UGC-SAP-DSA-II

supported

National Conference on Environmental Pollutants:

Impact Assessment and Remediation NCPIAR-2017 29 March 2017

School of Environmental Sciences Jawaharlal Nehru University

New Delhi, India - 110067 Vol. 22 Number 1 2016-17

ENVIS ISSN: 0974-1364 Visit us: www.jnuenvis.nic.in

Conference Proceeding

Convenor’s Note

On behalf of the School of Environmental Sciences, JNU, it is my pleasure to welcome you

to the National Conference on Environmental Pollutants: Impact Assessment and

Remediation, NCEPIAR 2017. This conference aims to bring together leading academic

scientists and research scholars to facilitate the exchange of novel thoughts and ideas about

aspects of environmental pollution, its impacts and remediation. I hope that you will use this

opportunity to participate in interesting discussions, gain new insights, meet with colleagues,

and form worthwhile collaborations.

The following Abstract Book contains the submissions, pertaining to the theme of the

conference, which have been conscientiously selected by our review committee. The

abstracts that have been accepted for oral and poster presentations have been arranged into

two Technical Sessions (TS-I and TS-II) and a Poster Session, respectively. The presenting

author of each abstract is underlined.

I would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the University Grants

Commission-Special Assistance Programme-Department of Special Assistance-II (UGC-

SAP-DSA-II) for their financial support. I would like to express my gratitude to the

organizations and individuals involved and their preparation and dedication to coordinate a

successful conference. I would also like to thank the Advisory and Scientific Committee for

their support in preparing the conference agenda and for selecting and categorizing the

abstracts. A special thanks to our Patron, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, VC, JNU; Chairperson,

Prof. S. Mukherjee, Dean, SES, JNU and Coordinator, Prof. I. S. Thakur for their support. I

also truly appreciate the help and efforts of the members of the Conference Organizing

Committee. I want to recognize their significant contributions and the efforts of the staff and

volunteers in coordinating the conference. Finally, I remain indebted to our contributors who

despite their various commitments sent in their submissions which made this conference

possible.

I hope you enjoy the conference and continue to view these gatherings as a positive

opportunity for our research community to share the latest innovations, concerns and

practical challenges, and the solutions adopted in the field of Environmental Pollution and

Remediation.

(Prof. Kasturi Mukhopadhyay)

Convenor

NCEPIAR 2017

UGC-SAP-DSA-II sponsored

National Conference on Environmental Pollutants: Impact Assessment and

Remediation (NCEPIAR-2017)

29th

March 2017

Amrita Devi Bishnoi Hall, School of Environmental Sciences (Ground Floor), JNU

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Patron: Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, JNU, New Delhi

Chairperson: Prof. S. Mukherjee, Dean, SES, JNU, New Delhi

Coordinator: Prof. I. S. Thakur, SES, JNU, New Delhi

Convener: Prof. K. Mukhopadhyay, SES, JNU, New Delhi

Advisory and Scientific Committee:

Prof. V. K. Jain Prof. S. C. Garkoti

Prof. K. G. Saxena Prof. N. Janardhana Raju

Prof. Sudha Bhattacharya Prof. P. K. Joshi

Prof. I. S. Thakur Dr. N. S. Siddaiah

Prof. S. Mukherjee Dr. Paul Raj R.

Prof. P. S. Khillare Dr. J. K. Tripathi

Prof. A. L. Ramanathan Dr. Ilora Ghosh

Prof. U. C. Kulshrestha Dr. Sudesh Yadav

Prof. Krishan Kumar Dr. Meenakshi Dua

Prof. K. Mukhopadhyay Dr. A. K. Srivastava

Prof. A. P. Dimri Dr. Vijay Pal Yadav

Prof. Dinesh Mohan

UGC-SAP-DSA-II Committee:

Prof. P. S. Khillare, Prof. A. P. Dimri, Prof. Dinesh Mohan, Prof. S. C. Garkoti and

Prof. N. Janardhana Raju

Conference Organizing Committee:

Prof. K. Mukhopadhyay (Convener)

Prof. P. K. Joshi

Dr. J. K. Tripathi

Dr. Ilora Ghosh

Dr. Sudesh Yadav

Dr. A. K. Srivastava

Dr. Vijay Pal Yadav

NCEPIAR 2017

UGC-SAP-DSA-II sponsored

National Conference on Environmental Pollutants: Impact Assessment and

Remediation (NCEPIAR-2017)

29th March 2017

Amrita Devi Bishnoi Hall, School of Environmental Sciences (Ground Floor), JNU

PROGRAMME

8:45 am onwards On the spot Registration (Outside ADB Hall)

9:00 am Inauguration

9:05 am Welcome address by Prof. S. Mukherjee, Dean, SES

9:10 am Introduction to UGC-SAP-DSA-II by Prof. I. S. Thakur, Coordinator UGC-

SAP-DSA-II

9:15 am Address by Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, VC, JNU

9:20 am Address by Prof. S. C. Garkoti, Rector-II, JNU

9:30 am-10:05 am Invited Lecture Prof. Prodyut Bhattacharya, GGSIP University, New

Delhi

Urban Air Pollution Remediation Strategy through

the Lens of Sustainable Development

10:05 am-10:40 am Keynote Talk Prof. (Retd.) Arun K. Attri, SES, JNU

Status of Total Ozone Column Variability over Indian sub-

continent (0-40 ON) with reference to the corresponding

Variability in multiple environmental factors: Annual cycle, QBO,

ENSO and Solar cycle (1979-2012)

10:40 am-10:45 am Vote of Thanks by Prof. P.S. Khillare, SES

10:45 am-11:15 am High Tea

11:15 am-1:00 pm Technical Session I (TS-I)

Chair: Prof. Sudha Bhattacharya & Prof. N. S. Siddaiah, SES

Talk 1 Nandkishor More Decolorization of textile dyes using adsorbents from

waste fruits peels, leaves and stem: An ecofriendly and

cost effective option for clean up

Talk 2 Poonam Khatri Assessment of environmental impacts of Mustard

oilseed production using life cycle approach

Talk 3 Permod Kumar Effect of different parameters and iron sulphate

(FeSO4) on biosorption of dyes by fungal biomass

NCEPIAR 2017

Talk 4 Vineet Vimal Sorption equilibrium and dynamics for aqueous

carbofuran removal using sustainable tea residue

biochar

Talk 5 Anita Punia Copper: From ore to environment at Khetri, Rajasthan

Talk 6 Surbhi Sinha Removal of azo dye along with other pollutants from

textile effluent by using a photobioreactor based on

green algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Talk 7 Maneesh Kumar Serious concern over environmental exposure of

aflatoxins and its risks

1:00 pm-2:00 pm Lunch

2:00 pm-3:00 pm Poster Session and Evaluation

3:00 pm-3:15 pm Tea

3:15 pm-5:00 pm

Technical Session II (TS-II)

Chair: Prof. A. L. Ramanathan & Prof. Krishan Kumar, SES

Talk 1 Trina Chakraborti Antibiotic resistant staphylococci in indoor bioaerosols

of Jawaharlal Nehru University

Talk 2 Sami Ullah Qadir Morphological, biochemical and antioxidant activities

of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) under fly ash

pollution stress from a thermal power plant in peri

urban area of Delhi, India

Talk 3 Victor V. Kenga Assessment of PM 10 bound metals and their human

health implications at background site (JNU) in Delhi

Talk 4 Deepak Singh Multiple regression modelling of noise pollution in the

environment of Delhi

Talk 5 Priyanka Sharma Urban vegetation combating challenges of increasing

Particulate Matter

Talk 6 Sumant Kumar A study of aerosol climatology over Delhi from 10

years (2005-2014) of Moderate Resolution Imaging

Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Ozone Monitoring

Instrument (OMI) data

Talk 7 Tanya Sharma An integrated assessment of odd-even rationing

scheme implemented in Delhi

5:00 pm-5:15 pm Prize Distribution

5:15 pm-5:30 pm Concluding Remarks

Technical Session –I

11.15 AM-1.00 PM

Sr.

No.

First Author Corresponding

Author

Title Institute Page No.

1 Nandkishor

More

Nandkishor

More

Decolorization of textile dyes

using adsorbents from waste

fruits peels, leaves and stem: An

ecofriendly and cost effective

option for clean up

BBAU,

Lucknow,

U.P.

3

2 Poonam

Khatri

Suresh Jain Assessment of environmental

impacts of Mustard oilseed

production using life cycle

approach

TERI 4

3 Permod

kumar

Amit Kumar Effect of different parameters and

iron sulphate (feso4) on

biosorption of dyes by fungal

biomass

Swami

Vivekanand

Subharti

University,

Meerut

5

4 Vineet Vimal Dinesh Mohan Sorption Equilibrium and

Dynamics for Aqueous

Carbofuran Removal Using

Sustainable Tea Residue Biochar

SES, JNU 6-7

5 Anita Punia N. Siva Siddaiah Copper: From Ore to

Environment at Khetri, Rajasthan

SES,JNU 8

6 Surbhi Sinha Surbhi Sinha Removal of azo dye along with

other pollutants from textile

effluent by using a

photobioreactor based on green

algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Amity,

Noida

9

7 Maneesh

Kumar

Maneesh Kumar Serious concern over

environmental exposure of

aflatoxins and its risks

Magadh

Univ., Patna

10

Technical Session –II

3.15 PM- 5.00 PM

Sr.

No.

First

Author

Corresponding

Author

Title Institute Page No.

1 Trina

Chakraborti

Kasturi

Mukhopadhyay

Antibiotic resistant

staphylococci in indoor

bioaerosols of Jawaharlal Nehru

University

SES, JNU 11-12

2 Sami Ullah

Qadir

Weqar Ahmad

Siddiqui

Morphological, Biochemical

and antioxidant activities of

Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.)

under fly ash pollution stress

from a thermal power plant in

peri urban area of Delhi, India

Jamia

Millia

Islamia

13-14

3 Victor V.

Kenga

P. S. Khillare Assessment of PM 10 bound

metals and their human health

implications at background site

(JNU) in Delhi

SES, JNU 15

4 Deepak

Singh

Krishan Kumar,

V. K. Jain

Multiple regression modelling

of noise pollution in the

environment of Delhi

SES, JNU 16

5 Priyanka

Sharma

Chirashree

Ghosh

Urban Vegetation Combating

Challenges Of Increasing

Particulate Matter

DU 17-18

6 Sumant

Kumar

Arun K.

Srivastava

A study of aerosol climatology

over Delhi from 10 years (2005-

2014) of Moderate Resolution

Imaging Spectroradiometer

(MODIS) and Ozone

Monitoring Instrument (OMI)

data

SES, JNU 19

7 Tanya

Sharma

Suresh Jain An Integrated Assessment of

Odd-Even Rationing Scheme

Implemented in Delhi

TERI 20

Poster Session: 2.00 PM-3.00 PM

Sr. No.

First Author Corresponding Author

Title Institute Page No.

P-1 Guncha Sharma

Chirashree Ghosh

Microplastic: Invisible journey from Environment to food chain

DU 21-22

P-2 Palak Balyan Chirashree Ghosh

Comparison of Bioaerosol Sampling Methods in Indoor Built-up Environment

DU 23-24

P-3 Shraddha Sharma

Sudha Bhattacharya

Novel Regulatory Mechanisms of Ribosomal Biogenesis and Retrotransposition in the Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba histolytica

SES, JNU 25-26

P-4 Muddassir Reyaz

Santwana

Rani

Tanzah Anam

Impact of water pollution in Environment on Human Health

Patna College, BIhar

27

P-5 Chandrashekhar Azad V.

Saumitra Mukherjee

Assessment of changing land pattern in South Sikkim using multispectral datasets

SES, JNU 28

P-6 Vairaj Arjune Vairaj Arjune A Critique of the National Policy on Biofuels: looking beyond the supply line

CSSP, JNU

29

P-7 Priyadarshini Singh

Saumitra Mukherjee

Identification of surface deformation features on the lunar south polar surface using optical and microwave satellite datasets

SES, JNU 30-31

P-8 Seema Joshi Kasturi Mukhopadhyay

Miniature Lipo-peptidomimetics with Potency against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms

SES, JNU 32

P-9 Sana Mumtaz Kasturi Mukhopadhyay

Eradication of stationary phase and biofilm embedded Staphylococcus aureus using novel lipidated C-terminal fragments of α-MSH

SES, JNU 33-34

P-10 Madhuri Singh Kasturi Mukhopadhyay

In Vivo efficacy of Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone against Staphylococcus aureus

SES, JNU 35

P-11 M. Bhagita Devi

N. Siva Siddaiah

Impacts of Hydrodynamics on Water Quality in Large Shallow Loktak Lake, Manipur

SES, JNU 36

P-12 Jyotsna Singh Kasturi Mukhopadhyay

Rational Design of Tryptophan- -MSH Analogues with Enhanced Staphylocidal Potency and Cell Selectivity

SES, JNU 37

P-13 Purnima Bhardwaj

Krishan Kumar, V. K. Jain

Urban-Rural solar irradiance and AOD variations over Delhi – NCR during summer season

SES, JNU 38

P-14 Amit Kumar Krishan Kumar, V. K. Jain

Comparative assessment of trace gases (O3 and NOx) in rural and urban ambient atmosphere

SES, JNU 39

P-15 Ankur Sarswat Dinesh Mohan Smart and Sustainable Adsorbents for Aqueous Arsenite Removal

40-41

P-16 Abhinav Prasad

Ilora Ghosh Modulation of Environmental Toxicant Rotenone induced Glaucamatous signalling cascade by Lycopene

SES, JNU 42

P-17 Rahul Kumar Dinesh Mohan, Byong Hun Jeon

Naturally occurring polysaccharide mediated composite for aqueous phase remediation of anionic and cationic metal species

SES, JNU Univ. Seoul, Korea

43

P-18 Prince Kumar Kasturi Mukhopadhyay

Anti-bacterial activity of Curcumin and its analogues against Staphylococcus aureus

SES, JNU 44-45

P-19 Neha Oli Suresh Jain Vulnerability Mapping of Air Pollution Related Health Impacts in Delhi

TERI 46

P-20 Vikas Rena Saumitra Mukherjee

Integrated Use of Satellite Remote Sensing and Hydraulic Modeling for the flood Risk Assessment at the middle valley of Medjerda

SES, JNU 47

NCEPIAR 2017

Page | 1

Invited Lecture

Urban Air Pollution Remediation Strategy through the Lens of Sustainable Development

Prodyut Bhattacharya Professor, University School of Environment Management

GGS Indraprastha University, New Delhi-110078 prodyutbhattacharya@yahoo.com

The greatest challenges urban India is facing today to address disproportionate environmental

degradation which is characterized by heavy air pollution, water, sound and soil health. Urban

residents have a Right to clean environment, for that they need to support the concept of

environmental justice over social justice. Urban Pollutants are killing the citizens, air qualities

are largely (about 95) affected by various concentrations and forms gaseous (SO2, NO2, O3, CO),

toxic (benzene, toluene) and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) associated to corresponding

weather conditions. Air pollution has now become a chronic problem in both- the large and small

cities. Indian growth trajectory demands high cost on environment, perhaps we have to shift from

anthropocentrism to ecocentrism, in our every approach to sustain humanity. Rapid urbanization

process is exerting more pressure on earth due to unsustainable utilization of our natural

resources. India is yet to see more challenges in near future due to development of huge

infrastructures for highways, industries, buildings, airport, bridges, seaport and rapid transport

system to come up in neo-globalization era. This is a challenge before the environmental

scientists to address huge risk of pollution towards human health through innovative research

which has practical utility and implementable recommendations.

This is a fact that climate change is real, no one can ignore and its impacts are adding the risk to

every human act which has long consequences on the ecosystem. India has developed best

standards to monitor air quality but there is a problem of remediation and implementation, which

requires clear actionable strategy of environmental governance. This paper discusses the current

situation of urban air pollution, their causes and argues the mitigation strategy through Urban

Green Space management, as certain plant species have the inner capacity of resilience to

combat the harmful effects of Urban Air Pollution and perform the ecosystem services. This

addresses the three pillars of sustainability, i.e. ecological, social and economic aspects.

Keywords: Urbanization, pollution, air quality, climate vulnerability, remediation, Urban Green Space, Sustainability.

NCEPIAR 2017

Page | 2

Keynote Talk

Status of Total Ozone Column Variability over Indian sub-continent (0-40o

N) with reference to the corresponding Variability in multiple environmental

factors: Annual cycle, QBO, ENSO and Solar cycle (1979-2012)

Bikram Sen Sahu1, Ankit Tandon2, A.P. Dimri1 and Arun K. Attri1

1School of Environmental Sciences, JNU 2 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Central University of Himachal Pradesh

Time dependent variability in Total Ozone Column (TOC) over India, a manifestation of “Climate Change”, is of concern on account of its adverse impact on human health and plants. A comprehensive detailed analysis of Multi-Sensor-Reanalysis TOC data, undertaken at the School of Environmental Sciences in 20101-3 unfolded the extent of decline in TOC over the large part of Indian sub-continent (0-40oN), which was contrary to the prevalent understanding that the variability in TOC over this region was invariant and statistically insignificant. These findings raised questions regarding the TOC decline related increase in the solar UV-B reaching the ground and thereby affecting the food security in the geographical region lying above 20oN latitude; i.e., in addition to the expected adverse effects on human health (decrease in immunity and increase in cataract and skin cancer incidences). Further analysis undertaken on remote sensing time series TOC data (MSR-2) and other affecting factors (solar activity, QBO, ENSO, EESC) reveled that TOC variability is predominantly affected by the variability in solar activity and EESC3. However, the obtained absence of the role played by the variability in QBO, ENSO on TOC raised the question concerning the limitation of linear mathematical analytical approach to effectively comprehend time series data sets embedded with non-linearity and non-stationarity. The recent results obtained, using Ensemble Empirical Mode De-composition (EEMD) algorithm, enabled in capturing the essence and the role of embedded multi-cycles, having variable periodicities, in modulating the status of TOC over Indian sub-continent. The findings from this analysis are presented in continuation of the research endeavor initiated in the School of Environmental Science (JNU). References:

1. Ankit Tandon and Arun K. Attri, doi:10.1016/j.atmosenv.2011.01.008 (2011) 2. Ankit Tandon and Arun K. Attri J Atmos Chem DOI 10.1007/s10874-012-9243-4 (2012) 3. Bikram Sen Sahu, Ankit Tandon and Arun K. Attri. Roles of Ozone Depleting

Substances and Solar Activity in Observed Long term Trends in Total Ozone Column over Indian region International Journal of Remote Sensing and remote sensing letters (accepted, 2017)

4. Bikram Sen Sahu, Ph.D research work (ongoing).

NCEPIAR 2017

Page | 3

Technical Session-I

Decolorization of textile dyes using adsorbents from waste fruits peels, leaves and stem: An ecofriendly and cost effective option for clean up

Nandkishor More*

Department of Environmental Science, School of Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Lucknow, 226025, U.P.

Email:nkmore2010@gmail.com Textile industries are considered to be the major source of water pollution. These industries using different varieties of dyes discharge colored effluent which leads to serious pollution of surface waters, ground waters and soil. Synthetic dyes are commonly used in our daily life and its applications in different industries like textile, leather, cosmetics, paper, paint and food are growing continuously1, 2, and 3. There are approximately 10,000 types of different dyes and pigments which are used industrially and are produced around 0.7 million tons annually4. The global consumption of textiles is currently around 30 million tones with expected growth at 3% per annum. Textile dyes used each year are lost during manufacturing and processing operation and 20% of these dyes enter the environment through effluents that result from the treatment of residual industrial waters. The present study explores the feasibility of Banana, Orange, and Pomegranate Biomass as a low cost natural adsorbent with respect to various parameters such as colour adsorbent capacity of material with concentrations at different doses, time and pH. The pH of the textile wastewater was found acidic whereas the other parameters like TDS and TSS was above the permissible limit. Results reveal that the dye removal efficiency increase with increase in adsorbents such as Banana Pseudo-stem, Banana Peel, Pomegranate Peel, Orange Peel, Banana Leaves dosage. The minimum adsorption occurred with 0.2g and maximum with 0.6g of each adsorbent where it was found that maximum colour removal efficiency for Banana Pseudo-stem, Banana Peel, Pomegranate Peel, Orange Peel, Banana Leaves is 95%, 93%, 90.52%, 88%, 84.48% respectively. The adsorption isotherm values are plotted to study the removal capacity of absorbent material and are found significant. References:

1. Ahmad R. 2009. Studies on adsorption of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution onto coniferous pinus bark powder (CPBP). J Hazard Mater. 171: 767-773

2. Amini M and Younesi H. 2009. Biosorption of Cd (II), Ni (II) and Pb (II) from aqueous solution by dried biomass of Aspergillus niger, Application of response surface methodology to the optimization of process parameters. CLEAN. 37: 776-786 11

3. Littlefield NA, Blackwell BN, Hewitt D and Gaylor D. 1985 Chronic Toxicity and Carcinogenicity Studies of Gentian Violet in Mice. Fundamental of Appl Toxicol. 5: 902-912.

4. Mani S, Bharagava RN. 2016 Exposure to Crystal Violet, its toxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects on environmental and its degradation and detoxification for environmental safety. Reviews of

Environ. Conta. and Toxicol. 237: 71-104

NCEPIAR 2017

Page | 4

Technical Session-I

Assessment of environmental impacts of Mustard oilseed production using life cycle approach

Poonam Khatria, Suresh Jaina aDepartment of Energy and Environment, TERI University, 10, Institutional Area, Vasant

Kunj, New Delhi 110070 E-mail: poonam_khatri@hotmail.com

The agri-food systems are presently facing an interconnected challenge of producing more food with reduced burden on energy, resources and environment [1]. Considering this challenge, several governments have acknowledged sustainability of food systems as a top priority [2]. Consumers are now giving preference to the products with low environmental impact [3]. This study performed a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of the mustard oilseed system and identified its hotspots for environmental impacts in the agriculture stage. The study used cradle-farm gate system boundary, 1 kg seed as functional unit and ReCiPe Midpoint (H) as the impact assessment method. We also assessed the influence of changing the allocation criteria for distributing the inventory data between mustard seed and straw (co-product) on LCA results. Two allocation choices were considered: system expansion (straw avoiding the production and use of virgin fuels in domestic cooking and industry boiler) and economic value. The results showed negative value for climate change potential in both the allocation choices which indicate a positive contribution of crop due to the inclusion of CO2 sequestered by crop. The CO2 sequestered was more than CO2 emissions from production of mustard seed. For all other environmental impacts fertilizers, electricity and diesel used were major contributing inputs. Production of fertilizers, together with field emissions of NH3 and N2O, was responsible for ~40% of acidification potential, ~33% of ecotoxicity and ~31% of eutrophication potential. Further, the energy inputs for mustard production (~12.5 GJ/t of seed) were found to be huge. Inefficient and overuse of inputs like electricity have been criticised by several other studies [4]. Overall, this study highlights an urgent need for detailed assessments focusing on seeing the trade-offs between all environmental impacts and improvement measures.

References:

[1] P. Roy, D. Nei, T. Orikasa, Q. Xu, H. Okadome, N. Nakamura, T. Shiina, Journal of Food Engineering 90 (2009). [2] T. Garnett, Journal of Cleaner Production 73 (2014). [3] P. Khatri, S. Jain, Journal of Cleaner Production 152 (2017). [4] M.D. Kumar, C.A. Scott, O.P. Singh, International Journal of Water Resource Development. 29 (2013) 4.

NCEPIAR 2017

Page | 5

Technical Session-I

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PARAMETERS AND IRON SULPHATE (FeSO4) ON BIOSORPTION OF DYES BY FUNGAL BIOMASS

Permod kumar1, Raj Singh2, Anju Rani3 and Amit Kumar4 Department of Botany1, 2, 3 Faculty of Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut

Department of Biotech.4, Faculty of Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut

E-mail: pkkalhra@gmail.com

The biosorption of malachite green (MG) and Basic Fuchsin (BF) by the biomass of three selected fungal species viz Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigates. The analysis of different factors: amount of biomass, time, pH, temperture and presence of iron sulphate metal on the potential of given biomass to adsorb given dyes by FT-IR and isothermic equation. The dye adsorb peak in different fungus dye combination are AF-BF> AF-MG>AN-BF>AN-MG>AFU-BF>AFU-MG. In case of time period, the maximum adsorption 10 minuties and pH was raised from 6.5-7.0. In case of temperature the most effective for the biosorption of MG was found to be 350C. The FTIR analysis, the biomass of Aspergillus niger has large groups as compared to Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigates. An effort was also made to evaluate the suitability of Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms for explaining the biosorption of MG & BF by the mycomass under test (Hua and Yan, 2012). Freundlich model describes the biosorption of Mg and BF of the biomass of A. flavus, A. niger and A.fumigatious in a batter manner than Langmuir model (Gupta et al., 2009). The influence of these metals on dye adsorption by fungal biomass to fine –tune any biosorption based effluent treatment system for dye removal. Some effluents from various industries contain metal ions also in addition to the dyes.

References:

[1] S. Huo, X. Yan (2012) Metal-organic framework MIL-100 (Fe) for the adsorption of

malachite green from aqueous solution. J.Matter Chem, 22: 7449-7455.

[2] V. K. Gupta, A.Mittal, A. Malviya, J. Mittal (2009). Adsorption of carmoisine a fram

wastewater using waste material –Bottom ash and deoiled soya. Jr. Colloid, 27: 145-149

NCEPIAR 2017

Page | 6

Technical Session-I

Sorption Equilibrium and Dynamics for Aqueous Carbofuran Removal Using Sustainable Tea Residue Biochar

Vineet Vimal and Dinesh Mohan* School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Email: vineetvimal55@gmail.com and dm_1967@hotmail.com Water is of prime importance for existence of life on Earth. Quality of water in use is also an important issue. With degradation in water quality, its utility for human beings and other organisms has badly affected. Suspended solids, biodegradable organics, pathogens, nutrients, heavy metals, dissolved organics and refractory organics i.e. surfactants, phenols and agricultural pesticides often find their way into water channels resulting into pollution. Pesticides are one of the major groups of hazardous compounds that pollute water. Possible sources of pesticides pollution are surface runoff, leaching into groundwater, wind erosion, deposition from aerial application and industrial discharge. Carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-yl methylcarbamate) is one such broad spectrum systemic acaricide, insecticide and nematicide included in the general group of carbamate derivative pesticides [1]. It is widely used for the control of soil dwelling and foliar feeding insects on soybean, rice, potato, fruit and other vegetable crops. USEPA and WHO recommend permissible limits of 0.09 mg/L and 0.03 mg/L for carbofuran in drinking water, respectively [2,3]. Adsorption of contaminants using sustainable biochar derived from agricultural byproducts is gaining widespread attention due to its low cost, high efficiency and high adsorption capacity [4]. In the present study, carbofuran was removed from water using biochar (TR600) developed from tea residue under slow pyrolysis conditions. Surface and structural properties of biochar were characterized using SEM, XRD, TEM, FTIR and FT-RAMAN techniques. Adsorption studies for carbofuran removal were conducted in batch mode at different temperatures, initial carbofuran concentrations, contact time and adsorbent dosages. Sorption equilibrium data were modeled using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. A maximum carbofuran adsorption capacity of 134 mg/g was obtained at 45°C. Keywords: Carbofuran, Adsorption, Sustainable, Biochar, Tea Residue

NCEPIAR 2017

Page | 7

Fig. Development of tea residue biochar (TR600)

References: [1] J.M. Salman, F.M. Abd, A.A. Muhammed, International Journal of Chemical Sciences 9 (2011) 557-564 [2] J.M. Salman, B.H. Hameed, Journal of Hazardous Materials 175 (2010) 133-137 [3] V.K. Gupta, I. Ali, Suhas, V.K. Saini, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 299 (2006) 556-563 [4] M. Vithanage, S.S. Mayakaduwa, I. Herath, Y.S. Ok, D. Mohan, Chemosphere 150 (2016) 781-789

Pyrolysis Crushing Sieving

Oven drying

Filtration

TR600 (Biochar)

Development of Tea residue biochar

Tea residue

NCEPIAR 2017

Page | 8

Technical Session-I

Copper: From Ore to Environment at Khetri, Rajasthan

Anita Punia and N. Siva Siddaiah* School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067

Email: puniaanita12@gmail.com, nssiddaiah@gmail.com Mining program begins with ore exploration and ends with the post-closure period. Each phase of mining is associated with different sets of serious environmental impacts. Milling is one of the parts of beneficiation, and results in very fine particles that allow better extraction of the metal from ore. However, milling also allows a more complete release of contaminants when these particles become tailings. Heavy metal contamination of air, soil and water is a major environmental threat in case of metallic mineral mining due to the production of large quantities of sulfide-rich tailings and waste dumps containing high concentrations of heavy metals. We present here, results of our study in Khetri region, aimed to understand the behavior of Cu in different compartments (tailings, soil, groundwater, surface water and vegetables) of the environment due to copper mining. On exposure to oxygen and water, sulfide rich tailings and overburden rocks generate massive acid mine drainage which leads to leaching of copper in addition to other heavy metals in to soil and water. The seasonal strong winds of the semi-arid Khetri area, further transport Cu rich dust to far distant places. Compared to crustal average (55 mg/kg), higher concentration of copper is found in local soil (200 mg/kg) and vegetables (70 mg/kg). Though, copper is an essential micronutrient for humans, but is toxic at high levels. An overload of copper leads to Fenton-type redox reactions, resulting in oxidative cell damage and cell death. Exposure to copper dusts may result in metal fume fever with atrophic changes in nasal mucous membranes. The study indicates a significant concentration of copper in environment of Khetri suggesting the ineffectiveness of the beneficiation method being followed in quantitative recovery of the metal from the ore. Therefore, application of effective and efficient methods of metal milling and beneficiation as well as studies to explore on the management options for tailings and overburden to minimise their impacts on human health and environment are warranted.

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Technical Session-I

Removal of azo dye along with other pollutants from textile effluent by using a photobioreactor based on green algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Surbhi Sinha*, Tithi Mehrotra, Rachana Singh, Subhasha Sinha Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

In the present study, the potential of a diazo dye resistant, self-sustainable photosynthetic green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa provides a viable green technology for an efficient biodegradation of diazo dye and overall improvement of water quality. Batch experiments were performed to optimize the effect of initial pH, contact time and toxicity-range of dye in order to achieve the optimal conditions for maximum decolourization in continuous cyclic photobioreactor. In batch culture, C. pyrenoidosa exhibited 96% decolourization with 40 mg L−1 dye at pH 3. The equilibrium was attained within 30 min and the maximum uptake of 30.53 mg g−1 algal biomass was observed during this period. This was found to be fitted well with Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The FT-IR spectra showed a change from N=N to N=H suggesting the possible involvement of the azoreductase enzyme. The application of C. pyrenoidosa not only degraded the diazo dye but also improved the quality of water by reducing COD (82.73%), BOD (56.44%), sulphate (54.54%), phosphate (19.88%), and TDS (84.18%) which was further enhanced in continuous cyclic bioreactor treatment. The results clearly showed that C. pyrenoidosa has the potential for removing the synthetic dye from the effluent and improving the water quality.

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Technical Session-I

Serious concern over environmental exposure of aflatoxins and its risks

Maneesh Kumar1*, Harish Kumar1, Jainendra Kumar1 and Ganesh Chandra Sahoo2 1Department of Biotechnology, College of Commerce, Arts & Science (Magadh University,

Bodh Gaya), Patna. 2BioMedical Informatics Center, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences

(ICMR), Agam kuan, Patna. *Corresponding Author: kumar.maneesh11@gmail.com

Environment has its own biotic and abiotic effects on living organisms. The environmental pollution has become a part of human race, which affect us directly or indirectly. The conspicuous casualties in the environment are the presence of huge toxic wastes due carelessness and unplanned human interference in their habitat. Humans are readily exposed to many exogenous harmful chemicals, found in the environment that has huge carcinogenic properties on a biological ecosystem. Such exposure can occur exogenously when we intake some basic needs for our survival like food, water or air, and also endogenously when they participate in metabolism within our body. So, the goal of current century should, to create uniform regulations against foodborne mycotoxin contamination worldwide. It has been exclusively estimated that the significant exposure and consumption of harmful mycotoxins’

contaminated plant derived food products, cause a mycotoxicosis in human. Aspergillus, Claviceps, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys are the important mycotoxic genera ubiquitously present in the environment. Among them, most economical and notorious filamentous molds, which are exclusively involved in chronic and acute toxicity, are Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus nomius and Aspergillus bombycis. Many molecular epidemiologic approaches strongly correlate the causative relationship between environmental aflatoxins exposure and cancer risks in humans. Along with this, aflatoxins contribute great accumulation in our food web and sometimes they lead to death ultimately. The chances of adverse health risks also increase when people use to live in moldy houses. Asthma, bronchitis, fatigue and weak immunity are the common health issues in these people. These biological malfunctions are very much common in developing countries due to subsistence farming and unregulated markets. Here we reviewed the major complex interaction and analyzed environmental variabilities according to the increase aflatoxin contamination that cause relative influences on human health. Simultaneously, the impact of climate has also taken under consideration to improve the management in the agricultural procedures.

Keywords: Environment, aflatoxins, Asthma, carcinogenicity, Mycotoxins, Aspergillus

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Technical Session-II

Antibiotic resistant staphylococci in indoor bioaerosols of Jawaharlal Nehru University

Trina Chakrabortia, Rajan Chawdharya, Himani Kumaria, Madhuri Singha, Jaishree Paulb, *Kasturi Mukhopadhyaya

a School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. b School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Email: 1. trnchakraborti@gmail.com 2. kasturim@mail.jnu.ac.in Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS) are some of the leading causes of human infections worldwide. In this present study, we analyzed the indoor bioaerosols of Central Library and Animal house facility of Jawaharlal Nehru University to assess the presence and prevalence of MRSA and MRCNS. Air samplings were done to measure the staphylococcal load (CFU/m2/hr). Isolation and identification of S. aureus and CNS were carried out through standard biochemical tests. Further, we identify staphylococcal isolates by multiplex PCR amplifying nuc gene [1]. MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of oxacillin was tested against all S. aureus and CNS isolates by broth microdilution technique as per CLSI guidelines. MRSA and MRCNS isolates were further checked for their susceptibility against four classes of antibiotics. Total bacterial load in reading room were found to be maximum (6756.76 CFU/m2/hr) in the month of monsoon. Maximum number of S. aureus and CNS in Library were also found in the month of monsoon that was 942.8 CFU/m2/hr and 2671.28 CFU/m2/hr respectively (Fig.1). Methicillin sensitivity tests showed that 10% S. aureus isolates were resistant whereas in case of CNS 37.5% isolates were resistant. The study showed prevalence of more CNS than S. aureus in the indoor bioaerosol and we further observed that, 15.6% CNS were multidrug resistant. In Animal house we found maximum S. aureus load in operating room (2311.11 CFU/ m3) and maximum CNS load in corridor near office (5866.67 CFU/ m3) (Fig.1). The study is under progress and it signifies the urgent need for proper surveillance and pay particular attention to improve overall indoor air quality.

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Fig 1. Total no. of S. aureus and CNS isolates in (a.) Library reading room and (b.) in Animal house, c. Presence of methicillin-resistant and sensitive isolates of S. aureus and CNS in Library reading room. Reference:

[1] S. Hirotaki, T. Sasaki, K. Kuwahara-Arai, K. Hiramatasu, J. Clin. Microbiol (2011) 49:10

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Technical Session-II

Morphological, Biochemical and antioxidant activities of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) under fly ash pollution stress from a thermal power plant in

peri urban area of Delhi, India Sami Ullah Qadir1, Vaseem Raja2, Weqar Ahmad Siddiqui1*

1* Analytical Research lab. Department of Applied Sciences and humanities, faculty of

engineering and technology jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi-110025.

2 Department of Botany. University of Kashmir. Hazratbal Srinagar-190006.

E. mail: samievs84@gmail.com, wsiddiqui@jmi.ac.in

The present biomonitoring study was conducted to investigate the responses of P. dulce to Fly ash (FA) stress, which adversely affect both plant and human health. However, plants growing in polluted locations provide a great respite to us from the brunt of pollutants released from different sources by absorbing these pollutants at their foliar surfaces [1]. Foliar surface configuration, physiological, morphological, biochemical and antioxidant changes in P. dulce growing at three different locations were investigated. It was observed that FA stress showed significant alteration (P<0.001) in photosynthetic pigments, protein, and sugar contents. The reduction was also noticed in net photosynthetic rate, nitrate reductase activity and nitrate contents. Moreover, under FA stress, leaf attributes such as single leaf area (SLA), leaf length and leaf width also showed a significant decrease (P<0.001) at polluted site in comparison to control. While as a significant increase (P<0.001) was observed in the case of Nitrogen, sulphur and proline contents. Under FA stress stomatal conductance (SC) was low, leading to declining in net photosynthetic rate (NPR) and increase in intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (ICD) and stomatal index (SI) in the leaf tissues of this plant species [2] [2]. From ANOVA results a significant increase (P<0.001) was observed between antioxidants such as superoxidase dismutase (SOD), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (POD), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and air pollution tolerance index at three different sites[3]. An increase in the activity antioxidants and air pollution tolerance index (APTI) from control to highly polluted (HP) polluted site indicated the capacity of this plant species to tolerate the elevated concentrations of FA pollutants in urban areas[4].

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Fig.1(a-f). Variation in the biochemical parameters of P. dulce at three different sites (a) Chl. a, Chl. b, carotenoids, Total Chl. (b)Nitrogen, Nitrate, and NRA. (c) Protein and Proline (d) Sulphur and reducing sugar (e) Parameters related to APTI (f) Leaf attributes in p. dulce at three different sites.

References: [1] S. U. Qadir, V. Raja, and W. A. Siddiqui, “Morphological and biochemical changes in

Azadirachta indica from coal combustion fly ash dumping site from a thermal power plant in

Delhi, India,” Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, vol. 129, pp. 320–328, 2016.

[2] M. Iqbal, J. Jura-Morawiec, W. Wloch, and Mahmooduzzafar, “Foliar characteristics,

cambial activity and wood formation in Azadirachta indica A. Juss. as affected by coal-smoke

pollution,” Flora: Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, vol. 205, no. 1,

pp. 61–71, Jan. 2010.

[3] R. Kaur and H. Nayyar, “Ascorbic Acid: A Potent Defender Against Environmental

Stresses,” in Oxidative Damage to Plants: Antioxidant Networks and Signaling, Elsevier Inc.,

2014, pp. 235–287.

[4] U. Kulshrestha and P. Saxena, Plant Responses to Air Pollution, Ist. New Delhi:

Springer, 2016.

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Technical Session-II

Assessment of PM10 bound metals and their human health implications at background site (JNU) in Delhi

Victor V. Kenga, Amit Kumar Yadav, P. S. Khillare*

School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi- 110067

Corresponding Author: psk@mail.jnu.ac.in

Emissions from coal-fired power plants, industries and vehicles have led to elevated concentrations of particulate matter and heavy metals associated with them (Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, Fe and Mn) posing a threat to human health, especially during winter-time when the atmosphere is stable. In this study, inhalable particulate matter (PM10) was collected from a site at Jawaharlal Nehru University from December 2016 - March 2017 to investigate the mass levels of PM10 and concentrations of heavy metals. The study established that the average mass level of PM10 during said period at the site were (252.11µgm-3), two and a half times the permissible limit of 100µgm-3 while the average concentrations of metals (µgm-3) were manganese (0.12), iron (12.8), nickel (0.01), chromium (0.12), cobalt (0.0009), lead (0.32) and copper (0.14).

Key word: PM10, Heavy metals, Human health

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Technical Session-II

Multiple regression modelling of noise pollution in the environment of Delhi

Deepak Singha*, Amit Kumara, Kumar Anandama, Krishan Kumara, Vinod Kumar Jaina

a School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi a*Corresponding author: Dr. Deepak Singh, Email id: deepaksingh1947@gmail.com

The present study deals with multiple regression modelling of noise in the ambient atmosphere of different types of land use land cover of Delhi. The continuous measurement for noise in terms of Leq along with meteorological variables was done in four different zones, viz. residential, commercial, industrial and heavy traffic density area (HTDA) during daytime hours. At each zone three representative sites were selected. The sites in the selected zones differ in terms of their land use characteristics, vegetation and vehicle traffic density. The measurement of Leq (1-min Leq) was taken at every 20 minutes of interval; however sampling duration was for 9 hours from 7:00 to 16:00. Different noise indices namely L10, L50, L90, traffic noise index (TNI) and noise climate (L10-L90) have also evaluated to examine the prevailing ambient noise condition. The observed dataset was analysed using linear multiple regression to see the impact of different parameters on the noise levels. Results showed that the ambient noise varied significantly with season and time of the day at studied sites. Among the seasons, winter exhibited highest noise levels followed by monsoon, autumn and summer. However, among zones, HTDA was found to be noisier as compared to rest of the studied zones. Pearson correlation analysis explains that relative humidity and temperature were found to be positively correlated with Leq while vegetation was negatively correlated. The mean of the measured values of noise at all the sites during whole studied period were observed to be higher than the guideline prescribed by CPCB and WHO.

Keywords: Noise, Multiple regressions, Leq, L10, L50, L90, Traffic Noise Index

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Technical Session-II

Urban Vegetation Combating Challenges of Increasing Particulate Matter Priyanka Sharma and Chirashree Ghosh*

Environmental Pollution Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi. Authors: sharma26priyanka@gmail.com; chirashreeghosh@hotmail.com*

Globally there is continuous tiff going on between developments of urban areas and controlling urban pollution. Unfortunately development is always at the cost of environment, so finding environmentally sustainable and feasible solution to air pollution and particularly to particulate pollution is a great challenge. However, role of urban vegetation in pollution mitigation could be explored as plant foliar surface acts as an important receptor for atmospheric pollutants and plays an efficient role as a filter for air pollution. The undertaken study tries to evaluate the role of eight common trees (Evergreen: Ficus benghalensis, Putranjiva roxburghii, Syzygium cumini, Polyalthia longifolia; Deciduous: Pongamia pinnata, Ficus religosa, Morus alba, Cassia fistula) of urban Delhi in remediating atmospheric pollution with emphasizing on particulate pollution. For this, four simple methods were applied i.e. Dust load Capacity [1], Trapping Efficiency [2], Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) [3] and Anticipated Performance Index (API) [4] on all the selected plant. The result showed disparity in the response of plants with the selected parameters however, Ficus benghalensis Morus alba and Putranjiva sp consistently reported high values for all the selected four parameters. As Ficus benghalenses and Morus alba have rough and hairy surface they are capable of capturing good amount of particulate matter. Even plants with cuticular and waxy surface like Putranjiva sp. have potential of adhering and accumulating pollutants through their foliar surface. The roughness and integrity of the cuticle affect particle adhesion on the leaf surface [5], and cuticular and epicuticular waxes play an important role in the sorption of lipophilic pollutants in leaves [6]. Response of plant to pollution is a complex mechanism which is govern by its morphology, physiology and biochemical processes, thus to evaluate role of plant as “pollution remediator” in a more holistic manner one need to consider various factors.

Key words: Vegetation, pollution, Particulate Matter, Remediation.

References:

1. Prusty, B.A.K., Mishra, P.C. and Azeez, P.A. (2005). Dust accumulation and leaf

pigment content in vegetation near the national highway at Sambalpur,Orissa, India. Ecotoxi.

Environ. Safety. 60, 228–235.

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2. Aery NC (2010) Biomonitoring: manual of Environmental Analysis. Ane Books, India

3. Singh SK, Rao DN. (1983). Evaluation of plants for their tolerance to air pollution,

In:Proceedings Symposium on Air Pollution Control, Indian Association for Air Pollution

Control; 1:218-224.

4. Pandey A.K, Mayank Pandey, Ashutosh Mishra, Ssiddhant Mohan Tiwary, B.D. Tripathi.

(2015). Air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index of some plant species

for development of urban forest. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 14 : 866–871.

5. Rai A, K. Kulshreshtha, P. K. Srivastava, C. S. Mohanty. (2010). Leaf surface structure

alterations due to particulate pollution in some common plants. Environmentalist 30:18–23.

6. Simonich, S.L., Hites, R.A. (1994). Vegetation-atmosphere partitioning of polycyclic

aromatic hydrocarbons. Environmental Science and Technology 28, 939-943.

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Technical Session-II

A study of aerosol climatology over Delhi from 10 years (2005-2014) of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Ozone

Monitoring Instrument (OMI) data

1Sumant Kumar and 1Arun Srivastava*

School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi- 110067

We present the 10 year (2005-2014) seasonal climatology of aerosol optical depth (AOD) of deep blue (land only) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), UV-index and single scattering albedo (SSA) from Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) over Delhi. Our result shows that the mean value of AOD was highest in the post-monsoon season of October-November (0.96), decreases throughout the winter (December-February) (0.69) and increases continuously up to pre-monsoon (March-June) (0.68) and reaches to lowest values in monsoon season (July-September) (0.65). The climatological pattern of AODs at Delhi shows that the atmosphere is highly turbid throughout the year which inform that contribution from local sources plays a critical role in columnar aerosol loading and its highest value during the post-monsoon period was due to enhancement in anthropogenic activities associated with festivals periods (Dushera and Diwali) as well as low boundary layer height which prevent horizontal and vertical mixing. UV-index which is an indicator of absorbing particles in the atmosphere shows that its mean values was maximum during pre-monsoon (1.67) and minimum during monsoon (0.92). The values during post-monsoon and winter was 1.41 and 0.99, respectively. The mean value of SSA was maximum during monsoon (0.981) and minimum during pre-monsoon (0.939). The values during post-monsoon and winter was 0.940 and 0.976, respectively.

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Technical Session-II

An Integrated Assessment of Odd-Even Rationing Scheme Implemented in Delhi

Tanya Sharmaa, Suresh Jain b

a Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Energy and Environment, TERI University, Delhi, 10, Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070 Email: tanya.sharma1904@gmail.com

b Professor and Head, Department of Energy and Environment, TERI University, Delhi, 10, Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070 Email: sureshj@teriuniversity.ac.in

Vehicular emissions in cities have been recognized as a major source of increasing air pollutant concentrations worldwide. The population of Delhi has experienced a considerable shift from public to private modes of transport, which has worsened the air quality of the city [1]. The current study aims to assess the impact of the odd-even rationing scheme implemented as an emergency action by the government of Delhi. A primary questionnaire survey was conducted with 250 vehicle users of Delhi NCT to assess their travel experience during the implementation phase of the scheme. In addition, the impact of the scheme on the air quality was evaluated by analysing the variations in concentration of air pollutants and meteorological parameters of the city. The analysis revealed that the initiative resulted in a large number of benefits and co-benefits. It was estimated that ~3 tonnes of PM, ~71 tonnes of NO2, ~282 tonnes of CO and ~118 tonnes of HC emissions were eluded from the vehicular exhaust pipes using Activity-Structure-Energy Intensity-Fuel Mix (ASIF) framework which can be reflected as the direct benefits achieved from the scheme [2]. Apart from this, co-benefits in terms of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (nearly 35,253 tonnes of CO2 eq.), decline in the travel time of vehicle users by ~25% and the corresponding road congestion, fuel savings and increased levels of awareness among the residents of the city have been the key outputs of the ‘Odd-Even’ scheme. It was observed during the survey that people were aware about problem of air pollution in the city but also acknowledged that they were unaware and ignorant about the health implications associated with increased levels of air pollution. Furthermore, 68% of the respondents were willing to follow the rationing scheme if it is implemented again, and 8% were willing to continue with the rationing on a self-monitoring basis.

References:

[1] P. Aggarwal, S. Jain, Journal of Cleaner production 128 (2014).

[2] S. Jain, P. Aggarwal, P. Sharma, P. Kumar, Journal of Transport and Health 3 (2016).

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P-1

Microplastic: Invisible journey from Environment to food chain

Guncha Sharma and Chirashree Ghosh*

Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi

sharmaguncha11@gmail.com; chirashreeghosh@hotmail.com*

The rapid urbanization and changing life style have shifted the interest of human beings towards more reliable, attractive, durable and economically approachable products like plastic. Nowadays, plastic has become pivotal material among all domains like domestic, industrial and commercial. But as the age of plastic product ends, it is been disposed of impulsively in open pits, landfills, sewer drains or water bodies. This plastic waste in an ambient environment undergoes various degradation processes like mechanical disintegration, chemical fragmentation, and biological degradation which transmute macro size plastic into micro size plastic particles commonly known as “Microplastic” [1]. These can be in various forms like fibres, granules, or spheres with size less than 5mm. On the basis of its origin, they are categorized as primary and secondary type. Primary microplastics are the engineered plastic like microbeads, used in cosmetics or in toothpaste for the purpose of exfoliation whereas Secondary microplastics generally form due to the fragmentation of large size plastic litter [2]. Both of them ultimately end up into aqua-terrestrial environment. Aquatic organisms ingest microplastic resembling it as their food, which gets accumulated in their stomach and later gets transfer into upper food chain. Their variable density and large surface area causes buoyancy due to which they floats over a long stretch and introduce invasive species [3]. It is been also reported that plastic contains additives like phthalates, polybrominates or diphenyl ethers to modify its mechanical properties which are highly toxic and act as endocrine disruptors to the food chain [4]. Further, these additives known as “plasticizers” being

lipophilic in nature, adheres Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP’s) already present in the environment. These POP’s are carcinogenic in nature and hence introduce toxins among different trophic levels [5]. Although at global scale, research on this issue is subsequently increasing and has considered it as an alarming threat for the aquatic biota; but on national level there exist a knowledge gap. Microplastic is a re-emerging field so there is urgency to inventories local microplastic pollution status and to identify map probable hot spot and its exposure effects on biological organisms.

References:

[1] Andrady, Anthony L. 2011. “Microplastics in the Marine Environment.” Marine Pollution

Bulletin 62 (8). Elsevier Ltd: 1596–1605. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.05.030.

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[2] Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection

(2010) Proceedings of GESAMP International Workshop on plastic particles as a vector in

transporting persistent, bio-accumulating and toxic substances in the oceans, UNESCO-IOC,

Paris

[3] Goldberg, E.D. (1997) Plasticizing the seafloor: an overview. Environmental Technology

18:195-20

[4] Wegner, A., Besseling, E., Foekema, E.M., Kamermans, P., Koelmans, A.A., 2012.

Effects of nanopolystyrene on the feeding behavior of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis L.).

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 31, 2490-2497.

[5] Cole, Matthew, Pennie Lindeque, Claudia Halsband, and Tamara S Galloway. 2011.

“Microplastics as Contaminants in the Marine Environment: A Review.” Marine Pollution

Bulletin 2009. Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.09.025.

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P-2 Comparison of Bioaerosol Sampling Methods in Indoor Built-up

Environment

Palak Balyan & Chirashree Ghosh*

Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi Author: pbevs2009@gmail.com & chirashreeghosh@gmail.com *

Introduction:

The two most common culture methods for monitoring Total viable count (TVC) of bioaerosol are passive settle plate (PSP) technique and active impaction method using Anderson Cascade Impactor (ACI)[1]. Conflicting results were reported by earlier studies to conduct a comparative study between these two (active and passive) sampling methods in an identical sampling site [2][3]. Thus, it is imperative to assess the effect of sampling technique on monitoring of bioaerosols exposure and to understand role of various putative factors bioaerosol exposure.

Methodology:

Two sensitive indoor environment i.e. University library (UL) and University health centre (UHC) were selected for this study to monitor seasonal variation (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon) of bioaerosol concentration using both passive (PSP) and active (ACI) sampling method. Beside this temperature, relative humidity and footfalls were also monitored to establish relation between sampling method and its probable influencing factors.

Statistical analysis:

The Pearson correlation coefficient was done for estimating TVC of bioaerosol using both the methods (active and passive) in order to compare their efficiency in seasonal sampling. The effect of sampling technique in understanding the role of various putative factors was also done by using mixed modelling method.

Results:

A strong and positive correlation (r= 0.872, p< 0.01) was established between TVC of bioaerosol using two sampling methods. Interestingly at UHC (university health centre) seasonal variability, temperature and foot fall altogether showed significant impact on viable count measured by active and passive method whereas in UL (university library) only foot fall showed significant correlation. So categorically it was observed that site specific micro-environment showed significant effect on higher mean value of bioaerosol concentration.

Conclusion:

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It is possible to conclude that both the gravitational and impaction plate (through active and passive sampling method) can be used for seasonal monitoring. Since the two method use completely different denominating units to measure bioaerosol, the two sampling method should not be compared merely on the basis of TVC (Total viable count) of bioaerosol. The passive settle plate (PSP) method provides a reliable, convenient and cheaper option to monitor bioaerosol concentration especially where simultaneous measurement at multiple sites are required.

Keywords: Bioaerosol, passive method, active method, sampling technique, indoor environment, total viable count

References:

1) J. Douwes, P. Thorne, N. Pearce, D. Heederik. Bioaerosol health effects and exposure

assessment: progress and prospects. Annals of Occupational Hygiene. (2003) 47(3) 187-200.

2) C. Napoli, V. Marcotrigiano, M.T. Montagna. Air sampling procedures to evaluate

microbial contamination: a comparison between active and passive methods in operating

theatres. BMC Public Health. (2012) 12(1) 594

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P-3 Novel Regulatory Mechanisms of Ribosomal Biogenesis and

Retrotransposition in the Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba histolytica

Shraddha Sharma, Devinder Kaur , Yatendra Pratap Singh, Shashi Shekhar singh, Mridula Agrahari, Sarah Naiyer, Ashwini Kumar Ray, Jamal Ahmed, Sudha Bhattacharya*

School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Shraddha16nov@gmail.com, sbjnu110@gmail.com Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite which is highly prevalent in our environment

and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. Our lab has been studying basic

gene regulatory mechanisms in this organism with a view to understanding parasite-specific

novel features. We were the first to report that ribosomal RNA genes in this parasite are

exclusively located on extrachromosomal circles. Another first from our group was the

discovery of retrotransposons (LINEs and SINEs) in the E. histolytica genome. Here we

describe some of our latest studies with these molecules.

Transcription of rRNA and r-protein genes continues during growth stress in E.

histolytica, and the control is post-transcriptional.

Most organisms stop the transcription of rRNA and r-protein genes when confronted with

growth stress. We showed that in E. histolytica the transcription of these genes continues in

serum-starved cells. However, translation of r-protein mRNAs was strongly down regulated

during starvation (1). This regulation was mediated by sequences in the 5’UTR (Fig.1).

Similarly, although pre-rRNA was transcribed, its processing was inhibited during starvation.

This was partly due to loss of a crucial pre-rRNA processing exonuclease (Rrp6p) from the

nucleus of starved cells (Fig. 2).

Transcriptional control of EhLINEs.

Excessive expression of retrotransposons could be mutagenic- hence in most organisms these

are kept transcriptionally repressed by DNA cytosine methylation. We show that DNA

methylation is not a major repressive mark in E. histolytica, and the parasite has evolved

novel mechanisms.

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EhSINEs as a tool for E. histolytica strain identification from patient isolates.

We have identified several polymorphic loci in the E. histolytica genome where EhSINEs are

present in some strains and absent in others (2). We have used this to successfully

differentiate between E. histolytica isolates from patient samples (Fig. 3)

References:

1. Ahamad et.al., Molecular & Biochemical Parasitology . 2015 Jun;(2012):146-52.

2. Sharma et. al., Exp Parasitol. 2017 Jan 26;175:28-35.

3. Agrahari et. al., Molecular & Biochemical Parasitology 212 (2017) 21–27.

4. Gaurav et al., Molecular & Biochemical Parasitology 211 (2017) 84–93

Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3

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P-4

Impact of water pollution in Environment on Human Health

Muddassir Reyaz1*, Jaibardhan Siddharth1, Santwana Rani1, Tanzah Anam2

1Department of Biotechnology, College of Commerce, Arts & Science, (Magadh University, Bodh Gaya), Patna, Bihar, India.

2Department of Industrial Microbiology, Patna Women’s College, Patna University, Patna,

Bihar, India. *Corresponding author: mreyaz2@gmail.com

Water pollution is a common problem in both rural and urban areas in around India. This

creates serious concern on human and animal’s health. Water is a necessary for survival and

proper growth in the healthy environment. Industrial effluents and domestic sludge are the

main cause of this water pollution. The prolong exposure of untreated arsenic and fluoride

contaminated water can cause major cancer problems in skin, kidney, lungs, and skeletal

problem. These biological effects are very common in children, elders and lactating women,

can cause skin and lungs cancer very easily. The important majors should be taken by

government and non-government organizations to create awareness between those people who

are living at the arsenic and fluoride contaminated ground water and river water, so that the

initial treatment may minimize the related diseases in humans and animal.

Keywords: Pollution, Effluents, Garbage, Arsenic, fluoride, Biological.

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P-5 Assessment of changing land pattern in South Sikkim using multispectral

datasets

Chandrashekhar Azad Vishwakarma*, Neha Singh**, Ratan Sen*, Priyadarshini Singh* Harshita Asthana*, Deepali Singh*, Nidhi Roy*, Vikas Rena*, Pardeep Kumar*, Saumitra Mukherjee* *School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India-110067

**Department of Environmental Studies, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat-390002

Email (Lab in charge faculty): saumitramukherjee3@gmail.com (Professor Saumitra Mukherjee) Email (Presenting author): ajadshekhar@gmail.com (Chandrashekhar Azad Vishwakarma)

Most of the area of South district of Sikkim is covered by forest. Due to its natural beauty, the tourist attraction is increasing day by day [1]. Therefore, more developmental activities were seen in the study area and the land pattern is changing spatially as well as temporally. The multi-temporal dataset of Landsat and topographic map were used to get various land use/land cover classes. The satellite images of the year 1990, 2000 and 2015 were preprocessed, classified and analyzed by ERDAS Imagine 2014 software. The classification of the image was done by using unsupervised classification, followed by K-mean classifier method [2]. By using this method, forest area, scrubland, water bodies, agricultural land, built up area, glacier and barren land were extracted. The result of this study was shown that the natural resources of the area are depleting with the increasing anthropogenic activities. Most of the land cover classes were transformed into other classes which show the remarkable changes in this study. Field verification for this work was based on the data from 1985 to 2015 [3]. The accuracy of classified images was done by using kappa statistics.

Keyword: Sikkim, Classification, Kappa, ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, Accuracy assessment

References:

[1] Water security & P.H.E. department government of Sikkim Gangtok, Annual report (2012-13).

[2] C. A. Vishwakarma, S. Thakur, P. K. Rai, V. Kamal and S. Mukherjee. "Changing Land Trajectories: A Case Study from India Using a Remote Sensing Based Approach." European Journal of Geography 7, no. 2 (2016): 61-71.

[3] D. Mitra and S. Mukherjee. Hydrogeology and ground water resource potential of South district, Sikkim. Cyclostyled report, CGWB (Unpublished) (1988).

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P-6 A Critique of the National Policy on Biofuels: looking beyond the supply

line Vairaj Arjune

Centre for Studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi - 110067. E-mail: vairajune@gmail.com

Current energy consumption indicates that fossil fuels are going to remain the dominant sources of primary energy, accounting for more than 80% of the global energy demand between 2005 and 2030, with developing countries contributing three-fourth of the global demand [1]. Coal represents a sizable upsurge of this world demand while oil and gas are trailing closely behind. Much of the prospects for reducing dependency on hydrocarbons is directed towards the transportation sector, especially in developing countries like India. In an effort of transitioning to clean energy sources in the transport sector, the Government of India has implemented the National Policy on Biofuels in 2009 that stipulates a 20% indicative blending targets for both ethanol and biodiesel by the year 2017 [2]. With the end of the experimental phase from 2010-2015, there is much debate on potential alternative non-edible feedstock for meeting the production of biodiesel. As energy-related CO2

emissions are likely to be 32% higher than 2013 by the year 2020 [3], tremendous efforts remain with Government to make a holistic view from both supply and demand perspective of the energy industry to better incentivize the deployment of renewables. This paper is opinionistic in context and seeks to address the questions relating to how India will reach the blending requirement of biodiesel with most of its arable land under cultivation and its growing population demand for food and energy? Can India successfully transit to biofuel energy in the transport sector and reduce its carbon emission that would allow sustainable growth? The study reveals that the current biofuel policy is skewed towards the supply side of biofuels; demand factors like consumption, and support and demonstration of renewable energy devices also play a significant role in promoting biofuels. Nevertheless, the growing consciousness for green energy supply – especially biofuels – could negate the adverse effects of coal-based power plants and fill the energy gap met through imports. Keywords: Biomass, Jatropha, Energy Demand, Renewable Energy, Sustainability [1] International Energy Agency, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2007). World energy outlook 2007: China and India Insights. Retrieved from http://www.worldenergyoutlook.org/media/weowebsite/2008-1994/WEO_2007.pdf [2] Gunatilake, H., Roland-Holst, D., & Sugiyarto, G. (2014). Energy security for India: Biofuels, energy efficiency and food productivity. Energy Policy, 65, 761-767. [3] International Energy Agency, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2015). World Energy Outlook Special Report: Energy and Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/WEO2015SpecialReportonEnergyandClimateChange.pdf

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P-7 Identification of surface deformation features on the lunar south polar surface

using optical and microwave satellite datasets

Priyadarshini Singh and Saumitra Mukherjee*

Remote Sensing Applications Laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Email: Faculty in-charge: saumitramukherjee3@gmail.com

Presenting Author: ps.sesjnu@gmail.com

Abstract. Tectonic activity on the Earth has been studied continuously to understand the complex dynamics of inter and intra plate tectonics. Variations in surface topography are frequently considered to be a result of subsurface movements. In a similar way, relatively young features indicative of tectonic deformations were detected on the lunar south polar surface. Lobate scarps and fault lines are two features which indicate compression or extension along subsurface fault zones. Scarps are indicative of compressive forces acting along faults indicative of relatively recent tectonic activity [1]. Previously, only optical data was used to study lunar tectonics but this study used miniature synthetic aperture radar (mini-SAR) data from Chandrayaan-1 mission along with optical data from Narrow Angle Camera and Wide Angle Camera from the LRO mission to infer fault lines and fault scarps on the lunar south polar surface [2,3]. Furthermore, the parameters such as circular polarization ratio and m-chi decomposition derived from mini-SAR images helped to visualize deformation features clearly (such as debris avalanches and terracing along inner crater walls) caused due to the tectonic perturbations resulting possibly from seismic activity along the fault planes.

m-χ decomposition shows a false color composite image depicting blue for surface scattering, red for double bounce scattering and green for volume scattering [4]. The images thus obtained were used to delineate the fault line running within the floor of Cabues B crater and then cutting the north-western wall of the crater. The circular polarization ratio (CPR) image of the region within a part of the inner wall of Cabeus B crater also shows a debris avalanche possibly resulting from the movement along the inferred fault line [4]. A distinct fault scarp approximately 20 km long was also identified lying between Doerfel and Boltzman craters using the Narrow Angle Camera images. Compression marks identified over a small segment along the scarp further suggest compressive forces acting along the fault scarp. Another scarp within Cabeus A crater seen on the m-χ decomposition image is indicative of segmented fault system

which has resulted in the surface deformation leading to the formation of segmented fault scarps.

Keywords: Tectonic deformations, fault scarp, m-χ decomposition, mini-SAR, circular polarisation ratio (CPR)

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Fig.1. Lineament and debris avalanche within Cabeus B crater (centered at 82°18’S and

54°12’W)

References:

[1] Watters, T. R. et al. Evidence of recent thrust faulting on the Moon revealed by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera. Science 329, 936-940 (2010).

[2] Mukherjee, S. and Singh, P. Investigation of tectonic processes in the lunar South Polar Region using Mini-SAR and other data. Front. Earth Sci. 2, (2014).

[3] Mukherjee, S. and Singh, P. Identification of tectonic deformations on the south polar surface of the moon. Planetary and Space Science 112, 46-52, (2015).

[4] Mukherjee, S. and Singh, P. Application of m-χ decomposition technique on mini-SAR data to understand crater and ejecta morphology. IEEE Geosc. & Rem. Sens. Letters 12, 73-76 (2014).

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P-8 Miniature Lipo-peptidomimetics with Potency against Methicillin-Resistant

Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms

Seema Joshia*, Sana Mumtaza, Jyotsna Singha, Santosh Pashab, Kasturi Mukhopadhyaya*

aAntimicrobial Research Laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University,

New Delhi-110067, India; bPeptide Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative

Biology, Mall Road, Delhi-110007, India.

Escalating multidrug resistance and highly evolved virulent mechanisms such as biofilm formation have exacerbated the clinical severity of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections. Biofilms harbor heterogeneous bacterial populations with non-dividing/energy-depleted cells which exhibit substantial recalcitrance to clinically used antibiotics. Towards the development of short and structurally novel antibiofilm agents here we report a focused series of peptidomimetics based on a tryptophan-arginine template (5-mer). The two most active designed sequences comprised of primary sequence Arginine-X-(12-aminododecanoic acid)-X-Arginine (where, X = Tryptophan (S-7) or D-naphthylalanine (S-8)). Both sequences exhibited potent activity against clinically relevant pathogens methicillin-resistant S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium [S-7, MIC: 11.3-22.7 µg/mL); S-8 (MIC: 0.7-5.6 µg/mL)]. The active sequences showed low hemolysis and cytotoxicity while exhibiting a primary membrane depolarizing/disruptive mode of action against exponential phase MRSA. Time-kill curves showed bactericidal activity (4.9-log reduction) within 4h incubation with Trp containing sequence S-7 while a bacteriostatic effect (0.9-log reduction) was observed for D-naphtylalanine containing sequence S-8. Corroborating the bactericidal kinetics data, in 48 h mature MRSA biofilm model, S-7 showed severe membrane permeabilization and loss in viability (p<0.05). Thus, the incorporation of Trp residues in S-7 promoted membrane disruptive bactericidal mode of action which per se was more effective to eradicate MRSA biofilms. S-8 maintained a bacteriostatic mode of action against MRSA while showing robust activity in presence of serum/plasma and was not susceptible to resistance development over 17 serial passages. We anticipate that the subtle sequence based mechanistic differences presented here will allow further development of clinically viable molecules with effectiveness in biofilm-related infections.

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P-9 Eradication of stationary phase and biofilm embedded Staphylococcus aureus

using novel lipidated C-terminal fragments of α-Melanocyte Stimulating

Hormone

Sana Mumtaz, Seema Joshi and Kasturi Mukhopadhyay* Antimicrobial Research laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences,

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067 sanamumtaz88@gmail.com and kasturim@mail.jnu.ac.in*

Slow growing or stationary phase bacteria, widely associated with many persistent infections, viz., endocarditis, osteomyelitis, etc., are commonly described as having largely reduced metabolic activities yielding a dormant-like phenotype. Current antibiotics with demonstrated bactericidal potency rarely retain their activities against such cells [1]. Previously, we have

shown that -Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (-MSH), a short, linear endogenous melanocortin peptide, and its C-terminal fragments possess strong and rapid antimicrobial activity against logarithmic phase Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) [2-4]. In this study, we designed novel lipidated analogues of the C-terminal

fragments of -MSH, i.e., palmitoylated -MSH (6-13) and palmitoylated -MSH (11-13) (Pal.

-MSH (6-13) and Pal. -MSH (11-13), respectively) as lead against stationary phase S. aureus cells as well as its biofilms. Although both these analogues showed potent activity (> 95%

killing at ≤ 20 M) against stationary phase S. aureus cells in buffer, only Pal. -MSH(11-13) showed efficacy against both MSSA and MRSA in bacterial growth medium (MIC: 11.36 µM).

This was a major improvement over -MSH as the presence of media has been shown to

debilitate its antibacterial activity. Pal. -MSH (11-13) resulted in ~97% killing of MSSA and

~90% killing of MRSA at 25 M upon 2 h incubation in Tryptic soy broth (TSB, 0.5% NaCl)

media. Study of the bactericidal kinetics of Pal. -MSH (11-13) against 107cfu/mL MSSA and MRSA in TSB media over 24 h revealed concentration as well as time-dependent activity of this novel analogue. It was also able to depolarize the membrane potential of S. aureus and exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in the fluorescence of a membrane potential sensitive dye 3,3′-dipropylthiacarbocyanine iodide (DiSC3(5)) on account of depolarization. Additionally,

Pal.-MSH (11-13) was found to inhibit the formation of MSSA biofilms at 40 M by reducing the biomass (~99%) as determined by crystal violet staining and viability (96%) as seen through resazurin assay. Thus, this work established the potent activity of novel lipidated C-terminal

fragment Pal. -MSH (11-13) against both planktonic as well as sessile S. aureus. References:

1. Mascio C.T., Alder J.D., Silverman J.A. Bactericidal action of daptomycin against

stationary-phase and nondividing Staphylococcus aureus cells. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother.

(2007) 51, 4255–4260.

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2. Madhuri, Shireen, T., Venugopal, S.K., Ghosh, D., Gadepalli, R., Dhawan, B.,

Mukhopadhyay, K. In vitro antimicrobial activity of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone

against major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Peptides (2009) 30, 1627-1635.

3. Singh, M., Mukhopadhyay, K. C-terminal amino acids of alpha-melanocyte stimulating

hormone are requisite for its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrob.

Agents Chemother. (2011) 55, 1920-1929.

4. Singh, M., Gadepalli, R., Dhawan, B., Mukhopadhyay K. Combination of alpha-melanocyte

stimulating hormone with conventional antibiotics against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus

aureus. PLoS ONE (2013) 8(9): e73815. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.00738.

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P-10 In Vivo efficacy of Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone against

Staphylococcus aureus

Madhuri Singh and Kasturi Mukhopadhyay* Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences,

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067 Chauhan.madhuri@gmail.com and kasturim@mail.jnu.ac.in

Alpha-Melanocyte stimulating Hormone (α-MSH) is an endogenous immune-modulatory neuropeptide secreted from pituitary gland. It is primarily a pigmentary hormone of the vertebrates and largely influences immune reactions in the host for controlling inflammation in the brain as well as in peripheral organs, including skin. It is a small peptide of 13 amino acids and is overall cationic in nature. We have previously shown that α-MSH has a strong potential to kill staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in vitro [1-3]. Like other Cationic antimicrobial peptides, α-MSH also targets bacterial membrane [1, 2]. Moreover, this peptide acts synergistically with conventional antibiotics by exhibiting mechanistic analogy with ciprofloxacin and gentamicin [4]. In the present study, we have evaluated the in vivo anti-staph efficacy of α-MSH using mice models of intravenous (IV) S. aureus infection and wound S. aureus infection. The level of S. aureus burden was enumerated in organ homogenates of IV infected mice those were divided in to five groups; 1) infected control (n=10), 2) PBS treated/placebo (n=5), 3) α-MSH (4 mg/kg/day) treated (n=5), 4) α-MSH (8 mg/Kg/day) treated (n=5), and 5) Oxacilin (10 mg/Kg) treated (n=5). Viable counting revealed that α-MSH reduced the bacterial burden significantly in all the target organs; kidney, lungs, liver, spleen, and heart, in a dose dependent manner. For instance, α-MSH (8 mg/Kg/day) treatment reduced the bacterial counts by 3 log in kidney and more than 2 log reduction in other organs. Whereas, the effect was less pronounced in lower dose of α-MSH (4 mg/Kg/day). Of note, the survival rate of animals in α-MSH (8 mg/Kg) treated group was 100%, whereas, 60% animals succumbed to infection in the untreated control group. In addition we tested the wound healing potential of this peptide in S. aureus infected wound mice model. The observed strong efficacy of α-MSH both in IV as well as in wound mice models of S. aureus infection is the proof of principal for its pre-clinical anti-staph potential. This work allowed us to further conclude that α-MSH could be developed as a therapeutic against resistant S. aureus strains. References: 1. Shireen, T., et al., In vitro antimicrobial activity of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone against major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Peptides, (2009). 30(9): p. 1627-1635. 2. Singh, M. and K. Mukhopadhyay, C-terminal amino acids of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone are requisite for its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, (2011). 55(5): p. 1920-1929. 3. Singh, M. and K. Mukhopadhyay, Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone: an emerging anti-inflammatory antimicrobial peptide. BioMed research international, (2014). 2014. 4. Singh, M., et al., Combination of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone with conventional antibiotics against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. PloS one, (2013). 8(9): p. e73815.

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P-11 Impacts of Hydrodynamics on Water Quality in Large Shallow Loktak Lake,

Manipur

M. Bhagita Devi and N. Siva Siddaiah* School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067

beita.devi@gmail.com and nssiddaiah@gmail.com Water-level regime is considered to be the most important factor for functioning of shallow lacustrine ecosystems. We discuss here, the role of hydrodynamics on growth of submersed macrophytes, sediment dynamics, nutrients cycling and trophic state of shallow Loktak lake ecosystem, Manipur. Water-levels in Loktak lake fluctuate inter-annually depending largely on regional precipitation, temperature and human activities. Increased inflow of rivers into Loktak during wet season raises its water level and thus turbidity, whereas increased surface evaporation and pumping of water for domestic and agricultural applications lower the water level and increases its clarity during dry season. Shallow lakes respond in a non-linear fashion to the fluctuations in water level. Drastic and frequent water level fluctuations are not uncommon in large shallow lakes, which are disastrous for submersed plants since high water-level reduces light availability due to high turbidity, while low water-level damages plants by wave action. Lake draw-down results in water remaining clear and thus minimises algal blooming. If macrophytes are absent, algal growth increases until it is limited by either higher turbidity due to self-shading or minimizing the internal loading. In fact, it is considered that periodic low water conditions are beneficial for lake ecosystems. It consolidates sediments and allows new macrophytes to colonize the lake bed. When water level returns, the colonized macrophytes become a conducive habitat for fish and wildlife, act as sink in removing excess nutrients from water column, and thus enhance its clarity. However, the ever growing anthropogenic activities in Loktak area and increased temperature (due to global warming) drop water level probably lower than its natural variation and prevent the lake from returning to normal conditions, and thus may harm the lake and its biodiversity for extended period of time. Therefore, improved understanding on the role of water level fluctuations in Loktak is important for its management in current global climate change scenario.

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P-12

Rational Design of Tryptophan-Arginine Rich -MSH Analogues with Enhanced Staphylocidal Potency and Cell Selectivity

Jyotsna Singh, Seema Joshi and Kasturi Mukhopadhyay*

Antimicrobial Research laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067

The ability to survive in different environmental niches along with escalating drug resistance has made Staphylococcus aureus a stern threat to human health worldwide. α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH) is a 13 residue neuropeptide with well-known anti-inflammatory and melanogenic activity in humans[1]. Previously we described the potent activity of α-MSH and its C-terminal fragments against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Recently, we showed that enhanced cationic charge promoted bacterial lipid affinity of the peptide, resulting into significant improvement of staphylocidal potency [2]. However, so far our designed analogs have little antimicrobial activity in the bacterial growth medium. Thus, the aim of the present study was to design novel, short analogs of α-MSH through a simultaneous increase in cationic charge and hydrophobicity which would retain activity under clinically more relevant conditions such as high salt, serum, and bacterial growth medium. To this purpose in the C-terminal sequence of α-MSH (Ac-HFRWGKPV-CONH2), we replaced uncharged and less hydrophobic residues with tryptophan and arginine to increase hydrophobicity and charge respectively. Out of the five designed sequences, two analogs (Ana4: Ac-RWRWWKPV-CONH2 and Ana5: Ac-RWRWWKFV-CONH2) showed most potent activity causing 5 log reductions in viability of S. aureus ATCC 29213 upon 2 h incubation in Hepes-Glucose buffer. Importantly, both analogs showed efficacy against clinically relevant pathogen MRSA in bacterial growth medium (MIC: 5.6-45.4 µM). The primary mechanism of action on S. aureus for both analogs involved rapid membrane depolarization followed by permeabilization as was revealed by membrane potential sensitive dye release, propidium iodide uptake and scanning electron microscopy. Interaction studies in artificial bacterial and mammalian mimic membranes showed preferential interactions of Ana4 and Ana5 with bacterial mimic membranes only. The cell selectivity was further corroborated by the non-hemolytic behaviour of Ana4 and Ana5 up to 200 μM (less than 5% hemolysis). Collectively, in the present work, we obtained two potent α-MSH based analogs with excellent staphylocidal potency in microbial growth medium and cell selectivity.

References:

[1] Singh M, Mukhopadhyay K., BioMed research international 2014 (2014).

[2] Singh, J., Joshi, S., Mumtaz, S., Maurya, N., Ghosh, I., Khanna, S., Natarajan, V.T. and Mukhopadhyay, K., Scientific Reports, 6 (2016).

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P-13 Urban-Rural solar irradiance and AOD variations over Delhi-NCR during

summer season

Purnima Bhardwaj1†, Krishan Kumar1*, V.K. Jain1

1School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi †Email ID: puru1939@gmail.com

*Email ID: krishan_kumar@mail.jnu.ac.in

ABSTRACT Present study investigates the variation of the solar irradiance and Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) over Delhi-NCR. Sampling for the solar irradiance was carried out for the summer season in the year 2015 using a handheld FieldSpec Spectroradiometer at an urban and rural location in Delhi-NCR. The solar irradiance was observed to be higher at the rural site as compared to the urban site. The average global irradiances were observed to be 1.15 and 1.04 Wm-2nm-1 at rural and urban sites respectively whereas average direct irradiances were found to be 0.37 and 0.34 Wm-

2nm-1at rural and urban site respectively. Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model 3-day backward trajectories were also analyzed over the study region to investigate the air mass flow pattern over the region. The air masses over study region were observed to be influenced by north western air masses, becoming the source of various pollutants such as dust from nearby Thar Desert region as well as anthropogenic pollutants from north-western regions. AOD data over the study region has been acquired from NASA’s Terra

satellite MODIS sensor to study the aerosols distribution over the region of Delhi and its surrounding rural area in summer season. AOD was found to be higher in Delhi (0.72-0.99) compared to relatively lower AOD in outskirts of Delhi (0.32-0.63) in summer season. Frequent dust storms during the summer season in Delhi-NCR are also one of the major factor affecting the AOD over this region, in addition to other potential sources in the urban area which are mainly anthropogenic such as built-up areas [1], emissions from vehicles and coal based thermal power plants [2] etc. and re-suspended dust from agricultural fields, bio mass burning, brick kilns etc. in rural region.

References:

[1] Pandey, A. K., Singh, S., Berwal, S., Kumar, D., Pandey, P., Prakash, A., and Kumar, K. (2014). Spatio- temporal variations of urban heat island over Delhi. Urban Climate, 10, pp. 119-133.

[2] Prasad, A. K., Singh, R. P., & Kafatos, M. (2006). Influence of coal based thermal power plants on aerosol optical properties in the Indo‐Gangetic basin. Geophysical Research Letters, 33(5).

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P-14 Comparative assessment of trace gases (O3 and NOx) in rural and urban

ambient atmosphere

Amit Kumar, Deepak Singh, Kumar Anandam, Krishan Kumar, Vinod Kumar Jain

School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Email: amit.sagarjnu2@gmail.com The present study explains the continuous measurements of ozone (O3) and nitrogen oxides

(NOx=NO+NO2) along with meteorological parameters in the ambient atmosphere of urban and

rural area in National Capital Region of India during three seasons of the year. Investigation of

seasonal and diurnal variability of the gaseous pollutants has been performed using time series

analysis. Results showed that the levels of O3 were observed to be higher in rural area as

compared to urban area during all studied seasons. The distinct seasonal difference has been

noticed for O3 as highest and lowest during summer and autumn, respectively for both studied

sites. On the other hand, NO and NO2 exhibited highest/(lowest) levels during winter/(autumn).

The inverse relationship has been observed for diurnal cycle of O3 and NOx where surface O3

showed mid-day peak and lower night-time concentrations and vice-versa. The observed dataset

were used to evaluate the association O3 with the ambient levels of NO, NO2 and NOx for both

sites. Analysis revealed that the moderate weekend effect was found at both sites but higher in

rural site. Pearson correlation analysis stated that O3 was negatively associated with relative

humidity and NOx whereas positively correlated with temperature. The observed mean

concentrations at both sites for O3 and NO2 were found to be below the recommended guideline

values established by WHO and the European Union.

Keywords: Ozone, Nitrogen oxides, Diurnal and seasonal variations, Weekend effect

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P-15 Smart and Sustainable Adsorbents for Aqueous Arsenite Removal

aAnkur Sarswat and bDinesh Mohan* 1 School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067

Corresponding author. Tel: +91-9891376318, E-mail: aankursarswat@hotmail.com, bdm_1967@hotmail.com

Arsenic toxicity in natural waters is a serious global problem. Common natural sources of arsenic introduction into waters include biological activities, volcanic eruptions, and weathering reactions. Whereas, gold mining and non-ferrous smelting are some anthropogenic inputs for arsenic introduction into natural waters. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, France) and the National Research Council, DC, USA classifies arsenic as a human carcinogen. Arsenic toxicity may lead to severe health impacts including hyperpigentation, keratosis, skin and internal cancers, and vascular diseases. Therefore, drinking water must be free from arsenic and within the prescribed limits (10 µg/L by WHO and 50 µg/L by BIS, India).

Commercially available options for aqueous arsenite decontamination include nanofiltration, membrane filtration, ion-exchange, oxidation, adsorption, and reduction. Adsorption is one of the most promising methods for aqueous arsenite removal. In the present study, agricultural/agro-industrial wastes were thermochemically converted into biochars under slow pyrolysis. The adsorption capacity of biochar was further enhanced by modifying them into magnetic biochars. A co-precipitation approach was used for biochars magnetization. The magnetic biochars were characterized using BET, FTIR, SEM, Surface area analyzer, XRD, and VSM techniques.

The magnetic biochars were used for arsenite removal from water. Sorption studies were conducted at various initial pHs (2.0 to 10.0), contact times (upto 48 h) and temperatures (10, 25 and 40 °C). A maximum arsenite removal was obtained at pH 6.0-7.5. Maximum arsenite removal occurred within 12 hourse of contact time. A pseudo second-order model best described the kinetics data. Therefore, chemisorption was the rate determining step for arsenite adsorption. The magnetic biochars were also recovered from aqueous solution using an external magnet bar. Therefore, a simple magnet can be used to manipulate the exhausted biochars from aqueous systems, high in suspended solids.

Keywords: arsenite, adsorption, biochar, magnetic, dynamics, pH.

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Fig.1: A schematic showing the adsorption of arsenite and separation of exhausted magnetic biochars using an external magnet.

References:

[1]. A. Sarswat and D. Mohan, RSC Advances, 6, (2016), 85390-85410

[2]. D. Mohan ,A.Sarswat, Y.S. Ok, C.U. Pittman Jr., Bioresource Technology,

160, (2014), 191-202

Pharmaceuticals contaminated water

Magnetic biochar

Pharmaceutical adsorption on biochar

Treated water

Magnetic biochar with pharmaceutical

Magnet

arsenic

ArsenicArsenic

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P-16 Modulation of Environmental Toxicant Rotenone induced Glaucamatous

signalling cascade by Lycopene

Abhinav Prasad, Nancy Maurya, Samarpita Gayen, and Ilora Ghosh*

Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology Laboratory School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067

Email: abhinav.prasad7@gmail.com,ighosh@mail.jnu.ac.in*

The pesticide rotenone blocks aerobic cellular respiration leading to reduced cellular oxygen uptake while the compensatory increase in cellular anaerobic metabolism causes blood acidosis. Rotenone prevents the oxidation of NADH to NAD, thus blocking the oxidation of substrates like glutamate, α-ketoglutarate and pyruvate by NAD by targeting the mitochondrial complex I and results in reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress could induce human trabecular meshwork degeneration, resulting in an elevation of intraocular pressure, thus priming the glaucoma pathogenesis cascade in humans. Lycopene which is present in very high level in human plasma has considerable antioxidant activity,however its physiological importance in human is not clearly known. This in vitro study in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cell line shows how lycopene plays a role as a potent antioxidant against common oxidative damage associated with glaucoma. Different combinations of lycopene(1μM) with rotenone(1 nM) were used to see how the presence of lycopene with the oxidative stress generator rotenone modulates disease outcome. When the exposure time was prolonged lycopene pretreatments or pretreatment as well as co treatments with rotenone did not increase the cell viability nor affect the ROS status as confirmed by MTT assay and H2DCFDA based ROS assay respectively. The combined treatments delayed rise in ROS in the lycopene pretreated condition when subsequent oxidative insult occurred due to rotenone exposure (1nM) while for cells pre-treated with lycopene and then co treated with both lycopene and rotenone, the ROS status rose but normalized within 3 hrs. Lycopene can delay oxidative stress implications but may not be capable of reverting normalcy to the cellular signaling system as evidenced from transmission electron microscopy and immunoblotting. Depending upon the exposure time, composition and concentration of the toxicants, the delay due to pre-exposure of lycopene may not be continued. A pre-treatment with subsequent combined exposure may play an important role in this modulation of glaucoma pathogenesis cascade.

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P-17 Naturally occurring polysaccharide mediated composite for aqueous phase

remediation of anionic and cationic metal species

Rahul Kumar1,2, Kang Ho Kim1, Jeong Yun Jang1, Dinesh Mohan2* and Byong Hun Jeon1**

1Department of Earth resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea.

2School of Environmental Sciences (SES), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi-110067, India

Heavy metals, being highly toxic even at low concentrations and non-biodegradable must be removed from (waste) water. Adsorptive removal of metals from waters by low cost natural materials might be an effective method. Present investigation deals with the preparation of a composite adsorbent using polysaccharide alginic acid and oxide of zirconium to remove selected anionic [Cr(VI)] and cationic [Cu(II)] metal species from aqueous phase. The morphology of materials and surface sorption were confirmed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Specific surface area (BET) and surface chemistry (using FTIR) of composite material were also explored. Maximum sorption capacities (qmax) of adsorbent for Cr (VI) and Cu(II) were 9.8 and 63.1 mg g-1 at pH 5, respectively. The effect of parameters such as pH, contact time, and initial concentration of adsorbate on sorption process was checked via batch adsorption experiments. The adsorption of both metal species was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model. The adsorbent was successfully reused by washing with base and acid. The adsorbent was efficient for the simultaneous removal of anionic and cationic metal species from aqueous phase.

Keywords: Sorption, Low Cost Adsorbents, Remediation, Hexavalent Chromium, Copper

Corresponding authors:

**Prof. Byong-Hun Jeon, bhjeon@hanyang.ac.kr

*Prof. Dinesh Mohan, dm_1967@hotmail.com

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P-18 Anti-bacterial activity of Curcumin and its analogues against Staphylococcus

aureus

Prince Kumar, Shamseer K K, Kasturi Mukhopadhyay,*1 and Diwan S. Rawat*2

1Lab no. 117, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 2Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007

Email: jnu.prince@gmail.com; kasturim@mail.jnu.ac.in; diwansrawat@gmail.com

Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic, yellow colored compound with diverse pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancerous and antibacterial activities [1]. It has been an integral part of traditional medicines and Ayurveda since the ancient time. We recently reported potent staphylocidal activity of Curcumin by damaging bacterial membrane [2]. In spite of its efficacy and potential, curcumin has not been approved as a therapeutic agent yet, because of its low bioavailability, rapid metabolism and low solubility. The presence of central β-diketone functionality in Curcumin is responsible for its rapid metabolism in vivo [3]. In order to overcome this, in the present work, we evaluated water soluble metabolically stable C5-curcuminoids as potent analogues against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

Antibacterial screening of the designed library of C5-curcuminoids (61 compounds) revealed excellent in vitro potency of 6 of the lead sequences against S. aureus ATCC 29213 (MIC 8 to 32 µg/ml). The active compounds were found to be non-hemolytic up to 225µg/ml. The time kill kinetics data showed bactericidal efficacy (>3 log reduction) of 5 of the lead compounds within 4 hours. Further, the active curcuminoids altered the membrane potential in S. aureus although direct correlation between efficacy and extent of depolarization was not observed. At present we are probing the mechanism of action of the lead analogues. Overall, the present work affords us 5 water soluble non-hemolytic curcuminoids which may be used against S. aureus infections.

Fig: 1, Structural modification of central β-diketone moiety of Curcumin. Adopted from Reference [3]

References:

1. Teow, Sin-Yeang, et al. "Antibacterial action of Curcumin against Staphylococcus aureus: A brief review." Journal of Tropical Medicine 2016 (2016).

2. Tyagi, Poonam, et al. "Bactericidal activity of curcumin I is associated with damaging of bacterial membrane." PloS one 10.3 (2015): e0121313.

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3. Manohar, Sunny, et al. "Synthesis of unsymmetrical C5-Curcuminoids as Potential anticancer agents." Letters in Drug Design & Discovery 11.2 (2014): 138-149.

Fig. Development of tea residue biochar (TR600) References: [1] J.M. Salman, F.M. Abd, A.A. Muhammed, International Journal of Chemical Sciences 9

(2011) 557-564

[2] J.M. Salman, B.H. Hameed, Journal of Hazardous Materials 175 (2010) 133-137

[3] V.K. Gupta, I. Ali, Suhas, V.K. Saini, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 299 (2006)

556-563

[4] M. Vithanage, S.S. Mayakaduwa, I. Herath, Y.S. Ok, D. Mohan, Chemosphere 150 (2016)

781-789

Pyrolysis Crushing Sieving

Oven drying

Filtration

TR600 (Biochar)

Development of Tea residue biochar

Tea residue

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P-19 Vulnerability Mapping of Air Pollution Related Health Impacts in Delhi

Neha Olia, Anoop Raj Singha, Tanya Sharmab, Suresh Jainc

aEmail: olineha22@gmail.com , Department of Energy and Environment, TERI University, Delhi, 10, Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070,

b Ph.D. Research Scholar, Email:tanya.sharma1904@gmail.com ,Department of Energy and Environment, TERI University, Delhi, 10, Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070

c Professor and Head, Department of Energy and Environment, TERI University, Delhi, 10,

Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070 Email: sureshj@teriuniversity.ac.in Air pollution is ranked as fourth leading risk factor for deaths globally (Brauer et al., 2016). This necessitates conceptualisation of a framework which identifies the determinants causing differential population vulnerability to air pollution. The current study proposes a methodological approach for an integrated vulnerability assessment framework based on spatio-temporal gradients in dimensions of environmental inequity, environmental justice, exposure assessments and risk characterization. Five components i.e., Emission Load, Exposure, Land- Use and Land-Cover Features, Sensitivity and Coping Capacity have been selected along with rationalised indicators and sub-indicators using comprehensive literature review. The two-fold criteria for the selection of the components and their indicators are their relevance and data availability. The designed framework has then been applied in a pilot case study at district-level in Delhi. The data collection tools that have been used in the study are cross-sectional household survey and an expert-opinion online survey conducted amongst Indian as well as foreign academicians. The outcome of the study is presented as vulnerability scores which map relative vulnerability levels of districts in Delhi which has been asserted by detailed assessment of the causal contributing and negating indicators. The study has led to the identification of most vulnerable district to air pollution i.e., East Delhi which shall prove useful for air quality managers and decision makers as a guiding-tool to focus interventions at alleviating air-pollution related vulnerability.

References:

[1] Brauer, M. et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 50 (2016)

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P-20 Integrated Use of Satellite Remote Sensing and Hydraulic Modeling for the

flood Risk Assessment at the middle valley of Medjerda

Saumitra Mukherjee2*

, Salsebil BelHadj Ali1, Fatma Trabelsi

1, Vikas Rena

2 , Ritesh Sipolya2 and

Payam Sajadi2

1Higher School of Rural Equipment Engineers of Medjez El Bab, Department of Hydraulic,

University of Jendouba, Road of Kef Km 5, ESIER, Medjez El Bab, 9070, Tunisia

2School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India

vikasrena.sesjnu@gmail.com and saumitramukherjee3@gmail.com Floods are among the most recurring and devastating natural hazards, affecting human lives and

causing severe economic damage throughout the world. It is understood that flood risks will not

subside in the future, and with the onset of climate change, flood intensity and frequency will

threaten many regions of the world [1], [2]. The issue of natural hazards flooding is a topic

marks a memorable action in the world and specifically in Tunisia, particularly of recent major

catastrophic floods of Medjerda. Medjerda is the most important and longest river in Tunisia

with a length of 484 km [3]. In this study, we tried to map the of risk flood zones in the middle

valley of Medjerda through the combination of complementary approaches to remote sensing

coupled with GIS and hydraulic modeling (HEC RAS) and (Geo HEC RAS). The processing and

interpretation of different Landsat ETM+ images, allowed us to have a DEM, hydro-

morphological map and land use maps and the simulations of three scenarios flood, three flows

were made for different periods of returns 5, 50 and 100 years. These results allowed us to

develop the flood hazard map and flood risk map. Finally, an important basic descriptive and

spatial data was created that allowed us to build a GIS –flooding that can serve as a decision

support tool for authorities.

Key words: Remote Sensing, GIS, HECRAS, HECGEORAS, Flood risk map, Medjerda. References:

[1] S. N. Jonkman. (2005) “Global perspectives on loss of human life caused by floods,” Nat.

Hazards 34(2); 151–175.

[2] J. McCarthy (2001) “Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability: Contribution of Working Group

II to the Third Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.”

Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge Univ. Press.

[3] Mansoura, A. B., Garchi, S., & Daly, H. (2001). Analyzing forest users’ destructive behavior

in Northern Tunisia. Land use policy, 18(2), 153-163.