Sustainable Resource Utilization Research Articles

Synergistic consideration of co-treatment of sewage sludge, low-rank coal, and straw for sustainable resource utilization and enhanced energy efficiency: a review.

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the imperative necessity for coupling the utilization of low-rank coal, sewage sludge, and straw. It studies the challenges and limitations of individual utilization methods, addressing the unique hurdles associated with feedstocks. It focused on achieving integrated and sustainable resource management, emphasizing efficient resource utilization, waste minimization, and environmental impact reduction. The investigation extends to the intricate details of reaction processes in co-processing, with a specific emphasis on the drying of raw materials to enhance combustion characteristics. The molding and preparation of feedstock are dissected, encompassing raw material selection, mixing, and the crucial addition of additives and binders. The proportions and homogenization of these feedstocks are intricately examined for uniformity and effectiveness. Furthermore, it presents theoretical approaches for investigating the co-combustion of these diverse feedstocks, contributing a solid foundation for future studies in this dynamic field. The findings presented in it offer valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking sustainable solutions in the co-disposal technology of these feedstocks. Therefore, it provides a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in coupling the utilization of these selected feedstocks. By addressing individual limitations and emphasizing integrated resource management, the article establishes the groundwork for sustainable and efficient co-processing practices. The exploration of reaction processes gives a comprehensive framework for future research and application in the field of co-combustion technology. The insights gleaned from this study contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in the sustainable utilization of diverse feedstocks, guiding efforts towards environmentally responsible and resource-efficient practices.

Opportunities, Challenges, and Solutions in Expanding The Blue Economy in Sri Lanka: Special Reference to The Fisheries Sector

Purpose: The blue economy emphasizes the sustainable utilization of marine resources to promote economic growth, create job opportunities, and enhance livelihoods while ensuring the protection of the ocean ecosystem. The blue economy comprises a variety of activities such as fisheries, aquaculture and Mari culture, marine and coastal tourism, boat and shipbuilding, seaports and shipping, marine transportation, renewable energy, offshore hydrocarbons and minerals, and marine biotechnology. The primary objective of this research is to identify the opportunities and challenges in expanding the blue economy in Sri Lanka, with a focus on the fisheries sector.
 Design/methodology/approach: The qualitative research method was employed for data collection, using key person interviews with 20 Sri Lankan blue economy stakeholders. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data.
 Findings: The study identified several opportunities, including the introduction of a sound VMS and forecasting system, technology improvement, properly trained human resources, reducing post-harvest loss, value addition to the fish, and diversification towards aquaculture and Mari culture. The study also identified challenges such as limited access to finance, lack of infrastructure, and weak governance. With the right policies and management practices in place, the fisheries sector in Sri Lanka can achieve sustainable development, contribute to the country's economic growth, and provide livelihoods for fishers and their communities.
 Originality: Though Sri Lanka is an Island, ideal for practicing the blue economy, the attention given by the scholars and practitioners to develop the sector is not sufficient. This study stands out for its thorough examination of opportunities and challenges in expanding Sri Lanka's blue economy, with a specific emphasis on the fisheries sector.
 Implications: The theoretical contribution lies in the identification of opportunities and challenges in expanding the blue economy, particularly within the fisheries sector. This research significantly contributes to guiding policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies for the sustainable growth and management of the fisheries sector in Sri Lanka.
 Keywords: Blue Economy, Fisheries, value addition, Post-harvest loss

Water Governance in Tanzania – A Synthesis of Legal and Institutional Frameworks for Groundwater Management in the Upper Great Ruaha River Catchment

The importance of groundwater resources in buffering the effects of climate change on water scarcity and security is highly acknowledged worldwide. However, groundwater development and use can only be sustainable with a more robust policy and institutional arrangements related to water governance. The purpose of this study was to analyse the legal framework of water resource development and management in order to contribute in identifying policy constraints to sustainable groundwater resource development and management in Tanzania. The paper used information from literature reviews and data collected through qualitative methods using a case study of Usangu Plains in the Upper Great Ruaha River Catchment in Tanzania. The findings reveal that water governance institutional frameworks are well structured to provide guidelines on how water as a basic human resource can be utilised and properly managed, but most importantly, these institutional arrangements place disproportionate emphasis on groundwater. Attaining sustainable groundwater development and use requires new disclosures and narratives in water policy and law, integrating both surface and groundwater resources. The weaknesses identified in groundwater governance need to be taken on Board once, the existing water institutional frameworks open to perfection for sustainable utilisation of groundwater resources

Evaluating the Human–Water Relationship over the Past Two Decades Using the SMI-P Method across Nine Provinces along the Yellow River, China

The foundation for ensuring the sustainable utilization of natural resources and human well-being lies in achieving a harmonious balance between nature and humans. In the Yellow River basin (YRB), numerous water crises, including floods, droughts, soil erosion, and water pollution, threaten its crucial role as a significant economic belt and ecological barrier. Unfortunately, less comprehension regarding the complex human–water relationship in this region has impeded watershed water management decision-makers from identifying key priorities for intervention. Here, we selected 29 evaluation indicators, including water resources, environment, ecology, society, economy, and science and technology from three dimensions: healthy water systems, sustainable human systems, and synergy of human–water system. We applied the entropy weight method, hierarchical analysis, and Single index quantification, multiple index synthesis, and poly-criteria integration (SMI-P) methods to quantify the spatial–temporal variation of the human–water harmony degree (HWHD) in nine provinces of the YRB from 2002 to 2021. We observed a consistent increase in the HWHD across all provinces in the YRB in the past two decades. Notably, five provinces have transitioned from Complete disharmony (0 ≤ HWHD ≤ 0.2) to Nearly complete disharmony (0.2 < HWHD ≤ 0.4). Additionally, the average growth rate of the downstream provinces is faster compared to those upstream. By 2021, the HWHD of upstream provinces like Sichuan and Ningxia, constrained by slower growth, became the two lowest provinces of the YRB, at 0.19 and 0.12 respectively. These findings offer valuable guidance for the region and similar areas grappling with the complex challenges of human–water conflicts, providing insights to navigate and address such dilemmas effectively.

Construction and Influencing Factors of Voluntary Compensation Subjects for Herders—From the Perspective of Sustainable Utilization of Grassland Resources

The grassland ecological compensation mechanism is a basic guarantee for promoting the sustainable utilization of grassland resources, and the reasonable determination of the compensation subject is the basic premise for the effective operation of the grassland ecological compensation mechanism. At present, grassland ecological compensation is mainly based on government compensation, and the compensation method generally adopted is financial transfer payment with a single source of compensation funds. Therefore, establishing diversified compensation entities is of great significance in expanding the sources of compensation funds. As important users of grassland resources, herders should become the main representatives of grassland ecological compensation according to the principle of “whoever uses, pays”. In this study, based on survey data with respect to pastoral areas in Inner Mongolia, we used a multivariate ordered logistic regression model to empirically analyze the factors influencing the establishment of a voluntary compensation entity for herders. The results of this study showed that (1) the resource endowment factors of the respondents, including livestock inventory, grazing area, and cutting grassland area, have a significant positive impact on the willingness of herdsmen to voluntarily serve as the main representatives of grassland ecological compensation. When each influencing factor increased by one unit, the probability of voluntarily becoming a compensation subject increased by 3.5%, 1.91%, and 1.41%, respectively. (2) The factor of prohibited pasture area in the endowment of herders had a significant negative effect on their willingness to become compensation subjects, which indicates that the larger the prohibited pasture area owned by herders, the lower their grassland utilization rate and the lower their willingness to voluntarily become compensation subjects. (3) Among the cognitive factors of the respondents, “whether they will continue to support the implementation of the grassland compensation policy” had a positive promoting effect on herdsmen voluntarily becoming compensation subjects, showing that the higher the support of herdsmen for the ecological compensation system, the more willing they were to become compensation subjects. This article is based on the perspective of the sustainable utilization of grassland resources and empirically analyzes the influencing factors of herders’ willingness to reduce their number of livestock. Through the voluntary reduction of livestock by herders, a voluntary compensation entity for herders is constructed. Based on the research conclusions, relevant countermeasures and suggestions are proposed, providing a reference for improving grassland ecological compensation policies and promoting the sustainable utilization of grassland resources.

One-pot synthesis of regenerative calcium counterions from waste chicken eggshells for SO2-to-sulfur reduction

Abating sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions is increasingly critical for addressing environmental concerns and safeguarding human health. In this study, we propose a novel, sustainable approach utilizing in situ eggshell waste-derived calcium-based materials for the catalytic thermal reduction of SO2 to elemental sulfur. Our research focuses on the facile synthesis of calcium-based compounds, proceeding from chicken eggshells to CaO, CaSO4, and finally CaS, for treating hazardous SO2 gas in a one-pot reactor. The effects of gas hourly space velocity (GHSV), temperature, and catalyst stability were studied. Optimal conditions for sulfur yield (71.32%) and SO2 conversion (43.38%) were achieved at 800 °C with a GHSV of 117 L h/g. Our findings demonstrate that the calcium-based materials exhibit exceptional stability, maintaining activity for 6.5 h. Mechanistically, the synergistic pathways of Mars-Van Krevelen and Eley-Rideal mechanisms underlying the SO2 reduction process were elucidated. This research presents a sustainable solution for converting SO2 into a valuable sulfur commodity, and contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal No. 12 on Sustainable Consumption and Production. By harnessing CaS derived from eggshell waste, our work underscores the potential for environmentally friendly practices in addressing industrial emissions and advancing sustainable resource utilization.

Nitzschiatranstagensis Morales, Novais, Wetzel, Morais & Ector (Bacillariophyceae) - the second record in the Mediterranean Region.

The Mediterranean Region holds significant ecological importance, characterised by its unique climate, biodiversity and the crucial role it plays in global ecosystems. Mediterranean streams are naturally highly-stressed environments mainly due to fluctuations in water quantity. River flow generally varies from perennial to ephemeral and temporary rivers constitute significant water resources. Streams that flow through Balearic Islands are subjected to these conditions. The majority of these streams sustain water flow for 4-5 months annually, with exceptions noted for streams associated with springs, which typically maintain water throughout most of the year.Benthic diatoms are widely recognised as reliable bioindicators of water quality, used in many aquatic ecosystems. Analysing diatom communities and their biodiversity serves as a valuable tool to ensure the ecological and sustainable utilisation of water resources as well as the accurate development of guidelines for their conservation.The field of diatom taxonomy and distribution plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and their biodiversity. Species of the genus Nitzschia are extensively found throughout the Mediterranean Region, including the Balearic Islands. However, they have rarely been investigated in temporary streams. This study presents the first record of Nitzschiatranstagensis Morales, Novais, Wetzel, Morais & Ector, outside the type locality and being the second record in Europe. In this study, the authors found this taxon in one temporary stream of Majorca Island, Torrent des Castellot in November 2005 (Balearic Islands). Nitzschiatranstagensis occurred at 2.6% abundance in this stream with oligotrophic waters (0.052 mg∙l-1 of nitrate), slightly alkaline pH values (7.8) and water conductivity levels of 626.5 µS cm-1. This species was recorded in the biofilm of the stones together with other taxa such as Achnanthidiumminutissimum (Kützing) Czarnecki (39.2%), Gomphonemarosenstockianum Lange-Bertalot & Reichardt (28.9%) and Halamphoraoligotraphenta (Lange-Bertalot) Levkov (20.4%). The Nitzschiatranstagensis frustules found in the examined material have similar dimensions and a higher fibulae count (8-11 in 10 μm vs. 6-10 in 10 μm) compared to the type material of Nitzschiatranstagensis. The habitat characteristics in which this species was found are described, together with LM micrographs of this taxon.

Five New Species of Gymnopilus from Xizang Autonomous Region of China and Surrounding Areas.

The species of Gymnopilus (Hymenogastraceae, Agricales) are commonly recognized as wood-decaying fungi. Certain members of this genus have been identified as psilocybin-producing mushrooms. Gymnopilus exhibits a diverse range and has a global distribution. In this study, a total of seventy-eight specimens were gathered from ten provinces in China. A comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis was conducted, employing gene sequences including ITS, nrLSU, nrSSU, rpb1, rpb2, and tef1-α. Additionally, morphological examinations were also carried out. The phylogenetic topology of Gymnopilus from this study generally agreed with previous studies and facilitated the identification of all those specimens. As a result, eleven species, including five newly discovered ones named Gy. gyirongensis, Gy. variisporus, Gy. tomentosiceps, Gy. tenuibasidialis, and Gy. aurantipileatus, were recognized. Significantly, four of the five newly identified species are native to the Xizang Autonomous Region, emphasizing their specialization in this distinctive habitat. This research contributes to our comprehension of Gymnopilus diversity and lays the groundwork for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Gymnopilus resources.

Energy Poverty Impact on Sustainable Development of Water Resources in China: The Study of an Entropy Recycling Dynamic Two-Stage SBM Model

Water scarcity is increasingly being recognized as a global concern. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6) was established by the United Nations to address water resource governance within its sustainable development framework. This study employs the entropy weight method and a two-stage cyclical dynamic slacks-based measure (SBM) model to scientifically evaluate water resource utilization and governance across various regions in China. The findings reveal notable disparities in both the production and governance efficiency of water resources. Recognizing governance efficiency is crucial for promoting sustainable water resource utilization and socioeconomic development. The eastern, central, and western regions encounter unique challenges in attaining sustainability. The eastern region exhibits minimal potential for enhancing technical efficiency, necessitating interventions in management strategies and resource allocation. Conversely, the challenges in the central and western regions are more pronounced, demanding immediate implementation of new technologies and equipment. The data analysis in this study yields conclusions that offer targeted improvement recommendations to address disparities across China’s eastern, central, and western regions, and this is achieved by considering various developmental stages and regional contexts. These recommendations cover areas such as technical support, financial investment, and policy incentives, with the aim of enhancing the sustainable utilization of water resources in the country.

Enhancement of methane production from anaerobic digestion of Erigeron canadensis via O2-nanobubble water supplementation

Malignant invasive Erigeron canadensis, as a typical lignocellulosic biomass, is a formidable challenge for sustainable and efficient resource utilization, however nanobubble water (NBW) coupled with anaerobic digestion furnishes a prospective strategy with superior environmental and economic effectiveness. In this study, influence mechanism of various O2-NBW addition times on methanogenic performance of E. canadensis during anaerobic digestion were performed to achieve the optimal pollution-free energy conversion. Results showed that supplementation of O2-NBW in digestion system could significantly enhance the methane production by 10.70–16.17%, while the maximum cumulative methane production reached 343.18 mL g−1 VS in the case of one-time O2-NBW addition on day 0. Furthermore, addition of O2-NBW was conducive to an increase of 2–90% in the activities of dehydrogenase, α-glucosidase and coenzyme F420. Simultaneously, both facultative bacteria and methanogenic archaea were enriched as well, further indicating that O2-NBW might be responsible for facilitating hydrolytic acidification and methanogenesis. Based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) cluster analysis, provision of O2-NBW enhanced the metabolism of carbohydrate and amino acid, translation as well as membrane transport of bacteria and archaea. This study might offer the theoretical guidance and novel insights for efficient recovery of energy from lignocellulosic biomass on account of O2-NBW adhibition in anaerobic digestion system, progressing tenor of carbon-neutral vision.

Mexico and the forum for economic cooperation, Asia-pacific, 1990-2019: Determinants of the sustainable productivity of the wood industry

The purpose of this research is to identify the determinants of the productivity of the wood industry for the economies that make up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APECF) in the period 1990-2019. As a dependent variable, a sustainable productivity index is created to measure this productivity. Using the econometric method of panel data, the impact of employment, capital stock, and innovation on the sustainable productivity of the wood manufacturing industry is found. The variable capital stock (SC) is estimated using the Perpetual Inventory Method (PIM) and incorporating an adjustment factor for the absence of the first observation. The findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between the sustainable productivity index and the variables employment, innovation, and capital stock. The study's findings demonstrate that productivity exists when there is a balance in the use of resources or public goods. The contribution that is made to the literature is about authentic productivity that promotes the improvement of the quality of life of the population as well as the responsible use of finite resources. This research examines the practical implications of sustainable forest resource utilization, specifically focusing on sustainable productivity.

Geochemical processes, salinity sources and utility characterization of groundwater in a semi-arid region of Iraq through geostatistical and isotopic techniques.

Identifying factors contributing to water salinity is paramount in efficiently managing limited water resources in arid environments. The primary objective of this study is to enhance understanding regarding the hydrochemistry, source, and mechanism of water salinity, as well as to assess the suitability of water for various uses in southern Iraq. The groundwater samples were collected from water wells and springs and analyzed for major cations and anions along with stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) to accomplish the objective. The analysis of major ion chemistry, hydrochemical techniques, principal component analysis (PCA), and isotope signatures were adopted to determine the primary factors contributing to water mineralization. The study inferred that evaporation and geological processes encompassing water-rock interactions, such as dissolution precipitation and ion exchange, were key processes. The stable isotope analysis revealed that the water originated from meteoric sources and underwent significant evaporation during or before infiltration. The utility assessment of water samples indicates that most samples are not appropriate for consumption and are significantly below the established standards for potable water. In contrast, a significant portion of the groundwater samples were found to meet the criteria for irrigation suitability by adopting Wilcox and the US Salinity Laboratory criteria. The groundwater could be considered for irrigation with proper salinity control management. Overall, this study has significantly improved the understanding of the hydrogeochemical regimes and acts as a first step toward the sustainable utilization of water resources.

Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development of Animal Husbandry in Qinghai Province

This article discusses the relationship between environmental protection and the sustainable development of animal husbandry in Qinghai Province. As an important region for the development of animal husbandry, Qinghai Province faces the dual challenges of environmental protection and economic development. Firstly, the emissions and waste disposal from livestock and poultry farming have caused pollution and pressure on the environment, posing a threat to the stability of ecosystems and the sustainable utilization of water resources. Secondly, the vulnerability of the ecological environment and the increased risk of natural disasters have added uncertainty and vulnerability to animal husbandry. Finally, in order to achieve sustainable development of animal husbandry, Qinghai Province needs to formulate and implement environmental policies and regulations promote ecological environment protection and restoration.

The first report of DNA barcoding of commercially important fish in Nias Islands, Indonesia

Abstract. Ramadhaniaty M, Manurung VR, Khairunnisa, Lubis F, Susetya IE. 2024. The first report of DNA barcoding of commercially important fish in Nias Islands, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 742-753. The Nias Islands are an archipelago in the western part of North Sumatera, encompassed by the Indian Ocean, and have become a hotspot for demersal and pelagic fishes. These geographical conditions endow the waters around Nias with large fishery resources, leading to their frequent utilization as fishing grounds for Sumatera Island and its surrounding areas. This research aimed to identify the commercially important fish species with the highest catch frequency in the waters of Nias, and this identification marked the initial stage of the sustainable utilization of fish resources. The method used was DNA Barcoding using genes targeting the COI Mitochondrial locus. Therefore, 43 samples were collected from several North and South Nias fish landing sites. The obtained species were classified into 3 groups based on the commodity type: demersal fish, pelagic fish, and Choncricthyes. There were 8 species of demersal fish (Caesio caerulaurea, Halichoeres scapularis, Lethrinus ornatus, Mulloidichthys flavolineatus, Parupeneus barberinus, Scarus prasiognathos, Plectropomus leopardus, and Variola albimarginata), displaying genetic distances ranging from 0.002-0.275. Pelagic fish consisted of 5 species, namely Amblygaster clupoides, Caranx ignobilis, Caranx sexfasciatus, Ferdauia ferdau, and Scomberomorus commerson, displaying genetic distances ranging from 0.002-0.267. The next commodities were Chondrichthyes with 9 species (Carcharhinus sealei, Himantura leoparda, Neotrygon kuhlii, Paragaleus randalli, Pateobatis jenkinsii, Rhynchobatus cf laevis, Spyrna lewini, Taeniura meyeni, and Urogymnus granulatus), displaying genetic distance ranging from 0-0.271. This value indicates that migratory species such as chondrichthyes have quite extensive movements so that the genetic distance between species and between populations tends to be low.

Nitrogen-doped lignin-derived electrode materials for supercapacitors were prepared using the domain-limited effect

Supercapacitors, pivotal in mitigating the energy crisis stemming from dwindling fossil fuel reservoirs, necessitate meticulous consideration of electrode material preparation. While lignin-derived carbon materials sourced sustainably exhibit commendable potential as electrode materials, their intrinsic low capacitance limits widespread utilization. Herein, nitrogen atom doping of lignin (CNL) was accomplished employing a chemical modification technique employing cyanuric chloride as a dopant. The resultant nitrogen content measured at 2.85 %. Subsequent to CNL carbonation, the generated C3N4 was selectively confined to the internal surface of the CNLMS-800 through a domain-limited activation method, thereby rendering it suitable for deployment as a supercapacitor electrode material. CNLMS-800 manifests a substantial specific surface area of 1778.0 m2 g−1 and a concomitantly diminutive pore size of 2.6 nm. Noteworthy, the specific capacitance of CNLMS-800 attains 473.0 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. The resultant energy density reaches 39.0 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 338.0 W kg−1. Crucially, even after 20,000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 10 A g−1, the capacitance retention attains an impressive 87.5 % in the KOH electrolyte. This innovative utilization of sustainable resources for electrode fabrication epitomizes a seminal advancement in the field of energy technology.

Precision Aquaculture: A Way Forward for Sustainable Agriculture

The escalating demands for food, fiber, energy, and water due to swift population growth have underscored the necessity for the sustainable utilization of natural resources. The advent of precision farming tools and machinery since the 1990s has markedly enhanced productivity and optimized the employment of inputs in aquaculture. The burgeoning connectivity in rural regions and its improved integration with data from sensor systems, remote sensors, equipment, and smartphones have paved the way for innovative concepts in Digital Aquaculture. Automation is the most effective strategy to manage situations, augment productivity, and reduce manufacturing costs. Biosensors are deployed to control unidentified sensor-based remotely and guided aerial vehicles to apply chemicals or fertilizers while monitoring water quality. A sophisticated aeration system manages the concentration of dissolved oxygen. Another critical aspect is the administration of feeding and automatic biomass estimation. Robotics and automatic feeders are employed in ponds and cages to minimize feed wastage and the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), with these tools being dependent on the behaviour of the organisms and the water condition. Post-harvest, farmers acquire information on biomass estimation to attain optimal yield. The most vital element is the automatic monitoring of the health and welfare management of the organism to detect any challenging situations or early signs of anomalies. An underwater surveillance system, a camera-based visual system, collects data on water quality, organism activity, feeding, cage biofouling, and net cleaning. Automation is poised to shape the future of the aquaculture industry to make the nations agriculture sustainable.

Vegetation restoration strategies based on plant water use patterns

The study on the water source of plants in alpine mountainous is of great significance to optimize the allocation and management of water resources, and can also provide important reference for ecological restoration and protection. However, the controls of water sources for different plants in alpine mountainous region remain poorly understood. Based on the advantages of stable isotope tracer and Bayesian (MixSIAR) model, the water source of plants in Qilian Mountains was quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that the water sources of plants in Qilian Mountain mainly included two parts: direct source and indirect source. The direct source is soil water, which provides most of the water that plants need. The highest contribution of soil water to shrubs was 80 %, followed by trees (73 %) and herbs (72 %). It is worth mentioning that trees mainly use deeper soil water (below 60 cm), shrubs mainly use surface and intermediate soil water (0-60 cm), and herbs mainly use surface soil water (0-40 cm). What is more noteworthy is that indirect sources, such as precipitation, glacier and snow meltwater, and groundwater, are also water sources that cannot be ignored for plant growth in study area. Shrubs and Herbs use more soil water in the range of 40-60 cm, which leads to the possibility of water competition between these two planting types. Therefore, attention should be paid to this phenomenon in the process of vegetation restoration and water resources management. Especially when planting or restoring artificial plants, it is necessary to consider the water use strategy of the two plants to avoid unnecessary water competition and water waste. This is of great significance for ecological stability and sustainable utilization of water resources in the study region.

Unpredictable Chemical Diversity of Essential Oils in Cinnamomum burmanni (Lauraceae) Living Collections: Beyond Maternally Inherited Phylogenetic Relationships.

The genus Cinnamomum encompasses diverse species with various applications, particularly in traditional medicine and spice production. This study focuses on Cinnamomum burmanni, specifically on a high-D-borneol-content chemotype, known as the Meipian Tree, in Guangdong Province, South China. This research explores essential oil diversity, chemotypes, and chloroplast genomic diversity among 28 C. burmanni samples collected from botanical gardens. Essential oils were analyzed, and chemotypes classified using GC-MS and statistical methods. Plastome assembly and phylogenetic analysis were conducted to reveal genetic relationships. Results showed distinct chemotypes, including eucalyptol and borneol types, with notable variations in essential oil composition. The chloroplast genome exhibited conserved features, with phylogenetic analysis revealing three major clades. Borneol-rich individuals in clade II suggested a potential maternal inheritance pattern. However, phylogenetic signals revealed that the composition of essential oils is weakly correlated with plastome phylogeny. The study underscores the importance of botanical gardens in preserving genetic and chemical diversity, offering insights for sustainable resource utilization and selective breeding of high-yield mother plants of C. burmanni.

Parthenium hysterophorus derived nanostructures as an efficient carbocatalyst for the electrochemical sensing of mercury(II) ions

The sustainable utilization of resources motivate us to create eco-friendly processes for synthesizing novel carbon nanomaterials from waste biomass by minimizing chemical usage and reducing energy demands. By keeping sustainability as a prime focus in the present work, we have made the effective management of Parthenium weeds by converting them into carbon-based nanomaterial through hydrothermal treatment followed by heating in a tube furnace under the nitrogen atmosphere. The XPS studies confirm the natural presence of nitrogen and oxygen-containing functional groups in the biomass-derived carbon. The nanostructure has adopted a layered two-dimensional structure, clearly indicated through HRTEM images. Further, the nanomaterials are analyzed for their ability towards the electrochemical detection of mercury, with a detection limit of 6.17 μM, while the limit of quantification and sensitivity was found to be 18.7 μM and 0.4723 μM μA−1 cm−2, respectively. The obtained two-dimensional architecture has increased the surface area, while the nitrogen and oxygen functional groups act as an active site for sensing the mercury ions. This study will open a new door for developing metal-free catalysts through a green and sustainable approach by recycling and utilization of waste biomass.

Sustainable Groundwater Management Through Micro Irrigation: A Critical Review on Challenges and Solutions

Abstract Groundwater plays a vital role in global water resources, supporting agricultural, industrial, and domestic water supply systems. However, the long-term sustainability of groundwater is increasingly threatened due to the widespread adoption of irrigation systems especially micro irrigation. Micro irrigation is a widespread agricultural technique that involves water application to crops through drip irrigation and sprinkler systems. This method has gained widespread adoption due to its ability to deliver water efficiently to crops. This review paper examines the impacts of micro irrigation on groundwater sustainability, focusing on its effects on groundwater quantity, quality, and overall sustainability. The findings reveal that micro irrigation can significantly contribute to groundwater conservation by reducing water losses. However, improper management practices, such as over-irrigation or incorrect application rates, can lead to excessive groundwater extraction, depletion of aquifers, and declining water tables. Applying fertilizers and pesticides in micro irrigation systems may lead to groundwater pollution, thereby affecting water quality and posing a risk to human health. This review article emphasizes the significance of appropriate design, installation, and upkeep of micro irrigation systems to minimize potential adverse effects on groundwater. Furthermore, regulatory frameworks, policies, and educational programs are crucial in promoting sustainable groundwater management practices in micro irrigation. The present review highlights the significance of adopting balanced water use practices, enhancing water management techniques, and implementing relevant regulations to ensure the sustainable utilization of groundwater resources in micro irrigation systems.