Constructed wetlands (CWs) utilizing macrophytes represent a sustainable and cost-effective approach for sewage treatment in developing regions. This pilot study evaluated the performance of selected macrophytes (Typha latifolia, Phragmites australis, and Canna indica) in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland system for treating domestic sewage. The study was conducted over a 6-month period (March-August 2024) with a hydraulic retention time of 3 days. Water quality parameters including biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and fecal coliforms were monitored bi-weekly. Results demonstrated significant removal efficiencies: BOD (82- 89%), COD (76-84%), TSS (85-92%), TN (68-75%), and TP (71-79%). Typha latifolia exhibited the highest overall performance with superior nutrient uptake capacity and biomass production (2.8 kg/m²). Plant growth rates and physiological responses were monitored to assess stress tolerance and adaptation. The findings suggest that macrophyte-based constructed wetlands can effectively treat domestic sewage, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional treatment systems, particularly suitable for small communities and rural areas with limited infrastructure.
Wildfires are increasingly frequent and severe globally, with profound impacts on ecosystems. While the effects of fire on aboveground communities are well-documented, less is known about the responses of belowground fauna. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on how wildfires affect soil-dwelling organisms across diverse landscapes. We examine the direct and indirect impacts of fire on various faunal groups, including microarthropods, nematodes, and earthworms, and explore how landscape variability influences these effects. The review highlights the complex interplay between fire intensity, soil properties, and faunal community composition. We discuss the implications of these findings for ecosystem recovery and resilience, and identify critical knowledge gaps to guide future research. Understanding the responses of belowground communities to wildfire is crucial for developing effective post-fire management strategies and predicting long-term ecosystem changes in a warming world.
Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer a sustainable method for treating nutrient-rich rice mill wastewater while enabling biomass valorization. This study uses Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to compare two castor-based CW models—for biodiesel and eri-silk cocoon production—across key impact categories such as human health, ecosystem quality, resource use, energy, water footprint, and compost sustainability.
Environmental pollution has become a major global concern, requiring innovative technologies for effective remediation. This review discusses recent advancements in environmental cleaning, including bioremediation, nanotechnology, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), artificial intelligence (AI), green chemistry, and membrane filtration techniques. These technologies offer sustainable solutions for treating soil, water, and air pollution. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of their mechanisms, applications, advantages, limitations, and future potential. The integration of multiple technologies for enhanced efficiency is also examined, emphasizing the need for further research and policy development for large-scale implementation.
Dance is undoubtedly a great health exercise which needs a healthy body. Dancers have a unique perspective on the relationship between the body and the natural world, and their training and practice can lead to a deeper understanding of the environment. So a proper food system is required for the dancers. Staying in a polluted area, inhaling a high amount of CO² or such unhealthy gases will cause a risk for a dancer. So definitely we need a strong eco system and an interest in green technology. But what does the dance or dancer do for this? First of all, a dancer can spread awareness in society through their dance productions. Dance can be a powerful tool for raising environmental awareness by allowing audiences to experience the emotional and physical impact of environmental issues in a kinaesthetic way, fostering deeper understanding and connection to the problem.
It is becoming more widely acknowledged that microbial indices are essential instruments for assessing water production in fisheries and aquaculture. These indicators represent the composition, dynamics, and role of microbial communities, which are critical to organic matter breakdown, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem health. Since the growth and health of aquatic creatures in aquaculture systems are directly impacted by the quality of the water, knowledge of microbiological factors is crucial for sustainable production. Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (HBC) and Total Bacterial Count (TBC) are important microbiological indices that provide information on the availability of organic materials and microbial biomass. Aquaculture waters' microbiological safety is evaluated by counting coliforms, especially total and faecal coliforms, which act as indicators of pollution. Microbial activity and nutrient turnover, which are essential for primary productivity and food web maintenance, are reflected in bacterial production rates and Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC). Other significant indicators of microbial metabolic activity and ecosystem stress include the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), microbial respiration rate, and enzyme activities (such as urease and dehydrogenase). While nitrifying and denitrifying bacterial counts are used to evaluate nitrogen cycling efficiency, sophisticated indexes such as the Shannon-Weaver diversity index and Simpson's index offer a quantitative measure of microbial biodiversity. The energy efficiency of microbial communities is further revealed by the microbial quotient (qCO ). When taken as a whole, these indicators help evaluate the ecological balance, nutrient condition, and water quality of fishery habitats, wetlands, reservoirs, and aquaculture ponds. Aquaculture professionals can identify early indicators of eutrophication, pollution, or disease outbreaks and take prompt action by using microbiological indices. Furthermore, as compared to traditional physicochemical evaluations, these biological indicators are more economical and environmentally friendly instruments. This study provides a scientific basis for better aquaculture management and increased aquatic food security by highlighting the importance of microbial indices as essential elements of water productivity assessment.
This study carried out within the Jalgaon City Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra State, India, concentrating on the prevailing practices, challenges, and strategies pertinent to solid waste management. Initial field assessments indicated that the average solid waste generation rate of household in the city stands at 0.25 kg per capita per day, culminating in an estimated total waste output of around 54 tons daily. A thorough examination was conducted to analyze the processes involved in the sourcing, quantity produced, collection, transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Data pertaining to Solid Waste Management within the Municipal Corporation was gathered through the distribution of questionnaires, individual site visits, and interviews with pertinent municipal officials. Furthermore, photographic evidence and documentation were amassed to depict the various stages of generation, storage, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of Municipal Solid Waste. The study's outcomes advocate for the adoption of sanitary landfills as a substitute for current open dumping practices, aiming to reduce reliance on waste incineration, notwithstanding the challenges and issues that may arise from this transition. The paper proposes an urgent shift from the existing waste collection and disposal methodologies employed by the government to a newly recommended framework that prioritizes waste-towealth or trash-to-treasure initiatives through recycling and community involvement, which are considered vital for attaining sustainability and effective solid waste management in the region under study.
Naptha are comprised of normal, ISO cycloparaffins and aromatic hydrocarbon C to C for H. fossilis LC50 4 12 value found to be 23.24 PPM for Naptha and mature fish were exposed for 4 weeks to LD50 value to find out prime changes in Histology of thyroid and corpuscles of stannius. The basic principal of toxicology is that a compound seek entry into the body of an animals, it is corporate into blood and ones it has reached. The circulatory stream through out the body and easily transcend through the plasma membrane the variation of the Thyroid follicles regarding their staining was possible a result of highly effected activity of thyroid but the occurrence of variation all the follicle were effected. Behaviour of thyroidal epithelium was unifor initial stage and appeared as not much district thyroidal follicles started secretion the colloid the development of the vascular at the colloidal mass, the corporates of stannius observed the renal vasculature much filled up with the blood indicating an extra ordinary rise in renal blood supply. The cells were shrunken clumbed loss of staining properties loss of cytoplasmic contents nuclei are more prominent their in early case of female. Naptha toxicity was indicating to be leas effected on male then in female.
Pesticides used in agriculture, urban areas, and gardens are raising concerns about their impact on pollinators. Exposure to pesticides through direct contact, ingestion, and accumulation can harm pollinators. High pesticide concentrations cause immediate harm, while chronic exposure weakens their immune systems, impairs reproduction, and leads to population declines. Neonicotinoids, a type of insecticide, are especially problematic. They are absorbed by plants and spread to nectar and pollen, affecting foraging abilities, navigation, immunity, and reproductive success in pollinators. Integrated pest and pollinator management (IPPM), sustainable agriculture practices, and pesticide-free zones aim to maintain ecological balance and reduce chemical use. We observe lethal, sub lethal impacts on pollinator species including Honeybees (Apis mellifera), Bumblebees (Bombus spp.), butterflies, and other beneficial insects, and assess ecological consequences. Empirical data from field and laboratory studies are synthesized, and a comparative table summarizes pesticide usage and recorded pollinator mortality rates. Raising awareness about pollinator importance and pesticide impacts is crucial for conservation, and by balancing pest control with pollinator protection, long-term sustainability of agriculture and natural ecosystems dependent on pollination services can be ensured.
This study investigates the performance of an Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor for the treatment of low-strength domestic wastewater. The polymeric filter medium (PFM) improved the effectiveness of post-treatment. At steady-state, the average COD removal efficiency of UASB reactor achieved by 85.54 ± 6.53%. However, the effluent remains contained in residual nutrients, like total phosphorus (TP) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), imposing further treatment. To address this, a polymeric filter medium made of chitosan-agarose cryogels was used, considerably reducing nutrient contents. The optimised experiments revealed that a 20 cm bed height and a flow rate of 100 mL/h bring about the optimum removal performance. The combined UASB-PFM system promotes wastewater treatment by reducing both organic and nutrient loading, providing an attractive option for improving the quality of wastewater prior to release.
Water is used for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes. In the present context of developmental activities requirement of water has increased many folds which resulted in declining of per capita water availability. Further in agriculture dominant areas groundwater is excessively used for irrigation which also resulted in declining of water table and quality deterioration. The study area Ladwa block is located in Kurukshetra district 0 0 0 0 of Haryana between the geo-coordinates latitudes 29.95 N to 30.07 N and longitudes 76.97 E to 77.12 E and covers an area of 130.56 sq. km. Geologically alluvium and geomorphologically alluvial plain is present. The main objective was to study groundwater quality for drinking purpose in the study area. In the study area nine groundwater samples were collected in 250 ml double capped plastic bottles. Geo-coordinates of sample locations were noted with the help of mobile GPS. Chemical analysis of nine groundwater samples were done using Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board, Chennai prepared Field Water Testing kit for twelve chemical parameters viz. pH, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, total dissolved solids, fluoride, iron, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate and residual chlorine. Results of groundwater samples analysis were compared with BIS (IS 10500:2012) drinking water standards to know the suitability of groundwater for drinking purpose. The study shows that in the study area pH ranges 6.5 to 8, alkalinity 220 mg/l to 380 mg/l, hardness 50 mg/l to 360 mg/l, chloride 30 mg/l to 300 mg/l, total dissolved solids 600 mg/l to 960 mg/l, fluoride nil to 2 mg/l, iron nil to 0.3 mg/l, ammonia nil to 1 mg/l, nitrite 0.2 mg/l to 0.5 mg/l, nitrate 45 mg/l to 100 mg/l, phosphate nil in all the nine groundwater samples and residual chlorine nil to 0.2 mg/l. The study is highly useful for planning and monitoring of groundwater quality for drinking purpose in the study area.
Groundwater is important because of its drinking, agriculture and industrial uses. Present developmental activities have put pressure on this precious natural resource. In urban areas its quality is deteriorated due to anthropogic pollution like sewerage and industrial waste water mixing with groundwater. The present study area Kharkhoda block is located in Sonipat district, Haryana. The geo-coordinates of the study area are latitudes 28.79 N to 29.01 N and longitudes 76.77 E to 77.02 E and covers an area of 302.03 sq. km. The main objective 0 0 0 0 was to assess groundwater quality for drinking purpose in the study area. Geologically alluvium and geomorphologically alluvial plain are present in the area. In the study area fourteen groundwater samples were collected in 250 ml double capped plastic bottles. Geo-coordinates of sample locations were noted with the help of mobile GPS. Chemical analysis of fourteen groundwater samples were done using Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board, Chennai prepared Field Water Testing kit for twelve chemical parameters viz. pH, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, total dissolved solids (TDS), fluoride, iron, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate and residual chlorine. Chemical analysis results were entered in excel software and preaped bar graphs for each chemical parameter for all the fourteen sample locations. Results of groundwater samples analysis were compared with BIS (IS 10500:2012) drinking water standards to know groundwater quality for drinking purpose. In the study area pH ranges 6.5 to 8, alkalinity ranges 180 mg/l to 830 mg/l, hardness ranges 50 mg/l to 1400 mg/l, chloride ranges 20 mg/l to 2800 mg/l, TDS ranges 588 mg/l to 4752 mg/l, fluoride ranges 1 mg/l to 5 mg/l, iron ranges nil to 10 mg/l, ammonia ranges 0.5 mg/l to 1 mg/l, nitrite ranges 0.5 mg/l to 2 mg/l, nitrate ranges 45 mg/l to 100 mg/l, phosphate ranges nil to 1 mg/l, residual chlorine ranges nil to 3 mg/l.This study is highly useful for planning and monitoring of groundwater for drinking purpose in the study area.
Climate Change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other aspects of the Earth's climate system. These changes are driven largely by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and certain industrial processes, which release greenhouse gases. Climate Change brings impacts such as rising sea levels, more intense and frequent extreme weather events, shifting ecosystems, and threats to biodiversity. Climate Adaptation, Mitigation, and Resilience are critical strategies to address and manage the impacts of climate change and discussed in this paper with different examples. Climate Mitigation involves efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases to limit the extent of climate change. Mitigation aims to slow down global warming and minimize future impacts on natural and human systems. Climate Adaptation is the process of adjusting systems, practices, and policies to withstand the current and anticipated impacts of climate change. It involves modifying infrastructure, improving water management, adopting climate-resilient agricultural methods, and planning for climate-resilient cities. Climate Resilience refers to the ability of systems—such as communities, economies, and ecosystems—to recover from and adapt to climate-related shocks and stresses. Building resilience involves strengthening institutions, improving risk assessments, implementing early warning systems, and fostering adaptive capacity. It encompasses both adaptation and mitigation efforts to create societies that can sustain themselves despite the challenges posed by climate change. This article attempts to understand how mitigation addresses the causes of Climate Change, adaptation tackles the impacts, and resilience builds the capacity to endure and recover from climate-related disruptions.
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology has gained significant attention in the realm of wastewater treatment. Using membrane bioreactors in wastewater treatment provides numerous advantages, including high-quality effluent, space efficiency, higher treatment performance, flexibility, reduced sludge production, improved process control, and environmental benefits. Membrane fouling, on the other hand, continues to be a major issue, resulting in higher operational costs, a shorter membrane lifespan, and frequent maintenance requirements. Fouling is produced by deposits of suspended particles, colloids, bacteria, and organic materials on the membrane's surface or within its pores, resulting in decreased permeability. This review critically explores the fouling mechanisms in MBR systems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of membrane fouling in the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), focusing on the mechanisms that lead to fouling, its impacts on system performance, and the state-of-the-art techniques employed to control fouling. Membrane fouling is one of the most critical challenges in the operation of MBRs, significantly affecting their efficiency and operational costs. This paper provides an overview of fouling phenomena in MBR systems while also highlighting innovative techniques to improve membrane performance and longevity.
Groundwater is the most important source of drinking water and it is the basic need of all living organisms. The quality of the groundwater has become acute nowadays. Rapid urbanization and population growth added to the problem. A lot of solid waste generated from residences, hospitals, etc. is dumped on open land areas. It is found that most of the area around the open landfill contains contaminated groundwater due to open dumping of waste. When the waste includes heavy metals like cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, etc. it is evident that the solid waste contains batteries, Lead-based paints, and fluorescent lamps. The authorities should prohibit MSW dumping in the open area to control further water pollution. Many previous studies have shown the impact of open landfill dumping on groundwater quality due to inadequate precautions. This paper reviewed the impact of poor solid waste management on groundwater quality.
The present study area Kathura block is located in Sonipat district of Haryana state. The geo-coordinates of the 0 0 0 0 study area are latitudes 29.05 N to 29.24 N and longitudes 76.47 E to 76.67 E and covers an area of 196.03 sq. km. Geologically alluvium and geomorphologically alluvial plain are present. The main objective of the study was to assess groundwater quality for drinking purpose in the study area. In the study area twelve groundwater samples were collected in 250 ml double capped plastic bottles. Geo-coordinates of sample locations were noted with the help of mobile GPS. Chemical analysis of twelve groundwater samples were done using Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board,Chennai prepared Field Water Testing kit for twelve chemical parameters viz. pH, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, total dissolved solids (TDS), fluoride, iron, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate and residual chlorine. Result of groundwater samples analyses were compared with BIS (IS 10500:2012) drinking water standards to know groundwater quality for drinking purpose. In the study area pH ranges 7 to 8, alkalinity 120 mg/l to 800 mg/l, hardness 140 mg/l to 1730 mg/l, chloride 50 mg/l to 500 mg/l, TDS 408 mg/l to 3060 mg/l, fluoride 0.5 mg/l to 5 mg/l, iron nil to 10 mg/l, ammonia nil to 2 mg/l, nitrite 0.2 mg/l to 0.5 mg/l, nitrate 45 mg/l to 100 mg/l, phosphate nil to 2 mg/l and residual chlorine nil to 1mg/l. The study is highly useful for planning and monitoring of groundwater for drinking purpose in the study area.
In the quest for advanced materials with superior thermal insulation properties, silica aerogels have emerged as a promising candidate due to their ultra-low density, high porosity, and low thermal conductivity. This study focuses on the enhancement of thermal insulation properties of silica aerogels for energy-efficient applications, particularly in building insulation and industrial processes. We employed a sol-gel process combined with ambient pressure drying (APD) to synthesize silica aerogels with tailored pore structures and reduced thermal conductivity. A series of silica aerogels were prepared by varying key synthesis parameters, including precursor concentration, aging time, and surface modification techniques. The resulting aerogels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET analysis), and thermal conductivity measurements. The study revealed that the pore size distribution and surface area of the aerogels could be effectively controlled, leading to significant reductions in thermal conductivity. Notably, the optimized aerogels achieved a thermal conductivity as low as 0.015 W/m·K, making them among the most efficient thermal insulators reported to date. In addition to their exceptional thermal properties, the mechanical strength and hydrophobicity of the aerogels were also enhanced through surface modification with organosilanes, ensuring durability and performance in harsh environments. The potential applications of these enhanced silica aerogels were explored in the context of energy-efficient building insulation, where they demonstrated a substantial reduction in heat loss compared to conventional insulation materials. The findings of this study highlight the potential of silica aerogels as a key material for the development of energy-efficient technologies. The synthesis process employed is scalable and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for industrial production. Future work will focus on further improving the mechanical properties and exploring hybrid aerogel composites for multifunctional applications.
The global water crisis impacts nearly two-thirds of the world's population each year, with projections indicating that by 2040, one in four children will be affected by severe water stress. Rapid urban expansion and industrial activities have led to the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems, prompting the UN to designate "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" as a key Sustainable Development Goal. Water pollution from agriculture, industry, landfills, and municipal systems poses significant threats to these ecosystems. While numerous methods have been developed to address water scarcity, contamination, and resource degradation, their high energy and chemical demands, coupled with environmental risks, often limit their effectiveness. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) provide a promising alternative by utilizing natural processes to improve wastewater treatment and support ecosystem health. NBS, including constructed wetlands, waste stabilization ponds, green roofs, willow systems, and drainage ditches, leverage natural elements such as plants, soil, and microorganisms to tackle these issues effectively. This paper explores the effectiveness and additional benefits of various NBS in wastewater treatment and reuse. Constructed wetlands and waste stabilization ponds offer cost-effective, low-maintenance treatment through natural solar energy, requiring minimal operational input. Zero-discharge willow systems achieve high treatment efficiency with minimal environmental impact, using plant biomass for energy and soil enrichment. Green roofs and walls recycle greywater and enhance both aesthetic and environmental quality by integrating vegetation into urban infrastructure. Drainage ditches, with specific vegetation, help mitigate agricultural runoff and reduce the transfer of pollutants to water bodies. The results highlight the potential of NBS to deliver high treatment efficiencies and additional ecological and societal benefits, such as reduced operational costs, enhanced biodiversity, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making NBS a viable complement to traditional wastewater management strategies.
Land degradation plays a significant role in shaping tree health and diversity. As land degradation occurs, it negatively impacts the ecosystem and biodiversity. Degraded land often lacks the necessary nutrients and moisture to support healthy tree growth, leading to a decline in tree health and diversity. Additionally, land degradation can result in the loss of habitats and ecological niches for different tree species, further reducing tree diversity. Furthermore, it can also lead to increased susceptibility of trees to pests and diseases, further compromising their health and diversity. To combat land degradation, agroforestry practices can be implemented to restore degraded land, enhance soil quality, and fix atmospheric carbon. Agroforestry systems have the potential to restore degraded land, as they provide a combination of agricultural crops and trees. This integration enhances soil fertility, reduces erosion, and increases carbon sequestration, which ultimately leads to improved tree health and diversity. Therefore, addressing land degradation is crucial for maintaining healthy and diverse tree populations. By implementing agroforestry technologies, practicing proper land rehabilitation measures, policy interventions and integrated approaches to land management are essential for safeguarding tree health and diversity in the face of ongoing land degradation. This can help promote the growth and diversity of trees, which in turn can contribute to improved ecosystem services and ecological functioning.
