ID: 51802
Title: Supercritical CO2 : a twenty-first century solvent for the chemical industry
Author: Pradip Munshi and Sumit Bhaduri
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 1, 10 July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Carbon dioxide, E-factor, industrial application, supercritical fluids, water
Abstract: Half a glass of water may be described as half full or half empty, but if the water is in a supercritical state we have to agree that the glass is filled with something that is neither a gas nor a liquid. Steam and boiling water when in equilibrium are two different phases that are clearly separated by a phase boundary, but if the temperature and pressure are raised, after a point the phase boundary disappears and water becomes a supercritical fluid (SCF). While by appropriate changes in temperature and pressure the supercritical phase from many other substances could also be reached, from the point of view of applications, supercritical carbon di oxide (scCO2 ) is of special interest. The main impetus for the wide-scale application of scCO2 and other SCFs comes from the desire to develop environment-friendly chemical processes1-3. The environmental impact of a chemical process can be measured by its E-factor (amount of waste per unit mass of desired product). The E-factor has an inverse relationship with its environment-friendliness and includes solvent loss in the process. Many industrial solvents are not only hazardous (toxic, flammable, etc.), but their full recovery and recycling often are not easy, or economically viable. An appropriate example is the pharmaceutical industry where approximately only about 1% (w/v) product comes out of the solvent used, with about 50% solvent recovery in the whole process5. Further-more even a non-hazardous hydrocarbon solvent in the long run is converted to CO2 and adds to the carbon cycle. Therefore, from the point of view of the overall environment-friendliness, replacement of common organic solvent is an important objective. Although the main motivation for the wide-scale application of scCO2 in recent times originated from environmental considerations, studies on scCO2 have also led to many important scientific findings6-8. In this review we present some of the recent scientific and technological advances associated with the use of SCF in the industry.The focus is mainly on the chemical aspects and the underlying principles of SCF-based technologies, but technologies other than chemical are also mentioned.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51801
Title: Climate change-a developing country perspective
Author: B. Sudhakara Reddy and Gaudenz B. Assenza
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 1, 10 July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Climate change, developing countries, energy, environment
Abstract: This article looks at the issue of climate change from a developing country perspective and develops an outline of a win-win-oriented climate policy around development priorities. It demonstrates how the great climate debate between the ' skeptics ' and ' supporters ' does not lead developing countries anywhere. The article shows that the emerging middle-path approach, which suits developing countries will lead to win-win opportunities both for the environment and the economy. The proponents of this approach are termed as ' climate realists ' , who consider climate mitigation as a by-product of sustainable development solutions. The article also discusses the issue of discount rate that should be applied for problems which are likely to peak in the medium to long-term future. Finally, various market-based mechanisms with ' no-regret options ' are discussed and we advocate the use of sustainable development paradigm for climate-change policies.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51800
Title: Environmental sustainability and tourism-implications of trend synergies of tourism in Sikkim Himalaya
Author: R.Joshi and P.P.Dhyani
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 1, 10 July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Environmental sustainability, tourist influx, tourism process models, trend synergies
Abstract: This article analysis tourism in Sikkim, a small Himalayan state of India, in light of the most general kind of tourism process models and tourist influx trends. The tourism trends are studied to map the state of progress and prospects of tourism in the state, and for the general understanding of patterns of tourist influx. Tourism in Sikkim is predominantly domestic; foreign tourists comprise only 5.5% of the total tourist influx. The trends reveal that Sikkim tourism is in the developmental stage of increasing growth of tourist influx. Simulations based on three scenarios suggest that approximately 7.6-10.4 lakhs tourists would visit Sikkim during the year 2017, which would also have implications on the infrastructure, environment, natural resources, culture and eco-tourism of the state. The impacts are also analysed in light of projected increase in the population and trends of livestock resources and agricultural production. A proactive planning involving optimal use of management options. therefore, is required for a viable symbiosis of tourism and environment and sustainability of tourism in the state.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51799
Title: Land evaluation by integrating remote sensing and GIS for cropping system analysis in a watershed
Author: D. Martin and S.K.Saha
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 96, No 4, 25 February 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Cropping system, geographical information system, land evaluation, remote sensing
Abstract: Quantitative land evaluation procedures, namely USDA Land Capability Classification (LCC) and FAO Land Evaluation Procedure for Soil Site Suitability for various land utilization types have been used to assess the land suitability for different crops and for generating cropping pattern for kharif (summer) and rabi (winter) seasons in a watershed. The database on soil, land use/ land cover rainfall, and temperature was generated from data derived from Landsat TM remote sensing satellite and soil survey to perform an integrated analysis in the geographic information system environment. Arable and non-arable lands were delineated in the watershed using the USDA LCC and non-arable areas were masked for removal from future analysis. Different land quality parameters, viz.soil texture, depth, erosion, slope, flooding and course fragments under various and units were evaluated for a number of crops. Subsequently all of them were integrated using a sequence of logical operations to generate the land suitability maps for various crops. Kharif and rabi season cropping patterns were developed by integrating crop suitability maps for the winter and summer seasons separately. Finally, cropping system maps for the watershed were obtained by integrating the two season cropping sequences within the crop calendar. Results indicated that the present agricultural area of 47% could be increased to 71% by adopting scientific land evaluation methods for watershed development. It was also found that better land use options could be implemented in different land units as the conventional land evaluation methods suffer from limitation of spatioal analysis for the suitability of various crops.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51798
Title: Managing of GIS projects in infrastructure development
Author: Ashok Kaushal and Sandeep K. Srivastava
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 96, No 2, 25 January 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Geographic Information System, infrastructure development, project management and planning
Abstract: Good project planning, at the initial stage, is a key to its successful implementation. Majority of the GIS-based projects are challenging as they need substantial efforts on building the capacity at both ends (user and implementing agencies) for suitably designing the application, considering the constraints in terms of quality and quantity of spatial data. The experience of executing projects involving implementation of GIS suggests that the spiral model of project management is more suited than the waterfall model. Data format and data interoperability are major concerns of the geomatics community. Project scheduling, time management and building a buffer to absorb unforeseen reasons for delays are important components of managing the GIS - based projects. This article discusses the project management approach for the implementation of GIS, with special reference to monitoring projects in infrastructure development.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51797
Title: Effect of increasing temperature on yield of some winter crops in northwest India
Author: Naveen Kalra, D.Chakraborty, Anil Sharma, H.K.Rai, Monica Jolly, Subhash Chander, P. Ramesh Kumar, S.Bhadraray, D.Barman, R.B.Mittal, Mohan Lal and Mukesh Sehgal
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2008
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 94, No 1, 10 January 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Radiation, simulation, sowing time, temperature change, winter crops, yield
Abstract: The effect of increase in temperature on grain yield of some winter crops (wheat, mustard, barley and chick-pea) in northwest India was evaluated on the basis of historic records and through a dynamic crop growth model, WTGROWS. The optimal date of sowing was also evaluated in view of the increase in seasonal temperature.The yield of these crops, especially wheat, already showing signs of stagnation in most places of north-west India, is most likely to be affected by temperature changes. The solar radiation-temperature interactions study in wheat reveals some interesting trends and is seen to vary from one location to another. Keeping in view the trends in global climate change, a shift in sowing time, as an adaptation strategy is recommended. The simple and empirical relations between yield and seasonal temperature change can be well used for a crude estimate of yield dependence of temperature rise of these winter crops.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51796
Title: Nitrogen pool, flows, impact and sustainability issues of human waste management in the city of Bangalore
Author: H.N.Chanakya and H.C.Sharatchandra
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2008
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 94, No 11, 10 June 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Developing countries, human waste management, nitrogen pool, urban ecosystem
Abstract: Cities in the developing countries have multiple modes of human and animal waste treatment and disposal that finally decide the overall impact on the urban ecosystem, and these have been studied for the city of Bangalore. Four modes are found, namely underground sewage systems, decentralized soak pits and septic tanks, open defecation and a miniscule effort at composting. The extent of N released per unit area is high, ranging between 0.44 and 1.4 t ha-1 of the urban land scape. In this study the N release and outflow have been estimated. The N entering or flowering in the lithosphere, hydrosphere and in wastewater streams forms the major component. The pool size has first been determined. The size and movement through these pools were estimated with a view to determine the state of the N cycle and if there is a cause for alarm in similar cities in other developing countries. N contribution from human waste (excreta and urine) forms the single largest influx and sewage flowing out of the city forms the single largest efflux of N pool. Owing to a seemingly large use of soak pits and open conveyance of sewage in some parts of the city, coliforms and NO3-N have seeped into shallow and deep-ground aquifers and show up in ground- and sub-soil water in the city. The level of N in these waters at a few places in slightly higher than the permissible limits. This suggests that there is a need to find alternatives to modes like the ubiquitous soak pit, such that pollution of shallow and deep aquifers is avoided in the future. Currently, there is little effort in stripping the waste water off N. Also, there is no significant effort in recovery and reuse of nutrients, and this is required to increase the sustainability levels.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51795
Title: Ecofriendly insect pest management
Author: S.Ignacimuthu
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2008
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 94, No 10, 25 May 2008
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51794
Title: Rapid regeneration of Bambusa nutans Munro. from shoot and leaf explants
Author: Sanjay Kalia and S.K.Sharma
Editor: Dr. V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 135, No 7, July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Bambusa nutans, Regeneration, Morphogenic reponses, Organogenic callus, Adventitious buds
Abstract: Callus induction was achieved on pre-injured explants. Performance of explants derived from in-vitro multiplying cultures was better than those form mature plants. 2, 4-D proved to be superior in inducing callogenic response than NAA or IBA. Enhancement of callogenic efficiency of in-vitro derived explants was observed when BAP (2.5?M) was supplemented to auxin-enriched medium. Induced callus was multiplied on multiplication medium (5?M 2,4-D + 1.25 ?M BAP) for varying periods but optimal multiplication rate for shoot callus (1.69) and leaf callus (1.39) was obtained after subculture cycle of three weeks. Shoot and bud regeneration efficiency of calli induced from leaves and shoot varied as well as their phytohormonal requirements. Buds and shoots were regenerated at higher frequency on shoot calli culutured on multiplication medium supplemented with (5?M BAP + 1.25 ?M NAA) whereas for leaf calli it was 7.5?M BAP + 1.25 ?M NAA. Spontaneous root regeneration occured at frequency of 61% on shoots regenerated on multiplication medium.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51793
Title: Biomass and Carbon allocation in different parts of Agroforestry tree species
Author: Sanjeev K Chauhan, Naveen Gupta, Ritu, Sudhir Yadav and Rajni Chauhan
Editor: Dr. V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 135, No 7, July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Biomass partitioning, Carbon sequestration, C:N ratio, Morphological parameters, Rooting pattern, Short rotation tree species
Abstract: The assessment of carbon storage potential has been difficult due to the lack of information on biomass compartmentation and carbon allocation in different species. For most of the species used for afforestation/reforestation, only the above ground biomass potentials are known but to have a picture of carbon storage potential of species, the below ground biomass pattern are equally important. This study was aimed to measure the biomass partioning and the actual carbon allocation in different components of agroforestry tree species. The biomass accumulation through stem was highest in Acrocarpus fraxinifolius (22.35 kg), which was statistically at par with Populus deltoides (18.92 kg) and Eucalyptus tereticornis (16.16 kg). There was no statistical difference in below-ground biomass of different tree species. The highest tree stem carbon storage at the plantation level was found in Acrocarpus fraxinifolius (6.05 t ha-1), while the lowest was in Syzygium cumini (0.73 t ha-1). The mean carbon storage in tree roots was 1.55 t ha-1), while the mean stem carbon storage was 2.70 t ha-1). It was observed that the carbon content of biomass components had relatively little influence on total carbon storage compared to the relative biomass in each tree components. Stem alone though was the largest store house of carbon but litter and roots in the short rotation tree species play a major role in carbon sequestration in the soil reservoir. The fate of stem carbon depends upon its end use and needs locking up in post harvest products for longer period.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51792
Title: Phytosociological studies of woody vegetation along the distrubance gradient in tropical dry deciduous forest of Hastinapur
Author: Poonam Khurana
Editor: Dr. V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 135, No 7, July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, Phytosociology, Woody vegetation, Disturbance Gradient, Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh
Abstract: In the present study, various phytosociological attributes of woody vegetation were analyzed along the disturbance gradient in tropical dry deciduous forest of Hastinapur. The sites were surveyed for floristic composition, distribution pattern, species diversity and dominance. Maximum number of trees, seedlings and saplings were recorded for Block - 2 and minimum for Hillock. Number of shrub species was maximum on Hillock because of open forest canopy due to disturbances, which provide favorable conditions of growth for shrubs and other weeds. Most of species except shrubs were regular followed by random in distribution pattern. Diversity index and concentration dominance confirmed the disturbances in the studied forest. Beta diversity values were maximum for the Hillock forest.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51791
Title: Standardization of In-vivo nitrate reductase activity in Crotalaria burhia leaves
Author: S. P. Chaukiyal
Editor: Dr. V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 135, No 7, July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Crotalaria burhia leaves, In-vivo nitrate reductase activity, Standardization
Abstract: Combinations of different concentration of substrate (0.10 M, 0.15 M, 0.20 and 0.25 M KNO3 ) with different pH of buffer (0.2 M, KH2PO4 of the pH 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1 and 8.2) solution were tried for the nitrate reductase activity of Crotalaria burhia leaves. Maximum nitrate reductase activity was observed in the combination of buffer solution of 0.2M having pH 7.5 and substrate solution of the concentration 0.15M.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51790
Title: Population assessment of Trichoderma piluliferum using a modified selective medium
Author: Kirti Joshi and N.S.K. Harsh
Editor: Dr. V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 135, No 7, July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Trichoderma-specific medium, Trichoderma piluliferum
Abstract: Trichoderma species are one of the potential biocontrol agents exploited to manage many of the soil and seed borne plant pathogens. Quantitative estimation of Trichoderma species in soil is often difficult because of relatively rapid growth of other soil fungi on conventional agar media, so selective medium is required for isolating Trichoderma from soil as well as for estimating its survival in soil. Various media and different combinations have been tried for making dilution plates of Trichoderma from soil. This study was taken up to prepare the most effective selective medium which contained Magnesium suphate (0.2g), Potassium ortho-phosphate (0.9g), Ammonium nitrate (1.0 g), Potassium chloride (0.15 g), Glucose (3.0 g), PCNB (0.1 g), Rose Bengal (0.1 g), Chloramphenicol (0.25 g) , Agar (15g), Metalaxyl (0.1 g) and Distilled water (1 lit).
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51789
Title: Status, distribution and management of newly identified wild rose Rosa soulieana Crep. in Kaziranga National Park
Author: S.K.Sagar and K. Sivakumar
Editor: Dr. V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 135, No 7, July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Wild rose, Rosa soulieana Crep., Status, Distribution, Management, Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Abstract: A rapid survey on invasive wild rose species was carried out in the Kaziranga National Park during March 2008. The invasive wild rose present in the KNP, identified as Rosa soulieana Crep., is a new record to India. This species might have been brought down to India by river Brahmaputra which passes through China. Wild rose is usually present in and around the beel area, which is the most crucial habitat for all major flagship species of the Park. Hence, this wild rose poses a significant threat to the prime habitat of One-horned Rhinoceros and other major herbivores of Kaziranga National Park by changing the beel system as well as encroaching the grasslands of the beel area, which needs to be managed immediately.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51788
Title: Development of plant growth promoting rhizosphere microflora as inoculants for walnut (Juglans regia L.)
Author: Nissar A Dar, M. A. Khan and M.Y. Zargar
Editor: Dr. V.R.R. Singh
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 135, No 7, July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Walnut, Juglans regia, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), Rhizosphere, Shelf-life
Abstract: Rhizosphere microbial composition of walnut plants (Cultivar SKAU-W-0035) was studied to select the predominant and efficient isolates of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria as microbial inoculants. Rhizosphere of walnut was found to be inhabited by bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes with maximum population in June and minimum in December. The most predominant microorganisms in the walnut rhizosphere were species of Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus and Penicillium. Three isolates of each predominant bacterium were screened for plant growth promoting activities. Azotobacter (AZB III), Azospirillum (AZS II), Bacillus (BAC I) and Pseudomonas (PS II) were found to be efficient isolates owing to their ability to produce ammonia, IAA, HCN, antagonasis and phosphorus solubilizing activity. Best growth of all three selected isolates was recorded in nutrient broth at pH 7 and temperature of 30oC. The selected isolates were mass-multiplied in nutient broth for 72 hrs in pilot scale fermentors and mixed with various solid carriers. Shelf life of the cultures was determined by counting the population at 2, 3 and 6 month interval. Lignite was found to be the best carrier for Azotobacter, Azospirillum and Pseudomonas, whereas peat was most suitable carrier for Bacillus.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None