The mountainous region of the Hunza River watershed basin, especially along the Karakorum highway, and also known as a third pole for the high accumulation of glaciers, which leads to huge devastating landslides occurring every year. Landslide susceptibility mapping was carried out using two deep machine learning techniques (DeeplabV3+ & universal network U-Net) and two statistical models (Intuitionistic Fuzzy divergence IF-D & Frequency ratio FR). The landslide susceptibility mapping is conducted using landslide inventory data and twelve conditional factors. The landslide susceptibility maps obtained from the two statistical models were compared with those generated by two deep machine learning models based on prediction accuracy measures, such as the Area Under the Curve (AUC) and Seed Cell Area Index (SCAI). The Success Rate Curve (SRC) was obtained using the training dataset, and the AUC values for the four models were as follows: 76.9% for IF-D, 76.9% for FR, 80.4% for DeeplabV3+, and 76.3% for U-Net. In terms of the Prediction Rate Curve (PRC) obtained from the validation dataset, the AUC values were found to be 80.8% for IF-D, 80.8% for FR, 81% for DeeplabV3+, and 77.8% for U-Net. To assess the classification ability of the models, the Seed Cell Area Index (SCAI) test was conducted. The results indicated that the SCAI (D-value) was 7.3 for U-Net, 10 for DeeplabV3+, 7.6 for IF-D, and 9.1 for FR. Overall, the findings revealed that DeeplabV3+ exhibited the highest prediction accuracy and classification ability, making it the most suitable choice for landslide susceptibility mapping in the relevant study area.

This study was conducted to determine strategies to enhance the sustainable forest management practices of the Tagbanua tribe. Specifically to describe the biodiversity and soil characteristics of the ancestral domain. The modified belt-transect method for biodiversity assessment developed by B+WISER (2014), further modified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the assessment, was used in this study. Results of soil chemical analysis showed significant variations among various land uses. The ancestral domain had at least 73 plant species belonging to 34 families and 59 genera. Four (4) taxa whose SN/families were still undetermined and another three (3) genera under families Annonaceae, Meliaceae, and Sapindaceae were unidentified. It had 12 plant species that are threatened with one critically endangered based on the list of threatened Philippine plants of the DENR. On the other hand, a total of 372 birds representing 61 species from 29 families were recorded. The high Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’=3.69) and Shannon’s Evenness (HE=0.90) values indicate high avifaunal diversity and equitable distribution among the detected species. Most of the conservation priority species recorded in the area are Palawan endemic species. The survival of these birds is threatened by extinction due to habitat loss. This observation emphasized the importance of the ancestral domain as a refuge for these endemic species and conservation priority areas.

Urban xenobiotics are a vital contamination phenomenon of urban plants in the overall country. They are a result of human activity due to growing urbanization and population growth. There are extensive sources of both natural (soil or rock erosion, fires, biodegradation, and volcanic eruptions) and anthropogenic (soil pollution, air, and herbicides). Currently, the demand for pharmaceuticals, compared to the growing population, has placed a risk on the urban plant. Additionally, the production of illegal drugs has caused the release of dangerous carcinogens into fungal activities, which will have an impact on plant health, microbial structure, and fungal interaction. Because of the harsh environment, higher temperatures, heavy metals, and higher N deposition, most urban trees suffer from stress conditions, and mycorrhiza is negatively impacted by plant conditions. Some mycorrhiza fungi are unable to sporulate and hyphal at higher xenobiotic concentrations in urban areas. This chapter takes a look at the sources and compounds of xenobiotics and their harmful impact on mycorrhiza; and its association with the urban plants.

Soil stabilization is a very important method of science and engineering for improving the properties of soil. This paper aims to stabilize expansive black cotton soil through a biological approach involving plant extracts, plant waste materials, and microorganisms. While chemical methods exist, i.e., lime stabilization, geotextiles, etc., they are not economically feasible for large-scale applications. The primary issue with black cotton soil is due to the presence of montmorillonite clay mineral, which makes it unsuitable for the construction of roads and airfields. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) can be defined as the ability of soil to absorb and exchange positively charged ions; thus, if free positively charged ions are not available, the soil will not exchange them with others. The CEC of the soil is diminished, and ultimately, the soil is stabilized to some extent. This paper explores the preparation of plant extract, which contains a high number of anions, and directly inoculates it with soil, which nullifies the positive charge of the soil and diminishes the CEC. The use of cellulose and lignin-degrading microorganisms as an energy source and other minerals that are needed for their growth will be utilized from the soil to reduce CEC, i.e., Mg required for DNA replication and Ca required for their growth and maintenance. Another approach to diminishing the CEC is to use the microorganisms that produce EPS, which require Ca and Mg as adhesions for the formation of biofilm, i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. The use of microorganisms that have specific enzymes is also used in the diminishing soil CEC, i.e., by using ureolytic enzyme-producing bacteria like Sporosarcina pasteurii, Bacillus paramycoides, Citrobacter sedlakii, and Enterobacter bugadensis.

Environmental pollution is escalating due to inadequate waste management, with the open burning of agricultural waste being a significant contributor. This process releases various harmful gases into the environment. This study introduces an innovative approach to creating sound absorption materials using agricultural by-products, specifically paddy straw and coconut coir, along with newspaper by-products. The research was conducted in two phases: first, the production of sound absorption panels with different densities and adhesive quantities, and second, the evaluation of these panels’ sound absorption capabilities through laboratory experiments. The impedance tube test was used to determine the sound absorption coefficient (SAC). The results showed effective sound absorption, especially at lower frequencies ranging from 125 Hz to 6300 Hz. Notably, paddy straw and coconut coir exhibited significant sound absorption values at 1,000 Hz (0.59 and 0.52, respectively). This study highlights the potential of paddy straw and coconut coir as sustainable, cost-effective materials for sound absorption panels. These natural materials demonstrate excellent sound-absorbing properties, making them suitable for various applications such as classrooms, sound recording rooms, auditoriums, and theaters at low to medium frequencies.

Maize is one of the staple food crops after wheat and rice crops. There is a reduction in the yield of maize due to biotic and abiotic factors. Due to more spacing in maize weeds are highly infested in the field which leads to reduced fertility of soil and sustainability. To maintain the fertility of soil and reduce the wastage of resources intercropping is the best option. By growing crops in between the rows of maize crops we can increase production and can achieve zero hunger. A field experiment was conducted at Lovely Professional University (Kharif 2022) to check the effect of black gram and French bean as intercrop in maize on weed flora, rhizospheric bacterial count, and yield parameters of maize. The experiment comprised 9 treatments i.e. Sole maize, Sole French bean and Sole black gram, Maize + French bean (1:1, 1:2, 1:3), Maize + black gram (1:1, 1:2, 1:3). Weed density and biomass recorded by quadrant 1 m2 method at 30 and 60 DAS (Days after sowing). Results of the study showed that minimum weed count of grasses (3.44, 3.26), sedges (3.13, 2.73), and BLW (Broad leaf weed) (3.26, 4.58) at 30 and 60 DAS recorded in those plots where intercropping of maize and black gram practiced in 1:3 proportion. Rhizospheric bacterial count viz. THB (total heterotrophic bacteria) (232.82), NRB (nitrate-reducing bacteria) (41.89), and NB (nitrifying bacteria) (161.86) were recorded highest in Maize + French bean 1:3 at 30 DAS. Whereas THB, NRB, and PSB (phosphate solubilizing bacteria) highest count recorded in Maize + Black gram 1:3 at 90 DAS. In the case of maize yield attributes maize + Black gram 1:2 gave the best result. Land Equivalent ratio and Maize Equivalent yield (2.23, 11671.03 kg.ha-1) were recorded maximum in those plots where Maize + Black gram 1:2 proportion was practiced. Intercropping can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to herbicides to reduce the weed population and infestation, which leads to maintaining soil fertility and enhancing sustainability.

India’s fast industrialization and population expansion have resulted in heavy metal accumulation from many operations, which has caused massive waste generation and poisoning of soils. Therefore, it is necessary to design reclamation to improve th T.Ne soil. Phytoremediation presents itself as a viable, economical, and environmentally sustainable solution to this problem. This study was carried out by using plants namely, aloe-vera (Aloe-Barbadensis), tulsi (Ocimum Tenuiflorium), and vetiver (Chrysopogon Zizanoides) plants which were planted in a simulated soil of Cd, Zn and Pb, for 4 weeks. The sample of plant and soil were taken in 9 different pots, (15 cm diameter and 25 cm height) among 9 potted soils one will be tested as a controlled sample. An aqueous solution of lead, cadmium and zinc were added separately to the dry soil samples. The moisture level of the soil was maintained to near field water capacity (35.6%) and equilibrated for two weeks. The saplings of vetiver grass, aloe vera and tulsi were selected and pruned (the shoots were originally 20 cm high and the roots 8 cm long), and then transplanted into the pots. The AAS test was conducted after 4 weeks of growing in simulated soil. Tulsi demonstrated the highest efficacy in reducing Zn concentrations from 300 mg/kg to 188.3 mg/kg, followed by vetiver (179.3 mg/kg) and Aloe vera (158.3 mg/kg). Similarly, for Pb, tulsi exhibited the most substantial reduction (from 600 mg/kg to 188.3 mg/kg), followed by vetiver (164.3 mg/kg) and Aloe vera (179.6 mg/kg). Regarding Cd, tulsi reduced concentrations from 80 mg/kg to 18.62 mg/kg, while vetiver achieved a 17.62 mg/kg reduction. The result highlights Tulsi’s superior remediation potential, attributed to its efficient heavy metal uptake and translocation mechanisms. Thus, using these plants in the phytoremediation process, the heavy metals are extracted more economically than other plants. This technique highlights the innate ability of hyper-accumulator plant species, which flourish in situations high in heavy metals, to extract contaminants from contaminated soil.

This study employs Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to delineate groundwater potential zones. Various thematic layers, including geomorphology, land use and land cover, geology, rainfall, slope, soil composition, drainage density, and the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), were integrated using a weighted linear combination in the GIS platform’s spatial analyst tool. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assign different ranks to these layers and their sublayers. Groundwater potential zones were categorized as poor (16.54%, 96.25 km²), moderate (67.20%, 391.13 km²), and good (16.26%, 94.62 km²). Validation involved observing water levels in various wells within the study area, with the results’ reliability assessed using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, demonstrating an accuracy of 88%. The study area faces rapid urbanization and industrialization, stressing the aquifer’s groundwater availability. Identifying groundwater potential zones is thus crucial for effective groundwater development and management.

Consumer health and wellness are increasingly threatened by the deteriorating state of the environment, both locally and globally. Pollution, deforestation, habitat destruction, and climate change are among the myriad environmental challenges that directly impact human well-being. From air and water pollution to the depletion of natural resources, these environmental issues have profound implications for public health, exacerbating respiratory diseases, waterborne illnesses, and other health problems. In response to these environmental challenges, consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious in their purchasing decisions. They are seeking products and services that minimize harm to the environment, promote sustainability, and contribute positively to ecological conservation efforts. This shift in consumer preferences is driving the demand for sustainable products across various industries, including food and beverages, personal care, fashion, and household goods. Sustainable product marketing plays a critical role in addressing these consumer demands while also mitigating environmental impacts. By promoting products that are ethically sourced, eco-friendly, and produced using environmentally sustainable practices, businesses can align their operations with environmental conservation goals. This involves adopting eco-friendly packaging, reducing carbon emissions throughout the supply chain, and supporting renewable energy initiatives. In the context of the current study aiming to examine consumer purchasing patterns for sustainable products in India, the results offer valuable insights into the interplay between environmental consciousness, demographic factors, and consumer behavior. By delving into these dynamics, the study sheds light on the multifaceted influences that shape consumers’ decisions regarding sustainable products.

The global population surge has escalated the demand for food production. While conventional farming meets consumer demands, it often compromises food quality and safety. This method of agriculture has significant adverse effects on health and the environment, relying heavily on chemical fertilizers, costly seeds, and machinery. Conventional farming contributes to environmental degradation, food-borne illnesses, and soil infertility. In response to these issues, organic agriculture has gained prominence worldwide. The rising demand for organic products is driven by their nutritional and environmental benefits. Numerous studies have explored the advantages and disadvantages of various farming methods, comparing organic and conventional practices. This paper reviews the emerging impacts of organic farming on the environment and climate change and examines the nutritional differences and consumer preferences for vegetables produced by these two farming methods.