(1) Biosorptive removal of metal ions from aqueous medium: An effort is being made to understand and optimize the process of metal sorption by algae with the ultimate objective of developing a biomass-based method for stripping metal ions from wastewater. The experiments are based on batch and continuous set up, with greater emphasis on the latter. Our recent work on cyanobacterial mats has opened up the possibility of their use in continuous metal removal process.

(2) Responses and tolerance of algae and cyanobacteria to metal pollutants: In view of the great significance of algae and cyanobacteria in aquatic ecosystems, efforts are being made to study how these organisms interact with metal pollutants focusing on metal-induced oxidative stress. Responses of periphyton community to metal enrichment are being studied under in situ conditions.

1. Visited National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan, under INSA-JSPS Exchange programme (March-June, 1998).

2. Foreign specialist (Science and Technology Agency, Japan; June 1999) for visiting National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan four weeks.

List of 10 major Publications:

1. Rai, L.C., Gaur, J.P. and Kumar, H.D. 1981. Phycology and heavy metal pollution. Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 56: 99-151.

2. Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 1999. Heavy metal-induced proline accumulation and its role in ameliorating metal toxicity in Chlorella vulgaris. New Phytologist 143: 253-259.

3. Tripathi, B.N. and Gaur, J.P. 2004. Relationship between copper-and zinc-induced oxidative stress and proline accumulation in Scenedesmus sp. Planta 219:397-404.

4. Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 2005. Use of algae for removing heavy metal ions from wastewater: Progress and prospects. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 25: 113-152..

5. Ghosh, M. and Gaur, J.P. 1991. Regulatory influence of water current on algal colonization in an unshaded stream at Shillong (Meghalaya, India). Aquatic Botany 40: 37-46.

6. Gaur, J.P. and Singh, A.K. 1991. Regulatory influence of temperature and light conditions on petroleum toxicity to Anabaena doliolum. Environmental Toxicology and Water Quality 6: 341-350.

7. Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 2001. Concurrent sorption of Ni2+ and Cu2+ by Chlorella vulgaris from a binary metal solution. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 55: 379-382.

8. Tripathi, B.N. and Gaur, J.P. 2006. Physiological behaviour of Scenedesmus sp. during exposure to elevated levels of Cu and Zn, and after withdrawing metal stress. Protoplasma 229: 1-9.

9. Gaur, J.P., Noraho, N. and Chauhan, Y.S. 1994. Relationship between heavy metal accumulation and toxicity in Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid and Azolla pinnata R. Br. Aquatic Botany 49: 183-192.

10. Kumar, Dhananjay, Singh, Alpana and Gaur, J.P. 2008. Mono-component versus binary isotherm models for Cu(II) and Pb(II) sorption from binary metal solution by the green alga Pithophora oedogonia. Bioresource Technology 99(17): 8280-8287.

Additional Information/ Achievements:

1. Serving as Coordinator, M.Sc. Environmental Science program at Botany Department, BHU, since July 2008.

2. Member of the team that developed NCERT Biology Text Book for Class. XII

Full List of Publications:

1. Kumar, Dhananjay, Prakash, Bhanu, Pandey, L.K., Gaur, J.P. 2010. Sorption of paraquat and 2,4-D by an Oscillatoria sp.-dominated cyanobacterial mat. Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol. 160: 2475-2485.

2. Tripathi, B.N., Amar, Anshu and Gaur, J.P. 2010. Use of the green microalga Scenedesmus sp. in studying metal ion toxicity symptoms: assay of physiological parameters. In: Bagchi, S.N.., Kleiner, D. and Mohanty, P (eds.) Protocols on Algal and Cyanobacterial Research, Narosa Publishing House, New Delhi.

3. Gupta, Sharada, Kumar, Dhananjay and Gaur, J.P. 2009. Kinetic and isotherm modeling of lead(II) sorption onto some waste plant materials. Chemical Engineering Journal 148 (2-3): 226-233.

4. Kumar, Dhananjay, Singh, Alpana and Gaur, J.P. 2008. Mono-component versus binary isotherm models for Cu(II) and Pb(II) sorption from binary metal solution by the green alga Pithophora oedogonia. Bioresource Technology 99(17): 8280-8287.

5. Singh, Alpana, Kumar, Dhananjay and Gaur, J.P. 2008. Removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) by Pithophora oedogonia: sorption, desorption and repeated use of the biomass. Journal of Hazardous Materials 152 (3): 1011-1019.

6. Singh, Alpana, Kumar, Dhananjay and Gaur, J.P. 2007. Copper(II) and lead(II) sorption from aqueous solution by non-living Spirogyra neglecta. Bioresource Technology 98: 3622-3629.

7. Singh, Alpana, Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 2007. Removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions using common freshwater filamentous algae. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 23: 1125-1120.

8. Tripathi, B.N. and Gaur, J.P. 2006. Physiological behaviour of Scenedesmus sp. during exposure to elevated levels of Cu and Zn, and after withdrawing metal stress. Protoplasma 229: 1-9.

9. Tripathi, B.N., Mehta, S.K., Amar, A. and Gaur, J.P. 2006. Oxidative stress in Scenedesmus sp. during short- and long-term exposure to Cu2+ and Zn2+. Chemosphere 62: 538-544.

10. Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 2005. Use of algae for removing heavy metal ions from wastewater: Progress and prospects. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 25: 113-152.

11. Tripathi, B.N. and Gaur, J.P. 2004. Relationship between copper-and zinc-induced oxidative stress and proline accumulation in Scenedesmus sp. Planta 219:397-404.

12. Tripathi, B.N., Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 2004. Recovery of uptake and assimilation of nitrate in Scenedesmus sp. previously exposed to elevated levels of Cu and Zn. Journal of Plant Physiology 161: 543-549.

13. Tripathi, B.N., Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 2003. Differential sensitivity of Anabaena doliolum to Cu and Zn in batch and semi-continuous cultures. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 56: 311-318.

14. Ghosh, Mita and Gaur, J.P 2003. Response of stream periphyton to current velocity and in situ nutrient enrichment. In: Plant Diversity and Conservation, J.S. Singh, A.K. Bhatnagar, V.P. Singh and B.K. Roy (eds.), Pilgrims Books Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.

15. Gaur, J.P. and Singh, A.K. 2003. Influence of petroleum oils on algae and cyanobacteria. In: Ahluwalia, A.S. (ed.) In Phycology: Principles, processes and applications. Daya Publishing House, Delhi, pp. 133-165.

16. Mehta, S.K., Tripathi, B.N. and Gaur, J.P. 2002. Enhanced sorption of Cu2+ and Ni2+ by acid-pretreated Chlorella vulgaris from single and binary metal solutions. Journal of Applied Phycology 14:267-273.

17. Mehta, S.K., Singh, Alpana and Gaur, J.P. 2002. Kinetics of adsorption and uptake of Cu2+ by Chlorella vulgaris: Influence of pH, temperature, culture age and cations. Journal of Environmental Science and Health A 37: 399-414.

18. Gaur, J.P. and Rai, L.C. (2001) Heavy metal tolerance in algae. In: Rai, L.C. and Gaur, J.P. (eds.) Algal Adaptation to Environmental Stresses. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, pp. 363-388.

19. Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 2001. Removal of Ni and Cu from single and binary metal solutions by free and immobilized Chlorella vulgaris. European Journal of Protistology 37: 261-271.

20. Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 2001. Characterization and optimization of Ni and Cu sorption from aqueous solution by Chlorella vulgaris. Ecological Engineering 18: 1-13.

21. Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 2001. Concurrent sorption of Ni2+ and Cu2+ by Chlorella vulgaris from a binary metal solution. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 55: 379-382.

22. Tripathi, B.N., Singh, Alpana and Gaur, J.P. 2000. Impact of heavy metal stress on algal communities. EnvSciences 9: 1-7.

23. Mehta, S.K., Tripathi, B.N. and Gaur, J.P. 2000. Influence of pH, temperature, culture age and cations on adsorption and uptake of Ni by Chlorella vulgaris. European Journal of Protistology 36: 443-450.

24. Rajendra Prasad, K.V., Ghosh, Mita and Gaur, J.P. 2000. A reconnsaisance of species-environment relationships in pond phytoplankton at Varanasi (India). Biologia 55/1: 335-42.

25. Ghosh, Mita and Gaur, J.P. 1999. Temporal changes in periphytic biomass in two unshaded Indian streams. Biologia 54(1): 17-24.

26. Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 1999. Heavy metal-induce proline accumulation and its role in ameliorating metal toxicity in Chlorella vulgaris. New Phytologist 143: 253-259.

27. Ghosh, Mita, Rajendra Prasad, K.V., Mehta, S.K. and Gaur, J.P. 1999. Response of a natural phytoplankton assemblage to pulsed supply of phosphorus in semicontinuous cultures. Annales de Limnologie 35(1): 23-29.

28. Ghosh, Mita and Gaur, J.P. 1998. Current velocity and the establishment of stream algal periphyton communities. Aquatic Botany 60: 1-10.

29. Gaur, J.P. and Ghosh, Mita 1997. Algal assessment of water quality of domestic and industrial wastewaters. In: Advances in Phycology (B.N. Verma, A.N. Kargupta and S.K. Goyal, eds.), APC Publications, New Delhi, pp. 335-354.

30. Noraho, N. and Gaur, J.P. 1996. Cadmium adsorption and intracellular uptake by two macrophytes Azolla pinnata R. Br. and Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. Archiv fur Hydrobiololgie 136: 135-144.

31. Gaur, J.P. and Noraho, N. 1995. Role of certain environmental factors on cadmium uptake and toxicity in Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. and Azolla pinnata R. Br. Biomedical and Environ mental Sciences 8: 202-210.

32. Gaur, J.P. and Noraho, N. 1995. Adsorption and uptake of cadmium by Azolla pinnata: Kinetics of inhibition by cations. Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 8: 149-157.

33. Noraho, N. and Gaur, J.P. 1995. Effects of cations, including heavy metals on cadmium uptake by Lemna polyrhiza L. BioMetals 8: 95-98.

34. Sharma, S.S. and Gaur, J.P. 1994. Potential of Lemna polyrhiza for removal of heavy metals. Ecological Engineering 4: 37-43.

35. Gaur, J.P., Noraho, N. and Chauhan, Y.S. 1994. Relationship between heavy metal accumulation and toxicity in Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid and Azolla pinnata R. Br. Aquatic Botany 49: 183-192.

36. Gaur, J.P. and Rai, L.C. 1994. Introduction. In: Algae and Water Pollution, Rai, L.C., Gaur, J.P. and Soeder, C.J. (eds.), E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuch- handlung, Stuttgart, pp. 1-29.

37. Rout, Jayashree and Gaur, J.P. 1994. Composition and dynamics of epilithic algal assemblages in a forested stream at Shillong (India). Hydrobiologia 291: 67-74.

38. Ghosh, M. and Gaur, J.P. 1993. Algal periphyton of an unshaded stream in relation to in situ nutrient enrichment and current velocity. Aquatic Botany 47:185-189.

39. Ghosh, M. and Gaur, J.P. 1992. Structure of epilithic and epipelic algal communities and their interrelation in two deforested streams at Shillong, India. Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 122: 105-116.

40. Gaur, J.P. and Singh, A.K. 1991. Regulatory influence of temperature and light conditions on petroleum toxicity to Anabaena doliolum. Environmental Toxicology and Water Quality 6: 341-350.

41. Singh, A.K. and Gaur, J.P. 1991. Uptake of NO3-, NH4- and PO43- in Anabaena doliolum exposed to a petroleum oil. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 21: 103-108.

42. Ghosh, M. and Gaur, J.P. 1991. Regulatory influence of water current on algal colonization in an unshaded stream at Shillong (Meghalaya, India). Aquatic Botany 40: 37-46.

43. Rout, Jayashree and Gaur, J.P. 1990. Application of algal assay for defining nutrient limiting conditions in two streams at Shillong (India). Acta Oecologia 11: 631-642.

44. Rout, Jayashree and Gaur, J.P. 1990. Comparative assessment of line transect and point intercept methods for stream periphyton. Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 119: 293-298.

45. Gaur, J.P. and Singh, A.K. 1990. Growth, photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation of Anabaena doliolum exposed to Assam crude extract. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 44: 494-501.

46. Singh, A.K. and Gaur, J.P. 1990. Effects of petroleum oils and their paraffinic, asphaltic and aromatic fractions on photoynthesis and respiration of microalgae. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 19: 8-16.

47. Gaur, J.P. and Singh, A.K. 1989. Comparative studies on the toxicity of petroleum oils and their aqueous extracts towarads Anabaena doliolum. Proceeadings of Indian Academy of Sciences (Plant Science) 99: 459-466.

48. Gaur, J.P. 1989. Chronic effects of some petroleum oils on Selenastrum capricornutum. Indian Journal of Environmental Health 31: 79-82.

49. Singh, A.K. and Gaur, J.P. 1989. Algal epilithon and water quality of a stream receiving oil refinery effluent. Hydrobiologia 184: 193-200.

50. Singh, A.K. and Gaur, J.P. 1988. Effect of Assam crude on photosynthesis and associated electron transport system in Anabaena doliolum. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 41: 776-780.

51. Gaur, J.P. 1988. Toxicity of some oil constituents to Selenastrum capricornutum. Acta Hydrochimica et Hydrobiologica 16: 657-660.

52. Singh, A.K., Singh, M. and Gaur, J.P. 1987. Seasonal variation in periphyton composition and species diversity in oil refinery effluents. Acta Hydrochimica et Hydrobiologica 16: 401-408.

53. Singh, M., Singh, A.K. and Gaur, J.P. 1986. Growth response of Monoraphidium griffithii to four petroleum products. Journal of Meghalaya Science Society 9: 41-45.

54. Gaur, J.P. and Kumar, H.D. 1986. Toxicity of oil refinery effluents to Selelnastrum capricornutum Printz. Internationalen Revue der Gesamaten Hydrobiologie 71: 271-282.

55. Gaur, J.P. and Kumar, H.D. 1985. The influence of oil refinery effluents on the structure of algal communities. Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 103: 305-323.

56. Gaur, J.P. and Kumar, H.D. 1985. Effects of aqueous oil extracts on four microalgae. Acta Hydrochimica et Hydrobiologica 13: 115-119.

57. Bhattacharya, M., Ahluwalia, A.S., Gaur, J.P., Rai, R.K. and Kumar, H.D. 1983. Effect of exogenous addition of adenosine on some green algae and cyanobacteria. Journal of Indian Botanical Society 62: 334-339.

58. Gaur, J.P. and Rai, L.C. 1983. Water pollution - Phycological perspectives. Acta Hydrochimica et Hydrobiologica 11: 375-389.

59. Kumar, H.D., Yadava, P.K. and Gaur, J.P. 1981. Electrical flocculation of the unicellular greeen alga Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck. Aquatic Botany 11: 187-195.

60. Rai, L.C., Gaur, J.P. and Kumar, H.D. 1981. Phycology and heavy metal pollution. Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 56: 99-151.

61. Rai, L.C., Gaur, J.P. and Kumar, H.D. 1981. Protective effects of certain environmental factors on the toxicity of zinc, mercury and methylmercury to Chlorella vulgaris Beij. Environmental Research 25: 250-259.

62. Gaur, J.P. and Kumar, H.D. 1981. Growth response of four microalgae to three crude oils and a furnace oil. Environmental Pollution Ser. A. 25: 77-85.

63. Kumar, A., Rai, L.C., Kumar, H.D., Gaur, J.P. and Ahluwalia, A.S. 1980. Unique position of cyanobacteria in the continuum of life. In: Proceedings of National Workshop on Evolution of Life and Intelligence in the Universe, S.M. Chitre, and R.R. Daniel, eds., Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay, pp. 99-103.

64. Gaur, J.P. and Kumar, H.D. 1980. Electrical flocculationas a means for algae harvesting. In: Proceedings of National Workshop on Algal Systems, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, pp. 224-227.

65. Pandey, H.N., Gaur, J.P. and Singh, R.N. 1980. Litter input and decomposition in tropical deciduous forest, grassland and abandoned cropfield communities at Varanasi, India. Acta Oecologia Oecologia Plantarum 1: 317-323.

66. Gaur, J.P. and Pandey, H.N. 1978. Litter input in two tropical deciduous forest communities at Varanasi. Oikos 30: 570-575.

Books-authored or edited:

1. Rai, L.C., Gaur, J.P. and Soeder, C.J. (eds.). 1994. Algae and Water Pollution. E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart, Germany.

2. Rai, L.C. and Gaur, J.P. (eds.) 2001. Algal Adaptation to Environmental Stresses. Physiological, Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York.

3. Rai, L.C. and Gaur, J.P. (eds.) 2006. Invasive Alien Species and Biodiversity in India. Proceedings of the Workshop held at Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, 206 p.