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.

The study was for the comparison and to know the choice of Models of appreciation of the mineralization of the two herbicides under the effect of two manures (cattle and sheep) in two agricultural soils of different textures. During this work, we used two types of manure, cattle F1 and sheep F2 with two doses. The application of respirometry for monitoring biological activity has been conducted in the laboratory. The treatments were measured for carbon-labeled herbicides released (14CO2) after 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 42, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days of incubation. Non-linear mathematical models have been developed for the study of the kinetics of the mineralization of herbicides under the effect of manures. The selection criteria for these fit models are R² and RMCE. The comparison of six models stated to choose the single-compartmental model to a first-order ascending exponential that best fits the experimental data. These models show a strong positive correlation between labeled carbon and the biodegradation time of herbicides, especially in clay-textured soil.

The purpose of this work is to address an environmental problem in Mexico, which uses significant amounts of water for agricultural activities, where atrazine is frequently used as a pesticide for weed control. Currently, there is no law prohibiting its use, even though it is considered an endocrine disruptor in some mammals and harmful to health. Due to the difficulty in the direct quantification of several herbicides, which present a low concentration in water, the present work aims to develop the optimization and validation of the preconcentration with magnetic stir bars (SBSE) in aqueous samples for the quantification of atrazine and two of its metabolites: 2-hydroxyatrazine (2-HA) and desethylatrazine (DEA), coupled to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-UV/DAD). For the optimization of the preconcentration technique, the nature and quantity of the solvents used in each step, contact time for retention and quantitative extraction of the analyte, as well as the effect of the concentration of the analyte on its retention on the bar were considered. Finally, it was determined that the presence of the metabolites 2-HA and DEA does not affect the sorption of atrazine on the sorption bar used. The analytical methodology can be considered as an efficient method of atrazine preconcentration for subsequent quantification via HPLC-UV/DAD in the range of 0.03 to 0.25 mg/L and in the absence of matrix interferences; its limits of detection and quantification are respectively 0.0014 mg/L and 0.0016 mg/L.

The urban expansion analysis plays a significant role in the physical, social, and environmental dimensions of the cities. The research was conducted to monitor the urban growth and urban sprawl analysis of Tumkur city from 2000 to 2020 using multispectral satellite data (Landsat-5, Landsat-7, Resourcesat-1, Landsat-8, Sentinel-2A). Various methods like urban-related indices (AUER, UEII, and NDBI), and statistical methods (Degree of Freedom, Shannon Entropy, and Degree of Goodness) were used in the present research work. The AUER (Annual Urban Expansion Rate) and UEII (Urban Expansion Intensity Index) study of urban indices reveal that the urban area has expanded from 24.94 km2 to 60.59 km2 due to the development of commercial buildings, single-use zones, and low-density areas. The analysis of NDBI (Normalised Difference Built-up Index) indicates that the expansion of urban infrastructure, industrial growth, and population increase cause significant damage to vegetation in the city center compared to other areas. The study of the Degree of Freedom and Shannon entropy indicates that high compactness appeared in the core, whereas other regions are experiencing significant expansion. The method of freedom of goodness (2000 = - 0.093 to 2020 = - 0.159) demonstrates that the currently unfavorable conditions of urban growth have appeared in Tumkur city and it leads to numerous adverse effects on present and future generations. This study will help urban planners and decision-makers maintain the proper land use planning to reduce urban sprawl and its associated consequences, allowing for sustainable urban development.

From 2016 to 2040, global energy demand is expected to increase by almost 50%. A substantial proportion of this expansion will remain concentrated in emerging economies, predominantly India and China. The energy demand, namely for coal, will increase due to reasons such as population growth, industrialization, and the remarkable expansion of the middle class. In India, the coal employed is categorized as low-grade and exhibits a notable ash content, ranging from 30 to 45 percent. Using lignite or coal in thermal power stations leads to generating a significant quantity of fly ash. The issues of controlling fly ash due to its propensity to cause air and water pollution must be addressed efficiently, especially given the large volume of ash produced and the environmental impact it causes in India. This article thoroughly examines Indian fly ash, encompassing its distinctive attributes, a wide array of uses, environmental ramifications, and regulatory structure. The volume of fly ash produced has experienced a significant rise in the last ten years, primarily because coal-fired thermal power plants are responsible for meeting more than 70% of the nation’s electricity demands. Currently, India is responsible for the production of about 180 million metric tonnes of fly ash. Moreover, this article provides a thorough examination of the global landscape about the manufacturing and utilization of fly ash, with a particular focus on India.

The study focused on extracting and purifying siderophore produced by Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from rhizospheric soil in Baghdad city and evaluating its bioactivity both independently and in combination with selected antibiotics. Bacterial identification was performed using CHROM agar, biochemical, and physiological tests, with confirmation via PCR amplification of the 16S rDNA housekeeping gene. The siderophore was extracted using ethyl acetate after culturing the bacteria in succinate broth and was purified through HPLC, detected at a wavelength of 403 nm. A total of 38 bacterial isolates were obtained from lower respiratory tract infections, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Serratia marcescens. Antibiotic susceptibility testing with 13 antibiotics showed the highest resistance rates to ampicillin (65.7%) and ceftriaxone (63.1%), while the lowest resistance was observed with amikacin (15.7%). The synergistic activity of the siderophore combined with sub-MIC concentrations of ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and gentamycin was tested against multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates. The most significant antibacterial activity was observed with the combination of siderophore and gentamycin against S. aureus, whereas a minimal effect was noted on A. baumannii. In conclusion, 38 bacterial isolates were successfully identified from lower respiratory tract infections. The combination of siderophore with gentamycin exhibited notable antibacterial activity against S. aureus but was ineffective against A. baumannii.

This research explores the effectiveness of ZnO and Ag-doped ZnO photocatalysts in degrading organic pollutants, specifically focusing on phenol removal in wastewater treatment. The catalysts were synthesized using sol-gel and precipitation methods and characterized through XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses. The study assessed the degradation efficiency of phenol under various conditions, including different catalyst dosages, irradiation times, and initial phenol concentrations. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to measure degradation efficiency, revealing significant differences between the two catalysts. Ag-doped ZnO showed superior performance, achieving degradation efficiencies of over 90%, compared to ZnO’s 60-70%. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Response Surface Methodology (RSM), identified key factors influencing degradation efficiency. The enhanced performance of Ag-doped ZnO was attributed to its narrower band gap energy and improved irradiation responsiveness. These findings indicate that Ag-doped ZnO is a promising candidate for efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment, offering a robust solution for removing organic impurities and supporting environmental preservation. This research provides valuable insights into advanced photocatalytic processes and sets the stage for future wastewater treatment innovations.

This study investigates the trends and processes of flooding in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia, following the 2015 Ranau Earthquake. The earthquake caused landslides that altered river systems and significantly impacted flood patterns. Using an interdisciplinary methodology, we examined geological processes, river morphology, sediment dynamics, and erosion mechanisms to understand the correlation between geological forces and flooding. The investigation spanned a decade (2010-2020), revealing an increase in flood incidents post-earthquake. Key findings include the impact of sediment dynamics on river behavior, the role of river morphology, and the importance of erosion and sedimentation in flood timing. This research offers valuable insights into disaster management strategies, emphasizing the need for understanding geological influences on flood susceptibility.

Acid gas is a type of natural gas or any other gas mixture that contains significant quantities of hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen halides, or similar acidic gases. Acid gases form acidic solutions when dissolved in water. A major cause of acid rain is emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which react with water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids. Acid rain refers to a mixture of wet and dry precipitation from the atmosphere that contains more than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. In this study, the data of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) as total precipitation (Tp), as well as the Vertical Column amount of SO2 from the Giovanni Center were adopted. The purpose of the research was to find the relationship between rain and sulfur dioxide in Baghdad, Mosul, and Basra cities for the period (2003-2016). The study was carried out for monthly and annual (or yearly) data variations. To find the correlation strengths of the relationship between Total precipitation (Tp) and sulfur dioxide, the correlation coefficients of Spearman’s rho test (rs) were used. It was found that the relationship between (Tp Vs. CO2) and (Tp Vs. SO2) for Mosul station was inverse and positive, with a value of 0.7 that’s due to sulfur water eyes. Also, CO2 was found throughout all months but with different ratios, where the highest concentration was in 2016 in all the stations.

Clove or cengkeh (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of Indonesia’s commodities with high domestic and international potential, considering that this plant is used as raw material for the cigarette industry. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the production of Indonesian cloves, one of which is by using growth stimulators such as plant growth regulators (PGR). This study uses gibberellic acid (GA3) and smoke water as exogenous growth triggers. The treatment given was soaking S. aromaticum seeds in gibberellic acid (GA3) and liquid smoke for 24 h. The GA3 concentrations used were 100 ppm, 75 ppm, 50 ppm, and 25 ppm. Smoke water was obtained from the pyrolysis of coconut shells, and the concentrations used were 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%. Observations were conducted for 11 weeks and divided into two phases, namely the germination phase and the vegetative growth phase. Parameters measured included germination percentage, radicle, and plumula length in the first phase, root length, plant height, and number and area of leaves in the second phase. The best results were achieved with the soaking treatment using 0.5% smoke water, which showed a significant increase in all observed growth parameters. This is due to the content of karrikin in smoke water, which acts like a growth hormone and triggers the performance of other growth hormones. In addition, karrikin plays an active role in the germination process by changing the morphology of the seeds.