Zeolites are crystalline micro porous aluminosilicate materials that have become indispensable in modern science and industry due to their unique structural, chemical, and catalytic properties. They possess a three-dimensional framework composed of interconnected silicon (SiO?) and aluminum (AlO?) tetrahedra linked through shared oxygen atoms, creating a regular system of channels and cavities of molecular dimensions. These pores enable zeolites to selectively adsorb molecules based on size, shape, and polarity, making them effective molecular sieves, ion exchangers, and heterogeneous catalysts. Since their discovery in 1756 by the Swedish mineralogist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt, zeolites have evolved from naturally occurring minerals into highly engineered synthetic materials with tailored compositions and pore architectures. Today, more than 250 distinct zeolite framework types have been identified, each exhibiting unique structural characteristics and application potential. Natural zeolites such as clinoptilolite, mordenite, and chabazite are widely used in environmental remediation, agriculture, and water purification, whereas synthetic zeolites such as Zeolite A, Zeolite X, Zeolite Y, Beta, and ZSM-5 dominate industrial catalysis, petrochemical processing, gas separation, and detergent manufacturing. The remarkable properties of zeolites?including high surface area, excellent thermal stability, adjustable acidity, high ion-exchange capacity, and exceptional adsorption characteristics? have established them as one of the most versatile classes of functional materials. Recent advances in nanotechnology, materials engineering, and green chemistry have further expanded their applications into energy storage, carbon dioxide capture, hydrogen production, biomedical engineering, drug delivery, and renewable energy systems.This review provides a detailed discussion of the historical development, crystal chemistry, framework structure, classification, physicochemical properties, synthesis methods, characterization techniques, catalytic mechanisms, adsorption behavior, and diverse applications of natural and synthetic zeolites. The review also examines current research trends, technological challenges, and future prospects for zeolite-based materials in sustainable industrial development.

Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as persistent contaminants in agricultural ecosystems due to the extensive use of plastic mulches, greenhouse films, irrigation systems, sewage sludge, compost, fertilizers, and atmospheric deposition. Their accumulation in agricultural soils poses significant threats to soil quality, crop productivity, ecosystem functioning, and food safety. Recent studies indicate that MPs alter soil physical properties by modifying aggregate stability, bulk density, porosity, and water-holding capacity, while simultaneously influencing soil chemical characteristics, including nutrient availability, pH, cation exchange capacity, and organic carbon dynamics. Microplastics also disrupt soil microbial diversity, enzyme activities, and nutrient cycling, thereby affecting essential ecosystem services. Increasing evidence demonstrates that micro- and nanoplastics can be absorbed by plant roots through apoplastic and symplastic pathways and subsequently translocated to edible tissues, leading to reductions in seed germination, root development, photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and crop yield. Furthermore, MPs act as vectors for heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics, and pathogenic microorganisms, raising concerns regarding food quality, antibiotic resistance, and human health. This review critically synthesizes recent advances in understanding the sources, occurrence, transport, environmental fate, and ecological impacts of microplastics in agricultural systems. The review also discusses current mitigation strategies, biodegradable alternatives, remediation technologies, and future research priorities aimed at minimizing microplastic contamination while promoting sustainable agricultural production. Developing integrated management strategies is essential for protecting soil health, ensuring food security, and achieving long-term environmental sustainability.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) is an important commercial ornamental crop widely cultivated for cut flowers, loose flowers, pot plants and garden decoration. Its flowering behaviour is significantly influenced by photoperiod, temperature and environmental conditions, making crop regulation essential for achieving uniform flowering, improved flower quality and year-round production. Crop regulation involves cultural, physical and chemical practices to manipulate plant growth and flowering according to market demand. Important cultural practices include variety selection, appropriate planting time, pinching, disbudding and optimum spacing. Physical methods, such as photoperiod manipulation through artificial lighting and blackout systems, along with temperature management, help regulate flowering time. Plant growth regulators, including chlormequat chloride, daminozide, paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid are used to manage plant height, stem length and flower development. Balanced nutrition and proper irrigation further support healthy growth and flowering. Integrating these techniques enables growers to improve flower yield, quality, uniformity and economic returns while facilitating offseason production and meeting increasing market demand.