ABSTRACT Nickel (Ni) in trace amounts is important in plant nutrition; it can also be toxic in excess. The objective of this study was to determine if nickel affects gene expression in white spruce (Picea glauca). Nickel toxicity was assessed by treating seedlings with an aqueous solution of nickel nitrate salt [Ni(NO3)2] at different doses (150, 800 mg/kg, and 1600 mg/kg) using a completely randomised

ABSTRACT Although the response of plant productivity and soil biogeochemical processes to nutrient addition has been widely investigated, little is known about the effects of N and P addition on soil aggregate fractions, an important indicator of soil organic C stability. We investigated the effects of exogenous N and P inputs on soil aggregates and their associated organic C in a 6-year fertilisation

ABSTRACT Glyphosate, an herbicide is extensively used in aquaculture and agriculture to control unwanted weeds, the exact mechanism of its toxicity in freshwater fish is not exactly understood. Therefore, the current study examined the mechanisms of toxicity of glyphosate in Labeo rohita. Labeo rohita were randomly divided into five groups and were exposed to glyphosate. Glyphosate-treated fish exhibited

ABSTRACT In this study, an azo dye Amido Black 10B was decolourised and degraded by using bacterium Bacillus sp. strain AK1. The strain decolourised 96% of the dye in 30 h at 100 mg L−1 dye concentration. Decolourisation under different sets of conditions, such as increasing dye concentration (100–600 mg L−1), pH (5–11), temperature (25–55°C) and salt levels (10–40 g L−1), was studied and found that

ABSTRACT Ecological floating bed (EFB) with assembling substrate can effectively enhance the removal of nitrogen. However, the influence of the substrate on the operation process of the EFB remains unclear. In this study, EFBs with zeolite, sponge iron and complementary substrates (zeolite and sponge iron) were established to explore the effects of different substrates on nitrogen removal efficiency

ABSTRACT When crude oil spills on land, it may leach into the soil and reach the groundwater thus posing a threat to drinking water resources. The Niger Delta region provides such an opportunity to study the migration of environmentally important constituents of crude oil in the soil using adsorption models. Soil properties were determined and data obtained from batch equilibrium experiments were applied

ABSTRACT At present, the distribution of antibiotics in wastewater is mainly concentrated in municipal sewage treatment plants, and little attention is paid to the distribution and removal of antibiotics in landfill leachate. The concentrations of five sulfonamide, three tetracycline, and two macrolide antibiotics in leachate from a solid waste incineration plant were measured and the efficiency of

ABSTRACT Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are a contaminant class of worldwide concern and a potential source of global change. To better understand the impact of low levels of PPCPs on stream biofilm structure and function, we conducted laboratory mesocosm experiments in which biofilms cultivated in streams draining areas of different land use (natural, agricultural, and urban) were

ABSTRACT Agricultural activity enhances topsoil erosion and facilitates the transport of pesticides that alter watershed sediment quality. Agricultural stream (bayou) sediment quality in Mississippi, USA, was evaluated across three bayous, habitats (upstream, midstream, downstream), and seasonally from 2011 to 2014 for pesticide contamination, effects, and bioavailability to Hyalella azteca. Four-week

ABSTRACT Presence of arsenic in groundwater, eventually in drinking water, has been recognised as a serious community health problem, due to its high toxic nature. Therefore, its removal is highly essential. Chitosan-based adsorbents have been widely used in water treatment in the present scenario due to their abundance and cost-effectiveness. However, there are some problems hindering its practical

ABSTRACT Herbicide application in farm soil invariably impacts non-target biota including the microbes. Herbicides inhibit microbial exoenzyme activities, crucial for the decomposition of organics and release of nutrients. It was hypothesised that increasing the antioxidant level in soil through organic amendments could reduce the toxicity of the herbicide pretilachlor on soil microbial activity. This

ABSTRACT Pollution of aquatic bodies by pharmaceutical compounds is an emerging environmental problem because these drugs are extensively used in animal and human medicine. Ibuprofen, 2-[4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl] propanoic acid, is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug mainly present both in wastewater and in rivers and lakes in Europe. Despite this environmental emergency is giving rise a great

ABSTRACT Cadmium has become the foremost inorganic pollutant in farmland in China. It is widely accumulated in karst areas in southwest China, especially in Guangxi Province. In this study, vertical soil profiles, rice grains and corresponding root-soil samples were collected in Guangxi. The Cd contents of soil and rice grain samples and several soil properties, including organic matter, Fe2O3, Al2O3

ABSTRACT Knowledge about fertiliser limitation to soil microbes is crucial for exploring microbial community succession and ecosystem functions. In this study, an experiment was conducted to promote ecological restoration by different treatments of organic fertiliser (OF), microbial fertiliser (MF) and non-fertiliser (CK) in a coal mine dump. We investigated microbial community structure using high-throughput

ABSTRACT Several algal species were found in the samples collected from a wastewater treatment plant located in Uttarakhand, India. Several media and their modifications were employed to understand the role of these elements and compounds in the species composition and proliferation. Euglena, Chlamydomonas-reinhardtii, Chlorella-sorokiniana, Chlorococcum, several diatoms and cyanobacteria were found

ABSTRACT Oil activity has generated severe problems of soil contamination. Different techniques have been employed for the removal of pollutants, which are mainly used separately as treatments, but if combined, removal could be improved. The aim of this study was to remove total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) from soil artificially contaminated with crude oil using Fenton oxidation followed by biostimulation

ABSTRACT In this study, Çubuk 2, Kesikköprü and Asartepe Dam Lake, were investigated. A total of 60 sediment samples were collected and the concentrations of 10 elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, Co, Cr, Al, As) were determined. The obtained findings were compared to the limit values for the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and were investigated using sediment assessment methods. The results indicate

ABSTRACT Spoil heaps arising from mineral ore mining and smelting are a potential source of air, water and soil’s metalliferous contamination. However, the importance of such man-made sites as biodiversity refuge for rare or endangered species is assuredly undoubted, as the natural habitats are in decline. It is questionable, how potential risk elements, including heavy metals and metalloids released

ABSTRACT Increased demand for commercial petroleum derivatives, including diesel has increased the possibility of numerous spills and leakages into the aquatic environment worldwide that can directly or indirectly pollute waterbody disrupting the health status of fish species and other aquatic organisms. This study was conducted to understand the effects of commercial diesel oil on freshwater species

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the status of seawater quality in the Western Mediterranean Sea, Egypt. The measurement of seawater quality was carried out at two regions, namely El Dekhila harbour and Abu Talat regions (2018–2019). The investigated parameters included pH, salinity, DO, BOD, COD, nutrient salts, metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) as well as Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and total phenol concentration

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic pressures on standing waterbody systems potentially result in changes to sediment and water qualities, and thus ecological community characteristics. We tested effects of drawdown on physical, water and sediment variables, as well as their effects on littoral macroinvertebrate community composition in two subtropical reservoirs. Water levels differed significantly between reservoirs

ABSTRACT The Ga-Selati River is subjected to different forms of pollution from mining, industrial and agricultural activities, and human settlements. The objectives of the study were to assess heavy metal pollution and to determine possible sources of pollutants in the river. Water and sediment samples were collected and analysed for the following selected metals: arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), iron

ABSTRACT Industrial zones have been key drivers of growth across Asia but are also the source of water quality deterioration in surrounding rivers and streams. This study examined the effects of industrial zone located at the San Cristobal sub-catchment of Laguna de Bay, the Philippines on the spatiotemporal variation in water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Sampling sites were established

ABSTRACT Invading microorganisms can hinder productivity of biofuel algae cultures. We utilise allelochemical gramine as a model to better understand allelopathic effects against Chlorella sorokiniana and invasive alga Coelastrella sp. Coelastrella itself inhibits C. sorokiniana via allelopathy. Both algae were exposed to 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 mg gramine L−1 (n = 8) in wellplates at 18, 25 and 32°C to

ABSTRACT In the view of studying humus formation in corn straw under the action of microorganism, three fungi (Trichoderma reesei, Trichoderma harzianum, Phanerochaete chrysosporium) were selected to compare the humification effects and structural changes of humic acid-like (HAL). The structural characteristics of HAL formed by fungi from corn straw were assessed by elemental, thermogravimetric analyzer

ABSTRACT The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is the largest estuarine invertebrate and one of the most important fishery resources in China. Diet significantly affected survival of the crab. To study the diet of this species during its upstream migration, larvae and juvenile crabs as well as their potential food sources were sampled from three regions along the Changjiang River. Stable isotopes

ABSTRACT The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is the largest estuarine invertebrate and one of the most important fishery resources in China. Diet significantly affected survival of the crab. To study the diet of this species during its upstream migration, larvae and juvenile crabs as well as their potential food sources were sampled from three regions along the Changjiang River. Stable isotopes

ABSTRACT The biochemical biomarkers (Catalase (CAT), glutathione s-transferase (GST), cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1450) activities and glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels) of D. polymorpha exposed to the basic blue 41 (BB41) solutions for 24 and 96 h before and after the Fenton process (FTP) were evaluated to investigate the efficiency of the FTP. The optimum conditions for the removal of

ABSTRACT The nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) coated with palygorskite (PAL) was synthesised and used to remediate the soil contaminated by heavy metals. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that a large number of nanoscale particles (had a grain size of 40–60 nm approximately) were distributed on the surface or pores of PAL homogeneously. The CaCl2 extraction and

ABSTRACT This work presents low-cost sorbent powder obtained from agro-waste of poultry eggshells for the adsorption of contaminants and was elucidated with transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption–desorption techniques. It was observed that a solution pH of 2.0 and 5.0 was enough for the maximum uptake of reactive

ABSTRACT In order to study the effects of FeCl2 modified corn residue biochar (Fe-MCB) on the bioavailability and chemical fractions of cadmium (Cd) in a contaminated calcareous soil, an experiment was conducted as a factorial in completely randomised design with three replications. This research investigated two factors: levels of Cd concentration (0, 15, and 30 mg kg−1) and type of biochar [control:

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to assess the quality of sediments collected from rivers in the Northeast of Algeria. A dual approach, including trace metals assessment as well as ecotoxicity tests (Microtox® solid and leachate phase assays), was conducted. Results showed that surface sediments were contaminated with Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. By using sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and potential

The main objective of this study was to assess the quality of sediments collected from rivers in the Northeast of Algeria. A dual approach, including trace metals assessment as well as ecotoxicity ...

ABSTRACT Immobilisation is an effective technique in the remediation of heavy metals polluted soils. A laboratory experiment was conducted to clarify the kinetics of Zn and Cd release using citric, oxalic, acetic and tartaric acids and to evaluate the effectiveness of fish scale powder (FSP), chitin (CTN) and chitosan (CTS) in the immobilisation of these metals in a calcareous soil exposed to high

ABSTRACT In response to variation in abiotic factors and metal accumulation pattern in fish, current research tries to draw a chronological relationship between the annual profiles of oxidative stress markers. Rhinomugil corsula were collected twice a month over the course of an annual cycle from two separate locations. Fluctuations in concentrations of certain metals (lead, zinc, copper and cadmium)

ABSTRACT The present study aims to understand the water quality of four urban wetlands of Delhi-NCR (Sanjay lake, Okhla bird sanctuary, Indira Gandhi stadium lake and Bhalswa lake). Several surface water samples from these wetlands were studied in two seasons (winter and summer) for various physico-chemical properties (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand

ABSTRACT The biogeochemical effect of birds can influence the paedogenic processes in the Antarctica soils. The content of nutrients (phosphorus, potassium, nitrate and ammonium) and the total carbon and nitrogen contents in soils were determined at the nesting and feeding sites of flying and non-flying birds in the Fildes Peninsula (King George Island, West Antarctica). The results showed that the

ABSTRACT Total and sequentially extracted fractions (exchangeable, bound to carbonate, bound to iron and manganese oxides, bound to organic matter and residual) of eight heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, Fe, Cr, Cd and Pb) were estimated in rhizosphere sediment along with their accumulation in roots and leaves of Phoenix paludosa plants at Dhamra estuary. The Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, Fe, Cr, Cd and Pb content in

ABSTRACT For effective management of sandy grasslands, it is important to determine whether adding P fertiliser is conducive to plant growth under global N deposition. We therefore carried out a field experiment in which N and P fertiliser was added to sandy grasslands. The results showed that, with increasing N addition (or N + P addition), the C, N and P concentrations in the leaves and roots and

ABSTRACT The study evaluated the effectiveness of an aquatic plant, Canna indica to remove 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (TCP) from aqueous solution in a hydroponic set-up. The effects of TCP initial concentration (50–250 mg/L) and solution pH (4–9) on TCP biosorption were investigated. The removal efficiency increased with days and initial concentrations. The optimum removal was obtained at pH 4.0. The equilibrium

The concentration of toxic metals due to manmade activities in Tuticorin coastal zone in the surface water and sediment samples was estimated and summarised. Toxic metals such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn...

ABSTRACT Copper is released into the aquatic environment as a consequence of anthropogenic activities such as mining and runoffs of copper-containing pesticides and fertilisers. This may pose a threat to the health of the organisms inhabiting coastal water bodies or estuaries. The present study was therefore carried out to assess the toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of copper in

ABSTRACT This study investigated the pollution, potential ecological risks, and possible sources of trace elements in Gobi soils of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Contents of Hg in soils were below the detection limit. The average contents of the remaining trace elements in soils ranged from 0.21 (Cd) to 2360.82 (As) mg/kg. Multiple methods were used to evaluate the soil pollution of the study

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate oxidative stress and physiological deficiencies from naphthalene toxicity on Moringa oleifera and adsorptive properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to alleviate the deficiencies. Naphthalene contents in soil and M. oleifera were quantified with gas chromatography coupled with flame ionisation detector (GC-FID). M. oleifera was planted on 0.35 mgNaph/g

ABSTRACT To investigate the community structures and heterotrophic nitrifying activities of culturable heterotrophic nitrifying bacteria (HNB) in activated sludge, two sludge samples, cultivated at aerobic (2.5–4.0 mg·L−1 dissolved oxygen) and microaerobic conditions (0.5–1.0 mg·L−1 dissolved oxygen) respectively, were analyzed by isolation, purification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Ultimately

ABSTRACT The efficiency of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the removal of heavy metals from effluents was tested using one real and four synthetics nickel-containing effluents. The removal of metal ions from synthetic effluents was studied as a function of pH, interaction time, nickel concentration and temperature. Characterisation of biosorption equilibrium was evaluated employing the Langmuir, Freundlich

ABSTRACT In this study, Egeria densa plants were exposed to a low concentration of (OD730 = 0.04) Microcystis aeruginosa for seven days, under different photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensities (0, 50, 100, 200, and 300 µmol m−2 s−1). Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions inside incubators. The H2O2 content, antioxidant responses, pigmentation, and chlorophyll fluorescence

Organophosphorus pesticides, one of the most extensively used organic chemicals to control several insect pests, making them threaten the aquatic creatures. Here, we analysed the response mechanism of Nitzschia palea to insecticides (acephate and trichlorfon) exposure, through physiological, biochemical, morphological changes and the removal ability. Results showed that the growth of N. palea was inhibited

ABSTRACT Organophosphorus pesticides, one of the most extensively used organic chemicals to control several insect pests, making them threaten the aquatic creatures. Here, we analysed the response mechanism of Nitzschia palea to insecticides (acephate and trichlorfon) exposure, through physiological, biochemical, morphological changes and the removal ability. Results showed that the growth of N. palea

The correlation between anthocyanins content and accumulation of zinc (Zn) in leaves of Zea mays was investigated and this was considered as a mode of assessing the intensity of Zn toxicity. Charac...

ABSTRACT A potent Cr (VI) resistant bacterial strain DHS-12(7) was isolated from tannery waste landfill site and identified as Bacillus sp. based on pheno- and genotypic methods. The maximum tolerable concentration (MTC) of Cr (VI) was found as 1000 and 250 ppm in nutrient-rich and minimal salt medium, respectively while significant variation of MTC and Cr (VI) reduction efficiency was observed in

ABSTRACT Vehicle emissions create corridors of increased carbon and nitrogen concentrations near highways that influence surrounding ecosystems. This study used the leaves of a variety of wild plant species and soil samples to examine the extent of total carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N) near highway M-2 and FSR in Punjab, Pakistan, in all four seasons of the year. Results showed significantly higher

ABSTRACT The condition of river water quality can be considered as a potential source of oxidative stress of river organisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in three genera of aquatic insects namely Chrironominae, Gomphus and Lestes collected from Karang Mumus River, Pampang River, and

ABSTRACT The leaf wax n-alkanes in modern ecosystems serve as proxies for assessing the ecologic and climatic conditions in soils, sediments and other geologic archives, and potentially as baselines for future ecological changes. In this study, the concentrations and distributions of long-chain (C25-C35) n-alkanes in fresh mature leaves, leaf litter fall, and surface soil (0-5 cm) from 0.4 ha, low

ABSTRACT This study investigated the influence of leonardite on coastal saline soil YX1 (very slightly saline), YX2 (slightly saline) and YX3(strongly saline) with 0/10/30/50 g/kg addition dosage during the 81-day incubation. Changes of pH, electrical conductivity, soil texture, micromorphology, functional groups and mineral constituents of soil were discussed. Results showed that the application of

ABSTRACT Adsorption performances of heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+) and the common co-ions of alkali and alkali earth metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+ and K+) on phosphoric acid modified bagasse were investigated in single and multi-component systems, and selective removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater were studied under different sorbent dosage. Results showed that the maximum amount of Pb2+

ABSTRACT Immobilisation is among efficient strategies in the remediation of heavy metals, including chromium (Cr)-polluted soils. A greenhouse trial was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of chitosan- and hematite-modified biochar and bacterial inoculations on the immobilisation of Cr in polluted soil under maize cultivation. Application of modified biochars and inoculation with Pseudomonas

ABSTRACT The current investigation has attempted to investigate the adsorption pattern of a persistent organochlorine insecticide, Endosulfan via the standard batch equilibrium method. Results for the model application are expressed adsorption co-efficient Kd ranging from 0.7 to 10 µg/mL. Existence of physisorption was confirmed through an exothermic and low interaction between Endosulfan and soil

ABSTRACT This paper intends to provide the reader with an overview of the Special Issue (SI) on ABBaCo project, an extensive research project aimed to characterise the environmental quality and a possible remediation and restoration strategy of the marine area impacted by the Bagnoli industrial site. The main focus of this SI is to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the physical environment

ABSTRACT In this study, we present the results of a very high-resolution bathymetric survey carried out offshore the dismissed industrial site of Bagnoli (Pozzuoli Bay, Gulf of Naples). The bathymetric maps and the thematic representation produced, allowed for detailed characterisation of the seabed lineaments and features. Seafloor bedforms and morphological features can be observed at a very high