Metabolism of the 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Inhibitor, Mesotrione, in Multiple-Herbicide-Resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri).

Metabolic resistance to the maize-selective, HPPD-inhibiting herbicide, mesotrione, occurs via Phase I ring hydroxylation in resistant waterhemp and Palmer amaranth; however, mesotrione detoxification pathways post-Phase I are unknown. This research aims to (1) evaluate Palmer amaranth populations for mesotrione resistance via survivorship, foliar injury, and aboveground biomass, (2) determine mesotrione metabolism rates in Palmer amaranth populations during a time course, and (3) identify mesotrione metabolites including and beyond Phase I oxidation. The Palmer amaranth populations, SYNR1 and SYNR2, exhibited higher survival rates (100%), aboveground biomass (c.a. 50%), and lower injury (25-30%) following mesotrione treatment than other populations studied. These two populations also metabolized mesotrione 2-fold faster than sensitive populations, PPI1 and PPI2, and rapidly formed 4-OH-mesotrione. Additionally, SYNR1 and SYNR2 formed 5-OH-mesotrione, which is not produced in high abundance in waterhemp or naturally tolerant maize. Metabolite features derived from 4/5-OH-mesotrione and potential Phase II mesotrione-conjugates were detected and characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS).

3D-printed electrodes using graphite/carbon nitride/polylactic acid composite material: A greener platform for detection of amaranth dye in food samples.

The production of sustainable materials with properties aimed at the additive manufacturing of electrochemical sensors has gained prestige in the scientific scenario. Here, a novel lab-made composite material using graphite (G) and carbon nitride (C3N4) embedded into polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer is proposed to produce 3D-printed electrodes. PLA offers printability and mechanical stability in this composition, while G and C3N4 provide electrical properties and electrocatalytic sites, respectively. Characterizations by Raman and infrared spectroscopies and Energy Dispersive X-rays indicated that the G/C3N4/PLA composite was successfully obtained, while electron microscopy images revealed non-homogeneous rough surfaces. Better electrochemical properties were achieved when the G/C3N4/PLA proportion (35:5:60) was used. As a proof of concept, amaranth (AMR), a synthetic dye, was selected as an analyte, and a fast method using square wave voltammetry was developed. Utilizing the 3D-printed G/C3N4/PLA electrode, a more comprehensive linear range (0.2 to 4.2 µmol/L), a 5-fold increase in sensitivity (9.83 µmol-1 L µA), and better limits of detection (LOD = 0.06 µmol/L) and quantification (LOQ = 0.18 µmol/L) were achieved compared to the G/PLA electrode. Samples of jelly, popsicles, isotonic drinks, and food flavoring samples were analyzed, and similar results to those obtained by UV-vis spectrometry confirmed the method's reliability. Therefore, the described sensor is a simple, cost-effective alternative for assessing AMR in routine food analysis.

Harnessing the power of polyethyleneimine in modifying chitosan surfaces for efficient anion dyes and hexavalent chromium removal.

In this investigation, synthesis of a surface-functionalized chitosan known as amino-rich chitosan (ARCH) was achieved by successful modification of chitosan by polyethyleneimine (PEI). The synthesized ARCH was characterized by a specific surface area of 8.35 m2 g-1 and a microporous structure, with pore sizes predominantly under 25 nm. The Zeta potential of ARCH maintained a strong positive charge across a wide pH range of 3-11. These characteristics contribute to its high adsorption efficiency in aqueous solutions, demonstrated by its application in removing various anionic dyes, including erioglaucine disodium salt (EDS), methyl orange (MO), amaranth (ART), tartrazine (TTZ), and hexavalent chromium ions (Cr(VI)). The adsorption capacities (Qe) for these contaminants were measured at 1301.15 mg g-1 for EDS, 1025.45 mg g-1 for MO, 940.72 mg g-1 for ART, 732.96 mg g-1 for TTZ, and 350.15 mg g-1 for Cr(VI). A significant observation was the rapid attainment of adsorption equilibrium, occurring within 10 min for ARCH. The adsorption behavior was well-described by the Pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Additionally, an increase in temperature was found to enhance the adsorption capacity of ARCH. The material demonstrated robust stability and selective adsorption capabilities in varied conditions, including different organic compounds, pH environments, sodium salt presence, and in the face of interfering ions. After five cycles of adsorption, ARCH maintained about 60% of its initial adsorption capacity. Due to its efficient adsorption performance, simple synthesis process, low biological toxicity, and cost-effectiveness, ARCH is a promising candidate for future water treatment technologies.

Early growth, development and allometry of glyphosate-resistant and susceptible Amaranthus palmeri in response to current and elevated temperature and CO2.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of CO2 and temperature on glyphosate-resistant and susceptible biotypes of Amaranthus palmeri (Palmer amaranth) in terms of morphological development. Height (cm), stem diameter (cm), leaf area (cm2), number of leaves, leaf, stem, and root dry matter, plant volume (m3), as well as shoot-to-root allometry were evaluated. The Palmer amaranth biotypes were grown under four different scenarios: 1-low temperature (23/33 °C) and CO2 (410 ± 25 ppm); 2-low temperature (23/33 °C) and high CO2 (750 ± 25 ppm); 3-high temperature (26/36 °C) and low CO2 (410 ± 25 ppm); and 4-high temperature (26/36 °C) and CO2 (750 ± 25 ppm). Between CO2 and temperature, the majority of differences observed were driven by CO2 levels. Palmer amaranth grown under 750 ppm of CO2 was 15.5% taller, displayed 10% more leaf area (cm2), 18% more stem dry matter, and had a 28.4% increase in volume (m3) compared to 410 ppm of CO2. GA2017 and GA2020 were 18% and 15.5% shorter, respectively. The number of leaves was 27% greater for GA2005. Plant volume decreased in GA2017 (35.6%) and GA2020 (23.8%). The shoot-to-root ratio was isomeric, except at 14 and 21 DAT, where an allometric growth towards shoot development was significant. Palmer amaranth biotypes responded differently to elevated CO2, and the impacts of temperature need further investigation on weed physiology. Thus, environmental and genetic background may affect the response of glyphosate-resistant and susceptible populations to climate change scenarios.

Black carbon derived PET plastic bottle waste and rice straw for sorption of Acid Red 27 dye: Machine learning approaches, kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamic studies.

This study focuses on the probable use of PET waste black carbon (PETWBC) and rice straw black carbon (RSBC) as an adsorbent for Acid Red 27 (AR 27) adsorption. The prepared adsorbent is characterized by FE-SEM and FT-IR. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted with the influencing of different operational conditions namely time of contact (1-180 min), AR 27 concentration (5-70 mg/L), adsorbent dose (0.5-20 g/L), pH (2-10), and temperature (25-60°C). High coefficient value [PETWBC (R2 = 0.94), and RSBC (R2 = 0.97)] of process optimization model suggesting that this model was significant, where pH and adsorbent dose expressively stimulus removal efficiency including 99.88, and 99.89% for PETWBC, and RSBC at pH (2). Furthermore, the machine learning approaches (ANN and BB-RSM) revealed a good association between the tested and projected value. Pseudo-second-order was the well-suited kinetics, where Freundlich isotherm could explain better equilibrium adsorption data. Thermodynamic study shows AR 27 adsorption is favourable, endothermic, and spontaneous. Environmental friendliness properties are confirmed by desorption studies and satisfactory results also attain from real wastewater experiments. Finally, this study indicates that PETWBC and RSBC could be potential candidates for the adsorption of AR 27 from wastewater.

Biochar improves the growth and physiological traits of alfalfa, amaranth and maize grown under salt stress.

Purpose: Salinity is a main factor in decreasing seed germination, plant growth and yield. Salinity stress is a major problem for economic crops, as it can reduce crop yields and quality. Salinity stress occurs when the soil or water in which a crop is grown has a high salt content. Biochar improve plant growth and physiological traits under salt stress. The aim of the present study, the impact of biochar on growth, root morphological traits and physiological properties of alfalfa, amaranth and maize and soil enzyme activities under saline sands. Methods: We studied the impact of biochar on plant growth and the physiological properties of alfalfa, amaranth and maize under salt stress conditions. After 40 days, plant growth parameters (plant height, shoot and root fresh weights), root morphological traits and physiological properties were measured. Soil nutrients such as the P, K and total N contents in soil and soil enzyme activities were analyzed. Results: The results showed that the maize, alfalfa, and amaranth under biochar treatments significantly enhanced the plant height and root morphological traits over the control. The biochar on significantly increased the total root length, root diameter, and root volume. Compared to the control, the biochar significantly increased the chlorophyll a and b content, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content under salt stress. Furthermore, the biochar significantly increased enzyme activities of soil under salt stress in the three crops. Conclusions: Biochar treatments promote plant growth and physiological traits of alfalfa, amaranth, and maize under the salt stress condition. Overall, biochar is an effective way to mitigate salinity stress in crops. It can help to reduce the amount of salt in the soil, improve the soil structure, and increase the availability of essential nutrients, which can all help to improve crop yields.

Influence of the azo-dye amaranth on the trophic structure of activated sludge in a model experiment.

The textile industry generates significant amounts of wastewater containing high concentrations of azo dyes. An important point in the process of purification of azo dyes is their influence on the activated sludge (AS) in wastewater treatment plants. Azo dyes, such as amaranth, play the role of xenobiotics. This article seeks to answer the question of how organisms manage to respond to xenobiotics remains very important and open, i.e., how they will react to toxic conditions. The aim of this research was to study how these changes are expressed in terms of the different trophic levels of AS. In our experiment, it was found that the dominant trophic units are significantly changed due to the xenobiotic entering the system. The data reveal the significant development of the bacterial segment (genus Pseudomonas and azo-degrading bacteria) at times of large amaranth removal. In the most active phase of amaranth biodetoxification (48 h), the culturable bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas change by about 40%, while the azo-degrading bacteria change by about 2%. Fauna organisms have a sharp change in the dominant groups-from attached and crawling ciliates and testate amoebas to the mass development of small and large flagellates. This is of great importance because micro- and metafauna play an important role in the detoxification process by ingesting some of the xenobiotics. This role is expressed in the fact that after dying, macro-organisms release this xenobiotic in small portions so that it can then be effectively degraded by adapting to the amaranth biodegradation bacteria. In this study, it is clear that all these events lead to a decline in the quality of AS. But on the other hand, these allow AS to survive as a microbial community, and the fauna segment does not disappear completely.

Waste iron as a robust and ecological catalyst for decomposition industrial dyes under UV irradiation.

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, it is very important to work towards eliminating or at least reducing as many harmful industrial substances as possible. However, the implementation of green chemistry methods for wastewater treatment can be difficult especially due to complexity, the high cost of reagents, and the required long process time. This paper focuses on using waste iron (WI) to remove two kinds of amaranth dye commonly used in industry. To enhance the process, UV irradiation and hydrogen peroxide were used. The novelty of the research was the use of efficient and reusable WI as a heterogeneous catalyst in the process. WI material characteristics was done before and after the process using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Zeta potential, size characterization, circularity, and direct band gap were also determined. As a result of treatment complete decolorization of both dyes was achieved, as well as 99% absorbance removal after 15-min process time. The total organic carbon (TOC) decrease after 60-min process time was in the range from 86.6 to 89.8%. Modified pseudo-second-order reaction reflects obtained results of treatment efficiency. Treatment results, confirmed by WI material characterization, indicate satisfactory stability of the catalyst and good oxidation capacity.

Dietary exposure to food azo-colours in a sample of pre-school children from Southern Brazil.

The dietary exposure of six food azo-colours was assessed in a sample of pre-schoolers from Guaratuba-Paraná, Brazil. Consumption data of 323 children aged 2 to 5 years was collected through 3-day food records. Dietary exposure, is expressed by milligrams of food colour by kilogram of body weight per day, as compared to the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Three exposure scenarios were developed to account for uncertainties around consumption estimates. Intakes of Amaranth (INS 123) described in means, 50th and 95th percentiles exceeded ADI levels in the two most conservative scenarios, with the highest percentiles exceeding about four times the ADI. High intakes of Sunset Yellow FCF (INS 110) were also observed, of up to 85% of the ADI in the worst-case scenario. Findings suggest high exposure levels to azo-dyes in the survey population, with children likely exceeding the ADI for Amaranth (INS 123) and concerns for Sunset Yellow FCF (INS 110). Major food contributors were beverages (juice powders and soft drinks), dairy and sweets. Further studies on dietary exposure assessment are needed at the national level. The authors highlight the need of controlling the use of such additives through national policies that are aligned with the consumption patterns observed in the country.

Fabrication of a SnO2-Sb electrode with TiO2 nanotube array as the middle layer for efficient electrochemical oxidation of amaranth dye.

Efficient, stable, and easily producible electrodes are useful for treating dye wastewater through electrochemical oxidation. In this study, an Sb-doped SnO2 electrode with TiO2 nanotubes as the middle layer (TiO2-NTs/SnO2-Sb) was prepared through an optimized electrodeposition process. Analyses of the coating morphology, crystal structure, chemical state, and electrochemical properties revealed that tightly packed TiO2 clusters provided a larger surface area and more contact points, which is conducive to reinforcing the binding of SnO2-Sb coatings. Compared with a Ti/SnO2-Sb electrode without a TiO2-NT interlayer, the catalytic activity and stability of the TiO2-NTs/SnO2-Sb electrode significantly improved (P < 0.05), as reflected by the 21.8% increase in the amaranth dye decolorization efficiency and 200% increase in the service life. The effects of current density, pH, electrolyte concentration, initial amaranth concentration, and the interaction between various combinations of parameters on the electrolysis performance were investigated. Based on response surface optimization, the maximum decolorization efficiency of the amaranth dye could reach 96.2% within 120 min under the following set of optimized parameter values: 50 mg L-1 amaranth concentration, 20 mA cm-2 current density, and 5.0 pH. A potential degradation mechanism of the amaranth dye was proposed based on the experimental results of a quenching test, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This study provides a more sustainable method for fabricating SnO2-Sb electrodes with TiO2-NT interlayers to treat refractory dye wastewater.