Search Results (90)

Both organic matter and iron oxide (FeO) dynamics pose key roles in soil cadmium (Cd) bioavailability. However, the microbially driven transformation of soil organic matter and FeO and their linkages to Cd fractions remain unclear under reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) with different organic sources, which limits our mechanistic understanding of Cd immobilization by RSD. To address this gap, we conducted a 45 day microcosm experiment using a paddy soil contaminated with 22.8 mg/kg Cd. Six treatments were established: untreated control (CK), waterlogged (WF), and RSD-amended soils with 0.7% or 2.1% wheat straw (LWD, HWD) or soybean meal (LSD, HSD). We systematically assessed soil Cd fractionation, organic carbon and FeO concentrations, and bacterial community structure, aiming to clarify differences in Cd immobilization efficiency and the underlying mechanisms between wheat straw and soybean meal. For strongly extractable Cd, wheat straw RSD reduced the soil Cd concentrations from 6.02 mg/kg to 4.32 mg/kg (28.2%), whereas soybean meal RSD achieved a maximum reduction to 2.26 mg/kg (62.5%). Additionally, the soil mobility factor of Cd decreased from 44.6% (CK) to 39.2% (HWD) and 32.5% (HSD), while the distribution index increased from 58.5% (CK) to 62.2% (HWD) and 66.8% (HSD). Notably, the HWD treatment increased soil total organic carbon, humus, and humic acid concentrations by 34.8%, 24.6%, and 28.3%, respectively. Regarding amorphous FeO, their concentrations increased by 19.1% and 33.3% relative to CK. RSD treatments significantly altered soil C/N ratios (5.91–12.5). The higher C/N ratios associated with wheat straw stimulated r-strategist bacteria (e.g., Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes), which promoted carbohydrate degradation and fermentation, thereby enhancing the accumulation of humic substances. In contrast, the lower C/N ratios of soybean meal increased dissolved organic carbon and activated iron-reducing bacteria (FeRB; e.g., Anaeromyxobacter, Clostridium), driving iron reduction and amorphous iron oxide formation. PLS-PM analysis confirmed that wheat straw RSD immobilized Cd primarily through humification, whereas soybean meal RSD relied on FeRB-mediated FeO amorphization. These findings suggest that Cd immobilization in soil under RSD may be regulated by microbially mediated organic matter transformation and iron oxide dynamics, which was affected by organic materials of different C/N ratios. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic and pervasive environmental pollutant that exerts detrimental effects on human health through diverse biochemical and molecular mechanisms. As a vital metabolic organ, the liver harbors macrophages that play a crucial role in maintaining hepatic health and function. Current research has paid relatively little attention to the role of macrophages in liver injury induced by heavy metal exposure. This review summarizes current research on the molecular mechanisms underlying cadmium-induced toxicity in hepatic macrophages, focusing on oxidative stress, signaling pathways, gene transcription, and apoptosis. It further examines how cadmium-induced macrophage dysfunction impacts hepatic immunometabolism. Specifically, we detail how cadmium triggers oxidative stress and disrupts intracellular calcium homeostasis, leading to the activation of transcription factors such as NF-κB and Nrf2, and the subsequent engagement of related signaling cascades. These perturbations alter macrophage polarization (M1/M2), promote cellular damage and apoptosis, and ultimately exacerbate hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. By synthesizing recent advances in this field, this review aims to provide a theoretical foundation and future directions for research, with the goal of informing novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of heavy metal-associated liver diseases. Full article

Dynamic environmental changes significantly affect trace element balance and exposure to toxic metals, influencing vascular homeostasis. The endothelium, as a key regulator of vascular tone and inflammation, is highly sensitive to fluctuations in micronutrient and heavy metal concentrations. This review summarizes current evidence on the molecular mechanisms by which essential trace elements, such as zinc, selenium, copper, and magnesium, support endothelial function through antioxidant defense, nitric oxide regulation, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Conversely, exposure to heavy metals including cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic induces oxidative stress, disrupts nitric oxide bioavailability, and promotes endothelial dysfunction, accelerating the pathogenesis of many diseases. The paper examines how these alterations contribute to the development of major cardiovascular diseases and outlines preventive measures to reduce associated risks. Understanding these interactions is crucial for society’s health amid growing environmental challenges. Full article

The increasing impact of global warming is predominantly driven by the extensive use of fossil fuels, which release significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This has led to a critical need for alternative, sustainable energy sources that can mitigate environmental impacts. Photovoltaic technology has emerged as a promising solution by harnessing renewable energy from the sun, providing a clean and inexhaustible power source. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a class of hybrid organic–inorganic solar cells that have recently attracted significant scientific attention due to their low cost, relatively high efficiency, low–temperature processing routes, and longer carrier lifetimes. These characteristics make them a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, reducing the carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against global warming. In this study, the SCAPS–1D numerical simulator was used in the computational analysis of a PSC device with the configuration FTO/ETL/BaZr(S_0.6Se_0.4)₃/HTL/Ir. Different hole transport layer (HTL) and electron transport layer (ETL) material were proposed and tested. The HTL materials included copper (I) oxide (Cu₂O), 2,2′,7,7′–Tetrakis(N,N–di–p–methoxyphenylamine)9,9′–spirobifluorene (spiro–OMETAD), and poly(3–hexylthiophene) (P₃HT), while the ETLs included cadmium suphide (CdS), zinc oxide (ZnO), and [6,6]–phenyl–C₆₁–butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Finally, BaZr(S_0.6Se_0.4)₃ was proposed as an absorber, and a fluorine–doped tin oxide glass substrate (FTO) was proposed as an anode. The metal back contact used was iridium. Photovoltaic parameters such as short circuit density (I_sc), open circuit voltage (V_oc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) were used to evaluate the performance of the device. The initial simulated primary device with the configuration FTO/CdS/BaZr(S_0.6Se_0.4)₃/spiro–OMETAD/Ir gave a PCE of 5.75%. Upon testing different HTL materials, the best HTL was found to be Cu₂O, and the PCE improved to 9.91%. Thereafter, different ETLs were also inserted and tested, and the best ETL was established to be ZnO, with a PCE of 10.10%. Ultimately an optimized device with a configuration of FTO/ZnO/BaZr(S_0.6Se_0.4)₃/Cu₂O/Ir was achieved. The other photovoltaic parameters for the optimized device were as follows: FF = 31.93%, J_sc = 14.51 mA cm⁻², and V_oc = 2.18 V. The results of this study will promote the use of environmentally benign BaZr(S_0.6Se_0.4)₃–based absorber materials in PSCs for improved performance and commercialization. Full article

(1) Background: Tobacco use constitutes a significant preventable cause of morbidity and mortality on a global scale. It contributes to cumulative exposure to carcinogenic and toxic heavy metals, including cadmium, lead, nickel, and copper. Collectively, these metals promote oxidative stress, multi-organ damage, and an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal diseases; (2) Methods: The research material comprised 119 tobacco samples. The concentrations of cadmium, lead, copper, and nickel in the samples were subsequently determined. A series of calculations were conducted in order to estimate the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with the consumption of tobacco products under a variety of exposure scenarios; (3) Results: The concentrations of heavy metals in the tobacco samples ranged as follows, with mean values: Cd: 0.3–8.6 mg/kg (mean 1.0), Cu: 3.4–92.6 mg/kg (mean 12.3), Ni: 1.1–15.4 mg/kg (mean 3.4), and Pb: 0.2–1633.3 mg/kg (mean 46.5). A health risk assessment indicated that exposure through inhalation to cadmium Cd, Ni, and Pb, even in the minimal smoking scenario of one cigarette per day, consistently exceeded internationally established thresholds for carcinogenic risk; (4) Conclusions: The presence of high inter-brand variability and high-risk outliers underscores the necessity for enhanced regulation and monitoring of toxic metals in tobacco products. Full article

Soil passivation conditioners effectively reduce cadmium (Cd) bioavailability and limit its accumulation in rice, though their efficacy and stability vary considerably among different types. A three-year paddy field study in southern China evaluated a calcium–silicon–magnesium composite (CSM) applied at 1500 and 3000 kg/ha (CSM1 and CSM2), with a no-CSM control (CK), on Cd behavior, soil properties, and functional groups. Results demonstrated a clear dose–response relationship, with CSM reducing brown rice Cd by 35−74% across sites (2021−2023). High-dose treatments achieved grain safety standards (0.183 mg/kg, p < 0.05). Soil pH increased annually by 0.2−0.37 units, while DTPA-extractable Cd decreased by 2.6−27% over three years. CSM application significantly transformed Cd speciation, reducing exchangeable Cd by 3% while increasing the iron–manganese oxide-bound fraction by 5%. Soil base saturation increased from 42.6% to 73.2% (HS) and 71% to 97.3% (XY). FTIR analysis revealed enhanced silicate polymerization, increased hydroxyl group abundance, and Si-O-Mg/Fe vibrations indicating a significant increase in Cd complexation in treated soil. The CSM passivator immobilizes Cd by elevating soil pH to promote its transformation into stable Fe-Mn-bound forms, enhancing hydroxyl and siloxane complexation with Cd, and synergizing with silicon–calcium ionic antagonism, collectively reducing Cd bioavailability while improving soil fertility through base saturation regulation. Full article

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils has emerged as a critical environmental and public health issue associated with increased gastric cancer incidence worldwide. Among the most concerning pollutants are cadmium, arsenic, and lead, which persist in the environment and enter the human body primarily through the soil–plant–food chain. This review integrates environmental, molecular, and epidemiological evidence to explain how these metals alter gastric mucosal biology and promote carcinogenesis. Mechanistically, cadmium, arsenic, and lead trigger oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and epigenetic reprogramming, resulting in genomic instability, resistance to programmed cell death, and the transformation of epithelial cells into invasive phenotypes. These molecular disruptions interact with Helicobacter pylori infection, microbial imbalance, chronic inflammation, and hypoxia-driven remodeling of the gastric stroma, all of which enhance angiogenesis and tumor progression. Advanced experimental platforms, such as gastric organoids, immune co-cultures, and humanized animal models, are improving the understanding of these complex interactions. Adopting a One Health perspective reveals the continuity between environmental contamination, agricultural production, and human disease, underscoring the importance of integrative monitoring systems that combine soil and crop analysis with molecular biomarkers in exposed populations. Strengthening this interdisciplinary approach is essential to design preventive strategies, guide remediation policies, and protect human, animals, and environmental health. Full article

Agaricus subrufescens Peck is a nutrient-rich edible fungi with a distinctive flavor, but most varieties are sensitive to cadmium (Cd), making cadmium contamination common during cultivation. Currently, excessive fertilizer uses and increased solid waste are exacerbating cadmium contamination in soils. Since A. subrufescens utilize agricultural residues like straw and livestock manure as cultivation substrates, Cd can be adsorbed readily, leading to secondary accumulation. In this study, the toxic effects of and response mechanisms to different Cd concentrations with respect to mycelial growth, heavy metal accumulation, and antioxidant systems of A. subrufescens were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the mycelia exhibited Cd accumulation capacity, with accumulation levels positively correlated with stress concentration. At a Cd concentration of 5 mg/L, the intracellular Cd concentration in the mycelia reached approximately 800 mg/kg. As the Cd concentration increased, the efficiency of Cd uptake by mycelia correspondingly decreased. Cadmium stress (≥0.5 mg/L) significantly inhibited mycelial growth and induced morphological abnormalities, with the mycelia exhibiting yellowing. Furthermore, Cd induced dose-dependent oxidative stress. Hydrogen peroxide and MDA levels peaked at a Cd concentration of 2 mg/L, reaching 2.26 μmol/g and 8.98 nmol/g, respectively, indicating heightened lipid peroxidation. Low concentrations of Cd (≤2 mg/L) promoted increases in ASA and GSH activity. SOD, POD, GR, and APX activities significantly increased, with the ASA-GSH cycle synergistically scavenging ROS. CAT activity remained persistently inhibited, APX/GR activity was suppressed, and total sugar metabolism was disrupted, leading to the collapse of antioxidant defenses. In summary, depending on the Cd concentration, A. subrufescens mycelia exhibit markedly different responses at low versus high concentrations. This study provides a foundation for further research into the application of edible fungi in heavy metal-resistant cultivation. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential element that induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and damages the photosynthetic apparatus. Dopamine (DOP) is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in metabolism as an antioxidant. This research aimed to investigate whether exogenous DOP mitigates Cd-induced oxidative stress in soybean by assessing antioxidant metabolism, stress indicators, nutritional status, pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange, and biomass. The experiment was randomized with four treatments: two with Cd concentrations (0 and 500 µM Cd, described as—Cd and +Cd, respectively) and two DOP levels (0 and 100 µM DOP described as—DOP and +DOP, respectively). DOP mitigated Cd-induced damage by enhancing the antioxidant system and protecting the photosynthetic apparatus. This neurotransmitter positively modulated the enzymes superoxide dismutase (38%), catalase (27%), ascorbate peroxidase (23%), and peroxidase (31%), alleviating Cd-induced oxidative stress. In addition, DOP promoted increases in the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (26%), photochemical quenching coefficient (18%), and electron transport rate (26%). Simultaneously, the neurotransmitter stimulated increases in the net photosynthetic rate (29%), stomatal conductance (35%), water use efficiency (38%), and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (39%). Our results indicate that DOP exogenous increases tolerance to Cd-induced stress in soybean plants. Full article

Sirtuin 3 (sirt3), a mitochondrial NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase, is an important enzyme in the maintenance of kidney functions, with critical roles in renal homeostasis, attenuation of oxidative stress, and preservation of mitochondrial homeostasis. This review aims to summarize the current literature on the mechanisms by which sirt3 impacts kidney health and disease, as well as highlight the therapeutic implications of sirt3 targeting. We conducted a PubMed search using the title word “sirt3” and the keyword “kidney” to generate our literature review sources. The animal studies that are explored in this review include cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury, cadmium-induced kidney injury, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis, diabetic kidney fibrosis, high-fat induced kidney disease, and ischemic kidney injury. Increasing evidence points towards a deficiency in sirt3 being an aggravator of mitochondrial dysfunction, promoting abnormal glycolysis, and contributing to the progression of diabetic kidney disease, renal fibrosis, and acute kidney injury. In contrast, pharmacological and dietary activation of sirt3 has been observed to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis, mitigate production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and preserve the integrity of renal tubular cells under stressful conditions. Collectively, studies point towards sirt3 as a central metabolic and antioxidant regulator within the kidney, and link chronic kidney disease, as well as age-related decline in kidney function, to this enzyme. The conclusion of this review identifies future directions for translational research regarding sirt3 and NAD⁺-dependent regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis in renal medicine. Full article

Currently, few studies have revealed the comprehensive effects of environmental organic matter, freeze–thaw and oxidative aging on the adsorption performance of cadmium (Cd(II)), which is essential for the sustainable stability evaluation of the adsorbent. Herein, we observed that humic acids (HAs) extracted from different soils inhibited the adsorption performance of Cd(II) onto the cuttlebone-derived samples by occupying the different major adsorption active sites of the adsorbent, and the lower cadmium-complexation ability of HAs would increase the occupation of adsorption sites. The freeze–thaw process increased the pore size and volume of the cuttlebone-derived samples, while oxidative aging enhanced the specific surface area and introduced additional C–O/C=O groups. These changes promoted the adsorption performance of Cd(II) in the cuttlebone-derived samples after freeze–thaw or oxidative aging. Additionally, the resistances of cuttlebone-based adsorbents to HAs, freeze–thaw, and oxidative aging were elucidated and optimized by simple alkali boiling or carbonization treatment. Furthermore, the adsorption capacities of Cd(II) by samples in the natural cadmium-contaminated river ranged from 548.99 mg g⁻¹ to 571.55 mg g⁻¹, which are higher values than those of most reported adsorbents. Therefore, this work provides an important experimental basis for the practical application and sustainable design of adsorbents under real environmental conditions. Full article

As an important bioactive signaling molecule, nitric oxide (NO) participates in the responses of plants to various environmental stresses. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of exogenous NO on the growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) during early growth. The results showed that Cd significantly inhibited alfalfa seedling growth and induced membrane lipid peroxidation. Addition of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, as an NO donor) significantly promoted seedling growth and induced the mobilization of seed photosynthate reserves, leading to an increase in total soluble sugar (SS) and reducing sugar (RS) contents. Application of SNP mitigated membrane peroxidation damage caused by Cd stress by enhancing catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities in order to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby improving Cd resistance and increasing Cd accumulation in alfalfa. This promoting effect of SNP depended on its concentration; the most optimal SNP concentration to promote the growth and Cd absorption of alfalfa under Cd stress was found to be 200 µM. The fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW) and Cd accumulation of seedlings treated with 200 µM SNP increased significantly by 23.10%, 30.32% and 82.50%, respectively, on the fifth day, compared with the Cd-only treatment. Full article

Biochar application can effectively immobilize Cadmium (Cd) in soil. However, it is largely unknown how the biogeochemical processes of sulfur (S) in biochar affect Cd fixation under conditions of decreasing pe + pH. Using two field-contaminated paddy soils with different Cd concentrations (Shangyu (SY) 0.56 mg kg⁻¹ and Tongling (TL) 2.32 mg kg⁻¹), and rape straw biochars with low S (LB) and high S (HB) contents, we investigated how S-rich biochar regulates Cd solubility in paddy soils that were incubated anaerobically for 40 d. The soluble and extractable Cd content decreased as pe + pH decreased with flooding, and showed a steady trend by day 20. However, Cd was immobilized through different mechanisms in TL and SY soil. The rapid decrease in pe + pH in TL soil enhanced the involvement of S in Cd immobilization and Fe transformation. In SY soil, the delayed reduction in SO₄²⁻ promoted Cd adsorption onto amorphous Fe oxides. During this process, the liming effect of biochar is critical for Cd immobilization in soil. Furthermore, biochar might promote the biogeochemical processes of S and Fe transformation, thereby enhancing Cd fixation in soils. Full article

The enrichment of cadmium (Cd) in farmland soil poses serious risks to agricultural safety and remains challenging to remediate. This study evaluated CaAl-layered double hydroxide (CaAl-LDH) as a highly efficient and stable passivator for Cd-contaminated soil. Laboratory adsorption tests demonstrated that Cd²⁺ adsorption on CaAl-LDH followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer chemisorption, with a maximum capacity of 469.48 mg·g⁻¹ at pH 6. The adsorption mechanisms include surface complexation, interlayer anion exchange, dissolution–precipitation, and isomorphic substitution. A three-year field trial in Yongkang City, China showed that CaAl-LDH promoted the transformation of Cd in rhizosphere soil from the ion exchange state (F2) to the residual state (F7) and Fe–Mn oxidized state (F5), reducing the exchangeable Cd content by 26.71%. Consequently, Cd content in rice grains decreased by 68.42% in the first year and remained over 37% lower in the second year, consistently below the national food safety limit. Future research should focus on the optimization of material’s stability and application protocol. The results demonstrate that CaAl-LDH provides a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for the in situ passivation remediation of Cd-contaminated farmland, contributing to food safety and sustainable agriculture. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of soil threatens agricultural productivity and food safety. In this study, a dual-component remediation strategy combining lanthanum-cysteine chelate (CLa) and corn steep liquor (CSL) was developed to alleviate Cd toxicity in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis). CLa enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant enzyme activity, and root viability, while reducing Cd translocation to shoots. In contrast, CSL acted primarily through organic nutrient supplementation, stimulating chlorophyll synthesis and promoting the growth of beneficial rhizosphere microbes. Notably, the combined treatment (CLCS) exhibited a synergistic effect, significantly enhancing biomass production, nutrient uptake, photosynthetic performance, and oxidative stress tolerance, while reducing Cd accumulation in plant tissues. Furthermore, CLCS optimized the soil microenvironment and microbiota composition, reinforcing plant resilience under Cd stress. This study offers a promising and cost-effective approach for mitigation of heavy metal stress and crop productivity improvement by coordinated plant–microbe–soil interactions. Full article