Search Results (142)

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice (Oryza sativa L.) poses serious health risks for human, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. This study investigated the effects of Cd stress on iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and Cd accumulation and translocation in rice varieties with high (MY46) or low (ZS97B) Cd accumulation capacities grown in acidic and alkaline soils. Results demonstrated that Cd stress significantly inhibited plant growth, reducing plant height, shoot biomass, and grain yield in both soil types. Cd accumulation increased in roots, shoots, and grains, while Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations decreased markedly. Molecular analysis revealed upregulation of metal transporter genes (OsIRT1, OsNRAMP1, OsNRAMP5) and the vacuolar sequestration gene (OsHMA3) in roots under Cd exposure. The translocation factor (TF) values of Mn and Zn from root to shoot were reduced in acidic soils, whereas Mn and Zn TFs exhibited an increasing trend in alkaline soils despite Cd exposure. Furthermore, correlation analyses indicated Mn and Zn play crucial roles in suppressing Cd accumulation in both acidic and alkaline soils. These findings provide critical insights for developing soil-specific strategies to reduce Cd accumulation in rice through micronutrient management. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils severely threatens rice production and food safety. To address this issue, this study developed transgenic rice lines co-expressing three Vitis vinifera genes: the ABCC transporter Vvmrp1 and metallothioneins Vvmt1 and Vvmt2. AlphaFold computational modeling confirmed the conserved ABCC-type transporter domain in VvMRP1. Under hydroponic conditions, transgenic rice showed remarkable Cd tolerance, surviving 30 mM Cd (lethal to wildtype, WT) without growth penalties, and exhibited 62.5% survival at 1 mM Cd vs. complete wild-type mortality. Field-relevant Cd exposure (1 mM) reduced Cd accumulation to 35.8% in roots, 83% in stems, and 76.8% in grains compared to WT. Mechanistic analyses revealed that Vvmrp1 mediates cellular Cd efflux while Vvmt1 and 2 chelate free Cd ions, synergistically inhibiting Cd translocation. Transgenic plants also maintained better Fe, P, and Mg homeostasis under Cd stress. This study pioneers the co-expression of a transporter with metallothioneins in rice, demonstrating their complementary roles in Cd detoxification without pleiotropic effects from endogenous gene modification. The findings provide an effective genetic strategy for cultivating low-Cd rice in contaminated soils, offering significant implications for food safety and sustainable agriculture. Full article

Unregulated irrigation with partially industrial effluents may lead to heavy metal contamination in crops and pose significant human health risks, especially in developing countries like India. Therefore, the present study aimed to quantify six heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in soil and wheat irrigated with paper mill effluent, assess plant responses, and evaluate associated health risks for consumers. For this, a field study was conducted across ten sites (five effluent-irrigated, five borewell-irrigated as control), analyzing soil and wheat tissues for metal concentrations and calculating risk indices including bioaccumulation factor (Bf), translocation factor (Tf), Dietary Intake of Metals (DIM < 1), Health Risk Index (HRI < 1), and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1). Results indicated high concentrations of Cd and Cr in effluent-irrigated soils and wheat tissues (root > stem > leaves > grains) compared to control sites, with some values exceeding permissible limits. Although the THQ values for heavy metals were below 1, indicating a low immediate health risk, concentrations of Cd and Cr in both soil and crop tissues exceeded acceptable safety standards. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the need for effluent treatment and policy interventions to mitigate agricultural contamination from the use of industrial effluents and protect public health. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the world’s fourth most important food crop and is considered a staple food. Nutrient absorption in potato plants is influenced by different factors such as soil properties (namely mineral element composition). This study aimed to assess Ca, K, S, and Fe dynamics in three potato cultivars (Agria, Désirée, and Red Lady) grown across different soil types. As such, soil analyses were carried out before and after cultivation, revealing different variations in Ca, K, S, and Fe content. The results demonstrated that mineral distribution in the different plant organs (leaves, stems, roots, and tubers) showed distinct patterns, with Ca accumulating preferentially in leaves, K in stems, S in roots, and Fe in leaves. Mobilization efficiency was also evaluated and followed a specific pattern across all cultivars and soil types: K > S > Fe > Ca, reflecting the mineral translocation efficiency of these mineral elements within plant tissues to tuber. No significant differences were observed in tuber weight, or minimum and maximum diameter, indicating that these quality parameters were not influenced by the soil type. Fresh weight of tuber biomass assessment showed variability among the different cultivars and soil types. Principal component analysis showed that Ca content is associated with productivity parameters as well as K, contributing to tuber yield. Overall, cultivar-based variations in mineral uptake patterns were identified, suggesting that both genetic and environmental factors play an important role in mineral element absorption and translocation efficiency. This study highlights the importance of understanding mineral element dynamics in S. tuberosum L. cultivation, in order to optimize tuber yield and quality. Full article

The present study investigated the uptake and health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) cultivated in floating lake gardens of Dal Lake, Srinagar, India. Rapid urbanization and anthropogenic activities have led to PTE contamination in the lake, raising concerns about food safety and ecological sustainability. The objectives were to evaluate the physicochemical properties of water and sediment and to quantify PTEs (Cd, Cu, Cr, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn) accumulation in different tissues of N. nucifera with associated health risks. A systematic sampling approach was adopted across four zones of the lake, collecting water, sediment, and plant tissues (August to October 2024). The results showed significant PTE contamination, with sediment showing high concentrations of Fe (1610.51 mg/kg), Mn (31.48 mg/kg), and Cr (29.72 mg/kg). Bioaccumulation factors indicated preferential PTE accumulation in roots, with Fe exhibiting the highest uptake (95.11). Translocation factors were low for most PTEs, suggesting limited mobility to edible parts. Health risk assessment indicated that Cr posed the highest non-carcinogenic risk (HRI = 1.8000 in rhizomes). The cumulative target hazard quotient (THQ) remained below 1, suggesting no immediate risk, but long-term exposure warrants concern. The study provided valuable information on the necessity of continuous monitoring and pollution mitigation strategies to ensure the food safety of floating lake garden-derived crops. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate how biomass production and element distribution (nutrients and heavy metals) among plant organs (roots, stems, and leaves) were influenced by substrate physical and chemical properties, using acidophilic plants of Vaccinium corymbosum cultivars Bluecrop and Duke. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with highbush blueberry plants grown in an uncontaminated acidic peat-based control substrate (TS0) and two alkaline substrates enriched with remediated sediment (TS50 and TS100), characterized by high pH, Ca, and heavy metal concentrations. Both plant cultivars that were cultivated in sediment–based substrates exhibited a substantial reduction in plant growth, biomass production, and leaf chlorophyll levels. Limited translocation of microelements from belowground organs to leaves was observed across all plant samples. Cu, Fe, and Pb were predominantly accumulated in the roots of plants grown in TS-based substrates, with both cultivars acting as excluders for these metals by restricting their transport from roots to shoots. Mn and Zn were primarily retained in the stems and roots of highbush blueberry plants, with lower leaf accumulation. Notably, only Mn exhibited high translocation and bioaccumulation factor values (on average, 3.43 and 6.68, respectively), highlighting the species’ strong capacity for Mn accumulation. Specifically, control plants showed significantly higher Mn concentrations than those grown in TS-enriched substrates, likely due to the acidic conditions that enhance the bioavailability of this metal and the low Ca concentration in TS0, which is known to disrupt Mn accumulation in shoots. However, this accumulation did not reach toxic levels for the plants and did not negatively impact the physiological processes of control plants, which remained particularly efficient in the Duke cv, known for its Mn resistance. This study highlights the ability of highbush blueberry plants to selectively accumulate heavy metals when grown in polluted substrates under suitable conditions, making them a valuable model for understanding metal accumulation mechanisms in the Ericaceae family. Full article

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major constraint to crop productivity in acidic soils, frequently encountered in banana-growing regions. This study investigates physiological and biochemical responses to Al stress in two Cavendish banana genotypes, Baodao and Baxi (Musa acuminata L.), which exhibit contrasting levels of Al tolerance. Banana plantlets were grown hydroponically under three AlCl₃ concentrations (0, 100, and 500 μM) for 24, 48, and 72 h. Root elongation was progressively inhibited with increasing Al concentrations, with Baodao showing greater inhibition than Baxi. Al primarily accumulated in roots and displayed genotype-specific distribution patterns: Baodao concentrated more Al in root tips, suggesting lower exclusion efficiency. In contrast, Baxi, the Al-tolerant genotype, translocated Al from roots to shoots more effectively, indicating potential sequestration mechanisms in less sensitive tissues. Al stress influenced enzyme activities, with Baxi exhibiting higher phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and citrate synthase activities at 100 µM Al, while both genotypes showed similar reductions at 500 µM. Baodao experienced more pronounced reductions in H⁺-ATPase activity. At 100 µM Al, Baxi retained higher levels of key nutrients (P, Zn, Mg, Mn, Fe, K, and B) in essential tissues than Baodao. However, nutrient levels were reduced in both genotypes at 500 µM Al. These findings highlight Baxi’s superior resilience under Al stress, making it a suitable genotype for cultivation and breeding in acidic soils. Full article

Investigating the ability of non-hyperaccumulator plants to grow in soils polluted by cadmium (Cd) and their potential for phytostabilization or phytoextraction is essential for assessing their use in phytomanagement efficiency. Therefore, we evaluated the tolerance of high-biomass grasses to Cd by measuring biomass production and element accumulation and valued them for their suitability for phytoextraction or phytostabilization purposes on moderately Cd-polluted land (total Cd concentration of 7.5 mg kg⁻¹) by determining Cd accumulation in the plants and calculating the bioconcentration (Cd BCF) and translocation factors (Cd TF). Among the ten species under investigation, Panicum maximum cv. Massai and Pennisetum glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum showed lower root biomass due to Cd exposure. Cadmium exposure altered element accumulation in some grass species by reducing P, K, and Mg accumulation in P. glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum; K accumulation in P. maximum cv. Massai; Mg accumulation in P. maximum cv. Mombaça; Ca, Fe, and Zn accumulation in P. maximum cv. Aruana; and B accumulation in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã. However, this was not correlated with lowered biomass production, except for K, which was associated with lowered root biomass allocation in P. maximum cv. Massai and P. glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum. Cadmium concentrations decreased from roots to shoots, indicating a clear limitation of upward Cd transport. Although some grasses exhibited a Cd BCF > 1, the Cd TF remained below 0.4 for all tested species. These results indicate that, under moderate Cd pollution, the evaluated grasses are more suitable for Cd phytostabilization than phytoextraction, except for P. maximum cv. Massai and P. glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum, which showed inhibited root growth and may not be efficient over time. Full article

Screening the edible parts of low-cadmium (Cd) and high-nutrient crop cultivars is an effective method for reducing Cd intake and enhancing the absorption of beneficial elements for humans. In a hydroponic experiment with Cd toxicity treatment (5 μmol/L CdCl₂), we analyzed the differences in the absorption and transport characteristics of Cd and mineral nutrients in 30 rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars during the seedling stage, as well as the correlations between various elements. Firstly, Pearson correlation analysis indicated that Cd content in the shoot parts of 30 rapeseed cultivars was not correlated with the Cd uptake ability of the roots and was obviously positively correlated with the Cd translocation coefficient from root to shoot (r = 0.452 *, p < 0.05). Hierarchical clustering selected 26 cultivars with lower Cd content in the shoots, and correlation analysis of Cd and other nutrient element contents in the shoots of the 26 cultivars revealed significant negative correlations (r = −0.40 *, p < 0.05; r = −0.45 *, p < 0.05) between iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg) content and Cd content, while potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) content had no correlation with Cd content. Then, hierarchical clustering screened 19 cultivars with higher dry weight, 4 cultivars with higher K content, 1 cultivar with higher Ca content, 8 cultivars with higher Mn content, and 3 cultivars with higher Zn content. Finally, a Venn diagram identified four superior rapeseed cultivars with lower Cd and higher nutrients in the shoots, namely, OJ114 (lower Cd, higher Mn and K content), BN365 (lower Cd, higher Mn, Fe, and Zn content), BN275 (lower Cd, higher Ca, Zn, Mn, and Fe content), and BN112 (lower Cd, higher K, Mg, Fe, and Mn content). Full article

The aim of this work was to determine the content of heavy metals in soil and, for the first time, in wild Cortaderia nitida, and to discuss its potential as a metal phytoremediator plant. We sampled sediments (bulk and rhizosphere) and C. nitida (roots and shoots) in three nearby spots with different land uses (urban, industrialized and agricultural) along the Chibunga river basin (Ecuador). We analyzed the physico-chemical parameters in soil and heavy metal contents in soil and plants. The agricultural sediments showed the highest conductivity and redox potential, but the lowest pH. Among all the metals analyzed in soil and plants, we only found significant values of Zn and Fe. We observed clear differences in patterns of Zn distribution throughout soil and plants among the three areas sampled, thus suggesting that soil properties played an important role in Zn compartmentalization. Also, C. nitida demonstrated effective Zn translocation from roots to shoots, especially in farmlands (translocation factors between 1.64 and 2.51). Together with the results obtained for other Cortaderia species in metal-polluted areas, this study proposes C. nitida as a candidate to further study its metal phytoremediation potential and encourages this research in heavy metal-enriched soils. Full article

(1) Background: The effects of Zn and caffeine as promoters of fruit quality in the Solanum lycopersicum L. cultivar ‘Panarea’ were tested. (2) Methods: During the 56 days of the experiment, plants were treated weekly with 100 mL of 1 mM Zn (Zn), 1 mg L⁻¹ caffeine trimethyl-¹³C (caffeine), and 1 mM Zn + 1 mg L⁻¹ caffeine trimethyl-¹³C (Zn + caffeine) and compared to plants that were given tap water (control). (3) Results: Caffeine was taken up by the roots and translocated to the leaves, which positively influenced the number of fruits per plant. After 56 days of treatment, Zn induced a positive increase in tomato dry weight, reducing shoot length (−16.7%) compared to the other treatments. Zn + caffeine had a positive effect on the phenylpropanoid pathway of fruits, and 4-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and t-ferulic acid were significantly increased, as well as the total antioxidant capacity of the tomatoes. In the flavonoid pathway, only apigenin and luteolin contents were reduced by treatments. The tomatoes showed similar concentrations of the mineral elements Cu, Mn, Fe, Na, Ca, Mg, and K. The Zn and caffeine target hazard quotients were <1, indicating that health risks via the consumption of these tomatoes did not occur. (4) Conclusions: Tomato plants could be irrigated with water containing lower values of Zn, caffeine, and a combination of the two. The treated fruits are rich in antioxidant compounds, such as coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and t-ferulic acid, which are beneficial for human health. No considerable health risks associated with human consumption have been detected. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring element often associated with lead (Pb) in the Earth’s crust, particularly in karst regions, posing significant safety hazards for locally grown rice. Identifying the key factors controlling Cd and Pb content in local rice is essential under the natural soil condition, as this will provide a crucial theoretical foundation for implementing security intervention measures within the local rice-growing industry. This study collected three types of paddy field soils with varying Cd concentrations from karst areas for pot experiments. The rice varieties tested included a low-Cd-accumulating variety, a high-Cd-accumulating variety, and a locally cultivated variety. Soil physicochemical properties and plant physiological indices were monitored throughout the rice growth stages. These data were used to construct a segmented regression model of Cd and Pb levels in rice grains based on the plant’s metabolic pathways and the structure of polynomial regression equations. Stepwise regression identified the key factors controlling Cd and Pb accumulation in rice grains. In conclusion, the key factors controlling Cd and Pb levels in rice grains should be classified into two categories: (i) factors influencing accumulation in roots and (ii) factors regulating transport from roots to grains. The aboveground translocation abilities for Cd, Pb, zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in soil among the three rice varieties showed no significant interspecific differences under identical soil conditions. Soil Mg uptake by rice roots may represent a key mechanism for inhibiting soil Cd uptake by rice roots. In karst areas with high background soil Cd, increased soil organic matter (SOM) levels enhance Pb bioavailability. Additionally, the rice YXY may possess a potential for low Cd accumulation. Full article

Variations in the cadmium (Cd) accumulation and root characteristics of different genotypes of rice during three developmental periods of dry cultivation were investigated in pot experiments in which two levels of Cd were added to the soil (0 and 10 mg kg⁻¹). The results show that the Cd concentration in each organ of the different rice genotypes decreased in both the order of roots > shoots > grains and during the three developmental periods in the order of the maturity stage > booting stage > tillering stage. The lowest bioaccumulation factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were found in Yunjing37 (YJ37) under Cd stress. At maturity, Cd stress inhibited the root length of Dianheyou34 (DHY34) the most and that of Dianheyou 918 (DHY918) the least, also affecting the root volume of DHY34 and Dianheyou615 (DHY615) the most and that of YJ37 and Yiyou 673 (YY673) the least; the inhibition rates were 41.80, 5.09, 40.95, and 10.51%, respectively. The exodermis showed the greatest thickening in YY673 and the lowest thickening in DHY615, while the endodermis showed the opposite result. The rates of change were 16.48, 2.45, 5.10, and 8.49%, respectively. The stele diameter of DHY615 decreased the most, and that of YY673 decreased the least, while the secondary xylem area showed the opposite result; the rates of change were −21.50, −14.29, −5.86, and −26.35%, respectively. Under Cd stress treatment at maturity, iron plaque was extracted using the dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate (DCB) method. The concentration of iron (DCB-Fe) was highest in YJ37, and the concentration of cadmium (DCB-Cd) was lowest in DHY34. YJ37 was screened as a low Cd-accumulating variety. The concentration of available Cd in the rhizosphere soil, iron plaque, root morphology, and anatomy affect Cd accumulation in rice with genotypic differences. Our screening of Cd-accumulating rice varieties provides a basis for the dry cultivation of rice in areas with high background values of Cd in order to avoid the health risks of Cd intake. Full article

Wild-grown edible mushrooms are important in world diets and are also efficient metal accumulators. Yunnan, Southwest China, is the main producing region, with typically high levels of geochemical metals. The environmental factors, bioaccumulation, distribution and human health risks of metals were examined in paired soil and Tricholoma matsutake (n = 54). T. matsutake grows on acidified soils (pH = 3.95–6.56), and metals show a strong heterogeneity, with Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in the ranges of 16–201, 0.046–8.58 g kg⁻¹, and 22.6–215, 3.7–155 mg kg⁻¹. High soil Fe content led to great accumulation in T. matsutake (0.24–18.8 g kg⁻¹). However, though the soil Mn content was higher than that of Zn and Cu, their concentrations in T. matsutake were comparable (21.1–487 vs. 38.7–329 and 24.9–217 mg kg⁻¹). This suggested that T. matsutake prefers to accumulate Zn and Cu compared to Mn, and this is supported by the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs = 0.32–17.1 vs. 0.006–1.69). Fe was mainly stored in stipes, while Mn, Zn and Cu were stored in caps, and the translocation factors (TFs) were 0.58 vs. 1.28–1.94. Therefore, stipe Fe showed the highest health risk index (HRI) at 1.28–26.9, followed by cap Cu (1.01–2.33), while 98–100% of the Mn and Zn were risk-free. The higher concentration and greater risk of Fe was attributed to the significant effect of soil Fe content (R = 0.34) and soil pH (R = −0.57). This study suggested that Fe, as an essential mineral, may exert toxic effects via the consumption of T. matsutake from high geochemical background areas. Full article

According to their nutritional value, their ability to adapt to the various environmental conditions, and their versatility, cereals are among the most cultivated plants in the world. However, the ongoing climate changes subject crops to important environmental stress that for some varieties leads to high production losses. Therefore, the selection of species and varieties that are more versatile and adaptable to different environmental conditions can be important. However, the characteristics of some cereals are not completely known; this is a priority before aiming to improve their cultivation. The aim of this study is to characterize select species that are potentially suitable for local environmental conditions and that possess nutritional value. The elemental composition was assessed in different cereal species grown following intensive and organic agriculture practices. Six species were grown for this study with techniques of intensive agriculture: Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum L., Triticum aestivum L., variety Verna, Triticum durum Desf., variety Senatore Cappelli, Triticum durum Desf., variety Claudio, and Avena strigosa Schreb.; four of these were also grown following organic procedures: Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum L., Triticum aestivum L., variety Verna, and Triticum durum Desf., variety Senatore Cappelli. The study considered twenty elements, including major nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, P, and S), seven micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn), and trace elements with toxic properties (Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Na, Rb, Sc, and Sr) that can be accumulated at the seed level. The results highlight the differences in the element concentrations in the cereal seeds in relation to the genus and species; the highest concentrations of the major nutrients appeared in T. monococcum; the concentrations were 6.9, 2.09, 7.2, and 2.9 mg/g for K, Mg, P, and S, respectively. The highest concentrations of certain micronutrients, B, Ca, Mo, and Se (16, 785, 3.69, and 0.34 μg/g), were in A. strigosa. There is also evidence that the element content can be affected by the adopted cultivation procedure; however, the effects of the growing procedure can be significantly different when different species are considered. T. monococcum, grown by an organic procedure, presented lower concentrations of the major nutrients, while it demonstrated a modest increase in the micronutrients in the T. durum variety organic S. Cappelli, and the production procedure did not affect the elemental composition of the T. aestivum variety Verna. The survey also highlights that the studied species and the growing procedure affected the capacity to accumulate and translocate trace hazardous elements for human health at the seed level. Full article