This study aimed to assess the trophic status and water quality characteristics of twenty ponds in Noakhali Sadar Upazila using the Carlson Trophic State Index (CTSI). Key physical-chemical parameters measured included temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll-a, and Secchi depth. The observed ranges for these parameters were: temperature (24-32 °C), pH (6.7-8.42), TDS (46-1604 ppm), DO (4.33-7.46 ppm), EC (91-3208 µS cm⁻¹), TN (0.7-5.6 mg L⁻¹), TP (1.6-122 µg L⁻¹), chlorophyll-a (0.545-8.250 µg L⁻¹), and Secchi depth (0.22-1.13 m). CTSI values ranged from 38.31 to 68.38, indicating trophic conditions from oligotrophic to eutrophic, with Pond-8 approaching hypereutrophic status. Strong positive correlations were found between TDS and EC (r=1.00), TDS and Secchi depth (r=0.63), and EC and Secchi depth (r=0.63). Chlorophyll-a exhibited a positive correlation with temperature (r=0.57) and TP (r=0.52), while showing a moderate negative correlation with Secchi depth (r=–0.46). These relationships underscore the complexity of nutrient dynamics and transparency in these aquatic systems. The results highlight significant spatial variation in pond water quality and trophic status, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring to prevent nutrient over-enrichment and ecological degradation. This study provides essential baseline data for informed water resource management and supports the implementation of sustainable practices to preserve the ecological health of pond ecosystems in the region.

Biodiesel, derived from renewable biomass, has emerged as a promising solution, particularly microalgae-based biodiesel, which offers high lipid productivity, CO2 sequestration, and the ability to grow in non-arable land and wastewater. However, the commercialization of biodiesel faces challenges, including high production costs, energy-intensive processes, and scalability issues. This review explores the role of catalysts in biodiesel production, focusing on conventional homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, as well as next-generation catalysts such as nanocatalysts, enzymatic catalysts, and bifunctional catalysts. These advanced catalysts offer higher efficiency, reusability, and reduced environmental impact, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The integration of microalgae cultivation with biorefineries and waste streams, such as wastewater and flue gas, enhances sustainability by reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact. By addressing technical, economic, and environmental barriers, microalgae-based biodiesel can play a significant role in the global transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy future, contributing to the achievement of multiple SDGs. This review highlights the potential of next-generation catalysts to revolutionize biodiesel production and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research and policy frameworks in realizing this potential.

There is a significant gap in the published literature regarding the characterization and analysis of microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic ecosystems of Albania. This study focuses on the delta of the Erzeni River as one of the major sources of anthropogenic pollution, including micro- and macroplastics, in the Albanian coastal area of the Adriatic Sea. After oxidative treatment of water samples with H₂O₂ and separation using the high-density method, identification of MPs was performed using spectroscopic and FTIR methods. Spectroscopic and FTIR analysis revealed the presence of MPs of the type PVC or PVC/MMT, nylon, PS, and PE in water samples. Spectral bands in the region of 400 cm-1 to 1100 cm-1 can be associated with the presence of synthetic rubber. The analysis presented in this study investigates the potential sources of MPs in coastal environments, based on the identification of plastic species. This research is the first of its kind in Albania's coastal area that serves as an important initial contribution to the development of a database dedicated to the assessment of MPs in this ecosystem. MPs in water samples from the delta of the Erzeni River that discharges into the Adriatic Sea. The objective of this study was to examine the morphological characteristics and classifications of MPs found in the research area, as well as to assess the consequences of their degradation.

Bonny Island is a typical oil and gas-producing community in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, where gas flaring has been practiced for decades. In this study, the concentrations of five criteria air pollutants and hydrogen sulfide were measured at six locations on the island using air quality test kits, and the results were compared with the World Health Organization’s permissible standards. The air pollutants considered were hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ground-level ozone (O3), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). The study revealed that SO2 levels on the island were low, remaining below the acceptable limit of 40 µg/m³. Although the atmospheric concentrations of CO were within the permissible standard of 4 mg/m³, they were found to be close to the upper limit in most areas. However, at nearly all the locations, the levels of ground-level O3, H₂S, NO₂, PM2.5 and PM10 exceeded the permissible limits. In the case of NO2, the situation was particularly severe in Finima, likely due to the concentration of industrial activities in that area. The elevated levels of these criteria pollutants are primarily attributed to gas flaring, which poses serious health risks and environmental consequences. It is therefore recommended that effective measures be implemented to reduce the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere, and that concerted efforts be made to halt gas flaring in oil and gas-producing communities in the Niger Delta to mitigate air pollution.

As a byproduct of sugarcane processing, bagasse offers a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic fibers in composite materials. Due to its abundance, low weight, and favorable mechanical properties, sugarcane bagasse has recently attracted increased scientific interest as a reinforcement in plastic composites. This study investigated the effects of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) weight fraction, particle size variation, and chemical treatments on the flexural strength and density of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) composites. To enhance the adhesion between the bagasse fibers and the polymer matrix, chemical treatments with 5% hydrogen peroxide and 10% sodium hydroxide were applied. The SCB-reinforced UPR composites were fabricated using compression molding, followed by a 5-minute curing process at 130°C and a pressure of 2.5 MPa. Flexural strength and density were then evaluated. Results showed that flexural strength increased with higher bagasse loading, attributed to improved fibber–matrix intermixing. In contrast, density decreased as fibber content increased; for instance, at 100% UPR and 25% weight of 710 µm particles, the density dropped from 1.37 g/cm³ to 0.55 g/cm³. The composite's low weight, combined with its favorable flexural strength and density characteristics, suggests its suitability for structural applications.

Man-made lakes are constructed for water storage, irrigation, drinking water, recreation, flood control and energy production. Inland man-made lakes are usually fresh; providing immense ecosystem services to man. Heavy metal content of a man-made lake meant for flood control was assessed in two stations and seasons. The aim is to determine the suitability of the water for its current uses - fishing, recreation and watering of cattle. Eight (8) heavy metals were evaluated and compared with standards for aquatic life, recreation and livestock production while Water pollution index (WPI) was used to determine the suitability. The values of the metals were: iron (1.08-2.88 mg/L), manganese (0.54-1.35 mg/L), zinc (0.78-1.88 mg/L), copper (0.33-1.11 mg/L), chromium (0.21-0.74 mg/L), cadmium (0.11-0.31 mg/L), nickel (0.08-0.22 mg/L), and lead (0.15-0.46 mg/L). All the metals exceeded limits for aquatic life, recreation and livestock production except for zinc and copper (recreation) and zinc, chromium and nickel (livestock production). The water pollution index (WPI) was: aquatic life (161.0-195.8), recreation (13.3-16.2) and livestock production (3.3-4.1). All the WPI values were >1; indicating highly polluted water. The order of magnitude was WPIaquatic life > WPIrecreation > WPIlivestock production. Higher values were generally recorded in station 2 and dry season though not significant. The heavy metal content was influenced by the diffused sources of stormwater channeled into the lake and season. It can be concluded that the water is not suitable for its current uses.

Clays are ubiquitous earth minerals that are used globally in various fields such as in the ceramic, pharmaceutical, construction, chemical and drilling industries. Various industrial processes involve clay dispersal in liquids that form colloids of which the settling velocity is critical, necessitating enhanced or delayed sedimentation. It has been reported that the presence of some nanoparticles such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) can speed up clay sedimentation. It is therefore the primary objective in this study to determine and compare the settling velocities of a clay composition of Montmorillonite, Kaolinite and Illite in the presence of Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles, and to find out the effect of crude oil on the rate of deposition. The experiments were conducted using distilled water, brine of 30g/l salinity and ethanol as dispersing mediums for the clay particles and nanoparticles. Experimental results show that Al2O3 nanoparticles settle particles of clay at a faster velocity of about 2.80x10-4m/s and 3.08x10-4m/s in the absence and presence of crude oil respectively. ZnO nanoparticles settle clayey particles at about 2.65x10-4m/s and 2.91x10-4m/s in the absence and presence of crude oil respectively. It is speculated that Al2O3 nanoparticles which initiated a higher settling velocity occurred as a result of a strong attractive force between the nanoparticles and clay minerals. It was also observed that the presence of crude oil in the liquid columns increased the settling velocities of the clays.