Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across scientific disciplines, with profound implications for environmental science. In this paper, let us explore the multifaceted impact of AI technologies including machine learning, deep learning, computer vision and natural language processing on environmental monitoring, modelling, prediction and policy formulation. AI enhances data processing from satellites, sensors and citizen science platforms, improves the accuracy of climate and ecological forecasts and enables real-time decision-making for conservation and sustainability. Case studies in wildfire prediction, deforestation tracking, and species identification illustrate the practical utility of AI. Integration of AI into environmental science promises more responsive, scalable and equitable environmental governance. This editorial underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to maximize the potential of AI while mitigating its ecological and ethical risks.

The Kuttanad wetlands of Kerala represent a unique and ecologically sensitive hydrological system where water quality dynamics play a critical role in regulating biological productivity. This study assessed the physicochemical characteristics and phytoplankton diversity across four sites in the Kainakari Panchayat from February 2023 to April 2024. Standard APHA procedures were used to analyse water quality parameters, while phytoplankton were identified microscopically and quantified to the lowest taxonomic level. A total of 55 phytoplankton species belonging to Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Chrysophyceae, and Dinophyceae were recorded, with Chlorophyceae showing the highest richness. Spatial variations in nitrate and phosphate strongly influenced phytoplankton distribution, with nitrate-rich Kuppapuram (S1) supporting peak diatom densities and phosphate-rich Punnamada (S4) favouring green algae proliferation. Diversity indices indicated a highly stable ecosystem, with Shannon - Wiener values ranging from 3.853 to 3.892. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between diatoms and nitrate concentration and between green algae and phosphate concentration, suggesting nutrient-driven niche differentiation. PCA further distinguished the sites along major nutrient gradients. The present study highlights the significance of nutrient dynamics in shaping community structure and emphasizes the value of phytoplankton as sensitive bioindicators for monitoring the ecological health of the Kuttanad wetlands.

Drinking water safety in low- and middle-income countries is increasingly threatened by post-treatment contamination within deteriorating distribution systems. This study assessed how pipeline integrity influences water quality and public health in Birnin-Kudu, Nigeria. Over 12 months, 180 samples were collected from treatment plant outlets, intact pipelines, and damaged pipelines and analyzed for physicochemical, nutrient, metal, and microbial parameters using geo-accumulation (I_geo), contamination (CF), and health risk (HQ, HI) indices. Though water was of good quality at the treatment outlets and met WHO standards, the quality deteriorated sharply at households served by damaged pipelines; for instance, turbidity, 9.4 NTU; nitrate, 14.9 mg/L; ammonia, 0.57 mg/L; copper, 0.26 mg/L; and coliforms, 134 CFU/100 mL were all elevated. Pollution indices indicated localized hotspots and significant health risks in HQ > 2.5 and HI > 1. Multivariate analysis further identified that deterioration of pipes generates synergistic multi-pollutant clusters that combine physical, chemical, and microbial contaminants beyond safe limits. This study, therefore, gives the first quantitative evidence from sub-Saharan Africa of the linkage of pipeline decay with compound contamination and health hazards and underlines the imperative for predictive maintenance, monitoring of hotspots, and infrastructure rehabilitation toward the safeguarding of global drinking water quality.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, sustainable development and poverty alleviation in developing nations. Despite being one of the largest agricultural producers, India faces low productivity due to a knowledge deficit among farmers as highlighted by the NPC (2006) report. With an extension agent-to-farmer ratio of 1:2879, traditional agricultural extension services struggle to reach all farmers. The rapid expansion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has created opportunities for digital solutions in agricultural extension. Social media in particular has emerged as a key tool for bridging the information gap between farmers and extension professionals. A study was conducted in Cuddalore District to analyze the utilization pattern of social media among farmers. Three blocks-Panruti, Kurinjipadi and Bhuvanagiri-were selected, covering nine villages with a sample size of 120 respondents. The findings revealed that most respondents belonged to the 36-45 age group and accessed agricultural information primarily through smartphones. WhatsApp was universally used with multimedia being the preferred format for communication. Farmers ranked WhatsApp as the most preferred platform for agricultural discussions and information sharing. A significant positive relationship was observed between family income, attitude towards ICT, innovativeness and perception of good agricultural practices with the extent of social media usage. However, poor network connectivity and low internet speed were the major constraints faced by farmers. The study highlights the growing role of social media in agricultural extension and its potential in enhancing knowledge dissemination among farmers.

Cigarette butt pollution, the discarded remains of the smoked cigarette, is a global environmental concern with profound health and ecological ramifications. Cigarette butts—the small, fibrous ends left after smoking—are the most commonly littered item worldwide and pose serious environmental and public health risks due to their toxic, non-biodegradable nature. This study addresses the pressing need for coordinated efforts involving the public, manufacturers, lawmakers, and citizens to manage and mitigate the detrimental consequences of this pervasive pollutant. The research focuses on the younger generation's awareness of this issue. The survey encompassed 454 respondents, primarily individuals aged between 13-19 years (60%), with a substantial representation of females (64%) and this was done keeping in mind that the youths of today are the future of tomorrow, especially the females. It is said that if one female is educated then she will educate the whole family which further can bring a change in the society. Encouragingly, an overwhelming majority (97%) recognized cigarette butts as pollutants, irrespective of gender, highlighting substantial public awareness. Notably, respondents reported encountering cigarette debris in public places, often witnessing improper disposal, such as in drains, contributing to water pollution. While respondents exhibited reasonable awareness of the hazards linked to cigarette butts, including fires and harm to wildlife, only 42% were aware of their role in marine pollution, suggesting a knowledge gap. Notably, despite the awareness, improper disposal remains a concern, indicating societal insensitivity. This underscores the need for enhanced public education. The study concludes with recommendations, including awareness campaigns and biodegradable filters, to address cigarette butt pollution. Comprehensive interventions and legislation against careless disposal are essential. This research aims to stimulate further interdisciplinary exploration and draw policymakers' attention to reducing this potential pollutant's impact through sustainable methods.

Alluvial soils across northern Indian states represent one of the most fertile and biologically dynamic landscapes on the Earth. Formed through centuries of sediment deposition by the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries, these soils sustain dense agricultural systems, diverse vegetation and complex microbial communities. This review examines microbial niches across the North Indian alluvial plains, emphasizing ecological patterns, nutrient cycling, and adaptive strategies of microbial taxa under varied physicochemical conditions. It synthesizes data from studies across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi to explore how edaphic factors such as texture, moisture, organic carbon, pH, and salinity shape microbial composition and activity. The article highlights microbial guilds involved in nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, organic matter decomposition, and stress tolerance, with case studies linking soil microbiomes to crop productivity. Climate change, anthropogenic pollution, and agrochemical use are analyzed as major pressures altering microbial resilience and soil health. The review concludes with an integrated model for sustainable management of microbial resources in alluvial agroecosystems, advocating for molecular-level monitoring, biotechnological applications, and restoration practices.