Assessment of growth, and ion uptake of plant species, Conocarpus erectus and Dodonaea viscosa, on industrial solid waste.

Present study assessed the growth of two plant species and ion uptake by them grown on different proportion of industrial solid waste and garden soil. The industrial waste having high concentration of chemicals were used with garden soil at different proportion i.e. 0% (T0), 5% (T1), 10% (T2), 15% (T3) and 20% (T4). Two species namely Conocarpus erectus (alien plant) and Dodonaea viscosa (indigenous) were used as test plants in pot study. Different parameters including growth, physiology, and anatomy of plants and concentration of cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) in the plant shoot and root were measured at different time duration (initial, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th month). The key objective of the study was to use these plants to establish their plantations on the barren lands where industrial solid wastes were being disposed of. C. erectus showed better growth than D. viscosa, as well as more uptake of ions. A significant increase in plant growth was observed in fourth month in T1, where plant height reached 24.5% and 46% for C. erectus and D. viscosa, respectively. At harvest, in C. erectus, no significant difference in the fresh (65-78 g) and dry weight (24-30 g) of the shoot was observed across treatments compared to the control. In D. viscosa, at the time of harvest, the fresh and dry weights of the root and shoot showed a strong, significantly decreasing pattern across T1, T2, and T3, leading to the death of the plant at T3 and T4. Further, optimum ratio of waste soil to garden soil was found as 10:90 and 20:80 to establish the plantations of D. viscosa and C. erectus, respectively in areas where such solid waste from industries are disposed. Findings can be used for the restoration of such solid waste for the sustainable management of industrial areas and their associated ecosystems.

Efficient chromium removal from leather industrial wastewater in batch experimental study: Green synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Ficus benghalensis extracts.

The urgent need to address the severe environmental risk posed by chromium-contaminated industrial wastewater necessitates the development of eco-friendly cleanup methodologies. Utilizing the Ficus benghalensis plant extracts, the present study aims to develop green zinc oxide nanoparticles for the removal of Cr metal ions from wastewater. The leaves of Ficus benghalensis, often known as the banyan tree, were used to extract a solution for synthesizing ZnO NPs. These nanoparticles were developed with the goal of efficiently eliminating chromium (Cr) from industrial effluents. Batch studies were carried out to assess the efficiency of these synthesized ZnO NPs in treating leather industrial effluent, with aiming for optimal chromium removal. This involved measuring the nanoparticles' capacity to adsorb Cr ions from wastewater samples by comparing chromium levels before and after treatment. Removal efficiency for Cr was estimated through the batches such as optimization of pH, contact time, initial Cr concentration and sorbent dose of ZnO NPs were of the batches. These synthesized ZnO NPs were found to be successful in lowering chromium levels in wastewater to meet permissible limit. The nanoparticles exhibited their highest absorption capacity, reaching 94 % (46 mg/g) at pH 4, with a contact time of 7 hours with the optimum sorbent dose of 0.6 g/L. Hence, the excellent adsorption capabilities of these nanoparticles, together with their environmentally benign manufacturing technique, provide a long-term and efficient solution for chromium-contaminated wastewater treatment. Its novel nature has the potential to significantly improve the safety and cleanliness of water ecosystems, protecting the both i.e. human health and the environment.

Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and co-composted biochar on growth and Cd uptake by wheat plants: A field study.

Cadmium (Cd) is a common toxic trace element found in agricultural soils which is mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Cadmium posed a significant risk to humans all around the world due to its cancer-causing ability. The current study demonstrated the effects of soil-applied biochar (BC) and foliar-applied titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) (at a rate of 0.5% and 75 mg/L respectively) alone or in combination on growth and Cd accumulation in wheat plants under field experiment. Soil applied BC and foliar TiO2 NPs, as well as BC coupled with TiO2 NPs, reduced Cd contents in grains by 32%, 47%, and 79%, than control respectively. The usage of NPs and BC boosted the plant height as well as chlorophyll contents by lowering oxidative injury and changing selected antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves than control plants. The combined use of NPs and BC prevented excess Cd accumulation in grains over the critical level (0.2 mg/kg) for cereals. The health risk index (HRI) due to Cd was reduced by 79% by co-composted BC + TiO2 NPs treatment than control. Although, HRI was lower than one for all treatments but this may exceed the limit if grains obtained from such field consumed over long periods. In conclusion, TiO2 NPs and BC amendments can be implemented in fields across the globe where excess Cd is present in soils. Additional studies on the use of such approaches in more precise experimental settings are needed in order to address this environmental problem at larger scale.

Synthesis, characterization and antifungal potential of titanium dioxide nanoparticles against fungal disease (Ustilago tritici) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Nanoparticles (NPs) preparation using a green as well as environmentally acceptable processes has achieved a lot of attention in recent decade. The current study compared the synthesis of titania (TiO2) nanoparticles synthesized from leaf extracts of two plant species (Trianthema portulacastrum, Chenopodium quinoa) and traditional approach by chemical preparation. The effects of no calcination on the physical characteristics of TiO2 NPs as well as their antifungal effects were examined and compared with the already reported calcinated TiO2 NPs. The produced TiO2 NPs were evaluated using high-tech techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and elemental mapping. TiO2 NPs prepared by sol-gel technique (T1) and prepared from extractions from leaves of T. portulacastrum (T2), and C. quinoa (T3) were either calcinated or non calcinated and tested against fungal disease (Ustilago tritici) of wheat for antifungal efficacy. The -peak (2θ) at 25.3 was confirmed by XRD to be connected with the anatase (101) form in both cases but before calcination, NPs were lacking the rutile and brookite peaks. The results showed that all types of TiO2 NPs examined had good antifungal activity against U. tritici, but those made from C. quinoa plant extract have good antifungal activity against disease. TiO2 NPs which are produced by the green methods (T2, T3) have the highest antifungal activity (58%, 57% respectively), while minimal activity (19%) was recorded when NPs were synthesized using the sol-gel method (T1) with 25 µl/mL. Non calcinated TiO2 NPs have less antifungal potential than calcined TiO2 NPs. It can be concluded that calcination may be preferred for efficient antifungal activity when using titania nanoparticles. The green technology may be used on a larger scale with less damaging TiO2 NP production and can be utilized against fungal disease on wheat crop to reduce crop losses worldwide.

Enhancing chromium removal and recovery from industrial wastewater using sustainable and efficient nanomaterial: A review.

Water contamination can be detrimental to the human health due to higher concentration of carcinogenic heavy metals such as chromium (Cr) in the wastewater. Many traditional methods are being employed in wastewater treatment plants for Cr removal to control the environmental impacts. Such methods include ion exchange, coagulation, membrane filtration, and chemical precipitation and microbial degradation. Recent advances in materials science and green chemistry have led to the development of nanomaterial that possess high specific surface areas and multiple functions, making them suitable for removing metals such as Cr from wastewater. Literature shows that the most efficient, effective, clean, and long-lasting approach for removing heavy metals from wastewater involves adsorbing heavy metals onto the surface of nanomaterial. This review assesses the removal methods of Cr from wastewater, advantages and disadvantages of using nanomaterial to remove Cr from wastewater and potential negative impacts on human health. The latest trends and developments in Cr removal strategies using nanomaterial adsorption are also explored in the present review.

Effect of green-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles on growth, physiology, nutrient uptake, and cadmium accumulation in Triticum aestivum (L.).

Cadmium (Cd) stress in crops has been serious concern while little is known about the copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) effects on Cd accumulation by crops. This study investigated the effectiveness of CuO NPs in mitigating Cd contamination in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation through a pot experiment, presenting an eco-friendly solution to a critical agricultural concern. The CuO NPs, synthesized using green methods, exhibited a circular shape with a crystalline structure and a particle size ranging from 8 to 12 nm. The foliar spray of CuO NPs was applied in four different concentrations i.e. control, 25, 50, 75, 100 mg/L. The obtained data demonstrated that, in comparison to the control group, CuO NPs had a beneficial influence on various growth metrics and straw and grain yields of T. aestivum. The green CuO NPs improved T. aestivum growth and physiology under Cd stress, enhanced selected enzyme activities, reduced oxidative stress, and decreased malondialdehyde levels in the T. aestivum plants. CuO NPs lowered Cd contents in T. aestivum tissues and boosted the uptake of essential nutrients from the soil. Overall, foliar applied CuO NPs were effective in minimizing Cd contents in grains thereby reducing the health risks associated with Cd excess in humans. However, more in depth studies with several plant species and application methods of CuO NPs are required for better utilization of NPs in agricultural purposes.

Synthesis, characterization and advanced sustainable applications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles: A review.

Nanotechnology is capturing great interest worldwide due to their stirring applications in various fields. Among nanoparticles (NPs), titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs have been widely used in daily life and can be synthesized through various physical, chemical, and green methods. Green synthesis is a non-toxic, cost-effective, and eco-friendly route for the synthesis of NPs. Plenty of work has been reported on the green, chemical, physical and biological synthesis of TiO2 NPs and these NPs can be characterized through high tech. instruments. In the present review, dense data have been presented on the comparative synthesis of TiO2 NPs with different characteristics and their wide range of applications. Among the TiO2 NPs synthesis techniques, the green methods have been proven to be efficient than chemical synthesis methods because of the less use of precursors, time-effectiveness, and energy-efficiency during the green synthesis procedures. Moreover, this review describes the types of plants (shrubs, herbs and trees), microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and algae), biological derivatives (proteins, peptides, and starches) employed for the synthesis of TiO2 NPs. The TiO2 NPs can be effectively used for the treatment of polluted water and positively affected the plant physiology especially under abiotic stresses but the response varied with types, size, shapes, doses, duration of exposure, metal species along with other factors. This review also highlights the regulating features and future standpoints for the measurable enrichment in TiO2 NPs product and perspectives of TiO2 NPs reliable application.

Assessment of drinking water quality using Water Quality Index and synthetic pollution index in urban areas of mega city Lahore: a GIS-based approach.

The aim of the present study was to assess the drinking water quality in the selected urban areas of Lahore and to comprehend the public health status by addressing the basic drinking water quality parameters. Total 50 tap water samples were collected from groundwater in the two selected areas of district Lahore i.e., Gulshan-e-Ravi (site 1) and Samanabad (site 2). Water samples were analyzed in the laboratory to elucidate physico-chemical parameters including pH, turbidity, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness, magnesium hardness, and calcium hardness. These physico-chemical parameters were used to examine the Water Quality Index (WQI) and Synthetic Pollution Index (SPI) in order to characterize the water quality. Results of th selected physico-chemical parameters were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to determine the quality of drinking water. A GIS-based approach was used for mapping water quality, WQI, and SPI. Results of the present study revealed that the average value of temperature, pH, and DO of both study sites were within the WHO guidelines of 23.5 °C, 7.7, and 6.9 mg/L, respectively. The TDS level of site 1 was 192.56 mg/L (within WHO guidelines) and whereas, in site 2 it was found 612.84 mg/L (higher than WHO guidelines), respectively. Calcium hardness of site 1 and site 2 was observed within the range from 25.04 to 65.732 mg/L but, magnesium hardness values were higher than WHO guidelines. The major reason for poor water quality is old, worn-out water supply pipelines and improper waste disposal in the selected areas. The average WQI was found as 59.66 for site 1 and 77.30 for site 2. Results showed that the quality of the water was classified as "poor" for site 1 and "very poor " for site 2. There is a need to address the problem of poor water quality and also raise the public awareness about the quality of drinking water and its associated health impacts.

Aloe-inspired eco-friendly synthesis of Ag/ZnO heterostructures: boosting photocatalytic potential.

The current research focuses on the development of Ag-ZnO heterostructures through a "bottom-up" approach involving the assembly and extraction of Aloe barbadensis Miller gel. These heterostructures composed of metals/semiconductor oxide display distinct and notable optical, electrical, magnetic, and chemical properties that are not found in single constituents and also exhibit photocatalytic applications. These synthesized heterostructures were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The high peak intensity of the Ag/ZnO composite shows the high crystallinity. The presence of Ag-O, Zn-O, and O-H bonding is verified using FTIR analysis. SEM analysis indicated the formation of spherical shapes of Ag/ZnO heterostructures. The Zn, O, and Ag elements are further confirmed by EDX analysis. Ag-ZnO heterostructures exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and stability against the degradation of tubantin red 8BL dye under visible light irradiation.

Green synthesis of magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica leaf extract loaded on reduced graphene oxide and degradation of methylene blue.

In the current arena, new-generation functional nanomaterials are the key players for smart solutions and applications including environmental decontamination of pollutants. Among the plethora of new-generation nanomaterials, graphene-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites are in the driving seat surpassing their counterparts due to their unique physicochemical characteristics and superior surface chemistry. The purpose of the present research was to synthesize and characterize magnetite iron oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (FeNPs/rGO) via a green approach and test its application in the degradation of methylene blue. The modified Hummer's protocol was adopted to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) through a chemical exfoliation approach using a graphitic route. Leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was used as a green reducing agent to reduce GO into reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Then, using the green deposition approach and Azadirachta indica leaf extract, a nanocomposite comprising magnetite iron oxides and reduced graphene oxide i.e., FeNPs/rGO was synthesized. During the synthesis of functionalized FeNPs/rGO, Azadirachta indica leaf extract acted as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent. The final synthesized materials were characterized and analyzed using an array of techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis, and UV-visible spectrophotometry. The UV-visible spectrum was used to evaluate the optical characteristics and band gap. Using the FT-IR spectrum, functional groupings were identified in the synthesized graphene-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites. The morphology and elemental analysis of nanomaterials and nanocomposites synthesized via the green deposition process were investigated using SEM-EDX. The GO, rGO, FeNPs, and FeNPs/rGO showed maximum absorption at 232, 265, 395, and 405 nm, respectively. FTIR spectrum showed different functional groups (OH, COOH, C=O), C-O-C) modifying material surfaces. Based on Debye Sherrer's equation, the mean calculated particle size of all synthesized materials was < 100 nm (GO = 60-80, rGO = 90-95, FeNPs = 70-90, Fe/GO = 40-60, and Fe/rGO = 80-85 nm). Graphene-based nanomaterials displayed rough surfaces with clustered and spherical shapes and EDX analysis confirmed the presence of both iron and oxygen in all the nanocomposites. The final nanocomposites produced via the synthetic process degraded approximately 74% of methylene blue. Based on the results, it is plausible to conclude that synthesized FeNPs/rGO nanocomposites can also be used as a potential photocatalyst degrader for other different dye pollutants due to their lower band gap.

Physico- and phytochemical properties of Brassica juncea as affected by agroclimatic conditions.

Physicochemical and phytochemical assessment of leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.) grown in different agroclimatic conditions is essential to highlight their compositional variability and evaluate the most suitable bunch of agroclimatic and agronomic practices. B. juncea is one of the important leafy vegetables that serve as source of vitamin A and C and iron, and plenty of antioxidants. This in situ research was executed to assess the quality variability of B. juncea grown in different agroecosystems. Leaves' samples of B. juncea were procured from 15 farmers' fields exhibiting different agroclimatic conditions i.e., elevation, nutrient management, temperature, irrigation, and tillage practices. Leaves' samples were subjected to physicochemical and phytochemical analysis, i.e., moisture, pH, TSS, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant potential. In the leaves' samples of B. juncea, the target properties were found to vary significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in different agroclimatic conditions. The moisture content, ascorbic acid, phenolic content, carotenoids, and antioxidants were found in the range of 62.7-79.3%, 74-91 mg/100 g, 49.2-49.2 mg GAE/100 g, 436.3-480 mg ß carotene/100 g, 32.7-46.67%, respectively. This study elaborates the significant variation of physicochemical and phytochemical attributes of B. juncea due to the prevailing agroclimatic conditions. This necessitates the appropriate choice of B. juncea concerning its composition and ecological conditions of its cultivation in the prospective health benefits.

Investigating the Impact of Carbon Nanotube Nanoparticle Exposure on Testicular Oxidative Stress and Histopathological Changes in Swiss albino Mice.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess remarkable properties that make them valuable for various industrial applications. However, concerns have arisen regarding their potential adverse health effects, particularly in occupational settings. The main aim of this research was to examine the effects of short-term exposure to multiwalled carbon nanotube nanoparticles (MWCNT-NPs) on testicular oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice, taking into account various factors such as dosage, duration of exposure, and particle size of MWCNT-NP. In this study, 20 mice were used and placed into six different groups randomly. Four of these groups comprised four repetitions each, while the two groups served as the vehicle control with two repetitions each. The experimental groups received MWCNT-NP treatment, whereas the control group remained untreated. The mice in the experimental groups were exposed to MWCNT-NP for either 7 days or 14 days. Through oral administration, the MWCNT-NP solution was introduced at two distinct dosages: 0.45 and 0.90 µg, whereas the control group was subjected to distilled water rather than the MWCNT-NP solution. The investigation evaluated primary oxidative balance indicators-glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG)-in response to MWCNT-NP exposure. Significantly, a noticeable reduction in GSH levels and a concurrent increase in GSSG concentrations were observed in comparison to the control group. To better understand and explore the assessment of the redox status, the Nernst equation was used to calculate the redox potential. Intriguingly, the calculated redox potential exhibited a negative value, signifying an imbalance in the oxidative state in the testes. These findings suggest that short-term exposure to MWCNT-NP can lead to the initiation of testicular oxidative stress and may disrupt the male reproductive system. This is evident from the alterations observed in the levels of GSH and GSSG, as well as the negative redox potential. The research offers significant insights into the reproductive effects of exposure to MWCNTs and emphasizes the necessity of assessing oxidative stress in nanomaterial toxicity studies.

Removal of oxytetracycline from pharmaceutical wastewater using kappa carrageenan hydrogel.

This study investigated the adsorption of Oxytetracycline (OTC) from pharmaceutical wastewater using a kappa carrageenan based hydrogel (KPB). The aim of the present study was to explore the potential of KPB for long-term pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. A sustainable adsorbent was developed to address oxytetracycline (OTC) contamination. The hydrogel's structural and adsorption characteristics were examined using various techniques like Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and kinetic models. The results revealed considerable changes in the vibrational modes and adsorption bands of the hydrogel, suggesting the effective functionalization of Bentonite nano-clay. Kappa carrageenan based hydrogel achieved the maximum removal (98.5%) of OTC at concerntration of 40 mg/L, pH 8, cotact time of 140 min and adsorbent dose of 0.1 g (KPB-3). Adsorption of OTC increased up to 99% with increasing initial concentrations. The study achieved 95% adsorption capacity for OTC using a KPB film at a concentration of 20 mg/L and a 0.1 g adsorbent dose within 60 min. It also revealed that chemisorptions processes outperform physical adsorption. The Pseudo-Second-Order model, which emphasized the importance of chemical adsorption in the removal process, is better suited to represent the adsorption behavior. Excellent matches were found that R2 = 0.99 for KPB-3, R2 = 0.984 for KPB-2 and R2 = 0.989 for KPB-1 indicated strong chemical bonding interactions. Statisctical analysis (ANOVA) was performed using SPSS (version 25) and it was found that pH and concentration had significant influence on OTC adsorption by the hydrogel, with p-values less than 0.05. The study identified that a Kappa carrageenan-based hydrogel with bentonite nano-clay and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) can efficiently remove OTC from pharmaceutical effluent, with a p-value of 0.054, but weak positive linear associations with pH, temperature, and contact time. This research contributed to sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental engineering.

Reduction in the cadmium (Cd) accumulation and toxicity in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) by regulating physio-biochemical and antioxidant defense system via soil and foliar application of melatonin.

Cadmium (Cd) is among the toxic pollutants that harms the both animals and plants. The natural antioxidant, melatonin can improve Cd-stress tolerance but its potential role in reducing Cd stress and resilience mechanisms in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is remain unclear. The present study suggests that Cd causes severe oxidative damage by decreasing photosynthesis, and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde content (MDA), and Cd content in different parts of pearl millet. However, exogenous melatonin (soil application and foliar treatment) mitigated the Cd toxicity and enhanced the growth, antioxidant defense system, and differentially regulated the expression of antioxidant-responsive genes i. e superoxide dismutase SOD-[Fe] 2, Fe-superoxide dismutase, Peroxiredoxin 2C, and L-ascorbate peroxidase-6. The results showed that foliar melatonin at F-200/50 significantly increased the plant height, chlorophyll a, b, a+b and carotenoids by 128%, 121%, 150%, 122%, and 69% over the Cd treatment, respectively. The soil and foliar melatonin at S-100/50 and F-100/50 reduced the ROS by 36%, and 44%, and MDA by 42% and 51% over the Cd treatment, respectively. Moreover, F200/50 significantly boosted the activities of antioxidant enzymes i. e SOD by 141%, CAT 298%, POD 117%, and APX 155% over the Cd treatment. Similarly, a significant reduction in Cd content in root, stem, and leaf was found on exposure to higher concentrations of exogenous melatonin. These findings suggest that exogenous melatonin may significantly and differentially improve the tolerance to Cd stress in crop plants. However, field applications, type of plant species, concentration of dose, and type of stress may vary with the degree of tolerance in crop plants.

Water Quality Index and Human Health Risk Assessment of Drinking Water in Selected Urban Areas of a Mega City.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the quality of drinking water and assess the potential health hazards due to water contaminants in selected urban areas of Lahore, Pakistan. Water samples were collected from ten sites and analyzed for different physico-chemical parameters including turbidity, color, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrates, fluoride, residual chlorine, and total hardness. Additionally, heavy metal (arsenic) and microbial parameters (E. coli) were also determined in the water samples. Drinking water quality evaluation indices, including the water quality index (WQI) for physico-chemical and biological parameters and human health risk assessment (HHRA) for heavy metal were estimated using the analytical results of the target parameters. It was found in most of the areas that the levels of arsenic, fluoride, TDS, and residual chlorine were higher than those recommended by the National Environmental Quality Standard (NEQS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. In addition to the physico-chemical parameters, microbial content (E. coli) was also found in the drinking water samples of the selected areas. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that levels of target parameters in drinking water samples are significantly different between sampling sites. The WQI for all physico-chemical and microbial parameters indicated that drinking water in most of the areas was unfit and unsuitable (WQI > 100) for drinking purposes except for the water of Bhatti Gate and Chota Gaon Shahdara with a WQI of 87 and 91, respectively. Drinking water in these areas had a very poor WQI rating. According to HHRA, drinking water from the selected sites was found to be of high risk to children and adults. The carcinogenic risk of arsenic indicated that all samples were of high risk to both adults and children (4.60 and 4.37 × 10-3, respectively). Regular monitoring of drinking water quality is essential, and proactive measures must be implemented to ensure the treatment and availability of safe drinking water in urban areas.

Chromium (III) removal by perennial emerging macrophytes in floating treatment wetlands.

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are a sustainable solution to treat polluted water, but their role in chromium (Cr(III)) removal under neutral pH conditions remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the potential of FTWs planted with two perennial emergent macrophytes, Phragmites australis and Iris pseudacorus, to remove Cr(III) and nutrients (N and PO4-P) from water containing 7.5 mg/L TN, 1.8 mg/L PO4-P, and Cr(III) (500, 1000, and 2000 µg/L). Within 1 h of exposure, up to 96-99% of Cr was removed from the solution, indicating rapid precipitation. After 50 days, Phragmites bound 9-19% of added Cr, while Iris bound 5-22%. Both species accumulated Cr primarily in the roots (BCF > 1). Biomass production and growth development were inhibited in Cr treatments, but microscopic examination of plant roots revealed no histological changes at 500 and 1000 µg/L Cr, suggesting high resistance of the tested species. At 2000 µg/L Cr, both species exhibited disruptions in the arrangement of vessel elements in the stele and increased aerenchyma spaces in Phragmites. At the end of the experiment, 70-86% of TN and 54-90% of PO4-P were removed.

Evaluation of nanoceria on cadmium uptake in Triticum aestivum (L.) and its implications for dietary health risk.

In recent times, significant attention has been directed toward the synthesis and application of nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture sector. In current study, nanoceria (CeO2 NPs) synthesized by green method were employed to address cadmium (Cd) accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated in field with excess Cd. The application of CeO2 NPs was carried out through foliar spraying, performed twice during the growth of T. aestivum. Four levels of CeO2 NPs were used: T0, T1, T2, and T3 as 0, 50, 75, and 100 mgL-1, respectively. Results highlighted the positive effects of CeO2 NPs on various growth parameters, including plant height, spike length, photosynthetic related attributes, as well as straw and grain of grains in comparison to T1 (control group). Furthermore, CeO2 NPs led to a reduction in oxidative stress in the leaves and enhanced in enzyme activities in comparison to T1. Notably, Cd concentrations in straw, roots, and grains exhibited a decline following the treatment with CeO2 NPs, in contrast to the control group. In terms of health implications, the calculated health risk index associated with dietary consumption of grains by adults remained below the defined threshold with supply of nanoparticles. Foliar application of CeO2 NPs proved to be an effective approach in reducing cadmium content in wheat grains. This reduction holds significant potential for minimizing the risk of cadmium exposure to human health through the food chain. Employing the green synthesis method amplifies the potential for extensive production and a wide array of environmental applications for CeO2 NPs. This dual capacity makes them proficient in tackling environmental stresses while concurrently mitigating adverse ecological effects.

The effect of gibberellic acid on wheat growth and nutrient uptake under combined stress of cerium, zinc and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are released and dispersed in the environment because of increased manufacturing and use of nano products. NPs disturb the growth of plants depending upon types, exposure duration and plant species. The purpose of this research was to explore the role of gibberellic acid (GA) exposure through foliar route on wheat growth under alone or combined soil application of cerium oxide (CeO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs. GA was foliar-applied (200 mg/L) on the wheat plants treated with individual and in all possible combination of the selected NPs. Explorations have revealed that the combination of NPs and GA worked well to enhance the plant growth and selected nutrient status than NPs alone. Furthermore, GA decreased the boosted antioxidant enzyme activities under the combination and individual NPs compared to the alone NPs treated plants, lowered the oxidative stress in wheat plants which provided the additional proof that GA decreased oxidative damage in plants. Combined NPs showed differential effects than individual NPs application irrespective of GA exposure which varied with NPs combination and studied parameters of plants. GA + NPs differentially affected the potassium, phosphorus, iron and manganese concentrations in wheat tissues than NPs alone treatments. Overall, GA can be applied when there is excess of NPs (either alone or in combination) in the growth medium to ensure the growth of crops. However, further studied are needed with other plant species and alone or combined use of different NPs under GA treatment before any final recommendation.

Green synthesis and characterization of silver and copper nanoparticles and their use as an effective adsorbent for chromium removal and recovery from wastewater.

Chromium (Cr) is one of the hazardous heavy metals that is naturally carcinogenic and causes various health problems. Metallic nanoparticles such as silver and copper nanoparticles (Ag NPs and Cu NPs) have gained great attention because of their unique chemical, physical, and biological attributes, serving diverse and significant role in various useful and sustainable applications. In the present study, both of these NPs were synthesized by green method in which Azadirachta indica plant extract was used. These nanoparticles were characterized by using advanced instrumental techniques such as Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope attached with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and elemental mapping. These environmentally friendly nanoparticles were utilized for the batch removal of Cr from the wastewater. For analysis of adsorption behaviour, a range of kinetic isotherm models (Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin, and Langmuir) and kinetic models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) were used for the Cu-NPs and Ag-NPs. Cu NPs exhibited the highest Cr removal efficiency (96%) within a contact time of 10-15 min, closely followed by Ag NPs which achieved a removal efficiency of 94% under the similar conditions. These optimal outcomes were observed at a sorbent dose of 0.5 g/L for Ag NPs and 0.7 g/L for Cu NPs. After effectively capturing Cr using these nanoparticles, the sorbates were examined through SEM-EDX analysis to observe how much Cr metal was attached to the nanoparticles, potentially for future use. The analysis found that Ag-NPs captured 18% of Cr, while Cu-NPs captured 12% from the aqueous solution. More precise experimental conditions are needed for higher Cr removal from wastewater and determination of the best conditions for industrial-level Cr reuse. Although nanomaterial exhibit high efficiency and selectivity for Cr removal and recovery from wastewater, more research is necessary to optimize their synthesis and performance for industrial-scale applications and develop efficient methods for Cr removal and recovery.

Effect of green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles on fungal disease of wheat plants: A field study.

Recently, there has been considerable attention towards the production of environmentally friendly nanoparticles (NPs). In this investigation, the successful synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) was achieved by employing an eco-friendly technique that utilized an extract from the leaves of local plant quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.). The synthesized CeO2 NPs were subjected to characterization using state-of-the-art methods. The prepared CeO2 NPs contained a round shape with clusters and have a size of 7-10 nm. To assess how effective CeO2 NPs derived from C. quinoa were against Ustilago tritici, a fungal disease that negatively affects wheat crop globally, a study was performed on two varieties of wheat crop comprised of Arooj (V1) and Akber (V2), cultivated under field conditions. CeO2 NPs were applied foliarly twice to the wheat crop at four different concentrations: T0 (0 mg/L), T1 (50 mg/L), T2 (75 mg/L), and T3 (100 mg/L). The results revealed that the control group (T0) exhibited the highest disease severity index (DSI) with a value of 75% compared to the other concentrations of CeO2 NPs on both varieties. At a concentration of 100 mg/L of CeO2 NPs, the DSI dropped to a minimum of 35% and 37% on both V1 and V2 respectively. These findings indicated that an increase in the concentration of CeO2 NPs has a beneficial impact on disease severity. Similar patterns have also been observed with disease incidence (DI), with the greatest efficacy observed at a concentration of 100 mg/L of CeO2 NPs. Our investigation has shown that CeO2 NPs exhibitd significant antifungal potential against U. tritici which may be a promising strategy to mitigate fungal disease and crop losses globally.