Presenting a Multispectral Image Sensor for Quantification of Total Polyphenols in Low-Temperature Stressed Tomato Seedlings Using Hyperspectral Imaging.

Hyperspectral imaging was used to predict the total polyphenol content in low-temperature stressed tomato seedlings for the development of a multispectral image sensor. The spectral data with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 5 nm were merged to obtain FWHMs of 10 nm, 25 nm, and 50 nm using a commercialized bandpass filter. Using the permutation importance method and regression coefficients, we developed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression models by setting the band number to ≥11, ≤10, and ≤5 for each FWHM. The regression model using 56 bands with an FWHM of 5 nm resulted in an R2 of 0.71, an RMSE of 3.99 mg/g, and an RE of 9.04%, whereas the model developed using the spectral data of only 5 bands with a FWHM of 25 nm (at 519.5 nm, 620.1 nm, 660.3 nm, 719.8 nm, and 980.3 nm) provided an R2 of 0.62, an RMSE of 4.54 mg/g, and an RE of 10.3%. These results show that a multispectral image sensor can be developed to predict the total polyphenol content of tomato seedlings subjected to low-temperature stress, paving the way for energy saving and low-temperature stress damage prevention in vegetable seedling production.

Untargeted metabolomics combined with vitro antioxidant to comprehensively evaluate the effect of sodium sulfite immersion on the holistic quality of mung bean sprouts.

Mung bean sprouts are widely consumed as a seasonal fresh vegetable, renowned for their affordability and richness in antioxidants and bioactive compounds. This study employed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatogram-Q-Exactive HF mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS) and multivariate statistical analysis to comprehensively evaluate the chemical profile of mung bean sprouts following sulfite immersion. The findings revealed a significant alteration in the overall chemical composition of mung bean sprouts following sodium sulfite immersion. Eleven components, including four sulfur-containing compounds, were identified as characteristic markers distinguishing between non-immersed and sodium sulfite-immersed mung bean sprouts. Esterification and addition reactions were inferred to occur during sodium sulfite immersion, leading to the transformation of flavonoid and saponin sulfates. Commercial samples analysis indicated that sulfur-containing compounds were detectable in 9 of 11 commercial mung bean sprouts. Meanwhile, when sodium sulfite concentration exceeded 3.00 mg/mL and immersion time exceeded 360 min, the contents of total polyphenol and flavonoid were significantly reduced and the antioxidant activity was adversely influenced.

Effects of Selenium on the Lignin Deposition Pattern and Stem Mechanical Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

Lignin provides structural support to plants; however, it reduces their utilization rate. According to our previous studies, selenium (Se) reduces lignin accumulation in alfalfa, but the specific mechanism involved remains unclear. Therefore, at the seedling stage, four root irrigation treatments using 2.5, 50, and 5 µmol/L sodium selenite (S-RI), selenomethionine (SS-RI), Se nanoparticles (SSS-RI), and deionized water (CK-RI) were performed. At the branching stage, four treatments of foliar spraying with the three Se fertilizers described above at a concentration of 0.5 mmol/L (S-FS, SS-FS, and SSS-FS) and deionized water (CK-FS) were administered. The results revealed that all Se treatments chiefly reduced the level of deposition of syringyl (S) lignin in the first internode of alfalfa stems. SS-FS and SSS-FS treatments mainly reduced the deposition of S and guaiacyl (G) lignins in the sixth internode of alfalfa stems, respectively, while S-FS treatment only slightly reduced the deposition of G lignin. S, SS, and SSS-RI treatments reduced the level of deposition of S and G lignins in the sixth internode of alfalfa stems. Se application increased plant height, stem diameter, epidermis (cortex) thickness, primary xylem vessel number (diameter), and pith diameter of alfalfa but decreased primary xylem area and pith parenchyma cell wall thickness of the first internode, and SS(SSS)-FS treatment reduced the mechanical strength of alfalfa stems. Therefore, Se application could decrease lignin accumulation by regulating the organizational structure parameters of alfalfa stems and the deposition pattern of the lignin monomers.

Influence of malting procedure on the isoflavonoid content of soybeans.

The goal of this study was to analyse, whether malting technique (consisting of seed hydration, germination and drying) can be used to modify concentration of various isoflavonoids in soybean seeds. Seeds of three soybean varieties were germinated by different lengths of time (from 24 to 120 h) and dried by two different methods, typically used to produce so-called 'light' and 'caramel' malts. It was determined, that malting decreases concentration of 7-O-ß-D-glucosides such as daidzin, genisitin and glycitin, while at the same time increasing concentration of aglycones (daidzein, genistein and glycitein). Increasing time of the germination period increased concentration of aglycones. 'Caramel' type malts were characterised with higher concentration of most of the isoflavonoids (daidzin, daidzein, genistin, genistein and glycitein) than 'light' type malts. Results of this study suggest that soybean malts can be an interesting substrate in the production of various food products with increased aglycone content.

Seeding alpine grasses in low altitude region increases global warming potential during early seedling growth.

Introduction of alpine grasses to low altitude regions has long been a crucial strategy for enriching germplasm diversity, cultivating and acclimating high-quality species, enhancing ecosystem resilience and adaptability, as well as facilitating ecosystem restoration. However, there is an urgent need to investigate the impacts of planting Gramineae seeds on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly during the critical stage of early plant growth. In this study, four species of grass seeds (Stipa breviflora, Poa pratensis, Achnatherum splendens, Elymus nutans) were collected from 19 high-altitude regions surrounding the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and sown at low-altitude. Measurements of GHG emissions at early seedling growth in the mesocosm experiment using static chamber method showed a strong increase in the cumulative emissions of CO2 (5.71%-9.19%) and N2O (11.36%-13.64%) (p < 0.05), as well as an elevated CH4 uptake (2.75%-5.50%) in sites where the four grass species were introduced, compared to bare soil. Consequently, there was a substantial rise in global warming potential (13.87%-16.33%) (p < 0.05) at grass-introduced sites. Redundancy analysis showed that seed traits, plant biomass, and seedling emergence percentage were the main driving biotic factors of three GHGs fluxes. Our study unveils the potential risk of escalating GHG emissions induced by introducing high altitude grasses to low altitude bare soil, elucidating the mechanism through linking seed traits with seedling establishment and environmental feedback. Furthermore, this offers a new perspective for assessing the impact of grass introduction on ecological environment of introduced site.

Promotion of rice seedlings growth and enhancement of cadmium immobilization under cadmium stress with two types of organic fertilizer.

Cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil poses a severe threat to crop production and human health, while also resulting in a waste of land resources. In this study, two types of organic fertilizer (ZCK: Low-content available iron; Z2: High-content available iron) were applied to Cd-contaminated soil for rice cultivation, and the effects of the fertilizer on rice growth and Cd passivation were investigated in conjunction with soil microbial analysis. Results showed that Z2 could alter the composition, structure, and diversity of microbial communities, as well as enhance the complexity and stability of the microbial network. Both 2% and 5% Z2 significantly increased the fresh weight and dry weight of rice plants while suppressing Cd absorption. The 2% Z2 exhibited the best Cd passivation effect. Gene predictions suggested that Z2 may promote plant growth by regulating microbial production of organic acids that dissolve phosphorus and potassium. Furthermore, it is suggested that Z2 may facilitate the absorption and immobilization of soil cadmium through the regulation of microbial cadmium efflux and uptake systems, as well as via the secretion of extracellular polysaccharides. In summary, Z2 can promote rice growth, suppress Cd absorption by rice, and passivate soil Cd by regulating soil microbial communities.

A rapid and robust colorimetric method for measuring relative abundance of auxins in plant tissues.

INTRODUCTION: Auxin estimation in plant tissues is a crucial component of auxin signaling studies. Despite the availability of various high-throughput auxin quantification methods like LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, biosensors, and DR5-gus/gfp-based assays, auxin quantification remains troublesome because these techniques are very expensive and technology intensive and they mostly involve elaborate sample preparation or require the development of transgenic plants. OBJECTIVES: To find a solution to these problems, we made use of an old auxin detection system to quantify microbe derived auxins and modified it to effectively measure auxin levels in rice plants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Auxins from different tissues of rice plants, including root samples of seedlings exposed to IAA/TIBA or subjected to different abiotic stresses, were extracted in ethanol. The total auxin level was measured by the presently described colorimetric assay and counterchecked by other auxin estimation methods like LC-MS or gus staining of DR5-gus overexpressing lines. RESULTS: The presented colorimetric method could measure (1) the auxin levels in different tissues of rice plants, thus identifying the regions of higher auxin abundance, (2) the differential accumulation of auxins in rice roots when auxin or its transport inhibitor was supplied exogenously, and (3) the levels of auxin in roots of rice seedlings subjected to various abiotic stresses. The thus obtained auxin levels correlated well with the auxin levels determined by other methods like LC-MS or gus staining and the expression pattern of auxin biosynthesis pathway genes. CONCLUSIONS: The auxin estimation method described here is simple, rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive and allows for the efficient detection of relative auxin abundances in plant tissues.

Assessment of green lentil malt as a substrate for gluten-free beer brewing.

The aim of this study was to analyze whether it is possible to brew beer without using cereals so that the produced beverage could be easily accessible for the population suffering from celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. Green lentil seeds were malted and then mashed using a congress mashing procedure to assess their advantages and disadvantages in the brewing process. Based on the congress mashing procedure, the mashing process needed to produce beer was developed, and beers were produced from the lentil malts germinated during malting for 96 h, 120 h and 144 h. It was possible to produce beers from the lentil malts; however, they were characterized by a lower alcohol content, lower degree of attenuation and some discrepancies between the concentrations of various volatiles (such as acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, and 1-propanol) compared to the control beer produced from barley malt.

Water extract of Fagopyrum dibotrys (D. Don) Hara straw increases selenium accumulation in peach seedlings under selenium-contaminated soil.

To promote the selenium (Se) uptakes in fruit trees under Se-contaminated soil, the effects of water extract of Fagopyrum dibotrys (D. Don) Hara straw on the Se accumulation in peach seedlings under selenium-contaminated soil were studied. The results showed that the root biomass, chlorophyll content, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and soluble protein content of peach seedlings were increased by the F. dibotrys straw extract. The different forms of Se (total Se, inorganic Se, and organic Se) were also increased in peach seedlings following treatment with the F. dibotrys straw extract. The highest total shoot Se content was treated by the 300-fold dilution of F. dibotrys straw, which was 30.87% higher than the control. The F. dibotrys straw extract also increased the activities of adenosine triphosphate sulfurase (ATPS), and adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate reductase (APR) in peach seedlings, but decreased the activity of serine acetyltransferase (SAT). Additionally, correlation and grey relational analyses revealed that chlorophyll a content, APR activity, and root biomass were closely associated with the total shoot Se content. Overall, this study shows that the water extract of F. dibotrys straw can promote Se uptake in peach seedlings, and 300-fold dilution is the most suitable concentration.

The water extract of Fagopyrum dibotrys (D. Don) Hara straw promoted the selenium (Se) uptake in peach seedlings under selenium-contaminated soil. The concentration of F. dibotrys straw extract showed a quadratic polynomial regression relationship with the total root and shoot Se. Furthermore, chlorophyll a content, APR activity, and root biomass were closely associated with the total shoot Se. This study shows that water extract of F. dibotrys straw can promote Se uptake in peach seedlings, and 300-fold dilution is the most suitable concentration.

Influence of nanoscale sulfur on mercury accumulation and plant growth in oilseed rape seedlings (Brassica napus L.) grown on mercury-contaminated soil.

Mercury (Hg) pollution has seriously threatened the crop productivity and food security. In the present research, experiments were conducted to assess the influence of nanoscale sulfur/sulfur nanoparticles and the corresponding bulk and ionic sulfur forms on the growth and Hg accumulation of oilseed rape seedlings grown on Hg-contaminated soil, as well as the transformation of soil Hg fractions. The results showed a significant reduction in fresh biomass for seedlings grown on 80-200 mg/kg Hg-polluted soil after 30 days. At 120 mg/kg Hg treatment, 100-300 mg/kg sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) application counteracted Hg toxicity more effectively compared to the corresponding bulk sulfur particles (BSPs) and ionic sulfur (sulfate) treatments. The seedlings treated with 120 mg/kg Hg + 300 mg/kg SNPs gained 54.2 and 56.9% more shoot and root biomass, respectively, compared to those treated with Hg alone. Meanwhile, 300 mg/kg SNPs application decreased Hg accumulation by 18.9 and 76.5% in shoots and roots, respectively, relative to Hg alone treatment.SNPs treatment caused more Hg to be blocked in the soil and accumulating significantly less Hg in plants as compared to other S forms. The chemical fractions of Hg in the soil were subsequently investigated, and the solubility of Hg was significantly decreased by applying SNPs to the soil. Especially 200-300 mg/kg SNPs treatments caused the ratio of the soluble/exchangeable and the specifically absorbed fraction to be the lowest, accounting for 1.95-4.13% of the total Hg of soil. These findings suggest that adding SNPs to Hg-contaminated soils could be an effective measure for immobilizing soluble Hg and decreasing the Hg concentration in the edible parts of crops. The results of the current study hold promise for the practical application of SNPs to Hg-contaminated farmland for better yields and simultaneously increasing the food safety.

The novelty of this study is the selection of oilseed rape and nanoscale sulfur (NS) or sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) as nontoxic nanomaterial to counteract the Hg toxicity and accumulation. Oilseed rape was selected due to its wide adaptability to various environmental conditions and the high-value oil for human consumption and biofuels production. These advantages make oilseed rape a highly valuable crop for various applications. NS was selected due to its reported ability to limit the uptake of heavy metals in oilseed rape, rice, and wheat along with other crops and subsequently restrict the toxicity of heavy metals in these plants and improve food safety. In this study, we evaluated the growth, Hg accumulation, and the resulting toxicity in oilseed rape grown on Hg-contaminated soil, with or without amendments with NS. The outcomes from this study provided evidence of the significant potential of NS in preventing Hg bioaccumulation and improving crop yields in oilseed rape. This provides opportunity to use NS as an ideal non-GMO approach to limit toxic metals in crops.

Heavy metal-resistant rhizobacteria fosters to alleviate the cadmium toxicity in Arabidopsis by upregulating the plant physiological responses.

This study was designed to investigate the role of Morganella morganii strains in alleviating Cd stress in Arabidopsis seedlings under controlled conditions. Both M. morganii strains ABT3 (ON316873) and ABT9 (ON316874) strains isolated from salt-affected areas showed higher resistance against Cd and possess plant growth-promoting traits such as nitrogen fixation, indole-acetic acid production, ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, and, catalase, gelatinase and protease enzyme production. Plant inoculation assay showed that varying concentration of Cd (1.5 mM and 2.5 mM) significantly reduced Arabidopsis growth, quantum yield (56.70%-66.49%), and chlorophyll content (31.90%-42.70%). Cd toxicity also triggered different associations between lipid peroxidation (43.61%-69.77%) and enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms. However, when both strains were applied to the Arabidopsis seedlings, the shoot and root length and fresh and dry weights were improved in the control and Cd-stressed plants. Moreover, both strains enhanced the resistance against Cd stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities [catalase (19.47%-27.39%) and peroxidase (37.50%-48.07%)]that ultimately cause a substantial reduction in lipid peroxidation (27.71%-41.90%). Both strains particularly ABT3 also showed positive results in improving quantum yield (73.84%-98.64%) and chlorophyll content (41.13%-48.63%), thus increasing the growth of Arabidopsis seedlings. The study suggests that PGPR can protect plants from Cd toxicity, and Cd-tolerant rhizobacterial strains can remediate heavy metal polluted sites and improve plant growth.

In order to develop sustainable and effective agricultural techniques in areas polluted with heavy metals, it is important to have a deeper understanding of the characteristics of metal-resistant PGPR. Hence, this study focuses on the efficacy of M. morganii in promoting the growth and increasing the photosynthetic pigments of Arabidopsis seedlings under Cd toxicity.

Characterization of a novel exopolysaccharide from Acinetobacter rhizosphaerae with ability to enhance the salt stress resistance of rice seedlings.

We here describe the isolation of a novel exopolysaccharide from Acinetobacter rhizosphaerae, named ArEPS. The structure of ArEPS was characterized by analysis of the monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, infrared spectrum, methylation, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum. ArEPS was found to be an acidic heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, galactose, galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid, mannose, and glucosamine; the molecular weight was 1533 kDa. Structural analysis showed that the main-chain structure of ArEPS predominantly comprised 1,3,6-ß-Glcp, 1,3,4-α-Galp, 1,2-ß-Glcp, 1,4-ß-GlcpA, 1,4-ß-GalpA, and the side-chain structure comprised 1,6-ß-Glcp, 1,3-ß-Galp, 1-α-Glcp, 1-ß-Galp, 1-α-Manp, 1,4,6-α-Glcp, 1,2,4-ß-Glcp, 1,2,3-ß-Glcp, and 1,3-ß-GlcpN. ArEPS significantly enhanced the tolerance of rice seedlings to salt stress. Specifically, plant height, fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and the K+/Na+ ratio increased by 51 %, 63 %, 29 %, and 162 %, respectively, and the malondialdehyde content was reduced by 45 % after treatment with 100 mg/kg ArEPS compared to treatment with 100 mM NaCl. Finally, based on the quadratic regression between fresh weight and ArEPS addition, the optimal ArEPS addition level was estimated to be 135.12 mg/kg. These results indicate the prospects of ArEPS application in agriculture.

Exogenous auxin alters the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons apoplastic and symplastic uptake by wheat seedling roots.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a category of organic pollutants known for their high carcinogenicity. Our previous research has illustrated that plant roots actively absorb PAHs through a co-transport mechanism with H+ ions. Because auxin can increase the H+-ATPase activity, the wheat roots were exposed to PAHs with/without auxins to study whether auxins facilitate the uptake of PAHs by plant roots and to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of this process. In our study, indole acetic acid (100 µM) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (10 µM) significantly increased the PAHs concentrations in apoplast and symplast, and the treating time and concentrations were positively correlated with PAHs accumulations. The time-dependent kinetics for 36 h followed the Elovich equation, and the concentration-dependent kinetics of apoplastic and symplastic uptake for 4 h could be described with the Freundlich and Michaelis-Menten equations, respectively. The proportion of PAHs accumulated in apoplast could be enhanced by auxins in most treatments. Our findings offer novel insights into the mechanisms of PAH uptake by plant roots under auxin exposure. Additionally, this research aids in refining strategies for ensuring crop safety and improving phytoremediation of PAH-contaminated soil and water.

Antinutrient removal in yellow lentils by malting.

BACKGROUND: To improve the current low per capita consumption of lentils, the present study first aimed to minimize the anti-nutrient content of two yellow Moroccan and Italian lentil seeds by resorting to the malting process and then testing the resulting decorticated flours as ingredients in the formulation of gluten-free fresh egg pastas. RESULTS: The most proper operating conditions for the three malting process steps were identified in a bench-top plant. The first (water steeping) and second (germination) steps were studied at 18, 25 or 32 °C. After 2 or 3 h of steeping at 25 °C and almost 24 h of germination, 95-98.8% of the lentil seeds sprouted. By prolonging the germination process to 72 h, the raffinose or phytic acid content was reduced by about 80% or 95% or 27% or 37%, respectively. The third step (kilning) was carried out under fluent dry air at 50 °C for 24 h and at 75 °C for 3 h. The cotyledons of the resulting yellow lentil malts were cyclonically recovered, milled and chemico-physically characterized. CONCLUSION: Both flours were used to prepare fresh egg-pastas essentially devoid of oligosaccharides, and low in phytate (4.6-6.0 mg g-1 ) and in vitro glycemic index (38-41%). However, the cooking quality of the fresh egg pasta made of malted Moroccan lentil flour was higher with respect to its crude protein content and lower with respect to its water solubility index. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Waterlogging increases greenhouse gas release and decreases yield in winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) seedlings.

A sustainable future depends on increasing agricultural carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sequestration. Winter rapeseeds are facing severe yield loss after waterlogging due to the effects of extreme rainfall, especially in the seedling stage, where rainfall is most sensitive. Uncertainty exists over the farming greenhouse gas (GHG) release of rapeseed seedlings following the onset of waterlogging. The effect of waterlogging on GHG release and leaf gas exchange in winter rapeseed was examined in a pot experiment. The experiment included waterlogging treatments lasting 7-day and 21-day and normal irrigation as a control treatment. According to our findings, (1) The ecosystem of rapeseed seedlings released methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in a clear up change that was impacted by ongoing waterlogging. Among them, N2O release had a transient rise during the early stages under the effect of seedling fertilizer. (2) The net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, plant height, soil moisture, and soil oxidation-reduction potential of rapeseed all significantly decreased due to the ongoing waterlogging. However, rapeseed leaves showed a significant increase in intercellular carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and leaf chlorophyll content values after waterlogging. Additionally, the findings demonstrated an extremely significant increase in the sustained-flux global warming potential of the sum CO2-eq of CH4 and N2O throughout the entire waterlogging stress period. Therefore, continuous waterlogging can increase C and N release from rapeseed seedlings ecosystem and decrease yield. Therefore, we suggest increasing drainage techniques to decrease the release of agricultural GHGs and promote sustainable crop production.

Waste seaweed compost and rhizosphere bacteria Pseudomonas koreensis promote tomato seedlings growth by benefiting properties, enzyme activities and rhizosphere bacterial community in coastal saline soil of Yellow River Delta, China.

This study investigated the effects of waste seaweed compost and rhizosphere bacteria Pseudomonas koreensis HCH2-3 on the tomato seedlings growth in coastal saline soils and chemical properties, enzyme activities, microbial communities of rhizosphere soil. Microcosmic experiment showed that the seaweed compost and rhizosphere bacteria (SC + HCH2-3) significantly alleviated the negative effects of salinity on the growth of tomato seedlings. SC + HCH2-3 amendment significantly increased the plant height and root fresh biomass of tomato seedling by 105.59% and 55.60% in the coastal saline soils, respectively. The soil properties and enzyme activities were also dramatically increased, indicating that the nutrient status of coastal saline soil was improved by SC + HCH2-3 amendment. In addition, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in the rhizosphere soil after adding seaweed compost and rhizosphere bacteria P. koreensis HCH2-3. The relative abundances of Massilia, Azospira, Pseudomonas and Bacillus increased in treatment SC + HCH2-3. Especially, the beneficial bacteria genera, such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Azospira, were significantly correlated with the increases of contents of total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen in tomato rhizosphere soil samples. Consequently, adding waste seaweed compost and rhizosphere bacteria P. koreensis HCH2-3 into coastal saline soil was suggested as an effective method to relieve salt stress of tomato plants.

Uptake, accumulation and translocation of traditional and novel organophosphate esters by rice seedlings in the presence of micro(nano)-polystyrene plastics: Effects of concentration and size of particles.

Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) are becoming ubiquitous as emerging pollutants. To data, the effects of MNPs on the uptake, accumulation and translocation of OPEs by rice plant are still unclear, especially for novel OPE species. In this study, the impacts of polystyrene MNPs of different sizes and concentrations on the uptake of eight OPEs (six traditional organophosphate triesters and two novel discovered aryl organophosphate triesters) by rice seedlings were investigated in hydroponic exposure experiments. The results showed that OPEs accumulated in a concentration-dependent manner in both the roots and shoots of rice seedlings. The impacts of MNPs on uptake by rice seedlings were concentration- and size-dependent by influencing the transpiration rate or activities of antioxidant enzymes. Especially, significant effects were usually found in exposure group of medium-size and high-concentration MNPs. MNPs had more obvious effects on OPE species with lower logKow in roots, whereas, more obvious effects on OPE species with higher logKow in shoots were observed. There was a significantly positive linear relationship between logTF and logKow (p < 0.001), and a significantly negative linear relationship between logRCF and logKow (p < 0.001), indicating that OPEs with higher hydrophobicity seemed to be more liable to be absorbed from solutions to roots, but difficult to further translocate to shoots. Without novel OPEs (bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phenyl phosphate and tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate), better fits for a linear model for logKow and logRCF (or logTF) were exhibited, indicating differences between novel and traditional OPEs. This work highlights that the presence of MNPs could altered the characteristics of uptake, translocation and accumulation of OPEs in rice seedlings, and provides an important evidence for comprehensive control strategy of new pollutants.

Chinese sapindaceous tree species (Sapindus mukorosii) exhibits lead tolerance and long-term phytoremediation potential for moderately contaminated soils.

Heavy metal pollution in metropolitan soils poses significant risks to human health and the entire ecosystem. Effective mitigation strategies and technologies are crucial for addressing these environmental issues. Fast-growing trees are an essential part of phytoremediation projects all over the world and provide long-term ecological benefits to mankind. This study assessed the lead tolerance and phytoremediation potential of a fast-growing soapberry tree species (Sapindus mukorossi) in moderately contaminated soil. Two independent experiments were conducted to assess its tolerance at (i) germination level and (ii) prolonged growth stage. In the germination experiments, seeds were exposed to lead (II) nitrate Pb (NO3)2 at various concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 µM) for 120 days. Results showed significant differences in germination time, germination index, seedling vigor index, energy of germination, final germination, germination inhibition, seedling height and root/shoot weight compared to the control experiments. In the prolonged growth experiments, seedlings were grown for six months in soils amended/spiked with different Pb concentrations (T0 = 0, T1 = 20, T2 = 50, T3 = 100, T4 = 150 and T5 = 200 mg kg-1 soil) and their biomass was determined. The highest biomass achieved in six months (T0: 12.62 g plant-1), followed by (T1: 12.33 g plant-1), (T2: 12.42 g plant-1), (T3: 11.86 g plant-1), (T4: 10.86 g plant-1) and (T5: 10.06 g plant-1) respectively. S. mukorossi showed no visible signs of Pb toxicity over a six-month period. During six months of exposure, the total Pb content in S. mucrossi tissues were classified as roots > leaves > stems. The highest cumulative absorption of Pb occurred between the fourth and fifth months of exposure. Maximum transfer factor (TF) was detected during the fourth month ranging from 0.888 to 1.012 for the different Pb concentrations. Furthermore, the growth behavior, lead accumulation, bioconcentration factors (BCF) and tolerance index (TI) indicated that S. mucrossi may tolerate moderate Pb concentrations for longer periods. These findings suggest that S. mukorossi may be deployed for long-term phytoremediation coupled with urban forest applications in the future.

Nuclear magnetic resonance-based solvent system selection for counter-current chromatography separation of compounds present in the same high-performance liquid chromatography peak: Flavonoids in barley seedlings as an example.

Partition coefficient is a key parameter for counter-current chromatography separation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the most commonly used tool for the screening of partition coefficients. However, HPLC technology is not applicable to the compounds present in the same chromatographic peak. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology could easily distinguish compounds according to their characteristic absorption even if they exist in the same HPLC peak. In this study, two flavonoids present in the same HPLC peak were successfully purified by counter-current chromatography with a solvent system screened by NMR to show the great potential of NMR technology in the screening of the partition coefficient of co-efflux compounds. Through NMR screening, an optimized ethyl acetate/n-buthanol/water (7:3:10, v/v/v) system was applied in this study. As a result, two flavonoids, including 4.8 mg of 3'-methoxyl-6'''-O-feruloylsaponarin and 9.8 mg of 6'''-O-feruloylsaponarin were separated from 15 mg of the mixture. There is only one methoxy group difference between the two flavonoids. This study provides a new strategy for the screening of counter-current chromatography solvent systems and broadens the application scope of counter-current chromatography.

Detection of Hypoglycin A and MCPrG Metabolites in the Milk and Urine of Pasture Dairy Cows after Intake of Sycamore Seedlings.

Hypoglycin A (HGA), methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPrG), hypoglycin B (HGB), and γ-glutamyl-α-(methylenecyclopropyl) glycine (γ-glutamyl-MCPrG) are secondary plant metabolites occurring in sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) as well as several other Sapindaceae (e.g., Blighia sapida). By interfering with energy metabolism, they may cause severe intoxication in humans and other species. However, to date, there is not enough data available concerning the intake, metabolism, or excretion of sycamore maple toxins in dairy cows. In May 2022, five cows were observed over four days, when they had first access to a pasture with two sycamore maples. Grazing of their seedlings that grew numerously in between the pasture plants was monitored by direct observation. Milk samples were drawn both from individual cows and from the bulk tank. Spontaneous urine samples were collected from all cows on day 3 after access to the pasture. Seedlings (100 g) were sampled on the pasture and analyzed, together with milk and urine samples, for sycamore toxins and their metabolites using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Cows ingested sycamore seedlings while grazing. Values of HGA in milk were below the limit of quantification. However, metabolites of HGA and MCPrG were detected in individual milk samples already at the end of the first day of grazing. Urine samples of all five cows showed higher concentrations of conjugated HGA and MCPrG metabolites than in milk. Observations suggest that dairy cows may have a low susceptibility toward sycamore maple toxins. However, whether this could be attributed to foregut fermenting species in general requires further elucidation.