Element Absorption Research Articles

Morphological, physiological, element absorption, and transcriptomic analysis reveals the mechanism of 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenoxy) trimethylamine alleviating copper stress in cucumber seedlings.

Copper (Cu) pollution resulting from human activities has emerged as a prominent issue stemming from industrial development. The entry of copper into the soil, either directly or through industrial wastewater, exerts adverse effects on plant growth, leading to its accumulation in significant quantities within the plant and subsequent endangerment of human health through the food chain. DCPTA [2-(3, 4-dichlorophenoxy) triethylamine] mitigates certain abiotic stresses, yet the precise mechanism by which it alleviates Cu-induced phytotoxicity remains unknown. This study has demonstrated that DCPTA reduces the impact of copper stress on plants by enhancing leaf pigment and photosynthesis, regulating root growth, and balancing the antioxidant system. Furthermore, the accumulation of Cu in leaves and roots of cucumber treated with DCPTA was significantly lower than that in seedlings treated with Cu alone. Transcriptome analysis showed that copper absorption, transport, detoxification genes, cell wall component related genes and nitrogen metabolism related genes played a crucial role. In conclusion, exogenous application of DCPTA can partially alleviate copper stress in cucumber.

Organic trace elements enhance growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota in finishing pigs

Excessive inorganic trace elements are added to livestock and poultry feed to meet the needs of animals, accompanied by frequent occurrence of excretion and gastrointestinal stress. Replacing inorganic trace elements with organic trace elements provides a promising solution to alleviate these problems. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of replacing all inorganic trace elements (ITMs) in feed on the growth performance, meat quality, serum parameters, trace element metabolism, and gut microbiota of finishing pigs. A total of 128 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire growing-finishing pigs (33.88 ± 0.62 kg) were assigned to four treatments in a randomized complete block design. Each treatment was divided into four replicates, each containing eight pigs. The control group received a basal diet containing 100% inorganic trace elements, while the experimental groups were provided with diets where all inorganic trace elements were substituted with 30, 50, and 70% organic trace elements. The experiment spanned 56 days. Results indicated that replacing all ITMs with 30, 50, and 70% OTMs demonstrated no adverse effects on average daily feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, eye muscle area, backfat thickness, and relative organ weight of finishing pigs compared to the control group. Furthermore, the replacement led to increased serum immunoglobulin A concentration and Cu-SOD enzyme activity, and decreased serum MDA level, and GSH-Px activity in the liver. Notably, 50 and 70% OTMs increased serum Mn-SOD activity, and 70% OTMs increased serum T-AOC content. Moreover, it significantly decreased the excretion of trace elements in feces without compromising their deposition in the muscle. Additionally, replacing 100% ITMs with 30% OTMs resulted in an improved Shannon index of colonic microbiota in finishing pigs. In conclusion, replacing 100% inorganic trace elements with 30, 50, and 70% organic trace elements exhibited no detrimental effects on the performance of finishing pigs. In conclusion, replacing 100% inorganic trace elements with 70% organic trace elements had certain potential to improve the production performance of finishing pigs. This replacement strategy can enhance meat quality, boost antioxidant capacity, reduce trace element excretion, facilitate trace element absorption and deposition, and enhance gut microbiota homeostasis.

Common Envelopes, Gamma Rays, and Sudden Spectral Changes of Novae

A common envelope (CE) is proposed as the origin of the early post-outburst spectra of many novae. A simple model is proposed to explain the properties of the CE based on the emission line strengths and an assumed density distribution. Rapid changes in the spectrum during post-outburst decline are suggested as possible evidence for a CE. Time-resolved spectra from the ARAS group show sudden spectral shifts that are correlated with detected γ-ray emission, suggestive of its possible origin on the white dwarf that produces a change in condition within the CE. Episodic mass loss, formation of transient heavy element absorption systems, and dissipation of the CE may possibly be triggered by γ-ray emission.

Facing Heavy Metal Stress, What Are the Positive Responses of Melatonin in Plants: A Review

With the growth of the population and the development of modern industry and the economy, the problem of heavy metal pollution in cultivated soil has become increasingly prominent. Moreover, heavy metal poses a serious threat to plant growth due to its characteristics of difficult degradation, high mobility, easy enrichment, and potential toxicity and has become a social topic. Melatonin is a new type of plant hormone widely present in animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria, and its biological role has begun investigated in the last dozen years. Facing heavy metal stress, melatonin can play a pleiotropic role in the physiological processes of plants, such as stress resistance and growth regulation, mitigate the damage caused by stress on plants, and provide a new research idea for alleviating heavy metal stress in plants. From the aspects of the plant phenotype, physiology, element absorption, and molecular structure, this paper, therefore, mainly reviews the effects of melatonin on plants subjected to heavy metal stress and the mechanism of melatonin alleviating heavy metal stress and then puts forward future research directions. This information may be of great significance to the normal growth of crops under heavy metal stress and will provide an important theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of crop resistance in the future.

Hydrothermal alteration and elemental mass balance for the Surda Copper Deposit, Singhbhum Shear Zone, Eastern India: implications for both copper and magnetite–apatite mineralization

This paper explores the geological relationships, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, and quantitative elemental mass balance constraints of the hydrothermal alteration zones within the uraniferous Surda copper deposit in the Singhbhum Shear Zone in eastern India, which is affiliated with an iron oxide–copper–gold system. Five distinct alteration zones are identified: a proximal potassic (biotitization) zone containing magnetite–apatite; a central chloritization zone containing copper, uranium, gold and magnetite; distal silicification (quartz) and albitization zones; and a transitional chlorite–sericitization zone. Evidence suggests these zones originated from mafic precursors linked to a subduction zone. Magnetite mineralization shows both magmatic ( δ 18 O + 2.0 to +4.8‰) and hydrothermal ( δ 18 O + 0.4 to +0.6‰) signatures. Hydrothermal magnetite–apatite formed at temperatures of 440 to 550°C, with continued crystallization at lower temperatures (280 to 360°C) concurrent with copper sulfide and uranium precipitation from an Fe-rich, isotopically heavy fluid ( δ 34 S + 4.55 to +9.66‰). Major elements (Ca, Na, Mg) and some minor and rare earth elements decrease from weakly altered mafic rocks to late alteration zones, reflecting the breakdown of Ca-bearing hornblende, biotite and plagioclase. Potassium decreases from early to late alteration zones due to mineral transformations. Mass-balanced geochemical data align with hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages, indicating processes such as mineral dissolution, element absorption and sulfide behaviour. Overall, the study highlights the complex hydrothermal alteration processes shaping the Surda copper deposit and provides insights into ore formation mechanisms.

Ascorbic Acid Mitigates Salt Stress in Tomato Seedlings by Enhancing Chlorophyll Synthesis Pathways

Salt stress is a critical abiotic factor that adversely affects plant growth and productivity by impairing photosynthesis. This study explores the impact of exogenous ascorbic acid (AsA) on the photosynthetic performance of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Ligeer 87-5) under salt stress. Hydroponic experiments were conducted in a solar greenhouse, where tomato seedlings were subjected to the following five treatments: Control, NaCl, NaCl + AsA, NaCl + lycorine (LYC), and NaCl + LYC + AsA. Our findings demonstrate that salt stress significantly reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, levels of chlorophyll synthesis precursors (5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), porphobilinogen (PBG), uroporphyrinogen III (Urogen III), protoporphyrin IX (Proto IX), magnesium protoporphyrin IX (Mg-Proto IX), protochlorophyllide (Pchl)), and essential elements (Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo, and P) in both roots and leaves. These reductions led to a substantial decline in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and compromised photosystem II (PSII). In contrast, exogenous AsA application significantly enhanced the content of photosynthetic pigment precursors and essential elements, improved stomatal aperture and gas exchange efficiency, and boosted the photosynthetic performance of tomato seedlings under salt stress. Furthermore, AsA treatment mitigated the negative effects of salt stress by protecting PSII, increased light energy utilization efficiency, and alleviated both stomatal and non-stomatal limitations. The application of the AsA synthesis inhibitor LYC exacerbated the detrimental effects of salt stress, further reducing chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency. In conclusion, exogenous AsA plays a vital role in enhancing the photosynthetic performance and stress tolerance of tomato seedlings under salt stress by stabilizing chlorophyll biosynthesis, facilitating essential element absorption, and optimizing stomatal function. This study provides a new approach and feasible measures for improving tomato resistance and yield, which is significant for enhancing crop productivity, managing saline soils, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Plant nutrient stoichiometry appears out of sync from soil: Increasing influences of changing climate on the grassland in inner Mongolia, China

Plant nutrient stoichiometry appears out of sync from soil: Increasing influences of changing climate on the grassland in inner Mongolia, China

Effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized by Lecanicillium lecanii and their combinations with insecticides (Sivanto and Deltamethrin) on larvae and adults of Tribolium confusum Duv. (Tenebrionidae : Coleoptera)

This research focused on developing a nanopesticide derived from silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized through the metabolic activities of the fungus Lecanicillium lecanii Gams & Zare 2001). The study aimed to assess its efficacy against the flour beetle Tribolium confusum and explore its synergistic effects with two chemical pesticides, Sivanto 20% and deltamethrin 2.5%. Biotinylated AgNPs were successfully produced using the biomass of the fungus L. lecanii. Characterization of silver nanoparticles was achieved through the observable color change of silver nitrate solution (AgNO₃) from a clear or watery state to red, brown, or dark red, confirmed by UVV is spectroscopy, with the highest absorption peak at 420 nm, indicative of silver element absorption. Transmission electron microscope images illustrated that the biologically prepared AgNPs with L. lecanii exhibited spherical shapes with sizes ranging from 12 to 40 nanometers. Various concentrations of nanopesticide, Sivanto, and deltamethrin were tested for the treatment of grains. A concentration of 1 ml/L of deltamethrin showed superior performance, with the mortality ratio increasing with prolonged exposure. Both Sivanto and deltamethrin (0.5 ml/L and 0.4 ml/L) caused 100% mortality, followed by the nanopesticide (30% concentration), reaching a corrected mortality rate of 39.3% against adults of T. confusum. In the larval experiment, the mortality rate was high when applying AgNPs at a concentration of 100%, comparable to Sivanto 0.5 ml/L under similar conditions. Deltamethrin exhibited complete mortality at a 1 ml/L concentration. [ Keywords: Silver Nanoparticles, Lecanicillium lecanii, Tribolium confusum

Rectangular extended neck Helmholtz resonant acoustic structure for low frequency broadband sound absorption

The Helmholtz resonant structure with rectangular extended neck is designed to solve low-frequency broadband sound absorption problem in this work. Theoretical and finite element absorption models are established and be used for low-frequency acoustic design. What makes it interesting is that all parameters of the rectangular extended neck Helmholtz resonator structure can be adjusted to shift the working frequency. Based on the regularity of the structural parameters, four coupling structures with different neck depths, neck opening areas, cavity cross-sectional areas, and cavity depths are designed respectively, each of which exhibited multiple sound absorption coefficient peaks to enhance the low-frequency absorption capacity of the structure. To further analyze the effectiveness of coupling structure, the broadband acoustic absorption mechanism of the coupled structure is analyzed based on particle vibration velocity distribution. It is found that cells with different acoustic impedance contributed differently to the sound absorption, and cells with longer necks provided better noise reduction for low-frequency. The experiment is verified in the impedance tube, result shows that the coupling structure with 9 cells and a cavity depth of only 4 cm achieved an average sound absorption coefficient of above 0.8 at 210–340 Hz, which verified the accuracy of the theoretical model. Overall, the Helmholtz resonant cavity acoustic structure with rectangular extension neck designed in this work has a simple structure with low-frequency broadband acoustic absorption performance. This provides a new approach for designing low-frequency broadband acoustic structure.

Impact of some boron application methods on yield and nutritional status of pepper plants in a greenhouse experiment

Boron- B is an essential element for the growth and development of plants. Its deficiency in hot, dry areas with calcareous soils can significantly reduce agricultural crop production. To study the impact of B fertilization, an experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with seven treatments, including control, foliar spray (0.5, 1, and 2 g L − 1 boric acid), and fertigation (0.5, 1, and 2 g L−1 boric acid). The experiment, with three replicates, was carried out in greenhouse conditions on pepper plants (Capsicum annuum cv. Lorca). The highest fruit yield was achieved with foliar spray at a concentration of 0.5 g L−1 and fertigation at 1 g L−1. Overall, the use of B fertilizer increased the concentration of macronutrients such as potassium-K (up to 27.79%), phosphorus-P (up to 59%), calcium-Ca (up to 49.61%), and magnesium-Mg (up to 158%), as well as micronutrients like iron-Fe (up to 59.55%), manganese-Mn (up to 29.03%), zinc-Zn (up to 81.81%), copper-Cu (up to 49.33%), B (up to 180%), and sodium-Na (up to 85.19%). It also decreased the concentration of nitrogen-N (up to 15%), sulfur-S (up to 21.36%), and chlorine-Cl (up to 48.02%) in the leaf tissue of pepper plants compared to the control treatment. These changes were influenced by the B concentration and type of fertilization. The results indicate that in calcareous soils with high pH, both fertigation and foliar spray methods can effectively address B deficiency in pepper plants by enhancing element absorption and increasing yield.

The exploration of relationship between the evolution of Cu to Cu2O/CuO and photocatalytic efficiency toward water oxidation reaction

The exploration of relationship between the evolution of Cu to Cu2O/CuO and photocatalytic efficiency toward water oxidation reaction

Evaluation of the Difference in the Content of Essential and Non-Essential Elements in Wild Boar and Swine Tissues Sampled in the Same Area of Northern Italy.

This study aimed to investigate the exposure of wild boars and swine from semi-extensive farms in the same area to essential and non-essential elements, measuring their concentration in liver and muscle. Furthermore, the study explored the influence of factors such as sex, age, and the sampling location on wild boars. Higher liver element concentrations were observed in both wild boars and swine. Geographical comparisons revealed minor differences. Young wild boars showed significantly higher Cu, Se, Cd, and Cr levels, while older subjects exhibited elevated Mn levels, reflecting age-related element absorption variations. No significant sex-based variations were noted. Comparing wild boars to swine, wild boars had more non-essential elements due to their foraging behavior and a larger home range. Conversely, swine exhibited a greater prevalence of essential elements, potentially resulting from dietary supplementation.

Adjustable sound absorbing metastructures for low-frequency variable discrete sources

Adjustable sound absorbing metastructures for low-frequency variable discrete sources

Silicon fertilization effects in Pinus devoniana LINDL. in nursery stage

Objective: To evaluate the effect of applying silicon products on morphological variables, quality indices, and mineral content of Pinus devoniana seedlings during the nursery stage. Design/Methodology/Approach: Four-month-old nursery seedlings produced on substrate were used. These were supplied with silicon in soluble powder applied on the substrate, and foliar liquid presentation and then evaluated in their morphological variables, foliar mineral content, and quality indices. Results: The application of soluble silicon powder had a positive effect on stem length; while the stem diameter was favored by both applications, which improves its storage capacity. Regarding plant biomass production, the application of soluble silicon powder resulted in higher values of aerial biomass, while root production was favored by foliar liquid application. Plant quality was not affected by the silicon application from either the soluble powder or the liquid; however, the liquid foliar application had the best effect for determining variables of the species. The silicon application did not affect other essential element absorption. Limitations/Implications of the study: The results and conclusions are limited to Pinus devoniana plants in their nursery stage under the described management and substrate conditions. Findings/Conclusions: The silicon application favored growth, and did not affect the plant´s quality or other elements´ absorption. The soluble powder was positive for stem length, and the foliar application for root development benefited the stem diameter.

Exploring the remediation potential of Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser. in cadmium-contaminated soil by comparing cultivars and seedling age

Exploring the remediation potential of Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser. in cadmium-contaminated soil by comparing cultivars and seedling age

Contrasting effect of pristine, ball-milled and Fe–Mn modified bone biochars on dendroremediation potential of Salix jiangsuensis “172” for cadmium- and zinc-contaminated soil

Bone biochar (BC) has a high capacity for the immobilization of potentially toxic elements (PTEs); however, its effect on dendroremediation efficiency remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of various concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 2wt%) of BC, ball-milled BC (MBC), and Fe-Mn oxide-modified BC (FMBC) on soil properties, plant growth, and metal accumulation in Salix jiangsuensis "172" (SJ-172) grown in cadmium (Cd)- and zinc (Zn)-contaminated soil. BC and MBC promoted the photosynthetic rate, mineral element absorption, and plant growth of SJ-172, whereas FMBC inhibited the growth of SJ-172. Different biochars greatly influenced the concentrations of Cd and Zn in tissues of SJ-172. BC and MBC elevated the Cd levels, whereas FMBC decreased the Cd content in the leaves, stems, and cuttings of SJ-172. Unlikely, BC, MBC and FMBC show no evident change to the Zn concentration in the aboveground tissues of SJ-172, while decreased root Cd and Zn content compared with the control. MBC, at a 2.0% application rate, significantly increased the translocation factors of Cd (55.0%) and Zn (40.87%), whereas BC and FMBC demonstrated no significant effects compared with the control (P>0.05). Moreover, 2.0% BC and MBC increased Cd and Zn accumulation in SJ-172 by 28.40 and 41.14, and 25.89 and 36.16%, respectively, whereas 2.0% FMBC reduced Cd and Zn accumulation by 53.20% and 13.18 %, respectively, compared with the control. The phytoremediation potential of SJ-172 for Cd- and Zn-contaminated soils was enhanced by MBC and BC, whereas it was lowered by FMBC compared to the control. These results provide novel insights for the application of fast-growing trees assisted by biochar amendments in the dendroremediation of severely PTEs-contaminated soil.

Effects of Interaction of Protein Hydrolysate and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Effects on Citrus Growth and Expressions of Stress-Responsive Genes (Aquaporins and SOSs) under Salt Stress.

Protein hydrolysates (PHs) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are environmentally friendly biostimulants that effectively promote crop growth and alleviate the damage from abiotic stress. However, the physiological and molecular regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of PHs and AMF on growth, mineral nutrient absorption, and expression of Aquaporins and SOSs in Goutoucheng (Citrus aurantium) under salt stress. Results showed that PH application and AMF inoculation significantly promoted plant growth and enhanced mineral element absorption and sodium effluxion in citrus under salt stress. The biomass, root activity, leaves mineral nutrition contents in PHs, AMF, and combined (PHs and AMF) treatments were significantly higher than those of control. Leaves sodium content in three treatments was significantly lower than in the control. AMF and combined treatments showed dominant effects than PHs alone. Besides, PHs interacted with AMF on growth, nutrient absorption, and sodium effluxion. Importantly, AMF and PHs induced stress-responsive genes. PIP1, PIP3, SOS1, and SOS3 expression in PHs and AMF treatments was significantly higher than control. Thus, it was concluded that AMF and PHs enhanced the salt tolerance of citrus by promoting nutrient absorption and sodium effluxion via up-regulating the expression of PIPs and SOSs. The mixed application of PHs and AMF had a better effect.

Preliminary investigation on flexible cutting technology for rotating shaped cutter

Preliminary investigation on flexible cutting technology for rotating shaped cutter

Reducing CO/NO and absorbing heavy metals in self-sustained smouldering of high-moisture sludge by regulating inert media with low-cost natural zeolite

Smouldering is a low-energy, low-cost, effective treatment technology for sludge with high moisture. However, combustible gas and pollution in the flue gas limit the low-cost operation. This work proposes a novel method to in-situ reduce gas emissions (CO, NO, VOCs) and absorb heavy metals by regulating inert media with low-cost natural zeolite in self-sustained smouldering of sludge, and the effect of natural zeolite blending ratio on the performance is deeply investigated by fixed-bed and smouldering experiments. Fixed-bed experiments show that adding natural zeolite contributes to the sludge reaction owning to the confined catalysis with porous structure, as observed by the more rapid oxygen consumption, lower CO/NO concentrations. Moreover, smouldering experiments demonstrate that the endothermic dehydroxylation and dehydroxylation processes of the pure natural zeolite decreases the smouldering temperature and the propagation velocity, reduces the pyrolysis layer, but adding natural zeolite significantly reduces the concentrations of CO/NO/VOCs in the flue gas. Furthermore, higher heavy element content in the post-reaction natural zeolite is observed, indicating that the inorganic minerals in natural zeolite can effectively absorb the heavy elements. Taking reaction intensity, CO/NO/VOCs reduction and heavy element absorption into account, adding a small amount of natural zeolite (Sand: Natural-zeolite=2.90:0.10) may be reasonable with obtaining good performance. Finally, the organic components in condensable liquids of the smouldering flue gas are deeply analyzed, and the main components is 36.7% for amides and 23.41% for nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds. This work can provide a possible pathway and useful information for the low-cost application of the sludge smouldring technology.

Increased Tolerance of Massion's pine to Multiple-Toxic-Metal Stress Mediated by Ectomycorrhizal Fungi.

Pinus massoniana (Massion's pine), a pioneer tree species, exhibits restoration potential in polluted mining areas. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi in Massion's pine adaptability to multiple-toxic-metal stress are still unclear. Hence, Massion's pine seedlings inoculated with two strains of C. geophilum, which were screened and isolated from a polluted mine area, were cultivated in mine soil for 90 days to investigate the roles of EMF in mediating toxic metal tolerance in host plants. The results showed that compared with the non-inoculation control, C. geophilum (CG1 and CG2) significantly promoted the biomass, root morphology, element absorption, photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, POD, and SOD), and proline content of Massion's pine seedlings in mine soil. C. geophilum increased the concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb, and Mn in the roots of Massion's pine seedlings, with CG1 significantly increasing the concentrations of Pb and Mn by 246% and 162% and CG2 significantly increasing the concentrations of Cr and Pb by 102% and 78%. In contrast, C. geophilum reduced the concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb, and Mn in the shoots by 14%, 33%, 27%, and 14% on average, respectively. In addition, C. geophilum significantly reduced the transfer factor (TF) of Cr, Cd, Pb, and Mn by 32-58%, 17-26%, 68-75%, and 18-64%, respectively, and the bio-concentration factor (BF) of Cd by 39-71%. Comparative transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that the differently expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly encoding functions involved in "transmembrane transport", "ion transport", "oxidation reduction process", "oxidative phosphorylation", "carbon metabolism", "glycolysis/gluconeogenesis", "photosynthesis", and "biosynthesis of amino acids." These results indicate that C. geophilum is able to mitigate toxic metals stress by promoting nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and plant growth, thereby modulating the antioxidant system to reduce oxidative stress and reducing the transport and enrichment of toxic metals from the root to the shoot of Massion's pine seedlings.