The invention of an easy synthetic approach for extremely impactful nanomaterials (NMs) is one of the crucial research areas in modern science and engineering. In the present work, we describe a cost-effective, simple, rapid and environmentally gracious biogenic fabrication of nickel/nickel oxide nanoparticles (Ni/NiO NPs) using Gymnema sylvestre as a natural fuel. The textural characteristics of as-prepared Ni/NiO NPs were explored using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). XRD affirmed the crystalline nature and phase formation of Ni/NiO NPs. The FTIR spectrum ascertains the formation of Ni/NiO NPs, and the band gap of 4.29 eV is revealed from DRS studies. Ni/NiO NPs display an intense emission peak at 576.2 nm in their PL spectrum. The fabrication of pseudo-spherical Ni/NiO NPs was displayed by FESEM and HRTEM images. The particle size obtained from HRTEM was 21 nm, which resembles the median crystallite size ascertained from the XRD data. Additionally, the plausible mechanism for Ni/NiO NPs formation is illustrated. Moreover, as-synthesized Ni/NiO NPs displayed considerable antifungal potential against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Results revealed that the Gymnema sylvestre leaves extract can synthesize Ni/NiO NPs with appealing biological effectiveness for application in the nanomedicine sector.

Water resources have great importance for the existence of life. Freshwater resources in the plateau area in Sangamner Taluka of Ahmednagar district are limited. Therefore, there is a need of sustainable use of water resources especially lakes. The physicochemical analysis is necessary to know the water quality. This study aimed at the monitoring of water quality for its sustainable use by assessing the physicochemical parameters of small lakes in the plateau region of Sangamner Taluka. In the present study, the water samples were collected from the spots selected for the study in different seasons. The physicochemical parameters viz. temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, dissolved Carbon dioxide, alkalinity, hardness and T.D.S. were recorded by using standard methods. The dissolved oxygen was found in the range of 5.1 mg/L to 7.9 mg/L. The dissolved Carbon dioxide was in the range of 32 mg/L to 48 mg/L. The alkalinity was in the range of 120 mg/L to 330 mg/L. The temperature was in the range of 21oC to 32oC. The hardness was in the range of 58 mg/L to 140 mg/L. Seasonal variations in the physicochemical parameters were observed at different spots. Observations in the present study have emphasized the need to raise awareness among the people for water conservation and management.