Phytoremediation of nickel by quinoa: Morphological and physiological response

The amount of soil contaminated with heavy metal increases due to urbanization, industrialization, and anthropogenic activities. Quinoa is considered a useful candidate in the remediation of such soil. In this pot experiment, the phytoextraction capacity of quinoa lines (A1, A2, A7, and A9) against different nickel (Ni) concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mg kg-1) were investigated. Required Ni concentrations were developed in polythene bags filled with sandy loam soil using nickel nitrate salt prior to two months of sowing and kept sealed up to sowing. Results showed that translocation of Ni increased from roots to shoots with an increase in soil Ni concentration in all lines. A2 line accumulated high Ni in leaf compared to the root as depicted by translocation factor 3.09 and 3.21 when grown at soil having 50 and 100 Ni mg kg-1, respectively. While, in the case of root, A7 accumulated high Ni followed by A9, A1, and A2, respectively. There was a 5–7% increased seed yield by 50 mg kg-1 Ni in all except A1 compared to control. However, growth and yield declined with a further increase in Ni level. The maximum reduction in yield was noticed in A9, which was strongly linked with poor physiological performance, e.g., chlorophyll a, b, and phenolic contents. Ni concentrations in the seed of all lines were within the permissible value set (67 ppm) by FAO/WHO. The result of the present study suggests that quinoa is a better accumulator of Ni. This species can provide the scope of decontamination of heavy metal polluted soil. The screened line can be used for future quinoa breeding programs for bioremediation and phytoextraction purpose.

Assessment of the Transfer of Trace Metals to Spontaneous Plants on Abandoned Pyrrhotite Mine: Potential Application for Phytostabilization of Phosphate Wastes

The abandoned Kettara pyrrhotite mine (Marrakech region, Morocco) is a real source of acid mine drainage (AMD) and heavy metal pollution from previous mining operations—which has spread, particularly because of wind erosion. A store-and-release cover system made of phosphate wastes was built on the site for preventing AMD. To ensure the integrity of this cover and its durability, it is desirable to revegetate it (phytostabilization) with plants adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region. In this paper, a study was carried out on the spontaneous vegetation around the phosphate cover in order to consider the selection of plants to promote the stabilization of the Kettara mine tailings pond. Nine species of native plants with their rhizospheric soils growing in agricultural soils and tailings from the Kettara mine were collected, and metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr) were analyzed. The soil analysis showed that the tailings contained high concentrations of Cu (177.64 mg/kg) and Pb (116.80 mg/kg) and that the agricultural soil contained high concentrations of As (25.07 mg/kg) and Cu (251.96 mg/kg) exceeding the toxicity level (Cu > 100 mg/kg, Pb > 100 mg/kg, As > 20 mg/kg). The plant analysis showed low trace metal accumulation in Scolymus hispanicus, Festuca ovina, Cleome brachycarpa, Carlina involucrata and Peganum harmala. These species had a bioconcentration factor (BCF) greater than 1 and a translocation factor (TF) less than 1, demonstrating a high tolerance to trace metals. Therefore, they are good candidates for use in the phytoremediation of the Kettara mine tailings. These species could also potentially be used for the phytostabilization of the phosphate waste cover of the Kettara mine, thus completing the rehabilitation process of this area.

Adsorption of Cadmium by Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and Brassica pekinensis (Lour.) Rupr in Pot Experiment

Heavy metal pollution in farmland threatens human life. It is not clear whether crops can adsorb heavy metals. In this study, the cadmium accumulation and tolerance in Chinese cabbage Brassica pekinensis (cv. Xiaoza-56) and the known Cd-accumulator Brassica juncea in hydroponics and pot experiment were investigated. Furthermore, we evaluated their potential on the phytoextraction of Cd-contaminated soil. The hydroponics with 1–50 μM Cd concentrations showed that both B. juncea and B. pekinensis had high Cd accumulation and tolerance with translocation factor closed to 1 at Cd levels < 25 μM. The pot study conducted with 5 to 100 mg Cd kg−1 soil indicated that B. juncea showed less tolerance and accumulation to Cd than B. pekinensis, especially at higher Cd levels. The bioconcentration factor was much higher than 1 in both B. juncea and B. pekinensis grown in <40 mg Cd kg−1 soil without showing biomass reduction. In the model evaluation, the ability of B. juncea and B. pekinensis to reduce the initial soil Cd concentration of 20 and 5 mg kg−1 to specific targets with a lower or higher biomass of 4 or 20 t ha−1, respectively. The above results indicate that B. juncea and B. pekinensis (cv. Xiaoza-56), which the latter is a better candidate for Cd phytoextraction in moderated Cd-contaminated soil. The results provide a reference for Cd pollution control.

EDTA and nitric acid responses on nickel uptake, translocation factor and pigments on Spinacia oleracea L. replanted seedlings in hydroponic solution

The effects of Na2EDTA and HNO3 on Ni2+ uptake by Spinacia oleracea seedlings replanted inhydroponic culture in a greenhouse was investigated. Eight week old seedlings, were exposed to various doses of Ni2+ (0, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/L) as NiSO4, at (0, 500 and 3000 mg/L) Na2EDTA and ( 0, 500 and 3000 mg /L) HNO3 in different combinations. There was a substantial increase in nickel uptake in chelated treatments (p < 0.05) compared to unchelated treatments of same concentrations of Ni2+. So, chelation enhanced Ni2+ uptake in S. oleracea. During the exposure, antioxidant defense system helped the plant to protect itself from the damage. Due to increasing nickel uptake by the plant, the photosynthetic pigments (i.e chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and Caretenoids) gradually declined. In this study, Spinacia oleracea Seedlings and contents of the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and Caretenoids) of both chelated and unchelated hydroponic treatments were investigated. Changes in photosynthetic pigments was significant (p < 0.05) with respect to addition of EDTA and HNO3 at different concentration to different concentrations of Ni2+ compared to unchelated treatments of same concentrations of Ni2+. The Ni2+ induced translocation factor was also determined which increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing Ni2+ concentrations.

Metal Contamination of Canal Versus Sewage Water Irrigated Vegetables in Metropolitan Area of Sargodha, Pakistan

The reduction in the fresh water supply and increase in the domestic effluents with increase in population and urbanization in the Pakistan force the farmers to use untreated sewage water for the irrigation purposes. Besides high nutrient content Sewage water also have source of metal contamination in the food chain. The present field study was conducted to compare the nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) contamination in vegetables grown on soils irrigated with sewage water and canal water in Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. The Ni, Cu and Pb contamination was assessed using soil quality indices i.e., contamination factor (CF), metal translocation factor (MTF), pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and ecological risk index (ERI) were calculated in the collected samples. The physico-chemical properties of soil and water samples were determined. Based on the results, it was revealed that sewage irrigated areas were at higher risks of metals contamination compared to canal irrigated areas. From the studied metals, Pb showed highest contamination potential based on the soil quality indices. In sewage irrigated sites, metal concentrations were found higher in edible parts of the vegetables confirming that sewage water contains and supply more metals than canal irrigated water and pose more health and ecological risks.

Bioakumulasi Merkuri (Hg) pada Lamun Enhalus acoroides dan Mangrove Rhizophora apiculata di Pulau Pari, Kepulauan Seribu

<strong>Bioaccumulation of Mercury (Hg) in Seagrass <em>Enhalus acoroides</em> and Mangrove <em>Rhizophora apiculata</em> in Pari Island, Seribu Islands. </strong>Heavy metal pollution, especially Hg metal in Jakarta Bay, is feared to have a negative impact on the quality of the waters around the Jakarta Bay waters, one of which is Pari Island in the Thousand Islands. Seagrass and mangroves plants distributed surrounding Pari Island can be used as indicators of heavy metal pollution. The value of bioaccumulation and translocation of Hg metal factors will provide an overview of the ability of plants to accumulate heavy metals in their surroundings. This study aims to determine the bioaccumulation and translocation of the heavy metal Hg factor in <em>Enhalus acoroides</em> seagrass and <em>Rhizophora apiculata</em> mangroves on Pari Island, Seribu Islands. Seagrass and mangrove samples were taken at five sampling points through purposive sampling. The bioaccumulation value was calculated using the ratio of the metal concentrations in each part of the plant body and sediment. Meanwhile, the translocation factor value was calculated by the ratio of Hg concentration in each part of the plant body (roots/rhizomes, stems, and leaves). The results of this study indicate that the bioaccumulation value in seagrass is infinite (bioaccumulation factor, BAF=∞) and in mangroves is 1.57 (BAF&gt;1). The highest <em>translocation factor</em> value in seagrass leaves is 3.86 (translocation factor, TF) &gt;1) and in mangrove leaves is 2.84 (TF&gt;1). This study shows that seagrass and mangrove plants are classified as good bio accumulator and hyperaccumulator plants and accumulate heavy metals, especially Hg in the upper part of their bodies, namely leaves

Ung thư biểu mô tế bào thận có đột biến TFE3/Xp11.2 báo cáo một trường hợp ở trẻ em và đối chiếu y văn

TÓM TẮT Ung thư biểu mô tế bào thận (UTBM) - Renal cell carcinoma là khối u ác tính hiếm gặp, chỉ chiếm 2 - 6% các khối u thận ác tính ở trẻ em. UTBM tế bào thận có đột biến TFE3 trên nhiễm sắc thể Xp11.2 (TFE3/ Xp11.2) là một dưới nhóm của UTBM tế bào thận, thường có tiên lượng nặng hơn các nhóm khác của UTBM tế bào thận. Chúng tôi thông báo một trẻ 10 tuổi vào viện vì đau bụng và phát hiện khối u thận trái. Sau khi phẫu thuật cắt u được làm xét nghiệm mô bệnh học, nhuộm hóa mô miễn dịch TFE3(+), CD10(+), CK7(-) chẩn đoán: UTBM tế bào thận có đột biến TFE3/Xp11.2. Bệnh nhân ổn định, ra viện sau 2 tuần. Tái khám sau hai tháng không phát hiện u tái phát hay di căn. ABSTRACT RENAL CELL CARCINOMA ASSOCIATED WITH XP11.2 TRANSLOCATION FACTORE3 GENE FUSION: A CHILD CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW Renal cell carcinoma is a rare malignancy, accounting for only 2 - 6% of renal malignancies in children. Renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion is a subgroup of renal cell carcinoma, often with a more severe prognosis than other groups of renal cell carcinoma. We report on a 10 - year - old child was admitted to the hospital because of abdominal painand a left kidney tumor. After tumor resection, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical staining was positive for TFE3, CD10, negative for CK7, diagnosis renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation factor E3 gene fusion. Two weeks after surgery, the patient was stable and discharged from the hospital. Re - examination after two months did not detect tumor recurrence or metastasis. Key word: Renal cell carcinoma, TFE3, Xp11.2 translocation.

The influence of toxic metals As, Cd, Ni and Pb on nutrients accumulation in Mentha piperita

Medicinal plants are, for a considerable part of the population, an important source of treatment for certain diseases. They contain essential nutrients for the human body such as magnesium, iron , and zinc. The present study shows the influence of the addition of As, Cd, Ni, Pb on mineral nutrients in different organs of Mentha piperita. The experiments were carried out in the laboratory for a period of three months (May-July). Mentha piperita plants were AsCd and AsCdNiPb exposed up to final concentrations corresponding to the soil intervention threshold according to Romanian Order no.756/1997 (25 mg/kg As, 5 mg/kg Cd, 150 mg/kg Ni and 100 mg/ kg Pb). Simultaneously with these experiments, a control experiment (M) was performed. To evaluate the effect of the addition of AsCd and AsCdNiPb on the accumulation and transfer of Ca, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Fe and Zn, the transfer coefficient (TC), the translocation factor (TF), and the enrichment factor (EF) were calculated. A higher concentration of Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn was observed especially in the mint root in the experiments in which AsCdNiPb was added compared to those in which only AsCd was added. The AsCdNiPb addition did not influence the translocation of micro and macronutrients from the root to the aerial (edible) parts of the plant. In the case of the AsCd, addition, the translocation of zinc from the root to the aerial parts (leaves and stem) of the plant was increased.

Trace Metal Accumulation in Rice Variety Kainat Irrigated with Canal Water

Due to the rapid increase in industrial and urban areas, environmental pollution is increasing worldwide, causing unwanted changes in the air, water, and soil at biological, physical, and chemical levels, ultimately causing negative effects for living things. This work was performed in Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan, and examined and measured heavy metal levels in various plant parts of the rice (Oryza sativa) variety Kainat (roots, shoots, and grains) with results been set in relation to the soil around the root area. The samples were taken from five different sites. The mean level of trace metals (mg/kg) in grains was soil-dependent and varied from cadmium (Cd) (2.49–5.52), zinc (Zn) (5.8–10.78), copper (Cu) (4.82–7.85), cobalt (Co) (1.48–6.52), iron (Fe) (8.68–14.73), manganese (Mn) (6.87–13.93), and nickel (Ni) (2.3–8.34). Excluding Cd, the absorption of all metals under inspection was recorded within permissible limits, as recommended by the FAO and WHO. The pollution load index for Cd was highest at all sites. The enrichment coefficient of Co, Cd, and Cu were greater. The bioaccumulation factor at all studied sites was present, in order: Cu ˃ Zn ˃ Fe ˃ Mn ˃ Co ˃ Ni ˃ Cd. The translocation factor was present at five different sites: Mn ˃ Fe ˃ Cu ˃ Zn ˃ Co ˃ Cd ˃ Ni. The health risk index of all inspected metals was lower than 1 and was within safe limits. The higher pollution of Cd suggested maintenance of rice crop is recommended, decreasing health risks in humans.

Screening of Xanthium strumarium (IAPS) Growing on Abandoned Habitats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Perspectives for Phytoremediation

The ecological impacts of invasive alien plant species (IAPS) are well-documented, but a dearth of studies exist concerning its economic, livelihood, biotechnological, and health risk assessment perspectives. IAPS management is currently expanding to ecological indicator and biotechnological aspects. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the phytoremediation potential, biomedical, and bio-safety applications of X. strumarium growing in different abandoned habitats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In this study, 45 plants and soil samples were gathered from 15 abandoned sites and analyzed for Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn concentrations; bioaccumulation (BA); and translocation factor (TF). The assayed Pb and Cd concentration was higher and above threshold in both soil–plant samples. BAF was found higher in roots than intact plants despite having a significant accumulation of Cd, Pb, and Zn, which shows high metals tolerance of this IAPS. PCA-ordination explained a high cumulative variance (98.9%) and separated roads and densely populated sites with comparatively high metals concentration, indicating the pseudometallophyte nature of X. strumarium. Soil, sand, and plant biomass were shown to be the major determinants affecting the heavy metals concentration and its phytoremediation significantly, which may be due to the soil’s metalliferous nature in the study area. This IAPS exhibited strong translocation and hyperaccumulation capacity in different functional traits with comparatively high Pb, Cd, and Zn (≥1 TF) mobility and, hence, can effectively be used for Pb phytoextraction and phytostabilization of Cd, Cu, and Zn, respectively. Likewise, several other non-spontaneous IAPS growing on such abandoned habitats might be promising for developing a reasonable strategic framework for heavy metals mitigation and health risk implications in this region.