Manganese (Mn) contamination in groundwater is a global concern due to its harmful effects. The high concentration of Mn2+ in humans creates memory issues, decreased fertility, appetite loss, sleeplessness, sperm abnormalities, and ‘Manganism’. In this study, the isolation of thermophiles was followed by their assessment for MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and Mn bioremediation. We have isolated a total of 11 Mn-resistant bacterial strains of thermophiles with the identification of their bioremediation potential from the Tapt Kund, Soldhar, and Gauri Kund hot springs of Uttarakhand, India. Out of 11 strains, three isolates (TA8, SA9, and GA7) were identified with the highest metal resistance properties for toxic Mn2+. The metal tolerance capabilities of the strains were evaluated through MIC and the metal biosorption rate was estimated by the live cells bioremediation through thermophilic bacteria. ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) was used to assess the Mn2+ removal rate of bacterial bioremediation. It turned out that every strain exhibited promising bioremediation potential and proved Mn-resistant. The bacterial strain TA8 exhibits the highest MIC (600 µg.L-1.) with a bioremediation rate of 98.34% for Mn2+. The bacterial strain SA9 has a MIC value of 525 µg.L-1, with a biosorption rate of 77.74% for Mn2+. The bacterial strain GA7 has a MIC of 475 µg.L-1, with an efficiency rate of 61.17% for Mn2+ removal. The most promising strain of thermophilic bacteria for Mn2+ bioremediation is the TA8, which has demonstrated the highest potential (98.34%) out of all the tested strains. The findings may have public health implications, as reducing manganese levels in groundwater can help mitigate health risks associated with Mn exposure. Also, this research enriches our knowledge of microbial bioremediation and its potential applications in environmental management. Ultimately, this research could offer a novel, economical, and environmentally beneficial approach to managing metal toxicity

Ericoid mycorrhiza (ErM) is an unexplored and understudied member of the mycorrhizal world, surprisingly belonging to Ascomycota and Basidiomycota instead of Glomeromycota (the phylum comprising fungi forming associations with higher plants). ErM obtained its etymology due to its symbiotic relationship with members of the Ericaceae Family. Just like any other mycorrhiza, ErM also helps its hosts through nitrogen uptake and phosphorus bioavailability and provides defense to host plants against various phytopathogens. It also takes part in the decomposition of organic matter and depolymerization of complex substances. These mycorrhizae are distributed across all continents except Antarctica. The majority of culturable ErM is spread across England, Australia, Canada, the United States etc. This review focuses on the literature survey on ErM, its taxonomy, and diversity alongside its functions. Our review also sheds light on the host range of the ericoid fungi, wherein, out of all the hosts, Salal (Gautheria shallon) has been identified as one of the most promising ones

Urbanization and industrialization have caused a ubiquity of microplastics in the environmental system. An effective elimination technique is required for microplastics from industrial effluent and other wastewater systems due to its growing threats to the ecosystem and human health. The present study endeavors to evaluate the potential of the membrane bioreactor (MBR) technique in the removal of microplastics from paper recycling industry wastewater effluent. The effectiveness of the MBR system was evaluated relative to the conventional method used in industry for wastewater treatment. The paper recycling industrial effluent consists of 148 pieces/L of microplastics. The conventional treatment plant’s effluent is used as an MBR system influent, and MBR removes 64.9% of the microplastic present after the conventional treatment plant, which is ascribed to the complementary actions of membrane filtration. MBR technology offers a reliable and workable plan to decrease the quantity of microplastics in industrial wastewater. It also offers a scalable solution that is consistent with sustainable environment management.

Air pollution is the atmospheric state in which the concentration of specific elements has adverse impacts on human health as well as the environment, including global warming, transportation disruptions, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion. Nowadays, a large portion of the world’s population lives in urban areas, where population growth and the increasing number of vehicles have significantly worsened air quality. Clean air is essential for the health and well-being of any region’s environment and its inhabitants. Henceforth, the primary focus of this research endeavor is to meticulously scrutinize the levels of key air pollutants, notably nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), leveraging satellite remote sensing data obtained from TROPOMI EXPLORER across a network of monitoring stations dispersed throughout Lucknow City. Additionally, it aims to meticulously dissect groundbased air quality monitoring data to validate and amalgamate the observations derived from satellite technology. Furthermore, it analyzes the distribution of concentrations of primary air pollutants, encompassing NO₂, SO₂, and PM₁₀, within Lucknow City, juxtaposing them against the stringent benchmarks stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for air quality standards. Moreover, it endeavors to ascertain the deleterious health ramifications of air pollution by correlating air quality metrics with health outcomes among the denizens of Lucknow City through a meticulously crafted questionnaire survey. The scrutiny of satellite imagery unveiled a conspicuous escalation in the concentration of air pollution parameters vis-à-vis the WHO’s prescribed thresholds, portending consequential adverse ramifications for both the environment and human health.

Reptile and amphibian species in the Equatorial BTES face threats such as fragmentation, habitat loss, and climate change. Between 2019 and 2021, the richness and abundance of herpetofauna species was evaluated in the Lucarqui peasant community in Piura, northwest Peru. The objective of this research is to provide a preliminary list of species and understand their temporal frequency patterns. The study area was divided into specific zones: with anthropogenic activity, “crops” and “population centers”, where incidental catches and visual surveys were carried out, and without anthropogenic activity, “forests” and “ravines”, where transects of variable length and fixed width (2 m), the biological data obtained were analyzed with the iNEXT statistical tool, and a standardized methodology was provided for the calculation of the temporal frequency of recordings (FRT). The study identified 26 species: 7 amphibians and 19 reptiles. Amphibians dominated in abundance, while reptiles were rare. 85.71% (6) of amphibians and 47.36% (9) of registered reptiles are restricted to the Equatorial BTES. FRT patterns varied by habitat and time. These, along with wealth and abundance, were altered and reduced in areas influenced by human activity, crops, and population centers. It was found that there were still more species to be reported, especially reptiles. The study highlights the richness and vulnerability of the herpetofauna in the Equatorial BTES, reaffirming the urgent need for conservation strategies and continued research to ensure the protection and deep understanding of this valuable, fragile ecosystem.

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.