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ID: 63145
Title: Rainfall estimation techniques over India and adjoining oceanic regions
Author: Anoop Kumar Mishra and Mohammd Rafiq
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 56-68 (2019)
Subject: Rainfall estimation techniques over India and adjoining oceanic regions
Keywords: Microwave sensor, rainfall estimation, satellites, visible/infrared observations.
Abstract: Rainfall estimates have relevance in meteorology, hydrology, agriculture and climate change studies. Near real-time accurate rainfall information at fine spatial and temporal scale is important in the context of occurrence of recent flood events over the Indian region. Poor rain gauge and radar network limit this information over India. Satellites offer an opportunity to measure rainfall over India and the adjoining oceanic region. Available global rainfall products show poor performance for measuring rainfall over a topographically complex region like India. During the past few decades, efforts have been made to improve rainfall estimates over the Indian region. This study aims to provide a broad overview of these advancements, to emphasize on the evaluation of rainfall estimation techniques over India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mishra, A. K., Gairola, R. M., Varma, A. K. and Agarwal, V. K., Remote sensing of precipitation over Indian land and oceanic regions by synergistic use of multi-satellite sensors. J. Geophys. Res., 2010, 115, D08106, doi:10.1029/2009JD012157. Gairola, R. M., Varma, A. K. and Agarwal, V. K., Rainfall estimation using spaceborne microwave radar and radiometric measurements. Mausam, 2003, 54(1), 89–106
Literature cited 2: Huffman, G. J. et al., The TRMM multisatellite precipitation analysis (TMPA): quasi-global, multiyear, combined-sensor precipitation estimates at fine scales. J. Hydrometeorol., 2007, 8, 38–55. Kubota, T. et al., Global precipitation map using satellite-borne microwave radiometers by the GSMaP project: production and validation. IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sensing, 2007, 45(7), 2259–2274.

ID: 63144
Title: Intricacies in the approval of radiopharmaceuticals – regulatory perspectives and the way forward
Author: Sandeep Sharma, Sanyog Jain, Ashish Baldi, Rajesh K. Singh and Rakesh Kumar Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 47-55 (2019)
Subject: Intricacies in the approval of radiopharmaceuticals – regulatory perspectives and the way forward
Keywords: Approval, commercial use, guidelines, radiopharmaceuticals, regulatory authority.
Abstract: Extensive research by the global scientific fraternity has led to the production of many radiopharmaceuticals of immense clinical importance. However, this increasing availability has not been matched by adequate regulatory action to back up the legal foundation for their commercial use. It is imperative for a radiopharmaceutical to have a seal of regulatory authority approval to qualify for human use. The present article highlights various regulatory requirements for approval of radiopharmaceuticals in USA, Europe, and particularly India, which does not have guidelines for their approval, and intensifies the concern for a harmonized regulatory platform of global acceptance.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ramberg-Laskaris, K. L., Quality control in the radiopharmacy. J. Nucl. Med. Technol., 1984, 12, 33–36. Saha, G. B., Quality control of radiopharmaceuticals. In Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy, Springer, 1998, vol. 6, pp. 148–172.
Literature cited 2: Volkert, W. A., Goeckeler, W. F., Ehrhardt, G. J. and Ketring, A.R., Therapeutic radionuclides: production and decay property considerations. J. Nucl. Med., 1991, 32, 174–185. Kocher, D. C., Radioactive Decay Data Tables, Oak Ridge National Lab, USA, 1981.

ID: 63143
Title: Perspectives from India on geoengineering
Author: Vikram Mathur and Aparna Roy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 40-46 (2019)
Subject: Perspectives from India on geoengineering
Keywords: Climate change, geoenginering, governance, perspective.
Abstract: Geo-engineering technologies for deliberate and large-scale manipulation of the Earth’s climate system are receiving serious scientific and political interest in the discourse on policy instruments for limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C. While the debate on the scientific and technical feasibility of a range of geo-engineering technologies rages on, there is an urgent need for analysis of the complex ethical, social and governance issues related to research, experimentation and eventual deployment of these technologies. Our perception survey of Indian policy makers dealing with climate change has identified a number of governance concerns related to geoengineering technologies. Possible unintended consequences and ‘side effects’ of these technologies raises concerns of differential impacts in the vulnerable global south. Large-scale deployment of BECCS could have significant impact on food security, water resources and biodiversity. Above all, Indian policy makers are concerned about the prospect of unilateral action on geoengineering by developed nations. We examine in this article potential governance arrangements for geo-engineering technologies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: UNFCCC V, Adoption of the Paris Agreement, I: Proposal by the President (Draft Decision), United Nations Office, Geneva, Switzerland, 2015. Anderson, K. and Peters, G., The trouble with negative emissions. Science, 2016, 354, 182–183.
Literature cited 2: Peters, G., Should climate policy aim to avoid 2°C or to exceed 2°C? Centre for International Climate Research (CICERO), 2017; http://www.cicero.uio.no/no/posts/klima/should-climate-policyaim-toavoid-2c-or-to-exceed-2c (accessed on 4 May 2017). Geden, O. and Schäfer, S., Negative emissions: a challenge for climate policy, 2016, 1–4; https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/bitstream/ handle/document/49822/ssoar-2016-geden_et_al-Negative_emissions_a_challenge_for.pdf?sequence=1

ID: 63142
Title: A Granger causality test of the causal relationship between the number of editorial board members and the scientific output of universities in the field of chemistry
Author: Xing Wang
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 35-39 (2019)
Subject: A Granger causality test of the causal relationship between the number of editorial board members and the scientific output of universities in the field of chemistry
Keywords: Causality test, chemistry, editorial board members, scientometrics, scientific output of universities.
Abstract: Editorial board members, who are considered the gatekeepers of scientific journals, play an important role in academia. The aim of this study is to explore the causal relationship between the number of editorial board members and the scientific output of universities. In this article, we have used time-series data and Granger causality test to explore the causal relationship between the number of editorial board members and the number of articles published by top universities in the field of chemistry. Furthermore, we interviewed some editorial board members about this causal relationship. The Granger causality test results suggest that the causal relationship is not obvious overall. Combining these findings with the results of qualitative interviews with editorial board members, we discuss the causal relationship between the two variables.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: García-Carpintero, E., Granadino, B. and Plaza, L. M., The representation of nationalities on the editorial boards of international journals and the promotion of the scientific output of the same countries. Scientometrics, 2010, 84(3), 799–811. Braun, T. and Dióspatonyi, I., Counting the gatekeepers of international science journals a worthwhile science indicator. Curr.Sci., 2005, 89(9), 1548–1551.
Literature cited 2: Braun, T. and Dióspatonyi, I., The counting of core journal gatekeepers as science indicators really counts. The scientific scope of action and strength of nations. Scientometrics, 2005, 62(3), 297–319. Braun, T. and Dióspatonyi, I., Gatekeeping indicators exemplified by the main players in the international gatekeeping orchestration of analytical chemistry journals. J. Am. Soc. Inf. Sci. Technol., 2005, 56(8), 854–860.

ID: 63141
Title: Brainea insignis (Hook.) J.Sm. – a conservation priority fern of North East India
Author: B.S.Kholia, S.Sharma,B.K.Sinha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 32-34 (2019)
Subject: Brainea insignis (Hook.) J.Sm. – a conservation priority fern of North East India
Keywords: Brainea insignis, Northeast India
Abstract: A false tree fern, Bowringia insignis Hook., was described by Hooker as a new genus to honour John Bowring and his son, J. O. Bowring, who first sent live plants of it from Hong Kong for introduction to the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, London. Taxonomically Bowringia Hooker (1853) was an illegitimate later homonym of Bowringia Champ. ex Benth. (1852, Fabaceae) and a new name, Brainea, was therefore proposed for this fern genus to honour J. C. Braine, who had also introduced it at Kew in 1850.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hooker, W. J., Hooker’s J. Bot., Kew Gard. Misc., 1853, 5, 237–238. Smith, J., Catalogue of Ferns in the Royal Gardens at Kew, HMSO, London, England, 1856.
Literature cited 2: Holttum, R. E., A Revised Flora of Malaya, Government Printing Press, Singapore, 1966, vol. 2. Kramer, K. U., Chambers, T. C. and Hennipman, E., In The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants (ed. Kubitzki, K.), Springer-Verlag, 1990, vol. 5.

ID: 63140
Title: Simple estimates for optimization of potassium nutrition in vineyards
Author: Vinod C Naraboli, S.Srikanth, Ajay K.Bhardwaj,Shankar Meti, Ashok S. Alur, Mavinakoppa S. Nagaraja
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 30-32 (2019)
Subject: Simple estimates for optimization of potassium nutrition in vineyards
Keywords: optimization of potassium nutrition, Vineyards
Abstract: Nutrient management, amount and application, is one of the most important aspects in agriculture, more so in horticultural crops which are usually heavy nutrient feeders. Nutrients affect quality and quantity of produce, but their injudicious use in the form of fertilizers results in soil and water pollution, thus damaging natural ecosystems which thrive therein1–4. Grape is one of the oldest cultivated crops of the world and its adoption in India dates back to 1356–1220 BC.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Savci, S., APCBEE Procedia, 2012, 1, 287–292. Nangia, V., Gowda, P. H. and Mulla, D. J., Agric. Water Manage., 2010, 97(11), 1855–1860.
Literature cited 2: Ruan, L., Bhardwaj, A. K., Hamilton, S. K. and Robertson, G. P., Environ. Res. Lett., 2016, 11(6), 064007. Pathak, R. K. and Ram, R. A., Prog. Hortic., 2013, 45(2), 238–254

ID: 63139
Title: Temporal shift in timing of breeding of European starling (Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus) population
Author: Zdravko Dolenec
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 29-30 (2019)
Subject: Temporal shift in timing of breeding of European starling (Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus) population
Keywords: Temporal shift, breeding of European starling, Sturnus vulgaris, population
Abstract: Impacts of climate warming on wildlife are beginning to be seen across the Earth. For example, numerous studies have reported that tree phenophases are being observed earlier in spring2 and, that temperature change leads to rapid development in insects3 . In bird species, these impacts often manifest in earlier clutch initiation dates. Climate change can have impacts on bird species and bird populations in different ways. For example, geographical distribution, disrupted synchrony between predator and prey, population dynamics, demography, migration phenology, breeding phenology9, morphology10, etc. The most common trait used in bird breeding phenology studies is the laying date of a species.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Parmesan, C., Annu. Rev. Ecol. Evol. Syst., 2006, 37, 637–669. Gaira, K. S., Rawal, R. S., Rawat, B. and Bhatt, I. D., Curr. Sci., 2014, 102, 1735–1738.
Literature cited 2: Jaworski, T. and Hilszczański, J., Leśne Prace Badawcze (For. Res. Pap.), 2013, 74, 345–355. Lehikoinen, A. and Virkkala, R., Global Change Biol., 2016, 22, 1121–1129.

ID: 63138
Title: The concept of measuring happiness and how India can go the Nordic Way
Author: Sangeeta Bhattacharyya, R. Roy Burman and Sudipta Paul
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 26-28 (2019)
Subject: The concept of measuring happiness and how India can go the Nordic Way
Keywords: Measuring happiness, Nordic Way
Abstract: Quantifying subjective well-being or happiness has always been intriguing and with the advent of Gross National Happiness (GNH) index of Bhutan and World Happiness Report (WHR) by UN, it has become all the way more of a global issue. This study stratifies countries into Happiness Strata in a Global Happiness Map using the WHR 2018 indices, only to find that India is among the 42 Unhappy Nations of the world. The Nordic (Western European) countries seem to top the happiness charts with Denmark being consistently among the top five. The paper also discusses what India can learn and adopt from Denmark.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: NCMH, Background papers: Burden of disease in India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi, 2005. Masand, P., One in five Indians needs mental health counselling, reveals Government statistics. The Times of India, 10 October 2012.
Literature cited 2: Mascarenhas, A., Mental illness India’s ticking bomb, only 1 in 10 treated: Lancet study. The Indian Express, 19 May 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness

ID: 63137
Title: Understanding the role of molecular motors in living cells: an odyssey from physics to biology
Author: Siddhesh S. Kamat
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 14-16 (2019)
Subject: Understanding the role of molecular motors in living cells: an odyssey from physics to biology
Keywords: Molecular motors in living cells,odyssey
Abstract: Dr Roop Mallik from the Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai was recently awarded the Infosys Prize 2018 in Life Sciences for his ‘pioneering work on molecular motor proteins, which are crucial for the functioning of living cells. . The award citation further reads that ‘Mallik has identified and measured forces needed to transport large particles inside cells and demonstrated their role in fundamental processes such as targeting pathogens to their destruction and moving lipid droplets for fatty acid regulation in the liver. In this article, I hope to summarize Roop’s journey from an aspiring physicist to an eminent cell biologist who has made significant inroads into our understanding of motor proteins.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Infosys Award; http://www.infosysscience-foundation.com/prize/laureates/ 2018/roop-mallik.asp Mallik, R., Non-Fermi liquids to endosomes, via pH jumps, 2009; http://www.tifr.res.in/~roop/PI_files/Non Fermi-Endos-pHJump.htm
Literature cited 2: http://www.tifr.res.in/~roop/ Mallik, R., Udgaonkar, J. B. and Krishnamoorthy, G., Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. (Chem. Sci.), 2003, 115, 307–317.

ID: 63136
Title: Wading through black carbon aerosols, climate and sustainability
Author: K. Krishnamoorthy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 12-13 (2019
Subject: Wading through black carbon aerosols, climate and sustainability
Keywords: Black carbon aerosols, climate and sustainability
Abstract: Prof. S. K. Satheesh, is the recipient of the prestigious Infosys Prize 2018 in Physical Sciences. A man of very few words, Satheesh is basically a scientist, more precisely a climate scientist, with his own intuitions, visions, ideas and very strong views on science, research, and policy related to climate change in global as well as national perspectives.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 63135
Title: Quantum chaos, dynamical systems and Schrödinger equations and quantum unique ergodicity
Author: Yves Colin de Verdiere
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 11-11 (2019)
Subject: Quantum chaos, dynamical systems and Schrödinger equations and quantum unique ergodicity
Keywords: Quantum chaos, dynamical systems, Schrödinger equations,quantum unique ergodicity
Abstract: Dr Nalini Anantharaman is a French mathematician who is currently professor at the Institute for Advanced Mathematical Research (IRMA), as well as a member of the Institute for Advanced Study (USIAS), University of Strasbourg, France. She is the daughter of Siva and Claire Anantharaman, professors of computer science and mathematics at the University of Orléans, France. Nalini attended the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) and in 2000, completed her Ph D at the Pierre and Marie Curie University in Paris, France, under the supervision of François Ledrappier. She then became a lecturer at ENS in Lyon and, subsequently at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the École Polytechnique in Paris.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: http://www.usias.fr/en/chairs/nalini-nantharaman/
Literature cited 2:

ID: 63134
Title: Health Care and Environmental Contamination.
Author: Alistair B. A. Boxall and Rai S. Kookana reviewed by Bharath Haridas Aithal
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (12) 2332-2333 (2018)
Subject: Health Care and Environmental Contamination.
Keywords: Health Care and Environmental Contamination.
Abstract: This book under review deals with the important aspect of managing health care waste and its influence on the environment. It provides a fluidic view of current production practices, the source, effects and management of waste through aptly phrased ‘sustainable pharmacy’, and through policy regulations and risk assessment. The book also provides a systematic approach that can help in developing the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda through effectively monitoring and managing pharma waste. In all countries across the world health care is a major sector that is growing with a large consumer base, and countries like India need to assess the risk due to existing conditions and manufacturing technologies and supply chain mismanagement. Consumers are the most affected due to either mismanaged availability of pharma products or being illiterate to understand the effects of bioactive compounds that may affect the environment and human.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 63133
Title: Development of a bird habitat resource classification scheme based on vegetation structure analysis
Author: Peter S. Lee, and Brendan G. Mackey
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (12) 2307-2315 (2018)
Subject: Development of a bird habitat resource classification scheme based on vegetation structure analysis
Keywords: Bird habitat, functional group classification, landscape-scale analysis, sustainable management, vegetation structure analysis.
Abstract: In order to design a conservation strategy for birds inhabiting the Great Western Woodlands (GWW) in southwestern Australia, we adopted a new approach for classifying birds into functional groups (BHFGs) based on an analysis of vegetation structure-related habitat resources (VHR). On the basis of hierarchical cluster analysis of the VHR variables we selected here, we selected a model that incorporated nine-BHFGs. This yielded a classification system that, due to our different input sources, is distinct from an existing foraging guild-based system. In conjunction with GIS technique, this new classification system has potential for effectively predicting and mapping landscape-scale habitat distribution.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mac Arthur, R. H. and Mac Arthur, J. W., On bird species diversity. Ecology, 1961, 42, 594–598. Gilmore, A. M., The influence of vegetation structure on the density of insectivorous birds. In Birds of Eucalypt Forests and Woodlands: Ecology, Conservation, Management (eds Keast, A. et al.), Surrey Beatty & Sons Pty Limited, Chipping Norton, NSW, Australia, 1985, pp. 21–31.
Literature cited 2: Hinsley, S. A., Hill, R. A., Fuller, R. J., Bellamy, P. E. and Rothery, P., Bird species distributions across woodland canopy structure gradients. Community Ecol., 2009, 10, 99–110. Marchant, S. and Higgins, P. J., Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Australia, 1st edn, 1990.

ID: 63132
Title: Mesoscale model compatible IRS-P6 AWiFS-derived land use/land cover of Indian region
Author: Biswadip Gharai P. V. N. Rao and C. B. S. Dutt
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (12) 2301-2306 (2018)
Subject: Mesoscale model compatible IRS-P6 AWiFS-derived land use/land cover of Indian region
Keywords: Land use/land cover data, land-surface processes, mesoscale model, spatial resolution.
Abstract: Mesoscale models, in general, are run using the US Geological Survey (USGS) 25-category land use/land cover (LU/LC) data available at different spatial resolutions. The USGS data over the Indian region suffers from two types of errors, viz. is classification. of LU/LC data and non-availability of up-to-date satellite-based LU/LC data. To improve the accuracy and capture interannual changes better, the LU/LC data generated by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) using IRS-P6 AWiFS with 56 m basic resolution have been scaled to 5, 2 min and 30 sec resolution which is available at yearly intervals. In the next step, the Indian region of USGS data was replaced with IRS-P6 AWiFS-derived data and made compatible to MM5 and WRF mesoscale models. Thus the resultant product is a global USGS LU/LC data with the Indian region replaced by the information originally derived from AWiFS 56 m resolution imagery, for the years 2004–05 to 2012–13 (nine cycles). This communication describes the required LU/LC data format for MM5 and WRF models and the methodology adopted for compatible product generation. In addition, accuracy of AWiFS-derived LU/LC data converted to 30 sec resolution has also been determined. The present effort will provide the necessary reference for the atmospheric modelling community to address the Indian satellite-based model compatible LU/LC data product. These data products are currently available on Bhuvan, the NRSC/ISRO geospatial portal.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nataly, P. and Pinhas, A., Effect of land use modification on potential increase of convection: a numerical mesoscale study over south Israel. J. Geophys. Res., 2001, 106(D19), 621–634. Narisma, G. T. and Pitman, A. J., The impact of 200-years land cover change on the Australian near-surface climate. J. Hydrometeorol., 2003, 4, 424
Literature cited 2: Pitman, A. J., Narisma, G. T., Pielke Sr, R. A. and Holbrook, N. J., Impact of land cover change on the climate of southwest Western Australia. J. Geophys. Res., 2004, 109, D18109; doi:10.1029/ 2003JD004347 1-12. Quattrochi, D. A., Lapenta, W. M., Crosson, W. L., Estes, M. G., Limaye, A. and Khan, M., The application of satellite-derived, high-resolution land use/land cover data to improve urban air quality model forecasts, NASA/TP-2006-214710, November 2006.

ID: 63131
Title: Assessment of co-contamination in soil samples from agricultural areas in and around Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh, India
Author: Arpna Ratnakar and Shikha
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (12) 2267-2274 (2018)
Subject: Assessment of co-contamination in soil samples from agricultural areas in and around Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh, India
Keywords: Agricultural lands, co-contamination, heavy metals, industrial area, soil samples.
Abstract: An environmental evaluation of agricultural lands situated close to industrial areas in and around Lucknow city was carried out to determine the effect of co-contamination in the study area. Analysis of soil samples revealed the presence of mercury and cadmium at higher levels than their normal distribution in soil. Apart from heavy metals, the herbicide Butachlor was also detected in most of the soil samples studied. Co-contaminated soils pose a major threat to agricultural ecosystems since the presence of different concentrations of heavy metals may inhibit biodegradation of organic pollutants, which further affects metal bioavailabilty and phytoremediation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nouri, J., Khorasani, N., Lorestani, B., Karami, M., Hassani, A. H. and Yousefi, N., Accumulation of heavy metals in soil and uptake by plant species with phytoremediation potential. Environ. Earth Sci., 2009, 59(2), 315–323. Sharma, R. K., Agrawal, M. and Marshall, F., Heavy metal contamination in vegetables grown in wastewater irrigated areas of Varanasi, India. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 2006, 77(2), 312–318.
Literature cited 2: Khan, M. J., Zia, M. S. and Qasim, M., Use of pesticides and their role in environmental pollution. World Acad. Sci. Eng. Technol., 2010, 72,122–128. Sandarin, T. and Maier, R., Impacts of metals on the biodegradation of organic pollutants. Environ. Health Perspect., 2003, 111, 1093–1101.