APPLICATION FOR FAST TRACK SCHEME FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS

1. Broad Subject area: EARTH & ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES 2. Specialization: CARBON SEQUESTRATION 3. Title of the proposed project:DEVELOPMENT OF AN INDEX OF ECOSYSTEM HEALTH
IN A MINERALIZED AREA--METAL-RHIZOSPHERE INTERACTION

4. Name and address of the Investigator:

Dr. C.T. KAMAlA H.No: 5-4-389/2 KAMALANAGAR VANASTHALIPURAM HYDERABAD-500 070 Under the supervision of
Dr. V. BALARAM SCIENTIST G & HEAD GEOCHEMISTRY DIVISION NATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE UPPAL ROAD HYDERABAD E-MAIL: balaram1951@yahoo.com Phone: 0091-40-23434607(O) (Direct);0091-40-23434700 Ext.2437 Fax: 0091-40-27171564 / 23434651

5. Details of the proposed project to be undertaken: Origin of proposal

Fundamental understanding of mineralorganic mattermicroorganism interactions (MOMI) is crucial for enhancing, restoring and sustaining ecosystem balance globally. Differences in the concentration of metals, metalloids and metal oxides in soil plays a significant role influencing its behavior exerting great impacts on the ecosystem. Nanoparticles of aluminium and iron oxides, are undoubtedly the most reactive components of acidic and neutral soils while mineral forms of lead, arsenic, zinc, cobalt, copper in trace quantities are essential micronutrients (Bigham et al. 2002; Huang et al. 2002). In contrast, their elevated concentrations results in phytotoxicity and cumulative deleterious effects to soil microbial community. Arsenic is a ubiquitous trace metalloid, virtually found in all environmental matrices (Bhumbla and Keefer, 1994). It has been estimated that there are potentially forty-one percent of the superfund sites in the USA, contaminated with arsenic (US EPA, 1997) while more than 10000 arsenic contaminated sites have been reported in Australia (Smith et al. 1998). Though considerable progress has been made in India, curbing atmospheric inputs of arsenic, along with other trace metals is still a persistent problem (Kamala et al. 2005;Chandra Sekhar et al. 2003; Chakraborthi et al. 1999).

Information on the activity of specific elements in the environment, particularly for those in contact with living organisms (bioavailability) and speciation of elements and/or the oxidation state in which these elements exist along with their concentrations, is crucial (Kumaresan and Riyazuddin, 1999). Gaseous arsines and trivalent arsenic are highly toxic to biota while arsenobetaine; arsenocholine (mainly found in marine organisms) and arsenates are relatively non-toxic (Fitz and Wenzel, 2002). Fractionation studies unravelling the cycling of metal ions, nutrients and other contributing factors are warranted to develop a novel ecosystem health index that overcomes the limitations of the existing methodologies. Keeping in mind these facts, it is proposed to develop a novel ecosystem health index based on MOMI, for arsenic quantification in the rhizopsphere based on a sequential extraction scheme, which would be the first of its kind. The present study is aimed at developing a rhizopsphere based sequential extraction technique that can be applied to metal fractionation in soils contaminated with arsenic as well as developing a novel index for sustained ecosystem health. Hypothesis It is hypothesized that this technique will be more effective with reference to existing methods in speciation studies for soils contaminated with arsenic. Further, changes in the bioavailability of arsenic and carbon sequestration in the rhizopsphere are influenced by plant root exudates.

Research work engaged in at present

The research work involved the identification of low-cost biomaterials for the removal of metal contaminants from environmental matrices (soils and waters). For this phytotechnologies were developed wherein hyperaccumulating plant species were identified for few selected metals (Arsenic and Lead). For the removal of metals from waters a phytotechnology based on column reactor design was utlised with powdered, polymer immobilised plant powder as the filter media. For the removal of metals from soils, same plants were potted in pot experiments under similated conditions and in reallife samples. Apart from this for publication purposes, various experiments were designed which can be included under the topic risk assessment and pathway studies. These studies involved an effort in identifying the source of metal contamination in the proposed contaminated areas for the above phytoremediation studies (places identified in and around Hyderabad). The metal contamination was assesses by using fractionation and bioavaialbility studies in various metal contaminated environmental matrices such as soil, water (ground and surface), cattled feed, vegetation, cow milk etc. To asses the risk of these metals posed to human, epidemiological studies were carried out by collecting samples such as hair, nail, blood and urine of humans residing in these contaminated sites.

Objectives of the Proposed Project

1. Identification of basic arsenic forms existing in the rhizosphere soils using chemical speciation methodologies and quantification using instrumental techniques like ICP-MS for inorganic arsenic forms and HPLC-ICP-MS for organic arsenic forms and other species of arsenic.

2. Determination of bioavailability fraction of the dominant arsenic species using the rhizosphere based sequential extraction technique. A comparison with the total soil arsenic fractionation technique will be carried out to validate the efficiency of the rhizosphere technique. 3. Characterization of microbial community in the study sites will be carried out adopting standard protocols wherein arsenic resistant species will be isolated. 4. Utilization of arsenic resistant species (for e.g. Pseudomonas sp) for the in-situ experimental setup to estimate root exudates concentrations in the contaminated soils. 5. Development of a soil quality index (SQI) for field (site) ecosystem with minimum data sets considering rhizosphere carbon measurements as major ecosystem health indices. Review of R&D in the proposed area

International Scenario
Development of Rhizosphere-Based Sequential Extraction for Arsenic Fractionation Phytoavailability of arsenic is influenced by soil properties including pH, organic matter, FeMn oxides, CEC and plant species (Fitz and Wenzel, 2002). Ideally the chemical extraction methods employed to predict bioavailability of metals in soil should invariably represent soilroot interactions in the rhizopsphere. Most of the single step procedures like EDTA and DTPA are suitable for either acidic or alkaline soils, respectively (Chaignon et al. 2003). Feng et al. (2005) have developed a rhizopsphere-based extraction method with organic acids as key ingredients for metals like lead, zinc, nickel, copper and chromium and found to be effective at all soil pHs studied. Information on the application of these extraction procedures for arsenic in varied soil pHs is not available which prompted in proposing a rhizopsphere-based extraction technique that can be applied to arsenic fractionation of soils and compared with existing methods available. Development of Soil Quality Indicators Soil quality is defined by how well the properties of a particular soil match up with the land use. Several indicators have been suggested which include physical, biological and chemical attributes (Huang, 2005, Arshad and Coen, 1992; Karlen et al. 1992). Biological attributes may be very dynamic and exceptionally sensitive to changes in soil conditions, often a preferred approach for soil quality evaluations (Filip, 2002). A valid soil quality index would help to interpret data from different soil measurements and show whether management and land use are having the desired results for productivity, environmental protection and health (Granatstein and Bezdicek, 1992). Rhizosphere carbon flow is a crucial process, as carbon exchange between plant and soil microorganisms has implications on soil nutrient status, crop yield and ecosystem health (Van Veen et al. 1989). The rhizosphere supports microbial communities considerably more abundant and active than in the surrounding bulk soil (Whipps, 1990). Carbon compounds are released from plants and processed by the rhizosphere community, including amino acids, organic acids, polysaccharides, phytohormones and gases and due to their central role in the ecosystem productivity, it is important to determine the flow of carbon through the rhizosphere (Meharg, 1994).

Bimolecular moieties significantly influence the formation and transformation of metal oxides and their impacts on metal transformation are especially important in the rhizosphere soil where the type and concentration of substrates are different from those of the bulk soil because of root exudation (Huang and Germida, 2002). A series of organic ligands occur in the rhizosphere due to root exudates and microbial metabolites (McLaughlin et al. 1998). Although the hypothesis that the toxicity or bioavailability of a metal is related to the activity of the free aqua-ion is gaining popularity in the studies of soilplant relations (Parker et al. 1995), new evidence indicates that free metal ion hypothesis may not be valid in all situations (Tessier and Turner, 1995). Krishnamurti et al. (1996) reported that, after two weeks of crop growth in a field experiment, more cadmium is complexed with the root exudates at the soil root interface, compared with the bulk soil. More recent data show that the kind and amount of root exudates vary with the level of metal in contaminated soils (Chou et al. 2003). For instance, phosphorus deficient plants show an enhanced exudation of carboxylic acids, such as citric and malic acid (Neumann and Romheld, 1999). This putatively alters soil pH, displacing phosphorus from sorption sites to chelate metal cations. These metal cations could either immobilize phosphorus or form soluble metal chelate complexes with it, resulting in enhanced availability of the same (Kirk et al. 1999). It is possible that carboxylate exudation plays a crucial role in mobilizing arsenic in the rhizosphere enhancing its uptake by plants, producing toxic effects.

National Scenario
This work has seen less light in India. Rajkumar et al., (2006) designated to investigate the effects of Cr6+ resistant plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) on the growth of Indian mustard under three different concentrations of Cr6+ in soil. Most Gupta et al., (2002) worked on phosphate solubilizing rhizobacteria and their metal resistant. Most of the works on arsenic removal from soils dealt with use of phytoremediation as an effective technique. Chandra sekhar et al.,(2006) has carried out extensive work on the identification of such arsenic hyperaccumulator. Importance and patents In this scenario, metal speciation in relation to its bioavailability as influenced by physicochemical and biological interfacial interactions in the rhizosphere warrants critical examination on sound scientific basis. The present research plan emphasizes that the root exudates in the arsenic contaminated area play a vital role in the bioavailability of arsenic and variation in carbon content thus affecting the field (site) ecosystem. Studies focused on the carbon (C) flow patterns with and without arsenic disturbance also contribute in understanding the mechanistic aspects underlying the soil quality. Work Plan 1. Site selection: Patancheru in Medak District of Andhra Pradesh (A.P) is one of the major industrial estates, 30 km away from Hyderabad, India. Arsenic is reported in high quantities in these areas (Gurunadha Rao et al., 2001; Govil et al., 1998, 2001; Chandra Sekhar et al., 2003). The main source of arsenic has been identified as Park Trade Center, Gaddapotharam Bulk Drug Factory, which makes veterinary drugs based on arsonic acid apart from other sources like the pesticide and drug intermediate industries (Anjaneyulu, 1999). The solid

Methodology

wastes of these industries are indiscriminately dumped near the Kazipally lake (S1) (Anjaneyulu, 1999), representing a source of contamination to near by surface water and soils (Kishan Rao, 2001). The study area is divided into two streams based on the elevation and topography of the study area and labelled as S1S8 and A1A6, respectively. One site free from contamination and low acidic area (IICT-CCMB-NGRI quarters) is identified with minimal ecosystem disturbance. 2. Sampling and analysis Sampling of soil and vegetation samples will be carried out in the above selected sites. Appropriate samples will be collected three or four times a year from identified area and sieved to a particle size <2 mm before analyses. Samples will be collected seasonally for comparison of the variations in carbon sequestration and arsenic bioavailability. 3. Physico-chemical analysis Physico-chemical analysis will be carried out with air-dried soil samples using the standard procedures mentioned in US EPA manual SW 846. The parameters like pH (method 9045D), Soil texture (Brown R. B, 2003) Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) (Methods 9080D for ammonium acetate and 9081D for sodium acetate), and total organic carbon (Method 9060A) will be determined. The arsenic contaminated rhizosphere soil samples will be subjected for a comparative sequential extraction study modifying the procedures of Bombach et al. (1994) and Feng et al. (2005). The total concentrations and fractionated inorganic arsenic samples will be analysed by ICP-MS. The organic arsenic concentrations will be estimated using HPLC. 4. Determination of Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon and Nitrogen Soil microbial biomass C was determined by fumigationincubation by exposing 40 g of soil to alcohol-free CHCl3 vapour for 24 h. Following evacuation and removal of vapours, soil is incubated in 1-L gas-tight glass containers for 10 d at 300C. Carbon dioxide evolved during the 10-d incubation period following fumigation is trapped in 1M KOH and determined using standard protocols. The quantity of evolved CO2C is divided by an efficiency factor of 0.41 to estimate microbial biomass C. Soil microbial biomass N is determined by analyzing NH 4 N concentrations of fumigated samples following the 10-d incubation period minus initial NH4N prior to fumigation, divided by an efficiency factor of 0.41. Extraction and analysis of NH4N is accomplished using standard protocols (Haney et al. 2002). Advanced microscopy like SEM and TEM can also be employed for microbial characterization. 5. Soil respiration Soil respiration can be quantified by measuring either CO2 production or O2 consumption or both. Soil respiration is measured with the sodalime technique using the specific methodology of Raich et al. (1990). A plastic ring with the same diameter as that of the chambers was put into place 24 h prior to any sampling, and a sharp knife was used to cut surface litter and soil to a depth of 1 cm so that a tight seal around the chamber could be maintained. Chambers dimensions of 20 cm tall * 27.5 cm diameter cylindrical plastic buckets will be used for inversion over the sampling location and sampled for 24 h. A rock is placed on the top of each chamber during sampling to further ensure a good seal between the chamber edges and the soil. Carbon dioxide released from the soil into the chambers will be absorbed with pre-weighed indicator-grade soda lime that is placed in 7.8-cm-diameter steel

tins. Blanks are run to account for CO2 absorbance by the sodalime during transportation and handling. The sodalime is oven-dried to constant weight at 105C before each sampling period and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g. The mass gain of the sodalime over the 24-h incubation period is used to estimate the total amount of CO2 absorbed, after multiplying by 1.69 to correct for water release (Tufekcioglu et al. 2001). 6. Soil temperature and moisture content Soil temperature and moisture contents will be measured in parallel with soil respiration. Samples for soil moisture determination will be collected within a distance of 1.0 m of the soil respiration chambers using a hand tool. A cylindrical plug of soil 5 cm deep and 7.5 cm in diameter will be collected and placed in an airtight metal tin. Stones, roots and litter will be hand removed, before weighing the sample and further, oven-dried at 105C, and reweighed to determine their gravimetric soil moisture content. Soil temperature at the 05 cm depth is measured immediately adjacent to each soil respiration chamber (Tufekcioglu et al. 2001). 7. Soil Root Exudates A new approach to directly study rhizosphere C flow arose following the development of arsenic resistant bacteria as environmental biosensors (Turpeinen et al. 2003). The Pseudomonas species have been reported in various arsenic contaminated soils (Ormland, 2005). In the present research it is proposed to take up an in-situ pot experimental setup to demonstrate the variations in root exudates due to arsenic in the presence of these bacteria. Design and sampling The plant seedlings selected for the study will be placed in plastic pots filled with 1 kg uncontaminated and arsenic containing (physical and chemical characteristics known) soils. Pots will be watered daily with 100 ml of distilled water. The plants will be grown till its full growth time and soil samples will be colleted intermittently (eg. 4, 8 and 12 weeks etc) and immediately refrigerated at 4C until organic acids were extracted. Soil Exudate Extraction methodolgy A water extraction method developed by Baziramakenga et al. (1995) will be used for organic acids (exudates) extraction from rhizosphere soils. Distilled water was used to extract the free organic acid fraction of the air-dried rhizosphere soils. A known quantity of soil is extracted with distilled water for 12 h. The mixture is centrifuged filtered through Whatman No. 42 . Organic acids are obtained by extracting the supernatant thrice with ethyl acetate. The sample is kept for evaporating to dryness in a rotary evaporator at 40C and re-dissolving the residue in distilled water. A Reversed-phase column liquid chromatography (RPLC) method developed by Cawthrey (2003) can be used for the separation and quantification of low molecular- mass organic acids (malic, malonic, lactic, acetic, maleic, citric, cis-aconitic, succinic, fumaric, and trans-aconitic) in plant root exudates. The rhizosphere soil samples are filtered using a 0.2m Polypro membrane filters before analysis. A mobile phase of 93% 25 mM KH2PO4 at pH 2.5 and 7% methanol at a flow-rate of 1 ml min will be used on a C18 column. Each peak will be identified by retention times of known organic acid standard solutions and also by spiking each known organic standard individually into the unknown sample. Data is expressed as nmol organic acid /g dry soil.

8. Development of Soil Quality Index Soil quality index for the two sites will be developed using the three main steps explained below: 1) Selecting a minimum data set (MDS) of an indicator that best represents soil function (eg., Microbial biomass carbon) 2) Interpreting the MDS of indicators based on their performance of soil function integrating the indicator scores into a comparative index of soil quality

Time Schedule Year-wise break-up of work elements

I Year * Soil and vegetation sampling (three seasons) * Physico-chemical characterization of soil samples * Soil microbial carbon and nitrogen estimations (experimental and instrumental). * Soil respiration estimations * Arsenic estimations using new sequential extraction method and comparison with the existing sequential extraction and other methods. II Year * Soil and Vegetation sampling (three seasons) * Physico chemical characterization of soil samples * Arsenic estimations using new sequential extraction method and comparison with the existing sequential extraction methods * Pot simulated studies for rhiosphere C changes in the presence of bacteria and various arsenic forms (inorganic and organic) and concentrations * Root exudates extraction and estimation using standard procedures. III Year * Pot Experiments will be conducted with real-life soil samples with the standardised procedures developed under simulated conditions. * Estimations of root exudates concentrations using HPLC and arsenic concentrations using ICP-MS. * Soil microbial carbon estimations (carbon flow) and nitrogen estimation (using SEM or TEM) * Comparison of the results. * Soil quality index development.

Future plan The selected study site Patancheru in the Medak District of A.P. Is a worst example of environmental decay. The earlier work by Chandra sekhar han et al., (2003) gave a detailed description about agricultural practices around the Nakka Vaagu stream in Patancheru. The present work on carbon sequestration will be advantageous in effective soil management practices thereby reducing the environmental decay. Effective land management practices such as Conservation Reserve Program, Wetland Reserve Program, Forestry Incentive Program and conservation tillage, will lead to both increase in ground carbon sequestration and to increase SOC. Soils gaining SOC are also generally gaining in other attributes that enhance plant productivity and environmental quality. Increase in SOC generally improve soil structure, increase soil porosity and water holding capacity, as well as improve biological health for a myriad of life forms in soil. In general there is a favourable interplay between carbon sequestration and various recommended land management practices related to soil fertility (e.g., adding mineral fertilizers, manures, sludges and biosolids), tillage, grazing, and forestry. The positive relationship that exists between carbon sequestration and recommended land management can, in some settings, improve water quality and aid wildlife habitat restoration.

6. Details of the research funding received in the past and/ongoing projects (mention Ref. no.,title, duration, cost, funding agency, and brief achievements).
Not Applicable

7. Name and address of the institution where the proposal will be/likely to be executed: National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) Uppal Road Hyderabad- 500 606, INDIA 8. Facilities provided/to be made available at the host institute: The National Geophysial Research Institute (NGRI) is a research organization in the field of earth sciences and is accredited as ISO 9001. The laboratory facilities at NGRI include stateof-the-art X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer, Sector field Inductively Coupled Plasma-MS, Inductively Coupled Plasma-OES, Gas Chromatography-MS, HPLC, Graphite Furnace-AAS, Ion Meter with Selective Ion Electrodes, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, pH Meter and Conductivity Meter to analyse soil samples for trace metals and metalloids like arsenic.. 9. Name(s) and address (es) of Indian expert(s) in the proposed area:
i) Dr. M.Vairamani Director, Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology Opposite to Ambience Mall on NH-8 Sector-20, Udyog Vihar Gurgaon, 122 016 Haryana, INDIA Phone: 0124-2347788, 2348489, Fax: 0124-2348489 E-mail: mvairamani@hotmail.com ii) Dr V.Himabindu Assissant Professor, Center for Environment, Institute of Science and Technology Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kukatpally, Hyderabad 500 072 INDIA Phone: 91-40- 23156133 Fax No :91-40-23156133 E-Mail: vurimindihimabindu@yahoo.com

10. Details of financial requirements for three years (with justifications) and phasing for each year:
S.No Head . 1 2 Research Fellowship Consumables: Analytical charges, Stationary, Samples bottles, pots, buckets, petri dishes and other miscellaneous items. 3 Travel (within India) TA/DA for annual review meetings/conferences 4 Vehicle hiring/Labour for sampling Contingencies Minor equipment: Laptop, Deskjet printer, polypropylene membrane filters, rotary evaporator etc. 6 7 Total Overhead Charges @ 20% as per the Institute rules 8 Grand Total 1980000 1650000 330000 100000 100000 25000 225000 10000 10000 10000 30000 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Total

240000 2,25000

240000 2,00000

240000 50000

720000 475000

2,00000

200000

11. Have you ever applied before under this Scheme or Women Scientist Scheme? If yes, give details (Name of the scheme, Title, subject area, reference number, if any, year and the decision). Not Applicable

12. Any other information in support of the proposed project: The work specified in proposed project has a novel approach and few the techniques are going to be worked out for the first time. The work can yield very good publications in reputed high impact fact journals as the work is multidisciplinary. The work also involves the use of micro organisms and microscopic studies; there is a chance of getting a patent. 13. Statement from the Present Employer as per Annexure-I (In respect of person holding regular position). Not Applicable
LITERATURE CITED Anjaneyulu Y. 1999. Conservation and Management Plans for remediation of Khazipally Cheruvu. Final Technical Report. Centre for Environment, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU); 1999. Arshad, M.A., Coen, G.M., (1992). Characterization of soil quality: physical and chemical criteria. Am. J. Alter.Agric. 7, 2531. Baziramakenga R., Simard R. R (1995). Determination of organic acids in soil extracts by ion chromatography.Soil Biol. Biochem. 27(3), 349-356. Bhumbla, D.K., Keefer, R.F. (1994). Arsenic mobilisation and bioavailability in soil. In: Nriagu, J.O. (Ed.), Arsenicin the Environment, Part I: Cycling and Characterization. Wiley, New York, pp. 51-82. Bigham, J.M., Fritzpatrick, R.W., Schulze, D.G. (2002). Iron oxides. In: Dixon, J.B., Schulze, D.G. (Eds.), Soil Mineralogy with Environmental Applications. Soil Science Society of America, Madison, USA, pp. 323366. Bombach G, Pierra A, Klemm W (1994). Arsenic in contaminated soil and river sediment. Fresenius J Anal. Chem, 350, 49 53. Brown R.B. SL-29, Soil and Water Science Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. 2003. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Cawthray G.R (2003). An improved reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method for the analysis of low-molecular mass organic acids in plant root exudates. Journal of Chromatography A, 1011, 233 240. Chaignon V, Sanchez-Neira, I, Herrmann P, Jaillard B, Hinsinger P (2003). Copper bioavailability and extractability as related to chemical properties of contaminated soils from a vine-growing area. Environ. Pollut.123, 229-238. Chakraborthi D, Biswas B.K, Roychowdhury T, Basu B.K, Mandal B.K, Chowdhury U.R, et al., (1999) Arsenic groundwater contamination and suffering of people in Rajnandgaon district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Curr. Sci.77, 502-504. Chandra Sekhar K., Chary N. S., Kamala C. T., Venkateswara Rao J., Balaram V. and Anjaneyulu Y. (2003) Risk assessment and pathway study of arsenic in industrially contaminated sites of Hyderabad: a case study. Environ. Int., 29(5), 601-611

Chandra Sekhar K., Chary N.S., Kamala C.T., Anupama M and.Reddy M.R.P, (2002). Determination of total arsenic concentration in clinical samples for epidemiological studies using ICP-MS. Atom. Spectrosc., 23 (4), 165-170. Chou, S.Y., Chiu, C.Y., Chen, C.T., Zhung, S.Y., Wang, M.K. (2003) Influence of cadmium treatment on low molecular weight organic acids exudation in tobacco rhizosphere soils. Soil Environ. 6, 233 240. Feng M.H, Shan X.Q, Zhang S.Z, Wen B. (2005). Comparison of a rhizosphere based method with other one-step extraction methods for assessing the bioavailability of soil metals to wheat, Chemosphere, 59, 939-949. Filip Z. (2002) International approach to assessing soil quality by ecologically-related biological parameters.Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 88, 169174 Govil PK, Gnanashwara rao T, Krishna AK. Arsenic contamination in Patancheru Industrial area, Medak District, Andhra Pradesh. J Environ Geochem 1998;1(1):5 9. Govil PK, Reddy GLN, Krishna AK. Contamination of soil due to heavy metals in the Patancheru industrial development area, A. P.India. Environ Geol 2001;41:4619. Gurunadha Rao VVS, Dhar RL, Subramanyam K. Assessment of contaminent migration in ground water from an industrial development area, Medak district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Water, Air, Soil Pollut 2001;12:369 89. Granatstein, D., Bezdicek, D.F. (1992). The need for a soil quality index: local and regional perspectives. Am. J. Alt. Agric. 7, 1216. Haney R. L., Senseman S. A., and Hons F. M. (2002). Effect of Roundup Ultra on Microbial Activity and Biomass from Selected Soils J. Environ. Qual. 31:730735. Huang P.M, Wang M.K, Chiu C.Y. (2005) Soil mineralorganic mattermicrobe interactions: Impacts on biogeochemical processes and biodiversity in soils. Pedo Biologia, (in press). Huang, P.M and Germida, J.J. (2002). Chemical and biological processes in the rhizosphere: metal pollutants. In:Huang, P.M., Bollag, J.-M., Senesi, N. (Eds.), Interactions Between Soil Particles and Microorganisms. Impact on the Terrestrial Ecosystem. IUPAC Series on Analytical and Physical Chemistry of Environmental Systems, vol. 8. Wiley, Chichester, UK, pp. 381438. Kamala C.T, Chu K.H., Chary N.S., Pandey P.K., Ramesh S.L., Sastry A.R.K.,. Chandra Sekhar K (2005) Removal of arsenic from aqueous solutions using fresh and immobilized plant biomass Wat. Res., 39 28152826 Karlen, D.L., Eash, N.S., Unger, P.W. (1992). Soil and crop management effects on soil quality indicators. Am. J. Alter. Agric. 7 (1/2), 4855. Kishan Rao A. Patancherua hell on earth. Patancheru: AVRR Memorial Charitable Trust; 2001. p. 26. Kirk G.J.D, Santos E.E, Findenegg G.R, (1999). Phosphate solubilization by organic anion excretion from rice (Oryza sativa ) growing in aerobic soil. Plant Soil. 211, 11-18. Krishnamurti, G.S.R., Huang, P.M., Van Rees, K.C., (1996). Studies on soil rhizosphere: speciation and availability of Cd. Chem. Special Bioavailab. 8, 2328.

Kumaresan. M, and Riyazuddin P., Chemcal Speciation of Trace Metals A Review. (1999) Res. J. Chem. Environ., 3(4), 59-79 McLaughlin, M.J., Smolders, E., Merckx, R. (1998). Soilroot interface: physicochemical process. In: Huang, P.M., Adriano, D.C., Logan, T.J., Checkai, R.T. (Eds.), Soil Chemistry and Ecosystem Health. SSSA Special Publication 52. Soil Science Society of America, Madison, USA, pp. 233277. Meharg, A.A. (1994). A critical review of labelling techniques used to quantify rhizosphere carbon flow. Plant and Soil 166, 55-62. Neumann G and Romheld V, (1999). Root excretion of carboxylic acids and protons in phosphorus deficient plant. Plant Soil, 211, 121-130. Ormland R.S. and Stolz J.F (2005). Arsenic, microbes and contaminated aquifers, TRENDS in Microbiology, 13(2), 45-49. Parker, D.R., Chaney, R.L., Norvell, W.A., (1995). Chemical equilibrium models: applications to plant nutrition. In: Loeppert, R.H., Schwab, P.A., Goldberg, S. (Eds.), Soil Chemical Equilibrium and Reaction Models. SSSA Special Publication. No. 42. American Society of Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America, Madison, USA, pp. 163200. Smith, E., Naidu, R., Alston, A.M. (1998). Arsenic in the soil environment: a review. Adv. Agron. 64, 149-195. Tessier, A., Turner, D.R. (1995). Metal Speciation and Bioavailability in Aquatic Systems. IUPAC Series on Analytical and Physical Chemistry of Environmental Systems. Tufekcioglu A., Raich J.W., Isenhart T.M. and Schultz R.C (2001). Soil respiration within riparian buffers and adjacent crop fields. Plant and Soil, 229, 117124. Turpeinen R, Kairesalo T, Haggblom M.M. (2003) Microbial community structure and activity I arsenic, chromium and copper contaminated soils. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 1585, 1-12. US EPA (1997) Recent development for in-situ treatment of metal contaminated soils. Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, EPA-542-R-97-004, p. 8. Van Veen, J.A., Merckx, R., Van de Geijn, S.C. (1989). Plant and soil related controls of the flow of carbon from roots through the soil microbial biomass. Plant and Soil 115, 179-188. Whipps, J.M. (1990). Carbon economy. In: Lynch, J.M. (Ed.), The Rhizosphere. Wiley, Chichester.

Map showing the 14 contaminated sites (S1 S8 and A1A6) of the study area in Andhra Pradesh (A.P), India

DETAILED BIODATA 1. Name of the Applicant: Dr. C.T. KAMALA 2. Mailing Address (Indicate Telephone, Fax, E-mail, etc.): H.NO. 5-4-389/2 KAMALANAGAR VANASTHALIPURAM HYDERABAD-500 070 TEL: 040 24027354 E-MAIL: ct.kamala@gmail.com 3. Date of Birth: 01-05-1976 4. Educational Qualifications (Starting from Graduation onwards):
S.No. 1 Degree B.Sc (B.Z.C) University Osmania University Year 1996 Subjects Botany, Zoology, Chemisty Percentage 62.00%

M.Sc.

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University

2000

Environmen 66.00% tal Sciences

Ph.D

2005

Environmen tal Sciences

5. A. Details of professional training and research experience, specifying period.

Senior Research Fellow-CSIR : June 2003- June 2006 Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad. The dotoral theses encompasses the identification of hyperaccumulating plant species for their application in metal contaminant removal from environmental matrices (soils and waters). These studies basically involved the application of phytotechnologies viz., phytofiltration and phytoremediation in the laboratory scale. Two hyperaccumulators thus identified were capable of removing arsenic and lead from polluted sites (in and around Hyderabad). Pollution pathway studies of trace metal contaminants involving; source identification, quantification of metals in different matrices of environment viz, soil, water (surface and ground), vegetation, microbial community, and milk from cattle fed on contaminated fodder were also carried out for publication purposes. Fractionation and speciation studies of metals were carried out in contaminated soils and waters

respectively. Further work was carried out in assessing the risk posed by these pollutants on human by conducting human exposure pathways and collecting clinical samples (whole blood, urine, nails and hair) and quantifying the trace metal concentrations.

Apart from this, organic phytoremediation studies were also carried out in removal of variuos phramaceutical remnants in the polluted soils using phytoremediation as the technology.
Drafting Research publications, Review articles, and Technical reports and supervising junior researchers. Participating conferences, workshops and symposia for presenting the research findings on various research platforms was one of the major challenges. Being in an Analytical Chemistry Group, I had an opportunity to give demo lectures on analytical instruments to various governmental officials from organizations like Forensic sciences, National Geophysical Research Institute, ONGC etc. Project Assistant : Nov 2000-May 2003, Analytical chemistry and Environmental Sciences Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad Responsibilities include: Monitoring industrially contaminated areas in and around Hyderabad city (Andhra Pradesh state, India) and collecting various environmental samples for the identification and quantification of metal pollutants. Screening for hyperaccumulators in contaminated sites and commenced my Ph.D thesis on phytofiltration and phytoremediation. Research Assistant: Feb 2000 Nov. 2000 Centre for Environment, Institute of Science and Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. Responsibilities include: Consultancy matrix samples (pharma, clinical, environmental) analysis (wet and instrumental), conducting labs for Masters students, collecting literature pertaining to the various on going research projects and preparation of research proposals and drafting research articles.

B. Details of employment (past & present). NOT APPLICABLE C. List of publications during last five years (with complete details such as Journal name, all the authors name as appeared in the journal, volume number, page number and the year of publication).
1) Assessing risk of heavy metals from consuming food grown on sewage irrigated soils food chain transfer ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 69; 2008:513-524 N. Sridhara Chary, C.T.Kamala and D. Samuel Suman Raj and

2)

Arsenic Accumulation by Talinum cuneifolium- Application for Phytoremediation of Arsenic Contaminated Soils of Patancheru, Hyderabad, India. In: Book series Trace Metals and other Contaminants in the Environment. ELSEVIER Publishers. Chandra Sekhar.K, C.T.Kamala, N.S.Chary, A. B. Mukherjee volume 9; 2007:307330 (Text book chapter)

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Ecotoxicological, risk assessment and phytoremediation studies of heavy metal contamination in the industrial area of kattedan, india-a case study. HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT 12; 2006: 408-422. Chandra Sekhar.K, N.S.Chary, C.T.Kamala, M. Vairamani, Y. Anjaneyulu, V. Balaram, J.Erik Sorlie Ecotoxicological studies along the river Musi to assess the risk due to heavy metal contamination a case study. HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT 11;2005: 1217-1235 Chandra Sekhar.K, N.S.Chary, C.T.Kamala, Shanker, and Hartmut Frank Potential of Hemidesmus indicus, a hyperaccumulator for phytoextraction of lead from industrially contaminated soils. CHEMOSPHERE, 58(4); 2005: 507-514. Chandra Sekhar K, C.T. Kamala, N.S. Chary, V. Balaram and G. Garcia Removal of arsenic from aqueous solutions using fresh and immobilized plant biomass. WATR RESEARCH, 39(13); 2005: 2815-2826. C.T. Kamala, K.H. Chu, N.S. Chary, P.K. Pandey, S.L. Ramesh, A.R.K. Sastry, K. Chandra Sekhar Utilization of Plant-Metal Interactions for Environmental Management: From a general disbelief to universal acceptance. PROCEEDINGS OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL SCIENCE ACADEMY, B70 (1); 2004: 14-31. Chandra Sekhar.K, N.S.Chary, C.T.Kamala and Y.Anjaneyulu Determination of trace metals in seawater by ICP-MS after matrix separation. ACTA CHIMICA SLOVENIA, 50; 2003: 409-418. Chandra Sekhar.K, N.S.Chary, C.T.Kamala, M.Vairamani, and V.Aparna Determination of total arsenic concentration in clinical samples for epidemiological studies using ICP-MS. ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY 23 (4); 2002: 165-170 K. Chandra Sekhar, N.S.Chary, C.T.Kamala, M. Anupama and M.R.P.Reddy.

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6. Professional recognition, awards, fellowships received:

NAME OF NAME OF DATES FELLOWSHIP SPONSORING AGENCY FROM CSIR-SRF CSIR TO AMOUNT NAME OF THE HOST INSTITUTE

TO INDIAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY, HYD

27/05/03 31/05/06 Rs.9000+HRA

7. Any other information. Current status : Motherhood

Place & date: Signature of the applicant Aug 3, 2009

CERTIFICATE
I agree to supervise the project work entitled DEVELOPMENT OF AN INDEX OF
ECOSYSTEM HEALTH IN A MINERALIZED AREA--METAL-RHIZOSPHERE INTERACTION by Dr. C. T. KAMALA under DST Fast Track Young Scientist Scheme in

Geochemistry Group of National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad.

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT GEOCHEMISTRY DIVISION

(DIRECTOR) NGRI