Cepa Cells Research Articles

Cytogenetic Effects of the Neonicotinoid Insecticides Nuprid 200 SL and Calypso 480 SC on Plant Model System

Data from the present study indicate that the neonicotinoid insecticides Nuprid 200 SL (with the active substance imidacloprid) and Calypso 480 SC (with the active substance thiacloprid) reduce the mitotic activity by inhibiting cell division and increasing chromosomal aberrations in the cells of the root apical meristem of Allium cepa L. The tested solutions of pesticides cause a wide range of anomalies associated with disorders in forming the cell's division apparatus and the integrity of chromosomes. The comparative analysis of their mutagenic action shows a higher genotoxic potential of Calypso 480 SC. The established indices of chromosomal abnormalities for Calypso 480 SC and Nuprid 200 SL are 1.07 ± 0.38% and 0.70 ± 0.41% respectively. The mitosodepressant effect and a large number of chromosomal aberrations and mitotic abnormalities in Allium cepa cells when treated with Nuprid 200 SL and Calypso 480 SC are evidence of their high toxic potential and the significant risk of environmental pollution by their use in agriculture. Parts of this work was published in abstract form and presented as an oral presentation at the IV International Agricultural, Biological & Life Science conference, Edirne, Turkey, 2022 August 29-31, [1] and as a poster presentation at the 5th Balkan Scientific Conference on Biology, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 2021 April 15-16 [2].

Essential oil-based nanoemulsion of Murraya koenigii is an efficient larvicidal against Aedes aegypti under field conditions

Murraya koenigii is a plant species with economic and cultural importance in Asian countries. Many studies have shown a wide biopotential of M. koenigii products, including for insect control. Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue, among other arboviruses. Estimates show that approximately 2.5 billion people are at risk of infection. Attempts at vector control favored the emergence of resistance to available chemical insecticides. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative formulations for vector control. This research aimed to evaluate the larvicidal activity of the essential oil from M. koenigii leaves against Ae. aegypti. The death time and bioavailability of the material in aqueous medium, as well as the influence of the type of breeding site on the lethal effect, were investigated. A nanoemulsion was developed as a dispersion system to increase the bioavailability of the essential oil. A test for evaluating the mutagenic potential of Allium cepa meristems was performed as a form of toxicological screening. It was observed that the essential oil from M. koenigii leaves was highly promising in terms of larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti, both under controlled conditions and in the field. The nanoemulsion showed adequate stability and considerably increased the bioavailability time of the active ingredient in a liquid medium. No genotoxic events were observed in A. cepa cells, but the nanoemulsion showed antiproliferative effects.

Cytogenetic effects of [formula omitted]-particles in Allium cepa cells used as a biological indicator for radiation damages

Analysis of cytogenetics effects of ionizing radiation for flora and fauna is essential to determine the impact on these communities and may produce an efficient warning system to avoid harm to human health. Onion (Allium cepa) is a well-established in vivo standard model, and it is widely used in cytogenetics studies for different environmental pollutants. In this work, onion roots were exposed to 0.04–1.44 Gy of β-particles from a 90Sr/90Y source. We investigated the capacity of brief external exposures to β-particles on inducing cytogenetic damages in root meristematic cells of onion aiming to verify if onion can be used as a radiation-sensitive cytogenetic bioindicator. A nonlinear increase in the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and cells with micronuclei was observed. Onion roots exposed to doses 0.13 Gy or higher of β-particles showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in these frequencies when compared to the unirradiated group. The frequencies of these endpoints showed to be suitable to assess the difference in the dose of beta radiation received from 0.36 Gy. Our research shows the potential of using cytogenetic effects in Allium cepa cells as a biological indicator for a first screening of genotoxic damages induced by brief external exposures to β-particles.

Integrative analysis in toxicological assessment of the insecticide Malathion in Allium cepa L. system.

For many centuries human populations have been suffering and trying to fight with disease-bearing mosquitoes. Emerging and reemerging diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya affect billions of people around the world and recently has been appealing to control with chemical pesticides. Malathion (MT) is one of the main pesticides used against mosquitoes, the vectors of these diseases. This study aimed to assess cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of the malathion for the bioindicator Allium cepa L. using a multivariate and integrative approach. Moreover, an appendix table was compiled with all available literature of insecticides assessed by the Allium cepa system to support our discussion. Exposures during 48h to 0.5 mg mL-1 and 1.0 mg mL-1 MT were compared to the negative control (distilled water) and positive control (MMS solution at 10 mg L-1). The presence of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei frequency, and mitotic index abnormalities was evaluated. Anaphase bridges were the alterations with higher incidence and presented a significantly elevated rate in the concentration of 0.5 mg mL-1, including when compared to the positive control. The integrative discriminant analysis summarizes that MT in assessed concentrations presented effects like the positive control, corroborating its potential of toxicity to DNA. Therefore, it is concluded that MT in its pure composition and in realistic concentrations used, has genotoxic potential in the biological assessment of A. cepa cells. The multivariate integrative analysis was fundamental to show a whole response of all data, providing a global view of the effect of MT on DNA.

Identification of bioactive compounds and cytogenotoxicity of the essential oil from the leaves of Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth

ABSTRACT Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth, popularly known as “quince” and “velame,” contains a high concentration of volatile oils in the leaves, and widely used in folk medicine as an antiseptic, analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and local anesthetic. The objectives of this investigation were to (1) identify the phytochemical compounds and (2) assess the cytogenotoxicity of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of C. heliotropiifolius Kunth. The oil was extracted utilizing hydrodistillation and phytochemical profile determined using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS). In the toxicogenetics analysis, Allium cepa roots were exposed to 1% dimethylsulfoxide or methylmethanesulfonate (MMS, 10 µg/ml) negative and positive controls, respectively, and to C. heliotropiifolius oil at 6 concentrations (0.32; 1.6; 8; 40; 200 or 1000 µg/ml). The phytochemical profile exhibited 40 chromatographic bands, and 33 compounds identified. α-pinene (16.7%) and 1,8-cineole (13.81%) were identified as the major compounds. Some of these identified secondary metabolites displayed biological and pharmacological activities previously reported including antiseptic, analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory as well insecticidal, antiviral, anti-fungal actions. In the A. cepa test, C. heliotropiifolius leaves oil induced cytotoxicity at concentrations of 0.32, 1.6 or 200 µg/ml and genotoxicity at 200 or 1000 µg/ml as evidenced by increased presence of micronuclei and significant chromosomal losses. Based upon our observations data demonstrated that the essential oil of C. heliotropiifolius leaves contain monoterpene hydrocarbons, and oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes which are associated with cytotoxic and genotoxic responses noted in on A. cepa cells.

Recent Advances in Single-Cell Metabolomics Based on Mass Spectrometry

Recent Advances in Single-Cell Metabolomics Based on Mass Spectrometry

Anti-haemolytic and cytogenotoxic potential of aqueous leaf extract of Annona muricata (L.) and its bio-fabricated silver nanoparticles

Nanotechnology is widely gaining worldwide application in biology and medicine because of its proven efficacy. Annona muricata contains bioactive phytochemicals with an inherent ability to bio-fabricate metal ions nanoparticles (NPs). Annona muricata aqueous leaf extract and its green bio-fabricated silver nanoparticles were evaluated on red blood cells (RBC) for anti-haemolytic activity and cytogenotoxicity on Allium cepa cells. The effects of A. muricata extract (Am-E) and its biofabricated silver nanoparticles (Am-AgNPs) were observed at 0.7, 7.0 and 70.0 µg/ml on H2O2-induced haemolysis in RBC and cyclophosphamide-induced cytogenotoxicity on A. cepa cells. Results showed significant and concentration dependent anti-haemolytic activity of Am-E relative to Am-AgNPs. Significant (P&lt;0.05) reduction of mitotic index was observed in the groups treated with Am-AgNPs compared with Am-E, which indicates cytotoxic effect of the nanoparticles. The Am-E protected A. cepa meristem root cells from cyclophosphamide-induced mitotic repression better than Am-AgNPs. Different degree of chromosomal abnormalities such as chromosome-bridge, sticky chromosome, and c-mitosis were observed in all the treatment groups with chromosome-bridge and sticky chromosome being prominent. This study revealed stronger anti-haemolytic efficacy of Am-E at higher concentrations compared with Am-AgNPs. Chromosomal abnormalities observed in this study suggest greater chromosomal instability as influenced by the nanoparticles compared with the extract on onion cells. The protective effect of the extract against cyclophosphamide-induced chromosomal aberrations may be an indication of its potential as an anti-genotoxic agent.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of pethoxamid herbicide on Allium cepa cells and its molecular docking studies to unravel genotoxicity mechanism.

Pethoxamid is chloroacetamide herbicide. Pethoxamid is commonly used to kill different weeds in various crops. Pethoxamid can leach in the water and soil and can cause toxic effects to other non-target species. Current study is therefore aimed to perform the investigation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of pethoxamid on Allium cepa cells.The root growth, mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and DNA damage were assessed through root growth inhibition, A. cepa ana-telophase, and alkaline comet assays, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to evaluate binding affinity of pethoxamid on DNA and very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthases. In root growth inhibition test, onion root length was statistically significantly decreased in a concentration dependent manner.Concentration- and time-dependent decreases in MI were observed, whereas increase in CAs such as disturbed ana-telophase, chromosome laggards, stickiness, anaphase bridges, and DNA damage was caused by the pethoxamid on A. cepa root cells. Molecular docking revealed that pethoxamid binds selectively to GC-rich regions in the minor groove of the DNA structure and showed remarkable binding affinity against all synthases taking part in the sequential biosynthesis of VLCFAs. It was concluded that the pethoxamid-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity may be through multiple binding ability of this herbicide with DNA and VLCFA synthases.

Polarity-Specific Profiling of Metabolites in Single Cells by Probe Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry.

Sensitive analysis of metabolites in a single cell is of fundamental significance for the better understanding of biological variability, differential susceptibility in disease therapy, and cell-to-cell heterogeneity as well. Herein, polarity-specific profiling of metabolites in a single cell was implemented by probe electrophoresis mass spectrometry (PEMS), which combined electrophoresis sampling of metabolites from a single cell and nanoelectrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (nanoESI-MS) analysis of the sampled metabolites. Enhanced extraction of either negatively or positively charged metabolites from a single cell was achieved by applying a DC voltage offset of +2.0 and -2.0 V to the probe, respectively. The experimental data demonstrated that PEMS features high throughput (≥200 peaks) and high sensitivity (≥10-times signal enhancement for [Choline + H]+, [Glutamine + H]+, [Arginine + H]+, etc.) in comparison with direct nanoESI-MS analysis. The biological effects of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) and γ-radiation on Allium cepa cells were investigated by PEMS, which revealed that CdSe QDs lead to the increase of intracellular amines while γ-radiation causes the decrease of intracellular acids. Therefore, this work provides an alternative platform to probe novel insights of cells by sensitive analysis of polarity-specific metabolites in a single cell.

Protective effect of kavain in meristematic cells of Allium cepa L.

Kavain is one of the main kavalactones of Piper methysticum (Piperaceae) with anxiolytic, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxic, mutagenic, and antimutagenic potential of kavain in Allium cepa cells. Roots of A. cepa were transferred to the negative (2% acetone) and positive (10 µg/mL of Methylmethanesulfonate, MMS) controls and to the concentrations of kavain (32, 64 and 128 µg/mL) for 48 h. A total of 5,000 meristematic cells were analyzed under an optical microscope to determine the mitotic index, mean number of chromosomal alterations and percentage of damage reduction. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (p <0.05). All concentrations of kavain were not cytotoxic and did not show significant chromosomal changes when compared to 2% acetone. Kavain showed a cytoprotective effect in the pre (128 μg/mL) and in the post-treatment (32 and 64 μg/mL) and reduced damage against the mutagenic action of MMS in all concentrations of the pre and simultaneous and at the highest of post (128 μg/mL). Kavain promoted a significant reduction in micronuclei, nuclear buds and chromosomal losses in relation to MMS. The observed data indicate the importance of kavain for the inhibition of damage and chemoprevention.

The influence of microorganisms of the Arctic paleoecosystems on the morphometric parameters and the cytogenetic apparatus of Allium cepa

The experiment studies the influence of microorganisms of the genus Bacillus from dispersed soils, which passed into a frozen state during the Holocene period, on the morphometric parameters and differentiation of Allium cepa cells. During the experiment, it was found that bacteria of the genus Bacillus can change morphometric parameters (there is a delay in the growth of roots and shoots, their length and number decrease). The influence of the studied strains from frozen rocks is manifested at the cellular level, changing the mitosis of the cells of the meristematic root tissue of Allium cepa. It is expressed both in the mitosis-stimulating effect and in the limitation of the proliferative capacity of Allium cepa cells. Thus, the behaviour of microorganisms in the Arctic paleoecosystems in the environment, their use in the economy, agriculture, and medicine are promising and topical issues. In addition, the question of the influence of relict microbiota on modern biological objects and, first of all, on their cellular apparatus remains understudied. The study of permafrost microorganisms makes it possible to better understand the evolution of adaptive characteristics of modern biological objects to the cold and subsequently move on to the development of technologies pointed at using the adaptive potential of microorganisms.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Water from Nag River, Nagpur, India

The pollution of the river by man-made sewage and waste disposal is not only harmful to animals and plants in it but also for animals higher in the food chain including those close to the food chain. Water is the most vital natural substance, as it plays a role in nearly every aspect of human life. Therefore, there is a great need to ensure that the water used by humans should not contain hazardous substances. Water quality is directly linked to biological life. The Nag River flows from the Lava village of north Ambazari Lake and flows into the center of Nagpur city. As a result of rapid and unstoppable development, significant changes have taken place in the water quality of the Nag River. Because the Nag River’s water is frequently used for irrigation, it should be tested for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Since the rate of cancer and genetic disorders has recently increased in the Nagpur region, the Nag River’s water could be a source of carcinogens in the food chain, affecting the population. This study was conducted to analyze the impact of water collected from various points of the Nag River using Allium cepa as a model organism. The results of this study showed that all water samples from the Nag River cause a cytotoxic effect (20-23%) and genotoxic effects (23-28%) in Allium cepa cells. Therefore, before the use of Nag River water, it must be treated to diminish its harmful effect.

Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effects of Methanolic Extract and Fractions of Mirabilis jalapa (L.) Leaf

This study examined the potential cytotoxicity of Mirabilis jalapa L. methanolic crude leaf extract and its fractions against brine shrimp nauplii (Artemia salina L.) and Allium cepa L. roots. The leaf extraction was done according to standard technique and crude extract was partitioned using n-hexane, water, ethyl acetate and butanol to obtain their respective fractions. Allium cepa root growth inhibition of M. jalapa methanolic crude extract and fractions were evaluated as well as brine shrimp lethality of the fractions based on standard methods. Also, phytochemical screening of the methanolic crude leaf extract was carried out according to standard methods. The result showed that M. jalapa methanolic crude leaf extract caused a significant reduction in cell mitotic index (32.96%) compared with the control (52.13%). The butanol fraction produced the highest mitotic inhibitory activity on A. cepa cell division at 0.3 mg/ml. Moreover, the butanol fraction produced the highest percentage lethality (LC50 1.45 μg/ml) against brine shrimp nauplii. There was a strong correlation between brine shrimp lethality and mitotic cell inhibition with butanol fraction as the most potent in both models. The methanolic leaf crude extract tested positive for alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tanins and triterpenes. The methanolic crude extract of M. jalapa leaf and its fractions exhibited effective cytotoxic effect on A. cepa and brine shrimps. Butanol fraction, with the most cytotoxic activity among the tested extracts, demonstrates a promising source for novel anticancer agents.

Evaluation of an antimalarial herbal mixture and each extract for DNA and chromosomal mutations in Swiss albino mice and Allium cepa cells

Toxicological evaluation of herbal medicines is necessary because of possible adverse effects that may be associated with their consumption. This study screened antimalarial herbal recipe (containing leaves of Azadirachta indica and stem-bark of Alstonia boonei) and its individual plant’s extract for DNA and chromosomes mutation potentials following the DNA fragmentation and Allium cepa assays. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity of the recipe and each extract was determined. The kinds of phytochemicals present in them were determined using the FTIR technique. Water extracts of A. indica, and A.boonei at all the tested doses caused significantly lower DNA fragmentations than those of the controls. However, at 25.0% and 50.0% recipe, there was no significant difference in the percentage fragmented DNA compared to the positive control (0.05% sodium azide). Cell division was significantly inhibited by the extracts and recipe, chromosomal aberrations were not dose dependently induced and were significantly lowered than that caused by sodium azide (positive control). The individual extracts and their recipe significantly inhibited Root growth. However, 12.5% recipe promoted root growth that was not significantly different from that of distilled water (negative control). SOD and CAT activities of each of the extracts and their recipe were dose dependent and significantly higher than those of the controls. Water extract of A. indica significantly suppressed generation of malondialdehyde compared to water extract of A. boonei and recipe as well as the control. The individual extracts and their recipe contained phenolic phytochemicals. The obtained results show that extract of A. indica, A. boonei and their recipe have good antioxidant properties with strong mitodepressive and root growth inhibitory effects except at 12.5% recipe. However, A. indica extract seems to have least cyto-muta-genotoxic effects than water extract of A. boonei and the recipe in mice and A. cepa cells. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2021, 7 (3), 249-259

Extraction of bioactive compounds from Curcuma longa L. using deep eutectic solvents: In vitro and in vivo biological activities

In this work, deep eutectic solvents (DES-based menthol and cholinium chloride) and the ethanol, temperature, and times were selected to extract bioactive compounds from the rhizome, leaves, and flowers Curcuma longa L., using ultrasound-assisted extraction. Analyzes antioxidant, flavonoids, antimicrobial, chelation Fe2+, inhibition of the cholinesterase's enzymes, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in Allium cepa cells were performed. The extracts showed results of iron chelation and antibacterial. Curcuma flowers and leaves' extracts inhibited food spoilage bacteria with values above 45%, with substantial iron-chelating activity above 50%. Extracts obtained by DES based on menthol and lactic acid exhibited a high percentage of inhibition of acetyl and butyryl cholinesterase. In contrast, flower extracts obtained by menthol and acetic acid showed low inhibition of cholinesterase enzyme activity. No extract showed cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Biological activities showed a high potential for the application of these extracts in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Evaluation of Asa River Water in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria for Available Pollutants and their Effects on Mitosis and Chromosomes Morphology in Allium cepa Cells

T: This study evaluated water samples from Asa River in Kwara state, Nigeria, for cytogenotoxicity at 25.0 %, 50.0 %, 100.0 % following the Allium cepa assay. Onions were grown in the water samples for microscopic and macroscopic screenings. Heavy metals and volatile organic pollutants in the water were elucidated using AAS and GCMS techniques. The Water samples except the sample ‘C’ induced higher mitotic index (MI) than the negative control. Root growth was significantly promoted at 25.0 %, and significantly reduced at 50.0 % and 100.0 % of the sample ‘C’ and 100.0 % of the sample ‘A’. Water sample ‘A’ (100.0%) induced highest percentage chromosomal aberrations (CA) while the water samples ‘B’ and ‘C’ induced higher percentage CA than the negative control. Cadmium was detected at a concentration higher than its permissible limit in drinking water. Poly aromatic hydrocarbons, Aromatic amines, Acridine dye, Phenolic and Polychlorinated compounds were detected in the water sample. The observed proliferative, inhibitory, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the water samples on A. cepa cells suggest that Asa river was polluted, having potential to adversely affect humans, animals and plants utilizing it along its course.&#x0D; Keywords: Allium cepa; Asa River; cytogenotoxicity; Nigeria; pollutants

Antigenotoxic potential of gel extract of Aloe vera against Sodium azide genotoxicity in Allium cepa cells

Nowadays, the increasing rate of human exposure to various kinds of environmental mutagens has necessitated the search for natural antimutagens /antigenotoxic agents in natural products. In this study, Aloe vera gel extract was tested for its possible antigenotoxicity following the Allium cepa assay. Ten onions (Allium cepa) per dose were grown for 48 and 72 hours on gel extract of A. vera at 6.25%, 12.5%, 25.0%, 50.0% and 100.0% in combination with sodium azide (0.05mg/ml) solution for microscopic and macroscopic evaluations, respectively. Distilled water and sodium azide were the negative and positive controls, respectively. The cell division in the root tips, and root growth in the exposed A. cepa were inhibited in a dose dependent manner by the mixture of A. vera and sodium azide. However, the mixture of absolute (100.0%) dose and sodium azide completely arrested cell division and induced a lower root length than that recorded for sodium azide alone. The genotoxicity of sodium azide was inversely reduced by the doses of A. vera except at 100.0%. These results show that gel extract of A. vera possesses strong antigenotoxic /antimutagenic potency at lower dose range of 6.25% to 25.0% in A. cepa cells, however, its higher doses above 50.0% to 100.0% could be severely toxic when being considered for suppression of environmental mutagens’ mutagenicity or genotoxicity. This suggests that gel extract of A. vera contains phytochemical(s) that can be useful in the development of anticancer drug.

Cytogenotoxicity of the water and sediment of the Paraopeba River immediately after the iron ore mining dam disaster (Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil)

The present study evaluated the toxicogenetic potential of the water and sediment from Paraopeba River, five days after the rupture of the mining tailings dam at Brumadinho (Minas Gerais, Brazil), on January 2019, by Allium cepa test. Water samples collected at sites closest to the collapsed dam caused a higher frequency of genetic damage and lower cell division rate compared to the upstream site. In sediment it was observed a decrease in the cell division rate and genetic damage in the sampling sites closest to the dam. The frequency of aberrations and the mitotic index in A. cepa cells exposed to sediments were negatively associated with the levels of most elements in total and bioavailable fractions. A negative association between some metal concentrations in total and dissolved water with the mitotic index was also observed. Otherwise, the genotoxic effects were positively correlated with the concentrations of most metals. The results demonstrate the potential of the tailings to cause cytogenotoxic effects due the higher metal concentrations released in water column and in sediments. This is the first report highlighting the toxicogenetic potential of the released tailings and reinforce the need for a long-term monitoring of the watershed due the advance of the tailings plume through Paraopeba River over time.

Allium cepa Kök Ucu Hücrelerinde Sülfonamid-Aldehit Türevinin Sitotoksik ve Genotoksik Etkileri

The continuous production and release into the environment of chemicals has revealed the need to determine their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Sulfonamide-aldehyde (SA) derivatives, whose biological activity properties vary in a wide spectrum, are frequently used in agriculture, medicine, pharmacy and many other fields. These compounds have an important cycle in the ecological system due to their use and diversity. In the present study, the potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of sulfonamide-aldehyde derivative were investigated using Allium test system with the concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μM. In A. cepa cells, the increasing concentrations of SA caused cytotoxic effects by inducing nuclear lesions and inhibition of mitotic index. In addition, the increasing concentrations of SA caused genotoxic effects by inducing micronucleus and chromosome aberrations, which the most common ones are C-mitosis, sticky metaphase, and anaphase bridge. The results indicate that the concentration of 25 μM is EC50 in micronucleus, nuclear lesions, and chromosome aberrations; and 50 μM is EC50 in mitotic index (p &amp;lt; 0.05).

(3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and iron rice straw biochar composites for the sorption of Cr (VI) and Zn (II) using the extract of heavy metals contaminated soil

Heavy metals like Cr (VI), when released into the environment, pose a serious threat to animal and human health. In this study, iron and (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) biochar composites were prepared from the biochar, which was produced through the pyrolysis of rice straw at 400 and 600 °C, using the chemical processes with an aim that the doping of pristine biochar structure with the Fe and NH2 radicals would enhance the removal of Cr (VI) and Zn (II) adsorption in both aqueous solution and soil. Both biochar composites were mixed at a rate of 3% (w/w) with the mine soil for the soil incubation test, and after completion of the test, a soil fertility index (SFI) was calculated. Results showed that both iron and APTES biochar composites followed the Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm showing the maximum removal capacity of 100.59 mg/g for Cr (VI) by APTES/SiBC 600 and maximum adsorption capacity of 83.92 mg/g for Zn2+ by Fe/BC 400. The SFI of the mine-soil amended with both Fe and APTES biochar composites were 16.67 and 13.04%, respectively higher than the controlled study. The mitotic index of the A. cepa cells that grew up in the soil amended with Fe/BC and APTES/SiBC were 40.47 and 44.45%, respectively, higher than the controlled study. The results indicated that the incorporation of the Fe and APTES biochar composites in the soil effectively reduced the metal toxicity and improved the soil physicochemical properties. This study opens up the prospects of using biochar composites in contaminated soil and water treatments.