Tasneem Abbasi

Bio: Tasneem Abbasi is an academic researcher from Pondicherry University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Vermicompost & Biogas. The author has an hindex of 38, co-authored 142 publications receiving 5128 citations. Previous affiliations of Tasneem Abbasi include Masdar Institute of Science and Technology & University of Surrey.

Strategies to Contain the Ozone Hole

Abstract: The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was established in 1985, under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It had happened very soon after the first experimental evidence had come of the veracity of the ozone hole theory of Rowland and Molina. The evidence was the very low ozone concentrations recorded at the South Pole in 1985 by Farman, Gardiner, and Shanklin [1]. And the Vienna Convention had occurred when the controversy over whether ozone hole is a myth or a reality was far from settled. The stated objectives of the convention were promotion of information exchange, research, and systematic observations to protect the human environment and health. It became the forerunner of the better known ‘Montreal Protocol’.

Methane Emission from Kaliveli Wetland: An Assessment

Abstract: In the backdrop of great paucity of information on greenhouse gas emissions from Indian wetlands in general and wetlands of peninsular South India in particular, the present studies have been carried out. They pertain to Kaliveli lake—which has a water-spread of about 70 km2 when full—situated between Chennai and Puducherry. The study reveals that, contrary to the expectation, the freshwater part of Kaliveli contributes less than 20 mg/m2 h of methane flux in all the three seasons that occur in this region.

An Emerging Organic Fertilizer-Cum-Pest Repellant: Vermicompost Tea

Abstract: A brief state-of-the-art review is presented on vermicompost tea which is an emerging organic fertilizer-cum-pest repellant. Its methods of preparation and its effects on the germination, growth, yield, and suppression of plant pathogens have been surveyed.

The Global Ozone-Depletion Trends

Abstract: Figure 5.1 illustrates how the Antarctic ozone hole has been initially shaped and how it then expanded quickly. Figures 5.2 and 5.3 depict typical holes (as on October 4, 2004, and September 17, 2009). How ozone profiles have changed over Antarctic and Arctic from the time there was no ozone hole (1962–1972), and since, is depicted in Fig. 5.4.

Physiological Features of Rice Cultivars Which Influence the Quantity of Methane Emitted by the Cultivars

Abstract: Intense current attention is focused on identifying factors which influence the extent of the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from paddy cultivation. Whereas it is now well established that the quantity of organic matter present in the soil coupled with favourable soil moisture and anoxic conditions are the principal drivers of methane emissions from paddy fields, the role of rice cultivars is much less documented or understood. Considering that even though modifications in the agricultural practices, including water management, can reduce methane generation in paddy fields, the effect of such initiatives can be reduced if the cultivar is such that it quickly and maximally transports methane to the atmosphere. Hence the physiology of the cultivar which influences the cultivar’s tendency to emit methane is of great importance. This paper summarizes the available knowledge on this subject.

The role of hydrogen and fuel cells in the global energy system

Abstract: Hydrogen technologies have experienced cycles of excessive expectations followed by disillusion. Nonetheless, a growing body of evidence suggests these technologies form an attractive option for the deep decarbonisation of global energy systems, and that recent improvements in their cost and performance point towards economic viability as well. This paper is a comprehensive review of the potential role that hydrogen could play in the provision of electricity, heat, industry, transport and energy storage in a low-carbon energy system, and an assessment of the status of hydrogen in being able to fulfil that potential. The picture that emerges is one of qualified promise: hydrogen is well established in certain niches such as forklift trucks, while mainstream applications are now forthcoming. Hydrogen vehicles are available commercially in several countries, and 225 000 fuel cell home heating systems have been sold. This represents a step change from the situation of only five years ago. This review shows that challenges around cost and performance remain, and considerable improvements are still required for hydrogen to become truly competitive. But such competitiveness in the medium-term future no longer seems an unrealistic prospect, which fully justifies the growing interest and policy support for these technologies around the world.

Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Properties, Applications, and Therapeutic Approaches

Abstract: Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology radically changed the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent various diseases in all aspects of human life. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most vital and fascinating nanomaterials among several metallic nanoparticles that are involved in biomedical applications. AgNPs play an important role in nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly in nanomedicine. Although several noble metals have been used for various purposes, AgNPs have been focused on potential applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we discuss the synthesis of AgNPs using physical, chemical, and biological methods. We also discuss the properties of AgNPs and methods for their characterization. More importantly, we extensively discuss the multifunctional bio-applications of AgNPs; for example, as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-cancer agents, and the mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of AgNPs. In addition, we discuss therapeutic approaches and challenges for cancer therapy using AgNPs. Finally, we conclude by discussing the future perspective of AgNPs.

A review of renewable energy sources, sustainability issues and climate change mitigation

Abstract: The world is fast becoming a global village due to the increasing daily requirement of energy by all population across the world while the earth in its form cannot change. The need for energy and its related services to satisfy human social and economic development, welfare and health is increasing. Returning to renewables to help mitigate climate change is an excellent approach which needs to be sustainable in order to meet energy demand of future generations. The study reviewed the opportunities associated with renewable energy sources which includes: Energy Security, Energy Access, Social and Economic development, Climate Change Mitigation, and reduction of environmental and health impacts. Despite these opportunities, there are challenges that hinder the sustainability of renewable energy sources towards climate change mitigation. These challenges include Market failures, lack of information, access to raw materials for future renewable resource deployment, and our daily carbon footprint. The ...

Hydrogen production from renewable and sustainable energy resources: Promising green energy carrier for clean development

Abstract: Fossil fuel consumption in transportation system and energy-intensive sectors as the principal pillar of civilization is associated with progressive release of greenhouse gases. Hydrogen as a promising energy carrier is a perfect candidate to supply the energy demand of the world and concomitantly reduce toxic emissions. This article gives an overview of the state-of-the-art hydrogen production technologies using renewable and sustainable energy resources. Hydrogen from supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of biomass is the most cost effective thermochemical process. Highly moisturized biomass is utilized directly in SCWG without any high cost drying process. In SCWG, hydrogen is produced at high pressure and small amount of energy is required to pressurize hydrogen in the storage tank. Tar and char formation decreases drastically in biomass SCWG. The low efficiency of solar to hydrogen system as well as expensive photovoltaic cell are the most important barriers for the widespread commercial development of solar-based hydrogen production. Since electricity costs play a crucial role on the final hydrogen price, to generate carbon free hydrogen from solar and wind energy at a competitive price with fossil fuels, the electrical energy cost should be four times less than commercial electricity prices.

A review on biomass as a fuel for boilers

Abstract: Currently, fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas represent the prime energy sources in the world. However, it is anticipated that these sources of energy will deplete within the next 40–50 years. Moreover, the expected environmental damages such as the global warming, acid rain and urban smog due to the production of emissions from these sources have tempted the world to try to reduce carbon emissions by 80% and shift towards utilizing a variety of renewable energy resources (RES) which are less environmentally harmful such as solar, wind, biomass etc. in a sustainable way. Biomass is one of the earliest sources of energy with very specific properties. In this review, several aspects which are associated with burning biomass in boilers have been investigated such as composition of biomass, estimating the higher heating value of biomass, comparison between biomass and other fuels, combustion of biomass, co-firing of biomass and coal, impacts of biomass, economic and social analysis of biomass, transportation of biomass, densification of biomass, problems of biomass and future of biomass. It has been found that utilizing biomass in boilers offers many economical, social and environmental benefits such as financial net saving, conservation of fossil fuel resources, job opportunities creation and CO 2 and NO x emissions reduction. However, care should be taken to other environmental impacts of biomass such as land and water resources, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and deforestation. Fouling, marketing, low heating value, storage and collections and handling are all associated problems when burning biomass in boilers. The future of biomass in boilers depends upon the development of the markets for fossil fuels and on policy decisions regarding the biomass market.