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The current study focused on the extraction of cellulose from two selected plants, hemp (Cannabis sativa) and parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus). The research successfully isolated high-purity cellulose from both plants using a chlorination and alkaline extraction process. A higher yield (%) (38.4 ± 0.18) was obtained from hemp compared to parthenium (22 ± 0.82). Characterization techniques were used to probe the structure and properties of the extracted cellulose. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed functional groups characteristic of cellulose, while X-ray diffraction confirmed its highly crystalline structure in both samples. Scanning electron microscopy provided valuable insights into the cellulose morphology, indicating a smoother surface and reduced fiber diameter after treatment due to the removal of noncellulosic components. The research paved the way for the development of eco-friendly bioproducts utilizing cellulose from hemp and parthenium, promoting a more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global market for mushrooms is growing due to its nutritional enrichment, potential usage as a bioremediation, enzyme production, and functional food development. However, the leftover post-harvest mushroom substrate (SMS) generates certain environmental concerns. This study aimed to investigate the potential of SMS obtained from two oyster mushroom species—Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus djamor. These were examined regarding sustainability by analyzing their lignocellulosic enzyme production, cellulose yield, antimicrobial properties, and proximate composition. The findings for both P. ostreatus and P. djamor showed higher activity of amylase, that is, 0.3 U (μmol/min) and 0.7 U (μmol/min), respectively, compared to activity of cellulase, which showed 0.3 U (μmol/min) and 0.5 U (μmol/min), respectively. SMS showed the highest activity of lignocellulosic enzymes, compared to non-SMCs and controls at p ≤ 0.00 and ≤0.01), proving fungual mycelia as the precursor of enzymes activity, as no mushroom is cultivated due to least enzymatic activity. The results for proximate analysis of SMCs showed a significant difference from non-SMCs. The findings for P. djmor revealed protein (1.23%), fats (1.3%), and ash (8.11), which were significantly higher than in P. ostreatus. A positive co-relation of 52% was established between SMCs with amylase, while a correlation of 20% was observed with cellulase, depicting an impact of mycelia in the breakdown of protein for amylase production. The SMC samples were also subjected to antibacterial analysis against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Xanthomonas. A higher minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) was recorded for P. djamor, that is, 8.80 mm, 11.66 mm, and 9.04 mm, compared to P. ostreatus, which showed its highest MIC as 9.18 mm, 9.30 mm, and 9.28 mm for S. aureus, E. coli, and Xanthomonas, respectively. It was evident from the study that SMC has a potential of being utilized for bioremediation, as it is therapeutically active against pathogens. Additionally, Pleurotus spp. is of great interest because of its ability to produce high nutritive value, cellulose yield, and a vast amount of lignocellulosic enzymes. The current experiment recommends the use of distilled water for mushroom farming, as enzymatic activities can significantly be affected by pH and buffers. Furthermore, the spent compost, being rich nutritionally, can be used for soil enrichment or as a biofertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted on ambient ozone (O3), the most phyto-toxic air pollutant, and its effects on the growth and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and peas (Pisum sativaum) grown in Northern Pakistan during the summer and winter of 2018. Okra was subjected to ambient O3 levels ranging from 43 to 63 ppb during the summer, with a mean O3 concentration of 55 ppb, while peas experienced lower winter concentrations of 15–25 ppb, with a mean O3 concentration of 19 ppb. The results indicated significant impacts on the growth and nutritional quality of crops, especially okra. Anti-ozonant ethylene diurea (EDU) was used for soil drenching to protect okra and green peas from O3 damage. Okra showed notable enhancements of 20%, 20%, 29%, and 13% in ash, protein, fiber, and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFE), respectively. Increase in plant height, leaf numbers, pod length, and dry weight was observed in EDU-treated okra plants. Conversely, peas exhibited less variation, although melioration was observed in plant height, pod numbers, length, and weight with EDU treatment. It was concluded that the concentration of ambient O3 in Peshawar is toxic enough to cause significant damage to crop growth and production. The stark difference in O3 impact during different seasons suggests that higher summer concentrations could severely compromise crop quality. This elicits significant concerns regarding food security in South Asia, especially for summer crops that can jeopardize future food security. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the effects of O3 on other regional crops to assess fully its implications for agricultural sustainability in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]