Daily Archives: December 17, 2025

Authors: Himanshu Kaspate, Tejas More, Atharv Sanas, Pruthviraj Sarade, Vijay Mohite

Abstract: Indian agriculture increasingly relies on mechanization to improve productivity; however, access to agricultural machinery remains a major challenge for small and marginal farmers due to high purchase costs, maintenance expenses, and unorganized rental practices. In recent years, several agricultural equipment rental and machine finding systems have been proposed to address these challenges through web and mobile-based platforms. This survey paper reviews and analyzes existing agricultural machinery rental systems, focusing on their architecture, functionalities, and technological approaches. The study examines key features such as equipment listing, location-based search, online booking, scheduling, payment mechanisms, and user feedback systems. A comparative analysis of existing research reveals significant limitations, including lack of real-time availability tracking, limited support for rural connectivity constraints, low digital literacy consideration, and absence of intelligent machine discovery mechanisms. Based on the identified research gaps and insights from the literature, this paper highlights the need for a centralized, farmer-friendly, and scalable machine finding platform. The survey provides the foundation for KhetSetGo, a proposed digital machine finding and rental application aimed at improving equipment accessibility, reducing operational costs, enhancing resource utilization, and supporting sustainable digital transformation in Indian agriculture.

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Nikitha B

Abstract: Fluoride-rich industrial effluents originating from sectors such as metal smelting, fertilizer production, glass manufacturing, and battery industries pose significant environmental and public-health concerns due to the risk of dental and skeletal fluorosis. Precipitation, ion-exchange, and membrane filtration are examples of conventional treatment techniques that are less appropriate for large-volume or variable-composition industrial wastewaters due to their high operating costs, sludge production, fouling, or poor selectivity. Biosorption, which uses natural, waste-derived, or biologically modified materials, has become a viable, affordable, and sustainable method of removing fluoride. This review offers an extensive review of biosorbents reported for fluoride remediation, including engineered bio-chars, metal-loaded bio-composites, raw biomass (plant fibers, algae, and agricultural waste), and advanced hybrid materials like MOF-based bio-adsorbents. The majority of research reports Langmuir-type monolayer adsorption behavior, with pseudo-second-order kinetics suggesting chemisorption, particularly for biosorbents impregnated with metals. High removal efficiencies (up to ~90%) and significant adsorption capacities have been attained under ideal laboratory conditions, but problems still exist, including limited regeneration data, narrow effective pH ranges, high adsorbent modification costs, and a lack of validation using actual industrial effluents containing competing ions. This review identifies these knowledge gaps and makes recommendations for future research, such as mechanistic evaluation under actual wastewater matrices, pilot-scale continuous-flow studies, hybrid treatment processes, and regeneration optimization. As long as future studies concentrate on scalability, long-term stability, and practical application, biosorption has great potential as a cost-effective and ecologically friendly technique for fluoride removal.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17962912

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Meenu Bose

Abstract: Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been among the emerging contaminants of water and wastewater systems in the recent years. These substances have found their way into the environment on a continuous basis as they are widely used and they are not fully eliminated in the traditional treatment procedures. Although in extremely low levels, their long-term occurrence and biological effects may be hazardous to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This review presents the key contributors to PPCPs, their presence in water bodies, physicochemical behaviour, detection methods, and the treatment technologies. Special attention is paid to adsorption processes, the use of advanced oxidation processes, membrane-based treatment, and combined treatment procedures. Further problems and gaps in research and directions are also presented to promote better water management practices.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17961994

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: R Swetha

Abstract: Concrete construction largely depends on natural river sand as fine aggregate. However, continuous extraction of river sand has resulted in serious environmental issues such as riverbed erosion, groundwater depletion, and ecological imbalance. At the same time, copper industries generate large quantities of copper slag as an industrial waste, which poses disposal and environmental challenges. This experimental study focuses on evaluating the suitability of copper slag as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete. Concrete mixes were prepared by replacing river sand with copper slag at proportions of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by weight. The fresh properties, strength characteristics, and selected durability parameters of concrete were studied. The results show that concrete containing copper slag exhibits improved strength and durability up to an optimum replacement level of about 20–30%. Beyond this level, a reduction in strength was observed. The study concludes that copper slag can be effectively utilized as an alternative fine aggregate, contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly concrete construction.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17961373

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Sagar Shivaji Thakare

Abstract: This qualitative research paper explores the transformative impact of digital marketing on business practices in India. With rapid advancements in internet penetration, smartphone usage, and social media engagement, Indian businesses—both large and small—have increasingly adopted digital marketing tools to reach wider audiences. The study draws upon qualitative insights from existing literature, expert interviews, and case studies to understand how businesses leverage digital platforms for branding, customer engagement, and sales growth. The findings reveal that digital marketing enhances competitiveness, fosters innovation, and supports customer-centric strategies. However, challenges such as digital literacy, regulatory issues, and high competition remain significant. The paper concludes with recommendations to improve digital marketing adoption, emphasizing education, government support, and local innovation.

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Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Darshana N V

Abstract: This review paper explores low-cost methods and technologies for monitoring and enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) in residential and institutional buildings. It highlights the importance of maintaining healthy IAQ for occupant health, comfort, and productivity, especially amid growing urbanization and environmental concerns. The paper systematically examines affordable sensor technologies, measurement approaches, and intervention strategies that provide effective IAQ management without significant financial investment. By evaluating recent innovations and practical applications, this review offers a comprehensive overview of accessible solutions aimed at improving indoor environments, supporting occupant well-being, and advancing sustainable building practices.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17959352

Published by: vikaspatanker