18th
August, 2016, Page: 1
Sunshine, seaweed help to break down dye waste
CSIR-CSMCRI
The researchers developed a photocatalyst using titanium
dioxide doped with red seaweed polymer carrageenan to
degrade the dyes.
Scientists at the Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research
Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavanagar, Gujarat have been able to
completely degrade three industrial dyes — methyl orange,
methylene blue and reactive black-5 — in the presence of sunlight.
The researchers developed a photocatalyst using titanium dioxide
doped with red seaweed polymer carrageenan to degrade the dyes.
The results were published recently in the journal RSC Advances.
AviewofCommonEffluentTreatmentPlant
18th August, 2016, Page: 2
Despite stringent environmental regulations, a comprehensive method of treating industrial dye is not available. The
methods available are expensive and do not completely break down the dye molecules to non-toxic constituents but
merely concentrate the contaminants.
“Annually, more than 500 tonnes of non-degradable textile colour wastes are being disposed of in natural streams
without adequate treatments,” the paper says.
Titanium dioxide has conventionally been used for photocatalytic degradation of industrial dyes, but it takes a long time
to degrade dyes. So the researchers doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles with sulphur and carbon by treating it with
carrageenan.
The nanocomposite was found to behave as an excellent photocatalyst that helped degrade industrial dyes quickly in a
single-step process.
“The energy required to activate the catalyst is less when it is doped and this makes the dye degradation faster,” says Dr.
Ramavatar Meena, the senior author of the paper from CSMCRI.
Solar concentrator used
Unlike a commercial titanium-dioxide-based catalyst that did not clear the dye solutions, the photocatalyst prepared in
the lab was found to degrade the dyes when exposed to direct sunlight between noon and 2 pm during May-July.
“The Titanium-dioxide-doped photocatalyst degraded reactive black-5 and methylene blue in about one-and-half hours
and 60 per cent of methyl orange in two hours,” says Dr. Meena. “Visible light is mainly responsible for degradation;
ultraviolet radiation intensity was just 3 per cent.”
When a solar concentrator was used, the degradation process was hastened. “Reactive black-5 and methylene blue
degraded within five minutes and methyl orange degraded completely in 20 minutes,” says Dr. Meena. There was no
significant colour change in the case of control titanium dioxide sample that was not doped.
18th August, 2016, Page: 3
“When a solar concentrator is used the intensity of visible light is more and this plays an important role in the
degradation process,” says Jai Prakash Chaudhary, the first author of the paper from CSMCRI.
The researchers are planning to conduct studies during winter to assess the photocatalyst’s ability to break down the
dyes when bright sunlight is not available.
The nanocomposites are thermally stable and can be reused up to six times with the degradation efficiency remaining at
over 97 per cent.
The nanocomposite photocatalyst can safely and completely treat harmful dyes in an eco-friendly and cost-effective
manner, the study said.
h6p://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/sunshine-seaweed-help-to-break-down-dye-waste/arCcle9000072.ece
R.PRASAD|Aug18,2016
18th
August, 2016, Page: 4
NIO scientists making close study to check beach erosion
CSIR-NIO
Bouldersbeingpackedonthepavementsnear
RushikondaBeachtoreduceeffectofbeach
erosion|RVKRao
THE erosion of the Rushikonda Beach reached the police watchtower
and the vendors were forced to shift their shops. As more people visit
the beach, more deaths due to drowning are reported, especially
during weekends, huge boulders were placed at some distance from the
sea to prevent people from entering the waters as a precautionary
measure.
Though the erosion washed away the beauty of the beach, the tourist
flow in the evenings and weekends has not declined. Despite
preventive measures, the visitors who come from various places cross
the boulders and gambole in the waters ignoring the high tides. Now,
the visitors are shifting to a location where the sea is calm. “We have
been instructed not to allow visitors to go into waters, but they try to
convince us saying that they had come from distant places to see the
beach and get into waters,” said the marine police of Rushikonda
Beach.
According to VSN Murthy, the principal scientist in-charge of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), regional
centre, “Boulders are just to arrest the waves from further eroding the beach and movement of the sand. Observations
are being done by taking the previous erosion reports and examining how the recent erosion is different.” “We are taking
samples every week to see if there is any further change in control of erosion after placing the boulders. This is a
continuous process till October but according to our observation now, there is a slight control of waves. In fact,
construction of protection wall has to be done in the middle of the beach but that will be in future,” he added.
18th
August, 2016, Page: 5
According to the studies made by the NIO scientists, preventive measures like the dredging made in the RK Beach
during the International Fleet Review, impacted the waves to take a longer diversion affecting the Rushikonda Beach and
measures which will be taken at Rushikonda may divert waves to Bheemunipatnam beach. “That’s what everybody is
worried about. The diversion of erosion from one area to another is common but what we are now planning is to take
permanent measures to control it,” said Murthy. “In our observations with the samples taken at the RK Beach, the long
distance waves travelling from southern Bay of Bengal have more dominant role on the erosion than the local waves. We
are making studies if the same waves are having an impact on Rushikonda waves as well,” he added.
h6p://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/NIO-scienCsts-making-close-study-to-check-beach-erosion/2016/08/18/arCcle3584747.ece
SriLakshmiMu6evi|Aug18,2016
18th August, 2016, Page: 6
Neeri Study Finds High Noise Pollution Levels Even In Silent Zones
CSIR-NEERI
Noise pollution in the city reaching deafening proportions. Studies undertaken by National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute (Neeri) have revealed that the ambient noise levels on Nagpur roads are much higher than those
prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
In its 2015-2016 environmental study report for Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Neeri found that the daytime noise
level in some commercial, residential and silent zones like school and temple zones were high and potentially pose a serious
health hazard to the residents.
The 24-hour average study of the city's few 'silent zones' like Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Mayo Hospital, GMCH, New
English High School, was above 60 decibel (dB) as against the permissible level of 50 dB in day time and 40 dB at nights.
The area near Wockhardt Hospital in Shankar Nagar recorded highest noise level with above 70 dB decibel during day time.
It is highest among the eight locations where the survey was conducted.
Apart from silent zones, the study was also conducted at select points in the city's commercial areas — Sitabuldi, Pardi
Naka, Chhatrapati Square, Railway Station Square and residential colonies. The noise levels peaked at around 9am and 7pm
at most places.
According to the CPCB, the maximum permissible environmental noise level prescribed in a commercial area is 65 dB
during day and 55 dB at night.
It was found that rise in vehicular population along busy junctions was responsible for high levels of noise pollution. The
average noise level at Sitabuldi was found to be 80dB. Noise levels recorded at other points were Chhatrapati junction 80 dB,
railway station 80.1dB and Powergrid 80dB. The average noise levels were measured over a period of 10 hours.
18th
August, 2016, Page: 7
Neeri used the data prepared by NMC and monitored by Maharashtra Enviro Power Limited to prepare the environmental
status report for the year 2015-2016 on noise level.
Under the study, the agency measured noise levels all over Nagpur and didn't find a single area where the CPCB norms
were met. The levels when measured were found anywhere between 60dB and 80dB at different times day and night.
In residential areas, 40dB to 50dB is considered moderate noise level during the day. At night, the limit comes down by five
notches to 40 dB to 45dB.
According to environmental activists, 60dB to 80dB is considered loud, while anything above 90dB is dangerous and can
cause damage to ears if continued for a long time.
The prescribed limit in a residential area is 55dB during the day and 45dB at night. The study found that the noise level at a
residential colonies selected for the study exceeded the permissible limit by over 10dB.
On an average, the noise level at Sadar, Chhatrapati Chowk and Teka Naka was found to be 10 dB above the permissible
limit. The noise level at Ravi Nagar, considered a comparatively quieter area, was also found to be high with 70 dB during
day time, while 69 dB at night.
The study also found that the arrival and departure of trains gave rise to noise levels in excess of 83 dB at railway station,
resulting in an average of 80 dB over a 10-hour period.
As per the action plan advised by Neeri, noise level could be reduced by prescribing noise limits for vehicular traffic and
banning honking of horns in certain areas. The strict enforcement of silence zones near schools and hospitals would also
help in reducing noise levels.
18th
August, 2016, Page: 8
Other measures suggested include the reduction of traffic density in residential areas by giving preference to the mass
public transport system. The Centre also recommended routine noise pollution checks on all vehicles.
The study recommended the creation of vegetation buffer zones in different parts of the city and development of roadside
plantations to reduce decibel levels in residential complexes.
Zones---------- Prescribed Noise levels----------Average Study reports
Commercial----------65 (D)/55(N) --------------- 77.04(D)/70.80(N)
Residential ----------55(D)/45(N)----------------- 68(D)/62.5(N)
Silence ---------------50(D)/40(N) ------------ 66.25(D)/59.31(N)
(D:-Day; N:- Night. Noise levels recorded in decibels)
h6p://Cmesofindia.indiaCmes.com/city/nagpur/Neeri-Study-Finds-High-Noise-PolluCon-Levels-Even-In-Silent-Zones/arCcleshow/53730424.cms
ProshunChakraborty|Aug17,2016
19th
August, 2016, Page: 9
'Prof P Khanna brought Neeri to international standards'
CSIR-NEERI
CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) became known worldwide for its environmental
impact assessment studies during the directorship of late Prof P Khanna. B K Handa, former scientist (deputy director),
Neeri and associate professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, said this here while delivering his speech at the
Khanna Memorial Lecture at Neeri.
Handa recalled the contributions of Prof Khanna. Citing some examples, he said that Khanna raised the status of the
institute at the national and international level, and initiated vital R&D areas which brought revolutionary
transformation.
Sharing his experiences of working with Khanna, Handa spoke of his involvement in manufacturing of various
chemicals and solutions in industry for mitigating the environmental impact. He said that the technological solution
provided for recovery of chromium from tannery waste water has been a landmark achievement for the Neeri, which
saved the tanneries from getting closed down.
Speaking on Ganga Action Plan, he said that no untreated water should be allowed to be discharged into water bodies.
The phytorid technology can be a boon for waste water treatment at small towns and villages, he added. He advised the
scientists to grab opportunities and convert them into meaningful and socially useful solutions.
In his address Rakesh Kumar, the Neeri director said that Khanna had an unparalleled vision for the future and never
compromised with quality. Kumar advised the scientists to follow the same principle.
18th
August, 2016, Page: 10
J S Pandey, chief scientist and science secretary of institute introduced Handa. Jaya Sabjiwale conducted the proceedings
and Prakash Kumbhare proposed a vote of thanks.
h6p://Cmesofindia.indiaCmes.com/city/nagpur/Prof-P-Khanna-brought-Neeri-to-internaConal-standards/arCcleshow/53745001.cms
SnehlataShrivastav|Aug17,2016
18th
August, 2016, Page: 11
CSIR, CCMB & NIMS sign an MOU for research
CSIR-CCMB
A on workings of evolving collaborative research projects of clinical relevance has been signed between the Centre for
Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS). The projects are meant
to decrease the burden of disease amidst population.
CCMB is a premier institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
According to Dr. Rakesh Mishra, CSIR--CCMB, the expertise of the three medical institutions involving basic science,
existing expertise of modern biology, along with the state of the art facilities and the final teaming up with clinicians of
NIMS is bound to result in preventing and curing rare diseases.
Some of the diseases that this collaboration is going to aim to find cures for include: cardiomyopathies, obesity,
diabetes, sickle cell anaemia and malaria
Dr. Mishra on this occasion spoke of conducting new training programmes involving faculties of both the institutes.
These programmes he said would train young scientists and doctors, making them ready for the cell biology, forensics
and bioinformatics industry.
An interactive session between Dr. Rakesh Mishra, Director, CSIR--CCMB, along with his scientists and the NIMS
delegation of clinicians led by Director, Dr. K Manohar, also took place to take the collaboration workings further.
The NIMS, Director during the session revealed the institute having received a facility grant to develop a state-of-theart place for patient care. NIMS is supposed to provide a 16 ICU bed facility and an equipped lab for bone marrow
transplantation, and clean room facilities for stem cell culture, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation.
18th
August, 2016, Page: 12
He mentioned the positive interest shown by both the Chief Minister, K Chandrasekar Rao and the Health Minister,
Dr. Laxma Reddy in building NIMS into a pinnacle for advanced diagnostics for the entire Telangana state. He was
hopeful of the centre being fully operational by next year.
The five year memorandum will see CSIR-CCMB and NIMS work together to come up with patient health care
realisations.
h6p://educaCon.medicaldialogues.in/hyderabad-csir-ccmb-nims-sign-an-mou-for-research/
Aug16,2016