Vimal Chandra Pandey

Phytodiversity on fly ash deposits: evaluation of naturally colonized species for sustainable phytorestoration

Proliferation of fly ash (FA) deposits and its toxicity have become a global concern, which contaminate the ecosystems of our Earth. In this regard, identification of potential plant species for FA deposits’ restoration is the main concern. Keeping this view in mind, the present study was conducted to identify potential plant species naturally growing on FA deposits for the restoration purposes. Six intensive surveys were made during 2010–2014 to collect naturally growing plant species during different seasons from two FA deposits in Unchahar of Raebareli district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The plant species having potential for FA deposits’ restoration were identified on the basis of their ecological importance, dominance at the study sites and socio-economic importance for rural livelihoods. Typha latifolia L., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Saccharum spontaneum L., Saccharum bengalense Retz. (syn. Saccharum munja), Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC., Ipomoea carnea Jacq. and Acacia nelotica L. are identified as potential plant species for FA deposits’ restoration. Furthermore, the characteristics of naturally colonized species can be used for the phytorestoration during a revegetation plan of new FA deposits for multiple benefits.

Saccharum spontaneum: an underutilized tall grass for revegetation and restoration programs

Saccharum spontaneum L. is a perennial tall grass and invades naturally abandoned and pastoral lands in many tropical countries. Although it is a potentially multiple-use and multifunctional species, it remains neglected and underutilized. It is commonly known as ‘Wild cane’ in English and ‘Kans’ in Hindi. In recent years, S. spontaneum has attracted serious attention for its potential in ecological restoration. The present paper deals with geographic distribution, ecology, morphological description, multiple uses, restoration potential, and propagation of this species. We also report the suitability of S. spontaneum for the restoration and stabilization of bare fly ash (FA) dumps. In this context, the highest importance value index, visual observations and practitioner insights reveal that S. spontaneum has great ability to grow on bare FA dumps and can be used as an ecological tool in restoration of vast tracts of fly ash dumps across the world. Besides grass vegetation study, we also report the change in physicochemical properties of abandoned site and compared with naturally colonized site with S. spontaneum of FA dumps to assess its ecological suitability for restoration of bare FA dump. Overall, the field results showed that S. spontaneum is a promising and potential tall grass for the restoration of FA dumps.

Physiological effects of arsenate on transplant thalli of the lichen Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl

IntroductionThe changes in photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, protein content, and antioxidant enzymes were investigated in a foliose lichen Pyxine cocoes, which was subjected to increasing concentrations of arsenate.MethodsThe arsenate concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 200xa0μM were sprayed every alternate day on the lichen thallus. The thalli were then harvested on 10, 20, 30, and 45xa0days.ResultsThe quantity of photosynthetic pigments exhibited a decreasing trend till 20xa0days but increased from 30xa0days onwards. Concomitantly, chlorophyll fluorescence also showed a decreasing trend with increasing arsenic treatment duration as well as concentration. The higher concentration of arsenate was found to be deleterious to the photosynthesis of lichen as the chlorophyll fluorescence and the amount of pigments decreased significantly. The protein content of lichen increased uninterruptedly as the concentration of arsenate as well as duration of treatment increased. The activities of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxide increased initially at lower concentration of arsenate but declined at higher concentrations and longer duration of treatment.ConclusionsThe catalase activity was found to be most susceptible to arsenate stress as its activity started declining from very beginning of the experiment. P. cocoes also proved to be an excellent accumulator of arsenate whose concentration increased in the thallus corresponding to its increase in the treatment and duration. Thus, it can be utilized for active biomonitoring of arsenic pollution.

COMPOSITIONAL TRAITS OF SOYBEAN SEEDS AS INFLUENCED BY PLANTING DATE IN INDIA

Information on the influence of date of planting on protein, oil and fatty acid composition of soybean seeds is meagre, whilst similar studies on lipoxygenase isozymes and trypsin inhibitor contents are lacking. A field experiment was conducted with nine Indian genotypes and three planting dates (spread over 23 days) to study the influence of planting dates on these seed traits. Results based upon a one-year study indicated that oil content declined with delays in planting. Oleic acid content increased from the first to third planting, while the reverse trend was observed for linolenic acid. Lipoxygenase-1 activity was reduced by delayed plantings. Protein content was the lowest and trypsin inhibitor content was the highest for the second planting. However, no differences were observed for protein and trypsin inhibitor contents between the first and third planting. Significant interactions. observed between genotype and planting date for most of the seed compositional characters suggest that the influence of late planting is genotype-dependent.

Phytoremediation efficiency of Eichhornia crassipes in fly ash pond

The present study was focused on field research to examine the phytoremediation potential of naturally grown Eichhornia crassipes in fly ash (FA) pond. Field results indicate the efficiency of E. crassipes for remediation of heavy metals from FA pond. The bioconcentration factor trend was Cr (3.75) > Cu (2.62) > Cd (1.05), and Cu (1.35) in root and stem, respectively. The survival and abundance growth of E. crassipes in the circumstance of heavy metal enriched FA pond is another highlight of the present research that reveals its toxitolerant characteristics. Thus, this lesson on phytoremediation proved that E. crassipes is a potential accumulator of Cu, Cr, and Cd from FA ponds and is a promising species for FA ponds remediation globally.

Assessment of Ziziphus mauritiana grown on fly ash dumps: Prospects for phytoremediation but concerns with the use of edible fruit

A field study was carried out on fly ash (FA) dumps of Panki Thermal Power Station to assess the phytoaccumulation of elements in various plant parts of edible fruit tree Ziziphus mauritiana. Of the twelve analyzed elements, the highest concentration was found for Fe followed by Mn > Se > Zn > Mo > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd >Ni > As > Co in rhizospheric substrate of Z. mauritiana grown on FA dumps. Metal accumulation, bioconcentration factor, and translocation factor for each metal were calculated in various parts of the edible fruit tree. Significant variations of metal accumulations were observed among various plant parts. Accumulation of toxic elements was higher in roots, and it gradually declined toward the aerial parts of the plant corresponding to its distance from the ground. The concentration of some elements in fruit tree was found to be above prescribed limits in edible parts. Therefore, the present study suggested that additional care should be undertaken, if edible fruit trees are considered for phytoremediation or afforestation programs of FA dumps.

Managing Waste Dumpsites Through Energy Plantations

Increase in the number and area of waste dumpsites is a major concern worldwide due to modern urbanization, industrial revolution and overpopulation growth. There is a wide range of waste dumpsites such as fly ash dumps, mine spoils, red mud deposits, sewage sludge, etc. These waste dumps are a source of heavy metal pollution, the degradation of soil and water system and serious dust pollution to atmosphere. These are also recognized as ecological, economic and social challenges. Thus, the management of waste dumpsites in a safe and economic way is still a worldwide challenge. In this direction, the phytomanagement of waste dumpsites through energy plantation is a holistic approach for ecological, economic and social sustainability.