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International audience; This study aims to investigate the ability of an imidazolium biobased Zwitterionic Ionic Liquids (ZILs) in enhancing the phytoavailability of copper from garden (G) and vineyard (V) soils using the model plant ryegrass. Uncontaminated and artificially contaminated CuSO4 soils, unamended and ZIL-amended soil modalities were designed. The copper/ZIL mo-lar ratio (1/4) introduced was rationally established based on molecular modeling and on the maximal copper concentration in artificially contaminated soil. Higher accumulation of copper in the shoots was detected for the uncontaminated and copper contaminated ZIL amended V soils (18.9 and 23.3 mg/kg, respectively) contrary to G soils together with a ZIL concentration of around 3% (W/W) detected by LC-MS analyses. These data evidenced a Cu-accumulation improvement of 38% and 66% compared to non-amended V soils (13.6 and 13.9 mg/kg respectively). ZIL would be mainly present under Cu(II)-ZIL4 complexes in the shoots. The impact on the chemical composition of shoot was also studied. The results show that depending on the soils modalitity, the presence of free copper and/or ZIL led to different chemical compositions in lignin and monomeric sugar contents. In the biorefinery context, performances of enzymatic hydrolysis of shoots were also related to the presence of both ZIL and copper under free or complex forms. Ecotoxicity assessment of the vineyard soil samples indicated that the quantity of copper and ZIL remaining in the soils had no sig-nificant toxicity. ZIL amendment in a copper-contaminated soil was demonstrated as being a promising way to promote the valorization of phytoremediation plants.

Despite numerous studies investigating competition and/or facilitation for soil water resources in alley-cropping systems (AC), share of water at the early stage of trees establishment in AC has been poorly examined. This work aimed to explore the water share between crops and trees after four years of tree establishment in AC at the Ramecourt block design alley-cropping experimental site. In mid-spring, we injected 300 mL of a 10 % deuterated water at 30, 50 and 100 cm soil depth at 1.5 m distance from a referent tree (alder, hornbeam or wild cherry) in AC, in pure-forest control plot with ryegrass (FC) and in a randomly chosen area in monocrop wheat control (CC) plots. The tracer uptake was monitored by collecting tree leaves and wheat and ryegrass (RG) whole-plant samples every two weeks in labeled and unlabeled area. For deuterium natural abundance analyses, the global mean of δ2H was significantly lower for wheat (- 44 ± 4 ‰) than RG (- 27 ± 6 ‰) and trees (- 20 ± 3 ‰), indicating that the most active sites of water absorption were different between these species. The mean wheat δ2H was 2481 ± 523 ‰, 715 ± 218 ‰, and 133 ± 68 ‰ at 30, 50 and 100 cm labeling depth respectively. It was significantly higher in AC (2883 ± 585 ‰) compared to CC (1131 ± 274 ‰) only at 30 cm labeling depth. For trees, the δ2H of labeled samples remained negative unlike wheat. Particularly in AC, alder and wild cherry presented significant higher δ2H 15 and 45 days after labeling, respectively from 50 and 100 cm labeling depth, compared to unlabeled samples. We concluded that trees and wheat took up their water in upper soil layer but in AC, they favored wheat water absorption in topsoil and were able to flexibly shift their water source from deep layer in case of low water availability in the upper soil layer.

International audience; The hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.) has been exploited for a long time for both its brewing and medicinal uses, due in particular to its specific chemical composition. These last years, hop cultivation that was in decline has been experiencing a renewal for several reasons, such as a craze for strongly hopped aromatic beers. In this context, the present work aims at investigating the genetic and chemical diversity of fifty wild hops collected from different locations in Northern France. These wild hops were compared to ten commercial varieties and three heirloom varieties cultivated in the same sampled geographical area. Genetic analysis relying on genome fingerprinting using 11 microsatellite markers showed a high level of diversity. A total of 56 alleles were determined with an average of 10.9 alleles per locus and assessed a significant population structure (mean pairwise FST = 0.29). Phytochemical characterization of hops was based on volatile compound analysis by HS-SPME GC-MS, quantification of the main prenylated phenolic compounds by UHPLC-UV as well as untargeted metabolomics by UHPLC-HRMS and revealed a high level of chemical diversity among the assessed wild ac-cessions. In particular, analysis of volatile compounds revealed the presence of some minor but original com-pounds, such as aromadendrene, allo-aromadendrene, isoledene, fl-guaiene, alpha-ylangene and fl-pinene in some wild accessions; while analysis of phenolic compounds showed high content of fl-acids in these wild accessions, up to 2.37% of colupulone. Genetic diversity of wild hops previously observed was hence supported by their chemical diversity. Sample soil analysis was also performed to get a pedological classification of these different collection sites. Results of the multivariate statistical analysis suggest that wild hops constitute a huge pool of chemical and genetic diversity of this species.

Heavy metal (HM) pollution in agricultural fields reduces crop productivity and quality, and poses a risk for human health. On these areas, the cultivation of crops devoted to biomaterial and bioenergy production thus constitutes an attractive alternative to food crop production. To maintain the soil productivity and to obtain a biomass compatible with the requirements of industry, the use of the beneficial metalloid silicon, applied on leaves during plant growth, has been considered. A field study using Cannabis sativa L. (cv. Futura 75) was performed during 2 consecutive years on two sites (one soil parcel contaminated with Cd, Zn and Pb, and one taken as uncontaminated control) in the North of France. One half of the plants received weekly foliar spray of Si (2 mM). Photosynthesis-related parameters were analysed in situ, while mineral concentration and fibre properties were determined after 4 months of culture. Our results suggest that Si application improves and preserves the mechanical properties of fibres when plants are exposed to HM stress. Si was also shown to increase by 27% the Cd concentration in leaves and by 30% the Zn concentration in stems. Contaminated fibres and shives containing immobilized HM could be used for specific purposes such as inclusion in cement aglomerates.

ACL; Lolium perenne L., a common plant perennial ryegrass from Europe, northern Africa and Asia, was selected to produce biomass under field conditions. The biomass of this nonfood crop was from a highly contaminated agricultural soil by potentially toxic metals (Cd, Pb and Zn) with the aim of maintaining the agricultural vocation of these soils. In this perspective and in view of the metal concentration (Cd, Pb, Zn, macro- and micro-nutrients), the biomass of ryegrass was considered as a bio ’ore’ resource and was used as the starting material for the preparation of contemporary biosourced catalysts. The heterogeneous catalyst from the current work was successfully used in the synthesis of Moclobemide, used to treat anxiety and major depressive episodes. Through this original approach, Moclobemide was synthesized in one step, in 80% yield under solvent-free conditions.

This study was designed to assess the impact of the mixture of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) on the bioaccumulation and the ultrastructural changes in the hepatopancreas of Porcellio laevis (Latreille, 1804) after 4 weeks of exposure to contaminated Quercus leaves under laboratory conditions. For each metal, four concentrations were used with four replicates for each concentration. Metal concentrations in the hepatopancreas and the rest of the body were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. From the first week until the end of the experiment, a weight gain in P. laevis was observed particularly between the first and the end of exposure from 93.3 ± 18.22 mg fw to 105.22 ± 16.16 mg fw and from 106.4 ± 22.67 mg fw to 125.9 ± 23.9 mg fw for Mix1 and Mix4, respectively. Additionally, the determined metal trace elements (MTE) concentrations in the hepatopancreas were considerably higher compared to those in the rest of the body and seem to be dose-dependent. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), some alterations were highlighted in the hepatopancreas. The main observed alterations were (a) the destruction of the microvilli border in a considerable portion of cells, (b) the increase of the lipid droplets with different shapes and sizes, (c) the increase in the number of the mitochondria, and (d) the appearance of TE in the form of B-type granules. The obtained results confirmed the ability of P. laevis to deal with high amounts of MTE, suggesting its possible use in future soil's biomonitoring programs.

ACL; The present study experimented five biochars, one made from wood (400 °C, 12 h) and four made from miscanthus cultivated on contaminated soils (temperature 400/600 °C, duration 45/90 min). They were used as amendments at a 2% application rate on soil, cultivated or not cultivated with ryegrass, contaminated with (i) metals (Cd, Pb, and Zn), (ii) eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and (iii) a mix of metals and PAHs. The objectives were (i) to compare the effectiveness of the five biochars on soil parameters and pollutant availability and (ii) to determine the influence of soil multicontamination and ryegrass cultivation on biochar effectiveness. The results showed that biochar application did not necessarily lead to lower pollutant extractability and metal bioaccessibility. However, differences were highlighted between the biochars. The miscanthus biochars produced at 600 °C (BM600) showed higher effectiveness at decreasing metal extractability than the miscanthus biochars produced at 400 °C (BM400) due to its better sorption characteristics. In addition, ryegrass cultivation did not impact pollutant availability but modified metal bioaccessibility, especially for the soil amended with the BM600 and the woody biochar. Moreover, the presence of PAHs also negatively impacted the metal bioaccessibility in the soil amended with the BM600, and, on the contrary, positively impacted it in the soil amended with the BM400. Complementary studies are therefore necessary to understand the mechanisms involved, particularly in a context where soils requiring remediation operations are often multicontaminated and vegetated.

The conception of two biosourced catalysts (biocatalysts) using stems of miscanthus from the first part of this study are described herein. The temperature and the process used to extract metals from plant as mixture of Lewis acids were investigated in detail and proved to be essential in the design of the biosourced catalysts and their catalytic efficiency. One part of the crude mixture of Lewis acids extracted from the aerial parts of miscanthus plants was used without further treatment as a homogeneous biocatalyst (M1), and the other part was supported on montmorillonite K10 to provide a heterogeneous biocatalyst (MM1). M1 and MM1 were next tested in the synthesis of moclobemide (main ingredient of a drug used to treat depression) and led to excellent yield. Additional comparative experiments with different commercial metallic salts (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, CuCl2, ZnCl2, FeCl2, FeCl3, MnCl2, and AlCl3) and their mixtures were carried out and underlined the importance of the multimetallic synergy on catalytic activity. Finally, a comparison of this new synthetic method assisted by the biosourced catalyst with the previously described procedures to access moclobemide was realized by calculating their green chemistry metrics. This study revealed that the use of the biosourced catalyst led to one of the greenest synthetic methods described today to produce moclobemide.

International audience; Copper (Cu) contamination of soils may alter the functioning and sustainability of vineyard ecosystems. Cultivating Cu-extracting plants in vineyard inter-rows, or phytoextraction, is one possible way currently under consideration in agroecology to reduce Cu contamination of vineyard topsoils. This option is rarely used, mainly because Cu phytoextraction yields are too low to significantly reduce contamination due to the relatively "low" phytoavailability of Cu in the soil (compared to other trace metals) and its preferential accumulation in the roots of most extracting plants. This article describes the main practices and associated constraints that could theoretically be used to maximize Cu phytoextraction at field scale, including the use of Cu-accumulating plants grown (i) with acidifying plants (e.g., leguminous plants), and/or (ii) in the presence of acidifying fertilizers (ammonium, elemental sulfur), or (iii) with soluble "biochelators" added to the soil such as natural humic substances or metabolites produced by rhizospheric bacteria such as siderophores, in the inter-rows. This discussion article also provides an overview of the possible ways to exploit Cu-enriched biomass, notably through ecocatalysis or biofortification of animal feed.

Phytomanagement is proposed as a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly suggestion for sustainable use of large metal-contaminated areas. In the current work, the energy crop miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) was grown in ex situ conditions on agricultural soils presenting a Cd, Pb and Zn contamination gradient. After 93 days of culture, shoot and root growth parameters were measured. Soils and plants were sampled as well to study the TE accumulation in miscanthus and the effects of this plant on TE mobility in soils. Results demonstrated that miscanthus growth depended more on the soils silt content rather than TE-contamination level. Moreover, soil organic carbon at T93 increased in the soils after miscanthus cultivation by 25.5–45.3%, whereas CaCl2-extractible TEs decreased due to complex rhizosphere processes driving plant mineral uptake, and organic carbon inputs into the rhizosphere. In the contaminated soils, miscanthus accumulated Cd, Pb and Zn mainly in roots (BCF in roots: Cd '' Zn > Pb), while strongly reducing the transfer of these elements from soil to all organs and from roots to rhizomes, stems and leaves (average TFs: 0.01–0.06, 0.11–1.15 and 0.09–0.79 corresponding to Cd, Pb and Zn respectively). Therefore, miscanthus could be considered a TE-excluder, hence a potential candidate crop for coupling phytostabilization and biomass production on the studied Metaleurop TE-contaminated soils.

International audience; Incidental ingestion of polluted soil particles exposes the population to toxic metal(loid)s. To refine the methods of exposure and risk assessment, it is relevant to use bioaccessible concentrations of metal(loid)s determined via in vitro digestion methods. However, some validated methods are complex and costly, involving high technical skills and numerous reagents. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of four simple chemical extractions to mimic the bioaccessible fraction of As, Cd, and Pb in the gastric (G) and gastrointestinal (GI) phases obtained using the validated UBM (unified bioaccessibility method) test. Acetic acid (0.11 M), citric acid (0.11 M), EDTA (0.16 M), and hydrochloric acid (HCl, 0.65%) were separately tested in 201 soil samples with a wide range of physicochemical parameters and metal(loid)s concentrations. Significant linear relationships were observed with HCl, EDTA, and to a lesser extent with citric acid. For the cheaper HCl method, correlations with the UBM ranged from 0.91 to 0.99 for the G phase and from 0.72 to 0.97 for the GI phase. This test can be used at least as a first-tier screening to assess the oral bioaccessibility of As, Cd, and Pb.

International audience; A new environmentally friendly approach for the synthesis of idrocilamide (1), a marketed myorelaxant and anti-inflammatory agent, is reported herein. The synthetic strategy involves a solvent-free aminolysis reaction catalyzed by zinc-containing species (ZnCl2 , montmorillonite K10 (MK10) impregnated with ZnCl2 or eco-catalysts). The latter have been prepared from the aerial parts of Lolium perenne L. plants grown on contaminated soils from northern France without and with thermal activation at 120 °C and supported on MK10 (Ecocat1 and Ecocat2, respectively). The best aminolysis catalysts in the current study (ZnCl2 and Ecocat2) were selected for additional aminolyses. Compared to ZnCl2 , Ecocat2 had the advantage of being reusable over five test runs and constituted a sustainable catalyst allowing a green route to idrocilamide. Synthesized derivatives 1-4, 6 and 9 were first evaluated for their effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation from macrophages and displayed antioxidant properties by preventing ROS production. Next, the analysis of the effect of molecules 1-4, 6 and 9 on macrophage migration between epithelial cells to human opportunistic fungus Candida albicans indicated that molecules 2-4, 6 and 9 exert anti-inflammatory properties via reducing macrophage migration while the parent idrocilamide (1) did not show any significant effect. This work opens the way for the discovery of new analogues of idrocilamide with improved properties.

Miscanthus x giganteus is suggested as a good candidate for phytostabilization of metal-polluted soils. Its late harvest in winter generates large amounts of leaf litter on the soil surface. However, little is known about the mobility and the bioavailability of metals following leaf decomposition and the consequences on the succeeding culture. Ex situ artificial aging for 1, 3, and 6 months was conducted with miscanthus leaf fragments incorporated into three agricultural soils displaying a gradient concentration in Cd (0.6, 3.1 and 7.9 mg kg−1), Pb (32.0, 194.6 and 468.6 mg kg−1), and Zn (48.4, 276.3 and 490.2 mg kg−1) to simulate the leaf litter input over 20 years of miscanthus culture. We investigated the impacts on physicochemical and biological soil parameters, CaCl2-extractable metal, and their subsequent ryegrass shoot concentrations, and hence on ryegrass health. The results showed that the amended soils possessed higher pH along with greater available phosphorous and soil organic carbon values. The respiratory activity and microbial biomass carbon in the amended soils increased mainly after 1 month of aging, and decreased afterwards. Despite the higher Pb- and Zn–CaCl2 extractability in the amended soils, the phytoavailability slightly increased only in the most contaminated soils. Moreover, leaf incorporation did not affect the ryegrass biomass, photosynthetic pigment contents, nor the antioxidative enzyme activities. Conclusively, leaf incorporation induced slight variations in soil physicochemical and biological parameters, as well as metal extractability, but not to an extent that might cause a considerable threat to the subsequent culture. Nevertheless, these results are preliminary data that require confirmation by long-term in-situ experimentations as they reflect the modelization of long-term impact of leaf decomposition on soil-plant system.

The effects of P-fertilizers (mono- and di-calcium phosphates) on the bioavailability of metals and nutrients in leaves and stems of Miscanthus &times, giganteus were studied in mesocosm and field experiments in order to propose a new way for the valorization of miscanthus biomass. The concentration of potentially toxic elements was generally higher in stems than in leaves. Although P-fertilizers were added to contaminated soils under sustainable conditions (from 0.022% to 0.026% w/w), the average of leaf and stem biomass generally increased in the presence of P-fertilizers due to the changes in the speciation of phosphorus. Leaves of the investigated miscanthus may be of great interest as a catalyst in organic chemistry, since the Ca concentration was up to 9000 mg kg&minus, 1 DW. Stems represent a potential biomass that can be used as renewable resource of Lewis acids, currently used in organic syntheses (the sum of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Mg, Si and Al was near 1000 mg kg&minus, 1 DW). The percentage of Cd and Pb in leaves and stems of miscanthus did not significantly change with P-fertilizers. Depending on the mesocosm and field experiments, it ranged from 0.004% to 0.016% and from 0.009% and 0.034% for Cd in leaves and stems, respectively, and from 0.004% to 0.015% and from 0.009% and 0.033% for Pb in leaves and stems, respectively.

This study is focused on the evaluation of the accumulation of Cd, Pb and Zn in five cultivars of Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) which were produced on contaminated agricultural soil. Over a growth period of 211 days, the roots and leaves were collected in four stages and then analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry to measure the concentration and distribution of the target metals in these two chicory organs considering the weather and the nature of the cultivar. For all cultivars, sharp decreases of Pb (from 165 mg kg−1 to 3 mg kg−1), Cd (from 11 mg kg−1 to 5 mg kg−1) and Zn concentrations (from 157 mg kg−1 to 40 mg kg−1) in the roots were highlighted over time. The data collected enabled the calculation of the variation of the bioconcentration factor, the biological absorption coefficient and the translocation factor for Cd, Pb and Zn. These parameters were then correlated with the distribution of the fresh biomass of leaves and roots and several indicators such as chlorophyll content, flavonols, anthocyanin and nitrogen balance index were measured. The study concludes with the discussion on the ability of chicory to clean up contaminated agricultural soil. The current investigation has shown: i) a translocation of Cd (and Zn to a lesser extent) from the roots to the leaves; ii) an increase in the level of anthocyanins with the increase of the metal trace elements concentration in the leaf, while the content of chlorophyll and the nitrogen balance index decrease, which could be linked to the phenomenon of senescence; iii) an ability of the chicory to reduce the bioavailable pool of the three metal trace elements studied, in particular for Cd.

A restoration of highly contaminated garden soil is proposed as a greener alternative to the production of vegetables. Depending on potentially toxic elements and their concentration, ryegrass shoots accumulate these elements in sufficient quantity to be used as a catalyst in organic synthesis. The analysis of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Al in ashes issued from the calcination of ryegrass shoots revealed that the concentration of Zn was highest (&gt, 7000 mg kg&ndash, 1). The ratios between potential Lewis acids (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Al) to carcinogenic metals (Cd or Pb) were 191 &plusmn, 7 for LA/Cd and 235 &plusmn, 13 for LA/Pb, making the shoots of ryegrass suitable for the production of Zn-rich polymetallic biosourced catalysts. This material was used in the synthesis of idrocilamide under free-solvent condition, providing the drug in a good yield (69.9%). Data show that a limitation of waste, a maximization of the material incorporation in the process, a minimization of the steps, and an optimization of the stoichiometric factor are the main innovative factors in the current process in comparison with those previously reported.

Two ecocatalysts Eco-MG1 and Eco-MG2 were obtained from the biomass of Miscanthus x giganteus cultivated in situ on metal-contaminated soils from the North-of-France region. Ecocatalysts have been characterized by SEM-EDS analyses and flame atomic absorption spectrometry and used to synthesize new urolithins A and B derivatives, metabolites of ellagic acid, through Hurtley reaction between polyphenols and bromobenzoic acids in water and/or in ethanol. Eco-MG2 was the most effective catalyst in the synthesis of urolithin derivatives and exceeded the catalytic power of copper sulphate (CuSO4) conventionally used in this benzo[c]chromene ring-closure Hurtley reaction. Newly synthesized urolithins 1–24 have been evaluated for their ability to inhibit the AGE2-BSA/sRAGE interaction and compared to known RAGE antagonists (Azeliragon, FPS-ZM1, etc). Urolithins showed excellent inhibitory activities equivalent to reference Azeliragon and constitute promising RAGE antagonists with anti-ageing properties. The first SAR were identified and open the way to the development of new series of experimental drugs targeting RAGE.

The C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm) packed with 5 μm core-shell particles was used in an effort to optimize the separation of 8 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under very low pressure values (44–52 bars), low temperature (16 °C) and in 13 min. Chromatogram and peaks of each polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon studied, obtained using an ultra fast liquid chromatography fitted with this column and equipped with a diode array detector, were compared with those obtained using two other traditional C18 columns, packed with fully porous 5 μm particles, usually used in our laboratory and specifically designed for the separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Thinnest peaks, highest sensitivity and efficiency are the main results related to the core-shell technology of the recent Kinetex column compared to more common C18 columns due to the bed uniformity and packing quality of the recent core-shell column. On the other hand, reduced retention time was highlighted for each polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon using the column packed with core-shell particles resulting from the lower surface area of these particles compared to the totally porous particles of the both other columns used. Limits of detection and quantification, linearity range and repeatability were determined for the method developed with the core-shell column. A practical application was realized by evaluating the sorption capacity of the 8 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons studied in mixture using a biochar made from woody plants. To this end, the biochar was mixed with aqueous solution spiked with the mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and a kinetic study of their sorption was conducted. Sorption percentage was higher than 89% for each polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon studied showing that the studied biochar could be good and low cost alternative products for the sorption of this type of pollutants.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sorption efficiency of eight biochars, made from Miscanthus x giganteus cultivated on contaminated agricultural soil, in aqueous solutions contaminated with metals alone or mixed with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These biochars were produced in different pyrolysis conditions (temperature, 400/600 °C; heating rate, 5/10 °C min−1; duration, 45/90 min) and compared with an uncontaminated commercialized biochar made of wood. The physicochemical characterization of the Miscanthus biochars confirmed the impact of the pyrolysis on the biochar parameters with substantial differences between the biochars in terms of pH, cation exchange capacity, and specific surface area. The sorption experiment showed higher sorption efficiency of Cd, Pb, and Zn for the Miscanthus biochars produced at 600 °C compared with the biochars produced at 400 °C when the aqueous solutions were mono- or multicontaminated. Furthermore, the desorption study showed that the sorption process was largely irreversible. Therefore, the high sorption capacity of Miscanthus biochars and the low sorption reversibility confirmed that these biochars are a suitable sorbent for metals.

The behaviour of metals mainly depends on soil pH, carbonate contents and contamination level, which should be considered for the management of contaminated soils. In this study, kitchen garden topsoils (0–25 cm) were sampled from the area around three smelters in France, with different Cd and Pb contamination levels. Effect of a phosphate amendment (a mixture of diammonium phosphate and hydroxyapatite) on the environmental availability and phytoavailability of Cd and Pb was evaluated by different chemical extractions and cultivating lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), respectively. Changes in the distribution of Cd and Pb were found in most contaminated soils after phosphate amendment. An increase of Cd and Pb in the residual phase was highlighted in almost all carbonated contaminated soils, whereas a decrease of Pb in the exchangeable, water and acid-soluble phase was observed in most contaminated soils with the lowest carbonate contents. The concentrations of extractable Cd and Pb using calcium chloride and acetic and citric acids generally decreased after the soil amendment. Lettuces grown on amended soils were acceptable for human consumption as regard to Pb concentration. In contrast, some lettuces were unacceptable for human consumption, since the concentrations of Cd in the leaves were higher than the European legislation limit. Surprisingly, in carbonated soils with very low concentration of Cd, the Cd concentrations in lettuce reached up to the European legislation limit, making the lettuce unacceptable for human consumption. Our study highlighted the fact that the total metal concentration in soils does not always allow to predict the metal accumulation in the edible parts of vegetables in order to make a judgement about their acceptability or unacceptability for human consumption.

The most recent in vitro tests used to determine metal bioaccessiblility are generally time-consuming and expensive. This study aimed at determining potential relationships between the concentrations of metals extracted using single-extraction methods and the concentrations of bioaccessible metals assessed by a harmonised in vitro test, the Unified BARGE Method (UBM). A total number of 27 soil samples were collected from kitchen gardens and lawns with various physicochemical parameters and contamination levels. Significant relationships were obtained between Cd, Pb and Zn extracted in gastric and gastrointestinal phases and using single extractions. The best relationhips were established using acetic and citric acids for Cd, whereas for Pb, citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were identified as the best extractants. These relationships were improved by means of a linear multiple regression with a downward stepwise procedure involving agronomic parameters (soil cation exchange capacity and assimilated P). This method highlighted the fact that the cation exchange capacity and P contents in soils were the two main parameters that controlled the human bioaccessibility of Cd, Pb and Zn in the gastric phase. Besides, the metal concentrations extracted with the acetic and citric acids correlated well with the metal concentrations in the gastric and gastrointestinal phases, suggesting that the bioaccessible metals were mainly in a soluble form, weakly bound to the organic matter and associated with the carbonates and the Fe and Mn oxides/hydroxides in soils.

International audience; Two kitchen garden soils (A and B) sampled in contaminated areas were amended using phosphates in sustainable quantities in order to reduce the environmental availability of potentially toxic inorganic elements (PTEs) and to favour the availability of alkali, alkali earth and micronutrients. The environmental availability of PTEs was evaluated using a potential plant for revegetation of contaminated soils (ryegrass) and a mixture of low molecular weight organic acids. Despite the highest contamination level of B, the concentration of metals was highest in the ryegrass shoots grown on A for the two harvests. These results correlated well with those obtained using low molecular weight organic acids for Cd, Zn and Cu, whereas this mixture failed to represent the transfer of nutrients due to the presence of biological and physiological mechanisms. The statistical differences between the biomass of ryegrass obtained at the first and the second harvests were attributed to the decrease of available potassium, implicated in the growth and development of plants. Phosphates increased the ratios Zn/Cd, Zn/Pb and Zn/Cu up to 176 ± 48, 38 ± 6 and 80 ± 12, respectively, and made possible the reduction of the concentration of Cd and Pb in the shoots of ryegrass by 22% and 25%, respectively. The concentration of Zn in the shoots of ryegrass from the first and the second harvests grown on soil A were in the range 1050–2000 mg kg−1, making this plant a potential biomass to (i) produce biosourced catalysts for organic chemistry applications in a circular economy concept and (ii) limit human exposure to commercial Lewis acids. A preliminary application was identified. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

ACL; Background: Since the 1990s, technical developments and theoretical studies of columns packed with core-shell and sub-core-shell particles demonstrated improved efficiency separation, time reduction, solvent use than fully porous columns. Thanks to this chromatographic system, environmental pollutants are being analysed under green conditions. Objective: This paper presents theoretical aspects and a review of the main features of core-shell technology focusing essentially on environmental applications. Method: The main advantages of core-shell columns may be summarized as follows: i) reduction of the eddy dispersion A term; ii) homogeneity of the particle size distribution reducing the velocity bias; (iii) superior mass transfer kinetics; iv) better performance of the separation (faster and greater). Results: Systematic comparisons with fully porous particles undeniably highlighted the benefits of core-shell technology in the separation of a great number of pollutants and “micropollutants” of different molecular weights which surround us and have an impact on the ecosystem. Conclusion: Core-shell particles are emerging as green substrates for the analysis of chemical species problematic for environment. The environmental gain in terms of limitation of analysis time and solvent consumption has been demonstrated. The current manuscript proposes an update of the literature devoted to the use of core-shell particles in environmental applications. Future trends in the field and the expectations of the scientific community are also described since increasing attention is being paid to the detection of environmental pollutants.

ACL; This study aimed at determining the competition of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) on their assimilation, on the food consumption and the growth of terrestrial isopod Porcellio laevis. Individuals were exposed to artificially contaminated litter of Quercus for 4 weeks and were weekly weighed. At the end of the experiment, the concentration of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu in individuals were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Biological parameters such as growth, and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) were calculated and results from the various treatments were compared. Depending on metals, weight loss or gain were recorded for isopods during the four weeks of exposure. A weight loss was measured on individuals exposed to Cd-contaminated litter whereas a weight gain was highlighted for those exposed to the Zn-contaminated litter. BAF values revealed that P. laevis was macroconcentrator of Zn and Cu and deconcentrator of Cd and Pb

International audience; An improved procedure for the synthesis of meloxicam drug (methyl 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-2H-1,2-benzothiazol-2-amine-3-carboxylate 1,1-dioxide) was described in one-step using mainly impregnated montmorillonite K10 (MK10) with ZnCl 2 as a heterogeneous catalyst. This innovative method was compared to the last described procedure employed in the manufacture of this anti-inflammatory drug by means of some metrics used in a first step of the evaluation process of the environmental impact of a chemical transformation. Apart from the yield, which was 90%, atom economy, waste, environmental factor, reaction mass efficiency and stoichiometric factor were calculated as 91.6%, 8.4%, 0, 8.1% and 1%, respectively. Interpretation of these metrics was given and highlighted the fact that the strategy used in the current study may be considered as an environmental-friendly and sustainable method that fits well in the green chemistry concepts. © 2018, Iranian Chemical Society.

Effects of three phosphorus fertilizers on the shoot biomass and on the accumulation of alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metals in the shoots and roots of ryegrass were studied with two contaminated garden soils. Phosphates were added in sustainable quantities in order to reduce the environmental availability of carcinogenic metals (e.g., Cd and Pb) and to enhance the bioavailability of alkali and alkaline earth metals as well as micronutrients needed by plants. Addition of Ca(H2PO4)2 was the most convenient way to (i) limit the concentration of Cd and Pb, (ii) keep constant the transfer of macro- and micronutrient from the soil to the ryegrass shoots, (iii) decrease the availability of metals, and (iv) increase the ratio values between potential Lewis acids and Cd or Pb in order to produce biosourced catalysis. For instance, the real phytoavailability was reduced by 27%&ndash, 57% and 64.2%&ndash, 94.8% for Cd and Pb, respectively. Interestingly, the real phytoavailability of Zn was the highest in the least contaminated soils. Even if soils were highly contaminated, no visual toxicity symptoms were recorded in the growing ryegrasses. This indicates that ryegrass is suitable for the revegetation of contaminated gardens. To promote the sustainable ryegrass production on contaminated soils for production of new organic fragrance and drugs in green processes according to REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation, two processes should be recommended: assisted phytostabilization of the elements, and then assisted phytoextraction by using chelators.

The ultrastructural changes on the hepatopancreas of Porcellio laevis individuals were investigated after their exposure to a mixture of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) during four weeks. At the end of the experiment, trace element (TE) concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The growth of individuals was calculated and compared among the treatments. From the first week until the end of the experiment, a weight gain was observed in P. laevis individuals. Additionally, the TE concentrations in the hepatopancreas and in the rest of the body were considerable and seem to be dose dependent. Moreover, our results confirmed the role of the hepatopancreas as the main storage organ. Thus, the conducted transmission electron microscopy highlighted remarkable alterations on the hepatopancreas cells resulting from the Cd and Zn bioaccumulation. The displayed alterations are principally the disorganization of the S- and B-cells leading to a destruction of the microvilli border, an increase of the lipid droplets and mitochondria as well as the appearance of trace elements in the form of B-type granules. Based on the obtained results herein, we can conclude that Porcellio laevis might be a good candidate in the prevention of TE pollution in the terrestrial ecosystems.

International audience; Two smelters in the North of France emitted potentially toxic metals for more than a century and today, the resulting contamination represents a risk to human health and affects also the biodiversity. To limit health risks and to improve the soil quality, a study using calcium phosphates (monocalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate and a mixture of both salts) and Lolium perenne L was conducted. Through this preliminary investigation, we will try to shed some light about (i) the effects of a sustainable amount of calcium phosphates on the agronomic, biological (microbial and fungi communities) and physiological parameters (chlorophyll a and b, antocyanins, carotenoids) as well as the phytoavailability of potentially toxic metals and nutrients in time, and (ii) the potential use of contaminated biomass from ryegrass as a source of new valorisation ways instead of using it as contaminated compost by gardeners. Although slight variations in pH and significant increases of assimilable phosphorus after adding calcium phosphates were registered, the physiology of plants and the biological parameters were statistically unchanged. The germination of the ryegrass seeds was favoured with calcium phosphates regardless the contamination level of the studied soils. No clear effects of calcium phosphates on the microbial and fungi communities were detected. In contrast, results indicated relationships between the physicochemical parameters of soils, their contamination level and the composition of fungal communities. Indeed, for one of the soils studied, calcium could limit the transport of nutrients, causing an increase in fungi to promote again the transfer of nutrients. Surprisingly, the phytoavailability of Pb increased in the most contaminated soil after adding dicalcium phosphate and the mixture of phosphates whereas a slight decrease was highlighted for Cd and Mn. Although minor changes in the phytoavailability of potentially toxic metals were obtained using calcium phosphates, the ability of ryegrass to accumulate Zn and Ca (up to 600 and 20,000 mg kg−1, respectively) make possible to qualify this plant as a bio ‘ore’ resource. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

International audience; Aided phytoremediation was studied for 48 weeks with the aim of reducing extractable and phytoavailable toxic elements and producing potential marketable biomass. In this sense, biomass of ryegrass was produced under greenhouse on two contaminated garden soils that have been amended with two successive additions of phosphates. After the first addition of phosphates, seeds of ryegrass were sown and shoots were harvested twice. A second seedling was performed after carefully mixing the roots from the first production (used as compost), soils and phosphates. Forty-eight weeks after starting the experiments, the concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn extracted using the rhizosphere-based method were generally lower than those measured before the addition of phosphates and cultivation (except for Pb and Fe in the most contaminated soil). The concentrations of metals in the shoots of ryegrass from the second production were lower than those from the first (except for Al). The best results were obtained with phosphates and were the most relevant in the lowest contaminated soil, demonstrating that the available metal concentrations have to be taken into account in the management of contaminated soils. In view of the concentration of metals defined as carcinogens, mutagens, and reprotoxics (e.g., Cd, Pb) and those capable to be transformed into Lewis acids (e.g., Zn, Fe), the utilization of ryegrass in the revegetation of contaminated soils and in risk management may be a new production of marketable biomass. The development of phytomanagement in combination with this type of biomass coincided with the view that contaminated soils can still represent a valuable resource that should be used sustainably. © 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

ACL; The current study reports the effects of heavy metals issued from the emissions of phosphate and their bioaccumulation in the soils, leaf litter, and the terrestrial isopod Porcellionides pruinosus in the vicinity of Gabes-Ghannouch industrial complex. Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu concentrations were measured in soils, leaf litter, and P. pruinosus individuals, collected from four stations located at different distances from the factory. Results showed that heavy metal concentrations in soils varied from one site to another and did not reflect those measured in individuals. In contrast, a positive correlation was found between the isopods’ body length and the distance from the pollution source, revealing the isopod sensitivity to the soil metal concentrations. The bioaccumulation factor was calculated using soil and leaf litter as a solid support with the aim of ordering the metal accumulation in P. pruinosus for each site. Overall, P. pruinosus could be defined as a macroconcentrator of Cd, Zn, and Cu (BAF>2) and as a deconcentrator of Pb (BAF

ACL; Phytomanagement used on soils contaminated with metals aims to stabilize them in the soil. It generally uses less demanding tree species such as maple, poplar, and black locust. However, it is important to consider the rate of accumulation of metals in the leaves as well as their location (leaf blade/petiole) together with the contents of cell wall compounds (hemicelluloses, cellulose, lignin). These two aspects are likely not only to have repercussions on the decomposition of litter but also to lead to a possible transfer ofmetal contamination into the food chain via soil decomposers/detritivorous. A successful phytoremediation is therefore the result of compromise: no tree species can meet all these criteria. The results obtained show that poplar is not recommended due to a high accumulation of Cd and Zn. The most appropriate species among our 3 studied species, which seem the most suitable in terms of remediation of metal polluted soils, could be the black locust and the maple which are less susceptible to contribute to the transfer of exogenous metals such as Cd to the trophic chain. However, maple strongly accumulates Pb in the leaf blade and it is susceptible to degrade quickly due to its high hemicelluloses and cellulose contents and low lignin content. The black locust accumulates metals mainly in the petiole (little consumed by detritivorous). However, its exotic character and high lignin content may limit the interest of its use.

ACL; Three plant biomasses (miscanthus, ryegrass and wheat) have been considered for the preparation of five different sorbents evaluated for their potential to sorb cadmium and lead and four emergent organic compounds (diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, 17α-ethynylestradiol and triclosan) from artificially contaminated water. Labcreated cartridges were filled with each sorbent and all experiments were systematically compared to activated charcoal Norit®. Results from activated charcoal, wheat straw and acidified wheat straw were supported by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Wheat straw ashes were an excellent metal extractor that exceeded the potential of well-known activated charcoal. Acidified sorbents (wheat and ryegrass) were very effective in eliminating the selected emerging organic contaminants displaying equipotent or superior activity compared to activated charcoal. These results open the way for further in natura studies by proposing new biosource materials as new effective tools in the fight against water pollution.

International audience; Accumulation of heavy metals in soils poses a potential risk to plant production, which is related to availability of the metals in soil. The phytoavailability of metals is usually evaluated using extracting solutions such as salts, acids or chelates. The purpose of this study was to identify the most significant soil parameters that can be used to predict the concentrations of acetic and citric acid-extractable cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in contaminated woody habitat topsoils. Multiple linear regression models were established using two analysis strategies and three sets of variables based on a dataset of 260 soil samples. The performance of these models was evaluated using statistical parameters. Cation exchange capacity, CaCO3, organic matter, assimilated P, free Al oxide, sand and the total metal concentrations appeared to be the main soil parameters governing the solubility of Cd, Pb and Zn in acetic and citric acid solutions. The results strongly suggest that the metal solubility in extracting solutions is extractable concentration-dependent since models were overall improved by incorporating a change point. This change point detection method was a powerful tool for predicting extractable Cd, Pb and Zn. Suitable predictions of extractable Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations were obtained, with correlation coefficient (adjusted r) ranging from 0.80 to 0.99, given the high complexity of the woody habitat soils studied. Therefore, the predictive models can constitute a decision-making support tool for managing phytoremediation of contaminated soils, making recommendations to control the potential bioavailability of metals. The relationships between acetic and/or citric acid-extractable concentrations and the concentrations of metals into the aboveground parts of plants need to be predicted, in order to make their temporal monitoring easier.

The choice of agronomic practices for phytomanagement of metal-contaminated soils is of crucial importance to optimize plant biomass yields and to mitigate both environmental and health risks due to metal exposure. The present study aimed to assess the effects of agronomic practices on shoot yield and on metal (Cd, Pb, and Zn) accumulation in the organs of the energy crop miscanthus ( Miscanthus × giganteus ) during the first three years since the plantation on metal-contaminated agricultural soils. Three miscanthus cultivars, hereafter named Mis-A, Mis-B and Mis-I, were planted at low and high density. An inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-AMF ( Glomus LPA Val 1) was added during plantation, and nitrogen fertilization was applied during the third growing season. Metal accumulation in miscanthus organs was determined during the second growing season, whereas shoot yields and their metal concentrations were determined during both the second and the third growing seasons. Based on metal concentrations and bioconcentration factors, the three cultivars mainly accumulated metals in their roots. The shoot yields increased from 3.7 to 10.3 t DW ha −1 in the second growing season to 15.8–23.3 t DW ha −1 in third growing season. There were no or very few significant differences in metal concentrations and shoot yields within treatments comprising the same cultivar. The addition of AMF inoculum increased metal (mainly Cd and Zn) accumulation in miscanthus organs and in the shoot yields and this was more observed in both Mis-B and Mis-I which presented a higher root mycorrhization level than in Mis-A. Shoot yields in treatments comprising different cultivars depended not on fertilization but on the interactions between cultivar and planting density, and between cultivar, planting density and AMF inoculum. Whatever the treatment and the sampling period, Pb concentrations did not significantly differ in shoot yields. The interaction between cultivar and planting density resulted in higher Cd concentrations in the yields of Mis-B planted at low density during the third growing season. Zn concentrations increased with fertilization in all treatments, and with the addition of the AMF inoculum in Mis-B and in Mis-I. Overall, the results demonstrated that the three cultivars could be potential candidates for coupling phytostabilization and biomass production on metal-contaminated soils.

ACL; This study aimed to observe the type of asymmetry exhibited by Porcellio laevis sampled from 15 sites belonging to Tunisian industrialized areas. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, organic matter and CaCO3 contents were measured in soils. Moreover, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu concentrations were determined in both soils and woodlice. Additionally, 10 metrical traits were measured to evaluate the type of asymmetry on individuals: the basis, the second and the third articles of the antenna, the first article of the flagellum of the antenna and the merus, the carpus, and the propodus of the sixth and the seventh pereopods. Among the 531 measured individuals, 432 exhibited fluctuating asymmetry (FA) while the remaining individuals exhibited antisymmetry or directional asymmetry. The data obtained were analyzed using a multivariate statistical analysis. Contrary to our hypothesis, the results showed that individuals from contaminated sites have a low FA level, whereas those from uncontaminated sites have a high FA level, particularly females but with some exceptions. Variations in FA level in the traits and populations studied and its usefulness as a stress indicator were discussed.

ACL; Although growing vegetables in urban gardens has several benefits, some questions in relation with the safety of foods remain when the self-production is carried out on highly contaminated garden soils. To better assess the local population's exposure to Cd and Pb induced by the past activities of a lead smelter, a participatory program was initiated in 115 private kitchen gardens located in northern France to assist gardeners in understanding their soil environment. The challenge included contributing to the database of urban garden soils with the collection of a large number of samples: 1525 crops grouped into 12 types (leaf, fruiting, root, stem and bulbous vegetables, tubers, cabbages, leguminous plants, celeriac, fresh herbs, fruits, and berries), 708 topsoils, and 52 samples of self-produced compost. The main results were as follows: (i) topsoils were strongly contaminated by Cd and Pb compared to regional reference values; (ii) great variability in physicochemical parameters and metal concentrations in topsoils; (iii) the highest concentrations of Cd and Pb for celeriac and fresh herbs and the lowest for fruits and fruiting vegetables; (iv) a high percentage of vegetables that did not comply with the European foodstuff legislation; and (v) most self-produced compost samples were strongly contaminated. This study aimed to raise awareness and generate functional recommendations to reduce human exposure and to provide useful data that could be considered in other environmental contexts.

International audience; The concept of green chemistry began in the USA in the 1990s. Since the publication of the 12 principles of this concept, many reactions in organic chemistry have been developed, and chemical products have been synthesized under environmentally friendly conditions. Lewis acid mediated synthetic transformations are by far the most numerous and best studied. However, the use of certain Lewis acids may cause risks to environmental and human health. This Review discusses the evolution of Lewis acid catalyzed reactions from a homogeneous liquid phase to the solid phase to yield the expected organic molecules under green, safe conditions. In particular, recent developments and applications of biosourced catalysts from plants are highlighted. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim

ACL; The fractionation of phosphorus in 9 soils was established according to the standards, measurements and testing (SMT) programme. Five fractions were so defined and phosphorus was analysed by spectrophotometry. In parallel, the phosphorus extracted in each fraction was determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after validation of this technique using certified reference materials. Phosphorus in soils was named total phosphorus, inorganic and organic phosphorus, apatite and non-apatite inorganic phosphorus, depending on extractants. The use of both analytical techniques revealed differences between the concentration of phosphorus in soluble extracts and highlighted the fact that spectrophotometry was a selective analytical technique. In view of the resourceand time-consuming of the SMT procedure and the results obtained in the present study, an alternative method was proposed to estimate the fractionation of phosphorus in soil in order to precise the potential effects of phosphorus on plant nutrition when plant biomass is produced as part of metal-contaminated soil management. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ACTI; International audience; A kitchen garden soil was sampled in a contaminated urban area located in the north of France. Samples were air-dried and crushed to pass through a 10-mm stainless steel sieve. Due to the high heterogeneity of garden soils in the studied area, much attention have been paid on the homogeneity of soil samples. After this step, the mass of sampled soils (48 kg) was divided to obtain four subsamples Each of them was divided in six replicates, unamended or amended using dicalcium phosphate (DCP) or monocalcium phosphate (MCP) or a mixture of these two compounds (MxP=75%DCP+25%MCP) The phosphorous amendments were added into the soil in small quantity (0.02 %) with the aim at reducing the environmental availability of carcinogenic metals and to increase the Zn availability (Figure 1) After the stabilisation period (2 months) in a greenhouse, 1 5 g of ryegrass seeds (Lolium perenne L.) were sown in the 24 containers. Eight weeks after sowing, ryegrass shoots were harvested, oven-dried at 40 °C and calcined at 500 °C in a muffle furnace (Nabertherm P330, Lilienthal, Germany).

ACL; Different remediation techniques have been used to restore metal-contaminated sites, including stabilizing metals by adding amendments to the soils. This study experimented three biochars, made from wood and miscanthus, cultivated on contaminated and uncontaminated soils, used as amendments at a 2% application rate on a metal-contaminated soil for 9 months in laboratory-controlled conditions. The objective was to evaluate whether biochars were able to decrease the availability and human oral bioaccessibility of metals in an alkaline soil. To meet this goal, the modifications of the soil’s physicochemical parameters, metal distribution in soil, and human bioaccessibility were evaluated at different sampling times. The results showed that biochar application to the alkaline soil did not always decrease the soil metal availability, which challenges the value of using biochars in already slightly alkaline soils at a low application rate. However, differences in efficiency between the three biochars tested were highlighted. The biochar produced with miscanthus cultivated on uncontaminated soil led to higher soil metal bioaccessibility. Moreover, because of the absence of any increase in soil metal availability with the biochar produced from biomass cultivated on contaminated soil, the use of such biochars can be recommended for the remediation of contaminated soil.

Biochars are products that are rich in carbon obtained by pyrolysis processes that consist in introducing a biomass (such as wood or manure) in a closed container and heating it with little or no available air. This paper reports the impacts of pyrolysis parameters on biochar characteristics. A preliminary examination of the scientific literature revealed that the type of feedstock, the temperature, the heating rate and the gas flow were the major parameters influencing the biochar characteristics. This review highlights the multitude of biochars that can be made and shows the importance of characterizing them before their use in soils. Then we assess how the input of biochars in soils can affect soil parameters. A review of the literature showed modifications on: i) the physical properties of soils (i.e. the modification in soil structure and water retention), ii) the chemical properties of soils (i.e. the modification of pH, cation exchange capacity, nutrient availability, the organic matter content) and iii) the biological properties (i.e. the changes in microbial and faunal communities). All these modifications can lead to an increase in crop productivity, which confirms the value of biochars as a soil amendment. Moreover, biochars can also provide an advantage for soil remediation. Indeed, biochars efficiently reduce the bioavailability of organic and inorganic pollutants. In addition, this review focuses on a specific plant that can be used to produce biochars: Miscanthus, a non-wood rhizomatous C4 perennial grass. Miscanthus presents advantages for biochar production due to: i) its lignocellulosic content, ii) its silicon content, which can mitigate environmental stresses (notably for plants grown on contaminated sites) and iii) the greater surface area of the Miscanthus biochars compared to the biochars produced with other feedstock.