From port to planet: Assessing NO2 pollution and climate change effects with Sentinel-5p satellite imagery in maritime zones.

The growing effects of climate change on Malaysia's coastal ecology heighten worries about air pollution, specifically caused by urbanization and industrial activity in the maritime sector. Trucks and vessels are particularly noteworthy for their substantial contribution to gas emissions, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is the primary gas released in port areas. The application of advanced analysis techniques was spurred by the air pollution resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as fuel oil, natural gas and gasoline in vessels. The study utilized satellite photos captured by the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P satellite to evaluate the levels of NO2 gas pollution in Malaysia's port areas and exclusive economic zone. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, unrestricted gas emissions led to persistently high levels of NO2 in the analyzed areas. The temporary cessation of marine industry operations caused by the pandemic, along with the halting of vessels to prevent the spread of COVID-19, resulted in a noticeable decrease in NO2 gas pollution. In light of these favourable advancements, it is imperative to emphasize the need for continuous investigation and collaborative endeavours to further alleviate air contamination in Malaysian port regions, while simultaneously acknowledging the wider consequences of climate change on the coastal ecology. The study underscores the interdependence of air pollution, maritime activities and climate change. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that tackle both immediate environmental issues and the long-term sustainability and resilience of coastal ecosystems in the context of global climate challenges.

Synergistic effect of SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) as a MOF composite under Gamma-rays for antimicrobial potential versus bacteria and pathogenic fungi.

The primary emphasis of this study was on the innovative and scientifically valuable hydrothermal synthesis of MIL-101(Co) as a metal-organic framework (MOF) material. Subsequently, the CuFe2O4 was incorporated into the MOF by a reduction-precipitation technique. The SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) composite was synthesized by using hydrothermal in situ growth process. The XRD and FESEM investigations of the SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) composite definitively verified its crystalline structure and proved its production with exact shape and dimensions. The data indicated that Candida albicans displayed the greatest vulnerability to all three produced materials, with reported Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of 500 µg mL-1 for MIL-101(Co). The CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) compound, when produced, exhibits MIC values of 200 µg mL-1. Additionally, the combination of CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) with SrTiO3, shows MIC values of 50 µg mL-1. The results also indicated that the MIC values for MIL-101(Co), and CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) against S. aureus were 100 µg mL-1. Ultimately, SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) exhibited identical MIC values of 50 µg mL-1 against S. aureus. The concentration of the bacterial protein was increased by adding MIL-101(Co), CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co), and SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co). The antibacterial capabilities of the SrTiO3/CuFe2O4/MIL-101(Co) were increased after being subjected to gamma doses of 100.0 kGy. This process paves a ways for manufacturing innovation in near future.

Evaluating climate change impacts on reef environments via multibeam echosounder and Acoustic Doppler Current profiler technology.

Crucial to the Earth's oceans, ocean currents dynamically react to various factors, including rotation, wind patterns, temperature fluctuations, alterations in salinity and the gravitational pull of the moon. Climate change impacts coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for understanding these currents. This study explores multibeam echosounder (MBES), specifically R2-Sonic 2020 instrument, offering detailed seabed information. Investigating coral reefs, rocky reefs and artificial reefs aimed to map seafloor currents movement and their climate change responses. MBES data viz. Bathymetry and backscatter were classified and acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) ground data were validated using random forest regression. Results indicated high precision in currents speed measurement i.e. coral reefs with 0.96, artificial reefs with 0.94 and rocky reefs with 0.97. Currents direction accuracy was notable in coral reefs with 0.85, slightly lower in rocky reefs with 0.72 and artificial reefs with 0.60. Random forest identified sediment and backscatter as key for speed prediction while direction relies on bathymetry, slope and aspect. The study emphasizes integrating sediment size, backscatter, bathymetry and ADCP data for seafloor current analysis. This multibeam data on sediments and currents support better marine spatial planning and determine biodiversity patterns planning in the reef area.

Hidden diversity of Pestalotiopsis and Neopestalotiopsis (Amphisphaeriales, Sporocadaceae) species allied with the stromata of entomopathogenic fungi in Taiwan.

Pestalotiopsissensu lato, commonly referred to as pestalotiopsis-like fungi, exhibit a broad distribution and are frequently found as endophytes, saprobes and pathogens across various plant hosts. The taxa within pestalotiopsis-like fungi are classified into three genera viz. Pestalotiopsis, Pseudopestalotiopsis and Neopestalotiopsis, based on the conidial colour of their median cells and multi-locus molecular phylogenies. In the course of a biodiversity investigation focusing on pestalotiopsis-like fungi, a total of 12 fungal strains were identified. These strains were found to be associated with stromata of Beauveria, Ophiocordyceps and Tolypocladium in various regions of Taiwan from 2018 to 2021. These strains were evaluated morphologically and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of the ITS (internal transcribed spacer), tef1-α (translation elongation factor 1-α) and tub2 (beta-tubulin) gene regions were conducted for genotyping. The results revealed seven well-classified taxa and one tentative clade in Pestalotiopsis and Neopestalotiopsis. One novel species, Pestalotiopsismanyueyuanani and four new records, N.camelliae-oleiferae, N.haikouensis, P.chamaeropis and P.hispanica, were reported for the first time in Taiwan. In addition, P.formosana and an unclassified strain of Neopestalotiopsis were identified, based on similarities of phylogeny and morphology. However, the data obtained in the present study suggest that the currently recommended loci for species delimitation of pestalotiopsis-like fungi do not deliver reliable or adequate resolution of tree topologies. The in-vitro mycelial growth rates of selected strains from these taxa had an optimum temperature of 25 °C, but growth ceased at 5 °C and 35 °C, while all the strains grew faster under alkaline than acidic or neutral pH conditions. This study provides the first assessment of pestalotiopsis-like fungi, associated with entomopathogenic taxa.

Unraveling impacts of inoculating novel microbial agents on nitrogen conversion during cattle manure composting: Core microorganisms and functional genes.

The impacts of microbial agents on nitrogen conversion during composting is still not entirely clear. In this research, a novel microbial agent containing two thermotolerant nitrifying bacteria was identified and its impacts on nitrogen conversion, bacterial structure and functional genes during cattle manure composting were investigated. The results revealed that the inoculation enhancing the maturation of compost, increased the total nitrogen by 13.6-26.8%, reduced NH3 emission and the N2O emission by 24.8-36.1% and 22.7-32.1%, respectively. Particularly, the microbial agents mixed Acinetobacter radioresistens and Bacillus nitratireducens (1:1, treatment group 1) had the best nitrogen preservation effect. Furthermore, the inoculation not only produced diverse diazotroph community but could strength the co-occurrence between core microorganisms to promote nitrogen metabolism. The metagenomic analysis demonstrated that the inoculation decreased the abundance of nitrate reduction gene (nirS, norC, nap and nif), and increased the abundance of hao, thus facilitating nitrification and suppressing NH3 and N2O emission.

Characterization of persistent organic pollutants and culturable and non-culturable bacterial communities in pulp and paper sludge after secondary treatment.

Due to the presence of various organic contaminants, improper disposal of pulp-paper wastewater poses harm to the environment and human health. In this work, pulp-paper sludge (PPS) after secondary treatment were collected from M/s Century Pulp-paper Mills in India, the chemical nature of the organic pollutants was determined after solvent extraction. All the isolates were able to produce lipase (6.34-3.93 U ml-1) which could account for the different fatty acids detected in the PPS. The dominant strains were in the classes of α and γ Proteobacteria followed by Firmicutes. The Shannon-Weiner diversity indexes for phylotype richness for the culturable and non-culturable bacterial community were 2.01 and 3.01, respectively, indicating the non-culturable bacterial strains has higher species richness and diversity compared to the culturable bacterial strains. However, the culturable strains had higher species evenness (0.94 vs 0.90). Results suggested only a few isolated strains were resistant to the POPs in the PPS, where as non-cultural bacteria survived by entering viable but non-cultural state. The isolated strains (Brevundimonas diminuta, Aeromonas punctata, Enterobacter hormaechei, Citrobacter braakii, Bacillus pumilus and Brevundimonas terrae) are known for their multidrug resistance but their tolerance to POPs have not previously been reported and deserved further investigation. The findings of this research established the presence of POPs which influence the microbial population. Tertiary treatment is recommended prior to the safe disposal of pulp paper mill waste into the environment.

Beijerinckia fluminensis BFC-33, a novel multi-stress-tolerant soil bacterium: Deciphering the stress amelioration, phytopathogenic inhibition and growth promotion in Triticum aestivum (L.).

Environmental challenges like drought, salinity, heavy metals and pesticides directly/indirectly influence the environment and decreased the agricultural output. During its long developmental stages, cereal crops including wheat is exposed to a variety of abiotic/biotic stressors. Certain beneficial soil bacteria that can ameliorate environmental stresses can be exploited as crop growth promoters/enhancers under adverse situations. In this study, Beijerinckia fluminensis BFC-33 (accession no. MT672580) isolated from potato rhizosphere tolerated variousabiotic (drought, salinity, temperature, heavy metals, and fungicides) stresses. Strain BFC-33 demonstrated multifarious plant-growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics, such as the production of indole-3-acetic acid, P-solubilization, ACC deaminase, ammonia, siderophore, HCN, EPS, and extracellular enzymes. The antagonistic potential of BFC-33 against major fungal pathogens was ranked: Alternaria alternata (79.2%)>Rhizoctonia solani (69%)>Fusarium oxysporum (23.5%)>Ustilaginoidea virens (17%). Furthermore, bacterization of wheat seeds witha multi-stress-tolerant strain revealed B. fluminensis as a plant growth enhancer and biocontrol agent. For instance, increase in root length (cm) in BFC-33 inoculated wheat exposed to abiotic and biotic stresses at the seedling stage was ranked: B. fluminensis (24.2)>B. fluminensis + 100µgTBZLmL-1 (21.3) = B. fluminensis + 2%PEG (21.3)>B. fluminensis + 100 mM NaCl (19.7)>B. fluminensis + 100µgPbmL-1 (19) = B. fluminensis 100µgMNZBmL-1 (19)>B. fluminensis + A. alternata (17.4)>B. fluminensis + 100µgCdmL-1 (17)>B. fluminensis + F. oxysporum (13.4). In addition, increase in carotenoid accumulation (mg g-1FW) in the foliage of BFC-33 inoculated wheat exposed to fungal infection was ranked: BFC-33 (3.88)>BFC-33+ A. alternata (3.0)>BFC-33+ R. solani (2.78)>BFC-33+ F. oxysporum (2.44). Moreover, BFC-33 inoculation significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced stress-induced stressor molecules (proline and TBARS) and electrolyte leakage. Furthermore, B. fluminensis BFC-33 potentially enhanced the defense responses in wheat seedlings by increasing phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), ß-1,3 glucanase, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which play a significant role in protecting plants from phytopathogens. Even so, by successfully establishing a product with the requisite effects under field settings, selecting multi-stress-tolerant and antagonistic plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) would be helpful to end-users. Future use of native multi-stress-tolerant bacteria as biocontrol agents in conjunction with existing drought, salinity, heavy metal, and pesticide tolerance might contribute to global food security.

Designing Z-scheme AgIO4 nanorod embedded with Bi2S3 nanoflakes for expeditious visible light photodegradation of congo red and rhodamine B.

The present study describes the enhanced photodegradation of organic pollutant dyes, congo red (CR) and rhodamine B (RhB) dyes under visible light irradiation. AgIO4 nanorods decorated on Bi2S3 nanoflakes in various proportions were synthesized via sono-chemical route wherein the deposition of varying amounts of AgIO4 on Bi2S3 plays a pivotal role in improving the photodegradation ability. The characterization of the as-synthesized nanohybrids was assessed by XRD, UV-vis DRS, PL, EIS, ESR, FT-IR, XPS, HR-TEM, FE-SEM, N2 adsorption and desorption techniques. The effect of initial CR and RhB dye concentration, reaction pH and usage of nanohybrid concentration were investigated where 30%-AgIO4/Bi2S3 exhibited excellent visible light photodegradation of 95.58% for CR and 96.11% for RhB dyes at 140 min and 100 min respectively. The superoxide (•O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) played predominant role in the photodegradation of CR and RhB which is experimentally confirmed by radical trapping experiments. Also, the photocatalysts exhibited good photo stability and excellent reusability. The TOC analysis confirmed the complete mineralization of CR and RhB dyes by the nanohybrid and the formation of possible intermediate and degradation pathway was delineated based on GC/MS analysis. The outstanding photodegradation performance were ascribed to the Z-scheme charge transfer path, which effectively promotes the separation and transfer of e-/h+ pairs, resulting in a strong redox activity of the accumulated charge to decompose organic dyes during the degradation reaction. The study suggested that the nanohybrid can be utilized for the removal of organic pollutants from the contaminated water bodies.

Differential bioaccumulations and ecotoxicological impacts of metal-oxide nanoparticles, bulk materials, and metal-ions in cucumbers grown in sandy clay loam soil.

Expanding applications of metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and increased environmental deposition of NPs followed by their interactions with edible crops threaten yields. This study demonstrates the effects of aging (45 days in soil) of four NPs (ZnO, CuO, Al2O3, TiO2; 3.9-34 nm) and their corresponding metal oxide bulk particles (BPs; 144-586 nm) on cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivated in sandy-clay-loam field soil and compares these with the phytotoxic effects of readily soluble metal salts (Zn2+, Cu2+, and Al3+). Data revealed the cell-to-cell translocations of NPs, their attachments to outer and inner cell surfaces, nuclear membranes, and vacuoles, and their upward movements to aerial parts. Metal bioaccumulations in cucumbers were found in the order: (i) ZnO-NPs > ZnO-BPs > Zn2+, (ii) CuO-NPs > CuO-BPs > Cu2+, (iii) Al3+> Al2O3-NPs > Al2O3-BPs and (iv) TiO2-NPs > TiO2-BPs. Aging of NPs in soil for 45 days significantly enhanced metal uptake (P ≤ 0.05), for instance aged ZnO-NPs at 1 g kg-1 increased the uptake by 20.7 % over non-aged ZnO-NPs. Metal uptakes inhibited root (RDW) and shoot (SDW) dry weight accumulations. For Cu species, maximum negative impact (%) was exhibited by Cu2+ (RDW:SDW = 94:65) followed by CuO-NPs (RDW:SDW = 78:34) and CuO-BPs (RDW:SDW = 27:22). Aging of NPs/BPs at 1-4 g kg-1 further enhanced the toxic impact of tested materials on biomass accumulations and chlorophyll formation. NPs also induced membrane damage of root tissues and enhanced levels of antioxidant enzymes. The results of this study suggest that care is required when aged metal-oxide NPs of both essential (Zn and Cu) and non-essential (Al and Ti) metals interact with cucumber plants, especially, when they are used for agricultural purposes.

Differential responses of maize (Zea mays) at the physiological, biomolecular, and nutrient levels when cultivated in the presence of nano or bulk ZnO or CuO or Zn2+ or Cu2+ ions.

Expanding applications of metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) in industry and agriculture have influenced agro-ecosystems. However, relatively little is known about the bioaccumulation, distribution, and phytotoxicity of ZnO-NPs, CuO-NPs, ZnO-bulk, CuO-bulk, Zn2+, or Cu2+ in maize. Plants were exposed to 0.05-2 mg ml-1 or g-1 of six tested materials in agar (7 days) in hydroponic medium (20 days), or sandy-clay-loam soil (20 or 40 days). Seed germination, emergence and lengths of plumules, principal and seminal roots were significantly inhibited by ZnO-NPs, CuO-NPs, Zn2+, and Cu2+. Toxicity was more pronounced in hydroponic culture than in soil, and perceptible alterations in biomolecules were evident. ICP-MS analysis exhibited progressive uptake of metals while morphological, elemental, and surface/deeper scanning showed translocation and distribution of NPs in tissues. Tested materials induced enhanced superoxide radical production, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes and proline levels. Exposure significantly reduced P-accumulation, photosynthesis, and protein production. Zn2+ and Cu2+ were found to be more toxic than NPs. Compared to 20 days exposure in soil, toxicity slightly increased after 40 days. ZnO-NPs and CuO-NPs increased apoptotic sub-G1 population by 22.4% and 38%, respectively. These results provide a better understanding of the mechanistic aspects responsible for the nanotoxicities of ZnO- and CuO-NPs in maize.

Synthesis of gallotannin capped iron oxide nanoparticles and their broad spectrum biological applications.

Green synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted enormous attention for their clinical and non-clinical applications. A natural polyphenol, gallo-tannin (GT) was used to reduce and cap the Fe2O3-NPs. GT-Fe2O3-NPs were synthesized following co-precipitation of FeCl3 and FeSO4·7H2O with GT. Fe2O3-NPs absorbed light at 380 nm. Physicochemically, Fe2O3-NPs were spherical with slight aggregation and average diameter of 12.85 nm. X-ray diffraction confirmed crystallinity and EDX revealed the elemental percentage of iron and oxygen as 21.7% and 42.11%, respectively. FT-IR data confirmed the adsorption of gallo-tannin functional groups. Multiple drug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (ESßL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ESßL), and Staphylococcus aureus were found susceptible to 500-1000 µg GT-Fe2O3-NPs per ml. In synergy, Fe2O3-NPs enhanced the efficiency of some antibiotics. GT-Fe2O3 NPs showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibition of growth and biofilm against MDR E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus causing morphological and biofilm destruction. Violacein production (quorum sensing mediated) by C. violaceum was inhibited by GT-Fe2O3-NPs in a concentration-dependent manner with a maximum decrease of 3.1-fold. A decrease of 11-fold and 2.32-fold in fungal mycelial growth and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell viability, respectively was evident. This study suggests a plausible role of gallo-tannin capped Fe2O3-NPs as an alternative antibacterial, antiquorum sensing, antibiofilm, antifungal, and anti-proliferative agent.

Purification and kinetic behavior of glucose isomerase from Streptomyces lividans RSU26.

Glucose isomerase (GI), an enzyme with deserved high potential in the world market. GI plays a major role in high Fructose Corn Syrup Production (HFCS). HFCS is used as a sweetener in food and pharmaceutical industries. Streptomyces are well-known producers of various industrially valuable enzymes, including Glucose isomerase. Currently, recombinant strains have been available for the production of various enzymes, but it has limitation in the large scale production. Therefore, identifying effective streptomyces strains have emerged. The current study, the novel S. lividans RSU26 was isolated from a marine source and optimized its potential to produce glucose isomerase at different physical and chemical conditions. The optimum pH and temperature for GI and biomass production were 7.5 and 35 °C, respectively at 96 h. Characterization study revealed that the approximate molar mass of GI was 43 kDa for monomeric and 170 kDa for tetrameric forms. Kinetic behavior exhibits Km, and Vmax values for the conversion of fructose to glucose conversion were 48.8 mM and 2.54 U mg-1 at 50 °C and glucose to fructose were 29.4 mM and 2.38 U mg-1 at 65 °C protein, respectively. Therefore, the present study suggested that the wild-type S. lividans RSU26 has strong potential to produce glucose isomerase for various industrial applications.

Green synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using endophytic fungi Fusarium solani and its in-vitro anticancer and biomedical applications.

The present study aimed to explore the anticancer potentials of the gold nanoparticles (NPs) obtained by green synthesis method using an endophytic strain Fusarium solani ATLOY - 8 has been isolated from the plant Chonemorpha fragrans. The formation of the NPs was analyzed by UV, FTIR, SEM and XRD. The synthesized NPs showed pink-ruby red colors and high peak plasmon band was observed between 510 and 560 nm. It is observed that intensity of absorption steadily increases the wavelength and band stabilizes at 551 nm. The XRD pattern revealed the angles at 19, 38.32, 46.16, 57.50, and 76.81° respectively. Interestingly, the FTIR band absorption noted at 1413 cm-1, 1041 cm-1 and 690 cm-1 ascribed the presence of amine II bands of protein, C-N and C-H stretching vibrations of the nanoparticles. SEM analysis indicated that the average diameter of the synthesized nanoparticles was between 40 and 45 nm. These NPs showed cytotoxicity on cervical cancer cells (He La) and against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and the NPs exhibited dose dependent cytotoxic effect. IC50 value was 0.8 ± 0.5 µg/mL on MCF-7 cell line and was found to be 1.3 ± 0.5 µg/mL on MCF-7 cell lines. The synthesized NPs induced apoptosis on these cancer cell lines. The accumulation of apoptotic cells decreased in sub G0 and G1 phase of cell cycle in the MCF-7 cancer cells were found to be 55.13%, 52.11% and 51.10% after 12 h exposure to different concentrations. The results altogether provide an apparent and versatile biomedical application for safer chemotherapeutic agent with little systemic toxicity.