Status: New
| Name & address of the Laboratory/Organization | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Palakkad | |
| Website address | https://iitpkd.ac.in/ | |
| Affiliated to which Department/Ministry | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) | |
| CSR Registration Number | CSR00006228 | |
| Registration under 12A | ||
| Registration under 80G | ITBA/EXM/S/80G/2020-21/1027823431(1) dated 28/08/2020 | |
| Name of the CSR Nodal | Sureshkumar Chekkala | |
| Contact information of CSR Nodal | 9494143565, aricsr@iitpkd.ac.in | |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Deepak Jaiswal, dj@iitpkd.ac.in | |
| Co- Principal Investigator (Co-PI) | ||
| Objective on the basis of need | 1. Grow a short-duration plant, such as cowpea, under controlled conditions with different application rates of biosolids containing various microplastic concentrations. 2. Monitor plant growth parameters and assess the final yield. 3. Conduct data analysis to determine threshold microplastic concentrations in biosolids that can be tolerated without negatively impacting plant growth. |
| Executive summary of the proposed project (In 250 words) | Treated sludge from wastewater treatment plants, commonly referred to as biosolids, is often applied to agricultural land to enhance soil carbon and nutrient levels. However, this process can also introduce microplastics into the soil. Although modern wastewater treatment plants aim to remove plastic particles from wastewater, approximately 99% of these particles remain in the sludge. The presence of microplastics in soil has been shown to disrupt soil functions and inhibit plant growth. Therefore, assessing the impact of microplastics introduced through biosolids on plant growth is essential to ensure the sustainable use of municipal sludge in agriculture. Composted biosolids will be sourced from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Coimbatore and inoculated with varying concentrations of microplastics based on a literature review. Cowpea plants will then be cultivated in a controlled plant growth chamber, using these biosolids to provide recommended levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Plant growth metrics and final yield will be closely monitored. The experiment will also be conducted under elevated CO2 conditions to assess whether microplastic impacts differ with changing atmospheric CO2 levels. |
| Technology Readiness Level (If not a new project but an advancement of existing know how) | 5 |
| Outomes or Deliverables | 1. Establish a state-of-the-art plant growth chamber for testing various plant species under controlled conditions. 2. Determine threshold values of microplastics to guide sustainable solid waste recycling without adverse effects on plant growth. 3. Publish research findings to communicate our results with the scientific community. 4. Organize a workshop on recycling solid waste through land application on agricultural soils. |
| Project aligned with which most relevant UN SDGs | Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities & Communities |
| Duration (In years) | 2 |
| Expected Impact | This study investigates the effects of microplastics in biosolids on cowpea plant growth, exploring the consequences of microplastic pollution in agricultural soils. Key impacts include:
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| Implementation model (self- implemented/ outsourced partnership) | Self-Implemented |
| Total Budget (Recurring +Non-Recurring Expenses) | 48 lakhs |