The spectrum of the wind speed is expressed as the total wind speed that results from events split up into space, time, or both. It is the relationship shown between the energy or magnitude of any given parameter versus the frequency. In this study, the spectra of the wind speed at the Al-Reem site in Iraq were presented. Since the goal of the current research is to analyze wind speed and direction using the Fast-Fourier-Transform, experimental measurements for the wind speed and wind direction were taken every ten minutes for a year, from December 2014 to December 2015 at heights (10, 30, 50 m). Based on the performance of the Fast-Fourier-Transform, the peak with the highest spectral density, measured at 226,236.282 m/s at the frequency of 2 Hz, was found to be at a height of 50 m throughout the night, while the peak with the lowest height level. The spectral density was 115,863.7 m/s at a frequency of 2 Hz, at a height of (10 m) all into the night. Winds coming from the west and northwest were the most common direction in the region. In the morning, the wind was blowing faster than at night.

The impact of water organic pollution from leftover fish feed and metabolic waste in floating net cages (FNC) aquaculture can lead to detrimental effects on coastal marine biota. This underscores the necessity for continuous monitoring of water quality in areas surrounding FNCs to mitigate the environmental impacts of aquaculture. One method of evaluating water quality is through the Saprobic Index, which quantitatively analyzes pollution status based on the presence and composition of various organisms, including plankton. This study aims to evaluate the organic pollution potential derived from fish feed in the vicinity of the FNCs at Sendang Biru waters by employing the Saprobic Index. The research identified five classes of phytoplankton in the FNC area: Bacillariophyceae, Dinophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Cyanophyceae, and Globothalamea. Analysis of the phytoplankton composition indicated that the waters surrounding Sendang Biru FNC can be classified as ranging from Oligosaprobic to β-Meso/Oligosaprobic. These findings suggest that the aquaculture practices utilizing the FNC system contribute to a light level of organic pollution in the water. This emphasizes the importance of effective management and monitoring strategies to minimize the environmental impact and ensure the sustainability of aquaculture in coastal marine ecosystems.

Microbially contaminated objects used in everyday life have been shown to impact human health by harboring infections through direct or indirect contact. For this reason, the development of alternative methods for bacterial elimination that do not lead to resistant microorganisms, large quantities of residues, or human cytotoxicity is warranted. Due to their proven bactericidal power, the use of electromagnetic waves lower than ultraviolet-C radiation would constitute a possible alternative. The main aim of this research was to determine the effect of 462 nm radiation emitted by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the most frequent bacteria contaminating everyday objects and surfaces in residential and hospital environments. The rationale behind the selection of this specific frequency within the blue light spectrum, in contrast to previous research exploring the application of higher frequencies, was its safety for individuals’ eyes and skin. The findings suggest that the use of low-frequency blue light can be effective in destroying environmental microorganisms stemming from the skin microbiome and mucous membranes, and even fecal bacteria, present in the surfaces of everyday objects such as inter alia, mobile phones, remote controls, credit cards, and of which some present high antibiotic resistance.

Sandy soils are not suitable for agriculture because they do not retain nutrients, and water drains quickly. The biochar applied to these soils provides nutrients, improves their fertility, and favors crop yields. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of the application of pine biochar and the pruning of green areas obtained by slow pyrolysis on the physicochemical attributes of sandy soil. For this purpose, a greenhouse experiment was conducted in fifteen pots randomly divided into three groups (five replicas) of treatment depending on the dose of biochar: 0% (0 g/pot, T1 control treatment), 10% (100 g/pot, T2), and 25% (250 g/pot, T3) calculated according to the volume of the soil. Likewise, 05 seeds of turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) were placed in each pot, where their germination and growth were monitored. Application of biochar reported an increase in organic matter, porosity, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, NO3-, K, and Mg (without significant differences) and a reduction in bulk density, P, and Ca (without significant differences). These behaviors were higher in T3, followed by T2, compared to T1. Similarly, T3 (68%, 7.5 ± 0.9 cm) showed a higher number of turnip germinations and growth compared to T2 (48%, 7 ± 0.6 cm) and T1 (28% 6 ± 0.4 cm). The biochar applied improved the attributes of the sandy soil, strengthening it against possible erosion and promoting the preservation of terrestrial ecosystems.

A major global concern is the widespread environmental destruction caused by hydrocarbons, especially from the dumping of spent engine oil. Hydrocarbons are a major source of pollution in the environment and have an impact on agriculture, aquatic life, and soil fertility. The necessity of resolving this issue is highlighted by the detrimental impact on soil biocenosis and the potential conversion of soils into technogenic deserts. Due to high costs and polluting byproducts, the conventional approach of treating contaminated soil, sediment, and water is unsustainable. However, bioremediation, which makes use of biological agents like fungi and bacteria, appears to be a more practical and affordable solution. Microbial biosurfactants present a possible solution for environmental restoration due to their less harmful nature compared to chemical surfactants. This review highlights the green and sustainable nature of microbial biosurfactants while examining their advancements, biotechnological potentials, and future possibilities for bioremediation. The review also looks at the genetic basis and economic viability of biosurfactants for bioremediation applications. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the need for more studies in overcoming the challenges of large-scale application of biological surfactants for bioremediation of pollution and environmental restoration. As partners in nature, these bacteria aid in the breakdown of hydrocarbons, highlighting the need for industry and the environment to coexist sustainably. As biosurfactants are less harmful to the environment than chemical surfactants, they are more in line with the global trend toward sustainable methods and the use of natural processes for ecological restoration.

In the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of northern India, the prevalent rice-wheat cropping system (RWS) is marked by a continuous cycle of planting wheat from October to April and rice from June to September. However, the transition between these crops necessitates the burning of stubble due to the short time frame available for land preparation before planting wheat. This practice contributes significantly to environmental pollution and poses health risks to both humans and ecosystems. To address this issue, alternative management strategies for crop residue are imperative. Utilizing stubble as fuel, feedstock for biofuels, or raw material for the pulp and paper industry offers promising solutions. Among these, biochar emerges as a particularly effective option. Biochar, derived from the pyrolysis of agricultural waste, not only mitigates environmental pollution but also enhances soil health, crop productivity, and overall agricultural sustainability. Our proposal emphasizes the potential of biochar as a soil conditioner, promoting soil carbon sequestration, improving soil quality, and ultimately enhancing food security.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are significant contributors to the release of microplastics into aquatic environments. Due to the limited information available in Thailand, examining microplastics from WWTPs could assist the Thai government in establishing guidelines for future microplastic control. This study identified microplastics in various WWTPs across Bangkok, Thailand, during two seasons: the dry period (February to May 2022) and the wet period (June to October 2022). The findings revealed a higher abundance of microplastics during the wet season compared to the dry season. In both influent and effluent, fibers were the predominant shape, making up approximately 86.65% during the dry period and 94.37% during the wet period. Fragments, films, granules, and foam were also detected in all samples. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) were the most common polymers present in the microplastic samples. The study also highlighted that the removal efficiency of microplastics from WWTPs ranged from 16.7% to 85.4% during the dry period and from 27.6% to 81.0% during the wet period. These results underscore the importance of long-term monitoring and quantification of microplastics in different WWTP systems in Bangkok. This data can be utilized to estimate microplastic loading in WWTPs and develop effective strategies for microplastic removal from wastewater.

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.

Environmental pollution is escalating due to inadequate waste management, with the open burning of agricultural waste being a significant contributor. This process releases various harmful gases into the environment. This study introduces an innovative approach to creating sound absorption materials using agricultural by-products, specifically paddy straw and coconut coir, along with newspaper by-products. The research was conducted in two phases: first, the production of sound absorption panels with different densities and adhesive quantities, and second, the evaluation of these panels’ sound absorption capabilities through laboratory experiments. The impedance tube test was used to determine the sound absorption coefficient (SAC). The results showed effective sound absorption, especially at lower frequencies ranging from 125 Hz to 6300 Hz. Notably, paddy straw and coconut coir exhibited significant sound absorption values at 1,000 Hz (0.59 and 0.52, respectively). This study highlights the potential of paddy straw and coconut coir as sustainable, cost-effective materials for sound absorption panels. These natural materials demonstrate excellent sound-absorbing properties, making them suitable for various applications such as classrooms, sound recording rooms, auditoriums, and theaters at low to medium frequencies.

Maize is one of the staple food crops after wheat and rice crops. There is a reduction in the yield of maize due to biotic and abiotic factors. Due to more spacing in maize weeds are highly infested in the field which leads to reduced fertility of soil and sustainability. To maintain the fertility of soil and reduce the wastage of resources intercropping is the best option. By growing crops in between the rows of maize crops we can increase production and can achieve zero hunger. A field experiment was conducted at Lovely Professional University (Kharif 2022) to check the effect of black gram and French bean as intercrop in maize on weed flora, rhizospheric bacterial count, and yield parameters of maize. The experiment comprised 9 treatments i.e. Sole maize, Sole French bean and Sole black gram, Maize + French bean (1:1, 1:2, 1:3), Maize + black gram (1:1, 1:2, 1:3). Weed density and biomass recorded by quadrant 1 m2 method at 30 and 60 DAS (Days after sowing). Results of the study showed that minimum weed count of grasses (3.44, 3.26), sedges (3.13, 2.73), and BLW (Broad leaf weed) (3.26, 4.58) at 30 and 60 DAS recorded in those plots where intercropping of maize and black gram practiced in 1:3 proportion. Rhizospheric bacterial count viz. THB (total heterotrophic bacteria) (232.82), NRB (nitrate-reducing bacteria) (41.89), and NB (nitrifying bacteria) (161.86) were recorded highest in Maize + French bean 1:3 at 30 DAS. Whereas THB, NRB, and PSB (phosphate solubilizing bacteria) highest count recorded in Maize + Black gram 1:3 at 90 DAS. In the case of maize yield attributes maize + Black gram 1:2 gave the best result. Land Equivalent ratio and Maize Equivalent yield (2.23, 11671.03 kg.ha-1) were recorded maximum in those plots where Maize + Black gram 1:2 proportion was practiced. Intercropping can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to herbicides to reduce the weed population and infestation, which leads to maintaining soil fertility and enhancing sustainability.