Microplastics in Drinking Water: Assessing Occurrence and Potential Risks

Microplastics, small plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters, have emerged as a significant environmental concern due to their widespread presence in freshwater sources, including drinking water. This review paper aims to assess the occurrence of microplastics in drinking water and evaluate their potential risks to human health. The study employs a comprehensive approach to investigate microplastic contamination in drinking water sources, encompassing surface water bodies (such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs) and groundwater reservoirs. This review underscores the urgent need for further research to enhance our understanding of microplastics\u27 fate, transport, and potential health impacts on drinking water. It emphasizes the importance of standardized sampling and analytical techniques to facilitate accurate comparisons across studies. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of implementing effective strategies to reduce and prevent microplastic pollution at its source, thereby ensuring safe and clean drinking water to populations globally

Covid-19 Detection using qRT-PCR - A Review

In the ongoing Covid pandemic, the monitoring of SARSnCoV-2 with the help of viral loads/viral kinetics has become more essential via the RT-PCR technique. However, the interpretations of qRT-PCR technique results are made as qualitative and quantitative or semi-quantitative, and day by day, this interpretation is becoming more important. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is the most widely used technique for detecting viruses (rRT-PCR). Due to probable false-negative or false-positive findings, present techniques must be improved to avoid incorrect conclusions. Researchers have developed a multiplex rRT-PCR diagnostic method that simultaneously targets viral genes (RdRP and E) and one human gene (RP). The values of the Cycle threshold called Ct values that are a result of the RT-PCR test are highly affected by the variations attained among the different runs required to be operated and must be determined by the laboratories, especially in the quality control of quantitative RT-PCR. Somewhere, batch effects also play an important role in Ct value. Regrettably, several papers on Covid-19 used ingenuous values for Ct from qRT-PCR, which are the incorrect quantitative analysis unit. Qualitative analysis and Quantitative analysis both are of having different meanings; interpretation of Ct values cannot be interpreted directly as viral load; it must need a reference material with standard curves. The tractability and validity of the standard curve are the basis of the evaluation of the values. These factors help attain the accurate quantification of the expected number of viral copies. &nbsp

Effect of Phosphorus and Sulphur on Growth, Protein Content, Yield and Economics of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

To study the effect of phosphorus and sulphur levels on growth, protein content, yield and economic profitability of black gram production in, a field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2018-19 at the Research Farm, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, (M.P.). The experiment was conducted in factorial in randomized block design with four phosphorus levels (0 kg/ha (P0), 20 kg/ha (P1), 40 kg/ha (P2) and 60 kg/ha (P3)) along with three Sulphur levels (10 kg/ha (S1), 20 kg/ha (S2) and 30 kg/ha (S3)) which were replicated thrice. The black gram variety “Awasthi” was uniformly fertilized by 20 kg N/ha and 20 kg K2O / ha using Urea and muriate of potash. However, phosphorus and Sulphur were applied using Single Super Phosphate and Cossavet as per the requirement of the treatments. The results revealed that the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg/ha recorded significantly highest plant height (37.12 cm) at 60 DAS, the maximum number of branches per plant (6.33), the maximum number of leaves per plant (10.62) at 60 DAS, seed yield (14.12 q/ha), Stover yield (35.42 q/ha). While among the sulphur levels, application of Sulphur @ 30 kg/ha recorded significantly highest plant height (36.19 cm), the maximum number of branches per plant (6.06), the maximum number of leaves per plant (10.01) at 60 DAS, higher seed yield (12.55 q/ha) and Stover yield (31.85 q/ha). Among the economics, the combined application of phosphorus @ 60 kg with the application of Sulphur @ 30 kg/ ha produced significantly the highest net returns and Benefit Cost. Thus, the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg along with the application of Sulphur @ 30 kg/ ha was found to be the most promising treatment in enhancing the growth and yield in black gram

Environmental Sustainability through Soil Conservation: An Imperative for Future Generations

Environmental sustainability is a critical concern for the well-being of future generations. Within the realm of sustainability, soil conservation plays a crucial role in preserving Earth's vital resource and maintaining the balance of ecosystems and agricultural productivity. This review explores the importance of environmental sustainability and the significance of soil conservation in achieving this objective. It examines the detrimental impacts of soil degradation on ecosystems and agriculture, emphasizing the need for effective conservation strategies. Various strategies for soil conservation and sustainable land management are discussed, including erosion control, soil restoration, agroforestry, and precision agriculture. The review also highlights the benefits and challenges associated with implementing soil conservation measures. By embracing these strategies, we can ensure the long-term health and productivity of our planet's soil, securing a sustainable future for generations to come