Efficiencies of Thermophilic Bacteria Species in Degrading Biodegradable Low-density Polyethylene Mixtures in Aquatic Ecosystems

The study examined the efficiencies of bacteria thermophiles responsible for the depolymerization of biodegradable Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) blends in two aquatic environments to suggest model bacteria species that could be used for reducing the accumulation of single-use LDPE in both marine and freshwater ecosystems. Each of the biodegradable LDPE, polyethylene, and cellulose was placed in respirometry jars filled with 500 mls of the freshwater and marine water respectively in a randomized design of 4 by 2 by 3 following the American Standard Testing and Materials (ASTM) procedure. To identify the bacteria species, bacterial isolation was done using pour plate and streak methods. The bacteria species were identified by morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods. The thermophilic bacteria species were confirmed by sequencing to be Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas species among others.  The results revealed that the bacteria isolates on LDPE were responsible for the biodegradation processes of the LDPE. This study concluded that Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas species have the bioremediation potentials to break down single-use biodegradable Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) in aquatic environments within six (6) months

Carbon Monoxide Pollution and Limited Health Service Access in Third-world Countries

Despite its complexity, carbon monoxide is a key component of indoor and outdoor air pollution. While carbon monoxide arises from natural sources as well as human activities, the most detrimental exposure risks are within the domestic environment. In third-world countries like Guatemala, a notable positive correlation has been observed between severe respiratory diseases and the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air. This correlation can be attributed to these regions' housing conditions and daily lifestyle practices. Additionally, the limited healthcare services accessibility in third-world nations exacerbated the severity of domestic carbon monoxide poisoning cases. It is evident that effective healthcare interventions still need to be fully utilized in third-world countries, and thus, there is a need to move beyond identifying broad strategies and specific policies. Addressing the issues of carbon monoxide exposure and its impact on public health in these regions requires comprehensive approaches that take into account the challenges faced by these countries. To access carbon monoxide concentration in the household, EsayLog USB has been used in this study. The study reviews the amount of carbon monoxide present in certain villages with different conditions and high carbon monoxide concentrations, especially near fires using combustible fuels and houses at high altitudes. The study found that third-world countries' decision-makers should educate communities, build the environment to provide better medical access to the public and implement appropriate regulations to deliver better quality health care to people

Effect of Crude Oil Polluted Soil on the Reproductive Growth of Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.)

Soil polluted by crude oil is detrimental to the survival of plants and microbes. Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) is a major important food crop, showing tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress. This study investigated the impact of soil polluted with Bonny Light crude oil (BLCO) on the reproductive growth of two plantain cultivars. Crude oil was added to agricultural soil on which plantain suckers were planted. Reproductive growth was then periodically assessed. The number of suckers was significantly higher in French plantain plants grown on polluted soil in comparison with control. False Horn plantain plants on unpolluted soil produced more suckers in comparison to the plants on polluted soil. Also, the time between planting to flower bud appearance and flower bud appearance to bud opening reduced in plants on polluted soil in both cultivars in comparison with the control. Statistically, there was an insignificant decrease in the fruit size of False Horn plantain on polluted soil compared with the control while there was an appreciable increase with a significant effect in fruits size of French plantain on  polluted soil compared with the control. Generally, French plantain tolerated the stress induced by crude oil pollution of soil in its reproductive growth more than False Horn. The reproductive growth of False Horn and French plantain cultivars show that there could be varied response to crude oil polluted soil

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Mycorrhizal and Potassium-Humate on Some Physiological and Agronomical Characters of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) under Saline Soil Conditions

Salinity stress is an ultimate challenge restricting wheat production worldwide. A field experiment was carried out during 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 winter growing seasons at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, under salt-affected soil (El-Hamrawy Farm) Kafer El-Sheikh, Governorate, Egypt, to evaluate four bread wheat cultivars, i.e. Misr1, Shandaweel1, Sakha95 and Gemmeiza11 under different biological-fertilization; (control, a mycorrhizal fungi and potassium-humate) using a split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The main-plots were assigned to the four wheat cultivars and the biological-fertilizer treatments were assigned to the sub-plots. Results indicated that Misr1 cultivar gave the highest values for chlorophyll a (mg/l), chlorophyll b (mg/l), total chlorophyll (mg/l), proline content (mg/g fresh weight), carbohydrate content (%), protein content (%), relative water content (%), number of spikes/m2 and grain yield (ardab/fed), while Sakha95 cultivar recorded the highest values for flag leaf area (cm2), plant height at harvest (cm) and 1000-grain weight. Shandaweel1 recorded the highest values for spike length (cm), number of spikelets/spike and number of grains/spike. Gemmeiza11 cultivar recorded the lowest values for all wheat physiological and agronomical characters comparing with the other wheat cultivars. However, the results of biological-fertilization with (mycorrhizal-fungi, potassium-humate and control) were significantly influenced all the physiological and agronomical characters under this study. The highest values of the most characters were obtained with potassium-humate treatment, which led to increase grain yield/fed, compared to the lowest values which were occurred in control treatment (without biological fertilization)

A Preliminary Investigation of Physicochemical and Microbiological Parameters of Natural Springs Found in Linden, Guyana

A spring is a feature of the hydrosphere where water moves from below the earth's surface to the surface. Spring water is an essential source of water for consumption, agricultural, and industrial needs. The distribution and actions of humans in a given place are determined by the availability of water. Our rising population is putting significant demands on the natural freshwater supply. The waters, however, are occasionally subjected to different types of contaminants, namely agricultural, industrial, and residential pollution. Investigating the water quality of springs is a crucial step in advocating their public use. The goal of this research is to investigate the microbiological and physicochemical quality characteristics of drinking water from springs. The research technique includes field sampling and laboratory testing of water quality parameters using standard procedures. A total of five natural springs are included in the research area. A total of ten samples were gathered from the five springs and each sample's physicochemical and microbiological characteristics were analyzed. Then, using international quality standards (WHO), the parameters were analyzed viz., pH, Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids, Dissolved Oxygen, E. coli and Total Coliforms. The majority of the physicochemical characteristics examined are found to be within permissible limits. However, the pH of several samples is below the recommended standard. According to the results, a large percentage of the samples (80%) are severely contaminated by microbes, while one spring (20% of samples) poses no threat to consumers

Assessing the Status of Improved Stove and Its Contribution Towards the Conservation of Forest Resources, Bulehora Wordea, West Guji Zone, Ethiopia

The study sought to analyze energy consumption trends in Bule hora, Ethiopia, with a particular emphasis on the usage of biomass energy and its impact on deforestation and land degradation. A standardized questionnaire was used to survey 150 households, taking into account various socioeconomic factors. The study discovered a high demand for fuel wood due to the widespread usage of traditional stoves for cooking. The study found that a higher number of respondents (71.4%) expressed positive opinions toward the use of upgraded stoves versus traditional stoves than negative attitudes (28.6%). Approximately 65% of respondents expressed confidence that upgraded stoves have higher fuel wood and energy usage efficiency. Despite budgetary constraints that impede the implementation of better stoves, the majority of respondents voiced great support for them. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that socioeconomic characteristics had a substantial influence on views about the usage of upgraded stoves. It is critical to promote awareness among local inhabitants about the benefits of utilizing upgraded stoves, as well as to work with many stakeholders to distribute these stoves effectively. Government incentives may also be required to encourage widespread use of energy-efficient technologies in Bule hora town, so helping to forest conservation initiatives

Chemophysical and Metallic Characterization of Surface Water and Precipitation for Environmental Quality Assessment in Oyigbo L.G.A., Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigates the repercussions of oil industry operations on environmental quality in the Niger Delta, with a specific focus on atmospheric soot contamination. By conducting chemophysical and metallic characterization of surface water (river) and precipitation (rain) in Oyigbo, Rivers State, Nigeria, the research evaluates various chemical and physical parameters, like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, as well as concentrations of heavy metals like lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn). The findings uncover a slightly acidic to neutral pH in water samples. The elevated EC in the Imo River, while meeting WHO standards, highlights the delicate balance between industrial development and environmental health. Turbidity values, meeting WHO standards but exceeding limits in some rainwater samples, prompt scrutiny of anthropogenic influences, with fishing and sand mining emerging as potential contributors to river turbidity, while TSS values, though higher along the Imo River, remain within WHO standards. Results reveal Cd, Cu, and Zn adhere to standards, while the elevated Pb levels necessitate further exploration into contamination sources. The heavy metals pollution index (HPI) categorizes the area as polluted and identifies lead as the primary contributor, underlining the urgency of interventions. The potential ecological risks index (PERI) classifies the pollution risk as slight, indicating a low ecological risk level, and reveals risk hierarchies, in the order of metals contributing to pollution as Pb > Cu > Cd > Zn for both river and rainwater. This study unravels the relationship between industrial activities and water quality in Oyigbo, contributing substantively to sustainable water resources and environmental management. The detailed findings stand as a cornerstone for informed decision-making, aiming to mitigate environmental impacts and safeguard ecosystems and communities reliant on vital water sources

Molecular and Agro-physiological Study Associated with Net Blotch Resistance at Seedling and Adult Plant Stages in Some Egyptian Barley Genotypes

Net blotch infection is the most widespread and harmful disease for barley that caused substantial losses grain yield and quality, in this study Greenhouse and field experiments were carried out to recorded the net blotch reaction at seedling and adult stage of twenty barley genotypes during two growing seasons 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 .Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers were used to study the genetic variances and relationships among barley genotypes against net blotch reaction. The expression of severity to net blotch infection based on agro- physiological traits and net blotch reaction studied showed that Line 3 and Giza 2000 genotypes appeared the highest net blotch infection response that had lowest phenol content, chlorophyll fluorescence (FV/FM ratio) and total chlorophyll content SPAD were (42.52 mg/100g 0.510, 39. 53 SPAD reading and 43.76 mg/100g, 0.543 and 40.50 SPAD reading) respectively. However Giza 132, Giza 134, Giza 137, Giza 136, Line 4, line 5 and line 7 were proved to be the most resistant genotypes for net blotch that showed high average mean performance values for all studied agro- physiological traits over all the tested barley genotypes and scrod one under greenhouse at seedling stage with lowest net blotch infection that they were related to type R. Genetic changeability and associations among 20 barley genotypes based on using ten SCoT markers showed 77 amplified fragments, out of them 61 (77.92%) were polymorphic. The primer (SCoT -9) was highly informative marker which had higher values of total number of bands, number of polymorphic bands, polymorphism percentage, Polymorphism information content, diversity index, marker index and discriminating power DP were ( 10 ,9, 90.0, 0.389, 0.489, 0.499 and 0.692 ) respectively, so we could consider that useful primer to confirm the genetic differences among barley genotypes for net blotch reaction. The dendrogram based on SCoT showed clear pattern of clustering among the twenty barley genotypes with the resistant and susceptible for net blotch. These results could be useful for barley improvement in terms of biodiversity protection and design of new crosses for disease resistance to net blotch resistance in Egypt

Investigating the Relationship of Acute Cardiac Effects of Daphnia magna with Chemical Properties of Marine Pollutants

Pollutant inflow from the inland water body is one of the most significant factors affecting marine ecosystems' health status. Common artificial pollutants that arrive at the sea include herbicides, pesticides, detergents, fertilizers, oil, industrial chemicals, and sewage. These chemicals can adversely affect marine organisms. Even though Daphnia mostly lives in freshwater, Daphnia magna is universally thriving worldwide. So, the cardiac effects on Daphnia by the pollutants were deemed to be thoroughly examined for estimating the impact of the chemicals on marine organisms. In this study, Daphnia was exposed to the serially diluted solutions of the ten most inland-spreading pollutants for 30 minutes, and the heartbeat changes after the incubation was measured in bpm. And the change percentages from the incubation were compared with the chemical properties to investigate their relationship. The result showed that the xlogP, rotatable bond count, and heavy atom count were somewhat correlated with the leading coefficients of polynomial functions derived from the heartbeat change graphs. Meanwhile, molecular weight, topological PSA, and complexity were more poorly related. The findings might contribute to developing new chemicals for using on-land environmental management eventually to conserve marine ecology

The Role of Folklore in Conservation of Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

This study set out to examine the role of folklore in conservation of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Attention was put on exploring the types of folklore that are available for conservation of mountain gorillas among the communities; and the application of folklore in conservation of mountain gorillas in the Southern Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The study involved in seeking an understanding of the people’s interpretations, perceptions, opinions, and ideas concerning the conservation of mountain gorillas. A purely qualitative case study research design was employed to achieve the study objectives.  Purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents for the study. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions with the respondents were employed to collect the required data. The results confirmed an array of folklores including legends, myths, folkloric names, folk dances and songs, harvesting beliefs, taboos, and totems that were used in the conservation of the mountain gorillas. Folklores also inculcated conservation attitudes and behaviors that concerned some other plants and animals into the members of the local community. The research findings confirmed that folklores can be integrated into community-based conservation programs, conservation policies, resource access programmes, eco-tourism, school curriculum and education and awareness programmes for an effective conservation of important biodiversity including mountain gorillas. Hence, documentation of folklore, integration of folklore in the National Education Curriculum, involvement of folklore users in the conservation policy making processes, and development of the Uganda national folklore policy are very essential for the continued conservation of the mountain gorillas