Soil Decontamination Research Articles

An Analytical Solution for Variable Viscosity Flow in Fractured Media: Development and Comparative Analysis With Numerical Simulations

AbstractExplicit fracture models often use analytical solutions for predicting flow in fractured media, usually assuming uniform fluid viscosity for simplicity. This assumption, however, can be inaccurate as fluid viscosity varies due to factors like composition, temperature, and dissolved substances. Our study, recognizing these discrepancies, abandons this uniform viscosity assumption for a more realistic model of variable viscosity flow, focusing on viscous displacement scenarios. This includes instances like injecting viscous surfactants for hydrocarbon recovery in fractured reservoirs or soil decontamination. This presents a significant challenge, enhancing our understanding of transport within fractures, mainly governed by advection. Our study centers on a low‐permeability rock matrix intersected by two fractures with variable apertures. We employ two methods: an analytical approach with a new solution and numerical simulations with two distinct in‐house codes, discretizing both the rock matrix and fractures with two‐dimensional triangular elements. The first code uses a Discontinuous Galerkin finite element method, while the second utilizes a finite‐volume method, allowing a comprehensive comparison of solutions. Additionally, we investigate parameter identifiability, like fracture apertures and viscosity ratios, using breakthrough curves from our analytical solution, applying the Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique.

Decontamination of Cobalt-Polluted Soils Using an Enhanced Electro-kinetic Method, Employing Eco-friendly Conditions

Decontamination of Cobalt-Polluted Soils Using an Enhanced Electro-kinetic Method, Employing Eco-friendly Conditions

Combined effect of endophytic Bacillus mycoides and rock phosphate on the amelioration of heavy metal stress in wheat plants

BackgroundZinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) are nutrients that are crucial for plant growth; however, when they are present at higher concentrations, they can cause toxicity in plants. The present study aimed to isolate plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria from Viburnum grandiflorum and assess its plant and defense promoting potential alone and in combination with RP in zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) toxic soil. The isolated endophytic bacteria were identified using 16s rRNA gene sequencing. For the experiment, twelve different treatments were applied using Zn, Ni, isolated endophytic Bacillus mycoides (Accession # MW979613), and rock phosphate (RP). The Ni, Zn and RP were used at the rate of (100 mg/kg) and (0.2 g/kg) respectively. A pot experiment with three replicates of each treatment was conducted using a complete randomized design (CRD).ResultsThe results indicated that Ni (T5 = seed + 100 mg/kg Ni and T9 = seed + 100 mg/kg Zn) and Zn concentrations inhibited plant growth, but the intensity of growth inhibition was higher in Ni-contaminated soil. Bacillus mycoides and RP at 100 mg/Kg Zn (T12 = inoculated seed + 100 mg/kg Zn + RP0.2 g/kg.) increased the shoot length, leaf width, protein and sugar content by 57%, 13%, 20% and 34%, respectively, compared to the control. The antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutases (SOD), peroxidase (POD) were decreased in contaminated soil. Furthermore, Ni and Zn accumulation was inhibited in T11 (seed + 100 mg/kg Zn + RP0.2 g/Kg) and T12 (inoculated seed + 100 mg/kg Zn + RP0.2 g/Kg) by 62 and 63% respectively. The Cu, Ca, and K, contents increased by 128, 219 and 85, Mn, Na, and K by 326, 449, and 84% in (T3 = inoculated seed) and (T4 = inoculated seed + RP 0.2 g/Kg) respectively.ConclusionsNi was more toxic to plants than Zn, but endophytic bacteria isolated from Viburnum grandiflorum, helped wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants and reduced the toxic effects of Ni and Zn. The effect of Bacillus mycoides was more prominent in combination with RP which promoted and suppressed heavy-metal toxicity. The reported combination of Bacillus mycoides and RP may be useful for improving plant growth and overcoming metal stress.

Organic Amendments to Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) Plantation Affect Species Richness and Metal Accumulation of Spontaneously Growing Herbaceous Plants

Excess potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in soils require ad hoc approaches to salvage. Hence, this study explored the shoot accumulation of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) by herbaceous plants growing under previously established Salix and Populus clones Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) with compost and sewage sludge applications in an abandoned metallurgical site, Podlesí, Czech Republic; PTM decontamination of soils. Soils within the SRC experimental site and outside considered as control were analyzed for their chemical properties by multi-analytical techniques. Shoots of spontaneously growing herbaceous plants under trees in the site and without trees in control were determined for pseudo-total Cd, Pb, and Zn contents. Moderately to slightly acid soils, high cation exchange capacity, and C/N ratio supported mineralization and relative mobility of total Cd (7.7–9.76), Pb (1541–1929), and Zn (245–320 mg kg−1) in soils. Although soil amendments improved chemical properties, compost application supported higher species richness than sewage sludge. Over 95% of plants accumulated Cd and Zn above the WHO threshold and green fodder in the Czech Republic, with 36% Pb above the regional limit (40 mg kg−1). Approximately 100, 50, and 6% of herbaceous species had Cd, Pb, and Zn accumulation, respectively, higher than published average upper limits in plants (0.2 Cd, 10 Pb, and 150 Zn mg kg−1). Dicots recorded higher Cd content, Tenacetum vulgare (L.), Hypericum maculatum (Crantz), and Cirsium arvense (L.); Stachys palustris (L.), Lamium perpereum (L.), and Campanula patula (L.) for Pb; Glechoma hederaceae (L.), C. patula, and C. arvense for Zn in all treatments. Appropriate soil amelioration of SRC-supported PTM mobility and excess herbaceous species shoot accumulation, growth, and richness.

The radioactive contamination of ground and surface water near a uranium mine in Malawi

Ground and surface water in the uranium mining area of Kayelekera in Malawi was assessed for concentration levels of radioactive metals. Potential health risks associated with the intake of these metals in drinking water from various sources were also estimated. Surface, groundwater and mine discharge water samples were collected and analysed for radio elemental concentration using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analytical technique. The results indicated a high concentration of 238U in water samples from lower Sere river. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were however below WHO recommended limit. Health risk assessment using average committed effective dose were below the global average. Excess lifetime cancer risk values with an average of for borehole water was calculated and found to be below the global average. Radiologically, the water quality of Kayelekera area post uranium mining activities has not been compromised, however close monitoring and treating of drinking water is recommended

Arabidopsis response to copper is mediated by density and root exudates: Evidence that plant density and toxic soils can shape plant communities.

Plants grown at high densities show increased tolerance to heavy metals for reasons that are not clear. A potential explanation is the release of citrate by plant roots, which binds metals and prevents uptake. Thus, pooled exudates at high plant densities might increase tolerance. We tested this exclusion facilitation hypothesis using mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana defective in citrate exudation. Wild type Arabidopsis and two allelic mutants for the Ferric Reductase Defective 3 (FRD3) gene were grown at four densities and watered with copper sulfate at four concentrations. Plants were harvested before bolting and dried. Shoot biomass was measured, and shoot material and soil were digested in nitric acid. Copper contents were determined by atomic absorption. In the highest-copper treatment, density-dependent reduction in toxicity was observed in the wild type but not in FRD3 mutants. For both mutants, copper concentrations per gram biomass were up to seven times higher than for wild type plants, depending on density and copper treatment. In all genotypes, total copper accumulation was greater at higher plant densities. Plant size variation increased with density and copper treatment because of heterogeneous distribution of copper throughout the soil. These results support the hypothesis that citrate exudation is responsible for density-dependent reductions in toxicity of metals. Density-dependent copper uptake and growth in contaminated soils underscores the importance of density in ecotoxicological testing. In soils with a heterogeneous distribution of contaminants, competition for nontoxic soil regions may drive size hierarchies and determine competitive outcomes.

A Review about the Mycoremediation of Soil Impacted by War-like Activities: Challenges and Gaps.

(1) Background: The frequency and intensity of war-like activities (war, military training, and shooting ranges) worldwide cause soil pollution by metals, metalloids, explosives, radionuclides, and herbicides. Despite this environmentally worrying scenario, soil decontamination in former war zones almost always involves incineration. Nevertheless, this practice is expensive, and its efficiency is suitable only for organic pollutants. Therefore, treating soils polluted by wars requires efficient and economically viable alternatives. In this sense, this manuscript reviews the status and knowledge gaps of mycoremediation. (2) Methods: The literature review consisted of searches on ScienceDirect and Web of Science for articles (1980 to 2023) on the mycoremediation of soils containing pollutants derived from war-like activities. (3) Results: This review highlighted that mycoremediation has many successful applications for removing all pollutants of war-like activities. However, the mycoremediation of soils in former war zones and those impacted by military training and shooting ranges is still very incipient, with most applications emphasizing explosives. (4) Conclusion: The mycoremediation of soils from conflict zones is an entirely open field of research, and the main challenge is to optimize experimental conditions on a field scale.

Ukraine – environmental aspects of humanitarian demining

In 2021, Ukraine produced such an amount of food that it would have been possible to feed about 400 million people, not counting the population of Ukraine. The strategy for the development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine envisages providing food for 1 billion of the world’s population by 2030. However, the aggression of Russia on February 24, 2022, and the subsequent hostilities led to the contamination of agricultural lands with a significant amount of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), which requires humanitarian demining. This article is devoted to the review of the humanitarian demining process from the point of view of its impact on the environment and the determination of the main components affecting the production of agricultural products. In the first period of the demining process, there will be a significant decline in the production of agricultural products. This decline will be determined by the reduction in the area of cultivated agricultural land due to the danger of explosion. In the course of the demining and liquidation of ERW, the area of land will increase, as will the volume of production, but the quality of products will decrease due to the presence of heavy metal compounds and explosive residues in it and the deterioration of the quality of the soil itself. Therefore, after the liberation of Ukraine’s territory, contaminated by mines and ERW, taking into account its importance as the world’s granary, the demining time is of great importance and Ukraine will be very grateful for any help that will reduce it.

Determination of dichlorvos pesticide residues in the groundwater of the environment surrounding Al‐Sin Lake using a high‐performance liquid chromatography

AbstractThe unreasonable use of agrochemicals and various human activities in the environment of Al‐Sin Lake basin may cause pollution to water, especially with widely used organophosphate pesticides, which have an effect on the human nervous system. This research sought to determine concentrations of dichlorvos of the synthetic organophosphate pesticide in the waters of the environment surrounding Al‐Sin Lake in the Syrian coastal area. A questionnaire form was dispensed to the local residents in the region, to determine the status of the studied area. Ground and surface water samples were collected from several locations surrounding the Lake. The first site is surrounded by greenhouses and a citrus orchard. The second is the Surit spring. The third site includes greenhouses. The fourth site represents surface water (Lake Surit). The study lasted for seven consecutive months from December until June 2020–2021, samples were taken once a month. Various parameters (pH, EC, TDS, and PO4−3) were measured. Dichlorvos was extracted from the samples using solvents (hexane‐acetone) to be ready for analysis using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results showed the presence of dichlorvos residues in the studied water samples, with average concentrations ranging between 0.2 and 1.3 µg.L−1, which were higher than the recommended value for individual pesticide in water (0.1 µg.L−1) as recommended by the European Union. Observations of dichlorvos concentration indicated some increase at lower pH. Consequently, contamination of ground and surface waters with dichlorvos was observed in the studied sites, because of its frequent use and its high solubility in water. This unregulated use of dichlorvos can pose a matter of public health concern.

A conceptual analysis of the public health-architecture nexus within rapidly developing informal urban contexts

Background: The interactions between people and places can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of individuals, particularly in warm, arid countries such as South Africa. Coupled to this are the various risks that climate change poses to the development of communities, particularly in informal settlements. Several of these risks include the increasing prevalence of contaminants in water and land, as well as the challenges of managing the effects of climate change.Objectives: This conceptual analysis aims to highlight the need for a transdisciplinary approach to investigating the interaction between informal urban living spaces, environmental and social determinants of health and further propose a framework that incorporates tools and strategies to improve health and wellbeing.Discussion: Despite the various advantages of living in an urban environment, many people in informal settlements still lack access to adequate sanitation and water services. This is why it is important that we develop a comprehensive understanding of how these changes can be accommodated in the future. This can be done through the collection of data from the people who live in these communities. A comprehensive understanding of the environmental and social determinants of health, coupled with innovative monitoring systems, would provide a more holistic approach to suggesting a practical strategy for promoting health and wellbeing in communities while working towards developing safe and sustainable health-promoting living spaces.Conclusion: Currently there is a paucity of information regarding access to water, sanitation and health services, coupled with environmental pollution and poor living conditions causing diseases affecting informal communities, furthermore practical and viable changes to address these concerns are similarly lacking. To ensure that healthier built environments are provided for children and adults, transdisciplinary approaches between researchers and collaboration with, communities within informal settlements and with policymakers to promote health advocacy is essential.

The LRR receptor-like kinase ALR1 is a plant aluminum ion sensor

Plant survival requires an ability to adapt to differing concentrations of nutrient and toxic soil ions, yet ion sensors and associated signaling pathways are mostly unknown. Aluminum (Al) ions are highly phytotoxic, and cause severe crop yield loss and forest decline on acidic soils which represent ∼30% of land areas worldwide. Here we found an Arabidopsis mutant hypersensitive to Al. The gene encoding a leucine-rich-repeat receptor-like kinase, was named Al Resistance1 (ALR1). Al ions binding to ALR1 cytoplasmic domain recruits BAK1 co-receptor kinase and promotes ALR1-dependent phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase RbohD, thereby enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. ROS in turn oxidatively modify the RAE1 F-box protein to inhibit RAE1-dependent proteolysis of the central regulator STOP1, thus activating organic acid anion secretion to detoxify Al. These findings establish ALR1 as an Al ion receptor that confers resistance through an integrated Al-triggered signaling pathway, providing novel insights into ion-sensing mechanisms in living organisms, and enabling future molecular breeding of acid-soil-tolerant crops and trees, with huge potential for enhancing both global food security and forest restoration.

Influence of cultivation duration on microbial taxa aggregation in Panax ginseng soils across ecological niches.

Microbial communities are crucial for plant health and productivity. However, the influence of cultivation age on the ecological processes in assembling plant microbiomes at various ecological niches remains unclear. We selected 12 samples from ginseng farmlands with different cultivation years (N4: 4 years old, N6: 6 years old). We used soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and high-throughput sequencing (16S rDNA and ITS) to examine the rhizoplane (RP), rhizosphere (RS), and bulk soil (BS). Our results indicated that cultivation years significantly affect the soil microbiome's diversity and community composition across different ecological niches. The BS microbiome experienced the largest effect, while the RS experienced the smallest. N6 showed a greater impact than N4. This effect was more pronounced on the fungal communities than the bacterial communities of various ecological niches and can be closely related to the soil's physicochemical properties. In N4 soils, we observed an upward trend in both the number of ASVs (amplicon sequence variations) and the diversity of soil microbial taxa across various ecological niches. In N4RP, the bacteria Sphingomonas, known for degrading toxic soil compounds, was present. All ecological niches in N4 showed significant enrichment of Tetracladium fungi, positively associated with crop yield (N4RP at 6.41%, N4RS at 11.31%, and N4BS at 3.45%). In N6 soils, we noted a stark decline in fungal diversity within the BS, with a 57.5% reduction in ASVs. Moreover, Sphingomonas was abundantly present in N6RS and N6BS soils. The relative abundance of the pathogen-inhibiting fungus Exophiala in N6RP and N6RS reached 34.18% and 13.71%, respectively, marking increases of 4.9-fold and 7.7-fold. Additionally, another pathogeninhibiting fungus, Humicola, showed significant enrichment in N6BS, with a 7.5-fold increase. The phenolic acid-producing fungus Pseudogymnoascus in N6RP, N6RS, and N6BS showed increases of 2.41-fold, 2.55-fold, and 4.32-fold, respectively. We hypothesize that functional genes related to the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, as well as signaling molecules and interactions, regulate soil microbial taxa in ginseng from different cultivation years. In conclusion, our study enhances understanding of plant-microbe interactions and aids the sustainable development of medicinal plants, particularly by addressing ginseng succession disorder.

Alleviation of cadmium toxicity in pea (Pisum sativum L.) through Zn-Lys supplementation and its effects on growth and antioxidant defense.

Cadmium significantly impacts plant growth and productivity by disrupting physiological, biochemical, and oxidative defenses, leading to severe damage. The application of Zn-Lys improves plant growth while reducing the stress caused by heavy metals on plants. By focusing on cadmium stress and potential of Zn-Lys on pea, we conducted a pot-based study, organized under completely randomized block design CRD-factorial at the Botanical Garden of Government College University, Faisalabad. Both pea cultivars were grown in several concentrations of cadmium @ 0, 50 and 100 μM, and Zn-Lys were exogenously applied @ 0 mg/L and 10 mg/L with three replicates for each treatment. Cd-toxicity potentially reduces plant growth, chlorophyll contents, osmoprotectants, and anthocyanin content; however, an increase in MDA, H2O2 initiation, enzymatic antioxidant activities as well as phenolic, flavonoid, proline was observed. Remarkably, exogenously applied Zn-Lys significantly enhanced the plant growth, biomass, photosynthetic attributes, osmoprotectants, and anthocyanin contents, while further increase in enzymatic antioxidant activities, total phenolic, flavonoid, and proline contents were noticed. However, application of Zn-Lys instigated a remarkable decrease in levels of MDA and H2O2. It can be suggested with recommendation to check the potential of Zn-Lys on plants under cadmium-based toxic soil.

Prediction of Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Cultivated Soil Based on Multi-source Auxiliary Variables and Random Forest Model

Spatial prediction of the concentrations of soil heavy metals (HMs) in cultivated land is critical for monitoring cultivated land contamination and ensuring sustainable eco-agriculture. In this study, 32 environmental variables from terrain, climate, soil attributes, remote-sensing information, vegetation indices, and anthropogenic activities were used as auxiliary variables, and random forest (RF), regression Kriging (RK), ordinary Kriging (OK), and multiple linear regression (MLR) models were proposed to predict the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in cultivated soils. In comparison to those of RK, OK, and MLR, the RF model had the best prediction performance for As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Zn, whereas the OK and RK models had highest prediction performance for Cu and Ni, respectively, showing that R2 was the highest, and mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) were the lowest. The prediction performance of the spatial distribution of soil HMs under different prediction methods was basically consistent. The high value areas of eight HMs concentrations were all distributed in the southern plain area. However, the RF model depicted the details of spatial prediction more prominently. Moreover, the importance ranking of influencing factors derived from the RF model indicated that the spatial variation in concentrations of the eight HMs in Lanxi City were mainly affected by the combined effects of Se, TN, pH, elevation, annual average temperature, annual average rainfall, distance from rivers, and distance from factories. Given the above, random forest models could be used as an effective method for the spatial prediction of soil heavy metals, providing scientific reference for regional soil pollution investigation, assessment, and management.

Saprophytic Filamentous Fungi against Helminths Affecting Captive Wild Animals

In recent decades, important modifications have been introduced in zoos in order to guarantee the welfare of captive wild animals. Thus, many of these species are housed in enclosures with access to vegetation, where they can enjoy habitats close to those in their natural surroundings, interact with the environment, etc. These habitats present beneficial conditions for some species of parasites to survive and spread. This is a very similar problem to that affecting livestock, and the same solution, based on deworming, is currently being applied. However, the free-living stages of certain parasites that develop in the soil are responsible for high rates of ground contamination throughout the year, so that animals become infected soon after successful deworming, resulting in chemical parasiticides being frequently administered. Preventive measures are seldom considered, which worsens the situation. This entry summarizes the usefulness of the dissemination of certain saprophytic filamentous fungi with proven antagonism against some of the parasites.

Biotesting for adsorptive bioremediation of oil-contaminated podzolic soil in Western Siberia

The majority of Russia’s oil and gas-producing regions are situated in the northern part of Western Siberia, where sandy podzolic soils are prevalent. Due to the low buffering capacity of these soils and the severe Arctic climate, the conventional method of bioremediation for removing oil contamination is not effective. This study, for the first time, explores the potential of adsorptive bioremediation for purifying oil-polluted gley-podzolic soil. This approach involves introducing natural sorbents of various classes before soil treatment through bioremediation. The optimal conditions for soil treatment can be determined using the express phytotests based on white clover ( Trifolium repens ) seed germination. The results indicate that under the best conditions, which involve adding 2 % mixed sorbent based on granulated activated carbon (GAC) and diatomite (4:1) or Spilsorb, it is possible to minimize soil phytotoxicity after 2-3 warm seasons and reduce the content of total petroleum hydrocarbons to the permissible residual oil content (≤5 g/kg) established in the territory of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug for recultivated agricultural soils. Moreover, other sorbents, such as peat, GAC, vermiculite, zeolite, and diatomite, can be used to reduce phytotoxicity to <33 %, allowing for additional soil decontamination through phytoremediation.

Elevated atmospheric CO2 combined with Epichloë endophyte may improve growth and Cd phytoremediation potential of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.).

Complex environmental conditions like heavy metal contamination and elevated CO2 concentration may cause numerous plant stresses and lead to considerable crop losses worldwide. Cadmium is a non-essential element and potentially highly toxic soil metal pollution, causing oxidative stress in plants and human toxicity. In order to assess a combination of complex factors on the responses of two genotypes of Festuca arundinacea (75B and 75C), a greenhouse experiment was conducted on plants grown in two Cd-contaminated soil conditions and two soil textures under combined effects of elevated ambient CO2 (700ppm) and Epichloë endophyte infection. Plant biomass, Cd, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn concentrations in the plant shoots and roots, Fv/Fm, chlorophyll (a & b), and carotenoid contents were measured after 7months of growth in pots. Our results showed that endophyte-infected plants (E+) grown in elevated CO2 atmosphere (CO2+), clay-loam soil texture (H) with no Cd amendment (Cd-) in the genotype 75B had significantly greater shoot and root biomass than non-infected plants (E-) grown in ambient CO2 concentration (CO2-), sandy-loam soil texture (L) with amended Cd (Cd+) in the genotype 75C. Increased CO2 concentration and endophyte infection, especially in the genotype 75B, enabled Festuca for greater phytoremediation of Cd because of higher tolerance to Cd stress and higher biomass accumulation in the plant genotype. However, CO2 enrichment negatively influenced the plant mineral absorption due to the inhibitory effects of high Cd concentration in shoots and roots. It is concluded that Cd phytoremediation can be positively affected by the increased atmospheric CO2 concentration, tolerant plant genotype, heavy soil texture, and Epichloë endophyte. Using Taguchi and AIC design methodologies, it was alsopredicted that the most critical factors affecting Cd phytoremediation potential were CO2 concentration and plant genotype.

Proline-mediated redox regulation in wheat for mitigating nickel-induced stress and soil decontamination

Nickel (Ni) is known as a plant micronutrient and serves as a component of many significant enzymes, however, it can be extremely toxic to plants when present in excess concentration. Scientists are looking for natural compounds that can influence the development processes of plants. Therefore, it was decided to use proline as a protective agent against Ni toxicity. Proline (Pro) is a popularly known osmoprotectant to regulate the biomass and developmental processes of plants under a variety of environmental stresses, but its role in the modulation of Ni-induced toxicity in wheat is very little explored. This investigation indicated the role of exogenously applied proline (10 mM) on two wheat varieties (V1 = Punjab-11, V2 = Ghazi-11) exposed to Ni (100 mg/kg) stress. Proline mediated a positive rejoinder on morphological, photosynthetic indices, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress markers, ion uptake were analyzed with and without Ni stress. Proline alone and in combination with Ni improved the growth, photosynthetic performance, and antioxidant capacity of wheat plants. However, Ni application alone exhibited strong oxidative damage through increased H2O2 (V1 = 28.96, V2 = 55.20) accumulation, lipid peroxidation (V1 = 26.09, V2 = 38.26%), and reduced translocation of macronutrients from root to shoot. Application of Pro to Ni-stressed wheat plants enhanced actions of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total soluble protein (TSP) contents by 45.70, 44.06, 43.40, and 25.11% in V1, and 39.32, 46.46, 42.22, 55.29% in V2, compared to control plants. The upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, proline accumulation, and uptake of essential mineral ions has maintained the equilibrium of Ni in both wheat cultivars, indicating Ni detoxification. This trial insight into an awareness that foliar application of proline can be utilized as a potent biochemical method in mitigating Ni-induced stress and might serve as a strong remedial technique for the decontamination of polluted soil particularly with metals.

Evaluating the effectiveness and challenges of the solid waste management system in lilongwe city council, Malawi

The current state of Solid Waste Management in Lilongwe City underscores the need to integrate contemporary and technological approaches for more efficient waste handling, with the support of digital solutions. Despite the severity of the solid waste issue impacting various sectors, including households, businesses, industries, and agriculture, there has been minimal effort to educate communities and townships on the importance of waste separation prior to collection. Recognizing that certain types of waste can be recycled for specific purposes, such as in agriculture, is essential. There is also a need for increased individual involvement to address solid waste management challenges, aiming to shift public perception and promote sustainable waste management practices. The rapid pace of waste production, driven by industrialization and population growth, is concerning. Unauthorized dumping has led to an unpleasant environment, noxious odors, and significant health risks through contamination of land, air, and water resources. Addressing these challenges requires focusing on technology and innovative solutions to manage solid waste effectively. This approach should enhance coordination and improve waste management from the point of creation and categorization to disposal at the dumping site. Implementing such methods could help reduce public health issues related to waste mishandling in urban areas. A proposed digital waste management solution, such as a cloud-based application, could represent a significant step towards achieving effective waste management practices in the city.

Assessment of degradation transformations of agricultural lands

The use of soil for the production of crop products leads to changes in the natural properties of soils and their natural state. When various situations arise, soil properties can change in different forms and with unequal degrees of severity; a process that worsens quantitative and qualitative properties is defined as soil degradation. The significant role of soil in people’s lives should serve as an incentive for its rational use and to prevent the occurrence of degradation transformations leading to a decrease in its environmental and production functions. The purpose of the research is to assess soil contamination of agricultural lands in the Samara region with insecto-acaricides and herbicides. Objectives: - to establish the average and maximum content of residual quantities of pesticides in soils; - determine the area of contamination with residual quantities of pesticides. The research was carried out in 7 districts (Bezenchuksky, Syzransky, Stavropolsky, Volzhsky, Privolzhsky, Bolshechernigovsky, Elkhovsky) of the Samara region in 2020-2022. To assess soil contamination with residual amounts of pesticides, soil samples were taken in spring and autumn to the depth of the arable layer. In selected soil samples, the residual amount of insectoacaricides (DDT, HCH, HCB, metaphos) and herbicides (prometrin, atrazine, simazine, 2.4-D, trifluralin, THAN, dalapon) was determined. The analysis of contamination of agricultural land in the study region showed that the content of controlled pesticides in soils depended on both the period of soil sampling and the year of research.