The objective of the research was to determine the water quality index of Lake Chinchaycocha, which has faced pollution problems for several years. To do this, we worked with data from ten water quality monitoring points collected by the National Water Authority (ANA) during the period 2019-2023, after which the water quality index (ICA-PE) was calculated by analyzing a total of 12 parameters, using the Water Quality Standard (ECA) for water category 4 E1 (lagoons and lakes). The results of the physicochemical parameters indicated that the values of total nitrogen exceed the limits established in the ECA in 82% of the data obtained, pH in 13%, and phosphorus in 1%. In the evaluation of inorganic parameters, data from the LChin1S monitoring point showed that lead and zinc levels exceeded the values established in the ECA by 8% and 3%, respectively. Regarding the ICA-PE of the dry and wet seasons, it was determined that both present a good quality according to their averages and with the results obtained from the ICA-PE in a general way, it is concluded that Lake Chinchaycocha has a good water quality having total nitrogen as the main pollutant.

The presence of anthropogenic activities in the coastal areas of the South Central Timor (SCT) Regency has weakened coastal resilience, which may exacerbate the impact of rising sea levels. One important factor that needs to be analyzed is the vulnerability assessment. This study, conducted from July to September 2024, aimed to determine the spatial distribution and variables that can influence the vulnerability in the coastal areas. The methods used were the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) and the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI), which then used Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) to perform the standardization value. The integrated index values were then integrated into the Geographic Information System (GIS) for comprehensive spatial information. The results showed that, in general, the coastal areas of the SCT Regency were in the low (35%), medium (48%), and high (66%) risk categories. Areas of high physical vulnerability were alluvial lowland areas and those near hills. The karst hills that are characteristic of the coastal areas of the SCT regency have become a threat to the lives of coastal communities. Communities living in coastal hill areas, including the Kolbano and Oetuke coasts, and in the alluvial lowlands like the Tuafanu, Kualin, and Oni coasts, need to be the focus and priority areas for recovery efforts. This is due to the high level of vulnerability, both physically and socio-economically. Geomorphology is the primary contributor to physical vulnerability because these coastal hills and lowlands are prone to erosion and land degradation caused by waves, tides, and human activities. On the socio-economic side, land use, particularly mining activities, increases vulnerability by degrading the environment and threatening the livelihood of coastal communities. Key recovery efforts should focus on revegetation, which can help stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and restore ecological balance while offering sustainable economic benefits to the local population.

Renewable energy has been of prime importance in the present era in meeting energy demand across all sectors. To meet this demand, solar energy has become a plausible option among scientists to reduce the fossil fuel effect and find an alternative solution. The main concern about large renewable energy installations on open land, mostly used for agricultural practices, is that they can displace different land uses and instigate the feed vs. fuel controversy in the long run. The current study reviewed the installation of solar panels on farmland’s benefits and challenges. The present study also reviewed the effect of solar panels on agricultural crop microclimate, soil, water condition, and crop growth and yields. Crop production and solar PV electricity generation from the same land space have numerous benefits, such as improving land productivity, reducing irrigation, managing soil, protecting crops from adverse climatic conditions (heat, frost, rainfall, etc.), increasing PV panel efficiency, and meeting house and farm electricity needs. Fewer demerits of agrivoltaics are to be studied in the future, such as keeping a suitable crop cycle, limited crop suitability, high expenses, and a lack of technical expertise. A big change to meet future energy demand without much impact on the environment is the dual use of open land for crop production and solar energy generation. To maximize crop yield, the impact of solar panels on crop yields has not been studied for numerous crops. We found that the optimum arrangement of solar panels admits varying levels of solar radiation according to crop needs. Sustainable agriculture and efficient solar energy generation can be possible in the same field by perfecting shade design and selecting suitable crops.

Studying and evaluating desertification is essential due to its potential occurrence as a result of both natural and anthropogenic processes. Precise forecasting of forthcoming climate change perils is crucial for devising policies, action strategies, and mitigation measures at both the local and global scales. Remote sensing facilitates the examination, monitoring, and forecasting of several aspects of desertification. Throughout the years, many methodologies have been employed to investigate desertification through the utilization of Remote Sensing (RS). This study investigated the worldwide prevalence and temporal sequence of research that utilized remote sensing (RS) to investigate desertification. In addition, the study assessed the primary approaches and factors employed in the examination of desertification through the analysis of remote sensing data. The application of remote sensing (RS) in the investigation of desertification can be traced back to 1991. Between 2015 and 2020, an annual average of over 40 publications were published, indicating a substantial rise in the utilization and accessibility of remote sensing (RS) technology to monitor desertification. However, there is a significant disparity in the amount of research conducted in different fields. Asia demonstrates a substantially higher quantity of studies in contrast to America or Africa. China has conducted the highest number of research on desertification using remote sensing (RS) techniques. The Thematic Mapper (TM) sensor is the principal source of satellite data, specifically Landsat pictures. The primary techniques utilized for studying desertification are classification and monitoring of alterations. Furthermore, remote sensing methods commonly employ land cover/land use change and vegetation, together with its attributes such as the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), as the primary factors for studying desertification.

The removal of pollutants from water bodies has emerged as a pressing global concern. Discharging untreated wastewater into the environment poses a significant threat due to the presence of hazardous substances like nitrate and phosphate, contributing to the widespread issue of eutrophication. This study focused on investigating the adsorption of phosphate from a synthetic solution using fly ash, an industrial by-product. To enhance the efficiency of coal fly ash, acid treatment was employed. Batch experiments were conducted to examine the influence of different factors, including pH, adsorbent dosage, initial phosphate ion concentration, contact time, and temperature. Surface electron microscopy (SEM) explained the morphology of the adsorbent, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed to analyze the adsorbent pre and post-adsorption, allowing for the identification of functional groups tangled in the adsorption process. The major functional groups observed were hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, amines, and nitrile groups, all contributing to the adsorption process. Acid-modified fly ash (AMFA) demonstrated favorable results in terms of phosphate removal, particularly at a pH of 5.0 and an initial phosphate concentration of 50 ppm. Equilibrium in adsorption was achieved within 30 min at a temperature of 15°C with constant stirring of 100 rpm, resulting in a high phosphate removal rate of 91%. Freundlich isotherm was found to contribute a better fit for the adsorption data compared to the Langmuir isotherm. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with a high R2 value of 0.998, exhibited excellent agreement with the adsorption data for acid-modified fly ash. Thermodynamic study indicated that the adsorption process was heat absorbing (endothermic) and non-spontaneous at low temperatures. Overall, the results of the experimental study highlighted the promising adsorption potential of acid-modified fly ash as an effective adsorbent for phosphate removal in water treatment applications.

The metropolis of Kolkata stands uniquely positioned to implement a natural sewage treatment paradigm through the utilization of waste stabilization ponds, specifically within the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW). These shallow oxidation ponds harness solar irradiation and algae bacteria symbiotic processes to effectively treat incoming sewage. Concurrently, nutrient-rich effluents are assimilated through fish production, converting available nutrients into protein—a hallmark of nature-based treatment. A portion of raw sewage is used to cultivate a chunk of vegetables before treatment in fish ponds, and the reclaimed water after treatment is used for vegetable and paddy cultivation downstream. This investigation explains the delineation of a sewage flow system to EKW, a Ramsar-designated site. Substantively, it offers quantitative insights into the sewage volumes and quality undergoing treatment. The sewage flow is higher in the winter months (909.07 MLD) compared to the summer months (709.34 MLD). In general, the sewage from the Kolkata city flowing to the EKW is moderately polluted. Extensive scrutiny of sewage from pond inlets and outlets serves as a quantitative metric for evaluating treatment efficacy. EKW efficiently treats the sewage, demonstrating 59.1% Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) removal and a 99.28% reduction in fecal coliform. The natural treatment system excels in removing ammoniacal nitrogen (80.38%) and phosphate (90%). The treated water’s quality along the EKW boundary, culminating at the Kulti Gong River discharge point, was systematically assessed. Analytical findings indicate that all measured concentrations in the treated water adhere to prescribed inland surface water discharge standards prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board, India, barring a marginal elevation in BOD during winter. Evidently, the EKW system adeptly manages substantial sewage volumes, fostering efficient treatment while concurrently facilitating resource recovery through fish production, yielding economic dividends. Despite its substantial land footprint, preserving this inherently sustainable wastewater management paradigm is imperative.

Cloud seeding involves boosting precipitation by releasing substances into the air that act as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. These substances encourage the development of clouds and precipitation. It’s like giving Mother Nature a gentle push to assist with rainfall in specific areas. The current work aimed to suggest Al2O3 as an alternate compound in cloud seeding rather than silver iodide. In this research, a unique approach is used to identify condensation nuclei, which play a crucial role in cloud formation and droplet growth. Various samples and four sources were included in the current study; refrigerated helfa powder, Himalayan salt, generator powder, and pollen, were analyzed using different physicochemical instruments. The proportions of chemical compounds in the samples show that there is 1.392% of Al2O3 in Refrigerated helfa which is the highest than in the other 3 sources, while the proportions of elements in the samples indicate that refrigerated helfa contains the lowest toxic compound, and although Al2O3 is insoluble in water, it is hygroscopic and can absorb 6.4% of humidity within 24 hours. As for the surface tension, refrigerated helfa shows lower density and surface tension than the other three sources with values of 0.9480 and 47.89 respectively. Al2O3 shows high humid absorptivity and refrigerated helfa can be used as a main source for Al2O3 which has a low effect on biota and is recommended for use in cloud seeding. However further work is recommended to be carried out in using Al2O3 as an alternative compound to silver iodide in cloud seeding.

This research delves into the promising domain of CO2 capture through fine solid activated carbon adsorbent, offering a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional adsorption methods. The central challenge addressed here is the utility of cheaper CO2 adsorbent, fine powder materials whose properties can be precisely tailored via molecular-level fictionalization. Equally vital is selecting an optimal fluidizing column configuration that maximizes CO2 interaction with adsorption particles and enhances adsorption efficiency. The proposed solution is a fluidized bed column uniquely equipped with integrated acoustic vibrations to counteract interparticle forces common in fine powders. For adsorption evaluations, sound-assisted fluidized-bed experimentation on a laboratory size was set up. Adsorbent material activated carbon made up of coal underwent rigorous testing between a range of 20 Hz-200 Hz and 20 dB-135 dB. Results reveal the beneficial effects of acoustic enhancement of fluidization quality and adsorption efficiency, increased adsorption capacity, enhanced bed utilization, and accelerated adsorption rates. Extensive research has been conducted on the detailed effects of major operational variables on adsorption performance, notably frequency, sound intensity, and minimum fluidization velocity. The findings highlight the pivotal role of particle size with mean size 75 microns range as a determinant of adsorption capacity at 100 Hz and 125 dB. At the end of experimentation, the adsorbent considered for the experiment is compared to the study adsorption capacity at operating conditions. The research concludes with a discussion on the effects of influencing parameters for adsorption on employing sound vibrations using fluidization technique adsorption for CO2 capture.

Phytoremediation is one of the non-energy consuming processes of remediating polluted water. However, the disposal of post-remediated plants poses a threat of the re-introduction of pollutants back into the ecosystem. Re-routing remediated pollutants for commercial application could be one way to reduce the re-introduction of pollutants in an ecosystem. Heavy metal pollution in water bodies is one issue, which can be mitigated to an extent with phytoremediation. In the current study, the effect of heavy metal phytoremediation on the phytochemical fingerprint and bioactivity of Pistia stratiotes L. was investigated. Pistia stratiotes L. was subjected to different concentrations of iron (Fe) and lead (Pb), in the range of 5-20 ppm. Different parameters such as heavy metal estimation (in plants and water post-treatment), thin layer chromatography (TLC), antioxidant activity, and antiurolithic activity were measured. Post remediation, heavy metal concentration was found to be comparatively higher in roots (16.515 ± 0.008 mg.g-1 and 5.25 ± 0.086 mg.g-1 when treated with 15 ppm iron and lead respectively). TLC revealed differences between the fingerprints of treated and untreated plants. Some bands increased in intensity as the concentration of heavy metal increased, while some bands which were present in untreated, were absent in treated plant samples. Antioxidant activity of treated plants shows lesser IC50 values, compared to untreated, in that, treated leaves show better activity (IC50 = 1.8 ± 0.5220 mg.mL-1 of leaf treated with 2 ppm iron as opposed to IC50 > 5 mg.mL-1 of untreated leaf extract). The treated plants revealed good antiurolithic activity compared to untreated, in that, the percentage inhibition showed by Iron treated leaves and roots was better (96.87% and 98.95% exhibited by iron-10 ppm treated leaves and roots respectively), while the untreated showed a maximum of only 68.75% inhibition. The results suggest that the bioactivity of the plant extracts increases post-remediation. Potential applications of these extracts can be explored such as nanoparticle synthesis, drug discovery, etc.

This paper aimed to investigate the Spatial and Temporal Variation of the air quality index (AQI) in the Amman and Zarqa Metropolitan Areas during the period 2016-2022 following the method adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States of America (EPA). Air quality data for PM10, PM2.5, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO recorded at five monitoring stations were downloaded from the official website of the Jordanian Ministry of Environment. Calculated AQI values were generally between the Good class (AQI <50) and the Moderate class (AQI 50-100) at all stations, the AQI calculations for PM10 demonstrated a noticeable increase during autumnal months, likely due to natural dust. PM2.5 demonstrated seasonal variation, with higher values in winter months where residents burn fossil fuel for heating. Stabel air in winter due to the cooled land surface, and the weak natural air mix and ventilation contribute to the deterioration of air quality. Calculated individual AQI for SO2 and NO2 reveals that all extent of the study area falls in the Good AQI class. Similarly, CO and ozone-based AQI values fluctuate within the “Good” class, with occasional episodes of compromised air quality at specific stations.