Research Papers
Rice straw‑derived cellulose: a comparative study of various pre‑treatment technologies and its conversion to nanofibres
Sharma Neha , Allardyce Benjamin James , Rangam Rajkhowa , Agrawal Ruchi
| 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
Sharma Neha , Kochar Mandira , Allardyce Benjamin James , Rangam Rajkhowa , Agrawal Ruchi
| 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.
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
Nagi Gurpreet Kaur, Goel Mayurika, Tiwari Rahul, Bhawna, Gaur Suchitra, Mallick Nirupama, Mandal Shovon
| 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.
A brief mapping of patents in microalgae-based systems
Kaur Mehak , Peshwani Hishita , Goel Mayurika
| 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.
Role of woody biomass in carbon capture, circular bioeconomy, and biomanufacturing
Raj Tirath , Verma Shulbhi ,Kumar Narendra , Agrawal Ruchi
| 2023
Global rise in CO2 levels, combined with growing concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, has prompted the adoption of low-carbon emitting processes in order to create a safer, more economically viable, and sustainable environment. Carbon capture by woody biomasses, following the 3R principles of advanced carbon capture, utilization, and storage practices, may boost the circular bioeconomy and help to limit the global rise in temperature below 1.5°C.
Building competencies amongst youth to mainstream knowledge and soft skills to enable a transformative impact on the society
Mehta Taru , Kahlon Livleen K , Barua Monmi
| 2023
The world is recognizing the relevance and scope of Sustainability Science (SS) as it integrates the disciplines ranging from pure sciences and social sciences and their specializations. Hence, a balance between policies, research, and direct action is integral to the field of SS. Interdisciplinarity is important for SS, and this is a relatively new area. Hence, experiments done within the scope of SS need to be recorded and intensive dissemination of lessons learnt (Haider, 2018).
Who is adapting and how? Identifying actors and roles in climate change adaptation
Bhadwal Suruchi with Multiple Authors
| 2023
An assessment of the global progress in climate change adaptation is urgently needed. Despite a rising awareness that adaptation should involve diverse societal actors and a shared sense of responsibility,little is known about the types of actors involved and their roles—particularly between state and non-state actors and different regions. Based on a large n-structured analysis of case studies, we show that, although individuals or households are the most prominent actors implementing adaptation, they are the least involved in institutional responses, particularly in the Global South.
A global assessment of actors and their roles in climate change adaptation
Bhadwal Suruchi with Multiple Authors
| 2023
An assessment of the global progress in climate change adaptation is urgently needed. Despite a rising awareness that adaptation should involve diverse societal actors and a shared sense of responsibility, little is known about the types of actors, such as state and non-state, and their roles in different types of adaptation responses as well as in different regions.
Occurrence, Source and Dietary Exposure of Toxic and Essential Elements in the Indian Food Basket
Jain Manisha, Sharma Brij Mohan, Sachdeva Sarita, Kuta Jan, Červenka Rostislav, Nizzetto Luca, Kukreti Praveen, Bharat Girija K., Chakraborty Paromita
| 2023
In this study, representative urban and peri-urban Indian food baskets have been studied for the presence of toxic and essential elements. The concentration of target toxic and essential elements was used to estimate dietary intakes (EDIs) and health risks. Across all food matrices, toxic elements like Cd and Pb were dominant.
Indigenous Knowledge in Muga Culture and Terminologies used by Muga Rearers of Lower Assam, Assam, India
Nath Premananda, Goswami Naba Kumar
| 2023
Muga culture is one of the major cottage industries in Assam and engaged a huge number of families for their livelihood. Assam is the highest producer of Muga silk in India. The sector is mostly associated with traditional practices and the muga rearers believe that muga culture is not only a source of livelihood for them but also a custom and tradition of Assam. Though the recent development and new package of practices are in place, most of the rearers are reluctant to adopt the recent techniques and associated with age old traditional thoughts and practices.