Search Results (254)

Red- and near-infrared (NIR)-emissive quantum dots (QDs) hold great promise in optoelectronic devices, sensors, and biomedicine owing to their advantages of low optical scattering, deep-tissue penetration, and compatibility with advanced photonic technologies. However, the toxicity of conventional cadmium (Cd)- and lead (Pb)-based QDs has led to growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of sustainable classes of red/NIR-emissive QDs, including indium phosphide (InP), I-III-VI chalcogenides (CuInS₂, AgInSe, and so on), group-IV (Si, Ge, and SiGe) nanocrystals, and carbon-based QDs (graphene QDs or carbon dots). InP QDs are leading candidates for display technologies due to their high efficiencies and narrow bandwidths in emission properties, enabled by advanced core/shell engineering. In contrast, I-III-VI chalcogenides, group-IV, and carbon-based QDs offer advantages for biocompatible NIR bioimaging, photothermal therapy, and silicon photonics integration. We discuss synthesis strategies for achieving long-wavelength emission, the mechanisms of red/NIR photoluminescence (PL), and representative applications in displays, sensors, and bioimaging. Finally, we outline the remaining challenges, such as large-scale manufacturing and long-term stability, which should be addressed for commercial and clinical viability. Full article

This article presents a comprehensive assessment of sediment contamination in the Irtysh River within the industrial zone of the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, using the Specific Combinatorial Sediment Pollution Index (SCSPI). This study includes a set of priority chemical elements characteristic of the region’s technogenic load (Be, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Te, Hg, Pb), taking into account their hazard class, persistence in bottom sediments, and ability to accumulate in fine-grained (pelitic) fractions. The assessment was carried out based on the calculation of the frequency index of background exceedance (S_α) and the exceedance multiplicity index (S_β), relative to the effective local background value, followed by the determination of the partial pollution indices (Ki) and the integral SCSPI indicator. It was established that, for most elements, the frequency of exceedance ranges from 75% to 100%, indicating widespread surpassing of the effective local background. The partial indices vary within 4–7 points, with cadmium and zinc making the greatest contribution to the formation of integrated pollution due to the presence of local accumulation zones. Correlation analysis showed that the proportion of the pelitic fraction (<0.01 mm) is most strongly associated with the accumulation of Cd (r = 0.67) and Se (r = 0.66), indicating the preferential accumulation of these elements in fine-grained sediments. Principal component analysis revealed stable geochemical associations among the elements. For the <2.0 mm fraction, the first three principal components explain 73.57% of the total variance, with PC1 mainly associated with Pb, Se, and Cd. For the <0.2 mm fraction, the first three components explain 72.44% of the total variance, and PC1 is characterized by high loadings of Zn, Cd, As, and Se, reflecting the strengthening of the technogenic association in fine-grained material. The SCSPI values across the studied cross-sections range from 5.0 to 5.6, corresponding to a moderately polluted state of bottom sediments (Classes 3a–3b). The spatial distribution of the index reflects the combined influence of technogenic sources and hydrodynamic processes responsible for the redistribution of fine-grained material. The obtained results confirm the applicability of the Specific Combinatorial Sediment Pollution Index (SCSPI) for an integrated assessment of the ecological condition of bottom sediments and for identifying zones of increased technogenic load. A comprehensive approach to the analysis of bottom sediment pollution is proposed, enabling a more accurate identification of spatial distribution patterns of contaminants and their accumulation zones. This provides a scientific basis for the development of adaptive strategies for monitoring and management of aquatic ecosystems. This study is of significant practical importance for advancing sustainable environmental management and the rational use of natural resources under increasing anthropogenic impact. Full article

This study analyzed the elemental composition of 20 cultivated fig (Ficus carica L.) cultivars, evaluated their contribution to the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI), and assessed potential dietary risks associated with trace elements. Thirteen elements (K, Mg, Ca, P, S, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, B, As, Pb, Cd) were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the Health Risk Index (HRI) was calculated for trace elements. The results indicated that K was the most abundant mineral, ranging from 197 to 355 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), followed by P (18–35 mg/100 g FW) and Mg (14–29 mg/100 g FW). A 100 g FW serving provided 9.9–17.8% of the adult RNI for K, 4.2–8.8% for Mg, and 2.5–9.9% for Cu. Multivariate analysis revealed distinct differences in mineral composition among the cultivars, classifying them into four groups. Varieties in Cluster 1 were rich in Mg, Ca, and Zn, whereas those in Cluster 2 exhibited higher Cu content. These findings highlight substantial cultivar-dependent differences in elemental composition and suggest that figs can contribute useful amounts of several essential minerals. In this adult dietary exposure assessment, detected trace element concentrations suggested negligible human health risks based on established experimental conditions. However, the present evaluation did not account for variable mineral bioavailability and individual differences in human intestinal absorption efficiency. Full article

Establishing the soil geochemical baseline and background values is critical for agricultural soil environmental management. This study collected 5207 topsoil (0–20 cm) and 1311 subsoil (150–180 cm) samples from an intensive agricultural area in Eastern China to quantify the element enrichment and depletion patterns, evaluate the integrated soil fertility, and assess the potential ecological risks, with a focus on disentangling the links between human activities and soil environmental changes. The results showed that most elements had higher baseline/background values than national averages, except for CaO, Mo, MgO, Sr, Na₂O, and Br, reflecting the control of homogeneous parent material. Topsoil elements largely inherited subsoil characteristics, while anthropogenic disturbances such as fertilization and industrial activities caused the enrichment of Cd, Se, TN, TP, S, and SOC, and the depletion of I, V, and Mn. Soil fertility presented an obvious vertical heterogeneity, in which the topsoil had moderate-to-rich nutrients with a mean SOC of 10.05 g kg⁻¹ and mean TN of 1.10 g kg⁻¹, whereas the subsoil was severely deficient with a mean SOC of 1.96 g kg⁻¹ and TN of 0.66 g kg⁻¹. The integrated fertility index (IFI) indicated that the topsoil and subsoil in Changfeng and western Feixi exhibited higher fertility levels, while Feidong and Hefei had lower fertility levels. An ecological risk assessment identified western Feidong as a high-risk hotpot, with Cd as the primary contributor to potential ecological risk. The source analysis confirmed Ni, As, and Cr as geogenic, Cd as anthropogenic, and Pb and Cu as mixed natural–industrial–agricultural sources. Our findings highlight the necessity of adopting zoned precision fertilization to improve the nutrient efficiency and applying organic amendments to immobilize Cd and reduce the ecological risk. This study provides targeted strategies for soil fertility improvement, precision fertilization, and Cd risk control, supporting sustainable agricultural development. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of 12 metal(loid)s in the muscle tissue of the commercially vital shrimp, Penaeus semisulcatus, from four stations (Bozyazi, Silifke, Karatas, and Iskenderun) along the Northeastern Mediterranean. Metal concentrations were evaluated separately for males and females, utilizing Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Carcinogenic Risk (CR), and Selenium Health Benefit Value (HBV_Se) indices. While the species is generally safe for consumption across the region, a striking, localized bioaccumulation of Chromium (Cr) was identified specifically in Iskenderun Bay, where male shrimps exhibited concentrations (1.209 mg/kg wet weight) approximately 10-fold higher than females, highlighting a sex-specific sensitivity likely linked to metabolic and physiological differences. By adopting a precautionary risk assessment framework—considering the region’s intense industrial profile—this localized spike resulted in a Total Carcinogenic Risk (∑CR = 5.15 × 10⁻⁴) for this group, exceeding the priority threshold. Furthermore, widespread Lead (Pb) contamination was detected across all stations, with several samples surpassing EU maximum levels (0.50 mg/kg). Regarding Arsenic (As), while high total concentrations led to THQ values > 1 across the regional gradient, this was characterized as a conservative modeling artifact rather than a physiological threat, as Arsenic in crustaceans is predominantly in the non-toxic organic form. Conversely, any potential risk from Mercury (Hg) was conclusively mitigated by an overwhelming molar excess of Selenium (Se) at all locations, confirmed by consistently positive HBV_Se values (0.312–0.658). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that seafood safety is conditional and region-specific. The study underscores that localized contamination “hotspots” can be easily masked by non-sex-specific sampling and emphasizes the necessity of moving beyond simplistic risk models by incorporating selenium-mercury antagonism and precautionary risk assumptions for industrial pollutants. Full article

Urban and peri-urban river systems subjected to intensive agriculture are vulnerable to diffuse metal(loid) inputs, yet the integration of hydrological compartments, bioindicators, and human health risk remains poorly explored. This study investigated the seasonal dynamics, bioaccumulation patterns, and potential human health risks associated with metal(loid)s in the Santa Virgem River (Brazil–Paraguay border), using water from backwater zones and three plant groups (Apiaceae angiosperms, mosses, and the liverwort Dumortiera sp.). Water and plant samples were collected during five seasonal campaigns (2019–2020) and analyzed by ICP OES. Multivariate analysis (PCA) was applied, and biological accumulation coefficients (BAC) and chronic daily intake (CDI) were estimated for adults and children under different ingestion scenarios. Results showed that Mg, Fe, K, S, and P dominated water chemistry, while As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Se were mostly below detection limits. PCA explained 77.6% of total variance, distinguishing agricultural and hydrological phases. Bryophytes exhibited markedly higher BAC values, particularly for Mn (up to 2.3 × 10⁵) and Fe, compared with Apiaceae. CDI and hazard assessment indicated negligible non-carcinogenic risk for most elements (HQ < 1), except phosphorus, which dominated the Hazard Index due to its low reference dose. Overall, the results demonstrate that hydrodynamic conditions and plant functional traits jointly control metal(loid) dynamics, highlighting the value of multispecies biomonitoring in peri-urban river systems. Full article

The elemental composition of the vitreous humor may reflect physiological and pathological processes occurring in the eye. The objective of this study was to provide a complex multielemental analysis of human vitreous humor. Vitreous humor samples (n = 57) were collected post-mortem during autopsies. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to quantify micro-, trace-, ultra-trace, and toxic elements. The study showed the occurrence of elements at the ppm (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg), ppb (Al, Rb, Zn, Fe, Sr, Cu), and ppt (Ce, La, Nd, Tb) levels. Hierarchical clustering using Ward’s method and k-means analysis revealed four distinct clusters, including two major clusters representing the baseline macro- and microelement profile characteristic for the studied population. Correlations between elements revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive and negative correlations between elements with (I) chemical similarity Ce-La, Cs-Rb, Rb-K, Ca-P, Zn-Cu, and Cs-K; (II) a possible common environmental origin, Cd-P, and Rb-P; (III) involvement in similar biological processes as K-P; and (iv) a common geochemical origin and similar biological functions, i.e., Se-Zn. The study identified several quantitative trends in the demographic and medical characteristics of the participants. Alcohol users had significantly higher Zn concentrations than non-alcohol users; women had significantly higher Ca concentrations than men; higher BMI correlated positively with Cs and negatively with Be and Cr levels; and Cu, Sb, Cd, Se, and Ca concentrations increased with age. The presence of several toxic and potentially toxic elements was identified in the vitreous body: Al (>10 ppb); Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Mn; and Ba (<10 ppb); As, Hg, Sb, Tl, Bi, Be (<1 ppb). The study showed that, within a given geographic region, the accumulation profiles of toxic metals are quite homogeneous, indicating common sources of exposure. Full article

Colloidal PbSe quantum dots are promising candidates as saturable absorbers for ultrafast fiber lasers, but their performance is often limited by surface-related defects and chemical instability, leading to aggregation under optical pumping. In this study, we present a freestanding PbSe/PbS quantum dot-polystyrene composite saturable absorber film, with PbS overcoating on PbSe to enhance surface passivation and oxidation resistance. The composite exhibits a saturation intensity of 5.76 kW·cm⁻², a modulation depth of 33%, and an optical damage threshold of 13.6 mJ·cm⁻². When integrated into a bidirectionally pumped erbium-doped fiber laser in the anomalous-dispersion regime, the device demonstrates self-starting soliton mode locking at an ultralow pump threshold of 6 mW, generating 1.06 ps pulses with a radio-frequency signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 65 dB. The spectra remain stable over an 8-month period, showing excellent environmental and operational durability. These findings confirm that PbSe/PbS quantum dots in a polymer matrix offer a robust, low-threshold saturable absorber platform for ultrafast fiber lasers. Full article

Due to the relatively long lifespan and resilience of adults to environmental stressors, freshwater turtles are characterized as bioaccumulators of chronic contaminant exposure in urban ecosystems. Urbanization increases pollutants, resulting in subsequent runoff into streams. We evaluated the relationship between percent impervious surface and contaminant concentrations in turtles from 20 wetlands in Wake County, North Carolina, USA, one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. We evaluated the concentrations of eight environmental contaminants known to cause human and environmental health issues listed under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act: arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and silver (Ag), as well as vanadium (V) and copper (Cu) due to their presence in urban environments and bioaccumulation, in the blood and claws from Chelydra serpentina and Trachemys scripta. All contaminants, except for Cd and Ag, were detected in both species and both tissue types. Carnivorous Chelydra serpentina exhibited higher concentrations of Se and Hg than omnivorous Trachemys scripta. Partial redundancy analysis indicated that species accounted for more variance in the data than % impervious surface at a 2200-m scale. Robust mixed-effects models showed that % impervious surface was not correlated with contaminant concentrations in either species. Although we documented no relationship between urbanization and contaminant concentrations, we recommend additional research to investigate the effects of urbanization over time in this rapidly developing region. Full article

The six platinum group elements (PGE) are among the rarest elements in the upper continental crust of the earth. Higher values of PGE have been detected in the upper mantle and in chondrite meteorites. The PGE are siderophile and chalcophile elements and are divided into the following: (1) the Ir subgroup (IPGE) = Os, Ir, and Ru and (2) the Pd subgroup (PPGE) = Rh, Pt, and Pd. The IPGE are more refractory and less chalcophile than the PPGE. High concentrations of PGE led, in rare cases, to the formation of mineral deposits. The PGE are carried in discrete phases, the platinum group minerals (PGM), and are included as trace elements into the structure of base metal sulphides (BM), such as pentlandite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite. Similarly to PGE, the PGM are also divided into two main groups, i.e., IPGM composed of Os, Ir, and Ru and PPGM containing Rh, Pt, and Pd. The PGM occur both in mafic and ultramafic rocks and are mainly hosted in stratiform reefs, sulphide-rich lenses, and placer deposits. Presently, there are only 169 valid PGM that represent about 2.7% of all 6176 minerals discovered so far. However, 496 PGM are listed among the valid species that have not yet been officially accepted, while a further 641 are considered as invalid or discredited species. The main reason for the incomplete characterization of PGM resides in their mode of occurrence, i.e., as grains in composite aggregates of a few microns in size, which makes it difficult to determine their crystallography. Among the PGM officially accepted by the IMA, only 13 (8%) were discovered before 1958, the year when the IMA was established. The highest number of PGM was discovered between 1970 and 1979, and 99 PGM have been accepted from 1980 until now. Of the 169 PGM accepted by the IMA, 44% are named in honour of a person, typically a scientist or geologist, and 31% are named after their discovery localities. The nomenclature of 25% of the PGM is based on their chemical composition and/or their physical properties. PGM have been discovered in 25 countries throughout the world, with 64 from Russia, 17 from Canada and South Africa (each), 15 from China, 12 from the USA, 8 from Brazil, 6 from Japan, 5 from Congo, 3 from Finland and Germany (each), 2 from the Dominican Republic, Greenland, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea each, and only 1 from Argentine, Australia, Bulgaria, Colombia, Czech Republic, England, Ethiopia, Guyana, Mexico, Serbia, and Tanzania each. Most PGM phases contain Pd (82 phases, 48% of all accepted PGM), followed, in decreasing order of abundances, by those of Pt 35 phases (21%), Rh 23 phases (14%), Ir 18 phases (11%), Ru 7 phases (4%), and Os 4 phases (2%). The six PGE forming the PGM are bonded to other elements such as Fe, Ni, Cu, S, As, Te, Bi, Sb, Se, Sn, Hg, Ag, Zn, Si, Pb, Ge, In, Mo, and O. Thirty-two percent of the 169 valid PGM crystallize in the cubic system, 17% are orthorhombic, 16% hexagonal, 14% tetragonal, 11% trigonal, 3% monoclinic, and only 1% triclinic. Some PGM are members of a solid-solution series, which may be complete or contain a miscibility gap, providing information concerning the chemical and physical environment in which the mineral was formed. The refractory IPGM precipitate principally in primitive, high-temperature, mantle-hosted rocks such as podiform and layered chromitites. Being more chalcophile, PPGE are preferentially collected and concentrated in an immiscible sulphide liquid, and, under appropriate conditions, the PPGM can precipitate in a thermal range of about 900–300 °C in the presence of fluids and a progressive increase of oxygen fugacity (fO₂). Thus, a great number of Pt and Pd minerals have been described in Ni-Cu sulphide deposits. Two main genetic models have been proposed for the formation of PGM nuggets: (1) Detrital PGM represent magmatic grains that were mechanically liberated from their primary source by weathering and erosion with or without minor alteration processes, and (2) PGM reprecipitated in the supergene environment through a complex process that comprises solubility, the leaching of PGE from the primary PGM, and variation in Eh-pH and microbial activity. These two models do not exclude each other, and alluvial deposits may contain contributions from both processes. Full article

Around eight million people—mainly in cities—die prematurely from pollution-related diseases; thus, studies of urban dust have become increasingly relevant over the last two decades. In this study, an assessment of heavy metal and metalloid contamination in urban dust was conducted in downtown Murcia, Spain. The objectives were to evaluate the level of contamination and the associated health risks, both with a spatially explicit focus. One hundred and twenty-eight urban dust samples were collected, each from a 1-square-meter area, using plastic tools to prevent contamination. The dust was dried and weighed, then acid-digested before analysis via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Corresponding maps were then generated using a geographic information system. The elements analyzed in the urban dust (with their median concentrations, given in mg/kg) were As (2.14), Bi (14.06), Cd (0.38), Co (1.88), Cr (71.17), Cu (142.60), Fe (13,752), Mn (316.64), Mo (3.90), Ni (21.94), Pb (106.27), Sb (6.54), Se (4.34), Sr (488.08), V (28.05), and Zn (357.33). The sequence of median concentrations for the analyzed elements was Fe > Sr > Zn > Mn > Cu > Pb > Cr > V > Ni > Bi > Sb > Se > Mo > As > Co > Cd. The pollution assessment reveals that the city is moderately polluted. Using local background levels, the elements with median values exceeding the threshold for considerable contamination were As, Cu, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn. Using the global background level, the elements with median values exceeding the threshold for considerable contamination were Bi, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn. The median value of the sum of the hazard index (1.82) indicates a risk to children’s health. The hazard index revealed that 43% of the sites pose a relative risk to children. In contrast to previous global studies, the present research provides a multi-scale assessment of urban pollution and health risks. Pollution is evaluated by metal, city, zone, and site, while health risks are assessed by metal, city, and site. We recommend a strategy for both local authorities and residents. Full article

Monitoring trace metals in commercially important fish species provides an early warning of anthropogenic contamination and potential risk to consumers. This study semi-quantified and quantified essential, non-essential, and toxic elements in the muscle of wild meagre (Argyrosomus regius) captured in the Tagus estuary (Portugal), which is used as a nursery and spawning aggregation area. Dry muscle was microwave-digested and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy. Semi-quantified screening detected Al, B, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, S, Si, Sr, and Ti, and eight elements were determined using multielement calibration (As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn); Cd, Pb (toxic elements), Co, and Mo were not detected in this study. Arsenic was detected in all individuals, with a minimum value of 0.348 mg/kg wet weight. A mercury level above the European Commission regulatory limit (0.5 mg/kg wet weight) was only detected in one individual, corresponding to 2% of the samples. Although other metals remain well below regulatory limits, continued biomonitoring is recommended to track temporal trends and safeguard seafood safety in transitional coastal systems, which is important for commercially relevant fish species. Full article

Tuber crops cultivated in basalt-derived soils are influenced by naturally high geochemical backgrounds, which may elevate heavy metal(loid) levels and associated health risks. To clarify the geochemical controls governing metal accumulation, this study analyzed rock, soil, and tuber (sweet potato and yam) samples from the Qiongbei volcanic area of Hainan Island, China. Concentrations of eight heavy metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and 22 nutrient-related indicators (N, P, K, SOC, S, Se, Fe, Mn, and their available fractions) were determined. Soil contamination and potential human health risks were evaluated using the pollution index and the health risk model. The results showed that 11.1–55.6% of soil samples exceeded pollution thresholds for Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn, reflecting typical basaltic high-background characteristics. In contrast, heavy metal(loid) concentrations in tuber crops were relatively low and jointly regulated by parent material composition and soil nutrient status. Non-carcinogenic risks (HI) were below 1, indicating acceptable exposure levels, while carcinogenic risks were mainly associated with Cd, Cr, and Pb, with total carcinogenic risk (TCR) exceeding 1 × 10⁻⁴, suggesting potential health concerns. Strong correlations between soil nutrients (N, P, K, SOC, S, Se, Mn, and Fe) and plant uptake of As, Cd, Cu, and Cr indicate that nutrient availability plays a crucial role in controlling heavy metal(loid) bioavailability. The volcanic soils exhibited a “high total content–low bioavailability” pattern. Enhancing soil Se, SOC, available N, and slowly available K (SAK) can effectively reduce Cd and other high-risk metal accumulation in tuber crops. These findings elucidate the key geochemical processes influencing heavy metal transfer in volcanic agroecosystems and provide a scientific basis for safe agricultural utilization and health risk prevention in high-background regions. Full article

This computational study investigates the optical properties of a sixth-order Fibonacci quasi-periodic photonic crystal cavity designed for the infiltration of near-infrared colloidal quantum dots (QDs, e.g., InAs/ZnSe or PbS) and fully compatible with plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using porous silicon layers. Using the transfer matrix method (TMM), we simulate transmission (T), reflection, absorption, electric field distributions and Purcell factors (F) for both TE and TM polarizations, incorporating the wavelength-dependent absorption of porous silicon. A multi-objective figure-of-merit is defined to simultaneously maximize transmission ($T>95\%$ at 800 nm) and the one-dimensional Purcell factor. The optimized structure ($P_H=0416$) yields a quality factor $Q\approx 4300$, a 1D Purcell factor $F_{1D}\approx 3.6$ and a realistic 3D Purcell enhancement estimated between 4 and 8 (under lateral confinement assumptions). This conservative estimate, derived via the effective index method to account for 3D effects, aligns with the detailed discussion within the article and is lower than the ideal upper bound of the 1D model. The integrated emission enhancement is approximately 3.0-fold. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate remarkable robustness to fabrication tolerances ($\pm 10$ nm thickness variations result in a <5% reduction in transmission), highlighting the structure’s scalability for PECVD-based processing. Comparison with periodic Bragg structures reveals superior angular stability and disorder tolerance in the Fibonacci design, positioning it as a promising platform for robust QD-based light sources and integrated refractive index sensors. Full article

Application of CFA-treated biosolids (NVS) offers multiple benefits to agricultural soils, including fertilizer replacement, soil rehabilitation, and disinfection. It also poses a heavy metal(loid)s threat to the agro-environment. NVS (and CFA to some extent) was tested in lysimeter and field trials, using soils differing in physicochemical properties and a large selection of crops. Consistently, As, Pb, and Cd concentrations in leachate were at or below detection limit, and these and other heavy metal(loid)s (and P) were within the permitted range in plant tissue. Foliage Mo (occasionally also Se, P) concentrations often increased significantly, especially in crops (legumes, potatoes) grown on marginal soils, which also displayed significantly higher yields. CFA and NVS reduced lettuce and legumes foliage Mn (and occasionally Zn) concentrations, which remained, however, adequate. NVS (214 and 642 mT ha⁻¹), digested sewage sludge (ADS) and its compost (24 and 72 mT ha⁻¹), temporarily increased the DTPA-extractability of some elements (NVS: B, Cr; ADS: Cu, Ni, Zn; Compost: Zn) 10–30-fold. The extractabilities of Fe and P increased by up to six times. These increases vanished soon after additive application, supporting the hypothesis of ‘self-attenuation’ by applied biosolids. Our data indicate that long-term application of NVS (and CFA) to calcareous soils poses no heavy metal(loid)s-related threat to the agro-environment. Full article