Journal of Indian Association for Environmental Management (JIAEM)

EMD Analysis of Annual Rainfall in Chennai

Manoj N, Gayathri R — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530

This paper presents an in-depth Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) analysis of the annual rainfall in Chennai, India, covering the period from 1901 to 2021. EMD is employed to decompose the complex and non-linear rainfall time series into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and a residual trend component, thereby revealing underlying patterns and periodicities in the data. Six IMFs and one residue were extracted, each representing different frequency components and long-term trends. The results highlight significant oscillatory modes linked to various climatic phenomena, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), which impact Chennai's rainfall. Furthermore, the long-term residue indicates notable trends that have implications for understanding climate change effects in the region. The insights derived from this EMD analysis can inform water resource management, agricultural planning, and urban development strategies in Chennai, providing a foundation for improving resilience to climatic variability and extreme weather events. The study also underscores the potential of integrating EMD with advanced machine learning techniques to enhance rainfall prediction accuracy, paving the way for more effective climate adaptation measures.

The Prospects Of Fly Ash Utilization As A Source Of Soil Amendment And Its Effects On Properties Of Soil- A Review

Hemlata Jambhulkar — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Fly ash, a coal combustion residue collected from flue stacks of coal burning power plants, is generally disposed near the thermal power plant. Disposal of fly ash on land using faulty practices causes land degradation and soil erosion. To use fly ash in environmentally sound manner, the most possible and suitable option is to use it as a soil amendment as it improves the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil due to its pozzolonic nature. As it is rich in macronutrients and trace elements it can be utilized as a soil ameliorant to recover the soil characteristics & fertility of degraded lands. Its alkaline nature and silt size particles make it a suitable additive for degraded land. It improves texture & water holding capacity of degraded land because of presence of silt sized particles. It increases moisture retention & available water capacity in degraded soils. Besides this, as a soil additive it can be used in wasteland reclamation, reclamation of acidic mine spoil and to enhance carbon sequestration on degraded land. This article explores possibilities of utilization of fly ash as a source of soil amendment in various attributes and its effects on various characteristics of soil.

Carbonaceous Materials From Plastic Waste: Synthesis And Water Remediation: A Review

Ravi Verma — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530

The issue of plastic pollution has become a significant global environmental concern, driven by the rising accumulation of improperly discarded plastic waste. Although conventional waste management methods like recycling, incineration, and energy recovery provide some solutions, new and innovative strategies are being investigated to tackle the ongoing challenge. An auspicious approach entails transforming the carbon-rich structure of plastics into valuable carbonaceous materials, including carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and activated carbon. This review examines the latest developments in converting waste plastics, particularly multilayer packaging (MLP), which poses significant recycling challenges, into char and then activated carbon via chemical treatment methods. The investigation highlights the importance of material characterization, encompassing the assessment of carbon content, char yield, and the surface properties of the resultant activated carbon product. Carbon-based materials show significant promise in environmental applications, particularly in the field of water purification, where they effectively adsorb contaminants and improve the quality of wastewater streams. This dual-purpose strategy effectively tackles the challenge of plastic waste management while simultaneously advancing the creation of sustainable water treatment technologies. This approach transforms plastic waste into functional carbon materials, offering an environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient method to reduce pollution and support circular economy efforts

Behavioral Interventions For Reducing Personal Exposure To Air Pollution

Shahnoor Khan, Sharda Dhadse — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Air pollution is a critical global health issue, responsible for millions of premature deaths each year. Despite various regulations focusing on ambient air quality, personal exposure to pollutants remains a significant concern, often influenced by individual behaviors and local pollution sources. This study examines the role of behavioral interventions in reducing personal exposure to air pollutants and mitigating associated health risks. Key strategies include avoiding high pollution periods, utilizing protective measures such as air purifiers and masks, adopting lifestyle changes like choosing cleaner travel routes, and engaging in community-based air quality monitoring. These interventions can alleviate respiratory symptoms, enhance cardiovascular health, and lower long-term risks of chronic diseases, including lung cancer and heart disease. However, significant barriers, including socioeconomic disparities, cultural attitudes, and gaps in access to pollution-reducing technologies, impede the widespread adoption of these behaviors. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected. Despite promising health benefits, there is a need for further research on the long-term effects of exposure and the effectiveness of various behavioral strategies. This study calls for greater integration of behavioral interventions with public health policies, improved access to monitoring technologies, and continued research into innovative, sustainable solutions for mitigating personal exposure to air pollution. A holistic, multi-faceted approach involving both individual actions and systemic changes is vital for addressing the public health impacts of air pollution.

Impact Of Anthropogenic Activities On Water Quality: A Comparative Study From Village Sui, Lohaghat, Champawat District (Uttarakhand)

Abhay Chaturvedi, Anil Punetha, Bharti, Darshan Singh, Deepak Kumar — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Water quality is an important determinant of human health and environmental sustainability. This study compares seasonal variations in the physicochemical parameters of two water bodies in the village Sui located in Lohaghat, Champawat district (Uttarakhand), one situated within a forested area and the other adjacent to a human settlement. Sampling was conducted during the Pre-Monsoon, Monsoon, and Post-Monsoon seasons (2023-25) to evaluate differences in water quality due to natural and anthropogenic factors. Fifteen major parameters Total Hardness (TH), Turbidity (TB), Alkalinity (ALK), Chloride (Cl), Nitrate (Nt), Iron (Fe), Fluoride (F), pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Temperature, Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Color, and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) were measured using standard field and laboratory techniques. The results indicate significant seasonal variation, within the forest water body exhibiting an improved water quality, less turbidity, and reduced dissolved impurities compared to the human-influenced site, which recorded elevated TDS, turbidity, and nitrate levels, suggesting contamination risks. The present study emphasizes the need for sustainable water management practices to conserve the conventional water bodies like Naulas and Dharas found in the Kumaun Himalayas, which are under threat from anthropogenic pressures. The present study also provides a baseline for future studies on human activity impacts on mountain water systems and the necessity of preserving traditional water bodies for long-term water security and sustainability.

Long-Term Assessment Of Eutrophication And Its Impact On Local Fish In Sherpur Pond, Muzaffarpur

Pallavi; Sushma Kumari — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530

This study investigates seasonal changes in water quality and early signs of eutrophication in Sherpur Pond, a rural freshwater body located in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The research was conducted over a two-year period, from January 2023 to October 2024, with water samples collected in four key seasons each year—winter, pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon.

Physico-chemical and microbiological parameters including pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), nitrate, ammonia, sulphate, dissolved oxygen (DO), and microbial counts were measured. The results indicated rising concentrations of nutrients and organic load over time, with increasing TDS, nitrate, and ammonia values, along with a gradual decline in DO levels. Though most parameters remained within national standards, their combined effects suggest a transition toward nutrient-enriched conditions favorable for eutrophication.

Local observations supported these findings, reporting algal blooms, unpleasant odors, and declining fish populations, especially during warmer months. The study concludes that Sherpur Pond is showing signs of early eutrophication, likely due to agricultural runoff and domestic waste discharge.

Preventive actions such as limiting nutrient inflows, restoring vegetation, and community engagement are recommended to preserve the ecological health and biodiversity of the pond. This research offers a model for managing similar rural water bodies in India.

The Gomti River at Risk: An Integrated Review of Pollution Sources, Environmental and Public Health Impacts, and Sustainable Management Pathway

Ravi Verma — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530

The Gomti River, an essential tributary of the Ganges and the lifeline of Lucknow, has experienced significant degradation as a result of rampant urbanization, industrialization, and insufficient waste management practices. This study examines the magnitude, origins, and consequences of water pollution in the Gomti River, particularly in the section that flows through Lucknow. Analyses of physical and chemical properties indicate alarmingly low levels of dissolved oxygen, increased biological oxygen demand, high concentrations of total dissolved solids, and pH measurements that suggest alkaline conditions. High levels of heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr), have been found, surpassing the safety limits set by WHO, which presents significant risks to both the environment and public health. The presence of microbial contamination, especially with fecal coliform counts surpassing 100,000 MPN/100 ml in specific areas, highlights the consequences of untreated sewage, as more than 130 million liters per day (MLD) continue to be released directly into the river. The study emphasizes the ecological impacts of riverfront development, such as habitat loss and altered hydrology. Health risk evaluations indicate non-carcinogenic threats, particularly for children in downstream regions. In light of ongoing initiatives to enhance sewage treatment systems, pollution levels continue to be alarmingly high. This study highlights the importance of cohesive river basin management, enhanced wastewater treatment, ecological restoration, and community involvement to rejuvenate the Gomti River. The findings point out the need for policymakers, scientists, and civil society to focus on sustainable and evidence-based river rejuvenation initiatives.