Publications

Recent advances in research for potential utilization of unexplored lichen metabolites

Research Paper

| June 14, 2023

Several research studies have shown that lichens are productive organisms for the synthesis of a broad range of secondary metabolites. Lichens are a self-sustainable stable microbial ecosystem comprising an exhabitant fungal partner (mycobiont) and at least one or more photosynthetic partners (photobiont).

Antimicrobial Agents Based on Metal Complexes: Present Situation and Future Prospects

Research Paper

| June 14, 2023

The rise in antimicrobial resistance is a cause of serious concern since the ages. Therefore, a dire need to explore new antimicrobial entities that can combat against the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance is realized. Studies have shown that the activity of the strongest antibiotics has reduced drastically against many microbes such as microfungi and bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram negative). A ray of hope, however, was witnessed in early 1940s with the development of new drug discovery and use of metal complexes as antibiotics.

Evaluation of biochemical responses in pepper genotypes artificially inoculated with pepper leaf curl virus

Research Paper

| June 14, 2023

Pepper leaf curl virus (PepLCV), a whitefly transmitted Begomovirus is a serious threat to chilli production. Resistant and susceptible genotypes were investigated for biochemical alterations after virus inoculation. The total phenol content across six genotypes ranged from 14.80 ± 1.98 to 55.85 ± 2.54 (mg/100 g FW).

Harnessing the Potential of Bio-Resources to Produce Low Carbon Bio-Hydrogen

Policy brief

| June 8, 2023

Brahmapuram Landfill Fire: Points towards the Need for Decentralized Waste Management

Article

| June 8, 2023

In this article, Sharada Balasubramanian highlights that a series of flames have been breaking out, year after year, at the Brahmapuram landfill in Kerala. Yet, it was not taken seriously. This year, the massive uncontrollable fire breakout urged the Kochi Corporation to take serious steps to resolve this issue as it impacted the health of people and the environment. Brahmapuram is the only landfill that is a bone of contention in Kerala, where solid waste management, otherwise is decentralized and systematic.

Nano steps towards Climate Smart Agriculture

Article

| May 31, 2023

Its deceptively small size is no measure of its impact. Nanotechnology may work at a small scale, but the minuscule size of nanomaterials belies their efficiency. Little wonder then that the technology is being increasingly applied in agriculture to enhance efficacy and, importantly, to shrink the adverse impact of conventional chemical fertilizers on the environment and health.

A comparative assessment of biomass pretreatment methods for the sustainable industrial upscaling of rice straw into cellulose

Article

| April 18, 2023

Source- Cellulose Publisher- Springer Nature Year- 18 March 2023 Weblink- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10570-023-05161-4 This paper gives a comprehensive characteristic comparison of cellulose-rich variants obtained from the rice straw using different pretreatment methods along with the preliminary cost analyses indicating their potential economic feasibility.

‘Air to Water’ technology - offering potential to achieve Water for All

Policy brief

| March 28, 2023

Phosphate-assisted remediation of Pb(II) from Jarosite

Research Paper

| March 20, 2023

Jarosite is an essential solid industrial waste material which is generated during the hydrometallurgical processing of zinc in smelters. Besides zinc and iron, Jarosite also contains toxic heavy metals like Pb, Cd, Al, Cr, Cu etc. due to which it is environmentally hazardous. Due to the presence of heavy metals, the useful Zn, Fe components cannot be utilized safely. Therefore, it is necessary to remove Pb(II), a major toxic element, to make it useful. In this report, a green process for immobilization of Pb(II) using phosphate materials (physiochemical adsorption) is discussed.

Mainstreaming Climate-Resilient Water and Sanitation Infrastructure For Long Lasting Impacts

Article

| March 17, 2023

In this article, Manisha Jain and Dr Kriti Akansha highlight that it is necessary to support long-term thinking, transformation, flexibility and innovation while taking the associated climate risks into consideration to attain climate resilience. There is a need for a robust framework that ensures climate policies are integrated into all sectors and that planning, implementation, and evaluation are strictly followed.