Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Mathematical modelling and projecting CO2 by Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and Simple exponential smoothing (SES) model for Bangladesh,Bhutan,Nepal and Pakistan
Get PDFThe impact of climate change has been a vital problem where CO2 emission is one of the greatest contributors to global warming, and it has a negative effect on the environment.The core objective of this study was to understand, analyse and forecast the future CO2 emission in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Simple Exponential Smoothing (SES) models. Annual CO2 emission data produced from various carbon fuels and industries from 1946 to 2021 for Bangladesh, 1970 to 2021 for Bhutan, 1950 to 2021 for Nepal and from 1946 to 2021 for Pakistan were collected from the World Data Bank database and other sources. The study used this data to predict the CO2 emission for the next 27 years, from 2024 to 2050. The ARIMA and SES models with the highest accuracy for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan were determined by possessing the lowest value of Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) with a graphical representation of ACF and PACF plots. Based on this method, ARIMA (0,1,1), ARIMA (0,1,0), ARIMA (1,1,1), ARIMA (0,1,0) were assumed to be the most perfect technique for predicting the CO2 emission in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan. These models were used to draw numerical pictures of future CO2 emission. Projected carbon dioxide emission values in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan will increase, indicating major climate change and global warming. Different policies and strategies should be developed to tackle this situation.
Impaired Growth with declined pigment content and biochemical toxicity induced by Nickel (Ni+2) in sixty days exposed Sesbania sesban seedlings
Get PDFHeavy metal contamination, driven by both natural and human activities, poses significant environmental risks. Nickel, a key heavy metal, harms plants and animals when its concentration exceeds safe levels. This study investigates the phytotoxic effects of various nickel concentrations on the biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline, protein and catalase activity of Sesbania species. A pot experiment was conducted with nickel concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 ppm alongside a control group (0 ppm), using NiCl2 as the source of nickel and the observations were made over 60 days. Results showed a significant decline in shoot length, from 63.4 cm to 12.2 cm, with growth inhibition observed at 200 ppm to 300 ppm. Chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations decreased 6-7 times in plants exposed to 300 ppm nickel treatments compared to control. Proline accumulation was doubled with 100 ppm nickel treatments, which gradually declined to nearly 70% in plants with 300 ppm Ni treatment due to retarded growth. The protein concentration was decreased from 10.1 mg/gm fr. wt. to 7.9 mg/gm fr. wt. with increased Ni treatment from 100 ppm to 200 ppm whereas catalase activity was decreased from 6.4 nKat/mg protein to 2.2 nKat/mg protein with increased Ni treatment of 50 ppm to 100 ppm. Common sesban seedlings\u27 protein and proline content showed a strong positive correlation (r=0.895). Overall, the study highlights the harmful effects of elevated nickel concentrations on Sesbania sesban, demonstrating its negative impact on plant growth and biochemical parameters.
Effect of dryness on antioxidant enzyme activities in Gastropod Pomacea canaliculata from Shatt Al-Arab River, Basrah, Iraq
Get PDFIt is well known that humidity affects the fertility and reproductive activity of gastropods, inducing an imbalance in oxidative stress that can lead to cell damage and restricted normal activities. The present study investigated the effects of dryness on antioxidant enzymes as a marker in the Gastropod Pomacea canaliculata collected from the Shatt Al-Arab River. The experiment was conducted in three successive sets, in addition to the control (Set I). Set II, animal kept for 6 days in constant high humidity (HH). Set III, animal kept for 3 days in low humidity, followed by 3 days in high humidity (DH), Set IV, animal kept for 6 days in low humidity (DD). After 6 days, the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the digestive gland were assessed. Moreover, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactants (TBARS) was also assessed as an indicator of oxidative damage. The results showed that the activity of SOD, CAT, and GST did not change throughout the period (HH). While in the periods of DH and DD, the activity of the three antioxidant enzymes increased. And the highest increasing of SOD (31 U/mg), CAT (383 U/mg) and GST (1812 mU/mg) showed in the period of DD. The same harmonic increase in oxidative damage was also observed during the periods of DH and DD, with the highest TBARS level (24 nmol/g) found at DD. In conclusion, the dryness induced oxidative stress in the digestive gland of Pomacea canaliculata. This study is the first to investigate the effect of dryness on this snail from the Shatt Al-Arab River.
Utilizing Gardenia leaves extracts to control Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani in vitro and in vivo
Get PDFVigna angularis (red bean), an important legume crop in Iraq and many Asian countries, suffers major yield losses due to fungal pathogens causing root rot, wilting, and damping-off diseases. The impact of Gardenia jasminoides leaf aqueous and alcoholic extracts was investigated in this study against the fungi that cause damping off of Adzuki beans, namely Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani, using concentrations of 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/ml. In vitro study indicated that the alcoholic extract successfully inhibited both fungi by 100% at a concentration of 25 mg/ml and by 85.67% at a concentration of 20 mg/ml against R. solani. The aqueous extract exhibited significant activity against F. solani, with inhibition reaching 88.9% and 78.91% at concentrations of 25 and 20 mg/mL, respectively. The in vivo greenhouse experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of alcoholic and aqueous extracts, as well as leaf powder, in reducing the severity of disease caused by R. solani. The disease severity was 1.17, and it decreased to 0.47, 0.49, and 0.65 when the seeds were treated with leaf powder, aqueous extract, and alcoholic extract, respectively. Additionally, the leaf powder demonstrated significant efficacy in treating the soil with both fungi, as disease severity decreased from 0.87 to 0.38. The phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts of G. jasminoides showed bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides.The leaf powder also showed a clear superiority over the alcoholic and aqueous extracts when estimating the activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT).
Influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles on bioethanol production from hydrolysate of defatted Neodesmus pupukensis DMA5 biomass under optimized fermentation conditions
Get PDFBioethanol, a sustainable fossil fuel alternative, is produced by microbial fermentation of carbohydrate-rich biomass, requiring cost-effective production strategies. This study investigates a comprehensive approach to sustainable bioethanol production by utilizing the defatted biomass (DB) of the double mutant green alga Neodesmus pupukensis DMA5 (Accession number-PQ084675.1), isolated from the ancient temple pond, and cultivated in ultrasonically pretreated municipal wastewater, as a renewable feedstock. Microwave-assisted alkaline pretreatment (MAAPT) enhanced carbohydrate recovery from the DB, with 500 W identified as the optimal power level, yielding 37.47 ± 0.21% (w/w) total carbohydrates-over twice that of the untreated control. Sugar profiling of the hydrolysate showed glucose as the major component (76.11%), followed by xylose, rhamnose, and fucose, confirming efficient disruption of cellulose and hemicellulose. The resulting hydrolysate served as a substrate for bioethanol production using immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae NITTS1(Accession Number-MG255132.1). Process parameters including pH, temperature, agitation speed, and fermentation time were optimized via Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using Central Composite Design (CCD). The highest ethanol yield (193.09 mgg-1DB) was achieved at pH 5.0, 35 °C, 150 rpm, and 48 h. Supplementation with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) further enhanced ethanol production, with 150 mg L-1 ZnO NPs yielding 198.34 ± 0.11 mg g-1 DB, attributed to zinc’s role as a metabolic cofactor in S. cerevisiae. Higher ZnO NPs concentrations, however, were inhibitory due to potential oxidative stress. This study demonstrates that the synergistic integration of MAAPT, optimized fermentation, and nanoparticle supplementation provides an effective strategy for maximizing bioethanol production from DB, thereby advancing economically viable and eco-friendly biofuel technologies.
A review on new horizons in biopesticide development highlighting microbial advances for Climate-smart agriculture
Get PDFSustainable plant protection is vital for continuing improved agricultural productivity and safeguarding global food security. Reliance on synthetic pesticides to mitigate pest outbreaks has led to unintended environmental and health-related concerns, including soil degradation, water pollution, and bioaccumulation within ecosystems. These challenges have accelerated the push for eco-friendly, sustainable pest management alternatives. Biopesticides derived from natural sources offer a promising solution due to their target specificity, environmental safety, and high compatibility with integrated pest management principles. Biopesticides include viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, predators, and pheromones, each with distinct mechanisms of action. Despite these advantages, limitations exist in registration, regulation and social acceptance of biopesticides. This review provides a comprehensive overview of biopesticide categories -microbial, phytochemical, and nanobiopesticides and their mechanisms of action, advantages, and limitations. Moreover, the emphasis is placed on microbial pesticides, which differ from their chemical counterparts in their ability to multiply in situ and exhibit long-lasting effects. This review further underscores the significance of biopesticides in fostering climate-smart agriculture, advancing public health, and achieving Sustainable Development Goal targets. This review also underscores the need for ongoing research, innovation, and public involvement to promote the acceptance and commercial success of biopesticide-based solutions in global agriculture.
Colour variations and distribution of quinones in samples of teak wood from various regions of Kerala
Get PDFTeak (Tectona grandis Linn.) exhibits notable colour and chemical variability across Kerala’s diverse ecological regions, yet the links between heartwood colour parameters and quinonoid composition remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to examine the colour variation and distribution of quinones and relative extractives in teak heartwood collected from seven localities of Kerala. Heartwood samples from 40-42 year old trees were analyzed using the CIE Lab and Munsell colour systems, while GC-MS was used to identify and quantify key quinones (including tectoquinone, tectol, lapachol, and isodesoxylapachol) and sualene. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and Pearson’s correlations, were performed to determine inter-regional differences and metabolic relationships. Nilambur showed the lowest lightness values (L = 49.39±2.86) and the highest quinone concentrations, particularly tectoquinone (0.29%), whereas Kanjiramkulam exhibited higher lightness (L = 56.33±2.93) and lower extractives levels. Strong correlations were observed between hue angle and chroma (r = 0.91, p < 0.001), indicating a coordinated biosynthetic pattern influencing colour development. The work is novel in integrating colourimetric data with quantitative extractive profiling across multiple localities, revealing how eco-physiological conditions drive metabolic variability in teak. The findings provide practical value for locality-based grading, durability prediction, and future breeding strategies targeting superior-quality teak. This work is novel in integrating colourimetric data with quantitative extractive profiling across multiple provenances, revealing how eco-physiological conditions drive metabolic variability in teak. The findings provide practical value for provenance-based grading, durability prediction, and future breeding strategies targeting superior-quality teak.
A study on the vegetative survival of some blue-green algae in the soil of Baghdad city, Iraq
Get PDFAlgae, photosynthetic organisms, thrive in water or wet substrates and can be found in various habitats, including arid ground, moist soil, tree trunks, and architectural structures. In the present study, the algae that live in the garden soil of the Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Sciences (Ibn Al-Haitham), University of Baghdad was collected and tested their ability to survive in natural environments, physical and physiological pressure of water, darkness with limited light, and surviving after UV light exposure. The results obtained in this study indicated that the algae Lyngbya major could live on soil in a wide range of temperatures and humidity. However, during winter, the survival rate dropped to 43-64%, while in summer, the survival rate dropped more. Throughout the rainy season, the viability of species (Leptolyngbya halophile, and Chroococcidiopsis cubana) exceeded whenever the soil moisture level was increased. The chance of surviving C. aponinum was raised in spring but reduced in winter, with reducing the soil moisture. Nevertheless, Myxosarcina burmensis exhibited exclusive survival throughout the rainy and spring months. L.major showed comparable survival rates during both immersed and air-exposed environments over 15 days. However, their survival rates decreased when submerged for extended periods compared to exposure to air on a moist soil surface. C.aponinum exhibited superior and prolonged survival when immersed in a liquid media as opposed to being exposed to air on a damp earth surface. This the first study to identify the ability of algae that live in Baghdad garden soil.
Sustainable and efficient maize (Zea mays L. Var. PMH-11) production strategies by intervention of Integrated nutrient management
Get PDFThe incorporation of organic manures is needed to improve ecological stability due to the intensive use of chemical fertilizers. Applying chemical fertilizers in conjunction with farm yard manure (FYM) slows down the loss of soil health and enhances the quality of the soil for future demands. The present research was conducted to assess the influence of the integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, yield, nutrient concentration and quality parameters of maize (Zea mays L.). The study included twelve treatment combinations with four levels of RDF (Control, 50, 75, and 100% RDF ha-1), three levels of FYM (Control, 5, and 10 t ha-1) , and a Split Plot Design (SPD) that was assigned to the main plot and subplot. The results indicated that 100% RD of inorganic fertilizers + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 showed significant positive impact on plant height (152.88 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (10.37 ), leaf area plant-1 (4005.03 cm2), leaf area index plant-1 (3.34), Dry matter accumulation (157.94 g plant-1), chlorophyll index (40.18), number of cobs plant-1 (2.33), grain numbers cob-1(438.93), protein content in grains (10.64%), nitrogen content in grains (1.702%) and stover (0.567%), phosphorous content in grains (0.382%) and stover (0.213%), and potassim content in grains (0.438%) and stover (0.875%) of maize. This experiment\u27s findings indicate that using both inorganic and organic fertilizers at the same time increases maize response toward it.
Potential effect of Escherichia coli Shiga toxin metabolites in the induction of cognitive dysfunction and stress memory formation in naïve goldfish Carassius auratus
Get PDFThe oral-gut-brain (OGB) axis is a three-way communication process that forms cognitive functions, especially learning and memory (LM) formation. Recent studies showed that the OGB axis is pivotal in efficiently forming and regulating the brain homeostasis mechanism. In this OGB axis, oral and gut commensals play a major role in the bidirectional communication with the brain through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The dysbiosis of oral and gut commensals results in cognitive dysfunctions like cognitive decline. The present study aimed to study the effect of Escherichia coli induced oral-gut dysbiosis on cognitive memory (CM) formation with the help of a cue-based learning paradigm (CBLP). Other than CM formation, stress memory (SM) formation was also studied with the help of behavioural paradigms like predator exposure test (PET), light and dark box test (LDBT), and open field test (OFT) in naïve goldfish Carassius auratus. The results of the study proved that the OGB axis is possibly involved in the formation of CM by inhibiting stress formation in a habituated, serene environment. Behavioural responses of E. coli-infused groups showed that higher colonization/accumulation of E. coli results in the formation of cognitive decline through the release of shiga toxin (ST) metabolites. It also showed that the release of ST metabolites may disrupt gut dysbiosis through the development of gastroenteritis. Developed gastroenteritis further results in cognitive memory - decline (70-75 %) due to the long-term existence of E. coli-induced oral/gut dysbiosis. Thus, the present study stated the possible effect of E. coli shiga toxin metabolites on the development of cognitive dysfunction in a unique manner.