Ameliorating arsenic and PVC microplastic stress in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using copper oxide nanoparticles: an environmental bioremediation approach.

The present study investigates the impact of varying concentrations of PVC microplastics (PVC-MPs) - specifically 0 (no PVC-MPs), 2, and 4 mg L- 1 -alongside different arsenic (As) levels of 0 (no As), 150, and 300 mg kg- 1 in the soil, with the concurrent application of copper oxide-nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) at 0 (no CuO -NPs), 25 and 50 µg mL- 1 to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants. This research primarily aims to assess plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange characteristics, oxidative stress indicators, as well as the response of various antioxidants (both enzymatic and non-enzymatic) and their relevant genes expression, proline metabolism, the AsA-GSH cycle, and cellular fractionation within the plants. The findings showed that increased levels of PVC-MPs and As stress in the soil significantly reduced plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange characteristics. Additionally, PVC-MPs and As stress increased oxidative stress in the roots and shoots, as evidenced by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolyte leakage (EL), which in turn stimulated the production of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, gene expression, and sugar content. Furthermore, a notable increase in proline metabolism, the AsA-GSH cycle, and cellular pigmentation was observed. Conversely, the application of CuO-NPs resulted in a substantial improvement in plant growth and biomass, gas exchange characteristics, and the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, along with a reduction in oxidative stress. Additionally, CuO-NPs enhanced cellular fractionation while decreasing proline metabolism and the AsA-GSH cycle in H. vulgare plants. These outcomes provide new insights into sustainable agricultural practices and offer significant potential in addressing the critical challenges of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils.

Application of machine learning algorithms for predicting the life-long physiological effects of zinc oxide Micro/Nano particles on Carum copticum.

Nanoparticles impose multidimensional effects on living cells that significantly vary among different studies. Machine learning (ML) methods are recommended to elucidate more consistence and predictable relations among the affected parameters. In this study, nine ML algorithms [Support-Vector Regression (SVR), Linear, Bagging, Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD), Gaussian Process, Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC), Partial Least Squares (PLS), Kernel Ridge, and Random Forest] were applied to evaluate their efficiency in predicting the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs: 0.5, 1, 5, 25, and 125 µM) and microparticles (ZnO MPs: 1, 5, 25, and 125 µM) on Carum copticum. The plant root/shoot biomass; number of leaves, branches, umbellates, and flowers; protein content; reducing sugars; phenolic compounds; chlorophylls (a, b, Total); carotenoids; anthocyanins; H2O2; proline; malondialdehyde (MDA); tissue zinc content; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; and media ΔpH were measured and considered input variables. All levels of ZnO MPs treatments increased growth parameters compared to the control (ZnSO4). The highest shoot/root fresh and dry mass were recorded at 5 µM ZnO MPs compared with the control. The root fresh/dry mass under ZnO NPs treatments was more sensitive than shoot parameters. The number of flowers increased by 134 and 79% in MPs and NPs treatments compared to the control, respectively. ZnO NPs reduced protein content by up to 81% in 125 µM NPs compared to ZnSO4. Reducing sugar content increased to 25, 40 and 36% in 5, 25, 125 µM MPs and 67, 68, 26, 26 and 21% in 0.5, 1, 5, 25 and 125 µM NPs treatments, respectively. The pH alteration was more significant under NPs and affected zinc uptake. All levels of ZnO NPs treatments increased growth parameters compared to the control. All ML algorithms showed varied efficiencies in predicting the nonlinear relationships among parameters, with higher efficiency in predicting the behavior of root and shoot dry mass, root fresh weight and number of flowers according to R2 index. The model obtained from SVR with the radial basis function (RBF) kernel was selected as a comprehensive model for predicting and determining the efficacy of the results.

Reduced expression of bZIP19 and bZIP23 increases zinc and cadmium accumulation in Arabidopsis halleri.

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for all living organisms. When challenged by zinc-limiting conditions, Arabidopsis thaliana plants use a strategy centered on two transcription factors, bZIP19 and bZIP23, to enhance the expression of several zinc transporters to improve their zinc uptake capacity. In the zinc and cadmium hyperaccumulator plant Arabidopsis halleri, highly efficient root-to-shoot zinc translocation results in constitutive local zinc deficiency in roots and in constitutive high expression of zinc deficiency-responsive ZIP genes, supposedly boosting zinc uptake and accumulation. Here, to disrupt this process and to analyze the functions of AhbZIP19, AhbZIP23 and their target genes in hyperaccumulation, the genes encoding both transcriptional factors were knocked down using artificial microRNAs (amiRNA). Although AhbZIP19, AhbZIP23, and their ZIP target genes were downregulated, amiRNA lines surprisingly accumulated more zinc and cadmium compared to control lines in both roots and shoot driving to shoot toxicity symptoms. These observations suggested the existence of a substitute metal uptake machinery in A. halleri to maintain hyperaccumulation. We propose that the iron uptake transporter AhIRT1 participates in this alternative pathway in A. halleri.

Tattoo inks: evaluation of cellular responses and analysis of some trace metals.

After tattoo application, inks remain in the skin, mostly in the dermal layer, and manufacturers use inks that have not been adequately evaluated for safety in tattoo production. In this study, the metal contents (Cd, Hg, Pb, and Cr) of tattoo inks available in the Turkish market were determined and the relationship between cell viability and inflammatory response of the detected metal levels was investigated. Nine tattoo inks (3 colors) from 3 different brands abbreviated as E, I, and W were examined. ICP-MS was used for element analysis. The viability of human keratinocyte cells was determined by the WST-1 assay following ink exposures at various dilutions. IL-18 levels were measured in cell culture supernatant by ELISA method following ink or metal (Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb) exposures. The concentrations of trace elements were found in inks as follows: Cd, 0.0641-1.3857; Hg, 0.0204-0.2675; Pb, 0.8527-6.5981; Cr, 0.1731-45.3962 µg mL-1. It was observed that the levels of Pb and especially Cr in the samples exceeded the limit values. Tattoo inks reduced the cell viability in a dose- and color-dependent manner. IL-18 release was significantly increased in all groups except Cr and black ink of brand I treated cells (p < 0.05). Our results show that the metal contents of tattoo inks exceed Council of Europe Resolution values in some samples and some inks induce immune system activation (IL-18 secretion) and cytotoxic effects. It is thought that these findings may contribute to the toxic/adverse effects of tattoo inks commonly used.

Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics interventions prompt crop improvement against metal(loid) toxicity.

The escalating challenges posed by metal(loid) toxicity in agricultural ecosystems, exacerbated by rapid climate change and anthropogenic pressures, demand urgent attention. Soil contamination is a critical issue because it significantly impacts crop productivity. The widespread threat of metal(loid) toxicity can jeopardize global food security due to contaminated food supplies and pose environmental risks, contributing to soil and water pollution and thus impacting the whole ecosystem. In this context, plants have evolved complex mechanisms to combat metal(loid) stress. Amid the array of innovative approaches, omics, notably transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have emerged as transformative tools, shedding light on the genes, proteins, and key metabolites involved in metal(loid) stress responses and tolerance mechanisms. These identified candidates hold promise for developing high-yielding crops with desirable agronomic traits. Computational biology tools like bioinformatics, biological databases, and analytical pipelines support these omics approaches by harnessing diverse information and facilitating the mapping of genotype-to-phenotype relationships under stress conditions. This review explores: (1) the multifaceted strategies that plants use to adapt to metal(loid) toxicity in their environment; (2) the latest findings in metal(loid)-mediated transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics studies across various plant species; (3) the integration of omics data with artificial intelligence and high-throughput phenotyping; (4) the latest bioinformatics databases, tools and pipelines for single and/or multi-omics data integration; (5) the latest insights into stress adaptations and tolerance mechanisms for future outlooks; and (6) the capacity of omics advances for creating sustainable and resilient crop plants that can thrive in metal(loid)-contaminated environments.

Toxicological evaluation of vanadium and derivation of a parenteral tolerable intake value for medical devices.

Vanadium is used in alloys, batteries as well as catalyst and is a known impurity in medical devices and pharmaceuticals. The present work describes the calculation of a parenteral tolerable intake (TI) for vanadium by chronic exposure in implantable medical devices per ISO 10993-17:2023, the applicable standard. The 2023 update of ISO 10993-17 [1] introduces new uncertainty factors (UFs) for calculating a TI. Therefore, we noted differences between the ISO guidance and the ICH Q3D guidance on Permissible Daily Exposure (PDE) for parental elemental pharmaceutical impurities. We derived a TI of 0.20 µg V/kg/day based on the updated ISO guidance, and a PDE of 0.24 µg V/kg/day based on ICH guidance. The latter is considered a more realistic estimate.

Integrated physio-biochemistry and RNA-seq revealed the mechanism underlying biochar-mediated alleviation of compound heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As) toxicity in cotton.

Biochar has been recognised as an efficacious amendment for the remediation of compound heavy metal contamination in soil. However, the molecular mechanism of biochar-mediated tolerance to compound heavy metal toxicity in cotton is unknown. The objective of this research was to investigate the positive impact of biochar (10 g·kg-1) on reducing damage caused by compound heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and As) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The results revealed that biochar reduced Cd concentrations by 24.9 % (roots), and decreased Pb concentrations by 37.1 % (roots) and 59.53 % (stems). Biochar maintained ionic homoeostasis by regulating the expression of metal transporter proteins such as ABC, HIPP, NRAMP3, PCR, and ZIP, and genes related to the carbon skeleton and plasma membrane. Biochar also downregulated genes related to photosynthesis, thereby increasing photosynthesis. Biochar re-established redox homoeostasis in cotton by activating signal transduction, which regulated the activity of the enzymes POD, SOD, and CAT activity; and the expression of related genes. This research revealed the molecular mechanism by which biochar confers resistance to the harmful effects of compound heavy metal toxicity in cotton. The application of biochar as a soil amendment to neutralise the toxicity of compound heavy metals is recommended for cash crop production.

Exploiting the synergistic influence of AgNPs-TiO2NPs: enhancing phytostabilization of Pb and mitigating its toxicity in Vigna unguiculata.

In this study, a composite of silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (AgNPs-TiO2NPs) was examined for its synergistic effects on phytostabilization of lead (Pb) and mitigation of toxicity in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp). Seeds of V. unguiculata were wetted with water, 0.05 and 0.1 mgL-1 Pb and 25 mgmL-1 each of AgNPs, TiO2NPs, and AgNPs-TiO2NPs. Root lengths of V. unguiculata were reduced by 25% and 44% at 0.05 and 0.1 mgL-1 Pb, respectively, while shoot lengths were reduced by 2% and 7%. In V. unguiculata, AgNPs and TiO2NPs significantly improved physiological indicators and mitigated Pb effects, with TiO2NPs modulating physiological parameters more effectively than AgNPs. The composite (AgNPs-TiO2NPs) synergistically regulated V. unguiculata physiology better than individual nanoparticles. Compared to individual AgNPs and TiO2NPs, the composite (AgNPs-TiO2NPs) synergistically increased antioxidant activity by 12% and 9%, and carotenoid contents by 88%. Additionally, AgNPs-TiO2NPs effectively reduced malondialdehyde levels by 29%, thereby mitigating the effects of Pb on V. unguiculata better than individual nanoparticles. AgNPs-TiO2NPs enhanced Pb immobilization by 57%, reducing its translocation from soil to shoots compared to V. unguiculata wetted with water. The bioconcentration and translocation factors of Pb indicate that phytostabilization was most effective when the composite was used.

A synergetic interaction between silver nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (AgNPs-TiO₂NPs) was investigated in this study for their capability to promote phytostabilization of Pb pollution in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp). This study shows a notable improvement in plant physiological indices, antioxidant activity, and the immobilization of Pb when AgNPs-TiO₂NPs are employed in synergy, as opposed to using them separately. Additionally, the study demonstrates how nanoparticles can synergize to enhance phytostabilization, offering promising prospects for sustainable phytoremediation strategies in the environment.

Metal Toxicity: Effects on Energy Metabolism in Fish.

Metals are dispersed in natural environments, particularly in the aquatic environment, and accumulate, causing adverse effects on aquatic life. Moreover, chronic polymetallic water pollution is a common problem, and the biological effects of exposure to complex mixtures of metals are the most difficult to interpret. In this review, metal toxicity is examined with a focus on its impact on energy metabolism. Mechanisms regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) emission are considered in their dual roles in the development of cytotoxicity and cytoprotection, and mitochondria may become target organelles of metal toxicity when the transmembrane potential is reduced below its phosphorylation level. One of the main consequences of metal toxicity is additional energy costs, and the metabolic load can lead to the disruption of oxidative metabolism and enhanced anaerobiosis.

Oxidative response to cadmium and lead accumulations in the tissues of blue swimming crabs Portunus pelagicus from the Trang Province coastline, Southern Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: Metals have been reported to alter the oxidative status of both redox-active and redox-inactive metals accompanying oxidative stress induction. In aquatic ecosystems, metal contamination is regarded as serious pollutants and bioaccumulation, especially when aquatic seafood products are involved, which results in human risk. The blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus is a highly popular crab species for consumption as seafood in Thailand. The meat parts and the hepatopancreas (HP) together with gonad are consumed and in high demand. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) along with tissue oxidative responses in P. pelagicus. METHODS: Sixty-seven samples of P. pelagicus were obtained from small-scale fishers along the coastline of Trang Province. Bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb and oxidative response in gill, muscle, and HP + gonad were evaluated. RESULT: Cadmium and Pb accumulation levels were highest in the HP and gonad, followed by the gill and then muscle, indicating that Cd and Pb have a high affinity to be concentrated in the HP and gonad. An organ-specific oxidative response to Cd and Pb accumulation was demonstrated in which Cd significantly activated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the gills and muscle tissue, while Pb significantly activated the SOD activity only in the HP and gonad. Only Cd accumulation in gill tissue represented a significant activation of lipid peroxidation, as indicated by the malondialdehyde level. CONCLUSION: This study implied that P. pelagicus exhibits an "adaptive stage" in the oxidative response of tissue due to metal accumulation. Additionally, the data presented here further indicate that the consumption of only the meat parts and removal of the HP and gonad would reduce human exposure to metal toxicity.

Soil quality and heavy metal contamination in an open dumpsite in Navrongo, Ghana.

The increasing proximity of the Dudumbia dumpsite, an open dumpsite in Navrongo, Ghana, to human settlements necessitates an investigation of the soil quality to safeguard the environment from heavy metal toxicity. This study examined the impact of waste dumping activities on the physicochemical properties of the soil, as well as the level of heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, As, Hg, Cu, Mn, and Zn) contamination and associated risks. Various contamination and risk assessment tools were used, including the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk (Er), and potential ecological risk index (PERI). The study found significant improvements in notable soil attributes such as phosphorus (P), organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and effective cation exchange capacity, with percentage increases ranging from 50.8 to 2078.3%. Igeo values ranged from 2.07 to 6.20, indicating contamination levels from moderate to extreme. The PLI and PERI values were 16.241 and 1810, respectively. The Er values for the heavy metals ranged from 36 to 607, indicating ecological risk levels from low to very high, with Cd and Hg posing very high risks. These results suggest that while the dumpsite soil shows improvements in some characteristics favourable for plant cultivation, waste dumping significantly contributes to heavy metal contamination. The soil at the dumpsite is deteriorated and poses significant health risks, particularly due to Cd and Hg. Therefore, remediation efforts should prioritise mitigating the risks posed by Cd and Hg.

Impact of sediment mobilization on trace elements release in Galician Rías (NW Iberian Peninsula): insights into aquaculture.

In the latest years, the concentration levels of certain metals and metalloids in the sediments of the Galician Rías have shown an increasing trend (e.g., As, Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg). These areas are also characterized by their richness in nutrients and their great aquaculture or mariculture activity, with the presence of more than 3500 mussel rafts in the Rías Baixas. The inner areas of the Galician Rías are subjected to activities that resuspend the sediment such as high levels of maritime traffic and dredging or cleaning operations. It is likely that a transfer of these elements to the water column happens during the resuspension of sediments caused by natural events or anthropogenic activities. In this study, selected samples of surface sediments of the Ría de Pontevedra (NW Spain) were subjected to a procedure of aerobic oxidation to determine the concentration of some elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Hg, and Zn) released from the sediment to the aqueous phase. The experiment was carried out within 5 days. Measurements of pH and total concentration were taken both in water and sediment samples. Furthermore, speciation of trace elements was carried out in the sediment samples. Trace element concentrations were lower in the sediments during aerobic oxidation, being released to the aqueous phase. From an environmental point of view, Cu was the only trace element released in quantities that may be toxic for the organisms in the area. This problem of sediment oxidation related to dredging activities or natural storm conditions should be considered in environmental impact studies and transferred to stakeholders.

Monitoring of university wastewater within the sewage system and its performance evaluation through integrated constructed wetlands.

Rapid increase in population and industrialization has not only improved the lifestyle but adversely affected the quality and availability of water leading to ample amount of wastewater generation. The major contribution towards wastewater production is from sewage. Regular monitoring and treatment of sewage water is necessary to conserve and enhance the quality of water. The present study focuses on monitoring of sewage water within the sewage system of a residential university. A total of 16 samples from different manholes were collected for physicochemical and heavy metals analysis and compared with final effluent collected from integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs) to assess its removal efficiency. The mean concentrations of influent and effluent were compared with national environmental quality standards (NEQS) for municipal discharge (pH 6-9, COD 150 mg/L, TSS 200 mg/L and TDS 3500 mg/L) and international agricultural reuse standards (IARS) (pH 6-8, COD <150 mg/L, TSS < 100 mg/L) respectively. Among all physicochemical parameters, influent values for chemical oxygen demand (COD) (169.56-258.36) mg/L exceeded the limit of NEQS for discharge into inland waters, whereas for total suspended solids (TSS) the concentration exceeded for discharge into STP (406 mg/L) and inland waters (202.33 mg/L). However, effluent concentrations for all the parameters were found within the permissible limit set by IARS. The removal efficiency for different parameters such as phosphate- phosphorus (PO43-P), COD, TSS, total dissolved solids (TDS) and total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) were 52, 53, 54, 35, and 36%, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were compared with WHO guidelines among which lead (Pb) in effluent and chromium (Cr) in influent exceeded the limit (Pb 0.01 and Cr 0.05 mg/L). Interpolation results showed that zone 2 was highly contaminated in comparison to zone 1 & 3. Statistical analysis showed that correlation of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals was found significant (p < 0.05).

Molecular Regulation and Evolution of Cytokinin Signaling in Plant Abiotic Stresses.

The sustainable production of crops faces increasing challenges from global climate change and human activities, which leads to increasing instances of many abiotic stressors to plants. Among the abiotic stressors, drought, salinity and excessive levels of toxic metals cause reductions in global agricultural productivity and serious health risks for humans. Cytokinins (CKs) are key phytohormones functioning in both normal development and stress responses in plants. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms on the biosynthesis, metabolism, transport and signaling transduction pathways of CKs. CKs act as negative regulators of both root system architecture plasticity and root sodium exclusion in response to salt stress. The functions of CKs in mineral-toxicity tolerance and their detoxification in plants are reviewed. Comparative genomic analyses were performed to trace the origin, evolution and diversification of the critical regulatory networks linking CK signaling and abiotic stress. We found that the production of CKs and their derivatives, pathways of signal transduction and drought-response root growth regulation are evolutionarily conserved in land plants. In addition, the mechanisms of CK-mediated sodium exclusion under salt stress are suggested for further investigations. In summary, we propose that the manipulation of CK levels and their signaling pathways is important for plant abiotic stress and is, therefore, a potential strategy for meeting the increasing demand for global food production under changing climatic conditions.

Endophytic yeast protect plants against metal toxicity by inhibiting plant metal uptake through an ethylene-dependent mechanism.

Toxic metal pollution requires significant adjustments in plant metabolism. Here, we show that the plant microbiota plays an important role in this process. The endophytic Sporobolomyces ruberrimus isolated from a serpentine population of Arabidopsis arenosa protected plants against excess metals. Coculture with its native host and Arabidopsis thaliana inhibited Fe and Ni uptake. It had no effect on host Zn and Cd uptake. Fe uptake inhibition was confirmed in wheat and rape. Our investigations show that, for the metal inhibitory effect, the interference of microorganisms in plant ethylene homeostasis is necessary. Application of an ethylene synthesis inhibitor, as well as loss-of-function mutations in canonical ethylene signalling genes, prevented metal uptake inhibition by the fungus. Coculture with S. ruberrimus significantly changed the expression of Fe homeostasis genes: IRT1, OPT3, OPT6, bHLH38 and bHLH39 in wild-type (WT) A. thaliana. The expression pattern of these genes in WT plants and in the ethylene signalling defective mutants significantly differed and coincided with the plant accumulation phenotype. Most notably, down-regulation of the expression of IRT1 solely in WT was necessary for the inhibition of metal uptake in plants. This study shows that microorganisms optimize plant Fe and Ni uptake by fine-tuning plant metal homeostasis.

Regulatory mechanisms of sulfur metabolism affecting tolerance and accumulation of toxic trace metals and metalloids in plants.

Soil contamination with trace metals and metalloids can cause toxicity to plants and threaten food safety and human health. Plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to cope with excess trace metals and metalloids in soils, including chelation and vacuolar sequestration. Sulfur-containing compounds, such as glutathione and phytochelatins, play a crucial role in their detoxification, and sulfur uptake and assimilation are regulated in response to the stress of toxic trace metals and metalloids. This review focuses on the multi-level connections between sulfur homeostasis in plants and responses to such stresses, especially those imposed by arsenic and cadmium. We consider recent progress in understanding the regulation of biosynthesis of glutathione and phytochelatins and of the sensing mechanism of sulfur homeostasis for tolerance of trace metals and metalloids in plants. We also discuss the roles of glutathione and phytochelatins in controlling the accumulation and distribution of arsenic and cadmium in plants, and possible strategies for manipulating sulfur metabolism to limit their accumulation in food crops.

Silicon modification improves biochar's ability to mitigate cadmium toxicity in tomato by enhancing root colonization of plant-beneficial bacteria.

Modification of biochar, such as impregnation with minerals, can improve biochar's efficacy to mitigate heavy metal toxicity in plants. Biochar amendments can alter plant rhizosphere microbiome, which has profound effects on plant growth and fitness. Here, we tested whether rhizosphere microbiome is involved in the ability of silicon (Si)-modified biochar to mitigate cadmium toxicity in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). We demonstrated that Si modification altered biochar's physico-chemical properties and enhanced its ability to mitigate cadmium toxicity in tomato. Particularly, the Si-modified biochar contained higher content of Si and increased plant-available Si content in the soil. The rhizosphere microbiome transplant experiment showed that changes in rhizosphere microbiome contributed to the mitigation of cadmium toxicity by biochar amendments. The raw biochar and Si-modified biochar differently altered tomato rhizosphere bacterial community composition. Both biochars, especially the Si-modified biochar, promoted specific bacterial taxa (e.g., Sphingomonas, Lysobacter and Pseudomonas spp.). Subsequent culturing found these promoted bacteria could mitigate cadmium toxicity in tomato. Moreover, both biochars stimulated tomato to recruit plant-beneficial bacteria with Si-modified biochar having stronger stimulatory effects, indicating that the positive effects of biochar on plant-beneficial bacteria was partially mediated via the host plant. Overall, Si modification enhanced biochar's ability to mitigate cadmium toxicity, which was linked to the stimulatory effects on plant-beneficial bacteria.

Moringa oleifera smoke induced positive changes in biochemical, metabolic, and antioxidant profile of rice seedling under cadmium stress.

Cadmium as a heavy metal contaminates the agricultural soil and effect plant growth due to rapid increases in industrialization and anthropogenic activities. Smoke water of Moringa oleifera was used in the current study to alleviate the effect of cadmium on the physiological, biochemical, metabolic, and antioxidant profile of Basmati 385 and Shaheen Basmati seedling. Cadmium stress of 100, 200, and 400 µM were given to 28 days-old seedlings along with smoke water (1:1,000) for one week in hydroponic culture. As a result, Cd+2 toxicity negatively affects the seedling length, fresh and dry weight, photosynthetic pigment, and electrolytes leakage, while the application of smoke water alleviated those effects. Furthermore, Cd+2 content, cell injury, metabolic parameters (proline, total soluble sugar), and antioxidants (peroxidase, catalase) were increased with increasing Cd+2 concentration while smoke water-treated seedlings showed reduction at high concentration. From present study, it can be concluded that smoke water had some regulatory compound which could reduce the Cd+2 stress level in rice seedlings and improve plant growth.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a famous medicinal plant. Its fruits, roots, leaves, and flowers are used as vegetables in different part of the world. Moringa leaves are rich source of vitamin A, C riboflavin, beta carotenoid, iron, and phenolic acid and also reported for antioxidant properties. The unique aspect of current study is use to M. oliferia leaves for the preparation of smoke water, because of its nutritional and antioxidant properties and further its effects was observed on rice seedling under cadmium stress, which has not been evaluated or reported earlier.

Exposure Assessment of Essential and Potentially Toxic Metals in Wheat-Based Sweets for Human Consumption: Multivariate Analysis and Risk Evaluation Studies.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the negative impact of unforeseen contaminants such as metals in commonly consumed food items, which pose a threat to human well-being. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to evaluate the levels of these contaminants to guarantee the safe consumption of these food items. The goal of the current research is to determine the levels of essential (EMs: Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn) and potentially toxic metals (PTMs: Al, Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb) in various brands of wheat-based sweets. One hundred samples were collected and analysed via flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Also, the current study was to investigate the distribution, correlation, and multivariate analysis of 13 metals (Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Al, Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to interpret the metals' association. The concentration (mg/kg) ranges of EMs were, in order, Mg (12.70-65.67), Ca (24.02-209.12), Mn (1.32-9.61), Fe (4.55-111.23), Co (0.32-8.94), Cu (2.12-8.61), and Zn (2.60-19.36), while the concentration (mg/kg) ranges of PTMs were, in order, Al (0.32-0.87), Cr (0.17-5.74), Ni (0.36-1.54), Cd (0.16-0.56), and Pb (0.14-0.92), and As was not detected in any sample under investigation. The HCA data revealed that Co, Al, and Ni form clusters with other metals. Sweets are prepared at high temperatures, and the elevated temperatures can increase the likelihood of Ni and Al leaching from stainless steel. Tolerable dietary intake (TDI) values for Ni were higher than the values established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The CR value found for the Ni and Cr was at the threshold level of cancer risk, if an amount of 25 g were to be used over a lifetime. In a nutshell, this study highlights the monitoring of EM and PTM levels in wheat-based sweets, and from a food safety perspective, the study is important for consumers of wheat-based sweets.

Vitamin K2 protects against aluminium chloride-mediated neurodegeneration.

Recent studies have shown that, coupled with other environmental factors, aluminium exposure may lead to neurodegeneration resulting in cognitive impairment resembling Alzheimer's disease. Menaquinone, a form of vitamin K2, aids in maintaining healthy bones and avoids coronary calcification. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here, we study the neuroprotective effects of vitamin K2 (MK-7) using the animal model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aluminium chloride (AlCl3; 100 mg/kg for 3 weeks orally) was administered to Swiss albino mice to induce neurodegeneration and Vitamin K2 (100 g/kg for 3 weeks orally) was applied as treatment. This was followed by behavioural studies to determine memory changes. The behavioural observations correlated with proinflammatory, oxidative, and brain histopathological changes in AlCl3-treated animals with or without vitamin K2 treatment. AlCl3 administration led to memory decline which was partially restored in Vitamin K2 treated animals. Myeloperoxidase levels in the brain increased due to AlCl3-mediated inflammation, which Vitamin K2 prevented. The acetylcholine esterase and oxidative stress markers induced by AlCl3 were reversed by Vitamin K2. Also, Vitamin K2 helps to restore hippocampal BDNF levels and reduced the amyloid ß accumulation in AlCl3-administered animals. Additionally, Vitamin K2 protected the hippocampal neurons against AlCl3-mediated damage as observed in histopathological studies. We conclude that Vitamin K2 could partially reverse AlCl3-mediated cognitive decline. It increases acetylcholine and BDNF levels while reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and ß-amyloid deposition, thus protecting the hippocampal neurons from AlCl3-mediated damage.