Titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) have extensive industrial applications as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, sunscreens, implanted biomaterials, paints, printing ink, etc. However, extensive industrial usage leaves a trail of toxicological implications on the ecological cascade through biological uptake and accumulation. Being the major sink, the aquatic environments might often get adversely affected at different levels of biological organization – from genetic to systemic levels depending on nanoparticles’ size, surface area, agglomeration, surface properties and exposure window. Upon exposure, the TiO2-NPs have been shown to cause oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and histopathological alterations. TiO2-NPs can bind with free radicals and signal molecules and interfere with several biochemical reactions in the plasmalemma. All these toxicological challenges draw attention of the researchers to focus more on the not-so-explored territory of the nanoparticle’s toxicity and associated changes, which could provide an insight into their environmental relevance and ecotoxicological risk. This study is the only one integrating current data on TiO₂-NPs interactions across several trophic levels and environmental compartments. It emphasises on the consequences on non-target aquatic animals under actual exposure situations.

The selection of effective soil amendments requires a balance between long-term stability and economic viability. While pure carbon rich biochar produced from paddy straw at 500 degrees C is highly stable, its cost is prohibitive. The current study formulates a Stability-Cost Index (SCI) to evaluate the produced paddy straw biochar (PSB) and its mixture with farmyard manure (FB), mustard cake (MB) and vermicompost (VB) at a ratio of 1:1. Parameters including H/C ratio, thermostable fraction (TSF), fixed carbon content in a year (CCy,t), recalcitrance index (R-50), and crystallinity index (CRLI) were the representative of stability assessment. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to understand the correlation of standardized data of stability parameters and properties of PSB, FB, MB and VB. The PC1 dominated the variance by similar to 81% with positive correlation with CCy,t, CRLI, TSF and R-50. A normalized stability index (SI) was developed and evaluated with PC1 scores showing PSB as the most stable amendment (SI = 1.0) followed by VB > FB > MB. Similarly, a cost index (CI) was also developed where FB was the cheapest amendment (CI = 1.0), and PSB was the costliest (CI = 0.0). The final SCI developed with weighted combination of SI and CI (50:50) revealed the following order of variation showing FB (SCI = 0.64) being the best all-round amendment endowed with optimal stability and cost-efficiency: FB > VB > PSB > MB. This index can be recommended as a potential practical tool for selection of cost-effective and persistent biochar-based amendments or similar kind of nature-based solutions for soil carbon sequestration, and nutrient retention to achieve the goal of sustainable agriculture.

This study employs a systems biology approach to map the predicted molecular associations between avermectin family pesticides (AVMs) and gene networks related to major disease categories, including cancer, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular pathologies. Through in-silico analysis, we explored the molecular mechanisms, gene interactions, transcription factors, and microRNAs associated with AVM toxicity. Our findings reveal that AVMs and their metabolites interact with key genes, including PTPN11, RAF1, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, MAP2K2, PDGFRA, LMNA, TSHR, SLC2A1, and FBP1, which are implicated in disease pathogenesis. These interactions influence critical pathways such as the MAPK cascade, protein kinase B signaling, platelet activation, and blood coagulation, establishing predicted network associations with genes and pathways related to these disease categories. Notably, transcription factors CTCF, PPARG, ARNT, and TEAD4, and microRNAs hsa-miR-124-3p and hsa-miR-181a-5p, were identified as key regulators of gene expression linked to AVM exposure. The study highlights the poor ADMET profiles of AVMs, including low Caco-2 permeability and violation of Lipinski’s criteria, underscoring their toxic potential. Additionally, AVMs exhibit strong binding affinity for estrogen receptors, potentially acting as agonists and interacting with pathways relevant to disease pathogenesis. While these computational findings provide a robust foundation for understanding AVM toxicity, they require experimental validation through in vitro and in vivo studies to confirm molecular interactions and physiological outcomes. This work advances the identification of toxic pathways and emphasizes the need for safer pesticide development to mitigate occupational health risks.

Background Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major constraint to rice productivity, particularly in arsenic (As)-contaminated soils where nutrient availability and uptake are severely impaired. The interaction between arsenic and phosphorus further aggravates toxicity and limits crop performance. This study evaluated the effectiveness of composite nanocalcium phosphate (NCaP) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs; particle size 15–45 nm, Ca/P ratio 1.7) as sustainable alternatives to conventional diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer for rice cultivation in As-contaminated agricultural fields of Ghazipur and Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. Results Application of NCaP significantly enhanced rice growth and yield attributes compared with both DAP and control treatments. Panicle length increased by 1.8–4.5%, the number of grains per panicle by 4.9–6.6%, fertile spikelet counts by 4.9–8.4%, and 1000-grain weight by 10.6–28%, indicating substantial yield improvement. NCaP treatments also improved plant physiological health, as evidenced by reduced electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation, along with enhanced pigment content, reflecting improved membrane integrity and photosynthetic capacity. Oxidative stress was markedly alleviated in NCaP-treated plants, with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in shoots reduced by 21–30%. Activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), were favorably modulated, indicating enhanced stress tolerance. Importantly, NCaP application significantly reduced As accumulation in rice grains while simultaneously improving P uptake in roots, shoots, and grains, with the highest P concentration (23 mg g⁻¹) recorded in T2-treated plants. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that NCaP nanoparticles can effectively replace conventional DAP fertilizer by improving nutrient use efficiency, enhancing crop growth and yield, strengthening physiological resilience, and mitigating arsenic accumulation in rice grains. These results highlight the promising role of nanotechnology-based fertilizers in promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring food safety in arsenic-affected regions .

Global concern over microplastics (MPs) has recently prompted several investigations owing to their potential deleterious effects on the environment. Accurate MPs detection with ease and robustness is important for better management decisions to maintain environmental sustainability. The present review summarised advanced sensory techniques for MPs detection in environmental matrices, citing limitations of conventional MPs detection techniques. Bio and synthetic receptors, dyes, nanomaterials, and other materials have been reported for the precise visual detection of MPs through their selective adsorption on different polymer types. Advances techniques like Near Infrared (NIR) and microwave spectroscopy, imaging, light-emitting diodes with photodetectors, electrochemical techniques with microfluidic setups, etc., were also reported for sensing MPs. However, limitations remain in terms of the accurate detection of microplastics with good analytical performance in environmental matrices. The inferior MPs detection limit, found in IR and Raman spectroscopy, could be overcome by hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy with high spatial resolution. Even though these sensing techniques are still in their infancy, the review highlights that sensors for MPs detection are possible and achievable with high accuracy. However, more investigation is required to improve the efficacy of sensing techniques through pinpointing their shortcomings.

Nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) are widely utilized in various industrial sectors, particularly as components of corrosion-resistant steels and in galvanic production. Pollution of natural environments with these potentially toxic elements is a common consequence of anthropogenic activities. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying microbial resistance to these metals is crucial for their effective remediation. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge regarding the molecular genetic mechanisms that enable prokaryotes to resist and actively detoxify Ni and Co. The processes involved in metal uptake, intracellular binding, and energy-dependent efflux of toxic cations are examined in detail. Notably, only a limited number of studies have investigated these mechanisms within the context of genomic interactions (crosstalk) between plants and microbial communities. Furthermore, the potential applications and challenges associated with selecting metal-resistant microbial-plant associations—such as hyperaccumulator plants and rhizosphere bacteria—for induced phytoremediation are thoroughly discussed. To date, no prior literature review has systematically explored the potential of Ni- and Co-resistant microorganisms for remediation purposes. This review critically evaluates the mechanisms of Ni and Co uptake by bacterial cells and emphasizes its role in plant-microbes interactions.

Speedy decomposition of organic manure and efficient utilization of rice husk waste are two critical challenges for sustainable environment and soil health management. However, understanding the synergistic effects of rice husk biochar (B) and organic manure (OM) on soil properties and crop growth in subtropical conditions remains unclear. A field study was conducted to investigate the impact of sole and combined application of rice husk biochar (0 t ha-1, 3 t ha-1), farmyard manure (FYM), and vermicompost (VC) on soil aggregation, aggregateassociated carbon, water use efficiency (WUE), economic benefits, and yield of radish crop in sandy clay loam organic soil. Biochar application enhanced the macroaggregate stability and aggregate associated C contents. Soil moisture, infiltration rate (IR) and WUE were significantly improved by 9.2%, 20.8% and 13.6%, respectively, with addition of biochar, which might be related to improved aggregate-associated carbon and water retention in the soil. Similarly, improved soil properties, WUE were noticed in the treatment receiving combination of FYM + VC over the control. 16% and 30.9% higher radish yield was observed with biochar and FYM + VC amended treatments compared without B0 and manure OM0, respectively. The integrated use of biochar (3 t ha-1) and OM (FYM + VC) resulted in highest economic benefits of net return (Indian Rupee 138,325 ha-1) and B:C (1:5) ratio and least in control plots. These results indicate that adding biochar in organic management practices considerably improved the soil properties, WUE which resulted in increased organic radish production.

Over the past decade, plastic waste has become a significant contributor to environmental degradation, leading to the widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial ecosystems. While oceans serve as the ultimate sink for MPs, the majority of plastic pollutants accumulate in soil through sources such as sewage sludge, organic fertilizers, plastic mulching, wastewater irrigation, flooding, and atmospheric deposition. Consequently, plants, as key components of terrestrial ecosystems, inevitably interact with MPs. However, understanding of MP uptake, distribution, and the underlying mechanisms in plants remains limited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the occurrence and movement of MPs in the terrestrial environment, emphasizing their uptake by plants, effects on plant functions, and potential for phytoremediation. Although some studies suggest MPs may marginally improve soil aeration and water retention, their overall impact is detrimental. MPs can disrupt soil microbial communities, reduce nutrient availability, and impair plant growth. Moreover, the uptake of MPs by edible crops raises concerns about their transfer through the food chain, posing health risks to humans. MPs act as carriers for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals, which may lead to endocrine disruption, inflammation, and cellular damage upon ingestion. Future research should prioritize developing advanced methodologies to investigate plant-MP interactions, assess long-term ecological and health impacts, and establish effective mitigation strategies. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and implementing stricter waste management policies are crucial to minimizing MP pollution and ensuring environmental and food safety.

A biosurfactant-producing isolate, Bacillus subtilis AHV-KH11, was used for the biodegradation of diesel-contaminated saline soils. In addition to naturally occurring diesel contamination, the collected soil samples were artificially contaminated with diesel oil at concentrations ranging from 1000 to 5000 mg kg- 1 of soil. The operational parameters investigated in our experiment were the initial seed volume (5-20 mL), soil moisture content (100-300%), external surfactants (rhamnolipid and Tween 80), and salinity levels (0.5-2%). The results indicated that diesel biodegradation was optimized at an initial seed volume of 10 mL, while further increases up to 20 mL provided no additional benefit. This suggests that diesel biodegradation can be effectively initiated with a relatively modest bacterial inoculum. This study demonstrates how the remediation process enhances the salinity tolerance of Bacillus subtilis AHV-KH11, achieving effective remediation at 1.5% salinity without an external surfactant and enhanced performance at 8% salinity when exogenous rhamnolipid is added. The addition of rhamnolipid as an external biosurfactant increased the diesel biodegradation rate. In addition to accelerating diesel degradation, rhamnolipid significantly improved soil health, as demonstrated by toxicity assays using Eisenia fetida, the mortality rate dropped from 88% in untreated diesel-contaminated soil to 41% in bioremediated soil after 14 days. Furthermore, the salt tolerance of Bacillus subtilis AHV-KH11 can be enhanced, highlighting its potential as an efficient diesel decomposer and biosurfactant producer in pure or mixed cultures for the bioremediation of diesel-contaminated saline soils.

Background Phosphorus (P) is essential for plant growth and agricultural productivity, but its scarcity limits crop yields. This study evaluates the efficacy of composite nanocalcium phosphate (NCaP) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) as alternatives to conventional diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizers for rice crops in arsenic (As)-contaminated fields in Ghazipur and Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. HANPs were characterized as 15-45 nm particles with a Ca/P ratio of 1.7. Results Growth Metrics and Yield: Panicle Length was Increased by 1.8%-4.5% with NCaP treatments. Grains per Panicle was enhanced by 4.9%-6.6%.1000-Grain Weight was elevated by 10.6%-28%. Fertile Spikelet Count was improved by 4.9%-8.4%. Plant Health: Electrolytic Leakage and Lipid Peroxidation was decreased, indicating better membrane health. Pigment Content was improved, reflecting enhanced chlorophyll levels. MDA Production was reduced by 21%-30% in shoots with NCaP applications. Significant variances in activities of APX, GPX, SOD, and CAT were observed. Significant reduction was observed in grain As accumulation with NCaP treatments compared to control. Elevated P levels in roots, shoots, and grains of NCaP-treated plants was noticed. Highest concentration of 23 mg g⁻¹ observed in T2 treated plants. Conclusions The study demonstrates that NCaP nanoparticles can effectively replace traditional DAP fertilizers, enhancing rice crop growth, yield, and health while mitigating arsenic contamination. NCaP treatments resulted in improved growth metrics, reduced oxidative stress, and higher phosphorus concentrations in plants, highlighting the potential of nanotechnology in advancing sustainable agriculture and increasing productivity.

Environmental pollution has been seen to cause a catastrophic effect on the River Mahananda, Malda, West Bengal, due to the discharge of untreated urban wastes and wastewater into the riverine system resulting in the decline of several local fish species owing to deteriorating water quality. Hence, the objective of this work was to assess the alteration of different physicochemical parameters of water in the River Mahananda owing to pollution during various seasons, and to examine their toxicological effects on the intracellular antioxidant system and histological parameters in Cirrhinus reba. The WPIs of the polluted sampling sites declined significantly from fall to summer. The season-based principal component analysis indicated that TDS, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity, free chlorine, chloride, copper, and zinc were the most common descriptors for the physicochemical alterations of the River Mahananda, reflecting its prominent pollution portfolio. SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GSH were found significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001) decreased in liver of C. reba collected from polluted sites compared to the control. The acetylcholinesterase activity was noted to increase significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) in an order of S2 > S3 > S4 > S1. A several-fold increase in TBARS level was observed in C. reba collected from polluted sites during summer, compared to the control. Major histopathological changes were observed in summer and spring in liver, kidney and gill tissues of C. reba. In conclusion, while certain principal components were significant predictors for various biochemical parameters, the overall model showed varying degrees of predictive power, highlighting the need for further research with larger sample size and potentially more comprehensive modelling strategies.

Arsenic (As) pollution in groundwater has detrimental effects on human health and the environment globally. Use of arsenic contaminated groundwater in agricultural fields can increase arsenic deposition in soil and subsequent bioaccumulation of arsenic in the edible plants and food chains. Several techniques have been developed and applied in recent times to mitigate arsenic contamination in water and soil. Among these techniques, phytoremediation has emerged as one of the sustainable, eco-friendly and cost-effective options for arsenic removal from contaminted water and soil. Certain plants which are able to bioaccumulate arsenic in high amounts are termed as arsenic hyperaccumulators (e.g. Pteris vittata, Christella dentata, Phragmites karka, Eichhornia crassipes etc.), and are used effectively in arsenic phytoremediation. Additionally, extent of phytoremediation could be increased by the inoculation of the rhizosphere with certain strains of microorganisms associated with the plants. Application of phytochelations, use of bacteria-assisted phytoremediation process, developing recombinant varieties by genetic engineering, application of ‘omics’ technologies, incorporation of advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 and synthetic genes can further enhance the applicability and efficiency of arsenic phytoremediation. However, use of edible plant species in arsenic phytoremediation should be avoided, as it could pose human health risks if the contaminated plants are consumed. Climatic variations and post-harvest management of arsenic contaminated plant biomass are other constraints in this regard. Selection of novel non-edible plant varieties with enhanced arsenic uptake potentials, genetic modification and large-scale applications in the fields can effectively reduce arsenic in contaminted soil and water.

Harnessing the potential of biochar in the rhizosphere to enhance plant health, growth and soil fertility is a promising avenue in agriculture. However, conventional research falls short in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of biochar’s actions. Hence, the advent of multi-omics technologies becomes imperative in unravelling the multifaceted interplay among biochar, plants, and microbes within the dynamic rhizosphere. Metagenomics sheds light on microbial population dynamics following biochar application, while metatranscriptomics unveils gene expression and pathway regulation within microbial communities, offering insights into their metabolic intricacies. At the same time, metaproteomics and metametabolomics delve into protein products and metabolic profiles within the rhizobiome, respectively. Understanding the interactions of biochar with the rhizobiome holds promise in constructing predictive models and developing novel strategies to nurture soil health. This review focuses on using metaomics approaches to enhance biochar integration in agriculture, highlighting existing challenges in their application and emphasizing the need to overcome these barriers to improve soil fertility and microbial ecology and contribute to soil remediation.

Escalating industrialization has led to an exponential increase in waste output, posing persistent challenges to ecological integrity and public health. While traditional waste treatment approaches remain prevalent, their limitations in addressing the multifaceted nature of industrial effluents have prompted the exploration of advanced, sustainable alternatives. Among emerging materials, surface-engineered biochar has garnered significant interest due to its tuneable physicochemical properties and multifunctionality. This study critically examines the role of modified biochar in mitigating diverse industrial pollutants, spanning aqueous, solid, and gaseous phases. Emphasis is placed on recent innovations such as nanostructured biochar, hybrid composites, and responsive smart systems, which exhibit superior adsorption dynamics and catalytic degradation capabilities. These advancements underscore the growing feasibility of integrating biochar-based systems into large-scale environmental remediation strategies. When aligned with circular economy principles, the deployment of modified biochar not only facilitates pollutant abatement but also contributes to sustainable resource valorization. The study concludes by identifying future priorities, including comprehensive life-cycle assessments, development of economically viable production pathways, and the establishment of clear regulatory guidelines to support mainstream adoption of this promising material in industrial waste management frameworks.

The present study focused on the valorization of biomass wastes like agricultural residues and animal manure to create a nutrient-enriched biochar aimed at minimizing arsenic pollution, improving soil fertility, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, and maximizing crop yields. In this process, composted/matured dairy manure was utilized to enhance the nutrient content of rice straw–based biochar (RSB), resulting in the development of a novel material dairy manure–enriched biochar (DMB). Biochars were porous, highly stable, and rich in functional groups. Parameter optimization revealed maximum arsenic (III) removal of 80.4 ± 0.1

The wastewater treatment consists of a resource recovery approach driven by the growing demand for sustainable solutions to address environmental pollution and resource scarcity. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of regenerative resource recovery from wastewater using biobased soft technologies. It highlights the current state-of-theart methodologies and stresses their significance in promoting sustainable wastewater management. The paper outlines various bio-based soft technologies, their principles, successful applications, and case studies. It also reports the advantages and limitations of these technologies, offering insights into their integration with existing systems and potential future advancements in promoting these technologies for effective wastewater management. It has the potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment with more efficient resource recovery, improved scalability, and broader integration into global wastewater management systems.