Journal of Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
The Journal of Environmental Sciences and Sustainability (JESS) is an open-access, peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing research and innovation in environmental science, sustainability, and resource management. Published by the International Institute of Modern Research (SMC-Private) Limited, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under Registration No. 0307037, JESS serves as a multidisciplinary platform for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to share knowledge and promote sustainable solutions to global environmental challenges. The journal publishes empirical studies, theoretical analyses, reviews, and case studies addressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, environmental policy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and ecological restoration. Committed to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), JESS encourages responsible stewardship of natural resources and bridges the gap between research, policy, and practice. All content is freely available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License, ensuring global accessibility and the widest dissemination of scientific knowledge.
International Institute of Modern Research (SMC-Private) Limited
OPTIMIZING FORAGE OAT PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY THROUGH SEED INOCULATION AND NITROGEN MANAGEMENT
Fodder scarcity and low-quality forage remain major constraints to livestock production in Pakistan, a problem further intensified by rising global fertilizer costs. Utilizing nitrogen-fixing bacteria in combination with optimized nitrogen fertilization presents a promising approach to improve both the yield and nutritional quality of forage crops such as oat. To evaluate this, a field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of seed inoculation and varying nitrogen levels on oat performance. Seeds were inoculated with Azotobacter and Azospirillum, alongside a non-inoculated control, while nitrogen was applied at three rates: 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha⁻¹ (recommended rate). The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, and data were analyzed using ANOVA, with treatment means compared via the LSD test at a 5% significance level. Results indicated that inoculation with Azotobacter combined with 150 kg N ha⁻¹ produced the highest agronomic and quality traits, including number of tillers (8.00), plant height (118 cm), crude protein (9.95%), crude fiber (32.32%), and total ash (11.55%). These findings suggest that integrating seed inoculation with nitrogen fertilization can substantially enhance both the yield and nutritive value of oat fodder. Widespread adoption of this strategy could support sustainable and profitable livestock feed production, while further research is warranted to explore additional bacterial strains and nitrogen sources for broader optimization.
LABORATORY AND FIELD EVALUATION OF TOMATO EARLY BLIGHT (ALTERNARIA SOLANI)
Alternaria solani is a highly destructive fungal pathogen responsible for early blight in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), posing a significant threat to tomato production in Pakistan. Various management approaches—including chemical fungicides, biological control agents, and plant-based extracts—have been explored to mitigate this disease. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of five plant extracts—Citrullus colocynthis, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, Calotropis procera, and Prosopis cineraria—for controlling early blight, as well as the host response of different tomato germplasm against A. solani. Aqueous extracts were prepared at 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% concentrations. The in vivo experiment was conducted under a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) at the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Results revealed that foliar application of Citrullus colocynthis extract significantly reduced disease severity and incidence, achieving the lowest disease incidence at 11.57%. These findings indicate that Citrullus colocynthis possesses strong antifungal activity against A. solani while also promoting plant growth. This dual effect underscores its potential as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical fungicides. However, further research is required to clarify its mode of action, environmental safety, and wider applicability in sustainable disease management strategies.
EVALUATING THE EFFICIENCY OF A CONSTRUCTED WETLAND SYSTEM FOR INDUSTRIAL AND DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT IN SOUTHERN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
Water scarcity has become an increasingly urgent global issue, fueled by rapid population growth, industrialization, and inefficient water management. The World Water Assessment Programme predicts that nearly two-thirds of the world’s population could face severe water shortages by 2025, with almost half affected by 2030. In Pakistan, per capita water availability has plummeted from 5000 m³ year⁻¹ in 1951 to roughly 1100 m³ year⁻¹, placing the country under critical water stress. Constructed wetlands (CWs) have emerged as cost-effective, nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment, particularly in areas challenged by pollution and freshwater scarcity. This study was conducted at C-Block, MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, where a surface flow constructed wetland system was established to treat wastewater from the Wali Muhammad Distributary—a canal contaminated with untreated domestic and industrial effluents. The wetland consisted of a series of vegetated ponds designed to promote natural filtration processes. Wastewater samples were collected weekly over a three-week period and analyzed for key physico-chemical parameters. Statistical analyses were performed using R software, with significance assessed via t-test at p < 0.05. The system achieved substantial reductions in various parameters: pH (16%), electrical conductivity (93.30%), carbonate (82%), bicarbonate (66%), total dissolved solids (75%), total solids (84.43%), total suspended solids (75%), biological oxygen demand (84.23%), chemical oxygen demand (39%), potassium (53%), sodium (75%), and calcium (68%). These findings underscore the high pollutant removal efficiency of constructed wetlands and highlight their potential as a sustainable strategy for wastewater treatment and water resource management.
MICROBIAL-ASSISTED PHYTOSTABILIZATION OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATED SOIL
Heavy metal contamination resulting from industrial activities, mining, agriculture, and urbanization poses serious risks to ecosystems and human health. Toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) persist in soils, accumulate in food chains, and disrupt ecological balance. Traditional remediation approaches, including soil excavation and chemical treatments, are often expensive, environmentally unsustainable, and can degrade soil quality. Phytoremediation, especially phytostabilization, offers a sustainable alternative by employing plants and their associated rhizobacteria to immobilize metals in the rhizosphere, thereby reducing metal mobility, limiting groundwater contamination, and minimizing transfer through the food chain. Metal-tolerant rhizobacteria enhance this process by producing siderophores, exopolysaccharides, biofilms, and phytohormones, which aid in metal immobilization, improve plant tolerance, and maintain soil fertility. They also suppress pathogens and enhance nutrient uptake, supporting plant growth in contaminated soils. Despite these benefits, challenges such as low biomass production, heterogeneous soil conditions, and uncertainties regarding long-term effectiveness restrict large-scale application. Future research should aim to optimize plant–microbe interactions and clarify their mechanisms under varied environmental conditions. Rhizobacteria-assisted phytostabilization thus represents an eco-friendly and sustainable strategy for mitigating heavy metal pollution while promoting soil restoration and enhancing agricultural productivity.
ADVANCING NUTRITIONAL SECURITY THROUGH ZINC-ENRICHED WHEAT, RICE, AND MAIZE
he Green Revolution significantly increased the yield of staple food crops, helping to meet the nutritional needs of a rapidly growing global population. However, this advancement came at a cost: a decline in the micronutrient content of foods, leading to widespread deficiencies—most notably zinc (Zn). Today, nearly 30% of the world’s population suffers from Zn deficiency, predominantly in developing regions, especially South and Southeast Asia. Given the critical role of Zn in crop productivity and human health, this review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current strategies for Zn biofortification in three major cereal crops: wheat, rice, and maize. It focuses on four key approaches: (i) agronomic biofortification through fertilizer application, seed priming, organic amendments, and microbial interventions; (ii) genetic enhancement via conventional breeding; (iii) transgenic methods; and (iv) nano-based Zn delivery systems. By critically comparing these strategies across crops, the review highlights research gaps and identifies future directions for optimizing Zn biofortification. While existing studies often address individual crops or approaches, no previous review has examined Zn deficiency across all three major cereals within a unified framework. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights for improving global food and nutritional security and supports progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
ADVANCES IN UNDERSTANDING SILICON-MEDIATED MOLECULAR AND GENETIC RESPONSES TO ABIOTIC STRESS IN PLANTS
Sustainable agricultural production is increasingly challenged by unpredictable and adverse environmental conditions. The use of mineral elements has emerged as an effective strategy, offering an alternative to conventional methods for alleviating the impacts of abiotic stress. Among these, silicon (Si)—the second most abundant element in the Earth’s lithosphere—plays a crucial role in numerous cellular, physiological, and developmental processes in plants. Its application has been shown to improve seed germination, growth, photosynthetic efficiency, gas exchange, and yield under both stress and non-stress conditions. The benefits of Si are especially pronounced in silicon-accumulating species, particularly when exposed to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Exogenous Si application triggers significant changes in morpho-physiological and biochemical traits, enhancing plant stress tolerance. This chapter reviews the occurrence, sources, uptake, accumulation, and transport mechanisms of silicon in plants. It also examines recent advances in silicon-mediated stress mitigation through molecular and genetic approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, the use of silicon nanoparticles, and genome-editing technologies. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of silicon’s multifaceted role in alleviating abiotic stresses and to highlight its potential as a sustainable strategy for improving crop resilience and productivity.
SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF BIOGENIC SELENIUM NANOPARTICLES AND RHIZOBACTERIA ON GROWTH, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND BIOCHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES OF LETTUCE
Sustainable agriculture requires innovative approaches to boost crop productivity and stress resilience while reducing environmental impact. Both plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have shown considerable potential in enhancing plant performance, yet their combined effects on crop physiology and biochemistry remain underexplored. In this study, twenty selenium (Se)-resistant Gram-positive bacterial strains were isolated from agricultural soils and screened for key PGP traits, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and phytohormone production. Selected strains were used to inoculate Lactuca sativa (lettuce) seeds under semi-field conditions. Treatments included bacterial inoculation alone, foliar SeNP application alone, and their combined application. After six weeks, plant growth parameters (root length, leaf length, and fresh weight), pigment content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids), soluble protein levels, and peroxidase activity were evaluated. The combined application of selected bacterial strains and SeNPs significantly enhanced lettuce growth and stress-related biochemical responses. Specifically, the NB11 + SeNP treatment increased soluble protein content by 75% and peroxidase activity by 65% compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05). Heat map analysis revealed strong positive correlations between growth and biochemical traits under combined treatments, while principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first three components explained 77.1% of the total variance, effectively distinguishing the combined treatments from other groups. These results indicate that the synergistic use of SeNPs and Se-resistant PGPB provides a promising bio-based approach to improve plant growth, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality. This strategy offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers, particularly in stress-prone agroecosystems.
ORGANIC AMENDMENTS AS A STRATEGY TO ENHANCE SOIL CARBON SEQUESTRATION AND SPINACH PRODUCTIVITY
Spinach is a key leafy vegetable crop in Pakistan, valued for its nutritional benefits and economic importance. However, climate change and rising atmospheric CO₂ levels pose challenges to agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability. Soil organic matter is crucial for maintaining soil ecosystem functions, regulating biogeochemical cycles, and enhancing carbon sequestration. To assess the effects of organic amendments on carbon sequestration and spinach productivity, an experiment was conducted using residual soil and organic manures. The treatments included: control (recommended fertilizers only), 1% organic amendment + 50% recommended fertilizers, 2% organic amendment + 50% recommended fertilizers, 1% organic amendment alone, and 2% organic amendment alone. The experiment followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and three replications at the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Results indicated that organic amendments significantly (p < 0.05) improved both soil carbon sequestration and spinach yield compared to the control. The 2% organic amendment treatment showed the greatest benefits, enhancing soil organic carbon, water use efficiency, infiltration rate, and porosity, while reducing bulk density. Overall, the application of 2% organic amendment was most effective in promoting soil health, increasing carbon storage, and improving spinach growth, supporting sustainable crop production and soil management under changing climatic conditions.
IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH THROUGH ORGANIC AGRICULTURE: EFFECTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Soil health is fundamental to sustainable agriculture and global food security. Organic farming practices are increasingly recognized for their ability to improve soil quality and crop productivity. This study assessed the impact of organic amendments—farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC)—compared to conventional inputs, urea (U) and diammonium phosphate (DAP), on soil health indicators and wheat growth. The results showed significant (P < 0.05) enhancements in both soil physicochemical and biological properties under organic treatments relative to conventional fertilization. Organic amendments markedly increased soil organic matter (6.33-fold with VC and 5.70-fold with FYM), porosity (2.60-fold and 1.78-fold), and moisture content (1.93-fold and 1.81-fold). Conversely, bulk density and pH decreased by 1.19-fold and 1.12-fold under VC and FYM, respectively. Biological indicators, including microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and phosphorus (MBP), were also significantly elevated, showing 2.18-, 3.64-, and 4.10-fold increases with VC and 2.01-, 2.93-, and 3.08-fold with FYM. Additionally, populations of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes increased substantially under organic amendments. Correlation analyses highlighted strong interconnections between physicochemical and biological properties, emphasizing their collective role in sustaining soil health. Overall, organic amendments significantly enhanced soil fertility, microbial diversity, and biological activity compared to conventional fertilizers, reinforcing the critical role of organic agriculture in maintaining long-term soil productivity and ecological balance.
INFLUENCE OF ZINC SULPHATE LEVELS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND YIELD OF WHEAT
Zinc deficiency is a major constraint on wheat productivity, especially in arid regions, where the optimal zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) application rate is not well established. This study investigated the impact of different ZnSO₄ levels on the growth and yield of the wheat variety Azric at the Experimental Research Site, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, during 2022–2023. The experiment included six treatments, each replicated three times. Key agronomic traits measured were plant height, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, and straw yield. Results showed that applying ZnSO₄ at 12 kg ha⁻¹ (T₆) significantly enhanced all measured growth and yield parameters compared to the control. Increases observed included 6.93% in plant height, 24.2% in spike length, 18.42% in spikelets per spike, 18.61% in grains per spike, 25.58% in 1000-grain weight, 60.25% in grain yield, and 9.96% in straw yield. These findings indicate that 12 kg ha⁻¹ of ZnSO₄ is the most effective rate for maximizing wheat productivity under arid conditions. Proper zinc fertilization not only boosts yield and grain quality but also enhances soil fertility, contributing to improved food security and human health.
ADVANCES IN PLANT-MICROBE MEDIATED REMEDIATION OF GLYPHOSATE
Glyphosate (GLA) has long been the primary herbicide used to control both annual and perennial weeds. However, its extensive application has resulted in widespread persistence in agroecosystems, posing risks to both biotic and abiotic components of the environment. To address these impacts, various remediation strategies—such as adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, and microbial degradation—have been investigated. Among these, microbial degradation, particularly rhizodegradation, stands out for its efficiency, versatility, and eco-friendly nature. Rhizodegradation relies on diverse microorganisms that metabolize GLA, using its carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus as nutrient sources. This review consolidates current understanding of microbial GLA degradation, emphasizing the role of GLA-degrading microorganisms in remediating contaminated environments. It explores the mechanisms by which microbes break down GLA and the interactions that facilitate its detoxification. Additionally, the review assesses the practicality and effectiveness of employing GLA-degrading microbes in bioremediation across various ecological contexts. By detailing microbial degradation pathways and their environmental significance, this article provides a solid foundation for developing sustainable strategies to manage GLA contamination and mitigate its ecological consequences.
STRENGTHENING SOIL–PLANT RELATIONSHIPS WITH SILICON FOR SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION
Silicon (Si), though not considered an essential nutrient, plays a crucial role in crop growth and development. Present in soils at varying concentrations, Si is taken up by plant roots and primarily deposited in cell walls, where it enhances structural strength and provides protection against both biotic and abiotic stresses. Silicate minerals serve as the main source of Si, gradually releasing bioavailable forms through weathering. Factors such as soil pH, temperature, and microbial activity influence Si availability by affecting its solubility and release from mineral reserves. In plants, Si dynamics involve uptake, transport, and deposition mediated by specialized root transporters, enabling efficient translocation to aerial tissues. Silicon improves plant performance by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient absorption, and water use efficiency. This review emphasizes the benefits of Si fertilization in mitigating the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses while promoting overall soil–crop health. Additionally, Si application helps plants tolerate heavy metal toxicity by reducing their harmful effects. The review also discusses morphological and physicochemical plant responses to Si supplementation and highlights emerging research directions that support food security and contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE COTTON BACTERIAL BLIGHT PATHOGEN
Bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum (Xcm), is a significant disease impacting cotton production in Pakistan. Effective disease management relies on a comprehensive understanding of the pathogen’s characteristics. In this study, Xcm was isolated from infected cotton samples collected in the Bahawalpur region and subsequently purified. Identification was carried out using morphological, biochemical, and cultural analyses. Biochemical testing indicated that the isolates were positive for potassium hydroxide (KOH), catalase, oxidative-fermentative (OF) test, urease, starch hydrolysis, citrate utilization, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer, and casein hydrolysis, while they were negative for Gram staining, indole production, and arginine dihydrolase activity. Cultural characterization revealed mucoid, convex colonies with yellow to orange pigmentation on nutrient agar, and flattened or slightly raised mucoid colonies ranging from bright to pale yellow on yeast extract dextrose calcium carbonate (YDCA) agar. These findings provide critical insights for researchers, aiding in the accurate identification of Xcm and supporting in vitro evaluation of potential strategies to control bacterial blight in cotton.
LONG-TERM EVALUATION OF CROPPING PATTERN CHANGES AND CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION ACROSS DIVERSE SCALES
Climate change, driven by shifts in weather patterns, temperature fluctuations, declining water tables, and changes in wind and atmospheric pressure, poses a significant challenge to agriculture. To understand farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its effects on cropping systems, a study was carried out in District Dir Lower, a hilly, rain-fed region dominated by subsistence farming in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study revealed notable changes in cropping patterns over time. Wheat remained the primary crop, grown on nearly 90% of cultivated land, followed by maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa), occupying 30% and 29% of the area, respectively. Some crops, such as opium (Papaver somniferum L.), were abandoned due to reduced land availability and low economic returns. Changes in livestock numbers and crop yields were largely driven by improved production technologies and adaptive practices rather than direct climatic effects. Significant shifts in seasonal duration were also observed: summer has extended to almost 28 weeks, winter has shortened to about 8 weeks, and spring and autumn have contracted to roughly 4 and 3.5 weeks, respectively, with some seasons nearly disappearing. Monsoon rains now arrive 4–5 weeks later, while winter precipitation is delayed by 6–7 weeks compared to historical patterns. Additionally, average temperatures have risen by 20%, 27%, 30%, and 27% during winter, spring, summer, and autumn, respectively. Groundwater levels have dropped by 30–40 feet in several areas, particularly where eucalyptus plantations are extensive.
ADVANCES IN SENSORY EVALUATION OF RICE GRAIN: METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES AND EXPERIMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
Sensory evaluation is a vital approach for assessing the organoleptic qualities of rice—such as appearance, aroma, taste, and texture—which strongly influence consumer acceptance and market value. This review summarizes current methods for rice sensory assessment, covering traditional human sensory panels as well as advanced instrumental techniques, including gas chromatography (GC), electronic nose analysis, texture profile analysis (TPA), and artificial intelligence (AI)-based systems. The review highlights the importance of panelist training, standardized evaluation protocols, and the application of sensory data in rice breeding, variety approval, and quality assurance programs. By exploring global practices, it emphasizes the critical role of sensory profiling in developing rice cultivars that align with both agronomic performance and evolving consumer preferences.
DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CUCURBIT APHID-BORNE YELLOWS VIRUS IN RIDGE GOURD (LUFFA ACUTANGULA): AN EMERGING THREAT TO CUCURBIT PRODUCTION IN PAKISTAN
Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) is a significant pathogen that threatens cucurbit production globally. This study presents the molecular characterization of CABYV isolates infecting ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) in Pakistan. Field surveys in the Lahore district identified ridge gourd plants showing characteristic polerovirus-like symptoms, including interveinal yellowing and vein thickening, with disease incidence ranging from 10% to 40%. PCR amplification using polerovirus-specific primers, followed by sequencing, confirmed CABYV infection in 11 of the 19 collected samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Pakistani CABYV isolates clustered closely with isolates from Taiwan and Indonesia, and BLAST analysis indicated more than 90% nucleotide identity with these reference sequences. This study reports the first occurrence of CABYV in ridge gourd in Pakistan and highlights its genetic similarity to Asian isolates. The findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and molecular monitoring to inform the development of effective management strategies against CABYV and other emerging viral threats to cucurbit crops.
Fodder shortages and poor forage quality continue to limit livestock production in Pakistan, a situation further exacerbated by the global increase in fertilizer costs. The application of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, in combination with optimized nitrogen fertilization, offers a promising strategy to enhance both the yield and nutritional quality of forage crops like oat. To investigate this, a field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of seed inoculation and nitrogen levels on oat yield and forage quality. Oat seeds were inoculated with Azotobacter and Azospirillum, alongside a non-inoculated control. Nitrogen was applied at three rates: 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha⁻¹ (the recommended rate). The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, and treatment means were compared with the LSD test at a 5% significance level. The results showed that inoculation with Azotobacter combined with 150 kg N ha⁻¹ produced the highest agronomic and quality outcomes, including number of tillers (8.00), plant height (118 cm), crude protein (9.95%), crude fiber (32.32%), and total ash (11.55%). These findings indicate that integrating seed inoculation with nitrogen fertilization can significantly improve both the yield and nutritive value of oat fodder. Adoption of this approach by farmers could support sustainable and profitable livestock feed production, while further studies are recommended to explore additional bacterial strains and nitrogen sources for wider optimization.