V. S. Hariharan ¹, K. Vijayakumar Reddy ², K. Rajagopal ³

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Mechanical Engg., Lakireddy Bali Reddy College of Engg., Mylavaram, Krishna Dt., Andhra Pradesh, IN
2 Department. of Mechanical Engineering., JNTU College of Engg. , Hyderabad, IN
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, JNTU College of Engineering , Hyderabad, IN

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to study the performance, emission and combustion characteristics of a DI diesel engine using sea lemon oil-based fuels. In the present work, sea lemon oil and sea lemon oil methyl ester are tested as diesel fuels in diesel engine in neat form. The reduction in NOx emission and an increase in smoke, hydrocarbon and CO emissions were observed for Neat sea lemon oil compared to those of standard diesel. From the combustion analysis it was found that ignition delay was slightly more for both the fuels tested compared to that of standard diesel. The combustion characteristics of sea lemon oil and its methyl ester closely followed those of standard diesel.

Keywords

Biofuel, Sea Lemon Oil, Diesel Engine, Energy

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S. Karthikeyan ¹, R. Prasad ¹, T. S. Mahendran ¹, K. Rajagopal ¹, V. Ravendran ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Vel’ s University, Pallavaram, Chennai 600 117, IN
2 Department of Botany, Madras Christian College, Chennai 600 059, IN

Abstract

This study reports a simple micropropagation protocol and thereby rapid multiplication of the useful medicinal plant- Scoparia dulcis L. Single node explants were inoculated on basal MS medium containing 3% (w/v) sucrose, supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (KN), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for direct plant regeneration. Maximum numbers of shoot (~22) were observed on the medium containing 0.5 mg/l BAP and 0.25 mg/l IAA after four weeks of culture. Regenerated shoots were separated and ischolar_mained on half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l of IBA alone for three weeks. Simultaneous regeneration of shoots and ischolar_mains and in vitro flowering were achieved from the nodal explants on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l KN and 2.0 mg/l IAA. Well-developed complete plantlets were transferred on to specially made plastic cup containing soil rite. Acclimatized plantlets were successfully grown in garden soil.

Keywords

Scoparia dulcis, Nodal Explants, Micropropagation, Plant Tissue Culture

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K. Appa Rao ¹, K. Rajagopal ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Mechanical Engg., Lakireddy Bali Reddy College of Engg., Mylavaram, Krishna Dt., AP-521230, IN
2 Dept. of Mechanical Engg., JNTU College of Engg., Hyderabad, AP-500085, IN

Abstract

An experimental investigation was carried out in diesel engine operated in both homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) and conventional modes. The engine used in this investigation is single cylinder, 4 stroke, water cooled, constant speed, variable compression ratio diesel engine with a displacement of 553 cc. In conventional diesel mode, the fuel was injected 27⁰ bTDC with a nozzle included angle 140⁰ and the compression ratio 16.5. In HCCI mode, the fuel was injected 80⁰ bTDC during compression stroke by using modified camshaft, with a nozzle 60⁰ included angle. In HCCI mode, to control the phasing and rate of combustion, the effective compression ratio was reduced to 14.5. From the experimental results it is inferred that, HCCI mode of operation results in reduced smoke and NOx emissions significantly with a little increase of HC and CO emissions.

Keywords

Engine, HCCI, Injection Timing, Injection Pressure, Emissions

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N. Kannan ¹, N. Thirunavukkarasu ², A. Suresh ¹, K. Rajagopal ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Vels University, Chennai - 600117, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, Dr. Ambedkar Government Arts College, Viyasarpadi, Chennai - 600039, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study is to collect the samples of true mangrove plant, associated mangrove plants, water and sediments from Ennore Mangrove Ecosystem and the samples are analyzed for heavy metals accumulation. Methods/ Statistical Analysis: The water, sediment and plant materials were collected at 6 locations. After the collection, the plant materials were washed with distilled water and they were dried and acid digested. Further the samples were subjected to analysis of heavy metals by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Triplicate samples were analyzed and their results were expressed in ppm. The statistical analysis ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test) were used. Findings: The maximum concentrations of metals were accumulated (lead-20.93±0.26 ppm/l in water and 48.5±1.44 ppm/g in sediments) in station 4, 5 and minimum concentration (zinc -2.95±0.25 ppm/l in water and 4.36±0.10 ppm/g in sediment) was observed in station 5. In overall average accumulation of heavy metals like Pb (6.09±4.59 ppm/g) > Zn (4.35±3.22 ppm/g) > Cd (3.78±2.80 ppm/g) > Hg (2.84 ± 2.70 ppm/g) > Cr (2.76±2.90 ppm/g) > Cu (0.58 ±0.42 ppm/g) found in the Avicennia marina followed by Pb (4.19±3.13 ppm/g) > Zn (4.12±3.32 ppm/g) > Cd (3.78±2.79 ppm/g) Cr (2.47±1.91 ppm/g) Hg (1.89±1.61ppm/g) > Cu (1.27±1.20 ppm/g) in the Suaeda nudiflora and Pb (4.39±3.23 ppm/g) > Zn (3.77±2.99 ppm/g) > Cd (2.39±1.86 ppm/g) > Cr (1.75±1.34 ppm/g) Hg (0.76±0.74 ppm/g) > Cu (0.50±0.40 ppm/g) in the Sesuvium portulacastrum. The metal concentration of the water and sediments were significantly (p<0.05) varied and in plants, lead (Pb) were significantly varied (p<0.05) between selected plants parts then the other metals like Hg, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn were not significant. Application/Improvements: Heavy metals contamination was observed in all samples. The mangroves accumulated more concentration than associated mangroves, therefore the Avicennia marina is suitable candidate for bioaccumulator and recommended for phytoremediation.

Keywords

Accumulation, Ecosystem, Ennore, Heavy Metals, Mangroves, Phytoremediation.

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