The toxicity is produced for living organisms when the nanomaterials are developed in the natural ecosystem either naturally or if introduced by humans. Nevertheless, there is a huge gap in the research of this area, and investigations are being conducted to determine the potential detrimental impacts of the nanomaterials and the means of eliminating the potential toxicities. In our research, we investigated the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONPs) tolerant Trichoderma pseudoharzianum T113 strains in reducing the toxicity of ZnO NPs in tomato crops. Our research findings of a very thoroughly investigated experiment on mechanism of action revealed that application of T113 in NPs amended soil triggered an appreciable change in the microbial diversity of the soil and improved the population density and diversity of the growth-promoting soil microbes and fungi that produced glomalin, a protein responsible for metal chelating. The amount of glomalin in the soil was significantly improved in soil by T113 strain inoculation. The diversity and abundance of the microbes, having beneficial impacts on plants and the glomalin in soil, drastically reduced the NPs induced toxicity under the application of the T113 strain of T. pseudoharzianum. Plants inoculated with the T113 strain, when grown in NPNP-contaminated soil, exhibited increased growth, enhanced antioxidant activities, improved photosynthesis, and a decline in damage induced by oxidative stress and the accumulation and translocation of Zn. Moreover, applying the T113 strain also reduced the Zn bioavailability in soil contaminated with NPs. These research findings are an eco-friendly and sustainable solution to the ZnO NP toxicity in the host plants.
Biogrouting, a method to enhance soil properties using microorganisms and mechanical techniques, has shown great potential for soil improvement. Most studies focus on small sand columns in labs, but recent tests used 0.5 m plastic boxes filled with sand stabilized with microorganisms and fly ash. The experiments, conducted over 30 days, applied injection and infusion methods with microbial fluids, maintaining groundwater levels to simulate field conditions. Mechanical properties were analyzed through unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests on extracted samples. Researchers also assessed calcium carbonate distribution and shear strength. Results showed water saturation significantly influenced vertical stress (qu), while UCS correlated with the permeability of sand containing varying calcium carbonate levels. Bacillus safensis, a resilient bacterium used in this process, can withstand extreme conditions. After completing its task, it enters a dormant state and reactivates when needed. The bacteria produce calcium carbonate by binding calcium with enzymes, which cements soil particles, enhancing strength and stability. center dot Testing enzymes on microbes and natural soil center dot Installation settings for drip tools using infusion center dot Soil resistance testing after stabilization using UCS
This study explores a novel stabilization technique combining Persian gum (PG), an eco-friendly biopolymer, and glass fiber (GF) to enhance the strength and durability of fine-grained soils under freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles. Specimens were prepared at maximum dry density (MDD) with varying PG and GF contents, cured for 0, 7, or 14 days, and subjected to 0, 5, 7, or 10 F-T cycles. Tests included Standard Proctor compaction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and Direct Shear (DS). Results demonstrated that GF significantly improved durability, ductility, and strength by enhancing interparticle interaction and friction angle. The results indicated that at an optimum GF content of 1%, UCS and E-5(0) increased by up to 35%. Also, after 10 F-T cycles, UCS decreased by 46% for untreated soil and 36% for treated soil. PG enhanced cohesion through interparticle bonding, which was curing-time-dependent. Specimens with 2.5% PG (optimum content) showed a 133% UCS increase after 14 days of curing but a 9% reduction after 5 F-T cycles, with 70% of total UCS loss occurring in the first 5 cycles. The tests indicated that formation of large and stable soil-PG-GF matrix with improved rigidity, strength, and F-T resistance. The results demonstrated that the suggested soil stabilization method, which utilizes low-cost, eco-friendly materials, was effective.
The construction industry faces significant challenges, including the urgent need to minimize environmental impact and develop more efficient building methods. Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D-printing, has emerged as a promising solution due to its advantages, such as rapid fabrication, design flexibility, cost reduction, and enhanced safety. This technology enables the creation of structures from digital models through automated layering, presenting opportunities for mass production with innovative materials and architectural designs. This article focuses on developing eco-friendly earthen-based materials stabilized with 9 % cement and 2 % rice husk (RH) for large-scale 3D-printed construction. The raw materials were characterized using geotechnical tests for soil, water absorption tests for natural fibers, and SEM-EDS to examine their microstructure and elemental composition. Key properties such as rheology, printability (pumpability and extrudability), buildability, and compressive strength were evaluated to ensure the material's optimal performance in both fresh and hardened states. By utilizing locally sourced materials such as soil and rice husk, the mixture significantly reduces environmental impact and production costs, making it a sustainable alternative for large-scale 3D-printed construction. The material was integrated into architectural and digital fabrication techniques to construct a bioinspired housing prototype showcases the practical application of the developed material, demonstrating its scalability, adaptability, and suitability for innovative and costeffective real housing solutions. The article highlights the feasibility of using earthen-based materials for sustainable 3D-printed housing, thereby opening new possibilities for advancing greener construction practices in the future.
Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, threatens global tomato production, with losses reaching 80%. Although chemical fungicides are effective, their prolonged use risks resistant strains, reduces soil biodiversity, and causes environmental damage, highlighting the urgent need for ecofriendly alternatives. This study investigated the viability of Salvia officinalis (sage) methanolic extract as a biocontrol agent against Fusarium wilt (FW), employing a comprehensive approach that incorporates in vitro, in vivo, and molecular docking techniques. Four distinct isolates of F. oxysporum were identified through molecular techniques, and their virulence was assessed by examining the presence of tomatinase genes. The antifungal properties of S. officinalis extract were found to be compelling, with a total phenolic content of 64.15 mg GAE/g and a remarkable antioxidant activity of 97.04%. In laboratory tests, S. officinalis exhibited potent antifungal activity, inhibiting mycelial growth by between 52.00% and 88.67% at a concentration of 20 mg/ml. Additionally, in vivo experiments demonstrated a significant reduction in disease severity in treated tomato plants. Molecular docking analyses revealed strong binding affinities between key phytochemicals in the extract and target receptors such as tomatinase, highlighting the potential of the extract as a sustainable and effective alternative to chemical fungicides for managing FW in tomato crops.
Currently, traditional vertical barrier materials are associated with large carbon footprints and high costs (in some regions) due to the widespread use of Portland cement and sodium-based bentonite materials. In recent years, a new technology of Carbonized Reactive Magnesia Cement (CRMC) has gradually been developed to sequester CO2 using Eco-cement. The application prospects of CRMC in vertical barrier materials are explored in this study. The changes in flowability of Reactive Magnesia Cement (RMC) slurry and the unconfined compressive strengthen (UCS) and permeability characteristics of CRMC treated soils are investigated. The results show that the fluidity of RMC slurry decreases further with the increase of MgO substitute cement content. For RMC slurry meeting the fluidity requirements, UCS increased rapidly in the early period (3 h) after carbonization, reaching 348.33 kPa, and the hydraulic conductivity k decreased (k < 1 x10(- 7) cm/s) in the later period (14d), and the final hydraulic conductivity reached 6.13 x 10(- 8) cm/s (28d). The pores of the material are filled with a large number of hydration products and carbonates, which alters the pore size distribution structure of the material. This is the reason for the mechanical properties and permeability performance of CRMC treated soils. The overall results of this study well demonstrate that CRMC treated soils, as a new, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective material, have great potential in the construction of vertical barriers.
Petroleum-based plastic resistance to biodegradation contributes to environmental pollution, depletes natural resources, and affects humans, animals, and plants. Plastic fragmentation into microplastics and nanoplastics further poses adverse effects on human health. Thus, switching to eco-friendly packaging holds great potential to combat these predicaments. Herein, soyhull lignocellulosic residue (SLR) was extracted using 20% NaOH treatment, solubilized in ZnCl2 solution and crosslinked the chains with calcium ions (CaCl2) and glycerol. Box Behnken Design was used to optimize the SLR, CaCl2, and glycerol amounts against the responses water vapor permeability (WVP), tensile strength (TS), and elongation at break (EB). The optimized SLR film biodegrades within 33 days at 24% soil moisture content. It is semitransparent with UV-blocking properties and displays the tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), water vapor permeability (WVP), and IC50 value of 16.8 (3) MPa, 14.7 (2)%, 0.22 (4) x 10-10 gm- 1s- 1Pa- 1, and 0.4 (1) g/mL, respectively. The residual lignin retained in the SLR significantly increased film's TS. The film extends strawberries' shelf-life by 3 more days than plastic film and retains the original color, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic compounds. Overall, the valueadded soyhull lignocellulose-based packaging films are advantageous in addressing plastic-related issues, leading to sustainable waste management and preserving fruits for longer durations.
Tea is one of the most widely consumed non-alcoholic drink in the world. Green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, a shrub native to China and India. It contains unique antioxidants. The most potent antioxidants may help against free radicals that can fight against cancer, heart disease, and clogged arteries. The polyphenols present in the tea help the cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The health benefits of these compounds remarkably increase the demand for tea. Tea production is rising drastically; consequently, enormous amounts of tea waste are also generated. Improper disposal and dumping of this tea waste creates a serious problem due to the incineration and the emission of greenhouse gases. This issue can be overcome by adopting suitable technology. Effective microbial degradation and composting of tea waste will contribute to high crop production and plant disease control. The value added products from tea waste can be used in different fields. Planned tea waste valorization processes could generate more income and create rural livelihood opportunities. This review highlights the valorization processes and value-added products from tea waste. The application of value added products for energy generation, wastewater treatment, soil conditioners, adsorbents, biofertilizers, food additives, dietary supplements, animal feed bioactive chemicals, dye, colorant, phytochemicals, bioplastics, cutlery products, scope, and future directions in sustainable utilization has been reviewed. This review article will be beneficial to the researchers for acquiring an in-depth knowledge on the versatile applications of tea waste.
The P-MFC technology, which acts as an energy source, is one of the promising methods to reduce environmental pollution. In the present study, the P-MFC was constructed using Oryza sativa (Paddy plant), and various electrode materials like carbon, copper, and titanium oxide were used as cathode and aluminum as anode. The experiment was carried out for 34 days. The plant growth was periodically observed and measured, significantly increasing to produce electricity. The highest growth rate was recorded as 52 +/- 1.20 cm whereas the power output varies between P-MFCs. The maximum output voltage was obtained as 1320 +/- 230 mV in the copper- based P-MFC. The voltage disparity in PMFCs stipulates using different electrode materials in P-MFC systems resulting in assorted competence of electricity production. The analysis of the plant roots after the experiment revealed increased concentration of amino acid and carbohydrate. According to the correlation analysis, the plant growth was indistinguishable from agricultural field plants, which indicates that P-MFC installation does not cause any crop damage. Available Microbial load on electrode material and rhizospheric soil resembles bacterial population-induced power generation. This study demonstrated that P-MFCs with paddy plants and copper electrode are a favorable and assured application for future potential electricity production.
Incorporating sustainable stabilizers into the geo-ecosystem is an effective approach to improving the mechanical properties of the soil while addressing ecological issues. The main objective and novelty of this study are to assess the combined use of palm fiber and guar gum in soil stabilization, estimate their behavior in practices, outline their obstacles and potential for soil improvement, and consider their ecological effects. For this purpose, four different dosages of guar gum (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2%) and three ratios of palm fiber (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%) in lengths (5, 10, and 15 mm) were considered. Laboratory tests conducted for this purpose include compaction, compressive, shear, and tensile strength, California bearing ratio (CBR), and microstructure analysis. Initially, the optimal dosage of guar gum was determined through the unconfined compressive test. Subsequently, the impact of optimal guar gum and palm strands on the mechanical characteristics of treated soil was examined. The results revealed that compressive and shear strengths of stabilized and reinforced soil improved by 200% and 71%, respectively, compared to the control samples. Also, increasing the palm dosage improved the failure strain by up to 11.4%, cohesion enhancement by up to 96 kPa, and soil brittleness reduction by 13.5%. The tensile and CBR test results demonstrated that incorporating fiber into the soil increased its tensile strength and CBR by 32.5 kPa and 31.16, respectively. A microstructure study revealed that adding guar gum to the fiber composite improved the interlocking between clay particles and fibers by generating a hydrogel.