Volume 44 (4) 2026
Kaushlendra Srivastava, R. R. Kushwaha, Anurooddha Pratap Singh Yadav
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) : 909—918, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/RQGX7796
How to cite this paper:
Srivastava, K., Kushwaha, R. R., & Yadav, A. P. S. (2026). Economic Viability and Adoption Constraints of Stand-Alone Solar Irrigation Pumps under PM-KUSUM: Evidence from Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 909–918. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/RQGX7796
This study assesses the economic viability of stand-alone solar pumps (2 HP, 3 HP, 5 HP, and 7.5 HP) under Component B of India’s PM-KUSUM scheme, using primary survey data from 84 adopters in diesel-reliant Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, an aspirational district with high tube-well dependency (58.1% irrigated area). Replacing 6.5-8 HP diesel pumps, which incur annual fuel costs of ₹48,169.95, the analysis reveals superior performance for smaller capacities: 2 HP offers the shortest payback period (1.69 years), highest NPW (₹4,87,898.87 at 7% discount), IRR (36.41%), and Benefit-Cost Ratio (7.64), while 7.5 HP lags with 5.61 years payback, ₹3,60,232.38 NPW, 31.43% IRR, and 2.79 BCR due to elevated upfront costs (₹69,205–₹1,77,638 farmer share). Friedman tests on constraints (Chi-square 315.587 pre-installation, p<0.001; 180.873 post-installation, p<0.001) highlight significant disparities, with top pre-installation barriers as inconvenient repayment methods, installation delays, and lengthy applications; post-installation issues prioritize theft risks, slow complaint resolution, and filing difficulties. Findings advocate policy enhancements like Gramya Urja Nari training for women, Solar Sakhi peer education, Panchayat Green Energy Desks, and BIS quality standards to boost adoption among smallholders, curb diesel reliance, and foster sustainable agriculture.
Internal rate of return, Net present worth, Payback period, PM KUSUM scheme, Solar irrigation pump.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International 
Study of Genetic Diversity for Selection of Promising Lines in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)
A. K. Jha, A. Ranjan, A. K. Choudhary, A. Bhardwaj, Abhishek Kumar, R. B. Verma
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) : 919—925, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/CBFI3548
How to cite this paper:
Jha, A. K., Ranjan, A., Choudhary, A. K., Bhardwaj, A., Kumar, A., & Verma, R. B. (2026). Study of Genetic Diversity for Selection of Promising Lines in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.). Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 919–925. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/CBFI3548
This study was conducted to investigate the morphological and agronomical variations among eight faba bean (Vicia faba L.) populations and analyze their traits including: Days to flowering, days to pod picking, plant height, number of branches per plant, node of first flower, intermodal length, pod length, pod diameter, number of fruit clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, harvesting span, pod yield per plant were studied. Wide range of variability was observed among genotypes for all the traits. Positive skewness with leptokurtic distribution was exhibited mainly by days to first flowering and number of seeds per pod at edible stage, whereas positive skewness with platykurtic distribution was observed for the traits viz., pod length and pod diameter respectively. The eight faba bean populations were clustered into four groups based on thirteen morphological and agronomic traits. Bak-1 × Bak-11and Bak-2 × Bak-5 is in cluster I, whereas Bak-1 × Bak-20 and Bak-16 × Bak-20 in cluster II, Bak-2 × Bak-20, and Bak-12 × Bak-5 reside in cluster III. The dissimilarity analysis reveals the highest inter-cluster distance between clusters II and IV (36.501), followed by cluster I and III (34.919) and lowest between clusters II and III (15.649). PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4 contributed the maximum variability for the traits viz., days to first pod picking and days to first flowering.
Faba bean, Characterization, Principal component analysis, Dendrogram, Skewness and kurtosis
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Habitat-Associated Variations of Scarab Beetles in Semi-Arid Eastern Plain of Rajasthan, India
Manisha Yadav, Mohit Singh, Asif Khan, Shashi Meena
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) : 926—941, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/TCNJ7244
How to cite this paper:
Yadav, M., Singh, M., Khan, A., & Meena, S. (2026). Habitat-Associated Variations of Scarab Beetles in Semi-Arid Eastern Plain of Rajasthan, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 926–941. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/TCNJ7244
The present study provides a habitat-specific assessment of the diversity and distribution of scarab beetle species in four different habitat types in semi-arid region of Rajasthan. Scarab beetle specimens were collected from four representative habitat types viz. agricultural lands, grasslands, open forests, and rocky terrains using systematically placed sampling plots with various standardized collection methods. A total of 1044 individuals of scarab beetles, representing 25 species and 18 genera belonging to the family Scarabaeidae, were collected. Scarabaeinae was recorded as the largest subfamily with 12 species, followed by Melolonthinae (5), Dynastinae (2), Cetoniinae (3), Aphodiinae (2), and Rutelinae (1). Across the all habitats, the species composition of scarab beetles in agricultural ecosystems exhibited the highest richness, comprising 40.61% of the total population with 25 species, followed by grasslands (34.20%, 23 species), open forest (18.8%, 19 species), and rocky habitat with the lowest species richness (6.61%, 10 species). Based on presence-absence of scarab beetles across different habitats, 7 species (38.54%) were reported very common, 6 species (37.5%) common, 9 species (16.67%) moderate, and 3 species (2.08%) were found least common. D. gazella, C. molossus, E. pallipes, O. taurus, O. philemon, A. crenatus, H. serrata and O. rhinoceros, were widely distributed species over surveyed habitat types. Alpha diversity of scarab beetles varied significantly across the habitats, with ranges of diversity index viz., Shannon (H’= 2.077-3.11), dominance (D= 0.04889-0.1397), and evenness (E= 0.7978-0.8972). This study was a magnificent record of scarab beetles abundance and diversity in various habitats throughout the semi-arid region of Rajasthan.
Abundance, Diversity, Habitats, Scarabaeidae, Scarab beetle.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
YashodaSomannaPadeyanda, SeetharamaiahThippeswamy
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) : 942—959, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/IRAR7186
How to cite this paper:
Padeyanda, Y. S., &Thippeswamy, S. (2026). Post-mining Water Quality of the Bhadra River in Kudremukh National Park, the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 942–959.https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/IRAR7186
Nineteen water quality parameters of the Bhadra River were evaluated one year after the cessation of mining to assess conditions within Kudremukh National Park (KNP). Cluster analysis grouped the monitoring stations into three categories: upstream, adjacent to and downstream of the mined area. The Bhagavathi stretch, located upstream, reflected water quality largely governed by natural factors. In contrast, the mining zone along the Bhadra River near Lakya and Malleswara showed clear impacts from effluents released from the Lakya dam, which stores mining tailings, along with surface runoff from disturbed areas. Downstream stations at Nellibedu and Kalasawere influenced by a combination of runoff from mined regions, agricultural activities and natural inputs. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extracted four components explaining 87.524% of the total variance, effectively reducing the dataset from 19 variables to four, achieving a 78.947% reduction with a 16.629% information loss. Subsequent factor analysis further refined the dataset by minimizing the effect of less significant variables. Spatial factor analysis indicated moderate pollution at Nellibedu and high pollution at Malleswara. However, pollution levels declined downstream from Nellibedu to Kalasa, attributed to the river’s natural self-purification capacity. Despite the cessation of mining in the Aroli-Gangamoola ranges of the Kudremukh hills, suspended solids (SS) remained a dominant pollutant even after one year. Along with total solids and electrical conductivity, SS continued to adversely affect the downstream water quality of the Bhadra River within KNP.
Cluster analysis, Factor analysis, Iron ore mining, Karnataka, Lotic water body, Principal component analysis.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Distribution of Oscillatoriales from Kalimpong District of Darjeeling Himalaya, India
SovanSengupta, Arpan Mondal, TuhinMallick, HarisankarDey
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) : 960—968, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/XCCW8127
How to cite this paper:
Sengupta, S., Mondal, A., Mallick, T., &Dey, H. (2026). Distribution of Oscillatoriales from Kalimpong District of Darjeeling Himalaya, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 960–968. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/XCCW8127
Kalimpong district belongs to the Darjeeling Himalayan mountain range, covering Neora Valley National Park present in the northern part of West Bengal, India. The elevation and tranquil environment favor photosynthetic microorganisms to flourish here naturally in different capacities. It includes cyanobacteria, which are Gram-negative prokaryotes and primary producers exhibiting epipelic, epiphytic, epilithic and other modes of occurrence in lentic and lotic ecosystems. The order Oscillatoriales consists of simple unbranched nonheterocytous forms of cyanobacterial thallus and it serves as a bridge between unicellular coccoid forms and comparatively more complex heterocytous filamentous forms. Some symbolic works had been earlier conducted to record cyanobacterial flora in this region. Therefore, considering the significance and need for updated validation regarding recordkeeping of different cyanobacterials strains under the order Oscillatoriales in this site, this investigation was thoroughly performed. The morphometric taxonomic enumeration of the collected species was achieved using selected monographs and databases. In addition, from the collection sites, their physicochemical parameters, their respective elevation from sea surface and frequency of occurrence of species were also recorded. This helped to compute their correlation matrices required to point out the ecosystem as stable against anthropogenic activities such as tourism, farming and urbanization. Altogether eighteen nonheterocystous filamentous forms of cyanobacteria belonging to nine genera were documented, among which Phormidiumoutwitted as the most common and dominant genera of Kalimpong with nine different species followed by Oscillatoria and other members belonging to the order of discussion.
Kalimpong, Cyanobacteria, Oscillatoriales, Diversity, Physicochemistry.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
AnamikaUpadhaya, Steffinie Carrie Nongrum, Shikhar Kumar
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) : 969—977, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/ZWPE6131
How to cite this paper:
Upadhaya, A., Nongrum, S. C., & Kumar, S. (2026). Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Feasibility at a High-Altitude University Campus in Northeast India: Meteorological Analysis, Field Collection and Groundwater Recharge Potential. Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 969–977. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/ZWPE6131
Water scarcity during dry months paradoxically affects areas of high rainfall; Shillong, Meghalaya, receives over 2000 mm annually yet faces critical water shortages from October to March. This study evaluates the feasibility of rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) as a groundwater recharge and supplemental water supply strategy at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, using meteorological analysis, field-based rainfall collection and a campus infrastructure audit. Daily meteorological data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shillong, covering 31 March to 26 June 2024 (1023.3 mm total; 57 rainy days) were analyzed alongside 36 field collection events on the rooftop of the Department of Environmental Studies. Total field-collected volume was 2775.60 L, with May (1376.33 L) and June (1317.79 L) accounting for 97.1% of the total. An audit of campus water infrastructure,12 drill pumps, 6 reservoirs and over 80 buildings, confirmed near-total groundwater dependence. Campus-wide harvestable rooftop potential was estimated at 20,031,609 L for the study period and approximately 39.15 million L annually (runoff coefficient Cf = 0.85; 2% first-flush loss). These findings indicate that a systematically implemented RWH network at NEHU could substantially reduce groundwater extraction, particularly through monsoon-season storage for dry-season use. Implementation of a campus-wide RWH system would contribute to sustainable campus water management, reduce pressure on the shallow fractured aquifer beneath the Shillong Plateau, and provide a replicable model for other high-rainfall highland institutions facing seasonal water insecurity.
Rainwater harvesting, Groundwater recharge, Shillong, Northeast India, Campus water management.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Invasive Pests of Mulberry in India : A Review
Anusha H. G, Ranjitha Bai H., Devamani M., Anitharani K.V.
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) : 978—991, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/FDGQ8223
How to cite this paper:
Anusha, H. G., Ranjitha, B. H., Devamani, M., & Anitharani, K. V. (2026). Invasive Pests of Mulberry in India: A Review. Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 978–991. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/FDGQ8223
Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is the primary food plant of the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) and plays a crucial role in sericulture. India, being the second-largest silk producer, depends heavily on the quality and quantity of mulberry leaves for cocoon production. However, invasive pests such as spiralling whitefly (Aleurodicus dispersus Russell) and papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink) have emerged as serious threats to mulberry cultivation. These pests significantly reduce leaf yield and quality, thereby affecting silkworm growth and silk productivity. This paper reviews the biology, ecology, damage symptoms, and management strategies of these invasive pests in the mulberry ecosystem.
Mulberry, Pests, Mealy bug, Whitefly, Symptoms.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Emerging Contaminants: Microplastics and their Impacts on the Environment
Vyomendra Chaturvedi, Virendra Kumar Mishra, Kavita Shah
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) : 992—1010, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/QZUT8388
How to cite this paper:
Chaturvedi, V., Mishra, V. K., & Shah, K. (2026). Emerging Contaminants: Microplastics and their Impacts on the Environment. Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 992–1010. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/QZUT8388
Microplastics (MPs), generally defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in their largest dimension. They are pervasive environmental contaminants due to their persistence, occurrence and diverse physicochemical properties. Their widespread distribution across terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric compartments, together with their interactions with biological organisms and chemical contaminants has raised concerns regarding ecological integrity and human health. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on definition and classification of microplastics, sources, environmental transport and fate, analytical approaches for their detection and characterization, biological uptake, trophic transfer, ecological effects and human exposure. Evidence indicates that microplastics can originate from both primary and secondary sources and be redistributed through hydrological, atmospheric and biological pathways with particle size, polymer density, morphology, weathering, biofouling and aggregation influencing their environmental fate. Across diverse organisms, exposure has been associated with impaired feeding, growth and reproduction, oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular damage. MPs may also interact with chemical contaminants and plastisphere-associated microorganisms. Trophic transfer across food webs has been documented, whereas evidence for biomagnification remains limited and inconsistent. Human exposure occurs primarily through ingestion and inhalation, and particles have been reported in blood, lung, placental and other tissues; however, relationship with specific diseases remains unestablished. Major knowledge gaps include methodological heterogeneity, limited detection of nanoplastics, insufficient environmentally realistic long-term studies, uncertainty regarding trophic transfer and its implication for biomagnification. Future research should prioritize harmonized and improved analytical and quality-assurance protocols, long-term realistic exposure experiments, mechanistic toxicity studies and integrated human-health risk assessment.
Microplastics, Nanoplastics, Environmental fate, Polymer identification, Ecotoxicology, Human exposure, Plastisphere.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Akancha Chettri, Rujas Yonle
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) 1011—1018, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/FQRZ5032
How to cite this paper:
Chettri, A., & Yonle, R. (2026). Documentation and Comparison of Amphibian Diversity in Natural Montane Forest Ecosystem and Human-Modified Tea Garden Ecosystem in the Darjeeling Himalayas, West Bengal, India: Implications for Habitat Conservation. Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 1011–1018. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/FQRZ5032
This study documents and compares amphibian diversity in two distinct ecosystems in the Darjeeling Himalayas: a montane forest ecosystem (Chattakpur forest) and an adjacent human-modified tea garden agroecosystem (Ringtong Tea Estate), using standardized visual encounter surveys conducted from May to October 2025. Eleven amphibian species (two orders, six families) were recorded across both sites. Species composition, richness, and diversity indices were analyzed to quantify differences. Each ecosystem supported nine species, but the tea garden had a higher total abundance (181 individuals) than the forest (148). Beta diversity was calculated to analyze compositional turnover between sites. Photographic documentation and conservation assessments confirmed the presence of several near-threatened species in both habitats. These findings challenge the notion that anthropogenic landscapes invariably reduce amphibian diversity and underscore the conservation value of shade-grown tea plantations in the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
Amphibian diversity, Eastern Himalayas, Tea garden, Beta diversity, Conservation, montane forest, Alpha diversity, Anthropogenic disturbances, Biodiversity hotspot.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Surabhi Datta, Manoj Kumar Pati, B. K. Mahapatra
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) : 1019—1029, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/NPKH3616
How to cite this paper:
Datta, S., Pati, M. K., & Mahapatra, B. K. (2026). Design and Optimization of Aquarium Systems for Breeding and Rearing of the Indian Freshwater Ornamental Shrimp Caridina hodgarti (Kemp 1913). Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 1019–1029. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/NPKH3616
Successful captive breeding of Caridina hodgarti, a native Indian ornamental freshwater shrimp, requires meticulous simulation of its natural stream habitat. This study details a standardized protocol for aquarium-based rearing and breeding, employing a 24″ × 18″ × 18″ tank setup with dark soil substrate, dual-stage sponge and canister filtration and stable temperature maintenance between 22–26°C. Habitat enrichment with aquatic plants, driftwood, rocks, and natural substrates enhanced survival rates and juvenile retention, while effective biological filtration and low-flow circulation maintained a stable ecological balance. Water quality was rigorously managed through routine testing and 25–30% weekly water changes, with a customized reverse osmosis (RO) and tap water mix to maintain pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5 and total hardness between 50 and 75 ppm. A diverse feeding regimen comprising spirulina-enriched pellets, blanched vegetables and natural detritus (almond leaves and driftwood) promoted healthy moulting, vibrant pigmentation and active foraging behavior. Reproductive indicators—including berried females and juvenile emergence—were consistently observed under these conditions, validating the system’s suitability for full life-cycle support. The results present a replicable model for ex situ conservation and commercial production of C. hodgarti, offering a sustainable alternative to wild stock collection in the ornamental aquaculture sector.
Caridina hodgarti, Freshwater ornamental shrimp, Captive breeding, Aquarium standardisation, Biofilm, water quality, Ex situ conservation, Ornamental aquaculture.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Assessment of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Lonar Lake Water with Reference to Seasonal Variations
Avinash Kedar, Kshama Khobragade
Environment and Ecology 44 (4) : 1030—1041, October—December 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/FSBB7573
How to cite this paper:
Kedar, A., & Khobragade, K. (2026). Assessment of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Lonar Lake Water with Reference to Seasonal Variations. Environment and Ecology, 44(4), 1030–1041. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/FSBB7573
Study of physico-chemical analysis helps in assessing water quality, detecting pollution sources, and understanding seasonal or anthropogenic changes in the ecosystem. It also provides insight into trophic status (oligotrophic, mesotrophic, or eutrophic) and helps predict ecological responses to environmental stress. Lonar Lake, which having unique saline and alkaline characteristics, therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the quality of Lonar Lake water, which is an important criterion for evaluating its aquatic health and ongoing environmental changes. Total 23 physico-chemical parameters were studied for the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods, i.e., June 2024 and December 2024 respectively. Water samples were collected and analyzed for various parameters such as, Color, Odor, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity, Turbidity, Total Solids, Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Salinity, Chloride, Sodium, Sulfate, Nitrate, Silica, Phosphorous, Potassium, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biological Oxygen Demand, Dissolved Oxygen. The water samples were taken from four different sampling stations and analyzed using the standard methodology. The results showed variations in the parameters due to anthropogenic activities, climatic conditions and continuous inflow of freshwater stream inside the crater lake.
Physico-chemical properties, Lonar Lake, Pre-post monsoon, Environmental stress, Anthropogenic, Trophic status.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International