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.

For the past several decades, Tumkur has been one of the fastest-developing cities in Karnataka. Hence, an assessment concerning the identification of LULC mutations and their intensity and urban sprawl in Tumkur City has been employed using cutting-edge Geospatial techniques. In this study, multi-temporal satellite imagery such as Landsat 5 (2000), Resourcesat-1 (2005, 2009 & 2012), and Sentinel-2A (2015 & 2020) were utilized to monitor historical LULC changes, land transformation, direction of urban growth and sprawl. The outcome of the change detection demonstrates that between 2000 and 2020, the built-up area expanded significantly, from 24.94 km2 to 60.59 km2. Consequently, the land transformation matrix analysis shows that substantial modifications in LULC have occurred over the period, with a rise in built-up areas and plantations and a decline in agricultural land, water bodies, and scrubland. Further, urban expansion analysis using UEII (Urban Expansion Intensity Index) revealed that most of the area is in the fast-paced stage of urban expansion. Moreover, two well-known indices; the Annual Urban Spatial Expansion Index (AUSEI) and the Annual Built-up Change Index (ABCI), show a significant positive correlation between them (R2 = 0.69) justifying the increased urban growth in the study area. Whereas, built-up density and the Annual Urban Spatial Expansion Index (AUSEI) show a negative correlation (R2 = 0.55) indicating the presence of compactness of the core of the city. Apart from the above analysis, urban sprawl was effectively interpreted using zones formed using Shannon entropy; NNE, ESE, and SSW have high urban sprawl due to National Highways, growth of Industries, and infrastructure activities developed by the government. Further, the present study’s findings will contribute to understanding land use dynamics, urban sprawl, urban growth analysis, and future projections, as well as provide crucial information for decision-making and urban planning processes, to the urban planner to support acceptable land use management and guiding plan for appropriate growth of urban areas.

In the modern world, the rise of industrialization and motorization has significantly increased the use of internal combustion engines powered by petroleum products. This has led to the unsustainable exploitation and depletion of petroleum reserves. Consequently, the use of biodiesel-based biofuels, particularly those derived from microorganisms, along with gaseous fuel supplementation in internal combustion engines, has gained prominence. The urgent need to explore alternative fuels for combustion engines has become evident over the past few decades due to the rapid decline in fossil fuel reserves. This study examines the impact of hydrogen induction in the throttle body of a CI engine powered by blends of biodiesel from Chlorella vulgaris and mineral diesel in various proportions, without major engine modifications. The research aims to evaluate the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of the engine when supplemented with hydrogen, biodiesel, and their blend B20. The experiments involve varying fuel compositions and engine operational parameters to assess their influence on efficiency, pollutant emissions, and combustion stability.