Lichens serve as important bioindicators of air pollution in cities. Here, we studied the diversity of epiphytic lichens in the urban area of Munich, Bavaria, southern Germany, to determine which factors influence species composition and diversity. Lichen diversity was quantified in altogether 18 plots and within each, five deciduous trees were investigated belonging to on average three tree species (range 1–5). Of the 18 plots, two were sampled in control areas in remote areas of southern Germany. For each lichen species, frequency of occurrence was determined in 10 quadrats of 100 cm² on the tree trunk. Moreover, the cover percentage of bryophytes was determined and used as a variable to represent potential biotic competition. We related our diversity data (species richness, Shannon index, evenness, abundance) to various environmental variables including tree traits, i.e. bark pH levels and species affiliation and air pollution data, i.e. NO₂ and SO₂ concentrations measured in the study plots. The SO₂ levels measured in our study were generally very low, while NO₂ levels were rather high in some plots. We found that the species composition of the epiphytic lichen communities was driven mainly by NO₂ pollution levels and all of the most common species in our study were nitrophilous lichens. Low NO₂ but high SO₂ values were associated with high lichen evenness. Tree-level lichen diversity and abundance were mainly determined by tree traits, not air pollution. These results confirm that ongoing NO₂ air pollution within cities is a major threat to lichen diversity, with non-nitrophilous lichens likely experiencing the greatest risk of local extinctions in urban areas in the future. Our study moreover highlights the importance of large urban green spaces for species diversity. City planners need to include large green spaces when designing urban areas, both to improve biodiversity and to promote human health and wellbeing.

Sustainability in the utilization of products in all fields particularly food textiles, solar cells, etc. is of prime concern to the global community. In this study, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) as a source of herbal-based coloring agent for cotton dyeing has been explored under the influence of ultrasonic (US) waves. Methanolic extract of licorice bark after US treatment for 20 min has shown excellent color depth (K/S) onto ultrasonically treated cotton fabric at 65°Cfor 45 min. Applying bio-mordants, it has been found that acacia extract (1%), henna (5%), and pomegranate and turmeric extracts (7%) as pre-bio-mordant, whereas acacia, turmeric, and henna extracts (7%) and pomegranate extract (5%) as post-bio-mordants, exhibited superb color strength. Salts of Al (7%) and salts of Fe (3%) as pre chemical mordants, while salts of Al (3%) and salts of Fe (5%) as post chemical mordants, have given good results. Overall, it has been found that salt of Fe (3%) as pre-chemical mordant and extract of turmeric (7%) as post bio-mordant have shown superb color strength. It can be concluded that US treatment being an environmentally safe means has only improved the color strength of colorant onto cotton fabric and the adding of bio-mordants has contrived the method more sustainable.

Coal tar industry has been reported to discharge 2-methylpyridine (2Mp) in concentrations up to 150 mg L⁻¹. For removal of 2Mp, activated carbon was synthesized from blackboard tree ground bark (BA) by the novel technique of prior cooling (which helped decrease heat generation and volatile gas emission). The material was successfully functionalized with carboxylic group which enhanced 2Mp uptake. Batch sorption of 2Mp was carried out on both BA and carboxyl functionalized BA (CFA). Acetonitrile–water (55:45) was used as eluent in uHPLC quantification of 2Mp. Interaction mechanism of 2Mp with both sorbents was studied by using characterization techniques (SEM, FTIR and EDS). Carboxyl groups present on CFA were found to interact with 2Mp molecules, leading to their removal from synthetic solution. Carboxylation helped in lowering the intrinsic moisture content of the sorbent. Proton leaching from carboxyl groups of CFA was found to be negligible. Specific surface areas for CFA and BA were found as 211.15 m² g⁻¹ and 156.32 m² g⁻¹, respectively. Batch experimentation showed that CFA had twice the adsorption capacity compared to BA (27.0 and 15.5 mg g⁻¹, respectively). Pseudo–second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm–based equilibria were observed. Intraparticle diffusion was the rate-limiting step. Top-down fixed bed studies were performed using a 2-cm-diameter column by varying flow rate, bed depth and 2Mp concentration, respectively. The Thomas model could successfully emulate the steep slopes of the breakthrough curves, implying good sorbent saturation.

The removal of arsenite [As(III)] from drinking water was investigated in a column at flow rates of 2.0 and 5.0 mL/min (up-flow direction) using bark-based magnetic iron oxide particles (BMIOP) prepared by coating (Fe(NO₃)₃.9H₂O) over Tamarindus Indica bark. The BMIOP was compared with regenerated BMIOP, commercial activated carbon, commercial activated alumina (Al₂O₃). At 2.0 mL/min, empty bed contact time (EBCT), breakthrough time (BT), the volume of treated water and breakthrough capacity (BC) on fresh BMIOP were found to be 6.8 min, 33.15 h, 4.380 L and 0.742 mg/g, respectively, and at 5.0 mL/min, were found to be 4.1 min, 13 h, 3.675 L and 0.453 mg/g respectively. EBCT, BT and BC were increased by 65.85%, 155% and 63.79%, respectively, as the flow rate was reduced from 5.0 to 2.0 mL/min. After regeneration of BMIOP, EBCT, BT, saturated time, BC and saturation capacity (SC) were reduced by 21.95%, 15.38%, 55.15%, 16.78% and 29.71%, respectively. The BC of fresh BMIOP was increased by factors 4.15, 3.60 and 1.20 and SC by factors 9.51, 7.88 and 1.42 compared to commercial activated carbon, commercial activated Al₂O₃ and regenerated BMIOP, respectively. Logit model could be used for the design of the adsorption column. Thomas model and artificial neural network (ANN) were applied to predict the characteristic column parameters useful for process design. Quality of treated water meets BIS requirements. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and semi-dynamic tests show that the exhausted BMIOP is safe for disposal in a secure landfill; hence, BMIOP has been proved to separate As(III) from water.

The Big River, in the Old Lead Belt, southeast Missouri, experienced large-scale contamination of channel sediments and floodplain soils from over 200 years of lead mining pollution. Sediments of gravel bars downstream of mining in Big River are contaminated with Pb and Zn and have higher metal concentrations than upstream sites. Plants on these contaminated gravel bars are thus exposed to high metal concentrations and can accumulate metals. We measured multielement concentrations in leaves, branches, stems, and bark of American sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) from a contaminated and non-contaminated gravel bar in the Big River to determine the extent of metal accumulation in these trees. Element concentrations were 2–70 times higher in contaminated than non-contaminated tree parts. Contaminated sycamores were enriched with Cd, Co, Pb, and Tl in leaves; Cd, Na, Ni, Pb, Tl, and Zn in branches; Cd, Co, Pb, Tl, U, Zn, and Zr in stems; and Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Tl, and Zn in bark (enrichment ratio >2). Contaminated bark accumulated higher concentrations of Ba, Cd, Co, Fe, Er, Ho, Li, Na, Ni, Pb, Tl, U, Zn, and Zr than other tree parts. Leaves had the highest P concentrations and the second highest concentrations of Ba, Fe, Li, Tl, U, Zn, and Zr after bark. Contaminated sycamores have the potential to disperse accumulated metals in the environment, particularly those in bark and leaves, as sycamores frequently shed these tree parts. After contaminated tree parts shed and become detritus, they can transfer accumulated metals from the sediment to food webs. The resulting detritus can change microbial and macroinvertebrate communities and subsequently inhibit decomposition in rivers.

The present study aims to extract a natural reddish brown colorant from Peepal (Ficus religiosa) for silk dyeing using the microwave radiation process (MW). The colorant was isolated in aqueous and acidic media, and MW treatment for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min has been given to both fabric and extract to observe changes in color intensity. The dye variables have been optimized, and for sustainable shade making process with good fastness, 1.0–5.0 g/100 mL of sustainable chemical and bio-mordants has been employed. It has been found that after microwave treatment for 3 min, under selected conditions, the irradiated aqueous extract has given high color intensity onto silk fabric. The utilization of 3% of Al, 4% of Fe, and 2% of tannic acid (T.A.) as pre chemical mordant whereas 4% of Al, 4% of Fe, and 3% of tannic acid as post chemical mordant have given good color characteristics. In comparison, 4% of acacia and 3% of turmeric and pomegranate while 3% of acacia and turmeric and 4% of pomegranate extracts as post-bio-mordant have given excellent color characteristics. It is concluded that MW treatment has an excellent sustainable efficacy to isolate colorant from Peepal bark for silk dyeing, whereas the inclusion of bio-mordants has not only made the process more sustainable and environmental friendly but also best K/S, and L*a*b* values have been acquired.

Bark residues of the forest species Cedrela fissilis were physically and chemically modified with zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) as an activating agent. The two modified materials were analyzed as adsorbents in removing atrazine and 2,4-D herbicides from effluents. Firstly, the precursor material and the modified ones were characterized by different techniques to identify the structural changes that occurred in the surfaces. Through TGA, it was observed that both modified materials have thermal stability close to each other and are highly superior to the precursor. X-ray diffractions proved that the amorphous structure was not altered, the three materials being highly heterogeneous and irregular. The micrographs showed that the treatments brought new spaces and cavities on the surface, especially for the material carbonized with ZnCl₂. The pHPZC of the modified materials was close to 7.5. The physically modified material had a surface area of 47.31 m² g⁻¹ and pore volume of 0.0095 cm³ g⁻¹, whereas the carbonized material had a surface area of 98.12 m² g⁻¹ and pore volume of 0.0099 cm³ g⁻¹. Initial tests indicated that none of the adsorbents were efficient in removing 2,4-D. However, they showed good potential for removing atrazine. The Koble-Corrigan isothermal model best fits the experimental data, with a maximum capacity of 3.44 mg g⁻¹ and 2.70 mg g⁻¹ for physically modified and with ZnCl₂, respectively. The kinetic studies showed that the system tends to enter into equilibrium after 120 min, presenting good statistical indicators to the linear driving force model (LDF). The surface diffusion coefficients were 2.18×10⁻⁹ and 2.37×10⁻⁹ cm² s⁻¹ for atrazine adsorption on the physically and chemically modified materials. These results showed that the application of residues from the processing of cedar bark is promising. However, new future studies must be carried out to improve the porous development of the material and obtain greater adsorption capacities.

Low-cost adsorbent, pine bark biochar (PBB) from the forest residue, was produced and applied to remove tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solution via adsorption pathway. The PBB, hence obtained, was modified using aqueous ferric and ferrous ion solutions to obtain magnetic pine bark biochar (M-PBB). Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to examine the adsorption of TC by PBB and M-PBB in the variation of pH, contact time, dosage, and temperature. The adsorbents were characterized by SEM/EDX, TGA, and pHₚzc. The adsorption mechanism was evaluated by fitting Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms model. Also, the experimental data were analyzed by kinetics models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intra-particle diffusion, and Elovich) and thermodynamics. The maximum adsorption capacity (qₘ) of M-PBB was 15.3 mg/g from the experiment at pH 6. A high correlation coefficient (R² ≈ 0.9) of Freundlich isotherm postulated multi-layer adsorption of TC on M-PBB at pH 6. The kinetic studies showed that the pseudo-first-order was more suitable for representing the adsorption of TC molecules on the surface. The thermodynamic analysis was showed that the adsorption process is favorable, spontaneous, and endothermic at studied temperatures. M-PBB demonstrated a potential for removal of TC from water as a low-cost and convenient adsorbent.

The present study’s aims of isolation, characterization and in vitro antioxidant activity screening of pure compound from Black pepper (Piper nigrum) were investigated. Nowadays, scientific exploration of medicinal plants from natural sources has become the prime concern globally. All the crude drugs that have been isolated from natural plant origin (herbs, root, stem, bark, fruit and flower) have great significance in drug discovery as well as a lead compound to demonstrate great synergistic effect on pharmacology. For this research work, methanol was selected as a mother solvent, and the crude methanolic extract of black pepper was partitioned in between the solvent chloroform and di-ethyl-ether. A crystal fraction has been eradicated from the chloroform extract of black pepper (Piper nigrum). The crystal compound (C₁) was isolated and purified by using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and recrystallization technique. The purified crystal compound (C₁) isolated from black pepper possesses a strong in vitro antioxidant activity. The IC₅₀ value of crystal compound (C₁) was 4.1 µg/ml where the standard one had 3.2 µg/ml. Physical, phytochemical and chromatographical characterization of pure crystal compound (C₁) has been explored, and from the analysis of all characteristics, it was found that, crystal compound (C₁) might have resembling features of the standard Piperine of black pepper. The overall research work was really remarkable and introduced a convenient way of isolating pure compound from the natural source which will be a great referential resource in isolating crude drugs for future analysis.

To find out the genuine characteristics of Eucommia ulmoides produced in Guizhou.The habitat, functional characters and the content of medicinal components of Eucommia ulmoides in Guizhou were studied by using the method of sample survey combined with typical survey, related laboratory experiments and quantitative analysis. The results showed that the yield of Eucommia ulmoides plantation in Guizhou was divided into low altitude, low middle and high temperature rain slope latitude mixing, short sunshine hours type(A type), medium altitude, low longitude and latitude, high temperature rain, positive oblique steep slope, medium sunshine hours type (B type), middle altitude, low longitude and latitude, moderate high temperature rain, shady side and sunny side have gentle deflection steep slope, medium sunshine hours type (C type), High altitude, low longitude and latitude, low temperature moderate rain, positive gentle slope, long sunshine hours type (D type); Different types of Eucommia ulmoides plantation, Different habitat quality, B type is intensity karst rocky desertification habitat, A type is potential karst rocky desertification habitat, the C and D types are light and moderate rocky desertification areas, respectively, the species diversity of shrub layer in Eucommia ulmoides plantation was higher in D type and B type, A type and C type followed; There was no significant difference in root carbon content and leaf nitrogen content in 4 types of Eucommia ulmoides plantation, Among the four types of A, B, C, D, there were significant or extremely significant differences in other indexes of plant functional traits; Both genipinic acid and aucubin had the highest content of root bark, followed by trunk bark and lowest leaves, Chlorogenic acid is the opposite, The content of geniposide was higher in trunk bark and lower in root bark and leaves; Genipinic acid is higher in D type, Aucubin is higher in A and D type, Chlorogenic acid has higher leaves content in B type, Geniposide was the highest in trunk bark of D type; The element enrichment coefficient K and Mn leaves are the largest, the largest in trunk bark is Ca and Zn, Fe root bark is the largest; Effects of soil potassium, phosphorus, pH value and bulk weight on the functional traits of Eucommia ulmoides were significant. The contents of medicinal components in root bark, trunk bark, and leaves was influenced by species diversity of shrub layer, The contents of geniposide in root bark, aucubin in root bark and trunk bark, genipinic acid in bark and chlorogenic acid in leaves were particularly affected by soil physical and chemical indexes and metal element contents, The functional traits of Eucommia ulmoides can affect the content of medicinal components in root bark, trunk bark, and leaves, Especially on the root bark, trunk bark, and leaves in the content of aucubin content; The content of medicinal components of Eucommia ulmoides was high and stable. The above research results have important theoretical reference significance for the cultivation of Eucommia ulmoides and the cultivation of target medicinal components and the comprehensive exploitation and utilization of resources.