Indrani Gupta

Genetic algorithm for optimization of water distribution systems

Abstract A methodology based on genetic algorithm has been developed for lower cost design of new, and augmentation of existing water distribution networks. The results have been compared with those of non-linear programming technique through application to several case studies. The genetic algorithm results in a lower cost solution. Parameters governing the convergence of the solutions in non-linear and genetic algorithms are also discussed.

Numerical modeling for Thane creek

Abstract Water quality simulation of Thane creek has been carried out to determine the wastewater assimilative capacity of the creek using a two-dimensional numerical model considering organized wastewater discharges. Details of the results of calibration of the model against the observed water quality and hydrodynamic features have been presented. Creek water quality has been simulated for the projected flows and loads for the year 2015 to develop wastewater management strategy. On the basis of monitoring and simulation, it has been observed that with limited flushing capacity the multiple wastewater discharges have deteriorated water quality significantly. Extent of pollution is experienced more in the inner portion of the creek. The projected wastewater flows and loads for 2015 are above the assimilative capacity of the creek and therefore volumetric load in the creek need to be restricted.

Optimization of water distribution system

Abstract An optimization algorithm with recourse to a nonlinear programming technique based on the interior penalty function with Davidon-Fletcher-Powell method, incorporating the graph theoretic approach for analysis of networks, has been developed for design of functional and least-cost water distribution systems with multiple reservoirs. The model has the capability to design a new system as well as to reorganize an existing system. Reorganization of a system becomes necessary due to increased water demand resulting from an increase in population density and enhanced service levels or expansion to the new areas. Further, the hydraulic simulator based on graph theory enables design of all types of systems; viz branched, looped or a combination thereof including nodes with specified fixed energy grades. The software package has been developed for use on an IBM-PC compatible microcomputer. The efficacy of the algorithm has been demonstrated through an example on design of a typical water distribution system.

Source Apportionment of PM10 by Positive Matrix Factorization in Urban Area of Mumbai, India

Particulate Matter (PM10) has been one of the main air pollutants exceeding the ambient standards in most of the major cities in India. During last few years, receptor models such as Chemical Mass Balance, Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF), PCA–APCS and UNMIX have been used to provide solutions to the source identification and contributions which are accepted for developing effective and efficient air quality management plans. Each site poses different complexities while resolving PM10 contributions. This paper reports the variability of four sites within Mumbai city using PMF. Industrial area of Mahul showed sources such as residual oil combustion and paved road dust (27%), traffic (20%), coal fired boiler (17%), nitrate (15%). Residential area of Khar showed sources such as residual oil combustion and construction (25%), motor vehicles (23%), marine aerosol and nitrate (19%), paved road dust (18%) compared to construction and natural dust (27%), motor vehicles and smelting work (25%), nitrate (16%) and biomass burning and paved road dust (15%) in Dharavi, a low income slum residential area. The major contributors of PM10 at Colaba were marine aerosol, wood burning and ammonium sulphate (24%), motor vehicles and smelting work (22%), Natural soil (19%), nitrate and oil burning (18%).