Bioavailability Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Challenges in using 0.45 µm filters to assess potentially bioavailable trace elements in the dissolved fraction of river and peat bog waters of the Boreal Zone

Passing through a 0.45 µm filter can significantly alter the concentrations of dissolved trace elements (TEs) in organic-rich waters of the Boreal Zone. However, little evidence has been provided about the impacts of filtration on the size distribution of dissolved TEs. This limitation hinders our comprehension of how filtration affects the assessment of the potentially bioavailable forms of dissolved TEs (i.e. ions and small molecules). Using AF4-UV-ICP-MS, this study systematically investigates such artefacts and their influence on the concentrations of dissolved, primarily ionic, and colloid-associated TEs in river waters and peat bog waters of the Boreal Zone. In river waters (circumneutral pH), membrane filtration had a significant impact on TEs that are associated with inorganic colloids such as Al, Mn, Fe, As, the rare earth elements, Pb, and Th. Approximately 20–80 % of primarily ionic TEs (< 0.5 kDa) and 100 % of large inorganic (ca. 40–300 nm) TEs were excluded from the filtrates under clogged conditions. In contrast, little impact of filtration was observed for bog waters (pH 4). Similarly, cartridge filtration of river waters also led to a decrease in concentrations and size distributions of dissolved TEs. However, cartridge filtration demonstrated a higher efficiency in allowing the passage of ions and excluding colloids than membrane filtration. On average, the ratio of the dissolved concentrations between a cartridge and a membrane filtrate was 1.0 ± 0.2. For primarily ionic species, the average ratio was 1.4 ± 0.4, while for colloidal species, it was 0.4 ± 0.1. Therefore, despite having similar dissolved concentrations, filtration methods with the same nominal pore size can yield different concentrations of bioavailable forms of TEs. These findings may be important for studies of the environmental relevance of dissolved TEs in surface waters of the Boreal Zone, and organic-rich waters elsewhere.

Addressing Challenges of Membrane Clogging in AF4-UV-ICPMS Analysis for Size Determination of Trace Elements in Acidic, Organic-Rich Peat Bog Waters.

The analysis of colloid-associated trace elements (TEs) in acidic, organic-rich waters (pH 3.8-5.8) using AF4-UV-ICPMS often necessitates the use of neutral or weakly alkaline carriers (pH 7-8.6). Employing acidic mobile phases has been deemed impractical due to the substantial sorption of colloids onto a 0.3 kDa polyethersulfone (PES) membrane and greatly reduced separation performance. This has greatly restricted the determination of potentially bioavailable forms of TEs (i.e., < 1 kDa) in acidic, organic-rich waters. To address this issue, porewaters from Sphagnum moss and peat were investigated. Membrane clogging was more pronounced in peat porewaters, where a higher deposition rate of dissolved organic matter onto the membrane was observed compared to that in moss waters. This adsorption is driven by membrane-colloid interactions, with colloids in peat porewaters exhibiting weaker electrostatic repulsion due to their higher positive ζ-potentials. Considering the actual pore size and clogging tolerance of the membrane, it is advisable to employ a 5 kDa PES membrane for peat porewaters, while a 1 kDa PES membrane suits moss waters better. Employing the optimal method enables the separation of TEs within the 0.5-20 kDa size range. Operating within a metal-free, ultraclean laboratory, TEs are detectable at the ng·L-1 level. By enabling precise and accurate separation of dissolved TEs into their size species in these peat bog waters at an appropriate pH, this method addresses diverse size profiles. This information is crucial for comprehending the chemical forms, transformations, mobility, and potential bioavailability of TEs in peat bogs.

Bio-availability of potential trace elements in urban dust, soil, and plants in arid northwest China

Potential trace elements pollution in cities poses a threat to the environment and human health. Bio-availability affects toxicity levels of potential trace elementss on organisms. This study focused on exploring the relationship between soil, plant, and atmospheric dust pollution in Urumqi, a typical city in western China. It aims to help reduce pollution and protect residents’ health. The following conclusions were drawn: 1) potential trace elementss like Cr, Pb, As, and Ni are more prevalent in atmospheric dust and soil than in plants. Chromium was in the first group, Cadmium and Mercury were in the second, and Plumb, Arsenic, and Nickel were in the third. Atmospheric dust and soil exhibit a significantly higher heavy metal content than plants. For example, The atmospheric dust summary Chromium content was up to 88 mg/kg. 2) Soil, atmospheric dust, and plants have the highest amount of residual form. Residual form had the highest percentage average of 53.3%, whereas Organic matter bound form had the lowest percentage of just 7.7%. The plants contained less residual heavy metal than the soil and atmospheric dust. 3) The correlation coefficient between the carbonated form content of Cd of soil and atmospheric dust is 0.95, which is closely related. Other potential trace elements show similar correlations in their bio-available contents in soil, plants, and atmospheric dust. This study suggests that in urban area, the focus should be on converting potential trace elements into residual form instead of increasing plants’ absorption of potential trace elements.

The incorporation of strontium and barium into the otoliths of the flounder Paralichthys olivaceus at early life stages demonstrates resilience to ocean acidification.

Ocean acidification could modify the bioavailability and chemical properties of trace elements in seawater, which could affect their incorporation into the calcareous structures of marine organisms. Fish otoliths, biomineralized ear stones made by aragonite, are suspended within the endolymph fluid of teleosts, indicating that the elemental incorporation of otoliths might also be susceptible to ocean acidification. In this study, we evaluated the combined effects of CO2-induced ocean acidification (pH 8.10, 7.70, and 7.30, corresponding to ocean acidification scenarios under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 model as projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and water elemental concentrations of strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba; low, medium, and high) on elemental incorporation into otoliths of the flounder Paralichthys olivaceus at early life stages. Our results revealed that the elemental incorporation of Sr and Ba into otoliths was principally dependent on the corresponding water elemental concentrations rather than on ocean acidification. Moreover, the partition coefficients (DMe) of Sr and Ba may stabilize after dynamic equilibrium is reached as the water elemental concentration increases, but are not affected by ocean acidification. Therefore, the incorporation of Sr and Ba into otoliths of the flounder at early life stages may not serve as an effective indicator of ocean acidification. In other words, the findings suggest that ocean acidification does not impact the incorporation of Sr and Ba incorporation into otoliths when tracing the temperature or salinity experiences of the flounder. Our findings will provide new knowledge for understanding the potential ecological effects of ocean acidification on the recruitment dynamics of fish species.

A Comprehensive Review of the Strategies to Improve Anaerobic Digestion: Their Mechanism and Digestion Performance

Low and unstable digestion performance is a challenging issue for anaerobic digestion, which prompts researchers to develop new strategies. In addition to traditional approaches such as co-digestion, pre-treatment, and recirculation, some emerging strategies, namely additive processes and microaeration, have also been recognized and developed in recent years. Many studies have evaluated the effect of these strategies on digestion performance. However, their comprehensive analysis is lacking, especially regarding the mechanisms of the different strategies. This review presents a comprehensive overview of research progress on these strategies based on the latest research, considering the five main strategies listed above. Through critical thinking, a summary of their mechanism, reactor performance, and availability of these strategies is presented. The results demonstrate that the contribution of microaeration is mainly to balance the composition and activity of hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenic archaea. Recirculation and co-digestion mainly balance mass and reaction environments. Pre-treatment, such as removing lignin, reducing cellulose crystallinity, and increasing the substrate-specific surface area, makes the characteristics of the substrate more conducive to the digestion of microorganisms. The mechanism of additive strategies varies greatly depending on the type of additive, such as enhancing interspecies electron transfer through conductive materials, resisting adverse digestion conditions through functional microbial additives, and accelerating nutrient absorption by regulating the bioavailability of trace elements. Although these strategies have different mechanisms for promoting digestion performance, their ultimate effect is to allow the parameters of the reactor to reach an ideal status and then achieve a balance among the substance, microorganisms, and water in an anaerobic reactor.

Chemical Speciation, Leaching Behavior, and Environmental Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in the Bottom Ash from Biomass Power Plant.

Biomass combustion for power generation stands as a pivotal method in energy utilization, offering a promising approach for renewable energy utilization. However, the substantial volume of slag produced by biomass burning plants poses environmental challenges, impeding sustainable energy practices. This article systematically studies the characteristics of ash generated from typical biomass direct combustion power plant ash and analyzes the chemical composition, trace element content characteristics, leaching characteristics, and chemical forms of biomass bottom ash. Furthermore, it assesses the environmental ecology and bioavailability of trace elements in bottom ash using the ecological risk assessment method and RAC method. The results demonstrate that the biomass bottom ash contains plant nutrients, such as K, Ca, Mg, and P, while the content of harmful trace elements is lower than the relevant Chinese standards. In dissolution experiments, the leaching rate of nearly all elements remains exceptionally low, primarily due to the distribution of trace elements within the lattice structure of stable minerals. Trace elements predominantly exist in the residual phase, Cu and Zn primarily found in organic compounds and sulfide bound states, while other elements mostly exist in the form of iron manganese oxide bound states. Ecological risk assessment indicates a significant risk level for Cd, contrasting with the slight risk associated with other elements. RAC results indicated no ecological risk of all of the trace elements. Consequently, the utilization of bottom ash in agricultural and forestry soils is deemed to be viable. These findings serve as a crucial foundation for biomass bottom ash resource utilization and underpin the sustainable utilization of biomass energy.

Size-resolved distribution of trace elements in lysimeter soil solutions under contrasting long-term agricultural management to assess their bioavailability

The chemical species of trace elements (TEs) in agricultural soils is highly variable under diverse conditions, requiring tools with clear resolution and minimal disturbance for exploration. A novel surgical (316L) stainless steel (SS) lysimeter with a 5 μm pore size was developed to collect field soil solutions. The size-resolved distribution of TEs were characterized into total (nitric acid digestion), particulate (0.45–5 μm), dissolved (<0.45 μm), colloidal (1 kDa to 0.45 μm), and mainly ionic (<1 kDa) fractions in the lysimeter soil solutions. Total concentrations of TEs (dry weight basis) in acid digested Gray Luvisolic soils were analyzed. Most TEs in lysimeter soil solutions were present in particulate phases, relevant to their geochemical affinities and occurrences in soil minerals. Among dissolved fractions, As, Ba, Co, Li, Mn, Tl, and V existed as mainly ionic species in the soil solutions. Copper, Pb, Al, Th, and U showed variable associations with dissolved organic matter (DOM) and/or inorganic colloids among agricultural treatments. Inorganic NPKS or NKS fertilizer applications with lower pH (5.25–5.74) enhanced mobility and potential bioavailability of Ba, Co, Li, Mn, and Pb present in mainly ionic species, compared with other locations (pH 5.82–6.37). Manure application exhibited a dual effect, potentially increasing bioavailability for As, Tl, and V due to probably enhanced cation exchange capacity (CEC), while also facilitating specific adsorption of Cu and U on DOM, potentially reducing their bioavailability depending on DOM molecular weight. Colloidal and ionic Al and Th concentrations were higher in forest soils than agricultural soils, with extremely low potential bioavailability of Th attributed to strong precipitation with inorganic colloids and adsorption on DOM. The lysimeter sampling and size fractionation method provided a clear insight into agricultural effects on TE distributions and enhancing understanding of agricultural soil health in terms of TE bioavailability in situ.

Characterization and Bioavailability of Metallic Trace Elements in Different Organic Waste

Characterization and Bioavailability of Metallic Trace Elements in Different Organic Waste

Assessment of the Relationship Between Humic Acid Contents and Trace Elements of Some Agricultural Soils in Diyarbakır Region by Multivariate Statistical Methods

There are important relationships between humic acid (HA) and the bioavailability, reactions and mobility of trace elements in the soil. For this reason, soils are tried to be improved chemically, biologically and physically with HA applications. In this study, the relationship of humic acid contents of 118 agricultural soil samples from Diyarbakır region with some trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sb, Sn, Se, V and P) was evaluated by multivariate statistical analysis. After the soil samples were solubilized by the microwave wet digestion method, the element contents were determined with the ICP OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer) device. SRM NIST 2586 was used as SRM (Standard Reference Material) for the accuracy of the method. Recovery values were found between 91.6% and 105.9% as a result of the analysis. Humic acid was extracted from soils by the International Society for Humic Substances (IHSS) method and determined using a shaker and centrifuge device. For the accuracy of the method, it was tested with Humic Acid Sodium Salt (HA-Na). Pearson correlation and partial correlation analysis were applied to the obtained data set. In addition, multivariate statistical analyses such as multiple regression HCA (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis) and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) were applied. Multiple regression analysis was performed according to the Step-wise method. Manganese and P (p&lt; 0.01) were significant when HA was taken as the dependent variable. According to the Pearson correlation coefficient, the correlation between HA and As (r = -0.282**) in soil was negative and significant, while Fe (r = 0.185*), Mn (r = 0.273**)), Sn (r = 0.242*), Se (r = 0.325**) and P (r = 0.315**) were determined as positive and significant. In clustering and PCA analysis, HA, P Mn and Fe were found to be in the same group. The analyses have shown that HA has a positive effect on the plant nutrients in the soil.

Nitrogen Foliage Application at Anthesis Improves Grain Yield and Quality of Wheat in a Genotype-Dependent Manner

Crop quality tends to decrease with an increasing grain yield. Nitrogen is an important nutrient and moderate nitrogen foliage application (NFA) can significantly improve the wheat yield and quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of NFA on the grain yield and quality of wheat and its genotype-dependent variation. Eighteen wheat cultivars were used, and two NFA levels (N1 and N2; 10.70 and 21.40 kg N ha−1 two day−1, respectively) were applied. Significant genotypic differences in the yield and quality were observed among the 18 varieties, and their responses to NFA differed. For nine varieties in the experiment, N1 increased the grain yield, but N2 did not. In contrast, high concentrations of NFA had no effect on the grain yield in the other nine varieties. The protein content and composition and trace element (Fe, Zn, etc.) are all nutrient elements that notably affect the wheat grain quality and yield. NFA significantly increased the grain prolamin and glutelin concentrations in the grains, thereby increasing the total protein concentration. The prolamin, glutelin, and total protein concentrations in the grains of the lower-protein cultivars were more sensitive to NFA than those of the higher-protein cultivars. In addition, NFA significantly decreased the amylose concentration in the grains. By affecting the prolamin, glutelin, and amylose concentrations in the grains, NFA significantly increased the development and stability times of the corresponding wheat flour dough, thereby improving the dough quality. Moreover, NFA reduced the molar ratio of phytic acid to Fe and Zn, increasing the bioavailability of trace elements. The judicious application of nitrogen fertilizer resulted in the synergistic improvement in the yield and quality.

Size fractionation of dissolved (

Dissolved (<0.45 µm) trace elements (TEs) represent the sum of free ions, simple complexes and colloid-associated forms which have different mobility and bioavailability in soils. The distribution of TEs amongst these chemical forms was directly quantified in soil extracts using asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled to ultraviolet–visible absorbance spectrophotometry (UV) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The soil extracts were obtained using single extraction method with water and 0.01 M CaCl2, respectively. The yields of dissolved TEs extracted from the soils were profoundly impacted by extractants. Using AF4-UV-ICPMS, we show that dissolved species of Ba, Cr, Li, Mn and Mo were primarily present as “truly dissolved”/mainly ionic species (<1 kDa), e.g., hydrated cations, simple complexes or oxyanions, and therefore, likely represented the most bioavailable fraction. The distribution of these TEs amongst dissolved forms was unaffected by the different extractants. However, their dissolved concentrations were profoundly affected. Distributions of Al, As, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Th, Tl, U, V and Zn among the various chemical forms significantly differed with water and CaCl2 extractants. In water extracts, a greater proportion of these elements was associated with colloidal forms having sizes from 1 kDa to 0.45 µm, i.e., dissolved organic matter (DOM) or/and inorganic colloids. Water not only released greater colloid-complexed concentrations of TEs, like Al, As, Fe, Pb, Th, Tl, U and V, but also liberated greater amounts associated with ionic and small forms. Extractants like water and CaCl2 are useful for recovering bioavailable TEs from soils. However, the dissolved TEs extracted using water or CaCl2 represented TE concentrations and forms with different bioavailability. The AF4-UV-ICPMS technique is useful for directly quantifying TEs existing as mainly ionic species and those bound with DOM and inorganic colloids, and thus offers clear insight into their bioavailability in soils. This method also facilitates a better understanding of the effects of extractants on estimating TE bioavailability.

Trace element bioaccumulation in the hepatic tissue of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) stranded along the Campos and Espírito Santo basins, southeastern Brazil

This study analyzed the concentrations of 15 (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) toxicologically important trace elements in the livers of 110 green turtles stranded in two areas of the Brazilian coast. These areas are essential for the refuge, feeding, and reproduction of the species, and the information obtained is intended to support the development of conservation strategies. Higher concentrations were observed in the Região dos Lagos, RJ in almost all elements, except for Al, Mo, Pb, and V. This location showed statistically higher differences in the concentrations of Cd (4.66 ± 2.33 μg.g−1), Fe (846.62 ± 583.06 μg.g−1), and Zn (27.17 ± 10.90 μg.g−1). The differences in trace element concentration patterns between the two study areas are likely influenced by multiple factors, including the bioavailability of trace elements, oceanic upwelling events, anthropogenic activities, habitat characteristics, and organism-specific metabolic processes.

Impacts of biochar materials on copper speciation, bioavailability, and toxicity in chromated copper arsenate polluted soil

Trace element polluted soils pose risks to human and environmental health. Biochar can decrease trace element bioavailability in soils, but their resulting ability to reduce soil toxicity may vary significantly depending on feedstocks used, pyrolysis conditions, and the target pollutants. Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) polluted sites are common, but only very few types of biochar have been tested for these sites. Hence, we tested fourteen well-characterized biochar materials for their ability to bind Cu and reduce toxicity in a CCA polluted soil in a 56-day experiment. Biochar (1%, wt/wt) increased plant (wheat, Triticum aestivum L.) shoot and root growth by 6–58% and 0–73%, reduced soil toxicity to Arthrobacter globiformis by 7–55%, decreased bioavailable Cu (Pseudomonas fluorescens bioreporter) by 5–65%, and decreased free Cu2+ ion activities by 27–89%. The A. globiformis solid-contact test constituted a sensitive ecotoxicological endpoint and deserves further attention for assessment of soil quality. Oil seed rape straw biochar generally performed better than other tested biochar materials. Biochar performance was positively correlated with its high cation exchange capacity, multiple surface functional groups, and high nitrogen and phosphorus content. Our results pave the way for future selection of feedstocks for creation of modified biochar materials with optimal performance in CCA polluted soil.

Abiotic and biotic constraints on Earth’s ancient colonisers in the Proterozoic

The occurrence of stromatolites in the rock record dates from 3.485 Ga, displaying varying diversity and abundance between 2575 and 500 Ma. This paper investigates, for the first time, the role of temperature and bioactive trace elements (including micronutrients) to explain the trend in abundance of stromatolites, using random forests analysis. We modelled the proportion of stromatolite bearing geological units between 2.575 Ga and 540 Ma by using predictors consisting of trace elements (TE) and temperature (T). The variation in TE was obtained using marine pyrite TE content in black shales through time and multiple measurements of ocean T were obtained from geological and biological assays. Analyses were calculated across the whole period (2575–540 Ma) and for specific periods (540–1000, 1000–1300, 1300–2000, 2000–2575.5 Ma), and included TE and T as predictors, in combination and separately. Assessment of model fit was summarised using r2 statistics and with relative mean square errors. A combination of TE and T for the four periods produced the best fit. The predictors were further assessed using importance scores along with their assocaited P values. The most important predictor was T across all periods and within each period – warranting much needed attention to physical properties of marine systems. The most important and significant TEs were Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Sb, Tl with two (Pb and As) achieving significance in multiple periods and the rest in single periods. Only Pb was important in the oldest period (2575–2000 Ma) and the others were restricted to the most recent periods (1300–1000 and 540–1000 Ma). The predicted variation of stromatolites with individual TEs were consistent with biotic influences from metazoa or eukaryotes, and that of two TEs (Pb and As) in particular suggested the occurrence of ecological jumps. These striking observations prompt a need to investigate the consequences of TE bioavailability alongside T, on the various forms of life (prokaryotes, eukaryotes including early metazoans) and their interactions. This paper highlights the role of abiotic factors and discusses biotic consequences (such as ecological pressures), to provide a nuanced understanding of variation in stromatolite abundance through the Proterozoic.

Assessment of trace elements and fluoride originating from phosphogypsum in the sediment of Gulf of Gabes (southeastern Tunisia): what are the potential sources of accumulation and bioavailability?

To assess potential impacts of industrial activities on the pollution status of Gulf of Gabes, twenty sediment and water samples along with phytoplankton enumeration were achieved at different stations with specific features. Comparing trace element concentrations in sediment to applicable SQG standards, we were intrigued by an accumulation of Zn, Cr, Ni, and especially Cd, which exhibited relatively high content compared to these standards. Moreover, trace metal bioavailability was high in front of industrial discharge areas. The chemical speciation pointed out a high affinity of Pb, Zn, Cr, Mn, Ni, Co, and Fe for the residual fraction of the sediment. Bioavailability of trace elements was confirmed in surface sediment by the presence of a potential toxic fraction especially in front of industrial discharge areas. Toxicity assessment performed for the first time in the Gulf of Gabes through SEM and AVS models pointed to a high potential risk near both Ghannouch and Gabes Ports. Finally, the correlations between phytoplankton species and the labile fraction inferred potential phytoplankton bioaccumulation of Zn, Cu, and Cd both in the seawater and in the labile fraction.

Role and functions of micro and macro-minerals in swine nutrition: a short review.

Livestock production depends on the utilization of nutrients, and when this is accomplished, there is accelerated momentum toward growth with a low cost-to-feed ratio. Public concern over the consumption of pork with antibiotic residues in animals fed antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) has paved the way for using other natural additives to antibiotics, such as herbs and their products, probiotics, prebiotics, etc. Numerous feed additives are trending to achieve this goal, and a classic example is vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals represent a relatively small percentage of the diet, but they are critical to animal health, well-being, and performance; both play a well-defined role in metabolism, and their requirements can vary depending on the physiological stage of the animals. At the same time, the absence of these vitamins and minerals in animal feed can impair the growth and development of muscles and bones. Most commercial feeds contain vitamins and trace minerals that meet nutrient requirements recommended by National Research Council and animal feeding standards. However, the potential variability and bioavailability of vitamins and trace elements in animal feeds remain controversial because daily feed intake varies, and vitamins are degraded by transportation, storage, and processing. Accordingly, the requirement for vitamins and minerals may need to be adjusted to reflect increased production levels, yet the information presented on this topic is still limited. Therefore, this review focuses on the role and function of different sources of minerals, the mode of action, the general need for micro and macro minerals in non-ruminant diets, and how they improve animal performance.

Changes in Speciation and Bioavailability of Trace Elements in Sewage Sludge after the Ozonation Process

This work aimed to detect changes in trace element chemical speciation in sewage sludge (SS) after the ozonation process. The modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure was performed to determine the chemical speciation of trace elements in SS after the ozonation process. To assess potential soil contamination with trace elements from sewage sludge after the ozonation process, the risk assessment code (RAC) coefficient was used. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) values were also calculated to characterize the efficiency of trace element accumulation in the studied plant species from soil fertilized with sludges after the ozonation process. Generally, the mean concentration of total trace elements in the SS after the ozonation process was higher, but the differences were statistically significant only in the case of Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd. The dominant fraction of Fe, Cr, Pb, and Cd was the residual fraction F4, while the extractable/exchangeable fraction F1 was present in the smallest amount. Therefore, in the case of Mn, Zn, and Ni, the ozonation process had a significant impact on the increase in the content of these elements in the F1 fraction. The application of the SS stabilized by ozonation process for maize and wheat fertilization did not significantly affect the bioaccumulation of most of the analyzed metals in aboveground biomass. Higher values of BAF coefficients after the application of ozonated SS were found only in the case of Cu and Ni. In turn, the determined TF coefficients were lower than 1 in most cases. The obtained results showed that the slight change in the concentration of Zn, Mn, and Ni in fraction F1 causes a specific risk of their mobility in the soil environment. It should be noted that due to the variable composition of sewage sludge, an analysis of the content of individual trace elements in chemical fractions should be carried out to assess its actual impact on the environment. This can help to indicate further actions that should be undertaken to limit their negative impact on the environment.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) in Combination with Organic Amendments and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation: An Efficient Option for the Phytomanagement of Trace Elements-Polluted Soils.

The cultivation of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) destined for essential oils production was recently presented as an innovative and economically viable alternative for the phytomanagement of trace elements (TE)-polluted soils. However, Cd accumulation in shoots has proven to be an obstacle in the valorization of the distillation residues and the development of these phytotechnologies. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Funneliformis mosseae) inoculation and organic amendment application on the soil TE bioavailability and plant uptake, as well as on the soil quality and health improvement. The application of compost and sewage sludge improved the growth of coriander and Cd and Zn immobilization in soil, resulting in reduced Cd plant uptake. A synergistic effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and organic amendments was observed in the decrease in the extractable soil Cd and Zn concentrations, but not in the Cd plant uptake. Despite a significant decrease in Cd accumulation in shoots, coriander retained its accumulative phenotype, with a metal bioconcentration factor close to 1. Furthermore, both the vegetation and the organic amendments improved the soil quality and health by increasing its microbial biomass, as estimated by phospholipid fatty acids, soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and cellubiosidase), and the bacterial metabolic function and diversity. The findings demonstrate the potential of C. sativum, particularly in combination with organic amendments and AMF inoculation, for the phytomanagement of TE-polluted soils and soil quality and health improvement.

Trace Elements Uptake in Brassica rapa chinensis Cultivated in Ultrabasic (Oxisol) and Ultisol Soils, North Borneo

The study aims to investigate the soil physico-chemical properties and trace elements uptake of Brassica rapa chinensis plants cultivated in ultrabasic (oxisol) and ultisoil soil of Ranau, North Borneo, Malaysia by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). This study can contribute to propose a more sustainable soil management practice. All selected trace elements bioavailability in ultrabasic soil was significantly higher than ultisols except for Ca and Cd. There was no significant amount of difference in soil pH (slightly acidic) and electrical conductivity (slightly saline) between these soil types. However, a significant amount of difference between the percentage of soil moisture and organic matter between ultrabasic and ultisol soils was observed. These might contribute to the uptake of elements into the studied plant. The B. rapa chinensis is a hyperaccumulator of Cd and Pb for both type of soils. The B. rapa chinensis is an accumulator of As when grown in ultrabasic soil, while an accumulator of Co when grown in ultisol soil. Although Pb was not detected in ultisol soil as compared to ultrabasic soil, the concentration of Pb in plants cultivated in ultisol soil had exceeded the maximum permissible limit of Malaysia Food Regulation 1985. Soil amendment in frequently use agriculture sites needs to be conducted such as the addition of organic matter to reduce transfers of trace elements from soil to plants that can pose toxicity risk.

Assessment histopathological changes in lung laboratory animals under conditions of pentanatrium salt contamination with liquid aerosol

For the production of polyacrylamides, pentasodium salt of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid is used as a polymerization initiator. At this stage, conditions are created for the contamination of the air substance of the working area with a liquid aerosol. The pentasodium salt of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid has a chelating ability to bind to trace elements, in particular zinc, which plays an important role in the proliferation of human cells. Zinc homeostasis is required for many aspects of the immune system and is required for an infectious response. According to the literature, the hygienic standards for the content of pentasodium salt of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid in the air of the working area have not yet been established. Objective of the study: to evaluate the irritant effect on lung tissue under conditions of liquid aerosol contamination of pentasodium salt of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. The results of inhalation inoculations confirm that as the level of exposure to pentasodium salt of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid increases, the risk of damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract increases. The chelating ability of a substance and its accumulation in the human body can lead to a decrease in the bioavailability of trace elements, in particular, to zinc.