Current Science

R. Selvakumar ¹, S. Aravindh ¹, J. Ravichandran ², U. Kamachi Mudali ³, C. Anandbabu ⁴, Baldev Raj ⁵

Affiliations
1 Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Nanotech Research Facility, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Peelamedu, Coimbatore 641 004, IN
2 Department of Chemistry, PSG College of Technology, Peelamedu, Coimbatore 641 004, IN
3 Corrosion Science and Technology Group, Corrosion Science and Technology Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603102, IN
4 Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Technology, Peelamedu, Coimbatore 641 004, IN
5 PSG Institutions, Peelamedu, Coimbatore 641 004, IN

Abstract

In the present study, bioceramic was prepared by impregnating surface layer protein (S-layer) isolated from extremophilic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis NARW 02 onto sol-gel-derived titanium phosphate (TiP) ceramic. The prepared bioceramic was used for adsorption of uranium ions from aqueous solution and compared with control lacking S-layer protein. The distribution coefficient value of TiP and bioceramic for uranium adsorption was 100.65 and 432.48 ml/g respectively. This study indicates that the bacterial S-layer can be potentially used to enhance the adsorption efficiency of the ceramics used in separation of uranium from waste water.

Keywords

Bacillus licheniformis, Extremophilic Bacteria, Titanium Phosphate Ceramic, Uranium.

Full Text

   

R. Natarajan ¹, Baldev Raj ²

Affiliations
1 Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603 102, IN
2 National Institute of Advanced Studies Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

The long-term self-reliance to meet the ever-growing power demand in India can be achieved if the huge thorium reserve of the country can be exploited. To harness this, adequate quantity of the isotope uranium-233 has to be accumulated to sustain the thorium-uranium-233 cycle. To achieve this goal, plutonium-fuelled Fast Reactor Technology (FRT) is the best option as the thorium fuel can be converted to uranium-233 effectively using the system. But the success of the FRT programme can be realized only if the fuel cycle is closed and the fuel recovered through reprocessing is refabricated and recycled back to the reactor for power production. This article provides glimpses of the current status of this vital link, fast reactor fuel reprocessing, in India. It also provides an overview of the developments taken place in this field and briefly describes the current projects for future development.

Keywords

Fast Reactor Technology, Indian Nuclear Power Programme, Mixed Carbide Fuels, PUREX Process.

Full Text

   

Pawan Kumar Agrawal ¹, Baldev Raj ², Sindhu Radhakrishna ², Abraham Verghese ³, Kesavan Subaharan ³, Ankita Gupta ³, Abraham Verghese ⁴

Affiliations
1 National Agricultural Science Fund, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi 110 012, IN
2 National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru 560 012, IN
3 National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560 024, IN
4 GPS Institute of Agricultural Management, Bengaluru 560 058, IN

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is on the rise globally, and is one of the significant environmental problems in India. In India, HWC manifests itself in several ways, such as wildlife poaching, retaliatory killing of/injury to wildlife species, crop raiding and livestock predation by wildlife species, injury to humans or human mortality, and destruction of property, houses and buildings by wildlife. Of these, wildlife conflict in agro pastoral contexts has been a subject of debate and great concern nationally, not only for its impact on the farmers, but also for the consequences regarding wildlife conflict. In India, HWC involves multiple stakeholders and multitudinous socio-cultural and environmental issues. Hence any study on this topic must encompass a multi-disciplinary effort that provides a holistic understanding of the history of wildlife, crop and livestock raiding, its nature and consequences and discuss various techniques that have been used or recommended to mitigate the effects of this crisis.

Full Text

   

Prashant Goswami ¹, Baldev Raj ², P. S. Goel ²

Affiliations
1 National Institute for Science, Technology and Development Studies, New Delhi 110 012, IN
2 National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

Science and Technology (S&T) have emerged as major drivers of innovations and enterprise at present. Thus a systematic and focused effort to utilize S&T in enterprise holds the promise of revolutionizing the economic and industrial landscape of country. However, this potential of S&T-driven enterprise has not yet been realized in India, primarily because a complete ecosystem for such a Science and Technology Enterprise Partnership (STEP) has not yet been identified, let alone established. With the increasing role of S&T in all aspects of society and economical activities, there is an urgent need to develop a comprehensive framework and policy for S&T driven enterprises. It is clear that such an effort must identify all components, and integrate them in an effective framework for a successful STEP, beginning with a clear statement of vision and goal.

Full Text

   

N. Shantha Mohan ¹, Musarrat Parween ¹, Baldev Raj ¹

Affiliations
1 National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

Rapidly expanding population and extensive urbanization have led to the demand for water growing swiftly from agriculture, energy, industry and domestic sectors. Other reasons such as, depletion of water sources, water pollution, inefficient usage, poor management of water supply systems and multiple institutional arrangements make the situation more complicated. System losses due to poor operation and maintenance, inaccurate metering, unbilled consumption, illegal tapping, etc. further add to unaccountable losses. Therefore, water resources need to be managed at numerous levels, with the involvement of numerous stakeholders and professionals from diverse disciplines.

Full Text