Occurrence, toxic effects, and mitigation of pesticides as emerging environmental pollutants using robust nanomaterials - A review

Effects of Hazardous Chemicals on Secondary Sex Ratio: A Comprehensive Review

The secondary sex ratio (SSR), defined as the ratio of male to female offspring at birth, has garnered significant scientific interest due to its potential impact on population dynamics and evolution. In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding the potential consequences of environmental chemicals on the SSR, given their widespread exposure and potential enduring ramifications on the reproductive system. While SSR serves as an indicator of health, ongoing research and scientific inquiry are being conducted to explore the potential relationship between chemicals and offspring ratio. Although some studies have suggested a possible correlation, others have yielded inconclusive results, indicating that the topic is intricate and still needs to be elucidated. The precise mechanism by which chemical agents exert their influence on the SSR remains ambiguous, with disruption of the endocrine system being a prominent justification. In light of the complex interplay between chemical exposure and SSR, the present review aims to comprehensively examine and synthesize existing scientific literature to gain a deeper understanding of how specific chemical exposures may impact SSR. Insights into chemical hazards that shift SSR patterns or trends could guide prevention strategies, including legislative bans of certain chemicals, to minimize environmental and public health risks.

A Review on Nanomaterial as Photocatalysts for Degradation of Organic Pollutants

Eliminating hazardous organic contaminants from water is a major concern today. Nanomaterials with their textural features, large surface area, electrical conductivity, and magnetic properties make them efficient for the removal and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The reaction mechanisms of the photocatalytic oxidation of common organic pollutants were critically examined. A detailed review of articles published on photocatalytic degradation of hydrocarbons, pesticides, and dyes was presented therein. This review seeks to bridge information gaps on the reported nanomaterial as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants under sub-headings, nanomaterials, organic pollutants, degradation of organic pollutants, and mechanisms of photocatalytic activities.

Progress in environmental monitoring and mitigation strategies for herbicides and insecticides: A comprehensive review

Herbicides and insecticides are pervasively applied in agricultural sector to increase the yield by controlling or eliminating bug vermin and weeds. Although, resistance development occurs, direct and indirect impact on human health and ecosystem is clearly visible. Normally, herbicides and pesticides are water soluble in nature; accordingly, it is hard to decrease their deadliness and to dis-appear them from the environment. They are profoundly specific, and considered as poisonous to various peoples in agricultural and industrial work places. In order to substantially reduce the harmful impacts, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the detection and mitigation measures for these compounds. The primary objective of this paper is to provide an overview of various herbicide and pesticide detection techniques and associated remedial techniques. A short summary on occurrence and harmful effects of herbicides/insecticides on ecosystem has been included to the study. The conventional and advanced, rapid techniques for the detection of insecticides and herbicides were described in detail. A detailed overview on several mitigation strategies including advanced oxidation, adsorption, electrochemical process, and bioremediation as well as the mechanism behind the strategic approaches to reduce the effects of growing pesticide pollution has been emphasized. Regardless of the detection techniques and mitigation strategies, the recent advances employed, obstacles, and perspectives have been discussed in detail.

2D MXenes and their composites; design, synthesis, and environmental sensing applications

Novel 2D layered MXene materials were first reported in 2011 at Drexel University. MXenes are widely used in multidisciplinary applications due to their anomalous electrical conductivity, high surface area, and chemical, mechanical, and physical properties. This review summarises MXene synthesis and applications in environmental sensing. The first section describes different methods for MXene synthesis, including fluorinated and non-fluorinated methods. MXene's layered structure, surface terminal groups, and the space between layers significantly impact its properties. Different methods to separate different MXene layers are also discussed using various intercalation reagents and commercially synthesized MXene without compromising the environment. This review also explains the effect of MXene's surface functionalization on its characteristics. The second section of the review describes gas and pesticide sensing applications of Mxenes and its composites. Its good conductivity, surface functionalization with negatively charged groups, intrinsic chemical nature, and good mechanical stability make it a prominent material for room temperature sensing of environmental samples, such as polar and nonpolar gases, volatile organic compounds, and pesticides. This review will enhance the young scientists' knowledge of MXene-based materials and stimulate their diversity and hybrid conformation in environmental sensing applications.

Avicenna's views on pest control and medicinal plants he prescribed as natural pesticides

The present study aimed to introduce Avicenna's views on pest control and the medicinal plants he proposed as natural pesticides. Also, we addressed the strategies that he leveraged to formulate and prescribe them, and, finally, we put his views into perspective with modern science. The data were collected using Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine) as well as scientific databases. According to Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb, 42 medicinal plants are described as natural pest control agents. After introducing the pest control properties of each plant, Avicenna explained the appropriate strategies for use of these plants. These strategies or formulations included incensing, spraying, spreading, rubbing, smudging, and scent-dispersing, which are equivalent to the modern pesticide formulations of fumigants, aerosols, pastes and poisoned baits, lotions, creams, and slow-release formulations, respectively. This study revealed that Avicenna introduced the pest control approach with natural plants in his book Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb and, thus, harnessed the power of nature to control nature. Future research is recommended to find the pest control merits of the presented medicinal plants, in order to incorporate them into pest control programs and reduce environmental pollution resulting from the complications of current synthetic pesticides.

Field assessment of coconut-based activated carbon systems for the treatment of herbicide contamination

Once released into the environment, herbicides can move through soil or surface water to streams and groundwater. Filters containing adsorbent media placed in fields may be an effective solution to herbicide loss in the environment. However, to date, no study has investigated the use of adsorbent materials in intervention systems at field-scale, nor has any study investigated their optimal configuration. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to examine the efficacy of low-cost, coconut-based activated carbon (CAC) intervention systems, placed in streams and tributaries, for herbicide removal. Two configurations of interventions were investigated in two agricultural catchments and one urban area in Ireland: (1) filter bags and (2) filter bags fitted into polyethylene pipes. Herbicide sampling was conducted using Chemcatcher® passive sampling devices in order to identify trends in herbicide exceedances at the sites, and to quantifiably assess, compare, and contrast the efficiency of the two intervention configurations. While the Chemcatcher® passive sampling devices are capable of analysing eighteen different acid herbicides, only six different acid herbicides (2,4-D, clopyralid, fluroxypyr, MCPA, mecoprop and triclopyr) were ever detected within the three catchment areas, which were also the only acid herbicides used therein. The CAC was capable of complete herbicide removal, when the water flow was slow (0.5-1 m3 s-1), and the interventions spanned the width and depth of the waterway. Overall, the reduction in herbicide concentrations was better for the filter pipes than for the filter bags, with a 48% reduction in detections and a 37% reduction in exceedances across all the sampling sites for the filter pipe interventions compared to a 13% reduction in the number of detections and a 24% reduction in exceedances across all sampling sites for the filter bag interventions (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates, for the first time, that CAC may be an effective in situ remediation strategy to manage herbicide exceedances close to the source, thereby reducing the impact on environmental and public health.

A critical review of sustainable pesticide remediation in contaminated sites: Research challenges and mechanistic insights

Incidental pesticide application on farmlands can result in contamination of off-target biota, soil, groundwater, and surrounding ecosystems. To manage these pesticide contaminations sustainably, it is important to utilize advanced approaches to pesticide decontamination. This review assesses various innovative strategies applied for remediating pesticide-contaminated sites, including physical, chemical, biological, and nanoremediation. Integrated remediation approaches appear to be more effective than singular technologies. Bioremediation and chemical remediation are considered suitable and sustainable strategies for decontaminating contaminated soils. Furthermore, this study highlights key mechanisms underlying advanced pesticide remediation that have not been systematically studied. The transformation of applied pesticides into metabolites through various biotic and chemical triggering factors is well documented. Ex-situ and in-situ technologies are the two main categories employed for pesticide remediation. However, when selecting a remediation technique, it is important to consider factors such as application sites, cost-effectiveness, and specific purpose. In this review, the sustainability of existing pesticide remediation strategies is thoroughly analyzed as a pioneering effort. Additionally, the study summarizes research uncertainties and technical challenges associated with different remediation approaches. Lastly, specific recommendations and policy advocacy are suggested to enhance contemporary remediation approaches for cleaning up pesticide-contaminated sites.

Emerging pollutants in etiology and pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women worldwide. Although genetic and lifestyle factors have been implicated in its etiology, emerging evidence suggests that exposure to environmental pollutants may also contribute significantly to the development and pathophysiology of PCOS. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential role of emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and nanoparticles, in PCOS development. The article summarizes the current understanding of PCOS pathogenesis and its clinical manifestations. Subsequently, it delves into the mechanisms of action of the emerging pollutants, exploring how they may disrupt the endocrine system, interfere with hormonal regulation, and contribute to the manifestation of PCOS symptoms. Moreover, the potential for cumulative effects and synergistic interactions between these pollutants demands a cautious approach when considering their role in PCOS etiology.

Monitoring and method validation of organophosphorus/organochlorine pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits by gas chromatography

In this study, an analytical method was developed and validated for the assessment of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables and fruits. Fresh samples of apple, green peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers were processed and subjected to analysis using a modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe) extraction technique. Subsequently, quantification of pesticide residues was conducted utilizing gas chromatography (GC)-electron capture detector. Extraction and cleanup parameters were meticulously optimized, resulting in a modification of the original QuEChERS method. This modification aimed to reduce solvent consumption, making the study more environmentally friendly. The developed method was validated in terms of selectivity, specificity, linearity, precision, and accuracy by following the SANTE guidelines. Calibration curves showed good linearity (r > 0.99) within the test range. Precision was evaluated by intra- and inter-day experiments with an acceptable relative standard deviation (<20.0%). Recovery was assessed at the limit of quantification level and was observed to fall within the range of 70%-120%, with relative standard deviations below 5.45%. The validated method presented here can be applied to analyze pesticide residues in various other vegetables, fruits, and cereals. It is essential for ongoing monitoring of pesticide residues to ensure public safety.

Trace metal exposure and risk assessment of local dominant fish species in the Beijiang River Basin of China: A 60 years' follow-up study

The Beijiang River, one of the Pearl River tributaries located in Guangdong, China, plays a critical role in providing water and fishery resources for the Pearl River Delta and receiving a large amount of domestic and industrial wastewater. However, due to the lack of historical monitoring data, we are unable to fully understand the relationship between the industrial and agricultural development and the environment. In this study, fish specimens collected from the Beijiang River Basin over a span of nearly 60 years (1963-2021) are used as research objects and the concentrations of ten trace metals (TMs) in two locally dominant fish species were determined by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The human health risks caused by consuming fishes were assessed. Results show a correlation between the levels of TMs in fish muscle and the degree of industrialization. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, and Cu peaked during the period of 1981-1983, when China's industrial development was rapidly expanding while the environmental protection facilities were incomplete. However, with the implementation of Ecological Civilization policy, the levels of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Ba showed a downward trend in the period from 2018 to 2021. Cu concentrations in both fish muscle and viscera exhibit analogous change patterns across different periods, indicating that Cu serves as a significant indicator of TM pollution in the Beijiang River Basin. The presence of TMs in fish muscle often exhibits long-term enrichment, while those in the viscera demonstrate short-term accumulation. Based on the estimated daily intake, the target hazard quotient (THQ), and total THQ value, the overall health risk associated with TMs in fish from the Beijiang River Basin is low. However, certain TMs in the fish rebounded during 2018-2021, posing a potential risk for aquatic biology and ecosystems, which is worth our attention.

Water quality, human health risk, and pesticides accumulation in African catfish and Nile tilapia from the Kitchener Drain-Egypt

Pesticides are toxic and could negatively impact humans and the ecosystem. The Kitchener Drain is among the longest drains in Egypt and carries a wide range of wastewater from the agriculture sector, which contains pesticides and may pollute the ecosystem. Thus, water quality, human health risk, and pesticide accumulation in African catfish and Nile tilapia from the Kitchener Drain-Egypt. The water and fish samples were collected from Kitchener Drain in Kafr Elsheikh Governorate, Egypt, during the four seasons. The results indicated that heptachlor and diazinon were undetected during the four seasons. However, endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, and dicofol were detected in winter and autumn. Only p,p'-DDT was detected during spring. Endosulfan, heptachlor, and aldrin were detected in Nile tilapia during winter. Only heptachlor and aldrin were detected during spring. Endosulfan, heptachlor, dicofol, p,p'-DDT, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon were detected in the autumn season. In summer, dicofol and p,p'-DDT were detected, while endosulfan, heptachlor p,p'-DDT, aldrin, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon were not detected. In African catfish, endosulfan, heptachlor, dicofol, and p,p'-DDT were detected during winter, while chlorpyrifos, aldrin, and chlorpyrifos, aldrin, and diazinon were not detected. In the spring season, endosulfan, heptachlor, and aldrin were detected. Endosulfan, heptachlor, dicofol, p,p'-DDT, aldrin, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon were detected in the autumn season. Similarly, in the summer season, endosulfan, heptachlor, dicofol, p,p'-DDT, aldrin, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon were detected. The sequence of estimated daily intake (EDI) in Nile tilapia during the four seasons is heptachlor > endosulfan > dicofol > p,p'-DDT > aldrin > diazinon > chlorpyrifos. The sequence of EDI in African catfish during the four seasons is endosulfan > p,p'-DDT > heptachlor > aldrin > dicofol > diazinon > chlorpyrifos. In conclusion, the results confirmed the absence of a hazard index for consuming Nile tilapia and African catfish collected from the Kitchener drain.

Metallic Nanoparticles: A Promising Arsenal against Antimicrobial Resistance-Unraveling Mechanisms and Enhancing Medication Efficacy

The misuse of antibiotics and antimycotics accelerates the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, prompting the need for novel strategies to combat this global issue. Metallic nanoparticles have emerged as effective tools for combating various resistant microbes. Numerous studies have highlighted their potential in addressing antibiotic-resistant fungi and bacterial strains. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these nanoparticles, including iron-oxide, gold, zinc oxide, and silver is a central focus of research within the life science community. Various hypotheses have been proposed regarding how nanoparticles exert their effects. Some suggest direct targeting of microbial cell membranes, while others emphasize the release of ions from nanoparticles. The most compelling proposed antimicrobial mechanism of nanoparticles involves oxidative damage caused by nanoparticles-generated reactive oxygen species. This review aims to consolidate knowledge, discuss the properties and mechanisms of action of metallic nanoparticles, and underscore their potential as alternatives to enhance the efficacy of existing medications against infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.

Fabrication of β-cyclodextrin-polyacrylamide/covalent organic framework hydrogel at room temperature for the efficient removal of triazole fungicides from environmental water

Triazole is frequently-used fungicide, which can leach into surface water through farmland and cause serious environmental pollution. Continuous exposure to triazole fungicides may cause harm to human health. Herein, β-cyclodextrin-polyacrylamide/covalent organic framework (β-CD-PAAM/TFPB-BD) hydrogel was fabricated at room temperature and used for the efficient removal of triazole fungicides. It displayed a short adsorption equilibrium time (50 min) and a total qe of 79.92 mg g-1. The adsorption process for triazole fungicides on β-CD-PAAM/TFPB-BD hydrogel conforms to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich model. The prepared hydrogel was recyclable and resistant to salt, high temperature, acid, and alkali. The reusability of fabricated sorbent can be achieved (i.e., five extraction cycles) for removal of target fungicides. Moreover, the β-CD-PAAM/TFPB-BD hydrogel was successfully applied to remove triazole fungicides in environmental water with removal efficiency ranging from 79.4% to 99.0%.

An insights of organochlorine pesticides categories, properties, eco-toxicity and new developments in bioremediation process

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been used in agriculture, increasing crop yields and representing a serious and persistent global contaminant that is harmful to the environment and human health. OCPs are typically bioaccumulative and persistent chemicals that can spread over long distances. The challenge is to reduce the impacts caused by OCPs, which can be achieved by treating OCPs in an appropriate soil and water environment. Therefore, this report summarizes the process of bioremediation with commercially available OCPs, considering their types, impacts, and characteristics in soil and water sources. The methods explained in this report were considered to be an effective and environmentally friendly technique because they result in the complete transformation of OCPs into a non-toxic end product. This report suggests that the bioremediation process can overcome the challenges and limitations of physical and chemical treatment for OCP removal. Advanced methods such as biosurfactants and genetically modified strains can be used to promote bioremediation of OCPs.

Application of polysaccharides for the encapsulation of beneficial microorganisms for agricultural purposes: A review

Intensive farming practices have increased the consumption of chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers thereby creating health issues for humans and animals and also causing a deterioration in the natural ecosystem. The promotion of biomaterials synthesis could potentially lead to the replacement of synthetic products and improve soil fertility, protect plants from pathogen attacks, and enhance the productivity of the agricultural sector resulting in less environmental pollution. Microbial bioengineering involving the use and improvement of encapsulation using polysaccharides has the required potential to address environmental issues and promote green chemistry. This article describes various encapsulation techniques and polysaccharides which have an immense applicable capability to encapsulate microbial cells. The review elucidates the factors that may result in a reduced viable cell count during encapsulation, particularly using the spray drying method, where a high temperature is required to dry the suspension, this may damage the microbial cells. The environmental advantage of the application of polysaccharides as carriers of beneficial microorganisms, which do not pose a risk for soil due to their full biodegradability, was also shown. The encapsulated microbial cells may assist in addressing certain environmental problems such as ameliorating the unfavourable effects of plant pests and pathogens, and promoting agricultural sustainability.

Adsorptive and photocatalytic degradation potential of porous polymeric materials for removal of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and dyes-based emerging contaminants from water

Life on earth is dependent on clean water, which is crucial for survival. Water supplies are getting contaminated due to the growing human population and its associated industrialization, urbanization, and chemically improved agriculture. Currently, a large number of people struggle to find clean drinking water, a problem that is particularly serious in developing countries. To meet the enormous demand of clean water around the world, there is an urgent need of advanced technologies and materials that are affordable, easy to use, thermally efficient, portable, environmentally benign, and chemically durable. The physical, chemical and biological methods are used to eliminate insoluble materials and soluble pollutants from wastewater. In addition to cost, each treatment carries its limitations in terms of effectiveness, productivity, environmental effect, sludge generation, pre-treatment demands, operating difficulties, and the creation of potentially hazardous byproducts. To overcome the problems of traditional methods, porous polymers have distinguished themselves as practical and efficient materials for the treatment of wastewater because of their distinctive characteristics such as large surface area, chemical versatility, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. This study overviews improvement in manufacturing methods and the sustainable usage of porous polymers for wastewater treatment and explicitly discusses the efficiency of advanced porous polymeric materials for the removal of emerging pollutants viz. pesticides, dyes, and pharmaceuticals whereby adsorption and photocatalytic degradation are considered to be among the most promising methods for their effective removal. Porous polymers are considered excellent adsorbents for the mitigation of these pollutants as they are cost-effective and have greater porosities to facilitate penetration and adhesion of pollutants, thus enhance their adsorption functionality. Appropriately functionalized porous polymers can offer the potential to eliminate hazardous chemicals and making water useful for a variety of purposes thus, numerous types of porous polymers have been selected, discussed and compared especially in terms of their efficiencies against specific pollutants. The study also sheds light on numerous challenges faced by porous polymers in the removal of contaminants, their solutions and some associated toxicity issues.

Current progress of continuous-flow aerobic granular sludge: A critical review

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is promising for water resource recovery. Despite the mature granulation strategies in sequencing batch reactor (SBR), the application of AGS-SBR in wastewater treatment is usually costly as it requires extensive infrastructure conversion (e.g., from continuous-flow reactor to SBR). In contrast, continuous-flow AGS (CAGS) that does not require such infrastructure conversion is a more cost-effective strategy to retrofit existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Formation of aerobic granules in both batch and continuous-flow mode depends on many factors, including selection pressure, feast/famine conditions, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and environmental conditions. Compared with AGS in SBR, creating proper conditions to facilitate granulation in continuous-flow mode is challenging. Researchers have been seeking to tackle this bottleneck by studying the impacts of selection pressure, feast/famine conditions, and operating parameters on granulation and granule stability in CAGS. This review paper summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding CAGS for wastewater treatment. Firstly, we discuss the CAGS granulation process and effective parameters (i.e., selection pressure, feast/famine conditions, hydrodynamic shear force, reactor configuration, the role of EPS, and other operating factors). Then, we evaluate CAGS performance in removing COD, nitrogen, phosphorus, emerging pollutants, and heavy metals from wastewater. Finally, the applicability of the hybrid CAGS systems is presented. At last, we suggest that integrating CAGS with other treatment methods such as membrane bioreactor (MBR) or advanced oxidation processes (AOP) can benefit the performance and stability of granules. However, future research should address unknowns including the relationship between feast/famine ratio and stability of the granules, the effectiveness of applying particle size-based selection pressure, and the CAGS performance at low temperatures.

Impact of historical legacy pesticides on achieving legislative goals in Europe

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture to optimise food production. However, the movement of pesticides into water bodies negatively impacts aquatic environments. The European Union (EU) aims to make food systems fair, healthy and environmentally friendly through its current Farm to Fork strategy. As part of this strategy, the EU plans to reduce the overall use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50 % by 2030. The attainment of this target may be compromised by the prevalence of legacy pesticides arising from historical applications to land, which can persist in the environment for several decades. The current EU Farm to Fork policy overlooks the potential challenges of legacy pesticides and requirements for their remediation. In this review, the current knowledge regarding pesticide use in Europe, as well as pathways of pesticide movement to waterways, are investigated. The issues of legacy pesticides, including exceedances, are examined, and existing and emerging methods of pesticide remediation, particularly of legacy pesticides, are discussed. The fact that some legacy pesticides can be detected in water samples, more than twenty-five years after they were prohibited, highlights the need for improved EU strategies and policies aimed at targeting legacy pesticides in order to meet future targets.

Removal of fenamiphos, imidacloprid, and oxamyl pesticides from water by microalgal Nannochloropsis oculata biomass and their determination by validated HPLC method

The present study assessed the removal of fenamiphos, imidacloprid, and oxamyl pesticides from water using algal Nannochloropsis oculata biomass. Several factors, such as algal biomass concentration, incubation time, and pesticide concentration, were studied for their impact on pesticide removal. Analysis and quantification of pesticides by rapid HPLC have been developed and validated. The optimum conditions were obtained at 15 min, 50 mg/L of pesticide concentration, and 4,500 mg/L of the algal biomass with 92.24% and 90.43% removal for fenamiphos and imidacloprid, respectively. While optimum parameters of 10 min incubation, 250 mg/L of pesticide concentration, and 2,750 mg/L of the algal biomass exhibited 67.34% removal for oxamyl. N. oculata, marine microalgae, successively removed different concentrations of the tested pesticides from water, and the algal biomass showed a potential reduction of pesticides in polluted water samples.

Bionanotechnology in Agriculture: A One Health Approach

Healthy eating habits are one of the requirements for the health of society. In particular, in natura foods are increasingly encouraged, since they have a high concentration of nutrients. However, these foods are often grown in the presence of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides. To increase crop productivity and achieve high vigor standards in less time, farmers make excessive use of agrochemicals that generate various economic, environmental, and clinical problems. In this way, bionanotechnology appears as an ally in developing technologies to improve planting conditions, ranging from the health of farmers and consumers to the production of new foods and functional foods. All these improvements are based on the better use of land use in synergy with the lowest generation of environmental impacts and the health of living beings, with a view to the study and production of technologies that take into account the concept of One Health in its processes and products. In this review article, we will address how caring for agriculture can directly influence the quality of the most desired foods in contemporary society, and how new alternatives based on nanotechnology can point to efficient and safe solutions for living beings on our planet.

Biodiesel Co-Product enhances microbial stability and beneficial microbial communities along a gradient of soil water content

Biodiesel Co-Product (BCP) is a complex carbonaceous liquid formed during the commercial production of biodiesel. Previously, BCP was shown to decrease nitrogen (N) leaching from the soil, but the effects of BCP on the diversity, composition, and structure of soil microbial communities are not well understood. Here, we applied 1.5 mg BCP-C to acidic soil (pH 3.5) at a range of different water contents (from 40 % to 100 % water holding capacity) to investigate the interactions between BCP and increasing water holding capacity on the diversity, composition, and interactions of soil microbial communities. Distance-based multivariate linear model (DistLM) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analyses showed that BCP caused larger changes in fungal than bacterial communities, while soil water content had a greater effect on bacterial communities relative to fungal communities. Co-occurrence network analyses indicated that BCP amendment produced more robust and complex bacterial networks and more stable fungal ones. BCP significantly increased the OTU numbers of beneficial microbes (e.g., Trichoderma spp.) in all water contents, with fewer OTU numbers of putative pathogenetic species (Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus spp.). These findings indicate that BCP addition may be conducive to the health and stability of soil ecosystems.

Recent advances in carbon-based nanomaterials for the treatment of toxic inorganic pollutants in wastewater

Wastewater contains inorganic pollutants, generated by industrial and domestic sources, such as heavy metals, antibiotics, and chemical pesticides, and these pollutants cause many environmental problems.

A study of potent biofertiliser and its degradation ability of monocrotophos and its in silico analysis

Potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) are the important macronutrients needed for the plant development, but it is widely present in an insoluble form for the plant's uptake. In order to increase the productivity, biofertilisers play crucial role in plant growth enhancement. Our present work focused to isolate potassium-phosphate solubilizing bacteria from the agricultural soil of tomato cultivated soil. Potassium and phosphate solubilization and degradation of monocrotophos was estimated spectrophotometrically. Out of thirteen isolates, two isolates proved to be the best P and K solubilizers. The bacterial isolates (SDKVG02 and SDKVG04) were optimized to obtain maximum P and K solubilization of 57.5 mg L-1 and 15.07 mg L-1 by the isolates. Pot experiments were conducted using SDKVG 02 and 04, immobilized on carrier materials, peat proving the best carrier with the total average green gram and chick pea length of 11.66 ± 0.0666 22.22 ± 0.0577. The MCP degradation percentage was achieved at 80 ppm of MCP with 75.8% and 64.10% by SDKVG 02 and SDKVG 04. Furthermore, production of organic acids such as malic acid, phthalic acid, ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, and tartaric acid paves solubilization of P and K. The isolates were recognized based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Enterobacter hormaechei- SDKVG-02, Enterobacter cloacae SDKVG- 04. The KSB-PSB isolates also express N-fixing activity which is proved through In-silico analysis. It is worth to highlight SDKVG 02 and 04 would be potent biofertiliser exploited in increasing the soil fertility and crop productivity as well in degradation of monocrotophos present in the soil.

A review on carbon-based molecularly-imprinted polymers (CBMIP) for detection of hazardous pollutants in aqueous solutions

This article discusses the unique properties and performance of carbon-based molecularly-imprinted polymers (MIPs) for detecting hazardous pollutants in aqueous solutions. Although MIPs have several advantages such as specific recognition sites, selectivity, and stability, they suffer from a series of drawbacks, including loss of conductivity, electrocatalytic activity, and cost, which limit their use in various fields. Carbon-based MIPs, which utilize carbon electrodes, carbon nanoparticles, carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, and graphene substrates, have been the focus of research in recent years to enhance their properties and remove their weaknesses as much as possible. These carbon-based nanomaterials have excellent sensitivity and specificity for molecular identification. As a result, they have been widely used in various applications, such as assessing the environmental, biological, and food samples. This article examines the growth of carbon-based MIPs and their environmental applications.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment: Environmental sources, biological effects, remediation techniques, and perspective

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been identified as emerging contaminants, which poses a great threat to human health and ecosystem. Pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, brominated flame retardants, steroid hormones and alkylphenols are representative of this type of contaminant, which are closely related to daily life. Unfortunately, many wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) do not treat EDCs as targets in the normal treatment process, resulting in EDCs entering the environment. Few studies have systematically reviewed the related content of EDCs in terms of occurrence, harm and remediation. For this reason, in this article, the sources and exposure routes of common EDCs are systematically described. The existence of EDCs in the environment is mainly related to human activities (Wastewater discharges and industrial activities). The common hazards of these EDCs are clarified based on available toxicological data. At the same time, the mechanism and effect of some mainstream EDCs remediation technologies (such as adsorption, advanced oxidation, membrane bioreactor, constructed wetland, etc.) are separately mentioned. Moreover, our perspectives are provided for further research of EDCs.

Fabrication and characterization of magnetic nanomaterials for the removal of toxic pollutants from water environment: A review

The success of any sustainable growth represents an advancement of novel approaches and new methodologies for managing any ecological concern. Magnetic nanoparticles have gained recent interest owing to their versatile properties such as controlled size, shape, quantum and surface effect, etc, and outcome in wastewater treatment and pollutant removal. Developments have progressed in synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles with the required size, shape and morphology, surface and chemical composition. Magnetic nanoparticles are target specific and inexpensive compared to conventional treatment techniques. This review insight into the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles using physical, chemical, and biological methods. The biological method of synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles serves to be cost-effective, green process, and eco-friendly for various applications. Characterization studies of synthesized nanoparticles using TEM, XRD, SARS, SANS, DLS, etc are discussed in detail. Magnetic nanoparticles are widely utilized in recent research for removing organic and inorganic contaminants. It was found that the magnetic nanosorption approach together with redox reactions proves to be an effective and flexible mechanism for the removal of pollutants from waste effluents.

Carbon-based nanocomposite materials with multifunctional attributes for environmental remediation of emerging pollutants

Carbon-based materials are among the most biosynthesized nanocomposites with excellent tunability and multifunctionality features, that other materials fail to demonstrate. Naturally occurring materials, such as alginate (Alg), can be combined and modified by linking the active moieties of various carbon-based materials of interest, such as graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and mesoporous silica nanocomposite (MSN), among others. Thus, several types of robust nanocomposites have been fabricated and deployed for environmental remediation of emerging pollutants, such as pharmaceutical compounds, toxic dyes, and other environmentally hazardous contaminants of emerging concern. Considering the above critiques and added features of carbon-based nanocomposites, herein, an effort has been made to spotlight the synergies of GO, CNTs, and MSN with Alg and their role in mitigating emerging pollutants. From the information presented in this work, it can be concluded that Alg is a material that has excellent potential. However, its use still requires further tests in different areas and other materials to carry out a holistic investigation that exploits its versatility for environmental remediation purposes.

Removal of toxic heavy metals using genetically engineered microbes: Molecular tools, risk assessment and management strategies

The direct release of industrial effluent into the water and other anthropogenic activities causes water pollution. Heavy metal ions are the primary contaminant in the industrial effluents which are exceptionally toxic at low concentrations, terribly disturb the endurance equilibrium of activities in the eco-system and be remarkably hazardous to human health. Different conventional treatment methodologies were utilized for the removal of toxic pollutants from the contaminated water which has several drawbacks such as cost-ineffective and lower efficiency. Recently, genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs) stand-out for the removal of toxic heavy metals are viewed as an economically plausible and environmentally safe technique. GMMs are microorganisms whose genetic material has been changed utilizing genetic engineering techniques that exhibit enhanced removal efficiency in comparison with the other treatment methodologies. The present review comments the GMMs such as bacteria, algae and fungi and their potential for the removal of toxic heavy metals. This review provides current aspects of different advanced molecular tools which have been used to manipulate micro-organisms through genetic expression for the breakdown of metal compounds in polluted areas. The strategies, major limitations and challenges for genetic engineering of micro-organisms have been reviewed. The current review investigates the approaches working on utilizing genetically modified micro-organisms and effective removal techniques.

Degradation insight of organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos through novel intermediate 2,6-dihydroxypyridine by Arthrobacter sp. HM01

Organophosphates (OPs) are hazardous pesticides, but an indispensable part of modern agriculture; collaterally contaminating agricultural soil and surrounding water. They have raised serious food safety and environmental toxicity that adversely affect the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and therefore, it become essential to develop a rapid bioremediation technique for restoring the pristine environment. A newly OPs degrading Arthrobacter sp. HM01 was isolated from pesticide-contaminated soil and identified by a ribotyping (16S rRNA) method. Genus Arthrobacter has not been previously reported in chlorpyrifos (CP) degradation, which shows 99% CP (100 mg L-1) degradation within 10 h in mMSM medium and also shows tolerance to a high concentration (1000 mg L-1) of CP. HM01 utilized a broad range of OPs pesticides and other aromatic pollutants including intermediates of CP degradation as sole carbon sources. The maximum CP degradation was obtained at pH 7 and 32 °C. During the degradation, a newly identified intermediate 2,6-dihydroxypyridine was detected through TLC/HPLC/LCMS analysis and a putative pathway was proposed for its degradation. The study also revealed that the organophosphate hydrolase (opdH) gene was responsible for CP degradation, and the opdH-enzyme was located intracellularly. The opdH enzyme was characterized from cell free extract for its optimum pH and temperature requirement, which was 7.0 and 50 °C, respectively. Thus, the results revealed the true potential of HM01 for OPs-bioremediation. Moreover, the strain HM01 showed the fastest rate of CP degradation, among the reported Arthrobacter sp.

Development and Characterization of Bioadsorbents Derived from Different Agricultural Wastes for Water Reclamation: A Review

The presence of dangerous pollutants in different water sources has restricted the availability of this natural resource. Thus, the development of new low-cost and environmentally-friendly technologies is currently required to ensure access to clean water. Various approaches to the recovery of contaminated water have been considered, including the generation of biomaterials with adsorption capacity for dangerous compounds. Research on bioadsorbents has boomed in recent years, as they constitute one of the most sustainable options for water treatment thanks to their abundance and high cellulose content. Thanks to the vast amount of information published to date, the present review addresses the current status of different biosorbents and the principal processes and characterization methods involved, focusing on base biomaterials such as fruits and vegetables, grains and seeds, and herbage and forage. In comparison to other reviews, this work reports more than 60 adsorbents obtained from agricultural wastes. The removal efficiencies and/or maximum adsorption capacities for heavy metals, industrial contaminants, nutrients and pharmaceuticals are presented as well. In addition to the valuable information provided in the literature investigation, challenges and perspectives concerning the implementation of bioadsorbents are discussed in order to comprehensively guide selection of the most suitable biomaterials according to the target contaminant and the available biowastes.