Article
Plant Sciences
Wenshi Hu, Manli Zhao, Shanshan Zhang, Yinshui Li, Jing Dai, Chiming Gu, Xiaoyong Li, Lu Yang, Lu Qin, Xing Liao
Summary: The coordinated increase in the photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency is crucial for improving crop yield and nitrogen utilization efficiency. By measuring the leaf functional nitrogen partitioning in Brassica napus genotypes under different nitrogen rates, it was found that optimizing nitrogen allocation by regulating nitrogen storage content can promote the synchronous increase in photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Yuki Tsujii, Baoli Fan, Brian J. Atwell, Hans Lambers, Zhangying Lei, Ian J. Wright
Summary: The allocation of leaf phosphorus (P) among different functions is coordinated with the leaf economic spectrum (LES) and plays a role in determining the co-occurrence of different species under P limitation. Pioneers exhibited higher total P concentration, particularly in fractions such as orthophosphate P (P-i), nucleic acid P (P-N) and lipid P (P-L), compared to non-pioneer species.
Review
Plant Sciences
Lalith D. B. Suriyagoda, Megan H. Ryan, Clement E. Gille, Roberta L. C. Dayrell, Patrick M. Finnegan, Kosala Ranathunge, Dion Nicol, Hans Lambers
Summary: In this review, the allocation of phosphorus (P) fractions in leaf tissues of terrestrial vascular plants was investigated to determine its variation among different plant groups and its implications for efficient P use. It was found that increases in leaf total P concentration primarily occurred in the inorganic phosphate (P-i) fraction, while other fractions showed limited variation. The variability of P fraction concentrations was greater at the family level compared to species, regions, and plant life forms. The allocation of P to nucleic acid-P and lipid-P fractions showed less variation among families and species. High photosynthetic P-use efficiency was associated with lower concentrations of all P fractions and preferential allocation to metabolite-P and mesophyll cells. Sequential resorption of P from senescing leaves occurred in the order of P-i, metabolite-P, and other organic P fractions. Allocation of P to leaf P fractions also varied with season. Leaf phytate concentrations showed significant variation among species, potentially related to differences in photosynthesis and defense mechanisms. Plasticity in P allocation to fractions is important for adapting to low soil P availability, and species-specific P allocation is necessary for species coexistence.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meaghan A. McCormack, Wayne E. McFee, Heidi R. Whitehead, Sarah Piwetz, Jessica Dutton
Summary: Dolphin teeth contain enamel, dentin, and cementum, with various major, minor, and trace elements distributed differently within teeth. Analyzing teeth from bottlenose dolphins, researchers found distinct differences in the distribution of magnesium and chlorine between enamel and dentin, suggesting the need for technologies with lower detection limits to confirm the presence and distribution of trace elements.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yang Han, Wanting Hong, Chuanyong Xiong, Hans Lambers, Yan Sun, Zikai Xu, Waltraud X. Schulze, Lingyun Cheng
Summary: The efficient utilization of lipid P and nucleic acid P pools, as well as the enhanced expression of the shikimate pathway, contribute to efficient P utilization in maize leaves.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shijun Zhou, Zhenming Zhang, Matthew R. Hipsey, Jiakai Liu, Mingxiang Zhang
Summary: By analyzing the mass concentration and elemental composition of leaf surface particulate matter (PM) from ten common plant species in Beijing Olympic Forest Park, this study provides insights into the dust retention capacity and composition of different types of PM on plant leaves.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shu Tong Liu, Clement E. Gille, Toby Bird, Kosala Ranathunge, Patrick M. Finnegan, Hans Lambers
Summary: This study investigated the variations in leaf phosphorus concentrations and foliar phosphorus allocation of three plant families in different seasons and habitats in southwestern Australia. It was found that although plants in these families exhibited high photosynthetic phosphorus-use efficiency, each species showed its own unique pattern of foliar phosphorus allocation, and many species also showed differences between seasons.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Patrick E. Hayes, Getnet D. Adem, Juan Pariasca-Tanaka, Matthias Wissuwa
Summary: The study highlights the importance of reducing lipid-P investment in improving PUE in rice, without compromising photosynthesis. Low-P plants showed reduced investment in inorganic-P and lipid-P, while whole-plant PUE was associated with preferential allocation of resources to the youngest mature leaves.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
David Wertheim, Lisa Miyashita, Gary Foley, Ian Gill, Richard Giddens, Gavin Gillmore, Ruaraidh Dobson, Sean Semple, Ana Rule, Jonathan Grigg
Summary: Using confocal microscopy, this study examined the three-dimensional appearances and elemental characteristics of particulate matter found in the air at roadside and underground railway stations. The results showed that some particles have sharp surfaces, and the particles at the railway station primarily consist of iron, calcium, and silicon.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Robert Lufu, Alemayehu Ambaw, Umezuruike Linus Opara
Summary: The study found that pomegranate fruits are prone to moisture loss during storage, leading to compromised visual appearance and financial loss. Factors contributing to water loss include increased count of lenticels, widening of micro-cracks, and fragmentation of waxy cuticle. Differences in peel tissue thickness and structure at different parts of the fruit also affect water loss trends.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Hei, Haiyun Xie, Liuming Yang, Weiqi Wang, Jordi Sardans, Chun Wang, Akash Tariq, Fanjiang Zeng, Josep Penuelas
Summary: This study investigated the effects of two different levels of N-enriched biochar on the distribution and transformation of soil and leaf phosphorus. The results showed that N-enriched biochar increased soil concentrations of labile and moderately labile inorganic phosphorus and decreased soil concentration of labile organic phosphorus. It also increased rice leaf concentration of inorganic and nucleic acid phosphorus. The study suggests that N-enriched biochar can improve the availability of phosphorus in soil and enhance rice plants' phosphorus use efficiency.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco E. Longoria-Rodriguez, Lucy T. Gonzalez, Yasmany Mancilla, Karim Acuna-Askar, Jesus Alejandro Arizpe-Zapata, Jessica Gonzalez, Oxana Kharissova, Alberto Mendoza
Summary: In this study, the compositional, morphological, and optical properties of particulate matter (PM) from the Monterrey Metropolitan Area in Mexico were investigated to identify their sources. Different analytical techniques were used to differentiate between particles derived from anthropogenic sources, such as metallurgical industry emissions and vehicle wear, and those from natural sources. The methodology was effective in speciating particles rich in different elements and accurately distinguishing between aluminosilicates and quartz based on their chemical composition rather than morphology.
Article
Plant Sciences
Feng Qu, Tieli Peng, Yuanjie Jia, Mingfei Yang, Xiaole Meng, Shuaige Mao, Daoming Zhou, Xiaohui Hu
Summary: Nitrogen supply and leaf nitrogen allocation play important roles in crop growth and development. This study reveals that increasing nitrogen concentration and ammonium proportion can improve photosynthetic capacity and stress resistance in cucumber under low-temperature stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhuang Xiong, Zhigang Dun, Yucheng Wang, Desheng Yang, Dongliang Xiong, Kehui Cui, Shaobing Peng, Jianliang Huang
Summary: Stomatal morphology plays an important role in regulating leaf gas exchange and photosynthetic efficiency under fluctuating light conditions. Smaller and denser stomata lead to faster stomatal response to light fluctuations but lower intrinsic water use efficiency. Stomatal morphology has less impact on stomatal conductance, and there is minimal correlation between steady-state and non-steady-state stomatal conductance among different genotypes. These findings highlight the significance of stomatal morphology in optimizing photosynthetic efficiency and plant growth under fluctuating light.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qiaomei Zheng, Jinling Hu, Qingwen Tan, Hang Hu, Chuanjiao Sun, Kangqi Lei, Zhongwei Tian, Tingbo Dai
Summary: In this study, the low-P adaptation mechanism in wheat was found to involve enhanced chloroplast Pi allocation, leading to sustained electron transfer and improved photosynthesis capacities. This finding has important implications for improving low-P tolerance.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Kamran, Zhengang Yan, Irshad Ahmad, Qianmin Jia, Muhammad Usman Ghani, Xianjiang Chen, Shenghua Chang, Tengfei Li, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Shah Fahad, Fujiang Hou
Summary: In arid regions, proper irrigation and nitrogen management can play a crucial role in balancing greenhouse gas emissions, crop production, and economic benefits. Moderate irrigation and nitrogen application were found to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving economic and yield benefits, making it an effective and balanced strategy.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shiv Bolan, Lokesh P. Padhye, Manish Kumar, Vasileios Antoniadis, Srinidhi Sridharan, Yuanyuan Tang, Narendra Singh, Choolaka Hewawasam, Meththika Vithanage, Lal Singh, Jorg Rinklebe, Hocheol Song, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, M. B. Kirkham, Hailong Wang, Nanthi Bolan
Summary: Medical waste includes infectious, hazardous, radioactive, and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) that are produced in the treatment, diagnosis, and immunisation processes of animals and humans. Common technologies for its safe management are incineration and sterilisation. Proper disposal and land application of medical waste ash are crucial to prevent the release of PTEs and ensure environmental safety. This review paper critically examines the dynamics of PTEs, environmental and health implications, and misconceptions regarding medical waste.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Faisal Zulfiqar, Anam Moosa, Anastasios Darras, Muhammad Nafees, Antonio Ferrante, Kadambot H. M. Siddique
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations of exogenous melatonin (MLT) applied preharvest on the physiological characteristics and postharvest performance of cut tuberose. The results showed that all treatments increased postharvest vase life by up to 4 days. The treatments also led to increased total soluble proteins, soluble sugars, and postharvest catalase activity, while decreasing malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Manish Kumar, Shiv Bolan, Lokesh P. Padhye, Muxina Konarova, Shin Ying Foong, Su Shiung Lam, Stuart Wagland, Runzi Cao, Yang Li, Nuno Batalha, Mohamed Ahmed, Ashok Pandey, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Hailong Wang, Joerg Rinklebe, Nanthi Bolan
Summary: Plastic production and mismanagement leads to pollution in various environments. Plastic waste can be converted into valuable petrochemicals, and this review discusses the technologies, opportunities, challenges, and outlooks related to this process.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luhui Kuang, Zhijian Mou, Yue Li, Xiaofei Lu, Yuanwen Kuang, Jun Wang, Faming Wang, Xi'an Cai, Wei Zhang, Shenglei Fu, Dafeng Hui, Hans Lambers, Jordi Sardans, Josep Penuelas, Hai Ren, Zhanfeng Liu
Summary: Canopies play a crucial role in redistributing nitrogen in forest ecosystems, and not considering their influence can lead to biased estimates of the ecological consequences of human-induced nitrogen deposition. This study investigated the effects of different approaches and levels of nitrogen addition on microbial residual carbon (MRC) accumulation in a tropical forest. Results showed that the response of MRC to nitrogen addition varied with soil depth, with contrasting effects in the topsoil and subsoil. Understory nitrogen addition had greater effects on MRC accumulation compared to canopy nitrogen addition. These findings highlight the important role of canopies in mitigating the impacts of nitrogen deposition on soil carbon cycling in tropical forests and the need for further research on depth-dependent response mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tanushree Halder, Elke Stroeher, Hui Liu, Yinglong Chen, Guijun Yan, Kadambot H. M. Siddique
Summary: Improving the root system of wheat is crucial for enhancing grain yield and climate resilience. This study identified proteins associated with root length and root mass in wheat using label-free quantitative proteomics. The findings revealed potential biomarkers that could be used for improving the root system of wheat.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Patrick E. Hayes, Peta L. Clode, Hans Lambers
Summary: Proteaceae is a prominent plant family in south-western Australia, with most species only able to grow in phosphorus-poor acidic soils. This study found that young calcareous soils have negative impacts on Proteaceae, but soil-indifferent species show stronger tolerance.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shiv Bolan, Hasintha Wijesekara, Dhulmy Amarasiri, Tao Zhang, Peter Ragalyi, Milka Brdar-Jokanovic, Mark Rekasi, Jui-Yen Lin, Lokesh P. Padhye, Haochen Zhao, Liuwei Wang, Joerg Rinklebe, Hailong Wang, Kadambot H.m., M. B. Kirkham, Nanthi Bolan
Summary: Boron is released to terrestrial and aquatic environments through natural and anthropogenic sources. This review provides current knowledge on B contamination, including its sources, impacts, remediation approaches, and regulatory practices. Boron can be naturally found in borosilicate minerals, volcanic eruptions, geothermal and groundwater streams, and marine water, while anthropogenic sources include wastewater, fertilizer, and waste from mining industries. B can be toxic to plant growth and harmful to human health, but can be remediated through various techniques such as immobilization, leaching, and phytoremediation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhi Liu, Yuanyuan Yan, Jiayin Pang, Qi Guo, Junze Guan, Jiacun Gu
Summary: A portable mini-drone has been proposed as a novel method for collecting tree canopy samples, providing a feasible and cost-effective solution for lower- and middle-canopy sampling.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
De-Yong Zhao, Xiao-Lin Zhang, Wang-Feng Zhao, Shuai-Peng Zhao, Guo-Lan Liu, Kadambot H. M. Siddique
Summary: Variations in rainfall between seasons can affect the translocation of phosphorus from rainfed saline soil to wheat plants. The study investigated the impact of season, phosphorus placement, and genotype on root distribution, agronomic performance, and phosphorus utilization in wheat grown under rainfed coastal saline conditions. Deep-banded phosphorus outperformed top-dressed phosphorus placement in terms of phosphorus utilization efficiency for certain wheat genotypes. The wet season resulted in higher grain yields compared to the dry season due to increased rainfall.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guochun Li, Wenquan Niu, Li Ma, Yadan Du, Qian Zhang, Jun Sun, Kadambot H. M. Siddique
Summary: Organic fertilizer addition has long-term effects on soil microbial community structure, co-occurrence networks, and the functional potential of the C and N cycles. However, it does not significantly affect the yield of summer maize.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Guolin C. Li, Hans Lambers, Stavros D. Veresoglou
Summary: This article mainly introduces the global distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and points out that most of the research has been conducted in temperate and boreal habitats, with relatively less focus on subtropical regions. The authors argue for the development of region-specific hypotheses and discuss the potential differences in mycorrhizal functioning between subtropical regions and better-studied temperate and boreal areas. They provide five geographically-focused hypotheses using the subtropical region of China as an example. Expanding the range of hypotheses in mycorrhizal ecology to describe understudied regions can have multifaceted benefits to both science and society.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Li Wang, Peina Lu, Shoujiang Feng, Chantal Hamel, Dandi Sun, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Gary Y. Gan
Summary: This comprehensive review examines the effects of agricultural land use and crop/soil management on soil health, and provides feasible strategies for improving soil health.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Xingyun Qi, Guang Yang, Yi Li, Zhenan Hou, Penghui Shi, Shibin Wang, Xiaofang Wang, Jiaping Liang, Benhua Sun, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Shufang Wu, Hao Feng, Xiaohong Tian, Qiang Yu, Xiangwen Xie
Summary: Biochar application can significantly increase the Na+, K+, and nutrient contents in cotton and sugarbeet fields, improving the chemical environment of saline-alkali soil. Soil salinity is highest in inter-rows and accumulates at a depth of 0-60 cm. The recommended optimal biochar application rate is 10 t ha 1, and sugarbeet is an effective crop for reducing soil salinity.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Nanthi Bolan, Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Farooq
Summary: Plants capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and store it as biomass. The roots of plants play a crucial role in transferring carbon into the soil's organic carbon pool. Implementing effective agricultural practices can sequester carbon in the long term and have multiple co-benefits.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)