Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment have been linked to severe health effects. This study aims to assess the atmospheric pollutant and analyze the variation in PAHs, focussed on benzo[a]pyrene [B(a)P]. Among all PAHs, B(a)P is regarded as a marker for human carcinogenicity. This study reflects the B(a)P concentration and its correlation with the particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas of Panvel Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra, India. Samples were collected during the pre & post-monsoon season for two consecutive years (Yr. 2020 and Yr. 2021). B(a)P level was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector. It was observed that PM2.5 and PM10 show a strong positive correlation (r=0.8-0.9) with B(a)P. It is observed that B(a)P concentrations were high in pre-monsoon w.r.t. post-monsoon, and this concentration increased spatially as we moved from rural to urban areas. Pre-monsoon B(a)P concentration varies somewhat by 5% between rural to urban areas as compared to post-monsoon. High levels of vehicular emissions and industry were associated with the distribution of B(a)P in urban areas, whereas a combination of local emissions and metropolitan area diffusion was responsible for the presence of B(a)P in peri-urban and rural areas. Also, this study captures the variation of B(a)P levels during the period of COVID-19. In future studies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can augment the determination of PAHs in soil by improving the accuracy and speed of analysis using predictive modeling based on different input parameters to determine outliers in soil PAH data, building sensor networks for real-time monitoring of PAH levels, leverage robotics for automated sample preparations, and rapid testing of samples to identify hotspots.

Mauritania is a fishing country. However, the Mauritanian coast is increasingly exposed to environmental issues mainly due to anthropogenic activities such as the mining, gas, oil, and fishing industries, as well as new agricultural practices that unreasonably use inputs. Environmental monitoring of the Mauritanian coast faces several challenges; thus, improving the fisheries sector begins with enhancing the state of marine ecosystems and implementing environmental monitoring adapted to climatic conditions and local needs. This study aims to evaluate the quality of the sediments of the “Baie du Repos” in the town of Nouadhibou, Mauritania, through the study of organic matter and the quantification of trace metallic elements in the Quaternary sediments of the Bay. Six samples deemed representative of this Bay were taken and transported to the laboratory. The physicochemical analysis of these samples shows that the superficial horizons of 30 cm depth have overall organic matter contents higher than the average threshold value proposed by the literature for 4 out of 6 of the points studied. The contents recorded for the different metallic trace elements indicate that point 1 is the most exposed to contamination, with the highest concentrations of cadmium, lead, copper, iron, and zinc. The ACP (Principal Component Analysis) showed that the metallic trace elements Pb, Cu, Fe, Cd, and Zn are closely related and evolve positively in the same direction. Additionally, it was found that the points studied are divided into three groups: Group 1 contains only point 1, which is the most exposed to contamination by these toxic elements (Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Cd). Group 2 contains points 3, 5, and 6, which are moderately contaminated by metallic elements with a significant dominance of organic matter (OM). Finally, Group 3 is the least contaminated, with a very high content of organic matter (OM).

Mineral scales of calcite are common in the oil field and pose a serious integrity problem in the wellbore, flow lines, and equipment. It is also a challenge faced by industries such as refineries and power plants. Scale deposition is a complex process depending on various factors such as concentration of scaling species, temperature, pH, and flow rates. Deterministic models are used to predict the scale formation from the level of supersaturation of the scaling species in the water at the operating conditions. However, due to the complexity of the interaction of variables affecting the scaling and inhibition by chemicals, it is suitable to be represented by statistical models. This work focused on applying statistical analysis techniques such as response surface methodology to understand the effect of different operating parameters on the inhibition efficiency of maleic acid-acrylamide copolymer on CaCO3 scales. The copolymer was synthesized, and its inhibition efficiency on the calcite scale was tested using static jar tests at different pH, temperature, and inhibitor concentrations. The effect of the critical parameters on the inhibition efficiency was analyzed using the statistical technique of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The design of experiments (DoE) was created using a Box–Behnken design with three levels for each factor. The linear and the quadratic effects of the factors were studied and the interaction effects were analyzed using analyses of variance (ANOVA) and RSM. A desirability function was used to optimize the performance for the combination of the variables. The analysis showed that the linear effect of the parameters had the highest impact on the inhibition efficiency. Significant interaction effects were also identified between the operating variables. A transfer function was used to model the experimental data of inhibitor performance.

Judicious application of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in crop production is critical for reducing the nitrate pollution of groundwater and greenhouse gas emissions. It is, thus, important to improve the nitrogen use efficiency under the reduced application of nitrogen. A genotypic variation in N-uptake and N-use efficiency particularly under low N-input conditions exists across crops that can be deciphered and exploited for environmentally sustainable farming without any significant penalty of yield and quality. The present research conducted under the nutrient solution culture aimed to explore the inherent variability in the growth response of ten genetically diverse wheat varieties to low fertilizer N-application (N-, 10 μM N) in comparison to N sufficient control (N+, 8.5 mM N) viz., a viz., the activity of various key N-assimilating enzymes and to delineate the indirect effect of low N on uptake and partitioning of other major macronutrients viz., P, K, S, which may indirectly regulate the N-use efficiency. A notable increase in sulfur, potassium, and phosphorus content was observed under nitrogen-deficient conditions. Varieties such as Carnamah and HD 2824 exhibit a significant increase in shoot phosphorus content, emphasizing their potential to optimize phosphorus acquisition and utilization efficiency under nutrient-limited conditions. The findings highlight the complex interplay between nutrient availability and plant responses, showcasing varietal-specific adaptations to nitrogen limitations.

Sustainable development is a global policy that requires the collective effort of the actors present in each territory. In this sense, an energy renewal intervention model is presented at the Juan XXIII Educational Institution in the city of Monteria, Córdoba, Colombia, which results from alliances between international, national, and regional actors, becoming a reference that could serve as a basis. To be replicated in other institutions with characteristics similar to those described in this case. The model generally describes the entire process carried out in the intervention and focuses on the benefits generated for the educational community. Among the main results, the increase in thermal, lighting, and acoustic comfort of the educational community stands out, according to a survey and semi-structured interviews carried out. A fact that could be attributed to the perception of increased comfort in the community is the increase in the student population in 2022, going from 1,478 in 2019 to 1,909 in 2022, with a growth of approximately 29%. Energy renovation also resulted in the improvement of the indoor climate of the classrooms (from 35°C to 27°C), the improvement in the physical infrastructure of the institution, the integration of photovoltaic solar energy, and the subsequent reduction of energy cost.

This study was conducted in the six municipalities of Apayao Province, namely, Luna, Pudtol, Flora, Conner, Kabugao, and Calanasan. This aimed to survey and characterize the edible fruit and ethnomedicinal trees in the forest landscape of Apayao province. It determined the geographical location, morphological characteristics, ecological status, DNA sequencing, phytochemical contents, uses, and threats of the edible and ethnomedicinal trees in the forests of Apayao. The methods used were qualitative and quantitative research. Fifteen (15) edible and 10 ethnomedicinal trees were surveyed with sixteen (16) families were identified.Out of 25 edible and ethnomedicinal trees, the conservation status is endangered, threatened, rare, vulnerable, and least concerned. Out of 25 edible and ethnomedicinal fruit trees, most are with identity results that range from 93 to 100% identity. Flavonoids, tannins, and sapotin compounds are mostly present in edible and ethnomedicinal trees. The community members are using 15 different ethnomedicinal trees to address 32 health-related conditions. The results of the phytochemical analyses provide support evidence to support the traditional uses of ethnomedicinal trees. All surveyed trees are susceptible to pests, diseases, and destruction brought by natural phenomena such as the effect of climate change. A policy recommendation for the conservation and protection of edible and ethnomedicinal trees is then proposed.

This study investigates the potential of leaf and various organic waste composts as bio-organic fertilizers using 16S rRNA metagenomics. The microbial richness and diversity analysis, employing alpha and beta diversity indices, reveal substantial variations influenced by organic substrates during composting. The leaf compost had a high total OTU (70,554) but low microbial diversity (Chao 1 index = 272.27). The kitchen waste compost had the highest microbial diversity (Chao 1 index = 429.18). Positive correlations between microbial biomass, diversity, and compost quality highlighted the pivotal role of microbial activity. The beneficial genera identified across all the bio-composts were Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Sphingobacterium, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, and Clostridium. Some pathogenic genera were also detected in all the composts analyzed, viz. Prevotella, Agrobacterium, Fusobacterium, and Streptococcus. Nonetheless, the ratio of beneficial to the pathogenic genera was generally high in all compost, highlighting the enrichment with beneficial microorganisms. The leaf compost demonstrated the highest proportion of beneficial genera, about 92%, indicating significant bio-fertilizing potential, with a low % level of pathogenic genera of about 3%. Thus, the leaf compost has excellent potential to be used as a bio-organic fertilizer. Understanding the microbial composition of organic waste composts is crucial for its application as bio-fertilizer for promoting sustainable agriculture.

Groundwater, an invaluable resource crucial for irrigation and drinking purposes, significantly impacts human health and societal advancement. This study aims to evaluate the groundwater quality in the Mnasra region of the Gharb Plain, employing a comprehensive analysis of thirty samples collected from various locations, based on thirty-three physicochemical parameters. Utilizing tools like the Pollution Index of Groundwater (PIG), Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), Water Quality Index (WQI), Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), as well as Multivariate Statistical Approaches (MSA), and the Geographic Information System (GIS), this research identifies the sources of groundwater pollution. The results revealed Ca2+ dominance among cations and Cl− as the primary anion. The Piper and Gibbs diagrams illustrated the prevalent Ca2+-Cl− water type and the significance of water–rock interactions, respectively. The PIG values indicated that 86.66% of samples exhibited “Insignificant pollution”. NPI showed notable nitrate pollution (1.48 to 7.06), with 83.33% of samples rated “Good” for drinking based on the WQI. The IWQI revealed that 80% of samples were classified as “Excellent” and 16.66% as “Good”. Spatial analysis identified the eastern and southern sections as highly contaminated due to agricultural activities. These findings provide valuable insights for decision-makers to manage groundwater resources and promote sustainable water management in the Gharb region.

International audience | Pas un mois ne passe sans que la pollution plastique ne fasse l’actualité d’une façon ou d’une autre. Il faut dire que nul écosystème n’échappe à la pollution plastique. En moins d’un siècle, nous avons produit deux fois plus de plastique en masse qu’il n’existe d’animaux sur terre.La majeure partie de ces plastiques deviennent finalement des déchets et contribuent à la saturation d’un système de gestion déjà à bout de souffle. Mais la problématique de la pollution plastique va bien au-delà de la question des déchets mal gérés : les plastiques polluent à toutes les étapes de leur cycle de vie. C’est ainsi qu’ils affectent tous les écosystèmes, du fond des océans jusqu’à l’air que nous respirons, en passant par les sols qui nous nourrissent.Les scientifiques ne cessent d’alerter sur cette pollution qui a conduit à la plastification de notre planète en nuisant profondément à la santé humaine. Ces derniers ont un rôle à jouer dans les négociations internationales, comme à Ottawa (Canada) en avril 2024. Il s’agissait de la quatrième et avant-dernière session de négociation du traité mondial contre la pollution plastique (CIN-4). Depuis, le travail continue jusqu’à la dernière étape pour la finalisation du Traité, en novembre 2024 à Busan, en Corée du Sud.

Study region A reach of the Nile River located between Naga Hammadi barrage and Asyut barrage, Egypt Study focus An accurate representation of hydrodynamics of an important water source helps cope with expected future climate changes, pollution incidents and water quality problems. Here, a comparison between HEC-RAS 1D and TELEMAC-2D model was conducted by identifying different Manning coefficients. Moreover, an automatic calibration using Dual-Annealing optimization method was applied for first time to calibrate the model with non-uniform Manning coefficients. The transport of tracer (pollution) was simulated by computing tracer residence times. Pollution transport scenarios were discussed to draw a picture of pollution incidents which will continue to happen in the future. An equation indicating the relation between flow discharge and residence time was derived to hurriedly help decision makers in water management during sudden pollution incidents. New hydrological insights for the region A model with spatially variable Manning coefficients using TELEMAC-2D was set up and calibrated achieving good accuracyies with average errors of approximately 4 cm and 7 cm between field and simulated water levels for two different discharge scenarios. Moreover, an equation for relation between flow discharge and residence time was derived producing a strong correlation coefficient of 0.95. This study, integrating advanced hydrodynamic models and automatic calibration techniques, provides a robust framework for assessing and managing water resource challenges under varying flow conditions.