Immobilization and phytoavailability of antimony (Sb) in contaminated agricultural soils amended with composted manure.

A pot experiment was conducted to assess the Sb phytoavailability and its accumulation in the wheat before and after remediation, using the composted manure of poultry and sheep, and a chemical amendment (limestone). The present study evaluates the effects of amendments on Sb bioavailability in different soils and investigates the relationship between bioaccumulated Sb and its availability in spiked soils using two different single extraction methods. Furthermore, a sequential extraction procedure was used to measure different fractions of Sb in soil, in order to assess the effect of remediation.

Toxicity and bioavailability of antimony to the earthworm (Eisenia fetida) in different agricultural soils.

Laboratory experiments in which earthworms were exposed to four different Sb spiked agricultural soils (acidic, neutral, alkaline and calcareous alkaline soil) were conducted in a climate-controlled room. The study surveyed the toxicity of Sb to the Eisenia fetida at the individual (mortality, growth inhibition, Sb accumulation), physiological (enzymatic activities), subcellular and tissue levels (histological damage), and for the induction of an avoidance response of Sb. The results showed that earthworms clearly avoided Sb spiked soil, and the avoidance response tended to be correlated to the exposure dose.

Polythiourethane Covalent Adaptable Networks for Strong and Reworkable Adhesives and Fully Recyclable Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites.

The development of adhesives with superior optical and mechanical performance, solvent resistance, and reworkability is gaining increasing attention in recent years. However, traditional materials do not possess reprocessability and healing characteristics for sustainable development. Here, a superior dynamic polythiourethane (PTU) adhesive with high reprocessability was developed by introducing covalent adaptable networks (CANs).

Extremely Tough, Puncture-Resistant, Transparent, and Photoluminescent Polyurethane Elastomers for Crack Self-Diagnose and Healing Tracking.

Ensuring material performance reliability and lifetime is crucial for practical operations. Small cracks on the material surface are often detrimental to its safe operation. This study describes the development of a hydrogen bond-rich puncture-resistant polyurethane elastomer with supertoughness.

Toxicity and bioavailability of antimony in edible amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor Linn.) cultivated in two agricultural soil types.

Although elevated levels of antimony (Sb) in agricultural soil and plant systems can have harmful effects on human health and ecosystems, little is known about the toxicity of Sb to plants and its mechanism. The assessment of Sb bioavailability is essential for understanding its potential risks and toxicity. In this study, we used pot experiments with two agricultural soil types spiked with Sb to investigate the dose-effect relationship between exposure to Sb and toxic effects (growth and bioaccumulation) on edible amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor Linn.

Catalyst-Free One-Step Preparation of Self-Crosslinked pH-Responsive Vesicles.

The fabrication of block copolymer (BCP) vesicles with controlled membrane permeability and promising stability remains a considerable challenge. Herein, a new type of pH-responsive and self-crosslinked vesicle based on a hydrolytically hindered urea bond is reported. This kind of vesicle is formed by the self-assembly of a pH-responsive and hydrolytically self-crosslinkable copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly[2-(3-(tert-butyl)-3-ethylureido)ethyl methacrylate-co-2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PEG-b-P(TBEU-co-DEA)).

Uptake, translocation and phytotoxicity of antimonite in wheat (Triticum aestivum).

Antimony (Sb) contamination of soils and its potential negative impact on crop yields have been recently recognized. To explore the effects of Sb(III) on wheat, responses of physical growth properties, enzyme activities and gene expression were examined. The root length was the most relevant indicator to exposure concentration, the root fresh weight was the most sensitive endpoint according to the comparison of the EC (50% inhibitory effect concentration) values, and NRAMP1 gene expression at 1 mg L was more sensitive than other genes.

Antimony speciation in the environment: Recent advances in understanding the biogeochemical processes and ecological effects.

Antimony (Sb) is a toxic metalloid, and its pollution has become a global environmental problem as a result of its extensive use and corresponding Sb-mining activities. The toxicity and mobility of Sb strongly depend on its chemical speciation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the biogeochemical processes (including emission, distribution, speciation, redox, metabolism and toxicity) that trigger the mobilization and transformation of Sb from pollution sources to the surrounding environment.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination and bioaccumulation in soybean plants from mining and smelting areas of southern Hunan Province, China.

Soybean is one of most important dicotyledonous food crops and is widely planted in Hunan Province, China. However, mining activity causes contamination of the soil in which soybean grows. To assess the impact of mining-induced soil contamination on soybean plants, a geoaccumulation index (I(geo)) was used to evaluate 20 soil samples from the mining and smelting areas of southern Hunan Province.