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Cadmium contamination in croplands is recognized one of the major threat, seriously affecting soil health and sustainable agriculture around the globe. Cd mobility in wastewater irrigated soils can be curtailed through eco-friendly and cost effective organic soil amendments (biochars) that eventually minimizes its translocation from soil to plant. This study explored the possible effects of various types of plants straw biochar as soil amendments on cadmium (Cd) phytoavailability in wastewater degraded soil and its subsequent accumulation in sunflower tissues. The studied biochars including rice straw (RS), wheat straw (WS), acacia (AC) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) to wastewater irrigated soil containing Cd. Sunflower plant was grown as a test plant and Cd accumulation was recorded in its tissues, antioxidant enzymatic activity chlorophyll contents, plant biomass, yield and soil properties (pH, NPK, OM and Soluble Cd) were also examined. Results revealed that addition of biochar significantly minimized Cd mobility in soil by 53.4%, 44%, 41% and 36% when RS, WS, AC and SB were added at 2% over control. Comparing the control soil, biochar amended soil effectively reduced Cd uptake via plants shoots by 71.7%, 60.6%, 59% and 36.6%, when RS, WS, AC and SB. Among all the biochar, rice husk induced biochar significantly reduced oxidative stress and reduced SOD, POD and CAT activity by 49%, 40.5% and 46.5% respectively over control. In addition, NPK were significantly increased among all the added biochars in soil–plant system as well as improved chlorophyll contents relative to non-bioachar amended soil. Thus, among all the amendments, rice husk and wheat straw biochar performed well and might be considered the suitable approach for sunflower growth in polluted soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilm forming ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa make them vulnerable, because it makes them recalcitrant against various antibiotics. Quorum sensing (QS) is cell density based signaling that helps in bacterial cell–cell communication, which regulated various virulence factors such as pigment and biofilm formation that contribute in the establishment of chronic infections. The interruption of QS is one of the effective approach to control various virulence factors. Present study was intended with the aim to authenticate antibiofilm potential in different solvents based extracts of selected medicinal plant species viz. Berginia ciliata , Clematis grata and Clematis viticella traditionally used by the inhabitants of Himalayan region of Pakistan to treat various pathogenic diseases. P. aeruginosa PAO1, an opportunistic pathogen and involves in various life-threatening infections specifically in immune deficient patients was used as a model pathogen. Plants were extracted in various organic (ethanol, methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, hexane, chloroform) as well as in aqueous solvents and their ability to inhibit biofilm was measured. Biofilm of PAO1 was grown in Jensen's medium while growing at 30 °C and crystal violet assay was performed to assess the biofilm inhibiting activity of plant extracts. Solvents play a vital role in extraction of plant components and it was found that the plants in various solvents exhibit different activity against the PAO1 biofilm. Comparatively, 1% methanolic extract of B. ciliata (rhizome with skin), showed more than 80% inhibition of biofilm formation without effecting on the growth of the bacterium. Significant correlation between flavonoids content and antibiofilm activity in methanolic extract revealed the contribution of secondary metabolites in P. aeruginosa (PAO1) biofilm inhibition. Our study revealed that plants under investigation more specifically B. ciliata could be a potential candidate for drug discovery to treat P. aeruginosa PAO1, induced infectious diseases especially for its biofilm treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of specially designed nanoparticles with proteins is the basis of formation of a nanoparticle-protein corona. Silver nanoparticles and molecules have been used in many fields due to their strong antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi. E. coli is a Gram-negative bacteria that has the genome completely sequenced and determined majority of its protein 3D structures. Nitrate Reductase A is a cellular protein often found in many bacteria that uses nitrate as an electron acceptor during anaerobic growth. The enzyme is composed of three different chains α, β and γ, all having properties of metal binding regions and domains. Bioinformatics tools were used to investigate the structure, domains, interactomes, and docking sites of E. coli Nitrate Reductase A in order to predict the possible site of interaction of silver nitrate AgNO 3 with the protein. The 3D structure of the NAR A protein was predicted with the Phyre2 protein modeling software. The generated structures from Phyre2 were validated and evaluated by analysis of Ramachandran plots using RAMPAGE online software. To understand the evolutionary relationships between the subunits of Nitrate Reductase A, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using Phylogeny.fr. All cysteine and histidine residues in amino acid sequences were identified; 3D structure of subunits predicted together with Ramachandran plots, and the electrostatic potential was computed using various bioinformatics tools. The reactive cationic property of silver ion leads to attachment to specific anionic regions and active sites of the three subunits causing in many prokaryotic cells deactivation of nitrate reductase. Obtained results showed the possible sites of attachment of silver ions and their reactivity with domains that have metal bonding properties. In silico analysis of silver nanoparticles and nitrate reductase is helpful to treat various infections diseases caused by E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chloroplasts genome encodes several key proteins that involves in the process of the photosynthesis and also in other metabolic processes important for growth and development, yield, biomass, and plant interactions with their environment. The present study aimed to sequencing of cp genome of Fagonia indica Burm.f (Zygophyllaceae), -a plant that occurs even in the hot desert condition of the inner zone of Rub′ al-Khali (the Empty Quarter) of south-central Arabia, and its comparative analyses with the representative of the sequence of the different categories [viz. (a) with the other member of the family Zygophyllaceae, and with the representatives from: (b) different clade of the angiosperms, (c) flowering plants occurs in different major habitats, (d) different groups of plants, (e) different group of plants having range of biomass, (f) C3 and C4 plants, and (g) the representative from very common, rare and major high yielding crop of the world] to unravel the genetic pattern of similarity and variations. The comparison of F. indica genome in different categories showed strong evidence and further support for the conservative pattern of chloroplast genome, the coding and non-coding region remains conserved even in phylogenetically distant eukaryotic clades, and might not have the sole roles in organism′s yield, rarity or abundance and biomass, and in encountering the stress. Nevertheless, the result could be useful for molecular phylogenetic and molecular ecological and molecular mechanism of photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solena amplexicaulis (Lam.) Gandhi (Family Cucurbitaceae) is one of the important plant species used by the Irula tribes of Walayar valley of southern Western Ghats, India for the management of diabetes. To confirm the antidiabetic property of S. amplexicaulis , the present study was addressed using crude methanolic leaf extract of S. amplexicaulis (MeOHSa) and its isolated compound, Forskolin against streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), blood glucose, lipid profile, serum liver markers, antioxidants, hemoglobin and glycogen were evaluated using standard procedure. The oral administration of Forskolin and MeOHSa (600 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days resulted in significant restoration of all these parameters supported by histopathological observations too. The results clearly suggest that the Forskolin (diterpene) possess potent antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities, which may be considered as a lead molecule for therapeutic purposes, and the source of Forskolin i.e. S. amplexicaulis can be further exploited for pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study was to assess the presence of microplastics in the water and sediments of the Surakarta city river basin in Indonesia. In order to accurately reflect the river basin, a deliberate selection process was employed to choose three separate sampling locations and twelve sampling points. The results of the study revealed that fragments and fibers were the primary types of microplastics seen in both water and sediment samples. Furthermore, a considerable percentage of microplastics, comprising 53.8 % of the total, had dimensions below 1 mm. Moreover, the prevailing hues identified in the water samples were blue and black, comprising 45.1 % of the overall composition. In contrast, same color categories accounted for 23.3 % of the microplastics found in the soil samples. The analysis of microplastic polymers was carried out utilizing ATR–FTIR spectroscopy, which yielded the identification of various types including polystyrene, silicone polymer, polyester, and polyamide. • The presence of microplastics in Surakarta city river basin is investigated. • Three sampling stations were chosen for water and sediment samples. • Fragments and fibers were the primary types of microplastics. • Samples contained polystyrene, silicone polymer, polyester, and polyamide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of dye disposal into the environment has received considerable critical attention. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the biodegradation and detoxification of Solvent Green 3 (SG3) by halophilic Hortaea sp. For toxicity examination, SG3 (before and after degradation) was inspected against two plants, which are Sorghum vulgare and Triticum aestivum. The maximum specific growth rate of the bacterium was 0.13 h−1. The fastest duration for the complete removal of the dye and chemical oxygen demand was achieved at the lowest concentration of the dye. The presence of Cu2+ performed a higher removal capability compared to other employed metal ions. The 1,2-dioxygenase performed the highest enzymatic activity (up to 488 U/L). The 1,2-dioxygenase and laccase were responsible for the biodegradation and detoxification of SG3. SG3 can be degraded by Hortaea sp. into lower toxicity compounds via two routes, which are initially transformed into 1,4-diaminoanthracene-9,10-dione and p-toluidine before degraded into phthalic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, respectively. The biodegraded product of SG3 achieved better the germination percentage, plumule, and radical lengths of the plants compared to SG3. In general, this study revealed that the dye can be completely removed by the bacterium and can be transformed into lower toxicity compounds. • Biotransformation and detoxification of SG3 using Hortaea sp. were investigated. • Toxicity properties of SG3 and the degraded product were examined against plants. • The dye and chemical oxygen demand can be completely removed by Hortaea sp. • 1,2-Dioxygenase and laccase were responsible for biodegradation of SG3. • SG3 can be degraded by Hortaea sp. into lower toxicity compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The alterations in somatic genomes that controls the mechanism of cell division as a main cause of cancer, and then the drug that specifically toxic to the cancer cells further complicates the process of the development of the widely effective potential anticancer drug. The side effects of the drug as well as the radiotherapy used for the treatment of cancer is severe; therefore, the search of the natural products from the sources of wild plants having anticancer potential is become immense importance today. The ethno-medicinal survey undertaken in Al-Fayfa and Wadi-E-Damad region of southern Saudi Arabia revealed that the Caralluma retrospiciens (Ehrenb.) N.E.Br. (family Apocynaceae) is being used for the treatment of cancer by the native inhabitants. The biological evaluation of anticancer potential of bioassay-guided fractionations of methanolic extract of whole plant of C. retrospiciens against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) followed by characterization using spectroscopic methods confirmed the presence of methyl β-lilacinobioside, a novel active constituent reported for the first time from C. retrospiciens , is capable of inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by regulating ROS mediated autophagy, and thus validated the folkloric claim. Based on a small-scale computational target screening, Topoisomerase II was identified as the potential binding target of methyl β-lilacinobioside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The development of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacterial strains has drawn attention to the quest for new natural antibacterial drugs. Therefore, in the present study, extracts of Rumex hastatus leaves were obtained in methanol and water, and R. hastatus -based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized. Structural and functional properties of synthesized silver nanoparticles were determined by UV–vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR and SEM. The synthesized AgNPs and crude extracts were tested to check their antibacterial potential against human pathogenic bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus haemoliticus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in well diffusion and broth dilution methods. The present investigation has revealed for the first time that the broth dilution method was found more reproducible than that of the well diffusion method even at lower concentrations of AgNPs and crude extracts. UV– Vis spectroscopic analysis of AgNPs revealed a peak at 367 nm. XRD pattern showed a face-centered cubical to the spherical structure of AgNP crystals. FTIR analysis revealed that flavonoids and terpenoids are responsible for the reduction of AgNO 3 to Ag+. SEM analysis determined the spherical structure and 51 nm average diameter of nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of R. hastatus -based (AgNPs) was found to be significantly higher than aqueous plant extract and silver nitrate alone. Bacterial growth was inhibited by R. hastatus -based AgNPs in a dose-dependent manner. To our knowledge, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of R. hastatus were synthesized and characterized for the first time in this study and, based on the findings of current research work R. hastatus extract-based silver nanoparticles are suggested to be used as an antibacterial drug instead of synthetic drugs for the treatment of various human diseases/infections caused by the tested bacterial strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present work, we report the green synthesis of mixed bimetal oxides (CuO/NiO) for the efficient reduction of toxic nitrophenols (NP, DNP and TNP) in aqueous medium. The CuO/NiO NPs were synthesized by green hydrothermal method combined calcination process. The physiochemical properties of the synthesized CuO/NiO NPs were systematically characterized by using XRD, XPS, FTIR, SEM, and HR-TEM techniques. The calcinated CuO/NiO NPs XRD pattern and SEM morphology show the high crystalline nature than the non-calcinated. Whereas, the XPS and FTIR results confirmed the formation of the metal oxide bonding and the interaction of the bimetals. The HR-TEM images showed the spherical crystals with average particle size about 25 nm. In addition, the SAED pattern confirmed the polycrystalline nature of CuO/NiO NPs. The catalytic reduction of nitro compounds to amino derivative was studied with reducing agent (NaBH 4). The CuO/NiO NPs showed the high catalytic activity and completed the reduction reaction of NP, DNP and TNP with in 2, 5 and 10 min respectively. In addition, CuO/NiO NPS exhibited the excellent kinetic rate constant k value about 1.519, 0.5102, 0.4601 min−1 for NP, DNP and TNP respectively. Furthermore, the conversion product aminophenol was observed for these three nitro compounds. The proposed CuO/NiO NPs showed excellent crystal stability after the nitrophenol reduction reactions. An inexpensive CuO/NiO NPs is a promising catalysts for reduction of toxic nitro compounds to useful products in aqueous or non-aqueous medium. [Display omitted] • Mixed bimetal oxide CuO/NiO NPs were synthesized through hydrothermal process. • The spherical CuO/NiO nano crystals (25 nm) was achieved by calcination process. • The CuO/NiO NPs completed the reduction of NP, DNP and TNP within 2, 5 and 10 min. • CuO/NiO NPs showed the excellent kinetic rate constant k value about 1.519, 0.5102, 0.4601 min−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalic acid (DEHP) is the most extensively practiced plasticizer compound and a representative endocrine disrupting pollutant. Recently, the environmental impact and toxicological causes of DHEP on human health have been extensively investigated. DEHP uptake by plants is most significant biotransformation process of DEHP in environment. In this study, Helianthus annuus (H.annuus), vastly efficient in phytoremediation of polluted soil was selected to study the uptake and phytoremediation of DEHP in contaminated soil. In addition, the effect of citric acid on enhanced uptake and removal of DEHP was also investigated. The orders of biomass concentrations showed in the CA treatments were 200 mM (60.5 g) ˃ 150 mM (54.5) ˃ 100 mM (50.2 g) ˃ 50 mM (46.5 g). The maximum shoot accumulation of DHEP (20 mg/kg) was observed at 200 mM citric acid treatment compared to all other treatments (50, 100, and 150 mM). Significant difference of the antioxidant enzymes activity (CAT, 25.7, POD, 22.5 (μmol H 2 O 2 /min/g FW) and COD 5.6 U/g FW) was observed between control and CA treatments as well as different concentrations of CA treated plants. The maximum ALP (0.17 mg.g−1soil.24 h−1) and urease activities (1.65 mg.g−1soil.24 h−1) were observed at 200 mM CA amended soils. The application of citric acid was significantly enhanced the H.annuus growth as well as uptake of DEHP. The results explored that the citric acid has excellent potential for the enhanced uptake of DEHP in contaminated soil. • Citric acid was found to be the key chelating agent for the enhanced biomass and uptake of DEHP. • The maximum shoot accumulation of DHEP (20 mg/kg) was observed at 200 mM citric acid. • The antioxidant enzymes such as, CAT (25.7, POD, 22.5 (μmol H 2 O 2 /min/g FW) and COD 5.6 U/g FW) showed maximum activity at 200 mM CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract For the first time, Manganese ferrite (MnFe 2 O 4) with two different catalytic and morphological properties were synthesized through the conventional and template-synthetic approaches. The typical conventionally prepared MnFe 2 O 4 particles attained nanoscaled spherical structure, and the unique structured novel MnFe 2 O 4 nano-agglomerates were conquered by the template synthesis. The templates of MnCO 3 made MnFe 2 O 4 to attain the nano-agglomeric structure with the abundant electroactive surface area and copious catalytic sites, which were confirmed through the structural, morphological, elemental, and electrochemical investigations. By the recent reports, the supercapacitor and heavy metal detection properties of MnFe 2 O 4 were recognized. Therefore, both the MnFe 2 O 4 nanospheres (NSs), and MnFe 2 O 4 nano-agglomerates (NAs) were applied for the detection of Hg(II) ions in real samples, and also for the supercapacitor applications. Both the materials exhibited moral parameters in electrochemical sensing and supercapacitor applications, but the results obtained for the MnFe 2 O 4 NAs is quite high (LOD: 0.14 nM and Specific capacitance: 1283 F/g at 5 mV/s) when compared to the NSs. Finally, the MnFe 2 O 4 NAs was employed to be an active participant in supercapacitor and also to detect Hg(II) ions in seafood and industrial wastewater samples. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • For the first time, unique structured novel MnFe 2 O 4 nano-agglomerates were conquered by the template synthetic approach. • The typically synthesized MnFe 2 O 4 nanospheres were compared with the template synthesized nano-agglomerates. • As a comparison study, both the MnFe 2 O 4 nanospheres and nano-agglomerates were applied for the detection of Hg(II) ions, and also for the supercapacitor applications. • The results obtained for the MnFe 2 O 4 nano-agglomerates is quite high (LOD: 0.14nM and Specific capacitance: 1283 F/g at 5 mV/s) on compared to the nanospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of soil amendments including biomasses (rice husk, RRH and maple leaf, RML), biochar (rice husk biochar, RHB and maple leaf biochar, MLB), and industrial by-products (red mud, RM and steel slag, SS), at two application rates (0, 1, and 2% w/w) on leaching and bioavailability of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the presence of an Asteraceae (i.e., lettuce). Physicochemical properties of the soil (i.e., pH, EC, CEC, and HMs leaching) and plants were examined before and after amending. The addition of amendments significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil EC (from 100 to 180 μScm−1) and CEC (from 7.6 to 15 meq100 g−1). Soil pH from 6.7 ± 0.05 increased about 2 units with increasing in the application rate of MLB, RM, and SS, while it decreased about 0.8 units in RML amended soil. Soil amendments reduced the easily leachable fractions (exchangeable and carbonate) of HMs in the order of MLB > SS > RM > RHB. The average concentration of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in plant roots and shoots decreased >30 wt% in biochars and industrial by-products amended soils, while biomasses mitigated As uptake in lettuce. Results demonstrated that adding maple-derived biochar combined with revegetation effectively immobilized HMs in a post-mining area beside an induce in plant growth parameters. [Display omitted] • Effect of soil amendments varieties on metal(loid)s stabilization was investigated. • Stabilization efficiency varied by amendments properties and metal(loid)s species. • Alkaline amendments reduced the amount of easily-leachable fractions of metals. • Biomass and biochar in soil induced plant growth, but reduced As uptake by lettuce. • Maple biochar and steel slag showed the most stabilization efficiency for metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar, created from Prosopis Juliflora (B-PJ) through an ionic polymerization route, was utilized as a sorbent to remediate turquoise blue (TB). The biochar was described utilizing Fourier change infrared spectroscopy. The effects of operating factors such as flow rate, bed depth, concentration, and solution pH were investigated in column mode. Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Adams-Bohart models were applied to examine the experimental column data and the correlation between operating factors. The greatest adsorption limit of the BPJ was discovered utilizing 200 mg/L of the adsorbate, B-PJ portion 3 g, at a contact time of 150 min and pH of 6. The adsorption energy and harmony isotherms were all around spoken to by the pseudo-second-request model and the Langmuir model, separately. The most extreme adsorption limit acquired from the Langmuir isotherm model was 0.005173 mg/g. The test energy information dissected utilizing various models featured that the pseudo-second request motor model created a prevalent depiction of the trial information. The adsorption energy followed a pseudo-second-request active model with high connection coefficients (R2 ˃0.98). These outcomes showed that alginate immobilized biochar is earth well-disposed locally accessible, powerful and practical adsorbent for the expulsion of TB color from modern wastewaters. [Display omitted] • Bio-char adsorbent from P. Juliflora used to remove turquoise blue (TB). • FT-IR spectra were utilized to decide the nearness of different practical gatherings. • Yoon Nelson, Thomas and Adam Bohart models created for structuring. • 3 g extreme adsorption in the alginate immobilized biochar at 99%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic dye degradation of pure α-Fe 2 O 3 and different concentration of Co doped α-Fe 2 O 3 is explored. Facile hydrothermal method were employed to prepare pristine, 2% and 4% Co–Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles. Further, synthesized product confirmation studies were employed from X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope studies. The rhombohedral nanoparticles developed were enhanced photocatalytic action. Photocatalytic dye degradation studies were analyzed for prepared three samples and the photocatalytic efficacy of the obtained photocatalysts was compared experimentally. Methylene blue dye was degraded under UV-light irradiation with 364 nm. The results showed that 4% Co doped α-Fe 2 O 3 sample exhibited better dye degradation with 92% efficiency. The 4% doping of cobalt ions enhanced the photocatalytic property of Fe 2 O 3 and is a good candidate for methylene blue dye degradation above 90%. In addition, strategy for photocatalytic efficiency enhancement was proposed. • A strategy for photocatalytic efficiency enhancement was proposed. • 4% Co–Fe 2 O 3 enhanced the photocatalytic activity. • 4% Co–Fe 2 O 3 explored dye degradation with 92% efficiency. • Cobalt ions doping enhanced Fe 2 O 3 photocatalytic property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]