To improve the efficacy of existing classes of antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), allow dose reduction, and minimize related toxicity, this study was executed because new target-oriented livestock antimicrobials are greatly needed to battle infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. The present study aims to green synthesize a biocompatible nanohybrid of ciprofloxacin (CIP)-Ag/TiO₂/chitosan (CS). Silver and titanium nanoparticles were green synthesized using Moringa concanensis leaves extract. The incorporation of silver (Ag) nanoparticles onto the surface of titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) was done by the wet chemical impregnation method, while the encapsulation of chitosan (CS) around Ag/TiO₂ conjugated with ciprofloxacin (CIP) was done by the ionic gelation method. The synthesized nanohybrid (CIP-Ag/TiO₂/CS) was characterized using standard techniques. The antibacterial potential, killing kinetics, cytotoxicity, drug release profile, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed spherical agglomerated nanoparticles (NPs) of Ag/TiO₂ with particle sizes of 47–75 nm, and those of the CIP-Ag/TiO₂/CS nanohybrid were in range of 20–80 nm. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) patterns of the hetero system transmitted diffraction peaks of anatase phase of TiO₂ and centered cubic metallic Ag crystals. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the Ti-O-Ag linkage in the nanohybrid. The zeta potential of CIP-Ag/TiO₂/CS nanohybrid was found (67.45 ± 1.8 mV), suggesting stable nanodispersion. The MIC of CIP-Ag/TiO₂/CS was 0.0512 μg/mL, which is much lower than the reference value recorded by the global CLSI system (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute). The CIP-Ag/TiO₂/CS nanohybrid was found to be effective against mastitis causing MDR E. coli; killing kinetics showed an excellent reduction of E. coli cells at 6 h of treatment. Flow cytometry further confirmed antibacterial potential by computing 67.87% late apoptosis feature at 6 h of treatment; antibiotic release kinetic revealed a sustained release of CIP. FESEM and TEM confirmed the structural damages in MDR E. coli (multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli). The CIP-Ag/TiO₂/CS nanohybrid was found to be biocompatible, as more than 93.08% of bovine mammary gland epithelial cells remained viable. The results provide the biological backing for the development of nanohybrid antibiotics at a lower MIC value to treat infectious diseases of cattle and improve the efficacy of existing classes of antibiotics by conjugation with nanoparticles.

The widespread discharge of synthetic dyes such as Eriochrome Black T (EBT) into water bodies poses significant environmental and health concerns due to their toxicity, persistence, and resistance to degradation. In response to this issue, the removal of EBT dye from aqueous solutions using nickel-modified orange peel biochar (MOPB) was investigated in this study at various experimental conditions such as adsorbent dose, pH, concentration of dye, temperature, and contact time. Biochar was prepared from orange peels via pyrolysis, and structural characterization was performed using FTIR, XRD, and SEM to assess morphological changes, pore structure, and functional groups post-modification. MOPB exhibited significantly enhanced adsorption capacity compared to unmodified biochar. Optimal removal (at 0.1 g adsorbent dose, 25 ppm dye concentration, 90 min contact time, 35 °C, and pH 4) resulted in maximum EBT elimination. The equilibrium dataset was evaluated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir model (R² = 0.99) best described the uptake of EBT dye, which implies that the adsorption of EBT dye onto MOPB was monolayered. The kinetic data were also analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to be the best fit (R² = 0.99), indicating that it governs the rate-limiting step of the reaction. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic. These findings demonstrate the potential of MOPB as a low-cost, sustainable adsorbent for the efficient removal of EBT from industrial wastewater.

Groundwater is an important natural resource currently used for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes, being deteriorated by natural and anthropogenic sources of pollution. The main aim of this is to assess groundwater hydrochemistry, salinity origins, recharge sources, and water quality in the Kashmir basin using geochemical modeling and multivariate statistics. The observed range of total dissolved solids (140 ≤ TDS ≤ 2226 mg/L) and chloride (10.3 ≤ Cl⁻ ≤ 408.5 mg/L) in groundwater specify a mixed source of salinity, stemming from both natural geological formations and human activities. The average concentrations of cations and anions in groundwater are in order of Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > Cl⁻ > NO₃⁻, respectively. The groundwater is categorized as fresh to very hard water in study area. Hydrochemistry, based on major ions were predominantly; Ca-HCO3 (40%), mixed Ca–Mg–Cl-SO₄ (30%), Na-Cl (10%), Na–K-HCO3 (15%) and Ca–Cl (5%) in study area. Stable isotopic and hydrochemical signatures clearly explained recharge of groundwater from rain and surface water, and origin of salinity in aquifer by dissolution of salts and rock-water interaction processes. Lower values of δ¹³C_DIC, in groundwater is interpreted as evidence that biogenic CO₂, produced by the microbial oxidation of organic matter within the aquifer, is a significant source contributing to the dissolved inorganic carbon pool in groundwater. Geochemical modeling of groundwater indicates the water is under-saturated with respect to gypsum, anhydride, halite, and sylvite minerals, while being at equilibrium or slightly over-saturated with respect to carbonate minerals, suggesting significant water–rock interactions. Multivariate statistical analyses show natural weathering processes as well as anthropogenic sources of contamination in groundwater. Overall, computed water quality indices (WQIs) demonstrated that 12.5% and 85% water samples come under “excellent “ and “good “ quality, however 2.5% sample exhibited poor category. Irrigation water quality indices (IWQIs) appeared that groundwater in the study area is good quality to support the irrigation needs of crops, opening up opportunities for diverse and potentially more profitable agricultural activities.

Introduction: Healthcare professions involve frequent exposure to harmful chemicals such as benzene, particularly in environments with suboptimal hygiene, posing significant occupational health risks. This pilot study aimed to assess benzene exposure among healthcare workers in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 51 healthcare workers, including laboratory technologists, paramedics, nurses, and housekeeping staff, at six major hospitals. Benzene concentrations were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Socio-demographic data were obtained via questionnaires. Molecular docking was performed to explore benzene’s neurotoxic potential. Results: The mean benzene concentration in blood was 0.79 ppm. Healthcare worker category, body mass index (BMI), and job duration significantly predicted benzene levels. Prolonged work hours correlated strongly with benzene body burden ( r = 0.65, p < 0.01). Molecular docking indicated weak but significant binding of benzene with the MAO-B enzyme. Discussion: These preliminary findings highlight the occupational hazards benzene poses to healthcare workers and suggest the need for improved workplace safety and biomonitoring. The study briefly discusses gender and socio-labor factors, emphasizing institutional responsibilities to ensure safe working conditions. Larger-scale studies are warranted to validate these pilot observations.