Article
Plant Sciences
Juan Ramirez-Zamora, Patricia Mussali-Galante, Alexis Rodriguez, Maria Luisa Castrejon-Godinez, Leticia Valencia-Cuevas, Efrain Tovar-Sanchez
Summary: Phytoremediation is a cost-effective technique for remediating heavy metal polluted sites. Adding biochar to mine wastes improves plant growth and reduces the absorption of toxic heavy metals. This study found that using biochar in mine tailings increased plant growth and reduced the accumulation of certain heavy metals, while promoting the translocation of essential metals. This approach has great potential for remediating heavy metal polluted sites.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rodrigo Perez, Yasna Tapia, Monica Antilen, Manuel Casanova, Catalina Vidal, Christian Santander, Humberto Aponte, Pablo Cornejo
Summary: The combination of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and organic amendments significantly promotes the growth of Oenothera picensis in Cu mine tailings, enhancing biomass production, nutrient uptake, and reducing copper availability to achieve the remediation of contaminated soils.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yizhang Liu, Robert A. Root, Nate Abramson, Lijun Fan, Jing Sun, Chengshuai Liu, Jon Chorover
Summary: Exposed and un-remediated metal(loid)-bearing mine tailings can be easily eroded by wind and water, dispersing toxic elements into the surrounding environment. Compost-assisted phytostabilization is an effective method for rehabilitating and preventing pollution of tailings, promoting mineral formation and sequestration of toxic elements.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Paula Madejon, Maria Teresa Dominguez, Ignacio Giron, Pilar Burgos, Maria Teresa Lopez-Fernandez, Oscar Garcia Porras, Engracia Madejon
Summary: The study focused on the application of assisted phytoremediation to accelerate the restoration of uranium mining areas. By applying sugar lime and seeding common grasses, the development of vegetation and accumulation of soil organic matter were improved, leading to decreased uranium and manganese availability in the soil-plant system.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rodrigo Perez, Yasna Tapia, Monica Antilen, Antonieta Ruiz, Paula Pimentel, Christian Santander, Humberto Aponte, Felipe Gonzalez, Pablo Cornejo
Summary: Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and yeast significantly affected the growth and antioxidant response of Oenothera picensis plants in Cu mine tailings amended with compost. The co-inoculation of AMF and yeast promoted shoot and root biomass, influenced antioxidant activity, and reduced total phenols in the roots. Furthermore, yeast inoculation decreased non-enzymatic antioxidant activity and both AMF and yeast inoculation enhanced the production of photosynthetic pigments.
Review
Plant Sciences
Rodrigo Perez, Yasna Tapia, Monica Antilen, Manuel Casanova, Catalina Vidal, Sivagnanam Silambarasan, Pablo Cornejo
Summary: Copper (Cu) contamination has become a serious environmental concern due to increased pollution, and phytoremediation using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and organic amendments has proven to be an effective strategy. Recent studies have shown that the combination of rhizosphere microorganisms and amendments can improve phytoremediation techniques, especially in stabilizing mine tailings.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hector M. Conesa, Isabel Parraga-Aguado, Francisco J. Jimenez-Carceles, Yolanda Risueno
Summary: The rhizospheric microbiome of P. miliaceum in semiarid mine tailings was evaluated, and it was found that the microbial composition in the tailings affected the nitrogen uptake and water use efficiency of P. miliaceum. P. miliaceum was able to shape its own specific microbiome in the tailings.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Corin M. Hammond, Robert A. Root, Raina M. Maier, Jon Chorover
Summary: Understanding the temporal effects of organic matter input and water influx on metal lability and translocation is crucial for evaluating the success of phytostabilization in metalliferous mine tailings. This study investigated metal lability trends for three years at a mine tailings site in central Arizona and found that pH played a key role in metal mobility. The addition of organic matter enhanced the mobilization of chromium and long-term monitoring is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of phytostabilization in controlling subsurface metal contaminants.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yolanda Risueno, Cesar Petri, Hector M. Conesa
Summary: Phytomanagement of tailings with soil conditioners like manure compost and biochar affects soil microbial composition, with compost showing stronger effects on bacterial and fungal communities while biochar favors decomposers specialized in recalcitrant carbon compounds. The combination of biochar and compost may support a more diverse microbial population capable of decomposing both labile and recalcitrant carbon compounds, enhancing system resilience against environmental stressors.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Courtney A. Creamer, Mary-Cathrine Leewis, Martina Kracmarova-Farren, Jakub Papik, Sean Kacur, John Freeman, Ondrej Uhlik, Andrea L. Foster
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of planting a native perennial grass with a consortium of diazotrophic microbial endophytes and municipal waste compost on plant growth and metal stabilization in tailings from a polymetallic mineral deposit. The results showed that the most effective treatment for improving soil acidity, nitrogen content, and organic carbon and biomass yields of grass was the simultaneous use of dolomite, compost, and endophyte seed coating. Compost reduced the concentrations of contaminant metals in the shoots and roots of the grass, while the endophytes increased the yields of certain metals in the leaves and mobilized others from the tailings.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Meryeme Bennis, Vicente Perez-Tapia, Soufiane Alami, Omar Bouhnik, Hanane Lamin, Hanaa Abdelmoumen, Eulogio J. Bedmar, Mustapha Missbah El Idrissi
Summary: Mining activities in Touissit district of Eastern Morocco have led to significant accumulation of heavy metals in the tailing ponds, posing a threat to the environment and local population. This study isolated 100 bacterial strains from the rhizosphere of black locust plants in Touissit mine tailings, with 3 strains (7MBT, 17MBT, and 84MBT) showing improved Plant Growth Promoting properties. These strains demonstrated resilience to high concentrations of lead and zinc, with different effects on PGP properties when exposed to these metals.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hugues Thouin, Marie-Paule Norini, Fabienne Battaglia-Brunet, Pascale Gautret, Marc Crampon, Lydie Le Forestier
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of phytostabilization on a Pb-rich mine waste through a laboratory pilot-scale experiment. The results showed that the addition of biochar, manure, and iron-oxide-rich ochre promoted plant growth and decreased Pb concentration in the surface layer pore water. Observations suggested that Pb immobilization in the rhizosphere occurred through the mechanical entrapment of tailing particles by Agrostis capillaris plants. Additionally, phytostabilization led to changes in microbial communities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hugues Thouin, Marie-Paule Norini, Fabienne Battaglia-Brunet, Pascale Gautret, Marc Crampon, Lydie Le Forestier
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of phytostabilization on lead-rich mine waste, with a reduction in lead concentration in the surface layer and a transient increase in lead, zinc, and barium concentrations in the deeper saturated levels. Plant growth was promoted by amending the tailings surface, leading to the immobilization of lead in the rhizosphere of Agrostis capillaris. Microbial communities showed temporary modifications in the non-saturated and saturated levels, with pH and water saturation being key factors.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Consuelo Gazitua, Veronica Morgante, Maria Josefina Poupin, Thomas Ledger, Gustavo Rodriguez-Valdecantos, Catalina Herrera, Maria Del Carmen Gonzalez-Chavez, Rosanna Ginocchio, Bernardo Gonzalez
Summary: The presence of a native microbial community can improve the colonization of the pioneer plant Baccharis linearis in soils from abandoned copper mine tailings. Bacteria and fungi associated with B. linearis may support plant acclimation, with the bacterial community more impacted by plant establishment and the fungal community more influenced by location/geographical conditions. Rhizoplane bacterial community changes mainly through species replacement, while fungal community differences are explained more by geographical conditions than interaction with plants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesus Eulises Corona Sanchez, Ma del Carmen Angeles Gonzalez Chavez, Rogelio Carrillo Gonzalez, Kirk Scheckel, Daniel Tapia Maruri, Jose L. Garcia Cue
Summary: This study investigated the exposure to airborne metal(loids) in a community near mine tailings, finding high concentrations of bioaccessible metal(loids). The quasi-total metal(loid) concentrations were highest for As, followed by Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu, Mn, and Cd.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristobal Hernandez-Alvarez, Felipe Garcia-Oliva, Rocio Cruz-Ortega, Miguel F. Romero, Hugo R. Barajas, Daniel Pinero, Luis D. Alcaraz
Summary: The research reveals significant differences in root microbiomes between historically arid and humid sites, with aridity and soil pH levels being the main factors explaining these differences. Additionally, roots under arid conditions show unique associations with specific bacterial genera.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariana Peimbert, Luis D. Alcaraz
Summary: Subways are urban transport systems with high passenger capacity. Microbiomes in subways are predominantly composed of skin bacteria and environmental organisms. Bacterial fingerprints of each subway system are determined by low frequency bacteria. Microbial exchange among subway commuters is fast, with hand microbiomes changing within minutes. Despite being harsh environments for microorganism growth, diverse and metabolically active bacteria can be found in subways.
Review
Microbiology
Claudia Segal-Kischinevzky, Lucero Romero-Aguilar, Luis D. Alcaraz, Geovani Lopez-Ortiz, Blanca Martinez-Castillo, Nayeli Torres-Ramirez, Georgina Sandoval, James Gonzalez
Summary: Yeasts, as microscopic fungi, are able to inhabit and adapt to various extreme environments, playing an important role in industrial production and biotechnological applications. This review emphasizes the significance of extreme yeasts and discusses their metabolic and adaptive aspects in extreme conditions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Benedetto Schiavo, Diana Meza-Figueroa, Efrain Vizuete-Jaramillo, Agustin Robles-Morua, Aracely Angulo-Molina, Pablo A. Reyes-Castro, Claudio Inguaggiato, Belem Gonzalez-Grijalva, Martin Pedroza-Montero
Summary: This research examines the connection between metals associated with oxidative stress (OS) in urban dust and public health. The study also investigates the impact of seasonal variations on the dust's oxidative potential (OP) and the occurrence of diseases affected by OS. The findings highlight the importance of studying dust as an environmental factor that may potentially increase oxidative stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Grecia Pavlovich-Cristopulos, Benedetto Schiavo, Francisco M. Romero, Ernesto Hernandez-Mendiola, Aracely Angulo-Molina, Diana Meza-Figueroa
Summary: This research characterized eleven commercial products advertised as clinoptilolite for human consumption, revealing the presence of toxic metals and essential elements. Some of the samples did not contain clinoptilolite but other minerals. Additionally, ingestion of these products may pose non-carcinogenic and cancer risks to consumers.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ana Parga, Andrea Muras, Paz Otero-Casal, Alexandre Arredondo, Agnes Soler-Olle, Gerard alvarez, Luis D. Alcaraz, Alex Mira, Vanessa Blanc, Ana Otero
Summary: The AHL-targeting QQ enzyme Aii20J can effectively modulate oral biofilm formation without altering the microbiome structure. This study highlights the potential of AHL-targeting enzymes in improving oral health and emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches to oral biofilm control.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Benedetto Schiavo, Ofelia Morton-Bermea, Thania Elizabeth Arredondo-Palacios, Diana Meza-Figueroa, Agustin Robles-Morua, Rocio Garcia-Martinez, Daisy Valera-Fernandez, Claudio Inguaggiato, Belem Gonzalez-Grijalva
Summary: This study analyzes the variation of gaseous pollutants during the pre-lockdown, lockdown, and unlock period in Monterrey using ground-based measurements. The results show a drastic decrease in measured contaminants during the lockdown period, except for O-3 which increased. Using satellite data, a NO2 reduction during lockdown was also observed. The findings suggest a link between air pollutants and economic activity, and can be utilized for future strategies to improve urban air quality.
Article
Soil Science
Lia Q. R. Ossanna, Karen Serrano, Lydia L. Jennings, Jesse Dillon, Raina M. Maier, Julia W. Neilson
Summary: The reclamation of disturbed lands through revegetation following mine closure is critical to the environmental sustainability of hard rock mining. This five-year temporal study aimed to identify indicators of primary soil development on mine waste rock (WR) and the comparative effects of plant lifeform on soil development. The study found that seeded WR had a temporal increase in microbial biomass compared to unseeded areas, and targeted grass and shrub root zones demonstrated significant increases in specific cellulose and lignin degrading and N-cycling phylotypes. Shrub establishment showed greater fertility outcomes, with more extensive chemical and biological fertility development observed in shrub root zones relative to grass.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Angelica Jara-Servin, Adan Silva, Hugo Barajas, Rocio Cruz-Ortega, Clara Tinoco-Ojanguren, Luis D. Alcaraz
Summary: Buffelgrass is an invasive plant that invades land by secreting chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants. A study found that the root-associated bacteria of buffelgrass can adapt to this environment and promote its growth. The composition of the buffelgrass microbiome also changes with its developmental state. These findings provide new insights for controlling buffelgrass invasion.
Article
Agronomy
Yongjian Chen, David A. Dierig, Guangyao (Sam) Wang, Diaa Eldin M. Elshikha, Dennis T. Ray, Albert Barberan, Raina M. Maier, Julia W. Neilson
Summary: Plant-microbe associations and microbe-microbe associations are closely related, with critical microbes impacting the growth and health of plants. Through marker gene amplicon sequencing, the study identified overlapping critical microbes in both types of associations, highlighting their importance in the guayule agroecosystem.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benedetto Schiavo, Diana Meza-Figueroa, Ofelia Morton-Bermea, Efrain Vizuete-Jaramillo, Agustin Robles-Morua
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal variation in the spatial distribution of mercury (Hg) in dust in an arid area. Dust samples were collected from schools during the pre- and post-monsoon period and analyzed for Hg concentration. The results showed high contamination of Hg in the northern area of the city, which is characterized by brickyard activities. A bull's eye pattern of Hg was observed during the dry season and was attributed to emissions from kiln brick production. The study also highlighted potential health concerns to children and adults.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Cecilia Demergasso, Julia W. Neilson, Cinthya Tebes-Cayo, Roberto Veliz, Diego Ayma, Daniel Laubitz, Albert Barberan, Guillermo Chong-Diaz, Raina M. Maier
Summary: This study conducted a simulated rainfall experiment in the Atacama Desert and found that bacterial communities in extreme hyperarid soils have different responses to simulated rainfall and varied metabolic capacities due to historic exposure to aridity.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benedetto Schiavo, Ofelia Morton-Bermea, Diana Meza-Figueroa, Monica Acosta-Elias, Belem Gonzalez-Grijalva, Maria Aurora Armienta-Hernandez, Claudio Inguaggiato, Daisy Valera-Fernandez
Summary: This study investigated the particle size distribution of ashfall from Popocatepetl volcano in Mexico and the behavior of ash nanoparticles in contact with lung fluids. The results showed that most of the ash particles were submicrometric in size and exhibited aggregation and disaggregation processes when in contact with lung fluids.
Article
Microbiology
Daniel Huelgas-Mendez, Daniel Cazares, Luis David Alcaraz, Corina Diana Ceapa, Miguel Cocotl-Yanez, Toya Shotaro, Toshinari Maeda, Ana Maria Fernandez-Presas, Oswaldo Tostado-Islas, Ana Lorena Gonzalez-Vadillo, Aldo Limones-Martinez, Carlos Eduardo Hernandez-Cuevas, Karen Gonzalez-Garcia, Luis Felipe Jimenez-Garcia, Reyna-Lara Martinez, Cristian Sadalis Santos-Lopez, Fohad Mabood Husain, Altaf Khan, Mohammed Arshad, Kota Kokila, Thomas K. Wood, Rodolfo Garcia-Contreras
Summary: Social cheating refers to the exploitation of costly metabolites, such as exoproteases, which are public goods. The study focused on exoprotease exploitation in reference strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was found that nonexoprotease producers, specifically lasR mutants, were selected as social cheaters during continuous growth. However, the presence of noncanonical quorum-sensing systems in P. aeruginosa strains complicates the situation. In the environmental strain ID4365, exoprotease exploitation was evaluated and it was found that rhlR mutants behaved as social cheaters, leading to population collapses.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesus Arturo Bracamonte-Teran, Diana Meza-Figueroa, Leticia Garcia-Rico, Benedetto Schiavo, Maria Mercedes Meza-Montenegro, Ana Isabel Valenzuela-Quintanar
Summary: This study examines the transport of metal- and pesticide-polluted dust in one of the agricultural areas in Northwestern Mexico. The results show significant differences in the distribution of metals between active and abandoned fields. Principal component analysis identifies two potential sources of metal contamination related to traffic and agricultural activities. The presence of banned pesticides in dust deposited on roofs confirms the atmospheric transport from the agricultural area. The study also indicates that dust emitted from agricultural fields can reach neighboring states in Mexico and the USA.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)