Distribution and concentration pathway of particulate pollution during pandemic-induced lockdown in metropolitan cities in India.

To characterize the pollutant dispersal across major metropolitan cities in India, daily particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) data for the study areas were collected from the National Air Quality Monitoring stations database provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India. The data were analysed for three temporal ranges, i.e. before the pandemic-induced lockdown, during the lockdown, and after the upliftment of lockdown restrictions. For the purpose, the time scale ranged from 1st April to 31st May for the years 2019 (pre), 2020, and 2021 (post). Statistical distributions (lognormal, Weibull, and Gamma), aerosol optical thickness, and back trajectories were assessed for all three time periods. Most cities followed the lognormal distribution for PM2.5 during the lockdown period except Mumbai and Hyderabad. For PM10, all the regions followed the lognormal distribution. Delhi and Kolkata observed a maximum decline in particulate pollution of 41% and 52% for PM2.5 and 49% and 53% for PM10, respectively. Air mass back trajectory suggests local transmission of air mass during the lockdown period, and an undeniable decline in aerosol optical thickness was observed from the MODIS sensor. It can be concluded that statistical distribution analysis coupled with pollution models can be a counterpart in studying the dispersal and developing pollution abatement policies for specific sites. Moreover, incorporating remote sensing in pollution study can enhance the knowledge about the origin and movement of air parcels and can be helpful in taking decisions beforehand.

A novel CaO nanocomposite cross linked graphene oxide for Cr(VI) removal and sensing from wastewater.

A novel green nanocomposite has been prepared by immobilizing CaO nanoparticles (CaO NPs) on the surface of graphene oxide. Biogenic CaO-NPs were synthesized from Lala clamshells. Morphological and structural characterizations of the nanocomposite were studied extensively. The adsorption capacity (qmax) of the nanocomposite for removing Cr(VI) was 38.04 mg g-1. In addition to this, the adsorption data were adequately simulated with Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and pseudo-second-order models, suggesting that the adsorption process was the combination of external mass transfer and chemisorption. Electrostatic interaction was the dominant mechanism for Cr(VI) removal. In addition, the synthesized nanocomposites also serve as an excellent sensor for Cr(VI) sensing, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.02 µM utilizing electrochemical methods. Therefore, this green nanocomposite can simultaneously serve as an adsorbent and sensor for Cr(VI)removal from aqueous solutions.

Sequestration of heavy metal ions from multi-metal simulated wastewater systems using processed agricultural biomass.

Industrial effluents generally contain several metals, so during adsorptive treatment, they may influence the removal of each other. It is essential to explore the effect of co-cations on metal removal in multi-metal solutions. The present study examined the possibility of processed rice husk and saw dust to remove Cr6+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+, from the single, binary and multi-component aqueous solutions. A substantial lesser removal of metal ions was observed in the presence of co-ions. This study revealed antagonistic effect on the removal of a particular metal ion, from the industrial effluent, even at optimum process parameters if other metal ions are present in the effluent. Although, a higher concentration of one metal ion than others in effluents increased its removal due to a greater number of ions as compared to other for the biosorption, yet presence of other ions influences the uptake of individual ions. In case of industrial effluents, maximum adsorption was obtained at pH 2.0 for Cr6+, 5.0 for Ni2+ and Cd2+ and 6.0 for Zn2+ and Cu2+. The study confirms the beneficial use of the studied biosorbents in water remediation.

A comprehensive physico-chemical quality and heavy metal health risk assessment study for phreatic water sources in Narora Atomic Power Station region, Narora, India.

An investigation of water quality and heavy metal distribution in the groundwater samples collected from the vicinity of Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS), Narora, India, was conducted for the metals including Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Cd, Pb, and Fe. A total of 16 water quality parameters were measured for all the groundwater samples, and TDS, TH, Mg2+, Ca2+, F-, and turbidity were found to be on the higher side in comparison to the prescribed limits of Indian standards. Geometrical mean concentrations for these heavy metals were found to be 0.049, 0.213, 0.23, 0.135, 0.017, 0.061, and BDL for Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, Co, and Ni, respectively. Pb and Cd were more than the permissible limits (0.01 mg/L for Pb and 0.003 for Cd) prescribed for safe drinking water while Cu and Fe were exceeding the permissible limits of 0.05 mg/L and 0.3 mg/L in 32% and 36% samples, respectively. Health risk assessment was done by calculating total hazard quotient (THQ), and the values for all the metals were below the threshold value of 1.0 beyond which they may pose a significant risk.

COVID-19 lockdown: a rare opportunity to establish baseline pollution level of air pollutants in a megacity, India.

This paper analyses air quality data from megacity Delhi, India, during different periods related to the COVID-19, including pre-lockdown, lockdown and unlocked (post-lockdown) (2018-2020) to determine what baseline levels of air pollutants might be and the level of impact that could be anticipated under the COVID-19 lockdown emission scenario. The results show that air quality improved significantly during the lockdown phases, with the most significant changes occurring in the transportation and industrially dominated areas. A pronounced decline in PM2.5 and PM10 up to 63% and 58%, respectively, was observed during the lockdown compared to the pre-lockdown period in 2020. When compared to 2018 and 2019, they were lower by up to 51% and 61%, respectively, dropping by 56% during unlock. Some pollutants (NOx and CO) dropped significantly during lockdown, while SO2 and O3 declined only slightly. Moreover, when compared between the different phases of lockdown, the maximum decline for most of the pollutants and air quality index occurred during the lockdown phase 1; thus, this period was used to report the COVID-19 baseline threshold values (CBT; threshold value is the upper limit of baseline variation). Of the various statistical methods used median + 2 median absolute deviation (mMAD) was most suitable, indicating CBT values of 143 and 75 ug/m3 for PM10 and PM2.5, respectively. This results although preliminary, but it gives a positive indication that temporary lockdown can be considered as a boon to mitigate the damage we have done to the environment. Also, this baseline levels can be helpful as a first line of information to set future target limits or to develop effiective management policies for achieving better air quality in urban centres like Delhi. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-021-03142-3.

Management of banana crop waste biomass using vermicomposting technology.

This study reports the vermicomposting of banana crop waste biomass by Eisenia fetida. Cow dung has been used as bulking agent in this study. The experiment was conducted in six vermireactors containing different ratios of banana leaf waste biomass (BL) and cow dung (CD) for 105 days. Earthworm activity significantly reduced pH, TOC, C:N and C:P ratio of the wastes. Whereas macronutrients and micronutrients content increased after vermicomposting. TOC content of wastes reduced by 40-64% and C:N ratio of the vermicomposts was in the range of 8.9-24.3. The benefit ratio for heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn and Cr) was in the range of 0.23-3.44. The results indicated that the growth and fecundity of the earthworms was best in the vermireactors having 20-40% BL. Finally, it was concluded that vermicomposting can be included in the overall scheme of banana crop waste management.

Cardiological society of India document on safety measure during echo evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the time of COVID-19.

An echocardiographic investigation is one of the key modalities of diagnosis in cardiology. There has been a rising presence of cardiological comorbidities in patients positive for COVID-19. Hence, it is becoming extremely essential to look into the correct safety precautions, healthcare professionals must take while conducting an echo investigation. The decision matrix formulated for conducting an echocardiographic evaluation is based on presence or absence of cardiological comorbidity vis-à-vis positive, suspected or negative for COVID-19. The safety measures have been constructed keeping in mind the current safety precautions by WHO, CDC and MoHFW, India.

Pb2+ and Cd2+ recovery from water using residual tea waste and SiO2@TW nanocomposites.

This work reports the fabrication of SiO2@TW nanocomposites and their application for Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions sequestration from simulated water. Residual tea waste has also been used for metal ions sequestration to compare the potential of SiO2@TW nanocomposites. The SEM, TEM, BET, FTIR and EDX techniques were employed for the characterization of SiO2@TW nanocomposites and residual tea waste. Particle sizes of SiO2@TW nanocomposites was in the range of 6.8-12 nm. The experiments were carried out in batch mode to explore the effect of various operating parameters on the sequestration of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions from water. The experimental data was subjected to various thermodynamic, kinetic and isothermic models. According to Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption efficiency of the SiO2@TW nanocomposites was 153 mg/g for Pb2+ and 222 mg/g for Cd2+ but maximum adsorption efficiency of residual tea waste for Pb2+ was 125 mg/g and for Cd2+ was 142.9 mg/g. This study suggested that due to the presence of active sites SiO2@TW nanocomposites has greater potential for metal sequestration than residual tea waste.

Alkali-cation-incorporated and functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles for methyl blue removal/decomposition.

Enhancing the rate of decomposition or removal of organic dye by designing novel nanostructures is a subject of intensive research aimed at improving waste-water treatment in the textile and pharmaceutical industries. Despite radical progress in this challenging area using iron-based nanostructures, enhancing stability and dye adsorption performance is highly desirable. In the present manuscript alkali cations are incorporated into iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) to tailor their structural and magnetic properties and to magnify methyl blue (MB) removal/decomposition capability. The process automatically functionalizes the IONPs without any additional steps. The plausible mechanisms proposed for IONPs incubated in alkali chloride and hydroxide solutions are based on structural investigation and correlated with the removal/adsorption capabilities. The MB adsorption kinetics of the incubated IONPs is elucidated by the pseudo second-order reaction model. Not only are the functional groups of -OH and -Cl attached to the surface of the NPs, the present investigation also reveals that the presence of alkali cations significantly influences the MB adsorption kinetics and correlates with the cation content and atomic polarizability.

Green fabrication of ZnO nanoparticles using Eucalyptus spp. leaves extract and their application in wastewater remediation.

The present study explored removal of carcinogenic cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous medium using green fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). The ZnO-NPs were synthesized employing biogenic green reduction and precipitation approach. The characterization of ZnO NPs was done using various techniques such as FESEM, XRD, BET, TGA, HRTEM, EDX, and FTIR. All experiments were conducted in batch mode. Maximum removal was achieved at pH 6.0 and pH 8.0 for Congo Red (CR) and Malachite Green (MG) dyes respectively. Dye adsorption process showed better fit with Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models for CR dye and MG dye respectively. Maximum adsorption capacity of ZnO NPs was 48.3 mg/g for CR dye and 169.5 mg/g for MG dye. The dye adsorption followed pseudo-second order model and values of thermodynamic parameters confirmed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and favourable. Reusability efficiency of the nanoparticle was explored using ethanol and water and based on results it was inferred that ZnO-NPs can be reused for dye removal. Effect of salinity on the removal of CR and MG dyes was also explored and found that presence of salinity in aqueous medium have adverse impact on the dye removal efficiency of ZnO-NPs.

Applications of Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles for dye removal from simulated wastewater.

This study deals with the removal of cationic dyes from the simulated wastewater using Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded activated carbon. Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles were synthesised using co-precipitation methods. The Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles (nps) were characterised using different techniques and data revealed that the synthesised nanoparticles were 6-16 nm in diameter. pHpzc of Fe3O4@AC nanoparticles was 7.8. BET surface area of Fe3O4@AC nps was found to be 129.6 m2/g by single point method and 1061.9 m2/g by multipoint method. Adsorption experiments were performed to optimize the effect of process conditions such as pH of solution, nanoparticles dose, temperature, concentration of dye and contact time on contaminant removal. The maximum uptake capacity of Fe3O4@AC was found to be 138 and 166.6 mg/g for methylene blue and brilliant green dyes, respectively. In order to assess dye adsorption behaviour, adsorption isotherm models viz., Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin were applied to the data. Langmuir isotherm best fitted [R2 = 0.993 (MB) and R2 = 0.920 (BG)] to the experimental data of both the dyes. Further, Pseudo-second order rate equation fitted better to the experimental data. Reuse potential of the nanoparticles was also investigated for the removal of both the dyes and it is inferred from the data that the synthesised nanoadsorbent has promising reuse potential, therefore can be used for several cycles.

Role of broad-spectrum sunscreen alone in the improvement of melasma area severity index (MASI) and Melasma Quality of Life Index in melasma.

BACKGROUND: Sunscreens have long been an indispensable part in treating melasma as ancillary agents. None of previous studies have evaluated the role of sunscreens alone in the improvement of melasma. AIMS: Our objective was to study the role of broad-spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor 19 and PA+++ as the sole agent for improvement of melasma. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with melasma were included in the study. Following proper method of application of 3 mL sunscreen, thrice daily, Melasma Area Severity Score (MASI) and Hindi language version of the MELASQOL scale (Hi-MELAQOL) was done at baseline and 12 weeks. RESULTS: The mean MASI in the study group at the beginning and at the end of the study was 12.38 ± 14.7 and 9.15 ± 4.7, respectively, whereas the mean value of Hi-MELASQOL at the beginning and at the end of the study was 47.2 ± 14 and 38.1 ± 14.2, respectively. The differences of both were statistically significant. Spearman's correlation between MASI and Hi-MELASQOL before and after the study was positive but insignificant. CONCLUSION: There was both an objective and subjective improvement in melasma after 12 weeks of sunscreen use in terms of both MASI, showing an objective improvement of melasma after using sunscreens alone and also in Hi-MELASQOL showing that use of sunscreens significantly improved quality of life of melasma patients. In our study, we have attempted to re-instate the importance of sunscreens to patients and dermatologists who are inclining more toward various skin lightening agents for treatment of melasma, which have many side effects.

Application of EDTA modified Fe3O4/sawdust carbon nanocomposites to ameliorate methylene blue and brilliant green dye laden water.

This work explored the potential of magnetic sawdust carbon nanocomposites for cationic dyes removal from aqueous medium. EDTA modified magnetic sawdust carbon nanocomposites (EDTA@Fe3O4/SC ncs) were prepared by biogenic green reduction and precipitation approach. The surface properties, structure and composition of nanocomposites were characterized by HRTEM, FESEM, XRD, EDX, BET, FTIR etc. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were 10-20 nm in diameters and having 14 m2/g surface area. Removal of Methylene blue (MB) and Brilliant green (BG) dyes from aqueous medium was studied in batch mode experiments. The maximum removal was achieved at neutral pH 7.0 with in 30 min. Adsorption capacity of EDTA@Fe3O4/SC for MB and BG dyes was 227.3 mg/g and 285.7 mg/g, respectively. Dye adsorption behaviour is well explained by Freundlich model. The rate of cationic dye adsorption is explained by pseudo-second order model. The value of thermodynamic parameters confirmed that adsorption process was spontaneous and favourable. Desorption and reusable efficiency of nanocomposites was also evaluated.

Biotransformation of bakery industry sludge into valuable product using vermicomposting.

The aim of present work was to evaluate periodic changes in bakery industry sludge during vermicomposting. Six different blends of cow dung (CD) and bakery industry sludge (BIS) containing 10 to 50% of BIS were assessed in this study. Changes in physico-chemical parameters were evaluated at 21 days interval up to 105 days. Earthworms significantly increased NPK content and EC, while decreased pH, TOC and C: N ratio of BIS. After vermicomposting, TKN, TAP and TK contents increased 2.0-3.5, 1.2-1.9 and 1.2-1.4 times, respectively as compared to initial blends. A significant reduction (65.4-83.5%) in C: N ratio was observed in all blends. The concentrations of metals were found to be higher in the vermicomposts as compared initial blends. It was inferred that bakery industry sludge spiked with cow dung can be biotransformed into valuable manure employing earthworms.

Green synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded sawdust carbon for cadmium (II) removal from water: Regeneration and mechanism.

This study focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles loaded sawdust carbon (Fe3O4/SC) and EDTA modified Fe3O4/SC (EDTA@Fe3O4/SC) nanocomposites (ncs) by low cost biogenic green synthesis approach and their application for Cd (II) removal from aqueous medium in batch mode. In isotherm studies, Langmuir and Freundlich models are best fitted to Cd (II) removal data. Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity of EDTA@Fe3O4/SC ncs was found to be 63.3, 22.4 and 25 mg/g that is greater than maximum adsorption capacity of Fe3O4/SC ncs that is 51, 18.9 and 15 mg/g at the adsorbent doses of 0.4, 1.2 and 2.0 g/L, respectively. Cd (II) adsorption rate is well explained by Pseudo-second order model. Cd (II) adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic in nature expressed by Enthalpy, Entropy and Free Energy change. The results of regeneration studies showed that EDTA modified Fe3O4/SC ncs is promising, low cost and eco-friendly for heavy metal adsorption.

Comparative analysis of vermicompost quality produced from rice straw and paper waste employing earthworm Eisenia fetida (Sav.).

Present study was undertaken to investigate the vermicomposting of two different organic wastes (rice straw and paper waste) employing, Eisenia fetida. Nine feedstocks were prepared with different ratios of wastes using cow dung as bulking substrate. After pre-composting, worms were allowed to feed on different feedstocks for 105 days under laboratory conditions. The results showed that NPK content was higher in the vermicompost. Heavy metal content was also higher in the vermicomposts. Whereas total organic carbon and C:N ratio were lower after vermicomposting, by 17.38-58.04% and 19-102% respectively. SEM images revealed changes in the morphology of vermicompost. Earthworm growth and reproduction was significant in different feedstocks except one containing 50% rice straw depicting that this ratio is not suitable for the earthworms. Results further demonstrated that proportion of bulking substrate affect the earthworm growth and reproduction.

Role of inflammatory and hemostatic biomarkers in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia - A pilot study from a tertiary center in Northern India.

INTRODUCTION: A reliable plasma biomarker in differentiating between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Vascular dementia (VaD) is the need of the hour, in most memory clinics. Even though there is no disease modifying treatment, it is important to know the type of dementia for both symptomatic treatment and prognostication. METHODS: Neuropsychological assessment, MRI brain, FDG-PET brain and CSF biomarkers of AD (Aß42 and total tau) were used for establishing the diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), AD or VaD. RESULTS: 68 diagnosed patients of AD/MCI/VaD were included. FDG PET brain, plasma fibrinogen, d dimer, IL6 and CRP were done in all 68 patients while 48 patients underwent CSF biomarker analysis. Sixteen patients had MCI, of which 11 were MCI-AD and 5 were MCI-VaSC. There were 41 patients with AD (Mild AD-9, Mod AD-23, Severe AD-9) and 11 patients with VaD. Alzheimer group (MCI-AD and AD) and Vascular group (MCI VaSC & VaD) consisted of 52 and 16 patients respectively. Alzheimer and Vascular groups did not exhibit significant difference in IL6 and CRP levels. Plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in VaD and vascular group as compared to Alzheimer group. But MCI-VaSC was not significantly different from MCI-AD. Plasma d dimer levels were significantly higher in all vascular subgroups compared to Alzheimer subgroups except between MCI-VaSC and MCI-AD. CONCLUSION: Hemostatic biomarkers were higher in Vascular group compared to Alzheimer group whereas there was no difference in inflammatory biomarkers. But the sensitivity and specificity of fibrinogen and d-dimer were not high enough for routine clinical use. Further studies in a larger sample are required to confirm these results.

Management of food and vegetable processing waste spiked with buffalo waste using earthworms (Eisenia fetida).

The present investigation was focused on the vermicomposting of food and vegetable processing waste (VW) mixed with buffalo dung (BW) under laboratory condition employing Eisenia fetida earthworm species. Four different proportions of VW and BW were prepared and subjected to vermicomposting after 3 weeks of pre-composting. After vermicomposting, nitrogen (7.82-20.73 g/kg), total available phosphate (4.80-11.74 g/kg) and total potassium (7.43-12.75 g/kg) content increased significantly as compared to initial feed stocks. Significant reduction was observed in pH (7.56 to 6.55), total organic carbon (48.25-23.54%) and organic matter (83.18-40.68%). Metal content (Fe, Cu, Zn and Ni) was higher in all the vermicomposts than feedstocks. Data on growth and reproduction of earthworm revealed that the highest biomass gain and fecundity of worms were attained in 100% BW followed by [BW75% + VW25%] > [BW50% + VW50%] > [BW25% + VW75%] feedstocks. Results evidenced the suitability of VW (up to 50%) spiked with BW for increasing earthworm population and in providing potent organic manure for agricultural applications.

Physical interaction of estrogen receptor with MnSOD: implication in mitochondrial O2.- upregulation and mTORC2 potentiation in estrogen-responsive breast cancer cells.

Augmented reactive oxygen species levels consequential to functional alteration of key mitochondrial attributes contribute to carcinogenesis, either directly via oxidative DNA damage infliction or indirectly via activation of oncogenic signaling cascades. We previously reported activation of a key oncogenic signaling cascade via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling complex-2 (mTORC2) owing to estrogen receptor (ER-α)-dependent augmentation of O2.- within the mitochondria of 17-ß-estradiol (E2)-stimulated breast cancer cells. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the principal mitochondrial attribute governing mitochondrial O2.- homeostasis, raising the possibility that its functional alteration could be instrumental in augmenting mitochondrial O2.- levels in breast cancer cells. Here we show ER-dependent transient inhibition of MnSOD catalytic function in breast cancer cells. Catalytic function of MnSOD is tightly regulated at the post-translational level. Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, nitration and acetylation represent key regulatory means governing the catalytic function of MnSOD. Acetylation at lysine-68 (K68) inhibits MnSOD catalytic activity and thus represents an important post-translational regulatory mechanism in human cells. Using reciprocal immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay, we demonstrate the occurrence of direct physical interaction between ER-α and MnSOD in human breast cancer cells, which in turn was associated with potentiated acetylation of MnSOD at K68. In addition, we also observed diminished interaction of MnSOD with sirtuin-3, the key mitochondrial deacetylase that deacetylates MnSOD at critical K68 and thereby activates it for scavenging O2.-. Consequently, compromised deacetylation of MnSOD at K68 leading to its inhibition and a resultant buildup of O2.- within the mitochondria culminated in the activation of mTORC2. In agreement with this, human breast cancer tissue specimen exhibited a positive correlation between acetyl-MnSODK68 levels and phospho-Ser2481 mTOR levels. In addition to exposing the crosstalk of ER-α with MnSOD post-translational regulatory mechanisms, these data also unravel a regulatory role of ER/MnSOD interaction as an important control switch for redox regulation of ER-α-responsive oncogenic signaling cascades. Furthermore, our study provides a mechanistic link for ER-α-dependent O2.- potentiation and resultant mTORC2 activation in breast cancer cells.