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Screening of Alleopathic Activity of the Leaves of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. on Some Selected Crops in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
Waseem Mushtaq,
Quratul Ain,
Mohammad Badruzzaman Siddiqui
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
1-4
Received:
13 July 2018
Accepted:
26 July 2018
Published:
20 August 2018
Abstract: Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. is one of the fastest growing weed. It belongs to family Solanaceae. Sesquiterpenoid phytoalexins have been reported to be the chief components of secondary metabolites this family produces which are responsible for allelopathy. Every year due to its lush growth in the crop fields, N. plumbaginifolia as a weed leads to the destruction of thousand tons of crops around the globe. In the present study allelopathic effect of its leaf extract (2%, 6% and 10 %) on percent seed germination of 4 selected local crops of Aligarh (Pisum sativum L, Raphanus sativus L, Triticum aestivum L and Oryza sativa L), on its own seeds and its effects on the soil (control soil, rhizosphere soil of Nicotiana and leached soils) was studied. After eight days of incubation at room temperature, it was found that among the four plants Oryza sativa was most affected with zero percent seed germination with 2, 6 and 10 % of the leaf extract. Maximum percent of seed germination (80±10) was recorded with Pisum sativum at 2%. Nicotiana leaf extract was found autotoxic to its own seeds at 6 and 8% respectively. After 10 days of treatment, an increment of pH from control soil (pH: 7.10) to rhizosphere soil of the Nicotiana (pH: 7.28) was reported. Organic carbon, potassium and nitrogen also follow the same trend whereas the EC (0.44%) and P (13Kg/hectare) were found the maximum in leaf leached soil.
Abstract: Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. is one of the fastest growing weed. It belongs to family Solanaceae. Sesquiterpenoid phytoalexins have been reported to be the chief components of secondary metabolites this family produces which are responsible for allelopathy. Every year due to its lush growth in the crop fields, N. plumbaginifolia as a weed leads t...
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Lignocelluloses Modified TiO2 Nanomaterials as Renewable Photocatalyst for Water Splitting
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
5-11
Received:
19 July 2018
Accepted:
30 July 2018
Published:
28 August 2018
Abstract: Photocatalytic water splitting process is a hopeful means to solve depletion and environmental pollution problems caused by fossil fuels as well as for sustainable hydrogen production using renewable natural resources like sunlight and biomass (cotton stalk). In this study the aim was to fabricate cotton stalk extracted Lignocellulose (LGO) Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles via sol-gel in ethanol and to investigate their photocatalytic water splitting activities under Visible light irradiation. Hence, in this study the opportunity for structural development of lignocellulose (LGO) modified TiO2 nanomaterial towards highly efficient and realistic photocatalysis applications are evidently abundant after improved light absorption, charge-carrier dynamics, and improved particle size porosity that benefits photocatalysis functionalities. LGO-TiO2 nanoparticle, (≈19.57 nm) for photocatalysis was prepared via sol-gel method. The fabricated nanomaterial photoelectrochemical characterization was operated using three electrode system with a photoanode as a working electrode, coiled Pt wire as a counter electrode and Hg/Hg2Cl2 as a reference electrode, and 0.5 M Na2SO4 (with pH buffered at 6.75) purged with N2, solution was applied as a supporting electrolyte. The structural and morphological characterizations of the fabricated nanomaterial are carried out using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX techniques, based upon which the mechanistic insights are discussed. SEM analysis suggests that an average size of particle grain size is found to be in the range of 0.5-4 μm. The photocurrent densities of regular TiO2 and LGO-TiO2 towards water splitting reaction under light illumination from xenon lamp were compared and found in reasonable agreement. The work also studied the application of visible light illuminated LGO-TiO2 photoanode photocatalyst to the overall water splitting with a photoconversion efficiency of 18.91% higher than that of bare TiO2 nanoparticles and this suggests that surface functionality, surface topography, porosity and particle size, as well as purity and chemical composition of the prepared sample was successfully functionalized..
Abstract: Photocatalytic water splitting process is a hopeful means to solve depletion and environmental pollution problems caused by fossil fuels as well as for sustainable hydrogen production using renewable natural resources like sunlight and biomass (cotton stalk). In this study the aim was to fabricate cotton stalk extracted Lignocellulose (LGO) Titaniu...
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Physiochemical and Biological Properties of Water of Khyber Paktun Khwa District Bannu, Pakistan 2014
Waqas Ahmad Shams,
Unays Siraj,
Gauhar Rehman,
Zahid Ullah,
Naveed Ahmad,
Maaz Miraj,
Asad Ullah,
Sadaf Niaz,
Khurshaid Khan,
Huma Alam,
Nida Gul,
Tahira Naz,
Saif ul Islam,
Abdul Jamil Khan
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
12-15
Received:
18 July 2018
Accepted:
8 August 2018
Published:
5 September 2018
Abstract: In developing countries, Arsenic concentrations overhead satisfactory values for drinking water have been identified in many countries and this should, therefore, it is a global concern. The presence of arsenic in subsurface aquifers and drinking water systems is a possibly serious social health hazard. The existing population growth in Pakistan and other developing countries will have a straight bearing on the water zone for meeting the domestic, industrial and agricultural needs. Pakistan is about to exhaust its accessible water resources and is on the verge of becoming a water deficit country. Water contamination is a serious threat in Pakistan, as almost 70% of its surface waters, as well as its groundwater reserves, have contaminated by biological, organic and inorganic pollutants. In some areas of Pakistan, a number of shallow aquifers and tube wells are contaminated with arsenic at levels which are above the recommended USEPA arsenic level of 10 ppb (10 g L−1). Opposing health effects including human mortality from drinking water are well documented and can be attributed to arsenic contamination. All of the areas of Bannu district was studied. The present paper reviews appropriate and low-cost methods for the elimination of arsenic from drinking waters.
Abstract: In developing countries, Arsenic concentrations overhead satisfactory values for drinking water have been identified in many countries and this should, therefore, it is a global concern. The presence of arsenic in subsurface aquifers and drinking water systems is a possibly serious social health hazard. The existing population growth in Pakistan an...
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Responses of Two Apiaceae Species to Direct Iron Deficiency
Haifa Sbai,
Rabiaa Haouala
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
16-21
Received:
22 July 2018
Accepted:
8 August 2018
Published:
10 September 2018
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and physiological responses of Petroselinum crispum and Apium graveolens to iron deficiency. Seedlings of both species were cultivated in continuously aerated nutrient solution with or without 48.8µM Fe during one month. Score chlorosis, growth parameters, chlorophyll content, acidification capacity and iron, zinc and copper levels, were measured. The results showed that growth of both species was severely affected by direct iron deficiency. Nevertheless, chlorosis symptoms were more severe in P. crispum, compared to A. graveolens. High chlorosis index and a significant decrease of chlorophyll content were registered in P. crispum. In addition, shoot length and whole plant biomass production were affected by iron deficiency in both species. The lower reduction was observed in Fe-deficient plants of A. graveolens. However, the later specie registered the highest root length. Moreover, a capacity of root acidification due to a noticeable proton release rate was observed with A. graveolens. Although grown under Fe deficiency conditions, these specie was able to increase their shoot iron use efficiency. Furthermore, Fe deficiency led to a significant accumulation of zinc in leaves of both species while copper accumulation was only noted in P.crispum roots. The capacity of A. graveloens to maintain plant growth and to preserve adequate chlorophyll synthesis under iron-limiting conditions is related to its better Fe-use efficiency, in addition to its high acidification and root reducing capacities. This allows us to suggest that A. graveolens is more effective to overcome iron deficiency than P. crispum.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and physiological responses of Petroselinum crispum and Apium graveolens to iron deficiency. Seedlings of both species were cultivated in continuously aerated nutrient solution with or without 48.8µM Fe during one month. Score chlorosis, growth parameters, chlorophyll content, acidification...
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Landowners’ Outlook Towards Soil Erosion Problem and Conservation Strategies in Maksegnit Province, Ethiopia
Kassaye Gurebiyaw,
Melese Yigzaw
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
22-27
Received:
23 July 2018
Accepted:
9 August 2018
Published:
12 September 2018
Abstract: Soil erosion is an imperative environmental deterioration almost all over the world, which leads to reduction of crop yield. Present study investigates farmers' views of soil erosion problems and their conservation measures in the Gummara-Maksegnit watershed to understand inter-relationships between perception of farmers' knowledge and soil conservation practices. Data was obtained from a survey of 332 farm households and informal discussions selected by stratified random sampling from upper, middle and lower catchment at Fertamit, Enkri and Dilkana districts respectively. Both open ended and close ended questionnaires were employed to acquire required data. The result revealed that 81% of the local people realize the occurrence of soil erosion in their farm land. Moreover, 67% of the population recognizes the formation of rill forms of soil erosion on their farm land. 45% of the communities perceive soil erosion as primary factor for productivity reduction while 48% of them consider as second cause. Finally, there are several soil conservation measures done by the society living in the watershed. 84% of the population constructed stone bund on their farm land to control soil erosion. Other soil conservation measures like soil bund, draining ditch, tree planting and contour plowing were practiced. The varieties of conservation measures were very limited and incapable to control erosion forms like gully. Therefore it is highly recommended to teach farmers concerning different soil and water conservation measures and its relevance for tackling soil erosion.
Abstract: Soil erosion is an imperative environmental deterioration almost all over the world, which leads to reduction of crop yield. Present study investigates farmers' views of soil erosion problems and their conservation measures in the Gummara-Maksegnit watershed to understand inter-relationships between perception of farmers' knowledge and soil conserv...
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Pharmacological Properties of Calophyllum inophyllum – Updated Review
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
28-32
Received:
30 July 2018
Accepted:
13 August 2018
Published:
12 September 2018
Abstract: Natural products have been used as medicine since ancient times. With the advancement of research methods nowadays, the pharmacological properties of herbal plants have become an important role in the development and designation of drugs for different diseases. Calophyllum inophyllum is a large tree which grows well in different parts of the world. Various parts of Calophyllum inophyllum have been investigated for the pharmacological actions and some of the active constituents have been identified and isolated successfully. Furthermore, certain molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects have been revealed by different research groups across the world in recent years. This paper aims to review the different pharmacological actions of Calophyllum inophyllum together with recently discovered active constituents and mechanistic details. The published information on the pharmacological properties of Calophyllum inophyllum was gathered by using different database platforms including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and SciFinder. The results show different pharmacological actions including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, wound healing, osteogenic, antimicrobial, lipid-lowering and antidiabetic effects of different parts of Calophyllum inophyllum. This review will provide the researchers with the background of the therapeutic potential of Calophyllum inophyllum and the extent of discovery that will lead to develop therapeutic agents for different pathological states in future.
Abstract: Natural products have been used as medicine since ancient times. With the advancement of research methods nowadays, the pharmacological properties of herbal plants have become an important role in the development and designation of drugs for different diseases. Calophyllum inophyllum is a large tree which grows well in different parts of the world....
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Preparation and MIR Luminescence Properties of Er3+ Doped Fluorochloride Glass
Jiajia Zhang,
Xiaosong Zhang,
Lan Li,
Shaohua Wu,
Wenlong Ding,
Shuili Yu,
Yuchen Song,
Xin Liu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
33-38
Received:
25 July 2018
Accepted:
21 August 2018
Published:
13 September 2018
Abstract: The Er3+ doped fluorochloride glass sample was prepared by incorporating Cl- into the fluoride glass (ZBLAN) using a conventional melt quenching method. The chemical stability, thermal stability and fluorescent properties of the Er3+ doped fluorochloride glass were reasearched by increasing the Cl- concentration. The effect of different Cl- concentrations on the luminescent properties of the fluorochloride glass was compared. The results show that the luminescent intensity of infrared increases with the increase of Cl- concentration. When the Cl- concentration reaches 15 mol%, the luminescent intensity is the strongest. At the same time, the effects of different Er3+ concentrations on the luminescence properties of fluorochloride glass were compared. The optimum doping concentration of Er3+ was 1 mol%. Hence, it is represented here as ZBLAN:15Cl, 1Er. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), absorption spectrum, near-infrared spectrum (NIR) and mid-infrared spectrum (MIR) of Er3+ doped fluorochloride glass were analyzed by experiments. The energy level diagram of Er3+ and the infrared luminescence of the sample were analyzed. The infrared luminescence of Er3+ at the excitation of 980 nm was mainly studied. The Judd-Ofelt parameters were calculated. It was found that the value of Ω2 increased first and then decreased to the Cl- contents increasing in the glass matrix, while Ω4 and Ω6 did not change obviously in different glass composition. This is because the environment of the crystal field around the rare earth ions has changed. In the Er3+-doped fluoride glass, the introduction to Cl- significantly enhances the mid-infrared luminescent intensity of the fluorochloride glass. The calculation of J-O theoretical parameters shows that the introduction to Cl- enhances the covalentity of the coordination bond with Er3+, reduces the local symmetry, and significantly enhances the luminescent intensity of fluoride glass. Rare earth ion doped fluorochloride glass provides a theoretical basis of improving luminescent properties. At the same time, it has important guiding significance of the research, development and application of similar MIR luminescent materials.
Abstract: The Er3+ doped fluorochloride glass sample was prepared by incorporating Cl- into the fluoride glass (ZBLAN) using a conventional melt quenching method. The chemical stability, thermal stability and fluorescent properties of the Er3+ doped fluorochloride glass were reasearched by increasing the Cl- concentration. The effect of different Cl- concent...
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