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The timing and efficiency of arsenic (As) accumulation is crucial for using the hyperaccumulator P. vittata in remediation of As-contaminated soils. In this study, through an innovative microXRF-based approach, using a new "pinna powder" sampling method, we monitored As accumulation over time in fronds of individual P. vittata plants grown in the greenhouse and in the field on two natural soils, with high (750 mg/kg) and moderate (58.4 mg/kg) As concentrations. Results, validated by multivariant statistical analysis show that the peak of As occurs on both soils at 45/60 days and at 100/120 days in greenhouse and field grown plants, respectively. Furthermore, in field trials, the timing of As accumulation in both soils was similar during the first autumn-winter and the second spring-summer phytoextraction cycle. After the two cycles, soil As content was reduced by 70.4% in the high-As soil and 26.4% in the moderate one. Moreover, candidate genes involved in As hyperaccumulation -the arsenite antiporter PvACR3 , the As (V)-reductases Pv2.5-8 and the organic cation transporter PvOCT4 - are expressed in response to As in field-grown plants with similar kinetics in both soils. In conclusion, we established by this innovative technique, the timing of maximum As accumulation that is linked to the intrinsic hyperaccumulation mechanism and represents a highly powerful tool to set up the duration of phytoextraction cycles. [Display omitted] • Development of a microXRF-based technique to monitor As accumulation in P. vittata. • Field-grown ferns at high and moderate As show an As accumulation peak between 100/120 days. • PvACR3, Pv2.5.8 and PvOCT4 expression in field-grown ferns responds to As in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), such as other cereals, contains several interesting bioactive compounds mostly found within the coating structure of the kernel; also, these structures included in the bran fractions, contain the highest concentration of both minerals and organic contaminants (mycotoxins). The purpose of this project was to employ the micronization and air‐classification technology to obtain fewer refined milling fractions with an adequate good quality in regard to safety and nutritional aspects to manufacture end products (e.g., pasta). Findings: The results have identified the milling fraction as the best compromise among satisfactory technological traits, high decrease of cadmium (−83%) and lead (−59%) in comparison to the whole grain, high content of iron (+37%), and the maintenance of useful elements (calcium, potassium, and magnesium). A significant decrease of the deoxynivalenol (−16%) content, as compared with the micronized sample, and a not significant increase (+19%), if compared with semolina, have occurred. Conclusions: The air‐classification process has been used as an appropriate tool to reach a good compromise between minerals and deoxynivalenol content in milling fractions. Significance and novelty: The same process has proved to be a proper technology to produce high‐quality mixtures suitable to obtain both healthier end products and better raw matter exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, Lithuania obligates to ensure sustainable growth, gain and maintain good condition of marine environment until 2020. In accordance with the sustainability approach, every potential cost and energy cutting as well as social sustainability measure for wastewater treatment should be explored. Nonetheless, Lithuania wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in the sustainability context have never been evaluated before. A comprehensive set of 30 sustainable development indicators (SDI) (9 functional, 11 environmental, 5 economical and 6 socio-cultural) in connection with functional unit were applied to medium-sized Jurbarkas WWTP (with a capacity of 2,540 m³/d). Sustainability evaluation involved life cycle of WWTP maintenance phase as well as water inlet, outlet and manufacturing. Results revealed that in the general context of sustainability the stability of plant varied greatly. Nine SDI haven't reached the sustainability approach. Graphically systemized results in the four sustainability categories have shown that relatively highest environmental impact regarding the maximum covered plot is caused due to an economical unsustainability. Operational and maintenance costs per volume of wastewater treated were approximately 2.23 higher than the cost to consumers per one cubic meter of wastewater treated, therefore depreciation, repairs, material costs and wastewater treatment costs accounted to 87%. Methodology by using SDI for estimating sustainability of WWTP is adaptable to different capacity or technology of WWTP, comparable, simple to develop and improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic is a ubiquitous metalloid in the biosphere, and its origin can be either geogenic or anthropic. Four oxidation states (−3, 0, +3 and + 5) characterize organic and inorganic As- compounds. Although arsenic is reportedly a toxicant, its harmful effects are closely related to its chemical form: inorganic compounds are most toxic, followed by organic ones and finally by arsine gas. Although drinking water is the primary source of arsenic exposure to humans, the metalloid enters the food chain through its uptake by crops, the extent of which is tightly dependent on its phytoavailability. Arsenate is taken up by roots via phosphate carriers, while arsenite is taken up by a subclass of aquaporins (NIP), some of which involved in silicon (Si) transport. NIP and Si transporters are also involved in the uptake of methylated forms of As. Once taken up, its distribution is regulated by the same type of transporters albeit with mobility efficiencies depending on As forms and its accumulation generally occurs in the following decreasing order: roots > stems > leaves > fruits (seeds). Besides providing a survey on the uptake and transport mechanisms in higher plants, this review reports on measures able to reducing plant uptake and the ensuing transfer into edible parts. On the one hand, these measures include a variety of plant-based approaches including breeding, genetic engineering of transport systems, graft/rootstock combinations, and mycorrhization. On the other hand, they include agronomic practices with a particular focus on the use of inorganic and organic amendments, treatment of irrigation water, and fertilization. • Human consumption of agricultural foodstuffs contaminated with arsenic is a relevant route of exposure to this metalloid. • As contamination in edible crops is due to its presence in soil and irrigation water. • Health hazards in food depend on As speciation and bioavailability. • Several measures are available to reduce arsenic transfer to edible plant tissues. • These measures can be divided into plant-oriented and indirect techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]