Category Archives: Uncategorized

Authors: Viraj P. Tathavadekar

Abstract: Combining Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in green technology adoption within IT supply chain ecosystems presents both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. This research investigates the strategic barriers, implementation solutions, and performance outcomes of AI-IoT integration for sustainable IT supply chain management. Through quantitative analysis of 350 IT companies across different maturity levels, this study examines the relationships between technological readiness, implementation challenges, and green technology adoption success. The findings reveal significant correlations between AI-IoT integration levels and sustainability performance metrics, while identifying critical success factors for overcoming implementation barriers. The research is one of the efforts to provide a body of literature on digital transformation in sustainable supply chain management, and offers empirical advice to practitioners and policy makers.

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Manish Kumar Sahu, Swati Dubey

Abstract: The persistence of plastic waste in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems has become a pressing global environmental concern, exacerbated by the limited degradability of synthetic polymers. In response, biological strategies utilizing microbial enzymes are being explored for sustainable plastic remediation. Composting systems, enriched with diverse thermophilic and mesophilic microbial populations, serve as promising environments for discovering enzymes capable of degrading plastics. This study investigates the enzymatic potential of microbes isolated from municipal compost to break down common plastic polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Through isolation, culturing, and enzymatic assays, microbes exhibiting hydrolytic activity were identified, with particular focus on PETase, cutinase, and laccase enzymes. Analytical techniques including FTIR spectroscopy, SEM imaging, and gravimetric analysis were used to assess the extent of plastic degradation. Results indicated partial breakdown of plastic substrates within several weeks, confirming the activity of compost-derived enzymes. The findings underscore the role of compost microbiota as a reservoir of biocatalysts with potential application in bioremediation and industrial plastic waste management. This research offers insights into developing eco-friendly solutions for plastic pollution through microbial enzyme exploitation, fostering a circular economy and reducing ecological harm.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16869630

 

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Deepak Chouhan, Vandana Sharma

Abstract: Microbial communities are fundamental to the structure and function of ecosystems, and their responses to pollution provide critical insights into environmental degradation and recovery. This study investigates how microbial dynamics—community structure, diversity, and metabolic functions—can act as sensitive bioindicators of ecological recovery in polluted habitats. Using high-throughput sequencing, functional gene profiling, and ecological modeling, we examined microbial community transitions in heavy metal-contaminated riverbeds, hydrocarbon-polluted soils, and nutrient-enriched wetlands undergoing restoration. The results show that microbial diversity and the re-establishment of functional guilds such as nitrogen-fixers and sulfate-reducers coincide with improvements in physicochemical conditions. Shifts in microbial taxa and functions were predictive of ecosystem resilience and aligned with known ecological recovery benchmarks. We propose a Microbial Recovery Index (MRI) based on taxonomic and functional traits as a tool for ecological monitoring. Our findings demonstrate that microbial indicators can detect early stages of recovery, often before changes in macroscopic biota are observable. This microbial lens provides a cost-effective, high-resolution approach to track restoration progress and inform adaptive management strategies. By placing microbial communities at the core of ecological assessment frameworks, we contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how ecosystems respond to remediation interventions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16869589

 

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Authors: Ravindra Kumar Baghel, Shraddha Tiwari

Abstract: Soil microbiomes, the complex communities of bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protists residing in soil ecosystems, play a critical role in determining soil fertility, plant productivity, and ecosystem resilience. This study examines the role of soil microbiomes as natural catalysts for sustainable agriculture, emphasizing their function in nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and stress tolerance. By integrating metagenomic analysis, field trials, and literature synthesis, we present evidence that microbial diversity and community structure are key determinants of sustainable crop production. Results show that practices enhancing microbial abundance—such as organic farming, reduced tillage, and biofertilizer application—improve plant health and yield while minimizing reliance on synthetic inputs. Specific microbial taxa, including nitrogen-fixing Rhizobia, phosphate-solubilizing Pseudomonads, and mycorrhizal fungi, emerge as critical agents for plant growth promotion and soil regeneration. Furthermore, microbial interactions influence carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas mitigation, making soil microbiomes vital to climate-smart agriculture. The study proposes a framework for integrating soil microbial indicators into sustainable agriculture policies and recommends precision microbiome management as a frontier in agroecology. By harnessing the biological potential of soil microbiota, we can transition toward more resilient, low-impact farming systems that balance productivity with environmental stewardship.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16869501

 

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Anurag Shukla, Priyanka Patel

Abstract: Salinity poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity and soil health worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where irrigation practices and climate change exacerbate salt accumulation. The role of halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms in reclaiming saline soils has gained prominence due to their ability to survive in high-salt environments and facilitate soil bioremediation. This study investigates the diverse mechanisms through which halophilic microbes contribute to the reclamation of salt-affected soils, including bioaccumulation of salts, production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and enhancement of soil nutrient cycling. By isolating and characterizing microbial consortia from hypersaline environments, this research reveals their potential to promote plant growth, reduce soil electrical conductivity, and improve microbial biomass in degraded lands. Functional attributes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and synthesis of osmoprotectants were analyzed to evaluate their contribution to ecosystem restoration. The integration of halophilic bioinoculants with sustainable land management practices could offer a biotechnological solution to reclaiming saline soils while enhancing crop resilience. This paper highlights the ecological and agricultural significance of halophilic microbes and proposes a model for their incorporation into soil restoration programs, aligning with broader goals of climate adaptation and food security in salt-affected regions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16869439

 

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Authors: Prashant Kumar Sinha, Shalini Gupta

Abstract: Microbial communities are critical yet often overlooked components of ecosystems, acting as sensitive indicators and drivers of environmental change. As climate change intensifies, shifts in temperature, precipitation, and salinity regimes influence microbial diversity, composition, and function across diverse ecosystems, including soil, freshwater, and marine environments. These microbial responses often precede visible ecological transformations, making them powerful early-warning indicators of ecosystem shifts. This study explores how microbial signatures—defined as changes in taxonomic composition, functional gene expression, and metabolic profiles—respond to climate-driven perturbations. By synthesizing recent meta-analyses and case studies from tundra, mangroves, coral reefs, and desert biomes, we demonstrate that microbial indicators reflect stress gradients and adaptation thresholds, often aligning with changes in plant productivity, carbon cycling, and trophic interactions. Our analysis also emphasizes the need for high-resolution temporal monitoring and multi-omic approaches to decode microbial responses to changing climates. The results suggest that integrating microbial data into climate impact models could enhance prediction accuracy for ecosystem resilience and tipping points. This article calls for repositioning microbial research from a peripheral to a central role in climate change ecology. Understanding microbial signatures in relation to environmental stressors is essential to detect, forecast, and potentially mitigate large-scale ecosystem transformations.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16869392

 

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Authors: Sandeep Kumar Mishra, Anjana Jain

Abstract: Industrial sludge often contains toxic concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, and chromium, posing significant environmental and public health risks. Conventional remediation techniques are often costly, inefficient, or generate secondary pollutants. In recent years, engineered microbial consortia have emerged as a sustainable and biologically robust solution for the detoxification of heavy metal-laden sludge. These consortia are composed of synergistically interacting microbial strains, each contributing distinct metabolic or binding capabilities that enhance overall detoxification performance. This study explores the role of genetically or selectively assembled microbial communities in metal biotransformation and immobilization processes. The article highlights mechanisms such as biosorption, bioaccumulation, enzymatic transformation, and bioprecipitation as pivotal pathways used by consortia to neutralize toxic metals. Laboratory-scale and pilot-scale applications have demonstrated promising results in reducing metal toxicity, improving sludge quality, and enabling potential reuse. Moreover, the use of multi-omics tools has refined the selection and optimization of functional strains, paving the way for tailor-made bioremediation strategies. This review integrates scientific findings from recent experiments and discusses the challenges, technological limitations, and future potential of engineered microbial consortia in industrial sludge management. Ultimately, such biotechnological interventions hold promise for transforming hazardous sludge into environmentally benign materials.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16869277

 

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Authors: Rahul Kumar Tiwari, Sonali Chouksey

Abstract: Industrial sludge often contains toxic concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, and chromium, posing significant environmental and public health risks. Conventional remediation techniques are often costly, inefficient, or generate secondary pollutants. In recent years, engineered microbial consortia have emerged as a sustainable and biologically robust solution for the detoxification of heavy metal-laden sludge. These consortia are composed of synergistically interacting microbial strains, each contributing distinct metabolic or binding capabilities that enhance overall detoxification performance. This study explores the role of genetically or selectively assembled microbial communities in metal biotransformation and immobilization processes. The article highlights mechanisms such as biosorption, bioaccumulation, enzymatic transformation, and bioprecipitation as pivotal pathways used by consortia to neutralize toxic metals. Laboratory-scale and pilot-scale applications have demonstrated promising results in reducing metal toxicity, improving sludge quality, and enabling potential reuse. Moreover, the use of multi-omics tools has refined the selection and optimization of functional strains, paving the way for tailor-made bioremediation strategies. This review integrates scientific findings from recent experiments and discusses the challenges, technological limitations, and future potential of engineered microbial consortia in industrial sludge management. Ultimately, such biotechnological interventions hold promise for transforming hazardous sludge into environmentally benign materials.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16869242

 

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Authors: Shivendra Singh Thakur, Deepali Pandey

Abstract: Pharmaceutical waste, including antibiotics, hormones, and analgesics, is increasingly contaminating aquatic and terrestrial environments due to inadequate treatment in conventional wastewater systems. These compounds, often persistent and bioactive at low concentrations, pose severe risks to ecosystems and human health. Microbial degradation has emerged as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to remove such contaminants from the environment. This study explores the potential of environmental microbial systems—both natural and engineered—to biodegrade pharmaceutical residues. We examine the microbial taxa involved, their enzymatic pathways, and the environmental conditions that influence degradation efficiency. The research emphasizes the synergistic interactions among microbial communities in biofilms, activated sludge, and constructed wetlands. Methodologies included sample collection from pharmaceutical effluent sites, microbial isolation, and high-throughput sequencing to analyze community structure and functional gene abundance. Results showed promising degradation rates for several commonly detected pharmaceuticals, especially by bacterial genera such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Sphingomonas. The findings advocate for integrating microbial solutions into existing treatment frameworks to mitigate pharmaceutical pollution. Ultimately, understanding microbial dynamics and optimizing bioremediation strategies can lead to more sustainable and effective waste management systems.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16868961

 

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Manoj Kumar Pradhan, Anjali Swain

Abstract: The integration of nanotechnology and biological sensing elements has paved the way for advanced nanobio interfaces that can revolutionize environmental monitoring. These hybrid systems offer real-time, highly sensitive detection capabilities for a wide range of environmental pollutants, including heavy metals, organic contaminants, and microbial toxins. By combining the specificity of biological recognition elements with the signal-enhancing properties of nanomaterials, nanobio interfaces provide a dynamic solution for continuous and in-situ environmental diagnostics. This paper explores the design, mechanisms, applications, and challenges associated with deploying nanobio interfaces in environmental settings, and outlines their potential as scalable, adaptable, and cost-effective monitoring tools.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16842578

 

Published by: vikaspatanker