Unveiling the contemporary progress of graphene-based nanomaterials with a particular focus on the removal of contaminants from water: a comprehensive review

Water scarcity and pollution pose significant challenges to global environmental sustainability and public health. As these concerns intensify, the quest for innovative and efficient water treatment technologies becomes paramount. In recent years, graphene-based nanomaterials have emerged as frontrunners in this pursuit, showcasing exceptional properties that hold immense promise for addressing water contamination issues. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, exhibits extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. These inherent characteristics have led to a surge of interest in leveraging graphene derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide and functionalized graphene, for water treatment applications. The ability of graphene-based nanomaterials to adsorb, catalyze, and photocatalyze contaminants makes them highly versatile in addressing diverse pollutants present in water sources. This review will delve into the synthesis methods employed for graphene-based nanomaterials and explore the structural modifications and functionalization strategies implemented to increase their pollutant removal performance in water treatment. By offering a critical analysis of existing literature and highlighting recent innovations, it will guide future research toward the rational design and optimization of graphene-based nanomaterials for water decontamination. The exploration of interdisciplinary approaches and cutting-edge technologies underscores the evolving landscape of graphene-based water treatment, fostering a path toward sustainable and scalable solutions. Overall, the authors believe that this review will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers working toward sustainable and effective solutions for water purification

Studies on Intraspecific Biodiversity of Horticultural Traits and in vitro Shoot Morphogenetic Response in Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Germplasm

The present investigation entitled “Studies on intraspecific biodiversity of horticultural traits and in vitro shoot morphogenetic response in walnut (Juglans regia L.) germplasm” was carried out in order to document the available genetic variability in walnut germplasm and to select elite walnut genotypes possessing superior attributes and quality traits. During the survey, data was recorded on one hundred fifty two (152) walnut trees growing in different areas of Kashmir valley. The study also involved establishment of response of elite walnut selections to different plant growth regulators in shoot morphogenesis. Remarkable variability was observed in seedling walnut trees for different morphological, nut and kernel characters. Tree canopy/spread varied between (1.20-12.50 m), stem diameter (0.3-3.6 m), leaf length (5.25-24.50 cm), leaf width (2.55-13.50 cm), nut weight (8.5-35.0 g), nut diameter (24.5-50.5 mm), nut length (30.0-60.0 mm), kernel weight (3.50-15.0 g), kernel percentage (31.03-70.0), protein content (14.15-24.25 %) and oil content (50.22-70.0 %). Similarly, variations were also reported for other characters viz., tree vigour, growth habit, branching habit, leaflet shape, shoot colour, nut shape, shell texture, shell colour, shell seal, shell strength, shell integrity, kernel shrivel and kernel colour. Woody species have been found to be far more difficult to clone in vitro than herbaceous plants. Poor response of the explants from mature woody species to in vitro manipulation is usually associated with the problem of browning and explant necrosis. The present studies were conducted on forced explants from three walnut selections (SKUAST 002, SKUAST 008, SKUAST 010). Murashiage and Skoog’s basal medium supplemented with 0.3 mg/l-1 Benzylamino purine and 0.1 mg/l-1 indole-3-butyric acid gave best response in the establishment of initiating cultures, minimum media browning (80.44 %), minimum explant browning (78.22 %) and minimum mean browning score per explant (9.17 %). The survival (23.45%) and growth of the cultures (21.77%) was also found to be maximum in MS medium supplemented with BAP 0.3 mg l-1 and IBA 0.1 mg l-1

Prevalence of pseudoexfoliation in diabetic patients with senile cataract: A hospital-based study in Kashmir, India

Purpose: To study the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) in diabetics with senile cataracts and compare it to the prevalence in nondiabetic control group. Methods: Two hundred and fifty diabetics and 250 nondiabetics (age and sex matched) were evaluated for PEX deposition. Results: Chi-squared test was employed, and a P value 20 mmHg) in PEX eyes (10.3%) than in the non-PEX eyes (5.9%). The PEX group had a higher number of eyes with cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) >0.6 (11.12%) than the non-PEX group (4.32%). Nuclear cataracts were more frequent in PEX eyes than non-PEX eyes, whereas PSC and mature cataracts were more prevalent in the non-PEX group. Most eyes had PEX deposition on the anterior lens capsule and pupillary margin. Of the 500 study eyes corresponding to the diabetic group, 418 had cataracts (rest pseudophakic), of which 28 had pseudoexfoliation, accounting for 6.7% of the total. In the nondiabetic control group comprising 500 eyes, 430 had senile cataracts (rest pseudophakic), of which 105 had PEX deposition, accounting for 24.4% of the total. Conclusion: According to our findings, diabetics have a lower prevalence of PEX than nondiabetics. Few such studies have been conducted so far, and none have been conducted in the Indian population

Influence of Growth Retardants on Growth of Potted Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria hybrida L.)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of Alar (Diaminozide) and Ethephon (Ethrel) as spray applications on two cultivars of pot grown Alstroemeria to study their effect on different vegetative parameters under shaded conditions during two successive flushes in the year 2016 – 2017 at the Research farm of Division of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus Srinagar, in 2017.  Fourteen different treatments with two cultivars (Pluto, New Pink) were used with four concentrations of Alar (0, 500, 1000 and 1500ppm) and Ethephon (0, 1000, 1500, 2000 ppm) were replicated thrice in a Completely Randomized Design. The investigation revealed that with application of Alar at 1500 ppm maximum reduction of height and number of leaves was observed in both cultivars in successive flushes followed by Ethephon 2000 ppm and Alar at1000ppm. Plant spread, diameter of shoots and chlorophyll content increases by application of Alar at1500 ppm. Height reduction of (33.05% and 21.21%) was observed in cultivar New Pink and Pluto respectivel

Navigating the future : exploring technological advancements and emerging trends in the sustainable ornamental industry

Technological advances have played a critical role in the production of flower crops, enabling farmers to maximize yields and reduce losses while also improving the quality of flowers. These advances have included the development of new breeding techniques, such as molecular marker-assisted breeding, and the use of modern technologies like high-throughput phenotyping to identify and select superior cultivars. In addition, precision farming techniques, such as the use of sensors and remote monitoring systems, have made it possible to closely monitor crop growth and optimize inputs like water and fertilizer, leading to higher yields and improved resource efficiency. Advancements in biotechnology have also resulted in the development of transgenic plants that are resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and improving plant health. Modern molecular genetic tools, particularly genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases, are emerging in addition to conventional approaches of investigating these plants. Furthermore, the use of novel growing systems, such as hydroponics and vertical farming, has allowed for year-round flower production in controlled environments, mitigating the challenges associated with seasonal changes and climate variability. These innovations have also made it possible to produce high-quality flowers in urban areas, bringing fresh blooms closer to consumers. Overall, technological advances in flower crops have revolutionized the floriculture industry, enabling growers to produce high-quality flowers in a more sustainable and efficient manner. These advancements have not only improved the productivity and profitability of flower farming but have also contributed to the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment.Peer reviewe