Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Dawei Li, Shen Ling, Xinru Cheng, Zhaoqi Yang, Bei Lv
Summary: A colorimetric biosensor assay has been developed for the detection of Cd2+ and Hg2+ based on Cd2+-dependent DNAzyme cleavage and Hg2+-binding-induced conformational switching of the G-quadruplex fragment. The assay exhibits excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, making it suitable for environmental water sample testing and further environmental monitoring.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Astha Gautam, Jurgen Gailer
Summary: Although chronic low-level exposure to Hg2+ and Cd2+ causes human nephrotoxicity, the bioinorganic processes that deliver them to their target organs are poorly understood. This study used size-exclusion chromatography coupled on-line to an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer to gain insight into the translocation processes of these metal ions. The results showed that Hg2+ was more easily mobilized from its binding site on human serum albumin compared to Cd2+ under near-physiological conditions, providing a possible explanation for the higher 'mobility' and nephrotoxicity of Hg2+ compared to Cd2+.
Article
Plant Sciences
Kim A. Richardson, Anouck C. M. de Bonth, Zac Beechey-Gradwell, Suhas Kadam, Luke J. Cooney, Kelly A. Nelson, Ruth Cookson, Somrutai Winichayakul, Michele Reid, Philip Anderson, Tracey Crowther, Xiuying Zou, Dorothy Maher, Hong Xue, Richard W. Scott, Anne Allan, Richard D. Johnson, Stuart D. Card, Wade J. Mace, Nicholas J. Roberts, Gregory Bryan
Summary: The study investigated the impact of DGAT + CO technology on the grass-endophyte association in perennial ryegrass and found that the expression of this trait did not significantly affect the endophyte-infected and non-infected progeny. It was also observed that while Epichloe-derived alkaloid concentrations were lower in DGAT + CO plants in some instances, they remained within the bioactive range. Further research is needed to determine the optimal genetic backgrounds for the successful integration of DGAT + CO trait with selected endophyte strains.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gehad Abd El-Fatah, Hend S. Magar, Rabeay Y. A. Hassan, Rehab Mahmoud, Ahmed A. Farghali, Mohamed E. M. Hassouna
Summary: Differential pulse voltammetry using gallium oxide nanoparticles/carbon paste electrode was utilized for simultaneous detection of Pb2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+ ions. The newly developed sensing platform demonstrated high sensitivity and a wide dynamic linear range. The selectivity of the sensor towards different metal ions was also investigated, showing no significant cross-reactivity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan F. Saldarriaga, Julian E. Lopez, Laura Diaz-Garcia, Carolina Montoya-Ruiz
Summary: This study evaluated the changes in the rhizosphere microbiome of Lolium perenne during the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with mercury and cadmium. Results showed that mycorrhizal inoculation influenced the absorption and distribution of metals, and the Enterobacteriaceae family exhibited biosorption and efflux effects on mercury and cadmium. Overall, Lolium perenne has high potential for phytoremediation of Cd- and Hg-contaminated soils in the tropics, and mycorrhizal inoculation and changes in the microbiome can enhance plant tolerance to these metals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Sebastian W. Przemieniecki, Cezary Purwin, Jedrzej Mastalerz, Marta Borsuk, Krzysztof Lipinski, Tomasz Kurowski
Summary: The study found that a dose of 5 kg ha(-1) of L-tryptophan significantly increased herbage yield and water-soluble carbohydrate content, leading to improved fermentation process and reduced levels of harmful bacteria and fungi. Overall, using L-tryptophan at the appropriate dose can enhance nutrient consumption by Lolium perenne and improve the quality of its silage as feed.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Audrey Picard-Lafond, Dominic Lariviere, Denis Boudreau
Summary: Metal-enhanced fluorescence is a powerful tool that improves the brightness and photostability of target-responsive fluorophores, making it useful in the design of sensitive chemical sensors. Expanding the use of metal-enhanced fluorescence to the detection of low-level inorganic pollutants, such as monitoring mercury in the environment, is an important goal. This study demonstrates the potential of metal-enhanced fluorescence for heavy metal detection through fluorescence sensing, by developing a Hg2+-sensitive nanoprobe.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wagdi Ghaleb, Philippe Barre, Beatrice Teulat, Lina Qadir Ahmed, Abraham J. Escobar-Gutierrez
Summary: Seed dormancy and inhibition are adaptive mechanisms that ensure seedlings are established at the most favorable time and place. This study investigated the genetic control and selective breeding potential of thermal requirements for germination in perennial ryegrass. The results showed that thermoinhibition at 10 and 32 degrees C in a natural population of perennial ryegrass has a genetic basis, with a single recessive gene involved at 10 degrees C.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sylva Prerostova, Barbara Zupkova, Ivan Petrik, Jan Simura, Ivo Nasinec, David Kopecky, Vojtech Knirsch, Alena Gaudinova, Ondrej Novak, Radomira Vankova
Summary: Complex phytohormonal analyses revealed changes in hormones such as ABA, JA, and SA in perennial ryegrass in response to freezing stress. Tolerant genotypes showed lower levels of active cytokinin trans-zeatin compensated by elevated low-active cis-zeatin. Cold acclimation stimulated plant defenses and reduced the impact of subsequent freezing treatment by lowering the up-regulation of stress hormones ABA, JA, and SA.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Guirong Li, Zongshuo Wang, Yujing Lv, Shengyong Jia, Fukai Chen, Yinbo Liu, Long Huang
Summary: Planting ryegrass in co-contaminated soil can effectively enhance plant growth and removal of co-contaminants, as well as increase the diversity of soil bacteria and alter microbial community composition. The relative abundance of PAHs degrading genera also increased, benefiting the removal of pyrene in the soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Astha Gautam, Amanda Gomez, Emerita Mendoza Rengifo, Graham N. George, Ingrid J. Pickering, Juergen Gailer
Summary: The exposure of humans to low chronic doses of Cd can have adverse health effects, but the biomolecular mechanisms behind this are not fully understood. In this study, an HPLC-FAAS system was used to investigate the chemistry of Cd2+ in the bloodstream. The addition of L-cysteine to the mobile phase affected the retention behavior of Cd2+, and the formation of CdCys(x)Cl(y) complexes on the column was observed. The formation of these toxicologically relevant Cd species in blood plasma may be implicated in the uptake of Cd into target organs and the resulting toxicological effects.
Article
Agronomy
Lili Dong, Liangbing Xiong, Xiaoyang Sun, Saud Shah, Zhixin Guo, Xueying Zhao, Lizhi Liu, Lintao Cheng, Zhi Tian, Fuchun Xie, Yajun Chen
Summary: Understanding the shade-tolerance mechanisms of cool-season turfgrass species is crucial for effective turfgrass management. This study evaluated the turf performance, growth, and physiological characteristics of two turfgrass species, 'Suprallova' and 'Lark', under different levels of shade. The results showed that 'Suprallova' exhibited better turf quality and color intensity, as well as increased root length and surface area under shade. 'Lark' experienced a decrease in root length and surface area with increasing shade. The chlorophyll fluorescence and primary photosystem II photochemistry were significantly affected by high shade, with 'Lark' being more affected than 'Suprallova'. Both turfgrasses showed decreased leaf reflectance under shade, but 'Lark' had higher reflectance in the visible light band. In terms of shade tolerance mechanisms, 'Suprallova' demonstrated stronger tolerance based on various physiological indicators. Overall, 'Suprallova' showed better adaptability to shade than 'Lark'.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiahua Sun, Qiong Jia, Yi Li, Kanglong Dong, Shuai Xu, Yanan Ren, Ting Zhang, Jiayuan Chen, Nannan Shi, Shenglei Fu
Summary: Cadmium (Cd) pollution has increased with industrialization, posing a severe threat to human health through the food chain. The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in regulating plant growth and Cd uptake is still not well understood. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of AMF Diversispora eburnea on plant growth, Cd uptake, and soil Cd speciation. The results revealed that AMF D. eburnea altered soil Cd speciation, resulting in Cd enrichment in plant roots and the elimination of Cd from polluted soils. Inoculating plants with AMF D. eburnea is an effective strategy for remediating Cd-contaminated soil.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Louise M. Hennessy, Alison J. Popay, Travis R. Glare, Sarah C. Finch, Vanessa M. Cave, Michael Rostas
Summary: The Argentine stem weevil adults can use olfaction to identify their host plants and prefer plants damaged by conspecific weevils. However, they cannot distinguish between endophyte-infected and endophyte-free plants using olfaction alone.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Sebastian Wojciech Przemieniecki, Marta Borsuk-Stanulewicz, Cezary Purwin, Olga Kosewska, Magdalena Ocwieja
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of three forms of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on perennial ryegrass herbage and silage. The use of TiO2 did not significantly improve the yield and chemical parameters of herbage. The crude protein content of silage was lower in the commercial product group compared to the nanoparticles group, and the fermentation pattern and pH values showed differences between the groups. It was concluded that TiO2 and its nanoparticles have the potential to improve the quality of herbage and silage.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan F. Saldarriaga, Natalia A. Montoya, Idoia Estiati, Andres T. Aguayo, Roberto Aguado, Martin Olazar
Summary: The unburned materials obtained from combustion of various types of vegetable biomasses have mainly carbonaceous structure with high surface area, suitable for use as low-cost adsorbents. This byproduct shows promising potential in removing emerging pollutants from wastewater as a viable alternative to commercial adsorbents.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jorge L. Gallego, Jesus Olivero-Verbel
Summary: This study evaluated the associations between cytogenetic biomarkers of Allium cepa L. and a realistic mixture of pesticides and trace elements found in soils of conventional, conversion, and organic crops in Colombia. It was found that conventional crops had higher levels of pesticides and trace elements in soil, leading to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity effects. Allium cepa L. shows potential as an in-situ approach for soil health monitoring in both organic and conventional crop systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan C. Mahecha-Rivas, Edwin Fuentes-Ordonez, Eva Epelde, Juan F. Saldarriaga
Summary: The aluminum industry produces a high amount of waste in the form of sludge containing rich aluminum, which can be extracted and purified. Three extraction methods were evaluated in this study, with HCl extraction showing the highest metal recovery. The extracted material has potential as an adsorbent for the treatment of polluted water.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Natalia A. Tarazona, Rainhard Machatschek, Jennifer Balcucho, Andreas Lendlein, Jinneth Lorena Castro-Mayorga, Juan F. Saldarriaga
Summary: The production and consumption of commodity polymers are crucial for the development of modern society. Polymer-based materials play important roles in various fields such as healthcare, transport, food preservation, construction, electronics, and water management. However, considering the environmental crisis caused by plastic consumption, advanced polymers should incorporate functions that meet application demands and minimize environmental harm. This article discusses strategies to enhance the sustainability of plastics, including measuring and reducing negative impacts, using renewable sources for synthesis, designing biodegradable and recyclable materials, and enzymatic recycling for a circular bioeconomy. International cooperation is also emphasized for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leading-edge polymer-based materials.
MRS ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Katherine Herrera, Luisa F. Morales, Natalia A. Tarazona, Roberto Aguado, Juan F. Saldarriaga
Summary: By pyrolyzing rice husk at different temperatures, biochar can be obtained for the removal of emerging compounds with high efficiency, showing removal percentages higher than 95%.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Diego Javier Jimenez, Basak Oezturk, Ren Wei, Timothy D. Bugg, Carol Viviana Amaya Gomez, Felipe Salcedo Galan, Jinneth Lorena Castro-Mayorga, Juan Fernando Saldarriaga, Natalia Andrea Tarazona
Summary: Plastic pollution is a global concern that needs to be addressed from different perspectives in the Anthropocene. Microbial transformation of polymers has become a key component in the circular economy of fossil-based and biobased plastics. Researchers from Colombia and Germany created the Transnational Network for Research and Innovation in Microbial Biodiversity, Enzymes Technology, and Polymer Science (MENZYPOL-NET) and organized an international workshop to discuss microbial synthesis and degradation of polymers for a sustainable bioeconomy.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Evelyn Becerra-Agudelo, Julian E. Lopez, Hector Betancur-Garcia, Jaiber Carbal-Guerra, Maicol Torres-Hernandez, Juan F. Saldarriaga
Summary: This study found that the application of biochar can significantly reduce soil acidity, improve soil physicochemical properties, and reduce the bioavailability of nickel. Compared to lime, biochar has a more pronounced effect in reducing human health risks, even under conditions of soil re-acidification. Therefore, biochar is more suitable for improving acidic soils and remedying nickel-contaminated agricultural soils.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Juan F. Saldarriaga, Yuby Cruz, Idoia Estiati, Mikel Tellabide, Martin Olazar
Summary: Artificial neural networks were used to predict pressure drop in conical spouted beds (CSB), and the results were compared to empirical correlations. The neural network model outperformed the existing correlations, indicating its potential for predicting pressure drop in CSB.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan F. Saldarriaga
Summary: Artificial neural networks have been used to develop a model for quantifying the influence of multiple factors on the heat transfer rate in a conical spouted bed reactor. The model has been found to fit appropriately to the equations proposed in the literature and can be used as a suitable prediction model for the behavior of heat transfer in such reactors operating with biomass.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Katherine Herrera, Luisa F. Morales, Julian E. Lopez, Carolina Montoya-Ruiz, Santiago Munoz, Daniela Zapata, Juan F. Saldarriaga
Summary: The tanning industry in developing countries is a major source of water and soil pollution. Tannery wastes containing hair mixed with inorganic substances are hazardous and difficult to use, treat, and valorize. This study explores the potential use of tanner hair waste as biochar for the removal of emerging compounds like drugs. The biochar, produced through fixed-bed pyrolysis activated with KOH, showed high removal rates (over 80%) for all tested drugs, with azithromycin exhibiting the highest removal rate (94%).
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria F. Serrano, Julian E. Lopez, Juan F. Saldarriaga
Summary: Surface water, groundwater, and soil are heavily polluted by landfill leachates, especially in underdeveloped countries with limited wastewater treatment facilities. This study explores the potential use of activated rice husk biochar for removing pollutants from leachates, including metals and microorganisms. Batch adsorption experiments show that the activated biochar can effectively remove microorganisms (up to 100% removal in four out of five cycles evaluated) and metals (less than 95% removal in cycle 1, less than 80% in cycle 2, and less than 65% in cycle 3). However, the efficiency decreases after cycle 5, suggesting the need for further optimization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Julian E. Lopez, Daniela Zapata, Juan F. Saldarriaga
Summary: Large-scale composting can cause air pollution and occupational health issues due to the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of three large-scale systems to determine the risks and specific products of VOC generation, and found that the highest risk occurs during a specific period of the composting process.
JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan F. Saldarriaga, Julian E. Lopez, Laura Diaz-Garcia, Carolina Montoya-Ruiz
Summary: This study evaluated the changes in the rhizosphere microbiome of Lolium perenne during the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with mercury and cadmium. Results showed that mycorrhizal inoculation influenced the absorption and distribution of metals, and the Enterobacteriaceae family exhibited biosorption and efflux effects on mercury and cadmium. Overall, Lolium perenne has high potential for phytoremediation of Cd- and Hg-contaminated soils in the tropics, and mycorrhizal inoculation and changes in the microbiome can enhance plant tolerance to these metals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luisa F. Morales, Katherine Herrera, Julian E. Lopez, Roberto Aguado, Juan F. Saldarriaga
Summary: This study evaluates the reactivity and compressive strength of different types of ashes in concrete monoliths, finding that the best performances are with sugarcane bagasse and bituminous coal. The use of these ashes can reduce the impact of waste disposal and emissions from the construction industry, contributing to the circular economy.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2023)