http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/55 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:23:22 GMT 2026-08-15T13:23:22Z https://http://nopr.niscpr.res.in:443/retrieve/198725/cover page ijct kite.jpg http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/55 http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67840 Title: Sustainable approaches in textile dyeing sludge management: A review of emerging technologies and future perspective Authors: Lavanya, Raju; Vasanth Kumar, Dhanapal Abstract: The textile dyeing sector produces a significant amount of sludge from Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), leading to serious environmental issues due to ineffective traditional disposal practices. This research reviews the sustainable approaches for the sludge management of bio, salt, and lime sludge generated during effluent treatment. A detailed characterization of all the sludges was done using CHNS, TGA-DTA-DTG, ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, XRD, and FTIR analysis. Bio-sludge showed high carbon, 25.86%, in comparison to other sludges. The salt-sludge showed significant levels of sulfur 5.45% and sodium, 21.95 wt.%, whereas the lime-sludge was alkaline in nature with pH 10.02 and increased calcium levels, 22.2wt.%. The ICP-MS results showed that salt-sludge contained high levels of heavy metals, particularly Cu (1038.44 ppm), Zn (103.10 ppm), and Hg (284.30 ppb), which highlights issues related to potential toxicity. The TGA exhibited multi-stage decomposition for all samples, with considerable weight loss recorded in bio-sludge, consistent with its volatile content. SEM-EDS showed porous carbonaceous structures in bio-sludge, in contrast to the crystalline salt clusters in salt-sludge and layered mineral formations in lime-sludge. These results establish bio-sludge as a promising option for pyrolytic conversion due to its rich organic content and energy potential. Although salt sludge has a lower organic fraction, it is suitable for controlled gasification if heavy metals are carefully monitored. Lime-sludge, with its inorganic stability and low moisture content, can act as a co-feed in thermal processes or co-processing in cement manufacturing. Hence, the sludges demand customized treatment strategies to transform them into energy, biochar, or industrial raw materials, fostering the principles of a circular economy and reduced environmental impacts. Page(s): 315-332 Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67840 2026-05-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67839 Title: Synthesis and characterization of pectin & xanthan / zinc oxide biopolymer-based functional films for food packaging Authors: D. Deshmukh, Sheetal; Ahmad, Fasaha; B. Pawade, Vijay; U. Lokhande, Sushil Abstract: With increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging, this work focuses on the development of biodegradable films derived from natural biopolymers. In this study, a composite film was formulated using xanthan gum and pectin in a 2:1 ratio (xanthan gum:pectin), selected based on their compatibility and ability to form mechanically strong and flexible matrices. Four film formulations — XG-P-ZO, XG-P-C, XG-P-ZO-C, and XG-P (control) — were developed through solution casting followed by drying at ambient conditions, and further analysed by physicochemical, mechanical, and functional tests to determine their suitability for food packaging applications. Moisture content, water vapour permeability, water absorption, and tensile strength were examined under standard test conditions. Among the formulations, XG-P-C exhibited the highest tensile strength (1.366 MPa compared to 0.647 MPa for the control), while XG-P-ZO showed the lowest moisture content (5.02%). Water solubility was lowest in XG-P-C (34.56% vs. 57.50% for the control). Antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH scavenging, which exhibited the best performance in the combined additive film, found to be 89.54%, with incorporation of curcumin and zinc oxide. XRD, SEM, and FTIR analysis were also carried out to determine the nature of the film, surface morphology, and presence of functional groups in the formulated films. However, water vapour permeability results indicated that additive incorporation did not improve vapour barrier performance compared to the control, suggesting the need for further matrix optimization. Thus, from the present investigation, the xanthan gum–pectin composite films with zinc oxide and curcumin exhibited improved mechanical strength, antioxidant activity, and controlled moisture absorption while maintaining biodegradability, and show considerable promise as sustainable active packaging materials for extending food shelf life and reducing environmental impact Page(s): 333-343 Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67839 2026-05-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67838 Title: Kinetic study of biosurfactant production with Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 424 using residual rice bran oil as substrate Authors: Mishra, Ashutosh; Kumar Trivedi, Rakesh Abstract: In this study, the rhamnolipid biosurfactant was produced using Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 424 culture with low-cost residual rice bran oil substrate as sole carbon source extracted from the spent bleaching earth discarded by vegetable oil processing industry. Different initial rice bran oil concentrations were used with varying concentrations of carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3), which were utilized for higher cell mass yield and rhamnolipid biosurfactant production. The mathematical Monod model was applied and compared with the experimental data. The modified Monad model was able to predict a brewing profile with a high determination coefficient (R2) value of 0.9403. The results were found fit in this context and may prove invaluable for developing facilities for production of higher biosurfactant yield by using yield coefficient and specific growth rate data from the study. Page(s): 344-350 Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67838 2026-05-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67837 Title: Development of sustainable cementitious composites using agricultural waste and seashells Authors: Rajesh, Yennam; Chaudhari, Himani; Pansare, Shraddha; Kumar Thandlam, Anil; Jain, Suyog; Gautam, Neha; Ravula, Rajasekhar Abstract: This study investigates the development of sustainable cementitious composites by partially replacing ordinary portland cement (OPC) with agricultural waste ashes such as rice husk ash, groundnut shell ash, coconut shell ash, and bamboo leaf ash, along with seashell ash. The aim is to minimize environmental impact and promote low-carbon construction practices. The raw materials were cleaned, calcined, and characterized using XRF and FESEM analyses to assess their chemical composition and microstructure. Experimental results revealed that a 70% OPC and 20% agro-waste + seashell ash blend exhibited optimal performance, achieving a 28-day compressive strength of 0.71 MPa and a tensile strength of 0.507 MPa, suitable for non-structural applications such as paving blocks and tiles. The high silica and calcium oxide content enhanced pozzolanic reactivity and matrix densification. These composite reduced CO₂ emissions by up to 15%, provided effective waste valorization, and offered cost efficiency. The findings highlight its potential as an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to conventional cement for future green infrastructure. Page(s): 351-357 Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67837 2026-05-01T00:00:00Z