Plants For Remediation Research Articles

Valorization of agriculture waste biomass as biochar: As first-rate biosorbent for remediation of contaminated soil

Each year, Asia produces an estimated 350 million tonnes of agricultural residues. According to Ministry of Power projections, numerous tonnes of such waste are discarded each year, in addition to being used as green manure. The methodology used to convert agricultural waste into the most valuable biochar, as well as its critical physical and chemical properties, were described in this review. This review also investigates the beneficial effects of bio and phytoremediation on metal(lloid)-contaminated soil. Agriculture biomass-based biochar is an intriguing organic residue material with the potential to be used as a responsible solution for metal(lloid) polluted soil remediation and soil improvement. Plants with faster growth and higher biomass can meet massive remediation demands. Recent research shows significant progress in agricultural biomass-based biomass conversion as biochar, as well as understanding the frameworks of metal(lloid) accumulation and mobility in plants used for metal(lloid) polluted soil remediation. Biochar made from various agricultural biomass can promote native plant growth and improve phytoremediation efficiency in polluted soil with metal(lloid)s. This carbon-enriched biochar promotes native microbial activity by neutralising pH and providing adequate nutrition. Thus, this review critically examines the feasibility of converting agricultural waste biomass into biochar, as well as the impact on plant and microbe remediation potential in metal(lloid)s polluted soil.

PREPARATION FOR THE DISPOSAL OF SLUDGE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

Due to the lack of local facilities for recycling, neutralization and treatment of wastewater at many metallurgical enterprises the wastewater is mixed; surface wastewater, blowdown of recycled water supply cycles, chemically polluted wastewater, spent cooling and washing liquids. As a result of the joint processing of the mentioned waste waters in sewage treatment plants, the specific sediments containing compounds of heavy metals and toxic substances are formed. The data on metal content in a solid phase of mixed sediments of different metallurgical enterprises is presented. It is noted that toxicity of sediments can be reduced by excluding the discharge of used concentrated solutions into the sewerage system, by regeneration of used technological and detergent solutions at the place of their formation. The scheme of sludge processing, which provides for their flocculation, gravitational thickening and mechanical dewatering, is proposed. It is shown, that the most efficient flocculant for treatment of sludge of mixed composition is a high-molecular-weight anionic flocculant with the content of ionogenic groups up to 10 %. The effective dosage is 5‒7 kg/t dry solids of sludge. For mechanical dewatering of flocculated sludge, chamber, membrane and belt filter presses as well as screw centrifuges (decanters) can be applied. Depending on the metal content, the dewatered sludge can be used for technical remediation of disturbed areas or for processing in the cement industry. Present study shows a schematic diagram for the preparation of mixed sewage sludge and dry industrial wastes of a metallurgical plant for technical remediation of disturbed lands. For processing sludge with water content between 65‒75 % in cement industry it is recommended to mix the mechanically dewatered sludge with dry wastes, such as abrasive dust and grinding powders, waste core mixtures for casting and other similar wastes.

Noteworthy Collections: First documented antheridia on Palamocladium leskeoides (Brachytheciaceae) in North America

The collection reported here of Palamocladium leskeoides, made in Tennessee, represents the first documented observation of antheridia on this species in North America. Palamocladium leskeoides is a dioicous moss species with a pantropical distribution. Uncommon in the United States, it grows in disjunct populations in moist habitats on calcareous rock. We visited Rock Island State Park (Warren County, Tennessee) in 2019 and relocated a population of this species that was last collected from that location in 1979. Two small voucher specimens were collected and one was observed to have a perigonium containing antheridia attached to the stem. The invasive evergreen Euonymus fortunei was also observed covering surfaces that could otherwise be suitable habitat for P. leskeoides. We plan to assist Rock Island State Park with remediation of invasive plants to improve the available habitat and monitoring the population of this rare moss.

Engineered bacterium-binding protein promotes root recruitment of functional bacteria for enhanced cadmium removal from wastewater by phytoremediation

Functional bacteria promote the efficiency of phytoremediation by enhancing plant growth and participating in decontamination. However, their activity is frequently compromised by the weakness of their interaction with plant roots. In this study, we designed the artificial protein LcGC composed of a bacterium-binding domain, a GFP fluorescence reporter, and a carbohydrate-binding domain to function as a physical contact between functional bacteria and plant roots. This protein was then expressed in an engineered yeast cell factory and extracted to assess its effect on rhizosphere microbiome composition, plant growth, and cadmium removal in a simulated phytoremediation system containing the remediation plant Lemna minor and the functional heavy metal-capturing bacteria Cupriavidus taiwanensis and Pseudomonas putida. LcGC efficiently bound bacterial cell wall components and glucan, endowing it high efficiency to bind both functional bacteria and plant roots. Scanning microscopy and microbiome analysis revealed that LcGC enhanced root recruitment and colonization of functional bacteria on the root surfaces. Furthermore, LcGC with the aid of single C. taiwanensis or of C. taiwanensis and P. putida in combination promoted plant growth, enhanced tolerance to cadmium-induced oxidative stress, and consequently improved cadmium-removing capacity of the plants, with the percent of cadmium removal reaching up to 91% for LcGC plus C. taiwanensis, and to 96% for LcGC plus C. taiwanensis and P. putida on day 7. This study provided a physical contact-based strategy to enhance the interaction between functional microbes and plant roots for efficient phytoremediation.

Effect of methanol root extract of Eriosema psoraleoides on biochemical and haematological parameters and cyclooxygenase levels in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEriosema psoraleoides is a remedial plant utilised traditionally in the African continent. It is said to possess a wide range of pharmacological activity. In a previous study, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of its methanol root extract have been scientifically demonstrated. The growing use of medicinal plants by people from low-income countries and the plethora of adverse effects accompanying this increasing use has demonstrated the need for comprehensive toxicological evaluation of these plants which have shown therapeutic activity. However, in the capsule that is Nigeria, these studies are seldom done even though locals continue to patronize these plants for their health benefits. Aim of the studyTo establish the repeated dose toxicity profile of the methanol root extract of Eriosema psoraleoides (EPE) in rats and also to investigate a possible mechanism for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Materials and methodsMale Wistar rats were utilised for the test. All animals used for the test were healthy. The oral repeated dose study was carried out for 28 days with animals being given the following doses daily; 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg orally. The Wistar rats were euthanized afterwards and blood samples were taken. The samples were subjected to serum biochemistry in tandem with haematological testing. After acute induction of inflammation with 1% carrageenan in normal saline, sera samples were obtained from the animals: serum cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 levels (COX 1 and COX 2) were assayed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kits. Data were analysed utilising the appropriate software and tests. ResultsOral Repeated dose administration of EPE for 28 days didn't produce any lethality in any animal throughout the duration of the test. Repeated dose administration of EPE showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the serum levels of Alanine Aminotransferase as well as Aspartate Aminotransferase at 250 and 1000 mg/kg dose levels. Total protein and albumin were also significantly (p < 0.01) decreased. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum urea level was also observed compared to the normal saline group (1 ml/kg). Sodium levels also showed a decrease with a statistically significant level only in the group treated with the extract at a dose of 1000 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Haematological parameters were not significantly affected by EPE. The extract demonstrated an ability to down-regulate serum concentration of both COX 1 and 2, though not to a statistically significant level. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that prolonged use of EPE might potentially adversely affect vital organs in the body and EPE may potentially act through its downregulation of COX 1 and 2.

Phytoremediation Technology and How to Increase Phytoremediation Capacity of Plants

Abstract: Phytoremediation technology is the use of green plants for remediation of heavy metals and contaminants. Heavy metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) affect the green plants. The use of EDTA (Ethylenediaaminetetra acetic acid) increases the Phytoremediation capacity of plants. Increases the metal uptake of plants. It also increases the Phytoextracting capacity of plants. EDTA increases the growth of plants and helpful in maintaining green vegetation. EDTA is a stong chelator, it remediate the heavy metal from polluted soil by making complex with metal. Keywords: Phytoremediation, EDTA, Phytoextraction, Plants, Chromium.

Promotion effect of graphene on phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench was selected as a remediation plant in this study, and different concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) were added to Cd-contaminated soil. Through pot experiments, the effect of E. purpurea on Cd-contaminated soil was determined at 60 days, 120 days, and 150 days. A preliminary study on the remediation mechanism of GO was explored through changes in the forms of Cd in the rhizosphere soil, soil pH, and soil functional groups. Results showed that the optimal concentration of GO was 0.4 g/kg, and under the condition, the accumulation of Cd in the roots of E. purpurea was as high as 113.69 ± 23.86 mg/kg, and the maximum EF reached 5.87 ± 1.34. Compared with those of the control group, accumulated Cd concentration and EF in the roots increased by 60.34% and 2.32, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the absorption and accumulation of Cd was negatively correlated with the exchangeable Cd content at 120 days, and the exchangeable Cd was negatively correlated with the relative content of functional groups in the soil with 0.4 g/kg GO (E2). The artificial application of GO to the soil can be used as an effective way to improve the effect of E. purpurea in the remediation of Cd soil pollution, and it has great application potential in the stabilization of plants and vegetations and restoration of high-concentration Cd-contaminated soil.

Chelating Agents in Assisting Phytoremediation of Uranium-Contaminated Soils: A Review

Massive stockpiles of uranium (U) mine tailings have resulted in soil contamination with U. Plants for soil remediation have low extraction efficiency of U. Chelating agents can mobilize U in soils and, hence, enhance phytoextraction of U from the soil. However, the rapid mobilization rate of soil U by chelating agents in a short period than plant uptake rate could increase the risk of groundwater contamination with soluble U leaching down the soil profile. This review summarizes recent progresses in synthesis and application of chelating agents for assisting phytoremediation of U-contaminated soils. In detail, the interactions between chelating agents and U ions are initially elucidated. Subsequently, the mechanisms of phytoextraction and effectiveness of different chelating agents for phytoremediation of U-contaminated soils are given. Moreover, the potential risks associated with chelating agents are discussed. Finally, the synthesis and application of slow-release chelating agents for slowing down metal mobilization in soils are presented. The application of slow-release chelating agents for enhancing phytoextraction of soil U is still scarce. Hence, we propose the preparation of slow-release biodegradable chelating agents, which can control the release speed of chelating agent into the soil in order to match the mobilization rate of soil U with plant uptake rate, while diminishing the risk of residual chelating agent leaching to groundwater.

Tinospora cordifolia- leaves Aqueous Extract Biocidal Activity on Gram-Negative Bacteria

Tinospora cordifolia- leaves aqueous extract is having strong biocidal properties and used as a main home remedial plant since ancient times. Herbal extraction is having slow-acting properties, so a single dose is not effective as allopathic medicine, perhaps long-term exposure is required. Biocidal activity of leaves aqueous extract is tested using human gastro-intestinal gram-negative pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from the wastewater treatment plant. Satisfactory results were obtained that confirm the safety of Tinospora cordifolia leaves aqueous extraction as an effective home remedial as well as pharmaceutical product due to having effective biocidal properties. To the best of our knowledge, aqueous extraction of Tinospora cordifolia leaves with its biocidal activity is first reported in this study.

Asymmetric interaction and concurrent remediation of copper and atrazine by Acorus tatarinowii in an aquatic system

To clarify the influence of organic pesticides on phytoremediation of potentially toxic metal elements, hydroponically-grown Acorus tatarinowii was used to repair copper pollution at six concentration levels with and without atrazine. Removal outcomes and processes exhibited asymmetry in an aquatic system. In plants, the addition of atrazine brought as much as 20.5% copper than control. Total amounts, percentage of protein or pectin combined copper and leaf: root ratio of copper were enhanced correspondingly. In solutions, cupric ions (Cu2+) were eliminated as much as 95.6% in plant remediation system. Though atrazine resulted in a quarter more absorption equilibrium concentration, the absorption reaction rate half declined. Copper removal in the system was contributed by both bound copper in solution and plant accumulation, and atrazine magnified contribution weight of the later one. Concurrent copper decreased absolute and relative amounts of atrazine in A. tatarinowii, indicating the influence of copper was mainly to reduce atrazine uptake by A. tatarinowii rather than to change the transformation of atrazine in plants. Copper exhibited antagonistic effects with atrazine in term of plant biomass, photosynthesis and oxidative-related responses (malondialdehyde, Ca, Fe and Mn), which might give support to asymmetry interaction between copper and atrazine accumulation in A. tatarinowii.

Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.): Genotypic Diversity and Transgenic Alfalfa for Phytoremediation

Soil contamination caused by industrial and agricultural activities is an environmental problem that poses a serious risk to human health and the ecosystem. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic chemicals that persist in the environment for long periods because of their high resistance to photolytic, chemical, and biological degradation. Besides POPs, high concentrations of non-essential heavy metals and metalloids, such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead, are increasingly becoming a problem worldwide. Remediation strategies for organic and inorganic pollutants in the environment have received global attention. For organic or inorganic contaminants, phytoremediation is the strategy of choice because of a green technology that uses plants and solar energy to clean hyper-accumulated toxic pollutants from the environment. Some plant species have a high capacity to grow and survive in elevated levels of contaminants. With a long cultivation history and adaptability to a wide range of territories, alfalfa has not only widely been used for animal feed and a medicinal herb but is also an ideal natural resource and model plant for remediation of contaminated soils, offering a variety of elite characteristics. This review provides, firstly, abundant genomic information on the genetic diversity and population structure of alfalfa. Secondly, we focused on the transgenic alfalfa plants for enhanced phytoremediation of POPs, such as atrazine, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and trichloroethylene (TCE), as well as phytoremediation of petroleum and heavy metals. Thirdly, the future perspective of enhancement of phytoremediation efficiency was discussed in depth. This review is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the phytoremediation capabilities of transgenic alfalfa plants, presenting fundamental information for future research studies for enhancing phytoremediation efficiency.

Adaptive Responses of Common and Hybrid Bermudagrasses to Shade Stress Associated With Changes in Morphology, Photosynthesis, and Secondary Metabolites.

Alteration of ploidy in one particular plant species often influences their environmental adaptation. Warm-season bermudagrass is widely used as forage, turfgrass, and ground-cover plant for ecological remediation, but exhibits low shade tolerance. Adaptive responses to shade stress between triploid hybrid bermudagrass cultivars [“Tifdwarf” (TD), “Tifsport” (TS), and “Tifway” (TW)] and tetraploid common bermudagrass cultivar “Chuanxi” (CX) were studied based on changes in phenotype, photosynthesis, and secondary metabolites in leaves and stems. Shade stress (250 luminance, 30 days) significantly decreased stem diameter and stem internode length, but did not affect the leaf width of four cultivars. Leaf length of CX, TD, or TW showed no change in response to shade stress, whereas shade stress significantly elongated the leaf length of TS. The CX and the TS exhibited significantly higher total chlorophyll (Chl), Chl a, carotenoid contents, photosynthetic parameters [PSII photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance] in leaves than the TW and the TD under shade stress. The CX also showed a significantly higher performance index on absorption basis (PIABS) in leaf and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in leaf and stem than the other three cultivars under shade stress. In addition, the TS maintained higher proantho cyanidims content than the TW and the TD after 30 days of shade stress. Current results showed that tetraploid CX exhibited significantly higher shade tolerance than triploid TD, TS, and TW mainly by maintaining higher effective photosynthetic leaf area, photosynthetic performance of PSI and PSII (Pn and Fv/Fm), and photosynthetic pigments as well as lower Chl a/b ratio for absorption, transformation, and efficient use of light energy under shade stress. For differential responses to shade stress among three triploid cultivars, an increase in leaf length and maintenance of higher Fv/Fm, gas exchange, water use efficiency, carotenoid, and proanthocyanidin contents in leaves could be better morphological and physiological adaptations of TS to shade than other hybrid cultivars (TD and TW).

Ethnobotanical Studies of Chittapur Taluk in Kalaburgi, Karnataka-India

The present Ethno-botanical study was conducted in Chitapur Taluk of Kalaburgi district to document Traditional medicinal Plants used by local Vaidiyas. Study revealed 25 plants species belonging to 14 families and 24 genera. The information gathered indicates that the tribals, and common people of the study area possess good knowledge about herbals and remedies. Diseases/ailments found prevalent in the area are renal calculus, snake bite, fits, hepatitis, tooth ache and menstrual disorders. Data includes botanical name, vernacular name, family, plant part used, dosage, method of application. The continuous and progressive exposure to modernization of traditional practitioners may result in the extinction of such rich heritage of traditional knowledge in the course of time. Further, suggested to validate for remedial plant metabolites for novel drug development for treatment of such disorder.

Cu Dynamics in the Rhizosphere of Native Tropical Species: Assessing the Potential for Phytostabilization in Mining-Impacted Soils

The use of native plants for reforestation and/or remediation in areas contaminated by mining is a technique with low implantation and maintenance costs. The success of this practice depends on the plant species and geochemical processes at the soil–plant interface (e.g., rhizosphere). This study evaluated the potential of spontaneous species for mobilizing and altering mineral and metal dynamics in the rhizosphere of Cu-rich soils resulting from the abandoned Pedra Verde mine in NE Brazil. Rhizosphere and bulk soil samples were collected from five shrubby/arboreal species. The pH, organic matter content, Cu fractionation, mineralogical characterization, and Cu content in the leaves and roots of all studied species were determined. In addition, the bioaccumulation factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were used to evaluate the potential of these species for Cu hyperaccumulation. The Cu concentration in leaf plant tissues varied from 18 to 34 mg kg−1, and all plants presented TF and BCF &lt; 1, indicating that the species were not Cu hyperaccumulators. However, the root exudates induce mineral dissolution, indicating potential Cu accumulation in the roots (from 36 to 249 mg kg−1). Combretum aff. pisoniodes Taub was the species with the greatest potential for decreasing Cu bioavailability and phytostabilization. Our findings indicate the potential of native Brazilian plants for growth in Cu-contaminated soil. These findings may be used for reforestation programs.

Remediation mechanism of \u201cdouble-resistant\u201d bacteria\u2014Sedum alfredii Hance on Pb- and Cd-contaminated soil

BackgroundConcentrations of heavy metals continue to increase in soil environments as a result of both anthropogenic activities and natural processes. Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic heavy metals and pose health risks to both humans and the ecosystem. Therefore, effectively solving the problem of heavy metal pollution is the concern of soil workers. Among the existing remediation techniques, only the combined use of microorganisms and plants for remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil is the greenest and most developed one. Consequently, based on this background, this study investigates the remediation mechanism of Pb and Cd heavy metals using the combined action of bacteria and Sedum alfredii Hance.MethodsIn order to enrich the research theory of combined plant and microorganism remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil, we constructed a heavy metal composite pollution remediation system by combining Pb and Cd-tolerant bacteria with the Pb and Cd hyperaccumulator plant—Sedum alfredii Hance to investigate its combined remediation effect on Pb and Cd composite contaminated soil.ResultsThe results showed that resistant bacteria were able to promote enrichment of Pb and Cd in Sedum alfredii Hance and J2 (200 ml of bacterial solution) was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective than J1 (100 ml of bacterial solution). The resistant bacteria were able to alleviate the toxic effects of Pb and Cd heavy metals on Sedum alfredii Hance and promote growth while reducing rhizosphere soil pH. The resistant bacteria were able to significantly reduce the effective state of Pb and Cd in the rhizosphere soil (P < 0.05), with the greatest reduction in the effective state of Pb in treatment A (Cd7Pb100 mg/kg), where J2 was reduced by 9.98% compared to J0, and the greatest reduction in the effective state of Cd in treatment C (Cd28Pb400 mg/kg), where J2 was 43.53% lower than J0. In addition, the resistant bacteria were able to increase the exchangeable state Cd content by 0.97 to 9.85%. The resistant bacteria had a weakly promoting effect and a highly inhibitory effect on the absorption of Pb by Sedum alfredii Hance.ConclusionsThe resistant bacteria can change the rhizosphere environment and significantly improve the remediation effect of Sedum alfredii Hance on heavy metal cadmium. The role of “double-resistant” bacteria in promoting the accumulation of Cd was greater than that of Pb.

In Vivo and In Silico Assessment of Diabetes Ameliorating Potentiality and Safety Profile of Gynura procumbens Leaves.

Background Diabetes mellitus is one of the most notable health dilemmas. Analyzing plants for new antidiabetic remedies has become an impressive territory for life science researchers. Gynura procumbens has long been used to treat diabetes. Thus, we strived to ascertain the hypoglycemic potentiality of extract of leaves of G. procumbens by in vivo and in silico approaches. Methods Fresh leaves of G. procumbens were collected and shade-dried to prepare ethanolic extracts to evaluate pharmacological parameters. Diabetes was induced in rats via injecting alloxan through the intraperitoneal route at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. Humalyzer 3000 was used to perform a biochemical assay of collected samples from rats. Anti-hyperglycemic activity study along with overdose toxicity test was performed. The pharmacological activity of this plant was also evaluated through a molecular docking study. This in silico study investigated the binding affinity of natural ligands from G. procumbens against glycoside hydrolase enzymes. Results We detected a peak plasma concentration of G. procumbens at 3 hours 45 minutes that is roughly similar to the peak plasma concentration of metformin. Again, in OGTT and anti-hyperglycemic tests, it has been ascertained that both plant extract and metformin can exert significant (P < 0.05) and highly significant (P < 0.01) hypoglycemic activity in a dose-dependent manner. Metformin exhibited better therapeutic efficacy than that of plant extract, but it possessed null statistical significance. Also, our safety profile expressed that, similar to metformin, the plant extract can restore the disturbed pathological state in a dose-oriented approach with a wide safety margin. In silico study also validated the potentialities of natural constituents of G. procumbens. Conclusion. This study suggested that G. procumbens can be considered as potential antidiabetic plant. Robust and meticulous investigation regarding plant chemistry and pharmacology in the future may bring about a new dimension that will aid in discovering antidiabetic drugs from this plant in the diabetes management system.

Distributed treatment of rural environmental wastewater by artificial ecological geographic information system

The existing extensive domestic sewage discharge methods and simple sewage pipe network collection modes in rural China not only cannot guarantee high sewage collection efficiency, but also fail to achieve rain and sewage diversion, resulting in the deterioration of living environment, the serious pollution of surface water and groundwater in rural areas, and even directly threatening the quality of the water environment. Therefore, accelerating the researches on rural domestic sewage treatment technologies and the scientific and effective treatment of rural domestic sewage as much as possible is a very important task at present, which is of great significance to the overall improvement of China’s rural environment. Therefore, on the basis of summarizing and analyzing previous research works, taking a town in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China as an example, this paper expounds the research status of rural domestic sewage treatment and its significance in improving rural environment, elaborates the development background, current status and future challenges of rural domestic sewage treatment technologies, introduces the related works of other scholars and the research area of this paper, analyzes the systematic mode of ecological treatment of rural domestic sewage, proposes the systematic mode of biological treatment of rural domestic sewage, conducts technological mode analysis of rural domestic sewage treatment, implements the effect evaluation of rural domestic sewage treatment, describes the impact of domestic sewage treatment on rural environment indicators, explores the improvement of the rural environment by domestic sewage treatment, discusses the applicability evaluation of different rural domestic sewage treatment technologies, and finally performs the quantitative description of the effect of domestic sewage treatment on the improvement of rural environment. The study results show that In the town of Xuzhou City, part of the mixed sewage is absorbed by the remediation plants, and part of the pollutants in the process of infiltrating the subsoil are intercepted by the soil medium, or absorbed, utilized or fixed by the roots of the remediation plants, or transformed by the microorganisms in the soil, and degraded into non-toxic or low-toxic components. The integrated technology refers to the small and medium-sized sewage treatment device developed by combining the pretreatment, secondary and advanced treatment technologies of rural domestic sewage, which is an important development direction of rural domestic sewage decentralized treatment technology. The study results in this paper provide a reference for further researches on treatment and technology of domestic sewage for improvement of rural environment in China.

Surface plasmon resonance allied applications of silver nanoflowers synthesized from Breynia vitis-idaea leaf extract.

An environmentally friendly, green synthesis process has been adopted to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in an aqueous solution from a new remedial plant. Breynia vitis-idaea leaves act like natural capping and reducing agents. The resulting AgNPs were characterized and analyzed using different characterization techniques, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV-Vis absorption spectrum showed high stability and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak around 430 nm. The effects of several processing variables, such as reaction time, temperature, concentration and pH, were analyzed. High temperature and alkaline pH intensify the ability to form flower-shaped AgNPs with enhanced properties. AgNPs were investigated for antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E. coli bacterial strains with a 10 mm zone of inhibition. These AgNPs showed dye degradation up to 88% when an aqueous crystal violet dye solution was mixed with AgNPs as the catalyst. Further, AgNPs alone were effectively used in the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in an aqueous medium with a LOD (limit of detection) of 21 μM, limit of quantification (LOQ) of 64 μM and a decrease in absorption intensity up to 89%. Based on these results, these AgNPs were effectively used in numerous fields, such as biomedical, water purification, antibacterial and sensing of H2O2.

Recent advances in medicinal applications of essential oil

In a modern lifestyle, several diseases are becoming threatening to human life. Closeness to nature is the ultimate solution to boost our immunity as well as our daily functions. Medication and natural medications are being adopted by society to reduce the side effects of allopathy-based medications. A remedial plant plays a dominant role in providing thecrude products for natural medication, and essential oil is one of them. Reports validate the extraction of many essential oils from these remedial plants. Essential oils are natural, highly concentrated aromatic liquids that are obtained from fruits, flowers, seeds, stems, bark, and other parts of the plant. It has staggeringly ubiquitous biological activities involving antioxidant, antimicrobial, nematicidal, herbicidal, antifungal, and chemotherapeutic. This review article emphasizes the use of essential oils in conventional medication and the modern medicinal world having anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. This review also shed light on the essential oil cultivation process in many countries against various health-related issues like; cancer, covid-19, insect bites, inflammation regarding ailments, skin-related problems, sleep disorders, and anxiety.

Effect of Polyethylene (LDPE) Microplastic on Remediation of Cadmium Contaminated Soil by &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Solanum nigrum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.

Solanum nigrum L. has a delightful prospect as a hyperaccumulation plant for cadmium pollution remediation, and microplastic is a new type of pollution that has received wide attention. In this study, the effects of polyethylene microplastics (LDPE) (0.135, 0.27, 0.81 and 1.35 mg·kg-1) and cadmium (20 mg·kg-1) on the growth indexes and soil physical and chemical properties of Solanum nigrum L. were investigated in a 17-day microcosm experiment. The results showed that single LDPE contamination showed a trend of low concentration promotion and medium-high concentration inhibited the growth index of Solanum nigrum L. and soil physicochemical index, and single Cd contamination was more stressful to plants than single LDPE contamination, while low concentration of LDPE could reduce the effect of Cd on soil physical and chemical properties and promote plant growth and uptake of soil nutrients. These findings suggest that high concentrations of microplastics can inhibit the growth of Solanum nigrum L. alone or in combination with Cd, rather than reducing the toxicity of Cd.