Article
Environmental Sciences
Feili Li, Xiaoling Chen, Jianru Feng, Zheng Liang, Xinyang Xu, Tianzheng Ding
Summary: This study investigated the effect of citric acid (CA) on the extraction of heavy metals from municipal sewage sludge compost-amended (MSSC) soils by ryegrass. The results showed that the application of 2 and 4 mmol kg(-1) CA significantly promoted the growth of ryegrass and reduced the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil. CA mainly increased the acid-extractable fraction of heavy metals through decreasing soil pH and complexation with metal ions. The study also revealed that CA had the greatest phytoremediation effect on cadmium (Cd).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daoming Wu, Weixin Peng, Li 'an Bao, Xiaoli Yu, Xiaoquan Dong, Mingli Lai, Zhiqi Liang, Shanyan Xie, Douglass F. Jacobs, Shucai Zeng
Summary: This study investigated the phytotoxicity alleviation by biochar in sewage sludge-amended soil. The results showed that biochar could reduce soil bulk density, improve water retention, and alter soil organic matter content and heavy metal fractionation. The alleviation of phytotoxicity was more dependent on plant adaptability than biochar feedstocks and usage.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Martin, Carmen Mejias, Juan Luis Santos, Irene Aparicio, Esteban Alonso
Summary: This study evaluated the availability and sorption behaviour of pharmaceuticals and metabolites in sewage sludge and sludge-amended soil. The highest levels were found in digested sludge, with metabolite concentrations in mixtures almost two-fold lower than parent compounds. The adsorption capacities varied in sludge-soil mixtures, with compost having higher log K-d values that could influence soil contamination.
Article
Soil Science
Louise B. Sennett, David L. Burton, Claudia Goyer, Bernie J. Zebarth
Summary: This study investigated the effects of chemical fumigation and substrate C availability on soil C and N dynamics. The results showed that chemical fumigation delayed the maximum rate of soil respiration and N2O production, and inhibited nitrification. Different soil amendment treatments had varying effects on the impact of chemical fumigation, but all had significant implications for soil function.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao Li, Yuhua Li, Xike Zhang, Jiawei Yuan, Junkang Guo, Pan Wang, Gehong Wei, Chun Chen
Summary: The widespread application of metal-based nanoparticle (MNPs)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites can lead to the release of these materials into soils, impacting bacterial communities. Ag-rGO and ZnO-rGO were found to have a significant effect on the structure of bacterial communities in farmland soils.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohsen Jalali, Abolfazle Imanifard
Summary: Research findings suggest that in calcareous soils with diverse properties, the transfer of heavy metals from soil to cabbage can be influenced by adding different types of sludge. Cabbage plays a significant role in the absorption of metals such as cadmium, copper, and zinc, making it a potential choice for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated calcareous soils.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Magdalena Konczak, Paulina Godlewska, Malgorzata Wisniewska, Patryk Oleszczuk
Summary: This study examines the effects of biochar derived from sewage sludge (BCSSL) or sewage sludge/biomass (BCSSLW) on the persistence and bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils with different properties. The results show that the content of organic solvent extractable PAHs decreases when biochar is applied to the soils, depending on pH and feedstock. Similarly, the content of freely dissolved PAHs also decreases. The bioavailability and persistence of PAHs in the biochar-amended soils are closely related to the chemical properties of the soils, as indicated by the significant relationships between PAH content and pH, cation exchange capacity, available nutrients, and dissolved organic carbon.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. E. Gomez, G. V. Ferreyroa, M. J. Salazar, M. L. Pignata, J. H. Rodriguez
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of amending Pb-contaminated agricultural soils with novelty compost on soil fertility, Pb bioavailability in lettuce crops, and associated toxicological risks. The results showed that compost amendment, along with the incubation period, improved soil fertility and reduced Pb bioavailability. However, the compost amendment was not sufficient to reach the levels of crop values in natural soils.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Joerg Schaller, Daniel Puppe
Summary: Climate change-induced altered fire regimes are significantly impacting terrestrial ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. In addition to natural fires, anthropogenic fires like rice straw burning must also be considered. While the heat effects of fire on nutrient cycles such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are well-studied, the consequences of heat on the silicon cycle remain largely unknown. Heat has been shown to increase the release of silicon from soil organic matter, but the effect of heat on silicon availability in mineral soils is still unclear.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jun Meng, Wenjin Li, Chengmei Diao, Zhangtao Li, Jiayi Zhao, Ghulam Haider, Haibo Zhang, Jun Xu, Minjun Hu, Shengdao Shan, Huaihai Chen
Summary: The mechanisms by which microplastics affect soil microbes and their metagenomic functioning are currently uncertain. In this study, we investigated the response mechanisms of bacterial and fungal communities to the addition of PVC microplastics in two soils with different pH and heavy metal levels. The results showed that PVC microplastics increased soil pH and reduced heavy metal availability, while also reducing bacterial diversity and interaction networks. Our study suggests that the addition of PVC microplastics could shift soil microbial community and metagenomic functioning.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paulina Godlewska, Izabela Josko, Patryk Oleszczuk
Summary: Co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge with plant biomass can minimize the toxicity of biochar, but the results vary depending on the test organism and time point.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Joseilma Araujo Santos, Maria Isidoria Silva Gonzaga, Wallace Melo dos Santos, Airon Jose da Silva
Summary: Most Brazilian soils have water limitations for crop growth, but biochar can improve soil water retention and availability. A study on three tropical soils found that biochar increases water holding capacity and availability, especially in coarse-textured soils, and improves soil porosity and water transmission in clayey soil.
Article
Agronomy
Emna Marouani, Besma Zarai, Khaoula Boudabbous, Naima Kolsi Benzina, Noura Ziadi, Rahma Ines Zoghlami, Besma Bouslimi, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: This study demonstrates that de-inking paper sludge (DPS) has positive effects on soil properties and durum wheat growth and yield, with the 30% application rate showing the greatest improvement. Mixing DPS with nitrogen fertilizer can significantly increase grain yield and root biomass.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Sofia Fernandes, Tome Azevedo, Filipe Rocha, Eugenia Nunes, Vera Homem
Summary: This study investigated the effects of sewage sludge application on plant development and crop productivity, as well as the persistence of volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) in soil and their uptake by plants. The results showed that sewage sludge application had no negative effects on plant development and was associated with improved crop productivity. Most of the VMSs remained in the soil at the end of the experiment and the cyclic VMSs (D3, D4, D5, D6) were taken up and translocated by the plants. The levels of VMSs in plant tissues were low, but the presence of L5 may pose a potential environmental risk.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Li, Annapaola Giordano, Franco Ajmone-Marsan, Elio Padoan
Summary: Lead contamination is a significant health hazard, and reducing lead mobility and bioavailability through the addition of phosphorus-containing materials can be effective. However, the effectiveness varies depending on soil type and particle size, with particular attention needed on the impact of remediation activities on fine soil particles for the environment and human health.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Daniel Paredes, Joao Frederico Alves, Sara Mendes, Jose Miguel Costa, Joana Alves, Antonio Alves da Silva, Jose Paulo Sousa
Summary: This study analyzed the seasonal population dynamics of the olive pest B. oleae in a typical olive landscape in Portugal. The results showed that B. oleae is present in all land uses within the landscape, and its dynamics are similar to those in the olive groves. However, the presence of other land uses in the landscape does not lead to an increase in B. oleae abundance within the olive groves. On the contrary, a landscape dominated by olive groves increases the abundance of this pest. Importantly, more diverse landscapes surrounding olive groves can reduce the abundance of the olive fly.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Nuno Capela, Yoko L. Dupont, Agnes Rortais, Artur Sarmento, Alexandra Papanikolaou, Christopher J. Topping, Gerard Arnold, M. Alice Pinto, Pedro J. Rodrigues, Simon J. More, Simone Tosi, Thiago S. Alves, Jose Paulo Sousa
Summary: Honey bees are important insect pollinators with great economic and ecological value. Most current assessment methods for honey bee colonies rely on visual assessments, which are subjective and prone to bias. This study presents a new method that quantifies colony size based on bee weight and assesses brood and food storage through image analysis. The method is accurate, standardized, and independent of observer bias.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatima C. F. Santos, Rudo A. Verweij, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Monica J. B. Amorim
Summary: Chromium emissions led to increased concentrations in soil, affecting soil organisms. Toxicokinetics-toxicodynamics of Cr were evaluated in Enchytraeus crypticus to assess internal concentrations and toxic effects. Internal Cr concentrations increased with time, reaching equilibrium within 14 days, with an estimated LC50inter of 57.7 mg Cr/kg body DW. At high concentrations, organisms were unable to eliminate Cr, resulting in detrimental effects on survival and reproduction.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guangquan Chen, Shiyi Xiong, Qiao Jing, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Nico M. van Straalen, Dick Roelofs, Luming Sun, Hao Qiu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) on fetal development and cholesterol metabolism in mice. The exposure to PS-NPs led to a decline in fetal weights and abnormal cell morphologies in the placenta and fetus. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed disturbances in cholesterol metabolism and other pathways, offering new insights into the mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects of PS-NPs on placenta and fetus.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patricia V. Silva, Ana Rita R. Silva, Nathaniel J. Clark, Joanne Vassallo, Marta Baccaro, Neja Medve Scek, Magdalena Grgi, Abel Ferreira, Marti Busquets-Fite, Kerstin Jurkschat, Anastasios G. Papadiamantis, Victor Puntes, Iseult Lynch, Claus Svendsen, Nico W. van den Brink, Richard D. Handy, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Susana Loureiro
Summary: Mesocosms are useful for simulating realistic scenarios of organism exposure to nanoparticles. An indoor mesocosm experiment was conducted to assess the toxicokinetics and bioaccumulation of silver sulfide nanoparticles (Ag2S NPs) and AgNO3 in freshwater invertebrates. The study found that single-species tests could not reliably predict bioaccumulation in the more complex mesocosm scenario.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bart G. G. van Hall, Chris Sweeney, Melanie Bottoms, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel
Summary: A better understanding of the relationship between soil organic matter (OM) content and pesticide toxicity to soil invertebrates is crucial for improving risk assessment approaches. This study collected toxicity data from various studies and found that the toxicity-OM relationship differs depending on the chemical, toxicity endpoint, and species. This suggests that current risk assessment approaches based on lipophilicity and species correction factors may not be sufficient.
INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Sagnik Sengupta, Hans Petter Leinaas, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Tjalling Jager, Thomas Rundberget, Katrine Borga
Summary: Survival of early life stages is crucial for population growth. The neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid, commonly used worldwide, can be toxic to non-target soil organisms. This study investigated the effects of dietary exposure to imidacloprid on the survival of juveniles in two populations of Folsomia quadrioculata. The results showed a concentration-dependent decline in survival, with different levels of vulnerability between populations and a higher mortality risk during the juvenile stage compared to the adult stage.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xueqing Xu, Hao Qiu, Cornelis A. M. Van Gestel, Bing Gong, Erkai He
Summary: The study evaluates the effects of nanopesticide CuO and nanofertilizer CeO2 on wheat under optimal and suboptimal temperatures. CuO-NPs have a stronger negative effect on plant root systems than CeO2-NPs. The toxicity of both NMs is attributed to altered nutrient uptake, induced membrane damage, and disturbance of antioxidative related biological pathways. Warming significantly inhibits root growth and enhances the toxicity of NMs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kailun Sun, Jason C. White, Hao Qiu, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, Erkai He
Summary: In this study, a coelomocyte-based in vivo exposure strategy combined with lipidomics and transcriptomics was used to identify the potential risks of MoS2 nanosheets on earthworms. The results showed that nontransformed MoS2 nanosheets inhibited genes related to transmembrane transport and caused differential upregulation of phospholipid content, while UV-transformed MoS2 nanosheets specifically upregulated glyceride metabolism and lipid peroxidation degree. Pathology image quantification demonstrated that UV-transformed MoS2 nanosheets caused more severe epithelial damage and intestinal steatosis compared to nontransformed ones. This study revealed differential adverse outcome pathways and demonstrated the potential of lipidomics analysis for accurate soil risk assessment of emerging contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ioanna S. Gkika, Ge Xie, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Thomas L. Ter Laak, J. Arie Vonk, Annemarie P. van Wezel, Michiel H. S. Kraak
Summary: PFAS are a group of widely used persistent industrial chemicals with biases and knowledge gaps in current research, calling for more comprehensive environmental risk assessment and ecotoxicity studies.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raquel Juan-Ovejero, Jose Alvarez-Rogel, Antonio Penalver-Alcala, Rudo A. Verweij, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, M. Nazaret Gonzalez-Alcaraz
Summary: Abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings create hostile conditions for above- and below-ground communities due to high metal(loid) levels, organic matter and nutrient deficiency, which is exacerbated in semiarid areas. However, spontaneous plant colonization of these tailings can promote the presence of soil microarthropod communities and contribute to improving ecosystem functionality.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Somayye Sadat Alavian Petroody, Seyed Hossein Hashemi, Luka Skrlep, Branka Music, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Andrijana Sever Skapin
Summary: Bio-solids from wastewater treatment plants are a significant source of microplastic emissions. UV-A and UV-C exposure at high temperature can modify the structure of microplastics and accelerate their degradation. Fibers are more susceptible to degradation compared to other shapes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Rita R. Silva, Patricia V. Silva, Ana Raquel Soares, M. Nazaret Gonzalez-Alcaraz, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Dick Roelofs, Gabriela Moura, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Susana Loureiro
Summary: The global population growth leads to increased demand for food and the use of pesticides. Persistent pesticide contamination, such as carbendazim, remains a pressing environmental concern with potential long-term impacts on aquatic ecosystems. This study exposed Daphnia magna to carbendazim and found changes in gene transcription and reproductive impairment. However, after 12 generations, the daphnids showed some level of acclimation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fatima C. F. Santos, Rudo A. Verweij, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Janeck J. Scott-Fordsmand, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Monica J. B. Amorim
Summary: This study assessed the multigenerational effects of silver nanomaterials (Ag NM300K) and silver salt (AgNO3) on soil invertebrates. The results showed that both forms of silver caused a decrease in reproduction, and silver uptake decreased over time. After reaching a certain concentration, detoxification mechanisms seemed to be activated, leading to a decrease in reproductive output. Transfer to clean soil allowed for complete elimination of silver from the animals.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Andreia Sofia Jorge Silva, Silje Marie Kristiansen, Sagnik Sengupta, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Hans Petter Leinaas, Katrine Borga
Summary: By refining a method for dietary chemical exposure, this study provides insights into the effects of imidacloprid insecticide on the growth and reproduction of two Collembola species, highlighting the importance of understanding these key life history traits for population viability and growth.
