Ecological Imbalance Research Articles

Radiological considerations in using uranium mine waste rock for road construction materials.

India's road construction is vital for its infrastructure growth, requiring approximately 20,000 tons of high-quality aggregates per kilometer - materials that are increasingly scarce, leading to higher costs and delays. The industrial sector, a cornerstone of the Indian economy, also struggles with waste management. Earlier studies suggested that industrial waste can be used in road construction materials however, the radiological considerations were not focused. This paper explores the potential of utilizing uranium mine waste rock in road construction materials. In the early stages of uranium mining in India, millions of tons of waste rock are generated and typically discarded, requiring extensive land and costly management. In this study, we assessed the radiological considerations in using waste rocks as road construction material generated from lean uranium ore. For this, a typical layered road design in India is adopted and dose rate were evaluated by QAD-CGGP code calculations and real-world measurements. Results indicate that the external radiation dose by using these waste rock in road construction materials remains below 1mSv/year for the public. The observed dose rate complies the National regulatory agency; Atomic Energy Regulatory Board criteria of 1 mSv/y for the unrestricted use of bulk materials in public domain. This approach not only addresses resource scarcity but also supports environmental sustainability by conserving natural resources, reducing ecological imbalances, and promoting a circular economy.

New insights into the neurophysiological effects of heat stress on the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis).

Climate warming and frequent incidents of extreme high temperatures are serious global concerns. Heat stress induced by high temperature has many adverse effects on animal physiology, especially in aquatic poikilotherms. Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is sensitive to high temperatures, this study evaluated the harmful effects of heat stress on the neurotoxicity, intestinal health, microbial diversity, and metabolite profiles. The results showed that heat stress caused histopathological damages and altered the ultrastructure of lesions in the cranial ganglia. Heat stress significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes, and significantly altered the expression of neurotransmitter receptors. In addition, heat stress induced significant intestinal damages that mainly manifested as a significant increase in the activity of diamine oxidase in the serum and contents of histamine in the intestine. The diversity and abundance of intestinal microbiota altered abnormally in E. sinensis exposed to heat stress, and the bacteria that exhibited significant variations in abundance were closely related to the production of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Heat stress caused significant changes in the intestinal metabolite profiles, which mainly involved the amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways. Analysis of the correlation showed that the abnormal changes in metabolites were closely related to differences in the abundance of intestinal microbiota. Therefore, this study showed that heat stress could cause neurophysiological toxic effects, which may be related to intestinal ecological imbalance.

Multifunctional Zn-Carbon dots enhanced specific recognition and in-situ degradation of tetracycline

Tetracycline (TC) contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance, leading to ecological imbalances and negative environmental impacts. Achieving multifunctional applications that allow for specific recognition and in-situ degradation of tetracycline...

SCIENTIFIC-THEORETICAL ISSUES IN THE FORMATION OF A GREEN ECONOMY

The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed significant global changes, including transformative shifts that have profoundly impacted the world economy. Energy consumption plays a pivotal role in both the competitiveness of goods and the achievement of sustainable economic growth. In this context, the concept of a green economy has gained increasing prominence amid deepening globalization. Since the 2020s, rising carbon emissions have underscored the urgent need for enhanced decarbonization efforts. For the first time in history, global calls to prioritize decarbonization are surpassing concerns over energy security. This shift reflects growing ecological imbalances and environmental stress caused by excessive carbon emissions. During the mid-20th century, economic crises and geopolitical tensions were largely centered on controlling energy resources. While this led to the development of numerous oil and gas fields, contemporary challenges associated with traditional energy sources have accelerated efforts toward decarbonization. Global climate change further compounds these challenges, making the transition to renewable energy and green technologies imperative. The formation of a green economy is thus crucial to restoring ecological balance and fostering sustainable development.

Analysis of E-Commerce and Traditional Marketing Mode From the Perspective of Ecological Environment Protection

In recent years, in the process of creating modern material civilization, problems such as ecological environment imbalance and deterioration, resource and energy crisis, environmental pollution, and population expansion have emerged. With the development of social economy, in order to meet people's higher consumption needs, green marketing has gradually developed into a typical new concept marketing model in the era of people-oriented marketing. In order to achieve marketing success in fierce market competition, enterprises must adapt to new situations, keep up with the times in marketing concepts and methods, and apply new marketing methods in order to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, this article conducts corresponding research and analysis on e-commerce and traditional markets based on the ecological environment. The research in this article has laid a certain foundation for future research on e-commerce and traditional markets under the mechanism of ecological environment protection.

Bacteroides fragilis capsular polysaccharide A ameliorates ulcerative colitis in rat by recovering intestinal barrier integrity and restoring gut microbiota.

Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis) is a Gram-negative, obligate anaerobic, commensal bacterium residing in the human gut and holds therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis (UC). Previous studies have indicated that capsular polysaccharide A (PSA) of B. fragilis is a crucial component for its effectiveness, possessing various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immune-modulating effects. We previously isolated and characterized the B. fragilis strain ZY-312 from the feces of a healthy breastfed infant, and extracted its PSA, named TP2. In this study, we explored the impact of TP2 on colonic inflammation and delved into its potential mechanisms. Initially, we used 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) to induce colitis in rats and found that TP2 treatment significantly ameliorated TNBS-induced weight loss, increased clinical scores, extensive ulcers, and intestinal epithelial damage in UC rats. Further analysis revealed that TP2 effectively restored the intestinal barrier integrity in UC rats by regulating the expression of Muc-2, tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1, and claudin-2), as well as apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, BAX, and Cleaved-Caspase-3. Additionally, TP2 suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL23, while promoting the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-22, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of inflammation. TP2 also downregulated the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3K, effectively inhibiting the abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. More interestingly, 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that TP2 restored the ecological imbalance of the rat intestinal microbiota, with an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus observed in the treatment group. In conclusion, TP2 through the regulation of intestinal barrier-related cells and proteins, inhibition of apoptosis, modulation of inflammation-related cytokine levels, and control of abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, restores intestinal barrier integrity. Additionally, by reshaping the ecological imbalance of the gut microbiota, TP2 ultimately alleviates ulcerative colitis in rats.

Involvement of gut microbiota in chlorpyrifos-induced subchronic toxicity in mice.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most widely used organophosphorus pesticides all over the world. Unfortunately, long-term exposure to CPF may cause considerable toxicity to organisms. Some evidence suggests that the intestinal microbial community may be involved in regulating the toxicity of CPF. In this study, we explored if the intestinal microbial community is involved in regulating the toxicity of CPF. Adult mice were continuously exposed to CPF (4mg/kg body weight /day) for 10weeks with or without a2-week pretreatment of antibiotics to change the ecological structure of intestinal microorganisms in advance. Pathological changes in the liver and kidneys were examined and the biochemical parameters in serum for liver and kidney functions were detected, and changes in the intestinal microbial community of the mice were measured. The results showed that subchronic exposure to low-dose CPF caused an ecological imbalance in the intestinal flora and caused pathological damage to the liver and kidneys. Serum biochemical indicators for liver function such as alanine aminotransferase and total bile acids contents and renal biochemical indicators such as urea nitrogen and creatinine were disrupted. Changes in intestinal microbial community structure by using antibiotics in advance can effectively alleviate the pathological and functional damage to the liver and kidneys caused by CPF exposure. Further analysis showed that intestinal microorganisms such as Saccharibacteria (TM7), Odoribacter, Enterococcus and AF12 genera may be involved in managing the toxicity of CPF. Together, our results indicated that long-term low-dose CPF exposure could induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, and liver and kidney damage may be mitigated by altering the ecology of intestinal microorganisms.

Metabolomics to target insecticidal compounds of Cenostigma pluviosum var. peltophoroides against Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda is the most prevalent plague in crops associated with a reduction in corn production by up to 34%. Pesticides have been used to reduce this plague, but they cause several environmental problems including resistance, ecological imbalance, and toxicity to the final consumer. The use of plant extracts has been an effective manner of eradicating this plague from crop plantations. In this sense, the hexane, EtOAc, and EtOH/H2O fractions from EtOH extract from different parts of Cenostigma pluviosum were investigated against this fall armyworm leading to a percentage of mortality around 96% in the larval phase for the fraction EtOAc of fruits (FrEA). The fractions were analysed in HPLC-ESI-HRMS for dereplication. Additionally, using multivariate statistical analysis permitted the development of an O2PLS-DA method based on the chemical constitution of fractions shedding light on promising constituents to the insecticidal activity of C. pluviosum against the Spodoptera frugiperda.

Utilizing Rice Husk Ash And Coconut Shell As Partial Replacement Materials In Concrete

The global demand for concrete, a predominant construction material, has risen significantly. Key components in concrete are cement and aggregate, are crucial, but their continual extraction poses a threat to the environment, leading to a potential ecological imbalance. Consequently, current trends in concrete technology focus on exploring sustainable alternatives to reduce dependence on natural resources and mitigate environmental degradation. This study aimed to produce concrete using rice husk ash and coconut shell as partial replacement materials for cement and coarse aggregate, respectively. The mix ratio is 1:2:4 (cement: fine aggregate: coarse aggregate) for grade 20. Rice husk ash replaced 10% and 20% of cement, while coconut shell replaced 5% and 10% of coarse aggregate by weight. Samples were tested for workability, water absorption, and compressive strength. According to the slump test, every sample exhibits collapse and a true slump meanwhile in water absorption showed less than 8% according to standard value. The control sample showed good compressive strength (>20 N/mm²), while among the modified samples, the concrete mixture with 10% rice husk ash and 5% coconut shell achieved the highest compressive strength at 15 N/mm² after 28 days.

A hybrid ecological evaluation of the fisheries in changing climate: case study from a peri-urban tropical wetland of Kolkata, Eastern India.

The degradation of peri-urban wetlands has been a significant consequence of urban development and climate change. The present study discovered the decadal changes in land cover and climate impact on Raja Wetland, revealing significant alterations from 2011 to 2021. The analysis indicates substantial reductions in agricultural land (36.36%), fallow land (30.90%), water spread areas (10.14%) and surrounding wetlands (18.06%). Conversely, settlements, terrestrial vegetation and aquatic macrophytes increased by 19.77%, 3.39% and 1.16%, respectively. The primary driver of wetland shrinkage was urban expansion leading to a decrease in wetland area from 43.39ha in 2011 to 38.99ha in 2021. Climate data from 1991 to 2020 show a decreasing trend in annual rainfall (τ = - 0.274, p = 0.035) and an increasing trend in annual temperature (τ = 0.339, p = 0.009), with significant warming particularly during the monsoon months. The wetland's physicochemical attributes fluctuate seasonally, with eutrophic conditions prevailing (TSI range: 61.41-80.36). Notably, fish diversity is impacted by the dominance of the invasive species Oreochromis niloticus, which constitutes 89.31% of the catch. The established planktonic indicator genera of organic pollution were found to be abundant throughout the study period. These, combined with urban pollution and eutrophication, have led to a reduction in native fish species and overall aquatic health. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation measures to address the ecological imbalance and restore wetland resilience amidst ongoing climate and anthropogenic pressures. The communication also proposes various recommendations for the recovery and sustainable future use of wetland fisheries in the context of ongoing changes.

Антропогенне глобальне потепління. Енергетична, екологічна та кліматична безпека

The article is devoted to the analysis of the evolution of the concept of security in the context of modern global warming. The features of three stages of this evolution from energy security to environmental one and further to climate security are considered. It is noted that these stages of evolution correspond to a certain "source base", namely, energy security - to the resources of "primary" bioenergy, environmental security - to fossil fuels, fissile materials and limited renewable energy sources (RES), and climate security - predominantly RES. The presence of a close connection between changes in the "source base" and technological structures - pre-industrial, industrial and modern information - is indicated. Data from the analysis of priorities and practices of energy, environmental and climate security are provided. The features of energy security are considered and ecological imbalance in the biosphere at this stage is indicated, caused by the depletion of energy resources and the growth of anthropogenic load on the environment, which began to exceed its adaptive capabilities. Environmental security is analyzed in the context of modern global warming. The emergence at this stage of the idea of ​​energy transition associated with the replacement of fossil energy resources with renewable energy sources is noted. The features of climate security, the content of which has replaced the agenda of environmental security, are considered. It is noted that the problems of climate security should primarily include issues of adaptation and mitigation of the climate, and secondly - geoengineering climate management. Certain attention is also paid to such an important feature of climate security as its anthropocentrism, which is associated with the anthropogenic nature of modern global warming and the need to solve climate management problems primarily from the standpoint of usefulness for human systems. Keywords: global warming, evolution of the concept of security, ecology, climate, energy supply.

Study on Territorial Spatial Equilibrium Based on Ecosystem Service Value: A Case Study of the Southwest Guangxi Karst‐Beibu Gulf, China

ABSTRACTExploring the regional territorial spatial equilibrium state (TSES) has emerged as a key goal of “Two Mountains” planning and decision‐making, as well as territorial spatial governance. However, there is still a shortage of perspectives that consider the ecosystem service value (ESV) to reveal and predict TSES. To this end, this study develops a framework for analyzing the interaction between ESV and socio‐economic value (SEV), investigates the pattern, process, and mechanism of their interaction employing spatial equilibrium model, and couples the MOP‐PLUS model to predict the interaction between the two under different scenarios, in order to fill in the gaps of the current research. The results show that: (1) From 1980 to 2020, the ESV (decreasing trend) and SEV (increasing trend) in the Southwest Guangxi Karst‐Beibu Gulf (SGK‐BG) show opposite trends and distribution patterns. Under all three simulated projection scenarios, the projected ESV of SGK‐BG in 2030 shows different degrees of decreases, with economic development leading to the greatest fluctuations in the rate of decrease; the implementation of an ecological protection strategy leads to a small decrease in the SEV, and vice versa. (2) The TSE for coordinated equilibrium state (CES) districts and counties are mainly clustered in the GSK region, with the number in 2020 increasing by 30% compared to 1980; the ecological imbalance state (EIS) areas are mainly located in the central part of the study area and some districts along the coast of the Beibu Gulf, and the developmental imbalance state (DIS) areas are located in the northwestern part of the study area. The above three TSES have the highest number of distributions in the business as usual scenario (BAUS), the economic development first scenario (EDFS), and the ecological conservation first scenario (ECFS), respectively. The above differences in different spatial equilibriums reveal a serious developmental imbalance between economic development and ecological conservation. This study emphasizes the pathways evolution of different equilibrium subregions under the realization of ESV, and the evaluation results are not only a useful supplement to the research on the “Two Mountains” theory, but also can help policymakers to provide scientific decisions in promoting the synergistic, equilibrium and orderly development of the region.

The Impact of Excessive Species Density in An Area on The Local Ecology

“Biodiversity overabundance” is a term used to describe a situation where species densities (the number of species in a given area) have become unsustainable and localized species densities have exceeded the carrying capacity of the ecosystem as a whole. As urbanization compresses wildlife habitats, excessive species density can lead to ecological imbalances, including competitive exclusion and declines in less competitive species. This study explores the impacts of high species density on biodiversity, resource competition, and human-wildlife interactions in Malaysia. The findings highlight intensified resource competition, increased disease transmission, and heightened human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in urban areas. Notable examples include the rise of zoonotic diseases linked to dense wildlife populations. To address these challenges, effective management strategies are proposed, including restoring predator-prey dynamics, implementing population control measures, and integrating urban planning with environmental protection. By balancing species density and fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife, Malaysia can promote sustainable biodiversity management and enhance ecosystem health. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing research and collaboration among stakeholders to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive species density and ensure long-term ecological stability.

The Effects of Human Feeding Activities on Animal Behaviors

Human interaction with animals, both domestic and wild, dates to millions of years ago, in ancient times when early humans formed symbiotic relationships with wildlife for survival, which eventually led to the domestication of certain species for food, labor and later companionship. This review essay will focus mainly on human feeding behaviors and their consequential influence on animal species. I would discuss different aspects of the influences with case studies from different research teams to evaluate both the positive and negative impacts and how can we utilize them to improve animal welfare and sustainability. After my review work, I found out that pros and cons come hand in hand in most situations. For example, human feeding behaviors can disrupt animal’s natural behaviors and lead to ecological imbalances. On the other hand, proper feeding behaviors can sometimes reduce the stress levels of animals and improve both their physical and mental health. Going into greater depth with the application of the advantages of human feeding, there are still considerations about whether such an act is ethical since it alters animals’ natural behaviors or if there would be any unknown long-term effect on the animal population. This review article aims to provide insight into how human feeding behaviors can affect animal behaviors so related workers and staff can have a clearer view of their behaviors and the potential consequences.

Insomnia and intestinal microbiota: a narrative review.

The intestinal microbiota and insomnia interact through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The purpose of this review is to summarize and analyze the changes of intestinal microbiota in insomnia, the interaction mechanisms between intestinal microbiota and insomnia and the treatment methods based on the role of microbiota regulation in insomnia, in order to reveal the feasibility of artificial intervention of intestinal microbiota to improve insomnia. Pubmed/ Embase were searched through March 2024 to explore the relevant studies, which included the gut microbiota characteristics of insomnia patients, the mechanisms of interaction between insomnia and gut microbiota, and the relationship between gut microbiota and insomnia treatment. Numerous studies implicated insomnia could induce intestinal microbiota disorder by activating the immune response, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the neuroendocrine system, and affecting bacterial metabolites, resulting in intestinal ecological imbalance, intestinal barrier destruction and increased permeability. The intestinal microbiota exerted an influence on the central nervous system through its interactions with intestinal neurons, releasing neurotransmitters and inflammatory factors, which in turn, can exacerbate symptoms of insomnia. Artificial interventions of gut microbiota included probiotics, traditional Chinese medicine, fecal microbiota transplantation, diet and exercise, whose main pathway of action is to improve sleep by affecting the release of neurotransmitters and gut microbial metabolites. There is an interaction between insomnia and gut microbiota, and it is feasible to diagnose and treat insomnia by focusing on changes in the gut microbiota of patients with insomnia. Large cross-sectional studies and fecal transplant microbiota studies are still needed in the future to validate its safety and efficacy.

An Experimental Study on Concrete Strength Optimization with Surkhi as an Eco-Friendly Sand Substitute

Concrete is a widely used construction material, with sand as key component. However, excessive extraction of sand has led to a significant environmental consequences, including erosion, ecological imbalance, habitat destruction, and water quality issues. This study aims to develop an economical and sustainable alternative to traditional sand-based concrete while maintaining its structural integrity. It explores the potential of using Surkhi (a waste product from burnt clay bricks) as a partial replacement of sand in concrete. For this study, 120 concrete cube samples were prepared in the laboratory.Concrete cubes of M20 and M25 grades were prepared using design and nominal mixes, with different proportions of Surkhi (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) and tested to evaluate the workability, cost-effectiveness, and compressive strength. Compressive strength tests were conducted on concrete cubes at 7 and 28 days to investigate their mechanical properties. The results shows that a 10% replacement of sand with Surkhi optimizes the strength and workability of concrete without compromising its performance, thus supporting sustainable construction practices. However, the negative impact in concrete strength due to addition of higher proportions of Surkhi should be carefully considered. Furthermore, a cost analysis indicates that replacing sand with Surkhi can help to reduce the production costs, while promoting its use as an eco-friendly alternative. The findings provides valuable insights into the potential of Surkhi to reduce environmental damage and costs without compromising performance at moderate replacement levels. However, further research is recommended to assess the long-term durability and structural integrity of Surkhi-based concrete in various applications.

Succinate exacerbates mastitis in mice via extracellular vesicles derived from the gut microbiota: a potential new mechanism for mastitis

BackgroundA high grain diet causes an ecological imbalance in the gut microbiota and serves as an important endogenous trigger of mastitis in dairy cows, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Our previous study revealed that subacute rumen acidosis (SARA)-associated mastitis has distinct metabolic profiles in the rumen, especially a significant increase in succinate, but the role of succinate in the pathogenesis of mastitis remains unclear.ResultsSuccinate treatment exacerbates low-grade endotoxemia-induced mastitis in mice. Specifically, succinate increased the production of gut microbiota-extracellular vehicles (mEVs) containing lipopolysaccharides, which can diffuse across the damaged intestinal barrier into the mammary glands. Administration of mEVs promotes mammary inflammation via activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that succinate promotes mastitis through the proliferation of enteric pathogens and mEVs production, suggesting a potential strategy for mastitis intervention on the basis of intestinal metabolic regulation and pathogen inhibition. The role of mEVs in interspecific communication has also been elucidated.Graphical

Role of air quality index in maintaining ecological sustainability in areas affected by low air quality

In the current scenario, numerous ecological and biological imbalances have arisen because of poor air quality. The primary driver of air contamination is supposed to be businesses and autos. The air quality is getting worse in the areas, which have a shorter life expectancy and a significant threat to the existing biodiversity. Air contamination is currently completely recognized to be a critical general medical condition, liable for a developing scope of well-being impacts that are proven and factual from the consequences of a broad examination exertion led in numerous locales of the world.

Importance of Proper Breeding Techniques in Enhancing Magur Seed Production

Fish farmers in eastern India, consider it to be a species of choice for diversifying their cultural practice since it provides them with a considerable return on their investment. The natural seeds of Magur have been sharply declining due to ecological imbalance in their natural breeding ground, which is low lying paddy field. This imbalance is caused by the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizer and chemical pesticides. However, the availability of Magur seeds in desired hours of stocking in desired quantity stands as a constraint to the propagation of culture of this species. It is consequently the only method that is feasible to reduce the severity of the issue, and that is to induce breeding of the species in captivity. There have only been a few models designed for the purpose of reproducing Magur in captivity, but each of these models involves a significant amount of financial investment. However, a labor-intensive and low-cost farmers'-friendly model for the production of small quantity seeds has not yet been standardized for rural small scale fish farmers. In this paper we found that magur seed production can be done through low cost investing, that’s why farmers or rural people get more economic profit. The study demonstrates how specific breeding techniques and management practices can significantly enhance seed production, contributing to the sustainability of Magur aquaculture in India.

Uranium Mill Tailings Generation and Management Challenges

Uranium mining has been ongoing for the past 200 years, yet managing uranium waste remains a significant challenge. This difficulty arises due to strict regulations imposed on uranium-related industries, driven by the assumed health risks associated with radiation. As a result, much of the waste generated by nuclear industries is currently stored. In India, uranium mining and milling waste is stored that require large tracts of land and continuous monitoring. Given the high value of land in India and the potential expansion of uranium mining to meet net-zero emission targets, an effective solution for managing uranium mill tailings is urgently needed. Meanwhile, India's construction sector is rapidly growing that require a huge quantity of materials. This paper reviewed the history of uranium mining and mill tailings generation and propose that the construction industry could effectively utilize these tailings. This approach not only addresses resource scarcity but also promotes environmental sustainability by conserving natural resources, reducing ecological imbalances, and advancing a circular economy.