Chromium translocation, concentration and its phytotoxic impacts in in vivo grown seedlings of Sesbania sesban L. Merrill.

The present in vivo pot culture study showed hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) induced phytotoxic impacts and its translocation potential in 21 days old sesban (Sesbania sesban L. Merrill.) seedlings. Cr+6 showed significant growth retardation in 21 days old sesban (Sesbania sesban L. Merrill.) seedlings. Germination of seeds at 10,000 mg L−1 of Cr+6 exhibit 80% inhibition in germination. Seedling survival was 67% after 7 days of seedling exposure to 300 mg kg−1 of Cr+6. Shoot phytotoxicity was enhanced from 6% to 31% with elevated supply of Cr+6 from 10 mg kg−1 to 300 mg kg−1. Elevated supply of Cr+6 exhibited increasing and decreasing trends in % phytotoxicity and seedling tolerance index, respectively. Elevated supply of chromium showed decreased chlorophyll and catalase activities. Peroxidase activities in roots and leaves were significantly higher at increased supply of Cr+6. Cr bioconcentration in roots was nearly 10 times more than stems whereas leaves showed nearly double accumulation than stems. Tissue specific chromium bioaccumulation showed 53 and 12 times more in roots and shoots respectively at 300 mg kg−1 Cr+6 than control. The present study reveals potential of sesban for effective Cr translocation from roots to shoots as evident from their translocation factor and Total Accumulation Rate values

Comparative P solubilizing efficiencies of five acid soil bacteria incubated with calcium, aluminium and iron phosphates

As acid soils of Odisha have been facing a major constraint in phosphorus availability, application of native P solubilizing bacteria could be promising as well as ecofriendly step towards sustainable P availability for crop growth and development. To address the problem of P availability in acid soil of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, rhizosphere soil samples (pH ≤ 5.50) with rice – pulses (green gram/black gram) cropping system were collected and phosphate solubilising bacteria were isolated. In vitro characterization of the PSB isolates were conducted with calcium, aluminium and iron phosphates to recover soluble P. All the five strains i.e. Bacillus cereus BLS18 (KT582541), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CTC12 (KT633845), Burkholderia cepacia KHD08 (KT717633), Burkholderia cepacia KJR03 (KT717634), Burkholderia cepacia K1 (KM030037) could solubilize Ca3(PO4)2, AlPO4, FePO4, and Fe3(PO4)2. Higher recovery of soluble P was with Ca3(PO4)2 while the least was with AlPO4. All the strains exibited a trend similar with respect to P recovery i.e. Ca3(PO4)2 > FePO4 > AlPO4 > Fe3(PO4)2. B. amyloliquefaciens CTC12 was most efficient in solubilizing calcium and iron phosphates whereas B. cepacia KHD08 recovered maximum P with aluminium phosphate. All the inorganic salt fortified mediums showed a significant decline in pH which necessitated the identification of compounds present in the mediums. Organic acids viz; acetic, citric, gluconic, lactic, malic, succinic, tartaric acids in the mediums were identified by HPLC. Tartaric acid was only found in the mediums supplemented with AlPO4. B. amyloliquefaciens CTC12 and B. cepacia KHD08 showed promising results in in vitro analysis of P solubilization. The present study is focused on problematic acid soils where phosphorous is unavailable and mostly fixed with aluminium and iron ultimately making it unavailable for the crops to take up. This leads to unbalanced and frequent use of chemical fertilizer. Hence the study is a significant attempt to characterize native PSBs with capacity to solubilize Al-P and Fe-

Plant growth promoting activities of P solubilizing bacteria and their impact on disease resistance in groundnut, <i>Arachis hypogaea</i> L. against soil borne fungal pathogens

606-616Plant growth promoting (PGP) activities of soil bacteria directly help plants in taking up the nutrients, attuning the growth hormones and indirectly safeguard by inhibiting diverse groups of fungal pathogens. In this study, we explored the native P solubilizing bacteria (PSB) isolated from the acid soils (pH 3(PO4)2,AlPO4,FePO4 and Fe3(PO4)2. The bioconversion of P by all the five strains in the broth medium followed the order Ca-P > Fe(III)-P > Fe(II)-P >Al-P. The strains interestingly showed potential plant growthpromoting properties including indole acetic acid (IAA) andsiderophore production in in vitro tests. These five strains also exhibited antifungal activities against fungal pathogens(Pythium aphanidermatum, Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium debaryanum, Thanatephorus cucumeris and Aspergillus niger)of groundnut. A field study was carried out with two of the above PSB strains [identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(KT633845) and Burkholderia cepacia (KT717633)] with groundnut. Both the stains significantly influenced the plantgrowth (plant height, nodule no. and nodule dry weight) and pod yield. However, these two strains inoculated along withdoses of inorganic phosphate (SSP, single super phosphate) resulted in significantly higher pod yield as well as residual soil P.Additionally; the prevalence of both seedling mortality and plant mortality due to collar rot and stem rot were found to bereduced significantly in the inoculated plots. The findings substantiate the growth promoting ability of the two P solubilizingstrains, and thus qualifies to be used as biofertilizers either alone or as components of INM practices

Plant growth promoting activities of P solubilizing bacteria and their impact on disease resistance in groundnut, Arachis hypogaea L. against soil borne fungal pathogens

Plant growth promoting (PGP) activities of soil bacteria directly help plants in taking up the nutrients, attuning the growth hormones and indirectly safeguard by inhibiting diverse groups of fungal pathogens. In this study, we explored the native P solubilizing bacteria (PSB) isolated from the acid soils (pH &lt; 5.5) of Odisha for selection of efficient PGPR with antifungal potential. Five PSB strainswere checked for their P solubilization efficiencies with Ca3(PO4)2,AlPO4,FePO4 and Fe3(PO4)2. The bioconversion of P by all the five strains in the broth medium followed the order Ca-P &gt; Fe(III)-P &gt; Fe(II)-P &gt;Al-P. The strains interestingly showed potential plant growthpromoting properties including indole acetic acid (IAA) andsiderophore production in in vitro tests. These five strains also exhibited antifungal activities against fungal pathogens(Pythium aphanidermatum, Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium debaryanum, Thanatephorus cucumeris and Aspergillus niger)of groundnut. A field study was carried out with two of the above PSB strains [identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(KT633845) and Burkholderia cepacia (KT717633)] with groundnut. Both the stains significantly influenced the plantgrowth (plant height, nodule no. and nodule dry weight) and pod yield. However, these two strains inoculated along withdoses of inorganic phosphate (SSP, single super phosphate) resulted in significantly higher pod yield as well as residual soil P.Additionally; the prevalence of both seedling mortality and plant mortality due to collar rot and stem rot were found to bereduced significantly in the inoculated plots. The findings substantiate the growth promoting ability of the two P solubilizingstrains, and thus qualifies to be used as biofertilizers either alone or as components of INM practice

Optimization of saccharification prospective from starch of sweet potato roots through acid-enzyme hydrolysis : structural, chemical and elemental profiling

The sweet potato root, a potent source of starch which is being considered as an effi cient alternative for fuel ethanol production in recent times. The starchy substrate needs to be subsequently dextrinized and saccharifi ed so as to enhance the utilization of its carbohydrates for ethanol production. In the present investigation, acid-enzyme process was conducted for the dextrinization and saccharifi cation of sweet potato root fl our (SPRF). The best optimized condition for dextrinization was achieved with an incubation period of 60 min, temperature 100 ºC and 1M HCl. However, for saccharifi cation, the best result was obtained with an incubation of 18 h, pH 4, temperature 65 ºC and 1000 U concentration of Palkodex®. After the dextrinization process, maximum concentrations of total sugar and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) [380.44 ± 3.17 g/kg and 13.28 ± 0.25 mg/g, respectively] were released. Nevertheless, after saccharifi cation, 658.80 ± 7.83 g/kg of total sugar was obtained which was about 73% more than that of dextrinization. After successful dextrinization and saccharifi cation, the structural, chemical and elemental analysis were investigated using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy-dispersive X-ray fl uorescence spectrophotometer (EDXRF), respectively. Eff ective hydrolysis was demonstrated in thin layer chromatography (TLC) where the HCl was able to generate monomeric sugar such as glucose and maltose. On the other hand, only glucose is synthesized on the mutual eff ect of HCl and Palkodex®. The SEM fi ndings indicate that the rough structure of both dextrinized and saccharifi ed sample was gained due to the vigorous eff ect of both acid and enzyme subsequently. The saccharifi ed SPRF when subjected to fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis separately, it was observed that Z. mobilis produced more stretching vibration of –OH than S. cerevisiae, which evidenced the better production of bioethanol. Additionally, evaluation of the infl uence of S. cerevisiae and Z. mobilis through elemental analysis revealed upsurge in the concentrations of S, Cl, Ca, Mn, Fe and Zn and decline in the concentrations of P, K and Cu in the fermented residue of S. cerevisiae and Z. mobilis, however, Z. mobilis showed little more variation than that of S. cerevisiae

Evaluating air quality and criteria pollutants prediction disparities by data mining along a stretch of urban-rural agglomeration includes coal-mine belts and thermal power plants

Air pollution has become a threat to human life around the world since researchers have demonstrated several effects of air pollution to the environment, climate, and society. The proposed research was organized in terms of National Air Quality Index (NAQI) and air pollutants prediction using data mining algorithms for particular timeframe dataset (01 January 2019, to 01 June 2021) in the industrial eastern coastal state of India. Over half of the study period, concentrations of PM2.5, PM10 and CO were several times higher than the NAQI standard limit. NAQI, in terms of consistency and frequency analysis, revealed that moderate level (ranges 101–200) has the maximum frequency of occurrence (26–158 days), and consistency was 36%–73% throughout the study period. The satisfactory level NAQI (ranges 51–100) frequency occurrence was 4–43 days with a consistency of 13%–67%. Poor to very poor level of air quality was found 13–50 days of the year, with a consistency of 9%–25%. Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Bagged Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) and Bayesian Regularized Neural Networks (BRNN) are the data mining algorithms, that showed higher efficiency for the prediction of PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and SO2 except for CO and O3 at Talcher and CO at Brajrajnagar. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between observed and predicted values of PM2.5 (ranges 12.40–17.90) and correlation coefficient (r) (ranges 0.83–0.92) for training and testing data indicate about slightly better prediction of PM2.5 by RF, SVM, bagged MARS, and BRNN models at Talcher in comparison to PM2.5 RMSE (ranges 13.06–21.66) and r (ranges 0.64–0.91) at Brajrajnagar. However, PM10 (RMSE: 25.80–43.41; r: 0.57–0.90), NO2 (RMSE: 3.00–4.95; r: 0.42–0.88) and SO2 (RMSE: 2.78–5.46; r: 0.31–0.88) at Brajrajnagar are better than PM10 (RMSE: 35.40–55.33; r: 0.68–0.91), NO2 (RMSE: 4.99–9.11; r: 0.48–0.92), and SO2 (RMSE: 4.91–9.47; r: 0.20–0.93) between observed and predicted values of training and testing data at Talcher using RF, SVM, bagged MARS and BRNN models, respectively. Taylor plots demonstrated that these algorithms showed promising accuracy for predicting air quality. The findings will help scientific community and policymakers to understand the distribution of air pollutants to strategize reduction in air pollution and enhance air quality in the study region

Biomethanation of Crop Residues to Combat Stubble Burning in India: Design and Simulation Using ADM1 Mathematical Model

Stubble burning in India continues despite the severe consequences on the environment and the massive health crisis in the country. Farmers resort to such practices as a cheap and hasty solution post-harvest, which helps them prepare for their next crops. This study employs a mathematical model, the ADM1 (Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1), to design a virtual biogas plant in the SIMBA simulation platform. The plant was designed keeping the small-scale farmers in mind, hence, cost-effectiveness, simplicity in design and operation remained a priority. Simulations were performed with different crop leftovers that are widely subjected to on-farm burning in the country such as from rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton and maize. Simulation trials were performed for each crop residue for nearly two years, to observe the digester performance and possible disruptions over prolonged periods. The optimal feeding ratio and operating conditions for process stability were determined. Simulations revealed generation of nearly 9&ndash;10 m3 methane per day, equivalent to 90&ndash;100 kWh electricity. Co-fermentation with animal manures was strongly recommended by the model for process stability and to avoid pH disruptions due to organic acid accumulations. Policy makers and farmers are, thus, encouraged to explore a sustainable alternative to generate energy from stubble

VARIATIONS IN PHYTOCONSTITUENTS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES IN ECOTYPES OF OXALIS CORNICULATA L. AND OXALIS DEBILIS KUNTH

Objective: The present study aims at the comparative analysis of phytoconstituents and antimicrobial activities of four ecotypes of Odisha, India, each of Oxalis corniculata L. (OC-Eco-1, OC-Eco-2, OC-Eco-3, OC-Eco-4) and Oxalis debilis Kunth. (OD-Eco-1, OD-Eco-2, OD-Eco-3, OD-Eco-4) of the family Oxalidaceae.Methods: The ecotypes were collected from four districts (Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Khurda) of Odisha, India. The qualitative phytochemical screening was done to test glycosides, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. Further analysis of phytochemicals was also screened through TLC and HPTLC. Antimicrobial potentiality of leaf extract of various ecotypes was studied against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus epidermis by disc diffusion method.Results: Tannin and terpenoids estimation revealed that significantly high amount of phytoconstituents were present in OD-Eco-3 of O. debilis. The methanolic leaf extracts of each ecotype were screened for qualitative analysis of phytochemical through TLC and HPTLC that showed maximum 16 compounds in O. debilis (OD-Eco-3) a new report, as compared to O. corniculata. All the four ecotypes of O. debilis showed some new HPTLC bands (Rf 0.96, 0.90, 0.90, 0.81) as compared to O. corniculata that occupied 7.70%, 22.38%, 23.79% and 34.42% of peak area respectively. Cluster analysis on the basis of HPTLC banding pattern showed a close affinity among ecotypes of each species. Crude extracts showed antibacterial activity against B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and S. epidermis. Leaf extracts of ecotypes of O. corniculata showed zones of inhibition and MIC better than that of O. debilis against S. epidermis.Conclusion: The findings significantly reported some new compounds for the first time in O. debilis. The study also indicated a promising potential of antimicrobial activity of O. debilis which was the first report