Latest news with #CentreforEnvironmentalStudies
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Bioearth mined from dumpyards may be used to restore degraded land, says Anna University study
Legacy garbage dumpyards may be of some use after all. Bioearth mined from these sites may be used to enhance soil quality in degraded lands, according to a study by Anna University. Bioearth is a type of fine residual soil that is formed in legacy dumpyards through long-term microbial degradation of organic matter. It constitutes about 30 to 40% of the total waste volume. Two scientific papers on the studies, published earlier this year in Environmental Science and Pollution Research and Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, throw light on the physical, chemical and nutrient characteristics of bioearth, besides assessing heavy metal content and related risks. Carried out by Centre for Environmental Studies of Anna University, the studies analysed multiple samples from 13 dumpsites across Tamil Nadu and found that the bioearth contained nutrients in adequate proportions to support plant growth. Although the presence of heavy metals was a concern, the alkalinity of the bioearth (pH of 7.75 to 8.5) ensured that the solubility of the heavy metals was greatly reduced, thereby limiting their intake by plants and soil organisms, said Saranya Kuppusamy, visiting professor, Centre for Environmental Studies and co-author of the papers. Only chromium and nickel were found to be marginally over the permissible limits as per Indian standards, Dr. Saranya said, adding that there were remedial measures to 'immobilise' or 'stabilise' this heavy metal content as well. For example, phyto-remediation that involved planting hyper-accumulating plants to absorb the soluble fraction of heavy metals or use of organic amendments like biochar could be considered. Both the studies recommended remediation strategies to be developed and implemented before bioearth is used for agricultural or ecological purposes. S. Kanmani, Head, Department of Civil Engineering and Director-in-charge, Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management, who is the lead researcher for the study, said that the study results have policy implications for the government, especially in the fields of afforestation, wasteland reclamation and environmental management. She also suggested pilot afforestation trials across diverse climatic zones to collect data on growth performance and soil health recovery. To this end, a pilot project was undertaken to regenerate a degraded forest area in Madurapakkam near Nanmangalam forest on the outskirts of Chennai using bioearth from the Perungudi dumpyard. The results were stated to be encouraging. The bioearth study was funded by the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission under its Tamil Nadu Innovations Initiative (TANII) scheme.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Nature doesn't need social media posts on Environment Day, R K Nair
'Nature doesn't need our social media posts on Environment Day (observed on June 5). It needs our consistent action, our lifestyle choices and our respect,' said Radhakrishna Nair, co-founder of the Enviro Creators Foundation. Widely known as 'Green Hero' for his initiative to create Miyawaki urban forests in the country, Mr. Nair, delivering the keynote address at the guest lecture, on 'My Planet, My Pride', organised by the Yenepoya (deemed-to-be-university) here recently. The Centre for Environmental Studies, in collaboration with the Eco Club and NSS Unit of Yenepoya Medical College and Research Centre, hosted the programme. Mr. Nair said that insects, animals, and birds work tirelessly to sustain life on Earth without salary, promotion, or incentives. Yet humans destroy them with chemicals and pollution. Nature, he said, needs consistent human action and lifestyle choices to sustain itself. He urged everyone to adopt more sustainable practices and embrace an eco-conscious culture. 'Why use a straw when you can drink directly? I carry my own steel plate and tumbler with me wherever I go. If each of us made small changes like this, the planet would breathe easier,' Mr. Nair said. Hailing from Kasaragod, Mr. Nair has led the creation of over 100 Miyawaki forests across India, including Smritivan in Kutch, Gujarat—the world's largest Miyawaki forest, covering 470 acres. Drawing from this experience, he emphasised the urgent need for grassroots change in individual attitudes and lifestyles.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
TN doubles mangrove cover, Chennai adds just 18 hectares in three years
The state's mangrove cover nearly doubled in three years, from 4,500 hectares (ha) in 2021 to 9,039 hectares in 2024, but there's little to cheer for Chennai, which added just 18 hectares during the period. In the last 10 years, when several other districts such as Tiruvarur and Thanjavur, planted more than 2,142 hectares of mangroves, Chennai, which once housed crucial mangrove forests in the Kosasthalaiyar, Cooum and Adyar estuaries, added only 141 hectares, which is a mere 1.5% of state's coverage. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai A recent report — Blue Carbon Monitoring for Mangroves of Tamil Nadu — done by Anna University for the Tamil Nadu govt, mapped the mangrove cover areas through physical visits and also by satellite, highlighting before and after images. This will help the govt address areas with weak growth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The World Watched in Awe – These Septuplets Defied Every Medical Expectation! Learn More Undo Kurian Joseph, professor, Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, said coastal development, pollution due to wastewater, and change in land use are the reasons for the degradation of mangroves in the estuary regions of the city. "Mangrove forests are among the most carbon-rich habitats. They are a natural coastal defence as they mitigate flood risks by reducing wave energy, attenuating storm surges, and stabilising shorelines," he said. He added that the mangroves also trap silt, thereby enriching the soil. "Their aerial roots offer a safe haven to fish, birds, turtles, snakes, and other insects." In some locations such as the Adyar estuary, at least 57,000 saplings belonging to various species, including Rhizophora, Avicennia, Acanthus, Excoecaria, and Bruguiera, thrived and turned into lush forests. More mangroves also invite crabs, prawns, and fish, improving the local livelihoods of fishermen. Fishermen in Ennore said due to ash effluents from the thermal plants, prawn breeding had stopped. As a result, they go to Pulicat for catch. The study also identified Tiruvarur as the district with the largest mangrove area of 2,142 hectares, including 672 hectares of plantations. Thanjavur follows with 2,063 hectares, made up of 854 hectares of plantations and 1,209 hectares of natural mangroves. Together, the two districts account for nearly half of the state's total mangrove cover. In addition to their ecological value, mangroves serve as powerful carbon sinks. Cuddalore tops the list in carbon storage with 249 tonnes per hectare, followed by Tiruvarur (145 tonnes/ha) and Thanjavur (77.5 tonnes/ha). In contrast, mangrove patches in Villupuram (2.59 tonnes/ha) and Tiruvallur (13.1 tonnes/ha) store significantly less carbon. Environment, climate change and forests department secretary Supriya Sahu said that under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, the govt saved 1,700 hectares of degraded mangroves, apart from new plantations. "We are creating village councils in all districts to rope in villagers to plant mangroves. They take care of it. We are collaborating with Anna University and MSSRF to boost coverage," she said.
