The extensive use of antibiotics in intensive livestock production has contributed significantly to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance, which constitutes a major global public health concern. Indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. are commonly used to assess fecal contamination and to reflect the selective pressure exerted by antimicrobial agents on the gastrointestinal microbiota of food-producing animals. The aim of this study was to map the “microbial footprint” and evaluate antibiotic selective pressure in pig and laying hen farms in the Arta region of Western Greece through a comparative analysis of resistance patterns in E. coli and Enterococcus isolates. The results revealed widespread antimicrobial resistance across all samples. E. coli isolates from pig farms exhibited particularly high levels of multidrug resistance, with MAR index values ranging from 0.53 to 0.62, indicating intense and sustained antibiotic pressure. Enterococcus spp. displayed lower but consistently elevated resistance, especially to sulfonamides. Overall, the findings demonstrate that antimicrobial resistance is a stable characteristic shaped by bacterial species and farm management practices, underscoring the need for systematic surveillance and rational antibiotic use in livestock production systems.

Rapid urbanization, industrialization and motorization have intensified air pollution challenges in Indian cities, posing significant risks to public health and sustainable development. Conventional air quality management approaches, largely reactive and static, are insufficient to address the complex and dynamic nature of urban air pollution. This manuscript reviews the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental technologies in advancing air pollution management within the framework of India’s Smart Cities Mission and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). AI-driven techniques, including machine learning and deep learning, enable improved air quality forecasting, source apportionment, hotspot identification and decision-support systems through integration of multi-source data from sensors, satellite observations and meteorology. The study further examines environmental technologies targeting pollution reduction across transport, industrial, construction, indoor and outdoor environments, including electric mobility, advanced emission controls, carbon capture, dust mitigation, outdoor air purification and nature-based solutions. An integrated smart city framework is proposed linking data, AI analytics, interventions, monitoring and health-focused outcomes. The findings suggest that coordinated AI-enabled governance and targeted technologies can substantially reduce air pollutant levels, enhance regulatory efficiency and support healthier, climate-resilient urban environments in India.

This study assessed the ecological diversity and structural characteristics of wild fruit tree species across six districts of Zuru Local Government Area. A systematic line transect design was used, comprising 18 plots (200 m × 200 m) subdivided into four quadrats (100 m × 100 m), covering a total area of 72 ha. All trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were identified and measured. A total of 3,438 individual trees belonging to 43 species were recorded. Mean DBH ranged from 9.42 ± 2.72 cm in Guiera senegalensis to 74.45 ± 8.60 cm in Parkia biglobosa, while mean height ranged from 3.70 ± 0.65 m to 14.28 ± 0.74 m, indicating substantial structural variability. Significant differences in DBH and height occurred among districts (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.001), with Manga recording the highest mean DBH (46.36 cm) and Dabai the lowest (24.15 cm). The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′) ranged from 1.22 in Ushe to 2.37 in Manga, indicating generally low to moderate species diversity. Simpson’s diversity index (1 − D) ranged from 0.54 to 0.86, while Pielou’s evenness (J′) ranged from 0.49 to 0.75. Detarium microcarpum recorded the highest Importance Value Index (IVI = 63.59), dominating three districts. Universal flowering and fruiting observed during sampling reflected peak fruiting season conditions, while dormancy varied significantly among species across districts (χ², p < 0.001). The findings provide baseline ecological information for biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilization, and food security planning in semi-arid savannah ecosystems.

Unexpected weather patterns that might lead to dangerous situations are a result of climate change. The healthcare system is one of the many sectors impacted by climate change. Climate change will cause several vector-borne infectious illnesses to spread geographically. Dengue is currently causing a lot of damage, and one of the main factors accelerating the spread of the disease is climate change. Rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity are the three main meteorological variables associated with dengue transmission. This article will discuss outcome and correlation between dengue and environment, rainfall, urbanization, climatic and non-climatic factors and and wants to derive recommendations.

Landfill leachate is a complex wastewater, characterized by high concentrations of organic matter, ammonia nitrogen and refractory compounds, requiring the development of efficient and sustainable treatment technologies. In this study, the performance of a granular microalgae-bacteria consortium was evaluated for the treatment of diluted landfill leachate under controlled phototrophic conditions. The consortium consisted of the microalgal species Chlorella sp., Lobochlamys segnis and Phormidium sp., combined with activated sludge-derived bacterial communities, and was cultivated in a laboratory-scale photobioreactor operated in sequencing batch mode using leachate diluted to 2% (v/v). The treatment process was evaluated by monitoring organic matter, nutrients, biomass development and color removal. The granular consortium achieved high organic matter removal efficiencies, with COD reductions ranging from 74÷88% and BOD5 removal reaching 95%. Ammonium removal increased progressively during operation, reaching 92%, while total phosphorus removal reached 72%. The absence of nitrite accumulation and the presence of nitrate suggested the occurrence of nitrification processes within the consortium. Chlorophyll a concentration increased from 8.05 to 24.43 mg L⁻¹, indicating increased photosynthetic activity and successful adaptation of the biomass to leaching of deposits. Macroscopic observations revealed a continuous growth of granules, with diameters increasing from approximately 0.4 cm to over 1 cm. Despite the efficient removal of organic matter and nutrients, color removal remained limited (16÷56%), highlighting the persistence of refractory humic substances. The results demonstrate that granular microalgae-bacteria biomass represents a promising and sustainable approach for treating landfill leachate, combining pollutant removal with biomass production and nutrient recovery potential.

The Winooski River Basin has a long history of eutrophication and associated ecological risk. This study evaluated nutrient dynamics, trophic state, and ecological risk across lakes, ponds, and reservoirs using water quality indicators and statistical analyses. Nutrient-related Risk Quotients (RQs) were used to assess the extent to which observed conditions exceeded ecological thresholds, allowing comparison of phosphorus, nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, and worst-case risk across waterbodies. Results indicated that phosphorus is the primary driver of algal biomass, supported by a strong relationship between total phosphorus (TP) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), as well as consistent patterns across Carlson Trophic State Index metrics. Trophic conditions ranged from oligotrophic to eutrophic, with most sites classified as oligotrophic to mesotrophic. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified a dominant eutrophication gradient defined by TP, Chl-a, and water clarity, while secondary variation was associated with temperature and dissolved oxygen. Ecological risk assessment showed that sites with elevated nutrient concentrations exhibited higher RQ values, with the worst-case metric (RQmax) indicating moderate to high risk in several systems. Overall, nutrient enrichment—particularly phosphorus—and reduced water clarity were strongly linked to ecological condition, highlighting the need for targeted nutrient management at the watershed scale.

Managing household waste is a major challenge in sub-Saharan African cities, where rapid urbanization, population growth, and changing consumption patterns are straining existing systems. In Ouesso (northern Congo), the lack of modern collection and treatment infrastructure worsens waste accumulation and its environmental and health impacts. However, limited research has examined how household socioeconomic characteristics influence waste quantity and composition. This study investigates the influence of household size and standard of living on waste production and composition. Its objectives are to quantify waste generation per borough, analyse compositional differences based on household occupation, and assess links between socioeconomic factors and daily waste production. A sample of 100 households from two districts in Ouesso was monitored over one month. Waste was regularly collected, sorted, and weighed using the MODECOM method, while surveys provided data on household size, income, and occupation. Results show that daily household waste production, ranging from 0.45 to 0.60 kg, does not significantly vary by district or household size. Average waste density is 416.76 ± 96.85 kg/m³ in Mbindjo and 370.07 ± 92.8 kg/m³ in Nzalangoye. Waste composition is dominated by biodegradable materials, followed by plastics and paper/cardboard, indicating relatively homogeneous consumption patterns. However, socioeconomic differences are evident: formal sector and middle-class households generate more total waste, while lower-income or informal households produce less overall but relatively more per capita. These findings highlight the need for differentiated waste management strategies integrating organic recovery, plastic reduction, and targeted awareness to support urban sustainability and resilience.

Noise pollution is now a major environmental and public health concern in rapidly urbanizing areas of Bangladesh, especially Chattogram. This study aimed to determine the spatial distribution of environmental noise pollution in Kotwali Thana. It also assessed the enforcement of noise control policies using GIS-based spatial analysis, field noise measurement, a questionnaire survey, and key informant interviews. Researchers measured noise in the morning and evening at 26 representative sites across quiet, residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Almost all locations had noise levels above the permitted values set by the Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules and the World Health Organization. Commercial and industrial zones had the highest noise, ranging from 92÷100 dB(A). Silent zones near hospitals and educational institutions showed alarming noise levels of 67÷83.5 dB(A), higher than the recommended limit of 45 dB(A). Many residential areas also had noise above 80 dB(A), indicating significant urban noise exposure. Traffic and commercial zones were identified as noise hotspots through GIS-based heat maps. The study found increased concerns about sleep disturbance, stress, and reduced well-being due to long-term noise exposure. It also noted poor enforcement of noise regulations. The study suggests that Chattogram needs sustainable noise management strategies for ongoing monitoring and better enforcement of existing laws and policies.

Earthworms are ecosystem engineers that play a vital role in soil structure, nutrient cycling, and ecological balance. Beyond their ecological importance, they exhibit remarkable regenerative potential, making them valuable models for studying cellular and molecular reprogramming. Regeneration in earthworms follows a coordinated sequence of wound healing, blastema formation, cellular proliferation, re-segmentation, and tissue growth. These processes are regulated by conserved gene networks and signalling pathways, including pluripotency-associated factors such as Sox2, Oct4, Nanog, Lin28, and c-Myc, along with developmental regulators like Hox and Wnt families. The clitellum serves as a reservoir of stem cells and regenerative factors (e.g., TCTP, Wnt3a, VEGF, YAP1), coordinating cell proliferation and morphogenesis. Species-specific differences exist: Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae can regenerate both anterior and posterior segments, whereas Lumbricus terrestris shows limited capacity. Regeneration is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals impairing gene expression and promoting oxidative stress. Understanding these molecular and ecological determinants highlights the dual significance of earthworms as models for regenerative biology and as indicators in ecotoxicology. This review synthesizes current knowledge and emphasizes future prospects for applying earthworm regeneration studies to biomedical and ecological contexts.

The presence of hazardous metals in staple food crops poses a significant threat to human health. This study assessed the concentrations of some toxic and essential metals in black eye bean, soya bean, millet, sorghum, sesame seed, and locust bean obtained from major markets in Nasarawa, Nigeria, using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results indicate that the mean metal concentrations in staple food crops exceeded WHO/FAO safety standards. Fe had the highest average concentrations (564 ± 52.0 to 1984 ± 124 mg/kg), which exceeded the WHO/FAO guideline of 425.5 mg/kg. Although Pb had the lowest mean concentration (3.80 ± 3.00 to 37.0 ± 14.0 mg/kg), it was still above the permissible limit of 0.20 mg/kg. The general concentration trend followed Fe > Zn > Mn > Ba > Se > Cr > Pb. Estimated daily intake values for most metals complied with USEPA reference thresholds, except for Cr in sesame seed for children, which exceeded safe limits. Hazard indices for black eye bean (1.30), millet (1.22), sorghum (1.29), sesame seed (2.60), and locust bean (1.72) were >1 in children. This indicates a possible health risk, except for the soya bean (0.83). Dermal contact posed a negligible risk, as all HI values were less than 1 for adults and children. The cancer risk value for Cr was above the acceptable range (1.0 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁴), indicating potential carcinogenic hazards associated with their consumption. Overall, the results raised concern, particularly for children, hence the urgent need for surveillance and awareness.

Heavy metal pollution, particularly nickel (Ni), poses significant threats to ecosystems and public health in industrial areas. This study investigated the Valozoro mining site in Madagascar to identify native Ni-hyperaccumulator plants suitable for phytoextraction. Sixteen herbaceous species were analyzed for Ni concentrations in roots and aerial parts, and their Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Factor (TF) were calculated. Three promising species were identified. Two were confirmed as hyperaccumulators: Senecio cochlearifolius (1252 mg/kg Ni, BCF=4.93, TF=2.03) and Helichrysum phylicaelofolium (1154 mg/kg Ni, BCF=4.54, TF=3.23). While Helichrysum aff. gymnocephalum remained below the 1,000 mg/kg hyperaccumulation threshold, its BCF and TF values (>1) indicate significant phytoremediation potential. H. phylicaelofolium is especially notable for its high translocation capacity. However, since the Helichrysum genus is widely used in Madagascar for traditional medicine, its high Ni accumulation raises urgent public health concerns. Use of these plants in herbal remedies could lead to heavy metal toxicity in local populations. Therefore, while H. phylicaelofolium, S. cochlearifolius, and H. aff. gymnocephalum are excellent candidates for soil decontamination, their integration into phytoremediation programs must include strict management and community awareness to prevent accidental medicinal use of contaminated biomass.

In this study, monthly samples were collected from the ten sources (S1÷S10) during August 2022÷March 2023. This article presents the assessment of spring water quality to determine its suitability for drinking, as it is consumed directly, without treatment. Our objective was to assess the spring water quality of Barwary village district and to determine water quality index and its criteria. Eighty water samples were collected and examined for a range of physical-chemical characteristics, including electrical conductivity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total hardness, and various ions, following standard analytical procedures established by the American Public Health Association (APHA). The analytical results were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water limits. The results indicated contamination at several sampling locations, primarily due to elevated concentrations of zinc and lead. Other heavy metals, such as copper and iron, were detected at levels indicative of mild contamination. The final analysis classified the sampled locations into four main categories. According to the water quality classification, Site S4 (Jmanke) exhibited excellent water quality. Sites S2 and S6÷S8, together with Site S10, were classified as good, whereas Site S9 fell into the poor category. Sites S1 and S3 were categorized as very poor, while Site S5 was deemed unsuitable for drinking purposes. Lead removal treatment should be implemented at all sites, as the WHO guideline value of 10 µg/L is exceeded at every location.