diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..02d1fc6b4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+# ComfyUI Environment Variables
+
+# Google AI API Key for Nano Banana nodes
+# Get your API key from: https://aistudio.google.com/app/apikey
+GOOGLE_API_KEY=your_google_api_key_here
+
+# Optional: Vertex AI configuration (alternative to GOOGLE_API_KEY)
+# If using Vertex AI with Application Default Credentials (ADC)
+# PROJECT_ID=your-gcp-project-id
+# LOCATION=us-central1
+
+# Timezone
+TZ=America/Chicago
+
+# User/Group IDs (for file permissions)
+PUID=1000
+PGID=1000
+
+# Optional: OpenTelemetry configuration (for observability)
+# Uncomment and configure these if you want to enable OpenTelemetry instrumentation
+# OTEL_EXPORTER_OTLP_ENDPOINT=http://your-otel-collector:4317
+# OTEL_SERVICE_NAME=comfyui
+# OTEL_RESOURCE_ATTRIBUTES=service.name=comfyui
diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 4e8cea71e..c03669a6f 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -24,3 +24,11 @@ web_custom_versions/
 openapi.yaml
 filtered-openapi.yaml
 uv.lock
+
+# Docker
+.dockerignore
+docker-compose.override.yml
+
+# Environment variables
+.env
+!.env.example
diff --git a/Dockerfile b/Dockerfile
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..bc13b3628
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Dockerfile
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+# Build argument for base image selection
+ARG BASE_IMAGE=nvidia/cuda:12.6.3-cudnn-runtime-ubuntu24.04
+
+# ----------------------
+# Stage: Base Runtime
+# ----------------------
+FROM ${BASE_IMAGE} AS base
+
+ENV DEBIAN_FRONTEND=noninteractive
+ENV PIP_PREFER_BINARY=1
+ENV PYTHONUNBUFFERED=1
+
+# Install system dependencies
+RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y \
+    python3.12 python3.12-venv python3-pip git git-lfs wget \
+    libgl1 libglib2.0-0 libsm6 libxext6 libxrender1 \
+    ffmpeg \
+    espeak-ng libespeak-ng1 \
+    build-essential \
+    && git lfs install \
+    && ln -sf /usr/bin/python3.12 /usr/bin/python \
+    && ln -sf /usr/bin/pip3 /usr/bin/pip \
+    && apt-get autoremove -y && apt-get clean -y && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
+
+# OpenTelemetry packages will be installed in the venv by entrypoint script if needed
+
+WORKDIR /app/ComfyUI
+
+# Copy entrypoint and helper scripts
+COPY scripts/docker-entrypoint.sh /app/ComfyUI/scripts/docker-entrypoint.sh
+COPY scripts/comfy-node-install.sh /usr/local/bin/comfy-node-install
+RUN chmod +x /app/ComfyUI/scripts/docker-entrypoint.sh && \
+    chmod +x /usr/local/bin/comfy-node-install
+
+# Set entrypoint
+ENTRYPOINT ["/app/ComfyUI/scripts/docker-entrypoint.sh"]
+
diff --git a/PLAN.md b/PLAN.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..6c4492bfe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/PLAN.md
@@ -0,0 +1,338 @@
+# Nano Banana Environment Configuration
+
+## Issues Identified
+
+1. **ComfyUI-Manager Security Alert**: ComfyUI version outdated; Manager in frozen mode (installations blocked). Defer to separate branch.
+2. **API Key Missing**: `GOOGLE_API_KEY` not configured; Nano Banana fails with "No valid credentials found."
+
+## Design Decisions
+
+- **Local Docker**: Use `.env` file loaded via `docker-compose.yml` `env_file` directive
+- **RunPod Serverless**: Environment variables set in template interface (per [RunPod docs](https://docs.runpod.io/serverless/development/environment-variables)); code reads `os.environ`
+- **Nano Banana Auth**: Supports two methods:
+  - API approach: `GOOGLE_API_KEY` env var (simpler, primary)
+  - Vertex AI: `PROJECT_ID` + `LOCATION` + ADC (optional, document only)
+- **Container Rebuild Strategy**: Clean and rebuild containers before testing to ensure fresh state
+
+## Implementation Steps
+
+### Pre-Hook: Clean and Rebuild Container (Before Testing)
+
+**IMPLEMENTATION:**
+
+- Stop and remove existing containers: `docker compose down` or `docker stop comfy && docker rm comfy`
+- Remove old images (optional, for clean rebuild): `docker compose build --no-cache` or `docker rmi [image-name]`
+- Rebuild Docker image from root `Dockerfile`: `docker compose build`
+- Expected outcome: Fresh container image built from latest Dockerfile
+- Success criteria: Build completes without errors; image ready for testing
+
+**WHEN TO RUN:**
+
+- Before Step 4 (Local validation) - critical
+- Before any testing/validation steps
+- When Dockerfile or entrypoint scripts change
+
+**GIT TRACKING:**
+
+- No commit needed (pre-hook step)
+- Document in PR description as testing prerequisite
+
+**CHECKPOINT:**
+
+- Natural stopping point: After successful build
+- Rollback: Use previous image if build fails
+
+---
+
+### Step 1: Create PLAN.md and .env.example
+
+**IMPLEMENTATION:**
+
+- Create `PLAN.md` at repo root with this plan (living document)
+- Create `.env.example` with `GOOGLE_API_KEY` placeholder and commented Vertex AI vars
+- Expected outcome: Planning artifact tracked; env template ready
+- Success criteria: Both files committed; `.env.example` has clear comments
+
+**GIT TRACKING:**
+
+- Commit after both files created
+- Message: `[ENV-1] Add plan and env example for Nano Banana API keys`
+- Branch: `feature/comfy-nano-banana-setup` (existing)
+- Push: After commit for visibility
+- PR: Update draft PR description with checklist
+
+**USER FEEDBACK TOUCHPOINT:**
+
+- Who: {users}
+- What to show: PR diff showing `.env.example` content
+- Feedback needed: "Does `.env.example` cover your needs? Any additional vars?"
+- Blocking: Non-blocking (proceed if no response)
+
+**CHECKPOINT:**
+
+- Natural stopping point: After commit
+- Rollback: Delete files and revert commit
+
+---
+
+### Step 2: Wire .env into docker-compose.yml
+
+**IMPLEMENTATION:**
+
+- Add `env_file: .env` to `comfyui` service
+- Add `GOOGLE_API_KEY` to `environment` section (passes through from `.env`)
+- Expected outcome: Container receives env vars from `.env` file
+- Success criteria: `docker compose config` shows env_file and environment vars
+
+**GIT TRACKING:**
+
+- Commit after docker-compose.yml change
+- Message: `[ENV-2] Wire .env file into docker-compose for Nano Banana`
+- Branch: Same feature branch
+- Push: After commit
+- PR: Update checklist, add compose snippet to PR description
+
+**USER FEEDBACK TOUCHPOINT:**
+
+- Who: {users}
+- What to show: Diff of docker-compose.yml changes
+- Feedback needed: "Confirm env_file approach works for your local setup"
+- Blocking: Non-blocking
+
+**CHECKPOINT:**
+
+- Natural stopping point: After commit
+- Rollback: Revert docker-compose.yml change
+
+---
+
+### Step 3: Protect secrets in Git
+
+**IMPLEMENTATION:**
+
+- Add `.env` to `.gitignore`
+- Ensure `.env.example` remains tracked (not ignored)
+- Expected outcome: Secrets never committed
+- Success criteria: `git status` shows `.env` ignored; `.env.example` tracked
+
+**GIT TRACKING:**
+
+- Commit after .gitignore update
+- Message: `[ENV-3] Ignore .env file, keep example tracked`
+- Branch: Same feature branch
+- Push: After commit
+- PR: Update checklist
+
+**USER FEEDBACK TOUCHPOINT:**
+
+- Who: {users}
+- What to show: .gitignore diff
+- Feedback needed: "Confirm .env should be ignored"
+- Blocking: Non-blocking
+
+**CHECKPOINT:**
+
+- Natural stopping point: After commit
+- Rollback: Revert .gitignore change
+
+---
+
+### Step 4: Local validation with real API key
+
+**PREREQUISITE: Run Pre-Hook (Clean and Rebuild Container)**
+
+**IMPLEMENTATION:**
+
+- Run pre-hook: Clean containers and rebuild image
+- Create local `.env` file (not committed) with user's `GOOGLE_API_KEY`
+- Start container: `docker compose up -d` (or `docker compose up` for logs)
+- Verify in logs: No "No valid credentials found" error
+- Test in UI: Nano Banana nodes visible and functional
+- Expected outcome: Node authenticates successfully
+- Success criteria: Logs show successful auth; nodes work in ComfyUI UI
+
+**GIT TRACKING:**
+
+- Commit (empty or documentation) after validation
+- Message: `[ENV-4] Validate Nano Banana with env-based API key - validates auth`
+- Branch: Same feature branch
+- Push: After commit
+- PR: Update checklist, attach log snippet showing successful auth
+
+**USER FEEDBACK TOUCHPOINT:**
+
+- Who: {users}
+- What to show: Log snippet showing successful auth; screenshot of nodes in UI
+- Feedback needed: "Confirm API key authentication works; nodes functional?"
+- Blocking: Non-blocking (preferred before merge)
+
+**CHECKPOINT:**
+
+- Natural stopping point: After validation commit
+- Rollback: Remove `.env`, restart container, verify error returns
+
+---
+
+### Step 5: Document RunPod configuration
+
+**IMPLEMENTATION:**
+
+- Update PR description with RunPod env var setup instructions
+- Add note: Set `GOOGLE_API_KEY` in RunPod template env vars (no `.env` file needed)
+- RunPod specific configuration instructions:
+  - Go to RunPod console -> Templates -> [Your Template] -> Edit
+  - Scroll to Environment Variables
+  - Key: `GOOGLE_API_KEY`, Value: [Your API Key]
+  - No need for `.env` file in the container image
+  - Code reads `os.environ` which works for both methods
+- Expected outcome: Clear instructions for RunPod deployment
+- Success criteria: PR description has RunPod section with env var guidance
+
+**GIT TRACKING:**
+
+- Commit (empty or documentation)
+- Message: `[ENV-5] Document RunPod env configuration for Nano Banana`
+- Branch: Same feature branch
+- Push: After commit
+- PR: Update PR description with RunPod section
+
+**USER FEEDBACK TOUCHPOINT:**
+
+- Who: {users}
+- What to show: PR description RunPod section
+- Feedback needed: "Does RunPod env var guidance match your setup?"
+- Blocking: Non-blocking
+
+**CHECKPOINT:**
+
+- Natural stopping point: After commit
+- Rollback: Edit PR description
+
+---
+
+### Step 6: Cleanup planning artifact (pre-merge)
+
+**IMPLEMENTATION:**
+
+- Copy final `PLAN.md` content to PR description
+- Delete `PLAN.md` file
+- Expected outcome: Clean main branch; plan preserved in PR
+- Success criteria: `PLAN.md` removed; PR description has complete plan
+
+**GIT TRACKING:**
+
+- Final commit before merge
+- Message: `[ENV-6] Cleanup planning artifact - plan moved to PR description`
+- Branch: Same feature branch
+- Push: After commit
+- PR: Final PR description update
+
+**USER FEEDBACK TOUCHPOINT:**
+
+- Who: {users}
+- What to show: Final PR ready for review
+- Feedback needed: "Ready for final review and merge?"
+- Blocking: Non-blocking
+
+**CHECKPOINT:**
+
+- Natural stopping point: Before merge
+- Rollback: Restore `PLAN.md` if needed
+
+---
+
+## Communication Templates
+
+### After Step 1 (Initial Setup)
+
+**Notify {users} via PR comment:**
+
+```
+✅ Step 1 Complete: Plan and .env.example created
+
+What's done:
+- Added PLAN.md (living plan document)
+- Created .env.example template with GOOGLE_API_KEY
+
+What you can try:
+- Review .env.example: [link to file in PR]
+
+Specific feedback needed:
+- Does .env.example cover your needs?
+- Any additional environment variables needed?
+
+What's next:
+- Will proceed with docker-compose.yml integration while waiting for feedback
+```
+
+### After Step 4 (Validation)
+
+**Notify {users} via PR comment:**
+
+```
+✅ Step 4 Complete: Local validation successful
+
+What's done:
+- Cleaned and rebuilt container (pre-hook)
+- Wired .env into docker-compose.yml
+- Validated with real API key
+- Nano Banana nodes authenticating successfully
+
+What you can try:
+- Test at http://localhost:8188
+- Log snippet: [attach log showing successful auth]
+- Screenshot: [attach UI showing nodes]
+
+Specific feedback needed:
+- Confirm API key authentication works for you?
+- Nodes functional in UI?
+
+What's next:
+- Will document RunPod configuration while waiting for feedback
+```
+
+---
+
+## Rollback Strategy
+
+**If env config breaks container:**
+
+```bash
+# Remove .env
+rm .env
+# Stop and remove container
+docker compose down
+# Rebuild and restart
+docker compose build && docker compose up -d
+# Revert docker-compose.yml if needed
+git revert [commit-hash]
+```
+
+**If validation fails:**
+
+- Keep error logs in commit message
+- Document in PR description
+- Branch from last good commit if major changes needed
+
+---
+
+## Backlog Items (Separate Branch)
+
+- [ ] ComfyUI version update to resolve Manager frozen mode
+- [ ] OpenTelemetry tracing for Nano Banana errors
+
+## Potential Blockers & Constraints
+
+### Identified Blockers
+
+1. **Container State**: Existing `comfy` container may have stale state - addressed by pre-hook cleanup
+2. **GPU Driver Issues**: Previous `docker compose up` failure due to GPU driver problems - needs investigation
+3. **Nano Banana Installation Status**: Unclear if node is already installed or needs installation
+4. **Container Strategy**: Two containers mentioned (`comfy` vs `comfyui`) - need to standardize approach
+
+### Questions Requiring Clarification
+
+1. **Container Management**: Should we always use `docker compose` commands, or handle standalone `comfy` container?
+2. **GPU Configuration**: What was the specific GPU driver error? May need nvidia-container-toolkit setup.
+3. **Nano Banana Node**: Is ComfyUI_Nano_Banana already installed, or do we need to add installation step?
+4. **Testing Environment**: Are there any constraints on when/how containers can be rebuilt (e.g., data persistence concerns)?
diff --git a/RUNPOD_SETUP.md b/RUNPOD_SETUP.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..08a06b35e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/RUNPOD_SETUP.md
@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+# RunPod Deployment Configuration
+
+This document describes how to configure environment variables for ComfyUI when deploying to RunPod Serverless.
+
+## Environment Variables Setup
+
+### Required: Google API Key for Nano Banana
+
+1. Go to [RunPod Console](https://www.runpod.io/console/serverless)
+2. Navigate to **Templates** → Select your ComfyUI template → **Edit**
+3. Scroll to **Environment Variables** section
+4. Add the following variable:
+   - **Key**: `GOOGLE_API_KEY`
+   - **Value**: Your Google AI API key (get one from [Google AI Studio](https://aistudio.google.com/app/apikey))
+
+### Optional: Vertex AI Configuration
+
+If you prefer to use Vertex AI instead of the Google AI API:
+
+- **Key**: `PROJECT_ID`
+- **Value**: Your GCP project ID
+- **Key**: `LOCATION`
+- **Value**: `us-central1` (or your preferred region)
+
+**Note:** Vertex AI requires Application Default Credentials (ADC) to be configured in your container image.
+
+### Optional: OpenTelemetry Configuration
+
+For observability and monitoring:
+
+- **Key**: `OTEL_EXPORTER_OTLP_ENDPOINT`
+- **Value**: `http://your-otel-collector:4317`
+- **Key**: `OTEL_SERVICE_NAME`
+- **Value**: `comfyui`
+- **Key**: `OTEL_RESOURCE_ATTRIBUTES`
+- **Value**: `service.name=comfyui`
+
+## How It Works
+
+The ComfyUI Docker image is configured to read environment variables directly from `os.environ`, which means:
+
+1. **Local Development**: Variables are loaded from `.env` file via `docker-compose.yml`
+2. **RunPod Deployment**: Variables are set in the RunPod template interface
+3. **Code Compatibility**: No code changes needed—both methods use `os.environ`
+
+## Verification
+
+After setting the environment variables in RunPod:
+
+1. Deploy or restart your serverless endpoint
+2. Check the logs for "GOOGLE_API_KEY" to verify it's set
+3. Test Nano Banana nodes to confirm authentication works
+
+## Differences from Local Setup
+
+| Aspect | Local (Docker Compose) | RunPod Serverless |
+|--------|----------------------|-------------------|
+| **Config Method** | `.env` file | RunPod template UI |
+| **GPU Support** | Optional (can run CPU mode) | Typically GPU-enabled |
+| **Persistence** | Docker volumes | RunPod storage |
+| **API Key Storage** | Local `.env` (gitignored) | RunPod environment vars |
+
+## Security Notes
+
+- Environment variables in RunPod are encrypted at rest
+- Never commit `.env` files with real API keys to Git
+- Rotate your API keys periodically
+- Use different API keys for development vs production if possible
+
diff --git a/docker-compose.override.yml.example b/docker-compose.override.yml.example
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..98e78bf8d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docker-compose.override.yml.example
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+# Example override file to disable GPU for testing
+# Copy this to docker-compose.override.yml to use CPU-only mode
+services:
+  comfyui:
+    deploy:
+      resources:
+        reservations:
+          devices: []
+    # Remove ipc: host if not using GPU
+    # ipc: host
+
+
diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b952f1c07
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docker-compose.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+services:
+  comfyui:
+    build:
+      context: .
+      dockerfile: Dockerfile
+    container_name: comfyui
+    ports:
+      - "8189:8188"
+    # Temporarily disabled for testing without GPU
+    # deploy:
+    #   resources:
+    #     reservations:
+    #       devices:
+    #         - driver: nvidia
+    #           count: all
+    #           capabilities: [gpu]
+    # ipc: host
+    env_file:
+      - .env
+    volumes:
+      - .:/app/ComfyUI                    # Mount local repo (for git checkout updates)
+      - comfyui-models:/app/ComfyUI/models      # Persist models
+      - comfyui-output:/app/ComfyUI/output      # Persist outputs
+      - comfyui-input:/app/ComfyUI/input        # Persist inputs
+      - comfyui-custom-nodes:/app/ComfyUI/custom_nodes  # Persist custom nodes
+      - comfyui-user:/app/ComfyUI/user          # Persist user settings/workflows
+      - comfyui-venv:/app/venv                  # Cache virtualenv
+    environment:
+      - GOOGLE_API_KEY=${GOOGLE_API_KEY}
+      - TZ=America/Chicago
+      - PUID=1000
+      - PGID=1000
+      - COMFYUI_ARGS=--cpu
+      - INSTALL_NANO_BANANA=true
+      # OpenTelemetry environment variables (optional - set if you want OTEL)
+      # - OTEL_EXPORTER_OTLP_ENDPOINT=http://your-otel-collector:4317
+      # - OTEL_SERVICE_NAME=comfyui
+      # - OTEL_RESOURCE_ATTRIBUTES=service.name=comfyui
+    restart: unless-stopped
+
+volumes:
+  comfyui-models:
+  comfyui-output:
+  comfyui-input:
+  comfyui-custom-nodes:
+  comfyui-user:
+  comfyui-venv:
+
diff --git a/scripts/comfy-node-install.sh b/scripts/comfy-node-install.sh
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d9370689b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/comfy-node-install.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# comfy-node-install - Install ComfyUI custom nodes from GitHub repositories
+# Usage: comfy-node-install <repo-url> [repo-url2 ...]
+
+set -e
+
+COMFYUI_DIR="${COMFYUI_DIR:-/app/ComfyUI}"
+CUSTOM_NODES_DIR="${COMFYUI_DIR}/custom_nodes"
+
+# Ensure custom_nodes directory exists
+mkdir -p "${CUSTOM_NODES_DIR}"
+
+install_node() {
+    local repo_url="$1"
+    if [ -z "$repo_url" ]; then
+        echo "Error: Repository URL is required"
+        return 1
+    fi
+
+    # Extract repository name from URL
+    local repo_name=$(basename "${repo_url}" .git)
+    
+    # Handle full GitHub URLs or just repo paths
+    if [[ "$repo_url" != http* ]]; then
+        repo_url="https://github.com/${repo_url}"
+    fi
+
+    local target_dir="${CUSTOM_NODES_DIR}/${repo_name}"
+
+    echo "Installing custom node: ${repo_name} from ${repo_url}"
+
+    # Remove existing installation if it exists
+    if [ -d "${target_dir}" ]; then
+        echo "  Removing existing installation..."
+        rm -rf "${target_dir}"
+    fi
+
+    # Clone the repository
+    if [ -n "${GIT_LFS_SKIP_SMUDGE}" ]; then
+        GIT_TERMINAL_PROMPT=0 GIT_LFS_SKIP_SMUDGE=1 git clone --depth 1 "${repo_url}" "${target_dir}"
+    else
+        GIT_TERMINAL_PROMPT=0 git clone --depth 1 "${repo_url}" "${target_dir}"
+    fi
+
+    echo "  Successfully installed ${repo_name}"
+}
+
+# Install all provided repositories
+for repo_url in "$@"; do
+    install_node "${repo_url}"
+done
+
diff --git a/scripts/docker-entrypoint.sh b/scripts/docker-entrypoint.sh
new file mode 100755
index 000000000..668d76eb4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/docker-entrypoint.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Docker entrypoint script for ComfyUI
+# Handles virtual environment setup, dependency installation, custom nodes, and optional OTEL instrumentation
+
+set -e
+
+COMFYUI_DIR="/app/ComfyUI"
+VENV_DIR="/app/venv"
+WORKDIR="${COMFYUI_DIR}"
+CUSTOM_NODES_DIR="${COMFYUI_DIR}/custom_nodes"
+
+cd "${WORKDIR}"
+
+# Create virtual environment if it doesn't exist
+if [ ! -f "${VENV_DIR}/bin/activate" ]; then
+    echo "Creating virtual environment..."
+    python -m venv "${VENV_DIR}"
+fi
+
+# Activate virtual environment
+source "${VENV_DIR}/bin/activate"
+
+# Upgrade pip
+pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
+
+# Install PyTorch with CUDA 12.6 support
+echo "Installing PyTorch with CUDA 12.6..."
+pip install --no-cache-dir torch torchvision torchaudio --index-url https://download.pytorch.org/whl/cu126
+
+# Install ComfyUI requirements (upgrade ensures packages match requirements.txt)
+echo "Installing ComfyUI requirements..."
+pip install --upgrade --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt
+
+# Install OpenTelemetry packages if OTEL endpoint is configured
+if [ -n "${OTEL_EXPORTER_OTLP_ENDPOINT}" ]; then
+    echo "Installing OpenTelemetry packages..."
+    pip install --no-cache-dir opentelemetry-distro opentelemetry-exporter-otlp
+fi
+
+# Explicitly ensure frontend package matches requirements.txt version
+echo "Verifying frontend package version..."
+REQUIRED_FRONTEND_VERSION=$(grep "^comfyui-frontend-package==" requirements.txt | cut -d'=' -f3)
+if [ -n "$REQUIRED_FRONTEND_VERSION" ]; then
+    echo "Installing frontend package version: $REQUIRED_FRONTEND_VERSION"
+    pip install --upgrade --force-reinstall --no-cache-dir "comfyui-frontend-package==${REQUIRED_FRONTEND_VERSION}"
+else
+    echo "Warning: Could not determine required frontend version from requirements.txt"
+fi
+
+# Optional: Install curated custom nodes (can be enabled via environment variable)
+if [ "${INSTALL_CURATED_NODES:-false}" = "true" ]; then
+    echo "Installing curated custom nodes..."
+    export COMFYUI_DIR="${COMFYUI_DIR}"
+    comfy-node-install \
+        https://github.com/city96/ComfyUI-GGUF \
+        https://github.com/rgthree/rgthree-comfy \
+        https://github.com/ClownsharkBatwing/RES4LYF \
+        https://github.com/giriss/comfy-image-saver || echo "Warning: Some custom nodes failed to install"
+fi
+
+# Optional: Install Nano Banana node (can be enabled via environment variable)
+if [ "${INSTALL_NANO_BANANA:-false}" = "true" ]; then
+    echo "Installing Nano Banana custom node..."
+    export COMFYUI_DIR="${COMFYUI_DIR}"
+    comfy-node-install https://github.com/ru4ls/ComfyUI_Nano_Banana || echo "Warning: Nano Banana clone failed"
+    
+    # Install Nano Banana dependencies if requirements.txt exists
+    if [ -f "${CUSTOM_NODES_DIR}/ComfyUI_Nano_Banana/requirements.txt" ]; then
+        echo "Installing Nano Banana dependencies..."
+        pip install --no-cache-dir -r "${CUSTOM_NODES_DIR}/ComfyUI_Nano_Banana/requirements.txt" || echo "Warning: Nano Banana dependencies installation failed"
+    fi
+fi
+
+# Check if OpenTelemetry endpoint is configured
+if [ -n "${OTEL_EXPORTER_OTLP_ENDPOINT}" ]; then
+    echo "OpenTelemetry endpoint detected, enabling instrumentation..."
+    exec opentelemetry-instrument \
+        --traces_exporter otlp \
+        --metrics_exporter otlp \
+        --logs_exporter otlp \
+        python main.py --listen 0.0.0.0 --port 8188 ${COMFYUI_ARGS:-} "$@"
+else
+    echo "Starting ComfyUI without OpenTelemetry instrumentation..."
+    exec python main.py --listen 0.0.0.0 --port 8188 ${COMFYUI_ARGS:-} "$@"
+fi
+
diff --git a/scripts/verify-env.sh b/scripts/verify-env.sh
new file mode 100755
index 000000000..53bb0c408
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/verify-env.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Verification script to ensure .env file is properly loaded into container
+# This script verifies that GOOGLE_API_KEY is accessible in the ComfyUI container
+
+set -e
+
+echo "=== Environment Variable Verification ==="
+echo ""
+
+# Check if .env file exists
+if [ ! -f ".env" ]; then
+    echo "ERROR: .env file not found in current directory"
+    exit 1
+fi
+echo "PASS: .env file exists"
+
+# Check if GOOGLE_API_KEY is in .env file
+if ! grep -q "^GOOGLE_API_KEY=" .env; then
+    echo "ERROR: GOOGLE_API_KEY not found in .env file"
+    exit 1
+fi
+echo "PASS: GOOGLE_API_KEY found in .env file"
+
+# Check docker-compose config
+echo ""
+echo "=== Docker Compose Configuration ==="
+if docker compose config 2>/dev/null | grep -q "GOOGLE_API_KEY"; then
+    echo "PASS: GOOGLE_API_KEY found in docker-compose config"
+    docker compose config | grep -A 2 "GOOGLE_API_KEY" | head -3
+else
+    echo "ERROR: GOOGLE_API_KEY not found in docker-compose config"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Check if container is running
+if ! docker compose ps | grep -q "Up"; then
+    echo ""
+    echo "WARNING: Container is not running. Start it with: docker compose up -d"
+    exit 0
+fi
+
+echo ""
+echo "=== Container Environment Verification ==="
+
+# Check environment variable in container
+if docker compose exec -T comfyui env | grep -q "GOOGLE_API_KEY="; then
+    echo "PASS: GOOGLE_API_KEY is set in container environment"
+    # Show first few characters for verification (don't expose full key)
+    API_KEY_PREVIEW=$(docker compose exec -T comfyui env | grep "GOOGLE_API_KEY=" | cut -d'=' -f2 | cut -c1-10)
+    echo "   Preview: GOOGLE_API_KEY=${API_KEY_PREVIEW}..."
+else
+    echo "ERROR: GOOGLE_API_KEY not found in container environment"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Verify Python can access it
+echo ""
+echo "=== Python Environment Access ==="
+if docker compose exec -T comfyui python -c "import os; key = os.environ.get('GOOGLE_API_KEY'); print('PASS: Python can access GOOGLE_API_KEY:', 'YES' if key else 'NO')" 2>/dev/null | grep -q "YES"; then
+    echo "PASS: Python can access GOOGLE_API_KEY via os.environ"
+else
+    echo "ERROR: Python cannot access GOOGLE_API_KEY"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+echo ""
+echo "=== Verification Complete ==="
+echo "PASS: All checks passed! GOOGLE_API_KEY is properly configured."
+echo ""
+echo "To test Nano Banana authentication:"
+echo "  1. Ensure Nano Banana is installed in custom_nodes/"
+echo "  2. Access ComfyUI at http://localhost:8189"
+echo "  3. Check logs: docker compose logs comfyui | grep -i 'nano\|banana\|credentials'"
+