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Being an important constituent of naturally occurring heterocyclic compounds with a myriad of interesting biological activities, the furocoumarin motif has claimed vast interest in synthetic and medicinal research. Designing organic synthesis following a green and sustainable approach finds special importance in terms of energy efficiency, and cost‐effectiveness and hence becoming an important domain of research in the recent past. The methodologies for the sustainable synthesis of furocoumarin presented here particularly include the strategies developed under microwave irradiation, solvent‐free conditions or uses of green solvent, metal‐free routes, room temperature mediated and following one‐pot MCR reactions. This review article attempts to highlight the recent advances in the sustainable synthesis of furocoumarins along with general aspects like natural occurrence, and biological activities of this particular heterocyclic scaffold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial processes and municipal wastes largely contribute to the fluctuations in iron (Fe) content in soils. Fe, when present in unfavorable amount, causes harmful effects on human, flora, and fauna. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the composition of Fe in surface soils from paper mill and municipal landfill sites and assess their potential ecological and human health risks. Geochemical fractionation was conducted to explore the chemical bonding of Fe across different fractions, i.e., water-soluble (F1) to residual (F6). Different contamination factors and pollution indices were evaluated to comprehend Fe contamination extent across the study area. Results indicated the preference for less mobile forms in the paper mill and landfill, with 26.66% and 43.46% of Fe associated with the Fe–Mn oxide bound fraction (F4), and 57.22% and 24.78% in the residual fraction (F6). Maximum mobility factor (MF) of 30.65% was observed in the paper mill, and 80.37% in the landfill. The enrichment factor (EF) varied within the range of 20 < EF < 40, signifying a high level of enrichment in the soil. The individual contamination factor (ICF) ranged from 0 to >6, highlighting low to high contamination. Adults were found to be more vulnerable towards Fe associated health risks compared to children. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) index showed the highest risk potential pathways as dermal contact > ingestion > inhalation. The study offers insights into potential Fe contamination risks in comparable environments, underscoring the crucial role of thorough soil assessments in shaping land use and waste management policies. [Display omitted] • Geochemical fractionation unveils less bioavailable Fe in contaminated soil. • EF, ICF, and I geo indicate high Fe contamination. • Adults are more susceptible to potential health risks from surplus Fe exposure. • HQ analysis pinpoints dermal contact as the primary pathway for Fe exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics are ubiquitous, and their widespread prevalence in the ecosphere has generated concerns about their potential effects on terrestrial and aquatic organisms. However, studies pertaining to ecologically sensitive freshwater ecosystems, such as Ramsar wetlands, is scarce. Therefore, the study was conducted in Loktak, the world's only floating lake, and one of the largest wetland in the Indian Himalayan region. The wetland's degradation and pollution have resulted its inclusion in the Montreux Record, underscoring the need for studying this eco-sensitive freshwater system. This work investigated the (i) abundance, morphotype and size of microplastics in fish, and (ii) chemical composition of the microplastics consumed and accumulated in the fish of Loktak lake. Fish samples representing eight species were collected and analyzed for microplastics. Results revealed that ∼91% of the sampled fish ingested microplastics. Fragment was identified as the predominant morphotype (∼82%). Plastic polymers including polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were detected. The occurrence of heavy metals - chlorine (Cl), palladium (Pd), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) suggests their adhesion on the microplastics. The occurrence of microplastics in fish indicates pollution in the lake and poses a potential health risks to humans through consumption. Therefore, implementing comprehensive management approaches is imperative to mitigate this emerging pollution and uphold the ecological integrity of the Ramsar site. Substantial information on microplastics and their potential human exposure through fish consumption, particularly in the Indian Himalayan region, remains to be assessed, underscoring the need for extensive study. [Display omitted] • First report on microplastic pollution in fishes from the Indian Himalayan Region. • Ninety one percent of the studied fish individuals were detected with microplastics. • Microplastic fragments were the predominant morphotype in the fish. • No relation was found between fish body length/weight with the microplastic content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary source of soil pollution is a complex mixture of numerous inorganic and organic compounds (including chlorinated compounds, nutrients, and heavy metals, etc.). The presence of all of these compounds makes remediation and cleanup difficult. In this study, the phytoremediation ability of Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata was tested to remove nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) from paper mill and municipal landfill contaminated soils, to understand the uptake potential and to estimate the accumulation pattern of Ni and Zn in the vegetative parts of the plant. The experiments were carried out in pots (3 kg capacity) and the different combinations of soil were made by mixing the contaminated soil with a reference soil (forest soil) as T 0 , T 25 , T 50 , T 75 and T 100. The plant biomass, chlorophyll content, proline, nitrate reductase activity and metal removal efficiency (%)were determined after 120 DAS (i.e., the days after sowing). The results of the study showed that with increasing metal stress, there is a reduction in the above-ground biomass content in both the plant species with a slightly less impact on the root biomass. Over a period of 4 months, J. curcas and P. pinnata removed 82–86% and 93-90% Ni, respectively. The removal of Zn was significantly less as compared to Ni as most of the Zn remained in the belowground part (roots) and in the soil. Besides, the phytostabilization capacities of the plants were calculated on the basis of their tolerance index (TI), bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF). The low BAF and TF values with increasing heavy metals (HMs) content indicates its higher phytostabilization capacity in the root and rhizospheric region as compared to phytoaccumulation. [Display omitted] • J. curcas and P. pinnata removes 82 - 86 % and 93- 90 % Ni respectively. • High biomass and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) > 1: Suitable for metal phytoextraction. • Low biomass and BAF < 1: Suitable for metal phytostabilization. • Low translocation factor (< 1) indicated the phytostabilization capacity of the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A holistic appraisal of three non-edible biofuel plants, with in depth analysis of their environmental impact, socioeconomic potential, and contribution to rural and circular bio-economy is the main focus of this review. Bioenergy is designated as a smart option to mitigate energy-based demands of an escalating human population, the resultant environmental pollution, and challenges of climate change. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first concerted and comparative assessment of Jatropha curcas, Pongamia pinnata and Mesua ferrea as biofuel resources, with concurrent evaluation of the environmental and socioeconomic perspectives. Ease of availability, non-edibility, higher biomass, and resilience to climatic variations, render them potential biofuel capital for a cleaner and greener future. Their environmental perspectives are critically assessed in this review based on the roles in phytoremediation, bioadsorption, carbon sequestration, and soil conditioning. The detailed analysis of biogas, biopesticide, cosmetic products, and biofuel yield, reinforce the economic potential of the three plants under review. The socioeconomic implications, practical challenges, and limitations of crops for biofuel, especially in the predominantly rural, low income, agrarian milieu, are comprehensively discussed. Therefore, in the concluding section, the review offers new directions for policies and frameworks toward sustainable and circular bio-economy in biofuel sector. [Display omitted] • First comparative study of three biofuel plants J. curcas, P. pinnata and M. ferrea. • Environmental and socio-economic aspects of biofuel plants were discussed. • Multipurpose usage of these plants was explored. • Discussed challenges and limitations associated with the farming of these plants. • Deliberated on sustainable and circular bio-economy in biofuel sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]