Iron-modified biochar improves plant physiology, soil nutritional status and mitigates Pb and Cd-hazard in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Environmental quality and food safety is threatened by contamination of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) heavy metals in agricultural soils. Therefore, it is necessary to develop effective techniques for remediation of such soils. In this study, we prepared iron-modified biochar (Fe-BC) which combines the unique characteristics of pristine biochar (BC) and iron. The current study investigated the effect of pristine and iron modified biochar (Fe-BC) on the nutritional values of soil and on the reduction of Pb and Cd toxicity in wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). The findings of present study exhibited that 2% Fe-BC treatments significantly increased the dry weights of roots, shoots, husk and grains by 148.2, 53.2, 64.2 and 148%, respectively compared to control plants. The 2% Fe-BC treatment also enhanced photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2, chlorophyll a and b contents, by 43.2, 88.4, 24.9, 32.5, 21.4, and 26.7%, respectively. Moreover, 2% Fe-BC treatment suppressed the oxidative stress in wheat plants by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) by 62.4 and 69.2%, respectively. The results showed that 2% Fe-BC treatment significantly lowered Cd levels in wheat roots, shoots, husk, and grains by 23.7, 44.5, 33.2, and 76.3%. Whereas, Pb concentrations in wheat roots, shoots, husk, and grains decreased by 46.4, 49.4, 53.6, and 68.3%, respectively. Post-harvest soil analysis showed that soil treatment with 2% Fe-BC increased soil urease, CAT and acid phosphatase enzyme activities by 48.4, 74.4 and 117.3%, respectively. Similarly, 2% Fe-BC treatment significantly improved nutrients availability in the soil as the available N, P, K, and Fe contents increased by 22, 25, 7.3, and 13.3%, respectively. Fe-BC is a viable solution for the remediation of hazardous Cd and Pb contaminated soils, and improvement of soil fertility status

Experimental study of multi-pass solar air thermal collector system assisted with sensible energy-storing matrix

Analysis of heat transfer around the components of multi-pass solar air heating collector and its per�formance enhancement has been presented using experimental approach. Radiation and convection heat transfer from the system covers and collector plate to the flowing airstreams in the collector system have been investigated. Geological porous matrix has been used as thermal energy reservoir. Test rig was set up under daily average solar insolation, ambient temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity of 302.40 Wm-2, 29.30 �C, 0.58 ms�1 , and 48.53%, respectively. Thermal performance evaluation of the multi-pass solar air collector has been conducted in accordance with the ASHRAE standard specified for the solar air heating systems. Thermal collector efficiency range of 51.91e72.55% has been achieved with an optimum air mass flow rate of 0.013 kgs�1 . System evaporative capacity range of 1:158 � 10�3 - 1:205 � 10�3 kgs�1 was computed. The matrix has extended the span of system operation for more than 3 h after sunset. Comparison of the outcome of multi-pass solar collector performance with the reported study has been done with good agreement. However, an improvement in performance through heat transfer from collector to the flowing air could be achieved

Characteristics of Sustainable Concrete with Partial Substitutions of Glass Waste as a Binder Material

[EN] Manufacturing waste has been quickly increasing over time as a result of the fast‑rising population as well as the consumption of foods that are thrown away dishonestly, resulting in environmental contamination. As a result, it has been suggested that industrial waste disposal may be considerably reduced if it could be integrated into cement concrete manufacturing. The aim of this study is to analyze the properties of concrete employing waste glass (WG) as a binding material in proportions of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% by weight of cement. The fresh property was assessed using a slump cone test, while mechanical performance was assessed using flexural, compressive, splitting tensile, and pull‑out strength after 7, 28, and 56 days. Furthermore, microstructure analysis was studied by scan elec‑ tronic microscopic (SEM), Fourier‑transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermo‑gravimetric analysis (TGA) test. The results reveal that the addition of discarded glass reduces the workability of concrete. Furthermore, mechanical performance was increased up to a 20% substitution of waste glass and then gradually declined. Waste glass can be employed as a micro filler or pozzolanic material without affecting the mechanical performance of concrete, accord‑ ing to microstructure research.S

Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of chloroform and methanol extracts of <i>Opuntia monacantha</i> in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits

The chloroform and methanol extracts of Opuntia monacantha were studied for its hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol induced liver damage in rabbits. Results proved that both extracts at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight in one week protocol showed significant (p<0.001) hepatoprotective activity by reducing the magnitude of liver markers including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phasphatase and total bilirubin levels. The results were supported by histopathological studies of liver tissue. Chemical analysis of O. monacantha indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and  polysaccharides and its hepato-protective potential may be due to the presence of flavonoids. Its is concluded that 600 mg/kg is the potent dose of both extracts of O. monacantha as hepatoprotective plant

Energy and economic analysis of building integrated photovoltaic thermal system: Seasonal dynamic modeling assisted with machine learning-aided method and multi-objective genetic optimization

Building integrated photovoltaic thermal (BIPV/T) systems offer a highly effective means of generating clean energy for both electricity and heating purposes in residential buildings. Hence, this article introduces a new BIPV/T system to optimally minimize the energy consumption of a household residential building. The meticulous design of the proposed BIPV/T system is accomplished through MATLAB/Simulink® dynamic modeling. Performance analysis for the BIPV/T system is performed under different seasonal conditions with in-depth techno-economic analyses to estimate the expected enhancement in the thermal, electrical, and economic performance of the system. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to explore the impact of various factors on the energetic and economic performances of the proposed BIPV/T system. More so, the two-layer feed-forward back-propagation artificial neural network modeling is developed to accurately predict the hourly solar radiation and ambient temperature for the BIPV/T. Additionally, a multi-objective optimization using the NSGA-II method is also conducted for the minimization of the total BIPV/T plant area and maximization of the total efficiency and net thermal power of the system as well as to estimate the optimized operating conditions for input variables across different seasons within the provided ranges. The sensitivity analysis revealed that higher solar flux levels lead to increased electric output power of the BIPV/T plant, but total efficiency decreases due to higher thermal losses. Moreover, the proposed NSGA-II shows a feasible method to attain a maximum net thermal power and optimal total efficiency of 5320 W and 63% with a minimal total plant area of 32.89 m2 that attained a very low deviation index from the ideal solution. The levelised cost of electricity is obtained as 0.10 $/kWh under the optimal conditions. Thus, these findings offer valuable insights into the potential of BIPV/T systems as a sustainable and efficient energy solution for residential applications

Effect of garlic supplementation on zootechnical performance and hepato-renal functions in nitrate-treated rabbits

The effect of garlic supplementation on zootechnical performance and hepato-renal functions of rabbits exposed to experimental nitrate poisoning was evaluated. Adult male 6-8 week-old albino rabbits (n= 24) were randomly divided into four groups (A - D) and subjected to nitrate intoxication through the oral administration of sodium nitrate solution at 2 ml/kg bodyweight per day for 40 days. Group A was a control that received no treatment except sodium nitrate. Rabbits in groups B and C were treated with 1% methylene blue solution (2 mg/kg bodyweight per day) and aqueous garlic extract (500 mg/kg bodyweight per day) through intraperitoneal and oral routes, respectively. Rabbits in group D were treated with both 1% methylene blue solution (2 mg/kg bodyweight per day, intraperitoneally) and aqueous garlic extract (500 mg/kg bodyweight per day, orally). On completion of the treatment period, the groups were compared in growth performance, biochemical profile and histopathological changes of hepato-renal tissues. Although the total feed consumption of the groups remained comparable, Group C showed relatively better weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Likewise, garlic extract significantly increased the serum bilirubin concentration and reduced the level of other biochemical attributes in comparison with control animals. The hepatic and renal tissues of Groups C and D remained normal, whereas those of the control group exhibited distinct histopathological alterations. It was concluded that garlic supplementation ameliorated the deleterious effects of nitrate intoxication on production performance and hepato-renal functions of rabbits

In vitro Studies on Anti-diabetic and Anti-ulcer Potentials of Jatropha gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae)

Purpose: To evaluate α-glucosidase and α-chymotrypsin enzyme inhibitory activity of Jatropha gossypifolia as a probable remedy for the management of diabetes and ulcer.Methods: Different extracts and fractions of the root, leaf and stem bark of the plant were screened for their α-glucosidase and α-chymotrypsin inhibitory activity using standard in vitro inhibition assays. Acarbose and chymostatin were used as positive control, respectively.Results: n-Butanol and ethyl acetate fraction showed maximum enzyme inhibition for α-glucosidase with 67.93 ± 0.66 and 67.67 ± 0.71 % and half maximal concentration (IC50) of 218.47 ± 0.23 and 213.45 ± 0.12 μg/ml, respectively. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate leaf fractions exhibited maximum α-chymotrypsin inhibition activity of 85.08 ± 0.38 and 83.87 ± 0.70 %, and IC50 of 133.1 ± 0.68 and 134.5 ± 0.12 μg/ml, respectively, Acarbose exhibited enzyme inhibition activity of 92.14 ± 0.38 % with IC50 of 38.24 ± 0.1 μg/ml, while chymostatin exhibited 93.67 ± 0.38 % enzyme inhibition and IC50 of 8.24 ± 0.11 μg/ml.Conclusion: The presence of bioactive secondary metabolities with enzyme-inhibiting activity lends some support for the traditional use of this plant in the management of diabetes and ulcer. However, further investigation of the plant including identification of its active components is required.Keywords: α-Chymotrypsin, α-Glucosidase, Inhibition, Jatropha gossypifolia, Anti-diabetic, Anti-ulce

Performance of vapour pressure models in the computation of vapour pressure and evapotranspiration in ABHA, ASIR region, Saudi Arabia

The FAO-56 Penman-Monteith model is recognized as the standard method for estimating reference evapotranspiration (ETo) which requires daily meteorological data as inputs. Among all input data, vapour pressure deficit (VPD) is one of the critical parameter that drives evapotranspiration (ETo), and is of fundamental importance in crop models. In this study effort has been made to compare six vapour pressure models during four seasons. Three vapour pressure models (Models 1–3) selected as mentioned in Irrigation and Drainage Paper-56 of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO-56) and Models 4-6 has been selected from literature survey. Model 1, which uses daily maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity (RH), is the preferred method to estimate actual air pressure (AE) hence it is used as standard for comparing other models. The effectiveness of vapour pressure models were measured by statistical tools and ranked according to Global Performance Indicator (GPI) where higher value of GPI represent best model. The ranking order using GPI shows that Model 5 resulted in best estimation capability with a GPI of 2.77. Moreover, the effect of variation in wind speed on the performance of the vapour pressure models in ETo estimation is also assessed

Pollution Characteristics of Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and Constituent Carbonaceous Aerosols in a South Asian Future Megacity

The future megacity of Faisalabad is of prime interest when considering environmental health because of its bulky population and abundant industrial and anthropogenic sources of coarse particles (PM10) and fine airborne particulate matter (PM2.5). The current study was aimed to investigate the concentration level of PM2.5 and PM10, also the characterization of carbonaceous aerosols including organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and total carbon (TC) in PM2.5 and PM10 samples collected from five different sectors (residential, health, commercial, industrial, and vehicular zone). The data presented here are the first of their kind in this sprawling city having industries and agricultural activities side by side. Results of the study revealed that the mass concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 is at an elevated level throughout Faisalabad, with ambient PM2.5 and PM10 points that constantly exceeded the 24-h standards of US-EPA, and National Environment Quality Standards (NEQS) which poses harmful effects on the quality of air and health. The total carbon concentration varied between 21.33 and 206.84 μg/m3, and 26.08 and 211.15 μg/m3 with an average of 119.16 ± 64.91 μg/m3 and 124.71 ± 64.38 μg/m3 for PM2.5 in summer and winter seasons, respectively. For PM10, the concentration of TC varied from 34.52 to 289.21 μg/m3 with an average of 181.50 ± 87.38 μg/m3 (for summer season) and it ranged between 44.04 and 300.02 μg/m3 with an average of 191.04 ± 87.98 μg/m3 (winter season), respectively. No significant difference between particulate concentration and weather parameters was observed. Similarly, results of air quality index (AQI) and pollution index (PI) stated that the air quality of Faisalabad ranges from poor to severely pollute. In terms of AQI, moderate pollution was recorded on sampling sites in the following order; Ittehad Welfare Dispensary > Saleemi Chowk > Kashmir Road > Pepsi Factory, while at Nazria Pakistan Square and Allied Hospital, higher AQI values were recorded. The analysis and results presented in this study can be used by policy-makers to apply rigorous strategies that decrease air pollution and the associated health effects in Faisalabad

Concrete with Partial Substitution of Waste Glass and Recycled Concrete Aggregate

[EN] The current practice of concrete is thought to be unsuitable because it consumes large amounts of cement, sand, and aggregate, which causes depletion of natural resources. In this study, a step towards sustainable concrete was made by utilizing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a coarse aggregate. However, researchers show that RCA causes a decrease in the performance of concrete due to porous nature. In this study, waste glass (WG) was used as a filler material that filled the voids between RCA to offset its negative impact on concrete performance. The substitution ratio of WG was 10, 20, or 30% by weight of cement, and RCA was 20, 40, and 60% by weight of coarse aggregate. The slump cone test was used to assess the fresh property, while compressive, split tensile, and punching strength were used to assess the mechanical performance. Test results indicated that the workability of concrete decreased with substitution of WG and RCA while mechanical performance improved up to a certain limit and then decreased due to lack of workability. Furthermore, a statical tool response surface methodology was used to predict various strength properties and optimization of RCA and WG.SIThis research is partially funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation under the strategic academic leadership program “Priority 2030” (Agreement 075-15-2021-1333 dated 30 September 2021)