Luis Castillo-Henríquez, Karla Alfaro-Aguilar, Jeisson Ugalde-Álvarez
et al.
Currently, metal nanoparticles have varied uses for different medical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications. Nanobiotechnology, combined with green chemistry, has great potential for the development of novel and necessary products that benefit human health, environment, and industries. Green chemistry has an important role due to its contribution to unconventional synthesis methods of gold and silver nanoparticles from plant extracts, which have exhibited antimicrobial potential, among other outstanding properties. Biodiversity-rich countries need to collect and convert knowledge from biological resources into processes, compounds, methods, and tools, which need to be achieved along with sustainable use and exploitation of biological diversity. Therefore, this paper describes the relevant reported green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles from plant extracts and their capacity as antimicrobial agents within the agricultural field for fighting against bacterial and fungal pathogens that can cause plant, waterborne, and foodborne diseases. Moreover, this work makes a brief review of nanoparticles’ contribution to water treatment and the development of “environmentally-friendly” nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, and nanoherbicides, as well as presenting the harmful effects of nanoparticles accumulation in plants and soils.
Dendrobium chrysotoxum, a perennial medicinal and horticulture plant in the genus Dendrobium within the orchid family (Orchidaceae), holds significant medicinal, ornamental, and scientific value, and thus it is recognized as an innovative horticultural crop. Despite its importance, the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of D. chrysotoxum, remains unexamined in the current scientific literature. In this study, we assembled an annotation of the complete mitogenome of D. chrysotoxum, which comprises 18 circular chromosomes with a total length of 582,418 bp. The mitogenome encodes a total of 63 genes including 37 protein-coding genes (PCGs), three rRNA genes, and 18 tRNA genes. Comparative analyses with other angiosperms revealed variations in gene content. Notably, our analysis revealed the retention of sdh4 in the D. chrysotoxum mitogenome, and it has contracted to 153 bp. Using RNA editing sites, we predicted a total of 605 editing sites across all PCGs, with the nad4 gene exhibiting the highest number of sites at 57. Our research further identified the extensive presence of mitochondrial plastid DNA sequences, with 87 fragments accounting for 12.75% of the mitogenome. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses further elucidated the evolutionary dynamics and rearrangement events in D. chrysotoxum as compared to other Dendrobium species. Additionally, we identified a 5,601 bp secondary horizontal gene transfer event involving fungal genes and tRNA genes. Our results provide valuable insights into the symbiotic relationships between orchids and fungi and aids in further research on its potential applications as a medicinal herb with ornamental value.
Plant ecology, Environmental effects of industries and plants
Throughout agricultural history, controlling weeds to prevent yield loss has been a longstanding focus. However, a practical technology that leverages weeds as a beneficial biological resource without compromising crop yields has remained elusive. Our study proposes and evaluates an innovative integrated technology to utilise and suppress weeds (ITUSW) for sustainable maize cultivation. In brief, maize was planted in ultrawide rows (100 cm apart) with two plants per hill on strip-tillage beds. Interrow weeds were allowed to grow naturally. These weeds were mowed during the seedling, tillering, and flowering stages. The mowed material, combined with the previous year's maize stover that was laid on the interrows, was then used as mulch over the maize rows and eventually returned to the soil through the practice of strip-tillage. Our five-year field study suggest that maize yields under the ITUSW treatment did not differ from those achieved by the plastic film mulching for weeding (MFW), chemical weeding (CW), chemical weeding plus straw return (CWSR), and mechanical weeding by hand hoeing (MHW)(p > 0.05) treatments, yet they significantly surpassed those of the chemical weeding combined with straw mulching (CWSM)(p < 0.05) treatment. Importantly, the above-ground intra-row weed biomass under the ITUSW was notably reduced compared to the MFW treatment, resembling the levels observed in other treatments. Conversely, the inter-row weed biomass experienced substantial increases of up to 448 g/m2 through maize growth season, specifically by 9.89-, 5.14-, 4.36-, and 3.51-fold in contrast to the SWSM, CW, MHW, and MFW, treatments respectively (p < 0.05). Our series of supplementary experiments confirmed that weeds beyond a 25 cm radius do not induce yield loss (p < 0.05). Moreover, ITUSW designed with a wide row layout, strip tillage, inter-row weed mowing, and intra-row weed mulching eliminated competition from inter-row weeds and achieved the resource utilisation of inter-row weeds, such as soil improvement and biomass mulching. Besides, ITUSW is compatible with winter crops such as wheat. Consequently, ITUSW shows potential to replace chemical herbicides in maize production, and weeds are redefined from foes to allies, propelling agriculture towards enhanced sustainability.
Environmental sciences, Environmental effects of industries and plants
Malini Ray, Sneha Choudhary, Abisma K Jose, Vikash Kumar, Aakash Gupta and Sonali Bhagat
Ericoid mycorrhiza (ErM) is an unexplored and understudied member of the mycorrhizal world, surprisingly belonging to Ascomycota and Basidiomycota instead of Glomeromycota (the phylum comprising fungi forming associations with higher plants). ErM obtained its etymology due to its symbiotic relationship with members of the Ericaceae Family. Just like any other mycorrhiza, ErM also helps its hosts through nitrogen uptake and phosphorus bioavailability and provides defense to host plants against various phytopathogens. It also takes part in the decomposition of organic matter and depolymerization of complex substances. These mycorrhizae are distributed across all continents except Antarctica. The majority of culturable ErM is spread across England, Australia, Canada, the United States etc. This review focuses on the literature survey on ErM, its taxonomy, and diversity alongside its functions. Our review also sheds light on the host range of the ericoid fungi, wherein, out of all the hosts, Salal (Gautheria shallon) has been identified as one of the most promising ones
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
The Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) of Azadirachta indica, Ficus benghalensis, and Ficus religiosa were compared to assess their tolerance to air pollution in different environmental setups. The study was conducted at six different locations with different environmental setups, including Urban, Industrial, Institutional and Agricultural. The parameters used for APTI were pH, relative water content, total chlorophyll content, and ascorbic acid content in the leaves, while API was calculated using APTI along with the socio-economic characteristics of the targeted species. Three species were selected, with nine replicates of each species from each setup (i.e., 6×9×3, which means a total of 162 samples) were analyzed for APTI during the winter season, when there is a lower mixing height that prevents the dispersion of pollutants and makes the environment highly polluted, and trees show high tolerance in a polluted environment. The APTI values of all the targeted species were higher in industrial setups than in the other environmental setups, i.e., 20.42 ± 1.65 for A. indica, 14.75 ± 0.53 for F. benghalensis, and 13.39 ± 1.11 for F. religiosa. The sample t-test showed a significant difference in the APTI of the industrial setup and other setups (p=0.0000). A. indica was found to be a tolerant species, and F. benghalensis and F. religiosa were intermediate-tolerant species based on APTI. F. benghalensis and F. religiosa fall under the excellent and A. indica falls under the very good category based on API. Based on these two indices, the best tree species were identified for plantation and the abatement of air pollution in industrial areas.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
Cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) were estimated along a water-soil-plant-firefly food chain for understanding bioaccumulation and biotransformation at the study site, i.e., areas surrounding a surface water body exposed to multidirectional anthropogenic usage (bathing, cleaning, washing) and periodic exposures of domestic sewerages and runoffs from nearby agricultural areas. In the food chain components, the trend of accumulation followed Fe > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd. Chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) levels were higher in sediment (80 ppm and 34.4 ppm, respectively). Lower N/P ratio (0.08) together with high pH (7.8±1.2) in water indicated the eutrophic conditions. Dissolved metals (
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
Danny Dwi Saputra, Aditya Nugraha Putra, Rika Ratna Sari
et al.
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (BTS-NP) in East Java, Indonesia showcases a breathtaking volcanic landscape and cultural allure, drawing hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors. Recreational activities involving human and animal trampling and motorized-vehicle traffic caused soil disturbance along their networks of paths, trails, or roads, potentially having a detrimental long-term effect on the tourism industry and environmental services provided by the national parks. However, the extent of the impact of these disturbances on soil properties remains unclear. This study assessed the impact of different disturbance intensities, consisting of undisturbed locations as a control (zone 1), low to medium- (zone 2), and high- (zone 3) disturbance intensities on five different BTS-NP tourism hotspots, including Entrance Wonokitri (EW), Whispering Sand (WS), Parking Temple (PT), Teletubbies Hill (TH), and Entrance Bromo Stairs (EB), on soil properties, including soil compaction represented by soil penetration resistance, and soil infiltration. This study revealed that the higher severity impact of recreational activities on soil compaction was parallel with higher disturbance intensity, particularly in EW and TH. In these particular locations, higher soil compaction is significantly linked to lower soil infiltration, thus needing extra attention and protection. Meanwhile, in WS, PT, and EB, soil infiltration was more controlled by the establishment of a cemented topsoil layer consisting of mixed sand, sulfur, and water. Better management strategies, such as the use of proper trails and road infrastructures, particularly on EW and TH, might be relevant to minimize the impact of recreational activities on these ecologically, economically, and culturally important areas.
Simple Summary Climate change and environmental heat stress are important challenges for the future of the dairy industry, as these environmental factors can reduce the productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows. Therefore, relieving the heat stress of dairy cows is an important priority for the dairy industry. Plant extracts have advantages in safety, efficiency, low toxic side effects (if correctly selected) and residue, thus, can significantly aid in alleviating heat stress in dairy cows. This paper reviews the effects of some plant extracts on alleviating heat stress in dairy cows and their possible regulatory mechanisms. The aim is to develop applicable strategies using plant extracts to alleviate heat stress in dairy cows. Abstract Heat stress (HS) in cows is a critical issue in the dairy industry. Dairy cows accumulate heat from body metabolism, along with that imposed by air temperature, humidity, air flow and solar radiation. HS in animals can occur during hot and humid summers when the ambient temperature is extremely high. Dairy cows have relatively high feed intakes and metabolic heat production and are thus susceptible to HS, leading to reductions in feed intake, lower milk yield, affected milk quality, reduced animal health and even shortening the productive lifespan of cows. Therefore, alleviating HS is a top priority for the dairy industry. Suitable plant extracts have advantages in safety, efficiency and few toxic side effects or residues for applications to alleviate HS in dairy cows. This paper reviews the effects of some plant extract products on alleviating HS in dairy cows and briefly discusses their possible mechanisms of action.
Alfredo Peinado Gonzalo, Alberto Pliego Marugán, F. G. García Márquez
Abstract The sustainability of the global energy production systems involves new renewable energies and the improvement of the existing ones. Photovoltaic industry is growing thanks to the development of new technologies that increase the performance of photovoltaic systems. These systems are commonly subject to harsh environmental conditions that decrease their energy production and efficiency. In addition, current photovoltaic technologies are more sophisticated, and the size of photovoltaics solar plants is growing. Under this framework, research on failures and degradation mechanisms, together with the improvement of maintenance management, becomes essential to increase the performance, efficiency, reliability, availability, safety, and profitability of these systems. To assess maintenance needs, this paper presents a double contribution: an exhaustive literature review and updated survey on maintenance of photovoltaic plants, and a novel analysis of the current state and a discussion of the future trends and challenges in this field. An analysis of the main faults and degradation mechanisms is done, including the causes, effects, and the main techniques to detect, prevent and mitigate them.
Sheunesu Ngwenya, N. Mashau, Emmanuel S. Mhlongo
et al.
In Zimbabwe, just like most developing countries, the problem of environmental pollution continues to threaten and endanger public health. Current pollution management measures seem insufficient in combating the problem to the extent that communities living in or near industrial areas continue to suffer from associated acute and chronic health conditions. Kwekwe city is an industrial and mining area with several abandoned and active mines and processing plants. Artisanal mining is widespread in the area, and many parts of the city's landscape are littered with open mining pits, dumps, and abandoned tailings. Most of these facilities are potential sources of heavy metals and cyanide and pose risks to human health. This study, therefore, seeks to develop a health risk management framework to address problems, which are associated with anthropogenic pollutants such as heavy metals and cyanide. The study will be conducted in two phases, that is, the first phase would involve the collection and analysis of empirical data from environmental samples, residents, and key stakeholders on heavy metal and cyanide pollution and associated health risks. The second phase would utilise findings from the first phase to develop a regulatory framework and to manage identified health risks. The developed framework would be validated through stakeholder and expert participation. The developed health risk management framework could be useful in the prevention and control environmental contamination, hence assisting to improve non-communicable diseases’ outcomes in Kwekwe city. Background According to WHO, in 2015, over 35% of ischaemic heart disease, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and about 42% of strokes, the second largest contributor to global mortality, could have been prevented by reducing or removing exposure to chemical pollutants. Heavy metal and cyanide pollution are prevalent in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where the effects of industrial pollutants are more severe, partly due to poor regulation. In Zimbabwe, the mining industry alone contributed to 25% of occupational conditions and injuries in 2020. Therefore, to mitigate these problems, this study seeks to develop a health risk management framework for heavy metals and cyanide pollution in the industrial city of Kwekwe. Methods The convergent parallel mixed-method study design will be utilised. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected, analysed, and merged in order to inform the development of the risk framework. An analytical cross-sectional survey would be used to determine levels of heavy metals in surface water, soil, and vegetables. Free cyanide will be determined in surface water samples only. The phenomenological qualitative inquiry will be used to investigate health events and risks associated with potentially toxic pollutants (heavy metals and cyanide) to describe or interpret participants' lived experiences. The qualitative and quantitative results will be used to develop and validate the framework to manage identified health risks. For data analysis, statistical analysis will be used in the quantitative study, while thematic analysis will be used in the qualitative study. The study was approved by the University of Venda Ethics Committee (Registration Number FHS/22/PH/05/2306) and the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (Approval Number MRCZ/A/2944). All ethical principles will be adhered to throughout the study in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Discussion While existing risk management frameworks have significantly contributed to human and environmental health protection, novel and comprehensive frameworks need to be developed to counter the ever-dynamic and evolving risks associated with chemical pollutants. If the management framework is successfully developed, it could offer an opportunity for the prevention and control of potentially toxic elements.
Piper betle L., belonging to Piperaceae family, known as a traditional herbal medicinal plant and used for several health benefits in Asian countries. Currently, demand for its products such as herbal drugs, medicines, and natural herbal formulations has increased. The beneficial effects of betel leaves and its products have traditionally exploited for the treatment of several diseases like bad breath, cuts, injuries, inflammations, cold cough, indigestion, etc. Till now, a broad range of bioactive compounds including polyphenols, terpenes, etc., has been identified from the extracts and essential oil (EO) of betel leaves. The structural and functional characterization of the extract and EO bio‐actives has been derived by various advanced standard methods. Most of the health‐related benefits of betel leaves have been associated with their bioactive phenolic compounds. The extract of this highly perishable product can be used in organic synthesis, food, and beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, etc., to the environmental issues. The present review provides information on extraction techniques, identification of bioactive compounds, and their biological activities. That apart, information on processing, preservation, and health benefits along with their mechanisms has also been added.
Due to the high demand for food and meat for the world's growing population, the agricultural sector is expanding every year. It is estimated India generates around 500 Mt of crop residue annually. Timely and effective treatment is of utmost importance to utilize organic matter in agricultural waste and avoid environmental pollution. This not only reduces the environmental effects but provides entrepreneurships opportunities to the students. The New Education Policy (NEP) emprises on skilling and entrepreneurships developments Agriculture waste management can be one of the area for skilling to covert waste into wealth. This review of the developments in this area revealed that agriculture waste can be utilised for mushroom cultivation, pig farming vermicomposting and many more. Indian council of Agriculture Research(ICAR) initiations have developed waste management technologies that includes bio char from agricultural waste material, soil less planting media using sugar industry residue, foliar spray from fish waste etc .There is need to establish collaboration for joint research, compilation of the technology to reach large number of stake holders. There is need to design one year course under degree programme that enable students to specialise and get diploma or certificate to become entrepreneur. The paper discusses opportunities for collaboration and strategies for effective implementation of Agriculture waste management through entrepreneurship development
Mochammad Roviq, Anna Satyana Karyawati, Puri Kholifatush Sholihah
et al.
Temulawak or Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrizha Roxb.) has great adaptability and is tolerant of low light intensity; therefore, it may be planted on calcareous soil under teak stands. However, temulawak may thrive in soils with a pH of 5.0-6.5 and plenty of organic matter. Calcareous or alkaline soils have problems with high pH and low organic matter. These conditions can be improved with soil amendments. Manure and other soil amendments can remedy soil structure, chemistry, and organisms. Sulfur is generally used to lower soil pH. Sulfur is a structural component of several coenzymes, chloroplasts, and vitamins essential for plant metabolism. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of manure and sulfur fertilizer on temulawak yield and quality grown on calcareous soil beneath teak stands. This study used a completely randomized block design with two factors: manure doses of 10, 15, and 20 t ha-1 and ZA doses of 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha-1. According to the findings, the soil pH to increase the rhizome’s fresh weight per clump is between 5.72 and 6.00. In terms of curcuminoid content and antioxidant activity, the soil pH required by temulawak ranges from 5.94 to 6.61.
Jessica Aschemann-Witzel, Maartje D.G.H. Mulders, Meike Janssen
et al.
The agricultural sector is responsible for a large share of natural resource use and climate impact. A sustainable food system transition requires amongst others that a majority of consumers begins to eat more plant based. However, so far, only a niche or minority of consumers eats primarily plant based. With a conceptual background in positive tipping points in sustainability transitions and social network theory, this paper uses a segmentation analysis of representative consumer survey data in Denmark to characterize segments that differ in psychographic drivers or barriers of meat reduction. From the eight segments found, three are already part of the niche, three emerge as opposed to plant-based, but two are potential next consumers. We discuss how to trigger behaviour change towards eating more plant-rich in ways that match the segments potential motivations and barriers and contribute to literature and work on sustainable food systems transitions.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Economic growth, development, planning
Malou Reipurth, Lasse Hørby, Charlotte G. Gregersen
et al.
Abstract Replacement of animal-based products with plant-based products promotes environmental sustainability and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Consumers are aware of recommendations towards healthier and more sustainable food consumption, but often they do not follow them. The aim of this study was to examine barriers and facilitators towards adopting a more plant-based diet among Danish consumers. Data was collected through an online survey during October 2017. The topics in the questionnaire was based on recent findings from published literature on the subject. A total of 462 consumers were segmented based on their frequency intake of animal-based products. Segments were characterized by their attitudes towards plant-based diets using a logistic regression. Four segments were identified: Low All (n = 220), High All (n = 70), High Meat (n = 48), and High Dairy (n = 124). Negative attitudes about protein content, satiety effect, taste, environmental and health effects were identified as barriers towards adopting a more plant-based diet, for segments with a high intake of either meat or all animal products. The segment with a low intake of animal products held positive attitudes towards the ease of cooking, taste, protein content, satiety effect, and availability of plant-based food, indicating that these attitudes serve as facilitators towards adopting a more plant-based diet. The results can be used to inform industry and targeted health campaigns towards promoting plant-based diets in Denmark and similar countries.
Frances Roi Seston Tampubolon, Arief Sabdo Yuwono, Armansyah Halomoan Tambunan and Noer Azam Achsani
The life cycle assessment (LCA) of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has several categories in the resulting impact analysis. One of them is a wastewater treatment plant on campus or university. Various emissions from WWTP and their impact factors are analyzed using software and utilizing the Eco-inventory database. Recycled water from factories has a positive impact on the categories assessed. System treatment overrides the effects of recycled water in other types such as potential terrestrial eco-toxicity, global warming potential, particulate matter formation, fossil depletion potential, and others. However, untreated sewers’ social effects and the environmental impact of compost generated by the system have not been thoroughly analyzed by a more holistic analysis. By using the LCA method, these results can be seen in Enim River’s environment expressed in GWP units (global warming potential) and human health expressed in ODP units (Ozone Depletion Potential). Several studies have also been conducted on LCA, which has problems with wastewater. One of the most recent research analyses various wastewater treatment strategies, such as aerobic against anaerobic, chemical versus chemical, and biological combinations. The Enim River is found in the Indonesian province of South Sumatra. The Muara Enim Regency area is where the river flows from upstream to downstream. The Enim River is a child of the Lematang River. The GWP value had a GWP of 16% before being treated in wastewater, and it had a GWP of 41.3% after being treated with sewage. This result means that treating wastewater requires energy to do so. Before treatment, the MDP value was 10.4%, and after treatment was 20.4%. However, further action after the management of wastewater gives significant value to the assessment of GWP, MDP, and ODP. The three results provided a reduction value for the reuse of treated water and reused as water needs.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
A. Irsadi, N. K. T. Martuti, M. Abdullah and L. N. Hadiyanti
The purpose of this study was to analyze abrasion at the border of Sayung, Demak, Indonesia. Coastal abrasion data were obtained from high-resolution images from 2005-to 2017 by using ArcGIS 10.3, while data on environmental factors that affected abrasion, including tides from 2013-to 2017, was obtained from BMKG. Based on the analysis and calculations, the area of abrasion at the coast of Sayung, Demak was 262.74 hectares spread over four villages, namely Sri Wulan, Bedono, Timbulsloko, and Surodadi. Avifauna in the mangroves will be severely harmed by abrasion. As a result, abrasion prevention and evaluation, as well as the factors that cause abrasion, are required to reduce the impact of abrasion on the specified shore.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)