yield in their natural habitats is urgently needed.     

Susceptibility of male and female Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) to 2,4,6-trichlorophenol-induced micronuclei in peripheral erythrocytes

2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) is a widespread probable human carcinogen and has been proven to have genotoxicity in in vitro assays. However, little genotoxicity information and no micronuclei induction data for 2,4,6-TCP is available from in vivo tests, especially for sex-specific differences. Following a preliminary test, a piscine peripheral erythrocyte micronucleus assay was conducted on medaka (Oryzias latipes) after a 28-day exposure to 2,4,6-TCP. In the present study, the mean micronuclei (MNC) frequencies of all of the groups increased in a dose-dependent manner, which indicated the potential genotoxicity of 2,4,6-TCP. Moreover, males were found to be more susceptible compared with females after a 28-day exposure to 2,4,6-TCP in all of the dosed groups above 10 μg·L^?1. This is the first report on the potential of micronuclei induction and a sex-susceptible effect in the peripheral erythrocytes of mature fish after 2,4,6-TCP in vivo exposure.     

Environmental contamination using accumulation of metals in marine sponge,Sigmadocia fibulata inhabiting the coastal waters of Gulf of Mannar,India

Coastal marine ecosystems in many parts of the world are under unrelenting stress caused by urban development, pollutants and other ecological impacts such as building of infrastructure, land reclamation for port and industrial development, habitat modification, tourism and recreational activities. The present work is a first extensive field study using the marine sponge, Sigmadocia fibulata as a bioindicator to detect metal pollution between inshore and offshore environment of the ‘Gulf of Mannar’, India. Samples of S. fibulata were collected from different places of inshore (0.1–0.5?km) and offshore (3–5?kms) locations. Metal concentrations in water and bioaccumulation in sponges were determined by ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry). Enrichment of metal contamination was more in the inshore, when compared to offshore environment. Higher concentrations of metals Fe, Al, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cr, Co, Ba, Zn, V, Pb and Cd in inshore waters (3–6.4 times than offshore) may be due to the discharge of monsoonal rains, carrying a discharge of industrial and agricultural wastes and sewage directly into the coast. This is substantiated by a highly significant positive correlation between concentrations of metals in the water and accumulation in sponges. The bioaccumulation of metals in sponge tissue were in order of Fe?>?Al?>?Ni?>?Mn?>?Cu?> Cr?>?Co?>?Ba?>?Zn?>?V?>?Cd?>?Pb in both the inshore and offshore regions. Apparently, the macromolecule composition (sugars, proteins and lipids) was significantly reduced by the accumulation of metals in inshore sponges. The current findings indicated that the frequent monitoring is necessary to assess the eco-health of the marine environment by choosing bio-indicator species like S. fibulata, which provide accurate, reliable measurements of environmental quality.     

Biosorption of chromium(VI), nickel(II) and copper(II) ions from aqueous solutions using Pithophora algae

The biosorption of heavy metals is considered to be one of the best alternatives for the treatment of wastewater. The metal binding capacity of algae and acid-treated algae is investigated to find out the removal characteristics of Cr(VI), Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions from single metal solutions. Batch experiments are conducted and the study is extended to investigate the effect of pH, amount of adsorbent and adsorbate concentration on the extent of biosorption. The results indicate that the adsorption capacity of algae depends strongly on pH. The maximum adsorption of Cr(VI), Ni(II) and Cu(II) occurs at pH values of 2, 7 and 4.3, respectively. The adsorption process follows first-order kinetic equation. The data obtained are correlated with Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms.     

Effect of nickel exposure on serum amylase activity in nickel-plating workers

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of nickel (Ni) exposure on serum amylase activity in nickel-plating workers in Bangalore (India). Sixty-nine subjects using Ni during the electroplating process formed the exposed group. An equal number of age- and sex-matched subjects working in the administration section formed the control group. Urine Ni levels were determined using a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum amylase activity was determined using spectrophotometric method with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-α-D-maltotrioside as substrate. A significant increase in urine Ni and serum amylase activity was noted in nickel platers as compared with the control group. The level of serum amylase activity was positively and significantly associated with Ni content in urine of nickel platers. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to assess the effects of Ni exposure, life style confounding factors and presence of gastrointestinal problems on serum amylase activity. The analysis showed that the subjects who had urine Ni levels beyond 10?µg?g^?1 of creatinine, nickel platers category, smoking and body mass index variables were significantly associated with serum amylase activity. The results of this study suggest that the increased serum amylase activity observed in nickel-exposed subjects could be used as a biomarker for investigating pancreatic function in Ni exposure.     

Removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions using activated carbon prepared from Cicer arietinum

Removal of Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺ from aqueous solutions by activated carbon prepared from stems and seed hulls of Cicer arietinum, an agricultural solid waste, has been studied. The influence of various parameters, such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial concentration of metal ions on removal was evaluated. The activated carbon was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. Sorption isotherms were studied using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. All experimental sorption data were fitted to the sorption models using nonlinear least-squares regression. The maximum adsorption capacity values for activated carbon prepared from Cicer arietinum waste for metal ions were 18 mg g^?1 (Cu²⁺), 18 mg g^?1 (Cd²⁺), 20 mg g^?1 (Pb²⁺), and 20 mg g^?1 (Zn²⁺), respectively. The Freundlich isotherm model fit was best, followed by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Desorption studies were carried out with dilute hydrochloric acid for quantitative recovery of the metal ions and for regeneration of the adsorbent.     

酵母双杂交技术构建稀有鮈鲫不同雌激素受体亚型的重组荧光酵母

目前关于环境雌激素(environmental estrogens,EEs)的效应评估大多数是基于人的雌激素受体(estrogen receptor,ER)的离体检测,缺乏EEs对鱼类ER影响的研究。本研究利用酵母双杂交技术构建模式生物稀有鮈鲫不同ER亚型重组荧光双杂交酵母,用以快速检测EEs的雌激素活性并研究不同ER亚型对17β-雌二醇(E_2)敏感度的差异。采用反转录多聚酶链反应法获取稀有鮈鲫ERα、ERβ1和ERβ2的配体结合域(LBD)序列,构建并鉴别诱饵质粒pGBKT7-ERα-LBD、p GBKT7-ERβ1-LBD和pGBKT7-ERβ2-LBD。将诱饵质粒和猎物质粒pGAD424-GRIP1同时转化荧光酵母Y187-Luc,分别构建3株稀有鮈鲫ERα-GRIP1、ERβ1-GRIP1和ERβ2-GRIP1重组荧光双杂交酵母,并考察了E_2、双氢睾酮(DHT)、9-顺维甲酸(9-cis RA)、三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T_3)和孕酮(PG)对荧光素酶的诱导情况。结果显示:ERα-GRIP1、ERβ1-GRIP1和ERβ2-GRIP1重组荧光双杂交酵母能够专一性地被E_2诱导产生荧光素酶,并存在显著的剂量-效应关系,半数效应浓度(EC_(50))值分别为1.98×10~(-9)、1.77×10~(-10)、和3.52×10~(-10)mol·L~(-1),对E_2的敏感程度排序为:ERβ1-GRIP1>ERβ2-GRIP1>ERα-GRIP1。研究表明,稀有鮈鲫不同ER亚型对E_2的响应具有差异,3株重组荧光双杂交酵母不仅可以应用于快速识别内分泌干扰物中的类雌激素物质,分析稀有鮈鲫不同ER亚型对EEs的敏感性,解析雌激素污染物对稀有鮈鲫的作用机制,评估鱼类接触EEs的潜在风险,以期为水质保障和污染治理提供重要依据。     

Nanostructured semiconducting materials for efficient hydrogen generation

Massive production of hydrogen by water decomposition triggered by a solar light active photocatalyst is a major objective in chemistry and a promising avenue to overcome the global energy crisis. The development of efficient, stable, economically viable and eco-friendly photocatalysts for hydrogen production is a challenging task. This article reviews the use of nanocomposite in three combinations: metal oxide–metal oxide semiconductor, metal–metal oxide semiconductor and metal chalcogenide–metal oxide core–shell nanostructures. These core–shell structures occur in two forms: a simple form where the photocatalyst is either in the core or the shell or in a more complex system where the core–shell structure comprises a co-catalyst deposited on a semiconducting material. We discuss the design, synthesis and development of semiconductor-based nanocomposite photocatalysts for hydrogen production. The major points are the role of catalytic active sites, the chemical nature of sacrificial agents, the effect of light sources, the variable light intensity and the energy efficiency calculation. For TiO₂-based nanocomposites, the metal oxide or metal co-catalyst loading of 1.0–3.0 wt% was optimal. TiO₂ nanotube–CuO hybrid nanocomposites produce 1,14,000 µmol h^?1 \({\text{g}}^{ - 1}_{\text{cat}}\), whereas TiO₂/Au nanocomposites display 1,60,000 µmol h^?1 \({\text{g}}^{ - 1}_{\text{cat}}\). For core–shell catalysts, a shell thickness of 2–20 nm was found for the best activity, and its performance is as follows: (a) CdS–NiO system produces around 19,949 µmol h^?1 \({\text{g}}^{ - 1}_{\text{cat}}\) and (b) CuO–Cr₂O₃ as co-catalyst immobilized on TiO₂ system produces around 82,390 µmol h^?1 \({\text{g}}^{ - 1}_{\text{cat}}\).     

悬浮填料生物反应器处理低浓度氨氮的动力学特性分析

城市污水经一级强化处理后,NH3-N浓度为10~15mg/L,CODCr为40~60mg/L。试验利用悬浮填料床对一级强化处理出水中的氨氮进行深度处理,分析了悬浮填料表面负荷和硝化速率与水力停留时间的关系,并模拟分析了硝化速率与氨氮浓度的关系。结果表明,悬浮填料床内混合液氨氮浓度为0.5~2.5mg/L时,硝化反应符合半级反应动力学,半级反应速率常数k1/2为0.48(g/m)0.5/d;混合液氨氮浓度>2.1mg/L时,硝化反应遵循零级反应动力学,rmax为0.71g/(m2.d)。动力学理论计算值与实际运行结果基本吻合,说明动力学模型对悬浮填料床的硝化性能具有良好的预测和指导意义。