Concentrations In Plant Tissues Research Articles

Assessment of Metal Pollution in Sediments and Their Bioaccumulation in Phragmites australis from Shoor River, Iran

ABSTRACT Heavy metal contamination is a serious global issue that threatens both environmental and human health. This study investigated the levels of 12 heavy metals in sediments, roots, stems, and leaves of Phragmites australis (common reed) from a river in Iran, using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The sediment metal concentration order was: Aluminum (Al) > Iron (Fe) > Manganese (Mn) > Zinc (Zn) > Magnesium (Mg) > Nickel (Ni) > Chromium (Cr) > Lead (Pb) > Copper (Cu) > Arsenic (As) > Vanadium (V) with Cadmium (Cd) below detection limit. Concentrations of As, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the sediments exceeded background values. According to sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), metal concentrations were between the threshold effect level (TEL) and the probable effect level (PEL), remaining below the severe effect level (SEL), except for Ni. Average metal concentrations in plant tissues were lower than in sediment samples, with roots showing higher levels of Cd, V, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Al, Mg, and Fe than in the shoots, while leaves had higher Ni, Cr, and Mn. The bioaccumulation factor of less than 1 (except for V) indicates limited bioavailibility of these metals.

Capacity of an aquatic macrophyte, Pistia stratiotes L., for removing heavy metals from water in the Oued Fez River and their accumulation in its tissues.

Water resources, particularly rivers, are increasingly exposed to pollutants, especially heavy metals of chemical origin, which are difficult to monitor and can pose risks to both ecosystems and human health. This study assesses heavy metal contamination in the Oued Fez River, focusing on the bioaccumulation by the invasive plant Pistia stratiotes. The methodology involves measuring and comparing metal concentrations in water and plant tissues. Results revealed that while aluminium (Al) slightly exceeded recommended levels at 0.2978 mg L-1, other metals like zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) remained within acceptable limits. The study demonstrates P. stratiotes' effectiveness in heavy metal phytoremediation, with its roots showing high bioaccumulation up to 19,726 mg kg-1 for Fe and 15,128 mg kg-1 for Al, indicating its potential for water decontamination. Eco-toxicological assessments, including bioconcentration and translocation factors, confirm the plant's capacity to mobilize toxic metals. Statistical analysis also points to possible industrial, urban, or agricultural contamination sources based on correlations between Al, Fe and Zn. The study underscores P. stratiotes' role in phytoremediation while emphasizing the need for monitoring and controlling contamination sources and managing the spread of this invasive species to ensure sustainable water resources.

Boron availability and fertilizer response of maize in soils from sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractBackground and aimsLow boron (B) availability is associated with strongly weathered, coarse‐textured, and low organic matter soils, widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). It is unknown to what extent B fertilization can increase maize yields in SSA. This study aims to understand the soil properties controlling B availability to field‐grown maize.MethodsBoron fertilizer omission trials with maize were executed at 15 sites in Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Yield, B uptake, and soil parameters potentially relevant for B availability, including extractable soil B (hot water, 0.01 M CaCl2, and 0.43 M HNO3), were determined.ResultsSoil B pools were strongly intercorrelated and were positively correlated with organic carbon, suggesting the relevance of organic matter for soil B availability. Soil parameters described limited variation in B uptake and the yield response to B fertilization. Boron fertilization did not increase yields in any of the 15 sites but increased uptake in 11 sites. Yields were reduced through B fertilization in five sites, likely because B application induced toxicity. No clear critical soil or plant B concentrations indicating deficiency could be derived, but positive yield responses to B fertilization were absent with hot water B levels above 0.69 mg kg−1.ConclusionAssessing B fertilizer needs in maize grown in tropical soils based on soil or plant tissue concentrations remains challenging. Improving soil organic matter status could potentially alleviate B deficiency in crops when present. Recommendations are given to overcome the identified challenges associated with studying B availability in tropical soils.

Using Microplates to Test Boron in Zea mays Leaf Plant and the Surrounding Soil

Background: Boron plays a crucial role in cell wall construction in plants and also facilitates the transfer of carbohydrates, which are essential for various physiological processes. The objective was to measure element concentrations in soil, water extracts and plant tissues (Zea mays) using Azomethine-H and ICP-MS within a controlled microplate assay. Methods: A microscopic plate repeat test was used to analyze the concentration of boron in soil extracts and plant tissue ash from local Zea mays leaves, considering the global trend in environmental sustainability. Tests aimed to modify the azomethine-H microscopic approach to eliminate pH and chemical interferences in soil samples and plant tissues. Due to their ability to ensure sample repeatability and quality control, micro spectrophotometers are ideal for high-throughput analysis. Result: The microplate test has enhanced boron measurement in soil and plant tissue samples. Our improvements to the microplate B assay have resulted in more accurate boron measurements in these samples. Microplate B testing is effective and suitable analysis in modern research and laboratories, using 40 times less chemical reagent per sample than traditional spectrophotometry. Additionally, microplates enable simultaneous analysis and calibration of samples. The modified plate test significantly improves boron measurement in soil and plant tissue samples, using 40 times fewer reagents than traditional spectrophotometry. This method is cost-effective, ideal research, commercial analysis and making it a valuable tool for modern laboratories.

Investigating the spatial associations between thatch and white grub populations in imidacloprid‐treated turfgrass

AbstractField surveys were conducted on golf courses reporting the inability of imidacloprid to control white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) when applied preventively. Surveys of five sites with significant past imidacloprid use (>10 years) revealed significantly greater white grub populations in rough‐mown turf following imidacloprid treatment than that of adjacent short‐mown fairways. Additionally, spatial analysis by distance indicEs (SADIE) analyses demonstrated a positive correlation between white grub and thatch spatial patterns. To investigate the impact of thatch on imidacloprid efficacy and translocation throughout the turfgrass plant, greenhouse experiments were conducted using turf with differing thatch levels. Imidacloprid concentrations in soil and plant tissues were measured with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and compared to values obtained through an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit to determine if the latter could be a cost‐effective alternative in future studies. ELISA provided reliable estimates of concentrations of imidacloprid compared to HPLC, with only minor discrepancies noted across different types of treatments and assessment timings. Despite finding higher imidacloprid levels in leaf tissues compared to roots and some differences in concentration across thatch treatments, there was no clear pattern showing that thatch thickness significantly affects imidacloprid penetration or accumulation in plant tissues or soil over time. These findings suggest that factors other than thatch thickness may contribute to the observed field failures of imidacloprid in controlling white grubs. Further research is necessary to identify these factors and optimize the use of imidacloprid in turfgrass pest management strategies.

Influence of municipal waste treated sludge on the quality attributes of African marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Using treated sludge to amend soil in agriculture presents opportunities and challenges, particularly concerning the augmentation of heavy metals in cultivated plants. This research looks into how applying treated sludge affects the buildup of heavy metals in African marigold (Tagetes erecta), a popular ornamental plant that could potentially help with phytoremediation. Several treatment combinations were imposed, out of which treated sludge at 2.5 t/ha showed promising results. The effect of incorporating treated sludge was found to be better in terms of using conventional manures like Farm Yard Manure and Vermicompost in quantitative terms. The sludge processed at the treatment plant underwent strict treatment procedures, resulting in odourless material that can be used as an organic amendment with nutrients. Heavy metal concentrations in plant tissues were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) to assess the uptake and accumulation of heavy metals by African marigolds. Results indicated that treated sludge application did not significantly influence the accumulation and bioavailability of heavy metals in African marigolds. The treated sludge helped plants grow better and absorb nutrients; it did not cause higher levels of harmful heavy metals like cadmium and lead in the plants. The levels of heavy metals found were lower than what is considered unsafe for plants. In addition, treated sludge can serve as a soil conditioner to enhance the physicochemical properties of the soil.

Elemental composition and potential toxicity of the riverine macrophyte Podostemum ceratophyllum Michx. reflects land use in eastern North America

Land use influences surface water quality, often alleviating stoichiometric constraints on primary production and altering biogeochemical cycling. However, land use effects on nutrient content and potential trace metal accumulation in aquatic plants remain unclear, and high concentrations of metals and altered nutrient ratios could impact the health of herbivores and detritivores. We tested for land use effects on nutrient and trace metal accumulation in a widespread riverine macrophyte, Podostemum ceratophyllum, collected from 91 locations from Georgia to Maine, USA in 2014–2016. We quantified carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), their molar and mass ratios, N and C stable isotopes, and 17 additional elements in dried plants collected from each location to estimate relationships between plant tissue content and watershed land use, which we quantified as agriculture, forest, and development. Decreasing forest cover was correlated with increasing δ15N, Mg, Mn, and P in Podostemum tissue. Increasing urban development was correlated with increasing δ15N, Mg and P, while increasing agriculture was correlated with a decrease in C: P and the concentrations of multiple metals, along with increases in P, Mg and δ15N. Decreases in ratios of N: P and C:P with increasing agriculture and urban development in the watershed indicate more rapid P storage relative to C and N in plant tissue, and increased resource quality of the plant to consumers in these watersheds. We also observed potentially toxic dietary concentrations of some trace metals (B, Cd, Tl, Zn) in plant tissue which could be related to the plant's natural herbivory defense system or to land use. We conclude that land use influences the elemental composition of P. ceratophyllum, and potentially the quality and toxicity of the plant to herbivores and detritivores in eastern North American rivers.

Addition of polyester microplastic fibers to soil alters the diversity and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and affects plant growth and nutrition

Microplastics (MPs) represent an emerging factor in global environmental change and are increasingly found in soils. However, the extent to which they affect plants and their interactions with the soil microbiome is poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that increasing levels of polyester MP fibers in soil alter plant growth and nutrient acquisition responses to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi via changes in AM fungal colonization and community composition. We used Sorghum drummondii as a model species in a fully factorial greenhouse experiment. Plants were exposed to soil treatments with 0, 0.2, 1, and 3 % MP polyester fibers either in the presence or absence of an assembled AM fungal community comprising 13 species across three families with contrasting life-history strategies. We found that the 1 % MP treatment promoted plant biomass irrespective of the presence of AM fungi. While no changes in macronutrient concentrations in plant tissues were seen, there was a significant increase in B and Mn when relatively low amounts of MPs were added, and this effect was modulated by AM fungi. Furthermore, there were shifts in AM fungal community composition in response to MP, favoring taxa such as Gigaspora sp. while negatively affecting ruderal taxa like Glomus sp. Overall, our data indicate that MP polyester fibers present in soil can in some cases be beneficial to plants and AM fungal interactions. However, the implications of these findings over the long-term and in the context of ecological repercussions of MP pollution in the environment remain to be seen.

Pea protein-coated nanoliposomal encapsulation of jujube phenolic extract with different stabilizers; characterization and in vitro release

Jujube, a fruit rich in phenolic compounds, is renowned for its potential health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, and exhibiting anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, attributed to its potent antioxidant properties. However, the application of these phenolics in food products is limited by their instability and low concentration in plant tissues. This study investigates the nanoencapsulation of jujube extract (JE) using nanoliposomes (NLs) coated with pea protein isolate (PPI) to enhance stability and bioavailability. NLs were prepared via the ethanol injection method and optimized through comprehensive characterization, including dynamic light scattering, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The encapsulated JE showed improved antioxidant activity and controlled release profiles in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid. This research highlights the potential of PPI-coated NLs in stabilizing and enhancing the bioactivity of jujube phenolics, providing a promising approach for their integration into functional foods.

Phytoremediation Potential of Azolla filiculoides: Uptake and Toxicity of Seven Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at Environmentally Relevant Water Concentrations.

Environmental contamination of aquatic systems by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has generated significant health concerns. Remediation of contaminated sites such as the fire-fighting emergency training grounds that use aqueous film-forming foams is a high priority. Phytoremediation may help play a part in removing PFAS from such contaminated waters. We investigated the potential of the water fern Azolla filiculoides, which is used for phytoremediation of a wide range of contaminants, to uptake seven common PFAS (perfluorobutanoic acid [PFBA], perfluorobutane sulfonic acid [PFBS], perfluoroheptanoic acid [PFHpA], perfluorohexanoic acid [PFHxA], perfluorohexane sulfonic acid [PFHxS], perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], and perfluoropentanoic acid [PFPeA]), during a 12-day exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations delivered as equimolar mixtures: low (∑PFAS = 0.0123 ± 1.89 μmol L-1), medium (∑PFAS = 0.123 ± 2.88 μmol L-1), and high (∑PFAS = 1.39 μmol L-1) treatments, equivalent to approximately 5, 50, and 500 µg L-1 total PFAS, respectively. The possible phytotoxic effects of PFAS were measured at 3-day intervals using chlorophyll a content, photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm), performance index, and specific growth rate. The PFAS concentrations in plant tissue and water were also measured every 3 days using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Treatments with PFAS did not lead to any detectable phytotoxic effects. All seven PFAS were detected in plant tissue, with the greatest uptake occurring during the first 6 days of exposure. After 12 days of exposure, a maximum bioconcentration factor was recorded for PFBA of 1.30 and a minimum of 0.192 for PFBS. Consequently, the application of Azolla spp. as a stand-alone system for phytoremediation of PFAS in aquatic environments is not sufficient to substantially reduce PFAS concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-12. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Effect of Different Sources of Concentrated Organic Inputs and Bio-Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Broccoli cv Calabrese

Broccoli, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea L. var. italica, is an important cool-season vegetable crops belonging to the family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae. Organic broccoli farming is an eco-friendly approach that ensures sustainable agricultural practices for consistent and resilient production by improving resistance against various pests and environmental challenges. Two consecutive years of field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2017-2018 and 2019-2020 comprising of twenty-one treatments with different sources of concentrated organic inputs along with bio-fertilizers by cultivar calabrese laid out in two factorial Randomized Block Design replicated by three times. The treatment combinations were consisted of seven different organic inputs viz. T1- neem cake @ 1 t ha-1, T2-mustard cake @ 1 t ha-1, T3- neem cake @ 0.75 t ha-1, T4- mustard cake @ 0.75 t ha-1, T5- neem cake @ 0.5 t ha-1, T6- mustard cake @ 0.5 t ha-1 and T7-control and three different level of biofertilizers viz. B1- azotobactor @ 2 kg ha-1, B2- azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 and B3- PSB @ 2 kg ha-1. The exponential and significant improvement in plant height (31.68 cm), dry matter content (32.26%), gross head weight (615.18 g), net head weight (304.26 g) and projected yield (8.44 t ha-1) were influenced by integrated application of mustard cake @ 1t ha-1 with azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1. The plant applied in different doses of mustard cake along with azospirillum responded better performance in most of the biochemical aspects viz. TSS (3.92 to 4.090 Brix), vit-C (99.71 to 101.77 mg 100 g-1 pulp) and crude protein (2.23 to 2.43%). Mustad cake @ 1t ha-1 along with azospirillium @ 2 kg ha-1 clearly demonstrated more accumulation of N (2.12%), P (1.20%) and K (1.78%) content in plant tissue and significantly improved the head quality.

Influence of peat-derived humic acid on the growth of agarwood seedlings

Humic acid (HA) is widely used in agriculture as a biostimulant to enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake. Studies on the early growth promotion of agarwood seedlings using plant biostimulants have not been explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to extract and characterize peat-derived HA and to determine the optimum rate that would exert biostimulant action on the early growth of agarwood seedlings at the nursery stage. HA was extracted from peat soil using a modified rapid alkaline hydrolysis method. Produced peat humic acid (PHA) was compared with commercial humic acid (CHA) for its chemical and spectroscopic characteristics. One-month-old agarwood seedlings were treated with PHA at different rates (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg kg−1) before the commencement of the experiment. The study was conducted for four months. The C/N ratio of both PHA and CHA were 25.85 and 26.93, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra observation reveals that PHA and CHA have similar surface morphology and functional groups respectively. Results revealed that agarwood seedlings treated with 80 mg kg−1 of PHA significantly increased the plant height, stem diameter, the number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter weight, N and P concentrations in plant tissues, and N, P and K uptakes. Based on the findings, incorporation of PHA at the rate of 80 mg kg−1 with planting medium could be used as an optimum rate to enhance the growth of agarwood seedlings in the nursery stage.

Copper contribution to rice production and greenhouse gas emissions in hydrophobic peat soil

Abstract Harnessing the potential of hydrophobic peat for rice cultivation through effective amelioration and fertilization such as the application of copper (Cu) fertilizer. A greenhouse experiment was conducted, employing a treatment of Cu fertilizer at a rate of 5 kg/ha. The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of Cu in rice production and influencing of greenhouse gas emissions. N P K fertilizers were applied as basal fertilizers according to the recommended dosage for rice crops. The research findings revealed that the application of Cu fertilizer increased the dry grain weight per tiller by 14.2%. This application also resulted in higher soil pH and increased Cu concentrations in plant tissue above critical levels. The study also showed that the Cu application contributed to the increased concentrations of CO2 and CH4, although these differences were not statistically significant when compared to treatments without Cu application. The study implies that copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient crucial for the growth and development of rice plants, especially in hydrophobic peat soil.

Plant silicon content as a proxy for understanding plant community properties and ecosystem structure

AbstractSilicon (Si) content in plant tissues is considered a functional trait that can provide multiple morpho‐physiological benefits to plant individuals. However, it is still unclear whether and how these individual benefits extend to plant community processes and ecosystem functioning. Here we investigated how plant Si content is associated with plant community properties and the ecosystem structure of herbaceous communities in Israel. We sampled 15 sites across the Mediterranean and desert ecosystems and built models to evaluate how plant silicon content (community‐weighted mean and standard variation) is associated with variables such as species richness, biomass production, plant cover, and functional diversity. Finally, we used model selection techniques to test whether models depicting plant Si content perform better than models using data on soil Si instead. Sites with lower susceptibility to drought had significantly more Si‐accumulating grass species and higher soils Si content. Models with plant Si content instead of soil Si, always performed better, although those considering Si content variation had overall stronger associations with community properties than only mean Si content. For instance, up to 51% of plant Si content variation was explained by climate, biomass production, and species richness, combined. Still, mean plant Si content and plant cover combined explained up to 42% of plant functional diversity. Our results suggest the that plant Si content serves as a proxy for understanding the ecological properties and functioning of arid and Mediterranean ecosystems. Nevertheless, the significance of Si has not been fully explored in other ecosystem types, where its influence may be less pronounced compared with the ecosystems examined in this study. In light of various global change scenarios, enhancing our understanding of Si as a plant functional trait could help bridge existing knowledge gaps and improve ecological modeling, thus enabling more accurate forecasts of changes in plant distributions.

Overexpression of Wheat Selenium-Binding Protein Gene TaSBP-A Enhances Plant Growth and Grain Selenium Accumulation under Spraying Sodium Selenite.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans. Low concentrations of Se can promote plant growth and development. Enhancing grain yield and crop Se content is significant, as major food crops generally have low Se content. Studies have shown that Se biofortification can significantly increase Se content in plant tissues. In this study, the genetic transformation of wheat was conducted to evaluate the agronomic traits of non-transgenic control and transgenic wheat before and after Se application. Se content, speciation, and transfer coefficients in wheat grains were detected. Molecular docking simulations and transcriptome data were utilized to explore the effects of selenium-binding protein-A TaSBP-A on wheat growth and grain Se accumulation and transport. The results showed that TaSBP-A gene overexpression significantly increased plant height (by 18.50%), number of spikelets (by 11.74%), and number of grains in a spike (by 35.66%) in wheat. Under normal growth conditions, Se content in transgenic wheat grains did not change significantly, but after applying sodium selenite, Se content in transgenic wheat grains significantly increased. Analysis of Se speciation revealed that organic forms of selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenocysteine (SeCys) predominated in both W48 and transgenic wheat grains. Moreover, TaSBP-A significantly increased the transfer coefficients of Se from solution to roots and from flag leaves to grains. Additionally, it was found that with the increase in TaSBP-A gene overexpression levels in transgenic wheat, the transfer coefficient of Se from flag leaves to grains also increased.

Nano silica’s role in regulating heavy metal uptake in Calendula officinalis

BackgroundSoil contamination with heavy metals poses a significant threat to plant health and human well-being. This study explores the potential of nano silica as a solution for mitigating heavy metal uptake in Calendula officinalis.ResultsGreenhouse experiments demonstrated, 1000 mg•kg− 1 nano silica caused a 6% increase in soil pH compared to the control treatment. Also in 1000 mg. kg− 1 nano silica, the concentrations of available Pb (lead), Zn (zinc), Cu (copper), Ni (nickel), and Cr (chromium) in soil decreased by 12%, 11%, 11.6%, 10%, and 9.5%, respectively, compared to the control. Nano silica application significantly reduces heavy metal accumulation in C. officinalis exposed to contaminated soil except Zn. In 1000 mg.kg− 1 nano silica shoots Zn 13.28% increased and roots Zn increased 13% compared to the control treatment. Applying nano silica leads to increase the amount of phosphorus (P) 25%, potassium (K) 26% uptake by plant, In 1000 mg.kg − 1 treatment the highest amount of urease enzyme activity was 2.5%, dehydrogenase enzyme activity, 23.6% and the highest level of alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity was 13.5% higher than the control treatment.ConclusionNano silica, particularly at a concentration of 1000 mg.kg − 1, enhanced roots and shoots length, dry weight, and soil enzyme activity Moreover, it increased P and K concentrations in plant tissues while decreasing heavy metals uptake by plant.

Morphological and physiological features of genotypes of Zea mays towards salt tolerance influenced by mycorrhizal fungi

Soil salinity poses a significant constraint on plant growth and productivity of maize. Salinity causes reduction in water content in plant tissues, ultimately reducing the photosynthetic capacity and resulting in decreased productivity. Normally in saline soils, chloride ions (Cl−) are particularly considered toxic to certain crops, but in case of maize, sodium ion (Na+) is the main ion responsible for toxicity due to its competition with K+ for binding sites at the plasma membrane. Mycorrhizoremediation which is an enhanced form of phytoremediation is one of the key players in remediation saline soils. Inoculation of these beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi can alleviate growth inhibition and the adverse effects of salinity in both halophytes and glycophytes by establishing symbiotic relationships with plants. AM fungi colonize the roots of maize plants, perform a crucial role in nutrient cycles in terrestrial ecosystems and own highly efficient and various mitigation mechanisms. Under saline conditions, AM fungi restrict the absorption and translocation of Na+ to shoot tissues and enhance the uptake of K+ in plants. An experiment aiming to enhance salt tolerance in maize through AMF symbiosis was conducted. In this experiment three AMF were evaluated at two salinity levels 66 mM and 100 mM. analysis of data revealed that AMF Ri collect showed showed highest percentage of root colonization at all salinity levels. While plants inoculated with AMF Ce CdG showed highest shoot and root biomass. Furthermore, plants inoculated with Sc CdG and Ce CdG showed a significant reduction in Na+ accumulation and enhance K+ accumulation in shoot and root tissues as compared to non-mycorrhizal plants.

From waste to soil: Technosols made with construction and demolition waste as a nature-based solution for land reclamation

Population growth has driven an increased demand for solid construction materials, leading to higher amounts of construction and demolition waste (C&DW). Efficient strategies to manage this waste include reduction, reuse, and recycling. Technosols—soils engineered from recycled waste—can potentially help with environmental challenges. However, there is a critical need to explore the potential of Technosols constructed with C&DW for land reclamation, through the growth of native vegetation. The objective of this study was to investigate this potential by studying two Brazilian native tree species (Guazuma ulmifolia and Piptadenia gonoacantha). Technosols were created using C&DW, with and without organic compost and a liquid biofertilizer. A soil health index (SHI) was applied to evaluate the soil quality regarding physical, chemical, and biological indicators of Technosols compared to a control soil (Ferralsol). The results showed that P. gonoacantha plants presented the same height and total biomass in all treatments, while G. ulmifolia plants exhibited greater height and total biomass when grown in Technosols. The enhanced plant development in the Technosols was primarily associated with higher cation exchangeable capacity and nutrients concentration in plant tissues. Technosols with added compost provided higher fertility and total organic carbon. Additionally, Technosols presented higher SHI (∼0.68) compared to control (∼0.38) for both studied species. Our experiment reveals that construction and demolition waste (C&DW) have significant potential to form healthy Technosols capable of supporting the growth of native Brazilian trees. This approach offers a promising alternative for addressing C&DW disposal challenges while serving as a nature-based solution for land reclamation.

Analysis of Growth and Yield of Echinacea Purpurea with the Addition of Biochar and Plant Growth Regulator

Echinacea purpurea is a North American herbal plant (Asteraceae) that is well-known worldwide as an alternative option to prevent the outbreak of COVID-19. E.purpurea contains antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, and is immunomodulatory. The various potentials and benefits included in E.purpurea, can be developed by adding biochar and plant growth regulators. This study aimed to determine the optimal potential of secondary metabolite content in treating biochar type and growth regulator concentration. E.purpurea were prepared from the Experimental Field at Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jumantono, Karanganyar and were grown using the Split-plot research design treated with type biochar (control, husk charcoal, wood charcoal) and concentration growth regulator (0 ml/l, 2 ml/l, 4 ml/l, 6 ml/l). The data obtained were analyzed by variance analysis followed by Duncan’s test at a 5% level and described. The results showed that husk charcoal biochar gave the highest yield but was not significantly different from the wood charcoal biochar or control: plant height (38.8 cm) and the number of flowers (8.22). The growth regulator at a concentration of 6 ml/L gave the highest yield but was not significantly different from the concentration of 2-4 ml/L: plant height (39.8 cm), flowering time (11 WAP), number of flowers (9), and root length (21.9 cm). The highest C-organic plant tissue content yield was 35.44% (with husk charcoal) and 35.55% (with wood charcoal). It is shown that the provision of biochar and growth regulators can develop E. purpurea cultivation, especially on growth and yield components.

Salt Tolerance Assessment of Different Tomato Varieties at the Seedling Stage

The identification of reliable physiological and biochemical indicators for assessing tomato salt tolerance can increase the efficiency of plant breeding to create new varieties and lines. The purpose of our study was to identify available physiological and biochemical relevant characteristics for assessing the sensitivity to sodium chloride salinity of different tomato genotypes at the seedling stage. A complex analysis was carried out based on indicators such as biomass growth, water content of plant tissues, content of readily soluble salts, sodium and chlorine ions, photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Additionally, the stomata area of the upper and lower epidermis was taken into account. The comprehensive assessment carried out made it possible to reliably divide the eight studied tomato varieties into two groups: sensitive (Belyij Naliv, Geya, YaLF, Paradigma) and tolerant (Recordsmen, Yuryevskij, Bych’e Serdce, Astrakhanskij). Tomato genotypes that can be classified as sensitive (in order of increasing sensitivity to high concentrations of NaCl (150 mM)) were Belyij Naliv > Geya > YaLF ≥ Paradigma. Tomato genotypes that can be classified as resistant to salt stress (in order of increasing tolerance to high concentrations of NaCl (150 mM)) were Recordsmen < Yuryevskij < Bych’e Serdce < Astrakhanskij. The advisability of only using complex physiological and biochemical indicators to obtain relevant assessments for salinity tolerance at the early stages of tomato plant development has been demonstrated.