Geographical distribution of radon and associated health risks in drinking water samples collected from the Mulazai area of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Geospatial methods, such as GIS and remote sensing, map radon levels, pinpoint high-risk areas and connect geological traits to radon presence. These findings direct health planning, focusing tests, mitigation, and policies where radon levels are high. Overall, geospatial analyses offer vital insights, shaping interventions and policies to reduce health risks from radon exposure. There is a formidable threat to human well-being posed by the naturally occurring carcinogenic radon (222Rn) gas due to high solubility in water. Under the current scenario, it is crucial to assess the extent of 222Rn pollution in our drinking water sources across various regions and thoroughly investigate the potential health hazards it poses. In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate the concentration of 222Rn in groundwater samples collected from handpumps and wells and to estimate health risks associated with the consumption of 222Rn-contaminated water. For this purpose, groundwater samples (n = 30) were collected from handpumps, and wells located in the Mulazai area, District Peshawar. The RAD7 radon detector was used as per international standards to assess the concentration of 222Rn in the collected water samples. The results unveiled that the levels of 222Rn in the collected samples exceeded the acceptable thresholds set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) of 11.1 Bq L-1. Nevertheless, it was determined that the average annual dose was below the recommended limit of 0.1 mSv per year, as advised by both the European Union Council and the World Health Organization. In order to avoid the harmful effects of such excessive 222Rn concentrations on human health, proper ventilation and storage of water in storage reservoirs for a long time before use is recommended to lower the 222Rn concentration.

Adsorption potential of orange rind-based nanosorbents for the removal of cadmium(II) and chromium(VI) from contaminated water.

Heavy metals (HMs) in water are highly poisonous and carcinogenic agents for human health. To alleviate the toxic impacts of HMs, green remediation technologies are the need of the hour. In this regard, different nanosorbents (CMCG@ORP, ORAC, NiO/NPs, and NiO@ORAC/NCs) were synthesized in the present study, and the percentage removal of heavy metals [chromium(VI) and cadmium(II) ions] was evaluated. The nanosorbents were characterized by using FTIR, SEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and XRD. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of nanosorbents such as NiO/NPs and NiO@ORAC/NCs at 330.5 nm and 352.55 nm, respectively. The characterization studies show that the surface of synthesized nano-sorbents was highly coarse, uneven, and abrasive. XRD pattern deduced that the sample was of single phase, and no other impurity was detected except the face-centered cubic-phase peak of NiO. The maximum adsorption of Cd (91%) and Cr (92%) was found at initial concentrations of 100 and 60 ppm respectively at contact time = 180 min, temperature 25 °C, and with an adsorbent dose of 0.5 g. Isothermal, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies were also performed to evaluate the adsorption mechanisms and feasibility of the process. Adsorption mostly followed Freundlich isotherm which indicates the multilayer adsorption phenomenon and the negative value of Gibb's free energy showed the spontaneous nature and feasibility of the adsorption reaction. Surface complexation, ion exchange, surface precipitation, and the phenomenon of physical adsorption occurred on the sorbent surface which led to the attachment of Cd and Cr to the tested nanosorbents. In conclusion, NiO@ORAC/NCs were the most effective in the alleviation of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) ions in contaminated water.

Plant Growth Regulators with a Balanced Supply of Nutrients Enhance the Phytoextraction Efficiency of Parthenium hysterophorus for Cadmium in Contaminated Soil.

Heavy metal contamination in soil, such as cadmium (Cd), poses a serious threat to global food security and human health. It must be managed using environmentally friendly and cost-effective technologies. Plants with high resistance to Cd stress and high biomass production could be potential candidates for the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils to improve Cd phytoextraction. In this regard, the present study was carried out to determine the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3), indole acetic acid (IAA), and fertilizers (N, P, and K) on Parthenium hysterophorus growth and biomass production as well as Cd phytoextraction capabilities. A pot experiment was conducted with various combinations of PGRs and fertilizers, with treatments arranged in five replicates using a completely randomized design. After harvesting, each plant was divided into various parts such as stems, roots, and leaves, and different growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters were recorded. Results showed that under Cd stress, growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters were all significantly decreased. With the combined application of plant growth regulators (GA3 and IAA) and nutrients, Cd stress was alleviated and all parameters significantly improved. In comparison to the control treatment, the combined application of N + P + K + GA3 + IAA resulted in the highest fresh and dry biomass production of the root (12.31 and 5.11 g pot-1), shoot (19. 69 and 6.99 g pot-1), leaves (16.56 and 7.09 g pot-1), and entire plant (48.56 and 19.19 g pot-1). Similarly, the same treatment resulted in higher chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll contents under Cd stress, which were 2.19, 2.03, and 3.21 times higher than the control, which was Cd stress without any treatment. The combination of N + P + K + GA3 + IAA also resulted in the highest proline and phenolic contents. In the case of different enzyme activities, the combined application of N + P + K + GA3 + IAA under Cd stress led to a high increase in catalase (2.5 times), superoxide (3.5 times), and peroxidase (3.7 times) compared to the control. With the combined application of N+ P+ K + GA3 + IAA, the maximum values of BCF (8.25), BAC (2.6), and RF (5.14%) were measured for phytoextraction potential. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that P. hysterophorus has a high potential to grow, produce the most biomass, and act as a Cd hyperaccumulator in Cd-contaminated soil.

The Role of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches for the Detection of Skin Cancer.

Machine learning (ML) can enhance a dermatologist's work, from diagnosis to customized care. The development of ML algorithms in dermatology has been supported lately regarding links to digital data processing (e.g., electronic medical records, Image Archives, omics), quicker computing and cheaper data storage. This article describes the fundamentals of ML-based implementations, as well as future limits and concerns for the production of skin cancer detection and classification systems. We also explored five fields of dermatology using deep learning applications: (1) the classification of diseases by clinical photos, (2) der moto pathology visual classification of cancer, and (3) the measurement of skin diseases by smartphone applications and personal tracking systems. This analysis aims to provide dermatologists with a guide that helps demystify the basics of ML and its different applications to identify their possible challenges correctly. This paper surveyed studies on skin cancer detection using deep learning to assess the features and advantages of other techniques. Moreover, this paper also defined the basic requirements for creating a skin cancer detection application, which revolves around two main issues: the full segmentation image and the tracking of the lesion on the skin using deep learning. Most of the techniques found in this survey address these two problems. Some of the methods also categorize the type of cancer too.

Assessment of Pb and Ni and potential health risks associated with the consumption of vegetables grown on the roadside soils in District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Vegetables cultivated near roads absorb toxic metals from polluted soil, which enter the human body through the food chain and cause serious health problems to humans. The present study investigated the concentration of lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) in soils and vegetables grown along the roadside of District Swat, Pakistan, and the health risks associated with the consumption of the tested vegetables. In results, Pb concentration was higher in plants located at the distance between 0-10 m away from the roadside than the WHO permissible limit. In such plants, Pb concentration was higher than Ni. Rumex dentatus contained the highest concentration of Pb (75.63 mg kg-1 DW) among the tested vegetables while Ni concentration (27.57 mg kg-1 DW) was highest in Trachyspermum ammi as compared to other plants. Concentration and accumulation of both the metals decreased in soil and plants with increasing distance from the road. Similarly, target hazard quotient values noted for Pb (up to 3.37) were greater than unity, which shows that there is a potential risk associated with the consumption of tested vegetables near the road. Moreover, the values of target cancer risk (up to 0.8413) were greater than 0.0001, which shows that there is a risk of cancer with the consumption of tested vegetables. In conclusion, the consumption of tested vegetables was very dangerous as it may lead to higher risks of cancer. Strict regulatory control is recommended on the cultivation of these vegetables along the roadside to avoid any contamination due to roadside exhaust.

Exploring the Phytochemicals and Anti-Cancer Potential of the Members of Fabaceae Family: A Comprehensive Review.

Cancer is the second-ranked disease and a cause of death for millions of people around the world despite many kinds of available treatments. Phytochemicals are considered a vital source of cancer-inhibiting drugs and utilize specific mechanisms including carcinogen inactivation, the induction of cell cycle arrest, anti-oxidant stress, apoptosis, and regulation of the immune system. Family Fabaceae is the second most diverse family in the plant kingdom, and species of the family are widely distributed across the world. The species of the Fabaceae family are rich in phytochemicals (flavonoids, lectins, saponins, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids), which exhibit a variety of health benefits, especially anti-cancer properties; therefore, exploration of the phytochemicals present in various members of this family is crucial. These phytochemicals of the Fabaceae family have not been explored in a better way yet; therefore, this review is an effort to summarize all the possible information related to the phytochemical status of the Fabaceae family and their anti-cancer properties. Moreover, various research gaps have been identified with directions for future research.

Combating iron and zinc malnutrition through mineral biofortification in maize through plant growth promoting Bacillus and Paenibacillus species.

Introduction: The burgeoning population of the world is causing food insecurity not only by less food availability but also by the malnutrition of essential nutrients and vitamins. Malnutrition is mostly linked with food having micronutrients lower than the optimal concentration of that specific food commodity and becoming an emerging challenge over the globe. Microbial biofortification in agriculture ensures nutritional security through microbial nitrogen fixation, and improved phosphate and zinc solubilization, which increase the uptake of these nutrients. The present study evaluates the novel plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to biofortify maize gain. Methods: For this purpose, a pot and two field experiments for maize were conducted. PGPRs were applied alone and in combination for a better understanding of the biofortification potential of these strains. At physiological maturity, the growth parameters, and at harvest, the yield, microbial population, and nutritional status of maize were determined. Results and discussion: Results revealed that the consortium (ZM27+ZM63+S10) has caused the maximum increase in growth under pot studies like plant height (31%), shoot fresh weight (28%), shoot dry weight (27%), root fresh (33%) and dry weights (29%), and microbial count (21%) in the maize rhizosphere. The mineral analysis of the pot trial also revealed that consortium of ZM27+ZM63+S10 has caused 28, 16, 20, 11 and 11% increases in P, N, K, Fe, and Zn contents in maize, respectively, as compared to un-inoculated treatment in pot studies. A similar trend of results was also observed in both field trials as the consortium of ZM27+ZM63+S10 caused the maximum increase in not only growth and biological properties but also caused maximum biofortification of mineral nutrients in maize grains. The grain yield and 1000-grain weight were also found significantly higher 17 and 12%, respectively, under consortium application as compared to control. So, it can be concluded from these significant results obtained from the PGPR consortium application that microbial inoculants play a significant role in enhancing the growth, yield, and quality of the maize. However, the extensive evaluation of the consortium may help in the formulation of a biofertilizer for sustainable production and biofortification of maize to cope with nutritional security.

The interactive effect of pH variation and cadmium stress on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth, physiological and biochemical parameters.

Anthropogenic activities such as mining, manufacturing, and application of fertilizers release substantial quantities of cadmium (Cd) into the environment. In the natural environment, varying pH may play an important role in the absorption and accumulation of Cd in plants, which can cause toxicity and increase the risk to humans. We conducted a hydroponic experiment to examine the impact of pH on cadmium (Cd) solubility and bioavailability in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under controlled environmental conditions. The results showed that Cd concentration was significantly reduced in wheat with an increase in pH from 5 to 7, while it was dramatically increased at pH ranging from 7 to 9. However, in both cases, a significant reduction in physiological traits was observed. The addition of Cd (20, 50, and 200 µmol L-1) at all pH levels caused a substantial decline in wheat growth, chlorophyll and carotenoids contents, nutrient availability, while elevated cell membrane damage was observed in terms of electrolytic leakage (EL), osmoprotectants, and antioxidants activity. In our findings, the negative effects of acidic pH (5) on wheat growth and development were more pronounced in the presence of Cd toxicities. For instance, Cd concentration with 20, 50, and 200 µmol L-1 at acidic pH (5) reduced shoot dry biomass by 45%, 53%, and 79%, total chlorophyll contents by 26%, 41%, 56% while increased CAT activity in shoot by 109%, 175%, and 221%, SOD activity in shoot by 122%, 135%, and 167%, POD activity in shoot by 137%, 250%, and 265%, MDA contents in shoot by 51%, 83%, and 150%, H2O2 contents in shoot by 175%, 219%, and 292%, EL in shoot by 108%, 165%, and 230%, proline contents in shoot by 235%, 280%, and 393%, respectively as compared to neutral pH without Cd toxicities. On the other hand, neutral pH with Cd toxicities alleviated the negative effects of Cd toxicity on wheat plants by limiting Cd uptake, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and increased nutrient availability. In conclusion, neutral pH minimized the adverse effects of Cd stress by minimizing its uptake and accumulation in wheat plants.

Processed animal manure improves morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of Brassica napus L. under nickel and salinity stress.

Soil contamination with readily soluble salts and heavy metals is a major challenge concerning sustainable crop production. The use of organic wastes in agriculture not only helps in waste reduction but also acts as a soil conditioner and bio-stimulant for enhancing crop growth. In this regard, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of raw and processed animal manure (AM) on the growth, yield, and physicochemical parameters of Brassica napus L. developed under salinity and Ni stress. The experiment comprised two salinity levels (1.05 and 8 dS m-1), two Ni levels (0 and 50 mg kg-1), and two types of AMs (raw and processed at a rate of 2% w/w). A control treatment without AM incorporation was also included. In results, the application of AM markedly increased the growth and yield of B. napus under Ni and salinity stress; at the same time, it improved the physiological and chemical parameters of the said crop. Similarly, incorporation of processed AM significantly improved nutrient uptake and decreased Na/K ratios in the shoot and grain under the different stress conditions, as compared to the control. Likewise, Ni uptake in the grain, shoot, and root samples was also significantly reduced under the AM treatment. Also, the application of AM significantly reduced the daily intake of metal (DIM) index and the health risk index (HRI) values under the different stress conditions, as compared to the control. In conclusion, the application of processed AM constitutes an effective agricultural strategy to alleviate the adverse effects of Ni and salinity stress on growth, physiology, and yield of B. napus, thus resulting in enhanced productivity, as well as reduced risks associated with human health.

Plant growth regulators and EDTA improve phytoremediation potential and antioxidant response of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants in a Cd-spiked soil.

Soil pollution due to potentially toxic elements is a worldwide challenge for health and food security. Chelate-assisted phytoextraction along with the application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) could increase the phytoremediation efficiency of metal-contaminated soils. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different PGRs [Gibberellic acid (GA3) and indole acetic acid (IAA)] and synthetic chelator (EDTA) on growth parameters and Cd phytoextraction potential of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants grown under Cd-spiked soil. GA3 (10-7 M) and IAA (10-5 M) were applied four times with an interval of 10 days through a foliar spray, while EDTA (40 mg kg-1 soil) was once added to the soil. The results showed that Cd stress significantly decreased fresh biomass, dry biomass, total water contents, and photosynthetic pigments as compared to control. Application of PGRs significantly enhanced plant growth and Cd phytoextraction. The combined application of GA3 and IAA with EDTA significantly increased Cd accumulation (6.72 mg pot-1 dry biomass) and bioconcentration factor (15.21) as compared to C1 (Cd only). The same treatment significantly increased chlorophyll, proline, phenolic contents, and antioxidant activities (CAT, SOD, and POD) while MDA contents were reduced. In roots, Cd accumulation showed a statistically significant and positive correlation with proline, phenolics, fresh biomass, and dry biomass. Similarly, Cd accumulation showed a positive correlation with antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves. D. ambrosioides showed hyperaccumulation potential for Cd, based on bioconcentration factor (BCF) > 1. In conclusion, exogenous application of GA3 and IAA reduces Cd stress while EDTA application enhances Cd phytoextraction and ultimately the phytoremediation potential of D. ambrosioides.

Mitigation of Nickel Toxicity and Growth Promotion in Sesame through the Application of a Bacterial Endophyte and Zeolite in Nickel Contaminated Soil.

Nickel (Ni) bioavailable fraction in the soil is of utmost importance because of its involvement in plant growth and environmental feedbacks. High concentrations of Ni in the soil environment, especially in the root zone, may retard plant growth that ultimately results in reduced plant biomass and yield. However, endophytic microorganisms have great potential to reduce the toxicity of Ni, especially when applied together with zeolite. The present research work was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of an endophytic bacterium Caulobacter sp. MN13 in combination with zeolite on the physiology, growth, quality, and yield of sesame plant under normal and Ni stressed soil conditions through possible reduction of Ni uptake. Surface sterilized sesame seeds were sown in pots filled with artificially Ni contaminated soil amended with zeolite. Results revealed that plant agronomic attributes such as shoot root dry weight, total number of pods, and 1000-grains weight were increased by 41, 45, 54, and 65%, respectively, over control treatment, with combined application of bacteria and zeolite in Ni contaminated soil. In comparison to control, the gaseous exchange parameters (CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal- sub-stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and vapor pressure) were significantly enhanced by co-application of bacteria and zeolite ranging from 20 to 49% under Ni stress. Moreover, the combined utilization of bacteria and zeolite considerably improved water relations of sesame plant, in terms of relative water content (RWC) and relative membrane permeability (RMP) along with improvement in biochemical components (protein, ash, crude fiber, fat), and micronutrients in normal as well as in Ni contaminated soil. Moreover, the same treatment modulated the Ni-stress in plants through improvement in antioxidant enzymes (AEs) activities along with improved Ni concentration in the soil and different plant tissues. Correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed that combined application of metal-tolerant bacterium Caulobacter sp. MN13 and zeolite is the most influential strategy in alleviating Ni-induced stress and subsequent improvement in growth, yield, and physio-biochemical attributes of sesame plant.

Cadmium mediated phytotoxic impacts in Brassica napus: Managing growth, physiological and oxidative disturbances through combined use of biochar and Enterobacter sp. MN17.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with unknown biological role. Interactive effect of Enterobacter sp. MN17 and biochar was studied on the growth, physiology and antioxidant defense system of Brassica napus under Cd contaminated soil. A multi-metal tolerant endophytic bacterium, Enterobacter sp. MN17, was able to grow in tryptic soy agar (TSA) medium with up to 160, 200, 300, 700, 160 and 400 µg mL-1 of Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni and Zn, respectively. Paper and pulp waste biochar was prepared at 450 °C and applied to pots (7 kg soil) at a rate of 1% (w/w), while Cd was spiked at 80 mg kg-1 soil. Application of Enterobacter sp. MN17 and biochar, alone or combined, was found effective in the amelioration of Cd stress. Combined application of Enterobacter sp. MN17 and biochar caused the maximum appraisal in shoot and root length (52.5 and 76.5%), fresh and dry weights of shoot (77.1 and 70.7%) and root (81.2 and 57.9%), photosynthetic and transpiration rate (120.2 and 106.6%), stomatal and sub-stomatal conductance (81.3 and 75.5%), chlorophyll content and relative water content (RWC) (78.4 and 102.9%) than control. Their combined use showed a significant decrease in electrolyte leakage (EL), proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 39.3, 39.4, 39.5, 37.0, 39.0 42.1 and 30.8%, respectively, relative to control. Likewise, the combined application of bacterial strain MN17 and biochar reduced Cd in soil by 45.6%, thereby decreasing its uptake in root and shoot by 40.1 and 38.2%, respectively in Cd contaminated soil. The application of biochar supported the maximum colonization of strain MN17 in the rhizosphere soil, root and shoot tissues. These results reflected that inoculation with Enterobacter sp. MN17 could be an effective approach to accelerate biochar-mediated remediation of Cd contaminated soil for sustainable production of crops.

Impact of different amendments on biochemical responses of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) plants grown in lead-cadmium contaminated soil.

Soil co-contamination with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) is a tenacious risk to crop production globally. The current experiment observed the roles of amendments [biochar (BC), slag (SL), and ferrous manganese ore (FMO)] for enhancing Pb and Cd tolerance in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Our results revealed that application of amendments significantly enhanced the nutrient level of sesame seedlings developed under extreme Pb and Cd conditions. The higher Pb and Cd-tolerance in sesame encouraged by amendments might be credited to its capability to restrict Pb and Cd uptake and decreased oxidative damage induced by Pb and Cd that is also demonstrated by lesser production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced electrolyte leakage (EL) in plant biomass. The added amendments relieved Pb and Cd toxicity and improved photosynthetic pigments, soluble protein, and proline content. Not only this amendments also decreased the antioxidant bulk, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in sesame plants compared to control when exposed to Pb and Cd. Moreover, the added amendments = down-regulated the genes expression which regulate the SOD, POD, and CAT activity in sesame under Pb and Cd-stress. Furthermore, supplementation of amendments to the soil, reduced the bio accessibility (SBET), leachability (TCLP), and mobility (CaCl2) of Pb and Cd. Collectively, our findings conclude that the application of amendments enhanced sesame tolerance to Pb and Cd stress by restricting Pb and Cd accumulation, maintained photosynthetic presentation and dropped oxidative loss through enhanced antioxidant system, thus signifying amendments as an operational stress regulators in modifying Pb and Cd-toxicity that is highly important economically in all crops including sesame.

Comparative Effects of Biochar, Slag and Ferrous-Mn Ore on Lead and Cadmium Immobilization in Soil.

A variety of remediation approaches have been applied to the heavy metals-contaminated soils, however, the immobilization of metals in co-contaminated soils still not cleared. Therefore, an incubation study was conducted to evaluate the instantaneous effects of different concentrations of biochar (BC), slag (SL) and Fe-Mn ore (FMO) on immobilization of Pb and Cd through the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) by following the the European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR), CaCl2 and NH4NO3. The sequential extraction of BCR showed decrease in acid soluble fractions, while the residual proportions of Pb and Cd were enhanced with increasing concentrations of SL and BC. Addition of BC significantly lowered the extractable fractions of both metals by TCLP, NH4NO3 and CaCl2 as compared to SL and FMO. Among all amendments, BC incorporation into co-contaminated soil offered promising results for Pb and Cd immobilization. Overall, all amendments showed positive and long-term impact on the reclamation of co-contaminated soil with heavy metals and could deserve advance monitoring studies on a field scale.