Distinct accumulation patterns, translocation efficiencies, and impacts of nano-fertilizer and nano-pesticide in wheat through foliar versus soil application.

The use of nano-chemicals in agriculture has been shown to enhance crop production through soil additions or foliar sprays. However, the accumulation pattern, translocation efficiency, mode of action of nanomaterials (NMs) via different application methods remain unclear. In this study, wheat was treated with CuO-NPs/CeO-NPs (50 and 100 nm) for 21 days using soil and foliar application separately.

Ocean acidification impact on the uptake of trace elements by mussels and their biochemical effects.

This study delves into the intricate interplay between ocean acidification (OA), metal bioaccumulation, and cellular responses using mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as bioindicators. For this purpose, environmentally realistic concentrations of isotopically labelled metals (Cd, Cu, Ag, Ce) were added to investigate whether the OA increase would modify metal bioaccumulation and induce adverse effects at the cellular level. The study reveals that while certain elements like Cd and Ag might remain unaffected by OA, the bioavailability of Cu and Ce could potentially escalate, leading to amplified accumulation in marine organisms.

Technosols Derived from Mining, Urban, and Agro-Industrial Waste for the Remediation of Metal(loid)-Polluted Soils: A Microcosm Assay.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of six Technosols designed for the remediation of polluted soils (PS) by metal(loid)s at physicochemical, biological, and ecotoxicological levels and at a microcosm scale. Technosols T1-T6 were prepared by combining PS with a mix of organic and inorganic wastes from mining, urban, and agro-industrial activities. After two months of surface application of Technosols on polluted soils, we analysed the soil properties, metal(loid) concentration in total, soluble and bioavailable fractions, soil enzymatic activities, and the growth responses of and both the Technosols and the underlying polluted soils.

Editorial for the Special Issue "Phytotoxicity of Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soils".

Soil is an essential natural resource because of the ecosystem services it carries out in the terrestrial ecosystem: the provision of food, fibre and fuel; habitats for organisms; nutrient cycling; climate regulation and carbon sequestration; water purification and soil contaminant reductions; and others [...