Naseer Hussain

Bio: Naseer Hussain is an academic researcher from Pondicherry University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Vermicompost & Weed. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 15 publications receiving 283 citations. Previous affiliations of Naseer Hussain include McGill University.

Efficacy of the Vermicomposts of Different Organic Wastes as “Clean” Fertilizers: State-of-the-Art

Abstract: Vermicomposting is a process in which earthworms are utilized to convert biodegradable organic waste into humus-like vermicast. Past work, mainly on vermicomposting of animal droppings, has shown that vermicompost is an excellent organic fertilizer and is also imbibed with pest-repellent properties. However, there is no clarity whether vermicomposts of organic wastes other than animal droppings are as plant-friendly as the manure-based vermicomposts are believed to be. It is also not clear as to whether the action of a vermicompost as a fertilizer depends on the species of plants being fertilized by it. This raises questions whether vermicomposts are beneficial (or harmful) at all levels of application or if there is a duality in their action which is a function of their rate of application. The present work is an attempt to seek answers to these questions. To that end, all hitherto published reports on the action of vermicomposts of different substrates on different species of plants have been assessed. The study reveals that, in general, vermicomposts of all animal/plant based organic wastes are highly potent fertilizers. They also possess some ability to repel plant pests. The factors that shape these properties have been assessed and the knowledge gaps that need to be bridged have been identified.

Generation of highly potent organic fertilizer from pernicious aquatic weed Salvinia molesta.

Abstract: Utilization of Salvinia molesta, an aquatic weed which is notorious for its allelopathy and invasiveness, has been explored by its vermicomposting. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and plant bioassay tests were conducted to analyze the composition and fertilizer value of S .molesta vermicompost. Germination and seedling growth tests were performed in soil supplemented with vermicompost at levels ranging from 0.75 to 40% by weight of the soil on three common food plants, ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and green gram (Vigna radiata). The influence of S. molesta's vermicompost on some of the physicochemical and biological attributes of the soil was also studied. FT-IR analysis revealed that S. molesta loses its allelopathy, as the chemical compounds that are responsible for it are largely destroyed, in the course of its vermicomposting. There is also an indication that a portion of lignin content of S. molesta is degraded. Vermicompost enhanced the germination success and promoted the morphological growth and biochemical content of the plant species studied. It also bestowed plant friendly physicochemical and biological attributes to the soil. The findings raise the prospect that billions of tons of S. molesta biomass-which not only goes to waste at present but is also a cause of serious harm to the environment-may become utilizable in organic agriculture.

Introduction to Spectroscopy

Abstract: Spectroscopy is the study of matter interacting with electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light). The electromagnetic spectrum in Figure 1 illustrates the many different types of electromagnetic radiation, including gamma rays (γ-rays), X-rays, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, infrared (IR) radiation, microwaves, and radio waves. The frequency (ν) and wavelength (λ) ranges associated with each form of radiant energy are also indicated in Figure 1.

Treatment technologies of palm oil mill effluent (POME) and olive mill wastewater (OMW): A brief review

Abstract: Attributable to the enormous population growth, tonnes of effluents are unavoidably generated throughout the agricultural activities. The inadequate effluents disposal induces perpetual contamination to the sea and river water sources, which has subsequently raised the public environmental concern. For that reason, the handling protocol of agricultural effluents was flagged up as an interest area for research. Despite the environmental hazards, agricultural effluents have the potential to be transformed from wastes into wealth via biological, physicochemical, thermochemical or a combination of processes thereof. The identical characteristics of palm oil mill effluent (POME) and olive mill wastewater (OMW) render the possibility of treating these wastes using the similar treatment method. Generally, biological treatment requires a longer process time compared to physicochemical and thermochemical technologies despite its easy and low-cost operation. Comparatively, physicochemical and thermochemical methods extend their potentiality in converting the agricultural effluents into higher value products more efficiently. This paper reviews the source and characteristics of both POME and OMW. Subsequently, a comparison of the current and alternative treatments for both effluents was done before the future perspectives of both effluents’ treatment are paved based on the well-being of the human, environment, and economic.