Adverse Environmental Effects Research Articles

Optimal Solar‐Biomass‐Diesel‐Generator Hybrid Energy for Water Pumping System Considering Demand Response

ABSTRACTThe water pumping system is a vital daily operation for a sustainable society. The demand for this essential commodity is progressively growing around the world. Incorporating renewable energy sources (RES) into its operation mitigates adverse environmental effects stemming from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduces associated costs linked to fossil fuel energy sources. Hence, the optimal sizing of a hybrid mix of RES and non‐RES energy sources to power water pumping is essential. This study employs a generalized reduced gradient (GRG) optimization method to ascertain the most effective energy mix for water pumping system (WPS) application by integrating time of use demand response. This is achieved through four scenarios: Scenario 1 (S1) utilizes grid power and Diesel generator (DG) energy sources, Scenario 2 (S2) incorporates grid power, DG, and solar PV, Scenario 3 (S3) integrates grid power, DG, solar PV, and biomass energy sources, while Scenario 4 (S4) incorporates Time of Use (TOU) with the three aforementioned energy sources. The key findings reveal an ideal solution comprising of a mix of renewable PV and biomass along with non‐renewable grid energy source embedded with Time of Use demand response (S4) with optimal energy capacities of 4007 kW of PV, 4228 kW of grid, 234 kW of biomass, and 1085 of DG owing to the least cost energy and cost of water pumped of 0.75$/kW and 1.74$/kL, respectively, most volume of water pumped of 270.50 kL. These findings prove that the integration TOU demand response program with a hybrid mix of grid‐biomass‐DG‐solar PV is best suited for water pumping applications as it gives a cost‐competitive value.

Assessment the effectiveness of disinfection of household wastewater using a UV complex under experimental conditions

Introduction. One of the most effective and economically justified methods of inactivation water treatment is disinfection using UV irradiation. UV disinfection is characterized by the absence of an aftereffect, which is an undeniable advantage for wastewater treatment, since adverse environmental effects on the wastewater receiving water body are excluded. The main technological parameter that ensures proper disinfection is the UV dose. The purpose of the study is the confirmation of the effectiveness of using the technology of UV disinfection of water with a dose of at least 30 mJ/cm2 in relation to sanitary-indicative and pathogenic microorganisms that are present in the wastewater of the Moscow metropolis. Materials and methods. UV disinfection units DUV-1-87-N were used to conduct the experiment, providing a UV dose of at least 30 mJ/cm2 for water disinfection and an open UV irradiator SVETOLIT 50 for air disinfection manufactured by company LIT. Results. The use of a UV dose of at least 30 mJ/cm2 for disinfection of water with a high degree of contamination of microorganisms ensures the level of contamination of microorganisms to meet the requirements of sanitary legislation in force on the territory of the Russian Federation for disinfected wastewater allowed discharging into surface waters. Limitations. The limitations of the study are related to the equipment used for applying UV irradiation, water turbidity, and the sensitivity of microorganisms of different taxonomic groups to UV irradiation. Conclusion. The results of the conducted experimental study can serve a justification for the UV radiation dose of 30 mJ/cm2 used for effective disinfection of viral and bacterial contamination of water with high levels of microbial contamination up to the standard permissible level of microbial contamination (in accordance with SanPiN 1.2.3685-21) of treated wastewater suitable for discharge into surface waters.

The role of marine bacteria in modulating the environmental impact of heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides: a comprehensive review.

Bacteria assume a pivotal role in mitigating environmental issues associated with heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides. Within the domain of heavy metals, bacteria exhibit a wide range of processes for bioremediation, encompassing biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biotransformation. Toxigenic metal ions can be effectively sequestered, transformed, and immobilized, hence reducing their adverse environmental effects. Furthermore, bacteria are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to the process of biodegradation of microplastics, which are becoming increasingly prevalent as contaminants in marine environments. These microbial communities play a crucial role in the colonization, depolymerization, and assimilation processes of microplastic polymers, hence contributing to their eventual mineralization. In the realm of pesticides, bacteria play a significant role in the advancement of environmentally sustainable biopesticides and the biodegradation of synthetic pesticides, thereby mitigating their environmentally persistent nature and associated detrimental effects. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics between bacteria and anthropogenic contaminants is of paramount importance in the pursuit of technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable management approaches.

Preventive Effects of Polyprenols from the Needles of Aabies sibirica under the Influence of Adverse Factors

Currently, biologically active substances of natural origin are widely used as preventative agents. The search and development of new drugs for the prevention and correction of nonspecific disorders of the body’s resistance to adverse effects in environment continues. A preclinic assessment of the effectiveness of polyprenols from Siberian fir Abies sibirica was carried out when used prophylactically for two weeks. It has been shown that the effect of polyprenols is manifested by antioxidant, anabolic activity and stimulation of hematopoiesis in an experimental model of combined poisoning with carbendazim and X-ray irradiation.

Physico-Chemical Analysis of Textile Effluents from Bagru, Jaipur (Rajasthan, India): Implications for Environmental Impact and Treatment Needs

The textile industry is one of the largest water polluters worldwide. The coloured and bad odour effluent discharged from such industries pollutes not only the water bodies but also affects groundwater quality. In the present study, thirty-five water samples were collected from different dyeing units of the Bagru textile area (Rajasthan, India) famous for using natural dyes for textile processing. The physico-chemical analysis of these water samples shows that all parameters exceeded the permitted range recommended by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and World Health Organization (WHO). The analysis revealed the use of synthetic dyes in Bagru's textile industry for dyeing and printing. Based on the estimated characteristics, these textile effluents must be properly treated before releasing into the environment as the discharge of untreated effluents into local water bodies leads to significant water pollution, adversely affecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. Additionally, contaminants can permeate the soil, compromising agricultural productivity and food safety. The air quality is also compromised due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the dyeing process, posing respiratory risks to nearby communities. This research underscores the urgent need for improved waste management practices and regulatory measures to mitigate the adverse environmental effects associated with synthetic dyes in Bagru's textile industry.

NeuroMix with MRA: A Fast MR Protocol to Reduce Head and Neck CTA for Patients with Acute Neurologic Presentations.

Overuse of CT-based cerebrovascular imaging in the emergency department and inpatient settings, notably CTA of the head and neck for minor and nonfocal neurologic presentations, stresses imaging services and exposes patients to radiation and contrast. Furthermore, such CT-based imaging is often insufficient for definitive diagnosis, necessitating additional MR imaging. Recent advances in fast MRI may allow timely assessment and a reduced need for head and neck CTA in select populations. We identified inpatients or patients in the emergency department who underwent CTAHN (including noncontrast and postcontrast head CT, with or without CTP imaging) followed within 24 hours by a 3T MRI study that included a 2.5-minute unenhanced multicontrast sequence (NeuroMix) and a 5-minute intracranial time of flight MRA) during a 9-month period (April to December 2022). Cases were classified by 4 radiologists in consensus as to whether NeuroMix and NeuroMix + MRA detected equivalent findings, detected unique findings, or missed findings relative to CTAHN. One hundred seventy-four cases (mean age, 67 [SD, 16] years; 56% female) met the inclusion criteria. NeuroMix alone and NeuroMix + MRA protocols were determined to be equivalent or better compared with CTAHN in 71% and 95% of patients, respectively. NeuroMix always provided equivalent or better assessment of the brain parenchyma, with unique findings on NeuroMix and NeuroMix + MRA in 35% and 36% of cases, respectively, most commonly acute infarction or multiple microhemorrhages. In 8/174 cases (5%), CTAHN identified vascular abnormalities not seen on the NeuroMix + MRA protocol due to the wider coverage of the cervical arteries by CTAHN. A fast MR imaging protocol consisting of NeuroMix + MRA provided equivalent or better information compared with CTAHN in 95% of cases in our population of patients with an acute neurologic presentation. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of a fast unenhanced MR-first approach with NeuroMix + MRA, which could be used to design prospective trials in select patient groups, with the potential to reduce radiation dose, mitigate adverse contrast-related patient and environmental effects, and lessen the burden on radiologists and health care systems.

Granulometric and Geochemical Distribution of Arsenic in a Mining Environmental Liability in a Semi-arid Area.

This study focuses on the "El Lavadero" tailings deposit, a mining environmental liability (MEL) located near the town of San Felipe de Jesús, Sonora, in northwest Mexico. The objective was to determine the total arsenic (As) content, its granulometric and geochemical distribution, as well as its mobilization capacity and bioavailability. The results from oxidized and unoxidized tailings showed low potential of hydrogen (pH) values (2.4-5.7) and high concentrations of total arsenic (8235-36,004mgkg-1), predominantly in the finer granulometric fractions (< 0.05mm). Arsenic also prevails in the finest fraction of agricultural soil (> 2mm). These fine particles could present adverse environmental effects due to their potential to be transported by leaching and water suspension. In contrast, arsenic in the effluent sediments is primarily found in the coarser fraction (> 2mm). A significant proportion of arsenic in the tailings (5-40%) was found in the non-residual geochemical fractions (I + II + III) (1106-7675mgkg-1), indicating potential for mobilization and bioavailability. Depending on environmental conditions (redox potential and pH), arsenic can redissolve and exhibit high mobility in abiotic media, which may ultimately impact the environment and human health. Therefore, it is crucial to rehabilitate the "El Lavadero" MEL to prevent further environmental damage. This study provides useful information to understand some phenomena in other global mining environmental liabilities, such as mobilization and bioavailability of arsenic and its possible impact on the surrounding environment and biota, contributing to the worldwide research of ecosystems polluted by mining activity, especially in arid and semi-arid climates.

Willingness to Pay for Improved Groundwater due to BMPs in PEI.

This study uses stated preference techniques to evaluate the willingness to pay for improved groundwater in PEI, which allows us to estimate the social cost of nitrogen in this region. 'Beneficial Management Practices' (BMPs) are often employed in PEI's agricultural sector, to improve crop yields but also reduce adverse environmental effects such as nitrogen leaching that can affect ground and surface waters. PEI residents were surveyed to estimate a dollar value of improved water quality due to reduced nitrogen leaching due to BMPs. From the responses to a double-bounded dichotomous choice survey, models using maximum likelihood estimation showed that residents of PEI were willing to pay roughly $230 per year to see a reduction in nitrogen of either 20% or 50%, which translated to $5-13 per kg of nitrogen reduced. However, excluding 'yeah-sayers' and protest votes suggests that WTP is lower for the 20% reduction and increases as nitrogen reduction increases. Thus, a social cost of $13/kg should be considered an upper bound in PEI. WTP values, as well as estimates of the social cost of nitrogen are similar to values in previous literature. We find that variables such as cell phone usage, belief that farmers should pay for BMPs, and spending on water filtration have a statistically significant impact on WTP. Other variables are significant in some model specifications, however many demographic variables such as employment status and education do not affect WTP.

Dust over water: Analyzing the impact of lake desiccation on dust storms on the Iranian Plateau

The desiccation of lakes on the Iranian Plateau, driven by both natural processes and anthropogenic activities, has led to significant land cover changes, exposing lake beds and triggering adverse environmental consequences. These transformations pose serious threats to ecological conditions and the provision of ecosystem services. This study investigates the potential links between lake desiccation and the occurrence of dust storms across major lakes on the Iranian Plateau. By utilizing remote sensing data and time series statistical analysis, including the Mann-Kendall test, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression, and frequency analysis, we assessed changes in lake extent and their effects on Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Particular Matter (PM2.5) from 1985 to 2020. An analysis of Landsat imagery reveals that lake desiccation commenced in the late 1990s, exhibiting a marked downward trend that has intensified in recent years. The results show a significant inverse correlation between aerosol parameters (AOD and PM2.5) and lake extent. Reduced lake area is associated with elevated AOD and PM2.5 concentrations, with the highest aerosol levels observed when lakes reach their smallest extent. Notably, despite an 81 % reduction in the lake area, dust storm occurrences have increased by 20%. These findings highlight the critical role of lake desiccation in exacerbating dust storms in the surrounding regions. Furthermore, the temporal alignment between fluctuations in lake extent and dust storm frequency is validated through regression analysis with a 95 % confidence level. The consistency between our results and existing literature underscores the reliability of the observed relationship, emphasizing the urgent need to address the environmental consequences of lake desiccation to mitigate its broader ecological impacts and potential human health impacts.Graphical Abstract

Changes in Nutrient Surpluses and Contents in Soils of Cereals and Kiwifruit Fields

Knowledge of nutrient surpluses in soils is critical to optimize nutrient management and minimize adverse environmental effects. We investigated the nutrient surpluses in soils in two regions over 25 years (1992 to 2017) in the south Loess Plateau, China. One region has cereals as the main crop, whereas in the other region, the main cereal crops was changed to kiwi orchards. The inputs of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) increased rapidly (by 74%, 77%, and 103% from 1992 to 2017 in the cereal region; and by 91%, 204%, and 368% in the kiwifruit region), while the nutrient outputs were relatively stable, which resulted in increasing nutrient surpluses (the annual averaged surpluses of N, P, and K were 178, 62, and 12 kg ha−1 y−1 for the cereal region; and 486, 96, and 153 kg ha−1 y−1 for the kiwifruit region) and lower nutrient use efficiency (NUE). The higher N surplus in the orchard-dominated region caused high nitrate N accumulation (3071 kg N ha−1 of 0–5 m in 11–20 y in the kiwifruit orchard) in deeper soil profiles. Similarly, high P and K surpluses in the orchard-dominated region increased soil available P and K. This highlights that comprehensive measures should be taken to control nutrient surpluses, which will help balance nutrient inputs and outputs and minimize nutrient losses in intensive horticultural crop systems.

Green light for bidirectional charging? Unveiling grid repercussions and life cycle impacts

Bidirectional charging, such as Vehicle-to-Grid, is increasingly seen as a way to integrate the growing number of battery electric vehicles into the energy system. The electrical storage capacity in the system can be enhanced by using electric vehicles as flexible storage units. However, large-scale applications of Vehicle-to-Grid may require significant expansion of distribution grids. Previous studies lack a comprehensive environmental assessment of related impacts. Contributing to this research gap, this article combines techno-economic grid simulations with scenario-based Life Cycle Assessments. The case study focuses on rural distribution grids in Southern Germany, projecting the repercussions of different charging scenarios by 2040. Besides a Vehicle-to-Grid scenario, a mixed scenario of Vehicle-to-Home, Vehicle-to-Grid, and direct charging is investigated. Results indicate that Vehicle-to-Grid charging increases grid impacts due to higher charging simultaneities and power losses, especially when following spot market prices. Despite these challenges, the secondary use of battery electric vehicles as storage units can offset adverse environmental effects. Bidirectional charging allows for higher use of volatile renewable energies and can accelerate their integration into the power system. When considering these diverse environmental effects, bidirectional charging scenarios show overall lower impacts on climate change per battery electric vehicle compared to direct charging. The insights provided are valuable for researchers, industry, utilities, and policymakers to understand the potential positive and negative impacts of large-scale battery electric vehicle integration. The article highlights the most influential parameters that should be considered before large-scale penetration.

Enhancing photocatalytic water treatment efficiency via nitrogen Self-Doping and Hive-Like Structuring in isotype homojunctions of g-C3N4 generated from Thiourea-Melamine copolymerization

The combination of overpopulation and rapid industrial progress has led to a pronounced increase in water contamination. Photocatalysis emerges as a viable solution for mitigating water pollution, and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is considered as a particularly promising photocatalyst due to its advantageous properties, such as low cost, and high chemical stability. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of g-C3N4 is often compromised by its limited surface area and substantial recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. To address these challenges, in this work, we propose a systematic approach to develop photocatalytically efficient surface structures and intimate isotype homojunctions through the copolymerization of various g-C3N4 precursors. A range of photocatalysts, each with distinctly tailored morphologies and homojunctions, was produced and their photocatalytic performance was assessed through the removal efficiencies of model pollutants, bisphenol A (BPA), and methylene blue (MB), with each at a concentration of 10 mg L-1. The enhanced photocatalytic activity observed in the optimized sample is primarily attributed to its significantly increased surface area, which is ten times greater than that of standard g-C3N4, and a marked reduction in charge recombination, which is four times lower, facilitated by the intimate homojunction. Thus, this work will open the door to the synthesis of various highly efficient photocatalysts for application in the photodegradation of diverse pollutants, consequently mitigating adverse environmental effects.

Global status and prospects for hybrid hydrogen-natural gas systems for power plants in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract With the lowest power access rate in the world (51.4%), Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a severe energy crisis. Many of the region’s countries report access rates of less than 20%. Even though Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest global greenhouse gas emissions, the region still suffers from climate change, especially extreme droughts. Efforts to tackle these issues by implementing a macro-grid system that integrates natural gas and renewable energy resources have not been successful in reducing the adverse environmental effects and energy poverty. This study highlights research on the technological approaches used in hybrid hydrogen/natural gas in heavy-duty dual-fuel power plants, their benefits and drawbacks, and their economic viability. The goal of this is to suggest an improved and more reliable hub energy system for Sub-Saharan Africa. While all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa utilize natural gas plants, only 17% are involved in hydrogen production, and none have implemented hybrid methods for electrical energy generation. Studies using experimental and numerical analyses have shown that adding hydrogen to natural gas plants increases overall efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions. Furthermore, this research introduces an energy hub approach that incorporates carbon capture and power-to-X technologies, potentially improving efficiency by 42%. These strategies not only support environmental sustainability but also provide economic advantages by decreasing operational and financial losses in power plants. The results reveal a new pathway for the region’s transition to sustainable energy: identifying key locations for the technological and economic viability of hybrid hydrogen/natural gas power plants in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Aspects of introduction and prospects for the use of Juglans L. representatives in Central Russia

Background. Human health security is an important goal of contemporary society. The combination of beneficial properties in Juglans nuts makes them one of the most valuable plant genetic resources, capable of ensuring a wholesome supply of nutrients required by the human organism. The Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) has the largest set of useful agronomic traits among the representatives of the genus, except for winter hardiness. Its cultivation in areas farther to the north from the conventional area of distribution for commercial walnut orchards would be possible if Juglans spp. with higher resistance to unfavorable climate conditions could be involved. Interspecies hybridization can be used to increase winter hardiness in walnut. The objective of this study was to analyze the gene pool of Juglans L. and screen its bioresource collection at the arboretum of the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding (VNIISPK) in the context of useful agronomic indicators promising for plant breeding and landscaping. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in the VNIISPK arboretum (Orel Province, 53°00’N, 36°00’E) where 7 Juglans spp. are maintained. Results and conclusion. The results of the screening highlighted J. mandshurica Maxim., J. cordiformis Maxim., and Vekhov’s hybrid (J. cinerea L. × J. mandshurica Maxim.) as the most resistant to adverse environmental effects. They are recommended for use in plant breeding and landscaping programs under the conditions of Central Russia. A seedling of cv. ‘Astakhovsky’ demonstrated the best agronomic indicators among the Persian walnut (J. regia) genotypes. It can be used by breeders to develop new cultivars with useful agronomic traits for the environmental conditions of the region of study.

Profitability and Cost Estimates for Producing Tropical Hibiscus in South Florida

Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a bushy evergreen shrub or small tree native to the temperate regions of Asia and an economically significant crop in Florida. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the market value of the ornamental industry in Miami-Dade County was $697 million, and approximately 25% of the production was in hibiscus. Demand for the cultivation of plants with minimal pesticides is rising due to concerns about potential adverse environmental and health effects. Integrated pest management, or IPM, is an alternative to conventional pesticide application. A broad-based approach, it integrates both chemical and non-chemical practices for sustainable control of pests. To help growers and other stakeholders determine the best approach to changing demands for pesticide management, this publication estimates the costs and returns of producing tropical hibiscus on an established nursery in south Florida using both traditional and IPM methods.

Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in fixed bed anion exchange reactors: Factors determining PFAS uptake capacity and models predicting PFAS breakthrough

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread contaminants with adverse environmental and public health effects. Anion exchange (IX) processes can effectively remove many PFAS from water. Objectives of this research were to (1) quantify the effects of PFAS structure and background water matrix constituents [dissolved organic matter (DOM) and major inorganic anions (bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate)] on PFAS uptake capacity of IX resins (KIX), and (2) develop models that predict PFAS breakthrough in packed bed IX columns from PFAS structure and background water matrix characteristics. Rapid small-scale column tests were conducted with two IX resins and 18 water matrices to determine breakthrough curves and KIX values for 23 PFAS. A quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) was developed that predicts KIX for different PFAS from a newly developed concept, the normalized chain length (NCL). NCL for each PFAS was calculated using a group contribution method, in which the contributions of PFAS structural fragments to NCL were normalized to that of -CF2-, which was assigned a value of 1.00. Relative to -CF2-, contributions of the structural fragments -O-, -CH2-, >CF-CF3, -CHF-, and -SO3H to NCL for the purposes of KIX prediction were 0.34, -1.87, 1.70, 0.00, and 3.65, respectively. DOM and nitrate adversely impacted PFAS removal, while chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate, when added at concentrations of up to 3 meq/L above native background levels, had negligible effects on KIX. Based on the obtained water matrix effects, pseudo-single solute models were developed for the two tested IX resins, with which PFAS breakthrough curves for fixed bed IX columns can be predicted using only the NCL and the total organic carbon and nitrate concentrations of the influent water.

Lost in space and time: robust demography and enhanced resilience buffer adverse environmental effects in a highly isolated and sedentary pre-pleistocene landscape vertebrate

BackgroundFew animal populations have been studied under the framework of the OCBIL theory, which addresses the ecology and evolution of biodiversity on old climatically buffered infertile landscapes. Available genetic data challenge the low connectivity and high genetic differentiation predicted for isolated tepui-summit vertebrate communities, suggesting potential dispersal among summits. However, the OCBIL theory posits reduced dispersibility, enhanced resilience to habitat fragmentation and inbreeding due to small populations. We tested these hypotheses by conducting the first analytic evaluation of the spatial ecology and population biology of a tepui-summit vertebrate at multiple spatial scales.ResultsWe used harmonic radar tracking (100 individuals/448 points of contact) and capture-mark-recapture data (596 individuals captured/52 recaptured) to reveal the temporal niche, microhabitat use, population size, and dispersal abilities of the tepui-summit endemic toad Oreophrynella quelchii on Roraima-tepui. Abundance was determined using a closed population model incorporating sources of variation in capture probability. We tested the relative influence of biotic and abiotic variables on distances moved through model selection. Our data indicate that the population size of O. quelchii is remarkably large (ca. 12 million individuals), with strong seasonal demographic fluctuations. Ecology and observed limited spatial movements challenge the likelihood of active dispersal among tepui tops in this species. Our results are counter to those predicted by the available genetic data but support two hypotheses of the OCBIL theory: reduced dispersibility and enhanced resilience. However, they do not support the expectation of a small refugial population size.ConclusionWe postulate that the insular, hostile tepui-summit environment tends to produce robust demographic populations, likely to buffer stochastic adverse environmental effects, rather than diversity, as observed in much younger post-Pleistocene Neotropical landscapes. Our results draw attention to the value of faunal studies using an OCBIL framework to better understand the ecology and evolution of this unique biota worldwide.

Acetone Sensors Based on Al-Coated and Ni-Doped Copper Oxide Nanocrystalline Thin Films.

Acetone detection is of significant importance in various industries, from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals, bioengineering, and paints. Sensor manufacturing involves the use of different semiconductor materials as well as different metals for doping and functionalization, allowing them to achieve advanced or unique properties in different sensor applications. In the healthcare field, these sensors play a crucial role in the non-invasive diagnosis of various diseases, offering a potential way to monitor metabolic conditions by analyzing respiration. This article presents the synthesis method, using chemical solutions and rapid thermal annealing technology, to obtain Al-functionalized and Ni-doped copper oxide (Al/CuO:Ni) nanostructured thin films for biosensors. The nanocrystalline thin films are subjected to a thorough characterization, with examination of the morphological properties by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results reveal notable changes in the surface morphology and structure following different treatments, providing insight into the mechanism of function and selectivity of these nanostructures for gases and volatile compounds. The study highlights the high selectivity of developed Al/CuO:Ni nanostructures towards acetone vapors at different concentrations from 1 ppm to 1000 ppm. Gas sensitivity is evaluated over a range of operating temperatures, indicating optimum performance at 300 °C and 350 °C with the maximum sensor signal (S) response obtained being 45% and 50%, respectively, to 50 ppm gas concentration. This work shows the high potential of developed technology for obtaining Al/CuO:Ni nanostructured thin films as next-generation materials for improving the sensitivity and selectivity of acetone sensors for practical applications as breath detectors in biomedical diagnostics, in particular for diabetes monitoring. It also emphasizes the importance of these sensors in ensuring industrial safety by preventing adverse health and environmental effects of exposure to acetone.

Enhancing physio-biochemical characteristics in okra genotypes through seed priming with biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from halophytic plant extracts

Poor seedling germination and growth can result in large financial losses for farmers, thus, there is an urgent need for sustainable agricultural techniques to enhance seed germination and early growth. As an outcome, sustainable agriculture-which emphasizes the smart and effective utilization of resources-has gained popularity worldwide. At numerous levels, the field of nanotechnology is capable of significant benefit in achieving sustainable agricultural practices. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been shown to have biostimulatory properties and serve as effective solutions for addressing environmental and biotic stressors. The purpose of this study, investigating Salvadora persica halophytic leaf extract -synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (S-ZnONPs) as nano-priming agents to ensure okra seeds germinated under stress-free conditions. From an application perspective, we examined the effect of seed priming with varying concentrations of S-ZnO NPs (0, 20 and 40 ppm) for 18 and 24 h of soaking. Results indicated that the germination rate of hybrid variety improved with 20 ppm at 18 h, increasing by 58.22%, while mean germination time reduced by 24.62%. An enhancement trend was observed in the shoot, root length, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight of hybrid variety at 20ppm with 18 h priming by 34.2, 84.3, 80.2, 47.4, 50.3, and 36.2%, respectively. However, chlorophyll pigments chl a, chl b, and carotenoids was significantly raised in desi variety by 42.4, 79.31, and 142.29% with 20 ppm at 18 h priming. Hydrogen per oxide decreased up to 87.8% with 40 ppm at 24 h in hybrid variety, while, in desi variety H2O2 was reduced 88.3% with 20 ppm at 24 h. Non enzymatic antioxidant activities such as ascorbic acid, was highly increased 130.6% in hybrid at 24 h priming with 20 ppm dose. Flavonoids raised in same variety by 166.1% with 20 ppm at 18 h. Proline content was increased by 144.5% with 40ppm at 18 h. Moreover, Antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase were significantly increased in both varieties with both levels of S-ZnO NPs and priming time. This cost-effective and environmentally safe technique to produce nanoparticles of different halophytic plants can maximize resource utilization, supporting sustainable agriculture by minimizing adverse environmental effects without compromising efficiency.

Employing Bacillus and Pseudomonas for phytonematode management in agricultural crops.

Phytonematodes are responsible for causing significant harm and reducing yields in various agricultural crops. To minimize losses caused by phytonematodes and meet the high demand for agricultural production, it is important to develop effective strategies with minimal environmental impact to manage this biotic stress. Due to the adverse environmental effects associated with synthetic pesticides, it is imperative to use beneficial bacteria, such as Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp., for biocontrol purposes to control phytonematode infestation in agricultural settings. This approach has gained considerable attraction, as there is a promising market for eco-friendly biopesticides based on bacteria that can effectively manage phytonematodes. Furthermore, biocontrol strains of Bacillus and Pseudomonas have the potential to enhance crop productivity by producing various substances that promote plant growth and development. This review aims to explore the role of Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp. in phytonematode management, elucidate different mechanisms by which these bacteria suppress nematode populations, and discuss the future prospects of utilizing these bacteria in agriculture.