This study investigated the phycoremediation abilities of Chlorella vulgaris (microalga) and Anabaena variabilis (cyanobacterium) for the detoxification of polluted river water. Lab-scale phycoremediation experiments were conducted for 20 days at 30 °C using the microalgal and cyanobacterial strains and water samples collected from the Dhaleswari river in Bangladesh. The physicochemical properties such as electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), hardness ions, and heavy metals of the collected water samples indicated that the river water is highly polluted. The results of the phycoremediation experiments demonstrated that both microalgal and cyanobacterial species significantly reduced the pollutant load and heavy metal concentrations of the river water. The pH of the river water was significantly raised from 6.97 to 8.07 and 8.28 by C. vulgaris and A. variabilis, respectively. A. variabilis demonstrated higher efficacy than C. vulgaris in reducing the EC, TDS, and BOD of the polluted river water and was more effective at reducing the pollutant load of SO₄²⁻ and Zn. In regard to hardness ions and heavy metal detoxification, C. vulgaris performed better at removing Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cr, and Mn. These findings indicate that both microalgae and cyanobacteria have great potential to remove various pollutants, especially heavy metals, from the polluted river water as part of a low-cost, easily controllable, environmentally friendly remediation strategy. Nevertheless, the composition of polluted water should be assessed prior to the designing of microalgae- or cyanobacteria-based remediation technology, since the pollutant removal efficiency is found to be species dependent.

The first ever comprehensive study on wildland fires in Bangladesh is carried out to develop a fire prevention and prediction method. The major causes of huge wildland fires (88%) in the subtropical Chittagong Hill forest (43% of total) of southern Bangladesh are reported as shifting cultivation, grazing and unauthorized settlement. We used satellite hotspot (HS) data from 2003 to 2021 (a total of 54,669 HSs) to clarify the spatio-temporal structure of wildland fires. Fire weather conditions were analyzed using various weather data and synoptic-scale weather maps at different air levels. Fires concentrated from March through April or a transitional period from the dry season, caused by the Asian winter monsoon, to the wet season, due to the Asian summer monsoon. Fire occurrence depended on dry conditions and pre-monsoon showers and their timing. The difference in 925 hPa heights of high and low pressure systems may be attributed to the different types of the Asian winter and summer monsoons. The average maximum air temperature and incident shortwave solar energy in April were the highest and strongest, contributing fire-prone weather conditions. Based on the analysis, a fire prevention and prediction method will be developed, and this report may also facilitate the establishment of future CO₂ reduction measures for Bangladesh.

The rapid population growth in the Godkhali region has led to increased agricultural pressure, particularly in flower cultivation. This study examines the environmental impact of flower farming, land-use changes, and its implications for local livelihoods. Understanding these effects is crucial for promoting sustainable agricultural practices while balancing economic and environmental concerns. The research aims to assess the environmental consequences of flower cultivation in Godkhali, Jhikargachha. Specific objectives include analyzing its impact on soil properties, water resources, and pesticide use while evaluating the role of environmental awareness among local farmers. 300 small-scale flower growers were randomly selected from three unions; namely, Godkhali, Panisara, and Navaron. Data collection methods included structured field visits, and interviews using closed-ended questionnaires, observations, and checklists. Additionally, expert consultations and desk research supplemented primary data to provide a comprehensive analysis. The findings indicate that intensive flower cultivation affects soil fertility, water consumption, and pesticide application, leading to environmental degradation. Key agricultural processes such as land preparation, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, post-harvest handling, and transportation contribute to ecological changes. Moreover, limited awareness of sustainable farming practices among growers exacerbates environmental challenges. To mitigate the negative environmental effects of flower farming, increased awareness programs and capacity-building initiatives are necessary. Strengthening policies that enforce environmental standards and providing incentives for compliance with sustainability guidelines are recommended. Collaboration between government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and donors can facilitate the adoption of eco-friendly agricultural practices, ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability in the region. This study underscores the need for an enabling policy framework to promote sustainable flower farming while safeguarding the environment. The findings can inform policymakers, agricultural experts, and local farmers about effective strategies for balancing agricultural productivity with environmental conservation.