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Obtained from Aquilaria Lam. and Gyrinops Gaertn., agarwood is a prestigious perfume and medicinal material in the world. Its primary chemical constituents and indicators of agarwood's development are 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (PECs). However, how PECs affect its quality, accumulation, and transformation pattern is still unclear. The present study investigated this issue by monitoring resin filling in agarwood generated by the whole-tree agarwood-inducing technique over a span of a year, observing the ethanol extract concentration at different sampling times, and statistically examining PECs in agarwood from each sampling period. In agarwood, the resin accumulated over time, except during the 4th-6th month due to the creation of a barrier layer. The relative content of total PECs demonstrated an overall increase throughout the year but a decrease from the 4th month to the 6th month, and the relative content of 19 PECs that persisted throughout the year was positively correlated with the content of ethanol extracts. In addition, the process of chromone accumulation was accompanied by the production and transformation of different types of chromones, with flindersia type 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, epoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, and diepoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones being the major chromone components; in addition, the content of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro- 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones kept increasing after 6 months of agarwood formation. Three main trends were identified from 58 analogs of PECs, each with notable variation. The first type had the highest content at the beginning of resin formation. The second type had the highest content at 6 months and then started to decrease, and the third type had a slowly increasing content. As a whole, this study systematically investigated the accumulation of PECs during injury-induced agarwood production in A. sinensis, which is of scientific significance in resolving the transformation of PECs and revealing the secret of agarwood formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The paper argues that the classical Marxist theory of capitalist accumulation is inadequate to understand new forms of capitalism and their accumulation processes determined by "platforms" and "big data". Big data platforms are shaping the processes of production, labour, the price of products and market conditions. "Digital platforms" and "big data" have become an integral part of the processes of production, distribution and exchange relations. These twin pillars are central to the capitalist accumulation processes. The article argues that the classical Marxist theory of capitalist accumulation is inadequate to understand new forms of capitalism and their accumulation processes determined by "platforms" and "big data". Design/methodology/approach: As a conceptual paper, this paper follows critical methodological lineages and traditions based on non-linear historical narratives around the conceptualisation, construction and transition of the "Marxist theory of capital accumulation" in the age of platform economy. This paper follows a discourse analysis (Fairclough, 2003) to locate the way in which an artificial intelligence (AI)-led platform economy helps identify and conceptualise new forms of capitalist accumulation. It engages with Jørgensen and Phillips' (2002) contextual and empirical discursive traditions to undertake a qualitative comparative analysis by exploring a broad range of complex factors with case studies and examples from leading firms within the platform economy. Finally, it adopts two steps of "Theory Synthesis and Theory Adaptation" as outlined by Jaakkola (2020) to synthesise, adopt and expand the Marxist theory of capital accumulation under platform capitalism. Findings: This article identifies new trends and forms of data driven capitalist accumulation processes within the platform capitalism. The findings suggest that an AI led platform economy creates new forms of capitalist accumulation. The article helps to develop theoretical understanding and conceptual frameworks to understand and explain these new forms of capital accumulation. Originality/value: This study builds upon the limited theorisation on the AI and new capitalist accumulation processes. This article identifies new trends and forms of data driven capitalist accumulation processes within platform capitalism. The article helps to understand digital and platform capitalisms in the lens of digital labour and expands the theory of capitalist accumulation and its new forms in the age of datafication. While critiquing the Marxist theory of capitalist accumulation, the article offers alternative approaches for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In my paper I consider the movement of objects in „space", taking into account the idea of preserving and accumulation of change with time. I compare this view with Newton, Leibniz and Einstein's ideas of movement, space and time. To illustrate this, I represent the movement of two objects along a straight line, as well as some dependences connected to it. I also pose questions as "Why and how the things exist?" in relation to characteristics like discernibility, equality, and change. I also address faith as an integral part of science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores how beneficiaries of South Africa's land reform programme attempt to navigate the contradictory dynamics of production and social reproduction in collectively owned agricultural enterprises. The Mphuzanyoni Communal Property Association in KwaZulu‐Natal province farms with commercial beef herds and the Mayime Cooperative in the Eastern Cape province is engaged in a joint venture dairy farming scheme in partnership with an agribusiness firm. Severe tensions are evident between the social reproduction of households and the requirements of simple or expanded reproduction of agricultural enterprises. Bernstein's concept of competing 'funds' is used to examine struggles over production and reproduction on the farms, in which members of socially differentiated households contest divergent visions for the collective enterprises. Conflicts centre on how labour and capital should be mobilised, how income and other benefits in kind should be distributed to households and whether or not income should be invested for purposes of simple or expanded reproduction of the enterprise. Challenges of governance are rooted in these conflicts rather than in group ownership as a form of property right. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic contaminants which consist of toxic metals and salts are notable for their wide environmental dispersion and their tendency to accumulate in the tissues of the human body. Heavy metals are the major inorganic contaminants in abattoir soils. These metals, even at relatively low concentrations, are toxic. Hence the objective of this paper was to determine the concentration of Pb, Hg, Co, V, As, Fe, Cu, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Zn and their potential sources of pollution in soil from two abattoirs in Itu and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods after the dry oxidation. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The distribution of heavy metals contaminants in the Itu abattoir was of the order Hg < As < V < Cr < Co < Mn < Ni < Pb < Cd < Cu < Zn < Fe, while that of the Ikot Ekpene abattoir was Hg < As < Co < V < Cr < Mn < Pb < Ni < Cd < Cu < Zn < Fe. The mean order obtained for both abattoirs was Hg < As < V < Cr < Co < Mn < Ni < Pb < Cd < Cu < Zn < Fe. The results were subjected to some pollution indices to ascertain the level of ecological impacts on both plants and animals ecosystem around the abattoirs. The contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, degree of contamination, and pollution load index depict no pollution. Generally, all metals investigated were below the permissible limits of DUTCH, FEPA, WHO/FAO, and NESREA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the WWI the oil needs of the Romanian army became essential in the context of the retreats towards Eastern Romania, in Moldova. Geologist lon Popescu-Voiteşti was asked to find solutions to increase the oil production and he proposed to deepen the wells of certain oilfields such as Solonj-Stăneşti or Zemes, with excellent results. Based on this precedent, for a quarter of a century, the geological scientist turned professor at the University of Cluj, remained concerned with the issue of hydrocarbon fields in Romania. The results of that work were included in a series of publications, the last book published just one year before his sudden death being a synthesis on this topic. This paper exposes the main ideas which can be find in the publications issued between 1916 and 1943, which explain Voitesti's proposed approaches to the professional challenges of the oil and gas fields in Romania [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although narrow deposits hold economic and environmental importance, the assessment of their mineral resources with kriging is often challenging due to the shortage of paired data for variogram analysis along the narrow dimension. This study addresses the problem of modeling alumina and silica grades in a layered bauxite deposit using three geostatistical approaches. The first one is the direct approach, where grades are cokriged inside the mineralized layer interpreted by geologists; the second one (indirect approach) substitutes the grades with the layer thickness and accumulations as service variables; the third approach trades the traditional random field representation for a deterministic representation to jointly predict the alumina and silica grades inside the mineralized layer, based on an innovative technique called transitive cokriging. A comparative analysis of the results highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, in terms of data preparation, geological modeling, and mineral resources modeling. The study concludes that the transitive approach is a promising alternative for mapping ore grades in deposits with narrow dimensions, due to a more congenial structural analysis and a reduced smoothing effect in comparison with the direct approach, while it avoids scaling down the representation of the deposit to two dimensions as in the indirect approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effect of the photoperiod on the accumulation and distribution of dry matter in potato, a pot experiment was carried out in 2021 and 2022 with two varieties (Atlantic and Hezuo 88). The varieties were used as the main plot, and light treatments (short-day and long-day) were used as the subplot. The results showed that extended hours of light delayed tuber formation in Hezuo 88, however, the effect was not obvious for the Atlantic. Comprehensive analyses were carried out using the potato developmental process, dynamic equation fitting of the tuber and whole-plant dry matter accumulation, and the dry matter accumulation and distribution rate of each organ of the two varieties under two photoperiods. The two photoperiods had different effects on the parameters of rapid tuber and whole-plant dry matter accumulation: the starting point of the period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (t1), the duration period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (Δt), and the average growth rate of the period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (Vmean). According to comprehensive analysis, tuber dry matter accumulation in Atlantic was the highest under the short-day condition, while Hezuo 88 showed the lowest tuber dry matter accumulation under the long-day condition and was the latest to enter the rapid tuber dry matter accumulation period. The whole-plant dry matter accumulation in Atlantic was the highest under the long-day condition and lowest in Hezuo 88; meanwhile, Hezuo 88 was the latest to enter the rapid whole-plant dry matter accumulation period. In terms of the dry matter accumulation and dry matter partitioning ratio of various organs, Hezuo 88 had the lowest mean tuber dry matter accumulation and partitioning ratio under the long-day condition but the highest mean stem, leaf, root, underground stem, and stolon dry matter partitioning ratio. On the contrary, Atlantic had the highest mean tuber dry matter accumulation and portioning ratio under the short-day condition but the lowest mean stem, leaf, root, underground stem, and stolon dry matter partitioning ratio. It was concluded that different varieties of potato respond differently to the photoperiod. In the case of Hezuo 88, prolonging the photoperiod affected the dynamics and distribution of dry matter accumulation; increased the stem, leaf, root, and underground stem dry matter partitioning ratio; and decreased the tuber dry matter partitioning ratio, which resulted in a decrease in tuber dry matter accumulation and consequently delayed the emergence of the equilibrium period between the aboveground and underground dry matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specific feature of mushrooms (including those of the genus Pleurotus) is their natural ability to absorb and accumulate many chemical substances present in their immediate environment, which makes them an excellent natural sorption material. Hence, fruiting bodies of mushrooms have been recognized for years as excellent indicators of the environment, reflecting its current state. Nevertheless, mushrooms can accumulate both health-promoting substances, such as bioelements, and toxic substances, such as heavy metals and organic compounds, including bisphenol A® (BPA). This organic chemical compound in the phenol group, although it has been withdrawn in the EU since 2010, is widely present in the environment around us. In the present experiment, we aimed to determine the effect of adding BPA to liquid media for in vitro cultures of Pleurotus spp. The biomass increases were determined. Moreover, the degrees of adsorption and desorption of BPA from the obtained freeze-dried biomass in two different environments (neutral and acidic) were determined as a function of time. This is the first study to determine the bioavailability of adsorbed BPA in obtained biomass by extracting the mycelium into artificial digestive juices in a model digestive system. BPA was added to the liquid Oddoux medium in the following amounts: 0.01, 0.5, and 0.5 g/250 mL of medium. The amounts of adsorbed and desorbed BPA were determined by flow injection analysis (FIA) with amperometric detection. The addition of BPA to the substrate reduced the biomass growth in each of the discussed cases. BPA adsorption by the mycelium occurred at over 90% and depended on the morphology of the mushroom (structure, surface development, and pore size). BPA desorption depended on the pH of the environment and the desorption time. Mushrooms are an excellent natural remedial material, but BPA is extracted into artificial digestive juices; therefore, consuming mushrooms from industrialized areas may have health consequences for our bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrobium nobile is an important orchid plant that has been used as a traditional herb for many years. For the further pharmaceutical development of this resource, a combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis was performed in different parts of D. nobile. First, saccharides, organic acids, amino acids and their derivatives, and alkaloids were the main substances identified in D. nobile. Amino acids and their derivatives and flavonoids accumulated strongly in flowers; saccharides and phenols accumulated strongly in flowers and fruits; alkaloids accumulated strongly in leaves and flowers; and a nucleotide and its derivatives and organic acids accumulated strongly in leaves, flowers, and fruits. Simultaneously, genes for lipid metabolism, terpenoid biosynthesis, and alkaloid biosynthesis were highly expressed in the flowers; genes for phenylpropanoids biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis were highly expressed in the roots; and genes for other metabolisms were highly expressed in the leaves. Furthermore, different members of metabolic enzyme families like cytochrome P450 and 4-coumarate-coA ligase showed differential effects on tissue-specific metabolic accumulation. Members of transcription factor families like AP2-EREBP, bHLH, NAC, MADS, and MYB participated widely in differential accumulation. ATP-binding cassette transporters and some other transporters also showed positive effects on tissue-specific metabolic accumulation. These results systematically elucidated the molecular mechanism of differential accumulation in different parts of D. nobile and enriched the library of specialized metabolic products and promising candidate genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the safety of producing edible rapeseed in heavy-metal-contaminated farmland, field experiments were performed with 25 varieties of edible rapeseed on farmland lightly polluted with Cd in the central southern part of Hunan Province. Growing characteristics and Cd contents in rapeseed tissues were measured, and Cd uptake, translocation and removal potential were calculated. The results showed that the growth of 25 rapeseed varieties was not inhibited without withering or inconsistent changes in the shoot. The shoot and root Cd contents of rapeseed varieties ranged from 0.05 to 0.26 mg·kg−1 and 0.04 to 0.26 mg·kg−1, respectively. The bioaccumulation factor (BCF) showed that the shoot had a greater capacity for Cd transport than roots. The total Cd removed by rapeseed varieties ranged from 1.606 to 16.159 μg·plant−1. There were significant differences in plant height, BCF of soil available Cd in the shoot, translocation factor (TCF) of Cd from root to shoot and Cd intake by rapeseed among the edible rapeseed varieties. Cluster analysis of Cd accumulation in the 25 rapeseed varieties indicated that Lvjin 1, Guanyou Qingjing and Guanyou brassica not only reduced soil pollution but also allowed for the production of safe leafy rapeseed, although Cd contents in the shoot of 25 rapeseed varieties did not exceed the national safety standards of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria are harmful algae that are monitored worldwide to prevent the effects of the toxins that they can produce. Most research efforts have focused on direct or indirect effects on human populations, with a view to gain easy accurate detection and quantification methods, mainly in planktic communities, but with increasing interest shown in benthos. However, cyanobacteria have played a fundamental role from the very beginning in both the development of our planet's biodiversity and the construction of new habitats. These organisms have colonized almost every possible planktic or benthic environment on earth, including the most extreme ones, and display a vast number of adaptations. All this explains why they are the most important or the only phototrophs in some habitats. The negative effects of cyanotoxins on macroinvertebrates have been demonstrated, but usually under conditions that are far from natural, and on forms of exposure, toxin concentration, or composition. The cohabitation of cyanobacteria with most invertebrate groups is long-standing and has probably contributed to the development of detoxification means, which would explain the survival of some species inside cyanobacteria colonies. This review focuses on benthic cyanobacteria, their capacity to produce several types of toxins, and their relationships with benthic macroinvertebrates beyond toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undaria pinnatifida can effectively deal with organotin pollution through its excellent accumulation and degradation capabilities found under laboratory conditions. However, nothing is known regarding its accumulation, degradation performance, and related impact factors in the wild farming area. In this study, we monitored triphenyltin chloride (TPTCL) contents and degradation products in different algal parts (blades, stipes, sporophylls, and holdfasts) of cultivated U. pinnatifida from December 2018 to May 2019. Our results showed that sporophytes had an accumulation and degradation capacity for TPTCL. The TPTCL contents and degradation products varied with the algal growth stages and algal parts. TPTCL accumulated in the blades at the growth stage and the blades, stipes, sporophylls, and holdfasts at the mature stage. The TPTCL content among algal parts was blades (74.92 ± 2.52 μg kg−1) > holdfasts (62.59 ± 1.42 μg kg−1) > sporophylls (47.24 ± 1.41 μg kg−1) > stipes (35.53 ± 0.55 μg kg−1). The primary degradation product DPTCL accumulated only in the blades at any stage, with a concentration of 69.30 ± 3.89 μg kg−1. The secondary degradation product MPTCL accumulated in the blades at the growth stage and in the blades, stipe, and sporophyll at the mature stage. The MPTCL content among algal parts was blades (52.80 ± 3.48 μg kg−1) > sporophylls (31.08 ± 1.53 μg kg−1) > stipes (20.44 ± 0.85 μg kg−1). The accumulation pattern of TPTCL and its degradation products seems closely related to nutrient allocation in U. pinnatifida. These results provide the basis for applying cultivated U. pinnatifida in the bioremediation of organotin pollution and the food safety evaluation of edible algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) hampers plant growth and harms photosynthesis. Glutamate (Glu) responds to Cd stress and activates the Ca2+ signaling pathway in duckweed, emphasizing Glu's significant role in Cd stress. In this study, we overexpressed phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT), a crucial enzyme in Glu metabolism, in duckweed. We investigated the response of PSAT-transgenic duckweed to Cd stress, including growth, Glu metabolism, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, Cd2+ flux, and gene expression. Remarkably, under Cd stress, PSAT-transgenic duckweed prevented root abscission, upregulated the expression of photosynthesis ability, and increased Chl a, Chl b, and Chl a + b levels by 13.9%, 7%, and 12.6%, respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT and SOD) also improved under Cd stress, reducing cell membrane damage in PSAT-transgenic duckweeds. Transcriptomic analysis revealed an upregulation of Glu metabolism-related enzymes in PSAT-transgenic duckweed under Cd stress. Moreover, metabolomic analysis showed a 68.4% increase in Glu content in PSAT duckweed exposed to Cd. This study sheds novel insights into the role of PSAT in enhancing plant resistance to Cd stress, establishing a theoretical basis for the impact of Glu metabolism on heavy metal tolerance in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Phytoremediation experiments were carried out to investigate the ability of two species of Salicornia persica and Salicornia perspolitana for the extraction of heavy metals including aluminum, iron and copper. In this study, manure and biochar were applied to improve phytoremediation performance. Methods: The two species of S. persica and S. perspolitana were grown outdoor in experimental pots. The effect of experimental treatments including manure and biochar on the two species was investigated. Results: The results showed that biochar significantly influenced (p < 0.05) on the accumulation of heavy metals in both S.persica and S. perspolitana. In biochar treatment, the values of heavy metals in roots and shoots were found to be 3327 mg/kg, 109.17 mg/kg for aluminum, 3527 mg/kg and 142.17 mg/kg for iron, and 73.93 mg/kg and 11.90 mg/kg for copper, respectively. In the manure treatment, the values of heavy metals in the roots and shoots were reported as 3993 mg/kg and 119.29 mg/kg for aluminum, 5542 mg/kg and 179.17 mg/kg for iron and 78.67 mg/kg and 12.74 mg/kg for copper, respectively. Conclusions: In general, the accumulation of heavy metals in S. perspolitana was higher than S. persica, and our results indicated that the use of biochar and manure caused stabilization of heavy metals in the soil and consequently reduced accumulation of heavy metals in both S. persica and S. perspolitana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additives may be present in amounts higher than 50% within plastic objects. Additives in plastics can be gradually released from microplastics (MPs) into the aquatic environment during their aging and fragmentation because most of them do not chemically react with the polymers. Some are known to be hazardous substances, which can cause toxicity effects on organisms and pose ecological risks. In this paper, the application of functional additives in MPs and their leaching in the environment are first summarized followed by their release mechanisms including photooxidation, chemical oxidation, biochemical degradation, and physical abrasion. Important factors affecting the additive release from MPs are also reviewed. Generally, smaller particle size, light irradiation, high temperature, dissolved organic matter (DOM) existence and alkaline conditions can promote the release of chemicals from MPs. In addition, the release of additives is also influenced by the polymer's structure, electrolyte types, as well as salinity. These additives may transfer into the organisms after ingestion and disrupt various biological processes, leading to developmental malformations and toxicity in offspring. Nonetheless, challenges on the toxicity of chemicals in MPs remain hindering the risk assessment on human health from MPs in the environment. Future research is suggested to strengthen research on the leaching experiment in the actual environment, develop more techniques and analysis methods to identify leaching products, and evaluate the toxicity effects of additives from MPs based on more model organisms. The work gives a comprehensive overview of current process for MP additive release in natural waters, summarizes their toxicity effects on organisms, and provides recommendations for future research. [Display omitted] • Common additives released from MPs include heavy metals, PAEs, BPA, BFRs and PFAS. • Polymers, temperature, light and co-existed pollutants mainly affect additive release. • Chemicals in MPs bioaccumulate in organisms by ingestion and exert toxicity effects. • Some additives cause neurotoxicity, inflammation, metabolic disorders and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are a new type of pollutant and a series of ecological and health problems caused by MPs pollution are becoming increasingly serious. Heavy metal contamination of soils has been the focus of concern, and when soils are contaminated with MPs and heavy metals (HMs), they can have adverse effects on soil organisms. In this paper, we mainly summarize the effects of combined contamination with MPs and HMs on soil plants. MPs can promote the migration of HMs in soil and change the properties and microbial communities of soil, thus affecting plants. MPs can also be taken up by plants, causing physiological damage to plants, altering their photosynthesis, antioxidant mechanisms, and root activity mechanisms, affecting their metabolic growth and uptake of HMs. However, there are few studies on the combined contamination of soil with MPs and HMs and the effect of MPs on HMs uptake by plant. Finally, the research directions on the combined contamination of MPs and HMs and the effects of MPs on the uptake of HMs by plants were proposed, which is of guiding significance for the phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. [Display omitted] • Microplastics (MPs) in soil promote heavy metal migration. • Mechanisms by which MPs and heavy metals (HMs) complex affect soil plant growth and metabolism were summarized. • Summarizes the current status and mechanism of MPs affecting the uptake of HMs by soil plants. • It provides special ideas for the application of MPs in phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AMD did not induce higher mortality of P. akamusi. • P. akamusi can accumulate Fe, Ni, and Zn from AMD. • AMD leachates changed the expression of the four stress-related genes. • Eno1 and Hb VII may play important roles in the AMD tolerance of P. akamusi larvae. • P. akamusi could be applied for AMD bioremediation. Acid mine water (AMD) is a global environmental problem caused by coal mining with the characteristics of low pH and high concentrations of metals and sulfates. It is a pertinent topic to seek both economical and environmentally friendly approaches to minimize the harmful effects of AMD on the environment. Insect larvae are considered a promising solution for pollution treatment. Chironomidae is the most tolerant family to contaminants in pools and its larvae have a strong capacity for metal accumulation from sediment. This paper aimed to evaluate the larvae of Propsilocerus akamusi , a dominant species in the chironomid community, as a new species for entomoremediation in AMD-polluted areas. We detected the toxic effects of AMD on P. akamusi larvae based on their survival and the trace metals bioaccumulation capabilities of P. akamusi larvae. Moreover, we analyzed the expression patterns of four stress-response genes, HSP70, Eno1, HbV, and Hb VII in P. akamusi larvae. Our results revealed that AMD exposure did not significantly affect the survival of the P. akamusi larvae and individuals exposed to some AMD gradients even exhibited higher survival. We also observed the significantly accumulated concentrations of Fe, Ni, and Zn as well as higher bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for Ni and Zn in the P. akamusi larvae exposure to AMD. Induced expression of Eno1 and Hb VII may play important roles in the AMD tolerance of P. akamusi larvae. This study indicated the potential application of P. akamusi larvae in the metal bioremediation of AMD-polluted areas. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a global environmental problem related to coal mining activities. AMD pollution has become a long-term, worldwide issue for its interactive and complex stress factors. Bioremediation is an effective method to remove the metals of AMD from wastewater to prevent downstream pollution. However, the disadvantages of the slow growth rate, susceptibility to seasonal changes, difficult post-harvest management, and small biomass of hyperaccumulating plants greatly limit the usefulness of phytoremediation. Insect larvae may be useful candidate organisms to overcome these shortcomings and have been considered a promising pollution solution. Propsilocerus akamusi is a dominant species in the chironomid community and is distributed widely in many lakes of eastern Asia. This species has extraordinary abilities to resist various stresses. This research is the first time to our knowledge to evaluate the application of P. akamusi as a new species in entomoremediation in AMD-contaminated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absorption of microplastics (MPs; size < 5 mm) by plants has garnered increasing global attention owing to its potential implications for food safety. However, the extent to which leafy vegetables can absorb large amounts of MPs, particularly those > 1 μm, remains insufficiently demonstrated. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted water culture experiments using water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.) as a model plant. The roots of water spinach were exposed to a mixed solution that contained fluorescently labeled polystyrene (PS) beads with particle sizes of 200 nm and 1 μm for 10 d. We utilized laser confocal scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to record the absorption, migration, and patterns of accumulation of these large particle sizes of MPs within water spinach. Our findings revealed that micron-sized PS beads were absorbed by the roots in the presence of submicron PS beads and subsequently transported through the exosomes to accumulate to significant levels in the leaves. Short-term hydroponic experiments further indicated that high concentrations of PS bead solutions significantly inhibited the growth of water spinach owing to their large specific surface area that hindered the uptake of water and nutrients by the roots. In conclusion, both sizes of PS beads were found to be absorbed by water spinach, thereby increasing the risk associated with direct human consumption of microplastics in fruits and vegetables. This study provides valuable scientific insights to assess the pollution risks related to fruits and vegetables, as well as ensuring vegetable safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Inorganic contaminants which consist of toxic metals and salts are notable for their wide environmental dispersion and their tendency to accumulate in the tissues of the human body. Heavy metals are the major inorganic contaminants in abattoir soils. These metals, even at relatively low concentrations, are toxic. Hence the objective of this paper was to determine the concentration of Pb, Hg, Co, V, As, Fe, Cu, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Zn and their potential sources of pollution in soil from two abattoirs in Itu and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods after the dry oxidation. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The distribution of heavy metals contaminants in the Itu abattoir was of the order Hg < As < V < Cr < Co < Mn < Ni < Pb < Cd < Cu < Zn < Fe, while that of the Ikot Ekpene abattoir was Hg < As < Co < V < Cr < Mn < Pb < Ni < Cd < Cu < Zn < Fe. The mean order obtained for both abattoirs was Hg < As < V < Cr < Co < Mn < Ni < Pb < Cd < Cu < Zn < Fe. The results were subjected to some pollution indices to ascertain the level of ecological impacts on both plants and animals ecosystem around the abattoirs. The contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, degree of contamination, and pollution load index depict no pollution. Generally, all metals investigated were below the permissible limits of DUTCH, FEPA, WHO/FAO, and NESREA.