Phenanthrene metabolism in Panicum miliaceum: anatomical adaptations, degradation pathway, and computational analysis of a dioxygenase enzyme.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants of environmental concern due to their potential impacts on food chain, with plants being particularly vulnerable. While plants can uptake, transport, and transform PAHs, the precise mechanisms underlying their localization and degradation are not fully understood. Here, a cultivation experiment conducted with Panicum miliaceum exposed different concentrations of phenanthrene (PHE). Intermediate PHE degradation compounds were identified via GC-MS analysis, leading to the proposal of a phytodegradation pathway featuring three significant benzene ring cleavage steps. Our results showed that P. miliaceum exhibited the ability to effectively degrade high levels of PHE, resulting in the production of various intermediate products through several chemical changes. Examination of the localization and anatomical characteristics revealed structural alterations linked to PHE stress, with an observed enhancement in PHE accumulation density in both roots and shoots as treatment levels increased. Following a 2-week aging period, a decrease in the amount of PHE accumulation was observed, along with a change in its localization. Bioinformatics analysis of the P. miliaceum 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2-ODD) DAO-like protein revealed a 299 amino acid structure with two highly conserved domains, namely 2OG-FeII_Oxy and DIOX_N. Molecular docking analysis aligned with experimental results, strongly affirming the potential link and direct action of 2-ODD DAO-like protein with PHE. Our study highlights P. miliaceum capacity for PAHs degradation and elucidates the mechanisms behind enhanced degradation efficiency. By integrating experimental evidence with bioinformatics analysis, we offer valuable insights into the potential applications of plant-based remediation strategies for PAHs-contaminated environments.

Effects of environmental metal and metalloid pollutants on plants and human health: exploring nano-remediation approach.

Metal and metalloid pollutants severely threatens environmental ecosystems and human health, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Nanoparticle (NPs)-based approaches have gained significant attention as promising solutions for efficient removing heavy metals from various environmental matrices. The present review is focused on green synthesized NPs-mediated remediation such as the implementation of iron, carbon-based nanomaterials, metal oxides, and bio-based NPs. The review also explores the mechanisms of NPs interactions with heavy metals, including adsorption, precipitation, and redox reactions. Critical factors influencing the remediation efficiency, such as NPs size, surface charge, and composition, are systematically examined. Furthermore, the environmental fate, transport, and potential risks associated with the application of NPs are critically evaluated. The review also highlights various sources of metal and metalloid pollutants and their impact on human health and translocation in plant tissues. Prospects and challenges in translating NPs-based remediation from laboratory research to real-world applications are proposed. The current work will be helpful to direct future research endeavors and promote the sustainable implementation of metal and metalloid elimination.

Potentially toxic elements in urban soils of the coastal city of the Sea of Azov: Levels, sources, pollution and risk assessment.

Coastal cities are major centers of economic activity, which at the same time has negative consequences for the environment. The present study aimed to determine the concentrations and sources of PTEs in the urban soils of Taganrog, as well as to assess the ecological and human health risks. A total of 47 urban and 5 background topsoils samples were analyzed by ICP-MS and ICP-AES. A significant excess of Cu, Zn, and Sb was noted in urban soils compared to the upper continental crust and average world-soil (1.7-2.9 times). Statistical analysis showed that the elements in soils were of geogenic, mixed and anthropogenic origin. According to the single pollution index (PI), the greatest danger of soil pollution was represented by anthropogenic elements, namely Cu, W, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Sn, the levels of which were increased in residential and industrial areas. The median contents of As, Mn, Cr, Sr, Mo, Sb, Cu, W, Pb, and Zn were 1.1-2.1 times higher, while Cd and Sn were 2.5 folds higher in the urban soils compared to the background ones. The total pollution index (ZC) showed that only 15% of the soils had high level of pollution, which is typical for the industrial areas. Overall ecological risks were negligible or low in 92% of soils, and were mainly due to elevated levels of Cu, Zn, As, and Pb. Non-carcinogenic risks to humans were mainly related to exposure to La and Pb. The hazard index (HI) values for all PTEs were less than ten, indicating that overall non-carcinogenic risk for adults and children was low-to-moderate and, moderate, respectively. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) exceeded threshold and corresponded to low risk, with Pb, As, and Co being the most important contributors. Thus, the industrial activities of Taganrog is the main source of priority pollutants.

Negative impacts of perishable waste biochar to Escherichia coli and exploring potential damage factors.

Agricultural application of pyrolysis­carbonized perishable wastes can target reduction treatment and resource utilization of the wastes. However, potential undesirable impact has rarely been assessed. In this study, the adverse effect of perishable waste biochars (PWB) from different pyrolysis temperatures on Escherichia coli (E. coli) was explored and the potential risk factors were further analyzed. The results showed that PWBs pyrolyzed at 350, 500, and 650 °C inhibited the growth of E. coli, and PWB pyrolyzed at 500 °C showed the most inhibition. The exposure to PWB damaged the antioxidative system, as revealed by the concentration-dependent increasing of intracellular ROS. In addition, the toxicity at the gene level in terms of cell division and growth inhibition, the damage of cell membrane, antioxidant system disturbance, and DNA damage occurred, resulting in loss of the cell rules of morphology and eventual death. According to our results, the inhibitory effect on the growth of E. coli was mainly caused by PWB solids, accounting for >70 %. The membrane disruption and oxidative damage of E. coli by PWB were possibly induced by the direct physical interaction between cell and char particles. The growth of E. coli can be partly influenced by PWB extraction solutions that varied between PWB types, due to the differences in pH, released DOC and the production of extracellular ∙OH. The exploration of these potential hazards could provide new insights into the fate and toxicity of PWB in the environment and help guide the safe and sustainable applications for PWB.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles influence on plant tolerance to salinity stress: insights into physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses.

A slight variation in ecological milieu of plants, like drought, heavy metal toxicity, abrupt changes in temperature, flood, and salt stress disturbs the usual homeostasis or metabolism in plants. Among these stresses, salinity stress is particularly detrimental to the plants, leading to toxic effects and reduce crop productivity. In a saline environment, the accumulation of sodium and chloride ions up to toxic levels significantly correlates with intracellular osmotic pressure, and can result in morphological, physiological, and molecular alterations in plants. Increased soil salinity triggers salt stress signals that activate various cellular-subcellular mechanisms in plants to enable their survival in saline conditions. Plants can adapt saline conditions by maintaining ion homeostasis, activating osmotic stress pathways, modulating phytohormone signaling, regulating cytoskeleton dynamics, and maintaining cell wall integrity. To address ionic toxicity, researchers from diverse disciplines have explored novel approaches to support plant growth and enhance their resilience. One such approach is the application of nanoparticles as a foliar spray or seed priming agents positively improve the crop quality and yield by activating germination enzymes, maintaining reactive oxygen species homeostasis, promoting synthesis of compatible solutes, stimulating antioxidant defense mechanisms, and facilitating the formation of aquaporins in seeds and root cells for efficient water absorption under various abiotic stresses. Thus, the assessment mainly targets to provide an outline of the impact of salinity stress on plant metabolism and the resistance strategies employed by plants. Additionally, the review also summarized recent research efforts exploring the innovative applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles for reducing salt stress at biochemical, physiological, and molecular levels.

The efficient applications of native flora for phytorestoration of mine tailings: a pan-global survey.

Mine tailings are the discarded materials resulting from mining processes after minerals have been extracted. They consist of leftover mineral fragments, excavated land masses, and disrupted ecosystems. The uncontrolled handling or discharge of tailings from abandoned mine lands (AMLs) poses a threat to the surrounding environment. Numerous untreated mine tailings have been abandoned globally, necessitating immediate reclamation and restoration efforts. The limited feasibility of conventional reclamation methods, such as cost and acceptability, presents challenges in reclaiming tailings around AMLs. This study focuses on phytorestoration as a sustainable method for treating mine tailings. Phytorestoration utilizes existing native plants on the mine sites while applying advanced principles of environmental biotechnology. These approaches can remediate toxic elements and simultaneously improve soil quality. The current study provides a global overview of phytorestoration methods, emphasizing the specifics of mine tailings and the research on native plant species to enhance restoration ecosystem services.

Assessment of antibiotic resistance genes in soils polluted by chemical and technogenic ways with poly-aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals.

Anthropogenic activities are leaving lots of chemical footprints on the soil. It alters the physiochemical characteristics of the soil thereby modifying the natural soil microbiome. The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistance microbes in polluted soil has gained attention due to its obvious public health risks. This study focused on assessing the prevalence and distribution of antibiotic-resistance genes in polluted soil ecosystems impacted by industrial enterprises in southern Russia. Metagenomic analysis was conducted on soil samples collected from polluted sites using various approaches, and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistance genes was investigated. The results revealed that efflux-encoding pump sequences were the most widely represented group of genes, while genes whose products replaced antibiotic targets were less represented. The level of soil contamination increased, and there was an increase in the total number of antibiotic-resistance genes in proteobacteria, but a decrease in actinobacteria. The study proposed an optimal mechanism for processing metagenomic data in polluted soil ecosystems, which involves mapping raw reads by the KMA method, followed by a detailed study of specific genes. The study's conclusions provide valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of antibiotic-resistance genes in polluted soils and have been illustrated in heat maps.

Exploring sustainable management by using green nano-silver to combat three post-harvest pathogenic fungi in crops.

Global crop protection and food security have become critical issues to achieve the 'Zero Hunger' goal in recent years, as significant crop damage is primarily caused by biotic factors. Applying nanoparticles in agriculture could enhance crop yield. Nano-silver, or AgNPs, have colossal importance in many fields like biomedical, agriculture, and the environment due to their antimicrobial potential. In this context, nano-silver was fabricated by Citrus medica L. (Cm) fruit juice, detected visually and by UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis. Further, AgNPs were characterized by advanced techniques. UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis revealed absorbance spectra at around 487 nm. The zeta potential measurement value was noted as -23.7 mV. Spectral analysis by FT-IR proved the capping of the acidic groups. In contrast, the XRD analysis showed the Miller indices like the face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline structure. NTA revealed a mean size of 35 nm for nano-silver with a 2.4 × 108 particles mL-1 concentration. TEM analysis demonstrated spherical Cm-AgNPs with 20-30 nm sizes. The focus of this research was to evaluate the antifungal activity of biogenic AgNPs against post-harvest pathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and Alternaria alternata. The Cm-AgNPs showed significant antifungal activity in the order of A. niger > A. flavus > A. alternata. The biogenic Cm-AgNPs can be used for the inhibition of toxigenic fungi.

A novel remediation strategy of mixed calcium peroxide and degrading bacteria for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contaminated water.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of toxic organic pollutants commonly detected in the aqueous phase. Traditional biodegradation is inefficient and advanced oxidation technologies are expensive. In the current study, a novel strategy was developed using calcium peroxide (CP) and PAH-degrading bacteria (PDB) to effectively augment PAH degradation by 28.62-59.22%. The PDB consisted of the genera Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, and Comamonas. Applying the response surface model (RSM), the most appropriate parameters were identified, and the predictive degradation rates of phenanthrene (Phe), pyrene (Pyr), and ΣPAHs were 98%, 76%, and 84%, respectively. The constructed mixed system could reduce 90% of Phe and more than 60% of ΣPAHs and will perform better at pH 5-7 and lower salinity. Because PAHs tend to bind to dissolved organic matter (DOM) with larger molecular weights, humic acid (HA) had a larger negative effect on the PAH-degradation efficiency of the CP-PDB mixed system than fulvic acid (FA). The proposed PAH-degradation pathways in the mixed system were based on the detection of intermediates at different times. The investigation constructed and optimized a novel environmental PAH-degradation strategy. The synergistic application of PDB and oxidation was extended for organic contaminant degradation in aqueous environments.

Sulfate-reducing bacteria unearthed: ecological functions of the diverse prokaryotic group in terrestrial environments.

Sulfate-reducing prokaryotes (SRPs) are essential microorganisms that play crucial roles in various ecological processes. Even though SRPs have been studied for over a century, there are still gaps in our understanding of their biology. In the past two decades, a significant amount of data on SRP ecology has been accumulated. This review aims to consolidate that information, focusing on SRPs in soils, their relation to the rare biosphere, uncultured sulfate reducers, and their interactions with other organisms in terrestrial ecosystems. SRPs in soils form part of the rare biosphere and contribute to various processes as a low-density population. The data reveal a diverse range of sulfate-reducing taxa intricately involved in terrestrial carbon and sulfur cycles. While some taxa like Desulfitobacterium and Desulfosporosinus are well studied, others are more enigmatic. For example, members of the Acidobacteriota phylum appear to hold significant importance for the terrestrial sulfur cycle. Many aspects of SRP ecology remain mysterious, including sulfate reduction in different bacterial phyla, interactions with bacteria and fungi in soils, and the existence of soil sulfate-reducing archaea. Utilizing metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and culture-dependent approaches will help uncover the diversity, functional potential, and adaptations of SRPs in the global environment.

Degradation of SDS by psychrotolerant Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Bacillus pumilus isolated from Southern Ocean water samples.

Bioremediation of surfactants in water bodies holds significant ecological importance as they are contaminants of emerging concern posing substantial threats to the aquatic environment. Microbes exhibiting special ability in terms of bioremediation of contaminants have always been reported to thrive in extraordinary environmental conditions that can be extreme in terms of temperature, lack of nutrients, and salinity. Therefore, in the present investigation, a total of 46 bacterial isolates were isolated from the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean and screened for degradation of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Further, two Gram-positive psychrotolerant bacterial strains, ASOI-01 and ASOI-02 were identified with significant SDS degradation potential. These isolates were further studied for growth optimization under different environmental conditions. The strains were characterized as Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Bacillus pumilus based on morphological, biochemical, and molecular (16S RNA gene) characteristics. The study reports 88.9% and 93.4% degradation of SDS at a concentration of 100 mgL-1, at 20 °C, and pH 7 by S. saprophyticus ASOI-01 and B. pumilus ASOI-02, respectively. The experiments were also conducted in wastewater samples where a slight reduction in degradation efficiency was observed with strains ASOI-01 and ASOI-02 exhibiting 76.83 and 64.93% degradation of SDS respectively. This study infers that these bacteria can be used for the bioremediation of anionic surfactants from water bodies and establishes the potential of extremophilic microbes for the utilization of sustainable wastewater management.

A Dual Therapeutic Approach to Diabetes Mellitus via Bioactive Phytochemicals Found in a Poly Herbal Extract by Restoration of Favorable Gut Flora and Related Short-Chain Fatty Acids.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic and endocrine condition, poses a serious threat to human health and longevity. The emerging role of gut microbiome associated with bioactive compounds has recently created a new hope for DM treatment. UHPLC-HRMS methods were used to identify these compounds in a poly herbal ethanolic extract (PHE). The effects of PHE on body weight (BW), fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, gut microbiota, fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, and the correlation between DM-related indices and gut microbes, in rats were investigated. Chebulic acid (0.368%), gallic acid (0.469%), andrographolide (1.304%), berberine (6.442%), and numerous polysaccharides were the most representative constituents in PHE. A more significant BW gain and a reduction in FBG level towards normal of PHE 600 mg/kg treated rats group were resulted at the end of 28th days of the study. Moreover, the composition of the gut microbiota corroborated the study's hypothesis, as evidenced by an increased ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes and some beneficial microbial species, including Prevotella copri and Lactobacillus hamster. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, Ruminococcus bromii, and Blautia producta was found to decline in PHE treatment groups as compared to diabetic group. The abundance of beneficial bacteria in PHE 600 mg/kg treatment group was concurrently associated with increased SCFAs concentrations of acetate and propionate (7.26 nmol/g and 4.13 nmol/g). The findings of this study suggest a promising approach to prevent DM by demonstrating that these naturally occurring compounds decreased FBG levels by increasing SCFAs content and SCFAs producing gut microbiota.

Formation and biotoxicity of environmentally persistent free radicals in steelworks soil under thermal treatment.

Thermal treatment are commonly used to address organic contaminated soils. In particular, the pyrolysis of organic substances can result in the creation of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). We investigated a steelworks site in Chongqing (China) to observe changes in EPFRs before and after thermal treatment. Our findings revealed that the EPFRs were carbon-centered radicals with a g-factor < 2.0030 and a spin density ranging from n.d.-5.23 × 1015 spins/mg. The formation of EPFRs was driving by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Mn, Cu, and total organic carbon (TOC). Following the thermal treatment, the spin densities of EPFRs increased by a factor of 0.25 to 1.81, with maximum levels reached at 300 °C. High molecular weight PAHs exhibited high heat capacity, enabling the generation of more EPFRs. The thermal decay of EPFRs occurred in two stages, with the shortest 1/e lifetime lasting up to 16.8 h. Raising the temperature or prolonging time can significantly reduce EPFRs levels. Thermal treatment increased the generation of EPFRs, hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and superoxide radical (•O2-), leading to a decrease in bacterial luminescence. Specifically, •OH contributed to approximately 73% of the B. brilliantus inhibition. Our results highlight that the thermal treatment significantly enhance EPFRs concentrations, and the treated soil remained ecologically risky. The knowledge of the formation of EPFRs and their biotoxicity is shedding new light on the thermal treatment risk management.

A critical review on fate, behavior, and ecotoxicological impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles on algae.

The rapid inclusion of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in nanotechnology-based products over the last decade has generated a new threat in the apprehension of the environment. The massive use of zinc nanosized products will certainly be disposed of and be released, eventually entering the aquatic ecosystem, posing severe environmental hazards. Moreover, nanosized ZnO particles owing the larger surface area per volume exhibit different chemical interactions within the aquatic ecosystem. They undergo diverse potential transformations because of their unique physiochemical properties and the feature of receiving medium. Therefore, assessment of their impact is critical not only for scavenging the present situation but also for preventing unintended environmental hazards. Algae being a primary producer of the aquatic ecosystem help assess the risk of massive NPs usage in environmental health. Because of their nutritional needs and position at the base of aquatic food webs, algal indicators exhibit relatively unique information concerning ecosystem conditions. Moreover, algae are presently the most vital part of the circular economy. Hence, it is imperative to understand the physiologic, metabolic, and morphologic changes brought by the ZnO NPs to the algal cells along with the development of the mechanism imparting toxicity mechanism. We also need to develop an appropriate scientific strategy in the innovation process to restrain the exposure of NPs at safer levels. This review provides the details of ZnO NP interaction with algae. Moreover, their impact, mechanism, and factors affecting toxicity to the algae are discussed.

Nanomaterials and biochar mediated remediation of emerging contaminants.

The unrestricted release of various toxic substances into the environment is a critical global issue, gaining increased attention in modern society. Many of these substances are pristine to various environmental compartments known as contaminants/emerging contaminants (ECs). Nanoparticles and emerging sorbents enhanced remediation is a compelling methodology exhibiting great potential in addressing EC-related issues and facilitating their elimination from the environment, particularly those compounds that demonstrate eco-toxicity and pose considerable challenges in terms of removal. It provides a novel technique enabling the secure and sustainable removal of various ECs, including persistent organic compounds, microplastics, phthalate, etc. This extensive review presents a critical perspective on the current advancements and potential outcomes of nano-enhanced remediation techniques such as photocatalysis, nano-sensing, nano-enhanced sorbents, bio/phyto-remediation, which are applied to clean-up the natural environment. In addition, when dealing with residual contaminants, special attention is paid to both health and environmental implications; therefore, an evaluation of the long-term sustainability of nano-enhanced remediation methods has been considered. The integrated mechanical approaches were thoroughly discussed and presented in graphical forms. Thus, the critical evaluation of the integrated use of most emerging remediation technologies will open a new dimension in environmental safety and clean-up program.

Fostering plant growth performance under drought stress using rhizospheric microbes, their gene editing, and biochar.

Stress due to drought lowers crop yield and frequently leads to a rise in food scarcity. Plants' intricate metabolic systems enable them to tolerate drought stress, but they are unable to handle it well. Adding some external, environmentally friendly supplements can boost plant growth and productivity when it comes to drought-stressed plants. In order to prevent the detrimental effects of drought in agricultural regions, environmentally friendly practices must be upheld. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can exhibit beneficial phytostimulation, mineralization, and biocontrol activities under drought stress. The significant impact of the PGPR previously reported has not been accepted as an effective treatment to lessen drought stress. Recent studies have successfully shown that manipulating microbes can be a better option to reduce the severity of drought in plants. In this review, we demonstrate how modifying agents such as biochar, PGPR consortia, PGPR, and mycorrhizal fungi can help overcome drought stress responses in crop plants. This article also discusses CRISPR/Cas9-modifiable genes, increase plant's effectiveness in drought conditions, and increase plant resistance to drought stress. With an eco-friendly approach in mind, there is a need for practical management techniques having potential prospects based on an integrated strategy mediated by CRISPR-Cas9 editing, PGPR, which may alleviate the effects of drought stress in crops and aid in achieving the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs-2030).

Biogeochemical and microscopic studies of soil and Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. plants affected by coal mine dumps.

Developed areas of the coal industry are subjected to long-term anthropogenic impacts from the input and accumulation of overburdened coal material, containing potentially toxic heavy metals and metalloids (HMM). For the first time, comprehensive studies of soils and plants in the territory of the Donetsk coal basin were carried out using X-ray fluorescence, atomic absorption analysis, and electron microscopy. The observed changes in the soil redox conditions were characterized by a high sulfur content, and formations of new microphases of S-containing compounds: FeS2, PbFe6(SO4)4(OH)12, ZnSO4·nH2O, revealed the presence of technogenic salinization, increased Сorg content, and low pH contents. Exceedances of soil maximum permissible concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, and As in areas affected by coal dumps were apparent. As a consequence of long-term transformation of the environment with changes in properties and chemical pollution, a phytotoxic effect was revealed in Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud, accompanied by changes in ultrastructural and organization features of roots and leaves such as increases in root diameters and thickness of leaf blades. The changes in the ultrastructure of cell organelles: a violation of the grana formation process, an increase in the number of plastoglobules, a decrease in the number of mitochondrial cristae, and a reduction in the electron density of the matrix in peroxisomes were also observed. The accumulation of large electron-dense inclusions and membrane fragments in cell vacuoles was observed. Such ultrastructural changes may indicate the existence of a P. australis ecotype due to its long-term adaptation to the disturbed environment.

Application of X-ray based modern instrumental techniques to determine the heavy metals in soils, minerals and organic media.

To evaluate the environmental concerns associated with heavy metals (HMs) during their translocations in food chains, it is crucial to gather data on the types of HMs present in soils in order to ascertain their toxicity and potential to migrate. An overview of the findings from several physical techniques used to determine and identify the HMs, sediments, individual minerals, and organic components in contaminated agricultural and industrial soils, is provided in this review article. These studies cover a variety of X-ray-based analytical techniques, including most widely used ones like X-ray absorption near edge structure, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, X-ray diffraction, and less popular ones X-ray fluorescence, etc. When compared to techniques that rely on laboratory radiation sources, synchrotron radiation offers more precision and efficiency. These methods could pinpoint the primary mechanisms influencing the soil's ability to transport contaminants and track their subsequent migration up the food chain.

Synthesis and properties of nano-cadmium oxide and its size-dependent responses by barley plant.

Present study included technological methods that made it possible to synthesize CdO nanoparticles and carry out their qualitative and quantitative diagnostics, confirming the as-prepared CdO nanoparticles (NPs) were spherical and had a size of 25 nm. Then, under the conditions of the model experiment the effect of CdO in macro and nanosized particles on absorption, transformation, and structural and functional changes occurring in cells and tissues of Hordeum vulgare L. (spring barley) during its ontogenesis was analyzed. Different analytical techniques were used to detect the transformation of CdO forms: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDXMA and TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption fine structure, consists of XANES - X-ray absorption near edge structure, and EXAFS - Extended X-ray absorption fine structure. Quantitative differences in the elemental chemical composition of barley root and leaf samples were observed. The predominant root uptake of Cd was revealed. CdO-NPs were found to penetrate deeply into barley plant tissues, where they accumulated and formed new mineral phases such as Cd5(PO4)3Cl and CdSO4 according to XRD analysis. The molecular-structural state of the local Cd environment in plant samples corresponding to Cd-O and Cd-Cd. The toxicity of CdO-NPs was found to significantly affect the morphology of intracellular structures are the main organelles of photosynthesis therefore, destructive changes in them obviously reduce the level of metabolic processes ensuring the growth of plants. This study is an attempt to show results how it is possible to combine some instrumental techniques to characterize and behavior of NPs in complex matrices of living organisms.

Unraveling lipid peroxidation-mediated regulation of redox homeostasis for sustaining plant health.

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is a complex process that, depending on the context, can either result in oxidative injury or promote redox homeostasis. LPO is a series of reactions in which polyunsaturated fatty acids are attacked by free radicals that result in the synthesis of lipid peroxides. LPO can alter membrane fluidity and operation and produce secondary products that amplify oxidative stress. LPO can activate cellular signaling pathways that promote antioxidant defense mechanisms that provide oxidative stress protection by elevating antioxidant enzyme action potentials. Enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms tightly regulate LPO to prevent excessive LPO and its adverse consequences. This article emphasizes the dual nature of LPO as a mechanism that can both damage cells and regulate redox homeostasis. In addition, it also highlights the major enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms that tightly regulate LPO to prevent excessive oxidative damage. More importantly, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the cellular and biochemical complexity of LPO for developing strategies targeting this process for efficient management of plant stress.