Meenu Gautam | Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (original) (raw)

Papers by Meenu Gautam

The study was undertaken to determine the effects of different red mud treatments (0, 5, 10, and ... more The study was undertaken to determine the effects of different red mud treatments (0, 5, 10, and 15% w/w) in sewage-sludge amended soil (soil:sludge:2:1 w/w) on quantity, quality, and safety of essential oil extracted from the roots of Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver), when used for the phytoremediation of red mud. Garden soil without red mud and sewage-sludge served as control and there were 10 replicates for each treatment. Essential oil content in roots increased under all soil treatments except maximum red mud addition in sludge-amended soil compared to the control. Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopic analysis of oil revealed that 36, 35, 33, and 31 compounds contributed nearly 87.7, 90, 92.1, and 87% of total volatiles under 0, 5, 10, and 15% red mud treatments, respectively. Contents of rosifoliol, α-muurolol, farnesol, γ-costol, isovalencene, and vetivone increased, while selina-6-en-ol, cadin-4-en-10-ol, vetisel...

Due to hostile condition of red mud (RM), its utilization for vegetation is restricted. Therefore... more Due to hostile condition of red mud (RM), its utilization for vegetation is restricted. Therefore, RM with biowastes as soil amendment may offer suitable combination to support plant growth with reduced risk of metal toxicity. To evaluate the effects of RM on soil properties, plant growth performance, and metal accumulation in lemongrass, a study was conducted using different RM concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15% w/w) in soil amended with biowastes [cow dung manure (CD) or sewage-sludge (SS)]. Application of RM in soil with biowastes improved organic matter and nutrient contents and caused reduction in phytoavailable metal contents. Total plant biomass was increased under all treatments, maximally at 5% RM in soil with SS (91.4%) and CD (51.7%) compared to that in control (no RM and biowastes). Lemongrass acted as a potential metal-tolerant plant as its metal tolerance index is >100%. Based on translocation and bioconcentration factors, lemongrass acted as a potential phytostabili...

Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 2021

Prolonged application of sewage-sludge may cause excessive accumulation of metal(oid)s in soil, l... more Prolonged application of sewage-sludge may cause excessive accumulation of metal(oid)s in soil, leading to phytotoxic effects. Spread of contaminants in soil can probably be hindered by using an effective metal(oid) stabilizer. Pot experiment in open field conditions was conducted for five months to evaluate the metal(oid) (Al, Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr) stabilization potential of red mud (RM) in sludge-amended soil and its effects on growth, yield, oil quality parameters and metal(oid) accumulations in Brassica juncea cultivar Kranti. The test plant was grown at different RM concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15% w/w) in sludge-amended soil (soil/sludge: 2:1 w/w). As the total and phytoavailable metal(oid) concentrations in sludge were high, its application increased their concentrations in soil compared to the control (no RM and sludge). Increasing RM concentrations in sludge-amended soil effectively stabilized Cd followed by Cr, Cu, Zn and Al, leading to their reduced contents in plants coupled with enhanced growth performance and yield. Maximum plant (root and shoot) biomass (14.9%) and seed yield (40.4%) were found in 10% RM treatment, whereas oil content showed substantial increase with increasing RM treatments in sludge-amended soil. Mustard oil showed low rancidification, high long-chain fatty acids, saturated and polyunsaturated (ω-3 and ω-6) fatty acids within FAO ranges for edible oils under varying RM treatments compared to sludge-amended soil. Furthermore, high oleic and low erucic acid contents in mustard oil indicated a better oil quality under different RM treatments. Metal(oid) contents in seeds under different red mud treatments were within FAO/WHO limits for consumption. Thus, RM applications preferably 5 and 10% (w/w) in sludge-amended soil might be effective in stabilization of metal(oid)s using B. juncea cultivar Kranti coupled with better yield, improved oil quality and metal(oid)s within limits for human consumption.

Environmental Carbon Footprints, 2018

Abstract Among various energy sources, coal is a crucial resource, most abundantly present, and i... more Abstract Among various energy sources, coal is a crucial resource, most abundantly present, and is also the cheapest source of energy. The continuous increases in global energy demand lead to subsequent increases in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, aerosols, and other air pollutants in the environment. Controlling the air pollutants including greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere puts forth substantial challenge for the coal mining industry. For the control of global warming, carbon emission mitigation from the coal mining industry is a necessary step. In view of the increasing dependence on coal as a source of energy in future, evaluation of the environmental problems associated with this developmental activity becomes an important necessity. The present chapter emphasizes on the nature and fate of pollutants, released from coal-mining activities and their input into carbon footprint. Methane and CO2 are found to be the predominant GHGs into the atmosphere mainly contributed by fugitive emissions, purchased electricity, heat, and water. Emissions from purchased goods/services, product use, and electricity transmission are contributing relatively less to total GHG emissions. The chapter also describes the drivers and the techniques for reducing the carbon footprint in coal mining industry.

Plant Responses to Soil Pollution, 2020

International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2021

Abstract The study was undertaken to determine the effects of different red mud treatments (0, 5,... more Abstract The study was undertaken to determine the effects of different red mud treatments (0, 5, 10, and 15% w/w) in sewage-sludge amended soil (soil:sludge:2:1 w/w) on quantity, quality, and safety of essential oil extracted from the roots of Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver), when used for the phytoremediation of red mud. Garden soil without red mud and sewage-sludge served as control and there were 10 replicates for each treatment. Essential oil content in roots increased under all soil treatments except maximum red mud addition in sludge-amended soil compared to the control. Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopic analysis of oil revealed that 36, 35, 33, and 31 compounds contributed nearly 87.7, 90, 92.1, and 87% of total volatiles under 0, 5, 10, and 15% red mud treatments, respectively. Contents of rosifoliol, α-muurolol, farnesol, γ-costol, isovalencene, and vetivone increased, while selina-6-en-ol, cadin-4-en-10-ol, vetiselinenol, and aristolone decreased with increasing red mud treatments. In essential oil, contents of metals were within the safe limits for food by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India. The study insinuate utilization of 5 and 10% red mud in sludge-amended soil for improved quantity and quality of essential oil, without any metal contamination coupled with enhanced phytoremediation potential of vetiver. Novelty statement The present study is of significant importance because phytoremediation of metals in red mud using essential oil-bearing plants such as Chrysopogon zizanioides (commonly known as vetiver) is a potential alternative for on-site management of the waste in most economical and sustainable way. Vetiver is a potential metal tolerant plant with high economic value; therefore the present study was accomplished to evaluate the impacts of metals in red mud on essential oil content and composition, used for remediation and stabilization of dumps. Novelty of the study is that, it aimed to utilize red mud along with sewage-sludge to cultivate vetiver which offers twin benefits, i.e. phytoremediation of metals in red mud coupled with improved quantity and quality of high valued essential oil without metal contamination.

Environmental Footprints and Eco-design of Products and Processes, 2020

Environmental Footprints and Eco-design of Products and Processes, 2021

In India, “Janta Curfew” with complete lockdown was imposed on 22 March 2020 to culminate the dis... more In India, “Janta Curfew” with complete lockdown was imposed on 22 March 2020 to culminate the disease spread of COVID-19. Nationwide lockdown has created a socio-economic crisis, which has led to many human problems such as loneliness, mental depression, anxiety and domestic violence. The country witnessed the downfall in economic progress due to complete shutdown of industrial, commercial, transportation and other business ventures. On the contrary, lockdown facilitated our environment to restore its aesthetic value. The review beholds an objective to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on socio-economic effects and air pollution level in India. The study includes comparative change in air quality during lockdown periods (22 March–14 April, 15 April–03 May, 4–17 May and 18–31 May 2020) against the same duration of 2019 and before lockdown periods in 2020. Air quality index was improved by >35% in 2020 compared to 2019 of same duration. Northern part of the country showed maximum reduction in air pollutants’ level compared to southern part. Aerosol, PM2.5, PM10, NOx, NO2, NO, SO2 and CO showed subsequent reductions in their levels during compared to before lockdown;however, O3 level showed an increasing trend across the lockdown duration. Multivariate analysis showed a strong correlation of wind speed with total number of COVID-19 cases;however, ambient temperature exhibited a strong correlation with air pollutants. The chapter thus emphasizes upon the establishment and implementation of strict air control measures by government, policymakers and stakeholders with public participation for air quality improvement and long-term restoration of ecosystem in India. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Environmental Carbon Footprints, 2018

Abstract Increasing concern about global climate change is enabling many industries to pursue pro... more Abstract Increasing concern about global climate change is enabling many industries to pursue projects on “carbon footprint” to estimate their own contributions to the changing climate. About 21% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are contributed by industrial sector, of which aluminum industries accounted for ∼1.0%. The chapter aims to assess the nature of pollutants and emission scenario of GHGs from different processes of aluminum production. A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of aluminum industry showed dominant emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. In view of these, target to cut down carbon emissions up to 50% by 2050 cannot be accomplished by just making policies and regulations, but could only be achieved through reduced demand for final goods, and other existing and developing strategies to mitigate carbon emissions. The chapter consolidates available information on carbon emissions from aluminum production and existing and emerging technologies (reformation of conventional technologies in aluminum production, recycling of waste aluminum products and carbon trading) to alleviate carbon emissions, with an intent to provide well-structured database of available information on mitigation of carbon emissions.

Applied Geochemistry, 2019

Abstract Bauxite residue (red mud) generation is increasing largely following the high demand for... more Abstract Bauxite residue (red mud) generation is increasing largely following the high demand for aluminium worldwide. Thus to manage the residue, different phytotechnologies need to be developed which offer sustainable and eco-friendly options. Considering this, the present study was conducted to assess the phenotype and distribution of metals in herbaceous species at forest (FS) and abandoned red mud dumping (RMD) sites. The study also encompassed the categorization of dominant species in relation to their metal tolerance capabilities at RMD site. Soil at RMD site was marked by high alkalinity, salinity and poor nutrient status. Also, contents of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, Co, Cr, Cd and Pb in soil at RMD site were higher, but their phytoavailabilties were less as compared to FS site. Herbaceous community at both the sites were dominated by Poaceae and Asteraceae families. Biological spectrum of vegetation at FS site showed predominance of therophytes followed by chamaephytes and hemicryptophytes, whereas RMD site showed preponderance of therophytes followed by hemicryptophytes and chamaephytes. Based on metal tolerance index, 51.4, 10.8 and 37.8% of herbaceous species exhibited sensitive, moderate and high metal tolerant behaviour, respectively. Dominant species e.g. Brachiaria mutica, Cynodon dactylon, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Digitaria ischaemum, Digitaria longiflora, Eragrostis cynosuroides, Launaea asplenifolia, Parthenium hysterophorus, Sporobolus diander and Stylosanthes scabra with high metal tolerance capabilities indicated their tendency towards a definite selection strategy in response to altered soil properties at RMD site. The study thus offers a potential avenue towards phytomanagement of abandoned red mud dumps by reclamation using dominant and metal tolerant plant species.

Ecological Indicators, 2018

Plant community structure studies on derelict sites are providing significant insights into veget... more Plant community structure studies on derelict sites are providing significant insights into vegetation dynamics to ensure the success of future revegetation projects in such areas. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the changes in soil physico-chemical and biological properties at abandoned red mud dumps (RMD) compared to residential (RS) and forest (FS) sites, coupled with their consequent impacts on the plant community structure. An attempt was also made to identify the indicator species that thrive only under unfavourable red mud conditions. Soil at RMD showed relatively high bulk density, alkalinity, salinity and exchangeable sodium percentage along with poor nutrient status and low microbial activity. Though toxic metals (Cd, Cr and Pb) were higher at RMD, their phytoavailabilities were lower compared to FS site. Number of herb-, shrub-and woody species at RMD were although low, but a significant number of species were acclimatized to the unfavourable soil conditions. Shrub species were maximally affected at RMD, followed by woody-and herbaceous species. Important value index of sensitive species was low while that of tolerant species was higher, and was accredited to altered soil properties. Presence of invasive species such as Acacia nilotica, Caesalpinia bonduc, Stylosanthes scabra and Urena lobata at only RMD may be used as an indication for high toxic metal contamination along with high alkalinity, salinity and poor nutrient contents. Principal component and canonical correspondence analyses revealed that woody and herbaceous species were mainly affected by soil alkalinity, salinity, exchangeable cations, bulk density, porosity, moisture content and phytoavailable metals. Shrub species were primarily influenced by soil organic carbon, nitrogen, available phosphorus, bulk density, porosity, moisture content, soil biological parameters, total (Fe, Mg, Cd, Cr and Pb) and phytoavailable metals. Domination of herbaceous species in the plant community indicated their tendency towards a definite selection strategy in response to altered soil properties. The identified tolerant herbaceous species may be suitable candidates for future red mud reclamation strategies.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 2017

Please cite this article as: Meenu Gautam, Madhoolika Agrawal , Phytoremediation of metals using ... more Please cite this article as: Meenu Gautam, Madhoolika Agrawal , Phytoremediation of metals using vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty) grown under different levels of red mud in sludge amended soil. The address for the corresponding author was captured as affiliation for all authors. Please check if appropriate. Gexplo(2017),

Chemosphere, 2017

Lemongrass is a commercially important perennial herb with medicinal value and ability to tolerat... more Lemongrass is a commercially important perennial herb with medicinal value and ability to tolerate high alkaline and saline conditions. Essential oil bearing plants can grow safely in soil contaminated with heavy metals without severe effects on morphology and oil yield. The present study was aimed to assess the essential oil content and composition in lemongrass in response to elevated metals in above-ground plant parts. Pot experiment was conducted for six months using sewage sludge as soil amendment (soil: sludge: 2:1 w/w) followed by red mud treatments (0, 5, 10 and 15% w/w). Garden soil without sludge and red mud was control and there were ten replicates of each treatment. Oil content in leaves was differently affected due to presence of metals in soil under different treatments. Oil content under SRM5 (5% red mud) treatment was raised by 42.9 and 11.5% compared to the control and SRM0 treatment, respectively. Among identified compounds in oil under red mud treatments, 17 compo...

International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2017

Due to hostile condition of red mud (RM), its utilization for vegetation is restricted. 2 Therefo... more Due to hostile condition of red mud (RM), its utilization for vegetation is restricted. 2 Therefore, RM with bio%wastes as soil amendment may offer suitable combination to support plant growth with reduced risk of metal toxicity. To evaluate the effects of RM on soil 4 properties, plant growth performance and metal accumulation in lemongrass, a study was 5 conducted using different RM concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15 % w/w) in soil amended with 6 bio%wastes (cowdung manure (CD) or sewage%sludge (SS)). Application of RM in soil with 7 bio%wastes improved organic matter and nutrient contents, and caused reduction in 8 phytoavailable metal contents. Total plant biomass was increased under all treatments, 9 maximally at 5 % RM in soil with SS (51.7 %) and CD (91.4 %) compared to control (no RM 10 and bio%wastes). Lemongrass acted as a potential metal tolerant plant due to metal tolerance 11 index >100 %. Based on translocation and bioconcentration factors, lemongrass acted as 12 potential phytostabilizer of Fe, Mn and Cu in roots and was found efficient in translocation of 13 Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, As and Ni from roots to shoot. The study suggests that 5 % RM with bio% 14 wastes preferably SS may be used to enhance phytoremediation potential of lemongrass.

Plant Responses to Xenobiotics, 2016

The growth of population, increasing urbanization and rising standards of human have contributed ... more The growth of population, increasing urbanization and rising standards of human have contributed to increase in both quantity and variety of solid wastes generated by agricultural, domestic and industrial activities. Industrial wastes contributed more than 85 % of solid waste generation globally. Metals are the major component of almost all the industrial activities but their mining, extraction, purification and various manufacturing processes generate mining and metallurgical wastes having enormous environmental and health impacts. This chapter aims to describe the metals in solid wastes from mining and metallurgical industries and their toxicological impacts on plant community. Industrial wastes are composed of a wide range of essential macro- and micronutrients such as Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, and Mo which are required by plants for their growth and development. But the concentrations of micronutrients in plants when they exceed certain thresholds may interfere with plant metabolic activities leading to the reduction in their productivity. Similarly, non-essential metals and metalloids such as Cd, Pb, As, Al, Bi, Cr, Hg, Ti and Si at elevated concentrations in plants cause phytotoxic effects and lead to food chain contamination. These wastes are generated in huge quantities and discarded without any proper pretreatment; therefore, chances of contamination of environmental components are obvious. This chapter also suggests the possible and better management opportunities including site restoration by rehabilitation and phytoremediation of metal-contaminated sites using native and medicinal plant species to reduce food chain contamination and an ultimate risk to human health.

Environmental Footprints and Eco-design of Products and Processes, 2015

Packaging refers to the covering used to protect the product inside. Metals—such as iron, copper,... more Packaging refers to the covering used to protect the product inside. Metals—such as iron, copper, and their alloys, i.e., brass and bronze, have been used for the packaging and storage of goods since ancient times. Unique properties of metals, particularly the ease of fabrication, strength, thermal and electrical conductivities, and ability to hold diverse materials securely in different states, make them an essential packaging material either as such or as composites with materials such as polymers, fibers, plastics, and ceramics. Boxes, cans, cylinders, and foils made from iron, aluminum, tin, copper, etc., are the most common and everyday examples of metal-based packaging; however, specialized packaging requirements, e.g., for electronic parts, composites based on different metals are preferred. After its end use, discarded packaging becomes a major contributor to waste generation. Completely metal-based packages can be recycled; however, this becomes expensive for composites. In such cases, landfilling is the most common disposal method, which may cause adverse impacts on human health through the contamination of groundwater and soil. This calls for effective and better alternate metal waste-management options that can help metal recycling and recovery. In this chapter, we present a brief introduction of metal-based packaging, their various methods of disposal, and recovery and recycling options with particular focus on biotechnological approaches. With the help of different examples and recent developments in the recovery and reuse of waste metals, potential sustainable and cost-effective solutions in managing metallic or metal-based packaging waste are discussed.

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2019

ABSTRACT Red mud (RM) with organic manure may offer suitable substratum to support plant growth. ... more ABSTRACT Red mud (RM) with organic manure may offer suitable substratum to support plant growth. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 0, 5, 10 and 15% (w/w) RM additions in soil fertilized with cowdung manure (soil: manure: 2:1 w/w) on available metal contents, growth performance and metal accumulation in Brassica juncea cultivars Kranti and Pusa Bold. Increasing RM concentrations in manure-amended soil caused a significant increase in total metal contents but their phytoavailable contents decreased. A significant increase in plant growth performance and seed yield was observed up to 10% RM treatment compared to the control (without RM and manure). Maximum increase in seed yield (140.5%) of Pusa Bold and Kranti (120.3%) was found under 10% RM treatment. Metal contents in seeds were within the FAO/WHO safe limits. The study suggests utilization of 10% (w/w) RM in soil fertilized with cowdung manure for cultivation of Kranti and Pusa Bold. Based on plant performance, the study encourages the cultivation of Pusa Bold.

Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 2021

Environmental Carbon Footprints, 2018

Plant Responses to Soil Pollution, 2020

International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2021

Environmental Footprints and Eco-design of Products and Processes, 2020

Environmental Footprints and Eco-design of Products and Processes, 2021

Environmental Carbon Footprints, 2018

Applied Geochemistry, 2019

Ecological Indicators, 2018

Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 2017

Chemosphere, 2017

International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2017

Plant Responses to Xenobiotics, 2016

Environmental Footprints and Eco-design of Products and Processes, 2015

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2019