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Item 1,3-Bis(cyanomethoxy)calix[4]arene capped CdSe quantum dots for the fluorogenic sensing of fluorene(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2017) Kumar, Rabindra; Arora, Meenu; Jain, A.K.; Babu, J. NagendraCapping of 1,3-bis(cyanomethoxy)-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (CAD) onto CdSe quantum dots (QDs) was characterized by a fluorescence enhancement of the QDs (?em = 580 nm) upon surface interaction with the phenolic moiety of CAD. CAD@QD showed selective and sensitive 1.67 fold fluorescence enhancement in the presence of fluorene among fifteen PAHs. The fluorescence enhancement was characterized by monolayer adsorption of fluorene on to the surface of CAD@QD. The limit of detection for fluorene was observed to be 0.8 nM. This method was used and compared with detection of fluorene in spiked respirable dust (PM10) samples collected during an open biomass (stubble) burning event. ? The Royal Society of Chemistry.Item Adsorption of Zn(II) on Pristine and SPLP/TCLP Leached Rice Straw Biochar: an Interplay of Precipitation and Ion Exchange(Institute for Ionics, 2022-11-15T00:00:00) Bhardwaj, Akanksha; Nag, Shilpa; Hussain, Khadim; Arora, Meenu; Pandey, Puneeta; Babu, J. NagendraThe inorganic mineral content in biochar influences the adsorption of Zn(II) metal ions. Metal ion adsorption on mineral rich rice straw biochar is influenced upon washing. Rice straw slow pyrolysis biochar BC1-3, respectively, prepared at 400, 500, and 600��C, were leached under Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP) conditions to furnish BT1-3 and BS1-3, respectively. The Zn(II) adsorption studies were carried out for pH and dose optimization, initial concentration, isotherm fit, and kinetic studies. The Zn(II) adsorption by B(C/S/T)1�3 showed Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm, with pseudo-second-order kinetics at optimum pH 5 and dose 1�g/L. The adsorption of Zn(II) followed the trend BC3(qm 47�mg/g) > BC2 > BC1 > BS2 > BS1 > BS3 > BT2 > BT1 > BT3 (qm 3.5�mg/g), i.e., metal ion adsorption decreased with extent of leaching. The Zn(II) adsorption on biochar involved precipitation as dominant factor for metal ion adsorption on the biochars followed by ion exchange and proton exchange. The precipitation of Zn(II) ions in case of BC1-3 is attributed to the pH of biochar, which increases with proportion of minerals to organic content in biochar. In case of biochar BS1-3 and BT1-3, ion exchange and proton exchange mechanisms driven by demineralization are responsible for Zn(II) adsorption. The adsorption mechanism for Zn(II) on biochar is supported by XPS, solid state NMR studies. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] � 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.Item Advanced membrane technology for the removal of pesticides from water and wastewater(Elsevier, 2022-05-21T00:00:00) Yadav, Sangita; Chauhan, Amit Kumar; Kumar, Sandeep; Kataria, NavishAgricultural runoff is one of the main factors that introduces pesticide residue into water. Common pesticides such as DEET(N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), DDT(dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane), metolachlor, malathion, etc., have continuously contaminated water systems. These pesticides are toxic and can cause detrimental effects on living organisms, even at trace amounts. Most pesticides are grouped into chemical families and persist the environment for long periods. Therefore, specific water treatment is required to clean the waterbodies contaminated with pesticides. Several conventional treatment methods have been introduced in the past to decontaminate the waterbodies. However, there are many advantages and disadvantages associated with these processes. Nowadays, membrane technology is one of the best and preferred method available to treat contaminated water because of its high efficiency, cost effectiveness, easy applicability, stability, and low footprint. Membrane filtration includes reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiber filtration, and biomembrane filtration processes for pollution separation. Membrane materials and filtration processes can be modified depending on the chemical structure and properties of the pesticides. Recent advances in nanotechnology offer energy-efficient, low cost, and eco-friendly approaches in water treatment technologies. Membrane materials can be modified to obtain better results and increase its effectiveness for treatment process. Recently, researchers have started working to introduce new nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, nanopolymers, metal-organic nanomembrane, graphene, quantum and nanoshells development of membrane filters for water purification. Recently, membrane materials progress has allowed filtration to become more effective over other conventional treatment methods and popularized globally. � 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Item Advances in arsenic biosensor development - a comprehensive review(Elsevier Ltd, 2015) Kaur, Hardeep; Kumar, Rabindra; Babu, , J. Nagendra; Mittal, SunilBiosensors are analytical devices having high sensitivity, portability, small sample requirement and ease of use for qualitative and quantitative monitoring of various analytes of human importance. Arsenic (As), owing to its widespread presence in nature and high toxicity to living creatures, requires frequent determination in water, soil, agricultural and food samples. The present review is an effort to highlight the various advancements made so far in the development of arsenic biosensors based either on recombinant whole cells or on certain arsenic-binding oligonucleotides or proteins. The role of futuristic approaches like surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and aptamer technology has also been discussed. The biomethods employed and their general mechanisms, advantages and limitations in relevance to arsenic biosensors developed so far are intended to be discussed in this review.Item ADVANCES IN MICROBIAL BIODEGRADATION OF CHLORPYRIFOS(Jerad Publications,, 2014) M.S., DhanyaChlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothioate) an organophosphate pesticide is one of the most commonly used insecticide, acaricide and termiticide in agriculture, households and public health. The exposure of this moderately hazardous pesticide creates health concerns due to choline esterase inhibition, neurotoxicity, psychological and immunological effects. The microbial bioremediation of chlorpyrifos is a viable option for cleaning up the contaminated sites with its eco-friendliness, high efficiency and cost- effectiveness. Several researchers reported potential bacterial strains like Pseudomonas sp., Arthrobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Klebsiella sp., Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter sp., Stenotrophomonas sp., Sphingomonas sp., Flavobacterium sp. etc., fungal strains such as Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Aspergillus terreus, Verticillium sp., Trichoderma harzianum, etc. and cyanobacteria like Anabaena sp., Aulosira fertilissima, Phormidium valderianum for chlorpyrifos degradation. The microbes capable of producing biosurfactants increase biodegradation efficiency of chlorpyrifos by improving bioavailability of the xenobiotic compound by developing critical micellar concentration. The complete detoxification of the pesticide occurs with those microbes that also degrade its metabolites and avoid its accumulation in the environment. The cloning of mpd gene from chlorpyrifos degrading bacterial strains to Escherichia coli helps in developing its biodegradation capability. This paper focuses on the advancements in chlorpyrifos biodegradation for the efficient onsite remediation of the contaminated environment.Item Agricultural Wastes: A Feedstock for Citric Acid Production Through Microbial Pathway(CRC Press, 2023-06-02T00:00:00) Sachdeva, Saloni; Banu, Rajesh; Nandabalan, Yogalakshmi KadapakkamCitric acid holds a dominant position in industrial manufacturing due to its widespread application. It can be extricated as natural products through microbial pathways. A greater part of citric acid production is currently achieved by fermentation techniques where molasses/starch-based media are used. Microbial strains such as Penicillium spp, Aspergillus spp, Acremonium spp, and many others excrete variable amounts of citric acid as a primary metabolite. So far, Aspergillus niger has been recognized to produce a higher yield of around 112 g of citric acid /100 g of sucrose. However, the increasing demands has necessiated the need for more efficient procedures to enhance the yield. Several studies have been documented where agri-wastes such as rice straw, coconut husk, corn stalk, apple pomace, sugarcane bagasse, and many others were subjected to varied microorganisms (mainly fungal species) to increase the productivity of citric acid. Substantial citric acids have been produced using genetically modifying organisms (fungi Aspergillus and yeast Candida) and divergent combinations of microbe-substrate, but large-scale production has not yet been established. Also, the utilization of these fossil carbon sources has caused environmental deterioration, which instigates interest in agricultural waste as a potential substrate. Agricultural wastes are considered an economically feasible option and a renewable source that can be consumed by plenty of microorganisms. This chapter covers a detailed description of agri-waste bioconversion to citric acid which can further help in this fast-moving domain. � 2023 selection and editorial matter Gustavo Molina, Minaxi Sharma, Vipin Chandra Kalia, Franciele Maria Pelissari, Vijai Kumar Gupta, individual chapters, the contributors.Item Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Human Health in Indian Cities: A Brief Review(Frontiers Media S.A., 2021-08-13T00:00:00) Kaur, Rajveer; Pandey, PuneetaClimate change and air pollution have been a matter of serious concern all over the world in the last few decades. The present review has been carried out in this concern over the Indian cities with significant impacts of both the climate change and air pollution on human health. The expanding urban areas with extreme climate events (high rainfall, extreme temperature, floods, and droughts) are posing human health risks. The intensified heat waves as a result of climate change have led to the elevation in temperature levels causing thermal discomfort and several health issues to urban residents. The study also covers the increasing air pollution levels above the prescribed standards for most of the Indian megacities. The aerosols and PM concentrations have been explored and hazardous health impacts of particles that are inhaled by humans and enter the respiratory system have also been discussed. The air quality during COVID-2019 lockdown in Indian cities with its health impacts has also been reviewed. Finally, the correlation between climate change, air pollution, and urbanizations has been presented as air pollutants (such as aerosols) affect the climate of Earth both directly (by absorption and scattering) and indirectly (by altering the cloud properties and radiation transfer processes). So, the present review will serve as a baseline data for policy makers in analyzing vulnerable regions and implementing mitigation plans for tackling air pollution. The adaptation and mitigation measures can be taken based on the review in Indian cities to reciprocate human health impacts by regular air pollution monitoring and addressing climate change as well. Copyright � 2021 Kaur and Pandey.Item Algal Biofuels: A Potential Source of Renewable Energy.(2013) Pandey, PuneetaItem Ambient noise levels due to dawn chorus at different habitats in Delhi. Environment and We: An(2011) Singh, Manoj; Kumar, Dinesh; Pandey, Puneeta; Kumar, Krishan; Jain, Vinod KumarItem Amino-functionalized Magnetic Iron Nanoparticles As a Carrier for Laccase Enzyme and Its Potential to Degrade Chlorpyrifos in Contaminated Soil: Fate and Kinetics(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2022-04-14T00:00:00) Das, Anamika; Yogalakshmi, KnThe present study utilizes the covalent-crosslinking method to immobilize the�laccase enzyme on magnetic iron nanoparticles�and further assess its potential in degrading�chlorpyrifos in pesticide spiked�soil. The soil texture analysis revealed the presence of clay, silt and sand accounting to�7.1%, 14.3%, and 78.6%, respectively. The degradation of chlorpyrifos in spiked soil�using laccase enzyme�immobilized�magnetic iron nanoparticles was measured for 60�days�in a batch process. The results revealed a gradual increase in degradation efficiency showing around�29.3%, 43.8%, 56.3%, and 67.3% at the 20th, 30th, 40th, and 50th day�of incubation. A maximum degradation of�83.6% was observed on the 60th day of incubation. Intermediate products 2,4-bis(1,1 dimethylethyl) phenol, 1,2 benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methyl propyl) ester�and�piperidine confirmed the degradation of chlorpyrifos in soil. The piperidine originated in the chromatogram between�20�40�days of incubation and diminished later. Chlorpyrifos degradation followed pseudo first-order kinetics with a R2 of 0.96. Further, the nanoparticles showed no negative�impact on soil bacterial population during the antibacterial assay. The study confirms the degradation of chlorpyrifos in contaminated soil using laccase-immobilized nanoparticles. � 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.Item Anode modification: An approach to improve power generation in microbial fuel cells (MFCs)(Elsevier, 2023-01-27T00:00:00) Rani, Gini; Jaswal, Vijay; Yogalakshmi, K.N.Global energy demand is continuously increasing and has become a matter of concern. At present, 86% of the energy demand are accomplished by fossil fuels, but these deliver harmful effects on the environment by releasing CO2 in the atmosphere. Contrary, though nonrenewable resources such as solar, wind, and bioenergy possess minimal carbon footprints, they suffer from limitations of higher installation cost, low efficiency, and complex operation system. Since the past two decades, a relatively new sustainable technology, the microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged with potential to convert the bond energy of molecules present in organic/inorganic waste into electric energy with the help of microbes. The electricity produced through the release of electrons during microbial degradation of organic waste can be used to offset the running cost of wastewater treatment plants. The performance of the MFCs is influenced by a number of cofactors, viz. type of reactor, nature of feed, microbial consortia, electrode material, and mode of operation. Anode plays a significant role in the power enhancement. Across the globe, various research groups are working to enhance the efficiency and power output of anode through its modification using conductive polymers (polypyrrole and polyaniline), metal oxides, nanomaterials, and many others. MFC operated with the electrochemically reduced graphene oxide modified anode evidenced a power density enhanced by 17.5 times as compared to carbon cloth. In the past 5 years, power density ranging from 6.12 to 6119mWm?2 was observed with various modified anode. The chapter will throw light on anode materials popularly used in MFC, method/techniques used for its modification to enhance energy output and limitations that restrict its wide-scale application. � 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Item Application of EDTA modified Fe3O4/sawdust carbon nanocomposites to ameliorate methylene blue and brilliant green dye laden water(Academic Press Inc., 2019) Kataria N.; Garg V.K.This work explored the potential of magnetic sawdust carbon nanocomposites for cationic dyes removal from aqueous medium. EDTA modified magnetic sawdust carbon nanocomposites (EDTA@Fe3O4/SC ncs) were prepared by biogenic green reduction and precipitation approach. The surface properties, structure and composition of nanocomposites were characterized by HRTEM, FESEM, XRD, EDX, BET, FTIR etc. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were 10-20 nm in diameters and having 14 m2/g surface area. Removal of Methylene blue (MB) and Brilliant green (BG) dyes from aqueous medium was studied in batch mode experiments. The maximum removal was achieved at neutral pH 7.0 with in 30 min. Adsorption capacity of EDTA@Fe3O4/SC for MB and BG dyes was 227.3 mg/g and 285.7 mg/g, respectively. Dye adsorption behaviour is well explained by Freundlich model. The rate of cationic dye adsorption is explained by pseudo-second order model. The value of thermodynamic parameters confirmed that adsorption process was spontaneous and favourable. Desorption and reusable efficiency of nanocomposites was also evaluated.Item Application of EDTA modified Fe3O4/sawdust carbon nanocomposites to ameliorate methylene blue and brilliant green dye laden water(Academic Press, 2019) Kataria, N; Garg, V.K.This work explored the potential of magnetic sawdust carbon nanocomposites for cationic dyes removal from aqueous medium. EDTA modified magnetic sawdust carbon nanocomposites (EDTA@Fe3O4/SC ncs) were prepared by biogenic green reduction and precipitation approach. The surface properties, structure and composition of nanocomposites were characterized by HRTEM, FESEM, XRD, EDX, BET, FTIR etc. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were 10–20 nm in diameters and having 14 m2/g surface area. Removal of Methylene blue (MB) and Brilliant green (BG) dyes from aqueous medium was studied in batch mode experiments. The maximum removal was achieved at neutral pH 7.0 with in 30 min. Adsorption capacity of EDTA@Fe3O4/SC for MB and BG dyes was 227.3 mg/g and 285.7 mg/g, respectively. Dye adsorption behaviour is well explained by Freundlich model. The rate of cationic dye adsorption is explained by pseudo-second order model. The value of thermodynamic parameters confirmed that adsorption process was spontaneous and favourable. Desorption and reusable efficiency of nanocomposites was also evaluated. © 2019 Elsevier Inc.Item Applications of Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles for dye removal from simulated wastewater(Elsevier Ltd, 2019) Joshi S.; Garg V.K.; Kataria N.; Kadirvelu K.This study deals with the removal of cationic dyes from the simulated wastewater using Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded activated carbon. Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles were synthesised using co-precipitation methods. The Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles (nps) were characterised using different techniques and data revealed that the synthesised nanoparticles were 6–16 nm in diameter. pHpzc of Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles was 7.8. BET surface area of Fe3O4@AC nps was found to be 129.6 m2/g by single point method and 1061.9 m2/g by multipoint method. Adsorption experiments were performed to optimize the effect of process conditions such as pH of solution, nanoparticles dose, temperature, concentration of dye and contact time on contaminant removal. The maximum uptake capacity of Fe3O4@AC was found to be 138 and 166.6 mg/g for methylene blue and brilliant green dyes, respectively. In order to assess dye adsorption behaviour, adsorption isotherm models viz., Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin were applied to the data. Langmuir isotherm best fitted [R2 = 0.993 (MB) and R2 = 0.920 (BG)] to the experimental data of both the dyes. Further, Pseudo-second order rate equation fitted better to the experimental data. Reuse potential of the nanoparticles was also investigated for the removal of both the dyes and it is inferred from the data that the synthesised nanoadsorbent has promising reuse potential, therefore can be used for several cycles.Item Applications of Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles for dye removal from simulated wastewater(Elsevier, 2019) Joshi, S; Garg, V.K; Kataria, N; Kadirvelu, K.This study deals with the removal of cationic dyes from the simulated wastewater using Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded activated carbon. Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles were synthesised using co-precipitation methods. The Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles (nps) were characterised using different techniques and data revealed that the synthesised nanoparticles were 6–16 nm in diameter. pHpzc of Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles was 7.8. BET surface area of Fe3O4@AC nps was found to be 129.6 m2/g by single point method and 1061.9 m2/g by multipoint method. Adsorption experiments were performed to optimize the effect of process conditions such as pH of solution, nanoparticles dose, temperature, concentration of dye and contact time on contaminant removal. The maximum uptake capacity of Fe3O4@AC was found to be 138 and 166.6 mg/g for methylene blue and brilliant green dyes, respectively. In order to assess dye adsorption behaviour, adsorption isotherm models viz., Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin were applied to the data. Langmuir isotherm best fitted [R2 = 0.993 (MB) and R2 = 0.920 (BG)] to the experimental data of both the dyes. Further, Pseudo-second order rate equation fitted better to the experimental data. Reuse potential of the nanoparticles was also investigated for the removal of both the dyes and it is inferred from the data that the synthesised nanoadsorbent has promising reuse potential, therefore can be used for several cycles. © 2019 Elsevier LtdItem Arsenic Contamination in Groundwater and Its Removal Strategies with Special Emphasis on Nano Zerovalent Iron(wiley, 2022-12-02T00:00:00) Thakur, Shivani; Singh, Harminder; Chaudhari, Umakant; Mittal, Sunil; Sahoo, Prafulla KumarAn occurrence of arsenic (As) in an aquatic ecosystem is a major concern because of its very toxic and carcinogenic nature. Groundwater arsenic pollution has been reported globally, notably along the large Indo-Gangetic flood plain and some major rivers of South Asia and South American nations. It comes in water both via natural and anthropogenic sources. Major processes that trigger the release of As in groundwater include reductive dissolution of Fe-oxyhydroxides, sulfide oxidation, and alkali desorption. Microbial metabolisms of arsenic also play a crucial role in its mobilization in aquifers. Ions such as HCO 3 ? and PO 4 3? also help in triggering arsenic mobility in water. Different methods are developed for As removal from water such as precipitation, coagulation, ion exchange, and membrane filtration, but none of the methods are as effective as nanomaterials. With the advancement in a study in nanotechnology during the past few years, an increase in usage of different nanomaterials as adsorbents for arsenic removal has also been observed. Among these, nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) has been proved quite effective for arsenic removal from the water by the adsorption technique. The nZVI has high reactivity, good efficiency, and fast action for As removal, and a low impact on the environment. Further, intensive research is going on to alter the properties of nZVI following specific applications as per the requirements. This chapter presents an overview of several geochemical processes aiding in As mobility from the aquifer sediments into groundwater, briefly describing its distribution pattern across global groundwater systems. It also aims to provide an overview of the effectiveness of different iron-based nanoparticles with particular reference to nZVI for the removal of different species of Arsenic from water. � 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Published 2023 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Arsenic Induced Alteration in Macromolecule Concentration and Antioxidant System in Two Improved Rice Varieties(Tamil Nadu Scientific Research Organization (TNSRO), 2016) Kamboj, Ritu; Vishwakarma, Gajendra Singh; Sharma, Shilpa; Mittal, SunilArsenic contamination of rice has been highlighted as major issue throughout the world as it is a staple food for millions. The aim of study was to analyze the effect of different concentration of arsenic on the germination, physiology, macromolecules concentration and antioxidant enzymes in improved varieties of rice. In vitro study indicates that the lower concentration of arsenate had a stimulating effect on germination, chlorophyll content as well as respiratory content while an inhibitory effect at higher concentration. Roots were more affected than shoots. Further, the content of macromolecules (carbohydrate and protein) was elevated while the activities of their hydrolyzing enzymes (α, β amylase and protease) were declined on arsenic stress. The significant elevation in the activity of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes also proved the generation of reactive oxygen species due to the arsenic toxicityItem Arsenic induced physiological changes in improved varieties of rice grown in Malwa region of Punjab(Society for Advancement of Human and Nature (SADHNA), 2015) Kamboj, Ritu; Sharma, S; Vishwakarma, G.S.; Mittal, SunilRice is a major staple food throughout the world. However metal contamination of rice has been recognized as a new disaster on large scale. Two rice cultivars viz PR 116 and PR 118 were grown in vitro to study the effect of increasing arsenic concentration (50, 100, 250 and 500 µM) on germination, root and shoot length, biomass dry weight, chlorophyll content and per cent cellular respiration. Results showed reduction in all these parameters thereby proving the toxic nature of arsenic. Arsenic accumulation in roots and shoots of both the varieties was monitored by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and it was concluded that arsenic is translocated to above ground tissues and ultimately reaches the grain. The status of arsenic concentration of rice and its affect on human health need to be further investigated.Item Assessment and monitoring of land degradation using geospatial technology in Bathinda district, Punjab, India(Copernicus GmbH, 2018) Ahmad, N.; Pandey, P.Land degradation leads to alteration of ecological and economic functions due to a decrease in productivity and quality of the land. The aim of the present study was to assess land degradation with the help of geospatial technology - remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) - in Bathinda district, Punjab. The severity of land degradation was estimated quantitatively by analyzing the physico-chemical parameters in the laboratory to determine saline or salt-free soils and calcareous or sodic soils and further correlating them with satellite-based studies. The pH varied between 7.37 and 8.59, electrical conductivity (EC) between 1.97 and 8.78dS m 1 and the methyl orange or total alkalinity between 0.070 and 0.223 (HCO3 )g L 1 as CaCO3. The spatial variability in these soil parameters was depicted through soil maps generated in a GIS environment. The results revealed that the soil in the study area was exposed to salt intrusion, which could be mainly attributed to irrigation practices in the state of Punjab. Most of the soil samples of the study area were slightly or moderately saline with a few salt-free sites. Furthermore, the majority of the soil samples were calcareous and a few samples were alkaline or sodic in nature. A comparative analysis of temporal satellite datasets of Landsat 7 ETM+ and Landsat 8 OLI-TIRS of 2000 and 2014, respectively, revealed that the water body showed a slight decreasing trend from 2.46km2 in 2000 to 1.87km2 in 2014, while the human settlements and other built-up areas expanded from 586.25 to 891.09km2 in a span of 14 years. The results also showed a decrease in area under barren land from 68.9847km2 in 2000 to 15.26km2 in 2014. A significant correlation was observed between the digital number (DN) of the near-infrared band and pH and EC. Therefore, it is suggested that the present study can be applied to projects with special relevance to soil scientists, environmental scientists and planning agencies that can use the present study as baseline data to combat land degradation and conserve land resources in an efficient manner. ? Author(s) 2018.