Rana Pratap Singh

Bio: Rana Pratap Singh is an academic researcher from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Pilgrimage & Hinduism. The author has an hindex of 37, co-authored 149 publications receiving 4406 citations. Previous affiliations of Rana Pratap Singh include Council of Scientific and Industrial Research & University of Guelph.

Jatropha curcas: A potential biofuel plant for sustainable environmental development

Abstract: a b s t r a c t Jatropha curcas L. (JCL) has been propagated as unique and potential tropical plant for augmenting renew- able energy sources due to its several merits for which it deserves to be considered as sole candidate in the tangible and intangible benefits of ecology and environment. The species has been advocated for extensive plantations on degraded wasteland throughout the world. Our current knowledge of JCL is inadequate to understand their contribution in societal and environmental benefit. Presently, this species has received much attention because of its immense role in bio-diesel production an eco-friendly fuel, bio-degradable, renewable and non-toxic in nature compared to petro-diesel except few carcinogenic compounds found in oil cake. However, complete information on the multiple roles of JCL for eco-environmental benefits is lacking. Recent reports on various roles of JCL such as effective phytoremediator, carbon sequester, degraded land developer, and soil erosion controller have been discussed in this communication. Addi- tionally, some of its contribution for medicinal and deriving as therapeutic uses are also highlighted. JCL related problems are also discussed. Further there is a controversial debate on its application, extension, and risks, which needs to be exploited well for its beneficial role in tropical environment. These issues are dealt herewith to observe its future scope to mitigate energy crisis, environmental management and sustainable productions.

Arsenic hazards in coal fly ash and its fate in Indian scenario

Abstract: Fly ash (FA) generated as a waste produced from thermal power plants globally has started gaining as a potentially significant anthropogenic source of arsenic (As). In India electricity generation is predominantly dependent upon coal-based thermal power plants and are being producing huge amount of FA. Coal contains many toxic metals, arsenic is one of those, which is significantly toxic for aquatic and terrestrial life including human being. Coal used in Indian thermal power plants is mainly bituminous and sub-bituminous and which on combustion generate over 40% of FA. Generated FA is being disposed to open ash pond in thin slurry form. More than 65,000 acre of land in India is occupied for storage of this massively generated quantity of FA. Dumping of FA in open ash pond causes serious adverse environmental impacts owing to its elevated trace element contents, in particular the As which causes ecological problems. Although, the As problem in our country is not new, in recent years the occurrence of As contamination cases of agricultural soil, ground water as well as human health has resulted a great concern for its mitigation. Very recently India has been charged for being a “dumping hub for As”. Utilization of FA in India is still infancy (more than 38%) as compared to developed countries (more than 70%). In India FA is used particularly in cement production, brick industry, as road base, as amendments in the restoration ecology and forestry. This review emphasized on the concentration of As in FA, its fate and behaviour as hazardous element on human health, environment quality and on mitigation strategies to accomplish environmental management.

American Society for Testing and Materials

Abstract: The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an independent organization devoted to the development of standards.

Heavy metals, occurrence and toxicity for plants: a review

Abstract: Metal contamination issues are becoming increasingly common in India and elsewhere, with many documented cases of metal toxicity in mining industries, foundries, smelters, coal-burning power plants and agriculture. Heavy metals, such as cadmium, copper, lead, chromium and mercury are major environmental pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. Heavy metal accumulation in soils is of concern in agricultural production due to the adverse effects on food safety and marketability, crop growth due to phytotoxicity, and environmental health of soil organisms. The influence of plants and their metabolic activities affects the geological and biological redistribution of heavy metals through pollution of the air, water and soil. This article details the range of heavy metals, their occurrence and toxicity for plants. Metal toxicity has high impact and relevance to plants and consequently it affects the ecosystem, where the plants form an integral component. Plants growing in metal-polluted sites exhibit altered metabolism, growth reduction, lower biomass production and metal accumulation. Various physiological and biochemical processes in plants are affected by metals. The contemporary investigations into toxicity and tolerance in metal-stressed plants are prompted by the growing metal pollution in the environment. A few metals, including copper, manganese, cobalt, zinc and chromium are, however, essential to plant metabolism in trace amounts. It is only when metals are present in bioavailable forms and at excessive levels, they have the potential to become toxic to plants. This review focuses mainly on zinc, cadmium, copper, mercury, chromium, lead, arsenic, cobalt, nickel, manganese and iron.