The utilization of plastic waste and dry leaves in bricks is a sustainable approach to reducing environmental pollution and managing waste. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of incorporating plastic wastes and dry leaves into the manufacturing of bricks, as well as the potential benefits of using such bricks. The study involves the collection of plastic wastes and dry leaves, sorting and cleaning them before mixing them with clay, sand, and cement in varying proportions. The mixtures are then compressed and molded into bricks, which are allowed to dry and cure before being tested for their physical and mechanical properties. To create plastic soil blocks, the soil was added to the molten plastic paste along with dry leaves in the following ratios: 1.5:1.5:0.5 (plastic, soil, and dry leaves, respectively). Results of the study showed that the inclusion of plastic wastes and dry leaves in brick production can lead to significant improvements in properties such as compressive strength, water absorption, and durability. Furthermore, the use of such bricks can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste and dry leaves in the environment, and also provide a sustainable alternative to traditional bricks that use finite natural resources. In conclusion, the utilization of plastic wastes and dry leaves in bricks is a promising approach toward sustainable construction. Further research is needed to optimize the proportions of the materials used and to investigate the long-term durability of the bricks under different environmental conditions.

This study investigates the trends and processes of flooding in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia, following the 2015 Ranau Earthquake. The earthquake caused landslides that altered river systems and significantly impacted flood patterns. Using an interdisciplinary methodology, we examined geological processes, river morphology, sediment dynamics, and erosion mechanisms to understand the correlation between geological forces and flooding. The investigation spanned a decade (2010-2020), revealing an increase in flood incidents post-earthquake. Key findings include the impact of sediment dynamics on river behavior, the role of river morphology, and the importance of erosion and sedimentation in flood timing. This research offers valuable insights into disaster management strategies, emphasizing the need for understanding geological influences on flood susceptibility.

Acid gas is a type of natural gas or any other gas mixture that contains significant quantities of hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen halides, or similar acidic gases. Acid gases form acidic solutions when dissolved in water. A major cause of acid rain is emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which react with water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids. Acid rain refers to a mixture of wet and dry precipitation from the atmosphere that contains more than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. In this study, the data of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) as total precipitation (Tp), as well as the Vertical Column amount of SO2 from the Giovanni Center were adopted. The purpose of the research was to find the relationship between rain and sulfur dioxide in Baghdad, Mosul, and Basra cities for the period (2003-2016). The study was carried out for monthly and annual (or yearly) data variations. To find the correlation strengths of the relationship between Total precipitation (Tp) and sulfur dioxide, the correlation coefficients of Spearman’s rho test (rs) were used. It was found that the relationship between (Tp Vs. CO2) and (Tp Vs. SO2) for Mosul station was inverse and positive, with a value of 0.7 that’s due to sulfur water eyes. Also, CO2 was found throughout all months but with different ratios, where the highest concentration was in 2016 in all the stations.

This study investigates the feasibility of establishing a grid-connected power system in Ibri, Oman. The primary goal is to address the rising energy demands and contribute to fighting climate change. By leveraging Ibri’s resources, the research highlights the feasibility of such a system, focusing on its economic, technological, and environmental benefits. Using PVsyst software for planning and evaluation, the study assesses climate conditions, component choices, and performance predictions to ensure optimal system performance. The proposed 10.81 kWp solar power system estimates an energy production of 16,981 kWh, achieving a system efficiency of 67.2% based on the performance ratio (PR). The financial analysis estimates a payback period of 7.5 to 8.3 years, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 11.15% and a net present value (NPV) of $32,024.28, confirming the project’s viability. The system is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 379.939 tons over its lifetime, highlighting the significant ecological benefits of adopting solar energy (SE). The research demonstrates that incorporating PV systems in regions like Ibri is technically viable, economically beneficial, and environmentally advantageous. This study is a valuable resource for energy initiatives, promoting sustainable power production methods and encouraging the broader adoption of renewable technologies for a sustainable future.

Water plays a crucial role in the environment and in the process of liquefaction, which can occur during moderate to major earthquakes and cause significant structural damage. Liquefaction is defined as the transformation of granular material from a solid state to a liquid state, a process driven by increased pore water pressure and reduced effective stress within the soil. When an earthquake strikes, the shaking causes the pore water pressure between the sand grains to rise, which in turn reduces the contact forces between the grains. As a result, the sand loses its effective shear strength and starts to behave more like a fluid, leading to instability and potential collapse of structures built on such ground. Liquefaction can occur in moderate to major earthquakes, resulting in severe damage to structures. The transformation of granular material from a solid state to a liquid state due to increased pore pressure and reduced effective stress is defined as liquefaction. When this happens, the sand grains lose their effective shear strength and will behave more like a fluid. This phenomenon of dissolution of soil damages trees’ stability and disturbs the formation of the earth’s surface. Liquefaction resistance of soil depends on the initial state of soil to the state corresponding to failure. The liquefaction resistance can be evaluated based on tests on laboratory and in situ tests. For this research, liquefaction resistance using in-field tests based on SPT N values is attempted. Cyclic resistance ratio (CRR) is found based on the corrected N value. About 16 bore logs have been selected for the factor of safety calculation. The factor of safety for soil was arrived at by taking into account of corresponding corrected SPT N values. The liquefaction hazard map is prepared for the moment magnitude of 7.5-7.6 M w. It is also found that the areas close to water bodies and streams have the factor of safety less than unity. The bore log of locations having a factor of safety less than one indicates that up to a depth of about 6 m, very loose silty sand with clay and sand is present, which are defined as medium to fine sand having low field N values.

Due to rapid industrial growth and the increased economic status of people, water sources across the globe are being significantly polluted with a wide array of effluents. Industrial, agronomic, and customary activities have led to the repeated infestation of water by discarded materials. Consequently, there is an urgent need for advanced technologies to effectively eradicate these impurities from wastewater. Among the various methods established for wastewater remediation, the adsorption process has gained remarkable significance due to its efficiency and effectiveness. The use of nano adsorbents (NADs) represents an emerging solution to these environmental issues. NADs possess exceptional physical and chemical characteristics, which enhance their applicability compared to traditional adsorbents. Their advanced grade, prominence, and excellence in various arenas make them a superior choice for wastewater treatment. Recent explorations have shown that NADs, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and metal and metal oxide nano adsorbents, have a pronounced and favorable impact on wastewater treatment. The focus of this review article is to provide current data and insights into the use of NADs for wastewater remediation. It aims to highlight the benefits of these novel materials and to discuss the potential areas for further improvement in this field. By exploring the latest advancements and applications of NADs, this review seeks to contribute to the ongoing efforts to address the critical issue of water pollution and to promote sustainable water management practices.

Mycoremediation is classified as an inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and effective technique to reduce wastewater. Leiotrametes menziesii BRB 73 was one of the White Rot Fungi (WRF) that has the potential to degrade dyes. Suitable environmental conditions can optimize dye decolorization results. This study aims to investigate optimal environmental conditions such as time incubation, concentration of dyes, pH, CuSO4, and glucose concentration against decolorization of a mixture of direct dyes and enzyme activity (laccase and MnP). The mixture of commercial direct dyes used contains direct turquoise (DT), direct orange (DO), and direct yellow (DY) dyes. Decolorization was measured using a spectrophotometer at 400-700 nm. Laccase and MnP assay using ABTS and 2.6 DMP as substrate, respectively. The highest decolorization by Leiotrametes menziesii BRB 73 was produced at 54.3% at 96 hours and increased to 67% at a dye concentration of 500 mg.L-1. Meanwhile, the highest laccase and MnP activities were 215 U.L-1 and 39 U.L-1, respectively. pH range was quite wide, ranging from pH 5.5-9, supported by stable MnP activity from pH 3-7. CuSO4 inducers were not required for the decolorization of these dyes. Decolorization was optimal at the addition of 1% glucose, while enzyme activities were 0.5% glucose. Decolorization of dyes by Leiotrametes menziesii BRB 73 was indicated through degradation pathways involving laccase and MnP enzymes. This isolate has a high tolerance to dye concentrations, a wide pH range, and low carbon requirements. Thus, it was recommended as a mycoremediation agent.

High phosphate content in water causes eutrophication, leading to many risks to the aquatic environment and human health. This study used biochar derived from macadamia husks at the pyrolysis temperatures (300, 450, and 600℃) to remove P from water. Adsorption parameters such as initial pH, biochar dosage, initial P concentration, and adsorption time when biochar was exposed to the P solution were determined. The results show that pH 4 is optimal for P removal with biochar pyrolyzed at 300 and 450°C, while pH 6 gives biochar 600°C, biochar dosage 10 g.L−1, concentration Initial P 25-200 mg.L−1 and adsorption time 40 minutes for 3 types of biochar. The maximum P adsorption capacity is 20.07, 20.03, and 20.03 mg.L−1 corresponding to 3 forms of biochar 300, 450, and 600°C. P adsorption data were consistent with the Freundlich isotherm model for all three biochar forms. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was suitable for all three types of biochar, showing that the main adsorption mechanism is a surface chemical reaction. The study suggested that hydrogen bonding plays an important role in the adsorption of P onto biochar derived from macadamia husks. This study indicates that biochar derived from macadamia husks pyrolyzed at temperatures of 300, 450, and 600°C are all potentially effective and low-cost adsorbents for phosphate removal from water.

This study aims to develop a comprehensive flood hazard map for effective hazard management in the Noa river basin, located in Assam, India, through the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model. The MaxEnt machine learning algorithm was employed, utilizing eight selected geographic and environmental parameters as predictors to generate the flood hazard map. The accuracy of the generated map was evaluated using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) metric. Key findings of the study identified elevation and slope as critical parameters in the assessment of flood risk. Results revealed that the flood hazard map produced by the MaxEnt model achieved an AUC value of 0.85, indicating high predictive accuracy. The research underscores the significance of flood hazard maps as essential tools for policymakers, enabling the identification of areas vulnerable to severe environmental and economic damage. By providing a reliable and precise assessment of flood-prone zones, this study contributes valuable insights for the formulation of effective flood management strategies and mitigation measures. The implementation of such hazard maps is crucial in enhancing preparedness and resilience against flooding events, ultimately safeguarding lives, property, and infrastructure in the Noa River basin.

Nanotechnology has become one of the most active fields in the research area and is getting more attention toward nanoparticle synthesis. Green synthesis methods using various plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae were used to synthesize nanoparticles with proper requirements and maintain sterile conditions to get the desired products. Aloe vera, a bio-medicinal plant, contains a wide range of phytochemicals such as phenolic, hydroxyl groups, alkaloids, polyols, polysaccharides, etc, which act as reducing and capping agents with high efficiency. This review revealed that aloe vera-derived nanoparticles are safe, stable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly, and they also possess significant applications for drug targeting, disease resistance, tissue engineering, wound healing, anticancer, antibacterial, and cosmetic industries. Synthesized metal nanoparticles are characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and the Well-diffusion method. It is highly interesting to note that aloe vera-mediated silver and zinc nanoparticles possess high potency against multi-drug resistant pathogens. Here, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photocatalytic activity separately showed by aloe vera peel, gel, and leaf, along with possible challenging situations faced during plant extract-based nanoparticle synthesis, are highlighted. Additionally, the introduction of GMOs is subjected to play an important role in advancing green methods. However, more research is required to estimate the dose’s safety, degradation, and synergistic mechanism inside the human body for better use of the green method for the treatment of microbial infections.