Saline Environments Research Articles

Alkaline saline lakes: A chemical evolution experiment evaluating the stability of formaldehyde in an aqueous saline environment

Formaldehyde condensation in the presence of a mineral catalyst and under alkaline conditions is considered to be a "messy" chemical system due to its dependence on the complex chemical equilibrium between the reaction intermediates, which has a significant impact on the final products.This chemical system is extremely important in prebiotic chemistry and has been proposed as a potential pathway for carbohydrate formation in the early Earth. Saline and soda lakes are alkaline systems that could concentrate and accumulate a wide variety of ions (such as phosphate) and clay minerals, which can catalyze prebiotic chemical reactions. These geological environments have recently been suggested as ideal environments in which prebiotic chemical reactions could have occurred.This study uses Lake Alchichica in Mexico as a physicochemical analog of an early Archean saline lake to examine the stability of formaldehyde in these aqueous saline environments. Formaldehyde decomposes into sugar-like and CHO molecules in alkaline, high-salinity environments depending on the minerals phases present. As phosphate ion (HPO42−) is available in the aqueous medium, the results of our experiments also imply that phosphorylation processes may have occurred in these natural settings.

Geochemical fingerprints of Dongpu Depression crude oils in Bohai Bay Basin, northern China: Insights from biomarkers and isotopic compositions of selected alkylnaphthalenes and alkylphenanthrenes

The Dongpu Depression is a rift lake in the Bohai Bay Basin of eastern China, where abundant oil and gas resources were discovered. Previous geochemical investigations of Dongpu Depression oils have revealed a notable lack of data regarding the isotopic compositions of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the discovered Cenozoic crude oils. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS), a novel approach combining molecular parameters and stable carbon isotope compositions of individual PAH was applied to study the depositional environment conditions, the different source inputs, the maturation stage and to identify the potential family of five crude oils selected from Dongpu Depression.A decrease of Ga/C30H together with low Pr/Ph ratios and changes in isotopic compositions indicate that the five Dongpu Depression oils were derived from OM deposited in an anoxic saline environment with a stratified water column where mixing of saline water and freshwater occurred. The low isoprenoid, tricyclic and tetracyclic terpane ratios in combination with the δ13C values of 1,6-DMN, 1,2,5-TMN, 1,3,6,7-TeMN, 9-MP and 1-MP attest that their sources have a mixed origin with high aquatic organism (planktonic) input and a lower land plant (C3 plant) contribution. The δ13C values of phenanthrene between −30.0 ‰ and −20.0 ‰ indicate that the studied Dongpu Depression oils belong to a single family generated from the peak to the late oil generation stage (Rc-TNR-2 between 0.85 and 1.15 %). A correlation with various basins indicates that oil samples featured by δ13C values of Phen between −30.0 ‰ and −20.0 ‰ correspond to crude oils derived from mixing of aquatic and high plant contributions with different degrees of mixtures, which have not yet reached their cracking stage (Rc < 2.0 %). Crude oils from the Carboniferous and Mesozoic-Cenozoic Tarim rocks, Australian petroleum systems, Termit Basin, Bongor Basin, Fushan Depression and the studied Dongpu Depression oils belong to that group of oils. Crude oils characterized by lighter phenanthrene isotopic compositions (δ13C values of Phen < −30.0 ‰) are mainly derived from marine/aquatic input and have already entered the cracking window (Rc > 2.0 %). This group of oils is represented in this study by the Cambrian-Ordovician Tarim Basin oil samples. The research shows the importance of the aromatic isotopic compositions in petroleum system characterization and could be used as a reference for a practical exploration campaign of petroleum.

Effect of carvacrol on the inhibitory of gas-producing spoilage microbes and volatile flavor in fermented pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

In this study, two gas-producing spoilage microbes, namely CQ17 and CQ22, were isolated from fermented pepper. Combining the physiological and biochemical characteristics, molecular biological identification, and specific colony morphology, CQ17 was identified as Pichia manshurica while CQ22 was identified as Lentilactobacillus buchneri. Subsequently, our findings indicated that the CQ17 and CQ22 strains exhibited resistance to high temperature, low-pH, and high salinity environments. Meanwhile, our findings revealed that carvacrol, a commonly utilized preservative, exhibited remarkable inhibitory activities against Pichia manshurica and Lentilactobacillus buchneri with the EC50 values of 0.28 and 0.68 mg/L respectively, effectively suppressing the growth of gas-producing strains to prolong the shelf life of fermented pepper. Simultaneously, volatile components of the fermented pepper were analyzed using HS-GC-IMS technology resulting in identification of 55 volatile flavor compounds including acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, alkenes, and other compounds. Among them, (R/S)-linalool, 3-methyl-1-butanol acetate butanoic acid ethyl ester, 2-methyl butanoic acid ethyl ester, and ethyl 2-methylpropionate were identified as crucial components contributing to sensory attributes in fermented pepper as well as (E)-3-hexen-1-ol and l-Pentanol exhibited the highest VIP values and can be considered as the best reliable markers for differentiating fermented pepper samples with the addition of carvacrol as a preservative.

Isolation, Characterization, and Genome Insight of Pseudomonas jordanii: A Novel Endophyte Enhancing Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) Growth under Salinity Stress

Pseudomonas jordanii strain G34 is a moderately halophilic endophytic bacterium isolated from the root tissue of durum wheat plants growing in the saline environment of the Jordan Valley’s Ghor Sweimeh region. Microscopic and biochemical analyses of P. jordanii strain G34 revealed that it is a Gram-negative, non-motile rod. It also exhibits capsule formation, catalase and oxidase positive reactions, indole positivity, citrate utilization, and non-glucose fermenting capability. Pseudomonas jordanii strain G34 showed growth-promoting effects on durum wheat seedlings grown under severe salinity stress conditions up to a 200 mM NaCl concentration. The draft genome of P. jordanii strain G34 comprises 5,142,528 base pairs (bp) and possesses a G + C content of 64.0%. It contains 57 RNA coding genes and is predicted to encode a total of 4675 protein-coding genes. Putative genes linked to various aspects of the bacterial endophyte lifestyle were identified including ion transport, motility, secretion, adhesion, delivery systems, and plant cell wall modification. Performing a comprehensive phylogenomic analysis identified P. jordanii as a new species, with its closest relative being P. argentinensis LMG 22563, sharing only around 40.2% digital DNA-DNA hybridization identity. Pseudomonas jordanii strain G34 holds great potential for future use as a biofertilizer in saline environments.

Mechanism and threshold of environmental stressors on seagrass in high-turbidity estuary: case of Zostera japonica in Yellow River Estuary, China

Zostera japonica (Z. japonica), the most widely distributed seagrass species in temperate estuaries, has experienced a dramatic decline of nearly 75% over the past decade. While previous research has investigated the adaptation of seagrass individuals and populations to single stress factors, the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of multiple stressors remain poorly understood. This study conducted laboratory experiments to examine the response of Z. japonica at different life stages to environmental pressures, specifically salinity and turbidity, as indicated by changes in free amino acids (FAAs). The results demonstrate that Z. japonica exhibits stronger adaptability to high salinity environments but displays weaker adaptability to freshwater conditions. Through single stress experiments, the salinity and turbidity thresholds for FAA homeostatic disturbance in Z. japonica were determined at seedling, juvenile, and mature stages. As Z. japonica matures, its metabolic pathways expand and diversify, allowing the regulation of key FAAs to enhance stress resistance. Turbidity stress exerts a more pronounced negative impact on the cellular homeostasis of Z. japonica compared to salinity stress, and when turbidity levels exceed 150 NTU, they significantly intensify the negative effects of salinity stress on the seagrass. Furthermore, under strong salinity-turbidity interactions, the concentration of key FAAs generally decreases by 20-30%, indicating inhibition of growth and development in Z. japonica. These findings have important implications for the conservation of intertidal seagrass beds and estuarine ecosystems in the face of multiple human activities and environmental stressors. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Z. japonica’s adaptations to salinity and turbidity stress, contributing to the development of targeted strategies to mitigate the impacts of environmental pressures on seagrass populations and promote the resilience of these critical marine ecosystems.

Significant Association of Epidemiological Factors with Hypothyroid Patients in Khulna Region: A Cross Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Thyroid disorder is one of the most common endocrine disorders worldwide. A community‑based investigations showed that; overall occurrence of thyroid disease was 20.43%, highest incidence of diffuse goiter (7.35%), followed by sub-clinical hypothyroidism (6.59%), hypothyroidism (4.97%), hyperthyroidism (0.86%) and sub-clinical hyperthyroidism (0.65%) in Khulna, Bangladesh. High prevalence of hypothyroidism with autoimmunity are also observed in Khulna Region. The aim of this study was to conduct epidemiological survey of hypothyroid patients in Khulna region. Methods: This cross‑sectional study was done on Hypothyroid patients of Khulna Medical College Hospital and Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Science (INMAS), Khulna, from July 2023 to December 2023. After having informed written consent of adult sixty hypothyroid patients, was interviewed and examined the blood sample for relevant information; data recorded in a preformed, semi-structured data collection sheet (Patient particulars form) and analyzed. Results: Out of the sixty hypothyroid patients about fifty percent was obese, eighty percent was female of 30-60 years age group. Ninety percent of them belongs to poor socioeconomic conditions and came from rural area of Khulna district. About 20 percent had positive family history of hypothyroidism, 27 percent patient was associated with other autoimmune diseases and about 80 percent was associated with anti-thyroid antibody. Conclusions: Most of the patients were rural female of low socioeconomic back ground of reproductive age groups. They also associated with other autoimmune diseases. Chronic autoimmune diseases, poverty, anti-thyroid antibody and salinity of environment may play an important role for the causation of hypothyroidism in Khulna region. Keywords: Thyroid disorder, hypothyroidism, dyslipidemia, thyroiditis.

Comparative Physiological and Gene Expression Analyses Reveal Mechanisms Involved in Maintaining Photosynthesis Capacity, Alleviating Ion Toxicity and Oxidative Stress of Kentucky Bluegrass under NaCl Treatment.

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), a widely used cool-season turfgrass, shows a high sensitivity to soil salinity. Clarifying the adaptative mechanisms of Kentucky bluegrass that serve to improve its salt tolerance in saline environments is urgent for the application of this turfgrass in salt-affected regions. In this study, physiological responses of the Kentucky bluegrass cultivars "Explorer" and "Blue Best" to NaCl treatment, as well as gene expressions related to photosynthesis, ion transport, and ROS degradation, were analyzed. The results showed that the growth of "Explorer" was obviously better compared to "Blue Best" under 400 mM NaCl treatment. "Explorer" exhibited a much stronger photosynthetic capacity than "Blue Best" under NaCl treatment, and the expression of key genes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosystem II, and the Calvin cycle in "Explorer" was greatly induced by salt treatment. Compared with "Blue Best", "Explorer" could effectively maintain Na+/K+ homeostasis in its leaves under NaCl treatment, which can be attributed to upregulated expression of genes, such as HKT1;5, HAK5, and SKOR. The relative membrane permeability and contents of O2- and H2O2 in "Explorer" were significantly lower than those in "Blue Best" under NaCl treatment, and, correspondingly, the activities of SOD and POD in the former were significantly higher than in the latter. Moreover, the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of enzymes in the ROS-scavenging system of "Explorer" was immediately upregulated after NaCl treatment. Additionally, free proline and betaine are important organic osmolytes for maintaining hydration status in Kentucky bluegrass under NaCl treatment, as the contents of these metabolites in "Explorer" were significantly higher than in "Blue Best". This work lays a theoretical basis for the improvement of salt tolerance in Kentucky bluegrass.

Microstructure versus topography: the impact of crystallographic substrate modification during ultrashort pulsed direct laser interference patterning on the antibacterial properties of Cu

Introduction: Topographic surface patterning in the micro- and nanometer scale has evolved into a well applied approach in surface functionalization following biomimetic blueprints from nature. Depending on the production process an additional impact of process-related substrate modification has to be considered in functional surface optimization. This is especially true in case of antimicrobial applications of Cu surfaces where a modification of the substrate properties might impact bactericidal efficiency.Methods: In this regard, the effect of ultrashort pulsed direct laser interference patterning on the microstructure of pure Cu and resulting antimicrobial properties was investigated alongside line-like patterning in the scale of single bacterial cells.Results and Discussion: The process-induced microstructure modification was shown to play an important role in corrosion processes on Cu surfaces in saline environment, whereas the superficial microstructure impacts both corrosive interaction and ion emission. Surprisingly, antimicrobial efficiency is not predominantly following deviating trends in Cu ion release rates but rather depends on surface topography and wettability, which was shown to be impacted by the substrate microstructure state, as well. This highlights the need of an in-depth understanding on how different surface properties are simultaneously modulated during laser processing and how their interaction has to be designed to acquire an effective surface optimization e.g., to agitate active antimicrobial surface functionalization.

Fertigation of arugula crops grown in saline soils

Arugula is a leafy vegetable that has been standing out in terms of consumption due to its nutritional content. The crop has low tolerance to water salinity (ECw), and information on the management of fertilization in saline environments is scarce. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the nutritional aspects of arugula under different soil salinity levels and fertilization doses via fertigation. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse during two production cycles in 2021 in a randomized block design and a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement, with four replications. The treatments consisted of four soil salinity levels (ECse = 0.57, 1.3, 2.3, and 3.3 dS m−1) and three doses of a mineral fertilizer based on the recommended fertilization via fertigation (F1 = 100%, F2 = 50%, and F3 = 25%). The contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn were evaluated after harvesting. Salinity directly affected the concentration of mineral elements in arugula leaf during the first cycle, mainly Ca, Mg, Zn, and Mn. The fertigation strategy with 100% of the recommended fertilization showed better results than the other doses for N, P, K, and S. In the second cycle, all elements showed a reduction due to the high ECse, mainly the value of 3.3 dS m−1. The fertigation strategy that used 100% of the recommended fertilization promoted higher nutrient accumulation in arugula. The order of nutrient accumulation in arugula leaf was K&gt;N&gt;Ca&gt;S&gt;Mg&gt;P&gt;Fe&gt;Zn&gt;Mn&gt;Cu.

The anticorrosive efficacy of newly synthesized pyrido-bis(benzo[b]azoninone) analogs on carbon steel under sweet corrosive environments: A combined empirical and theoretical approaches

This study presents a novel and eco-friendly approach to address the critical challenge of carbon steel corrosion in CO2-rich saline environments, a significant concern in the oil and gas industry. We report the efficient synthesis of a new class of corrosion inhibitors: pyrido-bis(benzo[b]azoninone) (PSA) analogs. These PSA derivatives were conveniently prepared using a one-pot, three-component reaction under microwave irradiation, with their chemical structures confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The effectiveness of the synthesized PSA derivatives was then evaluated for their ability to protect N80 steel in a CO2-saturated 3.5 % NaCl solution. The results were impressive, with the PSA demonstrating outstanding corrosion inhibition efficiencies ranging from 94.6 % to 96.2 %. Electrochemical measurements (potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) revealed that the PSAs act as mixed-type inhibitors, adhering to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm on the steel surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis provided further evidence, confirming the formation of a protective barrier on the steel by the adsorbed PSA. Theoretical support for these findings comes from density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which establish a connection between the theoretical predictions and experimental observations. Additionally, MC simulations further corroborated the effectiveness of PSA adsorption on the iron (110) surface. In conclusion, this research offers groundbreaking insights into developing exceptionally efficient and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors using novel PSA analogs. This approach holds significant promise for mitigating the challenges the oil and gas industry faces in protecting steel infrastructure in harsh CO2-rich environments.

Genome and Transcriptome Analysis of NF-Y Transcription Factors in Sweet Potato under Salt Stress

Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) is a heterotrimeric complex composed of three unique subunits: NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC. This transcription factor complex binds to the CCAAT box of eukaryotic promoters, playing a crucial role in various biological processes in plants. Despite its importance, the NF-Y gene family has not been reported in the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) genome, an important food and energy crop. Understanding the role and function of NF-Y in sweet potatoes could provide valuable insights for genetic improvement and yield enhancement. To address this gap, our research aimed to comprehensively catalog and characterize the NF-Y genes in sweet potatoes, which we refer to as ‘IbNF-Y’, where ‘Ib’ denotes Ipomoea batatas. A total of 37 NF-Ys were identified, including 11 NF-YA, 21 NF-YB, and 5 NF-YC members, and their phylogeny, gene structure, chromosomal distribution, and conserved motifs were analyzed. Additionally, we assessed their expression patterns under salt stress in both light and dark conditions using transcriptome sequencing. Notably, we discovered that certain IbNF-Y genes showed significant changes in expression under salt stress, suggesting their potential roles in sweet potato’s adaptation to saline environments. Furthermore, our work enriches the genomics and genetic research on sweet potatoes and contributes valuable knowledge to the broader scientific community of the Convolvulaceae family.

A Review-Enhancing Plant Resilience in Saline Environments with Core Microbial Mangrove Communities

A Review-Enhancing Plant Resilience in Saline Environments with Core Microbial Mangrove Communities

Modern Methods and Technical Instruments of Ecological Monitoring of the Estuaries of Small Rivers

At present, river estuaries are constantly being explored; therefore, it is necessary to receive up-todate information on their actual environmental condition, hydrological regime, and geographical features. Therefore, it is important to develop and improve the methods and technical instruments for monitoring river estuaries. The article presents a developed methodology for integrated research of small-river estuaries using new methods and techniques. The article discusses the experience in using modern domestic devices for solving practical problems of integrated water-environmental monitoring with a case study of expeditionary work in estuaries of the Chernaya River (Crimean Peninsula, Sevastopol). The possibilities of the following technical instruments used are described: The GAP-AK-12R CTD (MHI RAS), the Condor biophysical complex (Aquastandard), and the Garmin echo sounder, which make it possible to obtain field data on turbidity, the concentration of suspended particulate matter, speed and direction of currents, the average size of suspended particles, and salinity and temperature of the aquatic environment. The results of applying a new method for determining the flow velocity and water consumption based on video image processing are presented. Application of the developed methodology makes it possible to obtain the information necessary to analyze the hydrological regime and ecological state of small-river estuaries.

Progress on Salt Tolerance in Brassica napus.

In China, saline-alkali lands constitute 5.01% of the total land area, having a significant impact on both domestic and international food production. Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), as one of the most important oilseed crops in China, has garnered considerable attention due to its potential adaptability to saline conditions. Breeding and improving salt-tolerant varieties is a key strategy for the effective utilization of saline lands. Hence, it is important to conduct comprehensive research into the adaptability and salt tolerance mechanisms of Brassica napus in saline environments as well as to breed novel salt-tolerant varieties. This review summarizes the molecular mechanism of salt tolerance, physiological and phenotypic indexes, research strategies for the screening of salt-tolerant germplasm resources, and genetic engineering tools for salt stress in Brassica napus. It also introduces various agronomic strategies for applying exogenous substances to alleviate salt stress and provide technological tools and research directions for future research on salt tolerance in Brassica napus.

Plant-associated halotolerant bacteria improving growth of Vicia faba L. Mariout-2 under salinity conditions

In this comprehensive investigation, we successfully isolated and characterized 40 distinct plant-associated halotolerant bacteria strains obtained from three halophytic plant species: Tamarix nilotica, Suaeda pruinosa, and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. From this diverse pool of isolates, we meticulously selected five exceptional plant-associated halotolerant bacteria strains through a judiciously designed seed biopriming experiment and then identified molecularly. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DW6 was isolated from A. macrostachyum. Three bacteria (Providencia rettgeri DW3, Bacillus licheniformis DW4, and Salinicoccus sesuvii DW5) were isolated for the first time from T. nilotica, S. pruinosa and S. pruinosa, respectively. Paenalcaligenes suwonensis DW7 was isolated for the first time from A. macrostachyum. These plant-associated halotolerant bacteria exhibited growth-promoting activities, including phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and production of bioactive compounds, i.e., ammonia, phytohormones, hydrogen cyanide, siderophores, and exopolysaccharides. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted to reduce the detrimental impact of soil salinity. Vicia faba seedlings were inoculated individually or in mixtures by the five most effective plant-associated halotolerant bacteria to reduce the impact of salt stress and improve growth parameters. The growth parameters were significantly reduced due to the salinity stress in the control samples, compared to the experimental ones. The unprecedented novelty of our findings is underscored by the demonstrable efficacy of co-inoculation with these five distinct bacterial types as a pioneering bio-approach for countering the deleterious effects of soil salinity on plant growth. This study thus presents a remarkable contribution to the field of plant science and offers a promising avenue for sustainable agriculture in saline environments.

Screening for genetic variability in photosynthetic regulation provides insights into salt performance traits in forage sorghum under salt stress

BackgroundSorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a promising opportunity crop for arid regions of Africa due to its high tolerance to drought and heat stresses. Screening for genetic variability in photosynthetic regulation under salt stress can help to identify target trait combinations essential for sorghum genetic improvement. The primary objective of this study was to identify reliable indicators of photosynthetic performance under salt stress for forage yield within a panel of 18 sorghum varieties from stage 1 (leaf 3) to stage 7 (late flowering to early silage maturity). We dissected the genetic diversity and variability in five stress-sensitive photosynthetic parameters: nonphotochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching (NPQ), the electron transport rate (ETR), the maximum potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II (FV/FM), the CO2 assimilation rate (A), and the photosynthetic performance based on absorption (PIABS). Further, we investigated potential genes for target phenotypes using a combined approach of bioinformatics, transcriptional analysis, and homologous overexpression.ResultsThe panel revealed polymorphism, two admixed subpopulations, and significant molecular variability between and within population. During the investigated development stages, the PIABS varied dramatically and consistently amongst varieties. Under higher saline conditions, PIABS also showed a significant positive connection with A and dry matter gain. Because PIABS is a measure of plants’ overall photosynthetic performance, it was applied to predict the salinity performance index (SPI). The SPI correlated positively with dry matter gain, demonstrating that PIABS could be used as a reliable salt stress performance marker for forage sorghum. Eight rubisco large subunit genes were identified in-silico and validated using qPCR with variable expression across the varieties under saline conditions. Overexpression of Rubisco Large Subunit 8 increased PIABS, altered the OJIP, and growth with an insignificant effect on A.ConclusionsThese findings provide insights into strategies for enhancing the photosynthetic performance of sorghum under saline conditions for improved photosynthetic performance and potential dry matter yield. The integration of molecular approaches, guided by the identified genetic variability, holds promise for genetically breeding sorghum tailored to thrive in arid and saline environments, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Special Fungal Community Structure Formed by Typical Halophytes in the Rhizosphere Soil Under the Synergistic Action of Different Saline and Alkaline Environments

Special Fungal Community Structure Formed by Typical Halophytes in the Rhizosphere Soil Under the Synergistic Action of Different Saline and Alkaline Environments

Salinity effect on corrosion inhibition of 2-mercaptopyrimidine as an inhibitor in CO2-containing solution

In this work, the effects of Cl-, Ca2+, and Mg2+ on the corrosion inhibition performance of 2-mercaptopyrimidine (2-MP) were investigated. The analysis reveals a marked reduction in the inhibition efficiency of 2-MP, from 91.24 % to 76.29 %, as the NaCl content in the solution rises from 1 wt% to 20 wt%. UV–visible absorption spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance measurements indicate that the desorption of 2-MP worsens with an increasing content of corrosive ions. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the inhibitor desorption mechanism. This work enhances understanding of ion effects on corrosion inhibition and film degradation in high salinity environments.

Strategies for combating plant salinity stress: the potential of plant growth-promoting microorganisms.

Global climate change and the decreasing availability of high-quality water lead to an increase in the salinization of agricultural lands. This rising salinity represents a significant abiotic stressor that detrimentally influences plant physiology and gene expression. Consequently, critical processes such as seed germination, growth, development, and yield are adversely affected. Salinity severely impacts crop yields, given that many crop plants are sensitive to salt stress. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) in the rhizosphere or the rhizoplane of plants are considered the "second genome" of plants as they contribute significantly to improving the plant growth and fitness of plants under normal conditions and when plants are under stress such as salinity. PGPMs are crucial in assisting plants to navigate the harsh conditions imposed by salt stress. By enhancing water and nutrient absorption, which is often hampered by high salinity, these microorganisms significantly improve plant resilience. They bolster the plant's defenses by increasing the production of osmoprotectants and antioxidants, mitigating salt-induced damage. Furthermore, PGPMs supply growth-promoting hormones like auxins and gibberellins and reduce levels of the stress hormone ethylene, fostering healthier plant growth. Importantly, they activate genes responsible for maintaining ion balance, a vital aspect of plant survival in saline environments. This review underscores the multifaceted roles of PGPMs in supporting plant life under salt stress, highlighting their value for agriculture in salt-affected areas and their potential impact on global food security.

Analysis of the Ability of Marsh Samphire (Salicornia europaea) to Extract Environmentally Relevant Elements from Different Culture Media: Contribution of Biochar to Plant Nutrition and Growth

Soil salinity is considered one of the major global challenges that agricultural production is currently facing. This condition, together with the increasing contamination with emerging pollutants, poses a serious risk for global food security. As efforts are made to develop nature-based solutions, bioremediation strategies have been implemented to harness different living organisms and mitigate environmental pollution. Halophytes grow in highly saline environment and can be the solution to valorize salt-degraded areas where other crops cannot grow. The aim of this work is to evaluate the physiological response of Salicornia europaea grown under different conditions and its potential to extract sodium (Na) and copper (Cu) from different culture media. Different experiments were conducted with S. europaea cultivated in hydroponics and in substrate with and without biochar including different Cu (0, 5 and 10 mg L-1 CuCl2) and Na (7.5 and 15 g L-1 NaCl) concentrations. The growth in hydroponic media under different salinities reveals that this halophyte can extract up to 80% and 55% of the initial Na content when growing at 7.5 g L-1 and 15 g L-1 NaCl, respectively. In addition, S. europaea tolerates high Cu concentration, accumulating up to 1.61 mg g-1 DW in roots when exposed to 10 mg L-1 CuCl2 and 7.5 g L-1 NaCl. Plants grown in substrate show a different behavior, being even more tolerant to higher Cu concentrations. In addition, the presence of biochar in the substrate improves plant growth and provides a greater quantity of micronutrients. These results show the potential of S. europaea to be used in the phytoremediation process.