Ankita Shukla - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ankita Shukla

Research paper thumbnail of Dynamic noise mapping of road traffic in an urban city

Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2021

This study is an attempt to analyse the spatial distribution of traffic noise levels in the city ... more This study is an attempt to analyse the spatial distribution of traffic noise levels in the city of Delhi through the creation of noise maps with the help of GIS. Field measurements were conducted at 10 locations consisting of different land-use patterns. It was observed that the measured ambient noise levels at all the locations were violating the prescribed limits as prescribed by CPCB. Noise levels were found to be in proportion to the vehicular population. Noise level values obtained from the developed noise maps have given very close results to the measured values. The percentage difference between the predicted noise level and the monitored noise level was found to be between 4 and 7%. This study will help the concerned authorities to identify the hot spots of noise within the city and to take appropriate actions to curb the noise pollution in those particular areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Predicting Ground Level PM2.5 Concentration Over Delhi Using Landsat 8 Satellite Data

International Journal of Remote Sensing, 2020

ABSTRACT Comprehensive monitoring of urban air pollution is paramount to better understand and wo... more ABSTRACT Comprehensive monitoring of urban air pollution is paramount to better understand and work towards ameliorating hazardous air quality level in urban centres of India. This study aims at developing a multispectral empirical model useful in estimating the concentration of particulate matter of 2.5 micrometres (μm) or less in diameter (PM2.5) on a city-wide scale using Landsat 8 satellite’s data over the metropolis of Delhi, India. The data pertaining to PM2.5 mass concentration as well as meteorological parameters like relative humidity and temperature were taken from the field observation stations of the Central Pollution Control Board in New Delhi conform to the date of data collection from Landsat 8 satellite. The ambient reflectance in the visible spectrum bands was measured and compared with the in-situ concentration of PM2.5 and the meteorological evidence acquired from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The correlation coefficient and root mean square error value were utilized to analyse the feasibility of the algorithm proposed. It can be concluded from the results that the aforementioned multispectral PM2.5 model can predict particulate matter concentrations with an adequate level of accuracy.

Research paper thumbnail of Urban roadside monitoring and prediction of CO, NO2 and SO2 dispersion from on-road vehicles in megacity Delhi

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 2016

The study inspects the traffic-induced gaseous emission dispersion characteristics from the urban... more The study inspects the traffic-induced gaseous emission dispersion characteristics from the urban roadside sites in Delhi, India. The concentration of pollutants viz. CO, NO 2 and SO 2 along with traffic and ambient atmospheric conditions at five selected local urban road sites were simultaneously measured. A developed General Finite Line Source Model (GFLSM) was used to predict the local roadside CO, NO 2 and SO 2 concentrations. A comparison of the observed and predicted values emission parameters using GFLS model has shown that the predicted values for SO 2 , CO and NO 2 at all the selected local urban roadside locations are found to lie within the error bands of 5%, 6%, and 7% respectively. A high level of agreement was found between the monitored and estimated CO, NO 2 and SO 2 concentration data. From the study, it has also been established that the developed model exhibits the capability of reasonably predicting the characteristics of gaseous pollutants dispersion from on-road vehicles for the urban city air quality.

Research paper thumbnail of Bioefficacy of plant extracts against fusarium species causing wilt in pulses

IOSR Journal of Engineering, 2012

In vitro efficacy of different plant extracts viz. Bitter guard, Turmeric, Garlic and Black peppe... more In vitro efficacy of different plant extracts viz. Bitter guard, Turmeric, Garlic and Black pepper has been tested to control both fusarial species viz. fusarium udum (causing wilt in pigeonpea) and fusarium oxysporum f.sp.ciceri (causing wilt in chickpea). Both pathogenic fungi have been isolated from infected plant parts and identified on the basis of their morphological and cultural characteristics. Different concentration i.e. 5%, 10% and 15% of plant extracts are taken in the swot. All the plant extracts showed considerable diminution in the growth of pathogens. Growth of fusarium udum has been reduced by 15% concentration of turmeric (89.2%) followed by garlic (88.26%) and black pepper (82.22%). In case of fusarium oxysporum f.sp.ciceri, 15% concentration of garlic, turmeric and black pepper reduced the growth upto 94.63%, 87.96% and 77.74% (at p< 0.01) respectively. From the above observations it can be postulated that growth of both the pathogens has been significantly reduced (at p<0.01) by garlic and turmeric extracts followed by extract of black pepper. The bitter guard extract is found least effective against both the pathogens at all concentrations. In addition to this 10% concentration of garlic and turmeric is also found effective against both the pathogens.

Research paper thumbnail of Urban air pollution reduction: evidence from phase-wise analysis of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2021

Until 31 May 2020, more than six million confirm COVID-19 cases had been reported worldwide. Lock... more Until 31 May 2020, more than six million confirm COVID-19 cases had been reported worldwide. Lockdown has resulted in significant air quality improvement, especially in urban regions. The lockdown has acted as a natural experiment empowering researchers, policymakers, and governing bodies. The present study focuses on quantifying and analysing the effect of lockdown on India's metropolitan cities, namely New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore. The study analyses the phase-wise and diurnal variations in the air quality from 24 March 2020 to 31 May 2020 while focussing on-peak and off-peak duration concentrations. To investigate the reason behind pollutant reduction, correlation of drop percentages in pollutant concentrations with vehicle population, extent of construction activity, and meteorological parameters are analysed. The 24-h drop in PM 10 and PM 2.5 showed a high correlation (R 2 = 0.97 and 0.72, respectively) with the city's vehicle population. During peak hours, the inland cities (Delhi and Bangalore), with a more extensive vehicle fleet, recorded a higher drop in PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations than coastal cities (Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata). With respect to 2019 concentration, the maximum decrease in pollutant concentrations averaged across the five study locations was recorded in NO 2 (46%), followed by PM 2.5 (40%), PM 10 (37%), and CO (19%). SO 2 and O 3 contrarily recorded an overall increase of 40% and 41%. These results wherein vehicular pollutants recorded the maximum drop indicate that reduced vehicular traffic primarily influenced air quality improvement during the lockdown.

Research paper thumbnail of Estimation of Composite Air Quality Index for Lucknow

This paper mainly deals with the measurement of air quality by observing the concentration of pol... more This paper mainly deals with the measurement of air quality by observing the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere namely suspended particulate matter, NOx and SO2 at five different selected locations in Lucknow city. The locations for the study have been chosen on the basis of land use pattern. Each pollutant has been observed by 12 hours from 8:00 to 20:00 hours. According to air quality scale, the air quality status has been measured at each location and zone. From the study it is found that the residential zone has highest air quality index in comparison to other zones.

Research paper thumbnail of Study of Air and Noise Pollution in Mega Cities of India

Environmental Pollution, 2017

Public health studies are linked to both air and noise pollution in terms of common adverse healt... more Public health studies are linked to both air and noise pollution in terms of common adverse health effects attributed to severity of such pollution such as increased blood pressure, heart diseases, and other respiratory ailments. In urban areas of mega cities, air and noise pollution originating from different sources such as traffic, industries and construction activities, etc., is on gradual and alarming increase. In view of the same, objective of this study was to analyze the air and noise pollution levels in three megacities of India, namely Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai during 2006–2011 at different locations categorized as industrial, commercial, and institutional areas. Following the analysis, the equivalent noise levels (L eq) of all the cities were found to be slightly greater than permissible limits of CPCB guidelines whereas the criteria pollutants SO2, PM10 and NOx showed a positive relation between noise levels and air pollution. This statistical comparative analysis as an important outcome will help understand the actual trend of air and noise pollution during different years in various Indian mega cities and subsequent mitigation measures.

Research paper thumbnail of Study of Air and Noise Pollution in Mega Cities of India

Environmental Pollution, 2017

Public health studies are linked to both air and noise pollution in terms of common adverse healt... more Public health studies are linked to both air and noise pollution in terms of common adverse health effects attributed to severity of such pollution such as increased blood pressure, heart diseases, and other respiratory ailments. In urban areas of mega cities, air and noise pollution originating from different sources such as traffic, industries and construction activities, etc., is on gradual and alarming increase. In view of the same, objective of this study was to analyze the air and noise pollution levels in three megacities of India, namely Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai during 2006–2011 at different locations categorized as industrial, commercial, and institutional areas. Following the analysis, the equivalent noise levels (L eq) of all the cities were found to be slightly greater than permissible limits of CPCB guidelines whereas the criteria pollutants SO2, PM10 and NOx showed a positive relation between noise levels and air pollution. This statistical comparative analysis as an important outcome will help understand the actual trend of air and noise pollution during different years in various Indian mega cities and subsequent mitigation measures.

Research paper thumbnail of Air quality assessment along urban transport corridor in megacity

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2016

Urban traffic emission is one of the grievous problems faced by people in urban centres of develo... more Urban traffic emission is one of the grievous problems faced by people in urban centres of developing countries like India. Inspite of bad air quality, people are forced to live in air-polluted areas of megacities like Delhi. The present study is an effort to analyse the air quality of some selected areas along major urban transport corridors in Delhi. On the basis of land-use pattern, five locations, i.e., Rithala, Pitampura, Kashmiri Gate, Jhilmil, and Panchsheel Enclave were selected to conduct the research study. The study included the monitoring of CO, NOx, SO2 and PM at all the identified locations for 12 hrs (8:00 to 20:00). The monitored data of each location was used to estimate the composite air quality index (CAQI). The highest value of CAQI was observed at Jhilmil (140) followed by Kashmiri Gate (127), Pitampura (109), Rithala (104) and Panchsheel Encalve (103). Upon comparing the CAQI of all the selected locations with the rating scale of air quality index, it was found that all the selected locations were under severe air pollution condition, a clear representative of the unhealthy condition of people residing in these particular areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Eia Based Comparative Urban Traffic Noise Analysis Between Operational and Under Construction Phase Public Transport Corridor

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ENGINEERING, 2014

Delhi has a population of 16.75 million and is increasing at a rapid rate. This increase in popul... more Delhi has a population of 16.75 million and is increasing at a rapid rate. This increase in population has enhanced the need for public transport. In Delhi, this need for public transport is served mainly by buses, auto rickshaws, a rapid transit system, taxis and suburban railways. Delhi has one of the highest road densities in India. Buses are the most popular means of transport catering to about 60% of the total demand. In order to meet the transport demand in Delhi, the State and the Union government started the construction of a mass rapid transit system, including the Delhi Metro. By the application of various data and public response, the paper accentuates the qualitative discussion on impacts of mass rapid transit system (MRTS) corridor on land use and social aspects of lives of residents and road users. It also proposes certain mitigating measures for that meticulous condition. The analysis and survey outcome explain about the exceeded level of noise level as compared to CPCB standards. The share of public transport in total noise pollution is smaller than private but still exceeds the standards. Such problem demands the design of noise barrier along the corridor to curb the noise pollution.

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in soil characteristics and fungal population dynamics in a pigeonpea field

Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, Feb 25, 2015

The present study was done in October 2008 and March 2009 to explore the seasonal effects on soil... more The present study was done in October 2008 and March 2009 to explore the seasonal effects on soil physico-chemical properties and fungal population found at different depth (that is, 5, 10 and 15 cm) as well as on plant parts. Results indicate that in both seasons, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was higher in the top 5 cm followed by lower depths (10 and 15 cm). Fungal species isolated from different soil depths indicate a decline in number of fungal species with an increase in soil depth, except in the rhizospheric region where the number of fungal species was higher due to highest microbial activity in this region and higher nutrient contents (due to degradation of organic compound into simpler one). In case of isolation from plant parts, it indicates that the population of fungal sp. was higher in root region compared to shoot region.

Research paper thumbnail of Antifungal approach of phenolic compounds against Fusarium udum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri

Research paper thumbnail of Dynamic noise mapping of road traffic in an urban city

Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2021

This study is an attempt to analyse the spatial distribution of traffic noise levels in the city ... more This study is an attempt to analyse the spatial distribution of traffic noise levels in the city of Delhi through the creation of noise maps with the help of GIS. Field measurements were conducted at 10 locations consisting of different land-use patterns. It was observed that the measured ambient noise levels at all the locations were violating the prescribed limits as prescribed by CPCB. Noise levels were found to be in proportion to the vehicular population. Noise level values obtained from the developed noise maps have given very close results to the measured values. The percentage difference between the predicted noise level and the monitored noise level was found to be between 4 and 7%. This study will help the concerned authorities to identify the hot spots of noise within the city and to take appropriate actions to curb the noise pollution in those particular areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Predicting Ground Level PM2.5 Concentration Over Delhi Using Landsat 8 Satellite Data

International Journal of Remote Sensing, 2020

ABSTRACT Comprehensive monitoring of urban air pollution is paramount to better understand and wo... more ABSTRACT Comprehensive monitoring of urban air pollution is paramount to better understand and work towards ameliorating hazardous air quality level in urban centres of India. This study aims at developing a multispectral empirical model useful in estimating the concentration of particulate matter of 2.5 micrometres (μm) or less in diameter (PM2.5) on a city-wide scale using Landsat 8 satellite’s data over the metropolis of Delhi, India. The data pertaining to PM2.5 mass concentration as well as meteorological parameters like relative humidity and temperature were taken from the field observation stations of the Central Pollution Control Board in New Delhi conform to the date of data collection from Landsat 8 satellite. The ambient reflectance in the visible spectrum bands was measured and compared with the in-situ concentration of PM2.5 and the meteorological evidence acquired from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The correlation coefficient and root mean square error value were utilized to analyse the feasibility of the algorithm proposed. It can be concluded from the results that the aforementioned multispectral PM2.5 model can predict particulate matter concentrations with an adequate level of accuracy.

Research paper thumbnail of Urban roadside monitoring and prediction of CO, NO2 and SO2 dispersion from on-road vehicles in megacity Delhi

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 2016

The study inspects the traffic-induced gaseous emission dispersion characteristics from the urban... more The study inspects the traffic-induced gaseous emission dispersion characteristics from the urban roadside sites in Delhi, India. The concentration of pollutants viz. CO, NO 2 and SO 2 along with traffic and ambient atmospheric conditions at five selected local urban road sites were simultaneously measured. A developed General Finite Line Source Model (GFLSM) was used to predict the local roadside CO, NO 2 and SO 2 concentrations. A comparison of the observed and predicted values emission parameters using GFLS model has shown that the predicted values for SO 2 , CO and NO 2 at all the selected local urban roadside locations are found to lie within the error bands of 5%, 6%, and 7% respectively. A high level of agreement was found between the monitored and estimated CO, NO 2 and SO 2 concentration data. From the study, it has also been established that the developed model exhibits the capability of reasonably predicting the characteristics of gaseous pollutants dispersion from on-road vehicles for the urban city air quality.

Research paper thumbnail of Bioefficacy of plant extracts against fusarium species causing wilt in pulses

IOSR Journal of Engineering, 2012

In vitro efficacy of different plant extracts viz. Bitter guard, Turmeric, Garlic and Black peppe... more In vitro efficacy of different plant extracts viz. Bitter guard, Turmeric, Garlic and Black pepper has been tested to control both fusarial species viz. fusarium udum (causing wilt in pigeonpea) and fusarium oxysporum f.sp.ciceri (causing wilt in chickpea). Both pathogenic fungi have been isolated from infected plant parts and identified on the basis of their morphological and cultural characteristics. Different concentration i.e. 5%, 10% and 15% of plant extracts are taken in the swot. All the plant extracts showed considerable diminution in the growth of pathogens. Growth of fusarium udum has been reduced by 15% concentration of turmeric (89.2%) followed by garlic (88.26%) and black pepper (82.22%). In case of fusarium oxysporum f.sp.ciceri, 15% concentration of garlic, turmeric and black pepper reduced the growth upto 94.63%, 87.96% and 77.74% (at p< 0.01) respectively. From the above observations it can be postulated that growth of both the pathogens has been significantly reduced (at p<0.01) by garlic and turmeric extracts followed by extract of black pepper. The bitter guard extract is found least effective against both the pathogens at all concentrations. In addition to this 10% concentration of garlic and turmeric is also found effective against both the pathogens.

Research paper thumbnail of Urban air pollution reduction: evidence from phase-wise analysis of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2021

Until 31 May 2020, more than six million confirm COVID-19 cases had been reported worldwide. Lock... more Until 31 May 2020, more than six million confirm COVID-19 cases had been reported worldwide. Lockdown has resulted in significant air quality improvement, especially in urban regions. The lockdown has acted as a natural experiment empowering researchers, policymakers, and governing bodies. The present study focuses on quantifying and analysing the effect of lockdown on India's metropolitan cities, namely New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore. The study analyses the phase-wise and diurnal variations in the air quality from 24 March 2020 to 31 May 2020 while focussing on-peak and off-peak duration concentrations. To investigate the reason behind pollutant reduction, correlation of drop percentages in pollutant concentrations with vehicle population, extent of construction activity, and meteorological parameters are analysed. The 24-h drop in PM 10 and PM 2.5 showed a high correlation (R 2 = 0.97 and 0.72, respectively) with the city's vehicle population. During peak hours, the inland cities (Delhi and Bangalore), with a more extensive vehicle fleet, recorded a higher drop in PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations than coastal cities (Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata). With respect to 2019 concentration, the maximum decrease in pollutant concentrations averaged across the five study locations was recorded in NO 2 (46%), followed by PM 2.5 (40%), PM 10 (37%), and CO (19%). SO 2 and O 3 contrarily recorded an overall increase of 40% and 41%. These results wherein vehicular pollutants recorded the maximum drop indicate that reduced vehicular traffic primarily influenced air quality improvement during the lockdown.

Research paper thumbnail of Estimation of Composite Air Quality Index for Lucknow

This paper mainly deals with the measurement of air quality by observing the concentration of pol... more This paper mainly deals with the measurement of air quality by observing the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere namely suspended particulate matter, NOx and SO2 at five different selected locations in Lucknow city. The locations for the study have been chosen on the basis of land use pattern. Each pollutant has been observed by 12 hours from 8:00 to 20:00 hours. According to air quality scale, the air quality status has been measured at each location and zone. From the study it is found that the residential zone has highest air quality index in comparison to other zones.

Research paper thumbnail of Study of Air and Noise Pollution in Mega Cities of India

Environmental Pollution, 2017

Public health studies are linked to both air and noise pollution in terms of common adverse healt... more Public health studies are linked to both air and noise pollution in terms of common adverse health effects attributed to severity of such pollution such as increased blood pressure, heart diseases, and other respiratory ailments. In urban areas of mega cities, air and noise pollution originating from different sources such as traffic, industries and construction activities, etc., is on gradual and alarming increase. In view of the same, objective of this study was to analyze the air and noise pollution levels in three megacities of India, namely Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai during 2006–2011 at different locations categorized as industrial, commercial, and institutional areas. Following the analysis, the equivalent noise levels (L eq) of all the cities were found to be slightly greater than permissible limits of CPCB guidelines whereas the criteria pollutants SO2, PM10 and NOx showed a positive relation between noise levels and air pollution. This statistical comparative analysis as an important outcome will help understand the actual trend of air and noise pollution during different years in various Indian mega cities and subsequent mitigation measures.

Research paper thumbnail of Study of Air and Noise Pollution in Mega Cities of India

Environmental Pollution, 2017

Public health studies are linked to both air and noise pollution in terms of common adverse healt... more Public health studies are linked to both air and noise pollution in terms of common adverse health effects attributed to severity of such pollution such as increased blood pressure, heart diseases, and other respiratory ailments. In urban areas of mega cities, air and noise pollution originating from different sources such as traffic, industries and construction activities, etc., is on gradual and alarming increase. In view of the same, objective of this study was to analyze the air and noise pollution levels in three megacities of India, namely Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai during 2006–2011 at different locations categorized as industrial, commercial, and institutional areas. Following the analysis, the equivalent noise levels (L eq) of all the cities were found to be slightly greater than permissible limits of CPCB guidelines whereas the criteria pollutants SO2, PM10 and NOx showed a positive relation between noise levels and air pollution. This statistical comparative analysis as an important outcome will help understand the actual trend of air and noise pollution during different years in various Indian mega cities and subsequent mitigation measures.

Research paper thumbnail of Air quality assessment along urban transport corridor in megacity

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2016

Urban traffic emission is one of the grievous problems faced by people in urban centres of develo... more Urban traffic emission is one of the grievous problems faced by people in urban centres of developing countries like India. Inspite of bad air quality, people are forced to live in air-polluted areas of megacities like Delhi. The present study is an effort to analyse the air quality of some selected areas along major urban transport corridors in Delhi. On the basis of land-use pattern, five locations, i.e., Rithala, Pitampura, Kashmiri Gate, Jhilmil, and Panchsheel Enclave were selected to conduct the research study. The study included the monitoring of CO, NOx, SO2 and PM at all the identified locations for 12 hrs (8:00 to 20:00). The monitored data of each location was used to estimate the composite air quality index (CAQI). The highest value of CAQI was observed at Jhilmil (140) followed by Kashmiri Gate (127), Pitampura (109), Rithala (104) and Panchsheel Encalve (103). Upon comparing the CAQI of all the selected locations with the rating scale of air quality index, it was found that all the selected locations were under severe air pollution condition, a clear representative of the unhealthy condition of people residing in these particular areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Eia Based Comparative Urban Traffic Noise Analysis Between Operational and Under Construction Phase Public Transport Corridor

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ENGINEERING, 2014

Delhi has a population of 16.75 million and is increasing at a rapid rate. This increase in popul... more Delhi has a population of 16.75 million and is increasing at a rapid rate. This increase in population has enhanced the need for public transport. In Delhi, this need for public transport is served mainly by buses, auto rickshaws, a rapid transit system, taxis and suburban railways. Delhi has one of the highest road densities in India. Buses are the most popular means of transport catering to about 60% of the total demand. In order to meet the transport demand in Delhi, the State and the Union government started the construction of a mass rapid transit system, including the Delhi Metro. By the application of various data and public response, the paper accentuates the qualitative discussion on impacts of mass rapid transit system (MRTS) corridor on land use and social aspects of lives of residents and road users. It also proposes certain mitigating measures for that meticulous condition. The analysis and survey outcome explain about the exceeded level of noise level as compared to CPCB standards. The share of public transport in total noise pollution is smaller than private but still exceeds the standards. Such problem demands the design of noise barrier along the corridor to curb the noise pollution.

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in soil characteristics and fungal population dynamics in a pigeonpea field

Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, Feb 25, 2015

The present study was done in October 2008 and March 2009 to explore the seasonal effects on soil... more The present study was done in October 2008 and March 2009 to explore the seasonal effects on soil physico-chemical properties and fungal population found at different depth (that is, 5, 10 and 15 cm) as well as on plant parts. Results indicate that in both seasons, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was higher in the top 5 cm followed by lower depths (10 and 15 cm). Fungal species isolated from different soil depths indicate a decline in number of fungal species with an increase in soil depth, except in the rhizospheric region where the number of fungal species was higher due to highest microbial activity in this region and higher nutrient contents (due to degradation of organic compound into simpler one). In case of isolation from plant parts, it indicates that the population of fungal sp. was higher in root region compared to shoot region.

Research paper thumbnail of Antifungal approach of phenolic compounds against Fusarium udum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri