Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jesus D. Peco, Pablo Higueras, Juan A. Campos, Jose M. Esbri, Marta M. Moreno, Fabienne Battaglia-Brunet, Luisa M. Sandalio
Summary: Abandoned mine lands (AMLs) are considered one of the most dangerous anthropogenic activities in the world, and plant-based techniques have been widely accepted as an environmentally friendly alternative. Plants can be used for phytoextraction, phytostabilization, and phytovolatilization of potentially toxic elements, with on-site studies showing positive impacts on soil quality and biodiversity. Further characterization of potential plant candidates is needed to improve PTE extraction and reduce negative impacts on AMLs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junye Wang, Mojtaba Aghajani Delavar
Summary: Phytoremediation is a cost-effective and environmentally sound approach that uses plants to immobilize, extract, decay, or lessen toxicity and contaminants. However, there are barriers preventing it from becoming a widespread commercial approach. This paper examines these barriers and discusses the real costs of phytoremediation when considering time and land values.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rongjia Wang, Jianfeng Zhang, Hui Sun, Shiyong Sun, Guanghua Qin, Yumin Song
Summary: Mining activity and abandoned mine land are significant sources of heavy metal pollution. This study investigated the impact of different vegetation on copper (Cu) accumulation and soil amelioration, with Pueraria lobata showing the best remediation effect on soil Cu pollution. The findings suggest that phytoremediation in abandoned mine lands can effectively reduce heavy metal pollution and promote sustainable development.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xu Li, Yaping Li, Xirui Kang, Jinpeng Yu, Shuo Gao, Jin Zhang, Hui Wang, Hong Pan, Quangang Yang, Yuping Zhuge, Yanhong Lou
Summary: Intercropping rape with a low Cd-accumulating wheat variety can effectively remediate heavy metal-polluted farmlands and ensure safe crop production without compromising biomass yield.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Georgios Charvalas, Alexandra D. Solomou, Kyriakos D. Giannoulis, Elpiniki Skoufogianni, Dimitrios Bartzialis, Christina Emmanouil, Nicholaos G. Danalatos
Summary: This article provides an overview of alternative methods for restoring contaminated soils (phytoremediation), focusing on areas of excessive metallurgical activities in Greece. Two case studies in Northern Greece were selected, one characterized by metal mining and a hot summer Mediterranean climate, and the other involving lignite mining and pollution under subtropical climate.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Shiyan Bai, Xiao Han, Dan Feng
Summary: High concentrations of heavy metals can seriously harm ecosystems and human health, so it is crucial to find effective methods to control soil heavy metal pollution. Phytoremediation shows potential in this regard, but current hyperaccumulators have limitations such as poor adaptability, limited enrichment species, and small biomass. Synthetic biology offers the opportunity to design a wide range of organisms, and this paper proposes a comprehensive strategy of microbial biosensor detection - phytoremediation - heavy metal recovery for soil heavy metal pollution control, with modifications made using synthetic biology techniques. The paper also discusses new experimental methods for discovering synthetic biological elements and constructing circuits, as well as ways to produce transgenic plants to facilitate the transformation of synthetic biological vectors. Finally, it highlights the important considerations for soil heavy metal pollution remediation based on synthetic biology.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paula Godinho Ribeiro, Osnar Obede da Silva Aragao, Gabriel Caixeta Martins, Marcos Rodrigues, Jean Michel Pereira Souza, Fatima Maria de Souza Moreira, Yuncong C. Li, Luiz Roberto Guimaraes Guilherme
Summary: Hydrothermally-altered feldspar (HYP) has been found to effectively immobilize heavy metals in soil and act as a source of nutrients for plants, making it a promising technology for revegetation of contaminated sites. In addition to promoting plant growth, HYP also reduces the absorption of heavy metals by plants, showing potential for use in phytostabilization programs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Albert Kobina Mensah, Sabry M. Shaheen, Joerg Rinklebe, Stefanie Heinze, Bernd Marschner
Summary: In this study, a pot experiment was conducted using a highly contaminated soil from an abandoned mine spoil in Ghana to investigate the impacts of compost, iron oxide, and poultry manure on the mobilization, fractionation, and uptake of As by ryegrass. The results showed that adding manure increased the availability of As in the soil and enhanced its uptake by the plants. Combining manure with compost further improved the phytoremediation efficiency of ryegrass in the As-contaminated spoil.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sang-Hwan Lee, Hyun Park, Jeong-Gyu Kim
Summary: As conventional ecological remediation technologies are often unreliable and inefficient, the use of phytoremediation, which involves using plants to restore damaged or polluted environments, has gained attention. Particularly for abandoned mines, phytoremediation is actively pursued due to its aesthetic benefits, environmental friendliness, use of solar energy, and low costs. This article reviews the current state of phytoremediation of abandoned mines in Korea, discusses the challenges, and highlights its potential for sustainable ecosystem management. Further research is needed to fully implement phytoremediation in old mining areas.
Article
Agronomy
Alexandra D. Solomou, Rafaelia Germani, Nikolaos Proutsos, Michaela Petropoulou, Petros Koutroumpilas, Christos Galanis, Georgios Maroulis, Antonios Kolimenakis
Summary: This study investigates the use of phytoremediation, specifically focusing on Mediterranean plants, to reduce heavy metal concentrations in contaminated soils. Based on a review of 166 research studies, the findings suggest that phytoremediation is a sustainable and affordable option, particularly for developing countries. While non-native plant species may be preferred for their metal tolerance mechanisms, they can also pose risks to local ecosystems and should be carefully considered.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Benginur Bastabak, Elif Godekmerdan, Gunnur Kocar
Summary: This review article evaluates the current knowledge of contaminated soil in specific areas in Turkey and discusses the feasibility of phytoremediation with biofuel production. It identifies sources of contamination and suitable energy crops for different regions, aiming to provide sustainable solutions for soil remediation in Turkey.
Article
Plant Sciences
Meryem El Berkaoui, Mariam El Adnani, Rachid Hakkou, Ahmed Ouhammou, Najib Bendaou, Abdelaziz Smouni
Summary: The study on the spontaneous vegetation around the phosphate cover at the Kettara mine revealed that certain native plants such as Scolymus hispanicus, Festuca ovina, Cleome brachycarpa, Carlina involucrata, and Peganum harmala have high tolerance to trace metals, making them suitable candidates for phytoremediation of the mine tailings.
Article
Microbiology
Renyan Duan, Yihuan Du, Zhiwei Chen, Yaqi Zhang, Wei Hu, Li Yang, Guohong Xiang, Yucai Luo
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of abandoned farmlands (AFS) and selective-farming farmlands (FFS) on soil properties and bacterial diversity in an antimony mining area in southern China. The results showed that FFS had higher Sb concentration and nutritional properties, and greater bacterial diversity compared to AFS. This indicates that selective farming can improve soil environment and bacterial diversity in low-pollution farmlands in mining areas.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yajie Wang, Jiefeng Li, Wenjiao Li, Yongfen Wei, Zhiyi Deng, Fusheng Li
Summary: Coal consumption increases consistently, and heavy metal contamination in soils surrounding coal mines has become a severe environmental issue. Investigating the relationship between bacterial communities and potential ecological risks from heavy metals is crucial for understanding the impact of coal production on ecosystem health.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinrun Xiao, Conglong Liu, Na Hu, Bowen Wang, Kuanyu Zheng, Zhiwei Zhao, Tao Li
Summary: Reclamation using fast-growing trees shows potential for agroforestry development in non-ferrous metal mining areas. However, the role of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) and their relationship with reclaimed trees is not well understood. In this study, the restoration of ECMF and their functions in poplar trees growing in a derelict metal mine tailings pond were explored. Results showed that Bovista limosa enhanced poplar heavy metal tolerance and promoted plant growth by alleviating Cd phytotoxicity and reducing Cd accumulation in host tissues. These findings suggest that introducing adaptive ECMF could be an alternative approach for reforestation and phytomanagement in barren metal mining areas.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongliang Chen, Masud Hassan, Md Nuruzzaman, Huiming Zhang, Ravi Naidu, Yanju Liu, Ling Wang
Summary: Adsorption is a promising remediation technology for separating organic and inorganic agrochemicals from contaminated soil and water. This study focuses on the use of iron-modified base-activated biochar (FeBBC) as a low-cost adsorbent for removing the insecticide imidacloprid from water. The FeBBC exhibits high adsorption capacity and both physical and chemical interactions contribute to the sorption process. The results demonstrate the potential of FeBBC as an effective adsorbent for removing organic contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Solmaz Bidast, Ahmad Golchin, Ahmad Baybordi, Amir Mohseni, Ravi Naidu
Summary: The potential of bare and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) for stabilising lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) in contaminated soil was investigated. The results showed that CMC-coated FeONPs were more effective in decreasing the availability of potentially toxic elements in the soil. CMC-coated goethite was the most effective treatment for reducing Zn and Cd availability, while CMC-coated magnetite was the most effective for Pb stabilisation.
ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. A. A. Wijayawardena, K. Yan, Y. Liu, R. Naidu
Summary: Mouse models have been commonly used to predict the bioavailability of metals and chemicals in humans. In this study, the effectiveness of mouse models in predicting the bioavailability of lead in metal mixtures was confirmed, while their ability to predict the bioavailability of arsenic was found to be limited.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Ghavamifar, Ravi Naidu, Vahid Mozafari, Zhaohui Li
Summary: In this study, two sorbents, calcite and saponite, were used to investigate their capacity to sorb glyphosate. It was found that the morphology of calcite transformed and the zeta potential became positive in alkaline pH, contradicting previous research. The modified sorbents were added to soil samples to study their effects on glyphosate sorption.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunlong Luo, Ravi Naidu, Cheng Fang
Summary: This study investigates the surface functional group changes and release of microplastics and nanoplastics during the combustion process of an outdoor plastic chair. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman imaging techniques are used to characterize the fragments created when the plastic is burned and deposited on solid surfaces. Different algorithms, including logic-based, non-supervised PCA-based, algebra-based, and hybrid algorithms, are tested and optimized to extract key information for plastics characterization, particularly in distinguishing different degrees of burning. The findings estimate that tens of microplastics and nanoplastics are created per square micron during the combustion process.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew Dietrich, Cynthia F. Barlow, Jane A. Entwistle, Diana Meza-Figueroa, Chenyin Dong, Peggy Gunkel-Grillon, Khadija Jabeen, Lindsay Bramwell, John T. Shukle, Leah R. Wood, Ravi Naidu, Kara Fry, Mark Patrick Taylor, Gabriel M. Filippelli
Summary: Lead (Pb) contamination continues to pose health risks in all countries, especially low-and middle-income countries. Predicting elevated household dust Pb levels and the potential impact of low-cost interventions has been a challenge. A global dataset of household dust samples was used to predict elevated dust Pb levels, with housing age being a significant predictor. The predictive accuracy of the model is lower for countries outside of England, the U.S., and Australia due to differences in regulations and data availability. Implementing simple household interventions in these countries could result in significant cost savings and reduced exposure to harmful Pb dust sources globally.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kartik Dhar, Anithadevi Kenday Sivaram, Logeshwaran Panneerselvan, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: This study evaluated the biodegradation of dimethylformamide (DMF) and bioremediation of laboratory wastewater (LWW) co-contaminated with poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by a methylotrophic enrichment culture. The culture efficiently degraded high concentrations of DMF and removed DMF, phenanthrene, pyrene, and BaP in the LWW. The efficacy of bioremediation was further confirmed through genotoxicity assays and oxidative stress assays.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Al Amin, Yunlong Luo, Annette Nolan, Megharaj Mallavarapu, Ravi Naidu, Cheng Fang
Summary: This study investigates the degradation and conversion of PFAS in contaminated soil during the firefighting process by exposing the soil sample to high temperatures. The research finds that PFAS precursors, non-C-F bonded PFAS, PFCA, and PFSA can all be degraded under high temperature conditions. A 2D Gaussian surface is used to fit the concentration dependence of PFAS on temperature and time, providing a visual representation of the complex thermal kinetic process. This study offers a simple approach for monitoring and optimizing the thermal treatment of PFAS-contaminated soil.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yantao Li, Rahat Shabir, Mehran Rezaei Rashti, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Chengrong Chen
Summary: This research explored the potential of four cow manure compost (CMC)-based products as a rhizobial carrier. The product with 50% gypsum showed better physicochemical characteristics and the highest strain survival rate in soil. This study demonstrated the great potential of CMC-based commercial products as alternative carrier materials for rapid commercial development of inoculants.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Li, Ziquan Wang, Haixia Tian, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Hanzhong Jia, Wenxiang He
Summary: This study investigated the effects of two typical lower-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), naphthalene (Nap) and anthracene (Ant), on the activity and kinetic characteristics of FDA hydrolases in six soils. The results showed that both Nap and Ant significantly inhibited the activity of FDA hydrolase, and the inhibition was influenced by soil organic matter.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. M. K. C. B. Aththanayake, I. V. N. Rathnayake, M. P. Deeyamulla, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: Deterioration of ecosystem quality caused by toxic metals, especially hexavalent chromium, is a global issue. In this study, a bacterium called Staphylococcus edaphicus KCB02A11 showed high efficiency in removing hexavalent chromium from water within 96 hours and a wide range of concentrations (0.025-8.5 mg/L). By incorporating the isolated strain with natural substrates like hay and wood husk, 100% removal of hexavalent chromium (at 8.5 mg/L) was achieved in less than 72 hours, indicating its potential for large-scale metal removal. This study provides the first report on hexavalent chromium tolerance and removal by Staphylococcus edaphicus KCB02A11.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kartik Dhar, Sudharsanam Abinandan, Tanmoy Sana, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: Our study examined the anaerobic microbial degradation of hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and found that sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in contaminated freshwater sediments can effectively degrade three-ringed phenanthrene and highly recalcitrant four-ringed pyrene. Desulfovibrio was the dominant bacterium in the phenanthrene-degrading culture, while Rhodopseudomonas was a significant member in the pyrene-degrading culture. This research indicates that SRB could play a crucial role in the natural attenuation of PAHs in oxygen-depleted freshwater sediments.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Carbery Maddison, C. I. Sathish, Daggubati Lakshmi, O'Connor Wayne, Thava Palanisami
Summary: Understanding the degradation of microplastics in marine environments is essential for assessing their risks. Our study demonstrates that long-term marine weathering leads to significant degradation of plastic surfaces and bulk-phases, with variations depending on time and plastic polymer type. Moreover, secondary micronanoplastics are formed from weathered plastic surfaces. Our findings provide valuable information for developing risk assessment frameworks and future plastics policy.
NPJ MATERIALS DEGRADATION
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Balasubramanian Ramakrishnan, Naga Raju Maddela, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: Microalgae, as integral members of the soil microbial community, have the potential to modify soil conditions and interact with other organisms, but their agronomic benefits and ecological functions in agriculture still require further research and application.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Naga Raju Maddela, Dhatri Kakarla, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: The steep rise in global plastic production and discharge of plastic waste pose a threat to the ecosystem and human health due to the generation of particulate plastics and release of toxic chemical additives. However, only a small percentage of plastic additives have been characterized for their ecological concern, and information on their ecotoxicity remains incomplete. This review aims to provide detailed insights into the ecological impacts of plastic additives, which are crucial for restricting their use, finding eco-friendly alternatives, and establishing or revising guidelines by global health and environmental agencies.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)