This study focuses on assessing the toxicity levels in fruits and vegetables based on the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly in regions affected by industrial and vehicular pollution where the particulate matter deposits on the plant surfaces. Traditional methods, including Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and HighPerformance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), are used to measure PAH levels in fruits and vegetables, which are found to be valuable but expensive and time-consuming. However, the detection of toxicity relies on either expert knowledge or experimental analysis when compared with the limitations set by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Therefore, in this study, artificial intelligence techniques have been employed to evaluate the toxicity levels based on 16 PAHs. The PAH concentrations in fruits and vegetables were collected from different articles corresponding to safe and unsafe datasets and then validated through statistical analysis. The validated dataset is classified using different machine learning algorithms. Based on the output from the neural network, the level of toxicity is also scaled and compared with the targeted outputs. The promising results of the classification of toxicity using artificial intelligence methods are substantiated by an experimental study and validated through statistical methods. From the results, it can be observed that the machine learning algorithm has given classification accuracy of more than 90% along with their degree of harmfulness. This research holds implications for food safety and public health, offering a novel approach to the interdisciplinary understanding of climate change by addressing the impact of environmental contaminants on the edibility of fruits and vegetables.

This study aims to explore the applications of graphene and chitosan in water splitting and catalysis, focusing on their unique properties and synergistic effects. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to examine their roles in photocatalytic activity and environmental remediation. Graphene, known for its high surface area and conductivity, was analyzed for its ability to enhance charge separation and light harvesting through doping and hybridization with metal nanoparticles. Similarly, chitosan’s biopolymeric nature and strong affinity for transition metals were evaluated for their utility in enzymatic and catalytic applications. Results indicate that graphene’s photocatalytic performance can be significantly improved through doping and functionalization, while chitosan proves effective in wastewater treatment and as a polymeric support for catalysts. The study concludes that the combined use of graphene and chitosan offers promising potential for advancing sustainable energy solutions and environmental technologies.

The objective of this study is to provide a thorough assessment of soil erosion in the Hirshabelle state from 2020 to 2023, utilizing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and advanced geospatial technologies, particularly Google Earth Engine, to guide sustainable land management strategies. The study integrates multiple datasets, including CHIRPS for rainfall measurement, MODIS for land use analysis, and a digital elevation model for slope calculation, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to soil erosion. The rainfall erosivity (R) factor is calculated using CHIRPS data, while the soil erodibility (K-factor) is derived from the soil dataset. The topographic condition (LS-factor) is computed using the digital elevation model, and the cover-management (C) and support practice (P) factors are determined from the NDVI and land use data, respectively. The findings reveal considerable spatial variation in soil erosion across the Hirshabelle state. The results are categorized into five levels based on the severity of soil loss: very low (<5), low (5-10), moderate (10-20), high (20-40), and very high (≥40). While areas classified under “very low” soil loss are dominant, indicating relatively stable soils, regions under “very high” soil loss signal potential land degradation and the need for immediate intervention. Furthermore, the study revealed the intricate interplay of slope, vegetation, and land use in influencing soil erosion. Areas with steeper slopes and less vegetation were more susceptible to soil loss, emphasizing the need for targeted soil conservation measures in these regions. The land use factor played a crucial role, with certain land uses contributing more to soil erosion than others.

Humans have evolved to the point where we are the most sophisticated animals in the world. The point of evolution is for creatures to become more suited to their natural habitat. A new degree of evolutionary adaption has been attained through humans. Massive technological advancements, new governments, and metropolises have all taken place. Every one of these societal advancements has one overarching goal: to ensure that our species continues to exist. As a species, we’ve figured out how to divide ourselves up into nations defined by shared values, religion, geography, and history. Divergences in geography, culture, and history have always been a source of contention among human beings. These disparities have, in the worst-case scenarios, led to war. Many various things, including religion and wealth, have sparked wars throughout history. War, though, never ends well; destruction is an inevitable byproduct. After a conflict, everyone is talking about how many lives were lost, how much property was destroyed, and how much money was spent. But the ecosystem is a quiet casualty of war. Seldom given a second thought are the deaths and devastation that befall Earth’s ecosystems, natural resources, and population. One can not help but question the impact of modern warfare on the environment and the consequences for humanity as a whole. The moral and social consequences of modern warfare’s assault on the environment can be seen by looking at the historical record of environmental degradation caused by this conflict. It is possible to learn about past and future efforts to safeguard the environment from human aggression by considering the problem from philosophical, scientific, and religious vantage points. If the Earth is to be further devastated by contemporary weaponry and combat, the loss endured by the environment will make the death toll of any contemporary battle appear negligible. The preservation of the natural world is crucial to the continuation of the human race.

Climate change, a critical global environmental crisis, profoundly impacts ecosystems, particularly in regions with delicate environmental balances. This study focuses on the Jhelum basin in the north-western Himalayas, examining the extensive effects of climate change on glaciers, snow cover, land use and land cover (LULC), land surface temperature (LST), water resources, and natural hazards. Rising temperatures have accelerated glacier melting and altered precipitation patterns, with significant implications for local water supplies and agriculture. The study analyses climate data from the Indian Meteorological Department (1990 to 2020), revealing increasing trends in both maximum and minimum temperatures, alongside variable precipitation trends across different locations. The retreat of glaciers and the expansion of glacial lakes have been observed, with lower-elevation glaciers showing the most significant reduction. LULC changes indicate a shift from agricultural land to settlements and horticulture, while LST has risen, particularly in urbanized areas, reflecting the impact of urbanization and climate change. Furthermore, the increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods and landslides, exacerbates the region’s vulnerability, threatening infrastructure, biodiversity, and local communities. The findings highlight the necessity of comprehensive, integrated approaches to address climate change and ensure the resilience of the Jhelum basin. This research contributes valuable insights into the region’s changing environmental dynamics, essential for informed decision-making and effective adaptation strategies in response to the ongoing climate crisis.

The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of any plant shows the tolerance capacity of plant against the air pollution. The present study exhibited the APTI and API of twenty-two trees present on the roadside coal dust-affected air pollution area of Chhal, Raigarh. APTI consists of the analysis of leaf extract pH, relative water content, total chlorophyll content, and ascorbic acid of leaves while the API consists of the APTI values of trees, morphological characteristics, and socio-economic attributes of trees. The leaf extract pH was observed to range from 6.61±0.11 - 3.28±0.11, relative water content from 95.4±0.4 - 83±0.89 %, total chlorophyll content from 1.16±0.06 - 0.385±0.04 mg g-1 and ascorbic acid from 30.54±0.67 - 10.61±0.84 mg g-1. The highest APTI was 30.88±0.75 for Tectona grandis while the lowest was observed 15.58±0.54 for Alstonia scholaris. The highest API value 93.75% for Shorea robusta and Ficus religiosa was observed. The maximum dust held by a tree on the leaf surface by Shorea robusta (3.18±0.09 mg cm-2) was recorded. Shorea robusta, Mangifera indica, Schleichera oleosa, Terminalia ballerica, Ficus benghalensis, Anthocephalus cadamba, Ficus religiosa, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Madhuca indica, and Terminalia tomentosa are best performers among the selected tree species and suitable for the plantation of trees surrounding of air polluted zones.

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.

The degradation of atrazine (ATZ) was studied in the presence of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) under ultraviolet light irradiation. The β-CD was characterized by modern analytical techniques and the different operating parameters of photodegradation were investigated. Experimental results revealed irregular shapes in the structure of β-CD, and the functional groups of β-CD were present in the glucose units. The BET surface area of β-CD was 285.02 m2/g with a pore volume of 0.172 cc/g and a pore diameter of 2.138 nm, whereas, the x-ray diffraction analysis revealed the polycrystalline nature of β-CD. The z-average diameter of the particle size distribution was determined as 63.21 nm, thermogravimetric analysis data demonstrated weight loss events while the differential thermal analysis data revealed associated energy changes during phase transitions. The photodegradation of ATZ in the presence of β-CD resulted in 80.80% and 59.40% degradation, respectively, for 6.25 mg/L and 100 mg/L of ATZ after 60 min of irradiation time. The treatment method could be described by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model, with kc equals 0.1462 mgL-1min-1 and KLH equals 10.45 × 10-2 Lmg-1. Thus, photodegradation with β-CD as a catalyst could be effectively used for the remediation of pesticide-contaminated wastewater.