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Silicon (Si) application may affect the plant response to nitrogen (N), possibly by changing the uptake, concentration, and partitioning of nutrients in plant tissues; however, this has not yet been proven in Arabica coffee plants. The effects of Si application methods [no Si, soil-applied soluble Si (168 mg Si L−1), and foliar-applied soluble Si (two application of 2 mg Si plant−1)] and N levels (0 and 80 mg N L−1) on biomass production and partitioning and uptake, partitioning, and stoichiometry of nutrients and Si in young Arabica coffee plants grown under greenhouse conditions were evaluated. Nitrogen fertilization increased the biomass production and uptake of all nutrients; however, reduced the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, and Si in the leaves, Si in the stems, and K, Mg, and S in the roots of coffee plants as a dilution effect. In the presence of N, soil-applied Si increased the concentrations of Zn in the leaves and Ca and Si in the stems, the uptake of K, S, and Si, and the Si:N ratio. Foliar-applied Si increased the concentrations of N, P, K, and Zn in the leaves and Ca and Si in the stems, as well as the total uptake of K and Si and the Si:N ratio in coffee plants, being more evident in the N fertilization presence. This study unraveled that, especially when it was soil-applied, Si altered the nutrient uptake, allocation, and stoichiometric ratios with N, with a consequent increase in biomass production of young coffee plants fertilized with N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry reforming with CO 2 is one potential method for tar removal and further production of syngas in biomass gasification, but the crucial catalysts with good reaction characteristics are still being developed. In the work, Ni/pyrochlore was proposed to be utilized as catalysts in the dry reforming of tar, and thermodynamic calculation, reaction progress test, and materials characterization were conducted to reveal dry reforming characteristics over Ni/pyrochlore catalysts and the reaction mechanism behind. Results show that YS 0.2 C catalyst exhibits the best activity (toluene and CO 2 conversion of 70.1% and 79.5%) and stability among all catalysts under the optimized conditions of 700 °C with a CO 2 /toluene molar ratio of 7. Analysis on physicochemical properties of the catalysts indicate Sr doping can effectively promote catalytic reforming by enhanced interaction between Ni and support, CO 2 adsorption and oxygen mobility. The work offers a promising catalyst type in improving tar removal by dry reforming. • Systematic study on pyrochlore supported Ni catalysts in the dry reforming of tar. • Ni/Y 1.8 Sr 0.2 Ce 2 O 7 exhibits superior activity and stability during dry reforming. • Reaction conditions were optimized to be at 700 °C with CO 2 /toluene = 7. • Sr doping contributes to the interaction, CO 2 adsorption and oxygen mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomass production as well as the accumulation of secondary metabolites of plant is highly determined by the absorption of nutritional elements, in particular nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can absorb soluble P and transport it to plants, while phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can increase the content of solubilizing P in soil. Previous studies have identified the effects of either AMF or PSB inoculation on altering plant C:N:P stoichiometry, whether AMF interact with PSB in promoting plant growth and changing elemental concentration and composition of secondary metabolites by altering plant C:N:P stoichiometry remains ambiguous. In this study, we investigated the effects of inoculation of AMF, PSB, and their co-inoculation AMP (AMF and PSB) on the biomass growth, the C:N:P stoichiometry, the core microorganisms of rhizosphere soil, and the ginsenoside compositions of ginseng (Panax ginseng). The results showed that compared to control or single inoculation of AMF or PSB, co-inoculation of AMF and PSB significantly increased the AMF colonization rate on ginseng roots, increased the biomass of both above and under-ground parts of ginseng. Similarly, co-inoculation of AMF and PSB substantially increased the concentrations of N and P, reduced the ratios of C:P and N:P in the above-ground part of ginseng. The co-inoculation of AMF and PSB also increased concentrations of total ginsenosides and altered the compositions of ginsenosides in both the above and under-ground parts of ginseng. Analysis the rhizosphere microorganism showed that the coinoculation of AMF and PSB recruited distinct core microorganisms that differ from the control and treatments with single inoculation of AMF or PSB. Our results suggested that PSB inoculation enhanced the positive effect of AMF in improving the absorption of nutrimental elements, altered the C:N:P stoichiometry and, ginsenosides concentration and composition of ginseng, influenced the plant rhizosphere microbial community. These findings offer valuable insights into enhancing plant biomass production and promoting secondary metabolites by improving the plant-fungi-bacterial relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Burkina Faso, as in other Sahelian countries, natural pastures are a key element in managing livestock productivity, as they are the main source of feed. This is why, after the droughts of 1970, the government of Burkina Faso created pastoral zones to boost livestock productivity. However, the results of this project remain unsatisfactory. This study therefore aims to assess pastoral resources by analysing the dynamics of pastoral landscapes in the Niassa pastoral zone. To this end, remote sensing and perception surveys of pastoralists were used. From 2000 to 2020, the dynamics of land use shifted away from grazing areas. Indeed, the rate of occupation of cropland rose from 15.35% in 2000 to 39.33% in 2020 and that of bare lands from 2.46% to 7.62% with a decrease of 46.95% in pastureland. This has a negative impact on pasture biomass production and herd management. Thus, 91% of the pastoralists surveyed perceive this dynamic through the low availability in quantity and quality of fodder resources. They believe that herbaceous species of high value to livestock are disappearing. They are Andropogon gayanus, Andropogon ascinodis and Vetiveria nigritana according to respectively to 83%, 80%, and 78% of respondents. These species have been replaced by less valuable or with low biomass production species such as Senna obtusifolia, Hyptis suaveolens, Loudetia togoensis, Microchloa indica and Zornia glochidiata according respectively to 100%, 90%, 90%, 95%, and 65% of respondents. According to respondents, the endangered woody species are Pterocarpus erinaceus (88.4%), Afzelia africana (64%), Bombax costatum (58%), Vitex doniana (55%) and Khaya senegalensis (55%). The reduction in pastureland, forage species and forage availability are indicative of the degradation of the pastoral zone. This is leading to a drop in livestock productivity and, consequently, the impoverishment of pastoralists and agropastoralists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of glyphosate as broad-spectrum herbicide has caused detrimental effects on phytoplankton communities. In the present study, the effects of glyphosate (4 mg/L) on the physiology of a resistant microalga, Chlorella sorokiniana UUIND6, were examined in both indoor and outdoor cultivation systems to correlate the findings with aquatic ecology. Notably, outdoor ponds had higher dissolved oxygen (17 mg/L) than indoor ponds, resulting in a 30% reduction in algal growth, with volumetric productivity of 0.068 g/L/D, which were 1.5-fold lower than indoor cultures. Furthermore, indoor cultures had 1.7-fold higher lipid productivity and carbohydrate productivity than outdoor cultures. To acclimatize to changing outdoor conditions, the alga modulated its cell membrane fluidity and permeability by increasing saturated fatty acids with a concomitant decrease in monosaturated fatty acids and phospholipids. The study identified C. sorokiniana as a potential candidate for outdoor cultivation for bioproduct production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAn accurate investigation is needed to determine if the selected location, the tree species, and the applied treatments can support a successful seedling establishment and outplanting performance to ensure the success of large-scale tree-planting initiatives. To shed light on the growth pattern of the trees used in the Green Belt Project plantations in the Mongolian steppe, we analysed the biomass allocation in the stem and roots of Ulmus pumila in terms of ring width, considering different management techniques involving irrigation and fertilisation. We found that the root and shoot ring width of U. pumila followed a bell-shaped curve and reached maximum values after three or four years from seedling outplanting. Moreover, our data confirm that increasing watering regimes may enhance plant growth, especially the root system, while fertilisation did not show a positive effect independently of the fertilisation type (i.e. NPK and compost). Our data allowed us to develop a predictive regression model that could be used with other species and in different environmental conditions to forecast stem and root tree growth and to simulate afforestation performances in different climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nNOVELTY STATEMENTThe soil pollution caused with accretion of pollutant elements like lead (Pb) is the major environmental concern nowadays. Phytoremediation of contaminated soils using Brassica cultivars that act as hyperaccumulator plants for Pb emerges as an important technique for decontamination of Pb spiked soils. Therefore, pot study was carried out to compare the efficiency of three Brassica cultivars and select the most efficient cultivar for phytoremediation of Pb spiked soils. The experimental soil was contaminated with Pb applied @ 0, 125, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 mg kg−1 soil. Our outcomes reflected that increased rates of Pb pollution in soil from 125 to 1,000 mg kg−1 soil resulted in decline of yield but enhanced the Pb acquisition of all Brassica cultivars. Comparison of cultivars indicated the highest biomass production (16.7 g pot−1), Pb acquisition (4,011.7 μg pot−1), contamination indices i.e., tolerance index (70.6), and bioaccumulation coefficient (17.03) by Brassica juncea produced thereby proving it as the most efficient cultivar for phytoremediation of Pb spiked soil.Consumption of crops raised in Pb spiked soil resulted in impaired health of human beings through its entrance into the food chain. Choice of techniques for decontamination of Pb polluted soils poses a great challenge worldwide. Among different techniques phytoremediation i.e., use of hyper accumulator crops is the most economical and ecological approach for the decontamination of Pb spiked soils. Therefore, this study was conducted for evaluating the comparative efficacy of three Brassica cultivars for their Pb accumulation potential and pollution indices and select the most efficient cultivar for phytoremediation of Pb spiked soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrazine‐oxidation‐assisted self‐powered H2 generation system greatly expands the applicability of hydrogen production technology. However, the high cost of hydrazine greatly impedes the widespread adoption of hydrazine‐contained energy systems for large‐scale H2 production. Besides, the gaseous products of hydrazine splitting, comprising a mixture of H2 and N2, necessitate energy‐intensive downstream separation. Here, taking advantage of a low‐potential furfural oxidation reaction (FOR) on the Cu electrode, a self‐powered H2 production system by integrating a direct furfural fuel cell (DFFC) and a bipolar H2 production electrolyser is reported. Ru‐dispersed Cu nanowire with remarkable catalytic activity is developed as a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst to couple with the FOR. The HER‐FOR electrolyzer achieves bipolar H2 production with an apparent 200% Faradaic efficiency, attaining a current density of 100 mA cm−2 with a low cell voltage of 0.43 V. The DFFC displays an open circuit potential of 0.969 V and a peak power density up to 193 mW cm−2. Inspired by the bipolar H2 production that eliminates the gas separation, a self‐powered system utilizing furfural as the sole consumable, which yields a pure H2 production rate of 6 mmol h−1 m−2 is demonstrated. This work provides a new avenue for constructing self‐powered H2 production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio‐based polymers may present a sustainable, circular way to reduce the environmental impact of plastics because they are produced from biomass that absorbs CO2 during its growth. However, sourcing (type of biomass used and cultivation location), production, and end‐of‐life affect the environmental impact of bio‐based plastics. We assessed the effect of sourcing and end‐of‐life options on the environmental impact of bio‐based high‐density polyethylene (bio‐HDPE) in 31 sourcing scenarios and five end‐of‐life options. Our study found that careful consideration of biomass sourcing (biomass type and production location) and end‐of‐life is needed to optimize the environmental impact of bio‐based plastics. If these aspects are not considered, the environmental impact of bio‐HDPE may exceed that of its petrochemical‐based counterpart. The direct availability of fermentable sugars indicated a lower environmental impact. The production location affected the resources needed for biomass cultivation and the environmental impact of processing due to the energy mix. Recently published guidelines do not allow biogenic carbon to be accounted for during the production stage, but only upon the incineration of the plastic. Our results show that this way of attributing biogenic carbon results in an apparent disadvantage for bio‐based plastics compared to petrochemical‐based plastics. Furthermore, it disadvantaged mechanical recycling of bio‐based plastics compared to incineration, a result out of line with circular economy principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many invasive plants can reproduce through both seeds and clonal growth. In habitats, interacting seedlings may originate from the same mother, and interacting ramets originating from the same plant may not be adjacent to each other in the stolon, particularly for vines that can show curved growth. However, in a homogeneous environment, how kinship and integration between adjacent/non-adjacent ramets affect plant growth and feedback with soil biota has been less studied. We address these questions using an invasive stoloniferous vine Mikania micrantha. We found that sibling groups and stranger groups did not differ in biomass production, root allocation and feedback with soil biota, indicating that kin recognition is unlikely in M. micrantha. For two-ramet stolon fragments in which interacting ramets were adjacent to each other, older ramets allocated more biomass to roots than younger ramets when integrated, particularly in comparison with disconnected ramets from different genotypes, indicating that a division of labor was induced. For four-ramet stolon fragments in which there were two unrooted ramets between the two rooted, interacting ramets, integration increased biomass allocation to roots, possibly because only two of the four ramets could absorb belowground resources and a lower shoot allocation decreased aboveground light competition. When inoculated with soil biota conditioned by the four-ramet integrated fragments, plants of M. micrantha also increased biomass allocation to roots. These results indicate that the distance between interacting ramets in the stolon may affect the integration effect and feedback with soil biota in clonal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential of Chlorella vulgaris for nutrient removal and biomass production in synthetic wastewater. The experiments were conducted in 2 L photobioreactors under controlled aeration, agitation, and lighting conditions for 19 days. Despite a moderate growth rate (0.137 d−1), C. vulgaris achieved efficient pollutant removal, with 97% of nitrate, 90% of nitrite, and 90.6% of COD eliminated. Additionally, the biomass was processed to extract fatty acids, yielding a 20% extraction rate, indicating its potential as a biofuel feedstock. These results demonstrate C. vulgaris's dual function in wastewater remediation and biofuel production, presenting a sustainable and economically viable approach to addressing environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important problems in economic development is the supply of stable amounts of renewable energy sources, including biomass. The production of biomass in Poland is not satisfactory; thus, this country has to import this product. As with other products, the trade of stable biomass includes both imports and exports and depends on the price and other characteristics of the market. This research aimed to assess the biomass trade in terms of energy and evaluate changes and trends in the import and export of biomass in Poland and its characteristics. Moreover, the export specialization index (SI index), Grubel–Lloyd index (IITk index) and foreign trade coverage index (CRK index) were evaluated. The considerations were based on the biomass trade in the context of environmental economics. This research found that the neighboring countries of Poland are the most important partners in both imports and exports. Germany and Lithuania are the most important countries in the trade of woody biomass. The export specialization index (SI index), in 2005–2008, was positive and growing, which means that exports exceeded imports; then, in 2009, there was a decline; from 2010 to 2013, the balance increased again, reaching significant positive values until 2019; and, in 2020, there was a decline. The Grubel–Lloyd index for the Polish wood and forestry industry showed a dynamic evolution in the analyzed period of 2005–2020, which reflects the industry's adaptive strategies in the face of global changes. Raw wood and veneer sheets are more volatile, which may indicate periodic shifts in the structure of foreign trade and the flexibility of producers to respond to international trends and demands. The CRK index in the years 2005–2020 presents an astonishing picture of changes in competitiveness and the ability to maintain the balance of imports and exports. The significant increase in the ratio of firewood and raw wood may reflect an increase in interest in renewable energy sources and the expansion of the industry into new markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover cropping consists in sowing non-cash crops to improve regulating and supporting services without seeking provisioning services. Cover cropping has the potential for spatio-temporal diversification of cropping systems to help address food security while also improving environmental sustainability. However, cover crops are still poorly adopted by farmers worldwide. One of the key reasons behind this poor adoption is the difficulties in ensuring cover crop establishment that is further exacerbated by the current knowledge gaps. On the other hand, no study has yet summarized key published and unpublished information on cover crop emergence and field establishment that may help fill these knowledge gaps. In light of this, for the first time, we comprehensively review the literature to summarize and quantify information related to cover crop emergence and propose strategies for improving their field establishment. The major findings are as follows. (1) Detailed statistics on the share of arable land sown to cover crops are lacking, but the available information suggests that this share is increasing over the years ranging from 4% in the USA to 9% in the EU. (2) Four key factors—regulations and public policy incentives, economic factors, knowledge factors, and environmental factors—influence the adoption or non-adoption of cover crops by farmers. (3) Poor emergence and field establishment, due to unfavorable environmental conditions, is one of the most important obstacles to cover crop adoption across temperate regions worldwide. (4) Five forms of cover crop sowing are practiced by farmers that can be grouped into two major sowing strategies—sowing before and after harvesting cash crops—each of them presenting several strengths and limits. (5) A wide range of sowing equipment is available for farmers but their choice depends on several factors including work output and costs. Finally, we emphasize the role of a decision support system and modeling, for an optimal cover crop sowing and field establishment, which are key for enhanced quantity of biomass production and ecosystem service provisioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light intensity is a critical environmental factor influencing plant growth and development. To survive high light conditions, plants have evolved various protective mechanisms, including non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). However, NPQ can limit effective photosynthetic yield when transitioning to low light conditions. This phenomenon is underexplored in cassava (Manihot esculenta), a starchy storage root crop known for its high biological efficiency and climate resilience. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the photoprotective abilities and growth responses of six cassava varieties under natural environmental light conditions (control) and intermittent high light (IHL) conditions by adding 900 μmol m−2 s−1 using full-spectrum LED lights, on top of the natural ambient daylight. Our results demonstrated a significant impact of light treatment on aboveground biomass, total crop biomass, chlorophyll a and b content, photosynthetic rate, and NPQ values during transitions from low to high light and vice versa. Notably, cassava variety 'Sree Suvarna' exhibited the highest yield under both control and IHL conditions. These findings suggest that screening cassava varieties for their ability to postpone photoinhibition and recover quickly from photoinhibition may enhance photosynthetic performance. Such strategies have important implications for improving the efficiency and resilience of cassava crops, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural productivity. Excessive light can be detrimental to plant growth. To overcome this, plants employ photoprotective non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) mechanisms. This study evaluated NPQ kinetics and growth of six cassava (Manihot esculenta) varieties under natural and intermittent high light conditions. Exposure to high light significantly affected biomass production, chlorophyll content, and photosynthesis, with the variety 'Sree Suvarna' demonstrating the highest yield across all conditions. Identifying cassava varieties with effective NPQ regulation could improve photosynthetic efficiency and enhance crop resilience, supporting sustainable agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban environments worldwide face toxic heavy metal pollution originating from industrial discharge, municipal waste disposal, vehicular emissions, and atmospheric deposition. Kazakhstan, experiencing accelerated economic growth and extensive mining activities, contends with widespread heavy metal contamination in its soilplant-air-water ecosystems. This study explores the potential of hyperaccumulating plants for phytoremediation in urban soils of Kazakhstan contaminated with Pb, Cd, and Co. Twelve plant species, including Korean Mint (Lamiaceae), Ornamental Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Amaranth (Amaranthus Perfect and Amaranthus Emerald), Fescue (Festuca glauca), Burning Bush (Kochia scoparia), Marigold (Tagetes patula nana), White Cabbage (Brassica-Cavolo cappuccino BIANKO), Tepary Bean (Phaseolus acutifolius), and Rapeseed (Brassica napus), were evaluated for growth and biomass production in urban soils spiked with two maximum permissible addition (MPA) treatments of Pb, Co, and Cd. The selected plants demonstrated varied responses to heavy metal stress, with Marigold (8.4 g shoot biomass/plant), Korean mint (10.5 g shoot biomass/plant), Rapeseed (19.9 g/shoot biomass), and Tepary bean (25.9 g shoot biomass/plant) exhibiting resilience or tolerance to Pb, Co, and Cd stresses. The results highlight the significant potential of these plants for efficient phytoremediation, showcasing their unique abilities to absorb and accumulate specific metals. Marigold, particularly, displayed noteworthy Pb accumulation (40.3 mg/kg biomass), resulting in reduced residual Pb concentrations in the soil (74.7 mg/kg). Conversely, White cabbage and Amaranth showed limited efficiency in Cd extraction, while Rapeseed and Tepary bean emerged as promising candidates for Cd phytoremediation. This study emphasizes the critical role of tailored plant species selection in designing effective phytoremediation strategies for specific metalcontaminated urban sites. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of metal accumulation and residual concentrations is crucial for the development of sustainable and efficient environmental remediation approaches. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of different plant species on soil metal concentrations, refining and optimizing phytoremediation methods for urban soils grappling with toxic heavy metal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐temperature limits early season vegetative growth of cotton, and the physiological response of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to high daytime or nighttime temperature needs to be explored. The objectives of the current study were to determine (1) plant growth response, (2) physiological contributors to variation in biomass production and (3) mechanisms driving variation in net photosynthetic rate (AN) in response to different combinations of high daytime and nighttime temperatures. Beginning at planting, cotton was exposed to four different growth temperature regimes: (1) optimum (30/20°C day/night), (2) high nighttime (30/30°C), (3) high daytime (40/20°C) and combined high daytime and nighttime (40/30°C) for 4 weeks. Relative to the 30/20°C treatment, plant growth was positively affected by high nighttime temperature and negatively affected by high daytime temperature and combined high day and night temperature. Increased leaf area mainly contributed to increased biomass production in high nighttime temperature; higher nighttime respiration (RN) drove reductions in biomass in combined high daytime and nighttime temperature; and decreased leaf area and AN and increased RN drove reductions in biomass under high daytime temperature alone. AN was not impacted by high nighttime temperature, while decreased under high daytime temperature and increased with combined high daytime and nighttime temperature. Adjustments in leaf traits contributed to increases in AN in combined high daytime and nighttime temperature, and increased photorespiration and respiration contributed to reductions in AN under high daytime temperature. Overall, early season vegetative growth of cotton exhibited differential responses to high daytime and nighttime temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euglena gracilis is a unique microalga that lacks a cell wall and is able to grow under different trophic culture conditions. In this study, cell growth, biomass production, and changes in the ultrastructure of E. gracilis cells cultivated photoautotrophically, mixotrophically, and under sequential-heterotrophy-photoinduction (SHP) were assessed. Mixotrophy induced the highest cell growth and biomass productivity (6.27 ± 0.59 mg/L/d) in E. gracilis, while the highest content of fatty acids, 2.69 ± 0.04% of dry cell weight (DCW) and amino acids, 38.16 ± 0.08% of DCW was obtained under SHP condition. E. gracilis also accumulated significantly higher saturated fatty acids and lower unsaturated fatty acids when cultivated under SHP condition. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression of photosynthetic genes (PsbA, PsbC, F-type ATPase alpha and beta) was lower, carbohydrate and protein synthetic genes (glnA, alg14 and fba) were expressed higher in SHP-culture cells when compared to other groups. Different trophic conditions also induced changes in the cell ultrastructure, where paramylon and starch granules were more abundant in SHP-cultured cells. The findings generated in this study illustrated that aerobic SHP cultivation of E. gracilis possesses great potential in human and animal feed applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two strains of Yarrowia lipolytica (CBS 2075 and DSM 8218) were first studied in bioreactor batch cultures, under different controlled dissolved oxygen concentrations (DOC), to assess their ability to assimilate aliphatic hydrocarbons (HC) as a carbon source in a mixture containing 2 g·L−1 of each alkane (dodecane and hexadecane), and 2 g·L−1 hexadecene. Both strains grew in the HC mixture without a lag phase, and for both strains, 30 % DOC was sufficient to reach the maximum values of biomass and lipids. To enhance lipid-rich biomass and enzyme production, a pulse fed-batch strategy was tested, for the first time, with the addition of one or three pulses of concentrated HC medium. The addition of three pulses of the HC mixture (total of 24 g·L−1 HC) did not hinder cell proliferation, and high protease (> 3000 U·L−1) and lipids concentrations of 3.4 g·L−1 and 4.3 g·L−1 were achieved in Y. lipolytica CBS 2075 and DSM 8218 cultures, respectively. Lipids from the CBS 2075 strain are rich in C16:0 and C18:1, resembling the composition of palm oil, considered suitable for the biodiesel industry. Lipids from the DSM 8218 strain were predominantly composed of C16:0 and C16:1, the latter being a valuable monounsaturated fatty acid used in the pharmaceutical industry. Y. lipolytica cells exhibited high intrinsic surface hydrophobicity (> 69 %), which increased in the presence of HC. A reduction in surface tension was observed in both Y. lipolytica cultures, suggesting the production of extracellular biosurfactants, even at low amounts. This study marks a significant advancement in the valorization of HC for producing high-value products by exploring the hydrophobic compounds metabolism of Y. lipolytica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most people in rural sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity and rely on traditional, inefficient, and polluting cooking solutions that have adverse impacts on both human health and the environment. Here, we propose a novel integrated agroforestry-bioenergy system that combines sustainable biomass production in sequential agroforestry systems with biomass-based cleaner cooking solutions and rural electricity production in small-scale combined heat and power plants and estimate the biophysical system outcomes. Despite conservative assumptions, we demonstrate that on-farm biomass production can cover the household's fuelwood demand for cooking and still generate a surplus of woody biomass for electricity production via gasification. Agroforestry and biochar soil amendments should increase agricultural productivity and food security. In addition to enhanced energy security, the proposed system should also contribute to improving cooking conditions and health, enhancing soil fertility and food security, climate change mitigation, gender equality, and rural poverty reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Developing a practical strategy for both remediating and utilizing Cd-contaminated soils is important, particularly in areas with limited soil resources. Here, Erigeron breviscapus, a plant material used for extracting scutellarin, was selected for a pot experiment to evaluate utilization and remediation potential of heavily Cd-contaminated soil. Methods: We established five treatments, comprising a no-Cd added control (CK) and 0.01% Cd addition with four amounts of lime (0, 5, 15 and 20 g·kg−1 for CdL0, CdL5, CdL15 and CdL20, respectively). Systematic analysis of E. breviscapus physiological and biochemical characteristics, Cd-accumulation capacity, and active ingredients content were performed to thoroughly assess the application effectiveness and ecological restoration potential of lime in managing heavily Cd-contaminated soils. Results: Compared with CdL0, lime application (CdL5, CdL15 and CdL20) reduced soil available Cd and plant shoot-Cd concentrations by 19.2–29.4% and 29.3–36.3%, respectively, due to decreased bioconcentration factor. Soil-Cd concentrations after harvesting E. breviscapus was decreased by 11.8–31.7% with lime application compared with that before cultivation. In the CdL0 treatment, biomass and scutellarin content of E. breviscapus decreased compared to those of the CK. However, plant biomass and scutellarin content increased with CdL15 and CdL20 compared to CdL0. Structural equation modeling indicated that lime application reduced plant Cd uptake via regulating soil-Cd speciation, thereby alleviating damage caused by Cd to photosynthesis, antioxidant system, and Mg acquisition, ultimately increasing biomass and scutellarin content of E. breviscapus. Conclusions: In summary, growing E. breviscapus after lime application is a feasible method for remediating and utilizing heavily Cd-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing drought impacts is necessary for pursuing sustainable development goals relevant to food security and land degradation. Data availability is a major restriction and remote sensing has been promoted for this purpose. Version 3 of WaPOR has been released in 2023, which provides global coverage of remote sensing–derived water productivity indicators and could allow improved analysis of drought impacts, but validation is still needed. This study explores the utility of remote sensing–derived productivity data from WaPOR as a proxy indicator for agricultural drought impacts. The analysis utilized (1) production surveys, (2) meteorological measurements for drought analysis, and (3) remote sensing–derived gross and net biomass water productivities (GBWP & NBWP) and total biomass production (TBP). All layers were analyzed against the Standardized Precipitation and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Indices (SPI and SPEI) over drought-vulnerable locations in Irbid and Madaba governorates in Jordan. Strong and significant correlations (R2 0.5–0.8, P < 0.05) were obtained between drought intensities and GBWP and NBWP layers, particularly in the May–Sep periods. These correlations were higher than previously tested remotely sensed indicators for agricultural drought impacts. Water productivity and biomass production averages were lower during drier periods and higher during wet periods, but pairwise testing did not reveal significant differences. There is sufficient evidence that WaPOR data demonstrates behavior that reflects agricultural response to drought, and further assessment in other agroclimatic zones is recommended. This could potentially allow for enhanced evaluation of management strategies, decision support, and policy recommendations for drought mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of light intensity on the growth and nutrient uptake of Chlorella sorokiniana cultivated in nitrogen-rich anaerobic digestion wastewater. Three light intensities (20, 68, and 162 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1) were applied over a 30-day period with a 16:8 h light–dark photoperiod. The goal was to understand how light affects biomass productivity, nutrient assimilation, and biochemical composition under varying nitrogen concentrations originating from biogas plant digestate, up to 5 g L⁻1. The results showed that higher light intensities significantly boosted biomass production, achieving a five-fold increase at 162 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1 compared to 20 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1. Nutrient uptake followed a similar pattern, with 94% of ammonium nitrogen removed in 7 days under high light, compared to 55% after 30 days under low light. Phosphorus content was also completely removed after 7 days under light intensities of 68 and 162 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1. Additionally, elevated light intensity led to increased lipid accumulation (from 29.7% to 34%) and reduced protein content (from 30.9% to 26.1%), with carbohydrate content not being affected by light intensity. These findings highlight light intensity as a critical factor for optimizing microalgae cultivation in nitrogen-rich biogas digestate, promoting both effective nutrient removal and biomass production for potential bioenergy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to investigate the optimal use of high-salt water for alfalfa fodder growth and quality in Aridisol. The experiment included five treatments and was performed using a completely randomized design (CRD) as factorial design with three replications. We used a leaching fraction technique (LF), which is a mitigating technique (MT). The five treatments were T1 = MT1 as normal irrigation (control), T2 = MT2 as a leaching fraction (LF) of 15% with the same quality of water, T3 = MT3 as a LF of 30% with the same quality of water, T4 = MT4 as a LF of 15% with good-quality water (as percentage of total water), in the form of 2–3 irrigations every 3 months, and T5 = MT5 as a LF of 30% with good-quality water (as percentage of total water), in the form of 2–3 irrigations every 3 months. The duration of the experiment was three years and normal soil (non-saline, non-sodic) was used in the current study. Results showed that saline water irrigation negatively affected the growth traits, but the application of the LF technique with same-quality or good-quality water mitigated such negative effects. The fodder quality traits such as crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF) and ashes were also affected in a negative way with the use of saline irrigation water. This negative impact was more intensified in the third year as the concentration of salts increased in saline water during the three years of the current investigation. A LF with canal water at 15 or 30% reduced the negative effects of salt stress and improved fodder biomass production and quality traits. For examples, using a LF with canal water at 30% increased the biomass production to 33.30 g and 15.87 g when plants were irrigated with W1 and W5, respectively. In addition, it improved quality traits such as crude protein content (5.54% and 3.73%) and crude fiber content (14.55% and 12.75%) when plants were irrigated with W1 and W5, respectively. It was concluded that the LF technique can be recommended for practice in the case of saline water irrigation for the optimized growth and quality of alfalfa fodder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of biomass resources in the production of bio‐based or bio‐recycled polyurethanes (PUs) enhances the sustainable development and eco‐friendliness of PU. Herein, a series of new bio‐based aliphatic poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols were synthesized using bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol (bio‐PDO) and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids with different chain lengths. These bio‐based polyester diols and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) reacted with 4,4′‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate to produce aliphatic PU elastomers (PUEs). The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the structure of poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols on the architecture, morphology, mechanical properties, and degradation of PUEs, thereby expanding the application of bio‐PDO. The results indicate a strong correlation between the degree of microphase separation, tensile properties, and degradation behavior of the synthesized PUEs and the number of methylene groups in the repeating unit of the poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols. Notably, the PUE derived from poly(propylene pimelate) diol demonstrates the highest level of microphase separation and superior elasticity properties because of the high flexibility of the polyester. On the other hand, PUE prepared from poly(propylene succinate) diol exhibits the fastest degradation performance due to its high density of ester groups. Bio‐PDO based polyester diols show significant potential as raw materials for PUEs with biodegradable and adjustable mechanical properties. Highlights: Poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols were prepared from bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol.The poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols based polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) have high tensile strength (>22 MPa) and elongation at break (>920%).The morphology, mechanical properties and degradation of PUEs are highly related to the structure of the poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols.The increasing repeating unit length of the poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols increases elastic recovery of PUEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of biomass production each year is huge, and microwave-assisted pyrolysis of biomass to obtain biogas, bio-oil, and biochar is a promising method. In this study, silicon carbide (SiC) was selected as the microwave absorber, and the effects of microwave power (400, 450, 500, 550 and 600 W), reactor chamber volume (100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 W), and the mass ratio of SiC and corn straw (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) on the heating performances of corn straw particles were investigated and presented in this study. When the microwave power increased from 400 to 600 W, the average heating rate of corn straw particles increased from 23.06 ℃ /min to 101.46 ℃ /min, and that of mixture particles of corn straw and SiC increased from 87.00 ℃ /min to 236.88 ℃/min. When the reactor chamber volume increased from 100 to 300 mL, the average heating rate of corn straw particles decreased from 38.21 ℃/min to 22.54 ℃/min, and that of mixture particles of corn straw and SiC decreased from 98.84 ℃/min to 76.01 ℃/min. When the mass ratio of SiC and corn straw increased from 0 to 1, the average heating rate of mixture particles of corn straw and SiC increased from 101.46 ℃/min to 236.88 ℃/min. Some formulae with R2 values ranged from 0.971 to 0.998 were proposed to determine the transient temperatures of corn straw particles and mixture particles of corn straw and SiC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of co-culturing the photobiont and mycobiont in the microbial fuel cell (MFC) cathode on biomass production, lipid generation, and power output. Chlorella vulgaris provides oxygen and nutrients for the yeast Cystobasidium oligophagum JRC1, while the latter offers CO2 and quench oxygen for higher algal growth. The MFC with co-culture enhanced the lipid output of biomass by 28.33%, and the total yield and productivity were 1.47 ± 0.18 g/l and 0.123 g/l/day, respectively. Moreover, with co-culture, the open circuit voltage of 685 ± 11 mV was two times higher than algae alone. The specific growth rate (day−1) at the cathode was 0.367 ± 0.04 in co-culture and 0.288 ± 0.05 with C. vulgaris only. The power density of the system was 5.37 ± 0.21 mW/m2 with 75.88 ± 1.89% of COD removal. The co-culture thus proved beneficial at the MFC cathode in terms of total energy output as 11.5 ± 0.035 kWh/m3, which was 1.4-fold higher than algae alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With the continuous growth of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) aquaculture, appropriate management of nutrient-rich waste streams from both land- and sea-based production has become increasingly important. Following a circular approach, nutrients contained in aquaculture sludge can be utilized for biomass production of the polychaete Hediste diversicolor. While the potential for upcycling nutrients has been established previously, this study aimed to assess nutrient flows in H. diversicolor fed aquaculture sludge as understanding these will be crucial for optimizing future large-scale production of this species. Materials and methods: We investigated the effect of low and high feed supply of smolt sludge on the nutrient flows of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in H. diversicolor on an individual level. Hereby we assessed ingestion, defecation, excretion, respiration, and uptake for growth. Results and discussion: Nutrient flows differed between the nutrients C, N, and P in the high feed supply group where C uptake for growth was significantly higher than N and P uptake, and N uptake was significantly higher than P uptake. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the low feed supply group. In the high feed supply group, most of the ingested C, N, and P by H. diversicolor was allocated to uptake for growth (76% C, 83% N, 85% P) with smaller proportions allocated to defecation (7% C, 7% N, 11% P) and respiration/ excretion (18% C, 9% N, 5% P). The results from the low feed supply group suggest insufficient nutrient supply as most ingested C was allocated to respiration (84%), while most N was expended on uptake for growth (45%), and ingested P was either taken up for growth (58%) or spent on defecation (34%). Overall, nutrient uptake reflected the smolt sludge composition rather than nutrient requirements for H. diversicolor, which may be a short-term effect and needs to be investigated further. The flow of nutrients was strongly affected by feed supply, as ingestion, defecation, excretion, and uptake for growth were significantly higher in the high feed supply group than in the low feed supply group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The presence of heavy metals, specifically cadmium, in the environment poses significant threats to both ecological systems and human health. However, microalgae have shown potential in addressing this issue through their ability to absorb cadmium and produce valuable biomass, making them a promising solution for bioremediation. Among the various microalgae species, Chlorella vulgaris stands out as a suitable candidate due to its potential for biodiesel production and its capacity to effectively absorb cadmium. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the toxicity of cadmium on Chlorella vulgaris cells using network meta-analysis as a methodology. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted on Scopus, Scilit, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify relevant studies published from 1 January 1990 to 16 January 2024. Only studies that reported the cell number of Chlorella vulgaris as a result of cadmium exposure were considered for inclusion. The collected data were then subjected to Bayesian frequentist network meta-analysis, utilizing standardized mean difference and a 95 percent confidence interval as measures of effect size. Additionally, a linear regression analysis was performed to examine the dose-dependent impact of cadmium toxicity. FINDINGS: Dose-dependent toxic effects of cadmium on Chlorella vulgaris were evident (R-square of more than 0.90), particularly at a concentration of 1 part per million, deemed as the maximum tolerable threshold. Prolonged exposure revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability, suggesting potential lifespan shortening. A comparison of growth stimulants, gibberellic acid and brassinolide (standard means differences of 1.7 and 3.8, respectively), in mitigating cadmium toxicity indicated the latter superior effectiveness in sustaining microalgal survivability. The presence of high nitrogen and low phosphorous levels was found to be significantly associated with a reduction in Chlorella vulgaris cells due to cadmium exposure. CONCLUSION: This research has provided conclusive proof of the harmful effects of cadmium on Chlorella vulgaris through the implementation of Bayesian frequentist network meta-analysis, offering valuable insights for environmental management practices. The findings reveal concentration-dependent effects of cadmium toxicity. The survivability of Chlorella vulgaris is determined by the compositions of macronutrients nitrogen and phosphorous. Comparative analyses highlight the superior protective effect of brassinolide over gibberellic acid in mitigating cadmium toxicity. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of Chlorella vulgaris in both bioremediation of heavy metals and biomass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic matter and nutrients released from leaf litter are important cross‐ecosystem resources supporting freshwater food webs. Dissolved organic matter supports heterotrophic organisms in freshwater communities. However, the role of nutrients released from leaf litter in the autochthonous production in aquatic ecosystems is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated how dissolved nutrients released from leaf litter affect algal growth, biomass production, and cellular elemental ratios. Specifically, we experimentally examined the response of green algae to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) released from leaf litter of 11 temperate tree species and the degree of deficiency of nutrient elements other than N and P relative to algal demand in these litter leachates by supplementing these elements. We found that algal growth did not significantly increase with dissolved N or P in the leaf leachates. In contrast, algal biomass production increased with dissolved N concentration, regardless of amendment. Algal growth and production limitation by deficiency of elements other than N and P was found only in the leachate of Japanese hemlock, indicating that the concentrations or release efficiencies of these elements in this leaf litter were lower than those of N and P relative to algal requirements. More importantly, leaf litter leachates from different tree species altered algal cell quotas and C:N:P ratios, which would affect secondary production. These results suggest that variations in leaf litter leachate stoichiometry caused by vegetation change would affect the abundance and chemical composition of phytoplankton, and thus the trophic transfer efficiency between phytoplankton and herbivorous zooplankton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, the World Health Organization published a catalog of microorganisms urgently needing new antibiotics, with the carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii designated as "critical". Such isolates, frequently detected in healthcare settings, pose a global pandemic threat. One way to facilitate a systemic view of bacterial metabolism and allow the development of new therapeutics is to apply constraint-based modeling. Here, we developed a versatile workflow to build high-quality and simulation-ready genome-scale metabolic models. We applied our workflow to create a metabolic model for A. baumannii and validated its predictive capabilities using experimental nutrient utilization and gene essentiality data. Our analysis showed that our model iACB23LX could recapitulate cellular metabolic phenotypes observed during in vitro experiments, while positive biomass production rates were observed and experimentally validated in various growth media. We further defined a minimal set of compounds that increase A. baumannii's cellular biomass and identified putative essential genes with no human counterparts, offering new candidates for future antimicrobial development. Finally, we assembled and curated the first collection of metabolic reconstructions for distinct A. baumannii strains and analyzed their growth characteristics. The presented models are in a standardized and well-curated format, enhancing their usability for multi-strain network reconstruction. Author summary: The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, has become a severe global health threat. This pressing issue necessitated the development of new antibiotics, as highlighted by the World Health Organization. To address this need, we aimed to create comprehensive metabolic models to better understand bacterial metabolism and aid in developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we developed a versatile workflow to construct high-quality, simulation-ready genome-scale metabolic models for bacterial pathogens. Applying this workflow, we constructed a metabolic model for A. baumannii and validated its accuracy using experimental data. The model successfully replicated observed metabolic phenotypes and identified essential genes without human counterparts, suggesting potential targets for new antibiotics. Additionally, we assembled and curated the first collection of metabolic reconstructions for distinct A. baumannii strains, analyzing their growth characteristics. These standardized and well-curated models enhance usability, facilitating multi-strain network reconstruction and further research. These findings provide a robust tool for understanding A. baumannii's metabolism, guiding the development of new antimicrobial therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought has major consequences on the growth, development, and yield of the maize crop by affecting several physiological, morphological, and biochemical processes. The effects and management techniques of maize were covered in this review. The morphological and physiological difficulties experienced by the maize crop were determined by the degree of stress and the sensitivity of the stages of the crop. It inhibits cell division, limits photosynthesis, increases plant development, diminishes leaf water potential, closes stomata, and reduces chlorophyll synthesis. Furthermore, drought stress has effects on yield and yield parameters like kernel number and grain yield per plant, biomass production, and number of kernels per ear, kernel weight, and harvest index as compared to well-watered plants. Additionally, it has an impact on respiration, translocation, nutrient metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. There were different management practices applied to the drought stress on the maize crop, such as breeding programs, nutrient management, plant growth-promoting bacteria, and others, that have provided an effective strategy for dealing with drought stress. In general, this analysis offers important details on the impact of drought stress on maize growth and yield as well as how to manage it. The development of plant species with a reduced water requirement, genetic engineering to create more tolerant maize varieties, and sustainable use of certain nontoxic growth regulators and antioxidant metabolism in plants under drought conditions all need more attention for future research. Finally, very few molecular marker breeding studies and gene transfers were conducted, indicating the need for more research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the necessity for bioprocesses scaling-up, the present study aims to explore the potential of three marine cyanobacteria and a consortium, cultivated in semi-continuous mode, as a green approach for i) continuous exopolysaccharide-rich biomass production and ii) removal of positively charged metals (Cu, Ni, Zn) from mono and multi-metallic solutions. To ensure the effectiveness of both cellular and released exopolysaccharides, weekly harvested whole cultures were confined in dialysis tubings. The results revealed that all the tested cyanobacteria have a stronger affinity towards Cu in mono and three-metal systems. Despite the amount of metals removed per gram of biomass decreased with higher biosorbent dosage, the more soluble carbohydrates were produced, the greater was the metal uptake, underscoring the pivotal role of released exopolysaccharides in metal biosorption. According to this, Dactylococcopsis salina 16Som2 showed the highest carbohydrate productivity (142 mg L−1 d−1) and metal uptake (84 mg Cu g−1 biomass) representing a promising candidate for further studies. The semi-continuous cultivation of marine cyanobacteria here reported assures a schedulable production of exopolysaccharide-rich biosorbents with high metal removal and recovery potential, even from multi-metallic solutions, as a step forward in the industrial application of cyanobacteria. [Display omitted] • Semi-continuous cultivation ensures consistent, schedulable biosorbent production. • Marine cyanobacteria show higher affinity to Cu than Ni and Zn dissolved in water. • Up to 84 mg Cu per gram of dry weight were removed by D. salina 16Som2. • The presence of soluble EPS improves metal uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated by comparing the performance of three pneumatically-driven bioreactors in the production of L-asparaginase (L-ASNase), an enzyme used to treat leukaemia and lymphoma. A two-step screening process was conducted to detect Cunninghamella spp. strains producing L-ASNase. Cunninghamella echinulata DSM1905 produced the highest levels of L-ASNase during screening assays. Subsequently, fermentations were performed in bubble column (BCR), airlift (ALR), and hybrid fixed-bed airlift (FB-ALR) bioreactors to determine the best upstream bioprocess. Mycelial biomass production was higher in BCR than in ALR and FB-ALR (p ≤ 0.0322). The activity of L-ASNase produced in FB-ALR, in which the fungus grew as a consistent biofilm, was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.022) than that from ALR, which was higher than that of BCR (p = 0.036). The specific activity of ALR and FB-ALR presented no differences (p = 0.073), but it was higher than that of BCR (p ≤ 0.032). In conclusion, C. echinulata DSM1905, grown under the biofilm phenotype, produced the highest levels of L-ASNase, and FB-ALR was the best upstream system for enzyme production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the biomass production and growth strategies of the relict seagrass Zostera marina, a species sensitive to high temperatures, within the Venice Lagoon (Italy). Monthly data collected from January to December 2019 and November 2020 to October 2021 in a single station in proximity of one lagoon port-entrance, along with seasonal data from 2018 and 2021 for the whole lagoon, were analyzed in conjunction with environmental parameters and macroalgal presence. The objective was to understand the impact of climate changes, particularly rising water temperatures, on the cover, standing crop and net primary production of Z. marina and the effect of the MoSE gate closures designed to protect Venice from high-water events. Despite expectations of a decline due to temperature increase and reduced water exchange, our findings reveal a notable adaptability of Z. marina, with increases in both cover and biomass. This resilience suggests that Z. marina can counteract environmental challenges, making this study relevant for broader ecological and conservation contexts beyond the Venice Lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) of marine plankton record biogeochemical processes at the base of the food web. In the Southern Ocean, such data, predominantly from summer, have been used to infer surface CO2 concentrations and the potential for biological carbon export. However, variability in plankton δ13C and δ15N remains poorly understood, with the lack of seasonal measurements from the Southern Ocean emerging as a particular limitation. Here, we investigate the δ13C and δ15N of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and zooplankton collected from the Subantarctic Ocean in winter, summer, and autumn. The low summertime δ13CSPM and δ15NSPM can be explained by strong diatom reliance on nitrate supplied during winter mixing. A subsequent increase in δ13CSPM and decrease in δ15NSPM by autumn is consistent with iron limitation in mid‐ to late‐summer favoring diatom succession by nano‐phytoplankton that consume mainly recycled ammonium. By winter, bacterial decomposition of biomass outpaces new biomass production, decreasing δ13CSPM and raising δ15NSPM. The δ13C and δ15N of contemporaneously sampled zooplankton generally reflect the variability in δ13CSPM and δ15NSPM, with one autumn mismatch suggesting that in situ SPM is not always the dominant zooplankton food source. Our study shows how nutrient dynamics and phytoplankton community composition shape the seasonality of the Subantarctic's isotopic baselines, emphasizing a key role for iron availability. This work has implications for isotope‐based food web studies, highlighting the need to consider seasonal variability in δ13CSPM and δ15NSPM, as well as the different turnover times of phytoplankton (i.e., SPM) vs. zooplankton biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hawaii Ocean Time‐series (HOT) at Station ALOHA (22.75°N, 158°W) in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) serves as a critical vantage point for observing plankton biomass production and its ecological implications. However, the HOT program's near‐monthly sampling frequency does not capture shorter time scale variability in phytoplankton populations. To address this gap, we deployed the SeaFlow flow cytometer for continuous monitoring during HOT cruises from 2014 to 2021. This approach allowed us to examine variations in the surface abundance and cell carbon content of specific phytoplankton groups: the cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and Crocosphaera as well as a range of small eukaryotic phytoplankton (≤$$ \le $$ 5 μm). Our data showed that daily to monthly variability in Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus abundance matches seasonal and interannual variability, while small eukaryotic phytoplankton and Crocosphaera showed the highest seasonal and interannual fluctuations. The study also found that eukaryotic phytoplankton and Crocosphaera had higher median cellular growth rates (0.076 and 0.090h−1$$ 0.090\kern0.5em {\mathrm{h}}^{-1} $$, respectively) compared to Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus (0.037 and 0.045h−1$$ 0.045\kern0.5em {\mathrm{h}}^{-1} $$, respectively). These variances in abundance and growth rates indicate that shifts in the community structure significantly impact primary productivity in the NPSG. Our results underscore the importance of daily to monthly phytoplankton dynamics in ecosystem function and carbon cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of food‐based biomass and arable land for bio‐oil and biofuel production could compromise global food security. Therefore, renewable and environmentally friendly oils for biofuels from oleaginous microorganisms such as yeasts and microalgae (heterotrophic and mixotrophic) are gaining interest within the scientific community. These microorganisms have shorter cultivation times and higher lipid productivity when compared to higher plants/food crops/autotrophic microorganisms. Despite many advantages, the high carbon requirements and production cost are limiting factors that hinder their deployment at a commercial scale. Lignocellulosic waste substrates are abundant and inexpensive materials that are rich in organic carbon in the form of cellulose and hemicellulose, which release bioavailable forms of sugars upon hydrolysis. Recent studies have shown the tremendous potential of the hydrolysates of these substrates to be utilized as carbon sources for biomass production and the accumulation of lipids in oleaginous hetero‐/mixotrophic microorganisms. Therefore, this review highlights the potential use of lignocellulosic biomass as a low‐cost carbon substrate for the cultivation of hetero‐/mixotrophic microalgae and yeast for microbial oil production for commercial applications. It also examines the current status, challenges, and future prospects for the utilization of lignocellulose biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium (Mg) is a vital nutrient for plants, and its role in photosynthesis, enzyme regulation and resistance to environmental stress is becoming increasingly evident. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the characteristics of Mg (content, density and stock) on a large scale, particularly at the community level, which is essential for linking to ecosystem functions. A leaf‐branch‐trunk‐root‐matched database of the Mg content (mg g−1) and biomass density (g m−2) of plant organs across 1972 sampling sites in China was constructed based on field surveys and data compilation. Using machine learning algorithms, we comprehensively explored the spatial patterns and main influencing factors of plant Mg content and density (g m−2). Furthermore, a new index, leaf Mg productivity (LMP), was developed to determine the Mg use efficiency, defined as the ratio of gross primary productivity to leaf Mg density. The Mg contents in the leaves, branches, trunks and roots were 2.80, 0.87, 0.23 and 1.66 mg g−1, respectively. Deserts exhibited higher Mg content, with the primary influencing factors being high temperatures and soil Mg supply. Higher LMP values observed in grasslands and deserts indicate that Mg use is more efficient in these relatively stressful environments, whereas forests require more Mg for unit biomass productivity. This change was driven by the minimum temperature, aridity and soil Mg content. Synthesis. We systematically explored spatial variation in plant community Mg and its correlation with the photosynthetic capacity of plant communities. The aridity and soil Mg content have negative effects on LMP. This suggests that Mg is used more efficiently in photosynthesis under conditions of resource scarcity, indicating that resources become more valuable when they are limited. Photosynthesis in forests is more sensitive to Mg and more Mg is required for biomass production; therefore, Mg is not just a nutrient but a potential bottleneck in optimizing photosynthetic efficiency. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of Mg in photosynthesis and offer a foundation for optimizing ecosystem management through Mg regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cheese industry produces substantial amounts of raw cheese whey wastewater (RW), which requires effective treatment prior to environmental disposal. This study presents an innovative sequential batch system that combines macrophyte and microalgal cultivation for RW remediation. The efficacy of Lemna minor MO23 in first-line photobioreactors (PBR-1) and Chlorella sp. MC18 (CH) or Scenedesmus sp. MJ23-R (SC) in second-line photobioreactors (PBR-2) for pollutant removal was evaluated. The nutrient removal capacity of L. minor, CH, and SC was assessed at optimal tolerance concentrations, alongside nutrient recovery from treated RW (TRW) by PBR-1 for microalgae biomass production. The results demonstrate that all three species effectively purified the cheese whey wastewater. L. minor efficiently removed COD, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate from RW, producing TRW effluent suitable for microalgal growth. CH and SC further purified TRW, enhancing biomass production. CH outperformed SC with a 4.79% higher maximum specific growth rate and 20.95% higher biomass yield. Biochemical analyses revealed the potential of CH and SC biomass for applications such as biofuels and aquaculture. After treatment, the physicochemical parameters of the effluent were within the regulatory limits. This demonstrates that the PBR-1 and PBR-2 series-coupled system effectively purifies and recovers dairy effluents while complying with discharge standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attached microalgal–bacterial consortium (microalgae–bacteria biofilm, MBBF) has been increasingly recognized in wastewater treatment for its superior pollutant removal efficiency, resilience to toxic substances, and improved harvesting performance. This review initially discusses the advantages of MBBFs compared to activated sludge and suspended microalgal–bacterial consortia. These advantages stem from the coexistence of pollutant removal pathways for the bacteria and microalgae in MBBFs, as well as the synergistic interactions between the microalgae and bacteria that enhance pollutant removal and resilience capabilities. Subsequently, the establishment of the MBBF system is emphasized, covering the establishment process, influencing factors of MBBF formation, and the utilization of photobioreactors. Lastly, the challenges associated with implementing MBBFs in wastewater treatment are deliberated. This study aims to present a detailed and comprehensive overview of the application of MBBFs for wastewater treatment and biomass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cover crop services depend on biomass production and species composition of the cover crop stand. In this study, we investigated the interactions in shoot biomass of dual cover crop mixtures and their competitiveness to suppress weeds before winter under different growing conditions. Methods: A field experiment was performed on sandy loam soil in Triesdorf, Germany, for two consecutive years. The cover crop species white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia J.), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), field pea (Pisumsativum L.), and field bean (Vicia faba L.) were grown in pure stands or dual mixtures. Cover crops were sown in August, and shoot biomass was harvested at the end of the vegetation period. Cover crop shoot biomass was dried, and the share of each species and the sown test weed (Brassica napus L.) were determined. Results: The share of shoot biomass of a cover crop species in dual-species mixtures was closely related to its shoot biomass in its pure stand. In both years, mustard and phacelia showed similar interactions in shoot biomass production when growing with a second species. Regarding competitiveness against weeds, cruciferous species outperformed other cover crop species and could suppress weeds even if they were mixed with a less competitive partner. Weed suppression of mixtures with phacelia depended on the second component in the mixture and was more effective in a dry season. Legume species, especially Egyptian clover and common vetch could not suppress weeds in a pure stand. Discussion: Our results show that species with high weed suppression potential as single stands retain this ability in dual cover crop mixtures, regardless of the suppression potential of the second species that completes the mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress negatively affects the growth and yield of crops worldwide. Onion (Allium cepa L.) is moderately sensitive to salinity. Beneficial microorganisms can potentially confer salinity tolerance. This study investigated the effects of endomycorrhizal fungi (M), Pseudomonas putida (Ps) and their combination (MPs) on onion growth under control (0 ppm), moderate (2000 ppm) and high (4000 ppm) NaCl salinity levels. A pot experiment was conducted with sandy loam soil and onion cultivar Giza 20. Results showed that salinity reduced growth attributes, leaf pigments, biomass and bulb yield while increasing oxidative stress markers. However, individual or combined inoculations significantly increased plant height, bulb diameter and biomass production compared to uninoculated plants under saline conditions. MPs treatment provided the highest stimulation, followed by Pseudomonas and mycorrhizae alone. Overall, dual microbial inoculation showed synergistic interaction, conferring maximum benefits for onion growth, bulbing through integrated physiological and biochemical processes under salinity. Bulb yield showed 3.5, 36 and 83% increase over control at 0, 2000 and 4000 ppm salinity, respectively. In conclusion, combined application of mycorrhizal-Pseudomonas inoculations (MPs) effectively mitigate salinity stress. This approach serves as a promising biotechnology for ensuring sustainable onion productivity under saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biodegradable plastics has been proposed as an alternative to mitigate the pollution problem caused by traditional non‐biodegradable plastics. However, the relative impacts of both types of microplastics on plant community productivity and diversity is not known. Moreover, it is unclear whether soil biota can differentially mediate the impacts of biodegradable and non‐biodegradable microplastics on plant communities. In this study, we investigated the effects of biodegradable and non‐biodegradable microplastics on plant community biomass production and diversity, and whether soil biota mediate these effects. We employed a fully crossed factorial design, growing six plant communities in the presence or absence of 10 individual microplastics, and in live soil versus sterilized soil. We hypothesized that: (1) Biodegradable microplastics have a less negative effect on plant community biomass production and diversity compared to non‐biodegradable microplastics. (2) Soil biota differentially mediate the effects of biodegradable and non‐biodegradable microplastics on plant community biomass production and diversity. Statistical analyses that included all 10 microplastics yielded two main findings. First, live soil ameliorated the negative effects of biodegradable microplastics on community shoot biomass. Second, the presence of microplastics, rather than their biodegradability, significantly reduced community diversity. Separate analyses of individual microplastics suggest that these patterns were driven by specific microplastics. The biodegradable microplastic polybutylene succinate (PBS) was the main driver of the pattern observed in community shoot biomass. In contrast, the biodegradable microplastic polycaprolactone (PCL) and non‐biodegradable microplastics ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were the main drivers of the pattern observed in community diversity. Further analyses excluding PBS from the global models, but including the other nine microplastics, revealed no significant differences in community shoot biomass and diversity between biodegradable and non‐biodegradable microplastics in live versus sterilized soil. Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that biodegradable microplastics, often considered environmentally friendly, are not necessarily less harmful than non‐biodegradable microplastics to the growth and diversity of plant communities. Some individual biodegradable microplastics, such as PBS, still pose significant ecological risks to plant community structure and productivity. However, the results also suggest that soil biota may mitigate the negative effects of some biodegradable microplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient enrichment impacts grassland plant diversity such as species richness, functional trait composition and diversity, but whether and how these changes affect ecosystem stability in the face of increasing climate extremes remains largely unknown. We quantified the direct and diversity‐mediated effects of nutrient addition (by nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) on the stability of above‐ground biomass production in 10 long‐term grassland experimental sites. We measured five facets of stability as the temporal invariability, resistance during and recovery after extreme dry and wet growing seasons. Leaf traits (leaf carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and specific leaf area) were measured under ambient and nutrient addition conditions in the field and were used to construct the leaf economic spectrum (LES). We calculated functional trait composition and diversity of LES and of single leaf traits. We quantified the contribution of intraspecific trait shifts and species replacement to change in functional trait composition as responses to nutrient addition and its implications for ecosystem stability. Nutrient addition decreased functional trait diversity and drove grassland communities to the faster end of the LES primarily through intraspecific trait shifts, suggesting that intraspecific trait shifts should be included for accurately predicting ecosystem stability. Moreover, the change in functional trait diversity of the LES in turn influenced different facets of stability. That said, these diversity‐mediated effects were overall weak and/or overwhelmed by the direct effects of nutrient addition on stability. As a result, nutrient addition did not strongly impact any of the stability facets. These results were generally consistent using individual leaf traits but the dominant pathways differed. Importantly, major influencing pathways differed using average trait values extracted from global trait databases (e.g. TRY). Synthesis. Investigating changes in multiple facets of plant diversity and their impacts on multidimensional stability under global changes such as nutrient enrichment can improve our understanding of the processes and mechanisms maintaining ecosystem stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To identify the promising oleaginous Aspergillus oryzae strain and leverage its lipid and biomass production through a mathematical model. Methods and results Comparative profiling of the cell growth and total fatty acid (TFA) content among 13 strains of A. oryzae was performed to explore the discrimination in their lipid productions. The oleaginicity of A. oryzae was found to be strain dependent, where the fungal strain BCC7051 exhibited superior performance in producing lipid-rich biomass by submerged fermentation. The TFA contents of the strain BCC7051 were comparable when cultivated at a range of pH values (pH 3.5–6.5) and temperatures (24–42°C). The mathematical model was generated, well describing and predicting the fungal growth and lipid phenotypic traits at various temperatures and carbon substrates. Conclusion The A. oryzae strain BCC7051 was a robust cell factory, acquiring economically feasible options for producing valuable lipid-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the adaptability of Dunaliella salina to different salinity levels, with an emphasis on growth, pigment concentration, and desalination potential. It was found that among the 21 salinity levels, Salinity 75 produced consistently favorable results in cell count (13.08 × 103 ± 1.41 × 103 cells/mL), dry biomass (2.46 ± 0.06 g/L), pigment content (chlorophyll a = 97,500,000 ± 100,000 pg/L, chlorophyll b = 123,600,000 ± 300,000 pg/L), and desalination (9.32 ± 0.47 reduction). Therefore, Salinity 75 was selected for the final trial (scale-up), which revealed unanticipatedly high cell counts (58.96 × 103 ± 535.22 cells/mL), with the dry biomass weight being statistically different (higher) than expected (4.21 ± 0.02 g/L) (p < 0.0001), most likely due to the high cell count and energy reserve storage for high-salinity adaption in the form of bio-compounds. Pigment growth continued (chlorophyll a = 95,400,000 ± 2,200,000 pg/L, chlorophyll b = 128,100,000 ± 5,100,000 pg/L), indicating pigment production under salt stress. Notably, desalination did not occur in this stage, possibly due to the necessity for a bigger initial inoculate, prolonged exposure or bioaccumulation becoming the prevailing mechanism over desalination. Nevertheless, the trial highlights D. salina's strong adaptation to various salinity levels. This suggests a promising future in halophyte research, particularly in understanding the mechanisms that prevent salt accumulation in cells and how to overcome this barrier. Additionally, these results suggest that microalgae could be a viable resource in saline-rich environments unsuitable for conventional agriculture, promoting industrial adaptation to adverse conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced N input while maintaining biomass production of sorghum × sudangrass hybrids (Sorghum bicolor L. × Sorghum sudanense; SSG) is essential; however, its effects on root sustainability and photosynthetic capacity during the ratooning period are not well defined in a multiple harvests system. The physiological response and root morphology of SSG were investigated under different N application levels during the ratooning period in a two-year field experiment. Treatments were all combinations of two ecotypes (late-flowering, Greenstar; early-flowering, Honeychew) and four N levels (0, 50, 100, 150 kg N ha−1). The total root length, surface area, volume, tips, and dry matter (DM) were significantly influenced by both ecotype and N level, with Greenstar outperforming Honeychew. Specifically, Greenstar's root length increased by up to three times with reduced N application (50 kg N ha−1), while Honeychew showed significant root length increases only at higher N levels (100 and 150 kg N ha−1). Our data support the conclusion that a low level of N (50–100 kg N ha−1) was the optimal rate for ratooning root sustainability. The findings highlight the critical role of root development in sustaining biomass production and suggest that the late-flowering ecotype, Greenstar, is more suitable for a multiple harvests system with a robust root system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve sustainable and profitable production of sorghum for energy purposes, it is crucial to ensure the efficient use of the nutrients necessary for its growth and development. This research investigates the influence of diverse management practices on biomass production, nutrient use efficiency, and nitrogen balance in two sorghum hybrids cultivated for bioenergy applications. A comprehensive field study was conducted over two growing seasons, evaluating the effects of fertilization methods and crop rotation strategies. Results indicate that high nitrogen (HN) fertilization increased dry biomass production (up to 20.7 Mg ha−1) and nutrient removal (up to 343.5 kg K ha−1) in both sorghum hybrids. The H128 hybrid showed higher nutrient use efficiency, especially for phosphorus, while the nitrogen balance was positive under HN but varied under low nitrogen (LN), with the H133 hybrid experiencing a net nitrogen loss at LN. These findings contribute valuable insights into sustainable sorghum cultivation for bioenergy production, highlighting the importance of tailored management practices in achieving optimal crop performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a rapidly growing plant with multipurpose uses, and the optimal combination of yield and quality of hemp products (fibers, inflorescences, or seeds) may provide economic opportunities to uncover the full spectrum of its capabilities. The presented experimentation took place over seven years (2017–2023) in Greek climatic conditions for fourteen (14) registered monoecious and dioecious varieties. It can be concluded that the production of biomass, fiber, and seed weight were different not only between varieties but also from year to year. Despite significant variation between harvest years in biomass yield, the extracted fiber was relatively constant. Moreover, not only the dioecious varieties but also the monecious varieties could be effectively grown for biomass production in Greece. Regarding fiber production, monoecious varieties had the highest yields, apart from the dioecious Kompolti variety, which was the most fiber-productive. Under the experimentation conditions, early flowering varieties were most suited for seed production, and the KC Dora variety produced the heavier seeds. Generally, the Futura 75 variety was one of the most productive varieties for biomass and seed weight, while the Bialobrzeskie variety produced the greatest amounts of fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of line spacing (X: 24 m, Y: 9 m, Z: 6.5 m) and orientation to tree lines on the growth, yield, and quality of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in a temperate, irrigated agroforestry system (2 ha) in Szarvas, Hungary. Three sampling locations were distinguished between the east and west oriented tree lines: the north (N) side, middle (M) strip, and south (S) side of the tree lines. The highest red clovers were observed in the 6.5 m spacing (mean height 69.3 ± 7.2 cm), although yields were similar across 24 m, 9 m, and 6.5 m spacings (2.9 t ha−1, 2.3 t ha−1, and 2.7 t ha−1 dry matter, respectively). Orientation significantly influenced all forage quality parameters, with the north side showing earlier developmental stages and higher proportions of immature flowers (41–59%). Managing the spatial arrangement of red clover in agroforestry systems can help optimize forage quality by mitigating variations in plant maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]