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Underground water were abstracted from HDWs to determine their suitability for drinking. Physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters were carried out following standard guidelines. Total coliform count was done using the membrane filtration method. Heavy metal was determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS BULK SCIENTIFIC MODEL 210 VGP). Samples were subjected to statistical and multivariate analysis. Results of physicochemical parameters show that they were all within the WHO standard for drinking. Cation concentrations follow the order: Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, while anions are: HCO3− > SO42-> Cl−> NO3− > PO42-. As, Cd and Pb were not detected in the sampled water, but other heavy metals Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were detected. They were, however, within the WHO's recommended range. Based on E. coli analysed, all of the water samples were free from faecal contamination since none was discovered in the water samples. Based on the water quality index, only sample G hand-dug well is of poor quality (though it could be treated) for human consumption; all other samples are good for human consumption. Deductions from Pipers' and the Durov diagram, as well as principal component analysis, revealed that there was little geological and human activity within the hand-dug wells. Based on the physicochemical, microbiological, heavy metal and water quality indexes, this study indicates that all of the water samples examined are free of pollution, but that continual monitoring of the hand-dug wells should be prioritised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach was employed to craft innovative carbon-paste electrodes using cerium(IV) oxide (CeO2)-doped clay, aiming to modify graphite electrodes. The introduction of Ce involved the adsorption of Ce3+ ions onto an activated carbon (AC) clay mixture, showcasing an impressive adsorption capacity of 40.0 mg g−1, which surpasses that of clay alone. This step was undertaken to enhance the conductivity of raw clay and increase its electrochemical surface area. Sintering clay-CeO2 at 1000 °C resulted in the maximum electrochemical area when utilized as a 10 wt% dopant for graphite electrodes. Heavy metal ion analysis (HMI) involving Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+ was conducted using five electrochemical techniques: Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV), Normal Pulse Voltammetry (NPV), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), and Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV). SWV emerged as the optimal technique and was termed SWAdSV after the stripping process, displaying peak current responses for Cd2+ (74.7 µA), Pb2+ (42.4 µA), Cu2+ (36.0 µA), and Hg2+ (22.8 µA). Calibration curves were utilized to determine the Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) values for Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+. The repeatability, expressed as %RSD, for the same electrode was found to be 1.70%, 2.04%, 1.14%, and 3.61% for Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+. While the reproducibility, also expressed as %RSD, for different electrodes was determined to be 1.98%, 2.31%, 1.52%, and 1.89% for Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have emerged as effective biotechnological solutions for wastewater treatment in recent decades. While plants are recognized components of these systems, their specific role in nutrient and heavy metal (HM) uptake warrants further investigation. This study assesses the efficacy of a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) unit planted with Phragmites australis in treating HM-laden wastewater. Through standard methods, wastewater samples from inlet and outlet were analyzed for HMs (Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu), alongside plant and sediment samples. Planted CWs demonstrated remarkable removal efficiencies: 89.34% for Cd, 76.27% for Zn, 68.14% for Cu, and 66.42% for Pb, surpassing unplanted systems (18.27% to 33.16% removal). Notably, P. australis exhibited strategic pollutant absorption, with highest HM concentrations below-ground. Though above-ground HM accumulation was relatively minor, it exceeded soil concentrations. Analysis of accumulation factors confirmed roots and rhizomes as primary bio-accumulators, with transfer factor values (Cd > Pb > Zn > Cu) indicating efficient uptake. These findings underscore the pivotal role of P. australis in enhancing HM removal within VFCW systems, emphasizing the importance of plant-based strategies in HM remediation. Recommendations include further exploration of plant-assisted methods to optimize HM treatment in CWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban stormwater commonly contains many pollutants. This has threatened the ecological health of receiving waters as well as stormwater reuse safety. In this context, an effective treatment of urban stormwater is essential. This study undertook a feasibility investigation on using membranes to remove heavy metals from urban stormwater. Two of the most commonly used membranes in the field of water treatment, namely flat ceramic membrane and organic flat membrane, were selected. The research outcomes showed both membranes had the potential to treat urban stormwater. In the case of real stormwater in low influent velocity, the removal percentages were 77.48% (Zn), 64.33% (Cu), 98.04% (Pb), 74.45% (Ni), 56.96% (Cr), and 49.81% (Cd) for flat ceramic membranes and 81.76% (Zn), 77.69% (Cu), 98.13% (Pb), 81.49% (Ni), 59.62% (Cr), and 68.55% (Cd) for organic flat membranes. In high influent velocity, they were 78.66%, 67.74%, 97.02%, 60.84%, 49.05%, and 78.06% for flat ceramic membranes and 74.35%, 66.70%, 96.94%, 61.19%, 48.79%, and 88.00% for organic flat membranes. However, the influence of membrane types on treatment performance was secondary to rainfall characteristics and pollutant forms. It was noted that the heavy metal removal percentages had lower variability for events with high rainfall intensity while both membranes indicated a significant preference on treating particulate pollutants by interception mechanisms. The results also highlighted that using membrane technology to treat stormwater might have a relatively low cost due to low membrane fouling. This reduced the cost of replacement and maintenance. These research outcomes provided an effective stormwater treatment approach and can provide improved stormwater quality, ensuring its reuse safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eco-friendly adsorbent was prepared by reverse suspension crosslinking method to remove multiple pollutants from aqueous solution. Both raw materials, derived from humus (HS) and chitosan (CS), are biodegradable and low-cost natural biopolymers. After combining HS with CS, the adsorption capacity was significantly improved due to compensation effects between the two components. HS/CS exhibited the features of amphoteric adsorption through pH adjustment, enabling it to adsorb not only anionic pollutants (Methyl Orange (MO) and Cr(VI)), but also cationic ones (Methylene Blue (MB) and Pb(II)). The adsorption capacities were approximately 242 mg/g, 69 mg/g, 188 mg/g and 57 mg/g for MO, Cr(VI), MB and Pb(II), respectively. HS/CS showed a slight preference for MO in MO/Cr(VI) co-adsorption system, whereas strong selectivity for MB over Pb(II) in MB/Pb(II) system under acidic condition (pH<3.0). This selective behavior would allow for potential applications in separating MB/Pb(II) effluents and selectively recycling Pb(II) in acidic environment. The isothermal and kinetic adsorption behaviors followed Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order model, respectively. The density functional theory (DFT) confirmed that the interaction between metal ions and adsorbents was primarily attributed to chelation and electrostatic adsorption, owing to nitric and oxygenic functional groups. Whereas, the adsorption mechanisms for dyes were involved in electrostatic attraction, H-bond and π–π bond, due to available hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen atoms and aromatic groups on the surface of adsorbent and adsorbates. The adsorbent could be efficiently regenerated and retained over 90% of its adsorption capacity after five cycles, which has a potential for practical applications in water treatment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, bran is considered a functional compound in the food industry. The aim study was to investigate different processing methods of rice bran to improve its physicochemical characteristics. Treatments were prepared in 12 groups, control (C0), 4 samples hydrothermal treated H1 and H2 (1 and 2 h at 30 °C, respectively), H3 and H4 (1 and 2 h at 80 °C, respectively), 4 samples microwave treated M1 and M2 (4 and 7 min at a 600 w, respectively), M3 and M4 ((4 and 7 min at a 600 w, respectively), 4 samples hydrothermal -microwave treated HM1 and HM2 (First, 1 and 2 h at 50 °C, respectively, then 4 min at 750 w), HM3 and HM4 (First, 1 and 2 h at 50 °C, respectively, then 7 min at 750 w). The results showed that the hydrothermal - microwave method was more effective in reducing phytic acid than the other two methods (p<0.05) so the HM4 treatment had the lowest amount of phytic acid (p<0.05). The color value test showed the lowest ΔE change was related to rice bran hydrothermal treated (H1 with ΔE equal to 6.36) (p<0.05). The hydrothermal -microwave process showed the highest retention of iron, zinc, and calcium (p<0.05). Most minerals were shown in HM1 (6.68, 1.56, and 106.43 ppm, respectively). The heavy metals test indicated that in all treatments, the number of heavy metals significantly decreased compared to the control (p<0.05). However, the microwave method was more effective than others (p<0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that using the hydrothermal -microwave method provides better quality rice bran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fast urbanization can result in significant stormwater runoff pollution due to changes in land use. A 3-year study on the distribution and temporal variations of urban water pollutants in stormwater runoff was conducted, with a specific focus on the influence of land-use patterns in the recharge zone of a regional karst aquifer in Texas (Edwards Aquifer). The presence and concentration of various water pollutants including total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and phosphate), total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC), oil and grease (O&G), and eight heavy metals (Fe, Mg, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd) were measured in stormwater samples collected from three bioswales. Results show that average TSS in site S1 (598.87 mg/L) and S2 (628.69 mg/L), COD in site S1 (103.97 mg/L), phosphate in sites S1 (1.44 mg/L) and S3 (0.65 mg/L), and O&G (ranging from 50.63 to 84.32 mg/L) in all three sites surpassed the national average (NSQD). While residential areas were identified as the main sources of nutrients, roads and parking lots were associated with heavy metals. Temporal variations indicated the effect of antecedent dry days on the concentrations of TSS and phosphate. Growing seasons as well as pet feces were associated with elevated nitrate concentrations in residential areas. Organic carbon was found overall higher during warmer months, while heavy metals during cooler months. The study also identified specific land-use practices that can be enhanced to mitigate stormwater pollution, such as the implementation of permeable pavements, rain gardens, and stricter waste disposal regulations. The results of this study offer valuable insights for enhancing stormwater management strategies to better mitigate stormwater pollution in urban regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the properties and potential environmental hazards associated with biochars derived from rice husk (RH) and sugar beet pulp (SBP), both of which are rich in heavy metals (HMs). The results indicated that the concentration of various HM fractions is significantly affected by the type of feedstock and the pyrolysis temperature. Specifically, the total concentrations of HMs in biochars produced at 600 °C were found to be 10–140% higher than those in the original biomasses, a phenomenon attributed to the precipitation of HMs. Cd was a notable exception, exhibiting a reduction of 3–7% in the resultant biochars when compared to biomass, likely attributable to its volatilization. The results also revealed that the F1 + F2 fraction of HMs were largely transformed into F3 + F4 fraction during combustion, indicating that pyrolysis may reduce the ecotoxicity of HMs present in contaminated biomass. However, the process did not effectively diminish the F1 and F2 fractions of Cr and Cd. Elevated pyrolysis temperature significantly enhanced the reduction of HMs phytoavailability. Specifically, the phytoavailability of HMs in biochars produced at 600 °C exhibited a decrease ranging from 10 to 92% when compared to the original biomass. Conversely, an unexpected rise in the phytoavailable fractions of Cr and Cd was noted in both RH and SBP biochars as the pyrolytic temperature increased, which correspondingly raised the potential ecological risk index (PERI). All materials analyzed exhibited a very high risk level, with PERI values exceeding 800, primarily due to the significant toxicity of Cd. Excluding Cd from consideration, the biomasses and their resultant biochars displayed PERI values ranging from 7 to 13. It is important to acknowledge that pyrolysis may not effectively diminish the environmental toxicity associated with HMs present in contaminated biomass, thereby limiting its safe application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metal pollution pose significant environmental threat, potentially leading to agroecosystem toxicity and jeopardizing food security. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the abundance and risk assessment of these pollutants in five different farmlands of Ernakulam district, India. Results showed that MPs content in agricultural fields near commercialized areas such as Kakkanad Nedungapuzha, Nedumbassery, and Kadamakuddy was dominant compared to Nechoor, a rural area. The average microplastic abundance was found to be 45.6 ± 26.4 items kg⁻1 dw. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the dominant polymers found in the soil samples, constituting 45% and 25% of the microplastic content, respectively. The pollution load index of MPs indicates that the sampling sites are considered to be polluted as PLI > 1 with hazard level I. The heavy metal pollution status follows the order: Cu (80.3 to 724 mg/kg) > Zn (77 to 543.5 mg/kg) > Cr (171.65 to 334.65 mg/kg) > As (10.25 to 79.5 mg/kg) > Pb (2.05 to 30.3 mg/kg) > Cd (0.3 to 14.35 mg/kg). Calculated pollution load index (PLI) geo-accumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk assessment values indicate that commercialized regions exhibit high levels of trace metals, namely Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Cr, posing a significant concern for the agricultural ecosystem. Our results indicate heightened microplastics and heavy metals prevalence in farmlands adjacent to commercial zones, necessitating immediate preventive action to mitigate increasing concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies factors influencing spatial and temporal variations in magnetic susceptibility and heavy metal content in soils and airborne particulate matter within the Kyiv megapolis, Ukraine, and highlights how source apportionment differs in the long and short run. Topsoil magnetic susceptibility anomalies of > 70 × 10−8 m3kg−1 are observed around old factories. The tree bark magnetic susceptibility map provides a record of industry general low emissions for the last 2–3 decades. The patterns of both spatial distributions confirm that factory emissions dominate the composition of particulate falling on the ground in urban area, with exclusion of streets with heavy traffic. Enhanced concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Zn have been found in urban soils, showing a positive correlation with magnetic susceptibility. Re-suspended road dust dominates temporal variation of particulate matter magnetic susceptibility collected on air filters. The air at busy streets is cleaner in winter, when the street dust gets immobilized by snow cover or freezing. Industries in Kyiv pose no significant effect on air quality; the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb are at normal urban level with the exception of the near vicinity to factories. Air in streets with heavy traffic is enriched with Fe and Mn. Principal component analysis reveals different pattern of air pollution for the busy streets and yard areas. Yards are less affected by road dust; thus, contribution of industrial emissions can be distinguished. The results provide context for further quantification of any alterations in ecological state of Kyiv megapolis that may have arisen from socio-economic shocks and direct threats connected to the current war. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research has been conducted on microplastic (MP) contamination in the rivers of Goa. To address this gap, this study examines the levels of MP contamination in the surface water of the Zuari River, Goa. We investigate the abundance, characteristics (size, shape, colour, and polymer composition), and risk assessment of MPs. MPs were detected at all sampling stations in the Zuari River, with concentrations varying from 0.01 particles/L (S3) to 1.38 particles/L (S13). The average abundance of MPs in the water samples was 0.28 ± 0.35 particles/L. MPs were more common in the 0.3–1 mm size range (51.70%) than in the 1–5 mm range (48.30%). The most common MP shapes observed were fibers (37.88%) and fragments (29.66%). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyacrylamide carboxyl-modified MPs. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) showed an average value of 3.8, indicating significant contamination (PLI > 1). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed various degradation features such as pits, scratches, grooves, and cracks on the MPs surfaces, while energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detected metals on the MP's surfaces. This study provides key insights into MP pollution in the Zuari River's surface water and lays the groundwork for future research and management strategies in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blooming industrialization and urbanization is leading to increased mining operations. These intensified mining activities emit heavy metals into the environment, posing serious threats to ecosystems. Hence, this study focused on assessing heavy metal pollution in mining soil, utilizing mosses as bioindicators. The ecological risk, geo-accumulation factor, and contamination factor have been calculated to know the harmful effect of heavy metals on ecosystem. The study covered three distinct mining sites of eastern India within Odisha: Jajpur's Sukinda Valley (SP1, Cr), Keonjhar's Joda-Barbil (SP2, Fe and Mn), and Sundargarh's Koira-Joda (SP3, Fe). The collection of 48 soil samples through random sampling revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations. SP1 recorded Cr concentration of 6572 ± 445 mg/kg and Ni of 8042.47 ± 501.38 mg/kg, surpassing eco-toxicological levels. The storage site in SP2 exhibited the highest Fe concentration at 9872 ± 502 mg/kg, and Mn levels in SP3 were at 7884 ± 432 mg/kg. Storage areas in all three regions held the highest concentrations of heavy metals. Mosses in studied area demonstrated as potential bioindicators for monitoring heavy metal pollution. EF and Igeo assessments showed Cd, Pb, Hg, and other heavy metal contamination compared to earlier investigations. This study indicated higher ecological risks for Pb, As, Cu, Ni, and Zn. The Hyophila involuta accumulates Mn, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Hg, while Barbula arcuata accumulates Mn, As, and Cu in SP1. Hyophila involuta and Trematodon longicollis accumulate Mn, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, Hg, and Zn in SP2. Trematodon ambiguous accumulates Cd, Fe, and Ni, while Fissidens diversifolius accumulates Mn, Cr, Hg, As, Cu, and Zn in SP3. These findings emphasize the necessity of monitoring heavy metal pollution in contaminated zones using moss as a potential bioindicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates utilizing the native mussel Brachidontes pharaonis as a bioindicator and sentinel organism for monitoring heavy metals Cu, Zn, and Cd along the Red Sea coast of Egypt. Samples were collected from four coastal locations, and the concentrations of heavy metals in the mussels' tissues, shells, seawater, and sediments were analyzed. Subsequently, bioassay experiments were conducted by exposing the organisms to single, binary, and tertiary metal mixtures, and the accumulation of heavy metals was determined to elucidate the dynamics of metal–metal interactions. Field samples revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations in the mussels' soft tissues across different locations, with Zn ranging from 58.1 to 121.0 µg/g dw (dry weight), Cu ranging between 18.3 and 36.7 µg/g dw, and Cd ranging from 0.3 to 1.04 µg/g dw. Conversely, the shells exhibited minimal spatial variations, with much lower contents of Cu (ranging from 1.9 to 2.8 µg/g dw) and Zn (ranging from 1.8 to 1.9 µg/g dw). However, the shells accumulated Cd at higher levels (ranging from 1.4 to 2.1 µg/g dw) compared to the soft tissues. Following a 96-h bioassay experiment, the soft tissues displayed a linear accumulation of metals with increasing exposure dose, with Cd showing the highest accumulation rate (approximately threefold) followed by Zn (twofold) and Cu (1.7-fold). In binary and tertiary exposures, the metals exhibited a general antagonistic interaction, affecting each other's accumulation. On the other hand, the accumulation of heavy metals in the shells after the 96-h bioassay exposure did not follow a consistent linear pattern, suggesting that accumulation during this short experimental period occurs primarily through adsorption rather than the biological pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted sorbents for the real-world adsorptive separation of heavy metals shall exhibit high sorption capacity, reusability, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, a novel composite sorbent has been synthesized for the concurrent mitigation of iron, lead, and zinc metal ions from synthetic wastewater systems. For this purpose, chitosan with alternate molecular weight (low, medium, and high) and with hydroxyl and amine functional groups was employed as a substrate. The successful anchoring of the organic compound citric acid was achieved with the glutaraldehyde crosslinker. The medium molecular weight chitosan-citric acid (medium Cit-CS) has been evaluated to achieve optimal metal uptake of 243.90, 3.93, and 144.93 mg g−1 for zinc, lead, and iron from intricate Zn dominant adsorbate system. Accordingly, it was ascertained that other alternative ions in the adsorbate system significantly alter the sorption patterns. The validation of the chemisorption process was effectively established through the consistency observed in the pattern of adsorption as well as the successful modeling via the pseudo-second-order (PSO) approach. Following this, the desorption of metal ions was effective with simple basic and acidic eluents and for a three-cycle-based simultaneous regeneration. In summary, the findings demonstrate the promising performance of the sorbent for metal ions eradication from intricate solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Maninjau, like many surface water bodies worldwide, faces significant water pollution challenges due to extensive aquaculture activities, making it an ideal site to study the impact of fish farming on water quality, which has contributed to eutrophication and declining water quality. This study investigates the physicochemical parameters and pollution levels in the lake, aiming to provide insights into its environmental health. In August 2022, a comprehensive sampling campaign was undertaken at nine stations within the upper layers of open water and littoral zones of Lake Maninjau. In situ measurements, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH, were conducted, accompanied by water sample collection for laboratory analysis of trace elements and heavy metals. Our study revealed notable variability in water parameters across different sites, with surface water layers exhibiting the greatest differences. While certain parameters such as temperature and conductivity remain relatively stable, pH levels show a decreasing trend with increasing water depth. Dissolved oxygen levels vary widely, while oxidation–reduction potential indicates water pollution, particularly in littoral zones. Potassium dominance within cations likely suggests anthropogenic influences, notably from aquaculture activities, that may also contribute to nutrient enrichment and heavy metal pollution. Elevated levels of total nitrogen and ammonia underscore the lake's moderate pollution levels, with heavy metals such as mercury exceeding permissible limits, posing risks to aquatic life and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish are good sources of protein however when they contain toxic metals, they can pose health risk to human beings. Percentage moisture and ash contents were determined using oven dry weight and furnace methods respectively. Also, the concentrations (mg/Kg) of Cd, Cr and Cu in the tissue of catfish, tilapia and croaker fish were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Estimated daily intake of Cd, Cr and Cu, hazard quotient, hazard index, and cancer risk were evaluated. The result showed 4.25±0.35 % (catfish), 5.25±0.45 % (tilapia fish) and 4.50±0.00 % (croaker fish) for moisture, 1.75±0.35 % (cat fish), 2.25±0.23 (tilapia fish) and 2.25±0.23 % (croaker fish) for ash content. The concentrations of Cd, Cr and Cu in the species of fish determined were above the threshold WHO/FAO (0.02 mg/kg) limit. The THQ for Cu was greater than 1 while Dc and Cr were less than 1. This indicates that the level of Cu in the species of fish determined will lead to a non-carcinogenic effect on consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and water exposure to petroleum at petrol filling stations is believed to induce physicochemical changes and heavy metal pollution thus, this study investigated the extent. Using standard procedures; soil samples were collected 20-30 m apart and at a depth of about 0 - 20 cm while, water samples were collected within 30 m of the stations. At 500 m away from the stations, samples were collected as control. Soil samples were analyzed for; pH (6.25±0.25 to 6.78±0.28), Temperature (29.0±0.49 to 30.5±0.71 ℃), Total Dissolved Solids (358 ±1.00 to 620±1.00 mg/kg), Electrical conductivity (719±1.00 to 1248±1.20 μS/cm), Cation exchange capacity (6.80±0.30 to 11.2±0.30 mol/kg), Moisture content (3.50±0.30 to 7.00±0.30 %), Organic carbon (0.20±0.20 to 1.68±0.28 %) and heavy metal content (mg/kg): Cr (12.5±0.02 to 72.6±0.63), Cu (5.47±0.36 to 51.8±1.55), Fe (1525±25.10 to 2023±5.29), Ni (1.97±0.01 to 30.2±0.18), Mg (118±0.67 to 184±4.65), Mn (86.2±0.20 to 394±0.54), Pb (3.08±0.08 to 12.2±0.12) and Zn (12.4±0.46 to 157±0.70). Water samples were also analyzed for; pH (7.50±0.50 to 7.71±0.30), Temperature (30.0±1.00 to 30.7±0.70 ℃), Total Dissolved Solids (33.0±1.00 to 48.0±1.00 mg/L), Electrical conductivity (66.0±1.00 to 98.0±1.00 μS/cm), Dissolved Oxygen (2.60±0.30 to 4.80±0.30 mg/L), Biological Oxygen Demand (6.25±0.25 to 14.2±0.20 mg/L), Turbidity (ND to 1.90±0.30 NTU) and Hardness (84.0±1.00 to 380±1.00 mg/L) and heavy metal content (mg/kg): Cr (0.187±0.004 to 0.257±0.002), Cu (0.101±0.012 to 0.112±0.008), Fe (ND to 0.019±0.007), Ni (ND to 0.020±0.002), Mg (6.06±0.203 to 6.63±0.105), Mn (0.057±0.002 to 0.360±0.004), Pb (0.042±0.000 to 0.072±0.001) and Zn (ND to 0.037±0.002). Even though, wide variability was observed in some instances, no significant impacts on soil and water were recorded as affirmed by their respective controls. In addition, determined parameters were on average within the acceptable threshold limits set by standard regulatory bodies like NESREA, DPR, NSDWQ and WHO except for EC, Fe and Mg in soil and Cr and Pb in water, in all samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil remediation for cadmium (Cd) toxicity is essential for successful tobacco cultivation and production. Melatonin application can relieve heavy metal stress and promote plant growth; however, it remains somewhat unclear whether melatonin supplementation can remediate the effects of Cd toxicity on the growth and development of tobacco seedlings. Herein, we evaluated the effect of soil-applied melatonin on Cd accumulation in tobacco seedlings, as well as the responses in growth, physiological and biochemical parameters, and the expression of stress-responsive genes. Our results demonstrate that melatonin application mitigated Cd stress in tobacco, and thus promoted plant growth. It increased root fresh weight, dry weight, shoot fresh weight and dry weight by 58.40%, 163.80%, 34.70% and 84.09%, respectively, compared to the control. Physiological analyses also showed significant differences in photosynthetic rate and pigment formation among the treatments, with the highest improvements recorded for melatonin application. In addition, melatonin application alleviated Cd-induced oxidative damage by reducing MDA content and enhancing the activities of enzymatic antioxidants (CAT, SOD, POD and APX) as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH and AsA). Moreover, confocal microscopic imaging confirmed the effectiveness of melatonin application in sustaining cell integrity under Cd stress. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations illustrated the alleviative role of melatonin on stomata and ultrastructural features under Cd toxicity. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that melatonin application upregulated the expression of photosynthetic and antioxidant-related genes, including SNtChl, q-NtCSD1, NtPsy2 and QntFSD1, in tobacco leaves. Together, our results suggest that soil-applied melatonin can promote tobacco tolerance to Cd stress by modulating morpho-physiological and biochemical changes, as well as the expression of relevant genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal pollution poses significant threats to the ecosystem and human health, demanding effective remediation strategies. Bioremediation, which leverages the unique metal‐resistant genes found in bacteria, offers a cost‐effective and efficient solution to heavy metal contamination. Genes such as Cad, Chr, Cop, and others provide pathways to improve the detoxification of the ecosystem. Through multiple techniques, genetic engineering makes bacterial genomes more capable of improving metal detoxification; nonetheless, there are still unanswered questions regarding the nature of new metal‐resistant genes. This article examines bacteria's complex processes to detoxify toxic metals, including biosorption, bioaccumulation, bio‐precipitation, and bioleaching. It also explores essential genes, proteins, signaling mechanisms, and bacterial biomarkers involved in breaking toxic metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have substantial involvement in the existence of plants under heavy metal (HM)-stressed conditions. An overwhelming number of studies are there which advocate for the AM fungi as a future tool for remediation and revegetation of HM-polluted soils. One of the major complications associated with AM fungi facilitated phytoremediation is that the AM association is very much host as well as HM specific. Diverse strains of AM fungi behave differently with diverse hosts and HMs. AM fungi in association with host plants enhance the tolerance of HMs to the host. It enhances the absorption of nutrients in deficient soil, whereas it decreases the accumulation of HMs in polluted soils. AM fungi enhance the biomass production and, thus, dilute the HM concentration in plants. The association of AM fungi also protects the host roots from exposure of HMs by trapping them in the extracellular polymeric substances and the glomalin secreted by the AM fungal hyphae. The hyphal components also contain hydroxyl and carboxyl ligands that can bind the positively charged HMs and immobilize them outside the soil. In hyperaccumulator plants, AM fungi contribute differently as the transporters of HMs increase the uptake of HMs from the substrates. In this way, it enhances the accumulation of HMs beyond the permissible level. Inside the AM fungi as well as in the host cell, these HMs are either converted to the less toxic forms or conjugated with Metallothionein (MT), Glutathione (GSH), and Phytochelatin (PC) and safely stored in the vacuole. All these functions are specifically controlled by a number of transporters of HMs localized in the AM fungal hyphae, inside the AM fungi and inside the host cell. GintABC1 is one of the most studied transporters in AM fungi regulating the Zn. In this review, a deeper insight into the all-possible mechanisms of AM fungi facilitated HM stress alleviation in plants is summarized and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury is the most toxic and harmful heavy metal pollutant, and it is essential to detect and remove mercury from beverages. Inducing the porphyrin molecules into the chitosan structure, a novel membrane sensor tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin-grafted chitosan fiber membrane (TCPP-CS) was prepared by electrospinning method and applied to recognize Hg2+ contaminant selectively. Compared with other common metal ions (Pb2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Mg2+, and Zn2+), the colorimetric sensor has specific color development and sensitivity to Hg2+ and the detection limit of the sensor reaches 1 × 10−5 mol·L−1. The response time of the membrane is 5 s, and it can be specifically colored in various pH environments convenient for practical application. Hg2+ resulted in a visual color change of the fiber membrane from brown to yellow-green, indicating a potential interaction between the porphyrin-functionalized chitosan fiber membrane and Hg2+ ions, and the wavelength shift of the UV–visible spectrum can be observed. It has the advantages of simplicity, rapidity, high selectivity, and high sensitivity, providing a new method for removing and detecting heavy metals in traditional Chinese medicine and drinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is the determination of heavy metals in soil samples and their circulation in the food chain. In this study, the correlation between the presence of heavy metals in agricultural soils and the quality preservation of wheat, specifically Triticum Aestivum and Triticum Durum, was investigated. The results indicate that over 85% of the samples contain a high presence of metals compared to Kosovar standards. Land surveying was conducted at distances ranging from 20 m to 400 m from the highway. The results for Pb at a distance from 20 m showed a value of 2.11 mg·kg-1, while Zn varied with a value of 5.12 mg·kg-1. However, the amount of heavy metals in agricultural soil is not sufficient to determine their risk in the food chain. The samples studied from the wheat varieties exhibited the accumulation of metals in the wheat cultivated in the studied soils. Some wheat samples showed high levels of heavy metals, with Pb varying significantly with a value of 1.99 mg·kg-1, and Cr with a value of 6.12 mg·kg-1. In this study, the circulation of soil metals such as Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn was monitored. The study then continued with the monitoring of soil physicochemical parameters as indicators of soil quality, such as organic carbon. The results showed variations depending on the distance and its concentration. The maximum protein value varied at 11.9%, gluten at 22.8%, moisture at 11.4%, etc., especially for Triticum E. and Triticum D. wheat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraging provides a multitude of individual, social, and environmental benefits. With green spaces decreasing in the United Kingdom, there is an opportunity for roadside verges to become valuable foraging resources; however, there is public concern over the safety of roadside forage. Human ingestion of heavy metal contaminants, such as copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), originating from traffic activity, induces toxic effects in the body. Therefore, maximum Cu, Pb, and Cd guideline limits for human consumption in small fruits were established. However, studies of heavy metal concentrations in roadside forage and the effects of surface washing on concentrations are limited. This study examined Cu, Pb, and Cd in washed and unwashed wild blackberries (Rubus fruticose L.) along a main road in Kent, UK, and compares the values with maximum guideline limits. In all 44 samples, Cu, Pb and Cd concentrations were well below the maximum guideline limit or daily reference intake (RI) value. Cu and Pb concentrations were below the maximum daily intake in every sample if foragers eat one portion (80 g) of berries a day, but consuming a larger quantity of berries per day (e.g., 1 kg) could lead to an intake above the guideline limit for Cu (1 mg) and Pb (0.1 mg), but not Cd (0.03 mg). Washing did not significantly reduce the concentrations of Cu (p = 0.174) or Cd (p = 0.752) in blackberries, but did significantly reduce the Pb concentration (p < 0.001). However, Pb concentration was below maximum guideline limits for every sample regardless of washing treatment. Thus, wild blackberries collected from the roadside were suitable for human consumption, although the findings are not representative of all foraged berries or road networks. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2107–2115. © 2024 The Author(s). Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Key Points: Urban foraging is an ever‐popular activity that reaps individual, social, and environmental benefits, with blackberries (Rubus fruticose L.) being a near‐universally foraged product.Human ingestion of heavy metal contaminants such as copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) originating from traffic activity can induce toxic effects in the body; therefore, maximum guideline limits for human consumption of small fruits have been established.Washing blackberries did not significantly reduce Cu or Cd concentrations but did reduce lead concentrations; however, Pb below maximum guideline limits even before washing. An 80g portion of blackberries was considered suitable for human consumption, but a larger (e.g., 1 kg) portion would be unsafe.These findings are not representative of all foraged material or roads, so future research should consider: (1) road type, condition, and traffic volume, (2) proximity of sample sites to roads, (3) other local sources of contamination, and (4) other metal/metalloid road traffic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium, a heavy metal, disrupts cellular homeostasis and is highly toxic, with no effective treatments currently available against its toxicity. According to studies, phytochemicals provide a promising strategy for mitigating cadmium toxicity. Naringenin (NG), a potent antioxidant found primarily in citrus fruits, showed protective properties against cadmium toxicity in rats. Nonetheless, the precise mechanism of cadmium cytotoxicity in fibroblasts remains unknown. This study evaluated NG against cadmium (CdCl2) toxicity utilizing network pharmacology and in silico molecular docking, and was further validated experimentally in rat fibroblast F111 cells. Using network pharmacology, 25 possible targets, including the top 10 targets of NG against cadmium, were identified. Molecular docking of interleukin 6 (IL6), the top potential target with NG, showed robust binding with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 58.76 μM, supporting its potential therapeutic potential. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that "response to reactive oxygen species" and "negative regulation of small molecules metabolic process" were the topmost pathways targeted by NG against cadmium. In vitro analysis showed that NG (10 μM) attenuated CdCl2‐induced oxidative stress by reducing altered intracellular ROS, mitochondrial mass, and membrane potential. Also, NG reversed CdCl2‐mediated nuclear damage, G2/M phase arrest, and apoptosis. GC/MS‐based metabolomics of F111 cells revealed CdCl2 reduced cholesterol levels, which led to alterations in primary bile acid, steroid and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways, whereas, NG restored these alterations. In summary, combined in silico and in vitro analysis suggested that NG protected cells from CdCl2 toxicity by mitigating oxidative stress and metabolic pathway alterations, providing a comprehensive understanding of its protective mechanisms against cadmium‐induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Military actions bring many negative consequences both in the short and long term. In particular, not only people suffer during armed aggression, but also the ecosystem and agrocenoses. This article examined the impact of bombardment of agricultural land with aerial bombs and established whether it was really contaminated with heavy metals. Samples were collected in two regions of Ukraine - Sumy and Chernihiv - from craters formed by bombing. The soil was taken directly from the bottom of the crater, at three points on its slope and 20 meters from the crater, in a conditionally undamaged area. The soil was analyzed in the laboratory using X-ray fluorescence analysis. The study analyzed the content of barium, zirconium, rubidium, zinc, and vanadium soil samples from a crater. The impact of aerial bombings on the concentration of heavy metals in the soils of the farms under investigation is unclear, it may be inferred. The concentration of barium, zirconium, and manganese on the crater slopes is higher in certain farms than in others, but overall trends do not show an obvious increase in these elements when compared to the control sites. However, several farms did not report significant shifts in the heavy metal composition, indicating how challenging it is to monitor whether explosions affect the concentrations of these elements. With a few exceptions, other heavy elements including strontium, rubidium, and zinc did not consistently exhibit excesses in the craters. Therefore, further, more thorough assessment of soil contamination should be carried out and methods for remediation should be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Environmental impacts related to arsenic (As) contamination are a persistent issue of particular interest in Latin American countries with increasing mining activities. In Ecuador, the redefinition of public policies to promote the increase in mining since 2008 has led to a significant rise in the presence of this heavy metal in rivers and effluents, sometimes exceeding the 0.1 mg L−1, limit recommended by Ecuadorian Environmental Regulations. This study aimed to evaluate the sublethal effects through the detection of biochemical biomarker changes (Catalase, Antioxidant capacity by FRAP, and Glutathione S-transferase) generated in larvae of Nectopsyche sp following prolonged exposure to different concentrations of As (C1 = 0.05 mg L−1, C2 = 0.1 mg L−1, C3 = 0.8 mg L−1) in a controlled environment, emulating the maximum limits allowed by current Ecuadorian legislation. While As concentration levels in water increased, so did levels in the tissue of Nectopsyche sp specimens. On the other hand, behavioral parameters (mortality and mobility) did not show differences in either time or As concentrations. However, both Catalase and Antioxidant capacity by FRAP levels tended to decrease with increasing As concentration, and in both cases, the differences were significant. Additionally, Glutathione S-transferase activity did not increase significantly. These results preliminarily demonstrate that biochemical responses change with varying As concentrations in Nectopsyche sp and are affected at behavioral and biochemical levels produced by the As at chronic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd), a widely distributed environmental pollutant in agroecosystems, causes negative effects on crops and herbivores through bottom-up processes. The gut microbial community of an insect can play a critical role in response to metal stress. To understand how microbiota affect the stress responses of organisms to heavy metals in agroecosystems, we initially used 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize the larval gut microbiota of Chilo suppressalis, an important agricultural pest, exposed to a diet containing Cd. The species richness, diversity, and composition of the gut microbial community was then analyzed. Results revealed that while the richness (Chao1 and ACE) of gut microbiota in larvae exposed to Cd was not significantly affected, diversity (Shannon and Simpson) was reduced due to changes in species distribution and relative abundance. Overall, the most abundant genus was Enterococcus, while the abundance of the genera Micrococcaceae and Faecalibaculum in the control significantly superior to that in Cd-exposed pests. Phylogenetic investigation of microbial communities by the reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) showed that the intestinal microorganisms appear to participate in 34 pathways, especially those used in environmental information processing and the metabolism of the organism. This study suggests that the gut microbiota of C. suppressalis are significantly impacted by Cd exposure and highlights the importance of the gut microbiome in host stress responses and negative effects of Cd pollution in agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study reports the preparation of 2‐hydroxy‐3‐(4‐(((2‐((2‐(((E)‐4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐(trimethylammonio)propoxy)‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)amino)ethyl)amino)ethyl)imino)methyl)‐2‐methoxyphenoxy)‐N,N,N‐trimethylpropan‐1‐aminium (HYM/QA). The adsorbent was employed to extract and concentrate vanadium from its solutions and boiler ash samples. Results: The impact of initial dosage, pH, reaction time and temperature on the sorption behavior of V(V) was examined. Under optimal conditions (pH 5, 0.08 g dose, 45 min at room temperature), a sorption capacity of 392.25 mg g−1 was achieved. The uptake of V(V) on HYM/QA was effectively reversed using 1 mol L−1 NaOH, regenerating the material. After six cycles of sorption and elution, the sorption capability remained at 91.4% of its initial value. The efficiency and selectivity of HYM/QA toward V5+ ions were assessed using the separation factor parameter, revealing limited interference from heavy metals such as Mn2+, Cr3+, Pb2+, Si4+, Al3+, NO32−, HCO3− and Zn2+. The uptake process of HYM/QA for V(V) conformed to the Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models and the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. HYM/QA was characterized by infrared, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses, confirming successful preparation. Thermodynamic assessments suggested that the sorption process is endothermic, spontaneous and becoming more favorable with rising temperature. Conclusion: The optimized conditions were used to adsorb vanadium from boiler ash samples, and the obtained vanadium pentaoxide was analyzed and confirmed using various tools, demonstrating the material's effectiveness for vanadium extraction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) capable of bidirectional extracellular electron transfer (EET), either outward or inward EET, largely control the efficiency of interactions and electrical communication between biofilm and electrode and, thus, control the performance of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) for heavy metals removal. However, the behavior of such metallurgical EAB capable of bidirectional EET has yet to be investigated, and the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in these switchable EAB with bidirectional EET and in the presence of heavy metals remains unexplored in the single‐chamber BESs treating heavy metal‐based wastewaters that are limited by carbon/electron sources or electron acceptors. RESULTS: The biofilms of the Cr(VI)‐tolerant EAB Stenotrophomonas sp. YS1 and Serratia marcescens Q1 exhibited bidirectional EET metabolizing either organic (acetate) or inorganic (HCO3−) species with simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) in single‐chamber BESs. Q1 inward EET uptake of electrons was more efficient than that of YS1 (165 μA vs. 118 μA); meanwhile, YS1 outward EET was more efficient than Q1 (8.0 μA vs. 4.7–5.2 μA). The adaptive electrochemically‐tunable EPS in both biofilm strains was regulated by the direction of the EET (inward or outward) in the presence of Cr(VI) and circuital current. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the switching properties of EAB, such as Stenotrophomonas sp. or S. marcescens, that are capable of bidirectional EET to or from the electrodes, and it displays the regulation of such responses with the amount and compositional diversity of the biofilms' EPS, giving a comprehensive appreciation of tunable EPS for Cr(VI)‐wastewater treatment in single‐chamber BESs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powder biochar has been reported as an efficient stabilizer for heavy metal contaminated soils. However, infrequent studies addressed its long-term performance in real multi-metal polluted soil. This study aimed to investigate the long-term performance of iron oxide-loaded biochar (IOBC) in stabilization of arsenic and cationic heavy metals in a real multi-contaminated soil. Besides, to overcome the drawbacks of powder-type IOBC, the granular and suspension forms of IOBC were prepared using biopolymers as polymeric binder. The performance of prepared IOBCs was evaluated against red mud (RM) and pristine biochar, as references. Two single extraction tests (TCLP and SPLP) and a sequential extraction test were adopted to evaluate the stabilization efficiency for the soil samples containing 5 w/w % of the prepared IOBCs. It was observed that although stabilizers with high alkalinity (RM and BC) showed negligible or low immobilization of arsenic, the SPLP stabilization efficiency was ≥ 74.9% and the TCLP stabilization efficiency was ≥ 89.1% for arsenic. Furthermore, the biopolymer-biochar suppressed PM2.5 and PM10 concentration during mixing. The soil loss in artificial rainfall was more than 400 g/m2 lower in the soil sample containing IOBC-suspension compared to control sample. The results indicated the high potential of the prepared stabilizers, especially IOBC-suspension, for large-scale remediation of multi-contaminated soils. Highlights: Stabilization efficiency was affected by the type of magnetic stabilizer. Performance of IOBC-based stabilizers was superior to the commercial red mud. Wetting properties of PVA significantly prevented dusting of powder stabilizer. Positive synergetic effect of magnetic stabilizer and biopolymers was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry / Zhongguo Wuji Fenxi Huaxue is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), primarily ischemic heart disease and stroke, remain leading global health burdens. Environmental risk factors have a major role in the development of CVD, particularly exposure to heavy metals. The Triglyceride Glucose Index (TyG), a measure of insulin resistance and CVD risk, is the primary focus of this study, which summarizes the most recent findings on the effects of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) on CVD risk. A higher risk of CVD is correlated with an elevated TyG index, which has been linked to insulin resistance. Exposure to Cd is associated with disturbance of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, which increases the risk of CVD and TyG. Exposure reduces insulin secretion and signaling, which raises the TyG index and causes dyslipidemia. Pb exposure increases the risk of CVD and TyG index via causing oxidative stress and pancreatic β-cell destruction. These results highlight the need of reducing heavy metal exposure by lifestyle and environmental modifications in order to lower the risk of CVD. To comprehend the mechanisms and create practical management plans for health hazards associated with heavy metals, more study is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases are a rampant public health threat. Environmental contaminants, such as Cadmium (Cd), a toxic metal, are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Given that human exposure to Cd is increasing, there is a need for therapies to ameliorate Cd toxicity. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, has been proposed to rescue the effects of Cd toxicity, with mixed effects. Se's narrow therapeutic window necessitates precise dosing to avoid toxicity. Here, we assessed the effects of various waterborne Cd and Se concentrations and sequences on cardiac function using zebrafish (Danio rerio). We showed that Cd induced pericardial edemas and modified heart rates in zebrafish larvae in a concentration-dependent manner. To identify the therapeutic range of Se for Cd-induced cardiotoxicity, zebrafish embryos were treated with 0, 10, 50, 100, 150, or 200 μg/L Se for 1–4 days prior to exposure to 2.5 and 5 μg/L Cd. We found that a 50 µg/L Se pre-treatment before 2.5 μg/L Cd, but not 5 μg/L Cd, reduced the prevalence of pericardial edemas and ameliorated Cd-induced bradycardia in zebrafish. Zebrafish exposed to 10 and 50 μg/L of Se for up to 4 days showed typical heart morphology, whereas other Se-exposed and control fish presented pericardial edemas. Longer Se pre-treatment durations led to fewer incidences of pericardial edemas. Overall, this study highlights the importance of optimizing Se concentrations and pre-treatment periods to harness its protective effects against Cd-induced cardiotoxicity. These findings provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for reducing Cd-related cardiovascular damage in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioavailable heavy metal and their efficient phytoremediation in mining areas have major implications for environmental and human health. In this study, we investigated 12 dominant plants in a typical Mn ore area of Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China, to determine the heavy metal contents, morphologies, and environmental factors affecting Mn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cr in the plant parts and rhizosphere soil. The bioavailabilities and degrees of metals were evaluated using the ratios of the secondary to primary phase distributions and potential ecological risk indices. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, positive matrix factorisation modelling, and redundancy analysis were used to trace the origins and correlations among the metals. The results indicate that the bioavailabilities were the highest for Mn and Cd in the study area, and all of the target heavy metals had bioavailabilities above the moderate ecological harm level. Statistical modelling indicates that there are four main pollution sources: mining, smelting, processing operations, and atmospheric deposition. The dominant plants had high heavy metal enrichments, bioconcentration factors, and translocation factors for Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Zn. The redundancy analysis indicates that soil total N, total P, and pH affect metal absorption and distributions in Compositae and non-Compositae plants in low-N, low-P, and slightly alkaline mining environments. This study provides a feasible basis for the screening of heavy metal enrichment plants and the improvement of remediation technology in manganese ore area under the extreme environment of poor nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nonferrous Metals (Extractive Metallurgy) is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nonferrous Metals (Extractive Metallurgy) is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nonferrous Metals (Extractive Metallurgy) is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Heavy metals are essential for the survival of all living organisms in trace amounts. Industrializations and urbanisation are the two major rationale behind the massive rise in the contamination of land and water bodies including marine and freshwater. The major sources of heavy metal are coal burning, smelting operations, tanneries, waste incineration, pesticides, fungicides, metallurgy, etc. Due to the toxicity of heavy metals when living beings encounter contaminated water of sediment laden with heavy metal endure health hazards. Heavy metals and metalloids such as chromium, lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, and cobalt are poisonous and carcinogenic even in minute amounts, posing a major threat to human life. The most sustainable approach towards remediating these heavy metals is bioremediation. It involves bacterial bioremediation, fungal, biofilms and phytoremediation, which is not only sustainable but also efficient and cost effective. This review delivers a comprehensive overview of the recent trends in bioremediation of heavy metals, their sources, toxicity, and alternative approach of using marine microbes and their pottential for remediation of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) poisoning is a widespread issue in both developed and developing countries that poses a significant public health challenge. Our study aimed to explore the impact of Levilactobacillus brevis strains on inflammatory and antioxidant gene expression in the liver and brain of mice exposed to oxidative stress caused by Pb. We began by evaluating Pb absorption by Levilactobacillus brevis strains (ARKA-CH-1 (A1) and ARKA-CH-6 (A6)) using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in vitro to identify the most effective strain. We then divided four groups of BALB/c mice into control and experimental groups and treated them for 30 days. The control group received a normal diet, while the experimental groups consumed lead-containing water (0.6 g/L) with or without Levilactobacillus brevis strains. Following the experiments, we collected blood samples to test liver markers, antioxidant enzymes, and immunoglobulins. We also used real-time PCR to examine the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes. The results showed that the A1 strain was the most effective in absorbing Pb. The Pb exposure led to an increase in liver enzyme values and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity and immunoglobulin factors. However, the combination of A1 and A6 strains had a greater effect in reducing inflammatory enzymes and increasing antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in iNOS gene expression and a notable decrease in SOD gene expression with Pb consumption. However, the combination of A1 and A6 strains had a synergistic effect in reducing iNOS and increasing SOD gene expression. In conclusion, Levilactobacillus brevis A1 strain alone or in combination with the A6 strain could be a promising strategy to mitigate the oxidative stress symptoms in mice challenged by lead-induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alterations in heavy metals and trace element levels may be associated with various cancers. However, the role of this interaction in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is unclear. In recent years, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models have provided new ideas for analyzing the effects of metal mixtures on CRC progression. Herein, we assessed the differences in the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in tumors and adjacent healthy tissues, to investigate the relationship between heavy metals/trace elements and CRC progression. Surgical samples of CRC and noncancerous tissues were collected, and trace metal levels were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Logistic regression, PCA, and BKMR models were used to investigate the relationship between heavy metals and trace elements and the degree of tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis in CRC. Cancer tissues showed lower As, Cd, Co, and Cr concentrations, and higher Se concentrations than healthy tissues (P < 0.05). In addition, CRC patients with poorly differentiated tumors and/or positive lymph node metastases had lower levels of Cd, Zn, Cu, and Se (P < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that single metal concentration was negatively correlated with CRC progression. PCA and BKMR models also showed that the metal mixture concentration was negatively correlated with CRC progression, with Cd contributing the most. Overall, changes in heavy metal and trace element levels may be related to the development of CRC; however, further mechanistic studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of heavy metal-resistant microbial species (STS) and their interactions in the reclaimed soil play a vital role in improving the stability of mining area ecosystems. However, the development of the STS in reclaimed soil (Re) and the interactions to resist heavy metal stress (HMs) for maintaining the stability of co‑occurrence networks is still unclear. Therefore, this study employed high-throughput sequencing and differential abundance testing to explore the mechanisms of STS changes and the formation of co‑occurrence network resistance to HMs in reclaimed soil succession. Our results revealed that (1) Re treatment significantly improved the physicochemical properties of the soil and reduced the levels of HMs. Compared with the control group (CK), the heavy metal content in Re treatment decreased as follows: Hg (50.76%) > Cd (46.43%) > Cu (43.91%) > As (35.89%) > Pb (33.49%) > Cr (24.39%); (2) Compared with CK, the Shannon, ACE, and Observed species indices of bacteria in Re increased significantly by 11.70%, 549.33%, and 392.00% (p < 0.05), respectively. Additionally, Re significantly altered the β-diversity of bacterial communities (p < 0.01); (3) Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Chloroflexi were identified as the STS mediated by mining reclamation, and their changes exhibited a significant positive correlation with pH, SOM, and heavy metal content; (4) Compared with CK, the changes in STS increased the number of network modules in Re. The enrichment of Chloroflexi in the first four network modules in Re showed positive effects on Cu, Cd, and Pb stress, and taxa communities in module 3 may have a certain role in resisting As and Cr stress. Our results indicate the mechanisms of STS development and co‑occurrence network resistance in the long-term reclamation process of mining areas, thereby providing valuable insights for a deeper understanding of the role of microbes in ecological restoration of mining areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial wastewater often contains highly carcinogenic and mutagenic inorganic pollutants and harmful heavy metals such as Chromium (Cr), which are highly reactive and toxic, even at low concentrations. Efficient remediation or removal of Chromium is necessary to prevent its adverse impacts on humans and the environment. We have employed biofilm grown on a glass surface as a sustainable tool to reduce water's Cr(VI) levels. We studied biofilm formation using four different bacterial strains. Among those, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was selected based on its biofilm formation ability, estimated by qualitative and quantitative means. Maximum biofilm formation was observed on a glass surface using tryptone soya broth (TSB) at 37 °C and pH 7.5. The biofilm was characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and stereo microscopy. The biofilm tolerated up to 10 ppm of chromium supplementation in the culture medium. The Cr(VI) concentration was determined using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer, and total chromium content was obtained using Inductively Coupled Plasma—Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). With preformed biofilm on glass, Cr(VI) concentration was reduced by 97% within eight hours with a reduction rate of 12.27% per hour. In comparison to biofilm during formation, preformed biofilm gave better results. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM)—Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) (FESEM-EDS) analysis depicted very minimal Cr(VI) adsorption into the cells, indicating the reduction of more harmful Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III). The present findings can lead to the development of an efficient treatment strategy for chromium-contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental implications of tire wear particles (TWPs) have been extensively studied. One notable concern associated with nano-sized TWPs is their potential role as carriers that enhance the spread of co-occurring pollutants, especially in the context of aging processes. This study demonstrated how exposure to acid, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or ozone (O3) induced alterations in the physico-chemical properties of TWPs, consequently increasing their mobility within saturated sand environments. In cotransport cases, both original TWPs and aged TWPs inhibited the transport of Cd2+ and Ni2+ in different degrees, whereas no obvious changes in their intrinsic mobilities. The contaminant-mobilizing ability of TWPs followed the order of original TWPs/UV-TWPs < H+-TWPs < O3-TWPs. Experimental results and model-based analyses indicated the important role of mobility, adsorption affinity and desorption hysteresis in the cotransport of TWPs and heavy metals. In comparison with original TWPs, the adsorption affinity of H+-TWPs and O3-TWPs for Cd2+/Ni2+ decreased, while that of UV-TWPs was similar to original TWPs. Simultaneously, the desorption rates of TWPs decreased to different extents after aging. The results of this study provide valuable insights on the fate of aged TWPs and their interactions with heavy metals in the natural environment, and help assess the environmental behavior and contaminant mobilization capacity of TWPs, especially considering the distinct effects of different aging processes. It is imperative to emphasise the necessity for targeted management strategies to transport the environmental impacts of TWPs, particularly as they age and interact with heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination by heavy metals poses serious risks to human health due to their high toxicity and resistance to biodegradation, especially when they accumulate through the food chain. Soil drenching technology is one of the most promising methods for soil pollution remediation. In this research, microbubbles were introduced into the disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate(EDTA-2Na) solution during soil drenching, combined with Polysorbate 80(TW-80) to remove heavy metals(Cu, Cd) from the soil. The microbubbles contributed to concentrating heavy metals, thus lowering their levels in the solution. The efficiency of heavy metal removal was found to be positively correlated with both time and detergent concentration, and negatively correlated with pH levels. Under conditions where the washing time was 120 minutes, EDTA-2Na concentration was 1 g/L, TW-80 concentration was 2 g/L, the solid-liquid ratio was 1:30, the gas-liquid ratio was 1:3, and the pH was maintained at 3, the removal rates for Cu and Cd were 86.67% and 85.52%, respectively. The Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure revealed that intensive was Ahile et al., 2021 hing with microbubbles effectively eliminated acid-soluble (F1) and reducible (F2) heavy metals from the soil, thereby mitigating their detrimental effects on soil ecosystems. These insights offer a theoretical and practical foundation for employing microbubble technology in the remediation of heavy metal ion pollution in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contaminating the soil with heavy metals(HMs,This abbreviation is used in all subsequent content) is a serious problem.Combining the two can be a more effective solution to soil heavy metal remediation. In this paper, Detailed overview of the contaminated soil remediation in a cooperative manner by microorganisms and plants was presented.The first is the growth-promoting mechanism of microorganisms, which enhances restoration by altering the nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and phytohormones in the plant growth environment. Secondly, by reducing oxidative stress in plants and enhance heavy metals bioavailability, heavy metals can be enriched. In addition, plants can provide nutrients for microbes by releasing some organic matter, and at the same time, they can enrich HMs and provide a good environment for fungus. In general, plant growth-promoting bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria are usually combined with plants as tools for soil remediation. Finally, prominent cases of soil remediation in recent years were summarised. This review helps to understand how the most newer developments in the area of microbial-phytoremediation and will further strengthen the understanding of the mechanisms and Using microbial-plant cooperation to clean up contaminated soil,and it will make it easier to learn more about what are some of the more notable accomplishments and developments in the field in recent years, which are relevant for the expansion of this remediation methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of heavy metals in aqueous media threatens environmental safety and human health, so it is necessary to effectively remove them from wastewater. Through a simple preparation method, lignin (LS) and montmorillonite (MMT) were successfully prepared into efficient biosorbents. The prepared hydrogel not only has water absorption and pH-responsive swelling properties, but also has good removal effect on heavy metals. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd (II) ions was 587.14 mg / g. The maximum adsorption capacity of Zn (II) ions was 297.13 mg / g.The results of principal component analysis show that the adsorption process of heavy metals is in good agreement with different kinetic and isotherm models. The adsorption mechanism is proposed, which is related to the chemical properties between adsorbents. This study provides a promising and sustainable lignin-based composite hydrogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activities significantly contribute to environmental pollution by releasing chemical contaminants into ecosystems, making natural recovery challenging. In this study, we amended the mining tailings from the Fundão dam with reference soil to simulate the heterogeneity of tailings concentrations to which native species are exposed. We aimed to identify the tailings concentration that best supports the development of two native species, Deguelia costata and Peltophorum dubium. Our results showed that substrates with lower concentration of tailings had an increase in organic matter content and higher acidity. In contrast, substrates with higher tailings concentration showed increased levels of toxic metals; yet these metals seemed not to be readily available to plants, as evidenced by the enhanced biomass accumulation and improved seedling quality in these subtracts. Conversely, the reference soil, being nutritionally deficient and acidic, may have led to increased absorption of toxic metals by the plants. This resulted in reduced growth and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and synthesis of flavonoids. Both species selectively accumulated iron in the roots and manganese in the leaves, without reaching phytotoxic levels. The findings unequivocally demonstrate that D. costata and P. dubium exhibited remarkable resilience by successfully thriving and growing in highly contaminated substrates (up to 100% mining tailings). Hence, both D. costata and P. dubium prove to be highly suitable candidates for the restoration of areas devastated by iron mining activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]