Search Results (99)

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in alkaline soils threatens wheat safety in northern China. This study evaluates biochar’s dual role in Cd remediation and ecological trade-offs using a multi-species soil system (wheat–earthworm–soil). Biochar (Pennisetum hydridum) was applied to Cd-contaminated alkaline fluvo-aquic soils under controlled conditions. The results revealed that biochar increased soil pH (8.6–9.6) and reduced CaCl₂-extractable Cd by 30–45% in the topsoil (0–20 cm), lowering shoot Cd accumulation in wheat by 42–47%. However, alkaline stress from biochar suppressed wheat biomass by 42%, while earthworm Cd concentrations rose 30–45%, correlating with reduced survival (75% vs. 85–87% in controls). Structural equation modeling identified pH-driven chemisorption as the primary Cd immobilization mechanism, yet biochar amplified ecotoxicity to soil fauna. These findings highlight the need for balanced strategies to optimize biochar’s benefits in alkaline agroecosystems. Full article

Microbial remediation is an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for treating organic-contaminated soil, essential for sustainable land use due to its minimal secondary pollution and operational simplicity. However, during the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the formation of polar or toxic intermediate metabolites can lead to unpredictable ecotoxicological impacts. In this study, we investigated the effects of the microbial remediation of organic-contaminated soils on wheat seedling growth and physiology, and evaluated soil ecotoxicity throughout the remediation process. The results showed that the concentrations of benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) decreased by 70.4% and 49.9%, respectively, following microbial degradation, with the degradation process following a second-order kinetic model. Despite the reduction in pollutants, soil toxicity increased from days 10 to 20, peaked on day 20, and then gradually decreased, but it remained elevated throughout the remediation process. Increased ecotoxicity inhibited wheat seed germination, seedling growth, and chlorophyll content, induced oxidative stress, and suppressed soil enzyme activity. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified toxic intermediate metabolites as the primary contributors to enhanced ecotoxicity. Wheat seed germination potential, plant height, root length, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in roots can effectively indicate soil ecotoxicity throughout the microbial remediation process. These parameters facilitate the optimization of remediation strategies to ensure restored soil functionality and long-term ecological sustainability. Full article

Although the present use of pesticides in plant protection has limited the occurrence and development of plant diseases and pests, resistance to pesticides and their environmental and health hazards indicates an urgent need for new active ingredients in plant protection products. Recently synthesized coumarin-1,2,4-triazole hybrid compounds have been proven effective against plant pathogenic fungi and safe for soil-beneficial bacteria. Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly, has been used as a model organism for scientific research. Additionally, it is considered a pest since it damages fruits and serves as a carrier for various plant diseases. On the contrary, Orius laevigatus is a beneficial true bug that biologically controls harmful arthropods in agricultural production. In the present study, we performed an adulticidal bioassay against D. melanogaster and O. laevigatus using coumarin-1,2,4-triazole hybrids. Quantitative structure–activity relationship studies (QSARs) and in silico ecotoxicity evaluation elucidated the structural features underlying the compounds’ insecticidal activity. The derivative of 4-methylcoumarin-1,2,4-triazole with a 3-bromophenyl group showed great insecticidal potential. A molecular docking study indicated that the most active compound probably binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels. Full article

The increasing environmental concerns regarding plastic waste, especially in agriculture, have driven the search for sustainable alternatives. Agricultural plastics, such as mulching films and greenhouse covers, are heavily reliant on petrochemical-derived materials, which persist in the environment and contribute to long-term pollution. This study explores the use of biodegradable biocomposites made from steam explosion-treated chicken feathers and various polymer matrices to address these issues. Chicken feathers, a waste by-product of the poultry industry, present an excellent biodegradability as a result of the steam explosion treatment and contain nitrogen, potentially enhancing soil fertility. The biocomposites were characterized by thermal stability, mechanical properties, and biodegradability, and ecotoxicity assessments were carried out studying the incorporation of feathers into the soil. Results showed that the incorporation of treated chicken feathers increased the water absorption capacity of the composites, promoting faster disintegration and biodegradation. In particular, biocomposites made with polyhydroxyalkanoates and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) exhibited a significant increase in degradation rates, from 3–10% in the first month for pure matrices to 40–50% when reinforced with treated feathers. Meanwhile, those made from polylactic acid showed slower degradation. Furthermore, the addition of feathers positively influenced crop growth at low concentrations, acting as a slow-release fertilizer. However, high concentrations of feathers negatively affect plant growth due to excess nitrogen. These findings highlight the potential of poultry feathers as a valuable, sustainable filler for agricultural bioplastics, contributing to waste valorization and environmentally friendly farming practices. Full article

As global waste generation increases, waste toxicity has become a significant global issue. Among various hazardous properties, ecotoxicity refers to the risks that waste may pose to the environment. It is evaluated through aquatic bioassays to assess the effects of leaching contaminants, as well as through soil assessments where waste is buried. To clarify these issues, this study collected waste leaching methods from international organizations and various countries and analyzed case studies of bioassays for waste leachates. The criteria for determining the ecotoxicity of waste leachates were also reviewed, revealing inconsistencies in leaching methods across the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Asian countries. Additionally, various bioassays were applied to assess waste leachates, further contributing to inconsistencies. Given these variations, we recommend developing a unified leaching method, standardized bioassays, and consistent criteria for assessing the toxicity of waste leachates. Full article

Mining activities often contaminate soils with heavy metals, generating environmental and health risks. This study investigates the ecotoxicity of muddy (Mw) and sandy (Sw) mining wastes on Phaseolus vulgaris and assesses the impact of five locally sourced biochar amendments on plant growth and soil pore water (SPW) properties. Most biochars improved water retention, except for argan nut shells (An) biochar, highlighting the importance of feedstock type. Sw supported better plant growth than Mw regardless of biochar addition, due to textural differences. Palm fronds (Pf) biochar significantly enhanced surface leaf area in Sw. SPW analysis revealed that biochar affected pH and electrical conductivity (EC) differently across soil types. Mw consistently increased pH, while Sw’s pH was biochar-dependent. A significant 5.1-fold EC increase was recorded in Sw amended with Pf. All biochars reduced Pb availability in Mw at planting, while Cu availability decreased in Sw at harvest. In Mw, Pb, Zn, and Cu, uptake and accumulation were unaffected by biochar, while a slight reduction was observed in Sw roots. A germination test with Lepidium sativum confirmed these findings, particularly the inhibition observed with An. This dual approach highlights the toxicity of mining soils and biochars’ potential as amendments for soil remediation programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Petroleum contamination in soil exerts toxic effects on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) through non-polar narcotic mechanisms. However, the specific toxicities of individual petroleum components remain insufficiently understood. Methods: This study investigates the effects of four petroleum components—saturated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, resins, and asphaltenes—on earthworms in artificially contaminated soil, utilizing a combination of biochemical biomarker analysis and metabolomics to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results: The results revealed that aromatic hydrocarbons are the most toxic fraction, with EC50 concentrations significantly lower than those of other petroleum fractions. All tested fractions triggered notable metabolic disturbances and immune responses in earthworms after 7 days of exposure, as evidenced by significant changes in metabolite abundance within critical pathways such as arginine synthesis, a-linolenic acid metabolism, and the pentose phosphate pathway. According to the KEGG pathway analysis, saturated hydrocarbon fractions induced marked changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism pathways, contributing to the stabilization of the protein structure and membrane integrity. Aromatic hydrocarbon fractions disrupted the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, leading to increased myotube production and enhanced immune defense mechanisms. The TCA cycle and riboflavin metabolic pathway were significantly altered during exposure to the colloidal fraction, affecting energy production and cellular respiration. The asphaltene fraction significantly impacted glycolysis, accelerating energy cycling to meet stress-induced increases in energy demands. Conclusions: Aromatic hydrocarbons accounted for the highest level of toxicity among the four components in petroleum-contaminated soils. However, the contributions of other fractions to overall toxicity should not be ignored, as each fraction uniquely affects key metabolic pathways and biological functions. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring metabolic perturbations caused by petroleum components in non-target organisms such as earthworms. They also reveal the specificity of the toxic metabolic effects of different petroleum components on earthworms. Full article

The widespread use of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in industrial and household products has raised concerns about their potential soil contamination and its ecological consequences. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the microbial activity and biochemical properties of differently textured soils. A mesocosm experiment was conducted using three soil types–clay loam (CL), sandy clay loam (SCL), and sandy loam (SL) amended with farmyard manure (FYM), ZnONPs and/or FeONPs. The results revealed significant differences in microbial colony-forming units (CFUs) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the order of SL > SCL > CL. Compared with those from the unfertilized control, the CO₂ emissions from the FYM increased by 112%, 184% and 221% for CL, SCL and SL, respectively. The addition of ZnONPs and FeONPs notably increased the microbial biomass Zn/Fe, which reflected their consumption by the soil microbes. As a result, microbial CFUs were considerably reduced, which led to a 24%, 8% and 12% reduction in cumulative CO₂ emissions after the addition of ZnONPs to the CL, SCL and SL soils, respectively. The respective decrements in the case of FeONPs were 19%, 2% and 12%. The temporal dynamics of CO₂ emissions revealed that the CO₂ emissions from CL with or without FYM/NPs did not differ much during the first few days and later became pronounced with time. Almost all the studied chemical characteristics of the soils were not strongly affected by the ZnONPs/FeONPs, except EC, which decreased with the addition of these nanomaterials to the manure-amended soils. Principal component analysis revealed that the ZnONPs and FeONPs are negatively corelated with microbial CFUs, and CO₂ emission, with ZnONPs being more toxic to soil microbes than FeONPs, though their toxicity is strongly influenced by soil texture. Hence, these findings suggest that while both these NPs have the potential to impair microbial activity, their effects are mediated by soil texture. Full article

The cultivation of white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) generates significant quantities of spent mushroom substrate (SMS), a byproduct traditionally treated as waste despite its nutrient- and organic-carbon-rich composition. The EU-funded project FER-PLAY identified SMS as one of the most promising circular fertilizers (i.e., those produced from waste streams, transforming them into value-added products). Within the project, a life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) analysis of SMS were conducted with a cradle-to-gate-to-grave scope across three European regions, comparing it to a non-renewable mix with equivalent N, P, K, and C inputs. The LCA results reveal substantial environmental benefits of SMS over the non-renewable baseline, particularly in land use, fossil resource depletion, freshwater ecotoxicity and climate change, which together account for 98% of total impacts. Although SMS exhibits higher water consumption, it represents only 2% of total impacts. LCC highlights the critical effects of fresh mushroom substrate composition on yield, economies of scale, and revenue generation. Overall, this study highlights the significant environmental and economic potential of repurposing SMS as a soil improver, offering a compelling case for its integration into agricultural systems as part of a sustainable, circular economy. Full article

Heavy metal soil contamination in urban areas poses a significant environmental hazard, particularly in regions with historical or ongoing industrial activities. These areas are often polluted with metals such as Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn, which can be absorbed by plants and pose risks to both ecosystems and human health. This study investigates soil contamination in urban gardens in Wroclaw, Poland, where elevated levels of trace elements were detected. Standard soil analyses, including macroelement content, granulometry, and trace element concentrations, were performed alongside an ecotoxicological evaluation using an Ostracodtoxkit test. The test evaluates the impact of contaminants on organism growth. An uncontaminated urban garden soil served as a reference. This study revealed that Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd concentrations in soils exceeded limits permitted by Polish regulations in several soil samples. Despite the high concentrations of total metals, the bioavailable forms of these metals (measured by extraction of 1 M NH₄NO₃ extraction) were significantly lower, highlighting that the total metal content may not fully reflect the environmental risk. Pb was identified as the primary contributor to growth inhibition of test organisms, showing a particularly strong correlation with ecotoxicity. These findings underscore the importance of using ecotoxicological tests to evaluate soil contamination risks. Full article

Reclaiming marginal lands such as saline soils or mining waste for livestock grazing through Technosols and phytostabilisation can provide a solution to the growing food demand. This study evaluated the enhancement of soil properties by two Technosol constructions, along with pasture development. The experimental set-up consisted of gossan waste (G), Fluvisol (VF), Technosol/gossan (TG), and Technosol/Fluvisol (TVF), both Technosols consisting of G and VF, respectively, mixed with organic and inorganic amendments. These substrates were sown in pasture in pots (1.5 dm³) that was cut one and two months after sowing to simulate grazing. Both Technosols improved soils properties, with the acidity of G neutralising in TG. Yet, in TVF, a 65% reduction in salinity and a 60% drop in exchangeable Na occurred compared with VF. Nutrient pool, aggregate stability, and microbiological activity were also improved. Dehydrogenase activity was practically 0 in G, while in TG it was 15 times higher, and with pasture it increased 6-fold. In FV, some activity was already present, but in TVF it was six times higher and even increased with pasture. Finally, these improvements allowed the establishment of a healthy pasture, with twice the biomass and less accumulation of potentially hazardous elements in TG, and considerable growth in TVF. Thus, the co-application of Technosols and pasture may be effective in converting marginal lands into productive areas (grazing, foraging, biomass energy). Full article

In order to obtain solutions to the coal mining region demand in southern Brazil for high-performance and low-cost technosols within a concept of mineral circularity and sustainable development of the coal sector, this study aims to evaluate the functional feasibility of the combined use of a residual fraction of coal tailing, waste from the rice and poultry agro-industry, as well as the cellulose industry, as raw materials for technosol development. Characterizations (XRF, LOI, ICP-OES, pH, XRD, and sulfur forms) were performed to adjust the waste proportions used in the constructed soil, as defined based on the clay content of the coal tailing, the organic carbon content of the poultry litter, and technical recommendations for the use of synthetic gypsum in agricultural soils. Based on the characterizations of the residues, a greenhouse experiment was designed, consisting of four technosol formulations (T1–T4). Initially, an ecotoxicity test was conducted with the treatments in contact with Allium cepa L. (onion) to determine the degree of technosol toxicity. Field tests were then carried out, which were replicated three times in a completely randomized block design, with the germination and growth of Lactuca sativa L. (crisp lettuce) as a bioindicator. The fertility of the treatments was analyzed eight weeks after the establishment of the experiment and compared to standard values for agricultural soils. The characterization performed with the individual wastes demonstrated the potential for application in technosols according to current regulations. The ecotoxicity tests showed that the soil was not toxic to the plant in any of the treatments studied. The field experiment demonstrated no difference in germination between the treatments. However, the development of lettuce seedlings occurred only in technosol formulations T2 and T3, highlighting the potential of the studied residues for the construction of technosols. Full article

This study determined the toxicity of the condensates produced during the gasification of two waste types. Coffee grounds, pine pellets, and a mixture of both substrates at a ratio of 1:1 were used in the study. Two microbiotests were applied for soil plants and aquatic macrophytes, and quantitative analysis of the soil microbiome for primary taxonomic groups of microorganisms was conducted. Three contamination rates were used in the Phytotoxkit test and the microbiological tests, 100, 1000, and 10,000 mg·kg⁻¹ d.m. of soil, while in the aquatic organism studies, successive two-fold serial dilutions of condensates were used. The presence of liquid waste from the gasification process adversely affected the germination and development of terrestrial plants and the vegetative growth of aquatic plants. The condensate components modified the composition of the soil microbiome, adversely affecting soil fertility. The negative impact increased with increasing levels of contamination and primarily depended on the type of substrate from which the gasification process produced the liquid waste. Full article

This study evaluated the residue behavior and dissipation dynamics of a new imidacloprid FS 600 seed treatment in potato cultivation systems in Shandong and Jilin, China. Sensitive and accurate UPLC-MS/MS methods were established to quantify imidacloprid residues in potatoes, potato plants, and soil. Results showed that imidacloprid dissipation followed a first-order kinetic model, with half-lives ranging from 6.9 to 26.7 days in plants and 19.8 to 28.9 days in soil. At harvest, the highest average residues in potatoes and soil were 0.778 mg/kg and 0.149 mg/kg, respectively. The dietary risk assessment indicated a chronic risk quotient (CRQ) of 39.73% for adults, indicating minimal risk to human consumers, while the ecological risk quotient (ERQ) and ecotoxicity exposure ratio (TER) revealed low to moderate toxicity to earthworms, warranting caution in the use of this formulation. This research provides valuable data for assessing the safety of imidacloprid FS seed treatment in potato cultivation. Full article

Combining commercial antibiotics with adjuvants to lower their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is vital in combating antimicrobial resistance. Evaluating the ecotoxicity of such compounds is crucial due to environmental and health risks. Here, eugenol was assessed as an adjuvant for 7 commercial antibiotics against 14 pathogenic bacteria in vitro, also examining its acute ecotoxicity on various soil and water organisms (microbiota, Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna, Eisenia foetida, and Allium cepa). Using microdilution methods, checkerboard assays, and kinetic studies, the MICs for eugenol were determined together with the nature of its combinations with antibiotics against bacteria, some unexposed to eugenol previously. The lethal dose for the non-target organisms was also determined, as well as the Average Well Color Development and the Community-Level Physiological Profiling for soil and water microbiota. Our findings indicate that eugenol significantly reduces MICs by 75 to 98%, which means that it could be a potent adjuvant. Ecotoxicological assessments showed eugenol to be less harmful to water and soil microbiota compared to studied antibiotics. While Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna were susceptible, Allium cepa and Eisenia foetida were minimally affected. Given that only 0.1% of eugenol is excreted by humans without metabolism, its environmental risk when used with antibiotics appears minimal. Full article