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Scroll.in
3 days ago
- Health
- Scroll.in
The milk industry produces tonnes of wastewater. Plant-based coagulants can help clean up
India has been the world leader in milk production since 1998, currently accounting for nearly 25% of global output. In 2024 alone, the country produced over 239 million tonnes of milk. While the dairy sector plays a vital role in India's economy and rural livelihoods, a lesser-known and underreported consequence is the vast amount of wastewater it generates, a significant but overlooked environmental challenge. Studies show the volume of wastewater produced by the sector is about 2.5 times greater than the amount of milk processed. A significant amount of wastewater is also produced while processing raw milk into consumer items such as yoghurt, butter, and cheese. Although traditional wastewater treatments, which involve the use of chemicals, have been used for decades, their cost and environmental impact have been a cause for concern. A new study published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment proposes natural coagulants as an eco-friendly alternative. 'There is an increasing demand for water across the world, so it's important to find ways to clean wastewater in a way that supports ecosystem health and reduces pollution,' says Lipsa Mishra, lead author of the study and assistant professor, MIT World Peace University. Natural coagulants In their study, Mishra and her team used Carica papaya seeds, Citrus limetta peels (sweet lemon), and Moringa oleifera (drumstick) in powder form as natural coagulants. Papaya seeds can attach to particles in water and sink to the bottom. Citrus limetta peels can recover significant nutrients for recycling or reuse, while also improving water quality, the study explains. Importantly, Moringa oleifera 's antibacterial properties help inhibit bacterial growth in water, improving water quality and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. Natural coagulants also contribute to maintaining pH balance of water and lowering biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and turbidity levels, Mishra and colleagues note in the study. For instance, Moringa oleifera prevents oxygen loss from microbial breakdown and helps lower biochemical oxygen demand or biochemical oxygen demand, which is necessary to maintain healthy aquatic habitats. Biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand are essential parameters for assessing organic pollution in wastewater. Biochemical oxygen demand measures the oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose biodegradable matter, while chemical oxygen demand quantifies the total oxygen needed to chemically oxidise both biodegradable and non-biodegradable compounds, the study explains. High levels of chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand can suffocate aquatic life, as microorganisms rapidly consume oxygen while breaking down organic compounds, leading to oxygen depletion. 'When we dispose of dairy wastewater into water bodies without treatment, it causes eutrophication, and marine life and aquatic plants can't sustain themselves in such an environment due to the lack of dissolved oxygen,' says Pragyan Das, assistant professor, Odisha University of Technology and Research. Das is also the author of a 2022 study titled 'Dairy wastewater and its potential for waste management'. Wastewater disposed in water bodies without treatment can also lead to harmful algal blooms that further deplete oxygen levels and inhibit aquatic plant growth. Moreover, toxic compounds like detergents and sanitisers in untreated dairy wastewater pose threats to aquatic ecosystems, the study elaborates. Among the various dairy products, a 2016 study found that sweet whey was the most polluting dairy effluent. Its biochemical composition is rich in organic matter (lactose, protein, phosphorus, nitrates, and nitrogen) and is 60 to 80 times more polluting than domestic sewage. Although the improper treatment of dairy wastewater is linked to high environmental risks, it often doesn't receive the same attention as other industries. 'Industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, coal mining, steel plants, and others release more visible hazardous pollutants or heavy metals. As a result, there are often more discussions about these compared to dairy wastewater,' notes Mishra. The study showed that Citrus limetta peels achieved a 93.8% removal efficiency for biochemical oxygen demand, while Carica papaya seeds and Moringa oleifera exhibited significant efficiency in turbidity and total dissolved solids removal, reaching values of 94% and 68%, respectively. 'Comparatively, alum was able to remove over 99% of turbidity but with high chemical sludge. However, papaya seeds, lemon peels, and drumstick powder showed over 93% efficiency with biodegradable sludge. Lemon peels performed the best in BOD [biochemical oxygen demand] removal with almost 94%,' Mishra elaborates. Furthermore, plant-based coagulants not only offer cost-effectiveness but also present fewer environmental risks. Waste water Water is used in all processes in the dairy industry, including heating, cooling, and washing. Mishra estimates that around 3,000 litres of wastewater are generated per 1,000 litres of milk processed. From high amounts of organic materials such as dissolved solids, suspended solids, oil and grease, to detergents and various chemicals such as benzene, mercury, zinc, ammonia, and chromium used during industrial cleaning, an array of effluents can be found in dairy wastewater. These can cause harm to marine life if not treated properly. 'The presence of high organic matter leads to high levels of BOD [biochemical oxygen demand] and COD [chemical oxygen demand], which can deplete oxygen in receiving water bodies if untreated wastewater is released. It creates hypoxic conditions that threaten aquatic life and disrupt nutrient cycling,' says Mishra. Improper disposal of wastewater on land can lead to contamination of groundwater and deterioration of surface water quality. And if this wastewater is released into water bodies, they could become breeding grounds for flies and mosquitoes carrying malaria and other diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Dairy wastewater, in particular, can be treated with physical, chemical and biological techniques. Another commonly used method is constructed wetlands. The large surface area of constructed wetlands facilitates an environment for removing pollutants such as organic matter, suspended solids, and nutrients. They are cost-effective and sustainable. One of the most widely used chemical methods is coagulation. Coagulants such as alum (aluminum sulphate) and ferrous sulphate are conventionally used to treat dairy wastewater. However, the sludge they produce contains chemicals that can harm water bodies and ecosystems. To address this issue, recent research has been focused on finding alternative coagulants that are natural, safe for humans, biodegradable, and produce minimal sludge. Dairy wastewater A 2024 report by the Centre for Science and Environment reveals that less than one-third of India's urban wastewater and sewage is treated. This means the rest flows into rivers, lakes, and land. Mishra explains that in traditional methods of water or wastewater treatment, there are three stages: preliminary or primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments. In preliminary treatment, only heavy particles or floating materials are removed. In primary treatment, conventionally used coagulants such as alum and ferrous sulphate, which are easily available in the market, are added. 'These coagulants form sludge that settles at the bottom of the tank, which needs to be treated again before being released. Some dairy plants just remove the sludge and dispose of it on the ground, which contaminates the soil and causes pollution,' says Mishra. Das further adds that chemical coagulants produce large amounts of sludge which can't be reused. 'The sludge only contains fatty acids, oil, and grease which shouldn't be entering the environment. It should be treated again, but often that doesn't happen,' she says. However, as chemical coagulants are still widely used, the shift towards natural coagulants is a long journey. 'Alum and ferric chloride are already available in the market on a large scale. To encourage the use of natural coagulants, there should be more awareness, and we require greater market availability of these materials,' Mishra says. She also emphasises that natural coagulants require extensive testing before widespread adoption. The focus while exploring dairy wastewater treatment options should be on reuse, Das emphasises. 'We live in the age of water scarcity. Dairy wastewater treatment shouldn't just use eco-friendly methods but also focus on how to make the water reusable. For instance, my study on vermifiltration, in which earthworms are introduced into a filter bed to break down organic pollutants, showed this could be an effective alternative. After vermifiltration, the wastewater can be reused for purposes such as irrigation,' Das explains. However, both Mishra and Das note a lack of research on dairy wastewater and sustainable treatment options. 'More studies on how dairy wastewater affects the environment and the different ways of treating it, particularly more eco-friendly methods, could be beneficial for both humans and the environment,' says Mishra.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida all over The Athletic's 100 best college football rivalries list
College sports take rivalries to a whole new level. Geographic boundaries, conference ties and history all play a role when determining just how strong a rivalry is, and it's safe to say that the Florida Gators have their fair share of enemies. The Athletic's Scott Dochterman recently broke down the top 100 rivalries in college football, and it's no surprise to see the Orange and Blue pop up a handful of times. Both in-state rivals made the cut, and a trio of SEC annual matchups are also on the list. Every Gators fan has a different order of most-hated rivals in their head, but this is how Dochterman sees it. No. 64 Florida vs. LSU Loud fans, loud stadiums and upsets galore make the Florida-LSU rivalry one worth scheduling every season. Things will have a different feel next year as the game is played in September for the first time since 1984, but it should still be the same raucous affair as always. Marco Wilson's shoe throw might be the most memorable moment in recent memory from the series, but these teams have met 25 times as ranked opponents. "It doesn't have the lore or regional appeal of other SEC rivalries, but each of these programs has won two national championships over the past 20 years. This is the annual rivalry that neither side really wants, but it's too good for the SEC to let it expire." The series is tied 34-34-3 No. 58 Florida vs. Miami It makes sense for two of the Sunshine State's top three football programs to have some beef, but these teams meet less often than one would think. Only eight games between 1987 and 2025, including September's game, which is the second half of a home-and-home. Conference expansion is the main reason this matchup isn't a yearly affair. "There's plenty of feistiness between these two programs when they take the field. But their meetings have become so sporadic that the rivalry doesn't measure up to their in-state feuds with Florida State." Miami leads the series 30-27 No. 36 Florida vs. Tennessee Credit the Head Ball Coach for making this rivalry what it was in the 90s. "You can't spell 'Citrus (Bowl)' without U-T," Steve Spurrier said after his Gators beat the Volunteers four years in a row. Now considered the early-season measuring stick for both teams, this clash of former SEC East rivals still holds a large place in the hearts of many Gators fans. "Tennessee and Florida barely resonated for either fan base until they were forced to play one another every year in the SEC East. Once they did, the series sizzled and became the SEC's most competitive rivalry in the 1990s. It doesn't measure up when compared alongside these teams' historical feuds, but it's on the map." Florida leads the series 32-22 No. 12 Florida vs. Georgia There's a large portion of Gator Nation that puts the Florida-Georgia rivalry at No. 1 on their list. While things have been fairly one-sided since 2010, Georgia leads 10-4 during that time, there's still something about a neutral-site game with major recruiting impacts on both sides that gets the blood flowing. There's also the constant stream of liquor flowing at what used to be called the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party to consider. "Each team has important in-state rivalries, but this ranks No. 1 for both programs and their fans. They've yet to have a top-five matchup, but the outcomes often lead directly to an SEC championship participant." Georgia leads the series 56-44-2 No. 9 Florida vs. Florida State Another rivalry that exploded in the '90s — Spurrier simply lived to instigate — the Florida-Florida State feud is in-state competition between publicly funded universities at its best. Bobby Bowden and Steve Spurrier are among college football's greatest coaches, and the two programs met as the Nos. 1 and 2 ranked teams in the country in 1996 regular season and again at Nos. 1 and 3 in the Sugar Bowl. "What was a nice in-state nonconference series turned into one of national consequence during the 1990s. With coaching legends Steve Spurrier and Bobby Bowden on opposite sides, Florida-Florida State set the table for many postseasons. Its annual importance may have diminished, but it's still the most prominent SEC-ACC Thanksgiving weekend feud." Florida leads the series 38-28-2 Just Missed the Cut: Florida vs. Auburn "The Gators and Tigers played annually from 1944-2002, and it was a protected series when the SEC first split into divisions. They have played 84 times (Auburn leads 43-39-2), including 18 ranked battles, but have had just four meetings since 2002. It's just too irregular to make the top 100." Which schools have the most top-100 rivalries? Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Time Business News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Backyards, BBQs, and a Bit of Self-Care: A Real 4th of July Celebration
The Fourth of July is a snapshot of America at its best—sun-soaked afternoons, the scent of delicious barbecue in the air, kids cannonballing into pools, and that quiet pause as the sky bursts into a beautiful display of fireworks. It's a day where nostalgia meets pride, and freedom is felt not just in history books, but in the everyday moments—like a perfect poolside cocktail, the loud laughter from backyard conversations, and the quiet joy of choosing how we show up for ourselves and the people we love. This Independence Day, while we honor those who've fought for our freedoms, we also make space to live them. And part of that? Slowing down. Taking care of ourselves. Making room for the good stuff—sun, laughter, real connection… and maybe even a long, uninterrupted shower. As we gather for fireworks, food, and family, it's also a chance to check in with yourself. A moment for rest. For joy. And if you're refreshing your summer routine, Beauty By Earth's Buy 2, Get 1 Free offer (code: B2G1) is an easy way to stock up on clean, feel-good essentials—while you're already in celebration mode. Start with the Shower Steamers—essential oil-packed tablets that transform your shower into an aromatic escape. Whether you're getting ready for a day of festivities or winding down post-fireworks, there's a scent for every mood: Eucalyptus Mint to breathe, Citrus to boost energy, Lavender Rosemary to help you unwind. Then hit reset with the Face Wash and Exfoliating Scrub—a duo designed to cut through sunscreen, sweat, and summer buildup without overcomplicating your routine. It's skincare that works hard, so you don't have to. And when it's time to rinse off the day? Body Wash in Vanilla Coconut or Peppermint Tea Tree turns a simple shower into something to look forward to—hydrating, refreshing, and never harsh on your skin. Sure, we'll remember the fireworks lighting up the sky, the sizzle of burgers on the grill, and the poolside playlists that hit just right. But maybe this year, we'll also remember the quiet pause—the breath between the celebration. The moment we looked around, felt the sun on our skin, snapped a few selfies with family and friends, and thought: this is freedom. Here's to good vibes, fresh skin, and the freedom to feel confident in your own glow. Whether you're road-tripping, grilling, or just soaking up some well-earned downtime, may this Fourth of July leave you feeling connected, cared for, and camera-ready in all the right ways. Celebrate freedom, feel-good beauty, and everything that makes summer yours—at TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How Citrus Freight is helping SMEs thrive in export markets
Live Events India loses nearly 40% of its agricultural produce to spoilage. 'This points to a massive inefficiency in the way we store and move our perishable items,' said Biplob Barik , Co-founder & CEO, Citrus Freight. He asserted that the country's perishable exports industry needs better cold chain Freight, a Bengaluru-based reefer container shipping company, is working on solving this issue in perishable exports. The firm, which has recently secured Rs 2.5 crore in bridge funding, is offering a tech-enabled platform that enables SME (small and medium enterprise) exporters to book, track, and manage temperature-sensitive shipments in real time. This is helping these small enterprises reduce spoilage and expand market access by over 40%.In 2024, India recorded $50 billion in agricultural exports, with over 60% coming from perishable goods. The average freight value is around $4,000, which means a multi-billion-dollar opportunity is available for cold chain logistics, he said. As export demand rises further and traceability becomes non-negotiable, this segment, according to him, will grow 10x over the next decade. 'Despite this scale, the lack of organised tech-first logistics players remains a concern. Citrus Freight is now building the digital infrastructure to lead this transformation, bringing visibility, efficiency, and global access to India's cold chain economy,' he company offers an AI-enabled booking engine that allows clients to access real-time pricing for their logistical requirements. The platform provides route optimisation and document automation services. These things can collectively reduce booking times from 72 hours to 10 minutes. Citrus offers tailored services for SMB exporters, capable of increasing their market reach by 30-40%. It also offers instant freight quotes, vessel schedules, container inspection, temperature monitoring, insurance, and customs demand for these services growing, Citrus clocked a revenue of Rs 8.5 crore in FY24 and Rs 15.5 crore in FY25. It is now targeting a revenue of Rs 45 crore in to Barik, the lack of an organised, full-stack solution intermediary is a huge barrier for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and producers of perishable products to tap export example, even if a client has quality produce and interested buyers, lack of access to reliable logistics, vessel planning, and compliance support can lead to missed opportunities and delayed shipments, he Nazirkar, CEO of Dhanashree Agro Exports LLP in Kalas, Maharashtra, has been using the services of Citrus Freight for the last six months, and it has made a lot of his operations easier. 'Before Citrus, I had to make a lot of calls and get a lot of approvals to book containers, find freight prices, etc., which caused delays in operations. But with Citrus, it's just one click, and you are good to go. It's now easier to book containers and even get customs clearance. Because of Citrus, the time is reduced, and work is done smoothly,' he Citrus offers a promising solution to the perishable exports market, most agri-exporters, especially SMEs, in India operate informally. Barik said that India's SME agri-exporters have long operated in a fragmented, broker-driven cold chain ecosystem, lacking reliable access to logistics infrastructure, real-time visibility, and digital tools.'As a result, key agri-clusters like Raipur, Sagar, and Nashik interiors face massive spoilage risks owing to poor first-mile connectivity and no temperature control. Exporters struggle to discover accurate freight rates and vessel schedules, as pricing varies by commodity type, carrier preference, and seasonal demand. With inconsistent customs processes, no insurance support, and zero accountability in case of delays or damage, global trade becomes a gamble for smaller exporters,' he spoilage is one of the primary reasons for India contributing just 2% to global exports, despite the country continuing to remain the world's largest producer of fruits, vegetables, meat, and marine products. Citrus claims to be India's first organised cross-border cold logistics platform for perishable and processed food company is now targeting a 10,000-container shipment milestone by 2030, from 1500 in 2024. It is currently positioned in Nhava Sheva Gateway and will be expanding to Mundra Port to cover Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. 'This expansion will reduce inland transit costs and times for exporters in North and Central India. We also aim to expand to South India so that Agri and seafood hubs in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh can be explored,' Barik has international plans in the pipeline as well. It is doubling down on strategic trade lanes—Russia, Iran, the Middle East, the Gulf, and Europe—where Indian produce is in high demand.
ME Construction
04-06-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
Majid Al Futtaim announces contract awards for Ghaf Woods
Industry News Majid Al Futtaim announces contract awards for Ghaf Woods By Spanning 738,000sqm off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near Global Village, Ghaf Woods will feature over 7,000 premium units Majid Al Futtaim has announced two milestones for its forest living concept, Ghaf Woods. These milestones include the establishment of a dedicated tree nursery to support the project's biophilic design concept and the appointment of Innovo Build as the primary contractor for its initial two phases. Ghaf Woods, billed as a model for sustainable forest living in Dubai, will be the cornerstone of this vision. Over the next 18 months, the nursery will grow and nurture thousands of native and climate resilient tree species. Currently, it houses over 10,000 trees, with the figure expected to reach 20,000 by May 2026 and 105,000 shrubs by the same time. By the end of this period, the nursery will expand to accommodate up to 30,000 trees, which will then be transported and replanted across Ghaf Woods. As part of this journey, the US $13.2mn nursery contract has been awarded to Barari Natural Resources, part of Mawarid Holding Investment, who will manage and oversee the trees care and cultivation throughout this journey. The facility will be home to a diverse selection of climate-suitable species, including Acacias, Citrus, Ficus, Melia, Phoenix, Tecomella, Ziziphus, and the iconic Ghaf. All species have been procured from Egypt (Nile Delta), India, Thailand, and the UAE – including Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi. Ghaf Woods is said to be revolutionising the concept of living in harmony with nature. The development's forest ecosystem will surpass the number of residents, serving as a vital 'Green Lung' that purifies the air by up to 20% and lowers temperatures by up to five degrees Celsius compared to other parts of the city. Moreover, these trees will play a crucial role in mitigating soil erosion, conserving water, and creating shaded pathways and green corridors throughout the community, the developer said in its statement. Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties said, 'The concept of Ghaf Woods has been years in the making with a vision for sustainable living at the core. Since its unveiling one year ago, there's been a clear and growing demand from people who are looking for communities that foster a deeper connection with nature and the environment. Our investment in a purpose-built tree nursery, and the partnership with Barari Natural Resources and Mawarid Holding Investment, is a vital step in bringing this vision to life. We're also proud to be working with Innovo Build on the delivery of the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. It is through collaborations like these that we are setting a new benchmark for how nature, lifestyle and premium living can meaningfully coexist.' Kashif Shamsi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mawarid Holding Investment added, 'This nursery is a critical foundation for the forest ecosystem at Ghaf Woods. Our focus is not only on scale but also on biodiversity, resilience, and ensuring every tree contributes meaningfully to the project's long-term environmental impact. As one of the largest plant nursery operators in the GCC, we are proud to collaborate on one of the region's most forward-looking developments, and excited to see the landscape grow from the ground up.' In addition, Innovo Build has been awarded a $463mn contract for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Ghaf Woods, including the construction and completion of 13 buildings with a shared podium level across the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. Known for their expertise in sustainable, high-quality developments, Innovo Build's portfolio spans luxury residences, villa communities, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure. With sustainability at the heart of its operations, Innovo Build will focus on Ghaf Woods' forest living concept, blending contemporary architecture with immersive natural surroundings to create a new standard for urban living in Dubai, the statement added. Sameh Fam, Chief Executive Officer, Innovo Build commented, 'We are proud to partner with Majid Al Futtaim to deliver the early phases of a development as visionary as Ghaf Woods a project that reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and community-centric design. This project redefines traditional construction, and requires us to build in harmony with nature, not around it. Our team will approach this landmark development with the precision, care and focus on sustainability that cements us as a contractor of choice in UAE.' Spanning 738,000sqm off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near Global Village, Ghaf Woods will feature over 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom residences and penthouses. Prioritising wellness, Ghaf Woods promises residents eight kilometres of walking trails, a three-and-a-half-kilometre biking loop, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, family-friendly gardens, and a yoga pavilion. The community will also be home to Majid Al Futtaim's signature multi-purpose hub, Distrikt, which features a curated selection of retail and farm-to-table dining experiences, the statement concluded.
