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Nanocellulose/TiO2 composites: preparation, characterization and application in the photocatalytic degradation of a potential endocrine disruptor, mefenamic acid, in aqueous media
Nanocellulose (NC)-supported TiO2 nanoparticles, termed NCTs, were prepared by an ultrasonic impregnation
method. The as-synthesized NCTs were thoroughly characterized and studied for the photodegradation
of mefenamic acid (MEF), an anthranilic acid derivative drug. The adsorption potential of
NCTs increased with TiO2 loading and 10 wt% TiO2 NCT showed the highest sorption potential.
Adsorption kinetics of MEF onto NC and NCTs indicated that the equilibrium was reached within 50 min.
A pseudo-second-order model clearly represented the experimental kinetic data and demonstrated that
the MEF sorption was mainly chemisorption. Equilibrium sorption analysis indicated that the adsorption
followed the Langmuir model with a monolayer sorption capacity of 22.43 mg g−1 for 10 wt% TiO2 NCT.
The photocatalytic degradation rates of NCTs were identical with respect to their adsorption capacities,
and the apparent rate constant (kapp) values indicated that the amount of TiO2 in NCTs played a vital role
in the degradation of MEF. Furthermore, 10 wt% TiO2 NCT showed excellent catalytic activity and reusability
even after five cycles of photodegradation
Recent Advances in Copper Intercalators as Anticancer Agents
anticancer drugs and presently, many studies are being pursued worldwide on the development of copper-based complexes as
potential anticancer drugs. Herein, we briefly discuss the importance of reactive oxygen species in biological applications and
copper(II) complexes as anticancer drugs. The anti-angiogenic properties of mono-nuclear copper(II) complexes have been
demonstrated by in vivo chick embryo angiogenesis analysis. The plausible mechanism behind anticancer activity of these
complexes is by the formation of excessive intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). ROS is a composite term used for
oxygen derivative non-radicals and free radicals of highly reactive components, that enhances the killing response of immune
cells to microbial invasion. Previous reports have shown that ROS plays an important role as a messenger in cell cycling and
normal cell signal transduction
Screening bamboo species for salt tolerance using growth parameters, physiological response and osmolytes accumulation as effective indicators
Bamboos are potential species for reclamation of saline soils and
water. In this study, the performances of three bamboo species,
namely Dendrocalamus strictus (S1), Dendrocalamus longispathus
(S2) and Bambusa bambos (S3), were investigated for salinity
stress tolerance. After 14 days of treatment with 100 mM NaCl,
reduction in shoot length was 66%, 100%, 77%, root length was
77%, 100%, 57%, number of leaves was 50%, 100%, 73% and
fresh weight was 30%, 72%, 14% in S1, S2 and S3 species,
respectively. Relative water content (RWC) in S1 and S3 species
was 1.26 and 1.07 folds higher in 50 mM NaCl in comparison to
control. In S2 species, total chlorophyll, chlorophylla and
chlorophyllb degradation were the highest (40.4%, 42.7%, 16.32%,
respectively) in comparison to S3 (18.18%, 23%, 16.4%) and S1
(23.5%, 25%, 19.17%) species. In S3 and S1 species, the Chla/Chlb
ratio was maintained showing stabilisation of the net
photosynthetic rate. Proline played a more important role than
glycine betaine for salt tolerance of these bamboo species. On
account of vegetative growth, proline accumulation and RWC, it is
inferred that S1 and S3 species are salt tolerant while S2 is a
sensitive species
Root transcripts associated with arsenic accumulation in hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata
Hyperaccumulation of arsenic (As) by brake fern Pteris vittata has been described as an important genetic trait that provides an option for development of a sustainable phytoremediation process for As mitigation. Accumulation of very high concentration of arsenic in above-ground tissues may be the result of arsenic vacuole compartmentalization, but the mechanism(s) of arsenic uptake and transport by underground tissues are largely unknown. In this study, we made an attempt towards understanding the molecular mechanism of As hyperaccumulation in this plant. A time-dependent As
accumulation study indicates an exponential accumulation of As from 7 to 30 days of arsenic exposure in fronds, and day 3–7 in roots. Root transcriptome analysis identified 554,973 transcripts. Further, subsets of 824 transcripts were differentially expressed between treated and control samples. Many of the genes of critical As-stress response, transcription factors and metal transporters, biosynthesis of chelating compounds involved in uptake and accumulation mechanisms were identified. The genes that were highly expressed such as cysteine-rich RLK, and ABC transporter G family member 26 needs further studies along with arsenite transmembrane transporter. The analysis of generated transcriptome dataset has provided valuable information and platform for further functional studies
Evaluation of pixel and object based image analysis for land use, land cover classification in the hilly region of Manali, India
Rapid composting techniques in Indian context and utilization of black soldier fly for enhanced decomposition of biodegradable wastes - A comprehensive review
In the present scenario, solid waste management (SWM) has become one of the main concerns for urban waste
managers in the developing world. This article reviews the recent trends and technologies associated with the
process of composting. Utilization of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae can be one of the rapid methods for treatment
of biodegradable wastes. A detailed review of the literature indicated that more importance is to be given on the
pre-processing of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) which includes segregation of biodegradables, inerts, metals for
preparing the requisite substrate for application of the suitable technology. In developing countries, major
emphasis should be given on curtailing the environmental and health impacts caused due to improper management
of MSW and for developing some innovative as well as economically feasible systems for proper
handling of MSW. BSF can transform the biodegradable wastes into biofuels and byproducts at a minimal cost.
The utilization of BSF for treating various organic waste (OW) has been thoroughly studied and discussed in
detail. The salient observations on the factors affecting the growth of BSF larvae as well as comprehensive
analysis of patents on breeding and utilization of BSF are also presented in this paper. The present review also
assesses the potential of various rapid composting techniques and advocates about the planning and development
of real-scale treatment systems by the researchers, environmental planners and policy makers to eradicate
the problem of solid wastes
Green and Sustainable Advanced Materials: An Overview
In today’s developing and challenging environment, the need of quality material
for fulfilling the requirements of various sectors is increasing. Hence, to satisfy
this task there is a growing need for advanced materials. Advanced material is a
material that either synthesises or modifies the existing material by using various
advanced technologies to get improved properties such as physical, chemical,
mechanical, and optical properties and that gives better performance than the
conventional material. There are various advanced materials including polymeric
materials (polystyrene, dendrimer, etc.), metal oxide (TiO2, ZnO, etc.), biomaterial
(dextran, cellulose, gelatine, pollulan, etc.), and nanomaterial (CNT, GO, etc.).
Owing to their excellent mechanical, physical, electrical, chemical, and optical
properties, ability to make composite with other materials, ease of availability, and
low toxicity, they are used in various applications such as energy storage, water
treatment (heavy metal, dyes, and pollutant removal), solar cell, electronics, paint,
and textile industries
Air Pollution in Delhi: A Review of Past and Current Policy Approches
Delhi National Capital Region (Delhi NCR) is facing serious challenges linked to worrying levels of
air pollution (mainly NO2, PM10 and PM2.5). The CADTIME prject (Clean Air in Delhi through
Implementation, Mitigation and Engagement) aims to understand what is required to deliver significant
reductions in levels of air pollution. This paper presents the results of the first stage of the project: it
firstly contextualises the challenges of air quality management in Delhi within the broader evolution of
environmental policies and governance in India, with particular consideration to the tensions between
environmental protection and the country’s development objectives. Secondly, it sets out how
CADTIME will combine multiple source qualitative and quantitative data to develop an air quality
action plan and an implementation strategy. In particular, through two workshops with local and
national experts and stakeholders, and two rounds of focus groups with citizens of Delhi we will
contrast stakeholders’ priorities and preferences for existing and potential solutions to air pollution with
citizens’ lived experiences, thus assessing the political/technical feasibility and public acceptability of
current and proposed measures. Furthermore, we will complement the primary qualitative data with a
critical review examining the successes and failures of UK and European policies to draw lessons that
can be relevant for Delhi and to avoid ineffective policies and achieve cost-effective solutions for the
city in the shortest possible time
Recent Developments in Adsorption of Dyes Using Graphene Based Nanomaterials
Dyes are frequently let out into the environment along with wastewater
sans necessary treatment. Fast, cost-effective, scientific and suitable elimination of
dyes from wastewaters has been an important problem for researchers. Adsorption
technique is a robust, well studied, widely employed and promising water treatment
method. In the last decade, nanocarbon based adsorbents have gained attention in
water treatment. These adsorbents are usually produced from low cost substrate and
are found to be highly efficient than other adsorbents. Recently, graphene based
nanomaterials are widely used as adsorbents to sorb various toxic organic contaminants
from aqueous solutions. It showed high efficiency due to its chemical
stability, structure, surface area and surface functional groups. So graphene are
called as ‘miracle material’. Recently nanographene composites are proven to be a
likely adsorbent for eliminating contaminants from the industrial effluents. In this
chapter, we have presented briefly the synthesis of graphene and its other variants
viz., GO, rGO and nano graphene composites. This chapter presents a small
introduction to adsorption principles and adsorption isotherms. It explains the
synthesis and use of nano graphene materials for the remediation of dyes. It also
consolidates the recent literature available for dye adsorption using graphene
materials and its mechanism