Heavy metal contamination in soil poses a significant environmental challenge globally, affecting agricultural productivity and human health. Phytoremediation, using plants to extract and detoxify heavy metals, presents a promising solution. This study investigates the novel potential of Echium plantagineum, a metal-tolerant species, in phytostabilization and phytoremediation and explores the role of metallothioneins in heavy metal reduction. A comprehensive literature review identified known metallothioneins involved in heavy metal reduction across various plant species. Moreover, genome annotation and gene prediction of Echium plantagineum were performed, predicting a total of 39,520 proteins. This comprehensive protein list facilitates the identification of metallothioneins or other metal-related proteins with potential functional roles in heavy metal tolerance, suggesting new targets to improve the effectiveness of phytoremediation. The sequences of these proteins were utilized to construct a protein BLAST database, against which known metallothioneins protein sequences from other plant species were subjected to BLAST searches, resulting in 41 top hits. Subsequent 3D modeling, structural analysis, protein-metal virtual screening, and functional annotation of the proteins revealed novel high affinities of Ctr copper transporter, zinc/iron permease, and nicotianamine synthase proteins with nickel, zinc, and zinc ion, suggesting their unexplored roles in the uptake of aforementioned ligands. Notably, this study identifies novel metallothioneins proteins in Echium plantagineum, highlighting their role in metal tolerance and phytoremediation.

Water conservation and management are significant features of ancient Indian Vedic culture. However, India’s rapid industrialization, globalization, and urbanization have posed a serious threat to this practice. Many metropolitan cities and other cities will likely have groundwater depletion in the near future. As per the ‘United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)’ report titled “The 2023 Interconnected Disaster Risks Report”, India is close to reaching its tipping point of groundwater depletion. It also highlighted that 27 of 31 major global aquifers are depleting faster than they can be replenished. A combination of factors, including climate change, private land ownership, mechanical pumping, etc., led to the depletion of groundwater and water scarcity for farming and other purposes. Additionally, NITI Aayog and the Central Water Commission have released several reports that highlighted the plight of the country’s aquifers. India’s groundwater resources are not only a potential source for agricultural, domestic, and industrial needs in the country but also a threat to its sustainable development and equitable distribution. At present, there is no central law on the groundwater regulation. Although the Model Groundwater (Sustainable Management) Bill 2017 is an affirmative step, its effectiveness depends on implementation by state governments, the establishment of robust local institutions, and removing political incentives from groundwater management. Until now, landowners have enjoyed monopolistic access to groundwater due to common laws that recognize uncontrolled rights over the resources. These restrictions have perpetuated gross inequities in accessing groundwater, which makes a remarkable shift from previous laws. This paper evaluates India’s existing groundwater laws to achieve sustainability, equity, and the effective execution of water rights. It also delves into the lacunae in the existing laws and suggestive measures to control the challenges of groundwater in India.

The present study aimed to investigate the bio-oil from the blended citrus fruit peel by hydrothermal liquefaction process. Huge amounts of fruit peel waste are disposed of in the open environment without any proper management. Such fruit peels are considered a potential bio-resource to be converted into economically valuable products like bio-oil. Since the citrus fruit peel is a rich source of moisture content, a hydrothermal liquefaction process was introduced to produce bio-oil from cellulose, and lignocellulose. The experimental design against temperature, time, and biomass concentration optimization was carried out which was confirmed by the ANOVA f and p test that reveals time and temperature influenced the bio-oil yield drastically. As the time and temperature rise more than 60 min and 280°C, the volatile substance present in the biomass converts itself into solid residue which has a negative impact on bio-oil production, compared with biomass concentration. The maximum yield of bio-oil was recorded as 29.4% at 280°C at 60min reaction time and 80g/200mL concentration as optimized parameters. The GCMS reveals the presence of hydrocarbons and alkanethiol which are flammable and hold the standards of commercial transportation fuel but hold nitrogen and oxygen-containing compounds to pull down the fuel standards. Thus, the produced bio-oil can be blended with the transportation fuel after the upgradation process for efficient results.

A study on the biodiversity and isolation of freshwater algae from some reservoirs of Mae Rim Campus, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Chiang Mai Province, collected algal samples and assessed the water quality at four reservoirs, including Wiang Bua Reservoir, Ma Lang Por Reservoir, Education Auditorium reservoir, and Kru Noi Garden Reservoir. One hundred and six species of algae belonging to 8 phyla were found. The most prominent species were Cylindrospermopsis philippinensis, Trachelomonas volvocina, Peridiniopsis sp., and Coelastrum astroideum, respectively. The overall water quality was categorized as clean according to some physical and chemical parameters by the National Environmental Board of Thailand. However, high BOD values were detected at some sampling points. The algae isolation included 8 isolates, which could be utilized for various purposes in the future, such as biomass, protein, polysaccharide energy, bioactive compounds, antioxidant substances, wastewater treatment, environmental indicators, algal toxins, and phylogenetic studies. All strains were stored at the Centre of Excellence of Biodiversity Research and Implementation for Community, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, for conservation and future development purposes.

Sandy soils are not suitable for agriculture because they do not retain nutrients, and water drains quickly. The biochar applied to these soils provides nutrients, improves their fertility, and favors crop yields. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of the application of pine biochar and the pruning of green areas obtained by slow pyrolysis on the physicochemical attributes of sandy soil. For this purpose, a greenhouse experiment was conducted in fifteen pots randomly divided into three groups (five replicas) of treatment depending on the dose of biochar: 0% (0 g/pot, T1 control treatment), 10% (100 g/pot, T2), and 25% (250 g/pot, T3) calculated according to the volume of the soil. Likewise, 05 seeds of turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) were placed in each pot, where their germination and growth were monitored. Application of biochar reported an increase in organic matter, porosity, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, NO3-, K, and Mg (without significant differences) and a reduction in bulk density, P, and Ca (without significant differences). These behaviors were higher in T3, followed by T2, compared to T1. Similarly, T3 (68%, 7.5 ± 0.9 cm) showed a higher number of turnip germinations and growth compared to T2 (48%, 7 ± 0.6 cm) and T1 (28% 6 ± 0.4 cm). The biochar applied improved the attributes of the sandy soil, strengthening it against possible erosion and promoting the preservation of terrestrial ecosystems.

Soil erosion in the agricultural landscape of Assam has been impacting the livelihoods of millions. In administrative regions like districts, which are vulnerable to natural disasters like floods and bank erosion, GIS-based soil erosion estimating studies can help planners and policymakers identify areas of soil erosion to implement scientific conservation measures. The main purpose of this study is to estimate soil loss and to determine soil loss zones in the Morigaon district of Assam. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) combined with GIS has been incorporated into the present study. The five parameters of RUSLE, namely, rainfall-runoff erosivity, soil erodibility, topographic factor, cover management, and conservation practices, are individually estimated from relevant and authentic data sources, and all these parameters are quantified in GIS. The research findings show that 46.89% of areas in the district are in moderate soil loss zone, eroding 0.78 ton/ha/year, 34.27% of areas are in low soil loss zone, 15.36% of areas are in high soil loss zone, eroding about 12.22 ton/ha/year and 3.47% of areas are in a very high soil loss zone, eroding 192.8 ton/ha/year. The high soil loss zones mainly cover the riverine areas and bare lands in the district. As per our estimation, there is an average of 205.85 tonnes of soil loss in the district per hectare per year.

Mature flower buds were collected from twenty species planted on the different roads in the Giza district from May to September 2022 and 2023. The pollen grains were examined carefully and photographed using a 40x10x magnification lens in an OPTICA (B-150D) light microscope fitted with a USB digital video Camera and Computer Software. At least 30 pollen grains/each species were measured and described. Non-catalyzed pollens were sputtered onto Aluminum stubs, coated with 30 nm gold, and examined and photographed using JEOL JSL IT 200 SEM. The morphological characters of the pollen grains were examined. According to the pollen size Acalypha wilkesiana and Tecoma stans were the smallest pollen grains, from 20.0μm to 26.0μm, which facilitate their introduction to the nose causing asthma and rhinitis. Clerodendrum inerme pollen grains have echinate exine surface, which causes allergic symptoms more than the psilate ones. Plumbago capensis has intectate exine with echinate columella causing human disorders. This study demonstrates the critical position of air pollution in this area with the change in the phenological aspects of the plants resulting in producing immature pollen grains in huge amounts, which cause human disorders and pollinosis. Our results showed that the studied species can induce allergy in one way or another if we consider the situation of the studied area, weather pattern, and pollen characteristics.

The residual dye within the soil from the synthetic dye manufacturing and fabric industries is a global state of affairs. The discharge consists of an excessive content of pigments and other components, creating complicated structures. It leads to damage to the soil structure and its fertility. Amid existing amputation methods, microbial remediation takes significant consideration owing to its subordinate charge, sophisticated proficiency, and fewer influences on the milieu. The current study was premeditated for the seclusion and portrayal of azo dye- dye-decolorizing bacteria, which is a criterion for emerging a microorganism-facilitated treatment of adulterating dyes. In this present investigation, twenty sorts of bacteria that were talented to decolorize seven kinds of azo dyes (Crystal Violet, Methylene Blue, Safranine, Congo Red, Methyl Orange, Malachite Green, and Carbol Fuchsin) were isolated from dye-polluted soil from the dying industry near the railway station; in Calicut. Based on 16S rDNA scrutiny, the most resourceful decolourizing bacteria for these azo dyes was identified as Priestia megaterium strain NRBC 15308. After characterization, Priestia megaterium was found to be optimally nurtured at 35°C, on a pH of 7, with a 1.5% glucose concentration in a minimal salt medium. 100% decolorization of a 6% dye solution was found at optimal conditions by Priestia megaterium. Priestia megaterium can decolorize cotton and gauze suspended in the dye solution in 24 hours. Bioremediation studies with the isolate proved that the inhibition effect of the dye solution on seed germination could be removed by the application of Prestia megaterium. The isolation of Priestia megaterium strain NRBC 15308 as a dye-degrading bacterium holds immense promise for remediating dye-contaminated soil.

The study assessed the efficiency of immobilized algae (Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turpin) Brébisson) in treating copper toxicity in common carp fish. Acute toxicity of copper towards carp fish was determined. Fish were exposed in aqueous tanks to different heavy metal concentrations (10, 15, 25, and 35 ppm) for 96 h to examine their response. The lethal concentration (LC50) of copper for common carp over 96 h was found to be 1.4 ppm, with fish mortality increasing gradually with higher metal concentrations. Subsequently, half of the LC50 concentration (0.7 ppm) was used as a chronic toxicity concentration, and fish were treated for 21 days to assess copper accumulation in their gills and muscles. Copper concentration in gills on day 5 of the experiment was 16.89 ± 2.2 mg.kg-1 (Mean ± S.D), a significant increase from in muscles, which recorded 10.72 ± 1.1 mg.kg-1 (Mean ± S.D). On day 21, the copper concentration decreased significantly in both gills (4.73 ± 0.5 mg.kg-1) and muscles (8.4 ± 4.5 mg.kg-1) compared to the control group (significant LSD 0.05). But the copper and algae group recorded on day 21 of the experiment (a significant decrease LSD 0.05) in both the gills (mg.kg-1) Mean± S.D) (4.73±0.5) and the muscles (mg.kg-1) Mean± S.D) (8.4±4.5) compared to the copper group. The removal rate in the gills was 75.57%, and in the muscles was 21.17%. Therefore, treatment with immobilized algae is an efficient and promising method for treating copper toxicity in aquatic environments.

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.