Haipeng Zhang, Jie Chen, Xinyue Liu, Rui Wang, Hongcheng Zhang, Yanju Yang
ZZinc (Zn) is a critical co-factor for enzymes involved in photosynthesis, delaying leaf senescence and enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. Supplementing rice leaves with Zn can improve yield, quality, and Zn content in edible parts, addressing food security and micronutrient deficiencies. In this study, we evaluated the effects of spraying Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg L-1) at the rice panicle initiation stage on photosynthesis, yield, and grain quality through a two-year field experiment. Results showed foliar application of ZnO NPs at the panicle initiation stage increased leaf area index, net photosynthetic rate, and photosynthetic potential, leading to a 1.5%-6.4% increase in grain yield through higher grain filling rate and 1000-grain weight. ZnO NPs also delayed leaf senescence and prolonged the duration of active photosynthesis, which significantly contributed to higher biomass production and improved grain filling, further enhancing yield. Additionally, the enhancement in photosynthetic efficiency and delayed senescence promoted the production of high-quality grains. ZnO NPs improved rice appearance quality by reducing the chalkiness grain rate and degree. Rice tasting value increased by 3.3%-7.0%, reflecting improvements in appearance, viscosity, and balance, along with reductions in hardness. ZnO NPs raised peak viscosity and breakdown values while lowering setback values. Furthermore, ZnO NPs significantly increased Zn content in brown and milled rice by 13.8%-56.0% and 20.1%-78.6%, respectively, and improved Zn bioavailability by reducing the phytate-to-zinc molar ratio. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO NPs as a sustainable nanotechnology-based approach to simultaneously improve rice productivity, quality, and nutritional value, offering a promising solution for addressing food security and micronutrient deficiency in rice-based diets.
{"title":"Enhancing rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield and quality by improving photosynthesis with zinc oxide nanoparticles foliar application","authors":"Haipeng Zhang, Jie Chen, Xinyue Liu, Rui Wang, Hongcheng Zhang, Yanju Yang","doi":"10.1039/d4en01209g","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4en01209g","url":null,"abstract":"ZZinc (Zn) is a critical co-factor for enzymes involved in photosynthesis, delaying leaf senescence and enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. Supplementing rice leaves with Zn can improve yield, quality, and Zn content in edible parts, addressing food security and micronutrient deficiencies. In this study, we evaluated the effects of spraying Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg L-1) at the rice panicle initiation stage on photosynthesis, yield, and grain quality through a two-year field experiment. Results showed foliar application of ZnO NPs at the panicle initiation stage increased leaf area index, net photosynthetic rate, and photosynthetic potential, leading to a 1.5%-6.4% increase in grain yield through higher grain filling rate and 1000-grain weight. ZnO NPs also delayed leaf senescence and prolonged the duration of active photosynthesis, which significantly contributed to higher biomass production and improved grain filling, further enhancing yield. Additionally, the enhancement in photosynthetic efficiency and delayed senescence promoted the production of high-quality grains. ZnO NPs improved rice appearance quality by reducing the chalkiness grain rate and degree. Rice tasting value increased by 3.3%-7.0%, reflecting improvements in appearance, viscosity, and balance, along with reductions in hardness. ZnO NPs raised peak viscosity and breakdown values while lowering setback values. Furthermore, ZnO NPs significantly increased Zn content in brown and milled rice by 13.8%-56.0% and 20.1%-78.6%, respectively, and improved Zn bioavailability by reducing the phytate-to-zinc molar ratio. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO NPs as a sustainable nanotechnology-based approach to simultaneously improve rice productivity, quality, and nutritional value, offering a promising solution for addressing food security and micronutrient deficiency in rice-based diets.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"55 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143393704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study introduces M_CNF/biochar, a novel plant growth stimulant comprising the bamboo-derived biochar, boron (B), molybdenum (Mo)-, and copper (Cu)-carbon nanofibers (CNF). The prepared micro-nano formulation is successfully used to deliver the B-Mo-Cu multi micronutrients to the Cicer arietinum (chickpea) plant, with the CNF acting as a translocator for the micronutrients. The synthesized material is thoroughly characterized for its physicochemical property using various analytical techniques. The results show that a M_CNF/biochar-dose of 1 g kg⁻¹ soil significantly enhances plant growth, indicated by an increase in the fresh biomass, root and shoot lengths, and the protein and chlorophyll contents. Furthermore, the soil's water-holding capacity increases by more than 90% with the mixing of M_CNF/biochar. The results also reveal that the total nitrogen content of the soil amended with M_CNF/biochar increases more than 4 times, post-30 days of the plant growth, indicating an improvement in the nitrogen fixation capacity of the rhizosphere. This study has successfully presented the bamboo-derived biochar modified with micronutrients for sustainable agriculture.
{"title":"A Micro-Nano Formulation of Multi-Micronutrients- and Carbon Nanofiber-Modified Biochar for Enhanced Plant Growth","authors":"Abhishek Gupta, Rahul Gupta, Nishith Verma","doi":"10.1039/d4en00802b","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4en00802b","url":null,"abstract":"This study introduces M_CNF/biochar, a novel plant growth stimulant comprising the bamboo-derived biochar, boron (B), molybdenum (Mo)-, and copper (Cu)-carbon nanofibers (CNF). The prepared micro-nano formulation is successfully used to deliver the B-Mo-Cu multi micronutrients to the Cicer arietinum (chickpea) plant, with the CNF acting as a translocator for the micronutrients. The synthesized material is thoroughly characterized for its physicochemical property using various analytical techniques. The results show that a M_CNF/biochar-dose of 1 g kg⁻¹ soil significantly enhances plant growth, indicated by an increase in the fresh biomass, root and shoot lengths, and the protein and chlorophyll contents. Furthermore, the soil's water-holding capacity increases by more than 90% with the mixing of M_CNF/biochar. The results also reveal that the total nitrogen content of the soil amended with M_CNF/biochar increases more than 4 times, post-30 days of the plant growth, indicating an improvement in the nitrogen fixation capacity of the rhizosphere. This study has successfully presented the bamboo-derived biochar modified with micronutrients for sustainable agriculture.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143385488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heavy metal pollution in our water system has become a global concern. Pollution of heavy metals in water arises from anthropogenic activities such as industrial processes, agricultural runoff, mining, and improper waste disposal. The persistent accumulation of heavy metal in aquatic environments necessitate innovative approaches for remediation. Furthermore, accurate detection and characterization of heavy metals is crucial for proper assessment when evaluating various challenges on water pollution. Emerging applications from the field of nanoscience provide promising developments for both remediation and the analytical techniques required for both detection and quantification of heavy metal contaminants. This review provides a comprehensive outlook on the current applications of nano-based approaches for heavy metal remediation in water and the different analytical techniques based on nanomaterial-based technologies. Synthesis of key findings in both removal and characterization of heavy metals provide a holistic outlook and understanding on nanomaterials, as well as providing a comprehensive perspective on how nanotechnology can facilitate innovation in water remediation and detection of pollutants.
{"title":"Nanomaterials for the Removal and Detection of Heavy Metals: A Review","authors":"Mahima De Silva, Gaili Cao, Michael K. C. Tam","doi":"10.1039/d4en01041h","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4en01041h","url":null,"abstract":"Heavy metal pollution in our water system has become a global concern. Pollution of heavy metals in water arises from anthropogenic activities such as industrial processes, agricultural runoff, mining, and improper waste disposal. The persistent accumulation of heavy metal in aquatic environments necessitate innovative approaches for remediation. Furthermore, accurate detection and characterization of heavy metals is crucial for proper assessment when evaluating various challenges on water pollution. Emerging applications from the field of nanoscience provide promising developments for both remediation and the analytical techniques required for both detection and quantification of heavy metal contaminants. This review provides a comprehensive outlook on the current applications of nano-based approaches for heavy metal remediation in water and the different analytical techniques based on nanomaterial-based technologies. Synthesis of key findings in both removal and characterization of heavy metals provide a holistic outlook and understanding on nanomaterials, as well as providing a comprehensive perspective on how nanotechnology can facilitate innovation in water remediation and detection of pollutants.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143258466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yu Gao, Shuang Chen, Cexun Ji, Kui Chao, Xiulin Wang, Yan Shi
In order to reduce phosphorus (P) losses due to P leaching, enhance the adsorption capacity of soil for P, and ensure environmental safety and optimal crop growth, a multitude of calcium-containing natural minerals and industrial-synthesized materials have been employed in a vast array of applications. However, the potential of nano calcium carbonate (NCC) with high surface electronic activity and a large specific surface area to serve as ideal slow-release P fertilizers has rarely been explored in academic research. In this study, the optimum application rate of NCC and its effect on soil P processes were determined by setting up five different treatments, namely, 0 NCC, 0.15% NCC, 0.30% NCC, 0.45% NCC, and 0.60% NCC, through a soil column leaching experiment as well as a two-year field experiment (2020–2022). The results showed that all treatments of NCC reduced leaching losses of soluble P. Compared with 0 NCC, 0.30% NCC and 0.45% NCC increased soil available P (AP) content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In comparison to the 0 NCC, the 0.30% NCC treatment resulted in a notable increase in the relative abundance of several bacterial groups, including Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Haliangium, Solirubrobacter, Actinoplane, Nocardioides, Dongia, and Gemmatimonas. Additionally, the relative abundance of ppx, ppa, and phoD was elevated, while the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacillus, phnE, and phnC was reduced. The 15% NCC treatment resulted in a notable increase in the abundance of gcd. NCC treatments increased P concentrations in wheat stems, leaves, and spikes. NCC promoted wheat P uptake by regulating the rate of P release, and by activating ALP activity and increasing soil AP content by promoting soil bacterial-mediated mineralization of organic P and solubilization of inorganic P.
{"title":"Nano calcium carbonate promotes phosphorus uptake in wheat by modulating the rate of phosphorus release and facilitating soil bacterial-mediated phosphorus morphological transformation processes","authors":"Yu Gao, Shuang Chen, Cexun Ji, Kui Chao, Xiulin Wang, Yan Shi","doi":"10.1039/d4en00811a","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4en00811a","url":null,"abstract":"In order to reduce phosphorus (P) losses due to P leaching, enhance the adsorption capacity of soil for P, and ensure environmental safety and optimal crop growth, a multitude of calcium-containing natural minerals and industrial-synthesized materials have been employed in a vast array of applications. However, the potential of nano calcium carbonate (NCC) with high surface electronic activity and a large specific surface area to serve as ideal slow-release P fertilizers has rarely been explored in academic research. In this study, the optimum application rate of NCC and its effect on soil P processes were determined by setting up five different treatments, namely, 0 NCC, 0.15% NCC, 0.30% NCC, 0.45% NCC, and 0.60% NCC, through a soil column leaching experiment as well as a two-year field experiment (2020–2022). The results showed that all treatments of NCC reduced leaching losses of soluble P. Compared with 0 NCC, 0.30% NCC and 0.45% NCC increased soil available P (AP) content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In comparison to the 0 NCC, the 0.30% NCC treatment resulted in a notable increase in the relative abundance of several bacterial groups, including Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, <em>Haliangium</em>, <em>Solirubrobacter</em>, <em>Actinoplane</em>, <em>Nocardioides</em>, <em>Dongia</em>, and <em>Gemmatimonas</em>. Additionally, the relative abundance of <em>ppx</em>, <em>ppa</em>, and <em>phoD</em> was elevated, while the relative abundance of <em>Firmicutes</em>, <em>Bacillus</em>, <em>phnE</em>, and <em>phnC</em> was reduced. The 15% NCC treatment resulted in a notable increase in the abundance of <em>gcd</em>. NCC treatments increased P concentrations in wheat stems, leaves, and spikes. NCC promoted wheat P uptake by regulating the rate of P release, and by activating ALP activity and increasing soil AP content by promoting soil bacterial-mediated mineralization of organic P and solubilization of inorganic P.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"139 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143192570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asli BAYSAL, HASAN SAYGIN, Ahu Soyocak, Mehmet Kahraman, Emre Apaydin, Pemra Ozbek
Proteins like albumin are found in various environmental, living systems, and applications. It is known that functional, conformational and sorption properties of proteins are significantly affected by various surrounding conditions and chemicals. Moreover, micro/nanoplastics are an emerging issue for environment, living systems and industrial applications, and they can easily leach, sorb and/or desorb chemicals resulting medium characteristics. However, the impact of micro/nanoplastics on chemical and biological behaviors of protein is lacking. Herein, we investigated the interactions between bovine serum albumin and polyethylene terephthalate micro/nanoplastics using binding, structural and oxidative characteristics of protein by UV-VIS, fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, as well as molecular docking. In addition, the biological impact of non-treated and micro/nanoplastic-treated proteins was examined using cytotoxicity (mitochondrial activities and membrane integrity) and oxidative stress (antioxidant, reactive oxygen species, catalase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase) of human lung epithelial cell-A549 in vitro model. The binding results showed that micro/nanoplastics had affinity to protein and varied by exposure concentration and duration. Further molecular simulation found that micro/nanoplastics to bind to the active site of protein, which is the cause for its structural and functional changes. Raman spectra confrm the structural changes in the protein after the treatments. Moreover, the protein chemical (e.g., zeta potentials, aromatic side chain and folding) and oxidative indicators were significantly affected. The exposure of lung cells to non-treated and micro/nanoplastic-treated proteins showed different mitochondrial and membrane activities. The oxidative stress indicators revealed that antioxidant, reactive oxygen species and their balance had an impact, and the superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase were more influenced on the cell viabilities compared to catalase. The correlation results also indicated that folding, aromatic chain, quenching constant and oxidative potentials of protein were more effective indicators on the cell responses of micro/nanoplastics-treated proteins than zeta potentials. All the results indicated the side-effect of micro/nanoplastics on protein owing to the leaching and sorption.
{"title":"Elucidating the leaching effect of micro/nanoplastics on the binding, structural, and oxidative characteristics of bovine serum albumin, and impact on cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in the human lung cancer cell line, A549","authors":"Asli BAYSAL, HASAN SAYGIN, Ahu Soyocak, Mehmet Kahraman, Emre Apaydin, Pemra Ozbek","doi":"10.1039/d5en00071h","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5en00071h","url":null,"abstract":"Proteins like albumin are found in various environmental, living systems, and applications. It is known that functional, conformational and sorption properties of proteins are significantly affected by various surrounding conditions and chemicals. Moreover, micro/nanoplastics are an emerging issue for environment, living systems and industrial applications, and they can easily leach, sorb and/or desorb chemicals resulting medium characteristics. However, the impact of micro/nanoplastics on chemical and biological behaviors of protein is lacking. Herein, we investigated the interactions between bovine serum albumin and polyethylene terephthalate micro/nanoplastics using binding, structural and oxidative characteristics of protein by UV-VIS, fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, as well as molecular docking. In addition, the biological impact of non-treated and micro/nanoplastic-treated proteins was examined using cytotoxicity (mitochondrial activities and membrane integrity) and oxidative stress (antioxidant, reactive oxygen species, catalase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase) of human lung epithelial cell-A549 in vitro model. The binding results showed that micro/nanoplastics had affinity to protein and varied by exposure concentration and duration. Further molecular simulation found that micro/nanoplastics to bind to the active site of protein, which is the cause for its structural and functional changes. Raman spectra confrm the structural changes in the protein after the treatments. Moreover, the protein chemical (e.g., zeta potentials, aromatic side chain and folding) and oxidative indicators were significantly affected. The exposure of lung cells to non-treated and micro/nanoplastic-treated proteins showed different mitochondrial and membrane activities. The oxidative stress indicators revealed that antioxidant, reactive oxygen species and their balance had an impact, and the superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase were more influenced on the cell viabilities compared to catalase. The correlation results also indicated that folding, aromatic chain, quenching constant and oxidative potentials of protein were more effective indicators on the cell responses of micro/nanoplastics-treated proteins than zeta potentials. All the results indicated the side-effect of micro/nanoplastics on protein owing to the leaching and sorption.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143192572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tong Li, Ran Tao, Zhen Zhong, Xian Liu, Zenggui Gao
Muskmelon Fusarium wilt (MFW) disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (FOM) is one of the major challenges faced in muskmelon production worldwide. Trichoderma sp., as a well-known biocontrol fungus, and AgNPs have been widely used to control plant diseases. However, few literature studies have been reported on the combined application of AgNPs and Trichoderma sp. against soil-borne diseases. This study was aimed at investigating the inhibitory effect of AgNPs and Trichoderma sp. to FOM and the control effect of the combined application of AgNPs and Trichoderma koningiopsis (TK) against MFW. The characteristics of different AgNPs were also analyzed using various techniques, such as XRD, TEM-EDS, FTIR and TEM. Results showed that TK had the highest inhibition rate (63.77%) against FOM among the four Trichoderma strains and had the best resistance to AgNPs, with an average inhibition rate of 5.76% on mycelium growth. Different AgNPs and their combinations had different inhibitory effects on the growth and sporulation of FOM. The inhibition rate of the AgNPs-TH (T. hamatum) and AgNPs-TK (T. koningiopsis) combination (AgNPs-C) was the highest, reaching up to 50.83%. The specific absorption peaks of AgNPs-TH, AgNPs-TK and AgNPs-C occurred at 420 nm, 323 nm and 320 nm, respectively. XRD and TEM-EDS showed that the crystalline structured nanoparticles were spherical with a diameter ranging from 16.5 nm to 23.4 nm. FTIR results showed that there were more functional group moieties (–OH, –CH3, –C–O, etc.) on AgNPs-C, which were involved as a capping and reducing agent in the biosynthesis of AgNPs. The combined application of AgNPs-C and TK decreased the incidence (11.11%) and disease index (2.78) compared with CK-F (77.78% and 48.61, respectively) and improved the growth and plant fresh weight. Thus, the combined application of AgNPs and biocontrol agent (TK) could be used to improve the growth and development of muskmelon and suppress the MFW disease, providing an alternative approach to realize an eco-friendly control of the soil-borne disease.
{"title":"Combining Trichoderma sp. and biogenic AgNPs from Trichoderma strains as a synergistic control complex to improve the growth of muskmelon and suppress Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis","authors":"Tong Li, Ran Tao, Zhen Zhong, Xian Liu, Zenggui Gao","doi":"10.1039/d4en00760c","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4en00760c","url":null,"abstract":"Muskmelon <em>Fusarium</em> wilt (MFW) disease caused by <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> f. sp. <em>melonis</em> (FOM) is one of the major challenges faced in muskmelon production worldwide. <em>Trichoderma</em> sp., as a well-known biocontrol fungus, and AgNPs have been widely used to control plant diseases. However, few literature studies have been reported on the combined application of AgNPs and <em>Trichoderma</em> sp. against soil-borne diseases. This study was aimed at investigating the inhibitory effect of AgNPs and <em>Trichoderma</em> sp. to FOM and the control effect of the combined application of AgNPs and <em>Trichoderma koningiopsis</em> (TK) against MFW. The characteristics of different AgNPs were also analyzed using various techniques, such as XRD, TEM-EDS, FTIR and TEM. Results showed that TK had the highest inhibition rate (63.77%) against FOM among the four <em>Trichoderma</em> strains and had the best resistance to AgNPs, with an average inhibition rate of 5.76% on mycelium growth. Different AgNPs and their combinations had different inhibitory effects on the growth and sporulation of FOM. The inhibition rate of the AgNPs-TH (<em>T. hamatum</em>) and AgNPs-TK (<em>T. koningiopsis</em>) combination (AgNPs-C) was the highest, reaching up to 50.83%. The specific absorption peaks of AgNPs-TH, AgNPs-TK and AgNPs-C occurred at 420 nm, 323 nm and 320 nm, respectively. XRD and TEM-EDS showed that the crystalline structured nanoparticles were spherical with a diameter ranging from 16.5 nm to 23.4 nm. FTIR results showed that there were more functional group moieties (–OH, –CH<small><sub>3</sub></small>, –C–O, <em>etc.</em>) on AgNPs-C, which were involved as a capping and reducing agent in the biosynthesis of AgNPs. The combined application of AgNPs-C and TK decreased the incidence (11.11%) and disease index (2.78) compared with CK-F (77.78% and 48.61, respectively) and improved the growth and plant fresh weight. Thus, the combined application of AgNPs and biocontrol agent (TK) could be used to improve the growth and development of muskmelon and suppress the MFW disease, providing an alternative approach to realize an eco-friendly control of the soil-borne disease.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"76 2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143083504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants that pose significant risks to the environment and human health. Phenanthrene (PHE), a model PAH, has been shown to cause toxic effects on plants, particularly on their photosynthetic performance. This study investigated the potential of nano-biochar (nBC) derived from rice straw to alleviate the phytotoxicity of PHE in wheat seedlings. We hypothesized that the high adsorption capacity and unique properties of nBC, such as high surface area, porous structure, and abundant functional groups, could reduce the bioavailability and toxicity of PHE, thereby mitigating its adverse effects on wheat growth and photosynthesis. Wheat seedlings were exposed to different treatments, control, 1.0 mg L-1nBC, 1.0 mg L-1 PHE, 1.0 mg L-1 PHE + 0.5 mg L-1 nBC, and 1.0 mg L-1 PHE + 1.0 mg L-1 nBC. The results showed that nBC alleviated PHE-induced chlorosis and improved plant growth. Compared to the PHE-single treatment, the application of 1.0 mg L-1 nBC increased chlorophyll content by 14.54% and enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, as evidenced by increases in Fv/Fm (2.48%), qP (9.06%), and ΦPSII (3.81%). Furthermore, nBC reduced the accumulation of PHE in wheat tissues, with the PHE concentration in the PHE- single treatment being 1.77 and 1.61 times higher than that in the 1.0 mg L-1 nBC treatment for shoots and roots, respectively. The non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values decreased by 13.64% in the presence of 1.0 mg L-1 nBC, indicating reduced heat dissipation and improved photosynthetic performance. The alleviation of PHE toxicity by nBC can be attributed to its high adsorption capacity, which limits the uptake of PHE by plants. Additionally, the photoelectric effect of nBC may directly promote photosynthesis by enhancing electron transport and providing reducing power for ATP and NADPH synthesis. The use of nBC for the remediation of PAH-contaminated soils offers several advantages, including sustainability, eco-friendliness, and additional benefits such as carbon sequestration and soil quality improvement. These findings highlight the potential of nBC as an effective amendment for the remediation of PAH-contaminated soils and the protection of crops under PAH stress.
{"title":"The Role of Nano-Biochar Reduce the Impact of Phenanthrene on Wheat Photosynthesis","authors":"Menghan Cui, Jin Zhang, Shuangyuan Xu, Chenghao Huang, Bożena Czech, Jiangang Han, Yu Shen, Xinhua Zhan","doi":"10.1039/d4en00887a","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4en00887a","url":null,"abstract":"Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants that pose significant risks to the environment and human health. Phenanthrene (PHE), a model PAH, has been shown to cause toxic effects on plants, particularly on their photosynthetic performance. This study investigated the potential of nano-biochar (nBC) derived from rice straw to alleviate the phytotoxicity of PHE in wheat seedlings. We hypothesized that the high adsorption capacity and unique properties of nBC, such as high surface area, porous structure, and abundant functional groups, could reduce the bioavailability and toxicity of PHE, thereby mitigating its adverse effects on wheat growth and photosynthesis. Wheat seedlings were exposed to different treatments, control, 1.0 mg L-1nBC, 1.0 mg L-1 PHE, 1.0 mg L-1 PHE + 0.5 mg L-1 nBC, and 1.0 mg L-1 PHE + 1.0 mg L-1 nBC. The results showed that nBC alleviated PHE-induced chlorosis and improved plant growth. Compared to the PHE-single treatment, the application of 1.0 mg L-1 nBC increased chlorophyll content by 14.54% and enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, as evidenced by increases in Fv/Fm (2.48%), qP (9.06%), and ΦPSII (3.81%). Furthermore, nBC reduced the accumulation of PHE in wheat tissues, with the PHE concentration in the PHE- single treatment being 1.77 and 1.61 times higher than that in the 1.0 mg L-1 nBC treatment for shoots and roots, respectively. The non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values decreased by 13.64% in the presence of 1.0 mg L-1 nBC, indicating reduced heat dissipation and improved photosynthetic performance. The alleviation of PHE toxicity by nBC can be attributed to its high adsorption capacity, which limits the uptake of PHE by plants. Additionally, the photoelectric effect of nBC may directly promote photosynthesis by enhancing electron transport and providing reducing power for ATP and NADPH synthesis. The use of nBC for the remediation of PAH-contaminated soils offers several advantages, including sustainability, eco-friendliness, and additional benefits such as carbon sequestration and soil quality improvement. These findings highlight the potential of nBC as an effective amendment for the remediation of PAH-contaminated soils and the protection of crops under PAH stress.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143083503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carbon black (CB) is a man-made, pure carbon particle, with numerous applications in a variety of commercial and consumer products. Upon inhalation, it may bioaccumulate across various organs, raising serious health concerns. However, the biotransformation processes that CB undergoes can alter its chemical and physical properties, thereby affecting its toxicities. When airborne CB is exposed to UV radiation, it undergoes an aging process. Upon entering physiological environments, biomacromolecules, such as proteins, rapidly adsorb onto CB’s surface, forming a protein corona that mediates cellular interactions. Our study reveals that ozone aging influences CB’s adsorption in mouse plasma. Exposure to both pristine CB and ozone-aged carbon black (CB-O3) triggers inflammatory responses in J774A.1 macrophage cell lines and activates the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Notably, ozone aging and plasma protein corona adsorption enhance CB uptake by J774A.1 cells, thereby increasing its cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, CB and CB-O3 exposure induce lysosomal damage and dysfunction, leading to cathepsin B release, which in turn activates the NLRP3 inflammasome. Importantly, this activation correlates with a reduction in blood-testis barrier-associated protein expression. In vivo experiments confirm that prolonged exposure to CB and CB-O3 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome within the testes, leading to a significant compromise of the blood-testis barrier integrity in mice.
{"title":"Ozone Aging and Protein Corona Adsorption Exacerbate Inflammatory Effects of Carbon Black on Macrophages and Induce Blood-Testis Barrier Dysfunction in Mice","authors":"Qingchun Wu, Jianzhong Cao, Yang Song","doi":"10.1039/d4en01166j","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4en01166j","url":null,"abstract":"Carbon black (CB) is a man-made, pure carbon particle, with numerous applications in a variety of commercial and consumer products. Upon inhalation, it may bioaccumulate across various organs, raising serious health concerns. However, the biotransformation processes that CB undergoes can alter its chemical and physical properties, thereby affecting its toxicities. When airborne CB is exposed to UV radiation, it undergoes an aging process. Upon entering physiological environments, biomacromolecules, such as proteins, rapidly adsorb onto CB’s surface, forming a protein corona that mediates cellular interactions. Our study reveals that ozone aging influences CB’s adsorption in mouse plasma. Exposure to both pristine CB and ozone-aged carbon black (CB-O3) triggers inflammatory responses in J774A.1 macrophage cell lines and activates the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Notably, ozone aging and plasma protein corona adsorption enhance CB uptake by J774A.1 cells, thereby increasing its cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, CB and CB-O3 exposure induce lysosomal damage and dysfunction, leading to cathepsin B release, which in turn activates the NLRP3 inflammasome. Importantly, this activation correlates with a reduction in blood-testis barrier-associated protein expression. In vivo experiments confirm that prolonged exposure to CB and CB-O3 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome within the testes, leading to a significant compromise of the blood-testis barrier integrity in mice.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143056713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kimia Moiniafshari, Alessandra Zanut, Andrea Tapparo, Paolo Pastore, Sara Bogialli, Fazel Abdolahpur Monikh
Humans are constantly exposed to microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). Although significant gaps remain in our understanding of their adverse effects on human health, it is increasingly evident that MNPs can penetrate physiological barriers and accumulate in various locations within the human body. Analytical limitations in tracking and measuring nanoplastics in physiological media may persist for several years before we can accurately detect these particles in the human body and establish a clear link between their exposure and associated hazards. In addition to the few studies that have emerged recently, our knowledge of chemicals with properties similar to those of MNPs, as well as other types of nanomaterials, suggests that MNPs may cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and potentially induce damage to the human central nervous system. Here, we provide an overview of the limited number of studies available on this topic and present a perspective on the potential pathways through which MNPs may penetrate the BBB. We also discuss the main mechanisms by which MNPs could potentially impact the central nervous system (CNS), with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This information could contribute to the development of tailored studies exploring the negative effects of MNPs on the CNS.
{"title":"A Perspective on the Potential Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on the Human Central Nervous System","authors":"Kimia Moiniafshari, Alessandra Zanut, Andrea Tapparo, Paolo Pastore, Sara Bogialli, Fazel Abdolahpur Monikh","doi":"10.1039/d4en01017e","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4en01017e","url":null,"abstract":"Humans are constantly exposed to microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). Although significant gaps remain in our understanding of their adverse effects on human health, it is increasingly evident that MNPs can penetrate physiological barriers and accumulate in various locations within the human body. Analytical limitations in tracking and measuring nanoplastics in physiological media may persist for several years before we can accurately detect these particles in the human body and establish a clear link between their exposure and associated hazards. In addition to the few studies that have emerged recently, our knowledge of chemicals with properties similar to those of MNPs, as well as other types of nanomaterials, suggests that MNPs may cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and potentially induce damage to the human central nervous system. Here, we provide an overview of the limited number of studies available on this topic and present a perspective on the potential pathways through which MNPs may penetrate the BBB. We also discuss the main mechanisms by which MNPs could potentially impact the central nervous system (CNS), with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This information could contribute to the development of tailored studies exploring the negative effects of MNPs on the CNS.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143055614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charles A. Clifford, Delphine Bard, Fernando A. Castro, Gareth S. Evans, Mark Gee, Samantha Hall, Stephanie Kitchen, Denis Koltsov, Alex Price, Rachel Smith, Fatima Nasser
The term advanced materials (AM) is used widely to cover a large number of diverse new innovative materials, including nanomaterials, advanced composites, innovative surface coatings, (bio)polymers, porous and particle systems, ceramics, smart and metamaterials and advanced fibres and textiles. With any new materials, there are commercial and performance advantages that need to be balanced with any potential environmental, health and safety issues, for example, around exposure, toxicity, sustainability and waste. Key players in the UK from government bodies, research, measurement and standardisation organisations, academia and industry came together to consider these issues via two online workshops in April 2021 and February 2023. At each event, scene-setting presentations by key experts were followed by discussions addressing salient issues, including, benefits and barriers to AM commercialisation, potential environmental, health and safety issues, and safe(r) by design approaches. The first workshop served as a starting point to share views on the potential societal benefits of AM and perceived obstacles to their wider adoption. The second workshop focused on safety by design, life cycle analysis and challenges faced at different points in the supply chain. In addition to confirming findings from previous studies, these workshops also highlighted specific challenges that are faced by small to medium sized enterprises (SME). These workshops provided a unique opportunity for policy makers, regulators, standardisation bodies, funding bodies and academia to understand the concerns of industry and researchers, who develop and work with AM. This included what they felt would help support them in their aims of developing innovative, commercially successful, safe and sustainable AM.
{"title":"Safe and sustainable development of advanced materials: UK National Knowledge Sharing Network Workshops","authors":"Charles A. Clifford, Delphine Bard, Fernando A. Castro, Gareth S. Evans, Mark Gee, Samantha Hall, Stephanie Kitchen, Denis Koltsov, Alex Price, Rachel Smith, Fatima Nasser","doi":"10.1039/d4en00555d","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4en00555d","url":null,"abstract":"The term advanced materials (AM) is used widely to cover a large number of diverse new innovative materials, including nanomaterials, advanced composites, innovative surface coatings, (bio)polymers, porous and particle systems, ceramics, smart and metamaterials and advanced fibres and textiles. With any new materials, there are commercial and performance advantages that need to be balanced with any potential environmental, health and safety issues, for example, around exposure, toxicity, sustainability and waste. Key players in the UK from government bodies, research, measurement and standardisation organisations, academia and industry came together to consider these issues <em>via</em> two online workshops in April 2021 and February 2023. At each event, scene-setting presentations by key experts were followed by discussions addressing salient issues, including, benefits and barriers to AM commercialisation, potential environmental, health and safety issues, and safe(r) by design approaches. The first workshop served as a starting point to share views on the potential societal benefits of AM and perceived obstacles to their wider adoption. The second workshop focused on safety by design, life cycle analysis and challenges faced at different points in the supply chain. In addition to confirming findings from previous studies, these workshops also highlighted specific challenges that are faced by small to medium sized enterprises (SME). These workshops provided a unique opportunity for policy makers, regulators, standardisation bodies, funding bodies and academia to understand the concerns of industry and researchers, who develop and work with AM. This included what they felt would help support them in their aims of developing innovative, commercially successful, safe and sustainable AM.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"52 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143055616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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