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A Facile Method for Synthesis of α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles and Assessment of Their Characterization
2024
Paramjeet Dhull, Rajesh Kumar Lohchab, Mikhlesh Kumari, Kulbir Singh, Anil Kumar Bhankhar and Shaloo
Recently, magnetic nanomaterials have gained much attention from researchers because of their various unique physical and chemical properties and usage in a wide range of technological aspects. In this study, the synthesis of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was performed by a simple co-precipitation method. The synthesis of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was carried out by mixing ferric nitrate and oxalic acid in an aqueous solution followed by evaporation, resulting in the solution’s dried form. The synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed by XRD, FTIR, Raman spectra, SEM-EDX, DSC, BET, and Zeta potential for detailed examination of the morphology, structure, and other physicochemical characteristics. The XRD results confirmed that the nanoparticles formed were Hematite (α-Fe2O3) after the evaluation of obtained spectra compared to the Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards Database (JCPDS). The FTIR spectra showed various bonds among functional groups, O-H bending, Fe-O group, and within-vibration bonds. The phase study of the α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was performed by using Raman spectroscopy. SEM depicted a sphere-like or rhombohedral (hexagonal) structure, and the EDX spectrum confirmed the peaks of iron and oxygen.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Growth and Immunity Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Challenged by Toxicity of Bio-Insecticide with Active Ingredients Eugenol and Azadirachtin
2024
Ayi Yustiati, Alifia Ajmala Palsa, Titin Herawati, Roffi Grandiosa, Ibnu Bangkit Bioshina Suryadi and Ichsan Nurul Bari
This study aims to determine the maximum concentration and the long-term effects after exposure to a bio-insecticide with active ingredients eugenol and azadirachtin on the survival rate, immunity, and growth of Nile tilapia. The method used in this study was experimental, using a completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments and three replications. Fishes were exposed to eugenol and azadirachtin at concentrations 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% of LC50 value for 14 days, followed by 14 days of maintenance to see the effect on growth. The results showed that 66 mg.L-1 treatment was a concentration that did not interfere with the survival rate of Nile tilapia, which was 86.7%. The number of leukocytes increased on the third day by the highest increase in 66 mg.L-1 treatment at 12.01 × 104 cells.mm-3. Meanwhile, erythrocytes decreased, with the highest decrease in 66 mg.L-1 treatment at 1.13 × 106 cells.mm-3. The average growth rate in fish slowed down with increasing concentrations of exposure, with the lowest average growth in length and absolute weight in the 66 mg.L-1 treatment was 0.57 cm and 1.68 g.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Wetland Ecosystem: Plant Species Diversity, Services, Degradation Drivers, and Community Perception in Sinana District, Oromia Region, Southeast Ethiopia
2024
Kemalo Abdulmalik Boru, Lalit Tukaram Ingale and Kassahun Mulatu Lemt
Wetlands are a vital source of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study investigated the plant species diversity and assessed the perception of the ecosystem services of the area and drivers of wetland degradation in Sinana district, Southeast Ethiopia. Vegetation inventory, household surveys, focused group discussions, and key informant interviews were employed to gather information. A total of 45 sample plots laid along transacts were inventoried. A plot size of 5 m × 5 m (25 m2) and 1 m × 1 m (1 m2) nested within the major plot was used for shrubs and herbs, respectively. A total of 137 households were surveyed to collect socioeconomic data. The study identified 20 plant species belonging to 14 families. Family Cyperaceae was dominant within the studied wetland. The Shannon diversity (H=1.15) indicates that the wetland has low vegetation diversity with an uneven distribution (E=0.385) of vegetation. A total of 20 ecosystem services thought to be underprovisioning, regulating, and cultural services were identified. According to plaintiffs, major provision services are grazing livestock (77.4%), irrigation (76.6%), and harvesting of grass for fodder (68.6%). Important drivers of wetland degradation are a shortage of cropland (70.8%), lack of awareness (69.3%), upland land degradation (65.7%), and increasing population (62%). The main driver, a shortage of cropland, was the key driver, followed by a lack of awareness and upland land degradation. Therefore, the result heightened that the studied wetland is under serious degradation due to high human pressure associated with population growth and climate change. Thus, an appropriate wetland management strategy must be designed.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Research Progress on in-situ Remediation of Typical Heavy Metals in Petroleum Hydrocarbon-contaminated Soil Enrichment by Plants
2024
B. Yang, Q. H. Xue, C. T. Qu, C. Lu, F. F. Liu, H. Zhang, L. T. Ma, L. Qi and Y. T. Wang
Petroleum hydrocarbon is one of the dangerous substances in the process of petroleum development, refining, processing, transportation, and production. In the related activities of the petroleum industry, the output is large, and improper treatment will cause pollution to the surrounding environment. It is an urgent problem to conduct harmless and resource treatment of petroleum hydrocarbon polluted soil. Plant enrichment, as an environmentally friendly and pollution-free technical means, has the advantages of low cost and small change to the soil environment and effectively solves the problems of excessive heavy metals in petroleum hydrocarbons through plant enrichment. In this paper, the development process of plant enrichment, remediation methods, and plant enrichment of typical heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Zn) in petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted soil were systematically introduced. Through investigation, the mechanism and influencing factors of plant enrichment of heavy metals in the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons were summarized and analyzed, and the possible development direction of plant enrichment technology in the future was prospected.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Understanding the Patch Dynamics of a few Homogenous and Heterogenous Vegetational Patches
2024
Rekha G. Dhammar, Kunal N. Odedra and B. A. Jadeja
Variations in size and shape distinguish vegetation patches across different ecosystems. Nonetheless, recent research highlights notable parallels in the dynamics of these patches and the mechanisms governing their formation and persistence. Two primary types, banded and spotted vegetation, characterized by their patch shapes, stem from shared mechanisms, albeit each type is predominantly influenced by a distinct driver. Banded vegetation emerges when water primarily facilitates the redistribution of materials and propagules, whereas spotted vegetation arises when wind serves as the primary redistributing force. Overall, the analysis underscores how patchy vegetation structures bolster primary production. According to Patch Dynamics theory, vegetation can be categorized into homogeneous and heterogeneous patches, with seasonal conditions playing a pivotal role in the coexistence of various vegetation types. Understanding mechanisms of coexistence necessitates a thorough grasp of the ecophysiological responses of dominant species to different patch types. Consequently, this study aimed to discern the ecophysiological reactions of species to two distinct patch categories. Throughout the examination of Patch Dynamics, both patch species exhibited the highest photosynthetic capacity within their respective patches. Parameters such as Leaf Area Index (LAI), the number of individuals (N), biomass, height (h), weight, and others manifested changes across patch types. Notably, species within the banded patch exhibited heightened sensitivity and more substantial fluctuations in their values compared to those in the spotted patch. These differential responses to distinct patches offer insights into potential mechanisms facilitating species coexistence.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Geopolymers as Supplementary Cementitious Materials to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions
2024
A. Mushtaq, S. Ali, A. H. Chaudhry, N. Sial, M. Aslam and H. Batool
Geopolymers are an alternative and sustainable substitute for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) Geopolymers are being investigated as supplementary cementitious materials to lower carbon dioxide emissions in the building sector. To lower emissions, geopolymer concrete also improves the environment by substituting OPC with supplementary cementitious materials. In addition to keeping waste out of landfills, it produces lightweight, environmentally friendly building materials that fit the circular economy model. Geopolymer concrete reduces global warming as compared to traditional OPC concrete, offering sustainable solutions for construction applications and mitigating carbon dioxide emissions, thereby promoting sustainable development in the construction sector. In the building sector, geopolymer materials provide environmentally friendly substitutes for OPC materials by enhancing water absorption, lowering carbon dioxide emissions, and fostering environmental sustainability. In terms of mechanical qualities, robustness, and environmental sustainability, geopolymers have demonstrated encouraging outcomes.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Impact of COVID-19 on the Yearly Concentration Reduction of Three Criteria Air Pollutants and Meteorological Parameters’ Effects on Aerosol Dispersion
2024
R. M. Kharabsheh and A. N. Bdour
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the reduction percentage in the yearly concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and CO before and after COVID-19 in Amman, the capital city of Jordan, which has the highest population and traffic densities, and Zarqa, an industrial area with 55% of different types of industries. Additionally, this study examines the effect of metrological parameters such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed on air pollutant dispersion, particularly particulate matter 10 (PM10), which is considered uncontrollable. Furthermore, this study highlights the critical environmental and health effects of air pollution. The Ministry of Environment measured the yearly concentration of air pollutants (SO2, NO2, CO, and PM10) in three areas (Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid) in 12 stations in nearby industrial, urban, and traffic areas using the nitric oxide (NO) NO2 chemiluminescence analyzer Model 42i, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and SO2 analyzer model 450iQ, and PM10 Peta Attenuation analyzer. The few air pollution studies in Jordan have primarily focused on average yearly concentrations of SO2, NO2, CO, and PM10 without considering the monthly or daily variations that greatly concern health and the environment. The results of the present study reveal that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decrease in the annual concentrations of H2S, SO2, and NO2 as the reduction percentage in Amman 70, 58, 87% respectively, and in Zarqa 36, 62, 72% respectively. However, there is a slight reduction in CO and PM10 with 39 and 18% at Amman and 19% and 40% at Zarqa. This decrease is attributed to the reduction of primary sources of air pollutants, which are linked to the reductions in traffic volume and industrial activities during the lockdown. Furthermore, the results show that the Jordanian government has implemented regulations to address air pollution in residential areas. These regulations aim to prevent the burning of trees and smoking. The government is also adopting new transportation technologies to reduce the impact of CO2 and other pollutants produced by diesel and gasoline vehicles. The use of green fuels like synthetic natural gas, green methanol, or ammonia, as well as the increasing use of electric cars, are being encouraged. Implementing the bus rapid transit system, which started in 2021 and includes linked lines in the east and west areas of Jordan, has reduced the number of cars used and solved the main issues in crowded regions. Overall, the country has taken significant steps to address and control air pollution.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Geospatial Assessment of Soil Erosion Using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation in Hirshabelle State of Somalia
2024
Abdiaziz Hassan Nur, Md. Faruq Hasan, Susmita Sarmin, Atia Shahin, Abdinasir Abdullahi Mohamed and Ali Hussein Ahmed
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.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Enhancing Food Security Through Sustainable Agriculture: Investigating the Allelopathic Effects of Sorghum on Weed Management in Field Pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense)
2024
Prantick Patra, Anita Jaswal and Iza Fatima
Allelopathy can be a viable approach to address the issues of environmental degradation by reducing the use of herbicides and herbicide-resistant weeds. Allelopathic crop residues have a lot of potential for improving soil quality and suppressing weed growth. A field experiment at an agronomic research farm, Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, examined the effects of water extracts and crop residues from sorghum on the population of weeds, indices of weed management, and the productivity of field peas. The experiment during the year 2022-2023 comprised in randomized block design with 2 levels of Sorghum water extract (1:10, 1:20 w/v), 3 levels of Sorghum stalk soil incorporation @ 2, 4, 6 Mg.ha-1, Sorghum surface mulching at 10tonnes ha-1, Field pea and rabi sorghum intercropping at 2:1, Weedy check and hand weeding. The findings showed that the sorghum surface mulching, addition of sorghum water extract, and sorghum stalk incorporation significantly altered the dynamics of weeds which was comparable with hand weeding. In the case of weed density (9.17 no.m-2), weed fresh (7.66g), and dry weight (3.0g) hand weeding gave the best result which was followed by sorghum surface mulching with 10.77 weeds no.m-2, 10.11 g weed fresh weight and 4.26gm weed dry weight. The highest weed control efficiency (80.9%) was recorded in hand weeding which was followed by sorghum water extract (1:10) and sorghum stalk incorporation (4 Mg.ha-1). The weed management index, weed persistence index, and agronomic management index showed an inverse relationship with weed control efficiency. Hand weeding (20, 40, 60 DAS) gave the highest grain yield (2897 kg.ha-1) of field pea followed by Sorghum surface mulching. Yield attributes were calculated which prescribed that all the treatments significantly reduced the weed infestation and increased the yield attributes over a weedy check. Hand weeding gave the best result, but it is not economical due to the intensive labor requirement. Initiating sustainable weed control and significantly improving the nutrient content of field peas can be achieved through sorghum surface mulching, sorghum stalk incorporation at 4 Mg.ha-1, and sorghum water extract (1:10). These practices can contribute to environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Eco Trauma: Unveiling the Anthropocentric Destruction, the Pathway to Apocalypse
2024
Gajalakshmi G. and Meenakshi S.
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.
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