Prof. Arvind Kumar Nema
IIT Delhi
Assessment of air pollution induced stress, tolerance and accumulated particulate matter on the selected indigenous plant species in Delhi NCR region
ABSTRACT
Air pollution is a pressing environmental concern, particularly in densely populated urban areas like the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, India. This research investigates the effects of air pollution on selected indigenous plant species in the Delhi NCR region, focusing on the assessment of stress responses, tolerance mechanisms, and the accumulation of particulate matter (PM). The research assesses the physiological and biochemical stress responses of indigenous plant species exposed to varying levels of air pollution. It examines parameters such as chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and foliar injury to understand how these plants adapt to polluted environments. The study investigates the inherent tolerance mechanisms of selected indigenous plants, including changes in leaf morphology, root structure, and genetic adaptations, that allow them to survive and thrive in polluted urban environments. To comprehend the role of indigenous plants in mitigating air pollution, the research quantifies the accumulation of particulate matter, in plant tissues. The research highlights the importance of conserving and promoting the growth of indigenous plant species in urban areas as a means of preserving biodiversity and enhancing the resilience of ecosystems in the face of air pollution challenges.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr Arvind Nema obtained Ph.D. in Environmental Science & Engineering from IIT Bombay. Since 1997 he is involved in research, teaching and consulting in the field of Environmental Engineering and management. He has worked with Environmental Management Centre, Mumbai (March 1997 – May 1999), MN NIT Allahabad (May 1999 – December 2000) and National Institute of Industrial Engineering, NITIE, Mumbai, India (December 2000 – September 2002). He is working with IIT Delhi since September 2002. He has published 80+ research papers in refereed international Journals. He has guided 19 PhDs and 58 master’s theses. His main research focuses on the analysis of environmental systems, environmental impact and risk assessment, and integrated waste management, etc. He also works in the area of application of heuristics in decision making related to environmental management issues in multi-criteria, multi- objective, multi-decision makers’ paradigm. He had been Vice-Chairman GATE from 2012 to 2014, Chairman GATE in 2015, Vice-Chairman JEE (Advanced) in 2016, Chairman JEE (Advanced) in 2017, Associate Dean (Hostel Management) from 2018 to 2020 and Dean (Student Affairs) from 2020 to 2022. He is presently working as a Professor
and Head, Department of Civil Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.
