Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vineet Kumar, Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira, Madan Sonkar, Joginder Singh
Summary: This study investigated the phytoextraction potential of Ricinus communis L. on slightly contaminated distillery sludge, revealing high accumulation of heavy metals in the plant. Results showed strong evidence of hyperaccumulation and translocation capabilities in the plant, indicating its potential as a biotechnological tool for in-situ phytoextraction and restoration of organometallic contaminated sites.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wanmai Srisuwanno, Krittiya Pornmai, Kessara Seneesrisakul, Achiraya Jiraprasertwong, Malinee Leethochawalit, Pramoch Rangsunvijit, Sumaeth Chavadej
Summary: This study aimed to enhance the methanogenic activity of distillery wastewater with high potassium (K) content using a mesophilic three-stage upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB). The three-stage UASB could not function properly at a chemical oxygen demand (COD) loading rate greater than 3 kg/m3d due to potassium toxicity. However, by diluting the wastewater to reach moderate K toxicity, the three-stage UASB was able to effectively function at high COD loading rates due to the development of adapted anaerobe communities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zidan Khan, Nikhil Nath, Abdur Rauf, Talha Bin Emran, Saikat Mitra, Fahadul Islam, Deepak Chandran, Jackie Barua, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Abubakr M. Idris, Polrat Wilairatana, Muthu Thiruvengadam
Summary: Currently available therapeutic medications are costly and not entirely effective, leading to interest in natural resources for new alternative therapies. Beta-sitosterol, a plant-derived nutrient, has shown anticancer properties against various cancers. However, further research is needed to fully understand the pharmacology, phytochemistry, and drug delivery of beta-sitosterol.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Otilia Frasinariu, Roxana Serban, Laura Mihaela Trandafir, Ingrith Miron, Magdalena Starcea, Ioana Vasiliu, Anna Alisi, Oana Raluca Temneanu
Summary: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, and its prevalence is increasing. Lifestyle changes and drugs targeting molecular pathways are currently recommended for therapeutic management. Recent research has focused on the effects of bio-active compounds derived from plants in preventing and treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lekha Dhote, Jerusha Ganduri, Sunil Kumar
Summary: The direct disposal of distillery sludge in water streams creates a major environmental problem. This study found that mixing distillery sludge and bio-compost with coal samples in a specific ratio can serve as an efficient alternative fuel source. The pyrolysis and gasification processes produced high-quality char, bio-oil, and syngas, with the highest hydrogen gas production among all other substrates. This method has the potential to reduce dependency on traditional non-renewable fuel sources.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weijun Zhang, Tianyi Dong, Jing Ai, Qinglong Fu, Nan Zhang, Hang He, Qilin Wang, Dongsheng Wang
Summary: Chlorination disinfection can generate harmful DBPs in wastewater sludge, but controlling the pH before and after chlorination can reduce the generation of DBPs and ensure the safety of subsequent disposal of sludge.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Melisa Elsie Kasimin, Suriyani Shamsuddin, Arnold Marshall Molujin, Mohd Khalizan Sabullah, Jualang Azlan Gansau, Roslina Jawan
Summary: Food preservation is a method used to slow down food spoilage and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Researchers are increasingly focusing on biopreservation techniques, which utilize lactic acid bacteria and their antimicrobial substances to extend shelf life and maintain nutritional value. Enterococcus, a type of lactic acid bacteria, produces a bacteriocin called enterocin that inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria. This report highlights the application of Enterococcus in biopreservation of meat and meat-based products, as well as the effects of enzymes, temperature, and pH on the stability of bacteriocin. Industry procedures for meat preservation are also discussed, including their benefits and drawbacks.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lekha Dhote, Sunil Kumar, Lal Singh, Rakesh Kumar
Summary: Distillery sludge generated from alcohol production plants is a major source of environmental pollution due to its high content of sulphate, phenolic compounds, heavy metals, etc. Effective management of distillery sludge is essential, and exploring resource and energy recovery options is discussed as sustainable solutions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Slawomira Drzymala-Czyz, Patrycja Krzyzanowska-Jankowska, Krzysztof Dziedzic, Aleksandra Lisowska, Szymon Kurek, Joanna Gozdzik-Spychalska, Victoria Kononets, Dagmara Wozniak, Edyta Madry, Jaroslaw Walkowiak
Summary: This study revealed that the sterol levels in CF patients were influenced by factors such as genotype, pancreatic insufficiency, pancreatic enzyme dose, and nutritional status. Malabsorption and pancreatic enzyme supplementation played a significant role in sterol abnormalities in CF patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simin Feng, Minghui Sui, Dan Wang, Christos Ritzoulis, Mohamed A. Farag, Ping Shao
Summary: The study showed that nano-embedded stigmasterol based on zein and pectin could alleviate colitis in mice by reducing adverse physiological symptoms, preventing colon shortening, and inhibiting the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. The addition of pectin increased the stability of the nanoparticles and improved the therapeutic effect. Future research is needed to investigate the efficacy of nano-embedded stigmasterol in humans.
Article
Microbiology
Silju Juby, Divya Choyikutty, A. R. Nayana, K. Jayachandran, E. K. Radhakrishnan
Summary: The uncontrolled use of pesticides poses a severe threat to soil and plant-associated microbiome, emphasizing the importance of finding an environmentally friendly alternative to enhance plant productivity. Endophytic microorganisms with multi-plant beneficial mechanisms play a vital role in protecting plants from biotic and abiotic stress factors. The study on the pesticide tolerating and alleviating effect of endophytic Bacillus sp. Fcl1 in quinalphos-induced plant toxicity suggests the potential application of microbial bioinoculants for field usage even in the presence of pesticide residues.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lekha Dhote, Ram Avatar Pandey, Anirban Middey, Neelkamal Mandal, Sunil Kumar
Summary: The study found that co-combustion with 40% sludge mixed coal is suitable for application as a fuel in boiler, with the chemical composition of bottom ash indicating the presence of C-C and C-H. In addition, the EDX and XRD analyses of the mixed fuel determined the mineralogical composition, with the presence of quartz (SiO2), mullite (3Al(2)O(3)2SiO(2)), and hematite (Fe2O3) in the ash that can be used as mineral additives in cement industries.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
YongGyeong Kim, Soo-Im Choi, Yulah Jeong, Chang-Ho Kang
Summary: The genotypic and phenotypic toxicity of two strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolated from kimchi were evaluated in this study. The strains were tested for their genotypic toxicity through whole-genome sequencing and their phenotypic virulence, including susceptibility to antibiotics and enzymatic activities. The in vivo toxicity of the strains was evaluated using an acute oral administration test in rats. The results showed that both strains were safe, without antibiotic resistance or virulence factors, and had a high survival rate in gastrointestinal conditions. Therefore, these strains could potentially be used as probiotics in food.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jinsheng Cui, Suhyun Ye, Daniel Shin, Illhwan Cho, Hye Yun Kim, Yun Kwon, Keunwan Park, Sang-Jip Nam, YoungSoo Kim, Dong-Chan Oh
Summary: Two new glycosylated and succinylated macrocyclic lactones, succinyl glyco-oxydifficidin (1) and succinyl macrolactin O (2), were isolated from a Bacillus strain collected from an intertidal mudflat on Anmyeon Island in Korea. Their planar structures were proposed using mass spectrometric analysis and NMR spectroscopic data, while the absolute configurations were determined through various methods. Biological evaluation showed that both compounds have potential therapeutic effects in inhibiting and dissociating amyloid beta (A beta) aggregation.
Article
Agronomy
Pablo Caballero, Sandra Macias-Benitez, Ana Moya, Bruno Rodriguez-Morgado, Luis Martin, Manuel Tejada, Angelica Castano, Juan Parrado Rubio
Summary: A new biostimulant was developed from sewage sludge through fermentation with Bacillus licheniformis, which contains biomass, enzymatic secretion, and hydrolyzed sludge organic matter. The biostimulant can induce plant growth-promoting bacteria and remain active in the soil.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sonam Tripathi, Sangeeta Yadav, Diane Purchase, Kaman Singh, Hind A. AL-Shwaiman, Ram Chandra
Summary: This study investigates the presence of organic contaminants in pulp-paper sludge and their impact on microbial populations, highlighting the need for proper waste disposal methods.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sakshi Agrawal, Vineet Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Sushil Kumar Shahi
Summary: This article discusses the importance of agriculture in developing nations and the challenges posed by climate change. It explores the potential benefits of nanotechnology in agriculture, including environmental remediation and increased crop productivity. The article also examines the absorption, transport, and modification of nanoparticles in plants, as well as the potential implementation challenges.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sonam Tripathi, Diane Purchase, Muthusamy Govarthanan, Ram Chandra, Sangeeta Yadav
Summary: Quorum sensing is a bacterial system that allows cells to communicate with each other, and it is linked to cell density in the microbiome. Understanding the role of quorum sensing and developing novel approaches to control it is essential in preventing microbial pathogenesis. This review provides the latest knowledge on the relationship between quorum sensing and pathogenicity and explores the potential of quorum quenching as a control mechanism.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Satarupa Dey, Uttpal Anand, Vineet Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Mimosa Ghorai, Arabinda Ghosh, Nishi Kant, S. Suresh, Sayan Bhattacharya, Elza Bontempi, Sartaj Ahmad Bhat, Abhijit Dey
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant increase in plastic waste, such as disposable gloves, masks, tissues, and other PPE. Improper management of healthcare waste poses serious health hazards and challenges for solid waste management authorities. The incineration of COVID-19 medical waste generates microplastic particles, dioxins, furans, and toxic metals, which pose a threat to human and animal health. Degradation of microplastics by microorganisms can be a sustainable solution to mitigate the microplastic pollution caused by the pandemic.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Vineet Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Juliana Heloisa Pine Americo-Pinheiro, Meththika Vinthange, Farooq Sher
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Soil Science
Umesh Sharma, Sunny Sharma, Vishal Singh Rana, Neerja Rana, Vijay Kumar, Shilpa Sharma, Humaira Qadri, Vineet Kumar, Sartaj Ahmad Bhat
Summary: In recent times, the presence of microplastics in the food chain has become an urgent concern due to the associated risks to human health and the environment. This review discusses the sources of microplastics, their impact on horticultural crops, soil, and microorganisms, techniques for identifying microplastic composition, eco-toxicity on crops, and suggested mitigation measures and public policies. The aim is to provide knowledge for environmentalists, biotechnologists, and policymakers to mitigate potential risks.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amit Vashishth, Nimisha Tehri, Piyush Tehri, Avinash Sharma, Anil Kumar Sharma, Vineet Kumar
Summary: Phosphorous is an essential macronutrient that actively participates in various metabolic and regulatory activities of animals and humans. However, phytic acid, a known antinutritional substance, has a strong affinity for essential mineral ions and can reduce the bioavailability of phosphorous. Bacterial phytases have been identified as potential solutions for efficient utilization of soil phytate and sustainable phosphorous management. This review explores the applications of bacterial phytases in biofertilizers, phosphorus acquisition, and plant growth promotion, and discusses fermentation-based strategies and future trends.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sangeeta Yadav, Sonam Tripathi, Diane Purchase, Ram Chandra
Summary: This study investigates the use of biofilm-forming bacteria for lignin degradation in pulp and paper mill effluent. The identified bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter cancerogenus, and Bacillus licheniformis, produced acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to protect the bacterial consortium. The constructed bacterial consortia effectively reduced lignin content and major organic pollutants in the effluent, providing a sustainable solution for treating lignin-containing complex pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Sartaj Ahmad Bhat, Vineet Kumar, Sunil Kumar, A. E. Atabani, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, Kyu-Jung Chae
Summary: This article discusses the new developments in producing high-value activated porous carbon from various wastes for supercapacitor usage. The use of waste materials for activated carbon production has grown recently due to its affordability, economic feasibility, and as an effective solution to waste management. Different types of waste materials, including palm, plastic, E-waste, tea, agricultural, and animal wastes, have shown potential as starting material for activated carbon in supercapacitors. The advantages of using waste materials for energy storage are explored, along with the steps involved in preparing activated carbon. The economic aspect of supercapacitor production from waste materials is highlighted, along with the future potential for supercapacitor applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sonam Tripathi, Diane Purchase, Ram Chandra, Ashok Kumar Nadda, Preeti Chaturvedi
Summary: India is facing challenges related to fresh water supply, and reusing treated wastewater is an important strategy to combat water scarcity. This research provides crucial scientific data that confirm the safety of wastewater reuse in the region.
JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kshitij Singh, Sonam Tripathi, Ram Chandra
Summary: The aim of this study was to explore the potential rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with Cannabis sativa growing on distillery sludge. Four potential bacterial species were characterized and shown to have attributes of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and ligninolytic enzyme activity. Furthermore, the study analyzed the conversion and disappearance of organic compounds in the distillery sludge due to the activity of the bacterial communities. The results indicate the phytoextraction properties of C. sativa for pollutants in the sludge.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kasahun Gudeta, Vineet Kumar, Ankeet Bhagat, Jatinder Mohan Julka, Sartaj Ahmad Bhat, Fuad Ameen, Humaira Qadri, Sumit Singh, Ryszard Amarowicz
Summary: In recent years, soil pollution by heavy metals, microplastics, and hydrocarbon chemicals has become a global concern. Earthworms play a crucial role in coping with these pollutants by accumulating, degrading, and transforming them. They also contribute to maintaining soil structure and enhancing crop productivity. Therefore, it is recommended to utilize earthworms for vermiremediation to mitigate the negative effects of these pollutants on soil ecosystems.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ianny Andrade Cruz, Victor Ruan Silva Nascimento, Raul Jose Alves Felisardo, Ataide Mateus Gualberto dos Santos, Anderson Alles de Jesus, Bruna Rego de Vasconcelos, Vineet Kumar, Eliane Bezerra Cavalcanti, Ranyere Lucena de Souza, Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira
Summary: This study developed machine learning-based models using artificial neural networks to predict the cumulative biogas produced from cassava wastewater anaerobic digestion. The Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm with a hyperbolic tangent transfer function showed the best performance in predicting the biogas production, with an R-value of 0.9999.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vineet Kumar, Pradeep Verma
Summary: Agro-based pulp and paper mills produce refractory pollutants in their wastewater that pose significant threats to aquatic and terrestrial life. Reclaiming this wastewater is crucial to minimize the presence of these pollutants and ensure environmental safety. This critical review aims to provide up-to-date knowledge on the fate of refractory pollutants, their health hazards, and remediation methods, serving as a valuable reference for policymakers and researchers.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Vineet Kumar, Sartaj Ahmad Bhat, Sunil Kumar, Pradeep Verma, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, Juliana Heloisa Pine Americo-Pinheiro, Ravishankar Sathyamurthy, A. E. Atabani
Summary: In many countries, the excessive solid waste and byproducts produced by tea processing and production have become a distressing problem. Researchers are focused on finding sustainable ways to repurpose tea waste (TW) in various applications. This study highlights the beneficial use of TW biomass in agricultural compost and other uses, as well as the sustainable reutilization of tea industry waste. The conclusions of this review study are crucial for the environmentally friendly and sustainable growth of the world.