J. Arockia John Paul | APSACS (original) (raw)
Papers by J. Arockia John Paul
Chemosphere, 2021
In this study agro-waste (Agwt) was aerobically composted using cow dung (CD) and mule dung (MD).... more In this study agro-waste (Agwt) was aerobically composted using cow dung (CD) and mule dung (MD). Totally six different sets of compost treatments were prepared, as T1 (Agwt + CD, 1:1), T2 (Agwt + MD, 1:1), T3 (Agwt + CD, 1:3), T4 (Agwt + MD, 1:3), T5 (Agwt + CD, 3:1) and T6 (Agwt + MD, 3:1) in individual containers. All the compost treatments were degraded for 90 days. The organic wastes in the treatment containers were maintained with proper moisture level. All the final composts reached good manural stability and maturity index after 90 days. Among the six treatments, the T2 with Agwt + MD in 1:1 proportion attained a 10:1 C/N ratio and a near neutral pH (7.3). Indigenous microbes isolated and identified from the T2 compost sample showed protease, cellulase, amylase and lipase activities. The germination of Raphanus sativus seeds and vigorous plant growth parameters confirmed the non-pathogenic phytotoxic-free nature of finished composts. The radish crops supplied with T2 compost showed healthy tuber growth parameters (16.6 cm width, 35.6 cm length) compared with other treatments. The results from the experiments established that, the composts derived are eco-friendly amendment to plants and it has also improved the soil fertility due to its stability and maturity index. Thus, the present study concluded that composting agricultural crops waste with animal manure, especially mule dung promoted excellent biodegradation of organic complexes. It is a nature friendly solution for the management of solid waste such as agro-wastes utilizing mule dung.
Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2019
Recovering the nutrients from organic solid residues is an ever demanding approach in terms of ec... more Recovering the nutrients from organic solid residues is an ever demanding approach in terms of eco-friendly management. In this study, the efficiency of the earthworms, Perionyx ceylanensis and Perionyx excavatus in recycling and recovering plant nutrients from urban and agricultural biomass residues was investigated. Vermicomposting of four different types of organic biomass resources in combination with cowdung (1:1) for 50 days was conducted using the earthworms, P. ceylanensis, and P. excavatus. Physico-chemical, microbiological and maturity characteristics of the final product were analyzed. Results showed a decrease in pH, organic matter content (OMC), total organic carbon (TOC), cellulose, lignin, carbon to nitrogen (C/N) and carbon to phosphorus (C/P) ratios, and an increase in total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), phosphorus (TP), potassium (TP), calcium and sodium in vermicomposts over composts (prepared without earthworms). TKN increase in vermicomposts over composts was insignificant between P. ceylanensis and P. excavatus, while it was significant for TP, TK, and total microbial population (P < 0.05). The reduction of TOC, OMC, C/N, and C/P ratios were significantly higher in vermicomposts recovered from P. ceylanensis than P. excavatus. The results clearly indicated that physico-chemical and microbiological changes are dependent on the nature of organic resources and earthworm species used. The seed germination tests with black gram and sorghum showed that the vermicomposts were mature and non-phytotoxic. P. ceylanensis is equally efficient in recovering nutrients from organic biomass residues to that of a widely used, P. excavatus. Therefore, both P. ceylanensis and P. excavatus are efficiently used for recovering nutrients from urban and agricultural biomass residues and for vermifertilizer production.
BioNanoScience, 2019
In the present study, green synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) from the leaves of t... more In the present study, green synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) from the leaves of the medicinal plant, Abrus precatorius, were characterized and tested for toxicity using Eudrilus eugeniae. The formation of ZnS NPs through green synthesis was confirmed by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and XRD analyses. The clitellate earthworms were used to assess the effect of ZnS NPs by exposing to ZnS NPs 300 mg ZnS NPs per kg of OECD soil. On 0, 7, and 14 days of exposures, the coelomic fluid of the earthworms were separated and analyzed for total protein and protein profile, activities of enzyme markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and protease. The results on the analysis of coelomic fluid of E. eugeniae after exposure to ZnS NPs showed a significant increase in protein content from the initial levels of 1.51 to 2.32 mg/mL with a protein profile of 25–40 kDa size. The activity of SOD was significantly (P < 0.05) declined from initial levels whereas CAT and protease showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase on 7th day of exposure then declined. The results indicate that the ZnS NPs in OECD soil significantly interfere with the protein and enzyme markers, SOD, CAT, and protease in earthworm coelomic fluid.
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2019
Abstract Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) with cowdung (CD) and green manure plants, Te... more Abstract Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) with cowdung (CD) and green manure plants, Tephrosia purpurea (TEP) and Gliricidia sepium (GLS) in different combinations (21 days pre-decomposed) was carried out using Eisenia fetida (60 days). Results revealed that electrical conductivity, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and N NO3- levels were higher in vermicomposts generated from PMS + CD with TEP/GLS combination than in composts prepared without earthworms; while total organic carbon, C/N ratio, C/P ratio and organic matter content depicted significant reduction. C/N and C/P of final vermicompost ranged from 13.45 to 22.33 and 15.54 to 28.56 respectively. The total microbial population was significantly higher in CD + TEP/GLS vermicomposts (P
Ecological Engineering, 2019
Abstract The seaweeds, Gracilaria edulis, Turbinaria ornata and Ulva reticulata collected from Ma... more Abstract The seaweeds, Gracilaria edulis, Turbinaria ornata and Ulva reticulata collected from Mandapam East Coast region of Tamil Nadu, India has been subjected to vermicomposting in combination with cowdung (CD) in 1:1 combination for 60 days under laboratory conditions. The percentage decomposition was ranged between 83.70 and 87.00 in the vermicompost of seaweed + CD combinations while it was 30.71 and 35.12% in worm-unworked compost where the decomposition rate of substrates with earthworms is significantly (P
Bioresource Technology, 2018
Fifteen days pre-decomposed seaweeds, Halimeda gracilis, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum wightii ... more Fifteen days pre-decomposed seaweeds, Halimeda gracilis, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum wightii and Sargassum swartzii spiked with cowdung (1:1) were vermicomposted using Perionyx excavatus for 60 days. The pH in the vermicompost showed insignificant reduction while electrical conductivity showed significant enhancement (P < 0.05). The reduction of organic carbon in vermicomposts ranged from -37.78 to -50.97% over worm-unworked composts. Total NPK contents showed significant increment (26.72-78.17%) in vermicompost over worm-unworked composts. The difference in percentage increase/decrease between physicochemical parameters was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and the same pattern was found between substrates. The total microbial population in vermicomposts was significantly higher than that of initial and composts of all seaweed + cowdung combinations (P < 0.001). The growth and reproduction of Perionyx excavatus in seaweed + cowdung combinations showed equivalent or higher rates when compared with cowdung signifying that Perionyx excavatus is well suited to convert seaweed and cowdung combinations into nutrient rich vermicompost.
International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences (IJARBS), 2017
Environmental Processes, 2016
The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical responses in three earthworm species, Eu... more The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical responses in three earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx ceylanensis and Perionyx excavatus induced by exposure to pesticide (carbaryl) and metal (lead) in soil. Earthworms were exposed to increasing concentrations of carbaryl (12, 25 and 50 mg kg −1) and Pb (75, 150 and 300 mg kg −1) in the soil for different periods of time and the biochemical changes were determined. The protein content was slightly increased in E. eugeniae, P. ceylanensis when exposed to the lower concentration of Pb (75 mg kg−1). But decreased protein content was observed in P. excavatus at the higher concentration of carbaryl (50 mg kg−1), and with exposure to 300 mg kg−1 Pb in P. ceylanensis. The changes in the levels of antioxidant enzymes glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were used as functional biomarkers to determine the effect of pesticides and metals on earthworms. Among these, GST exhibited more sensitive response to both carbaryl and Pb as compared to the control. Other antioxidant enzymes showed little variation at the time of exposure. The results of our study suggested that both carbaryl and Pb induced the production of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) by causing oxidative damage to cells. Due to an adaptive response of earthworms in contaminated soils, they could be used as significant biomarkers to asses the toxicity in the environment of the soil ecosystem. This is the first report on the comparative study of antioxidant enzyme activities in three earthworm species under normal and stress induced conditions.
Earthworm gut microbial isolates as inoculants for composting (windrow method) of pressmud along ... more Earthworm gut microbial isolates as inoculants for composting (windrow method) of pressmud along with the application of spent wash as a primary source of moisture has been studied. The changes physicochemical changes accompanying the composting process of pressmud were observed. Composting cycle took nine weeks, during the process every 15 days, physicochemical properties of pressmud compost piles, temperature, moisture, pH, total organic carbon, and total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) were analyzed. The NPK contents increased towards the end of composting process. The bacterial (B) isolate B2 showed narrow C:N ratio and superior compost quality parameters within 60 days of composting in windrow method than the bacterial (B1, B3 and B4) and fungal (F5, F6 and F7) isolates. The duration of composting with bacterial isolate B2 (Pseudomonas species) was shorter than normal (un-inoculated) composting and composting with other isolates.
Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2013
Green synthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles has attracted nowadays and alternative to physic... more Green synthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles has attracted nowadays and alternative to physical and chemical approaches. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from leaf extract of Mimusops elengi, L. at room temperature. Formation of stable AgNPs at 1mM concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO3) typically gave spherical shape particles with diameter range from 55 to 83nm. The kinetic properties of particle formation were proportional to the effect of concentration of AgNO3 solution. In order to identify the compounds responsible for the bioreduction of Ag(+) ion and the stabilization of AgNPs produced, the functional group present in Mimusops elengi, L. leaf extract was investigated using FTIR. The formation of nanoparticle was confirmed using the surface plasmon resonance band shown in UV-vis spectrophotometer. The topography and morphology of the particles were determined using scanning electron microscopy. The crystalline nature of nanoparticles was confirmed from the XRD pattern. Furthermore these green synthesized AgNPs were found to show higher antimicrobial efficacy against multi drug resistant clinical isolates.
Bioresource Technology, 2011
Applied Nanoscience, 2015
Soil samples having decomposed forest litter of tree species viz., Bischofia javanica, Phoebe pan... more Soil samples having decomposed forest litter of tree species viz., Bischofia javanica, Phoebe paniculata, Dimocarpus longan and Terminalia chebula were collected from Sirumalai Hills of Dindigul District and three bacterial colonies were isolated. Extracellular protein production, reducing sugar level, saccharification values and cellulase activity of three bacterial cultures were tested in pure carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and holocellulose from selected leaf litter powder. From this study it is inferred that all the three bacteria have high potential to produce extra cellular protein. Mycobacterium lavaneformes has the ability to produce enzymes for saccharification. Cellulomonas fimi can be effectively used for the production of microbial biomass protein (MBP) from the CMC and also for biodegradation of the cellulose present in
Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a highly heterogeneous mass of unwanted materials and consists of ... more Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a highly heterogeneous mass of unwanted materials and consists of kitchen wastes, market wastes, plant residues, hotel wastes, construction wastes, bio-medical wastes, commercial wastes, animal wastes and night soil. These wastes cause fly breeding, rodent menace, pig menace, transmission of pathogens, pollution, bad odour and unsightly appearance. Generally the MSW is disposed of merely by dumping in the dumping yard located inside or outside the municipal limits. In the present study a model of MSW management for Dindigul, a Class-1 Town in Tamil Nadu, India, has been worked out.
Locally available biodegradable organic wastes, which possess high quality of organic matter and ... more Locally available biodegradable organic wastes, which possess high quality of organic matter and essential nutrients, were identified and used for vermiculture studies . The growth and reproduction efficiency of an exotic earthworm i.e., Eisenia fetida was assessed in various biodegradable organic wastes like municipal solid waste (MSW), mushroom spent substrate (MSS), vegetable market waste (VMW) and biodigested slurry (BDS). Growth rate of the earthworm was gradually increased from the first week to till the termination of the experiment and was attained maximum in MSW amended with cowdung. The appearance of clitellum was observed on the 62 nd day in all the substrates ex cept BDS i.e., 60 th day. Based on the results it is suggested that E.fetida is found suitable for vermiculture in all the organic wastes and BDS supports the maximum growth and reproduction of E.fetida.
Materials Today: Proceedings
Microbial decolourization of textile dyes is cost effective and eco-friendly method. Two bacteria... more Microbial decolourization of textile dyes is cost effective and eco-friendly method. Two bacterial species (Bacillus cereus and Bacillus flexus) and one fungal species Aspergillus niger were isolated from the dye spilled soil and identified through biochemical and molecular characterization by gene sequencing. Phylogenetic tree was constructed with blast result of closely related sequences using Mega X software with 500 bootstrap. The phylogenetic tree of isolated species showed great diversity with Bacillus and Aspergillus species. A. niger showed 98% of dye degradation capacity, B. cereus has very poor ability to degrade dye when compared with B. flexus. The sequences of B. cereus (MH299975), B. Flexus (MH299976) and A. niger (MH299977) were submitted to NCBI gene bank for global retrieval.
Journal of Cleaner Production
Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) with cowdung (CD) and green manure plants, Tephrosia p... more Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) with cowdung (CD) and green manure plants, Tephrosia purpurea (TEP) and Gliricidia sepium (GLS) in different combinations (21 days pre-decomposed) was carried out using Eisenia fetida (60 days). Results revealed that electrical conductivity, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and NeNO3 - levels were higher in vermicomposts generated from PMS þ CD with TEP/GLS combination than in composts prepared without earthworms; while total organic carbon, C/N ratio, C/P ratio and organic matter content depicted significant reduction. C/N and C/P of final vermicompost ranged from 13.45 to 22.33 and 15.54 to 28.56 espectively. The total microbial population was significantly higher in CD þ TEP/GLS vermicomposts (P < 0.001). Activities of dehydrogenase, urease, acid and alkaline phosphatases during vermicomposting elevated initially and then declined, indicating vermicompost maturity. Also, the seed germination tests with maize ...
Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2019
BioNanoScience, 2019
In the present study, green synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) from the leaves of t... more In the present study, green synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) from the leaves of the medicinal plant, Abrus precatorius, were characterized and tested for toxicity using Eudrilus eugeniae. The formation of ZnS NPs through green synthesis was confirmed by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and XRD analyses. The clitellate earthworms were used to assess the effect of ZnS NPs by exposing to ZnS NPs 300 mg ZnS NPs per kg of OECD soil. On 0, 7, and 14 days of exposures, the coelomic fluid of the earthworms were separated and analyzed for total protein and protein profile, activities of enzyme markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and protease. The results on the analysis of coelomic fluid of E. eugeniae after exposure to ZnS NPs showed a significant increase in protein content from the initial levels of 1.51 to 2.32 mg/mL with a protein profile of 25–40 kDa size. The activity of SOD was significantly (P < 0.05) declined from initial levels whereas CAT and protease showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase on 7th day of exposure then declined. The results indicate that the ZnS NPs in OECD soil significantly interfere with the protein and enzyme markers, SOD, CAT, and protease in earthworm coelomic fluid.
Bioresource Technology, 2019
Fifteen days pre-decomposed seaweeds, Halimeda gracilis, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum wightii ... more Fifteen days pre-decomposed seaweeds, Halimeda gracilis, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum wightii and Sargassum swartzii spiked with cowdung (1:1) were vermicomposted using Perionyx excavatus for 60 days. The pH in the vermicompost showed insignificant reduction while electrical conductivity showed significant enhancement (P < 0.05). The reduction of organic carbon in vermicomposts ranged from −37.78 to −50.97% over worm-unworked composts. Total NPK contents showed significant increment (26.72–78.17%) in vermicompost over worm-unworked composts. The difference in percentage increase/decrease between physicochemical parameters was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and the same pattern was found between substrates. The total microbial population in vermicomposts was significantly higher than that of initial and composts of all seaweed + cowdung combinations (P < 0.001). The growth and reproduction of Perionyx excavatus in seaweed + cowdung combinations showed equivalent or higher rates when compared with cowdung signifying that Perionyx excavatus is well suited to convert seaweed and cowdung combinations into nutrient rich vermicompost.
Chemosphere, 2021
In this study agro-waste (Agwt) was aerobically composted using cow dung (CD) and mule dung (MD).... more In this study agro-waste (Agwt) was aerobically composted using cow dung (CD) and mule dung (MD). Totally six different sets of compost treatments were prepared, as T1 (Agwt + CD, 1:1), T2 (Agwt + MD, 1:1), T3 (Agwt + CD, 1:3), T4 (Agwt + MD, 1:3), T5 (Agwt + CD, 3:1) and T6 (Agwt + MD, 3:1) in individual containers. All the compost treatments were degraded for 90 days. The organic wastes in the treatment containers were maintained with proper moisture level. All the final composts reached good manural stability and maturity index after 90 days. Among the six treatments, the T2 with Agwt + MD in 1:1 proportion attained a 10:1 C/N ratio and a near neutral pH (7.3). Indigenous microbes isolated and identified from the T2 compost sample showed protease, cellulase, amylase and lipase activities. The germination of Raphanus sativus seeds and vigorous plant growth parameters confirmed the non-pathogenic phytotoxic-free nature of finished composts. The radish crops supplied with T2 compost showed healthy tuber growth parameters (16.6 cm width, 35.6 cm length) compared with other treatments. The results from the experiments established that, the composts derived are eco-friendly amendment to plants and it has also improved the soil fertility due to its stability and maturity index. Thus, the present study concluded that composting agricultural crops waste with animal manure, especially mule dung promoted excellent biodegradation of organic complexes. It is a nature friendly solution for the management of solid waste such as agro-wastes utilizing mule dung.
Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2019
Recovering the nutrients from organic solid residues is an ever demanding approach in terms of ec... more Recovering the nutrients from organic solid residues is an ever demanding approach in terms of eco-friendly management. In this study, the efficiency of the earthworms, Perionyx ceylanensis and Perionyx excavatus in recycling and recovering plant nutrients from urban and agricultural biomass residues was investigated. Vermicomposting of four different types of organic biomass resources in combination with cowdung (1:1) for 50 days was conducted using the earthworms, P. ceylanensis, and P. excavatus. Physico-chemical, microbiological and maturity characteristics of the final product were analyzed. Results showed a decrease in pH, organic matter content (OMC), total organic carbon (TOC), cellulose, lignin, carbon to nitrogen (C/N) and carbon to phosphorus (C/P) ratios, and an increase in total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), phosphorus (TP), potassium (TP), calcium and sodium in vermicomposts over composts (prepared without earthworms). TKN increase in vermicomposts over composts was insignificant between P. ceylanensis and P. excavatus, while it was significant for TP, TK, and total microbial population (P < 0.05). The reduction of TOC, OMC, C/N, and C/P ratios were significantly higher in vermicomposts recovered from P. ceylanensis than P. excavatus. The results clearly indicated that physico-chemical and microbiological changes are dependent on the nature of organic resources and earthworm species used. The seed germination tests with black gram and sorghum showed that the vermicomposts were mature and non-phytotoxic. P. ceylanensis is equally efficient in recovering nutrients from organic biomass residues to that of a widely used, P. excavatus. Therefore, both P. ceylanensis and P. excavatus are efficiently used for recovering nutrients from urban and agricultural biomass residues and for vermifertilizer production.
BioNanoScience, 2019
In the present study, green synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) from the leaves of t... more In the present study, green synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) from the leaves of the medicinal plant, Abrus precatorius, were characterized and tested for toxicity using Eudrilus eugeniae. The formation of ZnS NPs through green synthesis was confirmed by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and XRD analyses. The clitellate earthworms were used to assess the effect of ZnS NPs by exposing to ZnS NPs 300 mg ZnS NPs per kg of OECD soil. On 0, 7, and 14 days of exposures, the coelomic fluid of the earthworms were separated and analyzed for total protein and protein profile, activities of enzyme markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and protease. The results on the analysis of coelomic fluid of E. eugeniae after exposure to ZnS NPs showed a significant increase in protein content from the initial levels of 1.51 to 2.32 mg/mL with a protein profile of 25–40 kDa size. The activity of SOD was significantly (P < 0.05) declined from initial levels whereas CAT and protease showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase on 7th day of exposure then declined. The results indicate that the ZnS NPs in OECD soil significantly interfere with the protein and enzyme markers, SOD, CAT, and protease in earthworm coelomic fluid.
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2019
Abstract Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) with cowdung (CD) and green manure plants, Te... more Abstract Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) with cowdung (CD) and green manure plants, Tephrosia purpurea (TEP) and Gliricidia sepium (GLS) in different combinations (21 days pre-decomposed) was carried out using Eisenia fetida (60 days). Results revealed that electrical conductivity, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and N NO3- levels were higher in vermicomposts generated from PMS + CD with TEP/GLS combination than in composts prepared without earthworms; while total organic carbon, C/N ratio, C/P ratio and organic matter content depicted significant reduction. C/N and C/P of final vermicompost ranged from 13.45 to 22.33 and 15.54 to 28.56 respectively. The total microbial population was significantly higher in CD + TEP/GLS vermicomposts (P
Ecological Engineering, 2019
Abstract The seaweeds, Gracilaria edulis, Turbinaria ornata and Ulva reticulata collected from Ma... more Abstract The seaweeds, Gracilaria edulis, Turbinaria ornata and Ulva reticulata collected from Mandapam East Coast region of Tamil Nadu, India has been subjected to vermicomposting in combination with cowdung (CD) in 1:1 combination for 60 days under laboratory conditions. The percentage decomposition was ranged between 83.70 and 87.00 in the vermicompost of seaweed + CD combinations while it was 30.71 and 35.12% in worm-unworked compost where the decomposition rate of substrates with earthworms is significantly (P
Bioresource Technology, 2018
Fifteen days pre-decomposed seaweeds, Halimeda gracilis, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum wightii ... more Fifteen days pre-decomposed seaweeds, Halimeda gracilis, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum wightii and Sargassum swartzii spiked with cowdung (1:1) were vermicomposted using Perionyx excavatus for 60 days. The pH in the vermicompost showed insignificant reduction while electrical conductivity showed significant enhancement (P < 0.05). The reduction of organic carbon in vermicomposts ranged from -37.78 to -50.97% over worm-unworked composts. Total NPK contents showed significant increment (26.72-78.17%) in vermicompost over worm-unworked composts. The difference in percentage increase/decrease between physicochemical parameters was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and the same pattern was found between substrates. The total microbial population in vermicomposts was significantly higher than that of initial and composts of all seaweed + cowdung combinations (P < 0.001). The growth and reproduction of Perionyx excavatus in seaweed + cowdung combinations showed equivalent or higher rates when compared with cowdung signifying that Perionyx excavatus is well suited to convert seaweed and cowdung combinations into nutrient rich vermicompost.
International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences (IJARBS), 2017
Environmental Processes, 2016
The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical responses in three earthworm species, Eu... more The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical responses in three earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx ceylanensis and Perionyx excavatus induced by exposure to pesticide (carbaryl) and metal (lead) in soil. Earthworms were exposed to increasing concentrations of carbaryl (12, 25 and 50 mg kg −1) and Pb (75, 150 and 300 mg kg −1) in the soil for different periods of time and the biochemical changes were determined. The protein content was slightly increased in E. eugeniae, P. ceylanensis when exposed to the lower concentration of Pb (75 mg kg−1). But decreased protein content was observed in P. excavatus at the higher concentration of carbaryl (50 mg kg−1), and with exposure to 300 mg kg−1 Pb in P. ceylanensis. The changes in the levels of antioxidant enzymes glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were used as functional biomarkers to determine the effect of pesticides and metals on earthworms. Among these, GST exhibited more sensitive response to both carbaryl and Pb as compared to the control. Other antioxidant enzymes showed little variation at the time of exposure. The results of our study suggested that both carbaryl and Pb induced the production of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) by causing oxidative damage to cells. Due to an adaptive response of earthworms in contaminated soils, they could be used as significant biomarkers to asses the toxicity in the environment of the soil ecosystem. This is the first report on the comparative study of antioxidant enzyme activities in three earthworm species under normal and stress induced conditions.
Earthworm gut microbial isolates as inoculants for composting (windrow method) of pressmud along ... more Earthworm gut microbial isolates as inoculants for composting (windrow method) of pressmud along with the application of spent wash as a primary source of moisture has been studied. The changes physicochemical changes accompanying the composting process of pressmud were observed. Composting cycle took nine weeks, during the process every 15 days, physicochemical properties of pressmud compost piles, temperature, moisture, pH, total organic carbon, and total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) were analyzed. The NPK contents increased towards the end of composting process. The bacterial (B) isolate B2 showed narrow C:N ratio and superior compost quality parameters within 60 days of composting in windrow method than the bacterial (B1, B3 and B4) and fungal (F5, F6 and F7) isolates. The duration of composting with bacterial isolate B2 (Pseudomonas species) was shorter than normal (un-inoculated) composting and composting with other isolates.
Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2013
Green synthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles has attracted nowadays and alternative to physic... more Green synthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles has attracted nowadays and alternative to physical and chemical approaches. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from leaf extract of Mimusops elengi, L. at room temperature. Formation of stable AgNPs at 1mM concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO3) typically gave spherical shape particles with diameter range from 55 to 83nm. The kinetic properties of particle formation were proportional to the effect of concentration of AgNO3 solution. In order to identify the compounds responsible for the bioreduction of Ag(+) ion and the stabilization of AgNPs produced, the functional group present in Mimusops elengi, L. leaf extract was investigated using FTIR. The formation of nanoparticle was confirmed using the surface plasmon resonance band shown in UV-vis spectrophotometer. The topography and morphology of the particles were determined using scanning electron microscopy. The crystalline nature of nanoparticles was confirmed from the XRD pattern. Furthermore these green synthesized AgNPs were found to show higher antimicrobial efficacy against multi drug resistant clinical isolates.
Bioresource Technology, 2011
Applied Nanoscience, 2015
Soil samples having decomposed forest litter of tree species viz., Bischofia javanica, Phoebe pan... more Soil samples having decomposed forest litter of tree species viz., Bischofia javanica, Phoebe paniculata, Dimocarpus longan and Terminalia chebula were collected from Sirumalai Hills of Dindigul District and three bacterial colonies were isolated. Extracellular protein production, reducing sugar level, saccharification values and cellulase activity of three bacterial cultures were tested in pure carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and holocellulose from selected leaf litter powder. From this study it is inferred that all the three bacteria have high potential to produce extra cellular protein. Mycobacterium lavaneformes has the ability to produce enzymes for saccharification. Cellulomonas fimi can be effectively used for the production of microbial biomass protein (MBP) from the CMC and also for biodegradation of the cellulose present in
Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a highly heterogeneous mass of unwanted materials and consists of ... more Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a highly heterogeneous mass of unwanted materials and consists of kitchen wastes, market wastes, plant residues, hotel wastes, construction wastes, bio-medical wastes, commercial wastes, animal wastes and night soil. These wastes cause fly breeding, rodent menace, pig menace, transmission of pathogens, pollution, bad odour and unsightly appearance. Generally the MSW is disposed of merely by dumping in the dumping yard located inside or outside the municipal limits. In the present study a model of MSW management for Dindigul, a Class-1 Town in Tamil Nadu, India, has been worked out.
Locally available biodegradable organic wastes, which possess high quality of organic matter and ... more Locally available biodegradable organic wastes, which possess high quality of organic matter and essential nutrients, were identified and used for vermiculture studies . The growth and reproduction efficiency of an exotic earthworm i.e., Eisenia fetida was assessed in various biodegradable organic wastes like municipal solid waste (MSW), mushroom spent substrate (MSS), vegetable market waste (VMW) and biodigested slurry (BDS). Growth rate of the earthworm was gradually increased from the first week to till the termination of the experiment and was attained maximum in MSW amended with cowdung. The appearance of clitellum was observed on the 62 nd day in all the substrates ex cept BDS i.e., 60 th day. Based on the results it is suggested that E.fetida is found suitable for vermiculture in all the organic wastes and BDS supports the maximum growth and reproduction of E.fetida.
Materials Today: Proceedings
Microbial decolourization of textile dyes is cost effective and eco-friendly method. Two bacteria... more Microbial decolourization of textile dyes is cost effective and eco-friendly method. Two bacterial species (Bacillus cereus and Bacillus flexus) and one fungal species Aspergillus niger were isolated from the dye spilled soil and identified through biochemical and molecular characterization by gene sequencing. Phylogenetic tree was constructed with blast result of closely related sequences using Mega X software with 500 bootstrap. The phylogenetic tree of isolated species showed great diversity with Bacillus and Aspergillus species. A. niger showed 98% of dye degradation capacity, B. cereus has very poor ability to degrade dye when compared with B. flexus. The sequences of B. cereus (MH299975), B. Flexus (MH299976) and A. niger (MH299977) were submitted to NCBI gene bank for global retrieval.
Journal of Cleaner Production
Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) with cowdung (CD) and green manure plants, Tephrosia p... more Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) with cowdung (CD) and green manure plants, Tephrosia purpurea (TEP) and Gliricidia sepium (GLS) in different combinations (21 days pre-decomposed) was carried out using Eisenia fetida (60 days). Results revealed that electrical conductivity, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and NeNO3 - levels were higher in vermicomposts generated from PMS þ CD with TEP/GLS combination than in composts prepared without earthworms; while total organic carbon, C/N ratio, C/P ratio and organic matter content depicted significant reduction. C/N and C/P of final vermicompost ranged from 13.45 to 22.33 and 15.54 to 28.56 espectively. The total microbial population was significantly higher in CD þ TEP/GLS vermicomposts (P < 0.001). Activities of dehydrogenase, urease, acid and alkaline phosphatases during vermicomposting elevated initially and then declined, indicating vermicompost maturity. Also, the seed germination tests with maize ...
Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2019
BioNanoScience, 2019
In the present study, green synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) from the leaves of t... more In the present study, green synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) from the leaves of the medicinal plant, Abrus precatorius, were characterized and tested for toxicity using Eudrilus eugeniae. The formation of ZnS NPs through green synthesis was confirmed by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and XRD analyses. The clitellate earthworms were used to assess the effect of ZnS NPs by exposing to ZnS NPs 300 mg ZnS NPs per kg of OECD soil. On 0, 7, and 14 days of exposures, the coelomic fluid of the earthworms were separated and analyzed for total protein and protein profile, activities of enzyme markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and protease. The results on the analysis of coelomic fluid of E. eugeniae after exposure to ZnS NPs showed a significant increase in protein content from the initial levels of 1.51 to 2.32 mg/mL with a protein profile of 25–40 kDa size. The activity of SOD was significantly (P < 0.05) declined from initial levels whereas CAT and protease showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase on 7th day of exposure then declined. The results indicate that the ZnS NPs in OECD soil significantly interfere with the protein and enzyme markers, SOD, CAT, and protease in earthworm coelomic fluid.
Bioresource Technology, 2019
Fifteen days pre-decomposed seaweeds, Halimeda gracilis, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum wightii ... more Fifteen days pre-decomposed seaweeds, Halimeda gracilis, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum wightii and Sargassum swartzii spiked with cowdung (1:1) were vermicomposted using Perionyx excavatus for 60 days. The pH in the vermicompost showed insignificant reduction while electrical conductivity showed significant enhancement (P < 0.05). The reduction of organic carbon in vermicomposts ranged from −37.78 to −50.97% over worm-unworked composts. Total NPK contents showed significant increment (26.72–78.17%) in vermicompost over worm-unworked composts. The difference in percentage increase/decrease between physicochemical parameters was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and the same pattern was found between substrates. The total microbial population in vermicomposts was significantly higher than that of initial and composts of all seaweed + cowdung combinations (P < 0.001). The growth and reproduction of Perionyx excavatus in seaweed + cowdung combinations showed equivalent or higher rates when compared with cowdung signifying that Perionyx excavatus is well suited to convert seaweed and cowdung combinations into nutrient rich vermicompost.