Environment & Ecosystem Science (EES)

Laboratory chemical wastewater contains the heavy metals such as Pb and Cr. The removal of Pb from such water in the absence and presence of Cr and other metals using phytoremediation technique with Azolla was studied. A hyperaccumulator Azolla aquatic plant species was grown in a solution of Pb and/or Cr under three experimental settings and the relative growth rate of the plant, the bioconcentration factor and the Pb removal efficiency were measured for a period of 21 days under controlled laboratory environment. In the first experimental setting, the Azolla was planted in Pb solutions of concentrations 2.5 ppm, 5.0 ppm, and 10.0 ppm. A removal efficiency of Pb up to 98% was reported in the solution of 2.5 ppm Pb concentration. In the second experimental setting, when the Pb was mixed with Cr, a decrease in the relative growth rate of Azolla was observed, yet with an increase in the Pb removal efficiency. In the third experiment series, two concentrations (2.5 ppm and 5.0 ppm) of Fe, Mg and Ca in the solution were used in addition to Pb and Cr. Here, a decreased relative growth rate with increasing exposure days, and a rising trend in metal removal efficiency and bioconcentration factor were observed. The results revealed a promising potential of Azolla sp in the phytoremediation of Pb in solution. Further, the Azolla sp was found more effective in removing Pb when it is present individually rather than in a solution with Cr.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) an organic molecules with several fused aromatic rings that are known to have carcinogenic and environmental polluting qualities. The study focuses on soil toxicity, origins, routes of human exposure, and potential remediation methods of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. There are several drawbacks to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially in soil conditions. These highly persistent organic compounds, which frequently arise from incomplete combustion of organic materials, tend to accumulate in soil over time. Because PAHs are known to be harmful and carcinogenic, this accumulation raises concerns for human health in addition to endangering biodiversity and soil quality. Furthermore, because of their propensity to contaminate groundwater, they pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems and may expose communities to additional harm. Through their detrimental effects on microbial communities, which are essential to the cycling of nutrients and the general health of the soil, PAHs can also upset important soil processes. Additionally, the adherence of PAHs to soil particles makes cleanup difficult and expensive. This hampers remediation efforts. All things considered, the fact that PAHs are found in soil emphasizes how critical it is to address their sources and put into place practical measures to lessen their negative effects on the soil, environment, and human health.

DevOps, a portmanteau of Development and Operations, has emerged as a transformative approach to software development and IT operations, emphasizing collaboration, automation, and continuous integration. In recent years, its principles have found resonance beyond the realm of traditional IT, extending into interdisciplinary fields such as Chemistry and Environmental Science. This comprehensive review explores the integration of DevOps practices in these domains, uncovering synergies and novel applications. In the realm of Chemistry, DevOps principles are reshaping laboratory workflows and accelerating the pace of research and experimentation. Automation of data collection, version control for experimental protocols, and collaborative tools for real-time communication among researchers are enhancing efficiency and reproducibility. The application of continuous integration and deployment methods to computational chemistry is streamlining the development of complex simulation models and accelerating the discovery of new compounds. Environmental Science, with its complex data sets and multifaceted challenges, is witnessing a paradigm shift with the infusion of DevOps methodologies. From monitoring air and water quality to managing large-scale environmental databases, DevOps practices are improving data accuracy, facilitating seamless collaboration among researchers, and expediting the deployment of environmental monitoring systems. The integration of DevOps in environmental modeling allows for more agile and responsive decision-making in addressing critical environmental issues. This interdisciplinary synthesis of DevOps in Chemistry and Environmental Science signifies a transformative approach to scientific research and environmental management. The cross-pollination of software development practices with scientific methodologies enhances collaboration, reproducibility, and innovation. As the boundaries between scientific disciplines blur, embracing DevOps becomes imperative for researchers and practitioners seeking to advance their fields in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This review provides a roadmap for adopting and adapting DevOps principles in Chemistry and Environmental Science, paving the way for a more agile and interconnected scientific community.

Rainfall in coastal areas is influenced by exposure to the ocean, while the climates of the interiors are influenced by continentality. The paper bridges some methodological gaps in previous studies on Cameroon’s rainfall that emphasized interannual variability without any indices between ecological zones. The objective of this study is to compare the rainfall reliability of Douala and Ndu. Ground surface measures of mean monthly rainfall data were collected from the National Meteorological Service (Douala) and the Cameroon Tea Estate Plantation, Ndu for 60 years (1957-2016). The data were analysed using monthly averages, interannual and decadal trends, Standard Deviation (SD), Coefficient of Variation (CV) and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Results revealed that the mean annual rainfall is 305.33 mm and 165.04 mm for Douala and Ndu, respectively. The interannual rainfall trend decline is steeper in Douala than in Ndu. Both stations show more dry weather conditions than the anticipated wet conditions, viz, 24 episodes of mild dryness (40%), moderate dryness 3(5%), severe dryness 3(5%) and extreme dryness 2 (3.33%) in Douala; while Ndu showed 23 episodes of mild dryness (38.33%), moderate dryness 7 (11.67%) and 1 incident of extreme dryness (1.67%). This gives 53.33% and 51.67% dry episodes for Douala and Ndu respectively. Despite these recurrent agro-meteorological droughts, rainfall is still reliable with CVs of 14.67% and 13.09% for Douala and Ndu respectively. These dynamics have implications for water-related developments. The populations are called upon to embrace sustainable environmental practices that can enhance rainfall as climate change is looming.

The Nepal Environment Policy and Action Plan (1993) (NEPAP) prioritized the conservation and management of wetlands as one of the most important areas in Nepal. The Nepalese wetlands are referred to as “the kidney of the landscapes.” Wetlands are important for ecosystem services, human existence, economic prosperity, and the earth’s life support system. However, conservation efforts are hampered by the local community’s reliance on wetland resources, poor management participation, and week, undiversified, and unstable livelihoods centered on the direct exploitation of natural resources. This paper includes some information about community participation and role of local people in wetland conservation and management, also focuses in the concept of the wise use of the wetlands by providing equal opportunities based in local people’s participatory management of their wetlands and addresses the innovative approaches of wetland conservation in Nepal.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Moringa Seed Pod Powder (MSPP) as a biosorbent on the biosorption of Pb2+ and Cu2+ influenced by pH, contact duration, dosage, and extracting solution concentration. Soil samples were collected using a soil auger at depths ranging from 0 to 20 cm using a systematic (grid) sampling procedure. Moringa seed pod samples were air-dried in the shade, crushed with a stainless steel mortar and pestle, regrind with an electric grinder, and sieved (2-mm). The influence of pH on metal adsorption capacity was divided into three phases: slightly acidic, neutral, and alkaline. The adsorption of Cu2+ and Pb2+peaked in alkaline conditions, with values of 85.71% and 99.13%, respectively, and was lowest in neutral soil pH for both metals. The adsorption of Pb2+ gradually increases as the dose and shaking time change from 2 g for 2 h (97.20%) to 4 g for 4 h (98.81%), where it reaches a maximum, and then slightly drops as the dose and shaking time increase to 6 g and 6 h (98.14%). While Cu2+ exhibits a substantial drop in adsorption from 89.09% at (2 g 2 h) to 84.65% at (4 g 4 h), it rapidly increases to 89.99% (6 g 6 h), which represents the maximum adsorption. It is recommended to use moringa seed pod powder for the removal or remediation of Pb2+ and Cu2+ polluted soils.

Environmental issues primarily pollution of air, water and soil, overpopulation, deforestation, global warming, climate change, species extinction and waste disposal are critical issues which need to be handled and managed properly to preserve our planet. Environmental education is a tool to solve these issues as by this process, the learner would expand level of awareness and would learn solutions of environmental issues. The present case study was done to assess the level of environmental education in different age groups of school students of Bangla Nagar, Bikaner (Rajasthan). Seven schools were chosen for the survey. Questionnaires were prepared for different groups of classes such as group 1 of classes I to V, group 2 of classes VI to VIII, group 3 of classes IX to X, and group 4 of classes XI to XII. These forms were distributed among students to get their responses. Data were analysed, and results were set. It was found that students from class I to XII showed 63.73% positive response towards environmental education and awareness. The study revealed that we are making our future generations environmentally aware. However, we need more awareness among school students to make the planet earth sustainable as well as for human sustainability.

The current study aims to do rainfall analysis of Jhunjhunu district with reference to time and space for a period of 22 years by using quantum geographic information system (qGIS). The data collected were yearly rainfall and rainy days. These data were analysed in qGIS software. Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method of interpolation was adopted for the study. Thematic maps were generated. Rainfall maps displayed a growing tendency in rainfall amount while rainy days represented a slow increasing pattern. It was found that south, south-eastern and some part of north region of the Jhunjhunu get the utmost rainfall. However, north-eastern and western parts of the district receive the lowermost rainfall. It was observed that Khetri block received the highest rainfall during the average 20 years period. Though, Jhunjhunu block got the lowest rainfall during the whole period. Malsisar and Udaipurwati blocks got average rainfall. As ground water recharge rate is low in the study area, it is essential to collectively utilise surface water, available rainfall and groundwater for optimum irrigation and further agricultural management in the district. The rainfall analysis facilitated the understanding of the rainfall pattern which would be advantageous for strategic planning of efficient irrgiation and water availability in the study area.

The effects of climate change, including extreme weather conditions characterized by rising atmospheric CO2 levels, alterations in precipitation patterns, and elevated temperatures, significantly impact crop production and the prevalence of agricultural pests. This study aimed to unravel the nuanced responses of various insect pests to these dynamic climatic shifts by conducting an experiment within the agronomy field at BSMRAU. The objective was to investigate the incidence of insect pests on mungbean plants under varying temperature and CO2 level conditions. To achieve this, four open top chambers (OTCs) were deployed, each featuring distinct CO2 concentrations, OTC-1 (400 ppm), OTC-2 (450 ppm), OTC-3 (500 ppm), and OTC-4 (550 ppm). Additionally, electronic thermo-hygrometers were strategically placed within these chambers to monitor the relevant environmental parameters. The results of this comprehensive study unveiled the presence of five distinct insect species that were observed infesting mungbean crops. These included aphids, ladybird beetles, whiteflies, bean pod borers, and caterpillars. The findings provided valuable insights into the intricate interplay between CO2 levels, temperature, and the incidence of these insect pests. Notably, it was found that an atmospheric CO2 concentration of 550 ppm created an optimal environment for aphid infestations, with an ideal temperature range between 32-34°C. In contrast, a concentration CO2 of 450 ppm was identified as most conducive to the other five insect species. Bean pod borers, in particular, demonstrated a preference for temperatures ranging from 30.1-32.9°C, while the impact of temperature variations on the remaining insect species was deemed statistically insignificant. These findings shed light on the complex relationships between rising CO2 levels, temperature fluctuations, and insect pest dynamics within the context of mungbean cultivation. The knowledge gained from this research is indispensable for the development of effective strategies to manage and mitigate pest outbreaks in a rapidly changing climate, thereby safeguarding crop yields and ensuring food security. This study advances our comprehension of the intricate ecological interactions within agricultural ecosystems, offering a foundation for more informed decision-making in the face of ongoing climate change challenges.

In order to investigate the pollution situation of the relocation site of an oil depot in Guangzhou, based on the health risk assessment theory, the investigation and monitoring of soil and groundwater organic pollutants in the site was conducted, and the health risk assessment was carried out combined with the monitoring data.24 types of pollution factors, including 1,3,5-trimethyl benzene, were detected and the maximum concentration accounted for 67% of the screening value; toluene and extractable petroleum hydrocarbon (C10-C40) were detected in the plot, and the maximum concentration accounted for 1%~2% of the screening value. The results show that the maximum risk area of the legacy site is the oil depot area, with soil and groundwater organic matter; the maximum concentration of organic pollutants in the site (≤10-6)Or non-carcinogenic hazard entropy (≤1), and the future exposure receptor is not affected by the health risk of the soil and groundwater organic pollutants in the site.