Preparation and applications of chitosan and cellulose composite materials.

Chitosan is a natural fiber, chemically cellulose-like biopolymer, which is processed from chitin. Its use as a natural polymer is getting more attention because it is non-toxic, renewable, and biocompatible. However, its poor mechanical and thermal strength, particle size, and surface area restrict its industrial use. Consequently, to improve these properties, cellulose and/or inorganic nanoparticles have been used. This review discusses the recent progress of chitosan and cellulose composite materials, their preparation, and their applications in different industrial sectors. It also discusses the modification of chitosan and cellulose composite materials to allow their use on a large scale. Finally, the recent development of chitosan composite materials for drug delivery, food packaging, protective coatings, and wastewater treatment are discussed. The challenges and perspectives for future research are also considered. This review suggests that chitosan and cellulose nano-composite are promising, low-cost products for environmental remediation involving a simple production process.

Emerging technologies for biofuel production: A critical review on recent progress, challenges and perspectives.

Due to increasing anthropogenic activities, especially industry and transport, the fossil fuel demand and consumption have increased proportionally, causing serious environmental issues. This attracted researchers and scientists to develop new alternative energy sources. Therefore, this review covers the biofuel production potential and challenges related to various feedstocks and advances in process technologies. It has been concluded that the biofuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, bio-oil, syngas, Fischer-Tropsch H2, and methane produced from crop plant residues, micro- and macroalgae and other biomass wastes using thermo-bio-chemical processes are an eco-friendly route for an energy source. Biofuels production and their uses in industries and transportation considerably minimize fossil fuel dependence. Literature analysis showed that biofuels generated from energy crops and microalgae could be the most efficient and attractive process. Recent progress in the field of biofuels using genetic engineering has larger perspectives in commercial-scale production. However, its large-scale production is still challenging; hence, to resolve this problem, it is essential to convert biomass in biofuels by developing novel technology to increase biofuel production to fulfil the current and future energy demand.

Chromium contamination and effect on environmental health and its remediation: A sustainable approaches.

Chromium (Cr) is a trace element critical to human health and well-being. In the last few decades, its contamination, especially hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] form in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, has amplified as a result of various anthropogenic activities. Chromium pollution is a significant environmental threat, severely impacting our environment and natural resources, especially water and soil. Excessive exposure could lead to higher levels of accumulation in human and animal tissues, leading to toxic and detrimental health effects. Several studies have shown that chromium is a toxic element that negatively affects plant metabolic activities, hampering crop growth and yield and reducing vegetable and grain quality. Thus, it must be monitored in water, soil, and crop production system. Various useful and practical remediation technologies have been emerging in regulating chromium in water, soil, and other resources. A sustainable remediation approach must be adopted to balance the environment and nature.

Effect of various hCG treatment protocols on luteal characteristics, plasma progesterone concentration, and pregnancy in normal cyclic Indian crossbred dairy cows.

Limited information exists on the application of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) post insemination in the Indian crossbred dairy cows. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four hCG administration protocols on luteal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes following artificial insemination (AI). Using block randomization, 50 healthy lactating crossbred cows were allocated in equal numbers (n = 10 cows per group) to receive either 5 mL normal saline (control) or 1500 IU hCG on the day of AI (hGG-0), day 7 post AI (hCG-7), day 14 post AI (hCG-14), or days 0, 7, and 14 post AI (hCG-0,7,14). All cows were scanned using sequential transrectal ultrasound examinations to evaluate primary luteal parameters, development of accessory corpora lutea, and pregnancy. Serial blood samples were collected to measure plasma progesterone concentrations. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Fisher's exact tests. The mean primary luteal area, total luteal area, and total luteal diameter values were significantly greater in the hCG-treated cows. Compared to the control, the hCG-14 group had a significantly higher percentage of cows with an accessory corpora luteum. However, there were no significant differences in the mean progesterone concentrations or the first service conception rates between any of the groups. Overall, the results of this study indicate that while hCG administration post AI in healthy Indian crossbred cows may enhance primary luteal dimensions or induce the formation of accessory corpora lutea, it does not appear to have any beneficial effect on luteal function or pregnancy.

Expression pattern of GLUT 1, 5, 8 and citrate synthase transcripts in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) preimplantation embryos produced in vitro and derived in vivo.

In vitro-produced (IVP) embryos are reported to be developmentally lesser competent than in vivo-derived (IVD) embryos and supposed to differ in the expression of genes related with glucose metabolism. So, the present study was conducted to analyse the expression pattern of GLUT 1, 5, 8 and citrate synthase (CS) in oocytes and embryos produced in vivo or in vitro in buffalo. IVD embryos were obtained from 18 superovulated buffaloes. IVP embryos were obtained from slaughterhouse-derived oocytes subsequently subjected to in vitro fertilization and culture. Total RNA was isolated from different stages of oocytes (immature and in vitro matured) and embryos (8-16 cell to blastocysts of IVP embryos and morula to blastocysts of IVD embryos). Results demonstrated that the expression of GLUT1, GLUT 8 increased from 8 to 16 cells to blastocyst and was significantly (p < .05) higher in IVP embryos. Expression of both genes was (p < .05) higher in IVD than in IVP blastocysts; though GLUT5 transcripts were not detected at 8- to 16-cell stage IVP embryos, significantly (p < .05) higher transcripts were found at morula and blastocyst stages irrespective of embryo source with significantly (p < .05) higher expression in IVD embryos compared to IVP embryos. No significant difference was observed in citrate synthase expression in embryos at morula stage irrespective of the embryo source while significantly (p < .05) higher transcript level was observed at blastocyst stage with no difference between in vivo and in vitro embryos. It can be concluded that expression of GLUTs and CS is upregulated with progression of embryonic stage and expression is higher in in vivo embryos than in vitro counter parts; thus, it can be said that in vivo-produced embryos are metabolically superior to in vitro embryos.

Hazardous heavy metals contamination of vegetables and food chain: Role of sustainable remediation approaches - A review.

This review emphasizes the role of toxic metal remediation approaches due to their broad sustainability and applicability. The rapid developmental processes can incorporate a large quantity of hazardous and unseen heavy metals in all the segments of the environment, including soil, water, air and plants. The released hazardous heavy metals (HHMs) entered into the food chain and biomagnified into living beings via food and vegetable consumption and originate potentially health-threatening effects. The physical and chemical remediation approaches are restricted and localized and, mainly applied to wastewater and soils and not the plant. The nanotechnological, biotechnological and genetical approaches required to more rectification and sustainability. A cellular, molecular and nano-level understanding of the pathways and reactions are responsible for potentially toxic metals (TMs) accumulation. These approaches can enable the development of crop varieties with highly reduced concentrations of TMs in their consumable foods and vegetables. As a critical analysis by authors observed that nanoparticles could provide very high adaptability for both in-situ and ex-situ remediation of hazardous heavy metals (HHMs) in the environment. These methods could be used for the improvement of the inbuilt genetic potential and phytoremediation ability of plants by developing transgenic. These biological processes involve the transfer of gene of interest, which plays a role in hazardous metal uptake, transport, stabilization, inactivation and accumulation to increased host tolerance. This review identified that use of nanoremediation and combined biotechnological and, transgenic could help to enhance phytoremediation efficiency in a sustainable way.

Fluoride contamination, health problems and remediation methods in Asian groundwater: A comprehensive review.

In low concentration, fluoride is considered a necessary compound for human health. Exposure to high concentrations of fluoride is the reason for a serious disease called fluorosis. Fluorosis is categorized as Skeletal and Dental fluorosis. Several Asian countries, such as India, face contamination of water resources with fluoride. In this study, a comprehensive overview on fluoride contamination in Asian water resources has been presented. Since water contamination with fluoride in India is higher than other Asian countries, a separate section was dedicated to review published articles on fluoride contamination in this country. The status of health effects in Asian countries was another topic that was reviewed in this study. The effects of fluoride on human organs/systems such as urinary, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, brain, and reproductive systems were another topic that was reviewed in this study. Different methods to remove fluoride from water such as reverse osmosis, electrocoagulation, nanofiltration, adsorption, ion-exchange and precipitation/coagulation were introduced in this study. Although several studies have been carried out on contamination of water resources with fluoride, the situation of water contamination with fluoride and newly developed technology to remove fluoride from water in Asian countries has not been reviewed. Therefore, this review is focused on these issues: 1) The status of fluoride contamination in Asian countries, 2) health effects of fluoride contamination in drinking water in Asia, and 3) the existing current technologies for defluoridation in Asia.

A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey of Medical Practitioners in India to Assess their Knowledge, Attitude, Prescription Practices, and Barriers toward Opioid Analgesic Prescriptions.

CONTEXT: Inadequate training of medical practitioners is a key factor responsible for inappropriate use of opioid analgesics. AIMS: We assessed the current knowledge, attitude, prescribing practices, and barriers perceived by the Indian medical practitioners in three tertiary care hospitals toward the use of opioid analgesics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Web-based survey of registered medical practitioner employed at three chosen tertiary health care institutions in New Delhi. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive analysis of survey responses was carried out. Comparative analysis was done using Chi-square test, independent samples t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The response rate was 10.4% (n = 308). Two-thirds of the participants (61.7%) had never received formal pain management training, and 86.7% participants would like further training. Most participants (71.1%) agreed that opioids should be prescribed in cancer pain, while 26.3% agreed that opioids should be prescribed in noncancer pain. Half of the participants agreed that SOS (if necessary) dosing schedule (48.4%), low dosage (61.7%), and short duration of use (51.4%) could decrease the harmful effect of opioids. Lack of information about opioid-related policies and addiction potential were identified as the most common barriers to prescribing opioids. Those seeing more patients with chronic noncancer pain come across opioid misuse and diversion more often (P = 0.02). Those who understood addiction were more likely to agree that patients of chronic cancer pain with substance use disorders should be prescribed opioid analgesics (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Indian medical practitioners felt the need for formal pain management training. There is a lack of consensus on how to manage the pain using opioid analgesics. Tough regulations on medical and scientific use of opioids are the most commonly reported barrier to prescribing them.

Testicular cytology indicates differences in Sertoli cell counts between "good freezer" and "poor freezer" bulls.

In artificial insemination, poor quality of semen unsuitable for cryopreservation and susceptibility of spermatozoa to cryodamage in crossbred bulls have been a matter of concern. Present study was designed to identify the testicular cytology indices that might be used to predict the semen quality and cryotolerance of spermatozoa in bulls. Based on the ejaculate rejection rate and sperm cryotolerance, bulls (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar crossbred) were classified into either good (producing good quality semen with spermatozoa having good cryotolerance; n = 4) or poor (producing poor quality semen with spermatozoa having poor cryotolerance; n = 4). Testicular cytology was studied in all the 8 bulls using fine needle aspiration technique. Testicular cytology of good bulls and poor bulls differed significantly. The proportion of Sertoli cells was significantly higher in good bulls (25.3 ± 1.6) compared to poor bulls (11.0 ± 0.8). The Sertoli cell index was 46.1 ± 5.0 in good bulls while it was only 13.8 ± 1.3 in poor bulls. The cut off values, as determined using Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis, indicate that the bulls having testicular cytogram comprising of < 15.5% Sertoli cells, < 24.3 Sertoli cell index and > 4.0 spermatogenic cells to Sertoli cell ratio might be a poor bull in terms of semen quality and cryotolerance of spermatozoa. The proportion of Sertoli cells in the testicular cytology had positive (P < 0.05) relationship with semen quality and cryotolerance of spermatozoa.

Risk factors and impact of retained fetal membranes on performance of dairy bovines reared under subtropical conditions.

The risk factors and impact of retained fetal membranes (RFM) on productive and reproductive performance of crossbred cattle, Zebu cattle, and Murrah buffalos were evaluated using data spread over 12 years. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors and to quantify their odds ratio (OR). Overall incidence of RFM in crossbred cattle, Zebu cattle, and Murrah buffalos were 26, 16, and 13 %, respectively; and significant risk factors for RFM in crossbred cattle were abortion (OR = 3.9), dead calf (OR = 4.1), dystocia (OR = 4.3), pluriparity (OR = 1.5), and shorter gestation length (OR = 4.3). In Zebu cattle, abortion (OR = 4.0), dead calf (OR = 3.7), dystocia (OR = 3.9), lower birth weight of calf (OR = 1.6), and shorter gestation length (OR = 6.4) were significant risk factors for RFM. In Murrah buffalos, abortion (OR = 19.2), dead calf (OR = 4.4), dystocia (OR = 4.7), pluriparity (OR = 1.7), shorter gestation length (OR = 12.7), and calving during summer season (OR = 1.8) were the risk factors for RFM. Although the occurrence of RFM did not affect fertility parameters, a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in 305-day milk yield and total milk yield was observed in RFM-affected crossbred cattle. Taken together, it may be concluded that increased parity, abnormal calving, and short gestation length were the main risk factors for RFM in dairy bovine.

Study of bio-degradation and bio-decolourization of azo dye by Enterobacter sp. SXCR.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the decolourization potential of textile dyes by a relatively newly identified bacteria species, Enterobacter sp. SXCR which was isolated from the petroleum polluted soil samples. The bacterial strain was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The effects of operational conditions like initial dye concentration, pH, and temperature were optimized to develop an economically feasible decolourization process. The isolate was able to decolourize sulphonated azo dye (Congo red) over a wide range (0.1-1 gl(-1)), pH 5-9, and temperature 22-40 degrees C in static condition. Anaerobic condition with minimal salt medium supplemented with 2 gl(-1) glucose, pH 7 and 34 degrees C were considered to be the optimum decolourizing condition. The bacterial isolate SXCR showed a strong ability to decolourize dye (0.2 gl(-1)) within 93 h. The biodegradation was monitored by UV-vis, fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the involvement of azoreductase in the decolourization process was identified in this strain. Cells of Enterobacter cloacae were immobilized by entrapment in calcium-alginate beads. Immobilized bacterial cells were able to reduced azo bonds enzymatically and used as a biocatalyst for decolourization of azo dye Congo red. Michaelis-Menten kinetics was used to describe the correlation between the decolourization rate and the dye concentration.

Effect of micronutrient supplementation on the immune function of crossbred dairy cows under semi-arid tropical environment.

This study assessed the effect of micronutrient supplementation around peripartum period on immune function, reproductive performance, milk yield and milk quality of crossbred cows. Thirty pregnant crossbred cows in their late gestation were selected and randomly divided into five groups for study. Six cows in each group were supplemented with vitamin E (VE) (2000 IU/cow/day), vitamin A (VA) (100,000 IU/cow/day), copper (Cu) (20 ppm/cow/day), zinc (Zn) (80 ppm/cow/day) individually from 45 days pre-calving to 45 days post-calving and one group without any supplementation served as control. Immune function was studied by in vitro phagocytic activity (PA) of blood neutrophils, lymphocyte proliferation response (LPR) and plasma interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentration. Supplementation of VA significantly (P < 0.05) increased the in vitro PA of blood neutrophils and decreased milk somatic cell counts (SCC). Zn supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased the T lymphocyte proliferation response, whereas B lymphocyte LPR was significantly (P < 0.05) increased with both VA and Zn supplementation as compared to the control cows. Plasma IL-8 concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in all supplemented cows. Supplementation of VE, VA and Zn significantly (P < 0.05) reduces days open, whereas VA significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the service per conception. In this study, it is concluded that VE, VA and Zn supplementation around peripartum period can boost the immunity and improve the reproductive performance of crossbred cows in a semi-arid tropical environment.

Testicular cell indices and peripheral blood testosterone concentrations in relation to age and semen quality in crossbred (holstein friesian×tharparkar) bulls.

Present study analyzed the changes in peripheral blood testosterone concentrations and testicular cytogram in relation to age and semen quality in crossbred males. Three different age groups of crossbred males viz. bull calves (6 months, n = 5), young bulls (15 months, n = 5) and adult bulls (4 to 6 years, n = 8) were utilized for the study. Testicular fine needle aspiration cytology technique was used to quantify testicular cytology and their indices. Peripheral blood testosterone concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Semen samples collected from adult bulls were microscopically evaluated for quality parameters. Mean peripheral blood testosterone concentrations in bull calves, young bulls and adult bulls were 2.28±0.09 ng/mL, 1.42±0.22 ng/mL and 5.66±1.08 ng/mL respectively, and that in adult bulls were significantly different (p<0.01) from young bulls and bull calves. There was no significant difference between the proportion of different testicular cells in bull calves and young bulls. Between young and adult bulls, significant differences (p<0.01) were observed in the proportion of spermatocytes, spermatozoa, and sperm: Sertoli cell ratio. The proportions of Sertoli cells showed a significant difference (p<0.01) between the three age groups. The number of primary spermatocytes had a positive correlation with peripheral blood testosterone concentrations in bull calves (r = 0.719, p<0.01). Number of Sertoli cells per 100 germ cells was negatively correlated with blood testosterone concentration in young bulls (r = -0.713, p<0.01). Among different semen parameters in adult bulls, ejaculate volume (r = 0.790, p<0.05) had positive relationship, and sperm motility had significant negative correlation (r = -0.711, p<0.05) with testosterone concentrations. The number of Sertoli cells and Sertoli cell index had a positive correlation with various semen quality parameters (p<0.001). Results of the present study conclude that number of Sertoli cells and Sertoli cell index are good indicators of semen quality, but peripheral blood testosterone concentrations may not have a direct relationship with various seminal attributes in crossbred bulls.

Green nanosensor for precise detection of formaldehyde in fruits and vegetables extract.

Present study reports fabrication of a low cost and eco-friendly formaldehyde nanosensor based on green magnetite nanoparticles synthesized using Mango (Mangifera indica L.) tree leaves extract. The formaldehyde is found in air, water and food. When inhaled or consumed formaldehyde has carcinogenic effects on human health. In this study the cyclic voltammetry technique was used to characterize the performance of the nanosensor. The green nanosensor fabricated in this study, to detect formaldehyde, demonstrated good sensitivity (193.4 µA mg-1 Lcm-2) in linearity range 0.03-0.5 mg/L with low threshold detection limit (0.05 mg/L). The green nanosensor also showed shelf life of four weeks without considerable change in the initial peak oxidation current. The real sample analysis was performed in various fruits and vegetables (Litchi chinensis, Syzygium cumini, Solanum lycopersicum and Cucumis sativus). The recovery rates were more than 93 % in sample extracts for formaldehyde detection. The comparison of the nanosensor for detection of formaldehyde with the colorimetric sensor revealed that the green nanosensor reproducibility (RSD = 1.8 %) is better than colorimetric sensor (RSD = 3.23 %). The results from the comparative studies of green nanosensor with colorimetric sensor established the potential of the green nanosensor as a forefront technology for futuristic smart detection of formaldehyde.

Emerging technologies for the removal of pesticides from contaminated soils and their reuse in agriculture.

Pesticides are becoming more prevalent in agriculture to protect crops and increase crop yields. However, nearly all pesticides used for this purpose reach non-target crops and remain as residues for extended periods. Contamination of soil by widespread pesticide use, as well as its toxicity to humans and other living organisms, is a global concern. This has prompted us to find solutions and develop alternative remediation technologies for sustainable management. This article reviews recent technological developments for remediating pesticides from contaminated soil, focusing on the following major points: (1) The application of various pesticide types and their properties, the sources of pesticides related to soil pollution, their transport and distribution, their fate, the impact on soil and human health, and the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect the remediation process are the main points of focus. (2) Sustainable pesticide degradation mechanisms and various emerging nano- and bioelectrochemical soil remediation technologies. (3) The feasible and long-term sustainable research and development approaches that are required for on-site pesticide removal from soils, as well as prospects for applying them directly in agricultural fields. In this critical analysis, we found that bioremediation technology has the potential for up to 90% pesticide removal from the soil. The complete removal of pesticides through a single biological treatment approach is still a challenging task; however, the combination of electrochemical oxidation and bioelectrochemical system approaches can achieve the complete removal of pesticides from soil. Further research is required to remove pesticides directly from soils in agricultural fields on a large-scale.

Corrigendum: Sensor-based precision nutrient and irrigation management enhances the physiological performance, water productivity, and yield of soybean under system of crop intensification.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1282217.].

Parainflammation associated with advanced glycation endproduct stimulation of RPE in vitro: implications for age-related degenerative diseases of the eye.

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in Western society. A hallmark of early stage AMD are drusen, extracellular deposits that accumulate in the outer retina. Advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) accumulate with aging and are linked to several age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis and AMD. AGE deposits are found in drusen and in Bruch's membrane of the eye and several studies have suggested its role in promoting oxidative stress, apoptosis and lipofuscin accumulation. Recently, complement activation and chronic inflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD. While AGEs have been shown to promote inflammation in other diseases, whether it plays a similar role in AMD is not known. This study investigates the effects of AGE stimulation on pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways in primary culture of human retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). Differential gene expression studies revealed a total of 41 up- and 18 down-regulated RPE genes in response to AGE stimulation. These genes fell into three categories as assessed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The main categories were inflammation (interferon-induced, immune response) and proteasome degradation, followed by caspase signaling. Using suspension array technology, protein levels of secreted cytokines and growth factors were also examined. Anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL10, IL1ra and IL9 were all overexpressed. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL4, IL15 and IFN-γ were overexpressed, while other pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL8, MCP1, IP10 were underexpressed after AGE stimulation, suggesting a para-inflammation state of the RPE under these conditions. Levels of mRNA of chemokine, CXCL11, and viperin, RSAD2, were up-regulated and may play a role in driving the inflammatory response via the NF-kB and JAK-STAT pathways. CXCL11 was strongly immunoreactive and associated with drusen in the AMD eye. The pathways and novel genes identified here highlight inflammation as a key response to AGE stimulation in primary culture of human RPE, and identify chemokine CXCL11 as putative novel agent associated with the pathogenesis of AMD.

Treatment of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil by combination of electro-Fenton and biosurfactant-assisted bioslurry process.

Removing petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) from polluted soil is challenging due to their low bioavailability and degradability. In this study, an experiment was carried out to treat soil polluted with petroleum hydrocarbon using a hybrid electro-Fenton (with BDD anode electrode) and biological processes stimulated with long-chain rhamnolipids (biosurfactants). Electro-Fenton treatment was applied as a pretreatment before the biological process to enhance PHC biodegradability, which would benefit the subsequent biological process. The effects of initial pH, hydroxide concentration, soil organic matter composition, PHCs intermediates during the electro-Fenton process, and total numbers of bacteria in the biological process were analyzed to determine the optimum conditions. The results showed that the optimized electrolysis time for the electro-Fenton was 12 h. The change induced during pretreatment at a specified time was found suitable for the biological process stage and led to 93.6% PHC degradation in combination with the electro-Fenton-and-biological process after 72 h. The combined system's performance was almost 40% higher than individual electro-Fenton and biological treatments. GC-MS analysis confirms the formation of 9-octadecen-1-ol (Z), 2-heptadecene, 1-nonadecene, 1-heneicosene, and pentacosane as fragmentation during the PHCs degradation process. Thus, the electro-Fenton process as pretreatment combined with a biological process stimulated with rhamnolipids (biosurfactants) could be effectively applied to remediate soil polluted with PHCs. However, the system needs further research and investigation to optimize electrolysis time and biosurfactant dose to advance this approach in the soil remediation process.

Reducing options of ammonia volatilization and improving nitrogen use efficiency via organic and inorganic amendments in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Background: This study investigates the effect of organic and inorganic supplements on the reduction of ammonia (NH3) volatilization, improvement in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and wheat yield. Methods: A field experiment was conducted following a randomized block design with 10 treatments i.e., T1-without nitrogen (control), T2-recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), T3-(N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide) (NBPT @ 0.5% w/w of RDN), T4-hydroquinone (HQ @ 0.3% w/w of RDN), T5-calcium carbide (CaC2 @ 1% w/w of RDN), T6-vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM @ 10 kg ha-1), T7-(azotobacter @ 50 g kg-1 seeds), T8-(garlic powder @ 0.8% w/w of RDN), T9-(linseed oil @ 0.06% w/w of RDN), T10-(pongamia oil @ 0.06% w/w of RDN). Results: The highest NH3 volatilization losses were observed in T2 at about 20.4 kg ha-1 per season. Significant reduction in NH3 volatilization losses were observed in T3 by 40%, T4 by 27%, and T8 by 17% when compared to the control treatment. Soil urease activity was found to be decreased in plots receiving amendments, T3, T4, and T5. The highest grain yield was observed in the T7 treated plot with 5.09 t ha-1, and straw yield of 9.44 t ha-1 in T4. Conclusion: The shifting towards organic amendments is a feasible option to reduce NH3 volatilization from wheat cultivation and improves NUE.

Sustainable environmental practices of tea waste-a comprehensive review.

Tea, the major beverage worldwide, is one of the oldest commercial commodities traded from ancient times. Apart from many of its advantages, including health, socio-economic, climatic, and agro-ecological values, FAO has recognized that the tea value chain covering its growth in the field, processing and marketing, and finally, the hot cup at the user's hand needs to be made sustainable during all these stages. Tea generates a lot of waste in different forms in different stages of its growth and processing, and these wastes, if not managed properly, may cause environmental pollution. A planned utilization of these wastes as feedstocks for various processes can generate more income, create rural livelihood opportunities, help grow tea environmentally sustainable, avoid GHG emissions, and make a real contribution to SDGs. Thermochemical and biological conversion of tea wastes generates value-added products. This review provides an overview on the impacts of the tea wastes on the environment, tea waste valorization processes, and applications of value-added products. The application of value-added products for energy generation, wastewater treatment, soil conditioners, adsorbents, biofertilizers, food additives, dietary supplements, animal feed bioactive chemicals, dye, colourant, and phytochemicals has been reviewed. Further, the challenges in sustainable utilization of tea wastes and opportunities for commercial exploitation of value-added products from tea wastes have been reviewed.