Publications
Rice straw‑derived cellulose: a comparative study of various pre‑treatment technologies and its conversion to nanofibres
Research Paper
| December 21, 2023
Rice straw is a waste product generated after the harvesting of rice crops and is commonly disposed of by burning it off in open fields. This study explored the potential for the extraction and conversion of cellulose to cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) to be used as smart delivery systems for fertilizers applications. In this study, alkali, steam explosion, and organosolv treatments were investigated for cellulose extraction efficiency. The morphological characterization of cellulose showed smooth fibrillar structures.
Biodegradation of N‑fertilizer loaded on cellulose nanofibres to assess their potential use as a controlled‑release fertilizer
Research Paper
| December 21, 2023
Cellulose nanofibres (CNF) have emerged as advanced systems for controlled, smart delivery of N-fertilizer owing to their surface modification properties. However, to realize the true potential of this nanomaterial, its biodegradation analysis would be crucial to understanding its impact and fate when exposed to the environment. In this study, the main focus was to investigate the effect of N-fertilizer loaded CNF (electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged COO– group on CNF and the positively charged ammonium ion) on the microflora of the soil.
Waste to wonder: zinc mining waste can be source for magic plant-nutrients
Article
| December 20, 2023
Urbanization and industrialization have placed a heavy load on the environment by generating billion tons of harmful garbage every year. A study by TERI found India, in a year, produces over 62 million tons (MT) of waste, making it a leading cause of environmental and public health concerns in the country.
Simultaneous production of bio-crude bio-oil via hydrothermal liquefaction and carotenoids via supercritical extraction from Nannochloropsis oceanica and recycling effluent to establish circular processes
Research Paper
| December 14, 2023
Commercial production of microalgae biofuel is not economically feasible since it cannot compete with the price of fossil fuels. Algal biofuel could be cost-effective if high-value co-products are produced from microalgal biomass before it is converted into biofuel. Thus, this research aims to demonstrate a circular biorefinery process of producing bio-crude bio-oil as well as high-value products like carotenoids from a marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica.
Nanofertilizers developed by TERI's Sustainable Agriculture Program for achieving climate-smart agriculture are approved by the Department of Agriculture for manufacturing and marketing
Article
| December 12, 2023
Nanofertilizers have promised to overcome the adverse effect of excessive conventional fertilizers on environment and health. Our extensive studies have shown that the use of nanofertilizers, in combination with ‘bulk’ fertilizer(s), can reduce the application size of conventional fertilizers by 25-50 % in agricultural fields. TERI has developed three nano-fertilizer technologies up to commercial scale. These include nano Urea, nano DAP and nano Phosphorous.
A brief mapping of patents in microalgae-based systems
Research Paper
| December 4, 2023
Microalgae-based systems are one of the most sustainable substitutes for naturally occurring compounds, such as pigments, lipids, fatty acids, carotenoids, and proteins, which are well known to have various applications. In the past few decades, vigorous research has been conducted in the field of microalgae-based commercial applications. Global market trends have flourished tremendously with the increase in research and development of microalgae-based systems, focusing on the innovation of processes and development of products.
Advancing Environmental and Climate Goals Through a Multidimensional Model of Green Budgeting
Policy brief
| December 4, 2023
While environmental regulation is the principal responsibility of environmental ministries, their locus standi in terms of implementation is limited as much of the implementation lies with other line ministries/departments and public agencies. Hence, it is essential that ‘environment’ is mainstreamed across ministries, departments, and sectors.
Internationalizing Lifestyles For Sustainable Development
Policy brief
| December 2, 2023
Mainstream frameworks on sustainable consumption and production fail to holistically capture downstream segments of resource consumption and production systems, especially regarding lifestyle choices, including its links to upstream and midstream components.