Machine learning for high solid anaerobic digestion: Performance prediction and optimization.

Biogas production through anaerobic digestion (AD) is one of the complex non-linear biological processes, wherein understanding its dynamics plays a crucial role towards process control and optimization. In this work, a machine learning based biogas predictive model was developed for high solid systems using algorithms, including SVM, ET, DT, GPR, and KNN and two different datasets (Dataset-1:10, Dataset-2:5 inputs). Support Vector Machine had the highest accuracy (R2) of all the algorithms at 91 % (Dataset-1) and 87 % (Dataset-2), respectively. The statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference (p = 0.377) across the datasets, wherein with less inputs, accurate results could be predicted. In case of biogas yield, the critical factors which affect the model predictions include loading rate and retention time. The developed high solid machine learning model shows the possibility of integrating Artificial Intelligence to optimize and control AD process, thus contributing to a generic model for enhancing the overall performance of the biogas plant.

Current Status of Biotechnological Approaches to Enhance the Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals in India-A Review.

Rising waste construction, agricultural actions, and manufacturing sewages all contribute to heavy metal accumulation in water resources. Humans consume heavy metals-contaminated substances to make sustenance, which equally ends up in the food circle. Cleaning of these vital properties, along with the prevention of new pollution, has long been required to evade negative strength consequences. Most wastewater treatment techniques are widely acknowledged to be costly and out of the grasp of governments and small pollution mitigation businesses. Utilizing hyper-accumulator plants that are extremely resilient to heavy metals in the environment/soil, phytoremediation is a practical and promising method for eliminating heavy metals from contaminated environments. This method extracts, degrades, or detoxifies harmful metals using green plants. The three phytoremediation techniques of phytostabilization, phytoextraction, and phytovolatilization have been used extensively for soil remediation. Regarding their ability to be used on a wide scale, conventional phytoremediation methods have significant limitations. Hence, biotechnological attempts to change plants for heavy metal phytoremediation methods are extensively investigated in order to increase plant effectiveness and possible use of improved phytoremediation approaches in the country of India. This review focuses on the advances and significance of phytoremediation accompanied by the removal of various harmful heavy metal contaminants. Similarly, sources, heavy metals status in India, impacts on nature and human health, and variables influencing the phytoremediation of heavy metals have all been covered.

Recent trends in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons pollution distribution and counteracting bio-remediation strategies.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are distributed worldwide due to long-term anthropogenic pollution sources. PAHs are recalcitrant and highly persistent in the environment due to their inherent properties, such as heterocyclic aromatic ring structures, thermostability, and hydrophobicity. They are highly toxic, carcinogenic, immunotoxic, teratogenic, and mutagenic to various life systems. This review focuses on the unique data of PAH sources, exposure routes, detection techniques, and harmful effects on the environment and human health. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic compilation of eco-friendly biological treatment solutions for PAH remediation, such as microbial remediation approaches utilizing microbial cultures. In situ and Ex situ bioremediation of PAH methods, including composting land farming, biopiles, bioreactors bioaugmentation, and phytoremediation processes, are discussed in detail, as is a summary of the factors affecting and limiting PAH bioremediation. This review provides an overview of emerging technologies that use multi-process combinatorial treatment approaches and answers to generating value-added by-products during PAH remediation.

Microbial degradation and transformation of PPCPs in aquatic environment: A review.

The Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) presence at harmful levels has been identified in aquatic ecosystems all over the world. Currently, PPCPs are more common in aquatic regions and have been discovered to be extremely harmful to aquatic creatures. Waste-water treatment facilities are the primary cause of PPCPs pollution in aquatic systems due to their limited treatment as well as the following the release of PPCPs. The degree of PPCPs elimination is primarily determined by the method applied for the remediation. It must be addressed in an eco-friendly manner in order to significantly improve the environmental quality or, at the very least, to prevent the spread as well as effects of toxic pollutants. However, when compared to other methods, environmentally friendly strategies (biological methods) are less expensive and require less energy. Most biological methods under aerobic conditions have been shown to degrade PPCPs effectively. Furthermore, the scientific literature indicates that with the exception of a few extremely hydrophobic substances, biological degradation by microbes is the primary process for the majority of PPCPs compounds. Hence, this review discusses about the optimistic role of microbe concerned in the degradation or transformation of PPCPs into non/less toxic form in the polluted environment. Accordingly, more number of microbial strains has been implicated in the biodegradation/transformation of harmful PPCPs through a process termed as bioremediation and their limitations.

Green synthesized Cobalt oxide nanoparticles using Curcuma longa for anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, dye degradation and anti-cancer property.

In the present study, cobalt oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using the root extract of Curcuma longa in a manner that is both environmentally friendly and economical. Initially, the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using a UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis, in which plasma resonance at 345 nm was observed, which confirmed that CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles were synthesized. While FTIR analysis showed a peak at 597.37 cm-1 indicating Co-O stretching vibration. In addition, DLS, SEM and XRD analyses confirmed the synthesis of polydispersed (average size distribution of 97.5 ± 35.1 nm), cubic phase structure, and spherical-shaped CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles. CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles synthesized from green materials showed antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) and Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), while CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles additionally displayed significant antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. CL-Cobalt oxide also showed application in a bioremediation perspective by showing strong photocatalytic degradation of methyl red, methyl orange and methyl blue dye. In addition, CL-Cobalt oxide also demonstrated anticancer activity against MDA-MB-468 cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 150.8 µg/ml. Therefore, this is the first and foremost report on CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Curcuma longa showing antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, dye degradation and anticancer applications.

Deciphering the anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Ti nanoparticles fabricated using Zingiber officinale.

Rapid and sustainable green technology was implemented in the current study to fabricated Ti nanoparticles. The vegetable ginger with the scientific name Zingiber officinale was employed as a biological source in the fabrication process of nanoparticles. The optical, structural, morphological, and particle size of the fabricated Ti nanoparticles were characterized with the help of UV-visible absorption spectrum, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectrum, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis, DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) technique and XRD (X-ray powder diffraction) crystallography technique. The presence of spherical-shaped Ti nanoparticles with an average particle size of 93 nm was confirmed based on these characterization techniques. The anti-cancer properties of the Z. officinale mediated Ti nanoparticles were analyzed through MTT assay against cell lines MCF-7 (Human breast adenocarcinoma cell line) and concentration-dependent anti-cancer properties were observed. The anti-inflammatory capacity of the Z. officinale mediated Ti nanoparticles were examined through protein denaturation and nitric oxide scavenging assay. The antioxidant capacity of the Z. officinale mediated Ti nanoparticles were examined through DPPH assay, hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) analysis. The fabricated Ti nanoparticles exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity in a concentration-dependent pattern.

In vitro investigation of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Gracilaria veruccosa - A seaweed against multidrug resistant Staphylococcusaureus.

In recent years, the biosynthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles has attracted a great deal of interest for applications in biomedicine and bioremediation. In the present study, Gracilaria veruccosa extract was used to synthesize Ag nanoparticles for investigating their antibacterial and antibiofilm potentials. The color shift from olive green to brown indicated the synthesis of AgNPs by plasma resonance at 411 nm. Physical and chemical characterization revealed that AgNPs of 20-25 nm sizes were synthesized. Detecting functional groups, such as carboxylic acids and alkenes, suggested that the bioactive molecules in the G. veruccosa extract assisted the synthesis of AgNPs. X-ray diffraction verified the s purity and crystallinity of the AgNPs with an average diameter of 25 nm, while DLS analysis showed a negative surface charge of -22.5 mV. Moreover, AgNPs were tested in vitro for antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacies against S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs against S. aureus was 3.8 µg/mL. Light and fluorescence microscopy proved the potential of AgNPs to disrupt the mature biofilm of S. aureus. Therefore, the present report has deciphered the potential of G. veruccosafor the synthesis of AgNPs and targeted the pathogenic bacteria S. aureus.

Characterization and Therapeutic Applications of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Cassia auriculate Flower Extract.

The current study analyzes the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the Cassia auriculate flower extract as the reducing and stabilizing agent. The Cassia auriculate- silver nanoparticles (Ca-AgNPs) obtained are characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The results of the spectral characterization have revealed that the surface Plasmon resonance band observed at 448 nm confirms the formation of AgNPs. TEM analysis of the Ca-AgNPs was a predominately spherical shape with a size assortment of 30 to 80 nm and an angular size of 50 nm. The well-analyzed Ca-AgNPs were used in various biological assays, including healthcare analysis of antimicrobial, antioxidant (DPPH), and cytotoxic investigations. Ca-AgNPs showed efficient free radical scavenging activity and showed excellent antimicrobial activity against to pathogenic strains. The occurrence of Ca-AgNPs lead to reduced Live/Dead ratio of bacteria (from 36.97 ± 1.35 to 9.43 ± 0.27) but improved the accumulation of bacterial clusters. The cytotoxicity of Ca-AgNPs was carried out by MTT assay against MCF-7 breast cancer cells and a moderate cytotoxic. The approach of flower extract-mediated synthesis is a cost-efficient, eco-friendly, and easy alternative to conventional methods of silver nanoparticle synthesis.

Regulatory Small RNAs for a Sustained Eco-Agriculture.

Small RNA (sRNA) has become an alternate biotechnology tool for sustaining eco-agriculture by enhancing plant solidity and managing environmental hazards over traditional methods. Plants synthesize a variety of sRNA to silence the crucial genes of pests or plant immune inhibitory proteins and counter adverse environmental conditions. These sRNAs can be cultivated using biotechnological methods to apply directly or through bacterial systems to counter the biotic stress. On the other hand, through synthesizing sRNAs, microbial networks indicate toxic elements in the environment, which can be used effectively in environmental monitoring and management. Moreover, microbes possess sRNAs that enhance the degradation of xenobiotics and maintain bio-geo-cycles locally. Selective bacterial and plant sRNA systems can work symbiotically to establish a sustained eco-agriculture system. An sRNA-mediated approach is becoming a greener tool to replace xenobiotic pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemical remediation elements. The review focused on the applications of sRNA in both sustained agriculture and bioremediation. It also discusses limitations and recommends various approaches toward future improvements for a sustained eco-agriculture system.

Biowaste derived hydroxyapatite embedded on two-dimensional g-C3N4 nanosheets for degradation of hazardous dye and pharmacological drug via Z-scheme charge transfer.

In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for inexpensive biowaste-derived photocatalysts for the degradation of hazardous dyes and pharmacological drugs. Here, we developed eggshell derived hydroxyapatite nanoparticles entrenched on two-dimensional g-C3N4 nanosheets. The structural, morphological and photophysical behavior of the materials is confirmed through various analytical techniques. The photocatalytic performance of the highly efficient HAp/gC3N4 photocatalyst is evaluated against methylene blue (MB) and doxycycline drug contaminates under UV-visible light exposure. The HAp/gC3N4 photocatalyst exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance for MB dye (93.69%) and doxycycline drug (83.08%) compared to bare HAp and g-C3N4 nanosheets. The ultimate point to note is that the HAp/gC3N4 photocatalyst was recycled in four consecutive cycles without any degradation performance. Superoxide radicals play an important role in degradation performance, which has been confirmed by scavenger experiments. Therefore, the biowaste-derived HAp combined with gC3N4 nanosheets is a promising photocatalyst for the degradation of hazardous dyes and pharmacological drug wastes.

Adsorption of As(III) and As(V) by Fe/C composite nanoparticles synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal approach without the addition of carbon sources.

Arsenic remediation from contaminated water has become a serious issue worldwide. Carbon-encapsulated Fe nanoparticle composites (Fe/C CNPs) were created utilizing a one-pot hydrothermal process with ferrocene and no carbon sources. The Fe/C CNPs produced were characterized using a variety of techniques. As(III) and As(IV) (V) were modeled using a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Langmuir model described As(III) adsorption on Fe/C CNPs with an extreme adsorption ability of 5.85 mg g-1, indicating monolayer adsorption. On the other hand, (V) adsorption was well matched with the Freundlich model, with a high adsorption volume of 5.05 mg g-1, demonstrating multilayer adsorption onto the surface of Fe/C CNPs. These findings imply that the Fe/C CNPs generated can be utilized to remediate As-contaminated water.

Biofilm mediated decolorization and degradation of reactive red 170 dye by the bacterial consortium isolated from the dyeing industry wastewater sediments.

Reactive dyes are extensively used in a plethora of industries, which in turn release toxic wastes into the environment. The textile dye waste remediation is crucial as it may contain several toxic elements. The utilization of bacterial consortium for bioremediation has acquired consideration, over the utilization of single strains. In this study, a microbial consortium containing three bacterial sp. (Bacillus subtilis, Brevibacillus borstelensis and Bacillus firmus) was tested for its degrading ability of the textile RR 170 dye. The bacterial consortium degraded the dye effectively at lower concentrations and the efficiency decreased as the dye concentration increased. SEM analysis revealed that, with dye treatment, the consortium appeared as tightly packed clumps with rough cell surface and were able to produce EPS and biofilms. EPS production was higher at 40 mg/l, 100 mg/l and 200 mg/l of the dye treatment conditions. Interestingly, the maximum biofilm formation was observed only at 40 µg/ml of the dye treatment, which indicates that RR 170 dye concentration affects the biofilm formation independent of EPS levels. The UV-vis spectroscopy, HPLC, FTIR and 2D-FTIR analyses confirmed the decolorization and biodegradation of RR 170 dye by the bacterial consortium. Toxicological studies performed with the dye and their degraded products in Allium cepa root cells revealed that, whereas the RR 170 dye induced genotoxic stress, the degraded dye products showed no significant genotoxic effects in root cells. Together, the investigated bacterial consortium decolorized and degraded the RR 170 dye resulting in metabolites that are non-toxic to the living cells.

Optimization for enhanced ecofriendly decolorization and detoxification of Reactive Blue160 textile dye by Bacillus subtilis.

The bacterial strain capable of decolorization and detoxification of the Reactive Blue 160 dye was isolated from a dye waste disposal site of Tirupur textile industries. The bacterial strain was screened and selected based on its decolorization capability of RB 160dye, which was identified as Bacillus subtilis by 16S rRNA sequencing. The strain was tested for the decolorization potential under different physio-chemical experimental conditions (pH, temperature, agitation, non-agitation) and observed a complete decolorization at pH 7 and 35 °C under shaking condition within 48 h of time. The enzymes such as, Lignin peroxidase, azoreductase and NADH-DCI were significantly induced in the strain during the decolorization of RB160 dye. Phytotoxicity and microbial toxicity studies revealed that the decolorized product of RB160 dye is less toxic to the plants and microbes. Thus, our results recommend the prospective use of B subtilis in bioremediation of RB160 dye.

Biodegradation of textile dye Reactive Blue 160 by Bacillus firmus (Bacillaceae: Bacillales) and non-target toxicity screening of their degraded products.

The study was envisioned to evaluate the decolorization of Reactive Blue 160 (RB160) dye by using indigenous microbes. Contaminated soil from textile dye industry was collected from Noyyal river basin, Tamil Nadu, India. Potential dye degrading bacterial strain was recognized as Bacillus firmus by 16SrRNA gene sequencing analysis. RB160 dye (500 µg/ml) was effectively degraded by B. firmus and toxicological analyses were performed with RB160 and their degraded product. Phytotoxicity revealed that degraded product of RB160 into non-toxic nature by B. firms. Toxicity assays were carried out on root cells of Allium cepa and human skin cell line (CRL 1474). Toxicity analysis of A. cepa and cell line signifies that dye exerts toxic cause on the root cells and IC50 values of RB160 showed toxic to human skin cell lines, while degradation products of the dye are moderately less in toxic. Zebrafish embryo toxicity also evaluated by RB160 and degraded product on phenotypic deformation, survival, hatching and heartbeat rate. However, RB160 with concentration of 500 µg/ml decrease in the survival, hatching, heartbeat rate and induced phenotypic alterations. In which, degraded products exhibited significant development in zebrafish embryos as compared to dye. Based on the studies effects of RB160 and capability of B. firmus can effectively degrade RB160, and their degraded products were harmless to the environments and aquatic system.

Characterization of multifarious plant growth promoting traits of rhizobacterial strain AR6 under Chromium (VI) stress.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can increase the host plant tolerance to cope up with heavy metal induced stress, which can be improve plant growth. Thus, the present study was designed to isolate Cr(VI) tolerant PGPR strain and evaluate its plant growth promoting (PGP) properties under Cr(VI) stress. Rhizobacterial strain AR6 was isolated from the rhizosphere of Phaseolus vulgaris L. and showed 99% homology with Cellulosimicrobium funkei (KM032184) in BLASTn analysis. Strain AR6 was specifically selected due to its high Cr(VI) tolerance (1200µg/ml) and substantial production of PGP substances. Strain AR6 produced 36.75µg/ml of indole acetic acid (IAA), 60.40µg/ml of ammonia and 14.23µg/ml of exopolysaccharide (EPS). Moreover, strain AR6 showed positive results for catalase, protease, amylase, lipase production and phosphate solubilization. A trend of Cr(VI) concentration dependent progressive decline for PGP traits of strain AR6 was observed excluding EPS which was regularly increased on increasing concentrations of Cr(VI). Among the four tested Cr(VI) concentrations, 250µg/ml showed the maximum toxicity to PGP activities of strain AR6. Inoculation of rhizobacterial strain AR6 significantly increased the root length of test crops in the presence of Cr(VI) and produced a considerable number of colonizes on the root of versatile dicot and monocot plants. Moreover, strain AR6 exhibited strong antagonistic activity against phytopathogen Aspergillus niger. Thus, the present study suggests that metal tolerant and PGP activities of the rhizobacterial strain AR6 could be exploited for environmental and agricultural issues.

Evaluation of Cr(VI) reduction mechanism and removal by Cellulosimicrobium funkei strain AR8, a novel haloalkaliphilic bacterium.

The present study, a novel haloalkaliphilic Cr(VI) tolerant bacterial strain, Cellulosimicrobium funkei AR8, was isolated and characterized for its high Cr(VI) reduction. In batch experiments, Cr(VI) reduction was evaluated under different parametric conditions which include different pH (5-9), temperature (25-45°C), NaCl (0-3%) and Cr(VI) concentrations (100-250µg/ml). Variations in the cell surface functional groups and morphology of the bacterial cells after Cr(VI) reduction were characterized by FT-IR and SEM-EDX. FT-IR analysis revealed that cell surface functional groups such as alkanes, amide and amines are involved in chromium biosorption and SEM-EDX results showed that biosorption and immobilization of chromium species on the cell surface. Bioconversion of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) by strain AR8 was confirmed by XRD and Raman spectroscopy analysis. Intracellular localization of reduced product (Cr(III)) was visualized by TEM analysis. Various instrumentation analysis verified that Cr(VI) removal mechanism of C. funkei AR8 strain was achieved by both extra and intracellular reducing machinery. Toxicity study revealed that the bacterially reduced product exerted less toxic effects on phenotypic, survival (91.31%), hatching (84.04%) and heart function (115±1.03 beats/min) of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Higher Cr(VI) reducing ability of the strain under haloalkaliphilic condition suggests the C. funkei AR8 as a novel and efficient strain for remediating Cr(VI) contaminated industrial effluents with high salinity and alkalinity.