Biological Accumulation Coefficient Research Articles

Native plant species growing on the abandoned Zaida lead/zinc mine site in Morocco: Phytoremediation potential for biomonitoring perspective.

This study aims to assess the level of metal contamination and the ecological risk index at the abandoned Zaida Pb/Zn mining site in eastern Morocco and identify native plant species found on the site that can be used in site rehabilitation through phytoremediation strategies. Samples from seven native and abundant plant species at the site, along with their rhizospheric soils, were collected and analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the concentrations of various metal(loid)s, including As, Cu, Ni, Cd, Sb, Zn, and Pb. Indicators of soil pollution and ecological risks were also assessed, including the enrichment factor (EF), pollution index (PI), and ecological risk index (ERI). The Biological Accumulation Coefficient (BAC), Translocation Factor (TF), and Biological Concentration Factor (BCF) of plant samples were calculated. The results reveal polymetallic soil contamination, with notably higher concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn, reaching respectively 5568 mg kg-1 DW, 152 mg kg-1 DW, and 148 mg kg-1 DW, indicating a significant potential ecological risk. The enrichment factor (EF) was also assessed for each metal(loid)s, and the results indicated that the metal contamination was of anthropogenic origin and linked to intensive mining activities in Zaida. These findings are supported by the pollution index (PI) ranging from 1.6 to 10.01, which reveals an extremely high metal(loid)s pollution level. None of the plant species exhibited a hyperaccumulation of metal(loid)s. However, Artemisia herba alba demonstrated a strong capacity to accumulate Pb in its aboveground parts, with a concentration of 468 mg kg-1 DW. Stipa tenacissima, Retama spherocarpa, and Astragalus armatus, showed a significant Pb accumulation in their roots reaching 280, 260, and 256 mg kg-1 DW.respectively. Based on BAC, TF, and BCF, Stipa tenacissima exhibited potential for Ni and Cd phytostabilization, as well as the ability for Zn phytoextraction. Additionally, Artemisia herba alba displayed the capability to phytoextract Cd and had a high propensity to translocate all the studied metal(loid)s. Astragalus armatus has the potential to be used in the phytostabilization of Zn and Ni, as well as for the phytoextraction of As and Sb. These native species from the Zaida site, although not hyperaccumulators, have the potential to contribute significantly to the phytoextraction or phytostabilization of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Moreover, they can serve as vegetative cover to mitigate the erosion and dispersion of metal(loid)s.

Investigation of heavy metals uptake in root-shoot of native plant species adjoining wastewater channels.

Metal pollution in water, soil, and vegetation is an emerging environmental issue. Therefore, this study investigated the abundance of heavy metals (HMs) within roots and shoots of native plant species i.e., Bromus pectinatus, Cynodon dactylon, Poa annua, Euphorbia heliscopa, Anagallis arvensis, and Stellaria media grown in the adjoining area of municipal wastewater channels of a Pakistani city of Abbottabad. HMs concentrations (mg L-1) in municipal wastewater were: chromium (Cr) (0.55) > nickel (Ni) (0.09) > lead (Pb) (0.07) > cadmium (Cd) (0.03). Accumulation of HMs in both roots and shoots of plant species varied as B. pectinatus > C. dactylon > P. annua > E. heliscopa > A. arvensis > S. media. Irrespective of the plant species, roots exhibited higher concentrations of HMs than shoots. Higher amount of Cr (131.70 mg kg-1) was detected in the roots of B. pectinatus and the lowest amount (81 mg kg-1) in A. arvensis, Highest Cd concentration was found in the shoot of B. pectinatus and the lowest in the E. heliscopa. The highest concentration of Ni was found in the roots of S. media (37.40 mg kg-1) and the shoot of C. dactylon (15.70 mg kg-1) whereas the lowest Ni concentration was achieved in the roots of A. arvensis (12.10 mg kg-1) and the shoot of E. heliscopa (5.90 mg kg-1). The concentration of HMs in individual plant species was less than 1000 mg kg-1. Considering the higher values (> 1) of biological concentration factor (BCF), biological accumulation co-efficient (BAC), and translocation factor (TF), B. pectinatus and S. media species showed greater potential for HMs accumulation than other species. Therefore, these plants might be helpful for the remediation of HM-contaminated soil.

The capacity of Plectranthus sp. to perform phytoremediation on heavy metal mercury (Hg) in the tailing of gold processing industries

Sludge (tailing), a waste product of the amalgamation process used in the mining of gold, contains a high concentration of the heavy metal mercury (Hg). It is well known that mercury builds up in large quantities in Plectranthus sp. herbaceous plants in the Pancurendang Village Small-Scale Gold Mining area. The study intends to: 1) quantify the amounts of mercury present in plant organs and media tailing during phytoremediation treatment; 2) examine the mechanisms and capacities of plant phytoremediation using values of the Biological Accumulation Coefficient (BAC), Biological Concentration Factor (BCF), and Translocation Factor (TF); and 3) determine the impact of percentage variations in tailing and time on Plectranthus sp.’s capacity to accumulate mercury. On a lab scale, phytoremediation of tailings is done with concentrations of 0%, 30%, 50%, and 100%. Planting medium is combined with dried tailings. Pots are used for phytoremediation, and the residence times are 10, 20, and 30 days. With the use of a mercury analyzer, the amount of mercury present in plant media, roots, and shoots is determined. Using the BAC, BCF, and TF values, the mathematical calculation of phytoremediation ability is performed. Hg content ranged from 1.82 to 16.23 ppm in shoots and 5.15 to 37.19 ppm in roots. Throughout the course of treatment, the tailings Hg concentration varied between 13.18 and 220.05 ppm. Plectranthus sp. is categorized as a medium accumulator with a phytoextraction mechanism, according to the analysis’s findings. Hg phytomining is possible with Plectranthus sp., the TF value is 2.38. Within 10 days, Plectranthus sp. most effectively accumulates 50% Hg in tailings.

Contamination and health risks brought by arsenic, lead and cadmium in a water-soil-plant system nearby a non-ferrous metal mining area

Heavy metal(loid)s contamination prevails in the water-soil-plant system around non-ferrous metal mining areas. The present study aimed to evaluate the heavy metal(loid)s contamination in Nandan Pb-Zn mining area (Guangxi, China). A total of 36 river water samples, 75 paired paddy soil and rice samples, and 128 paired upland soil and plant samples were collected from this area. The concentrations of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in these samples were measured. Results showed that the average water quality indexes (WQIs) at the 12 sampling sites along the main river ranged from 41 to 5008, indicating the water qualities decreasing from “Excellent” to “Undrinkable”. The WQIs nearby tailings or industrial park were significantly higher than those at the other sites. 34.0% and 64.5% of soil samples exceeded the risk screening values for As and Cd. The Pb and Cd concentrations in all rice samples exceeded the Chinese food safety limits by 18.7% and 82.7%, respectively. Leafy vegetables had a higher concentration of As, Pb, and Cd than other vegetables, exceeding the maximum permissible limits by 14.1%, 61.2%, and 40.0%, respectively. The biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) of Cd was the highest in rice and lettuce leaves. The hazard quotients (HQs) of As and Cd, indicating non-carcinogenic risks, were 4.15 and 1.76 in adult males, and 3.40 and 1.45 in adult females, all higher than the permitted level (1.0). The carcinogenic probabilities of As and Cd from rice and leafy vegetables consumption were all higher than 1 × 10−4. We conclude that metal(loid)s contamination of the water-soil-plant system has posed great non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the local population.

RESEARCH OF ELEMENT COMPOSITION OF ARONIA MITCHURINA (ARONIA MITCHURINII SKVORTSOV & MAITULINA) LEAVES

The aim of the study was to study the composition and ability to accumulate various elements in the leaves of aronia Mitchurina for scientific rationale of the possibility of their use in medicine and pharmacy.
 The composition and ability to accumulate various elements in the leaves of aronia Mitchurina harvested in the Tambov region were studied. The elemental composition of the leaves of aronia Mitchurina and the soil from the place of plant growth was studied by inductively coupled plasma chromato-mass spectrometry. In the raw material was found 61 chemical elements, including almost all essential: macronutrients, with the predominance of calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium; trace elements, with the predominance of iron, zinc, sodium, manganese.
 It was found that the ratio of elements in the soil from the place of growth and in the raw material are different. Coefficient of biological accumulation for each element were estimated, on the basis of which all elements are classified into five groups. The elements of energetic accumulation include phosphorus, and the elements of highly accumulation include calcium, potassium, and zinc. The ability of chokeberry leaves to accumulate zinc in higher concentrations (64.32 µg/g) than other species of herbal raw materials allows us to view them as a possible natural source of this element in hypoelementosis associated with zinc deficiency in the body.
 Determined in the analysis is the content of toxic elements standardized in plant raw materials: lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic. Their contents do not exceed the maximum permissible concentration limits given in the normative documentation.

Evaluation of Effects of Soil pH Levels and Organic Matter Contents on Phytoaccumulation of Lead and Cadmium Heavy Metals by Imperata Cylindrica

Heavy metal contamination of soil pose risks and hazards to humans and the ecosystem through. Imperata cylindrica is a fast growing plant and often used for phytoremediation. The plant was tested in different growth media of spiked heavy metal, soil pH and organic matter contents for 60-day. After harvesting, the plant was washed, separated into roots and shoots. The soil samples were digested using 1.0g portion of dried the soil ,10.0cm3 of 1:1 HNO3: H2O, 5.0cm3 of HNO3, 1.0cm3 of H2O2, and 5.0cm3 of HCl while the plant samples were digested using 0.50g of the powdered sample, 5cm3 of HNO3 and 2cm3 HClO4. Prior to digestion, each sample were oven-dried at 70°C until it achieved a constant weight, grounded (using mortar and pestle) and milled (using a milling machine). Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to analyze the accumulation of cadmium, and lead in roots and shoot of the plant. Bioaccumulation factor (BF), biological accumulation coefficient (EC) and translocation factor (TF) was applied to evaluate the metal translocation ability in the plant. Between soil pH and soil organic matter, the highest total biomass of Cd was found in 300g of organic matter treatment (13.48 ± 2.69 mg/kg), while Pb in basic treatment was 18.09 ± 0.66 mg/kg. The result suggests that soil pH has most effect on Pb; while organic matter in Cd in the phytoaccumulation by Imperata cylindrica. The growth of phytoremediation plants like Imperata cylindrica should be encourage to neutralize the heavy metals pollution.

Remediation of soil contaminated with tris-(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate using plant and microorganism combined technology: A greenhouse experiment

The remediation of tris-(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) -contaminated soil by the plant (ryegrass, Lolium perenne L.) and microorganism (TCIPP degrading bacteria, Ochrobactrum sp. DT-6) alone or in combination was investigated in this study. TCIPP can inhibit the growth and development of ryegrass and there is a clear dose-effect relationship. Inoculation with strain DT-6 was able to mitigate the toxic influence of TCIPP on ryegrass, but this mitigation effect was not significant. TCIPP in the soil was relatively easy to be uptaken by the ryegrass roots and migrated to the shoots. Furthermore, as the soil TCIPP concentration rose, the concentration of TCIPP in ryegrass also exhibited a corresponding increase. The biological concentration factor (BCF) ranged from 0.33 to 1.88 and the biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) ranged from 0.54 to 3.98. They all significantly decreased with higher soil TCIPP concentrations. The translocation factor (TF) values ranged from 1.55 to 2.34. Inoculation of strain DT-6 significantly reduced TCIPP concentrations in ryegrass roots, stems, and leaves as well as the values of BAC and BCF under low and medium TCIPP concentration treatment conditions, but the effect on TF values was not remarkable. The planting of ryegrass significantly raised the elimination of TCIPP from the soil to 64.6–93.3%, but the influence of inoculation with strain DT-6 on the remediation effect by ryegrass was not significant. The percentage contribution of phytoextraction to the elimination of TCIPP from soils ranged from only 0.64–5.23%.

Bio- accumulation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in a wild grass, Parthenium hysterophorus L. Asteraceae, growing naturally on barren land and evaluation of phyto-extraction potential of the plant for studied metals

Because of the inbuilt bio-accumulation mechanism several plants have shown a remarkable capability of accumulation of metals from contaminated soil into roots, tubers and upper parts of the plants. This study was undertaken to evaluate the bio-accumulation potential of a wild grass, Parthenium hysterophorus L., Asteraceae grown on the barren land along with the National highways for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb by determining the bio-accumulated levels of these metals in the samples of soil, roots and shoot of the plant. The various bio-concentration factors (BCFs), translocation factors (TFs) and Biological accumulation coefficients (BACs) for studied metals were evaluated, to find out the suitability of Parthenium plant for phyto-extration of the studied metals. The order of observed levels of heavy metals in the samples of soil, root and shoots were: Pb (8.12±0.48) > Cr (7.18± 0.39) > Cu (5.64± 0.26) > Ni (3.91± 0.21) > Cd (1.31± 0.08) and Pb (6.67± 0.34) > Cu (6.11 ±0.27) >Cr (6.05± 0.23) >Ni (4.14± 0.18) > Cd (1.42± 0.11) and Pb (7.22±0.29) > Cr (5.97±0.23)>Cu (5.96 ±0.25)>Ni (5.13±0.21) > Cd (1.70±0.14 mg/Kg, dw), respectively. The soil to roots bio-concentration factors, BCFRoot for studied metals were: Cd (1.08) > Cu (1.08) >Ni (1.06) > Cr (0.84)>Pb (0.82). The order of root to shoot translocation factors, TFShoot for these metals in Parthenium hysterophorus L., was: Ni (1.24) > Cd (1.20) > Pb (1.08) > Cr (0.99~1.00)> Cu (0.98~1.00). The various soil to shoot biological accumulation coefficients, BACShoot for studied metals in Parthenium plant were, Ni (1.31) > Cd (1.30)> Cu (1.06) > Pb (0.89) >Cr (0.83), respectively. Comparatively higher BCF >1, TF >1 and higher BAC values for metals under study suggested that the plant Parthenium hysterophorus L has potential to translocate these metals to the above ground parts of the plants and thereby their phyto-extraction from contaminated soil.

Diversity and potential of herbaceous plants as mercury (Hg) hyperaccumulators in small-scale gold mining sites in Pancurendang, Banyumas, Indonesia

Abstract. Muryani E, Sajidan, Budiastuti MTS, Pranoto. 2023. Diversity and potential of herbaceous plants as mercury (Hg) hyperaccumulators in small-scale gold mining sites in Pancurendang, Banyumas, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 3378-3386. Plants resistant to mercury can be used as an alternative to processing gold mining waste with the phytoremediation method. The study aimed to inventory herbaceous plant species in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sites in Pancurendang Village (Banyumas, Central Java, Indonesia), measure mercury concentrations in plants and root zones, and analyze the potential of herbaceous plants as mercury (Hg) hyperaccumulators. Herbaceous plants were cataloged by purposive sampling with multiple quadrats of 2m x 2m in 14 locations and then analyzed to obtain density, frequency, dominance, importance value, and diversity index. Biomass and Hg concentrations were measured from selected herbaceous plants and soil samples of the root zone. The Biological Accumulation Coefficient (BAC) was calculated to determine the plants' potential as Hg hyperaccumulators. Plant inventory identified 54 herbaceous plant species belonging to 26 families, with Paspalum conjugatum P.J.Bergius being the dominant species. In the root zones, Hg was found at 11-73 ppm and 7.6-85.36 ppm in 19 species. Ipomea aquatica Forssk. accumulated the highest concentration (85.36 ppm) and absorbed the greatest amount of Hg (5.25 mg). Based on their BACs, the nineteen species were categorized into moderate to high (hyper) accumulators, with Plectranthus sp. having the highest BAC of 4.54.

Assessment of native plants for their potential to remove trace metals around Legadembi tailings dam, Southern Ethiopia.

Native plant species growing on metal contaminated soil at the foot of the Legadembi tailings dam were selected to evaluate their phytoremediation potential. For this purpose, soil, aboveground tissues, and roots of plant samples were analyzed for the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cd. The bioaccumulation and transfer of metals were evaluated in terms of translocation factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and biological accumulation coefficient (BAC). The results showed that most of the species were efficient to take up and translocate more than one trace element (TE) from roots to shoots. Argemone mexicana L., Rumex nepalensis Spreng., Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb., and Schoenoplectu sconfusus (N.E.Br.) Lye showed potential for phytoextraction of Cu, while R. nepalensis and C. alopecuroides can accumulate in their above-ground parts and are suitable for phytoextraction of Ni. Rumex nepalensis, C. alopecuroides, and Typha latifolia L. have the ability for phytostabilization of Zn metal. Findings suggest concentrations of some metals in plants' tissue showed above the normal range which suggests their potential use in phytoremediation.

Phytoremediation Potential and Physiological Mechanisms Underlying Metallic Extraction of Suaeda glauca, Artemisia desertorum, and Atriplex canescens

Mining activities have led to serious environmental (soil erosion, degradation of vegetation, and groundwater contamination) and human health (musculoskeletal problems, diarrheal conditions, and chronic diseases) issues at desert mining areas in northwest China. Native plant species grown naturally in desert regions show a unique tolerance to arid and semiarid conditions and are potential candidates for soil phytoremediation. Here, an ex situ experiment involving pot planting of seedlings of three native plant species (Suaeda glauca, Artemisia desertorum, and Atriplex canescens) was designed to explore their phytoremediation potential and the underlying physiological mechanism. For Zn and Cu, the three plants were all with a biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) greater than 1. For Cd, Ni, and Pb, Atriplex canescens had the highest bioaccumulation concentrations (521.52, 862.23, and 1734.59 mg/kg), with BAC values (1.06, 1.30, 1.25) greater than 1, which indicates that Atriplex canescens could be a broad-spectrum metal extraction plant. Physiological analysis (antioxidation, extracellular secretions, photosynthesis, and hydraulics) showed that the three desert plants exploited their unique strategy to protect against the stress of complex metals in soils. Moreover, the second growing period was the main heavy metal accumulation and extraction stage concomitant with highest water use efficiency (iWUE). Taken together, the three desert plants exhibited the potent heavy metal extraction ability and physiological and ecological adaptability to a harsh polluted environment in arid desert areas, providing potential resources for the bioremediation of metal-contaminated soils in an arid and semiarid desert environment.

Lead-induced modification of growth and yield of Linum usitatissimum L. and its soil remediation potential

This study was designed to evaluate the pre-reproductive and reproductive responses of Linum usitatissimum L. (flax, linseed plant) to different levels of Pb in the soil. Flax seeds were sown in garden soil-filled earthen pots and treated with three different levels of lead as lead chloride (150, 450, and 750 mg Pb kg−1 soil) except control, and each treatment was replicated three times. Growth and reproductive parameters and photosynthetic pigments were significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) for all treatments. Quantitatively, Chlorophyll b content decreased more than chlorophyll a and the amount of proline content in the leaves increased in lockstep with the increase of Pb levels in the soil. Pb was found in substantial amounts in the roots, shoots, and seeds. The pattern of Pb accumulation in different organs was root > shoot > seeds. Pb levels in seeds obtained from 750 mg Pb kg−1 soil-treated plants exceeded the permissible limits. Biological concentration factor (BCF), biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) and translocation factor (TF) values showed that roots of L. usitatissimum absorbed and accumulated a substantial quantity of Pb but translocated only a fraction of that to the shoots. Therefore, L. usitatissimum L. can be used in phytostabilization rather than phytoextraction of Pb.

Phytoremediating a Wastewater-Irrigated Soil Contaminated with Toxic Metals: Comparing the Efficacies of Different Crops

A formidable challenge in suburban agriculture is the sustainability of soil health following the use of wastewater for irrigation. The wastewater irrigation likely toxifies the crop plants making them unconsumable. We used a multivariate, completely randomized design in a greenhouse, comparing the phytoextraction capacities of Brassica juncea, Eruca sativa, Brassica rapa, and Brassica napus—all grown on silt loam soil irrigated with industrial wastewater, canal water, and a 1:1 mixture, during 2018. The studied Brassica plants were generally closely efficient in remediating toxic metals found in wastewater irrigated soil. Substantial differences between Brassica and Eruca plants/parts were recorded. For example, B. napus had significantly higher metal extraction or accumulation compared to E. sativa for Zn (71%), Cu (69%), Fe (78%), Mn (79%), Cd (101%), Cr (57%), Ni (92%). and Pb (49%). While the water and plant were the main predictors of metal extraction or accumulation, an interaction between the main effects substantially contributed to Cu, Mn, and Fe extractions from soil and accumulations in plants. Significant correlations between biological accumulation coefficient and biological transfer coefficient for many metals further supported the metal extraction or accumulation efficiencies as: B. napus > B. juncea > B. rapa > E. sativa. Root-stem mobility index correlation with stem-leaf mobility index indicated the metal translocation along the root-stem-leaf continuum. Therefore, we suggest that these crops may not be used for human or animal consumption when grown with industrial wastewater of toxic metal concentrations ≥ permissible limits. Rather these plants may serve as effective remediators of toxic metal-polluted soil.

Role of feather reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora) in phytoremediation of urban soils

Samples of soil and aerial mass of Calamagrostis acutiflora were obtained from an urban area adjacent to a street. The sampled material was analyzed to determine the content of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr and Co, in addition to which soil was analyzed for the content of total organic carbon (TOC), salinity (EC) and reaction (pH). Based on the results, the enrichment factor (EF) and biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) of heavy metals as well as correlations between the analyzed characteristics were calculated. The content of heavy metals in the soil did not exceed the standards set for transportation areas, but the EF value implicated anthropogenic enrichment of soils with Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Co. Numerous, highly significant and positive correlations were obtained between the content of the elements in the soil, plants and in the soil-plant system, which suggests their relatively high bioavailability. The BAC values achieved for Co, Cr, Cu, Cd and Ni indicate that Calamagrostis acutiflora can be a useful species for phytoextraction of these elements from urban soils. Moreover, Calamagrostis acutiflora is a good choice for planting in urban areas due to its good adaptability, long growing season and tall conformation.

Экологическая оценка бархатцев (Tagetes erеcta) в качестве фиторемедиантов

The use of Tagetes erecta in the technology of phytoremediation of soils contaminated with lead ions under the conditions of a growing experiment was studied. Plants were grown on soil with added salt solutions (PbSO4), corresponding to concentrations of 1 MPC, 5 MPC, 10 MPC. The obtained data testify to the high resistance of Tagetes erecta to lead accumulation. Based on the values of the coefficient of biological absorption and migration of lead in plant organs, it was found that it is not an element that actively accumulates in the root system of plants, but at the same time is capable of moving to the aerial part. According to the accumulation of lead in the organs of the plant, marigolds can be attributed to the barrier type and they can be recommended for green building even with a high technogenic load. Keywords: PHYTOREMEDIATION, LEAD, TAGETES ERECTA, BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION COEFFICIENT, BIOLOGICAL MIGRATION COEFFICIENT

Geospatial modeling and ecological and human health risk assessments of heavy metals in contaminated mangrove soils

Heavy metal-contaminated wastes can threaten mangrove forests, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. The study evaluated the geospatial distribution of heavy metals concentrations in soils, the ecological and human health risks, and metal contents in soil fractions and mangrove organisms in the Botafogo estuary, Brazil, one of the most environmentally impacted estuaries in the country. The metal concentrations exceeded by up to 2.6-fold the geochemical background; 91%, 59%, 64%, 31%, and 82% of the soils were contaminated with Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Ni, respectively. Adverse effects to the biota may occur due to Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb exposures. Contents of clay and organic matter were the main factors governing the distribution of metals in soil, contributing to up to 63% of the total variability. However, the geospatial modeling showed that the predictive ability of these variables varied spatially with the metal and location. The ecological and human health risks assessments indicated that the metal concentrations in soils are safe for the environment and human beings. There was a low transfer of metals from the soil to the biota, with values of sediment-biota accumulation factor (SBAF) and biological accumulation coefficients (BAC) lower than 1.0, except for Zn (SBAF = 13.1). The high Zn bioaccumulation by Crassostrea rhizophorae may be associated with the concentrations of Zn in the bioavailable fractions.

Immobilization of soil Cd by sulfhydryl grafted palygorskite in wheat-rice rotation mode: A field-scale investigation

The safe utilization of heavy metal contaminated farmland has attracted extensive attention of the whole society, and there is an urgent need to develop novel high-efficiency amendments. To clarify the actual remediation effect and potential for large-scale application of sulfhydryl grafted palygorskite (SGP) in Cd polluted soil in wheat-rice rotation mode, a field-scale experiment was conducted. SGP at the dosages of 0.5 g/kg–2.0 g/kg could reduce gain Cd contents by 27.15–59.05% and 16.16–79.47% for wheat and rice, respectively. The maximal decreases of soil available Cd figured out by DTPA extraction in wheat and rice season were 58.18% and 33.67%, respectively. The immobilization ratio for Cd was much more than that of trace elements, including Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn, Ni. SGP showed an effective immobilization rate for soil Cd under the interference of many elements in the soil, pointing to the targeting and selectivity of its high-efficiency immobilization. It had no lifting effect on soil pH but decreased zeta potentials of soil particles. The sorption of Cd2+ on SGP amended soil could be fitted by the second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, and the changes of thermodynamic parameters showed SGP strengthened the fixation. SGP made the biological accumulation coefficient and transfer factor of rice grain drop dramatically but had no noticeable effect on these parameters of winter wheat, indicating different botanical responses. SGP as a novel immobilization amendment may provide an efficient and sustainable solution for the remediation of contaminated soil in wheat-rice rotation mode in field-scale.

Елементний склад плодів Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. за впливу технології вирощування з використанням органо-мінерального добрива «SMART» композит Марцінишин®

Mineral substances contained in vegetables perform important functions in the human body, providing protein, carbohydrate, fat, water and mineral metabolism, are components of vitamins, enzymes and proteins, regulate the physiological processes of the plant organism. The purpose of the study was to analyse the elemental composition of tomato fruits according to the culture cultivation technology using organo-mineral fertilizer. Materials for the study were the Italian hybrid of the first generation of Talent edible tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and organo-mineral fertilizer “SMART” Marcinyshyn composite®. The research was carried out in the soil and climatic conditions of the Western Forest Steppe of Ukraine during 2019–2021 using spectrophotometric, titrometric and atomic absorption methods. The analysis of agrochemical indicators of meadowchernozem medium loam on loess-like loam soil of experimental plots indicates its suitability for growing edible tomatoes. As a result of research, macro- (Nitrogen, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus) and microelements (Ferum, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Boron) were found in the fruits of edible tomatoes. Organo-mineral fertilizer application in cultivation technology of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. F1 Talent contributed to the accumulation of Nitrogen, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Manganese in the fruits. Their number increased, respectively, by 68,5%, 12,6%, 28,3%, 85,2%, 25,8% and 56,2% compared to the control, and the accumulation of Ferum decreased by 10,3%. According to the content of Copper and Boron, the fruits of the control and experimental variants did not differ significantly from each other. The number of microelements did not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations, was within the normal range, and those microelements did not exhibit the properties of heavy metals. According to the value of the biological accumulation coefficient, the edible tomato belongs to the concentrator of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Copper, and the deconcentrator of Ferum, Zinc and Manganese. Due to the effect of organo-mineral fertilizer, the ripening of fruits increases in the post-harvest period.

Toxicity assessment of the utilization of AOD slag as a mineral fertilizer for pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) planting

The application of argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) slag as a mineral fertilizer can be employed as an effective and environment-friendly approach. In this study, batch leaching tests and pot experiments were performed to assess the toxicity exhibited by AOD slag fertilization for pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) planting. pH, Eh and element leaching concentration were measured to examine the effect exerted by AOD slag addition on physicochemical properties exhibited by soil. The effect of AOD slag fertilization on pakchoi growth was determined by measuring its physiological and biochemical parameters. Moreover, the heavy metal accumulation, biological accumulation coefficient (BAC), estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) were identified to assess the health risks. As indicated from the result, adding AOD slag could increase pH and the leaching concentrations of Ca, Si, Cr and Ti, while decreasing the leaching concentrations of Fe, Ni, Cd, Hg and Pb in soil. With the increase in the addition rate, the concentrations of Mg, Al and Mn were elevated and then started to decrease at the rates of 2%, 8% and 2%, respectively. Low rates (≤1%) of AOD slag fertilization positively impacted pakchoi growth, whereas high rates exerted an opposed effect. The calculated EDI and THQ values were all less than 1. The consumption of the pakchoi grown on the AOD slag fertilized soil was at low risk. For plant growth perspective, the utilization amount of AOD slag as a mineral fertilizer for pakchoi planting should not exceed 1%.

PHYTOEXTRACTION OF CADMIUM AND LEAD FROM A CONTAMINATED SOIL USING EUCALYPTUS SEEDLINGS

This study aims to estimate critical concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the soil which negatively affect growth of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. seedlings, and to estimate some phytoextraction parameters for heavy metals (HM) from the soil to evaluate efficiency of seedlings in their potential use in phytotechnology to improve the environment with phytoremediation. Eucalyptus seedlings were treated with Cd concentrations 0, 25, 55, 85, and 110 mg kg-1 dry soil as CdCl2, and Pb concentrations 0, 125, 250, 450, and 550 mg kg-1 dry soil as PbCl2, and the experiment was designed using the completely randomized design (CRD) as a two-factor factorial experiments and the data were analyzed using SAS system. Results showed that the highest percentage decrease in dry weight of stems, leaves and roots were 55, 68.6, and 67.2%, respectively, at the interaction (110 Cd and 550 Pb) mg kg-1 dry soil compared with control, and Cd concentrations in stems, leaves and roots ranged between (0.375-372.167), (0.417-128.167) and (0.583-162.083) mg kg-1, respectively and Pb concentrations in stems, leaves and roots ranged between (9.583-62.375), (10.042-20.417) and (2.875-73.500) mg kg-1. It was found that values ​​of translocation factor (TF), biological accumulation coefficient (BAC), bioconcentration factor (BCF) and concentration index (CI) for Cd ranged between (0.611-4.239), (1.333-28.790), (0.383- 16.840) and (1-490.812) respectively, and values ​​of TF, BAC, BCF, and CI of Pb ranged between (0.275-5.702), (0.769-4.246), (0.295-7.539) and (1-3.833) respectively, and tolerance index (TI) values ​​ranged between (0.370-1). We concluded that Eucalyptus seedlings are suitable for phytoextraction applications within phytoremediation processes of soils contaminated with Cd and Pb.