Bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread industrial chemical, significantly inhibits root elongation, reducing it by 2%, 32%, and 64% at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, and 40 µM, respectively. This study delves into the interplay between ethylene and auxin in mediating BPA-induced primary root growth inhibition in . Furthermore, ethylene modulates BPA sensitivity, as evidenced by reduced inhibition in ethylene-insensitive mutants (etr1-1, etr1-3, ein2-1) and heightened sensitivity in ethylene-overproducing lines (eto1-1, ctr1-1). Ethylene biosynthesis inhibitors (AVG, CoCl2) significantly decreased BPA-induced root inhibition. Treated plants showed increased expression of ethylene biosynthetic genes (ACS2, ACS6, ACS8, ACO1, ACO2). Auxin involvement was evident as aux1-7 mutants showed reduced sensitivity, and NPA (an auxin transport inhibitor) improved root growth. BPA and ACC treatments elevated DR5 and EBS activity, indicating enhanced ethylene and auxin signaling. AVG or NPA effects on DR5 activity under BPA stress revealed that ethylene modulates auxin accumulation and distribution. The study suggests that ethylene regulates BPA-mediated root inhibition by influencing AUX1 expression and auxin distribution, offering new insights into the interaction between ethylene, auxin, and BPA in plant growth.

This study investigated two lab-scale CW systems, traditional horizontal flow (HFCW) and baffled horizontal flow (BHFCW), as a treatment process in CWs filled with porous gravel and planted with . BHFCW achieved average removal efficiencies of 88.65, 86.00, and 84.17% for TSS, BOD, and, COD, respectively. Meanwhile, in HFCW, the removal efficiencies for these pollutants were 88.48, 81.07, and 77.89%, respectively. The results demonstrated that BHFCW is a reliable alternative to enhance the treatment performance of nitrogen in CWs compared to HFCW. The BHFCW removals were the best among all units: 76.59, 86.39, and 92.22% for NH, NO, and NO, respectively. Statistical differences were observed when comparing removal effects between HFCW and BHFCW ( < 0.05). Nevertheless, 84.15% of orthophosphate was successfully removed in HFCW. The introduction of baffles augmented the flow path of wastewater. 14% and one-day reduction in the area and HRT of BHFCW was noted relative to the HFCW respectively. The two types of flow used are suitable for wastewater treatment. This investigation of flow type showed a role in the absorption and retention of pollutants. In addition, the BHFCW could generate interest in a treatment option.

This study comprehensively assessed the physiological adaptations of (citronella) exposed to varying concentrations (25-100 mg.kg) of cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr). The phytoremediation potential was also evaluated over a 60d greenhouse experiment with triplicate replication, where Cd and Cr were introduced as cadmium chloride (CdCl) and potassium dichromate (KCrO), respectively. While elevated metal concentrations adversely affected plant growth and chlorophyll content, exhibited remarkable tolerance. This was evidenced by the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidise (APX), alongside increases in reduced glutathione (GSH) and proline, effectively mitigating oxidative stress. However, high-intensity metal exposure eventually overwhelmed these systems, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and oxidative damage. Notably, Western blot analysis revealed that Cr distinctly induced a greater reduction in ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity compared to Cd, highlighting nuanced physiological responses to different metals. The plant demonstrated substantial phytoremediation capacity, achieving bio-concentration factors (BCF) of 0.25 for Cd and 0.28 for Cr at 100 mg.kg, and effectively removing 75.1% of Cd and 72.1% of Cr from contaminated soil. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of physiological adaptations and phytoremediation capabilities of under both Cd and Cr stress, revealing its potential as a robust phytoremediator. The observed differential impact on Rubisco activity and efficient metal removal capacity underscore the plant's suitability for remediating soils contaminated with these prevalent heavy metals.

Heavy metals toxicity in soil is increasing globally and bioremediation of these contaminants through sustainable and recalcitrant materials has gained attention in recent years. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Cr tolerant and strains along with biochar of different feedstocks on maize plant biochemical attributes and soil health. Results of the study revealed that Cr contamination decreased plant growth attributes whilst the integrated application of +PLB significantly improved root-shoot length (36 and 10% respectively), total chlorophyll (11.29%), and stomatal conductance (11.95%). Under Cr contamination, maize carotenoid, flavonoid, and phenolic contents also improved up to 77.20%, 39.18%, and 7.90% respectively by +PLB treatment. Soil PLFA content, G+, G-, Fungi and actinomycetes activity also alleviated along with antioxidants superoxidase (54%), peroxidase (28.57%), and catalase (89%) under the treatment of +PLB. Additionally, microbial CUE improved up to 70% under +PLB followed by +PLB (62%). Moreover, soil nutrient content (TOC, N, P, and K) also showed a great improvement under the combinedcombined application of PGPR and biochar. These findings of the study provide a sustainable solution for the bioremediation of Cr in agricultural soil by improving soil microbial and antioxidative activities.

Enzymatic activity is one of the most essential biochemical mechanisms in CWs and plays a significant function in discharging nutrients from organic molecules. This study aimed to consider the activity of soil enzymes in CWs during the phytoremediation of As and to evaluate the interaction between the enzyme activity and As phytoremediation. The treatments (control, 39 mg kgAs, 2% nine-rhizobacteria consortium + 39 mg kgAs, 0.04% NPKS fertilizer + 39 mg kgAs, and 2% nine-rhizobacteria consortium + 0.04% NPKS fertilizer + 39 mg kgAs) were studied for assessing different enzymatic activity and plant-microbe interaction during phytoremediation of As in CWs. The activities of various enzymes were significantly higher at rhizosphere sand than at non-rhizosphere sand and leachate. However, enzyme activity was significantly higher in non-rhizosphere sand than in rhizosphere sand in the case of only alkaline phosphatase enzyme. A significant interaction was observed between the activity of enzymes and As phytoremediation which linear correlation coefficients at rhizosphere sand were 0.9812, 0.9484, 0.9271, 0.925, 0.9175, 0.8661, 0.9598, 0.9261, and 0.87 for urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, arylsulphatase, β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, amylase, catalase, and total enzyme respectively. These enzymatic functions helped in waste breakdown; hence, higher enzymatic activity may boost As phytoremediation in CWs. So, these results of the current investigation will significantly provide knowledge of plant-microbe relationships for the phytoremediation of arsenic in CWs.

Pomegranate peel waste in the forms of raw biomass, biochar and activated carbon has been explored as adsorbents in water treatment. This review examined and discussed published works between 2008 and 2024 that focused on the utilization of pomegranate peel waste adsorbents with emphasis on preparation strategies, characterization techniques and applications. The thermal and chemical activation have shown to improve the structural and chemical properties of the resultant adsorbent materials to effectively adsorb various pollutants such as dyes, heavy metals, organics, inorganic nonmetals, and pharmaceuticals from water. The performance was compared and the avenues for future research was highlighted to shed insight into the potential of pomegranate peel adsorbents for environmental protection.

This study aims to elucidate the effect of peel biochar application on cadmium-contaminated soil and pakchoi () growth. A pot experiment was designed involving four distinct biochar/soil ratio treatments: 0 (Control, CK), 1% (T1), 2.5% (T2), and 5% (T3). The results demonstrated that the incorporation of 5% effectively modulated the pH of acidic soil, substantially elevating soil organic matter, and available N, P, K content. Moreover, it augmented the activities of catalase, urease, and acid phosphatase in the soil, concurrently diminishing the Cd content. This treatment reduced the exchangeable and carbonate-bound Cd fractions by 45% while enhancing the iron-manganese oxide-bound, organic matter-bound, and residual Cd fractions by 26%, 29%, and 96%, respectively. Regarding the growth of pakchoi, the 5% biochar application significantly decreased the Cd content in the edible portion by 51%. It significantly enhanced the fresh weight per plant, soluble solids, soluble sugar, soluble protein, and vitamin C content of pakchoi. In conclusion, the application of peel biochar is a viable approach for improving the properties of Cd-contaminated soil, passivating Cd fractions, and enhancing the yield and quality of pakchoi. A biochar pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C and a biochar/soil ratio of 5% is recommended.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for life on earth and a limiting nutrient for plant growth. However, its availability in saline-alkaline soils is significantly reduced, adversely affecting plant productivity. Saline-alkaline soil is a widespread problem that severely affects plant growth and productivity. The -derived biochar (PB) and Sewage sludge-derived biochar (SSB) were analyzed for pH, electric conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), calorific values (CV), and surface area (SSA). The phosphate solubilizing index (SI; 2.83 mM) and quantitative analysis (521.5 µg ml) were suggested that PSB-01 efficient and the strain identified through 16S rRNA sequencing techniques. The experiment was based on completely randomized block design (CRBD) with triplicates. The results revealed that the application of PB, SSB, and PSB-01 significantly improved () growth as compared to the control. The highest growth was observed in the combined amendments as compared to single once in both 1% and 3%. The highest reduction in cation and anion concentrations was observed in the combined applications of PB, SSB and PSB-01 for 1% and 3%. The combined application of biochar along with PSB-01 can enhance soil properties (pH, CEC, SSA anoins and cations) and promote plant growth, offering a sustainable solution for saline-alkaline agricultural soil. This study employs an innovative approach by combining biochars derived from and sewage sludge with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSBs) to address multiple issues simultaneously: mitigating saline-alkaline soil, controlling overgrowth, and managing sewage sludge problems.

Advancements in nanotechnology and artificial intelligence can enhance phytoremediation efficacy, particularly in removing hazardous contaminants like cadmium (Cd). Experiment was conducted by using different concentrations of Cd and titanium dioxide (TiO) NPs for different time periods, designed by design of experiment of with a total of 20 combinations. Response Surface Regression Analysis was used for data analysis to identify optimal input factors. Results revealed that TiO nanoparticles significantly improved the efficiency of phytoremediation by increasing Cd uptake. Cd absorption rates were predicted using machine learning models, and their performance was evaluated using and MSE metrics. Moreover, the Genetic Algorithm (GA) was employed to minimize MSE between predicted and actual Cd absorption values. showed an absorption capacity of 99.58%, with a remaining Cd concentration as low as 0.0199 mg/L. The Gaussian Process Regressor (GPR) was the most accurate predictive model with an of 0.99 and MSE of 0.07. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) further optimized the process, identifying optimal NP concentration, Cd concentration, and treatment time. It was concluded that computational models exhibited enhanced Cd absorption due to a synergetic relationship between Cd concentration and treatment time, and absorption efficiency was further enhanced by the supplementation of TiO nanoparticles.

This study evaluates the adsorption capabilities of leaf extract residue for removing Crystal Violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions. Fourier Transform Infrared analysis revealed diverse functional groups contributing to the material's hydrophilic nature and adsorption potential. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed a porous, fibrous structure that transformed post-adsorption, indicating successful dye uptake. X-ray diffraction analysis identified crystalline cellulose forms enhancing adsorption stability, while energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed a significant increase in carbon content and incorporation of CV dye elements. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis highlighted a moderate surface area of 6.42 m/g, suitable for external adsorption processes. Kinetic studies revealed that adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 70 min, with a second-order model providing the best fit, indicating chemisorption. Optimal adsorption occurred at a biosorbent dose of 0.08 g, with efficiency diminishing at higher CV concentrations due to site saturation. Adsorption was most effective above the point of zero charge (pH 5.4), with temperature increases further enhancing adsorption capacity. Langmuir isotherm analysis suggested monolayer adsorption on a homogenous surface. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was determined to be 44.24 and 66, 28 mg/g in the linear and nonlinear forms, respectively, highlighting its significant potential for the efficient removal of CV dye from aqueous solutions. Thermodynamic evaluations confirmed an endothermic and spontaneous process. Statistical modeling validated the system's reliability, offering a predictive framework for optimizing conditions. This work establishes residue as a promising eco-friendly adsorbent for wastewater treatment.

The study investigates the effects of lanthanum (La) and yttrium (Y) on the accumulation of these rare earth elements by tomato plants and their impact on organic acid profiles. Tomato seedlings were treated with varying concentrations of La and Y (0, 0.07, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, and 3.0 mmol L) in hydroponic solutions for 48 h. The roots' maximum La concentration reached 155.03 ± 6.20 µmol g DW, while Y showed a maximum concentration of 125.62 ± 5.02 µmol g DW. Both elements accumulated more in the roots than in the stems and leaves, suggesting a role in enhancing root metabolism and nutrient uptake. Analysis of organic acids revealed that La treatment significantly increased tartaric acid concentrations in roots, peaking at 25.37 ± 2.22 µmol g FW, and acetic acid levels reached 435.40 ± 14.82 µmol g FW. In contrast, Y treatment had a more modest effect, with formic acid levels rising from 103.38 ± 6.74 µmol g FW (control) to 169.11 ± 9.10 µmol g FW (1 mmol L Y), but there was no significant change in tartaric acid levels. These findings suggest that La more effectively stimulates specific metabolic pathways than Y. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms for sustainable agriculture practices under stress conditions.

The Raibl mine, located on the Italian side of the Julian Alps, was Italy's most productive lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) mine until operations ceased in 1991. The large volume of by-products generated several environmental problems. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) migrated along the Rio del Lago/Slizza streams contaminating the banks. The metal tolerance of the facultative metallophytes and has been assessed using the bioconcentration factor and translocation factor. In aboveground tissues of were detected 0.05-1.92 mg kg of Cd, 0.21-234 mg kg of Pb, 0.49-1587 mg kg of Tl and 20.6-3391 mg kg of Zn, and of 0.01-1.60 mg kg of Cd, 0.01-138 mg kg of Pb, 0.01-578 mg kg of Tl and 14.9-1590 mg kg of Zn. Concerning the phytoremediation potential, both species have confirmed promising characteristics, but should be preferred to for phytostabilization projects in substrates with low Tl concentrations. The high concentrations of PTEs found in the sediments of the Rio del Lago/Slizza and in the herbaceous plants collected from the watercourse banks raise concerns about the potential impact of these elements on the surrounding ecosystem.

The photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant properties, and heavy metal content in , , and were examined in response to stress in the open pit of an abandoned iron mine. The soils were shallow, alkaline, and severely deficient in phosphorus, potassium, and humus. Heavy metal concentrations in the rhizospheres followed the order Fe > Mn > Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd for all three species, with Cu, Zn, and Pb exceeding the limits established by Bosnian legislation. The results indicated that the bioelements Cu, Zn, and Mn were within permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. acted as a Cd accumulator. The highest content of photosynthetic pigments was observed in this species. Positive correlations were detected between Cr and total phenolics, Cr and total flavonoids in , Pb and total phenolic acids in . Negative correlations were noted between Zn and total phenolic acids in , and Fe and total phenolics in . Increased total proline and DPPH concentrations were associated with heightened Fe levels in . These findings suggest that the species analyzed employ distinct defense mechanisms, enabling them to effectively adapt to stress.

This study investigated the impacts of exogenous amino acid supplementation on the uptake, translocation, and accumulation of yttrium (Y) in tomato plants (. To understand how amino acids enhance nutrient uptake and plant growth by using Hoagland nutrient solution. The results indicated that the combination of Y with glutamic acid (Y + Glu) significantly increased Y concentration in the leaves to 28.5 ± 1.42 µg g, while the combination with histidine (Y + His) resulted in a markedly lower concentration of 2.7 ± 0.06 µg g. Notably, glutamic acid proved to be particularly effective in enhancing Y accumulation in xylem sap. The control plants exhibited a higher xylem sap flow rate of 0.27 ± 0.008 g h, which was significantly greater than those treated with amino acids ( < 0.05). Histidine levels were elevated in the Y + His treatment, reaching 194.78 ± 13.79 μmol L, while tryptophan and aspartic acid showed their highest concentrations in their respective treatments at 109.92 ± 14.43 μmol L and 212.95 ± 13.65 μmol L. These findings demonstrated that amino acid supplementation substantially enhanced the phytoextraction of Y in tomato plants, through the application of glutamic acid. Further exploration into the molecular mechanisms governing Y complexation and transport within plants through phytoremediation is needed.

Phycoremediation is a promising solution for environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment. However, its effectiveness depends on the selection of suitable microalgae species. In this study, four algal species (, , , and sp.) were evaluated for their ability to remove pollutants from secondary treated domestic wastewater using multi-soil-layering (MSL) technology. Among the four strains tested, exhibited the highest algal density (2.832 ± 0.187 × 10 cells/mL) and outperformed other species with phosphorus, nitrogen, and COD removal rates exceeding 82.01%, 63.64%, and 61.09% respectively. In addition, had a higher total chlorophyll content of 31.11 µg. L (Chl a: 15.47 ± 0.148 µg. L; Chl b: 15.642 ± 0.052 µg. L) than other species. Physiological analyses of proline and glycine betaine indicated that the two strains experienced lower stress levels, which facilitated an accelerated bioremediation process compared to other Chlorophyta, namely and sp. The efficiency of in the treatment of secondary treated wastewater from MSL, combined with its maximum biomass production, underlines its potential for industrial application. Consequently, there is a compelling interest in evaluating within a prototype as a prelude to industrial development.

Aluminum (Al) is a trace element that may hamper plant growth and development. Tolerance mechanisms could imply the cell wall as it is the first barrier before entry into the plant cell. Douglas-fir plantlets were grown on media supplemented with different aluminum chloride (AlCl) concentrations up to 1 mM. The characterization of the cell wall revealed quantitative and qualitative modifications in the polysaccharidic composition of the wall, in particular in roots whose pectins showed a higher galacturonic acid content with less ramification and a lower degree of methylesterification (DME) explained by a higher pectin methylesterase activity; these Al-induced changes suggest an Al-trapping process in cell wall structures. In stems and needles, the observed increase in DME rather suggests an exclusion of Al from the cell wall.

Glyphosate can disrupt the food chain and harm non-target organisms, highlighting the need to remediate contaminated soils. This study sought to determine the efficacy of co-applying mixed microbial culture (MMC) and two different levels of nitrogen (50% and 100%) in glyphosate-contaminated soil (800 mg/kg) and to assess their role in maize ( L.) growth and physiology and glyphosate uptake by plants and removal from soil. The results showed that glyphosate posed significant phytotoxicity to maize plants by causing up to 43.7-91.5%, 8.60-54.3%, and 13.2-51.6% reduction in nutrient uptake, physiological, and growth attributes of maize plants in glyphosate-contaminated soil, respectively. The co-application of MMC and the recommended dose of 100% nitrogen significantly improved the agronomic (24.6-55.0%), nutrient uptake (37.4-90.0%), and physiological (16.9-54.0%) attributes of maize plants as compared to unamended contaminated controls. Although the individual application of MMC or N was effective in improving glyphosate removal from the soil, their co-application further enhanced this effect by removing glyphosate 85.8% higher than the respective control. This research strategy contributes to sustainable development goal 2 (zero-hunger) and 15 (life on land) by enhancing food production, remediating contaminated soil, and restoring the ecosystem.

Phytoremediation of arsenic in constructed wetlands (CWs) is becoming the most efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable technology worldwide. This research aimed to explore the impact of utilizing NPKS fertilizer on the enrichment of growth and phytoremediation of arsenic in CWs. The study comprised control and 2 phytoremediation treatments with plants: 39 mg kgAs alone and the application of 0.04% NPKS fertilizer with 39 mg kgAs. This experiment was carried out in CWs for 42 days. Bioavailable and total As were determined by ICP-OES. developed effectively in the phytoremediation treatment with 0.04% NPKS fertilizer application till the end of the experiment. The arsenic phytoremediation treatment with 0.04% NPKS fertilizer removed 72.54% bioavailable arsenic, 72.52% total arsenic, and 0.05% arsenic in the leachate of CWs. The fresh weight of rose considerably when treated with 0.04% NPKS fertilizer in comparison to the arsenic-alone treatment. The maximum efficiency of arsenic absorption at 42 days attained 5041.7 ± 120.4 mg kg DW in the phytoremediation treatment with 0.04% NPKS fertilizer application. These results suggest that phytoremediation treatments with 0.04% NPKS fertilizer can be used in As phytoremediation in anthropogenically polluted environments due to its high capability to uptake As.

Bioretention cells (BRCs) are increasingly used to treat nutrients in stormwater runoff, with plants known to enhance nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) uptake. This study investigated the role of rhizosphere microbial communities in TN, TP, and COD removal across three BRCs: an unvegetated control (CP), one vegetated with vetiver (P1), and another with cattail (P2). Detailed microbiome profiling revealed key taxa across phylum, family, and genus levels contributing to nutrient cycling, with P2 showing the highest species richness and diversity based on OTU counts and diversity indices. , and were the most prominent phyla, aligning with their known roles in nutrient uptake. Key functional taxa included denitrifiers (, ), Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria (AOBs) (, ), and Phosphate Accumulating Organisms (PAOs) (, ), supporting TN (>79%) and TP (>84%) removal rates. Distinct microbial compositions between vegetated BRCs confirmed the role of root exudates in microbial selection and enhanced nutrient removal. These findings emphasize the importance of plant-specific rhizosphere effects and microbial selection in optimizing BRC design for stormwater treatment applications.

This study analyzed changes in physicochemical properties of the soil under various substrate conditions, as well as the interactions between and heavy metals. Results indicated that biochar significantly improved soil physicochemical properties, such as an increase in electrical conductivity by 34.8%, enhancement of pH from 7.13 to 7.32, and augmentation in organic matter by 152%. Moreover, readily available phosphorus and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen increased by 237% and 122% respectively, while soil cation exchange capacity rose by 135%. This contributes to plant growth and the maintenance of soil fertility. The biochar addition also led to a decrease in the proportion of fine soil particles by 20%, significantly enhancing structure and stability of soil aggregates and promoting the formation of larger aggregates, crucial for improving soil aeration, water retention, and root permeability. The addition of biochar notably altered the chemical forms of heavy metals in soil, promoting their transformation from bioavailable forms to more stable and less toxic forms, effectively reducing the bioavailability and mobility of heavy metals, and decreasing their environmental toxicity. The addition of biochar, by changing the chemical forms of heavy metals, not only enhanced germination rate of seeds but also improved the overall growth state of .

The study presents the implementation of a constructed wetland system utilizing vetiver () and jute () for attenuating aqueous naphthalene and carbendazim. The removal efficiencies for naphthalene were 90.25%, 78.27%, 82.97%, 85.11%, and 92.38%. Similarly, for carbendazim, they were 91.84%, 70.06%, 81.46%, 79.41%, and 80.45% in batch studies for raw and dried vetiver leaves, roots, and jute. The maximum sorption capacity ranged between 0.3825 and 2.2227 mg/g. A change in pH in the range of 2-10 resulted in decreased carbendazim sorption (maximum of 80% at pH = 2; minimum of 16% at pH = 10), while negligible change was observed for naphthalene. Temperature elevation from 5 to 45 °C led to enhanced removal efficiency for both naphthalene (23% at 5 °C to 95% at 45 °C) and carbendazim (16% at 5 °C to 93% at 45 °C) across all sorbents. In wetlands with only vetiver, average removal efficiencies over a 9-day experiment were 89.71% and 83.05% for naphthalene and carbendazim, respectively. Incorporating jute further improved the removal efficiencies to 96% and 94.8%, respectively, over 30 days. The outcome proves that constructed wetlands with vetiver, and jute might efficiently attenuate hazardous contaminants like naphthalene and carbendazim in wastewater, which is significant from a social health perspective.