Browsing by Author "Akanksha Dwivedi"

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Cadmium content, metabolite profile, biological properties of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk plant exposed to elevated cadmium in soil
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Akanksha Dwivedi; Alakh Narayan Singh; Ajay Kumar; Gopal Nath; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Cadmium (Cd), a highly mobile and hazardous toxic heavy metal negatively affects plant's yield by regulating synthesis of biomolecules, involved in both physiological and biochemical activities. The present study investigated the Cd content, metabolite profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of methanolic leaf extracts (MLEs) of Eclipta alba L., plant exposed to elevated soil Cd (eCdS). The tested plants were grown in earthen pot and were weekly treated with Cd as CdCl2. H20 (20 mg/L) till 70 days after the plant transplantation. The results showed that eCdS significantly elevated Cd content in root and shoot tissue of E. alba plant (91 % and 94 %, respectively) as compared to the control. UHPLC-HRMS profile of MLEs revealed a significant decrease in the amino acids and its derivatives with an increased level of phenolic contents, fatty acids, and lipids. Metabolites in MLEs were also upregulated and downregulated (31 and 98, respectively) by an eCdS. An eCdS further increased both total phenolics and total flavonoids content in MLEs of E. alba by 71 % and 31 %, respectively over the control. In-vitro antioxidant activities in MLEs were also found to be significantly increased due to eCdS as DPPH > ABTS > FRAP (30 %, 26 % and 21 %, respectively) as compared to the control. Cd treated plant's MLEs also revealed maximum reduction in an inhibition zone of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), among the tested bacterial strains. The present study concludes that eCdS led to the significant changes in the metabolite profile, phenolics content and biological activities of E. alba's MLEs suggesting its ameliorating role in improving the medicinal value of E. alba plant. However, direct consumption of raw material of E. alba plant is not recommended due to high accumulation of Cd in its different parts. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
Critical review on toxic contaminants in surface water ecosystem: sources, monitoring, and its impact on human health
(Springer, 2024) Prince Kumar Singh; Umesh Kumar; Indrajeet Kumar; Akanksha Dwivedi; Priyanka Singh; Saumya Mishra; Chandra Shekhar Seth; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Surface water pollution is a critical and urgent global issue that demands immediate attention. Surface water plays a crucial role in supporting and sustaining life on the earth, but unfortunately, till now, we have less understanding of its spatial and temporal dynamics of discharge and storage variations at a global level. The contamination of surface water arises from various sources, classified into point and non-point sources. Point sources are specific, identifiable origins of pollution that release pollutants directly into water bodies through pipes or channels, allowing for easier identification and management, e.g., industrial discharges, sewage treatment plants, and landfills. However, non-point sources originate from widespread activities across expansive areas and present challenges due to its diffuse nature and multiple pathways of contamination, e.g., agricultural runoff, urban storm water runoff, and atmospheric deposition. Excessive accumulation of heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, chlorination by-products, pharmaceutical products in surface water through different pathways threatens food quality and safety. As a result, there is an urgent need for developing and designing new tools for identifying and quantifying various environmental contaminants. In this context, chemical and biological sensors emerge as fascinating devices well-suited for various environmental applications. Numerous chemical and biological sensors, encompassing electrochemical, magnetic, microfluidic, and biosensors, have recently been invented by hydrological scientists for the detection of water pollutants. Furthermore, surface water contaminants are monitored through different sensors, proving their harmful effects on human health. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024.
Green Solutions for Heavy Metal Remediation: Unveiling the Potential of Agricultural Waste through Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment
(CRC Press, 2024) Priyanka Singh; Umesh Kumar; Akanksha Dwivedi; Prince Kumar Singh; Indrajeet Kumar; Saumya Mishra; Avanish Prajapati; Supriya Tiwari; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
The global prevalence of heavy metal contamination presents formidable challenges to both environmental integrity and human health, underscoring the critical need for the implementation of efficacious remediation strategies. Utilizing agricultural waste as a viable and sustainable approach to address heavy metal pollution in contaminated environments, diverse agricultural waste materials, such as crop residues, animal manure, and by-products from food processing unit, are assessed for their efficacy in heavy metal sorption and immobilization. Through a holistic framework integrating techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), the study assesses the heavy metal sorption and immobilization capabilities of different agricultural waste materials. Comprehensive TEA investigates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing agricultural waste-based remediation techniques relative to conventional methodologies. Furthermore, LCA analyzes the environmental impact of these remediation techniques, including resource consumption, emissions, and waste generation throughout their entire life cycles. The chapter elucidates the promising potential of agricultural waste as a sustainable and economically viable alternative for heavy metal remediation, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating technological and environmental assessments for informed decision-making in environmental management practices. © 2025 selection and editorial matter Veer Singh, Ashish Kumar, Vishal Mishra and Sachchida Nand Rai; individual chapters, the contributors.
Insights into Cadmium Uptake and Changes in Morphophysiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Eclipta alba L., Plants Exposed to Elevated Cadmium in Soil
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Akanksha Dwivedi; Prince Kumar Singh; Umesh Kumar; Indrajeet Kumar; Priyanka K. Singh; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Eclipta alba L., a medicinal herb stands out as a valuable source of therapeutic compounds, playing a pivotal role in the treatment of numerous diseases. Accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in various cellular parts could potentially elevate and impact the biochemical, physiological and morphological traits of E. alba, cultivated in Cd-enriched soil under dry tropical climate of India. The present study focuses on understanding the growth dynamics, Cd uptake and its subcellular distribution in E. alba exposed to elevated Cd in soil. A randomized block design experiment was conducted and test plant was treated with Cd doses ranging from 0 to 20 mg L−1 at an interval of a week till the 70 days after the plant transplant (DAT). Enzymatic activities i.e. ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with non-enzymatic activities such as total phenolics and flavonoids content, lipid peroxidation, proline, and ascorbic acid, significantly increased in Cd-treated plants as compared to the control. Cd primarily accumulated in the cell wall, followed by cytoplasm and least in cell organelles, with proportions of 93%, 11%, and 5%, respectively. In E. alba plants, Cd levels increasing correspondingly with soil Cd and were found highest in the roots (13.4 mg kg−1 dw), followed by the leaves (11.1 mg kg−1 dw) and the stems (9.1 mg kg−1 dw). The root, shoot and total biomass of E. alba were decreased by 58.3%, 51.1% and 52.6%, at 40 DAT under 20 mg Cd kg⁻1 dw, with losses, rising to 68%, 60.2%, and 62.3%, respectively at 70 DAT. Leaf Cd was positively and significantly linked with changes in morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of E. alba plants. E. alba grows rapidly and yields a large amount of biomass, effectively indicates an environmental pollution by heavy metals, particularly Cd, because it flourishes in high densities along highways polluted with heavy metals in tropical wastelands. The extent of Cd accumulation in E. alba is directly influenced by soil Cd levels and the plant’s uptake and storage mechanisms. This research reveals differential Cd accumulation across the plant tissues, providing key insights into these processes. These findings pave the way for future studies on how Cd impacts the medicinal properties of E. alba, with implications for its use in phytoremediation and sustainable cultivation in contaminated environments. © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Sociedad Chilena de la Ciencia del Suelo 2025.
Insights into the management of food waste in developing countries: with special reference to India
(Springer, 2024) Ansuman Sahoo; Akanksha Dwivedi; Parvati Madheshiya; Umesh Kumar; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Supriya Tiwari
Up to one third of the food that is purposely grown for human sustenance is wasted and never consumed, with adverse consequences for the environment and socio-economic aspects. In India, managing food waste is a significant environmental concern. Food waste output is increasing in Indian cities and towns as a result of the country’s urban expansion, modernization, and population growth. Poor management of food waste can have negative consequences for the environment and pose a risk to the public’s health issues. This review focuses on the current challenges, management strategies, and future perspectives of food waste management in India. The efficient management of food waste involves a comprehensive study regarding the characterization of food waste and improved waste management methods. In addition, the government policies and rules for managing food waste that is in effect in India are covered in this review. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023.
Nickel Contamination in Terrestrial Ecosystems: Insights into Impacts, Phytotoxicity Mechanisms, and Remediation Technologies
(Springer, 2025) Umesh Kumar; Indrajeet Kumar; Prince Kumar Singh; Akanksha Dwivedi; Priyanka K. Singh; Saumya Mishra; Chandra Shekhar Seth; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Nickel (Ni), an essential heavy metal, is transformed from an element with vital functions to a hazardous contaminant within agricultural environments, owing to its extensive utilization across diverse applications, spanning from everyday household items to various industrial processes. Understanding Ni’s bioavailability in soil, associated risks, phytodetoxification processes, and current remediation techniques is crucial for sustainable ecosystem management. Although Ni occurs naturally in very small concentrations in soil, water, and air, its absorption by plants from soil to roots is vital for both activating enzymes and supporting plant growth. Ni plays pivotal roles in numerous physiological functions, including photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and growth regulation. However, excessive Ni can induce toxic effects in plants through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that interferes with their biochemical, physiological, and morphological processes. Eventually, there are only a number of feasible strategies for the mitigation of Ni-polluted soils. The present review critically examines the origins and dynamics of Ni in soil–plant systems and its detrimental effects on plants at morphological, biochemical, physiological, and molecular levels. The review also explores the detoxification mechanisms in higher plants and current remediation technologies for decision-making and sustainable management of Ni contamination in the environment. The review concludes that there is a need of friendly effective and environmentally sustainable technologies for the mitigation of Ni toxicity in terrestrial ecosystems and environmental sustainability. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.
Phytochemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of methanol stem and leaf extracts of Croton bonplandianus Baill
(Springer, 2024) Indrajeet Kumar; Umesh Kumar; Prince Kumar Singh; Jay Shankar Yadav; Akanksha Dwivedi; Priyanka Singh; Ashutosh Tripathi; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
The increasing demand for natural antioxidants in the food and pharmaceutical sectors has driven the search for plant species with notable bioactive properties. To fulfil the demand for natural antioxidants, different plants including Croton spp. have been explored. However, the antioxidant activities of Croton bonplandianus Baill plant growing in Varanasi and surrounding regions have not been assessed to date. C. bonplandianus thrives in diverse habitats and exhibits a range of bioactivities, such as wound healing, anti-arthritic, antimicrobial, anticancer, and other therapeutic potentials. Therefore, the present study aimed to quantify total phenolic and flavonoid contents in methanol extracts of the leaf (LME) and stem (SME) of C. bonplandianus plant. Further, extracts were analyzed for in-vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The results depicted that total phenolics (mg GAE/g dw) and flavonoids (mg QE/g dw) content were higher in LME (63.2 and 4.3, respectively) of C. bonplandianus as compared to the SME (30.5 and 3.5, respectively). Further, the results revealed DPPH (%), ABTS (%) and FRAP [µM Fe (II)/g dw] activities in LME (78.7, 83.4 and 203.8, respectively) were also higher than SME (72.3, 71.73 and 169.7, respectively). IC50 values were recorded as 0.8 mg/ml and 5.8 mg/ml for LME and SME, respectively. GC–MS investigation of LME and SME showed the presence of Undecane 2,6-dmethyl (28%) followed by cyclonasilaxane (19%), octadecanoic acid (6.62%) and hexadecanoic acid (4.18%) as major compounds. Both the extract potentially possessed antibacterial properties against E. coli. The findings also demonstrated that heavy metal concentration in soil, leaf, and stem was found within Indian norms. The present study concludes that both, the leaf and stem of C. bonplandianus plant are rich in phenolic and possess antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Therefore, it is suggested that C. bonplandianus be further explored and used therapeutically to fulfill the current demand for natural antioxidants. © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Society for Plant Research 2024.
Phytochemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of methanol stem and leaf extracts of Croton bonplandianus Baill
(Springer, 2025) Indrajeet Kumar; Umesh Kumar; Prince Kumar Singh; Jay Shankar Yadav; Akanksha Dwivedi; Priyanka K. Singh; Ashutosh Tripathi; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
The increasing demand for natural antioxidants in the food and pharmaceutical sectors has driven the search for plant species with notable bioactive properties. To fulfil the demand for natural antioxidants, different plants including Croton spp. have been explored. However, the antioxidant activities of Croton bonplandianus Baill plant growing in Varanasi and surrounding regions have not been assessed to date. C. bonplandianus thrives in diverse habitats and exhibits a range of bioactivities, such as wound healing, anti-arthritic, antimicrobial, anticancer, and other therapeutic potentials. Therefore, the present study aimed to quantify total phenolic and flavonoid contents in methanol extracts of the leaf (LME) and stem (SME) of C. bonplandianus plant. Further, extracts were analyzed for in-vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The results depicted that total phenolics (mg GAE/g dw) and flavonoids (mg QE/g dw) content were higher in LME (63.2 and 4.3, respectively) of C. bonplandianus as compared to the SME (30.5 and 3.5, respectively). Further, the results revealed DPPH (%), ABTS (%) and FRAP [µM Fe (II)/g dw] activities in LME (78.7, 83.4 and 203.8, respectively) were also higher than SME (72.3, 71.73 and 169.7, respectively). IC50 values were recorded as 0.8 mg/ml and 5.8 mg/ml for LME and SME, respectively. GC–MS investigation of LME and SME showed the presence of Undecane 2,6-dmethyl (28%) followed by cyclonasilaxane (19%), octadecanoic acid (6.62%) and hexadecanoic acid (4.18%) as major compounds. Both the extract potentially possessed antibacterial properties against E. coli. The findings also demonstrated that heavy metal concentration in soil, leaf, and stem was found within Indian norms. The present study concludes that both, the leaf and stem of C. bonplandianus plant are rich in phenolic and possess antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Therefore, it is suggested that C. bonplandianus be further explored and used therapeutically to fulfill the current demand for natural antioxidants. © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Society for Plant Research 2024.
The Future of Salt-Tolerant Crops: Gene Editing and Biotechnological Pathways
(CRC Press, 2025) Umesh Kumar; Prince Kumar Singh; Indrajeet Kumar; Akanksha Dwivedi; Priyanka Singh; Saumya Mishra; Avanish Prajapati; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
[No abstract available]
Therapeutic Potential of Biotoxins and Biotechnological Innovations
(Springer Nature, 2025) Prince Kumar Singh; Gereraj Sen Gupta; Umesh Kumar; Parvati Madheshiya; Akanksha Dwivedi; Priyanka K. Singh; Ashish Kumar Mishra; Saumya Mishra; Shivani Gupta; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Supriya P. Tiwari
The captivating world of biotoxins, often perceived as nature’s formidable weapons, presents an intricate and promising landscape for scientific exploration and innovation. Biotoxins, originating from a vast spectrum of life forms such as bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, exhibit a remarkable diversity of bioactive compounds. Their structural diversity, coupled with potent biological activities, positions them as valuable resources for drug discovery, agricultural and environmental management. This chapter highlights into specific case studies where biotoxins have been harnessed to develop antivenom, anti-cancer agents, analgesics, other therapeutic marvels, etc. The comprehensive understanding of biotoxin mechanisms, bioprospecting, and biotechnological tools, including genetic engineering and synthetic biology, offers exciting avenues for the sustainable extraction, production, and modification of biotoxins. The biotechnological harnessing of biotoxins emphasizes the significant progress and potential future applications of biotoxins reliant on collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and regulators to unlock their full capacity. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.
Total phenolic content and antioxidant activities in methanol extracts of medicinal herbs from Indo-Gangetic plains of India
(Open Science Publishers LLP Inc., 2024) Umesh Kumar; Indrajeet Kumar; Prince Kumar Singh; Jay Shankar Yadav; Akanksha Dwivedi; Priyanka Singh; Saumya Mishra; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
The present study investigates total phenolics, flavonoids, and in vitro antioxidant activities in methanol extracts of roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of medicinal herbs (Phyllanthus fraternus G.L. Webster; Bhui-amla and Solanum nigrum L.; Makoi or black nightshade) of Indo-Gangetic plains of India. The results showed that biochemical attributes of methanol extracts of both the tested plants varied significantly with sites (P < 0.05). Contents of total phenolics and flavonoids and antioxidant properties were found highest in fruits followed by leaf, stem, and least in root of P. fraternus and leaves, fruits, stem, and roots of S. nigrum plants. The present investigation revealed that total phenolic content in fruits of P. fraternus ranged from 26.69 to 61.48 mg GAE/g fw and from 8.89 to 24.69 mg GAE/g fw in leaves of S. nigrum plants, and thus, these plant parts can be promoted for pharmaceutical purposes and health benefits. It is also suggested that the individual phenolic compound in the different parts of tested plants should be analyzed to identify their elite population for their mass cultivation, conservation, and sustainable utilization. © 2024 Umesh Kumar, et al.
Treatment Methods for Food Waste
(Springer Science+Business Media, 2025) Akanksha Dwivedi; Umesh Kumar; Prince Kumar Singh; Priyanka K. Singh; Saumya Mishra; Avanish Prajapati; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Indrajeet Kumar
The issue of food waste has garnered substantial attention worldwide in the past decade, primarily due to its adverse environmental and health implications. The surge in global population figures and changing dietary habits have been identified as primary drivers behind the escalating levels of food waste production. Within the realm of food waste lie diverse components such as plant scraps, animal waste, leftovers, and spoiled food items. Delving into the scale of food waste generation from local to global contexts, the chapter illuminates its significant environmental and socioeconomic consequences, accentuating the pressing need for decisive interventions to address this critical issue. An array of strategies is explored, spanning from prevention methods like source reduction to recycling and recovery approaches. Conventional techniques such as composting, anaerobic digestion (AD), and incineration are assessed, along with innovative technologies such as microbial fermentation, enzymatic digestion, hydrothermal processing, and advanced thermal conversion, each assessed for their potential contributions. Integration and optimization strategies are deployed to capitalize on synergies and boost treatment efficiency. The chapter also investigates valorization practices for food waste across the globe, presenting an overview of current policy and regulatory frameworks and emphasizing their impacts and potential for enhancement. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the vital role of policy frameworks and stakeholder engagement in cultivating a conducive environment for food waste reduction and management. It advocates for a comprehensive strategy that integrates technological innovations, policy reinforcement, and public participation to address food waste effectively and promote sustainability in food systems. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.