Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soils: A Review

Heavy metals represent a major threat to public health and the environment if they are intentionally or unintentionally introduced into the soil. They are elements that cannot be degraded and can be teratogenic, mutagenic, and endocrine-disrupting. Carcinogens and toxins in humans can be caused by heavy metals, which are difficult to regulate. Phytoremediation has been recommended as an alternative to classic physicochemical remediation methods since it is more efficient for combating heavy metals pollution in soil or water bodies and ecologically friendly. Biomass produced as a result of phytoremediation can be utilised for cogeneration of energy and/or the creation of biofuels, all of which contribute to health, the environment, and cost-effectiveness. In order to improve the usage of phytoremediation in the coming years, a deeper understanding of the technique's potential is necessary. Additionally, this study provides information on the use of herbaceous and woody plants for phytoremediation in soils affected by heavy metals.

Unmanned aerial vehicle for the assessment of woody and herbaceous phytomass in Sahelian savanna

The phytomass of herbaceous and woody plants is the main source of feed for pastoral livestock in the Sahelian savanna. The assessment of the available feedstock plays a key role in national livestock policies and generally requires many field measurements of both herbaceous and woody plants. In this study, we tested the possibility of using a red-green-blue (RGB) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to evaluate the phytomass of both woody and herbaceous species. We thus mapped 38 one hectare plots with a Dji Spark UAV in Northern Senegal. The herbaceous phytomass was measured on the ground. For the woody communities, we evaluated the leaf phytomass using dendrometric parameters combined with allometric equations. We performed partial-least square regressions between UAV-based three-dimension and color indices and phytomass. Results showed a Q² (cross validation results for each response variable) of 0.57 for woody phytomass, 0.68 for herbaceous dry mass, and 0.76 for their fresh mass. This study confirmed the relevance of using low-cost RGB UAV to assess savanna phytomass.

Characteristics of some biochemical parameters in assimilating organs of herbaceous and woody plants in conditions of introduction

The paper presents study results of 8 herbaceous and woody plants species assimilating organs biochemical parameters in conditions of introduction. It has been identified that in 4 herbaceous introduced species increased chlorophyll content and ratio of chlorophyll to flavonoids in August is associated with massive flowering and fruiting phases. On the contrary, in Crataegus ellwangeriana the maximum values of the above parameters are the reaction to unfavorable growing conditions (lack of nutrition and moisture) during the active growth period. The increased anthocyanins synthesis in Physocarpus opulifolius and Sorbaria sorbifolia by 1,2-1,4 times and increased nitrogen balance in Aronia melanocarpa up to 23 mg/cm in September compared to summer period testifies to protective function formation in plant organism in pre-winter period. Slight fluctuations in flavonoids content throughout the entire vegetation season confirm that all the studied plants are in optimal nitrogen status. The following statistical methods were used to interpret the present study results: Shapiro-Wilk W-test (for small samples n 30), parametric analysis method Students t-test, t-test for dependent samples.

The long-distance OPT3 movement is selective between herbaceous and woody plants as shown using Malus and Arabidopsis thaliana plants

Long-distance mobile mRNAs play key roles in gene regulatory networks controlling plant development and stress resistance. However, the mechanisms underlying species-specific delivery of mRNA still need to be elucidated. Here, the use of grafts involving highly heterozygous apple (Malus) genotypes allowed us to demonstrate that MdOPT3 mRNA can be transported over a long distance, from the leaf to the root, to regulate Fe uptake; whereas, AtOPT3, the mRNA of the MdOPT3 homolog from Arabidopsis thaliana, does not move from shoot to root. Reciprocal heterologous expression of the two types of mRNAs showed that the immobile AtOPT3 moved from the shoot to the root in Malus and Populus plants, while the mobile MdOPT3 became immobile in A. thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the different transmissibility of OPT3 in A. thaliana and Malus might be caused by the divergent RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) located in herbaceous and woody plants. This study provides insights into mechanisms underlying differences in mRNA mobility and validates the important physiological functions associated with this process.

STUDYING THE ISSUES OF LANDSCAPING SPECIAL SPORTS ROUTES FOR NORDIC WALKING IN MOSCOW CITY PARKS

At the present stage, “Nordic walking” is one of the most popular types of people’s physical activity all over the world, and Russia is no exception in this regard. Due to the fact that there are practically no contraindications for practicing this sport, this type of activity is widespread among the senior citizens in our country. Practicing “Nordic walking” prevents many diseases and is especially useful in the treatment and rehabilitation of heart, vascular and nervous diseases. Nordic walking does not require the organization of special trails on the territory. The routes may be organized in a highly urbanized landscape of city parks and squares, a park landscape with a usual level of improvement, as well as in a natural landscape. The level of road improvement varies from low, represented only by soft surfaces, to high, with small architectural forms and recreation areas, stands with information, lighting at night. Trails of varying complexity and livability are being developed. Plants with high decorative effect, high phytoncidal activity, as well as absorbing dust, smog and the noise of the metropolis are used in the landscaping of trails. In connection with the above, the authors analyzed Nordic walking trails in city parks of different districts of Moscow using such methods as interviewing respondents, assessing the level of complexity and improvement of the proposed trails, assessing the phytoncidal activity of plants located along the route of these trails. Based on the research carried out, the following conclusions were made. According to a survey of respondents, such routes were identified - a route in “Sokolniki Park” was noted by 67% of respondents, the one in “Park of Culture and Rest” – by 61%, in “VDNKh” – by 52%. The data on the study of the phytoncidal activity of herbaceous and woody plants are given, on the basis of which there were identified the plants with high phytoncidity (savin juniper, small-leaved linden, white sedar), which should be used primarily for creating artificial plantations along walking routes.

Botanical Materials from the Burials of Ust-Smolka Cemetery nearby Izborsk

В статье характеризуются ботанические материалы из трех погребений могильника Усть-Смолка. Были выделены карбонизированные материалы: угли и семена, а также отмыты зафиксированные глинистой обмазкой пласт цветков, семян, фрагментов веточек травянистых и древесных растений, лист дерева. Анализ ботанических материалов трех погребений показал значительные различия по видовому составу древесных и травянистых растений. Культивируемые виды выявлены только в пробах погребения № 12 - пшеница компактная (Triticum compactum), ячмень обыкновенный (Hordeum vulgare) и ячмень бутылковидный (Hordeum lagunculiforme). The article describes the botanical materials from 3 burials of Ust-Smolka cemetery. During the work botanical materials from burials of Ust-Smolka were studied. The allocated carbonized materials: charcoal and seeds were singled out and fixed by a clay plaster layer flowers, seeds, fragments of twigs of herbaceous and woody plants, tree leaves were washed. The analysis of three burials botanical materials showed significant differences in species composition of plants: woody and herbaceous. Cultivated species were found only in samples of burial № 12 - Wheat (Triticum compactum) and Barley (Hordeum vulgare & Hordeum lagunculiforme).