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Groundwater is one of the most vital sources of irrigation in semi-arid regions of India, and in Punjab, India this resource is being highly exploited due to intensive agricultural practices. In the present study, groundwater quality in Bathinda district of Punjab, India was evaluated to know its suitability for drinking and human health risk associated with direct use of groundwater. To examine the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes, drinking water quality index (DWQI) approach was used. Non-carcinogenic human health risk associated with the presence of fluoride and nitrate in groundwater was evaluated for the adults and children, through dermal and oral ingestion exposure pathways. Further, to know the processes governing the aquifer geochemistry, Gibbs plot, interionic relationships and principal component analysis were carried out. The results of the present investigation revealed that quality in 73% groundwater samples was not suitable for direct consumption. The results of hazard index (HI) indicated that 91% samples in case of men and 95% samples in case of women and children have HI value more than 1. There is a high non carcinogenic human health risk potential due to direct use of groundwater, and children and women are more prone to this risk. The inter-ionic relationships exhibited that evaporation processes due to semi-arid hot type climate, silicate weathering, shallow groundwater level, interaction of canal and ground water along with the agricultural return flow mainly controlled the groundwater chemistry in the area under investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo-thermal-catalysts (PTC) exceptional features and ability to concurrently solve sustainable energy requirements and environmental problems have drawn scientific interest. The photo-thermal effect is the process by which photo- thermal conversion materials transform radiant energy from light into thermal energy. The photo-thermal therapy of energy and environmental treatment faces the urgent task of developing effective photo-thermal agents to address complicated problem demands. In this study, we take a look at the fundamental principles and underlying process of photo-thermal material catalysis. In addition, this review provides a concise summary of the most up- to-date findings concerning photo-thermal catalysis materials, which have been aggressively researched for a wide-spread sustainable energy and environment treatment uses. In order to motivate the creation of a high-efficiency photo- thermal catalytic pathway, the criteria and techniques for designing photo- thermal catalysts are presented. This will make it possible for a better absorption of the whole spectrum of solar energy as well as a greater conversion of solar energy to heat. Theoretical direction is offered for the continued development of this technology, and the promise of the practical use of photo-thermal catalysis for different solar-driven interfacial photo- thermal conversion technologies is anticipated. This paper offers a unique perspective on photo-thermal catalysis focussing on the synergistic effects and suggesting a potential route for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, groundwater quality in part of Yamuna sub-basin, comprising of Panipat district of Haryana, India, impacted by agricultural and industrial activities, was evaluated for the non-carcinogenic human health risks associated with drinking water quality. The hazard quotient (HQ) associated with the occurrence of fluoride and nitrate in groundwater was calculated for the adults and children. Hazard index (HI) induced by the fluoride and nitrate in groundwater of the study area indicated that the children were more prone to non-carcinogenic human health risk than the adults. The Eastern half of the study area had better WQI than the Western half where the value of WQI was greater than 100 and cannot be recommended for drinking purposes. The correlation plot for groundwater quality exhibited that the alkaline conditions and presence of Na+ and HCO3- favored the high fluoride content, and the source of nitrate in groundwater was mainly anthropogenic in nature. Further, suitability of groundwater samples for irrigational purposes was evaluated by comparing several irrigational indices. Approximately 80% groundwater samples were found suitable for irrigation purposes except for some locations where adequate sub-surface drainage system has to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple cultivation in the Kinnaur district of the northern Indian State of Himachal Pradesh faces challenges from climatic changes and developmental activities. Farmers in the neighboring districts have already faced a major loss of livelihood due to seasonal changes. Therefore, it is important to study the extent of seasonal variations in the apple growing locations of this region. This study makes that attempt by assessing seasonality variations during a 15-year period from 2004 to 2018 when maximum construction activities occurred in this region. The study uses geospatial and statistical techniques in addition to farmer perceptions obtained during a field visit in November 2019. A temporal pattern using a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) was studied for seven apple-growing locations in the district. The results show high seasonal variations and reduced snowfall at lower elevations, resulting in less chilling hours, which are necessary for the healthy growth of apples. The normalized difference snow index (NDSI) and rainfall show a high correlation with apple growth. Local farmers are unprepared for future seasonal disturbances, as they lack early warning systems, insurance for apple crops, and alternative livelihood options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]