Synergistic application of silver nanoparticles and indole acetic acid alleviate cadmium induced stress and improve growth of Daucus carota L.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major hazardous elements that is very toxic to the health of both human and plants. The toxicity of Cd causes plants to suffer by disabling their overall physiological mechanisms. Therefore, present study was intended to investigate the synergistic role of AgNPs and IAA in improving the resilience against Cd toxicity and underlaying physiological and biochemical mechanisms in carrot (Daucus carota L.) plants. Also, the existence of genotypic variation for Cd tolerance in D. carota was also studied. The results revealed that Cd stress decreased plant growth attributes like root diameter, root length, root weight, shoot weight, shoot length, leaves fresh weight and leaves dry weight. Nonetheless, AgNPs and IAA mitigated Cd stress by detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, the application of AgNPs and IAA boosted plant growth through reducing the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Enhancement in the activity of phenol synthesizing and oxidizing enzymes including peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase was also observed by application of AgNPs and IAA. The increased activities of antioxidant enzymes including POX, PPO and PAL by the combined application of AgNPs and IAA advocate stress ameliorative role against Cd stress in plants. The enhanced Cd content was detected in the roots as compared to shoots of treated plants. Pre breed 22 was found as a Cd tolerant genotype.

Coal Dust-Induced Systematic Hypoxia and Redox Imbalance among Coal Mine Workers.

Continuous inhalation of coal dust among coal workers leads to a variety of disorders. The present study aims to evaluate the potential oxidative stress associated with coal dust generated from coal mining activities among exposed workers through the antioxidant enzyme system, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). In this study cohort, intensive coal mine workers were assessed for antioxidant variations. Blood samples were collected from dust-exposed workers (engaged in different activities at coal mines; n = 311) and residents of the same city (nonexposed, control group; n = 50). The workers' exposure to coal dust was categorized based on working area (administrative group, surface workers, underground workers), working hours (up to 8 h and more than 8 h), and time of service. The results showed significantly altered activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH among the whole exposed group and its categories compared to the control group. A significant difference was also observed between high- and low-exposure groups. Statistical analysis revealed a negative correlation between antioxidant activity (catalase and SOD) and coal dust levels. Besides, coal exposure was associated with the time of service, smoking status, and dietary habits. The findings of this study reveal higher oxidative stress among highly exposed coal mine workers (underground workers > surface workers > administrative group > nonexposed group), and longer working hours have more pronounced adverse effects on workers' health.