Depleting agricultural land and water resources with growing human civilization demands an alternative way for faster and more sustainable crop production techniques to meet the current requirements. Recently, nanotechnology-aided hydroponic agriculture (aquaculture) systems have brought remarkable attention. In this context, the present investigation focuses on applying green synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles in soil-free aquaculture systems to stimulate the germination and growth of Oryza sativa L. TiO2 nanoparticles are synthesized using Dillenia indica fruit extract and characterized using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) confirms the anatase phase of the synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles with an average crystallite size of 6.34 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images exhibit spherical morphology, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis indicates the most nanoparticles of sizes below 10 nm. The BET surface analysis indicates the mesoporous nature of synthesized nanoparticles, and their pore sizes are distributed between 1 and 10 nm as confirmed by BJH analysis, which is very similar to the result obtained from HRTEM images. Green synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles in Hoagland nutrient solution enhance germination and growth of Oryza sativa L. via soil-free aquaculture relative to previously commercially produced TiO2 nanoparticles and other metal oxide nanoparticles. Among different concentrations of synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles, a particular concentration (10 mg/L) in the nutrient solution efficiently stimulates germination and growth for Oryza sativa L., relative to the control system. TiO2 nanoparticles with a higher specific surface area adsorb nutrients and facilitate nutrient translocation with improved water uptake inside plants, thus stimulating plant growth and increasing fresh and dry biomass.
Access to clean drinking water remains a challenge in many developing countries, emphasizing the critical need for affordable, scalable and sustainable water treatment technologies. This study employs an electrochemical flow cell incorporating a 3D-printed biomimetic flow field for efficient in situ electrochlorination, avoiding water recirculation or external chloride dosing. The impact of varied ionic compositions of groundwater on electrochlorination efficiency is examined using synthetic groundwater samples, reflecting diverse hydrogeological conditions within a region in a developing country. Employing a Multilevel Factorial Design (MFD), the study highlights the significant influence of water ionic composition, flow rate, and applied current on free chlorine production. The results affirm the capability of the reactor to generate free chlorine species in a range of 0.32–6.13 mg·L−1. The specific energy consumptions oscillate between 0.49 and 19.67 Wh·mg−1 for chloride concentration in the samples ranging from 24 to 146 mg·L−1. This confirms the potential of the suggested electrochemical cell design for broad use in the studied region, and possibly in similar settings worldwide.
In this research, the viability of hybrid wind and solar energy for irrigating kiwi orchards in Guilan province, located in the northern part of Iran is explored. Analysis of wind speed data reveals that wind energy can be utilized for irrigation purposes for more than six months annually. The wind power density, peaking at 467 W/m², supports the feasibility of wind energy for irrigation over ten months each year. Solar irradiance measurements estimate an energy generation of approximately 5.23 kWh/m² from January to July. The average daily temperature, peaking at 29.7°C, suggests optimal conditions for the efficient operation of solar panels. The net water requirement for the kiwi orchard during the irrigation period was calculated based on garden area and other relevant parameters, ensuring accurate irrigation planning. Using the calculated net water requirements and meteorological data, the necessary pumping power was determined, leading to the design of a hybrid wind-solar irrigation system. An environmental impact assessment estimated a significant reduction in CO2 emissions over a 25-year period. Additionally, a life-cycle cost analysis demonstrated that the hybrid irrigation system would incur only 60 % of the total cost of a conventional system over the same period, highlighting its economic feasibility.