Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alina Soceanu, Nicoleta Matei, Simona Dobrinas, Semaghiul Birghila, Viorica Popescu, Gabriela Crudu
Summary: The study compared the content of eight metals, protein, and total phenolics in five different species of edible mushrooms available on the Romanian market. The results showed that most samples had higher metal content in the stalk than in the cap, and the levels of toxic metals were low. The protein content ranged from 0.0926% to 0.2743%, with Pleurotus eryngii species-complex mushroom having the highest value. The concentration of total phenolics varied among the mushroom species, ranging from 0.25 to 12.25 mg GAE/g. Overall, the investigated mushroom species have no health risk and may be potential nutritional supplements.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Mikel Anza, Carlos Garbisu, Oihane Salazar, Lur Epelde, Itziar Alkorta, Miren Martinez-Santos
Summary: This study assessed the impact of acidification on the functionality of metal polluted soils, revealing an increase in metal bioavailability with decreasing pH values and a strong influence of acidification on enzyme activities.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carla Maria Raffa, Fulvia Chiampo, Subramanian Shanthakumar
Summary: The contamination of soil by heavy metals and metalloids is a global issue, requiring monitoring and remediation methods. Various techniques are available, with the choice mainly depending on factors such as contaminated site geology and cost. Some techniques are widely used, while others are still in the research stage.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Feili Li, Hui Jin, Xingfei Wu, Yannian Liu, Xiaoling Chen, Jiade Wang
Summary: Trace metal pollution in soils is a common environmental problem worldwide. Phytoremediation using turfgrass is an effective method. The type and cultivation method of turfgrass, as well as the application of citric acid and auxin, can affect the remediation ability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nandini Boregowda, Sanjay C. Jogigowda, Gurulingaiah Bhavya, Channarayapatna Ramesh Sunilkumar, Nagaraja Geetha, Shashikant Shiddappa Udikeri, Srinivas Chowdappa, Muthusamy Govarthanan, Sudisha Jogaiah
Summary: Agriculture is a significant human activity, but excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides has led to ecological harm and soil pollution. Engineered nanomaterials offer solutions for remediation of contaminated soils and can help increase soil fertility and reduce toxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Evgenii L. Vorobeichik, Igor E. Bergman
Summary: The study found that using different scoring standards in bait-lamina tests can have an impact on statistical inferences, with intermediate values being more common in the polluted area than in the control area, which could increase bias. Rougher scoring standards relative to the reference standard also increase the likelihood of statistical errors.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jinshu Yan, Neha Sharma, Elaine D. Flynn, Daniel E. Giammar, Grace E. Schwartz, Scott C. Brooks, Pamela Weisenhorn, Kenneth M. Kemner, Edward J. O'Loughlin, Daniel Kaplan, Jeffrey G. Catalano
Summary: The study suggests that trace metal speciation in freshwater wetland soils and stream sediments is consistently dominated by a small set of recurring components, distinct for each metal, indicating a general geochemical phenomenon in anoxic soils and sediments with trace metals at background concentrations.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ali Sungur, Yasemin Kavdir, Hasan Ozcan, Remzi Ilay, Mustafa Soylak
Summary: In apple orchards, the concentrations of trace metals in soils are influenced by different locations and soil depths. The study results show that the concentrations of Cd and Cu in surface soil aggregates are significantly higher than in the core sections, while Zn is lower. The concentrations of all trace metals in acid-soluble and reducible fractions are significantly higher in surface aggregates compared to the core section.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mengyu Ma, Zhihao Ha, Xiangqun Xu, Chenyang Lv, Changyi Li, Dongyun Du, Ruan Chi
Summary: This study investigates the adsorption performance of mechanically activated and modified electrolytic manganese slags (M-EMS) for heavy metals, as well as its passivation ability, impact on dissolved organic matter (DOM), and microbial community structure in soil. The results demonstrate that M-EMS shows remarkable removal performance for different heavy metals and can stabilize them in contaminated soils through ion exchange, electrostatic adsorption, complex precipitation, and microbial-induced mechanisms. These findings provide new insights into the ecological remediation of heavy-metal-contaminated soils and water bodies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Lala Saha, Jaya Tiwari, Kuldeep Bauddh, Ying Ma
Summary: Soil contamination with heavy metals is a serious issue that poses environmental hazards in developing countries. Various traditional physicochemical techniques are available for cleaning contaminants from the soil, but bioremediation, which includes microorganism-based and plant-based methods, is considered a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach. Bioremediation potential of bacteria and fungi, especially in association with plants, has been reviewed, with microbes such as Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., and Aspergillus spp. showing high metal tolerance and promising bioremediation efficiency. Mechanisms of microbe's detoxification of metals, factors affecting bioremediation efficiency, as well as challenges and future prospects are also discussed.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Daniyal Sher Bahadur, Samreen Riaz Ahmed, Altaf Hussain Lahori, Tanveer Hussain, Sofia Khalique Alvi, Sheraz Shafique, Sadia Fatima, Viola Vambol, Monika Mierzwa-Hersztek, Preeta Hinduja, Sergij Vambol, Zengqiang Zhang
Summary: The study assessed the effects of novel fuller earth, rock phosphate, and biochar on maize plant growth and uptake of toxic metals. The results showed that the combined application of these substances increased the biomass of maize plants and reduced the uptake of toxic metals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gen Wang, Li Wang, Fang Ma
Summary: The interaction between earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi has significant impacts on soil bacterial community and fertility in cadmium-contaminated soil. Earthworms increase available potassium, while arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase available phosphorous.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ioana Monica Sur, Andreea Hegyi, Valer Micle, Timea Gabor, Adrian-Victor Lazarescu
Summary: Soil pollution with heavy metals is a global problem. This research investigates the extraction of heavy metals from polluted soils using different extraction agents. The results show low extraction efficiency for all proposed extraction solutions, but higher removal efficiencies can be achieved under specific conditions. Further research is needed to find better solutions for pollutant removal.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Fasih Ullah Haider, Xiukang Wang, Muhammad Farooq, Saddam Hussain, Sardar Alam Cheema, Noor Ul Ain, Ahmad Latif Virk, Mukkaram Ejaz, Uulzhan Janyshova, Cai Liqun
Summary: This review discusses the negative effects of trace metals stress on plant growth, physiology, and yield, and the potential of biochar in remediation of trace metal contamination in plants. Biochar application enhances plant productivity, biomass accumulation, and photosynthetic activity, while scavenging reactive oxygen species formation. Integrated application of biochar with other amendments further improves trace metal remediation and crop production.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Shakil A. Masum, Hywel R. Thomas
Summary: Predicting the transport and fate of organic and inorganic contaminants in co-contaminated soils is challenging due to the complex, inter-related processes involved. Optimum spatial distribution patterns of microbial colonies can effectively restrict the spread of both organic and inorganic contaminants, reducing environmental impacts.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christiana Eleojo Aruwa, Stephen O. Amoo, Neil Koorbanally, Tukayi Kudanga
Summary: Enzymatic modification of phenolic molecules to form high molecular weight compounds is a promising strategy for enhancing biological activity. In this study, laccase-catalyzed oxidation of isorhamnetin produced a dimer, IP1, with improved antioxidant and antibacterial activities, as well as an unidentified product, IP2. Both oxidation products showed bactericidal effects against various bacteria and could potentially be used in nutraceuticals and healthcare industries.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Adeyemi O. O. Aremu, Gugulethu Makhaye, Samson Zeray Tesfay, Abe Shegro Gerrano, Christian P. P. Du Plooy, Stephen O. O. Amoo
Summary: This study investigated the effect of two commercial biostimulants on the growth, yield, phytochemical content, and nutritional quality of Abelmoschus esculentus. The results showed that the application of biostimulants significantly influenced vegetative growth and yield, with the promoting effect being more significant at higher concentrations of the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. The genotype and biostimulant application had an interactive effect on phytochemical and nutritional qualities.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
S. C. Sithole, O. O. Agboola, L. L. Mugivhisa, S. O. Amoo, J. O. Olowoyo
Summary: Issues of food security and the hazardous effects of heavy metals on food substances are a concern for global development. This study examined the levels of heavy metal contamination in Pleurotus ostreatus grown in polluted soil from mining areas. The results showed that while there were no carcinogenic risks associated with consuming the mushrooms, continuous consumption may pose health hazards due to high levels of certain heavy metals. It is recommended to avoid harvesting mushrooms from polluted soils.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mack Moyo, Stephen O. Amoo, Johannes Van Staden
Summary: The study investigated the effects of seed priming with smoke water and karrikin-1 (KAR(1)) on germination and seedling vigor of Brassica napus seeds exposed to varying environmental conditions. The results showed that smoke water and KAR(1) treatments significantly improved germination and seedling growth.
PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
T. E. Mudau, J. O. Olowoyo, S. O. Amoo
Summary: Traditional healers in Vhembe district, South Africa use medicinal plants to treat diabetes, with 63 plant species from 37 families documented. Most plant materials are sourced from the wild, with roots being the most frequently used plant part. Decoctions and infusions are the leading methods of preparation.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
S. O. Amoo, N. A. Hlatshwayo, Karel Dolezal, J. O. Olowoyo
Summary: This study investigated the effects of temperature and photoperiod on seed germination of endangered Aloe species in South Africa, as well as the in vitro propagation of Aloe reitzii. The results showed that temperature and photoperiod significantly affected the germination speed and quality of the seeds, and the use of meta-topolin promoted shoot multiplication in Aloe reitzii.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Motiki M. Mofokeng, Gerhard Prinsloo, Hintsa T. Araya, Stephen O. Amoo, Christian P. du Plooy, Phatu W. Mashela
Summary: Soaking Hypoxis hemerocallidea corms can improve the propagation and development of buds. Through NMR analysis, inhibitory chemical compounds were identified, which may leach out of the corms during the first rain under natural conditions and release bud dormancy.
Article
Infectious Diseases
John Awungnjia Asong, Ebenezer Kwabena Frimpong, Hlabana Alfred Seepe, Lebogang Katata-Seru, Stephen Oluwaseun Amoo, Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu
Summary: This study focused on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (CTAgNP) using Cullen tomentosum (Thunb.) J.W. Grimes acetone extract and evaluated the antibacterial activity of the plant extract and biogenic nanoparticles against two Gram-positive bacteria strains. The results showed that the plant extract and CTAgNP exhibited moderate antibacterial effects. The CTAgNP was found to have a face-centered cubic structure and a protective shell layer composed of organic compounds from the plant extract.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mantwampe Johleen Malaka, Nadia Alcina Araya, Puffy Soundy, Christian Phillipus du Plooy, Hintsa Tesfamicael Araya, Willem Sternburg Jansen Van Rensburg, Eric Watkinson, Ellis Levember, Ebrahim Wadiwala, Stephen Oluwaseun Amoo
Summary: This study aimed to find the optimum agronomic practices for increased yield and oil quality of marjoram plants. The results showed that plant growth and yield increased under conditions of high temperature, low irrigation, and moderate to high nitrogen levels applied to sandy loam soil, with an increase in oil yield on loamy sand soil. Therefore, these conditions were considered promising agronomic practices for improved crop productivity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hlabana Alfred Seepe, Lerato Raphoko, Stephen O. Amoo, Winston Nxumalo
Summary: Phytochemical compounds lantadene A and boswellic acid isolated from Lantana camara L. exhibited significant antifungal activity against various Fusarium phytopathogens, making them potential natural fungicides for controlling crop diseases caused by these fungi.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oluwaseun Mary Oladeji, Boikanyo Genneyrolter Kopaopa, Liziwe Lizbeth Mugivhisa, Joshua Oluwole Olowoyo
Summary: This study used ICP-MS to determine the levels of heavy metals in medicinal plant samples used for skin cancer treatment in Pretoria, South Africa. The concentrations of most heavy metals exceeded the permissible limit, indicating potential health risks with prolonged use of these plants. The ingestion route was identified as the primary contributor to the overall health risk.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Mary Motolani Olowoyo, Sam Ramaila, Lydia Mavuru, Liziwe Mugivhisa
Summary: Measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 led to significant changes in traditional educational systems. Online learning replaced face-to-face teaching, but faced challenges and unpreparedness. A study in South Africa surveyed 254 university students on the impact of the pandemic on their learning and emotional stability. Results showed most participants relied on university-provided data or Wi-Fi for online learning, but data ran out for a large percentage. Many participants expressed neutral attitudes towards having enough study time and academic assistance during the pandemic. Loneliness and boredom were common issues due to online teaching. The study recommends providing more data and support to enhance teaching, learning, and academic performance during similar situations in the future.
AFRICA EDUCATION REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Salmina Mokgehle, Nadia Araya, Motiki Mofokeng, Manaka Makgato, Stephen Amoo, Khomotso Maboka, Christian du Plooy, Hintsa Araya
Summary: Moringa, a fast-growing tree, responds well to cutting back management, resulting in increased vegetative growth and leaf biomass production. The agro-ecological conditions, including soil composition and climate, influence the tree's response to cutting back and the nutritional composition of its leaves. Moringa trees planted in arid regions show the best response to cutting back, with increased fat and mineral content in the leaves.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Motiki M. Mofokeng, Christian P. Du Plooy, Hintsa T. Araya, Stephen O. Amoo, Salmina N. Mokgehle, Kgabo M. Pofu, Phatu W. Mashela
Summary: Medicinal plants play a significant role in healthcare systems and rural economic development. Cultivating medicinal plants can reduce unsustainable wild harvesting, create job opportunities, and contribute to rural economies.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fikisiwe C. Gebashe, Devashan Naidoo, Stephen O. Amoo, Nqobile A. Masondo
Summary: Africa is a contributor to the cosmetic market, but the potential of South Africa's diverse plant life for medicinal and cosmetic use remains largely untapped. This critical assessment focuses on the advancements in the South African cosmeceutical industry, specifically local online companies/brands manufactured by small and medium enterprises. The study identified over 50 South African small and medium enterprises involved in cosmeceutical trade, with skin and hair care being the most widely traded product categories. Despite extensive research on commercially valuable plants, the number of patents from South African researchers and institutions is alarmingly low. However, the cosmeceutical sector shows promise in contributing to the economy, job creation, entrepreneurship skills, socio-economic development, and intellectual property generation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anaswara Rani, Sneha Asha, Minsa Mini, Pooja P. Rajan, Merin Tomy, Ashita Jose, Xavier Ts, Praveen Kumar
Summary: This study focuses on the eco-friendly synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Centra-therum punctatum leaf extract. The synthesized nanoparticles showed potent antimicrobial activity and effectively inhibited biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings demonstrate the potential of copper oxide nanoparticles for environmentally friendly synthesis and applications.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bruno Fagundes dos Santos, Talita Oliveira de Arauja, Camilla Oliveira Rios, Advanio Inacio Siqueira-Silva, Eduardo Gusmao Pereira
Summary: This study investigated the interaction between iron excess and phosphorus deficiency in Paspalum densum. The results showed that iron excess decreased phosphorus concentration in roots, while phosphorus deficiency increased iron concentration in leaves. Stomatal limitation was the main cause of decreased photosynthesis due to iron excess. Phosphorus deficiency contributed to higher phosphorus use efficiency and biomass.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2024)