DTPA Research Articles

Immobilization of potentially toxic elements by grape waste biochar in contaminated soils

Biochar derived from agricultural waste is recognized as an environmentally sustainable method for immobilizing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in contaminated soils. This study investigated the efficacy of biochar produced from grape residues in immobilizing PTEs such as Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Co in contaminated soils. A total of 110 surface soil samples were collected from three land-use types (agricultural, urban, and industrial) in Arak, Iran. The bioavailable fractions of PTEs were analyzed using the diethylenetriamine penta acetic acid (DTPA) extraction method. The properties of biochar were characterized through X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Biochar was incorporated into the contaminated soils at a rate of 5 % (w/w) and incubated for two months. The results indicated that the biochar application enhanced soil properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, and soil microbial respiration. Simultaneously, the DTPA-extractable concentrations of Cu, Ni, Pb, and Co decreased from 7.26, 1.83, 5.82, and 0.25 mg/kg, to 5.54, 0.86, 4.06, and 0.18 mg/kg, respectively, corresponding to reductions of 24 % to 79 % in bioavailability. The reductions were attributed to the functional groups with negative charges and the high specific surface area of the biochar, as identified by FTIR and BET analyses. A random forest analysis further revealed that organic matter and soil microbial respiration were the most influential factors in in reducing the bioavailability of PTEs following biochar amendment. These findings underscore the potential of grape residue-derived biochar as an effective amendment for mitigating PTE contamination in soils.

The selection of target areas for orbital imaging, as well as the application of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid orbital imaging, clinical factors, alkaline phosphatase, and thyrotropin receptor antibodies in the staging and grading of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, are subjects of research.

This study aimed to investigate whether patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) are in the active phase and explore their correlations with various clinical factors, serological tests, and orbital imaging parameters studied. It also aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of different target areas in orbital imaging for assessing TAO inflammatory activity according to the American NOSPECS classification. Patients were stratified based on their NOSPECS grade to determine statistical differences among different stages. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of statistically significant data. Patients identified as active by orbital imaging were recommended for treatment to observe therapeutic outcomes. A total of 45 patients with thyroid-related eye disease who underwent 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (CT) fusion imaging, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb), free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone serological tests, and clinical data collection from November 2023 to June 2024 were included. Clinical Activity Score (CAS) assessment, diplopia scores, and NOSPECS grading were conducted the day after imaging. Four rectus muscles were outlined as regions of interest on the optimal frame of extraocular muscle imaging and measured for maximum and mean radioactive counts, normalized against average counts of the patient's optic nerve level occipital bone region (UR1max, UR1mean). Tear gland radioactive uptake was similarly measured for maximum and mean counts normalized against the same region (UR2max, UR2mean). Exophthalmos and extraocular muscle thickening were assessed on CT scans. The correlations between different study parameters and CAS, as well as differences among different NOSPECS grades, were evaluated. ROC curves were used for statistically significant variables. Patients with discrepancies between orbital imaging and CAS results underwent treatment or follow-up to evaluate prognosis and staging. Active TAO status correlated significantly with UR1max, UR1mean, UR2max, UR2mean, ALP, TRAb, and age, using CAS and radiological imaging as standards. Among these, UR2max showed the strongest correlation. Significant differences (except ALP and TRAb) were found among different NOSPECS grades for the studied variables. Orbital volume, CAS results, radiological imaging, and diplopia scores also showed significant differences among different grades. Forty-two of 45 patients exhibited varying degrees of extraocular muscle thickening, confirming its reliability as a diagnostic criterion for TAO. The most common muscles affected were the inferior and medial rectus muscles, observed in 32 cases. High consistency was found between orbital imaging and CAS staging. Three patients diagnosed as active by imaging (including one with inconsistent CAS and imaging results) showed varying degrees of improvement posttreatment. Patients with nonactive imaging but inconsistent CAS results showed no progression during 3-month follow-up. ROC curves demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy for UR2max, with other indices also showing good diagnostic performance. Tear glands and extraocular muscles showed high diagnostic value, with tear glands demonstrating relatively higher value. Orbital imaging showed high consistency with CAS grading, providing an objective and comprehensive assessment of ocular involvement compared to CAS scoring alone. ALP and TRAb also demonstrated value in TAO staging, assisting clinical discrimination. Age may also play a significant role.

The nomogram model and its value study of Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI for preoperative diagnosis of proliferative hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective: To develop a nomogram model for preoperative diagnosis of proliferative hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) based on gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to explore its clinical value. Methods: MRI and clinical pathological data of patients confirmed by pathology as proliferative HCC (178 cases) and non-proliferative HCC (378 cases) between September 2017 and November 2022 who underwent preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI scans were retrospectively collected. The MRI features and clinical pathological characteristics of proliferative and non-proliferative HCC were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify independent predictive factors for proliferative HCC, the R software was used to construct the nomogram prediction model, and its diagnostic performance was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were drawn to evaluate the calibration performance and clinical application value of the nomogram model. The optimal cut-off value was selected by calculating the Youden index to distinguish high risk and low risk. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the survival prognosis of proliferative and non-proliferative HCC, and log-rank test was used for comparison. Results: There were significant differences in AFP level(χ2=17.244, P<0.001), morphology of tumor(χ2=13.669, P<0.001), intertumoral fat(χ2=10.495, P=0.001), arterial phase peritumoral enhancement(χ2=37.662, P<0.001), tumor capsule(χ2=23.961, P<0.001), substantial intratumoral necrosis(χ2=77.184, P<0.001), intratumoral hemorrhage(χ2=4.892, P=0.027), peritumoral hypointense in hepatobiliary phase(χ2=47.675, P<0.001), rim arterial phase hyperenhancement(χ2=115.976, P<0.001), intratumoral artery(χ2=15.528, P<0.001) and venous tumor thrombus(χ2=10.532, P=0.001) between proliferative and non-proliferative HCC groups. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that AFP>200 ng/ml(OR=0.640, P=0.044), no intertumoral fat(OR=1.947, P=0.033), substantial intratumoral necrosis(OR=0.480, P=0.003), peritumoral hypointense in hepatobiliary phase(OR=0.432, P=0.001), and rim arterial phase hyperenhancement(OR=0.180, P<0.001) were independent predictors of preoperative diagnosis of proliferative HCC. Based on the independent predictors, a nomogram model for preoperative prediction of proliferative HCC was established. The area under the ROC curve of the model for predicting proliferative HCC was 0.772 (95%CI: 0.735～0.807), the sensitivity was 69.1%, and the specificity was 75.4%. The calibration curve and DCA curve showed that the calibration performance and clinical applicability of the nomogram model were good. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the survival rate of patients with proliferative HCC after hepatectomy was significantly lower than that of non-proliferative HCC (P<0.001), and the high-risk group was significantly lower than the low-risk group (P<0.001). Conclusions: The nomogram prediction model based on Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI imaging features combined with AFP >200 ng/ml can accurately diagnose proliferative HCC before operation and predict prognosis.

Immobilization of Heavy Metals in Biochar Derived from Biosolids: Effect of Temperature and Carrier Gas

Slow pyrolysis was carried out in biosolids under three different temperatures (400, 500 and 600 °C) and two different carrier gases (CO2 and N2) on a fluidized bed reactor. The total concentration, chemical fractionation, and plant availability of the heavy metals in biochar were assessed by standard methods. The total concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Ni and Pb increased with the conversion of biosolids to biochar and with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The community’s Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction identified the migration of metals from toxic and bioavailable to potentially stable available or non-available forms at higher pyrolysis temperatures. Diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA)-extractable metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe and Pb) were significantly lower in biochar compared to biosolids. By replacing N2 with CO2, the total metal concentration of heavy metals was significantly different for Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb and As. There were larger amounts of metals in the residual and oxidizable fractions compared to when N2 was used as a carrier gas. Consequently, the biochar produced at higher temperatures (500 and 600 °C) in the N2 environment exhibited lower potential ecological risks than in CO2 environments (69.94 and 52.16, respectively, compared to values from 75.95 to 151.38 for biochars prepared in N2). Overall, the results suggest that the higher temperature biochar can support obtaining environmentally safe biochar and can be effective in attenuating the ecological risks of biosolids.

The accuracy of estimating equations for the evaluation of kidney function in adult survivors of unilateral, nonmetastatic, non-syndromic Wilms tumor: A pilot study from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study.

Adult survivors of unilateral, nonmetastatic, non-syndromic Wilms tumor (WT) treated with whole abdomen radiation therapy (WART) are at risk for impaired kidney function. The impact of bias and accuracy on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among adult survivors of WT has not been well documented. We clinically evaluated male and female WT survivors with creatinine and cystatin C, calculated eGFR using the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology equations with and without cystatin C, and measured 99mTc diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) plasma clearance. WT survivors treated with unilateral nephrectomy (UN), non-nephrotoxic chemotherapy (NNC) and WART or treated with UN, no radiation therapy, and NNC were enrolled. Correlations between 99mTc DTPA clearance and eGFR were calculated. Bias and the percentage of eGFR calculations that differed from the 99mTc DTPA clearance by 10% or less (P10) or 30% or less (P30) (accuracy) were calculated. Among female WT survivors, none of the eGFR calculations was statistically significantly correlated with 99mTc DTPA clearance. Among both unirradiated and WART-treated male WT survivors, 99mTc DTPA clearance correlated well with eGFR calculations that included creatinine. eGFR calculations that included creatinine were positively biased among female participants compared to 99mTc DTPA clearance, and no P30 was greater than 90% among either irradiated males or females. Among female survivors of unilateral, nonmetastatic, non-syndromic WT who have undergone UN, eGFR is poorly correlated with, is positively biased, and lacks sufficient accuracy, compared to 99mTc DTPA clearance.

Gadolinium-Sensitive Artificial Nanochannel Membrane for Information Encryption.

Inspired from ion channels in the myelinated axon of Xenopus laevis found to be affected by gadolinium on axonal currents, we present a solid nanochannel membrane sensitive to gadolinium (Gd3+), which can be achieved via the use of the macrocyclic triacetic acid derivative in the host-guest chemistry approach. The macrocyclic nanochannel has good responsiveness toward Gd3+, even at the nanomolar concentration level, evidenced by discernible changes in rectification, ionic conductance, and XPS analyses. Notably, the Gd3+-sensitive nanochannel membrane can be switched by the addition of a diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) derivative. Further studies have indicated that the gated behavior of Gd3+ in the nanochannel can be attributed to the strong binding strength between DO3A and Gd3+, which induces a surface charge reversal within the nanochannel. The mechanism has been confirmed through several experimental techniques, including isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments, fluorescence titration experiments, and finite element analysis. Based on its Gd3+ responsiveness of the constructed ion channel, we successfully developed an advanced multilevel information encryption application of the artificial solid nanochannel membrane. Furthermore, it is anticipated that a more effective encryption system will be built by utilizing the bionic ion channel system's ease of use and straightforward functionalization.

Cisplatin-Induced Renal Failure Measured by Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) with 99mTc-DTPA Scans in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Cisplatin is a potent agent commonly used to treat cancer, but its effects pose a significant risk to renal function. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the impact of cisplatin on renal function as measured by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using diethyltriamine-penta-acetic acid (DTPA) renal scintigraphy. Methods: Extensive literature searches were performed using PRISMA guidelines that investigated cisplatin-induced renal failure by measuring GFR with DTPA. Eligible studies were included based on predefined criteria. Data on GFR, serum creatinine levels, and acute kidney injury (AKI) before and after cisplatin therapy were extracted and analyzed. A meta-analysis was performed utilizing RevMan 5.4 to determine the overall effect of cisplatin on GFR before and after treatment. For non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, while for RCT, the Cochrane risk of bias tool was utilized. Results: Initially, 1003 studies were searched from different databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library, and after screening, 8 studies (PubMed, Scopus, and GoogleS cholar) with 489 patients were found eligible for inclusion in the present study. Cisplatin was administrated with varying doses ranging from 20 mg/m2 to 114.02 mg/m2. The findings underscore the nephrotoxic effects of cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, as demonstrated by the significant decline in GFR observed across multiple treatment cycles, and these findings were also supported by the findings of a meta-analysis that showed a significant (p < 0.01) difference between peri- and post-treatment GFR level with 37.06 (95% CI, 10.90-63.23) effect size and 96% heterogeneity. In addition, the included studies were found to be of high quality. Conclusions: Cisplatin significantly affects renal function, as evidenced by a decrease in GFR measured with DTPA. The findings underscore the importance of the routine monitoring of GFR to detect early renal injury and guide treatment modification. Future research should focus on strategies to reduce cisplatin-induced toxicity and explore alternative therapies with reduced renal risk.

Comparative Evaluation Of The Effect Of Different Chelating Agents On The Push-Out Bond Strength Of A Bioceramic Sealer: An In-Vitro Study

Aim: This study aimed to assess how the push out bond strength of a bioceramic sealer (Meta CeraSeal) is affected by three different chelating agents: 17% EDTA, 7% Maleic acid, and 5% Pentetic acid. Methodology: 60 mandibular premolars were shaped using Pro Taper Gold rotary file upto size F2. The canals were irrigated with 2ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) between instrumentation and then the NaOCl was removed by rinsing with five milliliters of distilled water.. The 60 specimens were divided into 4 groups of 15 each, in a random manner, depending on the final irrigating solution: Group 1 (n=15): 17% EDTA,Group 2 (n=15): 7% Maleic acid,Group 3 (n=15): 5% Pentetic acid and Group 4 (n=15): 0.9% Saline. The canals were obturated with Meta CeraSeal coated gutta percha using single cone technique. Access to cavities were sealed and the specimens were sectioned to obtain three horizontal sections at distances of 12, 6, and 2 mm from the apex (coronal, middle, and apical root sections, respectively). A universal testing machine was used to apply the push-out test. Results: The push out bond strength was significantly higher for 5% Pentetic acid as compared to 17% EDTA and 7% Maleic acid (p&lt;0.05). Also, the apical third exhibited the lowest push out bond strength value in all the groups. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that, in comparison to the other tested groups, 5% pentetic acid has higher potential to facilitate the bonding of the bioceramic sealer Meta CeraSeal to root dentin

Achieving dendrite-free zinc deposition by large-size anion-reinforced solvated structures for highly reversible zinc anode

The electrochemical instability of zinc anode caused by surface side reactions and irregular zinc deposition severely hinders the practical application of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). In this work, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, pentasodium salt (DTPA) was used as a novel electrolyte additive to modulate the electrochemical stability of Zn anode. The DTPA anion can strongly coordinate with Zn2+, thus enabling the formation of a unique large-size anion-enhanced solvation structure of electrolyte. In this, not only the generation of by-products on Zn anode can be effectively inhibited, but more importantly, the deposition kinetics of Zn2+ can be well regulated to induce even and stable zinc deposition. In addition, DTPA is more prone to chemically adsorbed on the surface of Zn anode than H2O, contributing to the resistance of electrochemical corrosion. Synergistically, the Zn anode demonstrates excellent cycling stability (3850 h at 1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2, and 500 h at 10 mA cm−2, 10 mAh cm−2), enhanced coulombic efficiency (99.83% upon 3500 cycles at 5 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2), and high reversibility of 1050 h even at a stringent discharge depth of 80%. Particularly, the full cell assembled with NaV3O8·1·5H2O (NaVO) cathode can also operate stably for 1800 cycles at 2 A g−1 with a high capacity retain of 90.8%. This work may pave a new route to achieve high-performance AZIBs by regulating the deposition process of Zn2+ based on large-size anion-enhanced solvation structure of electrolyte.

A New Approach to Differentiate the Causes of Excessive Cadmium in Rice: Soil Cadmium Extractability or Rice Variety

In order to effectively decrease cadmium (Cd) in rice grains in contaminated paddy soil and maintain the safe production of rice, identifying excessive Cd in rice caused by rice varieties or soil Cd is critical, but it is currently lacking. In the present study, the soil ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-extractable Cd (EDTA-Cd) and the bioaccumulation factors of rice based on EDTA-Cd (BCFEDTA-Cd) were used to develop an approach to identify excessive Cd in rice caused by rice varieties or soil Cd. Based on an empirical soil–plant transfer model and species sensitivity distribution (SSD), BCFEDTA-Cd and EDTA-Cd were divided into five grades. The results showed that the five grades of the EDTA-Cd (minimum value less than 0.11 mg/kg and maximum value greater than 2.93 mg/kg) and BCFEDTA-Cd (minimum value less than 0.09 and maximum value greater than 1.40) were classified in the normal soil pH range. Further, the conversion equation between EDTA-Cd and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-Cd was obtained through linear regression analysis using 67 sets of soil data from the literature. In addition, the four selected rounding thresholds for the percentage of EDTA-Cd to total soil Cd (EDTA-Cd) (%) were 52.5, 67.5, 82.5, and 97.5%. A selected soil EDTA-Cd (%) (about 75%) can be used to identify the status of soil bioavailability, especially in soil with high background Cd. Finally, a set of 1084 pairs of rice and soil data for Cd-contaminated soils was used to investigate the respective contributions of rice varieties and soil Cd when Cd in rice exceeds the limit (0.2 mg/kg). Based on field experiment data, a systematic identification approach for the causes of rice Cd exceeding the limit, soil Cd or rice variety, was established and applied. In conclusion, under Cd exposure conditions, the importance of the causes of Cd in soil and rice varieties can be identified, and their contributions can be distinguished, thus helping to identify the causes of Cd contamination in rice.

An enhanced electrokinetic system for remediation of Cu-polluted clay soils by integrating purging solutions and intermittent power

This study investigated the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of purging solutions enhanced by intermittent power in improving electrokinetic (EK) restoration of clay soils even under high levels of heavy metals (HM). In so doing, the artificially contaminated specimens containing a wide range of copper (Cu) were prepared and then subjected to a series of EK tests with various electrolytes and electric regimes. Macro and micro scale examinations revealed that under the unenhanced EK condition (i.e., continuous current without agents), the formation of non-conducting solid phases and/or the clogged fabric in the samples with the high dosages (> 250 mg/kg) of HM could dramatically impede the metal separation from the soil. Hence, increasing the remediation time would not be very effective in facilitating the decontamination process. It was observed that the EDTA-ameliorated treatment accompanied by pentetic acid and acetic acid can mitigate the metal precipitation/encapsulation effects induced by EK actions, resulting in improved rate of HM removal. In this case; however, a high portion of these enhancers would be required to ensure the stable mobility of ions and to achieve successful recovery. Such a limitation has been shown to be overcome by incorporating pulsed power (PP) at an optimal frequency. In fact, as evidenced by SEM-EDX and XRD analyses, the integration of chemical agents with PP could simultaneously retain the solubilized Cu species in the soil mass and modify the matrix tortuosity (i.e., the establishment of well-linked pores), two features that have been found to play essential roles in providing for favorable activity of HM ions during the EK operation. The corresponding refinements in the binary system would cause an almost 8 folds increase in the removal efficiency and a shorter (up to 30 %) time of treatment compared to conventional EK.

Comparison of eGFR Equations to Guide Dosing of Medications for Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Clinicians caring for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) most commonly use estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to guide medication dosing as it is the most readily available measure of kidney function. Which eGFR equations provide the most accurate medication dosing guidance for KTRs remains uncertain. We studied 415 stable KTRs in Canada and New Zealand. Participants completed same-day measurements of creatinine and cystatin C and measured GFR (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid). Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, European Kidney Function Consortium, and transplant-specific eGFR equations were compared with both Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance (CrCl) and measured GFR. eGFR equations were assessed both indexed to a standardized body surface area (BSA) of 1.73 m 2 (milliliter per minute per 1.73 m 2 , as is conventional reporting from most clinical laboratories) and nonindexed (milliliter per minute) accounting for actual BSA. The primary outcome was the proportion of medication dosing discordance relative to Cockcroft-Gault CrCl or measured GFR for 8 commonly prescribed medications. Stratified analyses were performed on the basis of obesity status. Nonindexed eGFR equations (milliliter per minute) resulted in substantially lower medication dosing discordance compared with indexed eGFR equations (milliliter per minute per 1.73 m 2 ). These findings were most pronounced among KTRs with obesity, in whom underdosing was frequent. When compared with Cockcroft-Gault CrCl, the lowest proportion of discordance was found with the nonindexed 2023 transplant-specific equation. When compared with measured GFR, the lowest proportion of discordance was found with the nonindexed 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Cr/CysC equation. Nonindexed eGFR values accounting for actual BSA should be used by clinicians for medication dosing in KTRs. These findings may inform KT providers about which eGFR equations provide the safest, most accurate medication dosing guidance for KTRs.

Co-Delivery of Renal Clearable Cerium Complex and Synergistic Antioxidant Iron Complex for Treating Sepsis.

The mononuclear phagocytic system clears the circulating inorganic nanomaterials from the bloodstream, which raises concerns about the chronic toxicity of the accumulated metal species. A better understanding of the behavior of each metal after systemic injection is thus required for clinical translations. This study investigates the significance of the metal-ligand interaction on the accumulation of cerium and demonstrates that only the form in which cerium is coordinated to a multidentate chelator with a strong binding affinity does not accumulate in major organs. Specifically, cerium complexed with diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) forms renally excretable nanoparticles in vivo to circumvent the leaching of cerium ions, whereas weakly coordinated cerium-based nanomaterials produce insoluble precipitates upon encountering physiological phosphate anions. Ceria-based renally clearable nanoparticles (CRNs) derived from cerium-DTPA are utilized as the antioxidant pair with iron-DTPA, in which their combination leverages the Fenton reaction to synergistically scavenge hydrogen peroxide. This reduces the gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors in the macrophages activated with lipopolysaccharide as well as improves the survival rate of septic mice by alleviating the systemic inflammatory response and its downstream tissue injury in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. This study demonstrates that CRNs combined with iron-DTPA can be utilized as nonaccumulative nanomedicines for treating systemic inflammation, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional ceria nanoparticle-based treatments.

Investigating soil physicochemical factors influencing trace element contamination at the semi-urban-rural home gardening interfaces on the Fiji Islands

Due to its ecological and public health implications, home gardening soil pollution is challenging. However, the physicochemical factors of trace element pollution in semi-urban-rural home gardening soil interfaces in Fiji are unclear. Self-organizing map (SOM), chemometrics, compositional data analysis (CDA), and soil quality indices were used to evaluate spatial patterns, contamination characteristics, sources, and factors affecting trace element contamination in 55 soil samples from semi-urban and rural Fiji. The average contents of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable forms of trace element levels (mg/kg) increased in rural areas as Fe (55.7) > Mn (40.4) > Zn (9.4) > Cu (5.9) and semi-urban areas as Fe (55.2) > Zn (35.9) > Mn (37.1) > Cu (16.1). Rural soils have less ecological risks to home gardening than semi-urban soils. SOM and CDA analysis showed four spatial clusters: clusters 1 and 3 are natural geogenic in rural regions while clusters 2 and 4 are human-induced non-point sources in semi-urban areas. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that semi-urban Cu-Zn was more affected by manufacturing emissions or fertilization, whereas rural Fe-Mn was more likely to be lithogenic. The research found that pH and organic matter significantly affect Cu and Zn pollution in semi-urban soils (p < 0.05). For rural and semi-urban soils, trace element subsets explained 44 %–87 % of soil contamination changes using the stepwise regression model. These findings aid to establishing a primary database of eco-environmental risks and facilitate comprehensive strategies for assessing soil contamination and potential threats to food safety.

Engineered biochars for simultaneous immobilization of as and Cd in soil: Field evidence

Agricultural soil contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) poses a serious threat to food security. Immobilization serves as a widely used approach for the remediation of PTEs contaminated soils, nevertheless, the long-term effectiveness for the simultaneous immobilization of both cations and oxyanions remains a challenge. In order to effectively enhance the synergistic immobilization effect of soil As and Cd contaminated by multiple elements and improve the ecological environment of farmland. In this study, a typical polluted tailings area farmland was selected for situ immobilization experiments, and biochar was prepared from cow manure (CMB), rice straw (RSB), and pine wood (PWB) as raw materials. On this basis, the pristine biochar was modified with ferric chloride (F), potassium permanganate (K), magnesium chloride (M), and aluminum chloride (A), respectively. Furthermore, the immobilization effect of modified biochar on As-Cd and the stress effect on soil respiration were investigated. The results showed that CMB and RSB reduced the bioavailability of heavy metals, potassium permanganate has strong oxidizing properties, and the strong oxidability of potassium permanganate stimulated the generation of more oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of biochar, thereby enhancing the adsorption and complexation effect of modified materials on As and Cd. Among them, the extracted Cd concentration of Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) in KCMB and KRSB in 2020 decreased by 8.23–43.12% and 9.67–35.29% compared to other treatments, respectively. Meanwhile, the KCMB and KRSB treatments also reduced the enrichment of As and Cd in plant tissues. In addition, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in KCMB treatment was relatively high, and the carbon stability of the material was weakened. Simultaneously, the soil respiration emission of KCMB treatment was increased by 5.63% and 11.93% compared to KRSB and KPWB treatments, respectively. In addition, the structural equation also shows that DOC has a large positive effect on soil respiration. In summary, the KRSB treatment effectively achieve synergistic immobilization of As-Cd and provide important guiding significance for green and low-carbon remediation of polluted farmland.

Geochemical Interaction and Bioavailability of Zinc in Soil Under Long‐Term Integrated Nutrient Management in Pearl Millet–Wheat System

ABSTRACTThe degree and severity of zinc (Zn) deficiency in soil reduced the agricultural yield and quality, thus encouraging malnutrition in humans worldwide. The study was hypothesized to increase the bioavailability and release of Zn in soil and Zn biofortification in wheat grains under integrated nutrient management (INM). The long‐term (54 years) experiment laid out in a split‐plot design comprising single (W) and dual (PW) applications of farmyard manure (FYM) (0, 5, 10, and 15 Mg ha−1) and nitrogen (0, 60, and 120 kg ha−1) was studied to understand the distribution of different Zn fractions in soil and their relationship to wheat grain yield and Zn uptake. A laboratory incubation study was performed on surface soils to evaluate the release kinetics of native Zn at field capacity. The different fractions of Zn in soil increased with increasing frequency and levels of FYM application. Residual Zn constituted the maximum proportion (89.03%) of total soil Zn. A high positive correlation (p &lt; 0.01) of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)‐extractable Zn and total grain Zn content were observed with different Zn fractions. The release kinetics of native soil Zn increased up to 10 days and became almost constant, indicating the establishment of chemical equilibria between the soil solid and solution phase. Thus, long‐term INM ensured higher wheat production (6.08 Mg ha−1) and Zn biofortification (38.95 mg kg−1) to combat Zn malnutrition and achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals on “zero hunger” and “good health and well‐being.”

Enhancing PVA mulching films: Leveraging modified lignin as a bio-based crosslinking agent for improved mechanical strength, UV barrier, and biodegradability

In contemporary agriculture, eco-friendly mulching films present a promising alternative to conventional plastic mulching films. However, their potential is constrained by challenges related to limited biodegradation and barrier performance. Addressing these limitations, innovative lignin-carboxylated materials were employed as bio-based crosslinking agents to enhance diverse properties in the fabrication of PVA films. Alkali lignin was modified with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) to enhance its chemical reactivity. The abundance of carbonyl groups in modified lignin (Lig-DTPA) plays a significant role in establishing strong compatibility with PVA through covalent bonds. This interaction yielded remarkable enhancements, elevating both tensile strength and tensile modulus by an impressive 50.9 % and 60.1 %, respectively. The introduction of Lig-DTPA at 3 % into the PVA composite films resulted in excellent UV-blocking properties. Moreover, at 3 % ratios, the presence of lignin became visibly dispersed as clear spots across the film, indicating a relatively uniform state within the matrix. The study revealed a direct correlation: as the lignin content increased, the film exhibited heightened water solubility and enhanced biodegradability. The PVA/Lig-DTPA film displays promising potential for utilization as a mulching film material, offering anti-ultraviolet functionality and a high degradation rate. Furthermore, its versatility extends to potential applications in packaging materials, including seedling bowls, transplanting pots, and coating films for transportation purposes.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources on Economics, Soil Micro Nutrient Status and Microbial Growth of Ragi under Guni Method of Cultivation

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif-2019 at the farmers field of Mylandahalli in Chikkaballapura distict of Karnataka, to study the effect of organic nutrient sources on soil micro nutrient status, microbial count and economics of finger millet under guni method. The trial was framed out in randomized blocked design with twelve treatments reproduced thrice. The results of different organic nutrient sources were showed that supplement of sericulture waste compost (SWC) @ 50% N eq. + Enriched biodigested liquid manure (EBDLM) @ 50% N eq. ha-1 + panchagavya (PG) spray @ 3% (T9) had a significant effect on micro nutrient status in soil and their values were statistically higher than all the other treatments. The findings of study reported that supplement of sericulture waste compost (SWC) @ 50% N eq. + Enriched biodigested liquid manure (EBDLM) @ 50% N eq. ha-1 + panchagavya (PG) spray @ 3% (T9) recorded significantly higher Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable iron, zinc, manganese and copper in soil. Likewise, the same treatment had recorded significantly superior in population of bacteria (49.96 colony forming units (CFU) x 106 g-1), fungi (27.36 CFU x 103 g-1) and actinomycetes (14.44 CFU x 103 g-1) were noticed compared to others and found to be highest economic returns during cropping period of kharif 2019.

Barriers to child vaccination: The role of international sanctions

International sanctions are often imposed with the aim of influencing the political behavior of target states, but they may have unintended consequences on public health. This study empirically examines the impact of international sanctions on child immunization rates in developing countries. Utilizing panel data from 76 developing countries between 2000 and 2019, the analysis explores how different types of sanctions, including those from the US, EU, and UN, as well as economic and unilateral sanctions, affect the immunization rates for DPT, Hepatitis B, and Measles vaccines. The findings indicate that sanctions, particularly those imposed by the US and EU, significantly reduce vaccination rates, with economic and unilateral sanctions showing the most substantial negative impact. Additionally, the study highlights the moderating role of health spending, revealing that increased healthcare investment can mitigate some of the adverse effects of sanctions. Poorer developing countries are disproportionately affected compared to their more affluent counterparts. The results underscore the need for policymakers to consider the broader public health implications of sanctions and for international efforts to ensure that essential medical resources remain accessible in sanctioned countries. This study contributes to the literature by providing comprehensive empirical evidence on the detrimental effects of international sanctions on child immunization, advocating for a balanced approach that protects public health while achieving geopolitical objectives.

Remediation of multi-metal(loid) contaminated soils using Mn-modified biochar: Mechanistic insights and influencing factors

Mn-modified biochar could impact soil quality and metal(loid) migration in contaminated soils. However, the remediation efficiency, mechanism, and influencing factors of Mn-modified biochar on multi-metal(loid) contaminated soils were largely unknown. In this study, three Mn-modified biochar were prepared by using MnCl2-impregnated rubber, tobacco rod, and coconut shell biochar, respectively. The remediation efficiency of Mn-modified biochar on Pb, As, Cd, Cu, and Zn contaminated soil was also compared. Our data revealed that the addition of Mn-modified biochar increased the effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), organic matter (OM), alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen (AHN), and the mobility of the nutrient Zn in the soil. Furthermore, Mn-modified rubber biochar and Mn-modified coconut shell biochar reduced acid extractable or Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA) leached Pb, As, Cd, and Cu However, Mn-modified tobacco rod biochar increased the acid extractable or DTPA leached Pb, Cd, and Cu. The study showed that three Mn-modified biochars could effectively improve soil physicochemical properties and significantly increase soil nutrient activity. Mn-modified rubber and coconut shell biochar can effectively immobilize metal(loid)s and reduce their damage to soil. However, the Mn-modified tobacco rod biochar instead increased the mobility of metal(loid)s. The results indicate that feedstock is an important factor influencing the application of Mn-modified biochar and should be considered in the production.