Informatics Publishing Limited

J. Y. Sharma , Grace Lhouvum , Suresh Chauhan , Banwari Lal , T. P. Singh , Varghese Paul

Abstract

Bauxite residue, also known as red mud, is a by-product of the Bayer Process. Bauxite is composed principally of the monohydrate and trihydrate forms of alumina in varying proportions. The research study was conducted to rehabilitate used red mud ponds of INDAL (Indian Aluminium Company Ltd.), Belgaum, Karnataka, India, by identifying suitable trees, grasses, and legume species as well as amenders, including bacteria and mycorrhizae, to improve the physico-chemical condition of red mud deposits and convert it to a substrate. Amenders such as gypsum, FYM (farmyard manure), fly ash/vegetative dust in different proportions, forming three basic combinations, A, B, and C, were developed. These three combinations were then treated with the bacteria and mycorrhizae both alone, and in combination, to form twelve treatments and one control. The research study showed that there is remarkable change in the physical and chemical properties of red muod after amendment, which provides the platform for plantation growth. The best combination found for treating red mud ponds was: Red mud + 20% FYM + 10% Gypsum + 15% Fly ash + Bacteria + Mycorrhizae for four tree species, Prosopis julijlora, Acacia nilotica, Pangamia pinnata and Melia azedarach, and three grass/legume species Brachiaria mutica, Chloris gayana, and Sesbania sesban.

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Suresh Chauhan , Jitendra Vir Sharma , Banwari Lal , Varghese Paul

Abstract

Based on the findings of the research trials on the rehabilitation of red mud conducted by TERI, New Delhi, a field experiment was implemented on pilot basis over 1.08 ha of the red mud pond at INDAL, Belgaum, Karnataka. Optimum combination, identified in the trials i.e., Red mud + 25% FYM + 15% Gypsum + 5% Vegetative dry dust + Bacteria + Mycrorrihaza, was used for the field experiment. Five tree species, i.e., Prosopis juliflora, Pongamia pinnata, Acacia nilotica, Leucaena Leucocephala and Albizia lebbek and five grass/legumes species i.e., Brachiaria mutica, Chloris gayana, Sesbania sesban, Brachiaria decumbens and Stylosanthes scabra, identified through the research trials, were grown in the experimental plot. The findings reveal remarkable changes in physical and chemical characteristics of red mud after amendment, which provides conducive medium for plants to grow. After thirteen months, among the tree species, Leuacaena leucocephala species showed maximum average growth rate and low mortality, while among the grass/legumes, all the five species gave good growth and survival. The micronutrients contents increased and alkalinity of the red mud decreased up to seven months from the start of the experiment. However, after seven months there was reduction in the micronutrients contents and increase in the alkalinity of the red mud, which is due to the uptake of micronutrients by the plants.

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Dipti Verma ¹, Ashish Singla ², Banwari Lal ¹, Priyangshu M. Sarma ¹

Affiliations
1 TERI, Darbari Seth Block, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi 110 003, IN
2 TERI University, 10 Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110 070, IN

Abstract

The production of biofuels from synthesis gas that utilizes a wide variety of biomass is an emerging concept, particularly with the focus on biomass-based economy. Biomass is converted to synthesis gas via gasification, which involves partial oxidation of the biomass at high temperature. This route of ethanol or liquid biofuel production has the advantage of utilizing the entire biomass, including the lignin content. Though the technology is yet to be established, there is a major breakthrough in understanding the microbial route of synthesis gas conversion. Acetogenic microorganisms such as Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium aceticum, Acetobacterium woodii, Clostridium carboxidivorans and Clostridium autoethanogenum have already been reported to play a role in the conversion of synthesis gas to ethanol and acetic acid. Poor mass transfer properties of the gaseous substrates and low ethanol yield from these biocatalysts are the major challenges, preventing the commercialization of synthesis gas fermentation technology. This article reviews the existing literature on biomass-derived synthesis gas fermentation into biofuels, specifically ethanol. Special emphasis has been laid on understanding the need of synthesis gas fermentation and its bioconversion into next-generation liquid transport fuels. However, advantages of microbial process over conventional methods and the role of different microorganisms and pathways used have also been described. The article also outlines the challenges and future research directions regarding up scaling and commercialization of synthesis gas fermentation technology.

Keywords

Biomass, Microbial Interventions, Synthesis Gas, Transport Fuels.

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Uzma Kalam ¹, Banwari Lal ²

Affiliations
1 Gravis, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), IN
2 College of Agriculture (A.U.), Mandore, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), IN

Abstract

Rajasthan is the largest state of India and accounts about 5.5% population of India. The total population of the State was 6.86 crores including 1.70 crores of urban population (24.87%) and 5.15 crores (75.13) of rural population (2011 census). The population below poverty line was estimated to 152.80 lakh and about 15.01% of the rural population and 24.36% of the urban population. Literacy of rural population was estimated at 55.92 per cent compared to 76.89 per cent for urban population (2011 census). It covers 10.4% of India’s total area. The state Rajasthan is situated on the north western side of the India, where it comprises most of the wide and inhospitable Thar Desert (also known as the “Rajasthan Desert” and “Great Indian Desert”). The Marwar region of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan comprises seven districts viz., Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Nagaur, Pali, Jalore and Sirohi. It is the most densely populated arid region in the world Desert. Apart from this, the cattle population is also very high with a density of 80 cattle per sq km. Thus, there is enormous pressure on the natural resources such as water and fodder.

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