High Salinity Conditions Research Articles

Representative Elementary Volume Estimation and Neural Network-Based Prediction of Change Rates of Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid Saturation and Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid–Water Interfacial Area in Porous Media

Investigation of the change rate for contaminant parameters is important to characterize dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) transport and distribution in groundwater systems. In this study, four experiments of perchloroethylene (PCE) migration are conducted in two-dimensional (2D) sandboxes to characterize change rates of PCE saturation (So) and PCE–water interfacial area (AOW) under different conditions of salinity, surface active agent, and heterogeneity. Associated representative elementary volume (REV) of the change rate of So (So rate) and change rate of AOW (AOW rate) is derived over the long-term transport process through light transmission techniques. REV of So rate (SR-REV) and REV of AOW rate (AR-REV) are estimated based on the relative gradient error (εgi). Regression analysis is applied to investigate the regularity, and a model based on a back-propagation (BP) neural network is built to simulate and predict the frequencies of SR-REV and AR-REV. Experimental results indicated the salinity, surface active agent, and heterogeneity are important factors that affect the So rate, AOW rate, SR-REV, and AR-REV of the PCE plume in porous media. The first moment of the PCE plume along the vertical direction is decreased under conditions of high salinity, surface active agent, and heterogeneity, while these factors have different effects on the second moment of the PCE plume. Compared with the salinity and surface active agent, heterogeneity has the greatest effect on the GTP, the distributions of the So rate and AOW rate along the depth, and dM, dI. For SR-REV, the standard deviation is increased by the salinity, surface active agent, and heterogeneity. Simultaneously, the salinity and heterogeneity lead to lower values of the mean value of SR-REV, while the surface active agent increases the mean value of SR-REV. However, the mean and standard deviation of AR-REV have no apparent difference under different experimental conditions. These findings reveal the complexity of PCE transport and scale effect in the groundwater system, which have important significance in improving our understanding of DNAPL transport regularity and promoting associated prediction.

Desorption behaviour of polymers on sepiolite surfaces under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions

AbstractPolymers maintain colloidal stability by adsorbing onto the surface of sepiolite particles, and changes in temperature and salinity can affect this process. We chose three typical polymers to investigate their interactions with sepiolite under high-salinity (15 wt.% NaCl) conditions at >180°C. Sepiolite samples were characterized using infrared testing, X-ray diffraction testing, contact angle testing, thermogravimetric testing, filtration loss testing and rheological testing. The experimental results showed that the desorption of the polymers under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions reduces the stability and filtration control of the suspension significantly. Adding polymers to sepiolite suspensions can maintain good stability even after thermal ageing at 240°C. In terms of drilling fluid regulation, sepiolite can play a role in regulating rheological properties, and the interactions between various polymers and sepiolite can be utilized to maintain the stable colloidal state of the drilling fluid. Studying the adsorption behaviour of various types of polymers on the surface of sepiolite under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions has important implications for the design and selection of sepiolite drilling fluid treatment agents.

Atriplex (Atriplex halimus): Distribution, Morphology, Physiological Tolerance to Salinity and Drought: A Review

Atriplex halimus is a halophyte plant that is grown in semi-arid and arid regions due to its high capacity to grow in high salinity and drought conditions. The objective of this paper is to review the physiological and morphological changes of A. halimus under different conditions of salinity and drought conditions, as well as compare the different results that are concerned with this plant in the different areas where this plant exists. The result of this review has shown that A. halimus adapt to different saline conditions by creating the balance of the vegetative growth as well as changing the leaves physiology to adapt to the drought conditions by decreasing the water content which Na creates the osmotic adjustment. The A. halimus can reduce/or increase the photosynthesis process depending on the level of drought and salinity conditions. The accumulation of Na increased in the plant as the soil salinity increased. The review has shown that A. halimus increase the uptake of heavy metals if it has high concentrations in soil. The review results show that the different morphological and physiological changes of A. halimus differ from one area to another depending on the drought conditions and soil salinity concentrations. The results showed that A. halimus can be used to rehabilitate deserts that suffer high salinity and drought. Moreover, it can be used to treat the soil contaminated with heavy metals.

A SNARE-like protein from Solanum lycopersicum increases salt tolerance by modulating vesicular trafficking in tomato.

Intracellular vesicular trafficking ensures the exchange of lipids and proteins between endomembrane compartments. This is relevant under high salinity conditions, since both the removal of transporters and ion channels from the plasma membrane and the compartmentalization of toxic ions require the formation of vesicles, which can be maintained as multivesicular bodies or be fused to the central vacuole. SNARE proteins (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor) participate in the vesicle fusion process and give specificity to their destination. Plant genome studies have revealed a superfamily of genes that encode for proteins called SNARE-like. These proteins appear to be participating in vesicular trafficking with similar functions to those of SNARE proteins. A SNARE-like, named SlSLSP6, in Solanum lycopersicum plants has been shown to be induced under high salinity conditions. A phylogenetic relationship of SlSLSP6 with SNARE-like proteins of salinity-tolerant plants, including Salicornia brachiata, Zostera marina and Solanum pennelli, was determined. Considering its amino acid sequence, a putative clathrin adapter complex domain and palmitoylation site was predicted. Subcellular localization analysis evidenced that SlSLSP6 is mostly localized in the plasma membrane. Using transgenic tomato plants, we identified that overexpression of SlSLSP6 increased tolerance to salt stress. This tolerance was evident when we quantified an improvement in physiological and biochemical parameters, such as higher chlorophyll content, performance index, efficiency of photosystem II and relative water content, and lower malondialdehyde content, compared to control plants. At the subcellular level, the overexpression of SlSLSP6 reduced the presence of H2O2 in roots and increased the compartmentalization of sodium in vacuoles during salt stress. These effects appear to be associated with the higher endocytic rate of FM4-64, determined in the plant root cells. Taken together, these results indicate that SlSLSP6 increases tolerance to salt stress by modulating vesicular trafficking through over-induction of the endocytic pathway. This work contributes to understanding the role of this type of SNARE-like protein during salt stress and could be a potential candidate in breeding programs for tolerance to salt stress in tomato plants.

Ingenious integration of Fe0 and multiphased MoS2 to activate peroxymonosulfate for carbamazepine removal at high salinity condition

To tackle high salinity challenge, differently from singlet oxygen-governed systems, extremely abundant and highly reactive sulfate radicals (SO4•─)-dominated systems might be also feasible. Ingenious integration of two active popular catalysts, and optimal selection of reaction parameters could sufficiently activate the added peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to efficiently degrade complicated pollutants within a short time so as to overlook the negative effects of inorganic anions. Herein, zero-valent iron decorated metallic 1T/semiconducting 2H hybrid phased molybdenum disulfide with different Mo/S feeding ratio (Fe0/Nx-MoS2) were constructed and compared to activate PMS for carbamazepine (CBZ) removal, where Fe0/N2-MoS2 (M(Mo):M(S) = 7:30) with ultrathin sheet morphology presented most charming decontamination performance. Optimal Fe0/N2-MoS2 dosage and PMS amount was respectively selected as 75 and 50 mg·L-1 in treating 10 mg·L-1 CBZ at pH = 3.00 via tailoring reaction parameters. CBZ could be completely removed in a short time of 10 min with a high pseudo-first-order kinetic rate constant of 0.939 ± 0.016 min−1. The system exhibits the promising anti-interference capacity toward Cl─, NO3─ and SO42─ of high concentration (even up to 3000 mg·L-1). Electron paramagnetic resonance and scavenging experiments of reactive species suggested that SO4•─ played a dominant function. Furthermore, Mo and Fe bimetallic cycles could efficiently promote PMS activation to produce rich reactive radicals. Degradation pathways and toxicity evolutions for CBZ in the (Fe0/N2-MoS2 + PMS) system were proposed via liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometer and Toxicity Estimation Software Tool, and we hope that the system would be applied in high salinity wastewater treatment in future.

Sodium levels and grazing pressure shape natural communities of the intracellular pathogen Legionella

BackgroundLegionella are parasites of freshwater protozoa, responsible for Legionellosis. Legionella can be found in a variety of aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, and springs, as well as in engineered water systems where they can potentially lead to human disease outbarks. Legionella are considered to be predominantly freshwater organisms with a limited ability to proliferate in saline environments. Exposure of Legionella to high sodium concentrations inhibits growth and virulence of laboratory strains, particularly under elevated temperatures. Nonetheless, Legionella have been identified in some saline environments where they likely interact with various protozoan hosts. In this work, we examine how these selection pressures, sodium and grazing, help shape Legionella ecology within natural environments. Utilizing Legionella-specific primers targeting a variable region of the Legionella 16S rRNA gene, we characterized Legionella abundance, diversity, and community composition in natural spring clusters of varying sodium concentrations, focusing on high sodium concentrations and elevated temperatures.ResultsWe observed the highest abundance of Legionella in spring clusters of high salinity, particularly in combination with elevated temperatures. Legionella abundance was strongly related to sodium concentrations. The Legionella community structure in saline environments was characterized by relatively low diversity, compared to spring clusters of lower salinity. The community composition in high salinity was characterized by few dominant Legionella genotypes, not related to previously described species. Protozoan microbial community structure and composition patterns resembled those of Legionella, suggesting a common response to similar selection pressures. We examined Legionella co-occurrence with potential protozoan hosts and found associations with Ciliophora and Amoebozoa representatives.ConclusionsOur results indicate that selection forces in saline environments favor a small yet dominant group of Legionella species that are not closely related to known species. These novel environmental genotypes interact with various protozoan hosts, under environmental conditions of high salinity. Our findings suggest that alternative survival mechanisms are utilized by these species, representing mechanisms distinct from those of well-studied laboratory strains. Our study demonstrate how salinity can shape communities of opportunistic pathogens and their hosts, in natural environments, shedding light on evolutionary forces acting within these complex environments.Dch3Ld1J5jASmW1xvkYvDBVideo

Ena Proteins Respond to PacC-Mediated pH Signaling Pathway and Play a Crucial Role in Patulin Biosynthesis.

Penicillium expansum is a main producer of patulin that causes severe postharvest decay and food safety issues in the fruit industry. Development, pathogenicity, and patulin production of P. expansum are strongly influenced by the PacC-pH signaling pathway. Global transcription factor PacC regulates various fungal biological processes through a complicated molecular network. In the present study, three Ena family genes (PeEnas), PeEnaA, PeEnaB, and PeEnaC, as important downstream targets of PePacC, were identified in P. expansum. Deletion of PeEnaA, PeEnaB, and PeEnaC showed little effect on mycelial growth under alkaline or high salinity conditions, but double and triple deletion of these genes impaired the virulence of P. expansum on apple fruit. Notably, patulin biosynthesis of P. expansum was distinctly inhibited in the deletion mutants of PeEnas. PeEnas regulated expressions of the patulin gene cluster, AP1, CreA, Sge1, and Hog1 at the transcriptional level and played roles in maintaining membrane potential. Overexpression of PeEnaC in ΔPePacC restored the patulin production defect of ΔPePacC. Our results indicated that, as downstream targets of PePacC, the PeEna family proteins play a crucial role in patulin biosynthesis in P. expansum.

Sulfonamide Derivatives as Novel Surfactant/Alkaline Flooding Processes for Improving Oil Recovery.

Over time, oil consumption has increased along with a continuous demand for petroleum products that require finding ways to increase hydrocarbon production more economically and effectively. So, enhanced oil recovery technologies are believed to be very promising and will serve as a key to meeting the future energy demand. This paper aims to introduce an innovative method to boost the EOR by using two novel types of surfactants synthesized from sulfonamide derivatives. Types I and II surfactants were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and their characterization was further performed using 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, the evaluation of these surfactants included interfacial tension measurements at concentrations up to 0.9 wt %. The combination of types I and II surfactants with alkaline (NaOH) was also investigated by the measurements of interfacial tension. A series of coreflood and sandpack tests under high-salinity conditions were carried out to assess the effects of a surfactant alone and alkaline-surfactant as a combination on improving oil recovery. The rock wettability was evaluated using relative permeability saturation curves, and the oil displacement efficiency was determined using fractional flow curves. The coreflood results demonstrated that alkaline-surfactant flooding with the chemical formula 0.2 wt % surfactant type II plus 0.5 wt % NaOH achieved a higher oil recovery of 74% OOIP compared to surfactant flooding with the chemical formula 0.5 wt % surfactant type II (64% OOIP) and waterflooding (saline solution with a 35,000 ppm salinity: 48% OOIP). Moreover, the experimental results showed that under both core and sandpack flood conditions, there was a noticeable reduction in oil-water interfacial tension, a change in rock wettability to more water-wet, and higher efficiency of oil displacement when alkaline was added to the surfactant. Based on current research, the alkaline-surfactant formulation is strongly recommended for chemical flooding because of its high efficacy and relatively low cost.

Mechanical insight into direct singlet oxygen generation pathway: Pivotal role of FeN4 sites and selective organic contaminants removal

Herein, the systematic and novel formation pathway of singlet oxygen (1O2) on single iron atom during advanced oxidation process was investigated and revealed. Graphitic carbon matrix supported single iron atom and iron nanoclusters configurations as model catalysts were synthesized via calcinating Prussian blue, which showed admirable catalytic efficiency towards bisphenol A (BPA) oxidation even under high salinity conditions. 1O2 directly generated on Fe-pyridinic N moiety bonded with terminal O of PMS (HSO5-) was proposed as predominant reactive species. Experimental results and theoretical analysis further detailly demonstrated the evolutionary pathway of 1O2 formation, which occurred through the interaction of two O atoms from adsorbed PMS, accompanying two HSO4- molecules generation with the lowest energy barrier. This study proposed novel insights into direct 1O2-modulated mechanism via Fe-N4 configuration, providing essential atomic-scale understanding of FeNx/PMS based Fenton-like system, as well as a new strategy for the practical environmental remediation with high salinity.

High salinity promotes the photoaging of polystyrene microplastics with humic acid in seawater

The photoaging of microplastics (MPs) accumulated in the sea can be influenced by humic acid (HA). However, the role of salinity cannot be ignored, as it may potentially disrupt the interaction between MPs and HA, thereby altering the photoaging of MPs. Herein, this study investigated how salinity influences the effect of humic acid (HA, derived from lignite) on the photoaging of polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) in artificial and natural seawater. The results revealed that HA promoted the photoaging of PS MPs under both low (5 PSU) and high salinity (35 PSU) in light conditions (L), reflected in the formation of fragments, the production of oxygen–containing functional groups (OH, CO, and OCO), and the increase in hydrophilicity of PS MPs. Furthermore, high salinity promoted the photoaging of PS MPs with HA more significantly, as evidenced by the similar indicators and the order of oxygen/carbon atom ratio (O/C): L–HA–High (0.15) > L–HA–Low (0.10) > Unaged (0.02). Interestingly, due to the reduction of electrostatic repulsion, the adsorption of HA on photoaged PS MPs in natural and artificial high salinity seawater was 1.77 mg/g and 0.39 mg/g, respectively, which was significantly higher than those PS MPs photoaged in the low salinity seawater. Furthermore, the electron spin resonance (ESR) results confirmed that more hydroxyl radicals (OH) were generated after adsorbing HA under high salinity conditions, thus promoting the fragmentation and oxidation of PS MPs. Overall, our findings highlight the crucial role of salinity in influencing the photoaging of MPs with HA and help to assess the marine risk of MPs accurately.

Imaging of Ancient Microbial Biomarkers within Miocene Dolomite (Kuwait) Using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Time-of-Flight–Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) using a bismuth liquid metal ion source was utilized to characterize and image microbial biomarkers within dolomite from early-middle Miocene coastal mud volcano outcrops in Kuwait. ToF-SIMS analysis revealed biomarkers of ancient microbial consortia of sulfate reducers and methane oxidizers participating in the anaerobic oxidation of methane. The identified lipid biomarkers comprised 17α(H),21β(H)-Norhopane, Hop-17(21)-ene or Hop-22(29)-ene (diploptene), non-isoprenoidal dialkyl glycerol diethers (DAGEs), and Diacylglycerol esters (DGs). The ion µ-scale images of carbonate rocks showed two characteristic styles: (1) high signal intensity of dolomite, halite, and biomarkers, where the biomarkers demonstrate a distinctive co-localization pattern with both dolomite and halite; and (2) a lack of dolomite, halite low signal intensity, and an absence of biomarker co-localization patterns. Our results highlight three remarkable observations. Firstly, the concomitance of dolomite and halite suggests a common source of magnesium and sodium supply, likely from the hypersaline Al-Subiya sabkha. This emphasizes the importance of hypersaline seawater for dolomite formation. Secondly, microbial biomarkers correspond to methane- and sulfate-rich conditions under which dolomite was formed. Lastly, the high intensity of biomarker signals and their association with dolomite and halite indicate that the consortia involved in dolomite formation have preferences for high-salinity conditions. The three observations align with previous studies that have highlighted the importance of methane-sulfate redox, high salinity, and halophilic microbes for dolomite formation. This work is the first to acknowledge ancient microbial biomarkers within Miocene dolomite in Kuwait, which aims to broaden the understanding of the biogeochemical processes triggering dolomite formation in similar environments and ancient geologic settings.

The impact of water table fluctuation and salinity on LNAPL distribution and geochemical properties in the smear zone under completely anaerobic conditions

Climate and groundwater are always in a state of dynamic equilibrium. Subsurface systems contaminated by light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) present a challenge to understand the overall impact of water table dynamics, due to various interacting mechanisms, including volatilization, and LNAPL mobilization/dissolution along the groundwater flow direction and oscillating redox conditions. We investigated the impact of water table fluctuations on LNAPL natural attenuation and soil geochemical characteristics in semi-arid coastal areas under saline conditions. Four soil columns operated for 151 days under anoxic conditions where a layer of benzene and toluene were subjected to a stable and fluctuating water table associated with low and high salinity conditions. The bottom of stable and fluctuating columns reached an anaerobic state after 40 days, while the middle of stable column took 60 days. pH values of the fluctuating columns covered a wide range, and at the end shifted towards alkaline conditions, unlike the stable columns. In fluctuating columns, pore water sulfate decreased in the middle, but in stable columns, it decreased in the first 40 days, which suggested that sulfate was the primary electron donor and sulfate-reducing bacteria were present. At the source zone, benzene and toluene reached their maximum concentration after 30 and 10 days for the stable and the fluctuating columns, respectively. Significant decrease in benzene and toluene concentrations occurred under the fluctuating water table. Salinity did not affect benzene and toluene concentrations in the aqueous phase, although water table fluctuations have the most effect. Soil solid-phase analysis shows fluctuating columns have less toluene than stable columns. Solid-phase analysis showed the fluctuating columns have less benzene and toluene concentrations as compared to the stable columns.

Surface functionalized Fe3O4‐polyacrylamide dispersion for improved oil recovery at harsh conditions

AbstractWith the growing demand for energy supply and the natural decline of oil reservoirs, the development of new enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques become more and more critical. Polymer flooding EOR is one of the most successful chemical EOR methods but suffers many drawbacks at high temperatures and high salinity (HT‐HS) conditions. Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) have been recently investigated for subsurface applications, including in EOR, due to their unique physicochemical properties. Their applicability under harsh reservoir conditions, however, is yet to be examined. In this work, a novel approach is developed to synthesize superparamagnetic Fe3O4 (NPs) with unique surface functionalization (SMag‐NPs) and to form stable polyacrylamide (PAM) dispersions (SMag‐NPs‐PAM). Both stability and core flooding experiment results demonstrate the promising future of the new dispersion. The SMag‐NPs‐PAM dispersion is not only stable at HT‐HS conditions, but also show excellent EOR capability at HT‐HS by recovering, 61.72% of the initial oil quantity, which is significantly higher than those from conventinal NPs‐PAM disperison and pure PAM fluid. These findings show the promising application potential of SMag‐NPs‐PAM for improving oil recovery in challenging HT‐HS reservoir conditions.

High-loaded single-atom Cu-N3 sites catalyze hydrogen peroxide decomposition to selectively induce singlet oxygen production for wastewater purification

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have been widely used in Fenton-like water treatment, but studies on the selective induction of H2O2 to produce singlet oxygen (1O2) are rare. Herein, a carbon nitride supported high-loaded single-atom Cu-N3 catalyst (Cu-CN, Cu load is 15.46 wt%) is prepared to activate H2O2 to selectively form 1O2. Experimental and DFT calculation results reveal that the key factor for 1O2 production is the Cu-N3 coordination structure. Specifically, Cu-N3 coordination structure is conducive to decomposing H2O2 into·OOH/·O2-. Besides, the density of Cu-N3 sites is another key factor, high Cu-N3 site density is conducive to the rapid conversion of·OOH/·O2- to 1O2. Benefitting from the dominant role of 1O2, the Fenton-like degradation performance of Cu-CN/ H2O2 system is not disturbed under high salinity conditions, and the performance is significantly enhanced at high pH. This work represents an important reference in understanding SACs for activated H2O2 to generate 1O2.

Širenje atlantskog plavog raka Callinectes sapidus u Tirenskom moru: dokazi o postojanju ustanovljene populaciji u laguni Stagnone di Marsala (Sicilija, južna Italija)

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus is a portunid brachyuran native of the Atlantic coasts of America. In the last decades, the species has greatly expanded its range in invaded areas, currently including the Atlantic coasts of Morocco, the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea as well as the eastern Atlantic coasts of Europe from Portugal to France, Belgium, and Germany. In the present study, several specimens of C. sapidus were collected in May, June and July 2021 in the Stagnone di Marsala, a semi-enclosed basin located in the north-western coast of Sicily (southern Italy, Mediterranean Sea) characterized by low hydrodynamics and water exchange with the adjacent open sea and high salinity conditions. Juveniles at different instar stages and ovigerous females were repeatedly captured, suggesting the presence of an established population of the blue crab, despite the peculiar environmental conditions characterizing the basin. These findings are discussed in the context of the current expansion of the species along the African coasts of the Mediterranean Sea.

Optimization of the Methods to Develop Stable Polymer Gels for Water Management in Medium- and Ultra-High-Salinity Reservoirs.

Polymer gels suffer from a serious syneresis issue when exposed to high-temperature and high-salinity (HTHS) conditions, which limits their use as water-treatment agents in this type of reservoir. In this paper, the effects of the polymer type/concentration, deoxidizers, and stabilizers on the long-term stability of polymer gels were systematically studied; thus, the methods to develop stable polymer gels for two typical levels of salinity were optimized. The results show the following: (1) For a medium-salinity condition (TDS: 33,645.0 mg/L) at 125 °C, conventional HPAM gels completely dehydrate within only 1 day, and the addition of a deoxidizer hardly improved their stability. Some special polymers, e.g., AP-P5, MKY, and CPAM, are able to form stable gels if a high concentration of 0.8% is used; the syneresis rate of these gels is about 10% after 30 days. However, the addition of the complexant sodium oxalate significantly improves the stability of gels formed by all five of these different polymers, which behave with a 0% syneresis rate after 30 days pass. Complexants are the most economical and feasible agents to develop stable gels in medium-salinity water. (2) Gels enhanced using the methods above all become unstable in a more challenging ultra-high-saline condition (TDS: 225,068.0 mg/L). In this case, special calcium- and magnesium-resistant polymers are required to prepare stable gels, which show 0% syneresis rates after 30 days, have relatively low strengths, but do produce a good plugging effect in high-permeability cores.

Interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and indigenous compost improve salt stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum durum)

Salinity is one of the most harmful abiotic stresses that affect wheat development and metabolism. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of biostimulants/biofertilizers as an environment-friendly practice for improving wheat tolerance to salinity. A greenhouse experiment was conducted on a durum wheat variety: Carioca. The wheat seedlings were treated with a pure strain of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (M; Rhizoglomus irregulare) and /or compost (C; made from olive pomace with olive mill wastewater under non-saline, medium and high saline (100 and 200 mM NaCl) conditions. The results showed that C application significantly decreased mycorrhizal infection. Salinity reduced growth, physiological functioning, and biochemical processes. However, selected biostimulants/biofertilizers application, especially C alone, mitigated the negative effects of salinity by improving wheat shoot dry weight (65%), root dry weight (22%), phosphorus uptake (544%), and stomatal conductance (180%) than control under 200 mM NaCl. In addition, C application alone and/or M treatments improved osmotic adjustment and antioxidant system, maintained a higher stem water potential, reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content and increased glomalin secretion in soil. These results showed that compost and/ or Rhizoglomus irregulare could mediate salt tolerance and enhance wheat production in degraded areas.

Salinity-dependent mitigation of naphthalene toxicity in migratory Takifugu obscurus juveniles: Implications for survival, oxidative stress, and osmoregulation

Naphthalene, an environmental pollutant classified as a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), can induce toxicity in fish and other aquatic organisms. Through our investigation, we determined how Takifugu obscurus juveniles were affected by naphthalene (0, 2 mg L−1) exposure in terms of oxidative stress biomarkers and Na+/K+-ATPase activity in various tissues (gill, liver, kidney and muscle) under dissimilar salinities (0, 10 psu). Results suggest that naphthalene exposure significantly affects the survival of T. obscurus juveniles and leads to significant changes in the levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and Na+/K+-ATPase activity, which are indicative of oxidative stress and emphasized the risks associated with osmoregulatory function. The higher salinity affected on the noxious effects of naphthalene can be observed, resulting in decreased biomarker levels and increased Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Salinity levels affected the uptake of naphthalene and its impact on different tissues, with high salinity conditions having mitigating effects on oxidative stress and naphthalene uptake in the liver and kidney tissues. Increased Na+/K+-ATPase activity was observed in all tissues treated with 10 psu and 2 mg L−1 naphthalene. Our findings deepen the understanding of T. obscurus juveniles' physiological responses to naphthalene exposure, and highlight the potential mitigating effects of salinity. These insights can inform the development of appropriate conservation and management practices to protect aquatic organisms from susceptibility.

Salt and drought stress-mitigating approaches in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) to improve its performance and yield.

Although sugar beet is a salt- and drought-tolerant crop, high salinity, and water deprivation significantly reduce its yield and growth. Several reports have demonstrated stress tolerance enhancement through stress-mitigating strategies including the exogenous application of osmolytes or metabolites, nanoparticles, seed treatments, breeding salt/drought-tolerant varieties. These approaches would assist in achieving sustainable yields despite global climatic changes. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is an economically vital crop for ~ 30% of world sugar production. They also provide essential raw materials for bioethanol, animal fodder, pulp, pectin, and functional food-related industries. Due to fewer irrigation water requirements and shorter regeneration time than sugarcane, beet cultivation is spreading to subtropical climates from temperate climates. However, beet varieties from different geographical locations display different stress tolerance levels. Although sugar beet can endure moderate exposure to various abiotic stresses, including high salinity and drought, prolonged exposure to salt and drought stress causes a significant decrease in crop yield and production. Hence, plant biologists and agronomists have devised several strategies to mitigate the stress-induced damage to sugar beet cultivation. Recently, several studies substantiated that the exogenous application of osmolytes or metabolite substances can help plants overcome injuries induced by salt or drought stress. Furthermore, these compounds likely elicit different physio-biochemical impacts, including improving nutrient/ionic homeostasis, photosynthetic efficiency, strengthening defense response, and water status improvement under various abiotic stress conditions. In the current review, we compiled different stress-mitigating agricultural strategies, prospects, and future experiments that can secure sustainable yields for sugar beets despite high saline or drought conditions.

Water and salt migration characterization in NaHCO3 saline soils during unidirectional freezing conditions

In cold regions, the eutectic action of the NaHCO3-H2O binary system during the freezing process affects the migration of water and salt in NaHCO3 saline soils. This study aims to investigate the migration of water and salt in open and closed systems, utilizing unidirectional freezing tests with different salt contents. By considering the phase diagram of pore solution and phase transition theory, two phase-change paths can be observed in NaHCO3 saline soils during freezing. These paths result in different migration patterns for water and salt, depending on the salt and water content conditions of the samples. The theoretical and experimental results both validate that water migrates from the unfrozen zone towards the eutectic action and ice crystallization zone during the freezing process. Under low-salinity conditions, salt migrates from the ice crystallization zone towards the eutectic action and unfrozen zone. Conversely, under high-salinity conditions, salt migrates from the unfrozen zone towards the eutectic action. Moreover, it is observed that a high salt content hinders water migration.