Oil spills in the Niger Delta could exert environmental pressures on the soil component. We investigated the impacts of oil spills and the effect of the Enhanced Natural Attenuation (ENA) remediation method on contaminated soil and resident microbial populations in the Odhiaje community in Rivers State, Nigeria. Soil samples for microbiological studies were collected weekly during a 17-week remediation period, while those for edaphic parameters were taken before and after remediation, all at 4 sampling points (SPs). Serial dilution of the oil-impacted soils for microbial density enumeration was carried out according to standard methods. Results revealed that mean concentrations of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contents (THC) (Sig.value = 0.009), SO42- ions (Sig.value = 0.001), and sand compositions (Sig.value = 0.045) all differed markedly across the sampling points at p<0.05. Mean levels of EC (Sig.tvalue = 0.039) and ΣN (Sig.tvalue = 0.058) & K+ ions (Sig.tvalue = 0.004) differed significantly before and after the remediation exercise at the 95% confidence interval. Application of nutrients was rapidly accompanied by microbial population increases, leading to the consumption of oil contaminants in soils to levels comparable to control over the remediation period. Total Heterotrophic Bacteria counts correlated with pH (r = 0.501) and SO42- ions (r = 0.500) (p<0.05), and K+ ions (r = -0.800) (p<0.01); Total Heterotrophic Fungi correlated with pH (r = 0.520) (p<0.05), and Mg2+ ions (r = 0.820) (p<0.01); Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria correlated with available P (r = 0.530) and silt composition (r = -0.504) (p<0.05), and K+ (r = 0.626) and Mg2+ ions (r = 0.733) (p<0.01); and Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi correlated with K+ (r = 0.500) & Mg2+ ions (r = 0.506) (p<0.05). Results indicate improvement in C/N ratios and effectiveness of the current cost-effective bioaugmentation technique in the restoration of arable soil productivity in the Odhiaje community.

In the present study, biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was examined using two fungal strains, namely P. chrysosporium and P. citrinum, isolated from locally contaminated soil. These two fungal strains were compared based on degradation properties under standardized conditions (pH 7.0, temperature 30oC, carbon source yeast extract) using PAH sole and a mixture of five different PAHs. In liquid media, PAH degradation was higher as compared to spiked soil by P. chrysosporium, followed by P. citrinum. In liquid culture, maximum degradation was 96.13% phenanathrene, 86.34% fluoranthene, 72.75% pyrene, 52.25% chrysene, and 40.16% benzo(a)pyrene by P. chrysosporium. PAH degradation in spiked soil was 78.5% phenanthrene, 65.91% fluoranthene, 61.73% pyrene, 48.2% chrysene, and 26.82% benzo(a)pyrene within 28 days by P. chrysosporium. Both local fungal isolates showed potential for degradation of PAHs alone and in PAH mixtures.

The stabilization of toxic metals in the stable matrices is quite well-known. Research on copper and cadmium stabilization in the CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 composites was conducted to study the characteristics of CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 composites as well as the Cu and Cd metals stabilization in the hydrated composites. The composites of CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2 were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. A stoichiometric amount of CaO, SiO2, Cu(NO3)2, and CdO were calcined at 1050°C for 4 hours. The synthesized compounds were further hydrated in a soaking time of 30, 60, and 90 days. The hydration produced calcium silicate hydrate that can stabilize metals. The Cu and Cd stability in CaO-CuO-SiO2 and CaO-CdO-SiO2, respectively, were tested using the Toxicity Leaching Procedure (TCLP) method. The hydrated and hydrated composite characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrophotometer (FTIR), and Scanning Energy Mocroscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray analyzer (SEM-EDX) and the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) methods. The composites mainly consist of Ca3SiO5, Ca2SiO4, Ca(OH)2, SiO2, and metal oxide of CuO, Cu2O, and CdO. The composites were able to stabilize ~100% of the heavy metals of Cu and Cd.

This study aimed to check how herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) affects the production of EPS and its composition, growth, and biomass, as well as morphology in a cyanobacterial species isolated from a rice field in Meghalaya, India. Compared to the control cells, the growth of the organism measured in terms of chlorophyll concentration increased after being exposed to 10 and 20 ppm 2,4-D. However, cultures treated with 30 and 40 ppm experienced a decrease in their growth. Likewise, the biomass content of the organism experienced a minuscule increase in content upon exposure to 10 and 20 ppm 2,4-D but was compromised upon exposure to higher doses. When exposed to 10 ppm, the total EPS content, which includes the RPS and CPS content, showed a substantial increase. Maximum EPS production was seen at 20 ppm 2,4-D. However, exposure to 30 and 40 ppm 2,4-D, EPS production in the organism experienced a significant reduction, respectively. All components of EPS, such as uronic acid, neutral sugar, and proteins, individually showed an increase in 10 and 20 ppm 2, 4-D. A similar trend was seen in the organism’s bio-flocculating activity, which increased when exposed to 10 and 20 ppm, respectively. However, this activity in cells exposed to 30 and 40 ppm 2,4-D was severely reduced. Not only the content of EPS but the rate of EPS production was also enhanced in lower concentrations of 2,4-D. Although exposure to 30 ppm 2,4-D, the rate of EPS production was not significantly compromised, 40 ppm exposure adversely affected the rate of EPS production. Furthermore, visualization using scanning electron microscopy revealed the morphological changes induced by the herbicide 2,4-D.

The primary goal of this research is to isolate mycotoxin-producing fungus from the Nagavali River. Examining isolated fungi involved analyzing their mycelium growth on culture media and detailed microscopic inspection. We employed PCR analysis utilizing universal primers ITS1 and ITS4 to accurately identify the species. Furthermore, we sequenced the amplified ITS region and rigorously analyzed the sequences using NCBI-BLASTn and the ITS2 database. The analysis found a high 96.38% genetic similarity to the Aspergillus flavus strain, resulting in a 600-base pair fragment size. The sequence was given the accession number OR536222 in the NCBI GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to ascertain the particular strain of A. flavus and its source. Remarkably, this analysis led to the identification of a single new strain gene, which represents a novel discovery in the field of fungal research. These results underscore the vital significance of molecular techniques in promptly and precisely identifying organisms. This research enhances our understanding of mycotoxin contamination in water, providing valuable insights to improve detection and prevention strategies. It accentuates the overarching importance of conserving our water resources and upholding ecological equilibrium, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of both humanity and the environment.

This study explores the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) using tin (Sn) and zinc (Zn) catalyst-loaded gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs). The research explores the influence of electrolytic potential and catalyst loading on the efficiency of CO2 conversion to valuable chemicals, specifically formic acid and carbon monoxide. The best Sn loading for Sn-loaded GDEs, according to the morphological study, is 7 mg.cm-2, which results in higher current density (0.33 mA.cm-2) and current efficiency (36%). An electrolytic potential of -1.3 V Vs. Ag/AgCl is identified as optimal for Sn GDEs, offering a balance between high current efficiency (35%) and controlled current density. For Zn-loaded GDEs, an optimal loading of 5 mg.cm²- yields the highest current efficiency of 19.4% and a peak current density of 0.28 mA.cm²- at an electrolytic potential of -1.55 V Vs. Ag/AgCl, in addition to highlighting the crucial role that catalyst loading and electrolytic potential play in enhancing CO2 reduction efficiency, this research offers insightful information for environmentally friendly CO2 conversion technology.

The consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables is the prime cause of outbreaks of various human diseases. Although fruits and vegetables have high nutritional value, today because of their contamination during handling while performing harvesting and post-harvesting techniques, they are harmful to human health. Most of them are eaten raw without being washed or without providing any treatment. Vegetables and fruits, being rich nutritional sources, can act as carriers or vectors of pathogenic microorganisms, which can create a serious issue for the health of the community targeted. This entire research is based on an emerging field of Forensic Microbiology. Various types of microbial agents can be utilized as bioweapons to conduct the bio crime or bioterrorism through food and water. This research also represents that the identification of microbial agents is very much necessary for the welfare of humans. Identification and isolation of different pathogenic bacteria from raw vegetables and fruits can also shed some light on the terms of the necessity of Forensic Microbiology.

The rapid development of industry has led to the generation of a large amount of electroplating wastewater. The direct discharge of untreated electroplating wastewater may lead to the formation of toxic metal-organic complexes, which is a challenging problem for human health and the living environment of organisms. Due to the high solubility of heavy metals in aquatic environments and their easy absorption by organisms, effective treatment of electroplating wastewater is of great significance. The ultimate goal of electroplating wastewater treatment should be to recover metals and water from electroplating wastewater. In indoor experiments, pilot tests, and industrial applications of electroplating wastewater treatment, membrane treatment technology commonly used in wastewater terminal treatment has attracted great attention. Membrane treatment technology seems to be the most promising method for removing heavy metals and organic pollutants from electroplating wastewater. This article reviews the membrane treatment technologies for electroplating wastewater, introduces the advantages and disadvantages of various membranes in the treatment of electroplating wastewater, the removal efficiency of pollutant types, and their comparison. The focus is on the treatment effects of nano-filtration membrane, ultra-filtration membrane, micro-filtration membrane, reverse osmosis membrane, ceramic membrane, biofilm, etc., on electroplating wastewater. Compared with a single treatment method, the combination of different processes shows higher efficiency in removing various pollutants.

Chromium contamination in water bodies poses severe risks to both the environment and human health. This research introduces an innovative solution to this challenge by creating a vapor-activated carbosorbent from biodegradable household waste. The efficacy of this adsorbent in removing total chromium through batch methods from aqueous solutions was investigated. Surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exhibited a porous structure, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified distinct functional groups on the surface. The point of zero charge (PZC), determined at 6.95, revealed the adsorbent’s surface chemistry. Impressively, the synthesized carbosorbent exhibited significant adsorption capacities of 23.08 mg.g-1 for Cr(III) and 24.84 mg.g-1 for Cr(VI) under optimal conditions. The Langmuir isotherm model illustrated a monolayer adsorption mechanism aligned with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, confirming chemisorption. Thermodynamic analysis disclosed favorable and spontaneous chromium adsorption. Negative ΔG° values affirmed the spontaneity, while the exothermic nature of the process was signified by the positive ΔH° value, indicating heat release. Increased randomness at the solid-liquid interface, indicated by the positive ΔS° value, underscored the enhanced affinity between the adsorbent and adsorbate. This study exemplifies the potential of the vapor-activated carbosorbent as an efficient and sustainable remedy for chromium-contaminated water bodies.

This research investigates the potential of two Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) strains, EP1-AS and EP1-BM, isolated from the halophyte Euphorbia prostrata, to enhance plant growth and provide abiotic stress resilience. The study addresses the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices in the face of challenges like soil salinization and heavy metal contamination. The investigation comprehensively analyzes the heavy metal and salt tolerance of the PGPB strains, revealing their potential applications in promoting plant growth under adverse environmental conditions. The research further explores the impact of these PGPB strains on wheat plants subjected to varying concentrations of heavy metals and salts. Results indicate that both PGPB strains, especially EP1-BM, exhibit significant tolerance to heavy metals and salt stress. EP1-BM demonstrates remarkable resilience even under high concentrations of these stressors. The study extends its findings to in vitro testing on wheat plants, revealing the positive influence of PGPB strains on germination, shoot length, and root length in the presence of salt and heavy metals. This research underscores the significance of understanding plant-microbe interactions, particularly in the context of promoting sustainable agriculture in challenging environments. The identified resilience of PGPB strains, especially EP1-BM, suggests their potential application as bio-remediators and plant growth promoters in soils affected by salinity and heavy metal stress. The promising results observed will be followed-up field trials. They will highlight the translational potential of these PGPB strains, offering a novel avenue for developing biofertilizer formulations with a cautious approach to safety concerns. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into harnessing the untapped potential of resilient plants and their associated microbial communities for sustainable agriculture. It addresses key global challenges outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.