Adsorption behavior of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) on aged microplastics in antibiotics-heavy metals coexisting system

Adsorption behavior of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) on aged microplastics in antibiotics-heavy metals coexisting system.

Cereals are the major contributors to global food supply, accounting for more than half of the total human calorie requirements. Sustainable availability of quality cereal grains is an important step to address the high-priority issue of food security. High concentrations of heavy metals specifically lead (Pb) in the soil negatively affect biochemical and physiological processes regulating grain quality in cereals. The dietary intake of Pb more than desirable quantity via food chain is a major concern for humans, as it can predispose individuals to chronic health issues. In plant systems, high Pb concentrations can disrupt several key metabolic processes such as electron transport chain, cellular organelles integrity, membrane stability index, PSII connectivity, mineral metabolism, oxygen-evolving complex, and enzymatic activity. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been recommended as an inexpensive strategy for remediating Pb-contaminated soils. A diverse group of Ascomycetes fungi, i.e., dark septate endophytes is successfully used for this purpose. A symbiotic relationship between endophytes and host cereal induces Pb tolerance by immobilizing Pb ions. Molecular and cellular modifications in plants under Pb-stressed environments are explained by transcription factor families such as bZIP, ERF, and GARP as a regulator. The role of metal tolerance protein (MTP), natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP), and heavy metal ATPase in decreasing Pb toxicity is well known. In the present review, we provided the contemporary synthesis of existing data regarding the effects of Pb toxicity on morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of major cereal crops. We also highlighted the mechanism/s of Pb uptake and translocation in plants, critically discussed the possible management strategies and way forward to overcome the menace of Pb toxicity in cereals.

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Lead Toxicity in Cereals: Mechanistic Insight Into Toxicity, Mode of Action, and Management.

Photocatalytic and biological technologies for elimination of microplastics in water: Current status.

Photocatalytic and biological technologies for elimination of microplastics in water: Current status

Microplastics in polar regions: An early warning to the world's pristine ecosystem

Food safety is a priority concern and the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal No. 2) have been established to overcome all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, both qualitatively and quantitatively. In recent years, the quality of crop has been adversely impacted by the different contaminants which resulted in poor food quality and also endangered the human health. Heavy metals and metalloids like Cadmium, Chromium, Arsenic, Lead and Mercury are among the significant contaminants of the environment. Though, some metal elements are crucial (in micro concentrations) for the plant growth. Conversely, if the concentration of these metals (micronutrients) reaches the threshold level in soil, can obstructs growth of the underground and above ground plant parts. Some plants develop metal specific defence mechanisms against these contaminants, in addition there are several other methods also available to clean up the environment from these toxins. One of the effective, affordable and eco-friendly way out for the remediation of toxic metals is phytoremediation techniques. In this chapter, we have discussed the difference between nutrient and contaminant, their accumulation in crops. It also describes the health effects and some standard equation for risk assessment. Finally, we have discussed some eco-friendly options such as phytoremediation techniques, source reduction, role of genetic engineering and application of nanotechnology. These methods are proposed for the management of toxic heavy metals from soil.

Jaswant Singh

Papers

Microplastics in polar regions: An early warning to the world's pristine ecosystem

Toxic Metals in Crops: A Burgeoning Problem