INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT AND ENVIRONMENT

Bibliometric Analysis and Hidden Risks of Arsenic Contamination in Vegetables and Edible Crops: A Review

2025-02-13T12:45:25+00:00

Among elemental toxins, arsenic (As) is one of the most notorious and extensively studied. It is a naturally occurring metalloid in the earth’s crust, and arsenic poisoning, recognized as a serious health hazard, primarily occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food, water, or agricultural products. The Indo-Gangetic Plain in India is particularly known for arsenic pollution due to the region’s natural geological composition. Within this area, the mid-Gangetic plain, especially districts in Uttar Pradesh such as Bahraich, Gorakhpur, Ghazipur, Chandauli, and Bareilly, are severely affected by arsenic contamination in both soil and groundwater. This review aims to investigate the health risks and the urgency of addressing arsenic contamination in vegetables and edible crops in Uttar Pradesh, India. Employing a systematic review methodology, it compiles data from previous studies to assess arsenic concentrations across various crops. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis reveals that arsenic-related research is a global concern and ranks among the most highly cited topics in the biological sciences. This review explores the origin, mobilization, and contamination of arsenic in groundwater and its subsequent accumulation in vegetables.

A Review of Microalgae as Catalysts for Plastic Degradation in Marine Environments

2024-11-08T11:25:25+00:00

Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems due to the material's longevity and its common use. This review covers the sources, types, and environmental impacts of plastic debris, with a focus on biodegradation processes in aquatic environments. Worldwide plastic production was driven by the material's adaptability and low cost. Common plastic types include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Plastic degradation occurs through physio-chemical and biological series. Physio-chemical degradation is usually initiated by UV radiation, heat, or hydrolysis, and biodegradation involves microbial enzymatic process. Key enzymes identified in plastic biodegradation include cutinase, lipase, PETase, lignase and Peroxidase. The initial steps involve biofilm formation on plastic surfaces that can facilitate degradation, with diatoms being early colonizers along with bacteria. Multiple factors affect biodegradation, including polymer characteristics, environmental conditions, and microbial community composition. Various analytical techniques are used to assess plastic degradation, such as mass loss measurements, gel permeation chromatography, spectroscopic methods, and microscopy. The persistence of plastics in marine environments, coupled with their potential to release harmful additives and adsorbing pollutants, represent an ongoing challenge. Understanding degradation mechanisms is important for developing effective mitigation strategies and biodegradable alternatives. Further research is needed to understand the complex interactions between plastics, microalgae, and marine ecosystems, as well as to enhance biodegradation processes for more sustainable materials management.

Eco-floristic Survey on Aquatic Macrophytes from Three Mouzas of East Kolkata Wetland, West Bengal, India

2025-03-01T20:16:59+00:00

The East Kolkata Wetland is a Ramsar Site in West Bengal, and it has a significant role in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. The main objective of this survey is to study the season-wise floristic composition and quantitative analysis of phytosociological parameters like frequency, density, abundance, and diversity of aquatic macrophytes of three mouzas (Nonadanga, Chalk Kalarkhal, and Patuli). The survey reveals the presence of 51 species of aquatic macrophytes belonging to 41 genera and 27 families. The highest plant diversity has been recorded from Patuli during the post-monsoon (winter) period, where the lowest diversity is found in Nonadanga during the pre-monsoon period (summer). Alternanthera philoxeroides is the most widely distributed species among all mouzas, having the highest mean frequency, followed by Colocasia esculenta, Eichhornia crassipes, Commelina diffusa & Typha angustifolia, Myriophyllum sp, Ipomoea aquatica & Pistia stratiotes. Amaranthaceae family exhibits the highest range of frequency followed by Araceae, Pontederiaceae and Typhaceae. Lemnaceae exhibits the highest density and abundance. Statistical analysis reveals a significant positive correlation among plant diversity, frequency, density and abundance in all mouzas (p<0.01) where density shows highest correlation with plant diversity. This study will be helpful in biodiversity conservation and the preparation of a mouza-wise database regarding the aquatic macrophyte diversity and floristic composition of the entire East Kolkata Wetland in the future.

Phytochemicals Screening and Anthelmintic Activity of Some Therapeutic Plants Against Pheretima posthuma

2024-11-08T11:16:01+00:00

Anthelmintic drugs refer to medicines used to indulge parasitic helminth worm infections in humans or animals. Antihelmintic drugs kill parasites by attaching themselves to muscle and nerve cells, which paralyzes and ultimately kills the parasite; preventing the cells from transporting glucose and preventing the development of new worms from adult worms. The objective of the present work is to examine the in vitro anthelmintic action of ethanolic extracts of three therapeutic plants such as Tagetes erecta, Curcuma longa, and Laurus nobilis, wherein Pheretima posthuma was used as a test worm. Phytochemical constituents of plants’ ethanolic extracts were determined following standard procedure. All three plant extracts have shown antioxidant properties. All the plant extracts were applied in vitro against Pheretima posthuma, and the times of paralysis (ToP) and death (ToD) of the earthworm were determined. Albendazole was used as a reference compound, and distilled water was used as a control. The ethanolic extract of the rhizome of Curcuma longa showed a notable anthelmintic effect, as demonstrated by the worms’ least paralyzing time and death time compared to other studied plant extracts. Every crude extract displayed potential anthelmintic activity in a concentration and time-dependent manner at all dosage levels. Of all the extracts, the maximum concentration at 15 mg/mL exhibited considerably (p < 0.05) higher nematocidal activity when compared to the control. All of the plants under investigation were shown to be effective against Pheretima posthuma, and further pharmacological and toxicological studies of the plants would be beneficial in the development of novel herbal anthelmintic medications.

Loss of Medicinal Plants due to Shifting Cultivation (Jhum) in Kiphire District, Nagaland, India

2024-12-05T09:19:33+00:00

Shifting cultivation, also referred to as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional practice extensively carried out in the Kiphire district of Nagaland, India. While it serves as a livelihood for tribal communities, its ecological consequences, particularly on medicinal plant diversity, are profound. This study investigates the impact of shifting cultivation on the loss of medicinal plants by comparing vegetation in virgin forests and jhum fallows. A systematic vegetation survey was conducted using 10 m x 10 m quadrats to record medicinal plant diversity, abundance and ecological characteristics. Sixteen medicinal plant species belonging to 15 families were identified in the virgin forests. These species, including Holarrhena pubescens, Kaempferia galangal and Laurus nobilis, are known for their significant therapeutic, ecological and cultural roles. Alarmingly, these species were entirely absent in the jhum fallows, highlighting the adverse effects of shifting cultivation on biodiversity. Shortened fallow periods, driven by population pressures and demand for agricultural land, were found to exacerbate land degradation, as the forests fail to regenerate adequately. The ecological roles of medicinal plants in maintaining soil fertility, regulating ecosystem processes and supporting traditional healthcare systems are critical, yet they are increasingly under threat. The study further underscores the cultural and economic importance of these plants to local communities, necessitating immediate conservation measures. The findings advocate for integrating sustainable land-use practices, afforestation and community-based conservation strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss. Policymakers and local stakeholders must collaborate to promote agroforestry systems, enrich fallow lands with medicinal plants and preserve the region’s ecological and cultural heritage. This research contributes valuable insights into the need for balancing agricultural practices with biodiversity conservation to ensure ecological resilience in Nagaland’s fragile ecosystems.

Isolation and Characterization of Biosurfactant-producing Cytobacillus oceanisediminis MS-05A

2025-02-15T11:48:16+00:00

Biosurfactants are amphiphilic molecules that can reduce the surface tension of liquid. They are non-toxic, biodegradable and eco-friendly. Chemically synthesized surfactants are toxic to human health and causes skin diseases. So, there is an extensive need of non toxic and Biodegradable biosurfactant. Attempt has been made for screening and isolation of biosurfactant producing bacteria from Ratnagiri sea side soil. The isolates from soil samples were screened by using hemolytic activity, drop collapse test, tilted glass test and oil displacement activity. The potent isolate MS-05A was characterised at molecular level. It showed 99.64% similarity with Cytobacillus oceanisediminis H2 (GQ292772). The growth of isolate MS-05A was optimized in Zobell marine broth for different environmental and nutritional parameters like salt, pH, temperature, agitation and sugar concentration. Optimal conditions were used for growth, emulsification activity and extraction of biosurfactant. The crude biosurfactant of MS-05A was characterized with thin layer chromatography (TLC) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Washing performance test and antimicrobial activity of crude biosurfactant were tested. The isolated MS-05A showed optimal growth in Zobell marine broth containing 3% sucrose, 5% salt, at 35°C,120 RPM agitation, pH 7 for 4 days incubation. The cell free supernatant of isolate showed emulsification activity 55% for sunflower oil. The crude biosurfactant of MS-05A showed good washing performance and antimicrobial activity. It may be used as a biocontrol agents in agriculture.

Enhancing Vegetative Growth Parameters of Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) through Exogenous Hormone Application

2024-04-26T12:17:48+00:00

Tomato rich in minerals, vitamin B, vitamin C, essential amino acids, sugars and dietary fibres, is grown worldwide. The fruit also contains anti- oxidant, lycopene, and is known to decrease the risk of cancer. Relatively easy to grow, tomato comprises popular health-related food components. Over the recent years there has been growing interest to strengthen and intensify local production of the crop through organic means. At the same time it is necessary to enhance the household food security and nutrition. The present study is an effort to ameliorate the growth of tomato using phytohormones either alone or in combination as soil drench. The seeds were raised in nursery followed by transplantation in garden soil. The transplanted plants were maintained in sets treated with three different concentrations 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 200 ppm of auxin, cytokinin and gibberellin. A combination of auxin + cytokinin, and auxin + gibberellin was also used at 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 200 ppm. The data was collected for root length, plant height, and increase in number of leaves and branches. The total photosynthetic pigments were also studied. All the treatments resulted in increased growth in vegetative parameters except 50 ppm auxin, which turned out to be a poor performer. The treatments cytokinin and a combination of auxin + gibberellin also resulted in early flowering. The study emphasizes that the growth parameters of tomato can be ameliorated organically using hormone formulations. Further, this simple method of raising tomato can be propagated as a popular technology amongst home gardeners, besides encouraging small scale farmers.

Forest Reliance in a Modern Era: Examining the Socioeconomic Conditions of NTFP-Dependent Tribal Communities in Tripura

2025-01-02T10:47:27+00:00

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are crucial for the livelihoods of forest-dwelling communities. This study investigates the socio-economic status of tribal communities in Tripura, India, who depend on NTFPs. Data was collected from four districts (Dhalai, Gomati, South Tripura, and West Tripura) to analyze factors like age, family structure, education level, land ownership, and livestock possession. The findings reveal that the average age of NTFP collectors is around 42.8 years, with a majority belonging to the older age category. Nuclear families are more prevalent, and the average family size is small. Literacy rates are low, with limited educational attainment. Land ownership is primarily for agriculture, with most communities classified as marginal farmers. Poultry farming is the most common livestock activity across all districts. Overall, the study highlights the challenges faced by these communities due to limited education, low income, and marginal land holdings. The research suggests the need for development initiatives focused on education, alternative income generation, and sustainable NTFP management practices.

Phytosociological Study of Bakhira Lake, a Ramsar Wetland of Uttar Pradesh, India

2024-11-13T11:09:46+00:00

The phytosociological study of Bakhira Lake, a Ramsar wetland in Uttar Pradesh, India, focuses on understanding the diversity, composition, and distribution of macrophytes within the ecosystem. Wetlands, often described as "biological supermarkets," provide essential ecosystem services, including water purification, flood control, and habitat for diverse flora and fauna. The study area, Bakhira Bird Sanctuary, covers 29 square kilometers and is prone to seasonal flooding, which influences the local vegetation and biodiversity. Field surveys conducted from June 2023 to May 2024 involved 180 quadrats, with data collected on density, frequency, and abundance of macrophyte species, following established ecological methods. A total of 127 angiospermic species across 83 genera and 43 families were identified, with Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and Asteraceae being the most dominant families. The ecological classification revealed a higher prevalence of free-floating hydrophytes. Data analysis showed that species like Eichhornia crassipes, Phragmitis karka, and Lemna minor had the highest Importance Value Index (IVI), indicating their dominance and adaptability in the wetland. The study also identified 10 invasive species, such as Alternanthera philoxeroides and Eichhornia crassipes, which threaten native biodiversity through rapid spread and competition for resources. This research underlines the need for conservation strategies to protect the wetland from anthropogenic pressures, including agricultural encroachment. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of managing invasive species and conserving native biodiversity to maintain the ecological balance of Bakhira Lake.

Micro-morphological and Morphometric Attributes Analysis of Brachysclereids (Stone Cells) on Fruit Mesocarp Cells of Six Selected Taxa of Diospyros L. in the Family Ebenaceae Based on Analytical Microscopy: A Systematic Approach

2024-10-22T10:34:41+00:00

Micro-attributes have an important systematics tool for plant identification and classification now-a-days. Brachysclereid (Stone Cell) was studied in six species belonging to genus Diospyros (D. ebenum, D. sylvatica, D. melanoxylon, D. kaki, D. blancoi, D. peregrina) under the family Ebenaceae. Light Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope was used for anatomy and ultrastructural study of brachysclereid. Phenetic relationships of Diospyros species were studied by cluster analysis through UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Groups Method with Arithmetic Average). The species are grouped in two groups, 'A' and 'B', and a cluster labelled 'X' on the phylogenetic tree. The important characteristics of the brachysclereid include some quantitative characters (Shape, Sclereid cell layers, Sclereid cell cluster number, Cluster crystal, Porosity of the stone cells, Lumen shape, Sclereids arrangement) and some quantitative characters (Sclereid cell length, Sclereid cell width, Sclereid index and Sclereid cell lumen diameter). Within a species, almost all of the traits under study showed little variation. Principal Componant Analysis (PCA) was applied using all polymorphic characteristics. The PCA revealed that sclereid index, Sclereid cell layer, Sclereid cell width, Sclereid cell lumen diameter. Sclereid index and Sclereid cell layer strongly influence Principal Component-1 (PC1). Principal componant1 (PC-1) and Principal Componant-2 (PC-2) jointly explain 77.41%.

Anthropogenic and Agricultural Impact on Hydrocarbon Contamination in the Ganga-Yamuna Confluence, Prayagraj, India

2025-04-04T12:29:12+00:00

The Ganga, one of the major rivers of northern India, originates in the Himalayas and flows through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, supporting diverse ecological and human activities. Spanning 2,525 km, the river receives significant urban discharge and agricultural runoff, impacting its water quality. This study assesses water quality and pesticide contamination in the middle stretch of the river, focusing on the Sangam area of Prayagraj. The analysis revealed distinct variations in physico-chemical properties, cation and anion concentrations, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs), trihalomethanes (THMs), bromate, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), common pesticides, and trace toxic elements among the Ganga, Yamuna, and Sangam waters. The concentrations of CHCs and THMs were relatively high in the Ganga, whereas PAHs and bromate levels were elevated in the Sangam waters. Further, PAH levels were high in Sangam, exceeding acceptable limits, with naphthalene concentrations approximately 14 times higher than in the Ganga and Yamuna. CHC levels were highest in the Ganga, while dieldrin in the Yamuna exceeded BIS limits. Among hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, α-, β-, and δ-HCH exceeded permissible levels, whereas γ-HCH remained within limits in Ganga. Most pesticides, including malathion, ethion, parathion-methyl, and endosulfan-II, were within acceptable thresholds, except atrazine, which was nearly twice the permissible level in the Yamuna. PCBs were mostly undetectable, except for PCB-28, PCB-153, and PCB-209, which were present in the Ganga and Yamuna, but at lower levels in Sangam. Additionally, trihalomethanes such as chloroform, dibromochloromethane, and bromodichloromethane were detected at all sites. These findings highlight significant variations in pollutant levels in the Ganga, Yamuna, and their confluence at Sangam, underscoring the urgent need for more effective implementation of Namami Gange policies in the middle stretch of the Ganga to support its restoration and long-term sustainability.

Regeneration Problem in Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don Dominated Forests of Kumaun Himalayan Region

2024-12-14T06:36:51+00:00

Regeneration is crucial for forest species survival, ensuring desired composition and stocking. This study investigates the regeneration status of Cedrus deodara across six forest sites in the Kumaun Himalaya, at elevations ranging from 1600 to 2400 masl. At lower elevations (1600-2000 masl), total tree density of C. deodara ranged from 606.67 to 786.67 ind ha^-1, showing fair regeneration with 13.33 to 160 ind ha^-1 seedling density and 226.67 to 353.33 ind ha^-1 sapling density. In contrast, at middle elevations (2000-2400 masl), total tree density of C. deodara ranged from 586.67 to 660 ind ha^-1 and showed poor regeneration. Absence of seedlings was conspicuous at middle elevations. Species richness was very low at lower elevations, as C. deodara formed pure patches, while middle elevations had higher tree richness but lower diversity and evenness. The absence of regeneration at middle elevations can be attributed to high anthropogenic activities. Significant human activities such as picnicking, overgrazing, and fuelwood extraction at middle elevations led to 0% regeneration, whereas sites with restricted human access at lower elevations showed better regeneration. These findings highlight the need for effective forest management and conservation strategies to ensure the sustainability and resilience of C. deodara dominated forest stands.

Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles via Green Synthesis: Insights into Antimicrobial, Antifungal and Dye Degradation Potentials

2025-01-06T10:58:54+00:00

Alternanthera sessilis aqueous extract was utilized to synthesize nickel oxide nanoparticles through a biological route that is simple and cost-effective. The leaves of A. sessilis, consumed as a vegetable, are renowned for their numerous health benefits. They are believed to promote hair growth, aid digestion, reduce inflammation, relieve joint pain, improve eyesight, and help treat conditions like leucorrhoea, diarrhea, skin diseases, fever, dyspepsia, and night blindness. This extract aids in preventing agglomeration and acts as a capping agent. The nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) were characterized using photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, recorded with a Shimadzu RF-5301 PC spectrofluorometer. Additionally, UV-visible spectroscopy was employed to obtain absorbance spectra, confirming the formation of NiONPs. X-ray techniques were also used to analyze other properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. Additionally, the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, antifungal activity against Candida albicans, and dye-reduction efficiency against Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue. The results indicate their potential as effective agents for antimicrobial, antifungal, and dye-removal applications.

Isolation and Characterization of Drought-tolerant Rhizobacteria from Arid Regions of Central Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and its Growth-promotional Effects on Phaseolus vulgaris

2024-11-07T09:48:05+00:00

Abiotic elements including drought have a major impact on agricultural productivity worldwide. Bioinoculants consisting rhizobacteria have been proposed as an environment friendly beneficial method to strengthen crop resistance to drought stress. The current study involves isolation of rhizobacteria from arid and semi- arid regions of Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh and tested for drought tolerance at different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000. Three bacterial isolates with maximum drought tolerance were characterized and identified molecularly, which include Pseudomonas sp. strain FD-37/23, Exiguobacterium aurantiacum strain GBRS02 and Microbacterium paraoxydans strain HZLJC2-1. Bacterial strains were screened for PGPR traits such as siderophore, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, ammonia production, hydrogen cyanide production, and phosphate solubilization. Exiguobacterium aurantiacum strain GBRS02 and Pseudomonas sp. strain FD-37/23, exhibited maximum drought tolerance of (0.81±0.09) and (0.82±0.08) while Microbacterium paraoxydans strain HZLJC2-1 shown drought tolerance of (0.69±0.03) at -0.73 Mpa water potential respectively, were selected for bio inoculation to bean plant. The bacterial inoculation resulted in significant increment in plant height, RWC, proline and other growth parameters. These findings may provide insight into the strains' potential application as rhizobacteria that stimulate plant development, either alone or in combination, which might aid local crops grow in drought-stressed environments.

Comparative Evaluation of the Impact of Different Cultivation Methods on Infestation of Insect Pests of Rice on the Konkan Coast of Maharashtra

2024-06-13T15:41:33+00:00

Rice is an important cereal staple food for the majority of the world’s population. The choice of cultivation methods plays a key role in influencing insect pest infestation, which ultimately affect the crop yield. Hence, a field experiment was carried out to comparatively evaluate a total of eleven rice cultivation methods for their impact on infestation level of yellow stem borer, leaf folder and case worm. Among the cultivation methods evaluated, the lowest incidence of dead heart as well as white ear head was recorded in the char sutri method with no significant difference compared to the recommended rice cultivation method. In the system of rice intensification method, the least occurrence of leaf folder and case worm was observed, with a statistically significant difference in incidence compared to the recommended rice cultivation method. These findings underscore the importance of adopting environmentally friendly and resource-efficient cultivation practices to mitigate pest damage while ensuring the long-term sustainability of rice production.

Effect of Seed Magnetic Treatment on Next Generation of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

2024-11-08T11:47:52+00:00

Following the promising outcome obtained from the application of magnetic field treatment with varying intensities and durations during the initial green gram crop cultivation, treatment T7 (225 mT for 75 min) emerged as the optimal choice among all treatments. A subsequent study was conducted at the farm of Navi vasni, Aravali, Gujarat to explore the continuous effect of magnetic field therapy on germination, growth, progress, and yield of green gram during the kharif season of 2023. Green gram (Vigna radiata) seeds from treatments T1 (control) and T7 (225 mT for 75 min) from the first crop cultivation were utilized without further treatment. Additionally, three other combinations were subjected to different magnetic field strengths (100, 350, and 225 mT) for durations of 75, 75, and 100 minutes, respectively, using an electromagnet unit. Each treatment, including non-treated seeds, was replicated three times and planted in the field following a Randomized Block Design (RBD), then further treated with regular water and vermicompost fertilizer. Observation of various physiological parameters (germination percentage, leaf area, shoot and root length, plant height) was recorded at 14-day intervals and chemical, biochemical and yield contributing parameters (N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, acidity, vitamin C and seed yield plant-1) were analyzed at the end of the cropping season. Through statistical analysis, the combination of non-treated seeds from the first crop with a magnetic field intensity of 225 mT and a duration of 75 minutes (T12) demonstrated the best overall performance in this study.

Impacts of Lichens and Bryophytes on the Monoliths of Mawphlang Sacred Groves: A Biodeterioration Assessment

2025-03-06T13:57:44+00:00

Mawphlang Sacred grove, an ancient and culturally significant forest in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, India, has remained an undisturbed ecological sanctuary. Historically, it served as a site for religious rituals, coronations and gathering of Khasi kings and leaders. This study evaluates the biodeterioration effects of lichen and bryophytes on the monoliths within the grove. The survey conducted in 2024 focused on identifying the species responsible for the biological weathering of these culturally significant stone structures. Due to strict conservation regulations prohibiting sample collection, high resolution photographic documentation was employed for species identification. Common taxa were identified up to the species level, while others were classified at the genus level. Future research should integrate advanced non-invasive techniques such as remote sensing, hyperspectral imaging and digital microscopy to monitor and access the extent of biological weathering over time. This study provides a foundation for future research on cryptogamic induced stone weathering in heritage sites and highlights the need for sustainable conservation approaches.

Dalbergia sissoo seedlings Inoculated to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, an Effective Candidate to Arsenic Tolerance

2024-10-17T11:05:13+00:00

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as a bio-fertilizer and natural root symbionts may increase plants' resistance to heavy metal stress and supply host plants with vital inorganic nutrients, enhancing growth and production in both unstressed and stressed conditions. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of two AMF species (Glomus macrocarpum and Glomus fasciculatum), on the development and biomass of Dalbergia sissoo seedlings exposed to soil arsenic stress (0, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg soil) for three months in a nursery environment. This symbiotic relationship caused inoculated plants to thrive and produce more biomass under all concentrations of arsenic stress than uninoculated plants did. Therefore, this study's conclusion is that the AM Fungi and Dalbergia sissoo combination has the capacity to survive under arsenic stress in soil.

Impacts of Climate Change on Cultivation of Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) and Biocontrol of Associated Weeds-A Case Study of Darbhanga District in Bihar, India

2025-03-04T06:10:42+00:00

Climate change across continents is having its impacts in various ways. Agriculture also is being affected in its own ways. A crop like Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) that is being cultivated in the stagnant water bodies of about 10 districts of Mithila area in north Bihar is also suffering from the problem of diminished supply of water. Smaller rivers are getting dried up and ponds are also facing the same predicament. Farmers are adapting to this new situation and are cultivating Makhana in otherwise arable plots with 1.5 to 2 feet water. Method of transplantation is being practiced. In a way it helps skipping the attack of some initial pests on the crop. But another problem emerges in the form of springing up of unwanted weeds like species of Pontederia, Jussiaea, Marsilea, Eichhornia,Scirpus etc. Farmers are making their own innovation by integrating fish aquaculture with that of E. ferox . The combination of fish types adopted by the farmers also helps in control of weeds infesting Makhana ponds.

The paper takes into account the present state of affairs faced by Makhana farmers in Darbhanga district and the ways that they choose to tackle with the situation as a sequel to climate resilience.

Impact of Excess Nickel on the Seed Germination, their Growth and Other Physiological Characteristics of Spinach

2024-12-02T10:51:07+00:00

From the beginning industrial revolution, heavy metal concentration get change dramatically in environment and it leads to metal toxicity. Heavy metal contamination of ground water and soil becomes serious threats to environment and human health. Some heavy metals are essential for plant growth and development in trace amount. In excess amount they cause toxicity to plants, and animals including human beings. The main purpose of this research work to evaluate the effects of different nickel concentration on spinach plants. In this study, we conduct test on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) to find out the effect of nickel toxicity on seed germination, seedling growth and some physiological parameters. Solution culture experiment was done with different concentration of Ni (control, 10 μM, 100 μM and 200 μM). Nickel toxicity leads to reduction in germination (no. of seeds), shoot and root length, as compared to seeds germinated in low nickel concentration (control). It also reveals antioxidative defence mechanisms of plants, first increased enzymes catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity at 10 uM Ni but later gets inhibited with increasing the Ni concentration 100 μM, 200 μM. It indicated as increase of Ni toxicity, it leads to breakdown of the antioxidative defence mechanisms of plants.

Characterization of Chlorpyrifos Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Rhizosphere of Oryza sativa L.

2024-12-30T08:10:21+00:00

Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide extensively used for pest management since many decades. Due to its persisting nature and ill effects on living organisms, the clean-up of chlorpyrifos from polluted areas has become a major priority. Bioremediation is the preferred approach for this purpose. The study was undertaken to extract bacteria capable of digesting chlorpyrifos employing an enrichment technique. The bacteria were isolated from the soil around the rice-growing areas in Raichur and Koppal districts of Karnataka, India. The isolates were examined and classified based on their physical and chemical characteristics. Efficient isolates were obtained through screening at progressively higher doses of chlorpyrifos. The isolates were examined for plant growth stimulating characteristics, which yielded favorable outcomes. The isolates were analyzed to determine the extent of chlorpyrifos degradation, which showed a maximum degradation rate of 61.3%. The findings of this research indicate that the strains capable of degrading chlorpyrifos have the capability to be a viable option for enhancing agricultural yields in soils polluted with pesticides.

Exploring the Polyethylene Degradation Efficiency of Bacillus vallismortis SK070

2024-08-16T14:58:04+00:00

In the rapid growing world, plastic consumption increased on a large scale, intensifying environmental pollution. As conventional waste management approaches prove inadequate, microbial degradation emerges as a promising and innovative solution. This study investigates the microbial communities in soil contaminated with plastic waste from a dump yard in Jawahar Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. A composite soil sample, SKP007, was analysed using 16S V3-V4 region metagenomic sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Phylum-level analysis revealed predominant groups including Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Firmicutes, with Bacillus, Rubrobacter, Streptomyces, and Steroidobacter as dominant genera. Following a 14-day enrichment period, six bacterial isolates were screened for plastic degradation. Isolate SK070 exhibited the highest plastic degradation efficiency, with a clearance zone diameter of 4.2 ± 0.3 mm and a degradation rate of 3.95 ± 0.06%. Morphological characterization of SK070 revealed rod-shaped bacteria with blunt ends. Molecular analysis through 16S rRNA sequencing identified SK070 as Bacillus vallismortis, showing 99.99% similarity. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its close relationship with Bacillus subtilis. This study highlights Bacillus vallismortis SK070 as a promising candidate for plastic bioremediation, warranting further investigation into its optimization and genomic features.

Effect of Azolla caroliniana: As Promising Biofertilizer for Improving the Growth and Yield of Rice

2024-11-08T14:03:39+00:00

Biofertilizer play important role for improving the crop yield and quality. The uses of biofertilizer over chemical fertilizer have an attractive approach for developing sustainable goal and improving soil fertility without affecting its nutrient level. Azolla has proven effective nitrogen containing biofertilizer for rice yield because of having symbiotic association with cyanobacteria. The present study was conducted to determine invitro effect of Azolla caroliniana on rice yield. Experiments were conducted in triplicate under complete randomized design and all the data were analysed by using ANOVA with statistically significant difference. The parameters used in this study were root height, shoot height, seed germination percentage, dry weight, fresh weight and pigment content. The result shows that rice seedling treated with Azolla caroliniana show increased, plant height, grain weight, seed germination percentage and chlorophyll content, however, root height was reduced. Thus, the study concluded that the application of Azolla caroliniana led to improvement of the growth traits of rice.

Ecofriendly and Sustainable Pharmaceutical Primary Packaging Materials of Solid Dosage Form

2025-02-05T14:41:42+00:00

The selection of appropriate paper-based materials for pharmaceutical primary packaging is crucial to ensure protection, stability, and compliance with regulatory standards. Various paper types, including butter paper, bleached kraft paper, glassine paper, glossy paper, cellophane paper, and Whatman paper, were evaluated based on key parameters such as thickness, tensile strength, folding endurance, water absorption, water permeability, GSM, and moisture content. Among these, glassine paper was identified as the most suitable material, as its properties closely matched the standard requirements for pharmaceutical-grade packaging. Despite its advantages, glassine paper exhibits limitations in terms of moisture resistance, mechanical strength, and barrier properties. To enhance its functionality and performance, coating techniques were explored to develop an eco-friendly paper-based packaging material for solid dosage forms. These coatings aim to improve moisture resistance, increase mechanical durability, and enhance barrier properties, making the material more effective for pharmaceutical applications. The development of such sustainable packaging aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives while ensuring the safety and stability of pharmaceutical products. This study provides a framework for optimizing paper-based packaging solutions in compliance with pharmaceutical packaging standards.