Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ujala Ejaz, Shujaul Mulk Khan, Muhammad Aqeel, Noreen Khalid, Wajiha Sarfraz, Nayab Naeem, Heesup Han, Jongsik Yu, Gong Yue, Antonio Raposo
Summary: Parthenium hysterophorus is a plant species that can uptake heavy metals from the soil and accumulate them in its tissues. The use of the chelating agent EDTA can enhance metal uptake capacity. The experiment showed that the concentrations of Cd and Pb in the shoot of P. hysterophorus were highest without and with the presence of EDTA, respectively. EDTA also increased the accumulation of essential ions in P. hysterophorus.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peeraya Sangsuwan, Benjaphorn Prapagdee
Summary: This study compared the cadmium phytoextraction efficiency between Chlorophytum comosum and Chlorophytum amaniense, and found that the latter had higher shoot biomass, while the former had higher root biomass. Inoculation of cadmium-resistant bacteria, such as Micrococcus sp. MU1, promoted plant growth and cadmium uptake. The results showed that cadmium accumulated more in C. comosum, with the highest extraction amount in C. comosum inoculated with Micrococcus sp. due to its higher plant dry weight.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Houssem Kahli, Hana Sbartai, Touria Cohen-Bouhacina, Jacques Bourguignon
Summary: This study compares the resistance of halophytes to cadmium stress and finds that they can restore cellular homeostasis by activating antioxidant defense mechanisms and accumulate high amounts of Cd in leaves. These plants may be good candidates for Cd phytoextraction in the presence of low pollutant concentrations.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianjun Qin, Jing Wang, Jian Long, Jing Huang, Shengshuang Tang, Hongbo Hou, Peiqin Peng
Summary: This study investigates the extraction of biomass enriched with heavy metals using Napier grass biochar and the separation of heavy metals. The results show the feasibility of obtaining K-rich fertilizer with low risk of heavy metals and biochar with good application prospect.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haiyun Xie, Jiuzhou Chen, Yabei Qiao, Kuan Xu, Zhi Lin, Shengke Tian
Summary: This study explores the effect of biofortification on soil cadmium (Cd) remediation using a fruit tree Sedum alfredii Hance and oil sunflower crop rotation and relay cropping mode. The results show that biofortification measures can significantly improve the Cd extraction effect and do not affect the safe production of crops. This has important guiding significance for Cd pollution remediation and safe production in farmland.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ling Fei, ShaoFan Zuo, JiaXin Zhang, ZhaoLong Wang
Summary: The phytoextraction strategy of harvesting dead leaves allows for continuous phytoremediation and cost-saving in disposing of hazardous plant residues. This study suggests that the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in leaves is closely associated with leaf senescence, and further research should focus on regulating leaf senescence to enhance Cd accumulation and phytoextraction efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Iram Gul, Maria Manzoor, Imran Ahmad, Jean Kallerhoff, Muhammad Arshad
Summary: The present study evaluated the removal of cadmium from contaminated soil using the ornamental plant Pelargonium x hortorum. It was found that the plant can accumulate cadmium and convert it into nanoparticles. Despite the phytotoxic effects of cadmium, P. hortorum was able to survive at higher concentrations and exhibited good tolerance.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bin Guo, Chen Liu, Yicheng Lin, Hua Li, Ningyu Li, Junli Liu, Qinglin Fu, Wenbin Tong, Haiping Yu
Summary: The study identified Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract as an optimal chelate for phytoextraction of cadmium-contaminated soils, due to its high efficiency, growth-supporting characteristics, and low cost. The extract, rich in polyphenol compounds, organic acids, antioxidants, and amino acids, significantly increased extractable Cd and plant biomass without adverse environmental impacts. This commercially available and cost-effective chelator showed higher phytoextraction efficiency compared to traditional chelating agents, and degraded without residual Cd in the soil after 90 days.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiawen Wu, Na Zhao, Pan Zhang, Lin Zhu, Yuan Lu, Xin Lei, Zhenqing Bai
Summary: Sweet sorghum has great potential for the remediation of cadmium-polluted soils. Nitrate application increases cadmium accumulation in sweet sorghum, and this is mainly attributed to sulfur metabolism. Increased activities of ATP sulfurylase and concentrations of non-protein thiol and phytochelatins in leaves positively correlate with cadmium accumulation in shoots. Sweet sorghum is suitable for remediation of slightly cadmium-polluted arable lands, regardless of the level of cadmium treatment. Thus, the enhancement of cadmium accumulation in shoots of sweet sorghum by excess nitrate application is closely related to sulfur metabolism.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiaxin Zhang, Ling Fei, Qin Dong, Shaofan Zuo, Yanbang Li, Zhaolong Wang
Summary: The study revealed that during the senescence process of tall fescue leaves, the contents of phytochelatins, glutathione, and non-protein thiols increased, leading to promotion of Cd-binding, which is achieved through the protein degradation pathway.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eliana Di Lodovico, Lilian Marchand, Nadege Oustriere, Aritz Burges, Gaelle Capdeville, Regis Burlett, Sylvain Delzon, Marie-Pierre Isaure, Marta Marmiroli, Michel J. Mench
Summary: The study evaluated the potential of tobacco for phytomanaging and remediating soil ecological functions at a contaminated site. The results showed that tobacco can grow relatively well even in heavily contaminated soil, maintaining a healthy photosynthetic system under stress. The study also found that the concentrations of certain metal elements in the contaminated soil can affect the absorption of nutrients in the aboveground plant parts.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Canming Chen, Zebin Wei, Kuangzheng Hu, Qi-Tang Wu
Summary: This study aimed to identify the pathways and contribution rates of soil cadmium (Cd) removal during phytoremediation by Pennisetum hybridum and assess its potential for phytoremediation. The tests showed that P. hybridum had a high annual yield and extracted a significant amount of Cd in its shoots. However, the extraction by plant shoots was not the main contributor to the decrease of Cd in the topsoil. The study also found that P. hybridum treatment led to a decrease in soil pH and enhanced Cd migration to subsoil and groundwater.
Article
Plant Sciences
Arosha Maqbool, Muhammad Rizwan, Tahira Yasmeen, Muhammad Saleem Arif, Afzal Hussain, Asim Mansha, Shafaqat Ali, Huda Alshaya, Mohammad K. Okla
Summary: Cadmium toxicity strongly affects plant growth and seed germination. It has been found that the addition of phosphorus fertilizer in an optimal manner can significantly increase the biomass of Solanum nigrum L., enhance antioxidant enzyme activity, and inhibit oxidative stress.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shenglan Xia, Jie Wang, Zanming Chen, Hai Lan, Zhenguo Shen, Liang Shi, Yahua Chen
Summary: The study showed that foliar application of EDTA, Se, and other elements can significantly reduce Cd concentration in wheat grains. Specifically, 2 mM EDTA and Se were found to be effective in controlling Cd accumulation in wheat grains, providing technical guidance for safe wheat production in low-Cd-contaminated soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuerui Cao, Xiaozi Wang, Min Lu, Yasir Hamid, Qiang Lin, Xingxing Liu, Tingqiang Li, Guoqun Liu, Zhenli He, Xiaoe Yang
Summary: Intercropping of hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii and oilseed rape significantly increased biomass, seed yield, and Cd accumulation in oilseed rape compared to monoculture, with Cd accumulation varying in different soil types. The study also showed that intercropping enhanced Cd phytoextraction potential and benefits evaluation index, providing a technical approach for phytoremediation practices and theoretical references for Cd phytoextraction and benefits evaluation development.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fasiha Safdar, Muhammad Fahim Khokhar, Fatimah Mahmood, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali Khan, Muhammad Arshad
Summary: This study investigates the observed and future precipitation changes in Pakistan using ground, satellite, and model data. The findings reveal a decreasing trend in winter precipitation and an increase in pre-monsoon precipitation. Future precipitation estimates suggest a rise in precipitation for the northern and western parts of Pakistan, while a decrease is predicted for the plains, which could have negative consequences for agriculture.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Muhammad Arslan Ashraf, Rizwan Rasheed, Iqbal Hussain, Freeha Fatima Qureshi, Muhammad Rizwan, Shafaqat Ali
Summary: This study investigates the role of allicin in alleviating the phytotoxic effects of hydrocarbon stress on wheat plants. Allicin improves plant growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant defense system, and osmolyte accumulation under hydrocarbon stress.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anum Amin, Maria Manzoor, Muhammad Wajahat Ramay, Ali Hassan, Kiran Hina, Asad Syed, Ali H. Bahkali, Muhammad Arshad
Summary: This study aimed to assess the potential of nanoparticles for the photodegradation of antibiotics and the subsequent improvement in crop productivity and quality. The results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles were the most effective for the removal of antibiotics, with degradation rates of 65% for amoxicillin and 56% for levofloxacin on the 7th day. Furthermore, the application of TiO2 nanoparticles improved the growth and nutrient uptake of wheat under antibiotic stress.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Solabomi Olaitan Ogunyemi, Xinyan Xu, Lihui Xu, Yasmine Abdallah, Muhammad Rizwan, Luqiong Lv, Temoor Ahmed, Hayssam M. Ali, Fahad Khan, Chengqi Yan, Jianping Chen, Bin Li
Summary: Recently, the application of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4NPs) has gained popularity due to its diverse properties. This study successfully synthesized Co3O4NPs using Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract and characterized their structure and size. The Co3O4NPs inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and significantly reduced disease leaf area percentage in infected rice plants. Additionally, Co3O4NPs enhanced the photochemical efficacy of PSII and photochemical quenching in Arabidopsis plants. These findings suggest that Co3O4NPs can be a useful agent in the management of phytopathogen diseases.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Rizwan, Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Usman, Sidra Anayatullah, Areej, Hesham F. Alharby, Atif A. Bamagoos, Basmah M. Alharbi, Shafaqat Ali
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy of different abiogenic sources of silicon in mitigating salinity stress on maize crops grown on salt-affected soil. The results showed that applying these sources significantly decreased soil electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio, and soil pH, while improving plant growth and physiological attributes. Additionally, the application of these sources also increased the absorption of phosphorus and potassium by plants. Therefore, the use of abiogenic sources of silicon can effectively alleviate the negative effects of salinity stress on maize crops.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Muhammad Amin Afzal, Farrukh Azeem, Shumaila Afzal, Naila Afzal, Muhammad Rizwan, Hyojin Seo, Asad Ali Shah, Muhammad Amjad Nawaz
Summary: The study identified 54 genes encoding potential TCS proteins in Vigna radiata plants, which were divided into three subgroups: 18 HKs, 9 HPs, and 27 RRs. These genes were widely dispersed across all eleven chromosomes and had family-specific intron/exon structures. The expression of VrTCS genes was clustered in response to drought stress, with different clusters showing early or late responses.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Temoor Ahmed, Muhammad Noman, Yetong Qi, Shengchun Xu, Yanlai Yao, Hafiza Ayesha Masood, Natasha Manzoor, Muhammad Rizwan, Bin Li, Xingjiang Qi
Summary: Agricultural soil pollution with potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) is a significant environmental concern. Conventional remediation approaches are toxic and can lead to environmental contamination. Silicon nanomaterials (SiNMs) have emerged as a promising alternative for the remediation of PTEs-contaminated soils due to their unique characteristics.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shaopeng Zhao, Muhammad Kamran, Muhamamd Rizwan, Shafaqat Ali, Lei Yan, Mona S. Alwahibi, Mohamed S. Elshikh, Muhammad Riaz
Summary: The study showed that silicon nanoparticles (SNPs) effectively reduced Cd toxicity in rapeseed seedlings by decreasing Cd contents, promoting plant growth, and alleviating oxidative damage. SNPs also influenced the subcellular distribution of Cd and enhanced the synthesis of proline, contributing to the improvement of rapeseed productivity and human health preservation.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fu Chen, Yuhang Li, Muhammad Atif Irshad, Afzal Hussain, Rab Nawaz, Muhammad Farooq Qayyum, Jing Ma, Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, Muhammad Rizwan, Shafaqat Ali
Summary: The study showed that the application of biochar and titanium dioxide nanoparticles can reduce the uptake of cadmium by wheat plants, thereby reducing the health risk associated with cadmium.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadiyah M. Alabdallah, Muhammad Atif Irshad, Muhammad Rizwan, Rab Nawaz, Aqil Inam, Muhammad Mohsin, Iram Khurshid, Hesham F. Alharby, Atif A. Bamagoos, Shafaqat Ali
Summary: Preparation of nanoparticles (NPs) using green and environmentally acceptable processes has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. This study compared the synthesis of TiO2 NPs from leaf extracts of two plant species and traditional chemical preparation. The effects of calcination on the physical characteristics and antifungal efficacy of TiO2 NPs were investigated.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, Manar Fawzi Bani Mfarrej, Muhammad Usman, Sidra Anayatullah, Muhammad Rizwan, Hesham F. Alharby, Isam M. Abu Zeid, Nadiyah M. Alabdallah, Shafaqat Ali
Summary: Salt stress is a growing problem for the environment and agriculture, and different sources of iron may offer a solution for remediating salt-affected soils. Fe nanoparticles (FeNPs) and conventional sources of iron were tested on wheat crops grown in normal and salt-affected soils. FeNPs showed significant improvement in dry weights of wheat roots, shoots, and grains in both normal and salt-affected soils compared to other iron sources. FeNPs also enhanced photosynthetic parameters and increased essential nutrients in plants. Further research is needed to explore the potential commercialization of FeNPs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Saqib Khan, Nadia Riaz, Saeed Rehman, Liu Chenhui, Ahson Jabbar Shaikh, Muhammad Arfan, Iftikhar Zeb, Muhammad Arshad, Farhan Hafeez, Muhammad Bilal
Summary: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were anchored to nitrogen-doped TiO2 using the sol-gel method, effectively expanding its light absorption range. The synthesized GQD-N-TiO2-300 nanocomposite exhibited excellent photocatalytic decolorization performance against RB5 due to the presence of GQDs as electron transporters and photosensitizers. This study provides a foundation for utilizing nonmetallic and environmentally friendly materials like GQDs to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2, offering new possibilities for environmental applications.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Israr Asghar, Maqsood Ahmed, Iram Gul, Muhammad Arshad, Muhammad Ishtiaq, Raja Tahir Mahmood, Adnan Umair, Muhammad Ansar Farooq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Imran Ali
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of indigenous plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) for enhancing nutrient availability and plant growth. Soil samples were collected from fallow fields under long-term cultivation of wheat and maize in three different locations. The highest production and solubilization of important plant growth hormones and nutrients were observed in the soil from Samahni, followed by Barnala and Bhimber. Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. showed the highest levels of certain growth hormones and nutrients. These findings suggest that PGPB have the potential to enhance plant growth and nutrient regulation.
PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Manzoor, Muhammad Shafiq, Iram Gul, Usman Rauf Kamboh, Dong-Xing Guan, Abdulrahman Ali Alazba, Sven Tomforde, Muhammad Arshad
Summary: This study investigated the root-induced organic acid secretions and their role in lead phytoextraction using the Pb hyperaccumulator Pelargonium hortorum. The results showed that malic acid and citric acid significantly increased the availability and uptake of lead in the soil, with malic acid being the most effective. The application of organic acids also improved soil enzymatic activities, indicating their potential for long-term soil regeneration.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rabeea Zafar, Deedar Nabi, Arwa Abdulkreem Al-Huqail, Usama Jamil, Sher Jamal Khan, Zaheer Ahmed, Muhammad Arshad
Summary: The study aimed to devise a strategy for efficiently and concurrently eliminating multiple antibiotics from water. A silicone-based polymer adsorbent was prepared and successfully used to remove antibiotics from aqueous solutions. Various experiments and analyses were conducted to understand the adsorption mechanisms. The results showed that the adsorbent had high removal efficiency and could maintain its adsorption capacity after regeneration.
EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
(2023)
