Newsletter

ISSN 0972-5741 Volume 85 July 2010

Inside From the Director’s Desk

Technical Articles Our Environment • IGCAR’s contribution towards Titanium Sponge Production

• Process Modeling of In-situ Electrochemical Partitioning of Uranium & Plutonium in “The earth, the air, the land and the water are not an inheritance from our PUREX Process fore fathers but on loan from our children. So we have to handover to them atleast as it was handed over to us” Young Officer’s Forum

• Design of Steam Generators for future FBRs Mahatma Gandhi

Young Researcher’s Forum The issues engaging intellectuals, politicians and even the common man during the last one • Studies on the Recovery of Man-made decade are environment and lack of ethics and paradigm changes to find solutions to the Noble Metals from Spent Nuclear Fuel existing and emerging problems related to the social structure and material balance (C,N,P etc.) of the planet. The environmental challenges are mostly man-made and need our urgent News & Events attention. Be it rise in temperature or sea level, degradation of forest and forest cover, air • 400th meeting of IGC Scientific Committee pollution, loss of biodiversity, shrinkage of glaciers etc., all are interrelated to environmental problems which need a broader outlook and time bound solution. I strongly feel that the Mother • MoU with Shri Chandrasekarendra Nature needs a climate bailout on a war footing basis so that our future generations will have Saraswathi Viswa Maha Vidyalaya, Kanchipuram the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of nature’s enigma and lead good quality of life.

Conference/Meeting Highlights Even though there appears to be genuine concern about environmental issues, these are too complicated to be addressed in one giant step. India with 16% of world’s population, and • Discussion Meeting on Emerging 1.8 % of the global forest cover, would do well to take the lead in environmental protection. The Technologies for Clean water tendency to separate development from environment should be dismissed from our actions • Robust Instrumentation & Control systems once for all. India aims to achieve a per capita electricity consumption at least equal to the for FBR Program present world average (2200 kWh/a) by 2020 from the current value of 660 kWh/a. This needs gigantic efforts to generate about 550 GWe by 2020, assuming population stabilization Visit of Dignitaries at 1.5 billion. In this endeavor, our Department has to play a key role in meeting a significant Forthcoming Symposia/Conferences part of the energy demands of our country. To meet this sustainable energy growth, equal commitment has also to be devoted towards ecology and environment. Our capability to • Recent Advances in PIE & Remote comprehensively study, monitor and predict possible impact on ecosystem should have Technologies for Nuclear Fuel Cycle (RAPT-2010) momentum and quality. I would like to highlight the efforts being pursued at our Centre.

• 2nd International Conference on Asian Nuclear Prospects 2010 (ANUP 2010) “Mismanagement of nature leads to consequent environmental damage” Rachel Carson in Silent Spring Awards & Honours

INDIRA GANDHI CENTRE FOR ATOMIC RESEARCH http://www.igcar.gov.in/lis/nl85/igc85.pdf IGC NEWSLETTER

A panoramic view around Edaiyur bridge

The Beginning on aquatic and terrestrial ecology, terrestrial floral and faunal diversity, wetland biodiversity and hydrography of coastal milieu. Dr. A.K. Ganguly, who spearheaded the health and The environmental research picked up momentum with one/two environmental research at BARC, Trombay, chose his colleague scientists and a few research scholars joining during 2005. Dr. D.V. Gopinath to initiate the program at our Centre. Though, Today when I experience the success and the expansion on their radiological research connected to environment picked horizon, it gives me a sense of satisfaction and confidence that up strength and is being pursued with vigor, the classical the programme is in the desired direction and adequate pace. environmental research did not take off at the required pace. I must say that for environmental scientists' eureka moments The campus at Kalpakkam is a breathtakingly beautiful natural are rare. Moreover, it is a field science and progress is made site (~2500 acre campus) having intense interactions among by painstakingly putting together evidences from precise and land, sea and atmosphere. Keeping the green tradition created patient observations. It takes a long time to make significant by Dr. Homi Bhabha, our Centre has steadily enhanced the steps impact with tangible benefits. I am of the firm conviction that to study ecological diversity, since 2007, and has embarked environment programme is important not only to meet the upon a robust and sustainable programme on Environment. The guidelines set by 'National Environmental Policy' but also in activity lead by Dr.K.K.Satpathy, has extensive R&D programs our self interest as an enlightened research and technology organization. In addition, the happiness in experiencing the biodiversity of Kalpakkam adds a new dimension to our success in science and technology.

Nutrients and Trace Metals in the Coastal Waters

“Seawater which accounts for 97% of world’s surface water spread, should be regarded as a social resource needing scientific approach for the sustainable use”

Mahatma Gandhi

The productivity potential of coastal waters depends on the amount of nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, total phosphate, ammonia, silicate and total nitrogen). The concentration of these nutrients varies depending on various environmental factors. It is imperative to keep a watch on the coastal water quality, especially on the nutrient dynamics and its seasonal and annual variation. The efforts in the recent past towards this end are scientifically significant and rewarding. Studies have indicated Cruise troupe that although, nutrient concentration in this coastal milieu has

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Triceratium broeckii Brachysomophis cirrochelos Pterios russelli Natica lineate

Trichodesmium bloom patch brevipinnis Penilia avirostris Sea anemone substantially gone up during post-Tsunami period, turbidity, of Kalpakkam coastal waters. Two of our young researchers the most single dominating factor, has adversely affected the well trained in phytoplankton and zooplankton , are productivity. These monitoring programmes are important to pursuing their research in this important discipline of high differentiate the changes in water quality due to natural and relevance to the scientific world. anthropogenic activity and take appropriate preventive actions. Moreover, the observations and their qualification would Unusual occurrence of large bloom of Trichodesmium act as benchmark data for future impact assessment of the erythraeum has been observed at this coast, for the first environment. I am happy that, efforts are underway to study time. Its appearance exhibits visible alteration in the physico- the diurnal variation of physicochemical parameters and their chemical properties and phytoplankton dynamics of the influence on floral and faunal composition. coastal waters. Trichodesmium bloom is toxic and can deplete dissolved oxygen to the extent that population can be It is known that sediments are important carriers of trace metals affected significantly crippling the livelihood of fisher-folks. This in the hydrological cycle and reflect the quality of an aquatic observation necessitates the need for continuous monitoring system. Coastal and estuarine regions are important sinks for of the coastal waters for better understanding of the triggering many persistent pollutants that get accumulated in the sediment mechanism behind such events. Efforts are being made to at the bottom. Geo-chemical characteristics of these sediments study the nanoplankton present in the coastal waters. are used to infer the weathering trends, source of pollution and for improving management strategies. The study undertaken to Enumeration of zooplankton, precious denizens in the marine characterize the sediment with respect to textural quality and environment is significant both ecologically and economically trace metals content is significant and would create a baseline and thus has been taken up for studies. The composition, size, data for future impact evaluation. Results from extensive distribution, seasonal and annual variations of the studies have indicated the influence of Buckingham canal as and their relation to physical and chemical characteristics are an anthropogenic source on the sediment characteristics of the also being investigated. The study led to documenting the coast. observation of one hundred and forty species reflecting the rich diversity of coastal waters of Kalpakkam. Marine Flora and Fauna Information on ecology and stocks of commercially important A systemic study is being pursued on phytoplankton, the fish is of importance for both fisher folks and scientists to microscopic (tiny) plants of aquatic ecosystem, which maintain sustainable level of harvesting. As a part of coastal constitutes the most vital component of the biological biodiversity monitoring programme, an important initiative was community as primary producers in marine ecosystem. Their undertaken to study the diversity of along the Kalpakkam abundance and diversity is a reflection of the fishery potential of coast. Two hundred and fifty species have been catalogued this coast. Baseline data on phytoplankton assemblage, which during the last three years out of which two hundred and ten is of importance to evaluate future impact assessment, has species have been identified. Brachysomophis cirrocheilos also been integrated into the programme. The study indicated (Bleeker, 1857) and Torquigener brevipinnis (Regan, 1903), that, Kalpakkam is highly diversified and rich in phytoplankton two varieties of fishes, native to , have been found species. About three hundred phytoplankton species have for the first time in the Indian coastal waters. It is important been catalogued, a remarkable indication of the sound health to mention that out of about eight hundred species reported

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Fouled trash rack Fouled metal panels Clean metal panels

Sigma Glide after 151 days After removal Silt deposition on PSWHX

from the east coast of India, two hundred and fifty species have also indicators of metal and organic pollution. As part of the been observed in a small stretch of ten kilometers in a study studies on the biofouling and its control, a systematic collection, spanning for a period of three years. This reflects the diversity preservation, identification and photography of these organisms and pollution free pristine environment of the Kalpakkam coast. is in progress for this coastal belt. About one hundred species of The study also proves that location of nuclear power plant near these organisms have been identified so far. A visible shift in the the coast has not affected the fish diversity. peak settlement period of green mussel (the dominant as well as climax species) from April-August to September–October Among several invertebrate phyla of the kingdom, has been observed. Studies are also underway to assess the Mollusca forms one of the major and important phylum. The majority of mollusc species live in marine environments, and biofouling on different metal surfaces (mild steel, SS304, many of them are found inter-tidally, in the shallow sub-tidal and SS316, titanium, monel, cupronickel, copper, admiralty brass on the continental shelf. These are known to be excellent indicators and aluminium brass) which would have direct commercial of various pollutants and hence are monitored to assess the application not only for our Department but also for other health of the coastal ecosystem. They are also potential source agencies such as Navy, Railways and Ports. To provide solution of various marine natural products having pharmaceutical and for biofouling problem in Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor tunnel, industrial applications. The study to catalogue the diversity and proprietary antifouling paints have been studied and based on taxonomy of this elegant phylum (marine molluscs) is unique the results, an antifouling paint Sigma Glide has been chosen. and the first of its kind for Kalpakkam coast. So far about one Similarly, to overcome biofouling problem in process sea water hundred and thirty species of molluscs have been collected out heat exchangers (PSWHX) of PFBR, the commissioning of a of which about eighty species have been identified. Results from dynamic loop is a significant step. Results of these experiments, these studies form a benchmark data for future investigations would be useful for mitigating the biofouling of process seawater and impact assessment. heat exchangers of present and future Fast Breeder Reactors.

Biofouling and Monitoring of Coastal Ecosystems A micro-sensor based magnetic reed relay has been designed Sedentary organisms, most of which are filter feeders, play an and developed to monitor valve movement of the mussels. This important role in the coastal ecosystems for the biogeochemical study would pave the way for a refined regime called pulsed cycling of elements by siphoning out the decaying organic matter chlorination. The present practice of low dose continuous from the water column. Generally these species colonize on chlorination for biofouling control in the cooling water system submerged surfaces and cause severe problems to man-made of Madras Atomic Power Station as well as that to be adopted submerged structures. This phenomenon is called biofouling for Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is generic and not specific. and the settlement intensity indicates the water quality of the If the movement of the mussel (main culprit) to valves could be region. Generally, polluted water does not favour gregarious monitored, a significant reduction in inventory of chlorine could growth and vice-versa and due to their sedentary nature, are be achieved and that would reduce operational cost and reduce

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Flora and fauna in the campus environmental burden. to grow into a gene pool of significance.

Terrestial and wetland biodiversity “Preserving medicinal plants is not only important for human health but also for surrounding ecosystem. New Kokkilamedu Lake, a tiny brackish water lake, situated on the generation of treatments for some of the most serious northeastern side of our campus covering an area of 0.5 square diseases affecting mankind could soon be lost in a wave kilometre provides conducive environment for the wadersm, of animal and plant extinction” other aquatic and terrestrial fauna that inhabits the rich flora Dr. Allan Hamilton, in the report on extinction of plants in and around the lake. This fresh water lake changed into a and saltwater lake due to inundation and siltation during Tsunami. Considering its importance to the local ecology, physicochemical To improve greenery further, about thirty thousand saplings properties and biological diversity of the lake are being studied. belonging to twenty three species have been planted (both at This study would establish the limnology of the lake and help the site and township) during the last two years. The ambitious us to take appropriate measures to improve the biodiversity. plan of planting about fifty thousand saplings per year so as to Desilting work to improve the depth and the water spread area create a microclimate for comfortable environment, humidity, shall restore the lake back to its original status. Plantation of rainfall and ground water level for the benefits of population in appropriate floral species around the lake, is being implemented and around Kalpakkam is a challenging and daunting task for to achieve sustenance and improvement of the avian population the team. I have also challenged Dr. Satpathy and his team to and their diversity. create a record close to what Wangari Maathai, Nobel laureate from South Africa, has created in tree plantation. It is worth One of the easiest ways to maintain good climate, ecological mentioning about our effort to grow a crop named Salicornia balance, conserve and enhance biodiversity at any site is to in the sea shore in collaboration with Gujarat Science Ashram, Vadodara. The team involved in this programme should increase the green coverage significantly. Our Department has accelerate the pace to enthuse coastal villages to replicate the a rich tradition of maintaining ecological balance by planting success stories of Kalpakkam campus. trees in and around the establishments. IGCAR is no exception to this legacy of Dr.Homi Bhabha. The entire campus has been We are well aware that biodiversity is declining and changing. surveyed and a total of about eight hundred species of plants Every year additional set of species are added to the red list. have been planted which includes a good number of medicinal We are at the brink of losing some of the precious plant and plants. I visualize to see a medicinal plants park inside the site animal species. Biodiversity conservation and management in

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Birds at Edaiyur Lake

the institutional campuses is essential, rewarding and fulfilling. two decades in this effort. A field of growing interest worldwide, ‘urban biodiversity’, seeks to understand how biodiversity promotes and maintains Monitoring of Air Quality landscape health and human wellbeing through the provision of “Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forstall. He ecosystem services. This provides a challenge for scientists, will end up by destroying the Earth” planners, governments and communities throughout the globe. Albert Schweitzer Presence of three hundred and eight species of animals in a small campus like Kalpakkam indicates the magnitude of biodiversity. India has witnessed a phenomenal increase of industries and The presence of Civet and Porcupine (that are diminishing from vehicles in the last decade along with the mushrooming of wild) at Kalpakkam is due to less human intervention. Among thickly populated human habitats. As a consequence, there others, birds (one hundred and fifty two species) and butterflies has been a dramatic deterioration in the quality of air in most (sixty species) are remarkable elements of our beautiful of the regions of our country. We lack an effective air quality environment. The presence of large diversity of butterflies in the management system and pollution control mechanisms. As a campus indicates the abundant availability of flowering plants first step, it is essential that any establishment with industrial and as pollinators creating a benign ecosystem. A pictorial component should monitor the air quality in order to create monograph being brought out on terrestrial faunal diversity of benchmark data for future impact assessments and for our campus would enthuse public and create awareness on the taking preventive measures. We have launched, an initiative environment particularly among young students. Conservation, to assess the air quality at different locations of our campus.

enhancement and eco-restorative measures to enhance the Various parameters such as oxygen, CO, CO2, volatile organic biodiversity further are under progress. compounds, temperature, relative humidity and sound levels are being monitored. The task of environment studies group Wetland Conservation in this campus will be completed only when we achieve 100% recycling of water, realise full potential of rainwater harvesting “Wetland conservation should take livelihood dimensions and provide clean and safe drinking water to the inhabitants of into account rather than a purely technical approach” township and neighbouring villages. Prof. M. S. Swaminathan on the issue of wetland I have love for nature and have a robust partnership with conservation Dr. K. K. Satpathy and his colleagues in their pursuit of R&D Wetland constitutes a transitional zone between terrestrial in environmental sciences. Earth is a womb of mankind. It is and aquatic habitats. These are some of the most threatened important from ethical perspective that the womb is pristine and habitats of the world. Fortunately, our campus is blessed with robust from sustainability considerations. Kalpakkam can be an three water bodies (Kunnathur marsh- northwest, Kokkilamedu outstanding example. lake- northeast and marsh at western side). Together they nurture about one hundred aquatic birds, an indication of rich diversity. By creating conducive milieu at Kunnathur marsh, painted storks, that were generally seasonal visitors, have started nesting, at Kalpakkam. Prof. M. S. Swaminathan has been a continued source of inspiration for our campus. He and (Baldev Raj) his colleagues are collaborators, par excellence, over the last Director, IGCAR

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