Development of nanoparticles is increasing due to their wide applications in various fields including sensing technologies, sieving properties, electronics and biomedical applications. Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles are being used in different fields of research. Hence their exposure to animals including humans is increasing. Thus there is a dire need to evaluate the toxicity of CuO nanoparticles using different plant and animal models. We procured copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized at pH 7 and 10 of the precursor solution. Different concentrations (0.1 and 0.01 g/100ml) were made and used for exposure treatments using Allium cepa. CuO nanoparticles showed a dose dependent toxicity in Allium cepa shoot length analysis test. A reduction in the shoot lengths was observed in the treated onion bulbs as compared to the controls. CuO nanoparticles synthesized at pH 10 were found to be more toxic as revealed by shorter shoot lengths as compared to pH7 treated samples.

Bees play a pivotal role in agriculture development, maintaining biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods including food security. Nevertheless, the potential of beekeeping is not fully exploited in forestry activities and development programs because information on the benefits of beekeeping has not been explicitly disseminated to stakeholders. Farmers and other stakeholders in the forestry sector should be well informed and convinced to accept beekeeping as a viable commercial and protective measure to be prioritized and integrated into sustainable forest management (SFM) and other development strategies. Beekeeping belongs to an enterprise where managers are the beekeepers and workers are the bees. This makes it one of the simple, time-saving and low-cost enterprise that could be afforded by people with different financial situations. There is evidence of the decline in the population of pollinating insects, including bees, on the planet due to unsustainable forest management practices that disturb these insects' lifecycles. It is important for SFM stakeholders to understand the environmental, socioeconomic and sociocultural utilities (goods and services) generated by beekeeping in order to identify possible interrelationships between them. Through this understanding, SFM stakeholders could come up with watertight interconnected programs and strategies that could enhance their value.

Nowadays, plant pests and pathogens are responsible for the loss of more than 20-30% of crops. Unfortunately, traditional plant disease management strategies rely heavily on toxic pesticides and fungicides, which pose significant risks to humans and the environment. Fortunately, nanomaterials show great promise in crop protection and plant disease management. These materials can mimic the action of chemical pesticides by serving as carriers of active ingredients such as host-defense-inducing chemicals and pesticides to target pathogens. Due to their ultra-small size, nanomaterials can precisely target and hit pathogens. Nanotechnology offers several benefits to traditional pesticides, such as reducing toxicity, improving shelf-life, and increasing the solubility of poorly water-soluble pesticides. Additionally, nanosensors could revolutionize disease diagnosis, pathogen detection, and residual analysis, making them more precise and faster. Nanoparticles can be utilized in various ways for plant disease management, either as protectants, nanocarriers for insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and RNA-interference molecules, or as nanocomposites. Despite the many potential advantages of using nanoparticles, very few nanoparticle-based products have been commercialized for agricultural purposes. This is likely due to insufficient field trials and underutilization of pest-crop host systems. Other industries have made great strides in nanotechnology, and to keep up with this progress, agricultural applications must address essential research questions and fill scientific gaps to create realistic and commercialize nanoproducts. This study analyzes the relevance, scope, and potential applications of nanotechnology in plant disease management for the future.

Climate change is one of the most serious challenges of the 21 st century, with significant impacts on ecosystems, human health, and the global economy. The effect of climate change on flora and fauna has been widely discussed for years. In addition, however, its consequences on microorganisms are generally poorly considered. Climate change is affecting microbial behavior and pathogenicity (Harvell et al., 2002). These microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, play important roles in the environment with significant impacts on human health. Understanding of how climate change can affects their pathogenicity is important to predict and mitigate potential public health risks.

The aim of this study was to investigate phytochemicals, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hemolysis assay of Ephedra alata Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and quantitative analysis of total phenolics and flavonoids were prepared by using standard protocols. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the aqueous extract show richness in flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, reducing compound, tannins, phenols and alkaloids. Total phenol and flavonoid content show highest concentration in aqueous extract of E. alata (68.009mg GA Eq/gm, 4mg QEq/gm). In vitro, the DPPH and FRAP antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory, Hemolysis assay studies show that aqueous extract of Ephedra alata showed higher antioxidant activity property and important anti-inflammatory. The results conclude that Ephedra alata contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds which protects cells against degenerative effects of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). This study showed that the Ephedra alata is valuable source of natural agents beneficial for human health.

Coal is a heterogeneous rock with complex characteristics. Composition varies even in centimeters. Origin influences the composition of coal deposits, both organic and inorganic materials. The concentration of vitrinite or inertinite is determined by the nature and origin of the coal during the formation. Fluctuation and rates of down-warping or up-warping influence the accumulation of inorganic materials. The rank of the coal is determined by the thermal treatment undergone by the coal deposits over the period. Internal Moisture content depends upon the rank of the coal. Surface moisture content is based on the size of mined and crushed coal. Beneficiation of coal is a process of reducing the inorganic materials.

The presence of small green spaces in the urban areas in the form of parks and gardens provides shelter to different species of resident and migratory birds. There is a need for long term documentation of avifaunal diversity which exists in such urban natural environment. This study has been conducted in urban parks of Delhi viz, (i) Hudco Park, (ii) Lodhi Garden, (iii) Siri Fort Park, and (iv) Sanjay Lake Park. All four sites are located in the heart of the South and East Delhi. Bird species were recorded using random surveys in the parks, open areas, across the habitations and along the avenue trees during the period 2017-2022. A total of 62 species and sub-species of birds have been recorded from all four sites, belonging to 13 orders, 35 families and 51 genera. Of these, 50 (81%) are residents and 12 (19%) are migrants. The number of sightings for 13 birds was very common, 18 birds were common, 19 birds were occasional and 12 birds were rare.

Gram -ve bacteria is highly virulent as compared to gram +ve microbes due to presence of outer membrane, lipoproteins and also due to the endotoxins they produce. Hence, their isolation and detailed studies on antimicrobial agents that can kill them is a challenging task. Earlier studies on Proteus spp. (P.mirabilis) has showed positive effect on growth of the plants like Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, commonly referred as Tomato plant and proven to be effective on plant development. In recent studies, we have isolated Gram -ve bacillus (Proteus spp.) from the root samples of Kalanchoe pinnata, Euphorbia tithymaloides and K. pneumoniae from Murray koenigii by plating serially diluted root extract samples on MacConkey agar and MacConkey Agar w/o CV, NaCl w/ 0.5% sodium taurocholate medium. The bacterial strains isolated were identified to be Gram -ve bacilli characterised using biochemical tests and Gram staining technique. The bacilli isolated from the rootlets of Kalanchoe pinnata and Euphorbia tithymaloides were found to be motile and identified as P.mirabilis and in case of Murray koenigii, the isolated bacilli were found to be non-motile and identified as Gram -ve K. pneumoniae.

Himachal Pradesh, a mountainous state in northern India, is known for its rich biodiversity, pristine ecosystems, and picturesque landscapes. However, over recent decades, anthropogenic activities such as industrialization, deforestation, urbanization, and tourism have exerted immense pressure on its environment and local communities. This paper provides a comprehensive review of these human-induced impacts, highlighting the interconnection between environmental degradation, socio-economic transformations and the well-being of local populations. This study also explores the consequences of developmental activities and evaluates potential strategies to promote sustainable development in the region.

Air change is a major discuss of today`s earth. The worry of weather changes along with the changeability of oil in the future. The burning of fossil power source, mostly coal is much accountable for global warming. The atmospheric response of sulfur dioxide is considerable acid rain predecessor and are accountable for acidification of various forms of climatic water. The purpose of present work was to study the influence of the succinic acid inhibited CoO catalyzed autoxidation of S(IV) in alkaline medium has been studied and on the basis of observed results following rate has been proposed. Rate constants and the order of reaction were calculated and the reaction was found to be pseudo- first order in all cases. The effect of pH and temperature are also discussed. The value of apparent activation (Ea) energy was calculated by using Arrhenius equation. On the basis of calculated inhibition parameters, the reaction follows a free radical mechanism.

Nanomaterials can be synthesized due to high surface energies of the constitutional elements. Higher surface energies help in greater adsorption. It is well known that nanomaterials are currently useful in almost all fields of human use. Positive aspects of nanotechnology are well researched upon However, the negative aspects of nanomaterials have not been studied much to date. Hence, there is a need to delve more into the negative aspects of nanomaterials This paper reviews both the positive and the negative effects of nanotechnology in a balanced way .The study suggests a good balance in the use of nanotechnology.

Enzymatic treatment on jute-cotton union fabric is ecofriendly way of biopolishing. This study explores the eco-friendly bio-polishing of jute-cotton union fabrics using free enzymes under various treatment conditions. The study analyzed the physical properties of the treated fabric, revealing minimal degradation and increased fiber accessibility. The treatment was measured using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), providing insights into the chemical bonds and functional groups on the fabric molecule. The treated fabric performance was studied at 3, 6 and 12 h at room temperature. Fabric of a jute-cotton union fabric is improved by all of the treatments, as reflected through FTIR readings. The results showed that the treated fabric was of good quality, as protruding fibers were removed during the bio-polishing process.

Truffles, esteemed members of the kingdom Fungi, are categorized under the phylum Ascomycota and the class Ascomycetes. They belong to the order Pezizales and the family Tuberaceae, with their most prominent and celebrated genus being Tuber. Truffles provide numerous health benefits due to their bioactive compounds. They have antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, liver-protective, anti-mutagenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Truffles are abundant in bioactive compounds, including ascorbic acid, ergosterol, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and polysaccharides etc. This review primarily focuses on exploring the nutritional composition, secondary metabolites, and biological activities of Tuber melanosporum Vittad, Tuber magnatum Pico, Tuber borchii Vittad, Tuber gennadii, Tuber aestivum Vittad, Tirmania pinoyi, and Tirmania nivea.

Since about 40 years ago vegan diet and veganism has had increasing interest and adoption by people from all parts of the world. This paper is one of the few efforts to show the negative aspects of veganism in a scientific way without being emotional about it. The author explains the long-term negative impact on environment and climate, also alluding to the possible deterioration of health. Too much emphasis has been paid on veganism and its positive environmental impact. However, there are some potential negative aspects to consider. The Jains of India and the Buddhists of China had come to terms with milk and milk products. In India the Jains and Hindus worship the cow. In China, they searched the forests to find “mushrooms” with a taste equal to the meat that people wanted. There is an increasing tendency all over the world to adopt the vegan diet. The emphasis is on ‘no milk’ consumption and no consumption of milk derived products and of course, no beef consumption. The human species is a meat-eating species, and this trend will divert attention to eating other kinds of meat. This paper is written by a firm believer of vegetarianism, but not veganism.

Microplastics have become a pervasive environmental pollutant, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Conventional methods for mitigating microplastic pollution, such as mechanical filtration and chemical treatments, often have limitations in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Bioremediation, leveraging natural microbial and enzymatic processes, presents a promising alternative to address this complex environmental challenge. As a biological engineered process utilizing microorganisms and enzymes, bioremediation presents a promising approach to mitigate microplastic contamination. This review explores the current understanding of bioremediation techniques for microplastics, including microbial degradation, enzymatic breakdown, and biofilm-mediated processes. Besides potential applications, challenges, and future directions of bioremediation in addressing microplastic pollution, emphasize the need for sustainable and effective strategies.

Present study was undertaken to investigate the vermicomposting of different organic waste (Deciduous tree leaves, biogas slurry, paddy straw and cow dung) employing, Eisenia fetida. The experiment was comprised of six treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design. The following treatments were kept T1: 50% Deciduous tree leaves + 50% Cow dung, T2: 50% Deciduous tree leaves + 25% Cow dung + 25% Biogas slurry, T3: 50% Paddy straw + 50% Cow dung, T4: 50% Paddy straw + 50% Biogas slurry, T5: 100% Cow dung and T6: Farm yard manure (control). It has been observed that vermicompost prepared from deciduous tree, took 8 months to reach the maturity and the results showed that NPK and micronutrient content was higher in the deciduous tree leaves vermicompost followed by paddy straw vermicompost and cow dung vermicompost. The lowest particle and bulk density was observed in deciduous tree leaves vermicompost and porosity was increased. The highest total organic carbon was observed in deciduous tree leaves vermicompost. The Results further demonstrate that the nutrient content increased from pre- composting stage to maturity stage. The heavy metal content was decreased from pre composting stage to maturity stage. The maximum bacterial count was observed in paddy straw vermicompost and the maximum fungal count was observed in deciduous tree leaves vermicompost. The maximum dehydrogenase activity was observed in the cow dung vermicompost.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was synthesized and employed as a promising catalyst under sunlight illumination for the photocatalytic degradation of Titan yellow (TY) dye. The structural and physiochemical features of the hydrothermally synthesized MoS2 nanoparticles were examined by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. XRD affirmed the formation of 2H-MoS2, which is the most stable phase of the MoS2. Additionally, morphological insights into the MoS2 nanospheres were obtained through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The photodegradation process and energy band gap value were analyzed using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. Due to visible light responsive band gap of synthesized MoS2, it showed excellent degradation efficiency of 96 % under natural sunlight in a small-time duration (12 minutes). All the characteristics features of this study anticipated that MoS2 can be used as potential photocatalyst for cleaning our river, water treatment and environmental remediation.

Apitherapy is an alternative medicine that treats a variety of human ailments by using honeybee products, most notably bee venom. Bee stings or hand injections are two ways venom might enter a human's body. Peptides and enzymes, among other active chemicals, found in bee venom have the potential to be very beneficial in treating inflammation and disorders of the central nervous system, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, studies using bee venom have demonstrated encouraging results against many cancer forms and antiviral activities, including against the difficult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This article aims to provide an overview of the principal components of bee venom, including its key biological features, modes of action, and therapeutic benefits when used in conjunction with alternative medicine approaches. Many research publications have suggested that bee venom, either directly from a bee sting or as an injectable, can be used to treat various difficulties either in vivo or in vitro. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the usage of bee venom, either whole or in fractions, as an alternative therapeutic strategy for a variety of illnesses and medication toxicities.

Barium (Ba), a naturally occurring alkaline earth metal, has gained attention due to its environmental prevalence and potential toxicity. This review examines the sources of Ba in the environment, its distribution across ecosystems, and its toxicological impacts on plants and human health. Ba is widely distributed through natural processes such as the weathering of Ba-rich minerals like barite and witherite, volcanic eruptions, and biological uptake by certain plants and anthropogenic activities, including industrial discharges, oil and gas drilling, and improper waste disposal. Consequently, Ba accumulates in soils and water ecosystems, with concentrations influenced by geological and industrial factors. While Ba in its natural form generally exhibits low toxicity, it shows a dose-dependent impact on the physiology and growth of plants. Aquatic organisms are particularly vulnerable, as Ba disrupts physiological processes, threatening aquatic ecosystems. Regulatory agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have established guidelines for acceptable Ba levels in drinking water and soil to safeguard human health and the environment. This review emphasizes the critical need to understand Ba's sources, distribution patterns, and toxicological impacts to protect living organisms and environmental health.