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Restoration researchers and practitioners alike advocate for novel restoration approaches, informed by ecological theories and principles, to enhance the likelihood of meeting restoration goals. Forested wetland restoration has historically focused on creating abiotic conditions that support the tolerance thresholds of desired species, but the stress gradient hypothesis provides guidance for potential new strategies that use biotic interactions to ameliorate stressful abiotic conditions. In this study, we tested whether multi‐species planting approaches can be used to enhance the survival and growth of a target restoration tree species, Bald cypress, along multiple abiotic gradients. We conducted a fully factorial controlled greenhouse experiment which manipulated above‐ and belowground interactions between two species (Bald cypress and Soft rush), as well as light availability and depth of inundation. Our findings showed that co‐planting Bald cypress seedlings with Soft rush did not increase tree biomass production or growth metrics (e.g. stem height and leaf area) under any exposed stress combination. Importantly, we found that full‐sun irradiance negatively impacted functional traits associated with the tree seedlings' health and ability to photosynthesize. Our findings are important for consideration by practitioners as light is rarely the focus of wetland ecosystem restoration and degraded forested wetlands or restoration sites often have open canopies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-friendly cellulose-based magnetic adsorbents have attracted great attention in the field of dye adsorption recently. Herein, we utilized the pith of biomass Juncus effusus (JE) to synthesize a novel type of magnetic adsorbents for the treatment of wastewater containing methylene blue (MB). After esterification and magnetization two-step modification, the obtained magnetic citric acid-modified JE pith powders (M-CA/JEPP) showed outstanding adsorption properties. For 50 mg/L MB dye solution, the adsorption efficiency could reach 98.34% within 10 min under basic condition, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 293.132 mg/g at 303 K. The adsorption efficiency could also keep a high level in five cycles. Moreover, magnetization overcomes the disadvantages of JE powders density being small which is very difficult to collect, and a 24.8 emu/g saturation magnetization was achieved. In the other words, this magnetic adsorbent has excellent reusability and it is easily to be separated from water, which provides new insights for development of cellulose-based adsorbents to remove dye in aqueous systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates lightweight and efficient candidates for sound absorption to address the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials in noise attenuation. Juncus effusus (JE) is a natural fiber known for its unique three-dimensional network, providing a viable and sustainable filler for enhanced sound absorption in honeycomb panels. Microperforated-panel (MPP) honeycomb absorbers incorporating JE fillers were fabricated and designed, focusing on optimizing the absorber designs by varying JE filler densities, geometrical arrangements, and MPP parameters. At optimal filling densities, the MPP-type honeycomb structures filled with JE fibers achieved high noise reduction coefficients (NRC) of 0.5 and 0.7 at 20 mm and 50 mm thicknesses, respectively. Using an analytical model and an artificial neural network (ANN) model, the sound absorption characteristics of these absorbers were successfully predicted. This study demonstrates the potential of JE fibers in improving noise mitigation strategies across different industries, offering more sustainable and efficient solutions for construction and transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study investigates lightweight and efficient candidates for sound absorption to address the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials in noise attenuation. Juncus effusus (JE) is a natural fiber known for its unique three-dimensional network, providing a viable and sustainable filler for enhanced sound absorption in honeycomb panels. Microperforated-panel (MPP) honeycomb absorbers incorporating JE fillers were fabricated and designed, focusing on optimizing the absorber designs by varying JE filler densities, geometrical arrangements, and MPP parameters. At optimal filling densities, the MPP-type honeycomb structures filled with JE fibers achieved high noise reduction coefficients (NRC) of 0.5 and 0.7 at 20 mm and 50 mm thicknesses, respectively. Using an analytical model and an artificial neural network (ANN) model, the sound absorption characteristics of these absorbers were successfully predicted. This study demonstrates the potential of JE fibers in improving noise mitigation strategies across different industries, offering more sustainable and efficient solutions for construction and transportation.

In this study, La(OH)3-loaded Juncus effusus (La-JE) with a three-dimensional structure was prepared via an in-situ precipitation and then wrapped in a cellulose membrane. The La-JE not only avoided the leakage of La(OH)3 but also was separated from solution easily. The optimal pH for phosphate removal by the La-JE was 6. The removal rate of phosphate was positively correlated with adsorption time, La-JE dosage and reaction temperature, and negatively correlated with phosphate concentration. The adsorption process conformed to pseudo-second-order kinetic model and was better fit by Freundlich model. At 25°C, the maximum adsorption capacity of the La-JE was 22.75 mg·P/g. The influence of SO4 2-, Cl-, NO3 -, NH4 +, HCO3 - and CO3 2- on phosphate removal was negligible, suggesting that the La-JE had good anti-interference ability. Mechanism analysis showed that the removal process of phosphate was related to both ligand exchange and surface precipitation. The application in real water environment exhibited that the La-JE had good potential for advanced dephosphorization of sewage treatment plant and natural waterbody remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is found that the pore microstructures of Juncus effusus (JE), a yearly renewable and high-yield cellulose fiber with unique three-dimensional network structure and interconnected channels, exhibit the fractal characters. The cross-sectional images are measured by SEM and the fractal dimensions are calculated by the box-counting method. In order to reveal more details of JE, the multi-fractal spectrum method is employed to analyze its local features, which further shows the fractal structures. The results indicate that the fractal characteristics are obvious although JE is complex and disordered in structure. The present fractal study may have the potential and significance on fractal analysis of mechanical properties and transport properties of these natural fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel peroxydisulfate (PDS) activator (CF-nZVI-JE) was prepared via in-situ loading nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) on Juncus effusus (JE) followed with wrapping a layer of cellulose film (CF). The CF-nZVI-JE had the same 3D structure as the JE, being easy to separate from aqueous solution. The loaded nZVI existed single nanoparticles with a size of 60–100 nm except chain-type agglomeration of nanoparticles due to the stabilization of JE fibers. The activation performance of the CF-nZVI-JE for PDS was evaluated with Rhodamine B (Rh B) as a representative pollutant. Under the optimal activating conditions, the degradation rate of Rh B reached 99% within 30 min in the CF-nZVI-JE/PDS system. After five cycles, the degradation rate of Rh B was still over 85%, suggesting that the CF-nZVI-JE had good reusability. More interestingly, SO4·− and ·OH radicals were simultaneously detected in the CF-nZVI-JE/PDS system, but only SO4·− existed in the JE-ZVI/PDS system, suggesting the different activation mechanism. Meanwhile, the introduction of CF not only facilitated to the mineralization of Rh B but also significantly reduced the release amount of iron ions. Hence, the CF-nZVI-JE can be employed as a promising PDS activator for the treatment of organic wastewater. HIGHLIGHTS The prepared CF-nZVI-JE had the same 3D structure as JE, which can stabilize nZVI.; nZVI existed as single nanoparticles and chain-type agglomeration of nanoparticles.; Rh B degradation was involved in SO4−· and HO· in the CF-nZVI-JE/PDS system.; CF-nZVI-JE facilitated the mineralization of Rh B compared with the nZVI-JE.; CF prevented the leakage of nZVI and reduced the release amount of iron ions.;

In the contaminated soil, the plants are often threatened by pollutants, reducing the efficiency of phytoremediation. Plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) screened from plant rhizosphere can alleviate this phenomenon. Juncus effusus (J. effusus) has good effects on the remediation of heavy metal pollution but rarely used in soil research. This study aims to determine how PGPR affects the process of the remediation on pyrene-Ni-contaminated soil by J. effusus. PGPR was combined with J. effusus to strengthen the phytoremediation efficiency. The pot experiments were used to investigate the influences of inoculation PGPR on physiological conditions, soil enzyme activity, pyrene, and Ni enrichment ability. PGPR could promote J. effusus growth and nutrient absorption. PGPR was beneficial to promoted soil dehydrogenase activities and pyrene degradation rate in soil. Pyrene degradation rate were 97.3% and 97.1% in pyrene-contaminated soil and pyrene-Ni-contaminated soil, respectively. After inoculation with PGPR, the Ni content in roots of Ni contaminated soil increased from 69.5 to 111.5 mg kg−1, and that of pyrene-Ni-contaminated soil increased from 92.9 to 123.4 mg kg−1. Furthermore, PGPR could promote the chemical morphology transformation of Ni and improved the content of exchangeable Ni in soil significantly. The results showed that PGPR could alleviate the stress of pyrene and Ni on J. effusus, and have a good effect on the remediation of pyrene-Ni in contaminated soil. Further study should focus on the mechanism of PGPR to reduce toxicity of pyrene and Ni to J. effusus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of sequenced genomes in the monocots are from species belonging to Poaceae, which include many commercially important crops. Here, we expand the number of sequenced genomes from the monocots to include the genomes of 4 related cyperids: Carex cristatella and Carex scoparia from Cyperaceae and Juncus effusus and Juncus inflexus from Juncaceae. The high-quality, chromosome-scale genome sequences from these 4 cyperids were assembled by combining whole-genome shotgun sequencing of Nanopore long reads, Illumina short reads, and Hi-C sequencing data. Some members of the Cyperaceae and Juncaceae are known to possess holocentric chromosomes. We examined the repeat landscapes in our sequenced genomes to search for potential repeats associated with centromeres. Several large satellite repeat families, comprising 3.2-9.5% of our sequenced genomes, showed dispersed distribution of large satellite repeat clusters across all Carex chromosomes, with few instances of these repeats clustering in the same chromosomal regions. In contrast, most large Juncus satellite repeats were clustered in a single location on each chromosome, with sporadic instances of large satellite repeats throughout the Juncus genomes. Recognizable transposable elements account for about 20% of each of the 4 genome assemblies, with the Carex genomes containing more DNA transposons than retrotransposons while the converse is true for the Juncus genomes. These genome sequences and annotations will facilitate better comparative analysis within monocots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interventions that are required for both the control and post-invasion restoration of native plant communities depends on several factors, including the efficacy of the measures that are used and how these interact with environmental factors. Here, we report on the results of an experiment on the effects of mechanical removal and herbicide application on the invasive plant Gunnera tinctoria and how an extreme weather event impacted on the invader and on the recovery of native coastal grassland communities. Both removal protocols were largely effective in eradicating mature plants, but the mechanical removal treatment resulted in a major increase in the number of G. tinctoria seedlings, which was exacerbated by the extreme event. Nine months after removal, the number of native species had recovered to c. 80% of that in uninvaded grasslands. In contrast to seedlings, mature plants of G. tinctoria showed a significant reduction in above-ground production after the extreme weather event, although these had largely recovered after six months. Overall, our results indicate that post-control restoration of the plant community may be possible without further significant management interventions. Nevertheless, since some invasive plants survived, further monitoring is required to ensure that recolonisation does not occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azoxystrobin (strobilurin fungicide) and imidacloprid (neonicotinoid insecticide) have been detected in surface waters near treated agricultural, urban, and mixed landscapes. The hazards of pesticide runoff can be prevented through best management practices, including the establishment of diverse wetland plant barriers that can phytoremediate the chemicals in which they come into contact with. In this study, the wetland plant species softrush (Juncus effusus), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), and arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) were planted in sandy soil containers that were then placed in azoxystrobin or imidacloprid treated water. Every week for 2 months, water samples were collected for pesticide residue analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). At 14, 28, and 56 days after initiation, plants were destructively harvested and analyzed for pesticide residue in soil, above-ground vegetation, and below-ground vegetation. Results from this study report P. cordata reduced greater azoxystrobin (51.7% reduction compared to treated non-planted containers) compared to J. effusus and S. latifolia (24.9% and 28.7% reduction from non-planted containers) at 56 days. However, S. latifolia reduced greater imidacloprid (79.3% reduction compared to non-planted containers) compared to J. effusus and P. cordata (36.0% and 37.1% reduction from non-planted containers) at 56 days. Novelty statement: While research has found that wetland plants can absorb and remediate synthetic chemicals, this practice is only sustainable if used with native plants that require low maintenance and are tolerant to the applied substances. Various previous studies observe plants that are fast-growing, tolerant to environmental conditions, require low-maintenance, and are hardy. However, these plant species are not always suitable for any location and are often considered invasive and/or weed-like. The present research initiates a list of plant species which can be used within the southeastern United States and similar areas to phytoremediate commonly used pesticides azoxystrobin and imidacloprid and prevent off-target movement into sensitive water systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulosic Juncus effusus fiber with porous structure, belonging to the carbohydrate polymers group, was chemically modified by a resin to form a cellulose-based adsorbent (FA–JE) for the removal of Disperse Red 3B dye. The structural characteristics and elemental changes of FA–JE were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and with an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, while the morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy. The pH, contact time, and adsorption temperature were investigated for optimal adsorption of disperse dyes. The adsorption of Disperse Red 3B dye by FA–JE was consistent with that observed by the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of FA–JE was 103.95 mg/g, and the removal of disperse Red 3B dye was 99%. The data fitted well to pseudo-second-order kinetic model was followed. Thus, this natural cellulose-based adsorbent was determined to exhibit excellent performance for the removal of Disperse Red 3B dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydroeffusol, a phenanthrene isolated from Juncus effusus, is a Chinese medicine. To explore an efficacy of dehydroeffusol administration for prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease, here we examined the effect of dehydroeffusol on amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42)-mediated hippocampal neurodegeneration. Dehydroeffusol (15 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to mice once a day for 6 days and then human Aβ1-42 was injected intracerebroventricularly followed by oral administration for 12 days. Neurodegeneration in the dentate granule cell layer, which was determined 2 weeks after Aβ1-42 injection, was rescued by dehydroeffusol administration. Aβ staining (uptake) was not reduced in the dentate granule cell layer by pre-administration of dehydroeffusol for 6 days, while increase in intracellular Zn2+ induced with Aβ1-42 was reduced, suggesting that pre-administration of dehydroeffusol prior to Aβ1-42 injection is effective for Aβ1-42-mediated neurodegeneration that was linked with intracellular Zn2+ toxicity. As a matter of fact, pre-administration of dehydroeffusol rescued Aβ1-42-mediated neurodegeneration. Interestingly, pre-administration of dehydroeffusol increased synthesis of metallothioneins, intracellular Zn2+-binding proteins, in the dentate granule cell layer, which can capture Zn2+ from Zn-Aβ1-42 complexes. The present study indicates that pre-administration of dehydroeffusol protects Aβ1-42-mediated neurodegeneration in the hippocampus by reducing intracellular Zn2+ toxicity, which is linked with induced synthesis of metallothioneins. Dehydroeffusol, a novel inducer of metallothioneins, may protect Aβ1-42-induced pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dehydroeffusol from Juncus effusus activates adrenaline β receptors. • Dehydroeffusol increases metallothionein (MT) synthesis. • Dehydroeffusol reduces neurodegeneration by increase in intracellular Zn2+ by Aβ 1-42. • Blockage of adrenaline β receptor activation invalidates the effect of dehydroeffusol. • Oral intake of dehydroeffusol preventively serves against the Aβ 1-42 pathogenesis. Dehydroeffusol, a major phenanthrene in Juncus effusus , protects neurodegeneration induced by intracellular Zn2+ ferried by extracellular amyloid β 1-42 (Aβ 1-42). Here we focused on adrenaline β receptor activation and the induction of metallothioneins (MTs), intracellular Zn2+-binding proteins to test the protective mechanism of dehydroeffusol. Isoproterenol, an agonist of adrenergic β receptors elevated the level of MTs in the dentate granule cell layer 1 day after intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection. When Aβ 1-42 was injected 1 day after isoproterenol injection, pre-injection of isoproterenol protected Aβ 1-42 toxicity via reducing the increase in intracellular Zn2+ after ICV injection of Aβ 1-42. On the basis of the effect of increased MTs by isoproterenol, dehydroeffusol (15 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to mice once a day for 2 days. On day later, dehydroeffusol elevated the level of MTs and prevented Aβ 1-42 toxicity via reducing Aβ 1-42 -mediated increase in intracellular Zn2+. In contrast, propranolol, an antagonist of adrenergic β receptors reduced the level of MTs increased by dehydroeffusol, resulting in invalidating the preventive effect of dehydroeffusol on Aβ 1-42 toxicity. The present study indicates that blockage of MT synthesis via adrenaline β receptor activation invalidates dehydroeffusol-mediated prevention of Aβ 1-42 toxicity. It is likely that MT synthesis via adrenaline β receptor activation is beneficial to neuroprotection and that oral intake of dehydroeffusol preventively serves against the Aβ 1-42 toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Juncus effusus L. (family: Juncaceae; order: Poales) is a helophytic rush growing in temperate damp or wet terrestrial habitats and is of almost cosmopolitan distribution. The species has been studied intensively with respect to its interaction with co-occurring plants as well as microbes being involved in major biogeochemical cycles. J. effusus has biotechnological value as component of Constructed Wetlands where the plant has been employed in phytoremediation of contaminated water. Its genome has not been sequenced. Results In this study we carried out functional annotation and polymorphism analysis of de novo assembled RNA-Seq data from 18 genotypes using 249 million paired-end Illumina HiSeq reads and 2.8 million 454 Titanium reads. The assembly comprised 158,591 contigs with a mean contig length of 780 bp. The assembly was annotated using the dammit! annotation pipeline, which queries the databases OrthoDB, Pfam-A, Rfam, and runs BUSCO (Benchmarking Single-Copy Ortholog genes). In total, 111,567 contigs (70.3%) were annotated with functional descriptions, assigned gene ontology terms, and conserved protein domains, which resulted in 30,932 non-redundant gene sequences. Results of BUSCO and KEGG pathway analyses were similar for J. effusus as for the well-studied members of the Poales, Oryza sativa and Sorghum bicolor. A total of 566,433 polymorphisms were identified in transcribed regions with an average frequency of 1 polymorphism in every 171 bases. Conclusions The transcriptome assembly was of high quality and genome coverage was sufficient for global analyses. This annotated knowledge resource can be utilized for future gene expression analysis, genomic feature comparisons, genotyping, primer design, and functional genomics in J. effusus.

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Juncus effusus (J. effusus) and Carbonized J. effusus against liver injury caused by D-galactosamine (D-GalN) in mice. J. effusus and Carbonized J. effusus were administered by gavage once daily starting seven days before the D-GalN treatment. The results of the study indicated that J. effusus and Carbonized J. effusus suppressed the D-GalN-induced generation of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was observed. The values of superoxide dismutase (SOD) exhibited an increase. In addition, J. effusus and Carbonized J. effusus promoted the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) as well as the mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1 and Glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). The compressed Carbonized J. effusus demonstrated the optimum impact. These results suggest that J. effusus and Carbonized J. effusus protect against D-GalN-induced acute liver injury through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Abstract Wetlands in agroecosystems provide multiple ecosystem services, including provisioning services such as forage production. Here, we examine how pasture management intensity (semi‐natural pastures vs. highly managed pastures (fertilized, heavily drained, planted with productive grasses), cattle exclusion (grazed vs. fenced), prescribed fire (burned vs. unburned), and their interactions affect provisioning services provided by small, isolated, and seasonally flooded wetlands in subtropical pastures and rangelands. We used a replicated, full‐factorial experiment on 40 seasonally flooded wetlands located in Florida (USA), and measured standing plant biomass and annual net primary productivity in each wetland. Biomass was sorted by species to calculate species abundance of palatable and unpalatable plants. We used general linear mixed models to evaluate the effect of treatments and their interactions on biomass quantity, plant tissue nutrients (% C, % N, and % P), and forage nutritive value (using in vitro organic matter digestibility). Plant standing biomass and productivity were greatest in wetlands embedded in highly managed pastures, but in grazed wetlands, a large proportion of this biomass was unpalatable to cattle. Excluding cattle from wetlands in highly managed pastures increased productivity, standing biomass, and the amount of palatable species (~6.3 t/ha) compared to grazed wetlands (~3.3 t/ha), especially when these wetlands were also exposed to prescribed fire. Total P in plant tissue was consistently higher in wetlands within highly managed pastures, but total N responses to treatments varied between years. In vitro digestibility was higher in vegetation from wetlands within highly managed pastures, but not in fenced wetlands despite the higher amount of palatable species, suggesting that palatability and digestibility were decoupled. Subtropical wetlands in agroecosystems provide substantial provisioning services, and our study suggests that targeted management can increase these services. However, the pasture type surrounding a wetland interacts with grazing and fire management to affect provisioning services. We propose that fencing off selected wetlands (specifically in highly managed pastures) followed by low‐intensity grazing with adequate resting periods could benefit ranchers and have less persistent impacts on this ecosystem.

Aims Gunnera tinctoria is an unusual N-fixing plant species that has become invasive worldwide, generally in environments with a low evaporative demand and/or high rainfall. Amongst the many mechanisms that may explain its success as an introduced species, a contrasting phenology could be important but this may depend on an ability to grow and utilize nutrients under sub-optimal conditions. We examined whether G. tinctoria has an advantage in terms of a contrasting phenology and N-fixing capability, in comparisons with Juncus effusus , the native species most impacted by G. tinctoria invasions. Methods We made phenological assessments on a weekly or bi-weekly basis on long-established populations on Achill Island, Ireland, during 2016–2017. Data on leaf and inflorescence number, total leaf area, light interception and above-ground biomass were collected alongside measurements of soil temperature, moisture and oxidation–reduction potential. The significance of N-fixing ability for supporting seasonal growth was assessed using δ 15N isotopic assessments, together with in situ acetylene reduction measurements. Important Findings The timing of the initiation of growth of G. tinctoria and J. effusus varied between 2016 and 2017, with the earlier emergence and expansion of leaves of G. tinctoria , and the largest above-ground biomass associated with higher water availability. The early growth of G. tinctoria was dependent on preformed structures, with maximum canopy development occurring in late May, prior to that of J. effusus. Whilst N-fixation was observed in March, this made a more significant contribution to growth during the later stages of canopy development. Based on δ 15N isotopic analyses, early growth was predominantly associated with N-remobilization from the rhizomes, whilst seedlings were largely reliant on N-fixation. This emphasizes the importance of nutrient mobilization for early growth and shows that the importance of an N-fixing capability may vary developmentally, as well as during different stages of the invasion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands in agroecosystems provide multiple ecosystem services, including provisioning services such as forage production. Here, we examine how pasture management intensity (semi‐natural pastures vs. highly managed pastures (fertilized, heavily drained, planted with productive grasses), cattle exclusion (grazed vs. fenced), prescribed fire (burned vs. unburned), and their interactions affect provisioning services provided by small, isolated, and seasonally flooded wetlands in subtropical pastures and rangelands. We used a replicated, full‐factorial experiment on 40 seasonally flooded wetlands located in Florida (USA), and measured standing plant biomass and annual net primary productivity in each wetland. Biomass was sorted by species to calculate species abundance of palatable and unpalatable plants. We used general linear mixed models to evaluate the effect of treatments and their interactions on biomass quantity, plant tissue nutrients (% C, % N, and % P), and forage nutritive value (using in vitro organic matter digestibility). Plant standing biomass and productivity were greatest in wetlands embedded in highly managed pastures, but in grazed wetlands, a large proportion of this biomass was unpalatable to cattle. Excluding cattle from wetlands in highly managed pastures increased productivity, standing biomass, and the amount of palatable species (~6.3 t/ha) compared to grazed wetlands (~3.3 t/ha), especially when these wetlands were also exposed to prescribed fire. Total P in plant tissue was consistently higher in wetlands within highly managed pastures, but total N responses to treatments varied between years. In vitro digestibility was higher in vegetation from wetlands within highly managed pastures, but not in fenced wetlands despite the higher amount of palatable species, suggesting that palatability and digestibility were decoupled. Subtropical wetlands in agroecosystems provide substantial provisioning services, and our study suggests that targeted management can increase these services. However, the pasture type surrounding a wetland interacts with grazing and fire management to affect provisioning services. We propose that fencing off selected wetlands (specifically in highly managed pastures) followed by low‐intensity grazing with adequate resting periods could benefit ranchers and have less persistent impacts on this ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides produced from the amyloid precursor protein, a transmembrane protein, are neurotoxic and blocking the neurotoxicity may lead to prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we tested whether Aβ25-35-induced cognitive decline is rescued by treatment with dehydroeffusol, a phenanthrene isolated from Chinese medicine Juncus effusus. Dehydroeffusol (5 ~ 15 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to mice for 6 days and Aβ25-35 (2 mM) was injected at the rate of 1 μl/min for 3 min into the lateral ventricle. Y-maze test was performed after dehydroeffusol administration for 12 days. Aβ25-35 impaired learning and memory in the test, while the impairment was dose-dependently rescued by dehydroeffusol administration. The present study indicates that treatment with dehydroeffusol is effective for rescuing Aβ25-35-induced cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the removal of ibuprofen in laboratory scale constructed wetlands. Four (planted and unplanted) laboratory‐scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands were supplemented with ibuprofen in order to elucidate (i) the role of plants on ibuprofen removal and (ii) to evaluate the removal performance of a bioaugmented lab scale wetland. The planted systems showed higher ibuprofen removal efficiency than an unplanted one. The system planted with Juncus effusus was found to have a higher removal rate than the system planted with Phalaris arundinacea. The highest removal rate of ibuprofen was found after inoculation of gravel previously loaded with a newly isolated ibuprofen‐degrading bacterium identified as Sphingobium yanoikuyae. This experiment showed that more than 80 days of CW community adaptation for ibuprofen treatment could be superseded by bioaugmentation with this bacterial isolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juncus effusus (JE) is a natural cellulose fiber with unique three-dimensional network structure and interconnected channels. However, to the best of knowledge, no efforts have been dedicated to the influence of alkali treatment on the morphologies and properties of the JE fibers, which can contribute to the removal of dyes from wastewater. Herein, the natural cellulose JE fibers were subjected to alkali treatment various concentrations of NaOH. The mechanical, chemical, thermal, wetting, and surface morphological properties of alkali-treated JE fibers were examined using a variety of experimental techniques, confirming that the chemical and mechanical properties of the JE fibers were enhanced after alkali treatment. Fibers treated with 4% w/v NaOH exhibited a maximum tensile strength of 200.63 ± 36.38 kPa and elongation at break of 12.10% ± 2.69%. During alkali treatment, amorphous material such as hemicellulose was partial removed and the crystallinity index of the alkali-treated JE fibers was enhanced. The treated fibers exhibited a rough morphology owing to the removal of hemicelluloses. Future studies will mainly focus on the applicability of alkali-treated JE fibers for the removal of dyes from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass adsorbents have received extensive attention for the removal of heavy metals, but most of them had very limited adsorption capacity or needed to be modified with environmentally unfriendly chemicals to achieve acceptable performance. In this study, a green biomass adsorbent was fabricated using an abundant natural cellulosic Juncus effusus (JE) fiber and natural melanin polydopamine (PDA) through a simple mussel-inspired polymerization strategy. JE's unique hollow three-dimensional network structure provided an ideal scaffold substrate with abundant sites for dopamine polymerization deposition. This enabled the modified PDA@JE fibers to be rich in amino, hydroxyl, and other active adsorption sites, thereby endowing the PDA@JE fiber adsorbent with a promising Cr (VI) adsorption capacity of up to 145.8 mg / g. This capacity was significantly higher than that of most previously reported biomass-based adsorbents. Furthermore, 10–20 times the concentration of common interfering ions such as Ca2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, NO 3 -, Cl-, SO 4 2- and PO 4 3- had little effect on the adsorption efficiency. This study provided a green and general mussel-inspired strategy for preparing effective biomass adsorbent, offering a promising approach for utilizing natural cellulosic fibers in eco-friendly applications. [Display omitted] • JE's unique 3D structure serves as an ideal scaffold for dopamine polymerization. • PDA@JE fiber for eco-friendly Cr (VI) removal, max adsorption 145.8 mg/g. • Interfering ions at high levels have minimal impact on adsorption efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leakage of oil and organic solvents has emerged as the primary factor of water resources contamination and environmental degradation, causing an urgent and desirable quest for widely exploring and developing eco-friendly materials with hydrophobicity and lipophilicity. Herein, we presented a biomass-based separator composed of poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) and natural Juncus effusus (JE) which effectively separated oil-water mixtures, to address the aforementioned issue. The as-prepared PVB/JE-based separator, benefiting from the microporous, inner three-dimensional (3D) structure, and natural wettability of JE fiber, exhibits satisfied oil absorption and separation capabilities. The hydrophobic porous in PVB/JE can effectively block the water within the oil, while providing saturated oil absorption capacity. Furthermore, the separator can also efficient separate water in multiple types of water-in-oil surfactant-stabilized emulsion (separation efficiency > 93%). After repeated use (10 cycles) or continuous filtration (20 min), the separator maintained good separation efficiency (> 83%) and flux (> 2000 L m−2 h−1). The PVB/JE-based separator exhibited satisfied potential for the rational utilization of biomass materials and application in oil/water separation, owing to its convenient manufacturing process, high separation efficiency, and eco-friendly raw material. • Natural Juncus effusus based separator was fabricated for oil/water separation. • Hydrophobicity and oil absorption based on natural property and porous structure. • Surfactants-stabilized emulsion can be effectively separated by reusable separator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Argentina, drinking water for c.a. 10% of the population has arsenic (As) concentrations higher than those recommended by WHO (10 μg L−1). Reverse osmosis (RO) appears as an immediate and effective solution for As remediation. However, this process has a residual flow known as " rejection " or " concentrate " where dissolved species are more concentrated than in the feed flow. In this study, phytoremediation with subsurface horizontal-flow constructed wetlands (CW) was proposed to reduce As concentration in the RO residues. Experiments were carried out during 419 days at room temperature and using a continuous regime (flow of 36 L d−1, As concentration around 85 μg L−1) of RO rejection from a water treatment plant located in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The study was performed using prototypes planted with Cyperus haspan (PA), Juncus effusus (PB) and a mix of inert gravel and laterite (substrate) that was used as a control (PC). Results showed that after a stabilization time, As removal (%) was between 30% and 80% in the CW planted with J. effusus and between 10 and 40% with C. haspan. As concentration along CW showed similarities between the prototypes PC and PA. The cumulative mass of As was 62%, 34% and 27% for PA, PB and PC, respectively. The contribution of C. haspan and J. effusus during the experimental time was between 12 and 67% and 22 to 87%, respectively. The bioaccumulation and translocation factors indicated that for J. effusus the accumulation is more important than the translocation process (1.6 and 0.2, respectively), while for C. haspan both factors were similar (1.1 and 1.0, respectively). Results suggested that this technology has the potential for an efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to RO rejection treatment and disposal regarding As concentration. Unlabelled Image • CW are an efficient and sustainable alternative for As removal from RO effluent. • J. effusus plants remove As more efficiently than C. haspan from RO flow. • Substrate used has an important role providing available sites for As adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has led to perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) contamination in various environmental matrices. To remove PFAAs from contaminated water, this study investigated plant uptake of PFAAs by a native wetland plant species in the US, Juncus effusus. The results showed that J. effusus translocated selected PFAAs, including perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). During the 21-day experimental period, the uptake of PFAAs increased with increasing PFAAs exposure concentration and time. PFOS was largely accumulated in the roots with limited upward translocation. PFAAs with shorter carbon chain length were taken up by J. effusus roots and tended to accumulate in plant shoots. The highest removal efficiency (11.4%) of spiked PFAAs by J. effusus was achieved when it was exposed to PFAAs at around 4.6 mg/L for 21 days. The exposure to PFAAs stimulated the antioxidative defense system in J. effusus shoots but inhibited the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and damaged the antioxidative defense system in J. effusus roots. These results warrant further studies to evaluate J. effusus 's long-term performance in a PFAAs contaminated environment. Image 1 • Uptake of PFAAs by J. effusus increased with increasing PFAAs exposure concentration and time. • PFOS was largely accumulated in the roots with limited upward translocation. • PFAAs with shorter carbon chain length tended to accumulate in plant shoots. • PFAAs stimulated and damaged the antioxidative defense system in shoots and roots, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to corticosterone attenuates hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) via intracellular Zn2+ dysregulation. Here we report that effusol, a phenanthrene isolated from Chinese medicine Juncus effusus, rescues CA1 LTP attenuated by corticosterone. In vivo microdialysis experiment indicated that both increases in extracellular glutamate induced under perfusion with corticosterone and high K+ are suppressed in the hippocampus by co-perfusion with effusol. Because corticosterone and high K+ also increase extracellular Zn2+ level, followed by intracellular Zn2+ dysregulation, the effect of effusol on both the increases was examined in brain slice experiments. Effusol did not suppress increase in extracellular Zn2+ in the hippocampal CA1 of brain slices bathed in corticosterone, but suppressed increase in intracellular Zn2+, which may be linked with suppressing the increase in extracellular glutamate in vivo. In vivo CA1 LTP was attenuated under perfusion with corticosterone prior to LTP induction, while the attenuation was rescued by co-perfusion with effusol, suggesting that the rescuing effect of effusol is due to suppressing the increase in intracellular Zn2+ in CA1 pyramidal cells. The present study indicates that CA1 LTP attenuated by corticosterone is canceled by effusol, which rescues intracellular Zn2+ dysregulation via suppressing extracellular glutamate accumulation. It is likely that effusol defends the hippocampal function against stress-induced cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Upland forest soils are known to be the main biological sink for methane, but studies have shown that net methane uptake of a forest ecosystem can be reduced when methane emissions by vegetation are considered. We estimated the methane budget of a young oak plantation by considering tree stems but also the understorey vegetation.Automated chambers connected to a laser‐based gas analyser, on tree stems, bare soil and soil covered with understorey vegetation, recorded CH4 fluxes for 7 months at 3 h intervals.Tree stem emissions were low and equated to only 0.1% of the soil sink. Conversely, the presence of understorey vegetation increased soil methane uptake. This plant‐driven enhancement of CH4 uptake occurred when the soil was consuming methane. At the stand level, the methane budget shifted from −1.4 ± 0.4 kg C ha−1 when we upscaled data obtained only on bare soil, to −2.9 ± 0.6 kg C ha−1 when we considered soil area that was covered with understorey vegetation.These results indicate that aerenchymatous plant species, which are known to reduce the methane sink in wetlands, actually increase soil methane uptake two‐fold in an upland forest by enhancing methane and oxygen transport and/or by promoting growth of methanotrophic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Increasing abundance of Juncus effusus (soft rush) and Juncus conglomeratus (compact rush) in pastures and meadows in western Norway has caused reductions in forage yield and quality in recent decades. Understanding plant development and regrowth following cutting is essential in devising cost‐effective means to control rushes. In a field experiment in western Norway, we investigated development of above‐ and below‐ground fractions of rush from seedlings to three‐year‐old plants, including the impact on vigour of disturbing growth by different cutting frequencies during the period 2009–2012. Each year, the plants were exposed to one or two annual cuts or left untreated and five destructive samplings were performed from March to early December. Juncus effusus showed significantly more vigorous growth than Juncus conglomeratus in the last two years of the study period. The above‐ground:below‐ground biomass ratio of both species increased mainly in spring and early summer and was reduced in late summer and autumn. Removal of aerial shoots also reduced the below‐ground fraction of both species. One annual cut in July effectively reduced biomass production in both species by 30–82%, which was only a slightly smaller reduction than with two annual cuts, in June and August. Mechanical control measures such as cutting can thus effectively reduce rush vigour when performed late in the growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland ecosystems are known to mitigate high nutrient loadings and thus can improve water quality and prevent potential biodiversity loss caused by eutrophication. Plant traits affect wetland processes directly through effects on accumulation or metabolization of substances, and indirectly by affecting microbial transformation processes in the soil. Understanding the causes and consequences of intraspecific variation in plant functional traits and associated ecosystem processes can aid applied ecological approaches such as wetland restoration and construction. Here we investigated molecular variation and phenotypic variation in response to three levels of nitrogen availability for a regional set of populations of the common wetland plant Juncus effusus. We asked whether trait expression reveals signatures of adaptive differentiation by comparing genetic differentiation in quantitative traits and neutral molecular markers (QST—FST comparisons) and relating trait variation to soil conditions of the plant’s origin. Molecular analyses showed that samples clustered into three very distinct genetic lineages with strong population differentiation within and among lineages. Differentiation for quantitative traits was substantial but did not exceed neutral expectations when compared across treatments or for each treatment and lineage separately. However, variation in trait expression could be explained by local soil environmental conditions of sample origin, e.g. for aboveground carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratios, suggesting adaptive differentiation to contribute to trait expression even at regional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable biomass-derived carbon materials are beneficial for the sustainable development of energy. Herein, we propose a strategy to fabricate nitrogen-doped tubular porous carbon (PPy@JEC) by depositing Polypyrrole (PPy) on the surface of Juncus effusus (JE) microtubes and then carbonizing and activating with KOH. Changing the activation temperature and dosage of the activator could effectively regulate the pore structure of PPy@JEC. Such tubular porous carbon retains JE's natural microtubule structure for improving electrolyte ions transfer efficiency. The optimal carbon materials exhibited a high specific surface area (1955 m2 g−1), good electrochemical performance (326 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), and the capacitance retention reached 66 % at 20 A g−1. The symmetric supercapacitor constructed using the optimal PPy@JEC exhibits an energy density of 15 Wh kg−1. The capacitance retention rate can remain 90.9 % after 15,000 cycles at 5 A g−1. This work demonstrates that PPy@JEC can be a potential candidate for low-cost and sustainable supercapacitor electrode materials. [Display omitted] • Nitrogen-doped tubular porous carbon prepared has a large SSA of 1955 m2 g−1 and a high nitrogen content of 2.62 at%. • N-doped porous carbon exhibits a high specific capacitance of 326 F g−1. • SSCs displays a energy density of 15 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 180 W kg-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Greater remediation of N and P from the water column occurred in non-aerated systems. • Increased plant uptake of N and P occurred in aerated, full density systems. • Higher nitrate levels in aerated systems could be attributed to microbial activity. • N and P removal explained by volatilization, weed uptake, organic carbon availability. Abstract Nutrient contamination of waterways is a growing concern, instigating the emergence of floating treatment wetland systems (FTWs) to remove nutrients from water. To determine if aeration of water systems enhances nutrient removal efficacy or nutrient fixation within plant tissues, aeration in combination with FTW installation techniques were investigated. During two separate trials with Juncus effusus and Canna flaccida , treatments consisted of either aerated or non-aerated mesocosms, with varying coverage and planting density combinations. Aeration increased the dissolved oxygen levels within each mesocosm, but reduced the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from the water column in comparison to non-aerated systems. Plant samples collected from 100% planting density treatments that were aerated had a greater nitrogen uptake than non-aerated by as much as 55% or 13.5 g/m2 at harvest. Some discrepancies between plant uptake and water column nutrient levels can be attributed to microbially-mediated nitrogen losses (e.g., denitrification). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Three new phenanthrenes (1 – 3), designated as 2-methoxy-1,6-dimethyl-5-vinyl-9, 10-dihydrophenanthren-7-ol, 1,6-dimethyl-4,5-dihydropyrene-2,7-diol and 1-(3,7- dihydroxy-2,8-dimethyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthren-1-yl)ethanone, were isolated from the aerial parts of Juncus effusus. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic experiments (NMR and MS) and comparing with those related known compounds. The antifungal and antibacterial activities of 1 – 3 were evaluated. Compound 1 showed remarkable antifungal activities against six agricultural pathogenic fungi (Rhizoctonia solani , Verticillium dahliae Kleb , Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Gibberella saubinetii, Bipolaris zeicola , and Phytophthora parasitica) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 3.125 to 12.5 μg/mL, and also displayed significant antibacterial activities against two human pathogenic bacteria (Bacterium paratyphosum B and Micrococcus lysodeikticus) with MIC values of 12.5 and 25 μg/mL, respectively. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We collected samples (i.e., the aerial parts and roots of Juncus effusus and their growth media) in the indigenous zinc smelting area in the northwest region of Guizhou Province, China, and we measured and analyzed potentially toxic metal(loid)s (arsenic, As; cadmium, Cd; chromium, Cr; copper, Cu; mercury, Hg; lead, Pb and zinc, Zn) in these samples. The results include the following: First, there is a high concentration of one or more potentially toxic metal(loid)s in the slag and surrounding soil in the research area. This situation might be caused by metal(loid) damage or contamination due to the circumstances. Additionally, Juncus effusus in the indigenous zinc smelting area are contaminated by some potentially toxic metal(loid)s; since they are used for Chinese medical materials, it is especially significant that their As, Cd and Pb concentrations are greater than their limited standard values. Finally, both the bioconcentration factors and transfer factors for most potentially toxic metal(loid)s in Juncus effusus are less than 1 in the study area. Therefore, we suggest that Juncus effusus could be used for phytostabilization or as a pioneer plant for phytoremediation of potentially toxic metal(loid)s because it has a tolerance and exclusion mechanism for these metal(loid)s in the research district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rewetting of bogs after peat extraction in eutrophied, agricultural areas often results in mono-species stands of Juncus effusus L. In contrast to typical peat forming vegetation such as Sphagnum , J. effusus is highly productive and supplies large amounts of labile carbon, but it is still unknown how this species affects biogeochemistry and the potential of restored peatlands to store carbon. To study degradation of J. effusus litter of different quality and its effect on peat decomposition, we conducted a full-factorial, anaerobic incubation with dried, 13 C labelled litter (roots and shoots) of fertilized (C/N ratio 19.6, C/P ratio 55.3) and non-fertilized plants (C/N ratio 57.8, C/P ratio 304.5). We furthermore analyzed weakly (fibric) to highly (earthyfied) humified, and acidic Sphagnum - Eriophorum peat from three different rewetted and active peat extraction sites of the temperate, nemoral NW-German Plain. Materials were incubated fully water saturated at 15°C for 70 days; peat-only and litter incubations served as controls to the full-factorial re-combination of peat and litter. By this experimental design, we investigated the effect of fertilization on litter degradability, decomposition rates of litter in relation to peat, and the controls on decomposition rates to explain potential priming effects by recombination of fresh organic carbon and refractory peat. Surprisingly, fertilization of J. effusus only insignificantly affected decomposition rates between litter types. Decomposition rates of J. effusus litter were 2–18 times higher than of peat, and spectroscopic analysis of the organic matter confirmed the lability of litter and its leachates in comparison to peat. Decomposition rates were equally controlled (73% variance explained) by availability of terminal electron acceptors and the activity of hydrolyzing enzymes. However, hydrolase activity was strongly negatively correlated ( R 2 = 0.95, P < 0.05 ) with aromaticity, suggesting an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, upon combination of litter and peat, litter was preferentially decomposed. Litter amendments in general lead to faster depletion of electron acceptors. Thus, in these anaerobic incubations, electron acceptor availability limited a priming effect on the comparably refractory peat, and importantly, input of labile carbon from J. effusus did not compromise the preservation of peat. Instead, rapid exhaustion of electron acceptors may even lead to preservation of this comparably readily decomposable plant litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds in industrial wastewaters are toxic pollutants and pose a threat to public health and ecosystems. More recently, focus is being directed toward combining the treatment of these compounds with a cost-effective and environmentally sound technology. The removal efficiency of dimethylphenol and ammonium nitrogen was studied, for the first time, in three different laboratory-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands planted with Juncus effusus. Two of the wetlands used were filled with gravel. One of these was planted and the second left without vegetation. The third wetland was a hydroponic system. It was found that the removal efficiencies of dimethylphenol was dependent on the inflow loading of the contaminant and was higher in the planted systems. Both planted systems yielded 99% removal efficiency up to loads of 240 mg/d, compared to only 73% for the unplanted constructed wetland. Factors and processes such as redox dynamics, methanogenesis, reduction of ammonium and low nitrate and nitrite concentrations imply simultaneous aerobic and anaerobic dimethylphenol transformations. A significant surplus of organic carbon was detected in the planted wetlands, which may originate from intermediates of the dimethylphenol transformation processes and/or organic plant root exudates. The present study demonstrates that horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands are a promising alternative system for the treatment of effluents contaminated with dimethylphenol isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algal blooms resulting from the eutrophication of surface waters represent a significant ecological and water treatment issue. The potential for wetland systems to act as sinks for various types of pollutants indicates their potential for mitigating algal blooms. Although nutrient uptake in terrestrial treatment wetland systems has received substantial attention in the literature, relatively little is known about the mechanisms involved in floating constructed wetland (FCW) function for algal control and whether plant species can optimise performance. Here, the effect of FCWs on water quality including nutrient levels and algal biomass was investigated, along with the effect of planting with different species of macrophyte. All the planted FCWs showed significant potential for algal bloom mitigation in both hypereutrophic and mesotrophic systems; algal biomass control is proposed to be due to the direct uptake of nitrate and phosphate via macrophyte roots, rather than algaecidal effect of phenolic compounds. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release was found to differ between species, with implications for drinking water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the morphology and properties of fibers extracted from a wild natural plant largely available in Algeria known as Juncus effusus L. (JE). The morphology and diameter of the fiber bundles extracted from the stem of the JE plant were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The functional groups of the extracted lignocellulosic JE fibers were studied by FTIR, their thermal degradation behavior was investigated by TGA and their crystallinity was determined using X-ray diffraction technique. In addition, mechanical characterization was carried out using tensile tests on the lignocellulosic fiber in order to evaluate their strength, strain at break and Young's modulus. In view of the dispersion in the obtained experimental results, the latter were analyzed using the Weibull statistical laws with two and three parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The storage of coal combustion residue (CCR) in surface water impoundments may have an impact on nearby water quality and aquatic ecosystems. CCR contains leachable trace elements that can enter nearby waters through spills and monitored discharge. It is important, therefore, to understand their environmental fate in affected systems. This experiment examined trace element leachability into freshwater from fly ash (FA), the most common form of CCR. The effects on water quality of FA derived from both high and low sulfur coal sources as well as the influences of two different emergent macrophytes, Juncus effusus and Eleocharis quadrangulata, were evaluated in wetland microcosms. FA leachate dosings increased water electric conductivity (EC), altered pH, and, most notably, elevated the concentrations of boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and manganese (Mn). The presence of either macrophyte species helped reduce elevated EC, and B, Mo, and Mn concentrations over time, relative to microcosms containing no plants. B and Mo appeared to bioaccumulate in the plant tissue from the water when elevated by FA dosing, while Mn was not higher in plants dosed with FA leachates. The results of this study indicate that emergent macrophytes could help ameliorate downstream water contamination from CCR storage facilities and could potentially be utilized in wetland filtration systems to treat CCR wastewater before discharge. Additionally, measuring elevated B and Mo in aquatic plants may have potential as a monitoring tool for downstream CCR contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species, density and distribution of aquatic plant affects the hydraulic performance of surface flow constructed wetlands, and further affects the purification of wastewater. In this study, Tracer tests were conducted in three free surface flow constructed wetlands planted with different species of aquatic plants, i.e. Artemisia selengensis , Juncus effusus and Iris sibirica . These tests were repeated three times in each wetland. The optimal hydraulic indicators measuring the hydraulic performance were measured using a significance test and representative analysis. The results showed that the constructed wetland planted with Juncus effusus , characterized by thinner stalks and a higher planting density, was significantly better than those planted with Artemisia selengensis and Iris sibirica in both the effective volume ratio e and moment index I moment . There was no significant difference between the wetland planted with Artemisia selengensis and the one planted with Iris sibirica in any of the analyzed hydraulic indicators. The results showed that the wetland planted with Juncus effusus exhibited the maximum values of effective volume rate e , moment index I moment, short circuiting index t 10 and mixing index t 90 / t 10 and had the minimum of number of tanks in the TIS model N . Therefore, the Juncus effusus wetland displayed the best hydraulic performance and the most abundant flow mixture among the tested wetlands. The results also revealed that the degree of plug flow or completely mixed flow in a constructed wetland should not be used as a criterion for evaluating hydraulic performance. N and λ were not recommended as the measurement indicators. The effective volume ratio e , moment index I moment , short circuiting index t 10 and mixing index t 90 / t 10 were selected as the optimal indicators for measuring the flow conditions in free water surface flow constructed wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the study: Juncus roemerianus (Juncaceae) is a foundational species and ecosystem engineer of salt marshes in the Gulf of Mexico. These ecosystems provide coastal flood attenuation, nurseries for important species, and other ecosystem services, but are experiencing significant decline. Nuclear microsatellite markers were developed for J. roemerianus to study genetic diversity and population structure for conservation and restoration efforts. Methods and Results: Illumina NextSeq high-throughput sequencing was used to develop a panel of 19 polymorphic microsatellite markers that were tested across individuals from three populations on the Gulf Coast. All markers were polymorphic, with observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.212 to 0.828 and from 0.362 to 0.873, respectively. Allelic richness ranged from two to 13 alleles per locus with an average of 5.737. Conclusions: The 19 microsatellite markers are useful for population studies throughout the range of J. roemerianus. Three loci cross-amplified in the related taxon J. effusus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study endomorphisms of complete Noetherian local rings in the context of motivic integration. Using the notion of an auto-arc space, we introduce the (reduced) auto-Igusa zeta series at a point, which appears to measure the degree to which a variety is not smooth that point. We conjecture a closed formula in the case of curves with one singular point, and we provide explicit formulas for this series in the case of the cusp and the node. Using the work of Denef and Loeser, one can show that this series will often be rational. These ideas were obtained through extensive calculations in Sage. Thus, we include a Sage script which was used in these calculations. It computes the affine arc spaces ∇ n X provided that X is affine, n is a fat point, and the ground field is of characteristic zero. Finally, we show that the auto Poincaré series will often be rational as well and connect this to questions concerning new types of motivic integrals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic processes play an important role in horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) constructed wetlands (CW) and methane generation contributes to overall greenhouse gas emissions. Plants and bed depth are two main factors that can influence anaerobic processes but the effect of plants’ presence and species on methane emissions on shallower HSSF (0.3 m bed depth) has not been studied. We measured CH 4 and CO 2 emissions from a pilot plant constituted of five HSSF units in parallel with different plant species (CW1-UN: unplanted, CW2- JE : Juncus effusus, CW3- IP : Iris pseudacorus, CW4- TL : Typha latifolia L. and CW5- PA : Phragmites australis ). Shallow HSSF beds showed high methane emissions (averaging 440 mgCH 4 /m 2 * d) even at low loading rates (<5.0 gBOD 5 /m 2 * d). Differences in mean emissions between units were not significant. However, the unplanted unit showed lower methane emissions during cold periods and higher emissions during warmer periods than planted units. Temperature was the main variable determining CO 2 and CH 4 emission for all units, except for CO 2 emissions in CW2- JE unit. Temperature models explained 63–98% of seasonal variability and predicted zero emissions of CH 4 and CO 2 at temperatures of 9 ± 1 °C and 7.6 ± 1.3 °C, respectively. Organic matter accumulation (volatile solids, VS), specific methanogenic activity (SMA) and methane potential (MP) of accumulated solids were also determined. None of these parameters showed significant differences among CW units, except the higher values of MP in CW2- JE unit. While VS content and minimum SMA clearly increased with operation time, maximum SMA and MP remained stable. Potential methane emissions can be estimated from the product of surface density of VS and SMA, the measured emissions fitting well in the estimated range from batch assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A flexible porous graphene/polypyrrole/ Juncus effusus (G-PPy-JE) fibrous electronic was fabricated. • The synergistic effects of the ternary components endow the fiber with abundant conductive 3D networks. • The fiber exhibits controllable, stable, and durable Joule heating performance as thermal heaters. • The fiber presents high sensitivity, large working range, and great stability as strain sensors. Fibrous wearable electronics have attracted extensive attention owing to their lightness and flexibility. However, they face challenges to work synergically with conductive components when stable performance and multifunction are required simultaneously. Here, plant-extracted 3D porous Juncus effusus (JE) fiber decorated with conductive graphene/polypyrrole (G-PPy) yields flexible smart fibers (G-PPy-JE) with integration of Joule heating and strain sensing properties. G-PPy-JE fibers were prepared by hierarchically anchoring the graphene sheets and PPy to 3D JE microfibrils via a facile dip coating and in-situ polymerization method. Synergistic effects in the hybrid architecture contribute to a highest conductivity of G-PPy-JE (96.85 S m−1) compared to pristine JE, G-JE, and PPy-JE. On the one hand, G-PPy-JE fibers showed a great electric-thermal property, which achieved a temperature of 147 °C at 10 V within 10 s. The good Joule heating performance maintained when weaving these fibers into fabrics as thermal therapy clothing. On the other hand, G-PPy-JE fibers after encapsulation can serve as a strain sensor with a high sensitivity (GF of 7.36–11.36), great stability (10–100 %), and good durability over 500 cycles. The strain sensor also reflected capabilities to detect a full range of human motions. This work paves a way for manufacturing cost-effective, green, and versatile fibrous electronics for promising wearable application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about the roles helophytes play in constructed wetlands (CWs) is limited, especially regarding their provision of organic rhizodeposits. Here, transformations of inorganic nitrogen and sulfur were monitored in a CW variety, floating hydroponic root mat (FHRM), treating synthetic wastewater containing low concentration of organic carbon. Two helophytes, Phragmites australis and Juncus effusus , were compared in duplicates. Striking differences were found between the FHRM of the two helophytes. Whereas ammonium was removed in all FHRMs to below detection level, total nitrogen of 1.15 ± 0.4 g m −2 d −1 was removed completely only in P. australis systems. The mats with J. effusus displayed effective nitrification but incomplete denitrification as 77% of the removed ammonium-nitrogen accumulated as nitrate. Furthermore, the P. australis treatment units showed on average 3 times higher sulfate-S removal rates (1.1 ± 0.45 g m −2 d −1 ) than the systems planted with J. effusus (0.37 ± 0.29 g m −2 d −1 ). Since the influent organic carbon was below the stoichiometric requirement for the observed N and S transformation processes, helophytes’ organic rhizodeposits apparently contributed to these transformations, while P. australis provided about 6 times higher bioavailable organic rhizodeposits than J. effusus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]