Accumulation Potential Research Articles

Xanthan Gum-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles for Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Detection of Hg2+ Ions from Water

An environmentally safe, efficient, and economical microwave-assisted technique was selected for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). To prepare uniformly disseminated AgNPs, xanthan gum (XG) was utilized as both a reducing and capping agent. UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to characterize the formed XG-AgNPs, with the absorption band regulated at 414 nm under optimized parameters. Atomic force microscopy was used to reveal the size and shape of XG-AgNPs. The interactions between the XG capping agent and AgNPs observed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The XG-AgNPs were placed in between glassy carbon electrode and Nafion® surfaces and then deployed as sensors for voltammetric evaluation of mercury ions (Hg2+) using square-wave voltammetry as an analytical mode. Required Nafion® quantities, electrode behavior, electrolyte characteristics, pH, initial potentials, accumulation potentials, and accumulation durations were all comprehensively investigated. In addition, an electrochemical mechanism for the oxidation of Hg2+ was postulated. With an exceptional limit of detection of 0.18 ppb and an R2 value of 0.981, the sensors’ measured linear response range was 0.0007–0.002 µM Hg2+. Hg2+ evaluations were ultimately unaffected by the presence of many coexisting metal ions (Cd2+, Pb2+, Cr2O4, Co2+,Cu2+, CuSO4). Spiked water samples were tested using the described approach, with Hg2+ recoveries ranging from 97% to 100%.

Ranunculus sceleratus as a Model Species to Decrypt the Role of Ethylene in Plant Adaptation to Salinity.

The aim of the present study was to develop an experimental system for an exploration of ethylene-dependent responses using intact growing Ranunculus sceleratus plants and to approbate the system for assessing the role of ethylene in salinity tolerance and ion accumulation. Plants were cultivated in sealed plastic containers in a modified gaseous atmosphere by introducing ethylene or 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a competitive inhibitor of ethylene action. High humidity inside the containers induced a fast elongation of the leaf petioles of R. sceleratus. The effect was ethylene-dependent, as 1-MCP completely blocked it, but exogenous ethylene further promoted petiole elongation. Exogenous ethylene decreased (by 48%) but 1-MCP increased (by 48%) the Na+ accumulation in leaf blades of NaCl-treated plants. The experimental system was further calibrated with ethylene and silica xerogel, and the optimum concentrations were found for inducing leaf petiole elongation (10 μL L-1 ethylene) and preventing leaf petiole elongation (200 g silica xerogel per 24 L), respectively. The second experiment involved a treatment with NaCl in the presence of 1-MCP, ethylene, or 1-MCP + ethylene, both in normal and high air humidity conditions. In high humidity conditions, NaCl inhibited petiole elongation by 25% and ethylene treatment fully reversed this inhibition and stimulated elongation by 12% in comparison to the response of the control plants. Treatment with 1-MCP fully prevented this ethylene effect. In normal humidity conditions, NaCl inhibited petiole elongation by 20%, which was reversed by ethylene without additional elongation stimulation. However, 1-MCP only partially inhibited the ethylene effect on petiole elongation. In high humidity conditions, ethylene inhibited Na+ accumulation in NaCl-treated plants by 14%, but 1-MCP reversed this effect. In conclusion, the stimulation of endogenous ethylene production in R. sceleratus plants at a high air humidity or in flooded conditions reverses the inhibitory effect of salinity on plant growth and concomitantly inhibits the accumulation of Na+ in tissues. R. sceleratus is a highly promising model species for use in studies regarding ethylene-dependent salinity responses and ion accumulation potential involving the manipulation of a gaseous environment.

Auxin supplementation under nitrogen limitation enhanced oleic acid and MUFA content in Eustigmatos calaminaris biomass with potential for biodiesel production

Due to their lipid accumulation potential, microalgae are widely studied in terms of their use in the production of biodiesel. The present study was focused on determination of changes in the biomass production, biochemical composition, accumulation and distribution of fatty acids in neutral lipids, glycolipids, phospholipids and biodiesel properties of soil microalga Eustigmatos calaminaris in response to various levels of nitrogen stress and indole-3-acetic acid supplementation. The highest growth rate, the highest lipid content and daily lipid productivity were noted at the nitrogen limitation up to 25% with IAA supplementation. The increase in NL was associated with nutrient stress. An increase in the level of GL and PL were recorded upon the reduction of the nitrogen content (25% N) and the addition of IAA. The gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that C16:0, C16:1, and C18:1 were the main fatty acids in E. calaminaris lipids. As shown by the lipidomic analysis, the IAA supplementation in the nitrogen limitation variants enhanced the content of TAGs in C18:1 and monounsaturated fatty acids. The current findings indicated a potential strategy to improve the fatty acid profile in neutral lipids and high potential of E. calaminaris for biodiesel applications.

Assessing carbon stocks and accumulation potential of mature forests and larger trees in U.S. federal lands

Mature and old-growth forests (collectively “mature”) and larger trees are important carbon sinks that are declining worldwide. Information on the carbon value of mature forests and larger trees in the United States has policy relevance for complying with President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14072 directing federal agencies to define and conduct an inventory of them for conservation purposes. Specific metrics related to maturity can help land managers define and maintain present and future carbon stocks at the tree and forest stand level, while making an important contribution to the nation’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We present a systematic method to define and assess the status of mature forests and larger trees on federal lands in the United States that if protected from logging could maintain substantial carbon stocks and accumulation potential, along with myriad climate and ecological co-benefits. We based the onset of forest maturity on the age at which a forest stand achieves peak net primary productivity. We based our definition of larger trees on the median tree diameter associated with the tree age that defines the beginning of stand maturity to provide a practical way for managers to identify larger trees that could be protected in different forest ecosystems. The average age of peak net primary productivity ranged from 35 to 75 years, with some specific forest types extending this range. Typical diameter thresholds that separate smaller from larger trees ranged from 4 to 18 inches (10–46 cm) among individual forest types, with larger diameter thresholds found in the Western forests. In assessing these maturity metrics, we found that the unprotected carbon stock in larger trees in mature stands ranged from 36 to 68% of the total carbon in all trees in a representative selection of 11 National Forests. The unprotected annual carbon accumulation in live above-ground biomass of larger trees in mature stands ranged from 12 to 60% of the total accumulation in all trees. The potential impact of avoiding emissions from harvesting large trees in mature forests is thus significant and would require a policy shift to include protection of carbon stocks and future carbon accumulation as an additional land management objective on federal forest lands.

Microplastic distribution among estuarine sedimentary habitats utilized by intertidal crabs

The high accumulation potential of estuaries for plastics, particularly microplastics, poses a threat to the high societal value and biodiversity they provide. To support a spatially refined evaluation of the risk that microplastic pollution poses to fauna utilizing estuarine sedimentary habitats, we investigated the distribution of microplastics (lower limit of quantification, LOQ = 62 μm) at the sediment surface of two dominant habitats, and subsequently compared microplastic burdens between two crabs species utilizing these habitats. Microplastics were dominated by low density polyolefins (45–50 %), comparable to the polymer composition of macroplastics. The vast majority (99 %) of microplastics were ≤1 mm, and increased exponentially (with an exponent of 2.7) in abundance at smaller sizes, hinting at three-dimensional fragmentation. Our results suggest that the presence of vegetation needs to be accounted for in risk assessments with small microplastics (≥62 μm and ≤1 mm) on average 2.6 times more prevalent within reed beds compared to mudflats. Additionally, sediment properties also play a role with an exponential decrease in small microplastic abundance at coarser sediments, increased organic matter content, and decreased water content. These results suggest that at specific locations, such as the study area, local sources can provide a substantial contribution to microplastic contamination. To translate these habitat- and site-specific differences into a risk assessment relevant for macroinvertebrates, ecological traits such as differences in feeding modes should be accounted for, as we found substantial differences in both size and abundance of microplastics in gastrointestinal tracts of two crab species, Chiromantes dehaani and Chasmagnathus convexus, with different feeding modes.

Somaclonal Variation for Genetic Improvement of Starch Accumulation in Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Tubers.

Starch content is one of the major quality criteria targeted by potato breeding programs. Traditional potato breeding is a laborious duty due to the tetraploid nature and immense heterozygosity of potato genomes. In addition, screening for functional genetic variations in wild relatives is slow and strenuous. Moreover, genetic diversity, which is the raw material for breeding programs, is limited due to vegetative propagation used in the potato industry. Somaclonal variation provides a time-efficient tool to breeders for obtaining genetic variability, which is essential for breeding programs, at a reasonable cost and independent of sophisticated technology. The present investigation aimed to create potato somaclones with an improved potential for starch accumulation. Based on the weight and starch content of tubers, the somaclonal variant Ros 119, among 105 callus-sourced clones, recorded a higher tuberization potential than the parent cv Lady Rosetta in a field experiment. Although this somaclone was similar to the parent in the number of tubers produced, it exhibited tubers with 42 and 61% higher fresh and dry weights, respectively. Additionally, this clone recorded 10 and 75% increases in starch content based on the dry weight and average content per plant, respectively. The enhanced starch accumulation was associated with the upregulation of six starch-synthesis-related genes, namely, the AGPase, GBSS I, SBE I, SBE II, SS II and SS III genes. AGPase affords the glycosyl moieties required for the synthesis of amylose and amylopectin. GBSS is required for amylose elongation, while SBE I, SBE II, SS II and SS III are responsible for amylopectin.

Temperature Fluctuations Modulate Molecular Mechanisms in Skeletal Muscle and Influence Growth Potential in Beef Steers.

Our investigation elucidated the effects of severe temperature fluctuations on cellular and physiological responses in beef cattle. Eighteen Red Angus beef steers with an average body weight of 351 ± 24.5 kg were divided into three treatment groups: 1) Control (CON), exposed to a temperature-humidity index (THI) of 42 for 6 h without any temperature changes; 2) Transport (TP), subjected to a one-mile trailer trip with a THI of 42 for 6 h; and 3) Temperature swing (TS), exposed to a one-mile trailer trip with a THI shift from 42 to 72-75 for 3 h. Our findings indicate that TS can induce thermal stress in cattle, regardless of whether the overall temperature level is excessively high or not. Behavioral indications of extreme heat stress in the cattle were observed, including extended tongue protrusion, reduced appetite, excessive salivation, and increased respiratory rate. Furthermore, we observed a pronounced overexpression (P < 0.05) of heat shock proteins (HSPs) 20, 27, and 90 in response to the TS treatment in the longissimus muscle (LM). Alterations in signaling pathways associated with skeletal muscle growth were noted, including the upregulation (P < 0.01) of Pax7, Myf5, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms. In addition, an increase (P < 0.05) in transcription factors associated with adipogenesis was detected (P < 0.05), such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, FAS, and SCD in the TS group, suggesting the potential for adipose tissue accumulation due to temperature fluctuations. Our data illustrated the potential impacts of these temperature fluctuations on the growth of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in beef cattle.

Investigation of the Gravity Anomalies within Brass and Environs, Niger Delta Area, Nigeria: Implications for Hydrocarbon Prospectivity

The airborne gravity data over Brass Area and environs, Niger Delta Area, Nigeria were processed and interpreted in order to delineate the sedimentary thickness within the basin and map out places with the potentials for hydrocarbon formation, accumulation and migration. The geological structures, depths andstructural trends within the area were investigated using Total Horizontal Gradient, Tilt Derivative, Analytical Signal Filters and Euler Deconvolution techniques. The results from Euler depths showed that the sedimentary thickness and structural depths within the area range from about 1.6 to over 17.4 km.The area predominantly has NE-SW structural trend with minor NW-SE trend.The sediment thickness and structural endowment of the area prompted the classification of Egeregere, Brass, Spiff Town, Kirikakiri Areas in the northern and the southern partsof the area as zones of very viable potentials for hydrocarbon generation, accumulation and migration.

Electrochemical determination of aripiprazole based on aluminium oxide nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrode.

The electrochemical oxidation of aripiprazole was explored at a carbon paste electrode modified with aluminium oxide nanoparticles by cyclic voltammetry and square-wave anodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry. Experimental parameters such as carbon paste composition, scan rate, buffer pH, accumulation time, and accumulation potential were optimized in order to obtain high analytical performance. The incorporation of aluminium oxide nanoparticles into the carbon paste matrix enhanced the effective surface area of the carbon paste electrode and improved the sensitivity. On the aluminium oxide nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrode, aripiprazole exhibited an irreversible anodic peak at +1.17 V in pH 1.8 BR buffer solution. Under optimum conditions, the peak current exhibited a linear dependence with aripiprazole concentration between 0.03 and 8.0 μM with a detection limit of 0.006 μM. The analytical applicability of the voltammetric method was evaluated by quantification of ARP in human serum samples and pharmaceutical formulations.

ZnO-CNT/Nano-Au modified electrodes for the detection of trace Hg(II) in coastal seawater

Mercury (Hg) in seawater enters the body through the food chain, causing damage to organs and the nervous system. Thus, there is an urgent need to explore a rapid and convenient sensor for the detection and monitoring of Hg(II) in seawater. Herein, a ZnO-CNTs/Nano-Au modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared by the dropping method. The structure of the composite membrane is mainly observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the results show that the composite has a larger specific surface area. Moreover, the composite can increase the ion adsorption of the surface electrode and enhance the conductivity. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was applied to determine trace amounts of Hg(II) in seawater. The optimized conditions were as follows: accumulation potential, accumulation time, pH value, film thickness and concentration. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the linear relationship between the values of the oxidation peak current and concentration was kept in the range of 1.49 ∼ 5.97 μM, with a linear correlation coefficient R2 = 0.991 and a detection limit of Hg(II) of 0.0118 μM. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of coastal water of the Maowei Sea, giving values of recovery in the range of 94.2%∼98.4%. The ZnO-CNTs/Nano-Au-modified electrode has high sensitivity, convenient operation and good practical application value.

Organizational culture, financial reporting quality, and good governance: Evidence from Islamic financial institutions

This study aimed to verify the magnitude of the influence of organizational culture on the quality of financial reporting and its impact on good governance in zakat bodies and institutions in Indonesia. The magnitude of the gap between the potential and realization of zakat accumulation due to not yet growing awareness about the benefits of zakat and the lack of public trust in the institution of zakat tended to surrender their own zakat directly (Subiyanto, 2014; Zuraya, 2013; Jahar, 2010). The study was in the form of explanatory research using primary data and a questionnaire, as a research instrument, with regression analysis tools and unit analysis in zakat agencies and institutions in Indonesia. The results showed that organizational culture had a significant effect on the quality of financial reporting and good governance in the medium and low categories, the quality of financial reporting had a significant effect on the good governance in the low category, and the organizational culture had an indirect effect on good governance in low quality on financial reporting.

ORGANIC FARMING - THE KEY TO RIVER BASIN REVITALIZATION

The article identifies one of the main elements of the Dnipro River basin rehabilitation through the cessation of herbicides, pesticides and mineral fertilizers, prevention of corn, sunflower, rapeseed, soybeans monoculture and organic farming expansion, arable land conservation and natural fodder lands, forests and meadow-marsh complexes and natural systems expansion. It has been shown that the state regulatory policy and environmental management standards should facilitate agricultural enterprises that implement and conduct organic farming. The paper also identifies the main aspects and factors that characterize the economic environment, the economic benefits of using ecological organic rent (monopoly), a special business environment for the formation of prices for organic products and the introduction of environmental marketing. Studies of the conditions for environmentally sustainable management in agriculture have identified the main link - the need for organic farming with a significant potential for water accumulation and increasing the natural fertility of rehabilitated land. A particularly important aspect is the price component, which is based on the uniquely created monopoly rent of organic farming and the special demand and inelastic supply. The above should be taken into account in the system of strategic management, program development of environmental relations and rehabilitation (revitalization) of the lands of the Dnipro river basin. The system of forming a healthy environment in the Dnipro basin, on the lands of enterprises engaged in organic farming, should take into account the environment of activity, the interaction of many factors with regard to ecological and economic goals, restrictions and development programs. The article presents the developed structural and logical scheme of strategic development of organic farming on the lands of the Dnipro basin. The above, by contributing to the expansion of the spatial basis of organic farming in the formation of the State strategic basin management with the aim of improving the Dnipro basin, ensures sustainable development and revitalization of water resources.

Toxicokinetics of Ag from Ag2S NP exposure in Tenebrio molitor and Porcellio scaber: Comparing single-species tests to indoor mesocosm experiments

Determining the potential for accumulation of Ag from Ag2S NPs as an environmentally relevant form of AgNPs in different terrestrial organisms is an essential component of a realistic risk assessment of AgNP emissions to soils. The objectives of this study were first to determine the uptake kinetics of Ag in mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and woodlice (Porcellio scaber) exposed to Ag2S NPs in a mesocosm test, and second, to check if the obtained toxicokinetics could be predicted by single-species bioaccumulation tests. In the mesocosms, mealworms and woodlice were exposed together with plants and earthworms in soil columns spiked with 10 μg Ag g−1 dry soil as Ag2S NPs or AgNO3. The total Ag concentrations in the biota were measured after 7, 14, and 28 days of exposure. A one-compartment model was used to calculate the Ag uptake and elimination rate constants. Ag from Ag2S NPs appeared to be taken up by the mealworms with significantly different uptake rate constants in the mesocosm compared to single-species tests (K1 = 0.056 and 1.66 g dry soil g−1 dry body weight day−1, respectively), and a significant difference was found for the Ag bioaccumulation factor (BAFk = 0.79 and 0.15 g dry soil g−1 dry body weight, respectively). Woodlice did not accumulate Ag from Ag2S NPs in both tests, but uptake from AgNO3 was significantly slower in mesocosm than in single-species tests (K1 = 0.037 and 0.26 g dry soil g−1 dry body weight day−1, respectively). Our results are of high significance because they show that single-species tests may not be a good predictor for the Ag uptake in mealworms and woodlice in exposure systems having greater levels of biological complexity. Nevertheless, single-species tests could be used as a fast screening approach to assess the potential of a substance to accumulate in biota before more complex tests are conducted.

Prioritizing molecular formulae identified by non-target analysis through high-throughput modelling: application to identify compounds with high human accumulation potential from house dust.

Because it is typically not possible to pursue compound identification efforts for all chemical features detected during non-target analysis (NTA), the need for prioritization arises. Here we propose a strategy that ranks chemical features detected in environmental samples based on a model-derived metric that quantifies a feature's attribute that makes it desirable to elucidate its structure, e.g., a high potential for bioaccumulation in humans or wildlife. The procedure involves the identification of isomers that could plausibly represent the molecular formulae assigned to NTA-detected chemical features. For each isomer, the prioritization metric is calculated using properties predicted with high-throughput methods. After the molecular formulae are ranked based on the average values of the prioritization metric calculated for all isomers assigned to a formula, the highest ranked molecular formulae are prioritized for structure elucidation. We applied this workflow to features identified in house dust, using the ratio of chemical intake through dust ingestion to chemical concentration in blood (dose-to-concentration ratio, DCR) as the prioritization metric. Collections of isomers for the molecular formulae were assembled from the PubChem database and DCR was estimated using partitioning and biotransformation properties predicted for each isomer using quantitative structure property relationships. The ten top-ranked molecular formulae with notably lower average DCR-values represented mostly compounds already known to be indoor pollutants of concern, such as two polybrominated diphenyl ethers, bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate, tetrabromobisphenol A, tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl)phosphate and the azo dye disperse blue 373.

Aluminum phytotoxicity induced structural and ultrastructural changes in submerged plant Vallisneria natans

Aluminum (Al) is a concentration-dependent toxic metal found in the crust of earth that has no recognized biological use. Nonetheless, the mechanism of Al toxicity to submerged plants remains obscure, especially from a cell/subcellular structure and functional group perspective. Therefore, multiple dosages of Al3+ (0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.5 mg/L) were applied hydroponically to the submerged plant Vallisneria natans in order to determine the accumulation potential of Al at the subcellular level and their ultrastructural toxicity. More severe structural and ultrastructural damage was determined when V. natans exposed to ≥ 0.6 mg/L Al3+. In 1.2 and 1.5 mg/L Al3+ treatment groups, the total chlorophyll content of leaves significantly reduced 3.342, 3.838 mg/g FW, some leaves even exhibited chlorosis and fragility. Under 0.3 mg/L Al3+ exposure, the middle-age and young leaves were potent phytoexcluders, whereas at 1.5 mg/L Al3+, a large amount of Al could be transferred from the roots to other parts, among which the aged leaves were the most receptive tissues (7.306 mg/g). Scanning/Transmission electron microscopy analysis displayed the Al-mediated disruption of vascular bundle structure in leaf cells, intercellular space and several vegetative tissues, and demonstrated that Al in vacuole and chloroplast subcellular segregation into electron dense deposition. Al and P accumulation in the roots, stolons and leaves varied significantly among treatments and different tissues (P < 0.05). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of plant biomass also indicated possible metabolites (amine, unsaturated hydrocarbon, etc.) of V. natans that may bind Al3+. Conclusively, results revealed that Al3+ disrupts the cellular structure of leaves and roots or binds to functional groups of biological tissues, thereby affecting plant nutrient uptake and photosynthesis. Findings might have scientific and practical significance for the restoration of submerged vegetation in Al-contaminated lakes.

A framework for understanding the bioconcentration of surfactants in fish.

Surfactants are a class of chemicals released in large quantities to water, and therefore bioconcentration in fish is an important component of their safety assessment. Their structural diversity, which encompasses nonionic, anionic, cationic and zwitterionic molecules with a broad range of lipophilicity, makes their evaluation challenging. A strong influence of environmental pH adds a further layer of complexity to their bioconcentration assessment. Here we present a framework that penetrates this complexity. Using simple equations derived from current understanding of the relevant underlying processes, we plot the key bioconcentration parameters (uptake rate constant, elimination rate constant and bioconcentration factor) as a function of its membrane lipid/water distribution ratio and the neutral fraction of the chemical in water at pH 8.1 and at pH 6.1. On this chemical space plot, we indicate boundaries at which four resistance terms (perfusion with water, transcellular, paracellular, and perfusion with blood) limit transport of surfactants across the gills. We then show that the bioconcentration parameters predicted by this framework align well with in vivo measurements of anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants in fish. In doing so, we demonstrate how the framework can be used to explore expected differences in bioconcentration behavior within a given sub-class of surfactants, to assess how pH will influence bioconcentration, to identify the underlying processes governing bioconcentration of a particular surfactant, and to discover knowledge gaps that require further research. This framework for amphiphilic chemicals may function as a template for improved understanding of the accumulation potential of other ionizable chemicals of environmental concern, such as pharmaceuticals or dyes.

Fine structure interpretation and reservoir forming characteristics analysis of Jurassic Badaowan Formation in Madong area of Xiayan fault zone

Fine structural interpretation is one of the effective methods to find favorable structural traps and targets. Aiming at the fault interpretation of Jurassic Badaowan Fm in Madong area of Xiayan fault zone is not fine and structural characteristics are not implemented, the structural characteristics of Jurassic Badaowan Fm are implemented and favorable traps are found through the study of seismic, well logging and geological comprehensive methods. The results show that the structure of Jurassic Badaowan Fm in Madong area is high in the north and low in the south. The first member of Badaowan Fm is a delta front subaqueous distributary channel deposit, which is a hydrocarbon enrichment zone. Oil and gas are adjusted along the relay of deep and shallow faults, and the great fault zone and the inherited uplifting zone are favorable accumulation areas of Jurassic Badaowan Fm in Madong area. In this paper, the relationship between deep and shallow fault system and hydrocarbon distribution of Badaowan Fm in Madong area is systematically reviewed for the first time. Combined with the palaeohigh distribution, three favorable hydrocarbon accumulation zones are identified, which provides favorable targets for exploring the hydrocarbon accumulation potential of Badaowan Fm.

Paclobutrazole use as a tool for anticipate water stress response of sour passion fruit

• Paclobutrazole (PBZ) applied in the molting phase promotes morphological and biochemical changes after transplantation. • Water stress promotes morphophysiological and biochemical changes in Passiflora edulis Sims plants. • The PBZ optimizes the exhaust mechanism under water stress. • Under excess water, low concentrations of PBZ result in greater water absorption and storage capacity in the tissues. • Low concentrations of the regulator protect isohydric expression under water restriction. • The growth restriction imposed by the regulator reduces the potential for biomass accumulation under water restriction. Water status such as drought or excess water, have led to great socio-economic impacts on sour passion fruit ( Passiflora edulis Sims) crops. Relevant studies have highlighted the impact of growth regulators on the activation and modulation of plant escape mechanisms to water stress. This study aimed to analyze whether PBZ affect morphophysiology and biochemistry of sour passion-fruit seedlings inducing a better adaptation to water stress after transplanting. In general, the irrigation regime was the factor that promoted the most expressive effect for all the evaluated characteristics, while the PBZ concentration factor affected only the morphology. The interaction between these factors was observed for leaf water potential (ѱ w ) and mass accumulation, characterized by increases as a function of increasing water availability. The 40 and 80 mg L −1 PBZ concentration induced the maintenance of higher ѱ w throughout the variation of water regime evaluated in this study, when it was determined at 140 days after emergence. The shifting from the quadratic model to the linear model of morphological characteristics as a function of the irrigation regimes, corroborates regulator effect to becoming it more directly associated with water availability, without interactions with other factors not addressed. The relationship between mass accumulation and PBZ concentrations were evidenced for the water excess regimes (90 and 120% pot capacity), characterized by decreases. Under water excess, 40 mg L −1 of PBZ results greater water uptake and storage capacity, increasing the plants' vigor. Although the anticipation of the escape mechanisms optimizes the plant's water status, the growth restriction imposed by the regulator reduced the biomass accumulation potential of the plants under water restriction.

Microsatellite markers-aided dissection of iron, zinc and cadmium accumulation potential in Triticum aestivum.

Wheat is a staple cereal food around the globe. It provides a significant source of proteins, carbohydrates, and other micronutrients to humans. When grown on cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils, the uptake of trace elements e.g., iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) has also been affected drastically that in turn affected the wheat grain. In this study, wheat accessions were used to investigate the impact of soil application of Zn (5 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg) and Cd (0 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg) on accumulation of these elements in wheat grains. A total of 45 Fe, Zn, and Cd transporter-related genes were used to design 101 gene-specific SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers. In response to Cd stress, application of 20 mg/Kg Zn improved Fe (64.6 ug/g) and Zn (48.3 ug/g) accumulation in wheat grains as well as agronomic traits. Marker trait association revealed that SSR markers based on NAM-B1 gene (PR01 and PR02) were associated with Zn accumulation. Similarly, SSR markers based on TaVTL5-2B_5 (PR19 PR20), TaVTL5-2B_2 (PR25, PR26), TaVTL5-2D_3 (PR30), TaVTL2-2A (PR31), TaVTL1-6A (PR32), and TaVTL2-2D_1 (PR37) were significantly associated with Fe accumulation, while HMA3-5B1 (PR62) and TaNRAMP3-7D (PR89) were linked to Cd accumulation in grains. The highly associated markers may be used in marker-assisted selection of suitable wheat genotypes for breeding bio-fortified varieties with low Cd accumulation.

Investigating the potential of heavy metal accumulation from hemp. The use of industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) for phytoremediation of heavily and moderated polluted soils

In the last decades, the pollution of the soil environment with heavy metals poses a significant threat to both rural and urban areas. The effort to find the proper methods for soil decontamination and remediation is of great importance to the scientific community. Phytoremediation can assist in this way considering that it is profoundly (in comparison to traditional approaches) an affordable, less invasive and more environment friendly technique. It is a biological restoration, based on the utilization of special plants, in order to sequester soil pollutants via their root system and effectively remove them from the soil. Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L). has an inherent ability to accumulate metals and metalloids in its shoots and roots, as it can easily form stable complexes and compounds with the ions of the elements. Its cultivation in field experiments, and in pots, led to satisfactory results, as it has a short life cycle. Industrial hemp has emerged as a promising crop that can clean up polluted soils. It accumulates mainly in its underground part the pollutants, while its stems and its seeds, used for the production of high value products are almost free of pollutants. In this paper, we present and analyze the results of different studies regarding the capacity of Cannabis sativa L. to accumulate heavy metals and the possible uses of the plant in a circular economy model framework.