Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jin Il Kwak, Sun Hwa Nam, Youn Joo An
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of silver nanoparticles on plant and soil enzymes, and found that they inhibited plant growth and affected soil enzyme activity. These findings are important for the field of land application of biosolids.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Haris, Yasir Hamid, Muhammad Usman, Lei Wang, Atif Saleem, Fang Su, JunKang Guo, Yongtao Li
Summary: This article reviews the synthesis methods, properties, applications, and characterization techniques of crop-residues derived biochar for remediating soils contaminated with trace elements. It also discusses the global soil pollution status of TEs and the influence of production technologies on biochar efficiency. Challenges and future research directions associated with crop residues derived biochar are identified to promote further research on this sustainable source of biochar.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Venancio de Lima Veloso, Fernando Bruno Vieira da Silva, Nielson Machado dos Santos, Clistenes Williams Araujo do Nascimento
Summary: The study found that applying rice straw biochar to soil increased soil organic carbon, CEC, and phosphorus content, while reducing plant uptake of cadmium, lead, and zinc. The use of biochar decreased metal soil bioavailability, increased maize biomass, and reduced risks to humans and the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Maria Florencia Dominchin, Romina Aylen Verdenelli, Micaela Gisell Berger, Antonio Aoki, Jose Manuel Meriles
Summary: The combined application of peanut biochar and urea is found to have significant effects on soil microbial community structure and function, with biochar and management practices playing a more crucial role than urea. The study suggests that biochar addition, especially at higher rates, can enhance enzyme activities related to macronutrients and increase certain bacterial and fungal populations in soil. Additionally, the application of urea also increased urease activity, showing a positive correlation with fungal biomass. The research indicates that combining biochar and urea under appropriate soil management practices may be a viable strategy for improving soil microbial quality.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juliana Souza-Kasprzyk, Lidia Kozak, Przemyslaw Niedzielski
Summary: This study investigated the spatial distribution of 31 chemical elements in the Billefjord region of Svalbard, Arctic, and found that glacial processes have a significant influence on the elemental composition of soils in the area.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
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
Chemistry, Physical
Miroslaw Wyszkowski, Natalia Kordala
Summary: The use of petroleum in soil can lead to contamination, and different phytostabilising materials can affect the content of trace elements in the soil. The application of mineral materials (bentonite and calcium oxide) is more effective than compost, showing better results in reducing the levels of cadmium, chromium, nickel, and cobalt in the soil.
Article
Soil Science
K. Gondek, M. Mierzwa-Hersztek
Summary: The application of calcium fertilisers and organic fertilisers or materials can improve soil properties and reduce soil acidification. The combined application of calcium carbonate fertiliser with leonardite and poultry litter has a significant effect on maize biomass, trace element content, and soil properties. The study showed an increase in maize biomass after applying CaCO3 and organic material mixtures. The content of trace elements in maize varied depending on the type of organic material used. Soil pH improved and water-soluble forms of Cd and Zn decreased after applying the mixtures. The content of NH4EDTA-extracted elements was lower in the treatments with organic material.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Agnieszka Medynska-Juraszek, Katarzyna Marcinkowska, Dariusz Gruszka, Kamila Kluczek
Summary: The use of organic amendments in horticulture and vegetable cultivation in urban areas is increasing. This can lead to increased risk of human exposure to potentially toxic elements from contaminated soils and compost. Co-application of biochar and compost can decrease the uptake of metals by edible plants, but may also have some adverse effects.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miroslaw Wyszkowski, Natalia Kordala
Summary: Petroleum-derived substances have a negative impact on soil quality and crop production. The immobilization of contaminants in anthropogenically altered soils is limited. This study evaluated the effects of soil contamination with diesel oil and determined the effectiveness of different neutralizing materials in stabilizing the contaminated soil. Adding compost and mineral materials significantly reduced nickel, iron, and cobalt concentrations in the soil. However, all materials used increased cadmium, chromium, manganese, and copper concentrations. Calcium oxide was particularly effective in reducing the impact of diesel oil on trace element contents in the soil.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marina Slukovskaya, Viacheslav Vasenev, Kristina Ivashchenko, Andrey Dolgikh, Andrey Novikov, Irina P. Kremenetskaya, Liubov A. Ivanova, Stanislav Gubin
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the properties and functions of soils constructed from alkaline mining wastes for the remediation of industrial barren in the Subarctic region, resulting from long-term emissions of a copper-nickel factory. It was found that the soil constructions supported the development of plant and microbial communities, organic matter accumulation, and metal immobilization, providing a solution for protecting the environment from further pollution under continuous emissions.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Marco Panettieri, Beatriz Moreno, Laura L. de Sosa, Emilio Benitez, Engracia Madejon
Summary: Traditional olive groves are at high risk of erosion and desertification due to low organic matter inputs and intensive tillage. This study found that the application of biosolid compost can effectively increase carbon storage in the topsoil of olive groves.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Evangelia E. Golia, Panagiotis-Stavros C. Aslanidis, Sotiria G. Papadimou, Ourania-Despoina Kantzou, Maria-Anna Chartodiplomenou, Kosmas Lakiotis, Maria Androudi, Nikolaos G. Tsiropoulos
Summary: The present study assessed the effect of using charcoal, biochar, and activated carbon as soil conditioners in acid and alkaline soils. The results showed that these amendments significantly reduced the concentrations of soluble and available metals in the soils, indicating their potential for remediating soils contaminated with toxic metals.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nanthi Bolan, Binoy Sarkar, Meththika Vithanage, Gurwinder Singh, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Raj Mukhopadhyay, Kavitha Ramadass, Ajayan Vinu, Yuqing Sun, Sammani Ramanayaka, Son A. Hoang, Yubo Yan, Yang Li, Joerg Rinklebe, Hui Li, M. B. Kirkham
Summary: Aqueous film-forming foam and biowastes are major sources of PFAS in soil, with plant uptake of PFAS through soil application of biowastes being a pathway for animal and human exposure. Remediation of PFAS in biowastes and soils treated with these biowastes can be achieved through various methods including prevention through source control, soil washing, phytoremediation, immobilization, and destruction. This review presents the distribution, bioavailability, and remediation of PFAS in soil receiving solid biowastes such as biosolids, composts, and manure.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuangjin Ma, Zhongren Nan, Yahu Hu, Shuai Chen, Xiaoyan Yang, Jieqiong Su
Summary: Screening and cultivating crop varieties with low Cd accumulation is an effective way to safely utilize slightly contaminated soil. However, the study found that wheat varieties in low-P soil had significantly higher grain Cd concentration than in high-P soil, exceeding safety guidelines. The difference in soil pH, nutrient levels, and Cd speciation between the two soil types influenced the Cd uptake by the plant varieties.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Entomology
Gaia Bigiotti, Patrizia Sacchetti, Roberta Pastorelli, Carol R. Lauzon, Antonio Belcari
Summary: Investigations on microbial symbioses in Tephritidae have been increasing over the past 30 years, especially focused on Bactrocera oleae and its strict association with Ca. E. dacicola. Understanding these interactions could lead to the development of modern biological control systems for area-wide pest management, starting with olive protection as an example for other important food crops.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Roberta Pastorelli, Giuseppe Valboa, Alessandra Lagomarsino, Arturo Fabiani, Stefania Simoncini, Massimo Zaghi, Nadia Vignozzi
Summary: Digestate from biogas production can be recycled as conditioner/fertilizer to improve environmental sustainability; it increases soil organic C, N, and K contents in the short term while maintaining a fair crop yield and soil quality; suitable for energy-crop farming, combining fertilizer benefits and compensating for soil organic C loss.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandra Lagomarsino, Isabella De Meo, Alessandro Elio Agnelli, Alessandro Paletto, Gianluigi Mazza, Elisa Bianchetto, Roberta Pastorelli
Summary: Deadwood decomposition plays a significant role in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen in forest soil and litter, impacting the diversity and activity of fungal and bacterial communities. During the decomposition process, CO2 and CH4 emissions increase, while N2O fluxes remain low. A portion of the carbon stored in deadwood is lost as CO2 to the atmosphere, with some transferred to fragmented and humified litter fractions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Roberta Pastorelli, Virginia Costagli, Claudia Forte, Carlo Viti, Bianca Rompato, Giulia Nannini, Giacomo Certini
Summary: In a mountain forest in Italy, the study found little evidence to support the home-field advantage hypothesis, with the chemical composition being the main factor affecting the early stages of litter decomposition. Tree species and soil properties play a crucial role in the advanced stages of decomposition, controlling the assemblage and functions of the soil microbial community.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Wenjing Liu, Kai Xue, Runpeng Hu, Jizhong Zhou, Joy D. Van Nostrand, Jannis Dimitrou, Laura Giagnoni, Giancarlo Renella
Summary: Short rotation coppice (SRC) is an effective phytotechnology for bioenergy production, pollution remediation, and land restoration. It significantly influences soil microbial communities, promoting a more benign habitat for microorganisms and enriching the soil with organic carbon and nutrients.
Article
Agronomy
Stefano Mocali, Antonio Gelsomino, Paolo Nannipieri, Roberta Pastorelli, Laura Giagnoni, Beatrix Petrovicova, Giancarlo Renella
Summary: Soil microorganisms play a key role in soil biochemical processes, but their resilience after extreme environmental change is largely unknown. This study investigated the structural and functional responses of microbial communities during recolonization of heat-sterilized forest soils. The results showed rapid changes in enzymatic activity, microbial structure, and catabolic activity during the incubation period. The physicochemical properties of the original soils influenced soil functional diversity, and reinoculation of sterilized soils had a greater impact on bacterial communities than fungal communities.
Article
Forestry
Roberta Pastorelli, Maria Alexandra Cucu, Alessandra Lagomarsino, Alessandro Paletto, Isabella De Meo
Summary: Ciliates play an important role in forest ecosystems by influencing the decay and energy flow of deadwood. This study found that the abundance and diversity of ciliates increased as wood decay progressed. Greater diversity was observed in the early stages of decay, while more decomposed wood had increased similarity in ciliate community composition. Ciliate abundance was positively correlated with bacterial abundance, nitrogen content, and CO2 emissions. The findings suggest that ciliates regulate the degradation activity of microbial communities and CO2 emissions through grazing, enhancing soil fertility.
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
Environmental Sciences
Layla M. San-Emeterio, Nicasio T. Jimenez-Morillo, Ignacio M. Perez-Ramos, Maria T. Dominguez, Jose A. Gonzalez-Perez
Summary: The molecular composition of soil organic matter (SOM) in Mediterranean savannahs is mainly determined by the effect of the tree canopy. After a five-year field manipulative experiment, the differences caused by drought, warming, and the combination of both became statistically significant with respect to the untreated controls, particularly in the open pasture habitat. The predicted climate change scenarios mainly affected lignocellulose dynamics, as well as other SOM compounds, pointing to accelerated humification processes and SOM degradation under warmer and drier conditions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Laura Giagnoni, Giancarlo Renella
Summary: Biochar production and incorporation into soil is seen as a sustainable strategy for climate change mitigation. There is emerging evidence that biochar induces carbon sequestration in soil through complex microbial processes and an increase in carbon use efficiency. The current paradigm of decreased microbial carbon use efficiency during the degradation of recalcitrant material is contradicted by this evidence. This paper examines the link between biochar properties, soil physico-chemical properties, and microbial physiology to explain the increase in carbon use efficiency in biochar-amended soils.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Paula Madejon, Elena Fernandez-Boy, Laura Morales-Salmeron, Carmen M. Navarro-Fernandez, Engracia Madejon, Maria Teresa Dominguez
Summary: Climate change may have negative effects on agro-ecosystems and agricultural production in Mediterranean countries. This study examines the impact of drought predictions on faba bean crops and the use of conservation tillage practices to mitigate this effect. The results show that reduced rainfall negatively affects germination and aboveground biomass in faba bean crops under conservation tillage systems.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
F. Scicutella, M. A. Cucu, F. Mannelli, R. Pastorelli, M. Daghio, P. Paoli, L. Pazzagli, L. Turini, A. Mantino, S. Luti, M. Genovese, C. Viti, A. Buccioni
Summary: The study tested the use of olive oil pomace (OOP) produced by a new technology in dairy cow feeding and its effects on animal performance, rumen microbiota, biohydrogenation processes, and milk quality. The results showed that adding OOP improved the nutritional quality of milk and increased important functional fatty acid content without affecting animal performance and milk production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zahra Karami, Zahed Sharifi, Giancarlo Renella
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of soil organic carbon (SOC) quality and quantity indicators to land-use change (LUC) using carbon management index (CMI) and soil quality index (SQI) constructed by principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that all studied soil properties were significantly lower in cropland (CL) soil compared to intact rangeland (IR) soil, except for certain factors. The CMI and SQI indices were significantly lower in IR soil, and the minimum data set (MDS) selected key indicators for SOC change.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Anita Nencioni, Roberta Pastorelli, Gaia Bigiotti, Maria Alexandra Cucu, Patrizia Sacchetti
Summary: Spittlebugs are insects that feed on xylem sap with the help of symbiotic endosymbionts in their body. The symbiotic bacteria in their gut have been poorly studied. The potential role of spittlebugs as vectors of the plant pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa has increased research on control strategies. It was found that different species of spittlebug nymphs harbor different dominant bacteria in their gut, as well as recurring bacteria in their foam. The diversity of bacteria in the gut and foam of nymphs provides new insights into the facultative symbionts of spittlebugs.