Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaogang Li, Yini Cao, Jiang Xiao, Mir Md Abdus Salam, Guangcai Chen
Summary: Biochar can effectively decrease the bioavailability of metals in soil and enhance the uptake and transport of Cd and Zn by Salix plants, leading to increased metal accumulation in the whole plant. However, these effects may vary under different soil moisture conditions, with flooding offsetting the benefits of biochar-assisted phytoremediation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Marie Luyckx, Jean-Francois Hausman, Kjell Sergeant, Gea Guerriero, Stanley Lutts
Summary: This study found that zinc and cadmium have different impacts on plant metabolism, and silicon can enhance the stress tolerance of plants to heavy metals.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Salim Lamine, Ian Saunders
Summary: Phytoremediation is a practical and low-cost strategy for recovering mining-affected areas. This study assessed the potential of two willow species in phytoremediation, with S. dasyclados showing greater potential, especially when coupled with biomass for energy production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vhahangwele Matodzi, Malebogo Andrew Legodi, Nikita Tawanda Tavengwa
Summary: This study assessed the levels of zinc, chromium and lead in the Mvudi River in South Africa, finding that plants absorbed higher concentrations of metals compared to water samples. Wetland plants play an important role in accumulating heavy metals in contaminated water.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Donald A. Galvis, Yeirme Y. Jaimes-Suarez, Jairo Rojas Molina, Rosalba Ruiz, Fabricio Eulalio Leite Carvalho
Summary: Trees in cacao Agroforestry systems have a high potential for cadmium phytoextraction, with Terminalia superba identified as a highly effective species for this purpose. This species demonstrates Cd hyperaccumulation, high tolerance index, low Cd concentration in leaves, and a high Cd allocation to the stem.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ryan Greenplate, Serge Thomas, Ashley Danley-Thomson, Thomas M. Missimer
Summary: Remediation of heavy metals is a complex and expensive task, which often involves transferring the problem to another location. However, using bioremediation, the metals can be sequestered into the wood of plants for long-term storage. A study on a species of willow tree (Salix caroliniana) found that it has the potential for bioremediation of mercury, accumulating higher levels in the wood compared to its leaves. The low concentration of mercury in the wood was attributed to the pristine or low soil concentrations of mercury where the sampled trees were located.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zihan Wei, Haiping Gu, Quyet Van Le, Wanxi Peng, Su Shiung Lam, Yafeng Yang, Cheng Li, Christian Sonne
Summary: Phytoremediation is a green low-cost technology that uses plants to remove heavy metals from soil, focusing on considering plant tolerance and adaptation to specific metals. Factors such as pH, organic matter, root exudates, and microbial biomass affect the efficiency of phytoremediation during ecosystem contamination restoration. Additional technologies like genetic engineering and nanotechnology are being explored to enhance the efficiency of plant phytoremediation.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Na Li, Xi Tang, John Yang, Zhanxiang Sun
Summary: The study found that stabilizing and reducing the risk of lead in mining wastes using phosphate-enriched biosolid amendments is effective and environmentally friendly. Among the six biosolid amendments tested, spent mushroom compost and Mizzou Doo compost were the most effective in lead stabilization. The treatments showed significant reductions in bioaccessible lead, leachable lead, and plant tissue lead without toxic effects on soil microbial communities.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zuxiang Wu, Huan Hu, Chenxi Wang, Ji Wu, Yurong Xiong, Yang Fu, Xiaoshu Cheng, Hai Su, Ping Li
Summary: The study found a negative correlation between serum folate concentration and blood levels of cadmium and lead, with a more stable association in adults with higher estimated glomerular filtration rate. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind the beneficial role of folate in regulating cadmium and lead concentrations in the blood.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biology
Gui-Li Yang, Meng-Meng Zheng, Ai-Juan Tan, Yu-Ting Liu, Dan Feng, Shi-Ming Lv
Summary: This article discusses the mechanisms of Cd absorption, transportation, and enrichment in plants, as well as the detoxification processes in hyperaccumulators. Research indicates that these plants have the potential to be effective candidates for heavy metal pollution restoration.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fu Chen, Yuhang Li, Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, Syed Makhdoom Hussain, Muhammad Farooq Qayyum, Muhammad Rizwan, Hesham F. Alharby, Nadiyah M. Alabdallah, Basmah M. Alharbi, Shafaqat Ali
Summary: This study investigated the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and melatonin (MT) on the uptake of cadmium (Cd) by wheat. The results showed that ZnONPs stimulated wheat growth and yield, and this effect was enhanced by foliar application of MT. ZnONPs decreased Cd concentration and increased zinc (Zn) concentration in the plant tissues, leading to a decrease in bioavailable Cd in the soil. The combined use of ZnONPs and MT may provide new approaches for reducing Cd uptake and increasing zinc biofortification in edible parts of plants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sheetal Manori, Vijendra Shah, Vandana Soni, Kasturi Dutta, Achlesh Daverey
Summary: The study found that the use of pine needle biochar at 100 mg/kg can enhance the phytoremediation ability of Bidens pilosa for cadmium in soil, with biochar treatment also increasing the cadmium concentration in the plant's roots and shoots.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Donald A. Galvis, Yeirme Y. Jaimes-Suarez, Jairo Rojas Molina, Rosalba Ruiz, Clara E. Leon-Moreno, Fabricio Eulalio Leite Carvalho
Summary: Through evaluating 9 cacao rootstock genotypes, it was found that these genotypes are highly tolerant to cadmium (Cd), which helps to reduce Cd accumulation in cacao beans. Among them, IMC67 and PA46 showed outstanding performance in reducing Cd content.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Atefeh Shahraki, Maryam Mohammadi-Sichani, Monireh Ranjbar
Summary: This study evaluated the improvement of lead phytoremediation in Carthamus tinctorius using isolated and molecularly identified lead-resistant rhizobacteria. The results showed that different bacterial treatments influenced the rate of lead absorption by C. tinctorius exposed to lead stress.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaocen Ma, Haobo Yang, Yufen Bu, Xinyuan Wu, Na Sun, Jianwei Xiao, Yanping Jing
Summary: In this study, 18 PtPLATZ genes were identified and classified into five groups in Populus trichocarpa. These genes showed similar exon-intron structures and protein motifs. The PtPLATZ genes were highly responsive to heavy metal stress. Transgenic expression of PtPLATZ3 significantly improved Cd tolerance and accumulation in Populus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jan Skala, Frank Boahen, Jirina Szakova, Radim Vacha, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: This study examined the bioaccessibility of risk elements in soils from different geological areas around the Most brown coal basin in Czech Republic. The results showed that arsenic poses higher risks in anthropogenically affected basin regions, while lead may pose potential risks to livestock in non-forest mountainous areas. The bioaccessibility of arsenic was found to be higher in finer grain size fractions, which could lead to potential health risks for humans and livestock. Conversely, lead content was higher in coarse particles, indicating a potential risk for livestock in non-forest mountainous areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jiri Boucek, Martin Kulhanek, Zdenek Kosnar, Klara Podhorecka, Michal Obergruber, Vladimir Honig, Jirina Szakova, Luke Beesley, Katerina Berchova Bimova, Carol Omara-Ojungu, Tomas Hlavsa, Lukas Trakal
Summary: The impacts of inoculating tomato plants with B. amyloliquefaciens were investigated, and it was found that the inoculation had a positive effect on fruit quality, especially when the soil was amended with composted organic fertiliser.
ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Matej Malik, Jiri Velechovsky, Lukas Praus, Anezka Janatova, Zdenka Kahankova, Pavel Kloucek, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: There is increasing evidence that nutrients and biostimulants play a role in plant secondary metabolism. This study examined the effects of amino acid-based supplements on the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of medical cannabis plants. The results showed that amino acid biostimulation influenced ion levels in plant tissues and had different effects on nutrient cycles.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Martina Kracmarova, Ondrej Uhlik, Michal Strejcek, Jirina Szakova, Jindrich Cerny, Jiri Balik, Pavel Tlustos, Petr Kohout, Katerina Demnerova, Hana Stiborova
Summary: Long-term fertilization and crop rotation significantly alter microbial community structure in the soil. Fertilization affects soil microorganisms mainly through changes in nutrient profile, while crop rotations lead to the attraction and repulsion of specific plant pathogens. Such changes in soil microbial communities need to be considered when planning soil management.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Frank Boahen, Jirina Szakova, Adela Kalisova, Jana Najmanova, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: The North Bohemian Brown Coal Basin in the Czech Republic is identified as a significant source of pollution in the surrounding environment, particularly risk elements. The study reveals severe pollution levels of As, Be, Cd, and Zn in the soil, with As being the most severe. Plants show limited uptake of As and Be, while Cd demonstrates higher mobility and transportability from soil to plants. The health risks of As and Be mainly concentrate in the roots of plants, whereas Cd poses substantial health risks in the aboveground biomass of plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jose A. Siles, Inmaculada Garcia-Romera, Tomas Cajthaml, Jorge Belloc, Gloria Silva-Castro, Jirina Szakova, Pavel Tlustos, Mercedes Garcia-Sanchez
Summary: The application of biochar made from olive residue can enhance the functionality and abundance of microbial communities in metal-contaminated soils. Biochar amendment increases microbial abundances and has different effects on enzyme activities depending on the pyrolysis temperature and application dose. Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi promotes the growth of AMF community and results in increased soil glomalin content and AMF root colonization rates.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pavla Kubatova, Nikola Zilincikova, Jirina Szakova, Veronika Zemanova, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: The phytoextraction potential of short-rotation field coppice plantations was studied on historically contaminated soil. The study found that summer harvest was more promising for biomass yield and risk element (RE) removal compared to traditional winter harvest, with Salix smithiana clone showing the best extraction ability. Locally bred willows and poplars performed better than internationally recognised ones, highlighting the importance of clone selection for phytoremediation optimization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Matej Malik, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: This review provides an up-to-date overview of nootropics, discussing their classification, uses, dosage, side effects, and contraindications. It also briefly describes the plant extracts with nootropic effects and provides recommendations for the use of nootropics by both ill and healthy individuals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sonia Mbarki, Ons Talbi, Milan Skalicky, Pavla Vachova, Vaclav Hejnak, Frantisek Hnilicka, Ibrahim Al-ashkar, Chedly Abdelly, Md Atikur Rahman, Ayman El Sabagh, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: This study investigates the effects of municipal solid waste compost and farmyard manure on biomass yield, nutrient distribution, and toxic pollutant accumulation in Medicago sativa and Sorghum bicolor under salt stress. The results suggest that compost supplementation enhances biomass yield in sorghum, while manure supplementation improves nitrogen and potassium levels in alfalfa. Sorghum shows potential for heavy metal cleanup, while alfalfa is more resistant to saline stress.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jakub Hlava, Pavla Vachova, Jirina Szakova, Vladimir Vrabec, Stepan Kubik, Pavel Tlustos, Iva Langrova, Martin Kulma
Summary: In this study, five heavily contaminated meadows along the Litavka River were sampled for insects and spiders using pitfall traps. The soil in all the sampled sites was found to be contaminated with heavy metals, especially As, Cd, Pb, and Zn. The trap results showed a diverse range of species, with dominance varying depending on pollution levels. It is important to record and analyze the changes in abundance of dominant spider and beetle species in polluted areas.
Review
Plant Sciences
Matej Malik, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: Plant-based nootropics are natural drugs that can improve cognitive abilities through physiological mechanisms. They enhance erythrocyte plasticity, inhibit aggregation, and increase blood flow to the brain. These formulations also possess antioxidant activity and promote the synthesis of neuronal proteins, nucleic acids, and phospholipids. A variety of plant species have been reviewed and their efficacy in treating cognitive disorders is supported by experimental data and clinical trials.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna Mascellani, Filip Mercl, Sebnem Kurhan, Lorenzo Pierdona, Jiri Kudrna, Veronika Zemanova, Frantisek Hnilicka, Pavel Kloucek, Pavel Tlustos, Jaroslav Havlik
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of carbamazepine contamination on Zea mays L. cv. Ronaldinio at different phenological stages. They found that carbamazepine was transferred to the aboveground and root biomass in a dose-dependent manner. The contamination mainly affected the 4th leaf phenological stage, with decreased photosynthetic rate, reduced activity of photo-system II, decreased water potential, decreased carbohydrates and gamma-aminobutyric acid in roots, and increased phenylpropanoids in aboveground biomass. Older plants showed adaptation and minor effects in the presence of the contaminant.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zdenek Kosnar, Filip Mercl, Lorenzo Pierdona, Abraham Demelash Chane, Pavel Michal, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: The concentration of PAHs, PCBs, and OCPs in sewage sludge from 40 wastewater treatment plants was investigated. The relationship between the pollutant contents, WWTP parameters, and sludge stabilisation was evaluated. The study found correlations among the individual tested pollutants in the sludge, as well as a linear correlation between WWTP size and pollutant contents in sludge.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dilnora Mukhtorova, Jakub Hlava, Jirina Szakova, Jana Najmanova, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: This study examined the suitability of terrestrial mollusks (Gastropoda) and Chrysomela populi leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) as bioindicators for risk element pollution. The results showed high variability in the accumulation of risk elements in these organisms, with higher accumulation ability observed for Cd and Zn compared to Pb, Cr, and Cu. Surprisingly, a higher accumulation rate was observed in organisms from less contaminated sites. This suggests that these organisms have the ability to avoid uptake or move among areas with different contamination levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
