Characteristics and phytotoxicity of hydrochar-derived dissolved organic matter: Effects of feedstock type and hydrothermal temperature.

The dissolved organic matter (DOM) with high mobility and reactivity plays a crucial role in soil. In this study, the characteristics and phytotoxicity of DOM released from the hydrochars prepared from different feedstocks (cow manure, corn stalk and Myriophyllum aquaticum) under three hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) temperatures (180, 200 and 220°C) were evaluated. The results showed that the hydrochars had high dissolved organic carbon content (20.15 to 37.65 mg/g) and its content showed a gradual reduction as HTC temperature increased. Three fluorescent components including mixed substance of fulvic acid-like and humic acid-like substances (C1, 30.92%-58.32%), UVA humic acid-like substance (C2, 25.27%-29.94%) and protein-like substance (C3, 11.74%-41.92%) were identified in hydrochar DOM by excitation emission matrix spectra coupled with parallel factor analysis. High HTC temperature increased the relative proportion of aromatic substances (C1+C2) and humification degree of hydrochar DOM from cow manure, while it presented adverse effects on the hydrochar DOM from corn stalk and Myriophyllum. aquaticum. The principal component analysis suggested that feedstock type and HTC temperature posed significant effects on the characteristics of hydrochar DOM. Additionally, seed germination test of all hydrochar DOM demonstrated that the root length was reduced by 8.88%-26.43% in contrast with control, and the germination index values were 73.57%-91.12%. These findings provided new insights into the potential environmental effects for hydrochar application in soil.

Assessing the response lettuce and arugula to MC-LR-contaminated water irrigation: photosynthetic changes and antioxidant defense.

Irrigation of crops with cyanotoxin-contaminated water poses a significant risk to human health. The direct phytotoxic effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), one of the most toxic and prevalent microcystin variants in water bodies, can induce physiological stress and hinder crop development and production. This study investigated the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of MC-LR (1 to 10 µg L-1) on photosynthetic parameters and antioxidant response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and arugula (Eruca sativa L.) following irrigation with contaminated water. During the 15-day experiment, lettuce and arugula were exposed to various concentrations of MC-LR, and their photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, leaf tissue transpiration, and intercellular CO2 concentrations were measured using an infrared gas analyzer. These results suggest that the influence of MC-LR on gas exchange in crops is concentration-dependent, with notable disruptions during exposure and recovery tendency during detoxification. Antioxidant response analysis revealed that glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were upregulated during the exposure phase in the presence of MC-LR. However, GST activity decreased during the detoxification phase in both crops, although the effects of the toxin at 10 µg L-1 were still evident in arugula. The internal H2O2 concentration in the crops increased after exposure to MC-LR, showing a time- and concentration-dependent pattern, with an increase during the exposure phase (days 1-7) and a decrease during the detoxification phase (days 8-15). Irrigation of lettuce and arugula with MC-LR-contaminated water affected various aspects of the photosynthetic apparatus and antioxidant responses, which could influence the general health and productivity of exposed crops at environmentally relevant microcystin concentrations. Furthermore, investigation of additional vegetable species and long-term MC-LR exposure can be crucial for understanding the extent of contamination risk, detoxification mechanisms, and other parameters affecting these crops.

Mitochondria dysfunction is one of the causes of diclofenac toxicity in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac (DCF), form a significant group of environmental contaminants. When the toxic effects of DCF on plants are analyzed, authors often focus on photosynthesis, while mitochondrial respiration is usually overlooked. Therefore, an in vivo investigation of plant mitochondria functioning under DCF treatment is needed. In the present work, we decided to use the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model organism. Methods: Synchronous cultures of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain CC-1690 were treated with DCF at a concentration of 135.5 mg × L-1, corresponding to the toxicological value EC50/24. To assess the effects of short-term exposure to DCF on mitochondrial activity, oxygen consumption rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production were analyzed. To inhibit cytochrome c oxidase or alternative oxidase activity, potassium cyanide (KCN) or salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) were used, respectively. Moreover, the cell's structure organization was analyzed using confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results: The results indicate that short-term exposure to DCF leads to an increase in oxygen consumption rate, accompanied by low MMP and reduced mtROS production by the cells in the treated populations as compared to control ones. These observations suggest an uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation due to the disruption of mitochondrial membranes, which is consistent with the malformations in mitochondrial structures observed in electron micrographs, such as elongation, irregular forms, and degraded cristae, potentially indicating mitochondrial swelling or hyper-fission. The assumption about non-specific DCF action is further supported by comparing mitochondrial parameters in DCF-treated cells to the same parameters in cells treated with selective respiratory inhibitors: no similarities were found between the experimental variants. Conclusions: The results obtained in this work suggest that DCF strongly affects cells that experience mild metabolic or developmental disorders, not revealed under control conditions, while more vital cells are affected only slightly, as it was already indicated in literature. In the cells suffering from DCF treatment, the drug influence on mitochondria functioning in a non-specific way, destroying the structure of mitochondrial membranes. This primary effect probably led to the mitochondrial inner membrane permeability transition and the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. It can be assumed that mitochondrial dysfunction is an important factor in DCF phytotoxicity. Because studies of the effects of NSAIDs on the functioning of plant mitochondria are relatively scarce, the present work is an important contribution to the elucidation of the mechanism of NSAID toxicity toward non-target plant organisms.

Feasibility assessment of biochar amendment for mitigating phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride micro/nano-plastics: A study based on lettuce pot experiments.

Micro/nano-plastics (M/NPs) are pervasive in agricultural soils, and their detrimental effects on crops are increasingly evident. This ultimately results in reduced crop yields and quality, posing a great threat to global food security. Therefore, the urgent need to mitigate the phytotoxicity of M/NPs has become apparent. Biochar (BC), as an environmentally friendly soil amendment, plays a crucial role in modifying soil properties and boosting agricultural production levels. Its strong adsorption capacity enables it to effectively passivate soil pollutants and reduce their phytotoxicity. However, the effect of BC on the phytotoxicity of M/NPs in soil remains unknown. In this study, the feasibility of BC amendment for mitigating phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride M/NPs (PVC-M/NPs) was evaluated by conducting pot experiments. The results show that the application of 0.1% (w/w) PVC-M/NPs resulted in a 48.60% reduction in lettuce yield. This reduction can be attributed to the decreased soil microbial activity and soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), as well as the direct physical damage to lettuce roots caused by PVC-M/NPs. BC amendment improved soil quality, but had insignificant effect on lettuce biomass compared to the control (p > 0.05). In contrast, BC amendment at an appropriate concentration (0.5% and 2.5%, w/w) to soils contaminated with PVC-M/NPs resulted in a significant increase in lettuce yield (p < 0.01). Furthermore, BC was found to mitigate the oxidative stress of PVC-M/NPs on lettuce roots. This indicates that the BC amendment has the potential to mitigate the toxicity of PVC-M/NPs to lettuce. Improving soil quality and enhancing PVC-M/NPs adsorption are perceived as the influencing mechanisms of BC on the phytotoxicity of PVC-M/NPs. The findings suggest that it is feasible to mitigate the phytotoxicity of M/NPs through BC amendments.

Metabolomics combined with physiology reveal how white clover (Trifolium repens L.) respond to 6PPD stress.

As a ubiquitous tire antioxidant, N-(1,3-Dimethyl-butyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylene- diamine (6PPD) exists widely in various environmental media and has been detected at high levels in the environment. However, the effects of 6PPD on plants are still poorly understood. In this study, a hydroponic experiment was carried out to investigate the response of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) stressed by 6PPD on physiology and metabolomics. The results indicated that the length of stem and root, as well as biomass were significantly reduced after 500 µg L-1 6PPD treatment. Photosynthetic performances including photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr) and chlorophyll content of leaves decreased in all treatments except 500 µg L-1 of 6PPD. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the shoot of white clover increased by 66.33 % when exposed to 500 µg L-1 of 6PPD compared to control group (CK). Hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion presented a U-shape trend and began to increase at 500 µg L-1. Besides, peroxidase and catalase significantly decreased compared to CK after exposure to 500 µg L-1. Metabolic analysis of clover showed that 6PPD treatment induced changes in 10 metabolic pathways of white clover. Metabolites were significantly down-regulated after exposure to 500 µg L-1 in shoot, while significantly down-regulated in all treatment groups except 500 µg L-1 in root. These findings may provide a novel perspective for phytotoxicity assessment and phytoremediation of 6PPD.

Rhizobacterial-assisted phytoremediation for accelerated petroleum-hydrocarbon removal in crude-oil sludge.

Almost over ten years, environmental experts have concentrated on implementing risk-based management strategies for the remediation of sites contaminated with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), which can potentially have detrimental ecological impacts. Phytoremediation widely recognized as a green technology a plant-based and economically efficient technology, emerges as a promising method to offer an alternative to existing treatment technologies in TPH contaminated ecosystems. The utilization of Scirpus grossus, a perennial plant, has been proposed as a practical, safe, and cost-effective method for remediating soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of S. grossus in removing total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in real crude-oil sludge. Employing a batch phytoremediation system with S. grossus, the experiment was conducted in crates within a greenhouse, maintaining ambient temperatures (30 °C-35 °C) for a duration of 28 days. Each crate was populated with 9-month-old plants of uniform size, initially cultivated in the greenhouse before being transplanted into crates containing 100 % crude-oil sludge with an initial TPH concentration of 37,554 mg/kg for the treatment phase. TPH removal rates were assessed after 14, 21, and 28 days of exposure, resulting in removal rates of 67 %, 74 %, and 75 %, respectively. The highest concentration of rhizobacteria recorded in both sample (with contaminants and without contaminants) were 5.56 × 104 and 5.72 × 104 CFU/mL respectively. Furthermore, TPH extraction from both stems and roots of S. grossus was analysed, revealing the highest TPH concentration of 15,319 mg/kg and about 8000 mg/kg of TPH at day 28 by roots and stem sample respectively. In conclusion, S. grossus demonstrated substantial potential in effectively mitigating the toxicity of TPH in real crude-oil sludge contamination scenarios.

Screening different solid supports for Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation and determining its efficiency for decolorization and degradation of congo red.

A global water crisis is emerging due to increasing levels of contaminated water and decreasing clean water supply on Earth. This study aims to address the removal of azo dye from wastewater to enable its reuse. Recently, utilizing microorganisms has been proven to be a practical choice for the remediation of azo dyes in wastewater. Hence, in this study, we employed a preformed biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on a solid support (called substrate) to degrade azo dyes. This process offers several advantages, such as stability, substrate portability, more biofilm production in less time, and efficient utilization of enzymes for remediation. From 50 ppm of initial Congo Red concentration, 75.74% decolorization was achieved within ten h using a preformed biofilm on a coverslip. A maximum of 52.27% decolorization was achieved using biofilm during its formation after 72 h of incubation. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis of Congo Red dye before and after remediation revealed a significant change in peak intensity, indicating dye degradation. Phytotoxicity studies performed by seed germination with Vigna radiata revealed that, after 5-7 days, almost 40% more seeds with longer root and shoot lengths were germinated in the presence of treated dye compared to the untreated one. This data indicated that the harmful Congo Red was successfully degraded to a non-toxic product by Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm grown on a glass substrate.

Assessment and monitoring of leather effluent discharge from Dewas and Ranipet and their computational approach.

The swift pace of industrialization, urbanization, and burgeoning populations propel the surge in demand for manufactured goods and infrastructure. The wastewater produced during leather processing comprises a cocktail of organic and inorganic chemical contaminants that have the potential to affect the environment. This study focuses on conducting a comparative physico-chemical, analytical, in vitro, and in silico toxicity assessment and monitoring of leather effluent discharged from two different areas, namely, Dewas and Ranipet. The physicochemical analysis of collected effluents revealed higher levels of biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, and heavy metals than the permissible limit fixed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The X-ray powder diffraction analysis of both samples identified the existence of crystalline and amorphous phases. The functional composition of compounds was identified through the analysis of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, which revealed the existence of C-H, O-H, N-H, C = O, C=C, and C≡C stretching vibrations. A variety of compound derivatives, including amines, organic acids, organometallic compounds, alcohols, hydrocarbons, esters, aldehydes, ketones, aromatic, and organogermanium, were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. An assessment and monitoring of the phytotoxicity of effluent on the germination of Vigna radiata seeds reveals that (100%) of both Dewas and Ranipet leather effluents inhibited seed germination by 33.34% and 100%. The incorporation of Absorption-Distribution-Metabolism-Excretion-Toxicity (ADMET) analysis improved comprehension of the toxicity profiles of the GC-MS-identified compounds. Moreover, the result of docking studies revealed that cytochrome P450 showed the highest binding affinity towards 1,3-benzodioxol-2-one, hexahydro-cis with an affinity score of - 7.1 kcal/mol. The overall research revealed that the leather effluents from Dewas and Ranipet exhibit significant toxicity, highlighting the necessity of better wastewater management. In the future, innovative treatment methods and environmental friendly processes can be developed to minimize the detrimental effects of leather effluents.

Drugs in the environment - Impact on plants: A review.

Medicines, like food, are necessities. Many of the commonly used pharmaceuticals, especially antibiotics and NSAIDs end up in the environment and are detected in it (especially in water) at concentrations in the ng·L-1- µg·L-1 range. Although the concentrations of individual drugs in the environment are low, their high biological activity can cause them to be toxic to the environment. This review analyzes and summarizes the effects of drugs, primarily antibiotics and NSAIDs on photosynthesizing organisms, i.e., algae, aquatic and terrestrial plants. Acute drug toxicity to algae and plants occurs most often at high, often non-existent environmental concentrations, while sublethal effects occur at low drug concentrations. The review also points out the problems associated with ecotoxicological studies and the lack of systemic solutions to better assess the risks associated with the presence of drugs in the environment.

Bio-transformation of poultry litter and activated sewage sludge to produce biomixtures for the remediation of water polluted with pesticides.

The aim of this study was to formulate novel biomixtures with the ability to dissipate globally used pesticides. For this, an effective stabilization of two wastes, poultry litter and activated sewage sludge, was achieved through a combination of composting and vermicomposting, with the aid of the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Hence, two different mixtures were prepared combining the wastes with and without the addition of sewage sludge, and their physicochemical and microbiological characterization was examined during both processes. Earthworms reproduction was promoted by more than fourteen times the initial number of individuals introduced. This step made it possible to obtain substrates rich in organic matter, stable and non-pathogenic. The resulting vermicomposted substrates (V-C1 and V-C2) were used to produce two different biomixtures with wheat stubble (WS) and soil (S): SWSV-C1 and SWSV-C2, and they were tested for the remediation of a solution of five pesticides (2,4-D, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, acetochlor and dimethoate) in a 119-days assay. Comparisons were made with a WS-only biomixture (SWS) and a soil control. All biomixtures were more successful in dissipating the pesticides than soil; 2,4-D, dimethoate, and acetochlor degradation reached more than 99% in the three biomixtures after 28-56 days of assay. Biomixtures containing either vermicomposts acted faster than SWS, particularly for 2,4-D, dimethoate and cypermethrin. The total microbial activity was found to be higher in the two biomixtures containing vermicompost, which can be linked to their enhanced performance in the degradation of pesticides. Although the germination of Lactuca sativa proved that neither of the three spent biomixtures were phytotoxic at the end (germination index >60%), only SWSV-C1 and SWSV-C2 proved to be safe for the survival of E. fetida. This work confirms that vermicompost improves the success of biomixtures, not only in terms of pesticide removal, but also providing non-toxic spent biomixtures.

Rapid Reduction of Phytotoxicity in Green Waste for Use as Peat Substitute: Optimization of Ammonium Incubation Process.

The rapid growth of the horticultural industry has increased demand for soilless cultivation substrates. Peat, valued for its physical and chemical properties, is widely used in soilless cultivation. However, peat is non-renewable, and over-extraction poses serious ecological risks. Therefore, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed. Ammonium incubation, a novel method to reduce phytotoxicity, offers the potential for green waste, a significant organic solid waste resource, to substitute peat. This study optimized the ammonium incubation process to reduce green waste phytotoxicity. It systematically examined different nitrogen salts (type and amount) and environmental conditions (temperature, aeration, duration) affecting detoxification efficiency. Results show a significant reduction in phytotoxicity with ammonium bicarbonate, carbonate, and sulfate, especially carbonate, at 1.5%. Optimal conditions were 30 °C for 5 days with regular aeration. Under these conditions, ammonium salt-treated green waste significantly reduced total phenolic content and stabilized germination index (GI) at a non-phytotoxic level (127%). Using treated green waste as a partial peat substitute in lettuce cultivation showed promising results. This low-cost, low-energy method effectively converts green waste into sustainable peat alternatives, promoting eco-friendly horticulture and environmental conservation.

An Assessment of Biodegradability and Phytotoxicity of Natural Rubber in a Simulated Soil Condition via CO2 Evolution Measurement.

In this study, the biodegradation of various natural rubber (NR) samples, i.e., neat NR and NR filled with two different curative contents was investigated under a long-term simulated soil condition at a temperature of 25 ± 2 °C in accordance with ISO 17556. Natural clay loam soil, with a pH of 7.2 and a water holding capacity of 57.6%, was employed. Under controlled test condition both unvulcanized and vulcanized NR samples having low curative content, respectively designated as UNRL and VNRL, exhibited similar biodegradation behaviors to the neat NR. They showed fast biodegradation at the early stage, and their biodegradation rate did not significantly change throughout the test period (365 days). However, for the NR samples having high curative content, respectively called UNRH and VNRH for the unvulcanized and vulcanized samples, a biodegradation delay was observed within the first 130 days. Surprisingly, the UNRH showed a relatively high biodegradation rate after the induction period. At the end of the test, most of the rubber samples (the neat NR, UNRL, VNRL, and UNRH) showed a comparable degree of biodegradation, with a value ranging from 54-59%. The VNRH, on the other hand, showed the lowest degree of biodegradation (ca. 28%). The results indicate that the number of curatives does not significantly affect the biodegradability of unvulcanized NR in the long term, despite the fact that a high curative content might retard microorganism activity at the beginning of the biodegradation process. Apparently, crosslink density is one of the key factors governing the biodegradability of NR. The phytotoxicity of the soils after the biodegradation test was also assessed and represented in terms of seedling emergence, survival rate, and plant biomass for Sorghum bicolor. The values of seedling emergence (≥80%), survival rate (100%), and plant biomass of all soil samples were not statistically different from those of the blank soil, indicating the low phytotoxicity of the tested soils subjected to the biodegradation of the rubber samples. Taken as a whole, it can be concluded that the CO2 measurement technique is one of the most effective methods to assess the biodegradability of rubbers. The knowledge obtained from this study can also be applied to formulate more environmentally friendly rubber products.

Response of crop seed germination and primary root elongation to a binary mixture of diclofenac and naproxen.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diclofenac (DCF) and naproxen (NPX), represent a group of environmental contaminants often detected in various water and soil samples. This work aimed to assess possible phytotoxic effects of DCF and NPX in concentrations 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/L, both individually and in binary mixtures, on the seed germination and primary root elongation of crops, monocots Allium porrum and Zea mays, and dicots Lactuca sativa and Pisum sativum. Results proved that the seed germination was affected by neither individual drugs nor their mixture. The response of primary root length in monocot and dicot species to the same treatment was different. The Inhibition index (%) comparing the root length of drug-treated plants to controls proved to be approximately 10% inhibition in the case of dicots lettuce and pea, and nearly 20% inhibition in monocot leek, but almost 20% stimulation in monocot maize. Assessment of the binary mixture effect confirmed neither synergistic nor antagonistic interaction of DCF and NPX on early plant development in the applied concentration range.

Co-composting of tail vegetable with flue-cured tobacco leaves: analysis of nitrogen transformation and estimation as a seed germination agent for halophyte.

Resource utilization of tail vegetables has raised increasing concerns in the modern agriculture. However, the effect and related mechanisms of flue-cured tobacco leaves on the product quality, phytotoxicity and bacterially-mediated nitrogen (N) transformation process of tail vegetable composting were poorly understood. Amendments of high-dosed (5% and 10% w/w) tobacco leaves into the compost accelerated the heating process, prolonged the time of thermophilic stage, increased the peak temperature, thereby improving maturity and shortening composting duration. The tobacco leaf amendments at the 10% (w/w) increased the N conservation (TN and NH4-N content) of compost, due to the supply of N-containing nutrient and promotion of organic matter degradation by tobacco leaves. Besides, tobacco leaf amendments promoted the seed germination and root development of wild soybean, exhibiting the feasibility of composting product for promoting the growth of salt-tolerant plants, but no dose-dependent effect was found for tobacco leaf amendments. Addition of high dosed (5% and 10% w/w) tobacco leaves shifted the bacterial community towards lignocellulosic and N-fixing bacteria, contributing to increasing the compost maturity and N retention. PICRUSt 2 functional prediction revealed that N-related bacterial metabolism (i.e., hydroxylamine oxidation and denitrifying process) was enhanced in the tobacco leaf treatments, which contributed to N retention and elevated nutrient quality of composting. To the best knowledge, this was the first study to explore the effect of tobacco waste additives on the nutrient transformation and halophyte growth promotion of organic waste composting. These findings will deepen the understanding of microbially-mediated N transformation and composting processes involving flue-cured tobacco leaves.

In vitro safety profile and phyto-ecotoxicity assessment of the eco-friendly calcium oxide nanoparticles.

The present study aims to evaluate the toxicity of the green calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO-NPs) from golden linseed extract (Linum usitatissimum L.) by phytotoxicity in seeds (Daucus carota, Beet shankar, Lactuca sativa and Brassica oleracea), in vitro safety profile and soil toxicity for CaO-NPs solutions from 12.5 to 100 µg mL-1. Ecotoxicity analysis of the soil was conducted using XRD diffractograms, which revealed characteristic peaks of the nanoparticles at 37.35° (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg mL-1), as well as a peak at 67.34° (25 and 100 µg mL-1). Additionally, the in vitro safety assessment indicated favorable cell specification and regulation within the first 24 h, demonstrating reductions of 15.9 ± 0.2%, 17.9 ± 0.2%, 17.6 ± 0.2%, and 32.9 ± 0.2% to 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg mL-1, respectively. The dsDNA assay revealed initial protection and controlled release within the cells for 48 h. However, after 72 h, there was an increase of 20 ± 0.2%, 16 ± 0.2%, 32 ± 0.2%, and 43 ± 0.2% to 12.5, 25, and 50 µg mL-1. The analysis of ROS generation demonstrated a reduction of 40 ± 0.2%, 33 ± 0.2%, 20 ± 0.2%, and 9 ± 0.2% to 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg mL-1, respectively, within 72 h. When compared to the negative control (NC), there was an increase of 50 ± 0.2%, 56 ± 0.2%, 77 ± 0.2%, and 92 ± 0.2% at the same concentrations, suggesting that the nanoparticles generated free radicals, leading to cellular inflammation. This was attributed to the positive surface charge of the nanoparticles, resulting in reduced interaction with the cell membrane and the subsequent release of hydroxyl (•OH), which caused inflammatory processes in the cells. Therefore, CaO-NPs exhibited a low phytotoxicity and high cytocompatibility, while also promoting plant germination and growth.

Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Aronia melanocarpa and Their Biological Evaluation.

In the present study, two A. melanocarpa berry extracts were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). After the optimization of synthesis, the AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR, EDX, DLS, and STEM analyses. The stability in different media, phytotoxicity, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. The ideal synthesis conditions were represented by a 3 mM AgNO3 concentration, 1:9 extract:AgNO3 volume ratio, alkaline medium, and stirring at 40 °C for 120 min. The synthesis was confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 403 nm, and the strong signal at 3 keV from the EDX spectra. FTIR analysis indicated that polyphenols, polysaccharides, and amino acids could be the compounds responsible for synthesis. Stability tests and the negative zeta potential values showed that phytocompounds also play a role in the stabilization and capping of AgNPs. The preliminary phytotoxicity studies on T. aestivum showed that both the extracts and their corresponding AgNPs had an impact on the growth of roots and shoots as well as on the microscopic structure of leaves. The synthesized AgNPs presented antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Moreover, considering the results obtained in the lipoxygenase inhibition, the DPPH and hydroxyl scavenging activities, and the ferrous ion chelating assay, AgNPs exhibit promising antioxidant activity.

Eco(geno)toxicity of an acaricidal formulation containing chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and fenthion on different plant models and Artemia salina L.

The mixture of pesticides is widely employed in cattle farming to combat ectoparasite resistance, such as ticks. The commercial formulation COLOSSO FC30, which contains three active ingredients (Cypermethrin, Chlorpyrifos, and Fenthion), stands out due to its efficiency. However, animals exposed to this product may become vectors of potentially toxic molecules, possibly causing contamination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In light of this, this study evaluated the eco(geno)toxic potential of the commercial formulation COLOSSO FC30, using plants (Allium cepa L., Lactuca sativa L., Raphanus sativus L., Pennisetum glaucum L., and Triticum aestivum L.) and Artemia salina L. as model organisms. In the phytotoxicity test, the species were ranked in order of sensitivity to the commercial formulation as follows: P. glaucum > L. sativa > T. aestivum > R. sativus. The most sensitive parameters were root length (RL) and shoot length (SL) of seedlings. In the cytogenotoxicity test with A. cepa, cell division was decreased at concentrations from 0.351 mL L-1 in the meristematic region and root F1. Chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus were observed at all concentrations. In the test with A. salina, the IC50 after 24 h of exposure was 0.01207 mL L-1 of the commercial formulation. The results highlight the need for further research and regulations to understand and minimize the potential environmental impacts of COLOSSO FC30.

Ecotoxicological effects, human and animal health risks of pollution and exposure to waste engine oils: a review.

Waste engine oils are hazardous waste oils originating from the transportation sector and industrial heavy-duty machinery operations. Improper handling, disposal, and miscellaneous misuses cause significant air, soil, sediments, surface water, and groundwater pollution. Occupational exposure by prolonged and repeated contact poses direct or indirect health risks, resulting in short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) toxicities. Soil pollution causes geotoxicity by disrupting the biocenosis and physicochemical properties of the soil, and phytotoxicity by impairing plant growth, physiology and metabolism. Surface water pollution impacts aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. Air pollution from incineration causes the release of greenhouse gases creating global warming, noxious gases and particulate matter eliciting pulmonary disorders. The toxicity of waste engine oil is due to the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) composition, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners, organometallic compounds, and toxic chemical additives. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ecotoxicological effects, human and animal health toxicology and exposure to waste engine oils. It highlights the properties and functions of engine oil and describes waste engine oil generation, disposal and recycling. It provides intensive evaluations and descriptions of the toxicokinetics, metabolism, routes of exposure and toxicosis in human and animal studies based on toxicological, epidemiological and experimental studies. It emphasises the preventive measures in occupational exposure and recommends risk-based remediation techniques to mitigate environmental pollution. The review will assist in understanding the potential risks of waste engine oil with significant consideration of the public health benefits and importance.

Toxicity potential of a pyraclostrobin-based fungicide in plant and green microalgae models.

Pyraclostrobin-based fungicides play an effective role in controlling fungal diseases and are extensively used in agriculture. However, there is concern regarding the potential adverse effects attributed to exposure to these fungicides on non-target organisms and consequent influence exerted on ecosystem functioning. Thus, it is essential to conduct studies with model organisms to determine the impacts of these fungicides on different groups of living organisms. The aim of this study was to examine the ecotoxicity associated with exposure to commercial fungicides containing pyraclostrobin. The focus of the analysis involved germination and initial development of seedlings of 4 plant models (Lactuca sativa, Raphanus sativus, Pennisetum glaucum and Triticum aestivum), in addition to determining the population growth rate and total carbohydrate content in microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. The fungicide pyraclostrobin adversely influenced growth and development of the tested plants, indicating a toxic effect. The fungicide exerted a significant impact on the initial development of seedlings of all model species examined with T. aestivum plants displaying the greatest susceptibility to pyraclostrobin. Plants of this species exhibited inhibitory effects on both aerial parts and roots when treated with a concentration of 4.75 mg/L pyraclostrobin. In addition, the green microalga R. subcapitata was also significantly affected by the fungicide, especially at relatively high concentrations as evidenced by a reduction in total carbohydrate content. This commercial fungicide demonstrated potential phytotoxicity for the tested plant models and was also considered toxic to the selected microalgae, indicating an ecotoxic effect that might affect other organisms in aquatic environments.

Combatting synthetic dye toxicity through exploring the potential of lignin peroxidase from Pseudomonas fluorescence LiP RL5.

Untreated release of toxic synthetic and colorful dyes is a serious threat to the environment. Every year, several thousand gallons of dyes are being disposed into the water resources without any sustainable detoxification. The accumulation of hazardous dyes in the environment poses a severe threat to the human health, flora, fauna, and microflora. Therefore, in the present study, a lignin peroxidase enzyme from Pseudomonas fluorescence LiP-RL5 has been employed for the maximal detoxification of selected commercially used dyes. The enzyme production from the microorganism was enhanced ~ 20 folds using statistical optimization tool, response surface methodology. Four different combinations (pH, production time, seed age, and inoculum size) were found to be crucial for the higher production of LiP. The crude enzyme showed decolorization action on commonly used commercial dyes such as Crystal violet, Congo red, Malachite green, and Coomassie brilliant blue. Successful toxicity mitigation of these dyes culminated in the improved seed germination in three plant species, Vigna radiate (20-60%), Cicer arietinum (20-40%), and Phaseolus vulgaris (10-25%). The LiP treated dyes also exhibit reduced bactericidal effects against four common resident microbial species, Escherichia coli (2-10 mm), Bacillus sp. (4-8 mm), Pseudomonas sp. (2-8 mm), and Lactobacillus sp. (2-10 mm). Therefore, apart from the tremendous industrial applications, the LiP from Pseudomonas fluorescence LiP-RL5 could be a potential biocatalyst for the detoxification of synthetic dyes.