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“Road is the index of a developed society” commented Sri Kantilal Dande IAS, Guest of Honour for the one-day workshop.

SRM University-AP, in association with the Andhra Pradesh Roads and Buildings (R&B) department and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), hosted a one-day workshop on exploring the Challenges and Best Practices for State Roads Maintenance and Rehabilitation (M&R). The ceremonious event welcomed the Honourable Minister of Roads & Buildings (R&B), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Sri B C Janardhan Reddy, as the Chief Guest along with Sri Kantilal Dande IAS, Principal Secretary, (R&B), Government of Andhra Pradesh and Prof. Manoranjan Parida, Director of CSIR-CRRI as the Guests of Honour. Distinguished dignitaries from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the R&B Department, industries, universities, and research institutes participated in the workshop to address the critical challenges associated with the maintenance and rehabilitation of state roads.

In his virtual address to the participants, Honourable Minister Sri B C Janardhan Reddy explained that the Government had received proposals of Rs. 290 crores to convert 1393 damaged roads, covering 7071 kilometres, into pothole-free roads across the state. He said that with the latest technology and technical support from SRM University-AP, a complete restoration of the road network would be possible.

The event facilitated a constructive platform that assembled policymakers, academicians, researchers and young minds from various sectors to discuss the pressing challenges faced in the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and exploring cost-effective and sustainable methods to achieve the same. “To tackle the key factors leading to road damage and rehabilitation, we require technical support and cutting-edge research from reputed institutes like CSIR-CRRI and new-age universities like SRM University-AP”, stated Guest of Honour Sri Kantilal Dande IAS.

Prof. Manoranjan Parida, Director of CSIR-CRRI, delivered a keynote session elucidating the immense significance of technology on road development. “A methodical approach to Road Asset Management is pivotal to ensure successful road maintenance and rehabilitation in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Sustainable technologies such as recycling technology can be utilised for rehabilitation projects, which will be cost-effective and economical”, advised Prof. Parida.

The workshop also encompassed insightful sessions on leading issues featuring esteemed speakers including Mr Nayeemulla, Engineer-in-Chief, R&B Department, Government of AP; Dr G Bharath, Sr. Scientist, Flexible Pavement Division, CRRI, New Delhi; Dr P S Prasad, Chief Scientist, Geotechnical Engg. Division, CRRI; and many more. A panel discussion on the way forward for AP State Roads M&R moderated by Mr Sitaramanjaneyulu, Visiting Professor of SRM University-AP & Former Chief Scientist, CRRI, was a highlight of the workshop.

Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP, Prof. Manoj K Arora, praised the assemblage of government, industry, academia, research and the builders’ association at the workshop for a consulted approach towards the development of state roads. Dr Uma Maheswar, the organising secretary from SRM University-AP, stated that “Maintenance and rehabilitation of roads are key for any kind of success and development. In the next 5 to 10 years, SRM University-AP, the Government of AP and the industry will foster an ecosystem to rehabilitate the damaged roads through sustainable methods.”

The one-day workshop was a grand success in identifying a roadmap for sustainable programs tailored for AP state roads and formatting potential solutions for the challenges. The event also witnessed the presence of Mr Venkateswara Rao, Former President of the Builders’ Association of India AP Chapter, Mr Nagamalleswara Rao, President of Builders’ Association of India AP Chapter, Dr R Premkumar, Registrar of SRM University-AP, Dr Raviteja KVNS, HOD, Department of Civil Engineering, SRM University-AP, participants from neighbouring universities, industry professionals and faculty and students of SRM University-AP.

Addressing the ever-demanding crisis of water scarcity, Dr Mohit Aggarwal, Assistant Professor from the Department of Civil Engineering, has published a paper titled “Polyculture Microalgae and Zno/GAC-nanocomposite System for Greywater Treatment” in the Q1 journal Biomass and Bioenergy with an impact factor of 5.8. In his research, Dr Aggarwal explores sustainable methods to treat wastewater with algae and nanoparticles, providing an efficient method to reuse greywater and reduce water consumption.

Abstract

This study explores sustainable greywater treatment using microalgae and a ZnO/GAC nanocomposite in a 15-day batch photobioreactor. The system achieved significant nutrient removal, with 80% TOC, 94.2% PO43−, and 99.6% NH4+ efficiencies. Microalgal growth was enhanced by the nanocomposite, reaching a density of 1.8 g/L. The resulting biomass had a high heating value of 18.32 MJ/kg. The ZnO/GAC nanocomposite maintained effective removal over four cycles. The treated greywater met reuse standards for toilet flushing, with pH 8.5, turbidity <4 NTU, and COD, NH4+, and PO43− of 34, 0.032, and 0.48 mg/L, respectively.

Explanation of the research in layperson’s terms

Water scarcity and pollution are serious problems, and our research aims to find an environmentally friendly way to treat greywater (wastewater from sinks, showers, etc.). We explored the use of algae combined with special nanoparticles (zinc oxide) to clean the water more effectively. The algae grow in the water and help remove harmful substances like carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen. The nanoparticles make this process even more efficient.

After treatment, the water is clean enough to be reused, for example, in toilet flushing. This method not only helps clean wastewater but also provides a sustainable way to reuse it, which can reduce water consumption and help the environment.

Practical implementation/ Social implications of the research

Practical implementation

The system developed in this research can be implemented in decentralised greywater treatment units, especially in water-scarce areas. It provides a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for treating household or industrial greywater. The treated water meets the quality standards for reuse in applications like toilet flushing or landscape irrigation, reducing freshwater demand.

Social implications

This research promotes water recycling, contributing to sustainable water management practices and helping to address water scarcity issues. This can improve access to water in communities with limited resources, reduce the pressure on freshwater supplies, and lower the environmental impact of wastewater discharge, leading to healthier ecosystems and communities. Additionally, adopting such systems on a larger scale can foster greater awareness of water conservation and responsible resource usage.