Article
Horticulture
Nur Santi, Ratih Kemala Dewi, Yutaka Suganuma, Tsutomu Iikubo, Hiroichi Seki, Masakazu Komatsuzaki
Summary: The study found that mixing food waste compost with cow and horse manure can significantly improve the growth and yield of Komatsuna. Additionally, combining FWM with CWM and HM can increase the utility value of methane fermentation residues obtained from food waste as compost while reducing the use of chemical fertilizer.
Review
Plant Sciences
Sajeevee S. Sarathchandra, Zed Rengel, Zakaria M. Solaiman
Summary: Mining operations generate a large quantity of mine tailings, which degrade natural ecosystems. Therefore, it is crucial to rehabilitate these tailings to mitigate negative environmental impacts. This review compares different methods of rehabilitation, including physical, chemical, and amendment-assisted phytoremediation, based on cost, reliability, and durability. After review and discussion, it is concluded that amendment-assisted phytoremediation has received significant attention, but the selection of suitable phytoremediators and the proper use of amendments are critical steps. Moreover, the application of advanced plant improvement technologies, like genetically engineered plants, could be a potential solution.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Manhattan Lebrun, Romain Nandillon, Florie Miard, Gabriella S. Scippa, Sylvain Bourgerie, Domenico Morabito
Summary: Metal(loid) pollution of soils has negative effects on the environment and human health. Using phytoremediation with tolerant endemic species and applying amendments like biochar, compost, and iron sulfate can improve soil conditions and plant growth, potentially rehabilitating contaminated areas effectively.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kimber E. Munford, Asma Asemaninejad, Nathan Basiliko, Nadia C. S. Mykytczuk, Susan Glasauer, Samantha McGarry, Shaun A. Watmough
Summary: This study investigated vegetation community dynamics on two legacy Ni-Cu mine tailings and waste rock deposits in Sudbury Basin, Canada after approximately 48 years of succession, finding that metal/acid tolerant pioneer plants facilitated the establishment of less tolerant species. Planted conifers at a fully amended mine tailings site in the 1970s did not propagate or facilitate understory succession, while nitrogen-fixing leguminous plants were associated with increased diversity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. A. Gamboa-Herrera, C. A. Rios-Reyes, L. Y. Vargas-Fiallo
Summary: The study showed that the remedial effects of biochar on reducing mercury contamination in mine tailings depend on the source of organic matter and pyrolysis temperature. Biochar can significantly decrease the fractions of soluble Hg and organic Hg, reduce methylation potential, and increase the proportion of immobile Hg.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Romain Nandillon, Manhattan Lebrun, Florie Miard, Marie Gaillard, Stephane Sabatier, Domenico Morabito, Sylvain Bourgerie
Summary: Metal(loid) contamination of soil caused by mining activities is a global issue with negative impacts on the environment and health, requiring remediation. Assisted phytostabilization is a realistic method aiming to establish vegetation cover on soil to reduce metal(loid) bioavailability and spreading, with the choice of appropriate plant species being crucial for success. Amendmends like biochar, compost, and iron sulfate can improve soil properties and plant growth, with the best results coming from a combination of these amendments.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yizhi Cheng, Xuan Bu, Jing Li, Zhihui Ji, Chenggang Wang, Xiao Xiao, Fenglin Li, Zhuo-hui Wu, Guanxiong Wu, Pu Jia, Jin-tian Li
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of biochar and compost on various aspects of Pb-Zn mine tailings, including physiochemical properties, heavy metal content, microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and plant growth. The combination of biochar and compost was found to be more effective than separate addition in improving soil pH, organic carbon content, nitrogen content, phosphorus availability, and potassium availability. Both biochar and compost also decreased heavy metal content in soil and plant tissues, while increasing plant biomass. These findings contribute to our understanding of the ecological functions of biochar and compost in mining soil restoration and highlight the potential benefits of organic amendments in improving mining soil quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ahmad Faraz, Mohammad Faizan, Vishnu D. Rajput, Tatiana Minkina, Shamsul Hayat, Mohammad Faisal, Abdulrahman A. Alatar, Eslam M. Abdel-Salam
Summary: This study investigated the use of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) as seed primers to enhance the growth of Brassica juncea. The results showed that seed priming with 4 mg/L CuO NPs for 30 minutes significantly increased the growth indices and biochemical parameters of B. juncea. Antioxidant enzyme activity and biochemical parameters were also enhanced. This suggests that CuO NPs can effectively improve the performance of B. juncea and may have potential in other crop species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashequr Rahman Milon, Soon Woong Chang, Balasubramani Ravindran
Summary: This study examined the phytotoxic effects of final composted product extracts on five commercial vegetable crop seeds. The results showed that the compost extracts had no phytotoxic effect and the 10% biochar amendment showed the best performance.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Igor Yannick das Neves Vasconcellos Branda, Erenilda Ferreira de Macedo, Pedro Henrique Barboza de Souza Silva, Aline Fontana Batista, Sergio Luis Graciano Petroni, Maraisa Goncalves, Katia Conceicao, Eliandra de Sousa Triche, Dayane Batista Tada, Danielle Maass
Summary: The biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using Rhodococcus erythropolis and pre-processed mining tailings as a precursor was studied. The effects of pulp density and stirring rate on particle size were evaluated. The results showed that copper nanoparticles with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 21±1 nm can be synthesized using 25 g.L-1 of mining tailings and a stirring rate of 250 rpm.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ahad Barzegar Ghazi, Ahmad Jamshidi-Zanjani, Hamidreza Nejati
Summary: In this study, Sungun copper mine tailings were used as a partial substitute for cement in concrete construction, leading to increased compressive strength and chloride penetration resistance. Concrete samples with 10-50% and 60-70% mine tailings as a cement substitute exhibited a higher increase in compressive strength compared to the control sample.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anastasis Christou, Evgenia Charilaou, Andreas Zissimos, Damianos Neocleous, Panagiotis Dalias, Antonis A. Zorpas, Marinos Stylianou
Summary: This study evaluated the use of green compost for the revegetation of acidic sulfidic tailings. The results showed that adding 50% volume ratio of compost facilitated the growth and development of plants, leading to successful reclamation of the tailings.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Andrew T. Craig, Alexi Shkarupin, Richard T. Amos, Matthew B. J. Lindsay, David W. Blowes, Carol J. Ptacek
Summary: Reactive transport models developed in this study successfully simulated hydrogeochemical processes and isotope fractionation over four years in test cells with and without organic carbon amendments, indicating the importance of sulfate reduction and metal-sulfide precipitation. The findings suggest that coupled reactive transport modeling can enhance understanding of hydrogeochemical and biogeochemical controls in in situ treatment systems, showcasing the potential benefits of this technique for improving water quality in mine drainage.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiao-liang Zhang, Jue Kou, Chun-bao Sun, Rui-yang Zhang, Min Su, Shuo-fu Li
Summary: This research utilized MLA and SEM-EDS to investigate the occurrence mechanism of copper minerals in typical copper sulfide tailings, revealing that the predominant copper-bearing mineral was chalcopyrite closely intergrown with other minerals, and highly disseminated within gangue particles. The flotation tailings still contained liberated chalcopyrite and bornite due to their extremely fine granularity, and SEM-EDS analysis showed that copper minerals mainly occurred as fine dispersed and fully enclosed structures within gangue minerals. The information obtained from this research could provide useful references for recovering residual copper from flotation tailings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINERALS METALLURGY AND MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
A. Ruiz-Sanchez, Julio C. Juarez Tapia, G. T. Lapidus
Summary: The mining industry generates a large amount of tailings annually, which requires a systematic study on acid mine drainage potential and the dissolution of potentially toxic elements. Recovering valuable metals through metallurgical processes is also possible. The research found that the tailings have a low risk for generating acid drainage due to the small amount of pyrite, and proposed a process for obtaining metallic copper through leaching and electrolysis.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jonatan Rodriguez, Adolfo Cordero-Rivera, Luis Gonzalez
Summary: The presence of the invasive plant Carpobrotus edulis has altered herbivore communities by changing plant-herbivore interactions and increasing the abundance of herbivores in invaded coastal sites. Native snails have been found to damage the flowers of C. edulis, potentially reducing its seed production. Understanding the impacts of introduced species on invertebrate communities is crucial for effective long-term management strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jonatan Rodriguez, Paula Lorenzo, Luis Gonzalez
Summary: The study found that C. edulis individuals tolerate snail attack by inducing a compensatory growth response. Intraspecific competition and soil microorganisms did not affect the growth of C. edulis despite damage caused by the herbivore.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cassiano A. R. Bernardino, Claudio F. Mahler, Ricardo E. Santelli, Bernardo F. Braz, Renata C. Borges, Julia O. Fernandes, Anna C. S. Gomes, Fernando H. Cincotto, Luis A. B. Novo
Summary: Soil contamination due to traffic-related activities is a global concern that affects both urban and rural areas. The study found that soils near urban highways are more susceptible to Pd pollution, while non-urban areas are mainly influenced by traffic emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL FORENSICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Paula Lorenzo, Luis Gonzalez, Victoria Ferrero
Summary: The study found that Oxalis pes-caprae plants have allelopathic effects on Lactuca sativa, affecting the growth traits of the plant, especially when the plant is senescent. However, no broad evidence was found to support the Novel Weapon Hypothesis across all areas, showing that the origin of invaders affects their allelopathic potential.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Christina Tzvetkova, Luis A. B. Novo, Stela Atanasova-Vladimirova, Tsvetan Vassilev
Summary: This study examined the accumulation of rhenium in plants and proposed a method for recovering it from plant tissue, using infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy for evaluation. It was found that rhenium is mainly stored in plant vacuoles in the form of water-soluble potassium perrhenate, and the proposed aqueous extraction procedure demonstrated almost complete rhenium recovery.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Noa Nunez-Gonzalez, Jonatan Rodriguez, Luis Gonzalez
Summary: The research assessed the regeneration capacity of C. edulis plants after mechanical control, finding that the specialized herbivore P. mesembryanthemi significantly impacted the parameters studied, stimulating plant defense mechanisms, reducing biomass and volume, and accelerating decomposition. Avoiding plant re-rooting is an effective method in reducing viability.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Paula Lorenzo, Lorena Alvarez-Iglesias, Luis Gonzalez, Pedro Revilla
Summary: This article evaluates the value of Acacia dealbata as green manure and weed control tool in maize crops through three sequential experiments, and discusses the genotype and environment dependency of deficiencies caused by Acacia dealbata fertilization.
RENEWABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Julia Emiliani, Wendi G. Llatance Oyarce, Lucas M. Salvatierra, Luis A. B. Novo, Leonardo M. Perez
Summary: This study assessed the bioaccumulation and toxicity effects of cadmium in Salvinia biloba plants exposed to artificially contaminated water. The leaves showed more pronounced deterioration compared to the roots, with flavonoids and carotenoids being the most affected by low levels of Cd. These results suggest that physiological data obtained from S. biloba specimens may serve as a valuable tool for monitoring metal-polluted water.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana R. A. Alves, Qifan Yin, Rui S. Oliveira, Eduardo F. Silva, Luis A. B. Novo
Summary: Soil metal contamination is a significant issue with detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Conventional methods of reclamation are expensive and impractical, thus microbe-aided phytoremediation has gained attention due to its cost-effectiveness and environmentally friendly nature. Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) play a crucial role in assisting plant growth and metal removal or immobilization in polluted soils. They also help in nutrient acquisition, hormone regulation, and control of antagonistic microorganisms. Future research should focus on field studies and explore the potential of genetic engineering in improving microbe-assisted phytoremediation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Meththika Vithanage, Pasan Chinthana Bandara, Luis A. B. Novo, Amit Kumar, Balram Ambade, G. Naveendrakumar, Manjula Ranagalage, Dhammika N. Magana-Arachchi
Summary: This review examines the concentration of trace metals (TMs) in atmospheric deposition and its potential impacts on human and ecosystem health. The concentration of TMs in dry deposition varies with sources, while in wet deposition, it depends on the solubility of TMs. Health risk assessments suggest that ingestion and dermal contact pathways pose potential health risks. Future research should focus on modeling and predicting the fate and transfer of TMs from natural and anthropogenic sources to inform pollution control policies and measures.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dana B. Loureiro, Luciana D. Lario, Maria S. Herrero, Lucas M. Salvatierra, Luis A. B. Novo, Leonardo M. Perez
Summary: This exploratory study evaluated the potential of Salvinia biloba for remediating atrazine and carbendazim polluted water. The results showed that atrazine had a detrimental impact on S. biloba, whereas carbendazim-treated plants were able to grow even in high concentrations. The study also identified bacteria resistant to carbendazim in the roots of the plants. The use of S. biloba for phytoremediation of carbendazim contamination shows promise, but further research is needed to understand the elimination process and identify alternative species for mitigating atrazine.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jonatan Rodriguez, Ana Novoa, Gaston Sotes, Anibal Pauchard, Luis Gonzalez
Summary: The Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH) predicts that the escape from specialist herbivores may explain the invasiveness of some invasive alien plants, but our experiment does not support this hypothesis. We found that Carpobrotus edulis plants attacked by a specialist herbivore showed the production of defensive compounds and reduced growth and survival, while those attacked by a generalist herbivore showed no significant differences compared to control plants. Overall, our findings suggest that C. edulis is negatively affected by its specialist herbivore, but not by generalist herbivores.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thenmozhi Murugaian Palanivel, Bernhard Pracejus, Luis A. B. Novo
Summary: This study assessed the copper removal efficiency and bioaccumulation ability of two indigenous species, Aspergillus hiratsukae LF1 and Aspergillus terreus LF2, isolated from an abandoned copper mine in Oman. The results showed that both species demonstrated a significant ability to remove copper from the nutrient medium, with A. terreus LF2 exhibiting higher removal efficiency and accumulation capacity compared to A. hiratsukae LF1. The analysis of extracellular polymeric substances indicated a different response to copper exposure, with A. hiratsukae LF1 showing a hormetic response and A. terreus LF2 inducing the production of carbohydrates. Overall, A. terreus LF2 showed greater promise for copper bioremediation due to its enhanced tolerance and accumulation capacity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Perez-Diz, Berea Rodriguez-Addesso, Muhammad Iftikhar Hussain, Jonatan Rodriguez, Ana Novoa, Luis Gonzalez
Summary: This study investigated the phenotypic plasticity of Carpobrotus sp. pl. invading four different habitats in the north-western Iberian Peninsula. The results showed variations in morphological traits, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions of Carpobrotus sp. pl. in response to different environmental conditions and resource utilization in each habitat.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
K. S. D. Premarathna, Jayanta Kumar Biswas, Manish Kumar, Sunita Varjani, Bede Mickan, Pau Loke Show, Sie Yon Lau, Luis A. B. Novo, Meththika Vithanage
Summary: The blue-green city concept aims to reduce the impacts of stormwater by utilizing green infrastructure in metropolitan areas. The key types of blue-green infrastructures include wetlands, basins, green roofs, and permeable pavements. Bioretention systems, made of plants, mulch, and soil, have been enhanced by the use of biochar due to its adsorption capabilities. Although most studies on this topic have been conducted in labs, there is a need for field-based research to fully understand the efficiency of biochar-incorporated bioretention systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
