Eco-friendly Approach Research Articles

A Review on Green Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles Applications

Nanotechnology pertains to the manipulation of materials at exceedingly small scales, specifically between 1 and 100 nanometers. Materials at this scale exhibit significantly different properties compared to the same materials at larger scales. An emerging trend is the utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) to address environmental issues. Metallic nanoparticles are among the several nanoparticles that are extensively utilized in environmentally sustainable endeavors. A sustainable, economical, and enduring approach is to synthesize nanoparticles through a more ecologically friendly procedure instead of a physical or chemical method. Plant components primarily function as reducing and capping agents in eco-friendly synthesis. Diverse metallic nanoparticles of various sizes and shapes have been created utilizing extracts from plant materials, including leaves, bark, fruits, and flowers. The synthesis of Nobel laureate metal nanoparticles is essential to the medical sector. A diverse array of glycosides and phenolic compounds constitutes numerous organic constituents in plants, facilitating the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. The absence of detrimental by-products in metal nanoparticle synthesis is the primary significance of green synthesis. The nanoparticles generated by an eco-friendly approach demonstrate several significant biological activity. A substantial body of literature demonstrates that the synthesized nanoparticles are efficacious against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The synthesized nanoparticles not only display antifungal efficacy against several cancer cell lines, including those of breast cancer, but also demonstrate antifungal activity against Trichophyton simii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton rubrum. Moreover, they exhibit potent antioxidant properties. The dimensions and morphology of these metal nanoparticles substantially influence their functionalities. Particles characterized by a large surface area and diminutive size provide significant potential for medical applications. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive summary of current advancements in the synthesis of nanoparticles utilizing biological entities and their numerous potential applications.

Hierarchical Nb@NbN core-shell-like nanocolumns for asymmetric supercapacitors

Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) are promising electrode materials for supercapacitors because of their high electrical conductivity and chemical stability. The rational design and facile synthesis of TMNs electrode materials with a unique nanostructure are the key to develop high-performance supercapacitors. Herein, we propose a two-step, binder-free, and eco-friendly approach utilizing magnetron sputtering at an oblique angle deposition configuration to fabricate hierarchical Nb@NbN core–shell-like nanocolumns for supercapacitors. This distinctive heterostructure not only creates lattice defects, increases active surface area, facilitates ion diffusion and charge transfer, but also optimizes the electronic structure and enhances the conductivity. As a result, the hierarchical Nb@NbN core–shell-like nanocolumn electrodes exhibit a high areal capacitance of 53.3 mF cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 and an excellent capacitance retention of 93.5 % after 20,000 cycles, outperforming pristine NbN and the majority of previously reported TMNs electrodes. Moreover, the assembled Nb@NbN nanocolumns//VN thin films asymmetric supercapacitor device can deliver a maximum energy density of 49.8 mWh cm−3 and power density of 82 W cm−3. This work presents a facile and environmentally friendly strategy for the synthesis of TMNs core–shell-like nanocolumns, and further demonstrates their promising potential for use in supercapacitors.

Green synthesis of Au nanoparticles by Scutellaria barbata extract for chemo-photothermal anticancer therapy

IntroductionThe combination of photothermal therapy and chemotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. The green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using extracts from traditional Chinese medicine Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Scu) has revealed an economical, sustainable, and eco-friendly approach for the outstanding anticancer activities. MethodsScu extract was mixed with HAuCl4 solution to fabricate Scu-Au NPs. The synthesis process was optimized by varying the reaction temperature, reaction time, and HAuCl4 concentration. The changes in the components of Scu before and after synthesis were analyzed using the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) reduction test, the rutin colorimetric method, and the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The morphology, size, and structure of Scu-Au NPs were characterized by TEM, DLS, XRD, and XPS. The photothermal characteristics induced by near-infrared (NIR) irradiation were assessed by continuously monitoring the temperature elevation. The anticancer activity and mechanisms of Scu-Au NPs were investigated using MTT assay, cell uptake studies, ROS level detection, cell apoptosis and necrosis assays, flow cytometry analysis, intracellular Caspase-3 protein activity fluorescence detection, and Western blot analysis on A549, 4T1, and RAW264.7 cells. ResultsScu-Au NPs were successfully fabricated using Scu extract as a reducing agent. The Scu-Au NPs were spherical with a size of 50 nm. During the synthesis process, the levels of reducing sugars, flavonoids, and polyphenols in the Scu extract decreased by 80.8%, 54.3%, and 70.1%, respectively. Scu-Au NPs demonstrated excellent photothermal responsiveness, thermostability, and biocompatibility. For chemo-photothermal anticancer therapy, the cytotoxicity of Scu-Au NPs on 4T1 cells reached approximately 85% upon exposure to 808 nm NIR irradiation. The anticancer activity was attributed to the induction of apoptosis and necrosis, achieved by increasing intracellular ROS levels, causing cell cycle arrest at the S phase, and modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. DiscussionOur synthesized Scu-Au NPs exhibit favorable photothermal conversion characteristics, demonstrating excellent therapeutic efficacy and safety for cancer treatment.

Role of Biocontrol Agents in Suppressing Plant Pathogen: A Compressive Analysis

Biocontrol agents have emerged as important tools in the quest for sustainable agriculture, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides for managing plant pathogens and pests. This comprehensive review explores the advancements in biocontrol agent research, focusing on the exploration of new agents, genetic engineering, and integration into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems. The discovery of novel biocontrol agents from diverse environments, including plant microbiomes and marine ecosystems, has expanded the arsenal available for agricultural use, while genetic engineering and synthetic biology have enhanced the efficacy of existing agents by improving their production of antimicrobial metabolites and stress tolerance. Additionally, the development of synthetic microbial consortia and innovative delivery systems, such as encapsulation and nanotechnology, has improved the stability and application efficiency of biocontrol agents in various agricultural settings. The review also highlights the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly approaches, such as the use of organic amendments and crop rotation, to enhance the effectiveness of biocontrol strategies. These methods not only improve soil health and biodiversity but also reduce the reliance on chemical inputs. However, the widespread adoption of biocontrol agents faces challenges, including environmental variability, host specificity, and the need for supportive regulatory frameworks. Harmonizing regulatory processes, promoting public awareness, and providing incentives for sustainable practices are essential for overcoming these barriers. International cooperation and knowledge exchange are crucial for advancing research and ensuring that biocontrol agents become integral components of modern agriculture. This review underscores the potential of biocontrol agents to contribute significantly to global food security and environmental sustainability, provided that ongoing research and innovation continue to address existing challenges and expand their practical applications in diverse agricultural contexts.

Eco-Friendly Approach for Synthesis of Silver Nano-Particles Using Aqueous Leaf Extract of Kalanchoe Pinnata as Antimicrobial Agents

Eco-Friendly Approach for Synthesis of Silver Nano-Particles Using Aqueous Leaf Extract of Kalanchoe Pinnata as Antimicrobial Agents

Sustainable photodegradation of tetracycline by surface-functionalized carbon nitride: Mechanism insight and toxicity assessment

Here, we report the facile preparation of amino- and vacancies-abundant carbon nitride photocatalyst using acetone as a low-boiling-point solvent and describe its successful performance of environmental purification. As a demonstration of the notion, tetracycline (TC) antibiotic as an emerging aqueous contaminant has been used as a model substrate for assessing the photoactivity of the modified carbon nitride and clarifying its intrinsic mechanism. 96 % of TC can be photocatalytically removed within 30 min, accompanied by a discernible mitigation in ecotoxicological impact. Reactive species, including •OH, •O2-, and photogenerated holes, are considered the critical oxidants. Meanwhile, the possible intermediates and transformation pathways of TC degradation were investigated utilizing the LC-MS technique, the Fukui function, and the T.E.S.T. software. The comprehensive approach furnishes valuable insights for assessing the evolutionary dynamics of tetracycline in an advanced oxidation process (AOP). This study offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach to preparing carbon nitride material, which is believed to open an avenue for the facile design of heterogeneous environmental photocatalysts and to provide insights into the various environmental applications.

Mechanically strong, transparent polyimide composite thin films with a low dielectric constant

Aromatic polyimide is widely used in microelectronics as dielectric packaging layers. There is a high demand to reduce its dielectric constant to meet the fast development of communication technology. Here we report a simple and eco-friendly approach to preparing polyimide films with a lowered dielectric constant by adding silica hollow nanospheres with an average size of 100 nm in an aqueous solution of poly(amic acid) salt, and subsequent film casting and thermal imidization. The silica hollow nanospheres present a uniform distribution in polyimide matrix after surface modification with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The dielectric constant of the resulting composite films decreases linearly with particle loading till 15 wt% and reaches the lowest value of 2.5. The surface hardness and elastic modulus of the films improve by adding hollow nanospheres, while maintaining high optical transparency, high flexibility and a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Sustainable synthesis and dual adsorption of methyl orange and cadmium ions using biogenic silica-based fibrous silica functionalized with crown ether ionic liquid

In pursuit of sustainable nanomaterial production, this study presents a novel biogenic fibrous silica sphere functionalized with a crown ether ionic liquid for advanced dual-adsorption of methyl orange and Cd(II) from aqueous solution. Sorghum waste serves as the silica source in the adsorbent preparation process, ensuring an eco-friendly approach. The benzo-15-crown-5 ionic liquid is coupled to thiol-functionalized fibrous silica spheres through an efficient thiol-ene click reaction. Under constant conditions (temperature: 298 K, solution volume = 50 mL, adsorbent dosage = 5 mg, pH = 7, shaking speed = 200 rpm), the synthesized material demonstrates maximum adsorption capacities of 507.1 mg g−1 and 306.3 mg g−1 for methyl orange and Cd(II), respectively, according to the Langmuir model. Thermodynamic investigations reveal exothermic adsorption for methyl orange with an enthalpy change of −77.49 KJ mol−1, while endothermic adsorption is observed for Cd(II) with an enthalpy of +24.10 KJ mol−1. The entropy change of adsorption is −0.153 KJ mol−1 K−1 for methyl orange, indicating a more ordered state, and + 0.192 KJ mol−1 K−1 for Cd(II), suggesting increased disorder. The change in Gibbs free energy ranges from −32.66 to −29.60 KJ mol−1 for methyl orange and −32.29 to −35.99 KJ mol−1 for Cd(II), demonstrating that both adsorption processes are spontaneous. These results indicate that the adsorbent has potential as a dual-adsorption material for water remediation applications.

Multi-functional PGPR Serratia liquefaciens confers enhanced resistance to lead stress and bacterial blight in soybean (Glycine max L.)

Lead toxicity and bacterial blight disease caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea have destructive impacts on soybean growth and productivity. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria have been used as an eco-friendly approach for augmenting crop growth and stress resistance. The current study investigated the efficacy of Serratia liquefaciens ZM6 strain in enhancing soybean resistance to lead (Pb) stress and bacterial blight. Two pot experiments were performed. In the first pot experiment, soybean plants were inoculated with S. liquefaciens ZM6 and grown under variable Pb stress levels (0, 200 and 400 µM of Pb(NO3)2). In the second experiment, S. liquefaciens-inoculated soybean plants were infected with P. savastanoi pv. glycinea, and disease severity was assessed two weeks post infection. The results revealed that S. liquefaciens strain resisted Pb stress up to 400 µM Pb(NO3)2 and exhibited the highest levels of solubilized phosphate, solubilized zinc, siderophore, indole acetic acid, exopolysaccharide, trehalose and antioxidant enzymes at 400 µM Pb compared to the other treatments. Moreover, Pb stress (200 and 400 µM) significantly decreased the growth, yield, nutrient uptake, gas exchange, and contents of chlorophyll, soluble proteins, sugars, and phenolics of soybean plants. Pb stress also induced the levels of proline, glycine betaine, Pb, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, ascorbate, glutathione and expression of stress-responsive genes (CAT, APX, POD, Fe-SOD, CHS7, CHI1A, PAL, IFS2, P5CS and WRKY54) in soybean plants. On the other hand, S. liquefaciens application markedly boosted the growth, yield and levels of nutrients, gas-exchange, chlorophyll, osmolytes, antioxidant enzymes and expression of stress-tolerant genes of Pb-stressed soybean plants. The bacterial inoculation significantly diminished oxidative stress indicators and Pb content in stressed plants. Inoculation of soybean plants with S. liquefaciens also caused significant reductions in blight disease symptoms in P. savastanoi pv. glycinea-infected plants, indicating the efficiency of this strain in controlling harmful blight disease. Overall, this study demonstrated S. liquefaciens ZM6 effectiveness in enhancing soybean resistance to Pb stress and bacterial blight.

Electronic Descriptor to Identify the Activity of SACs for E-NRR and Effect of BF3 as Electrolyte Ion.

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (e-NRR) is an eco-friendly alternative approach to generate ammonia under ambient conditions, with very low power supply. But, developing of an efficient catalyst by suppressing parallel hydrogen evolution reaction as well as avoiding the catalysts poisoning either by hydrogen or electrolyte ion is an open question. So, in order to screen the single atom catalysts (SACs) for the e-NRR, we proposed a descriptor-based approach using density functional theory (DFT) based calculations. We investigated total 24 different SACs of types TM-Pc, TM-N3C1, TM-N2C2, TM-NC3 and TM-N4, considering transition metal (TM). We have considered mainly BF3 ion to understand the role of electrolyte and extended the study for four more electrolyte ions, Cl, ClO4, SO4, OH. Herein, to predict catalytic activity for a given catalyst we have tested 16 different electronic parameters. Out of those, electronic parameter dxz↓ occupancy, identified as electronic descriptor, is showing an excellent linear correlation with catalytic activity (R2=0.86). Furthermore, the selectivity of e-NRR over HER is defined by using an energy parameter ▵G*H-▵G*NNH. Further, the electronic descriptor (dxz↓ occupancy) can be used to predict promising catalysts for e-NRR, thus reducing the efforts on designing future single atom catalysts (SACs).

A novel and sustainable approach to efficiently modify cotton material via a physical flash-explosion with sub- or SCF-CO2 as medium

A novel and eco-friendly approach to modify natural cotton fiber by flash-explosion with a sub- or supercritical fluid of carbon dioxide (sub- or SCF-CO2) for improving its structure and properties was constructed for the first time. The achieved results demonstrate that remarkable improvements in the coloration performance of cotton fiber by 71.1 % and the water retention by 1001.2 % against the control could be readily available by employing the flashily-explosion method at a recommended condition with 4-cycle explosion in sub- or SCF-CO2, and system temperature, fluid treatment duration and explosion number exhibited much more pronounced positive influences among all parameters. Additionally, minimal influences from the supercritical explosion on cotton fiber micronaire value, thermal property and tensile breaking strength were also observed. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and porosity investigations clearly show that plenty of micropores and/or strip fissures were formed on the fiber surfaces and their inner phases, and notably improved fiber surface area, pore volume and size were also obtained after a subsupercritical flash-explosion. Nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis disclose that numbers of hydrogen bonds between the fiber macrochains and/or from their intramolecular chains were broken by generating numerous free hydroxyl groups, which reasonably supported the improvements of the dye uptake behaviors and water retention properties, etc. The Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis on the fiber cross-sections further confirms that a loosening of the inner aggregation structure of the cotton fiber was achieved after a flash explosion by significantly enhancing its coloration performance, etc. This innovative approach provides a promising idea and possibility as an alternative to chemical methods via mechanically and physically modifying fiber or other materials with sub- or SCF-CO2 fluid in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner.

Bacillus altitudinis Mediated Lead Bioremediation for Enhanced Growth of Rice Seedlings.

Lead (Pb) is a hazardous environmental pollutant that threatens soil health, water quality, and agricultural productivity. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) mediated bioremediation is considered as an eco-friendly approach for agro-environmental sustainability. This study investigated the Pb bioremediation potential of Bacillus altitudinis (IHBT-705). The results revealed that IHBT-705 strain tolerated upto 15mM of Pb, possessed 96% Pb bioaccumulation efficiency, and also maintained its plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits under Pb stress. Furthermore, IHBT-705 strain treated with 15mM Pb solution (IHBT-W) and soil containing 15mM Pb treated with IHBT-705 inoculum (IHBT-S) ameliorated the detrimental effects of Pb stress. Both IHBT-W and IHBT-S treatment significantly improved the shoot length, root length, total roots, chlorophyll content, and antioxidants enzyme activity of the rice seedlings as compared to the seedlings treated with 15mM Pb solution (Pb-W) and soil containing 15mM Pb (Pb-S). Also, IHBT-W and IHBT-S treatment decreased the Pb content in the rice plant by 97 and 96% over their respective Pb-W and Pb-S plants. Overall, our research underscores the remarkable Pb bioremediation potential of IHBT-705, offering a promising avenue for dual function, i.e. improving soil health and promoting plant growth under Pb contamination.

Plant-Based Flocculants as Sustainable Conditioners for Enhanced Sewage Sludge Dewatering

With the aim to establish clean and sustainable sludge treatment, green conditioning using natural flocculants has recently gained a growing interest. In this study, a variety of plant materials, namely Moringa (Moringa oleifera) seeds, Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds, Potato (Solanum tuberosum) peels, Aloe (Aloe vera) leaves, Cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladodes, and Phragmites (Phragmites australis) stems, were evaluated for their potential bioflocculant activity in conditioning sewage sludge. They were thoroughly characterized to determine their active flocculating compounds. Sludge dewaterability was evaluated by assessing various sludge parameters, including specific resistance to filtration (SRF), dryness of filtration cake (DC), and total suspended solid removal (TSS) from sludge filtrate. The collected results from various physicochemical characterizations of plant materials suggest that the main flocculating agents are carbohydrates in Cactus and Fenugreek and proteins in Moringa, Potato, and Phragmites. Additionally, all tested plant-based flocculants demonstrated effective dewatering performance. Interestingly, compared to the chemical flocculant polyaluminum chloride, Moringa and Cactus showed superior conditioning effects, yielding the lowest SRF values and the highest DC. As a result, the use of these natural flocculants improved sewage sludge filterability, leading to a significant removal of total suspended solids from the filtrate. The conditioning properties of Moringa and Cactus can be attributed to their high protein and sugar content, which facilitates the effective separation of bound water from solids through charge neutralization and bridging mechanisms. Thus, green conditioning using plant-based flocculants, particularly Moringa and Cactus materials, presents a promising and eco-friendly approach to enhance sewage sludge dewatering for safer disposal and valorization.

Green strategies for the valorization of industrial medicinal residues of Serenoa repens small (saw palmetto) as source of bioactive compounds

Serenoa repens is a medicinal plant well-known for its therapeutic potential in treating various urological disorders and prevention of prostatic cancer. However, the extraction process in the pharmaceutical industry leads to the generation of plant residues, typically discarded, wasting valuable resources. In this study, we aimed to explore a series of green extraction strategies to effectively valorize the residues of Serenoa repens fruits. Initially, we employed supercritical CO2 (1.2% yield on dry biomass) on the discarded biomass to identify and quantify residual fatty acids and polyprenols (1.6% of the extract dry weight), a class of unsaturated isoprenoid alcohols with promising biomedical applications. Subsequently, subcritical water extraction was utilized on the exhausted biomass to extract polar compounds. An increase in the extraction yield was observed with the rise in processing temperature up to 180 °C (yields were found higher than 26%). Phenolic compounds and carbohydrate macromolecules profiles were affected by the increased hydrolytic conditions. Polar extracts exhibited robust bioactivities, demonstrating significant antioxidant activity and antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains. Extracts obtained at 180 °C demonstrated the highest efficacy. Furthermore, in vitro assessment of mannans-rich fraction provided a new perspective of potential applications in the cosmeceuticals field. Results underscore the potential of the sustainable extraction biorefinery for the residue of this medicinal plant and demonstrate that, harnessing these bioactive compounds, new sustainable and eco-friendly approaches for its complete utilization can be offered, thereby promoting near-zero waste practices and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Beneficiation of High Sulfur Tertiary Coal of Assam with Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02. An Eco-Friendly Approach Toward Clean Coal Production

The high sulfur content in North-East Indian coal is one of the primary challenges with using it as an energy source. Therefore, the present study uses Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02 to explore coal beneficiation from the Tipong mine (T20 and T60) in Assam (North-East India). Various particle size fractions (−125 to +210 µm, −210 to +250 µm, −250 to +297 µm, −297 to +400 µm and −400 to +500 µm) were treated and subjected to petrographic and chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectral analysis. The results revealed a 39.04% and 32.43% reduction in total sulfur for T20 and T60 samples, respectively. The ash content decreased by 19.79% in the T20 coal sample and by 24.52% in the T60 coal samples, with a relative decrease in the mineral matter content of approximately 17.43%. Following beneficiation with Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02, the −125 to +250 µm coal fraction exhibited maximum ash removal. The T20 sample useful heating value increased from 8116 to 8203 kcal/kg and the T60 sample from 8060 to 8210 kcal/kg. X-ray diffraction and FTIR patterns showed mineral phases like quartz, kaolinite, and pyrite. The FTIR spectra indicated altered C-S, SO2, and C=O bonds. The thermal profile showed a 12.54% mass loss difference between untreated and treated coal samples, suggesting lower thermal stability post-treatment without affecting the useful heating value (UHV). The treated coal’s surface leaching and morphological structure changes were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) images. Raman analysis revealed increased carbon crystallinity and molecular structure in treated coal. This study offers an environmentally friendly and efficient approach to clean coal production.

Integration of Circular Economy and Eco-friendly Approaches into Sustainable Waste Sensitisation Programme Using Non-probability Sampling Method

Integration of Circular Economy and Eco-friendly Approaches into Sustainable Waste Sensitisation Programme Using Non-probability Sampling Method

Effect of conservation agriculture on soil fungal diversity in rice-wheat-greengram cropping system in eastern Indo-Gangetic plains of South Asia.

Conservation agriculture (CA) is emerging as an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to food production in South Asia. CA, characterized by reduced tillage, soil surface cover through retaining crop residue or raising cover crops, and crop diversification, enhances crop production and soil fertility. Fungal communities in the soil play a crucial role in nutrient recycling, crop growth, and agro-ecosystem stability, particularly in agricultural crop fields. This study investigates the impact of seven combinations of tillage and crop residue management practices of agricultural production systems, including various tillage and crop residue management practices, on soil fungal diversity. Using the Illumina MiSeq platform, fungal diversity associated with soil was analysed. The results show that the partial CA-based (pCA) production systems had the highest number of unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (948 OTUs) while the conventional production system had the lowest number (665 OTUs). The major fungal phyla identified in the topsoil (0-15 cm) were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota, with their abundance varying across different tillage-cum-crop establishment (TCE) methods. Phylum Ascomycota was dominant in CA-based management treatments (94.9±0.62), followed by the partial CA (pCA)-based treatments (91.0 ± 0.37). Therefore, CA-based production systems play a crucial role in shaping soil fungal diversity, highlighting their significance for sustainable agricultural production.

Mud Hive: An Eco-friendly Approach for Apis mellifera

The stationary mud hive, designed as a non-transportable alternative to the BIS wooden hives, adheres to the same frame dimensions. A site with direct sunlight is chosen, and the hive is built using a mud mixture, iron planks, and standard Indian bricks (7.5 × 3.54 × 3.54 inches). A brick with a bee entry gate (6 × 2 inches) is made. The entire structure is then layered with mud, providing effective thermal insulation. After drying and sintering for strength, it holds up to 10 BIS frames. This traditional construction approach offers a reliable and environmentally sustainable alternative to modern beekeeping methods.

A Comprehensive Overview on Sustainable Vegetable Gardening: Eco-friendly Approaches to Home Grown Production

Sustainable vegetable gardening is an eco-friendly practice that integrates organic farming principles, resource conservation, and biodiversity promotion to produce nutritious, chemical-free food while minimizing environmental impact. This approach emphasizes soil health through the use of organic amendments, crop rotation, composting, and mulching to improve fertility and water retention. Water conservation techniques, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, are employed to optimize water use, especially in arid regions. Pest and disease management relies on integrated pest management (IPM), biological controls, companion planting, and the use of organic pesticides to reduce chemical input while maintaining crop health. Sustainable homegrown produce has been shown to have superior nutritional content compared to commercially grown produce, and the avoidance of synthetic chemicals reduces the risk of pesticide residue exposure. Gardening fosters healthy eating habits by connecting individuals to their food sources, encouraging the consumption of fresh, unprocessed vegetables, and contributing to food security. The mental and physical health benefits of gardening, including reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being, further highlight its holistic value. However, challenges such as the initial setup costs, time investment, pest management, and knowledge gaps can hinder widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges requires greater access to resources, educational initiatives, and the development of climate-resilient practices tailored to specific regions. Future trends in sustainable gardening include the adoption of technological innovations, such as smart irrigation systems, automation, and vertical farming, which offer scalable solutions for urban and small-scale gardeners. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of resilient, local food systems, and sustainable gardening is poised to play a critical role in addressing future food security concerns.

Nanomaterial-mediated strategies for enhancing bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: A systematic review

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are pervasive organic pollutants in the environment that are formed as an outcome of partial combustion of organic matter. PAHs pose a significant threat to ecological systems and human health due to their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Therefore, an immediate need for effective PAH remediation methods is crucial. Although nanomaterials are effective for remediation of PAHs, concerns regarding environmental compatibility and sustainability remains. Therefore, this study emphasizes integration of nanomaterials with bioremediation methods, which might offer a more sustainable and ecofriendly approach to PAHs remediation. A systematic search was conducted through scholarly databases from 2013 to 2023. A total of 360 articles were scrutinized, among which 26 articles were selected that resonated with the application of nano-bioremediation. These literatures comprise both comparative analysis of bioremediation only as well as nano-bioremediation. There is an elevation of 18.9 % in PAHs removal of liquid-phase samples, when comparing bioremediation (52.2 %) with nano-bioremediation (71.1 %). A consistent trend was observed in soil samples, with bioremediation and nano-bioremediation that successfully remove PAHs, with 60.8 % and 75.1 % respectively, indicating a 14.3 % improvement. Furthermore, the review elaborated on the various features of nanomaterials that led to their efficiency in the bioremediation of PAH. The review also discussed the strategies of nano-bioremediation namely nanomaterial-assisted microbial degradation, nanomaterial-assisted enzyme-enhanced microbial activity, nanomaterial-immobilized microbial cells, nanomaterial-facilitated electron transfer, and even some eco-green approaches to remediate PAHs, like biogenic nanomaterial for PAHs.