Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meijuan Yuan, Xiaotian Guo, Huan Pang
Summary: In this study, metallic Cu with a unique interconnected structure was prepared using Magnolia grandiflora leaves as the biomass reductant, and Cu/CuO, Cu/Cu2O, and CuS nanosheets were fabricated based on this structure. Electrochemical sensors were then made using the three derivations to study their sensing performance of glucose. The results showed that the nanosheets encapsulating the metallic Cu superstructure guarantee excellent conductivity and stability.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Zonghao Yue, Yanjuan Chen, Yuwen Hao, Congcong Wang, Zhifeng Zhang, Can Chen, Hongzhan Liu, Yongchuang Liu, Lili Li, Zhongke Sun
Summary: The study found that Bacillus sp. WR12 significantly increased root length, dry weight, leaf chlorophyll content, and iron content in wheat seedlings under iron-deficient conditions. Genome analysis of WR12 and CAS agar diffusion test demonstrated that WR12 had a dhbACEBF operon and produced siderophores. Transcriptomic data of roots indicated a significant change in the expression of a large number of genes in iron-deficient wheat after inoculation with WR12, with genes involved in phenylpropane biosynthesis significantly up-regulated. Additionally, increased phenol accumulation was detected in wheat roots after inoculation with WR12 under iron deficiency.
Article
Agronomy
Bushra Ahmed Alhammad, Mahmoud F. Seleiman, Matthew Tom Harrison
Summary: Abiotic stress caused by heavy metals has a negative impact on plant growth, especially in crop plants, which affects grain yield and sustainable food security. Excessive copper availability impairs plant growth and reproductive performance. Hydrogen peroxide plays a role in mitigating oxidative damage caused by biotic or abiotic stress, but its influence needs further quantification. This study investigated the effects of hydrogen peroxide on the growth, grain yield, and copper uptake of stressed wheat, and found that foliar application of hydrogen peroxide improved growth and yield traits under copper stress.
Article
Agronomy
Yu He, Wen Huang, Zhien Pu, Maolian Li, Mengping Cheng, Yujiao Liu, Huixue Dong, Pengfei Qi, Xiaojiang Guo, Qiantao Jiang, Yuming Wei, Jirui Wang
Summary: This study investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in seed germination under short episodes of heat stress during the wheat grain filling stage. The expression levels of genes related to ABA, GA, and ETH were found to be significantly different under heat stress conditions. The study also highlights the role of temperature in regulating seed germination, with temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius repressing ABA-related gene expression and promoting germination.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Repkina, Svetlana A. Murzina, Viktor P. Voronin, Natalia Kaznina
Summary: This study investigated the effects of methyl jasmonate (MJ) on wheat seedlings and the fatty acid (FA) content of leaves under optimal and cadmium (Cd) stress conditions. The results showed that MJ had no effect on the height and net photosynthesis rate under optimal growth conditions, but it increased biomass accumulation and net photosynthesis rate under Cd stress. The positive effects of MJ may be associated with lower Cd content and higher alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) content in leaves.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miao Jiang, Zongshuai Wang, Xiangnan Li, Shengqun Liu, Fengbin Song, Fulai Liu
Summary: Elevated CO2 concentration significantly affects the grain quality of wheat, increasing grain number and starch concentration while decreasing grain protein concentration, and causing changes in grain amino acid concentration. The study suggests that endophytic microbes such as Pseudomonas and Penicillium may play a role in modulating grain nutritional quality under elevated CO2 exposure.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinyu Tian, Qinqin Jiang, Ziyao Jia, Yan Fang, Zhonghua Wang, Jun Wang
Summary: In this study, we identified 22 auxin-responsive TabZIP genes in wheat root development and analyzed their classification and functions. Knocking out one of the downregulated TabZIP genes resulted in insensitivity to auxin, indicating its negative role in the auxin signaling pathway. These findings reveal the different roles of auxin-responsive TabZIP genes in root architecture.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ocsana Opris, Florina Copaciu, Maria Loredana Soran, Ulo Niinemets, Lucian Copolovici
Summary: Persistent pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, musk fragrances, and dyes negatively impact plants, particularly affecting the carotenoid content in wheat leaves. Chronic exposure to these diffusively spread environmental contaminants constitutes significant stress to plants.
Article
Optics
G. Flores Carrasco, M. Chavez Portillo, A. Cortes Santiago, A. Reyes Diaz, M. A. Mora-Ramirez, O. Portillo Moreno
Summary: Preliminary theoretical-experimental results of crystalline growth of Fe(OH)3 and CuS inorganic nanomaterials were presented, obtained through Chemical Bath Deposition technique and thermally annealing treatment. The chemical kinetic model supports complex coordination of ions in the products and offers insights into Fe(OH)3 and CuS. The transformation to oxide phase in Fe(OH)3 and identification of CuS structure were observed through various analyses like SEM, XRD, and DSC.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mahnaz Kiani, Becky Bryan, Charles Rush, Adrianna Szczepaniec
Summary: The study identified genes and pathways involved in plant defenses against pathogens, herbivores, and abiotic stress that were differentially expressed in resistant wheat exposed to wheat curl mite herbivory but were unaffected in susceptible wheat.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ceyda Ozfidan-Konakci, Busra Arikan, Fatma Nur Alp-Turgut, Melike Balci, Ahmet Uysal, Evren Yildiztugay
Summary: Seed priming is an effective technique that improves plant physiological functioning in the vegetative stage using eco-friendly biological agents. It ensures productivity and stress resilience without contaminating the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Govindhasamy Murugadoss, Thiruppathi Kannappan, Jothi Ramalingam Rajabathar, Rajesh Kumar Manavalan, Shyju Thankaraj Salammal, Nachimuthu Venkatesh
Summary: The development of a heterojunction nanocomposite has improved optoelectronic properties. In this study, cerium oxide (CeO2), copper oxide (CuO), and ceria-copper-copper hydroxide (CeO2-CuO-Cu(OH)(2)) nanocomposites were prepared and their structural, morphological, and optical properties were investigated. The integration of CeO2 and CuO with Cu(OH)(2) modified the band gap, leading to improved photocatalytic efficiency. CeO2 enhanced light absorption, while CuO acted as an electron trap in the composite, resulting in enhanced optical properties. The heterojunction combination in the nanocomposite facilitated charge separation and increased charge participation in catalyzed conversion reactions. The highest photocatalytic degradation efficiencies were achieved using the CeO2-CuO-Cu(OH)(2) nanocomposite for fast green (96.4%) and bromophenol blue (92.7%).
Article
Plant Sciences
Beatrice L. Harrison Day, Timothy J. Brodribb
Summary: Many annual grasses have drought-avoiding life cycles, requiring rapid reproduction before soil water depletion. However, little is known about the vulnerability of the hydraulic system in grasses. In this study, the vulnerability to water-stress-induced xylem cavitation in different parts of wheat plants was examined. The results showed that the water supply to peduncles is more drought resistant than leaves due to greater xylem cavitation resistance, ensuring water transport from roots to reproductive tissues under severe water deficit.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chen Wang, Weiran Xu, Chao Xu, Qi Zhang, Zhicheng Zhang, Xueqi Wang, Zhao Fan, Xudong Xiong
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential applications of semiconductor compound photocatalysts in environmental pollution treatment by preparing CuS/CuO nanorod arrays with plant-like structures. The CuS/CuO/Cu mesh exhibited excellent photothermal and photocatalytic properties, achieving high degradation rates and stability, thereby providing promising solutions for sewage treatment.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ali A. Badawy, Nilly A. H. Abdelfattah, Salem S. Salem, Mohamed F. Awad, Amr Fouda
Summary: In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) were successfully synthesized using metabolites of Aspergillus niger strain (G3-1). The CuO-NPs exhibited insecticidal activity against wheat grain insects and beneficial effects on wheat plant growth without toxicity. The study suggests that the use of CuO-NPs is a promising approach for pest control and enhancing crop performance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valeria Nava, Natasha Sihota, Thomas Hoelen, Aaron Johnson, Gregory Lowry
Summary: Soil salinization caused by human activities affects soil health and productivity. The study shows that portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) can provide rapid, inexpensive, and accurate characterization of soil and waste materials' salinity, helping to manage the impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Joao Pinto da Costa, Astrid Avellan, Catherine Mouneyrac, Armando Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: Plastic additives are a group of substances used in the plastic industry for various purposes. They can assist in molding plastics, improve performance, and reduce costs. However, these additives, along with nonpolymerized monomers, can be more hazardous and pose risks to the environment and human health. This article provides an overview of the mechanistic uptake/release of these compounds, discusses the potential ecological consequences, and explores analytical methodologies for their determination. It also highlights the limitations of current literature and presents future research prospects.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
N. Cruz, L. Ruivo, A. Avellan, P. F. A. M. Romkens, L. A. C. Tarelho, S. M. Rodrigues
Summary: After the revision of the Fertilizer Regulation, biomass ash can now be used as a component material for soil improvers in the EU market, opening up opportunities for large-scale recycling. However, before application to soil, the ash needs to be stabilized through carbonation, which also allows for CO2 capture and storage. This study demonstrates that accelerated carbonation can efficiently and quickly prepare valuable soil additives compared to natural carbonation, improving plant nutrient availability.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bailey B. B. Bowers, Zimo Lou, Jiang Xu, Amila O. O. De Silva, Xinhua Xu, Gregory V. V. Lowry, Ryan C. C. Sullivan
Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in consumer applications and are found in drinking water, posing a threat to human health. Reduction via the hydrated electron is a promising technology for PFAS remediation, but previous studies often lack fluorine atom balances and rely on suspect screening. In this study, non-target analysis was performed on PFAS solutions treated with UV/sulfite, revealing unexpected transformation products and the need for further investigation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
William W. Bennett, Enzo Lombi, Kirk G. Scheckel, Ryo Sekine, Scott G. Johnston, Edward D. Burton, Daryl L. Howard, Peter Kappen, Donald E. Canfield
Summary: This study demonstrates the utility of synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopic techniques in investigating the geochemistry of vanadium in ancient marine sediments. The results show that vanadium is primarily hosted by phyllosilicate-III and is strongly associated with potassium-rich clay minerals. The findings suggest that differentiating authigenic and detrital vanadium in ancient marine sediments may not be possible, which has implications for vanadium isotope system studies.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mahmoud Khedher, John Awad, Erica Donner, Barbara Drigo, Rolando Fabris, Martin Harris, Kalan Braun, Christopher W. K. Chow
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of using the Flocculation Index (FI) as a control parameter to optimize turbidity removal. The results indicate that the FI can be used as an alternative parameter for optimizing the coagulation process.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Srivatsan Mohana Rangan, Shefali Rao, Aide Robles, Aatikah Mouti, Laurie LaPat-Polasko, Gregory Lowry, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Anca G. Delgado
Summary: This study investigates the efficacy of coupling Fe0 with H2-utilizing organohalide-respiring bacteria (D. mccartyi) for the remediation of chlorinated solvents. By decoupling the application of Fe0 from organic substrates and D. mccartyi-containing cultures, the study demonstrates that reduced groundwater from Fe0 can support microbial reductive dechlorination and achieve high conversion rates of trichloroethene to ethene. The findings suggest that separating the application of Fe0 and biostimulation/bioaugmentation in space and time can enhance microbial trichloroethene reductive dechlorination, particularly in oxic conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
N. Cruz, A. Avellan, L. Ruivo, F. C. Silva, P. F. A. M. Romkens, L. A. C. Tarelho, S. M. Rodrigues
Summary: Biomass ash and sludge from pulp and paper industry have great potential to be recycled and used as components in soil improvers. However, processing is required to ensure their efficient utilization and reduce potential risks. This study tested different ash formulations and stabilization conditions to optimize the properties of ash-based granules for soil improvement.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengdong Han, Alan Levett, Mansour Edraki, Michael W. M. Jones, Daryl Howard, Gordon Southam
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the biogeochemical influences on tungsten mobilization in wolframite tailings through a high-resolution depth profile analysis. It was found that several indigenous bacteria associated with iron and sulfur were highly correlated with tungsten, arsenic, and rare earth elements in the tailings. The weathering of wolframite was accelerated by the biooxidation of metal sulfides, which resulted in the mobilization of tungsten species. The study also highlighted the potential economic value of reprocessing tungsten waste for valuable metal recovery.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jowenna X. F. Sim, Barbara Drigo, Casey L. Doolette, Sotirios Vasileiadis, Erica Donner, Dimitrios G. Karpouzas, Enzo Lombi
Summary: Pesticides, such as fipronil, propyzamide, and flutriafol, have long lasting effects on non-target microorganisms. These pesticides affect soil microbial community structure, enzymatic activities, and abundance of key functional genes. Although the microbial community can recover from the pesticide effects, the persistent inhibitory effects on soil enzymatic activities indicate the lack of functional recovery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Christina M. Bergemann, Astrid Avellan, Brittany G. Perrotta, Emily S. Bernhardt, Marie Simonin
Summary: This study found that seasonal fluctuations and grazers significantly affected the fate of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Higher temperatures in the warmer season increased dissolved organic carbon content in the water column, leading to the stabilization of gold in the water column. Additionally, snail grazing on biofilm resulted in the transfer of gold from macrophytes to the organic matter above sediments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Peng Wang, Fernando Rosario-Ortiz, Dan Giammar, Hong He, Greg Lowry, David Waite, Paul Westerhoff, Julie Zimmerman
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengdong Han, Alan Levett, Mansour Edraki, Michael W. M. Jones, Daryl Howard, Gordon Southam
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using biogeochemical reprocessing for the decontamination of tungsten tailings and the recovery of valuable metals. It was found that while early-stage dissolution of tungsten minerals can occur, the formation of secondary tungsten minerals limits tungsten dissolution.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
William W. Bennett, Enzo Lombi, Kirk G. Scheckel, Ryo Sekine, Scott G. Johnston, Edward D. Burton, Daryl L. Howard, Peter Kappen, Donald E. Canfield
Summary: This paper presents the use of synchrotron-based X-ray techniques to investigate the vanadium host phases in ancient marine sediments. The results show that vanadium is mainly present as vanadium (III) hosted by phyllosilicate. Strong associations between vanadium and potassium suggest that vanadium is hosted by potassium-rich clay minerals. Differentiating authigenic and detrital vanadium in ancient marine sediments is unlikely due to similar chemical speciation for both fractions.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eleanor Spielman-Sun, Garret Bland, Jonas Wielinski, Laura Froute, Anthony R. Kovscek, Gregory Lowry, John R. Bargar, Vincent Noel
Summary: This study aims to understand the geochemical changes of the host rock and the formation and migration of colloids in response to reservoir stimulation. The results show that the solution pH plays an important role in the formation and migration of colloids. It was found that extensive mineral dissolution and secondary precipitation occurred in the low pH solution, and iron colloids coexisted with silicates. Chromium and nickel were also detected with these iron colloids in the bulk fluid.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)