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Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils and its accumulation in plant organs have become a global issue due to its harmful effects on human health. The in-situ stabilizing technique, which involves using organic amendments, is commonly employed for removing Cd from agricultural soils. Thus, the current study investigated the effect of vermicompost (VC) on soil properties and plant physio-biochemical attributes, leaf ultrastructure analysis, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and grain yields of two different fragrant rice cultivars, Xiangyaxiangzhan (XGZ) and Meixiangzhan-2 (MXZ-2), under Cdstress conditions. The results showed that Cd toxicity deteriorates soil quality, the plant's photosynthetic apparatus, and the plant's antioxidant defense mechanism. Moreover, under Cd stress, both cultivars produced significantly lower (p < 0.05) rice grain yields compared to non-Cd stress conditions. However, the VC application alleviated the Cd toxicity and improved soil qualitative traits, such as soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Similarly, VC amendments improved leaf physiological activity, photosynthetic apparatus function, antioxidant enzyme activities and its related gene expression under Cd stress These enhancements led to increased grain yields of both fragrant under Cd toxicity. The addition of VC mitigated the adverse effects of Cd on the leaf chloroplast structure by reducing Cd uptake and accumulation in tissues. This helped prevent Cd-induced peroxidation damage to leaf membrane lipids by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). On average across the growth stages, the Pos-Cd + VC3 treatment increased SOD, APX, CAT, and POD activities by122.2 and 112.5%, 118.6, and 120.6%, 44.6 and 40.6%, and 38.6 and 33.2% in MXZ-2 and XGZ, respectively, compared to the plants treated with Pos-Cd treated alone. Enhancements in leaf physiological activity and plant antioxidant enzyme activity strengthen the plant's antioxidant defense mechanism against Cd toxicity. In addition, correlation analysis showed a strong relationship between the leaf net photosynthetic rate and soil chemical attributes, suggesting that improved soil fertility enhances leaf physiological activity and boosts rice grain yields. Of the treatments, Pos-Cd + VC3 proved to be the most effective treatment in terms of enhancing soil health and achieving high fragrant rice yields. Thus, the outcomes of this study show that the addition of VC in Cd-contaminated soils could be useful for sustainable rice production and safe utilization of Cdpolluted soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The utilization of organic wastes, for example, poultry waste, sugarcane press mud, and farmyard manure is extremely common among farmers from South Asia including Pakistan. We assess the biochemical nature and dietary benefit for plants and record the presence of heavy metals in garlic following cultivation in a soil amended with these organic wastes. Present investigation showed the grouping of toxicity and bioaccumulation of heavy metals with a particular link to their source of origin and highlight the hazard of some of them for public health through their excessive utilization. Selecting appropriate manure can significantly reduce health risks for humans. In South Asia, the high costs of synthetic fertilizers have imposed research on alternative nutrient inputs. We aimed to identify potential trace elements (PTE) present in some organic manure that might be a source of environmental pollutions and risk to public health following consumption. The study aims to evaluate how different organic waste (poultry waste, PW; press mud, PM; and farmyard manure, FYM) influences the heavy metal migration in soil, the accumulation in garlic, and their potential health risks. Organic waste caused a higher accumulation of certain metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, and Co), whereas Mn, Cd, Cr, and Pb were in lower concentrations in soil. Amendments of soil with PM revealed a higher accumulation of Cd, Cr, Fe, and Pb, whereas PW resulted in Cu and Zn accumulation in garlic. Treatment of soil with FYM exhibited higher metal concentration of Co and Mn. An environmental hazard indices study revealed that pollution load index (PLI) was highest for Cu following treatment with PM. The health risk index (HRI) was greater for Cd following amendment with PM. Maximum daily intake of metals (DIM) was observed for Zn after treatment with PW. The Pb exhibited maximum bioconcentration factor (BCF) in PM-amended plants. Based on these findings, we concluded that garlic grown on contaminated soil with organic waste may pose serious health hazards following consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heavy metals' associated health risk assessment was carried out in processed fruits' based products. • Concentration of HMs was relatively higher than permissible limits in all products. • CA, PCA depicted strong association between Cr, Co, Pb and Fe. • HRI for Cd, Cr and Pb was greater than unity (<1.0). • THQ and HI of Cd, Cr and Pb were relatively high. • TCR indicates HMs were within the acceptable limit, except Cd. Present study was intendant to assess heavy metals (HMs) concentration and associated health risk in processed fruits' products sold in the local markets of North Pakistan. In total seven metals viz. cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were quantified in 345 samples of different brands categorized into eight groups (Sauces, Ketchup, Juices, Jams, canned fruits, tomato paste, marmalades and pickles). On the comparative basis, Fe was dominating with highest concentration in pickles, canned fruits and sauces at 143.3 ± 43.2, 83.64 ± 23.19 and 50.17 ± 15.1 mg/kg, respectively), followed by Cd in sauces (22.94 ± 6.91 mg/kg), Cr in juices (12.97 ± 3.91 mg/kg) and Pb in pickles (12.53 ± 3.77 mg/kg). Measured levels of these metals varied significantly and were relatively higher than their permissible limits. Univariate and multivariate analysis depicted strong association among Cr, Co, Pb and Fe and confirmed HMs contamination through natural and anthropogenic sources in processed foods. Health risk index (HRI) for Cd, Cr and Pb was greater than unity (<1.0), particularly in sauces, jams and canned fruits. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of Cd, Cr and Pb were relatively high. But target cancer risk (TCR) assessment indicates that these metals were within the acceptable limit, except for Cd concentration in sauces, jams and canned fruits that may cause cancer to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimentation was carried out in Sahiwal, Sargodha, Pakistan to evaluate the contamination level in wheat variety (Millat-2011), irrigated with different treatments of household waste water in a Completely Randomized Design with three repetitions. There were five treatments viz. T1 (100% ground water), T2 (25% wastewater, 75% groundwater), T3 (50% wastewater, 50% ground water), T4 (75% wastewater, 25% ground water), T5 (100% wastewater). Analyzed parameters were heavy metal concentration in wheat and soil, metal correlation between food crop and soil, pollution load index, bioconcentration factor, health risk index, daily-intake of metals, and enrichment factor. Current results showed that concentration of heavy metals and metalloids in soil and grains increased due to supply of waste water. Cr, Cd, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn showed significantly positive correlation while Co showed positive but non-significant correlation in all treatment groups. Mn showed highest bio-concentration factor and enrichment factor values while Cd showed highest health risk index, daily metal intake and pollution load index values. Level of metal toxicity in humans could increase due to irrigation of food crops with untreated waste water. Hence application of waste water must be avoided or its proper treatment before application to agricultural fields must be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary intake of contaminated crops with heavy metals causes serious human health risks. The current study focused on the atomic absorption analysis of Zn, Cu, Co, Pb, Mn, Fe, Cd, and Cr in the wheat grains and soil using pot experiment conducted in Sargodha, Pakistan. Results showed that the Zn concentration in wheat grains increased with continuous wastewater utilization. Except cadmium, mean concentration of other heavy metals was within permissible limits in the soil. A significant and positive correlation was also observed for Cu, Pb, and Cr between soil and crop. The application of wastewater for longer period of time caused enrichment factor and health risk index to be increased considerably suggesting that proper management is required for treating domestic wastewater to prevent potential health risks via dietary intake of crops contaminated with heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to toxic metals (TMs) such as cobalt (Co) can cause lifelong carcinogenic disorders and mutagenic outcomes. TMs enter ground water and rivers from human activity, anthropogenic contamination, and the ecological environment. The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of sewage water irrigation on cobalt (Co) toxicity and bioaccumulation in a soil-plant environment and to assess the health risk of grazing livestock via forage consumption. Cobalt is a very necessary element for the growth of plants and animals; however, higher concentrations have toxic impacts. Measurement of Co in plant, soil and water samples was conducted via wet digestion method using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The Co pollution severity was examined in soil, forage crops (Sorghum bicolor Kuntze, Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W. Wight, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Forssk. and Tribulus terrestris L.) in blood, hair and feces of sheep, cow and buffalo from district Toba-Tek-Singh, Punjab, Pakistan. Three sites were selected for investigation of Co level in soil and forage samples. Highest concentration of Co was 0.65 and 0.35 mg/kg occurring in S. bicolor at site I. The sheep blood, cow hair and sheep feces samples showed highest concentrations of 0.545, 0.549 and 0.548 mg/kg, respectively at site I and site II. Bioconcentration factor, pollution load index, enrichment factor and daily intake were found to be higher (0.667, 0.124, 0.12 and 0.0007 mg/kg) in soil, S. bicolor, S. fruticosa and in buffalo, respectively, at site I. It was concluded that forage species irrigated with wastewater are safe for consumption of livestock. However, though the general values were lower than the permissible maximum limit, it was observed that the bioaccumulation in the forage species was higher. Therefore, soil and food chain components should be avoided from trace metal contamination, and other means of nonconventional water resources should be employed for forages irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and AuNPs functionalized by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD/AuNPs) were prepared successfully through chemical reduction method. The structural, morphological, optical, compositional and vibrational studies for the AuNPs and β-CD/AuNPs were carried out. Functionalization of AuNPs by β-CD was confirmed with FT-IR results. The UV–visible absorption spectra exhibit a red-shift with decreasing average particle size. This sustains the enhancement in surface area (SA) to volume (V) ratio that is one of the peculiar characteristics of nanoparticles. TEM results show that β-CD/AuNPs formed were monodispersed and self assembled. Also it shows a decrease in average particle size and improved distribution. The use of β-CD in the synthesis of AuNPs are revealed not only create uniform small sized nanoparticles but these water soluble nanoparticles have very good antibacterial action by inhibiting the growth of bacteria commonly found in water and sensing activity for sensing the concentration of toxic metals in water. The sensitivity of the system towards copper (Cu) concentration was found as 1.788/mM for β-CD/AuNPs and 1.333/mM for AuNPs. The photocatalytic action of the obtained nanoparticles increases with decreasing average particle size. The k app value of this photocatalytic degradation of textile dyeing waste water in presence of AuNPs was 0.002/min and β-CD/AuNPs was 0.005/min. This is a non-toxic and eco-friendly approach. • AuNPs were self assembled & functionalized by β-cyclodextrin. • Detection of toxic heavy metals in water is focused • Copper sensor is constructed based on SPR property β-CD functionalized AuNPs. • β-CD/AuNPs act as a good photocatalyst for textile waste water • Can be used in biomedical & pharmaceutical applications by the inclusion capability and the biologically friendly feature of the β-CD molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the decomposition of trashes, leachate is created and leaching is gradually pollutes the surface and groundwater. Thus, the most severe ecological impact is the risk of ground water pollution because of collection of leachate from unlined insecure landfills. Due to the low biodegradable organic strength, irregular productivity and composition, the environmentally neglected landfill leachate treatment is challenging. This work was conducted on a synthetically effective bimetallic surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) nanosensor by gold/silver-bimetallic nanoparticles (Au/Ag-NPs), and used for the specific detection of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate in groundwater. The optical study of Au/Ag-NPs led to reflections from Ag cores and small Au shells. The structural studies represent the FCC structure of Au/Ag-NPs. The core-shell nanocrevice NPs with particle size of 23 nm played an important role with plasmonic behaviour enhances the electromagnetic excitation to achieve SERS detection and plasmonic photocatalysis. Thus, obtained results clearly show that Au was successfully added to Ag-NPs, and its existence can also be confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX). The prepared SERS based sensors have the potential to detect aromatic hydrocarbon, pesticides and heavy metals from environmentally ignored MSW landfill leachate. In general, the application of this new synergetic strategy of the photocatalytic degradation of leachate was irradiated by visible wavelength with the rate constant of 0.0036/min, 0.0047/min and 0.005/min by Ag-NPs, Au-NPs and Au/Ag-NPs respectively. Overall, this is the only study achieved efficiently with photocatalytic degradation and SERS detection of environmentally ignored real sample (leachate) to make pollutant free homeland aquifers. • Ag and Au nanoparticles detected landfill leachate. • Leachate degrades in the visible region. • Solid profiles and COD ranges were achieved for crosslinked membrane. • UV/Vis spectrophometer confirms the efficiency of each process. [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]