Prediction models based on soil properties for evaluating the heavy metal uptake into Hordeum vulgare L. grown in agricultural soils amended with different rates of sewage sludge.

The current study aims at forming new prediction models to be employed in the approximating the possible uptake of a range of 10 heavy metals (HMs) (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn) by Hordeum vulgare tissues including roots, shoots and grains following its growth in soil amended with sewage sludge (SS) using conditions employed in greenhouses. The present study determined an insignificant difference between the actual and predicted quantities of the HMs in the three tissues using t values. The majority of the predicted quantities of the HMs were acceptable with the exception of Cd in the shoots, Cu in grains and Pb in roots. Consequently, it is possible to use these models in assessing the cultivation of barley plants in soil amended with SS in a safe way, while simultaneously monitoring any potential risks to the health of humans.

Heavy metals concentration, and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of the wild mint (Mentha longifolia L.) in the Egyptian watercourses.

In the present study, we assessed seasonal variation in the accumulation potential of wild mint (Mentha longifolia) to heavy metals as well as the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of mint in polluted and unpolluted watercourses. The results indicated that the wild mint showed seasonal fluctuations in accumulation potential for heavy metals proved by bioaccumulation factor (BF) and translocation factor (TF). The all measured heavy metals, except Pb were retained in the underground parts. Summer plants accumulated the highest concentrations of Al, Cd, Cr and Fe in their root, while the lowest concentration of Ni in their shoot. The bioaccumulation factor for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn and Co was greater than one, while the translocation factor of the investigated metals (except Pb) did not exceed one, indicating the potential of wild mint for phytostabilization of these metals in contaminated wetlands. The yield and composition of mint essential oil (MEO) were affected by harvesting season and heavy metals pollution. GC/MS showed that isomenthone, cis-piperitenone oxide, menthone and pulegone, were the main oil constituents. Mint essential oil show promising antioxidant activity by 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay under pollution stress. The maximum reducing power of MEO were obtained during autumn and summer seasons (polluted canals).In conclusion, summer is the ideal season for harvesting wild mint plants for the maximum plant biomass, oil yield, high radical scavenging activity of MEO and to monitor pollution in contaminated wetlands.

Temporal Potential of Phragmites australis as a Phytoremediator to Remove Ni and Pb from Water and Sediment in Lake Burullus, Egypt.

In the current work, we investigated the concentration of Ni and Pb in different organs of Phragmites australis to evaluate its potential application as a phytoremediator to remove these two metals from contaminated water and sediment in Lake Burullus (a Ramsar site in Egypt). Above- and below-ground biomass of P. australis, water and sediment were sampled monthly for 1 year at six sites of Lake Burullus (three sites represent each of the northern and southern parts of the lake) using six randomly distributed quadrats (each of 0.5 × 0.5 m) at each sampling site. Significant variation was detected for Ni and Pb concentrations in the sediments and waters between the northern and southern sites of the lake. The biomass of P. australis in the southern sites was greater than that in the northern sites; in addition, the above-ground biomass was higher than the below-ground biomass. The above-ground organs accumulated higher concentrations of Ni and Pb than the below-ground organs. The Ni and Pb standing stocks data indicated that the organs of P. australis extracted higher amounts of Ni and Pb per its area from the southern rather than the northern sites. In the current study, the Ni and Pb above-ground standing stocks increased from the early growing season (February) and reached its peak during August and then decreased. The highest monthly Ni and Pb standing stock (18.2 and 18.4 g m- 2, respectively) was recorded in the above-ground organs of plants in the southern sites in August. The bioaccumulation factor of Ni was 157.6 and 153.4 in the northern and southern sites, respectively, whereas that of Pb was 175.3 and 158.3. The translocation factor of Ni and Pb from the below- to above-ground organs was generally > 1. Thus, this reed species is a potential candidate for Ni and Pb phytoextraction. Based on our results, P. australis could be used for the extraction of Ni and Pb to reduce the pollution in Lake Burullus, if the above-ground biomass is harvested at its maximum value in August, as was the case regarding the maximum standing stock of Ni and Pb.

Prediction models for monitoring heavy-metal accumulation by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants grown in sewage sludge amended soil.

Prediction of heavy-metal concentration in the edible parts of economic crops, based on their concentration in soil and other environmental factors, is urgently required for human risk assessment. The present investigation aimed to develop regression models for predicting heavy-metal concentration in wheat plants via their contents in sewage sludge amended soil, organic matter (OM) content and soil pH. The concentration of heavy metals in the plant tissues reflected its concentration in the soil with high Fe followed by Al, Mn, Cr, Zn, Ni, Co, Cu, and Pb. Soil OM content had a significant positive correlation with all investigated heavy-metal concentrations in the different tissues of wheat plants, while soil pH was negatively significant with most heavy metals except spike Pb and grain Cr. The bio-concentration factor of Al, Cu, and Zn from soil to wheat root was >1, while that of shoot, spikes, and grains was <1 for all heavy metals. Significantly valid regression models were developed with fluctuated coefficient of determination (R2), high model efficiency (ME) values and low mean normalized average error (MNAE). The significant positive correlations between the concentration of some heavy metals in the soil and the same in wheat tissues indicate the potential of this plant as a biomonitor for these metals in contaminated soils. The significant correlations between heavy-metal concentrations in soil and its properties (pH and OM) with metal concentrations in wheat plants support the prediction model as an appropriate option. This study recommends the use of models with R2 greater than 50% and recommend other researchers to use our models according to their own specific conditions.

Phytostabilization as a phytoremediation strategy for mitigating water pollutants by the floating macrophyte Ludwigia stolonifera (Guill. & Perr.) P.H. Raven.

The present study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of the floating macrophyte Ludwigia stolonifera for removing trace metals from contaminated water bodies. Forty quadrats, distributed equally in eight sites (six polluted two unpolluted sites) were selected seasonally for water, sediment and plant investigations. The leaf area, fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll b and carotenoids contents of L. stolonifera were significantly reduced in polluted sites. L. stolonifera plants accumulated concentrations of the investigated trace metals in their roots higher than the shoots. The roots contributed to the highest concentrations of Al and Cu during spring; Fe, Mn and Ni during summer; Cd and Zn during autumn; and Cr and Pb during winter. Compared to the unpolluted sites, the below- and above-ground parts from the polluted sites accumulated higher concentrations of most investigated trace metals, except Fe. The below-ground parts of L. stolonifera had high seasonal potential for seasonal accumulation of Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb with a bioaccumulation factor that exceeded 1, the translocation factor of the investigated metals was <1. Therefore, the study species is suitable for metals phytostabilization and thus can be considered a potential phytoremediator of these metals.

Prediction models for evaluating heavy metal uptake by Pisum sativum L. in soil amended with sewage sludge.

The present study aims to develop prediction models for estimating the potential uptake of 10 heavy metals (HMs) (cadmium, Cd; cobalt, Co; chromium, Cr; copper, Cu; iron, Fe; manganese, Mn; molybdenum, Mo; nickel, Ni; lead, Pb; zinc, Zn) by the tissues of Pisum sativum (root, shoot and pod) grown in soil amended with sewage sludge (SS) under greenhouse conditions. Soil organic matter (OM) was estimated by loss-on-ignition at 550 °C for 2 h. The pH was determined by shaking the soil and pure water at a 1:5 ratio. For HM quantifications, 0.5-1.0 g of each soil or plant sample was digested using a tri-acid mixture digestion method. The quantities of selected HMs were estimated by means of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Bio-concentration (BCF) and translocation (TF) factors were <1 for most of the HMs. In addition, simple linear correlations were significantly negative between the BCF of all studied HMs and soil pH, except for Pb, Mn and Ni, whereas significant positive correlations were observed between BCFs and soil OM, except for Mn, Ni and Zn. The accumulation of the 10 HMs in P. sativum tissues was predicted using regression models based on the values of the same HM in the soil as well as its pH and OM. The calculated prediction models performed well for most HMs in P. sativum tissues (except Ni in the pod, Cd in the shoot and Mn in the root). All measured soil factors (HM, pH and OM) consistently contributed to HM concentrations in the three tissues of the studied plants. These models may help to evaluate the safe cultivation of this species in soil amended with SS.

Uptake Prediction of Ten Heavy Metals by Eruca sativa Mill. Cultivated in Soils Amended with Sewage Sludge.

This study was carried out to develop mathematical regression equations for predicting the uptake of ten heavy metals (HMs) (cadmium, Cd; cobalt, Co; chromium, Cr; copper, Cu; iron, Fe; manganese, Mn; molybdenum, Mo; nickel, Ni; lead, Pb; zinc, Zn) by a vegetable species (Eruca sativa Mill.) in the Abha region (Saudi Arabia) based on the concentration of these HMs in soils amended with sewage sludge, organic matter (OM) content and soil pH. The resultant regression equations indicated that the three soil factors were significant predictors for the uptake of the ten HMs in the plant tissues. By applying a t test, we found that there are no significant differences between the actual and predicted values of the ten HMs in the E. sativa roots and leaves (P > 0.05), which reflects the goodness of fit of these equations for predicting the uptake of these HMs. Such types of equations may be helpful for evaluating the risk of cultivation of E. sativa plants in soils amended with sewage sludge.

Hazards assessment of the intake of trace metals by common mallow (Malva parviflora K.) growing in polluted soils.

Human risks increase by consuming plants growing in trace/heavy metals contaminated soil irrigated with polluted water. The present study aims to assess the ability of common mallow to accumulate trace/heavy metals from polluted soils at South Greater Cairo, Egypt; and their hazardous effects on consumer's health. Five quadrats were used to collect soil and plant samples from three sites of un-polluted and polluted fields for chemical analysis and measurement of growth variables, as well as for assessing the daily intake of metals (DIM) and hazard quotient (HQ). Irrigation water analysis showed elevated concentrations of the investigated metals and mineral salts in the polluted area compared with the un-polluted one. Plant samples showed reduction in their growth parameters; as well as pigments and nutrient content in the metal-contaminated soil. In addition, Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Co concentrations in the shoots and roots of plants grown in polluted fields were higher compared with plants grown in un-polluted site. The bioaccumulation and translocation factors of most investigated metals indicated the great ability of common mallow to accumulate such metals, which would increase the human intake of metals in their daily diets compared to their reference values (RfD). The hazard quotient (HQ) of Pb, Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn for children and Pb, Cd, Fe and Mn for adults was >1, indicating health hazards for the consumers of common mallow cultivated in the polluted area.

Human health risks from consuming cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on wastewater irrigated soil.

The present study investigated the impact of cumulative irrigation with wastewater on the soil properties and, its health hazards on the consumers of cabbage plants at south Cairo Province, Egypt. Irrigation water, soil and cabbage plants were sample d from two polluted and other two unpolluted farms. The physicochemical properties of water and soil were analyzed and the growth parameters, as well as nutrients and heavy metals concentration in cabbage were investigated. In addition, the daily intake of metals (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) were estimated. Wastewater posed a decrease in the availability of N, P and K, but increases heavy metals in the soil solution. Cabbage stem and root lengths as well as the number of leaves and biomass were greatly reduced in the polluted farms. In addition, the photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates and proteins were decreased under pollution stress. The concentration of most investigated metals in the leaves and roots were increased with translocation factor greater than one for Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Fe, and Co. The study revealed that the HRI exceeded one for Pb and Cd in polluted and unpolluted plants; and Fe in polluted ones. Irrigation with wastewater is not suitable for cabbage as it has health risks on humans due to accumulation of heavy metals. It worth noting that, the high ability of cabbage plants to accumulate Pb and Cd from both polluted and unpolluted soils should be taken into consideration when consuming this plant.

Bioaccumulation and rhizofiltration potential of Pistia stratiotes L. for mitigating water pollution in the Egyptian wetlands.

The bioaccumulation and rhizofiltration potential of P. stratiotes for heavy metals were investigated to mitigate water pollution in the Egyptian wetlands. Plant and water samples were collected monthly through nine quadrats equally distributed along three sites at Al-Sero drain in Giza Province. The annual mean of the shoot biomass was 10 times that of the root. The concentrations of shoot heavy metals fell in the order: Fe < Mn < Cr < Pb < Cu < Zn < Ni < Co < Cd, while that of the roots were: Fe < Mn < Cr < Pb < Zn < Ni < Co < Cu < Cd. The bio-concentration factor (BCF) of most investigated heavy metals, except Cr and Pb, was greater than 1000, while the translocation factor (TF) of most investigated metals, except Pb and Cu, did not exceed one. The rhizofiltration potential (RP) of heavy metals was higher than 1000 for Fe, and 100 for Cr, Pb and Cu. Significant positive correlations between Fe and Cu in water with those in plant roots and leaves, respectively were recorded, which, in addition to the high BCF and RP, indicate the potential use of P. stratiotes in mitigating these toxic metals.

Prediction models for evaluating the heavy metal uptake by spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) from soil amended with sewage sludge.

The risk evaluation of polluted soil requires the application of precise models to predict the heavy metal uptake by plants so possible human risks can be identified. Therefore, the present work was conducted to develop regression models for predicting the concentrations of heavy metals in spinach plants from their concentration in the soil by using the organic matter content and soil pH as co-factors. The soil improved with sewage sludge was slightly alkaline and had a relatively high organic matter content. Similar to the soil analysis, Fe had the highest median concentration, while Cd had the lowest concentration in the roots and leaves. Heavy metals accumulated in the roots and leaves in the order Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Co > Pb > Cd. The bio-concentration factor of the investigated heavy metals, from soil to roots, did not exceed one. The spinach was recognized by a translocation factor <1.0 for all of the heavy metals except Zn. Plant heavy metal concentrations were positively correlated with the soil organic matter content and negatively correlated with soil pH. The leaf Cr, Fe and Zn and the root Cr, Fe, Pb and Zn concentrations were positively correlated with the respective soil heavy metals. In addition, a linear correlation was found between the bio-concentration factor of heavy metals and soil pH and organic matter content. Regression models with high model efficiency and coefficients of determination and low mean normalized average errors, which indicate the efficiency of the models, were produced for predicting the plant heavy metal contents by using the soil pH and organic matter content as co-factors.

Phytostabilization of heavy metals by the emergent macrophyte Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff.: A phytoremediation approach.

The present study was conducted to investigate the potential of Vossia cuspidata as a phytoremediator to accumulate heavy metals from polluted water bodies. Thirty-two quadrats, distributed equally in eight sites (six polluted sites along the Ismailia canal and two unpolluted sites along the Nile River) were selected seasonally for plant, water, and sediment investigations. Winter plants recorded the highest values of shoot height, diameter, and leaf width, but the lowest shoot density. Plants collected in autumn had the lowest values of leaf length, width, and area, while those collected in spring had the highest shoot density, with the lowest shoot height. Summer populations had the highest fresh and dry plant biomass, while winter plants had the lowest. Fresh production and dry biomass of V. cuspidata in the unpolluted Nile were significantly higher than those in polluted canals. Chlorophyll a and carotenoid concentrations were reduced under pollution stress. Spring plants accumulated the highest concentrations of Cr, Cu, and Pb in their root, and the lowest concentrations of Al, Cd, Cr, and Zn in their shoot. The bioaccumulation factor for most investigated metals, except Al, Cr, and Fe was greater than 1, while the translocation factor of all metals was less than 1, therefore this plant is considered to be a potential for these metals phytostabilization.

Health risk assessment and growth characteristics of wheat and maize crops irrigated with contaminated wastewater.

The present study evaluated the effect of untreated wastewater irrigation and its health risks in Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Zea mays (maize) cultivated at south Cairo, Egypt. Morphological measurements (stem and root lengths, number of leaves per plant, and dry weights of main organs) as well as soil, irrigation water, and plant analyses for nutrients and heavy metals were conducted in polluted and unpolluted sites. Wastewater irrigations leads to reduction in the morphological traits of the plants and reduced its vegetative biomass and yield production, with more negative impacts on maize than wheat. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Fe in roots and leaves of wheat were above the phytotoxic limits. Conversely, Pb, Cd, and Fe were significantly high and at phytotoxic concentrations in the leaves of maize at polluted site. The present study indicated that wheat plants tend to phytostabilize heavy metals in their roots, while maize accumulates it more in their leaves. Maize and wheat had toxic concentrations of Pb and Cd in their grains under wastewater irrigation. The health risk index showed values > 1 for Pb and Cd in polluted site for both crops, in addition to maize in unpolluted site. Consequently, this will have greatest potential to pose health risk to the consumers.

Growth and nutrients accumulation potentials of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) in different habitats in Egypt.

Arundo donax L. has a high biomass production and a tendency toward community dominance in many habitats and thereby a tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions. Therefore, the present study investigated the potentiality of A. donax to accumulate nutrients and trace metals in its biomass. Six main habitats (Nile Bank, Drain Bank, Canal Bank, Field Edges, Railways and Roadsides) were recognized. At each habitat, six quadrats (each 1 m(2)), distributed equally in two sites, were selected for growth measurements (e.g., density, shoot height, diameter, leaf area and biomass), plant and soil analyses. Plants from Nile, Canal and Drain Banks had the highest values of most growth measurements, while those from Railways and Roadsides had the lowest. Canal Bank plants accumulated the highest concentrations of P, Cu and Pb in their leaves; Zn in the stem; and Mg, Cd and Fe in the rhizome. The bioaccumulation factor (BF) of A. donax, for Cd, Fe, Mn and Zn, was greater than 1, while the translocation factor (TF) of most trace metals was less than unity in most habitats. In conclusion, A. donax showed morphological plasticity in response to habitat heterogeneity, and its growth was most vigorous in the riparian habitats. The high BF, as well as the significant positive correlations between trace metals, especially Cd, in soil and plant, renders A. donax a powerful phytoremediator.

Health hazards and heavy metals accumulation by summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivated in contaminated soils.

The present study was carried out to investigate the heavy metal concentration accumulated by summer squash cultivated in contaminated soil and their health hazards for public consumers at south Cairo Province, Egypt. Soil and plants were sampled from contaminated and reference farms, using 1 m(2) quadrats, for biomass estimation and nutrient analysis. The daily intake of metals (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) were estimated. Significant differences in soil variables (except As) between contaminated and reference sites were recognized. Summer squash showed remarkable reduction in fresh and dry biomass, fruit production, and photosynthetic pigments under pollution stress. The inorganic and organic nutrients in the aboveground and belowground parts showed significant reduction in contaminated site. In addition, higher concentrations of heavy metals were accumulated in the edible parts and roots more than shoots. The bioaccumulation factor of summer squash for investigated metals was greater than 1, while the translocation factor did not exceed unity in both contaminated and reference sites. The DIM for all investigated metals in the reference site and in the contaminated site (except Fe and Mn) did not exceed 1 in both adults and children. However, HRI of Ni and Mn in the reference site and Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Zn in the contaminated one exceeded unity indicating great potential to pose health risk to the consumers. The author recommends that people living in the contaminated area should not eat large quantities of summer squash, so as to avoid excess accumulation of heavy metals in their bodies.

The invasive macrophyte Pistia stratiotes L. as a bioindicator for water pollution in Lake Mariut, Egypt.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the potentiality of the aquatic macrophyte Pistia stratiotes to accumulate trace metals, perspective of phytoremediation, and the probability for using it as a bioindicator for the different pollution types. Plants were collected from the different Lake Mariut basins (main basin, south-west, north-west, and fish farm), through five quadrats each, for measuring some growth parameters such as plant density, rosette diameter and height, root length, number of living and dead leaves per individual, and leaf length and width. In addition, nutrients and heavy metals in plant organs as well as water samples were analyzed. The bioaccumulation and translocation factors of trace metals were calculated. Water physicochemical data of Lake Mariut showed significant variations of all variables, except temperature and pH as well as Cd metal, among the lake basins. Fish farm was characterized by the highest plant density, individual size, biomass, and the number of living leaves, while the north-west basin had the lowest, except the number of dead leaves. In contrast to trace metals, P. stratiotes accumulated concentrations of macronutrients in the leaves higher than in roots. The bioaccumulation factors of the investigated metals, except Cu, were greater than one, while the translocation factors (TFs) of all trace metals were less than unity, and this may render P. stratiotes suitable for rhizofiltration. In addition, the significant positive correlation of Ni and Cd in water with those in plant roots and leaves as well as the growth response of this plant to the different pollutants may suggest its potential use as bioindicator for these pollutants in water.

Native desert plants have the potential for phytoremediation of phytotoxic metals in urban cities: implications for cities sustainability in arid environments.

Arid regions can benefit from using native desert plants, which require minimal freshwater and can aid in remediating soil phytotoxic metals (PTMs) from traffic emissions. In this study, we assessed the ability of three native desert plants-Pennisetum divisum, Tetraena qatarensis, and Brassica tournefortii-to accumulate phytotoxic metals (PTMs) in their different plant organs, including leaves, stems, and roots/rhizomes. The PTMs were analyzed in soil and plant samples collected from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The results indicated significantly higher levels of PTMs on the soil surface than the subsurface layer. Brassica exhibited the highest concentrations of Fe and Zn, measuring 566.7 and 262.8 mg kg-1, respectively, while Tetraena accumulated the highest concentration of Sr (1676.9 mg kg-1) in their stems. In contrast, Pennisetum recorded the lowest concentration of Sr (21.0 mg kg-1), while Tetraena exhibited the lowest concentrations of Fe and Zn (22.5 and 30.1 mg kg-1) in their leaves. The roots of Pennisetum, Brassica, and Tetraena demonstrated the potential to accumulate Zn from the soil, with concentration factors (CF) of 1.75, 1.09, and 1.09, respectively. Moreover, Brassica exhibited the highest CF for Sr, measuring 2.34. Pennisetum, however, could not translocate PTMs from its rhizomes to other plant organs, as indicated by a translocation factor (TF) of 1. In contrast, Brassica effectively translocated the studied PTMs from its roots to the stem and leaves (except for Sr in the leaves). Furthermore, Pennisetum exclusively absorbed Zn from the soil into its leaves and stems, with an enrichment factor (EF) greater than 1. Brassica showed the ability to uptake the studied PTMs in its stem and leaves (except for Fe), while Tetraena primarily absorbed Sr and Zn into its stems. Based on the CF and TF results, Pennisetum appears to be a suitable species for phytostabilization of both Fe and Zn, while Brassica is well-suited for Sr and Zn polluted soils. Tetraena shows potential for Zn phytoremediation. These findings suggest that these plants are suitable for PTMs phytoextraction. Furthermore, based on the EF results, these plants can efficiently sequester PTMs.

Phytoaccumulation of zinc and its associated impact on the growth performance and tolerance index of six non-food crop plants grown in Zn-contaminated soil.

Crop plant remediation and detoxification of Zn-contaminated soils may pose a significant threat to food safety and, thus, human health. Therefore, the current study was carried out to assess the ability of six non-food crop plants (NFCP); Zea mays L. cultivar 360 (T360), Z. mays cultivar 123 (T123), Helianthus annuus L., Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., Ricinus communis L., and Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneid to remediate and restore Zn-contaminated soils. The investigated plants tolerate 150 mg/kg of Zn content of the soil, where they had tolerance index (TI) > 1 for all growth criteria, except the root dry weight (DW) of S. chinensis. Z. mays T123 and R. communis were the most susceptible plants, while B. juncea and S. chinensis were moderately tolerant, while H. annuus was the most tolerant to high Zn concentrations in a growing medium. Increasing the soil Zn content led to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in Zn concentration in the various tissues of the six NFCPs. The studied NFCP did not translocate Zn to their grains/seeds; consequently, they can be used safely for Zn-contaminated soils. The Zn content in root and shoot was negatively correlated with the TI of their length and weight, while the translocation factor (TF) of Zn from root to shoot was positively correlated to the TI of the root length and weight. The six studied NFCPs were arranged based on their phytoremediation efficiency as follows: B. juncea (31.86%) > Z. mays T123 (31.14%) > Z. mays T360 (27.59%) > H. annuus (20.85%) > S. chinensis (20.29%) > R. communis (15.3%). All tested NFCPs accumulated significant concentrations of Zn in their roots and shoots, a high Zn uptake potential, and biomass at 150-450 mg/kg of Zn treatments, indicating that these plants are good candidates for the implementation of a new strategy of cultivating NFCP for phytoremediation of Zn-contaminated soils.

Risk assessment of trace metals in Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) grown under wastewater irrigation conditions.

Heavy metal contamination of food crop plants is viewed as a global issue. Heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), and mercury (Hg) are poisonous. Depending on their concentration and capacity for bioaccumulation, they can provide a range of health risks.This research sought to investigate the effects of toxic metals (TMs) on the growth characteristics of produced tomatoes grown under wastewater irrigation. Additionally, it looked into the potential repercussions of both domestic and foreign individuals consuming this plant. In south Cairo, Egypt, two study locations were looked into: a control site in Abu Ragwan, which received water from tributaries of the Nile River, and a contaminated site in El-Shobak El-Sharky, which had raw industrial wastewater. The nutrients of soil and tomato plants (N, P, and K) decreased (P < 0.01), while TMs increased (P < 0.001) significantly as a result of using wastewater for irrigation. Except for Cu, all examined TM accumulating in tomato plants' roots as opposed to shoots had a bioaccumulation factor (BF) > 1. However, the tomato plant's shoot had solely undergone Pb and Ni translocation and storage, with a translocation factor (TF) > 1. A significant amount of Fe (5000.1 mg kg-1), Pb (360.7 mg kg-1), and Mn (356.3 mg kg-1) were present in the edible fruits. The ingestion of contaminated crops increases the daily intake rate of metals (DIR). The values of the high hazard quotient (HQ) were obtained (2073.8 and 2558.9 for Pb, 574.0 and 708.3 for Cd, and 41.1 and 50.7 for Fe for adults and children, respectively). Therefore, tomato plants grown in soils irrigated with untreated wastewater may offer a greater danger to human health, indicating that they should not be grown as a crop for human consumption.

A Novel Nutrient- and Antioxidant-Based Formulation Can Sustain Tomato Production under Full Watering and Drought Stress in Saline Soil.

As a result of the climate changes that are getting worse nowadays, drought stress (DS) is a major obstacle during crop life stages, which ultimately reduces tomato crop yields. So, there is a need to adopt modern approaches like a novel nutrient- and antioxidant-based formulation (NABF) for boosting tomato crop productivity. NABF consists of antioxidants (i.e., citric acid, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, glutathione, and EDTA) and nutrients making it a fruitful growth stimulator against environmental stressors. As a first report, this study was scheduled to investigate the foliar application of NABF on growth and production traits, physio-biochemical attributes, water use efficiency (WUE), and nutritional, hormonal, and antioxidative status of tomato plants cultivated under full watering (100% of ETc) and DS (80 or 60% of ETc). Stressed tomato plants treated with NABF had higher DS tolerance through improved traits of photosynthetic efficiency, leaf integrity, various nutrients (i.e., copper, zinc, manganese, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen), and hormonal contents. These positives were a result of lower levels of oxidative stress biomarkers as a result of enhanced osmoprotectants (soluble sugars, proline, and soluble protein), and non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant activities. Growth, yield, and fruit quality traits, as well as WUE, were improved. Full watering with application of 2.5 g NABF L-1 collected 121 t tomato fruits per hectare as the best treatment. Under moderate DS (80% of ETc), NABF application increased fruit yield by 10.3%, while, under severe DS (40% of ETc), the same fruit yield was obtained compared to full irrigation without NABF. Therefore, the application of 60% ETc × NABF was explored to not only give a similar yield with higher quality compared to 100% ETc without NABF as well as increase WUE.