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Hu Z, Cai X, Huang Y, Feng H, Cai L, Luo W, Liu G, Tang Y, Sirguey C, Morel JL, Qi H, Cao Y, Qiu R. Root Zn sequestration transporter heavy metal ATPase 3 from Odontarrhena chalcidica enhance Cd tolerance and accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:135827. [PMID: 39276736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
The Ni hyperaccumulator Odontarrhena chalcidica (formerly Alyssum murale), exhibits a significant capacity to accumulate Zn in the roots. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the variation in Ni and Zn accumulation are poorly understood. Here, we isolated a homolog of heavy metal ATPase 3 from O. chalcidica (OcHMA3) and characterized its functions using heterologous systems. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that OcHMA3 protein shares 87.6 % identity with AtHMA3, with similar metal binding sites to other HMA3 proteins. Heterologous expression of OcHMA3 in yeast increased sensitivity to Cd, Ni and Zn, suggesting it functions as a broad-specificity transporter. Further investigation showed OcHMA3 is constitutively expressed in the roots and localized to the tonoplast. Overexpression of OcHMA3 in A. thaliana shoots increased its roots Zn concentrations by 41.9 % - 74.1 %. However, overexpression of OcHMA3 in roots enhanced its tolerance to Cd and increased roots Cd concentrations by 50.9 % - 90.6 %. Our findings indicated OcHMA3 is responsible for Zn sequestration in root vacuoles, likely leading to Zn retention in roots and subsequent Ni hyperaccumulation in shoots. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism of Ni and Zn accumulation in O. chalcidica, and identifies OcHMA3 as a potential gene for developing Zn-rich plants and for phytoextraction in Cd-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunhe Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xuan Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yi Huang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huayuan Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liqi Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Weihua Luo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Gan Liu
- China Energy Conservation DADI (Hangzhou) Environmental Remediation Co.,Ltd, China
| | - Yetao Tang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | | | - Jean-Louis Morel
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Université de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Hua Qi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Yue Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Sun M, Liu J, Lin K, Yuan W, Liang X, Wu H, Zhang Y, Dai Q, Yang X, Song G, Wang J. Distribution and migration of rare earth elements in sediment profile near a decommissioned uranium hydrometallurgical site in South China: Environmental implications. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 366:121832. [PMID: 39038435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Rare earth elements have garnered increasing attention due to their strategic properties and chronic toxicity to humans. To better understand the content, migration, and ecological risk of rare earth elements in a 180 cm depth sediment profile downstream of a decommissioned uranium hydrometallurgical site in South China, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) were additionally used to quantify and clarify the mineral composition features. The results showed a high enrichment level of total rare earth elements in the sediment depth profile (range: 129.6-1264.3 mg/kg); the concentration variation of light rare earth elements was more dependent on depth than heavy rare earth elements. Overall, there was an obvious enrichment trend of light rare earth elements relative to heavy rare earth elements and negative anomalies of Ce and Eu. The fractionation and anomaly of rare earth elements in sediments were closely related to the formation and weathering of iron-bearing minerals and clay minerals, as confirmed by the correlation analysis of rare earth elements with Fe (r2 = 0.77-0.90) and Al (r2 = 0.50-0.71). The mineralogical composition of sediments mainly consisted of quartz, feldspar, magnetite, goethite, and hematite. Pollution assessment based on the potential ecological risk index, pollution load index (PLI), enrichment factor, and geological accumulation index (Igeo) showed that almost all the sediments had varying degrees of pollution and a high level of ecological risk. This study implied that continued environmental supervision and management are needed to secure the ecological health in terms of rare earth elements enrichment around a decommissioned uranium hydrometallurgical site. The findings may provide valuable insights for other uranium mining and hydrometallurgical areas globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Lin
- Earth Observatory of Singapore and Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Wenhuan Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoliang Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanyu Wu
- Sino-French Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qunwei Dai
- School of Environment and Resource, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycling, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Song
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.
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Rabbani M, Taqi Rabbani M, Muthoni F, Sun Y, Vahidi E. Advancing phytomining: Harnessing plant potential for sustainable rare earth element extraction. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 401:130751. [PMID: 38685517 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are pivotal for advanced technologies, driving a surge in global demand. Import dependency on clean energy minerals raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical risks. Conventional REEs productionis resource-intensive and environmentally harmful, necessitating a sustainable supply approach. Phytomining (agromining) utilizes plants for eco-friendly REE extraction, contributing to the circular economy and exploiting untapped metal resources in enriched soils. Critical parameters like soil pH, Casparian strip, and REE valence influence soil and plant uptake bioavailability. Hyperaccumulator species efficiently accumulate REEs, serving as energy resources. Despite a lack of a comprehensive database, phytomining exhibits lower environmental impacts due to minimal chemical usage and CO2 absorption. This review proposes phytomining as a system for REEs extraction, remediating contaminated areas, and rehabilitating abandoned mines. The phytomining of REEs offers a promising avenue for sustainable REEs extraction but requires technological advancements to realize its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Rabbani
- Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | | | - Frida Muthoni
- Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Ying Sun
- The Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ehsan Vahidi
- Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, USA.
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Grosjean N, Blaudez D, Chalot M, Flayac J, Gross EM, Le Jean M. Rare earth elements perturb root architecture and ion homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133701. [PMID: 38364576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are crucial elements for current high-technology and renewable energy advances. In addition to their increasing usage and their low recyclability leading to their release into the environment, REEs are also used as crop fertilizers. However, little is known regarding the cellular and molecular effects of REEs in plants, which is crucial for better risk assessment, crop safety and phytoremediation. Here, we analysed the ionome and transcriptomic response of Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to a light (lanthanum, La) and a heavy (ytterbium, Yb) REE. At the transcriptome level, we observed the contribution of ROS and auxin redistribution to the modified root architecture following REE exposure. We found indications for the perturbation of Fe homeostasis by REEs in both roots and leaves of Arabidopsis suggesting competition between REEs and Fe. Furthermore, we propose putative ways of entry of REEs inside cells through transporters of microelements. Finally, similar to REE accumulating species, organic acid homeostasis (e.g. malate and citrate) appears critical as a tolerance mechanism in response to REEs. By combining ionomics and transcriptomics, we elucidated essential patterns of REE uptake and toxicity response of Arabidopsis and provide new hypotheses for a better evaluation of the impact of REEs on plant homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damien Blaudez
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Michel Chalot
- Université de Franche-Comté, CNRS, Chrono-Environnement, F-25000 Montbéliard, France; Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Justine Flayac
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-57000 Metz, France
| | | | - Marie Le Jean
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-57000 Metz, France.
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Wang H, Chen Z, Feng L, Chen Z, Owens G, Chen Z. Uptake and transport mechanisms of rare earth hyperaccumulators: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119998. [PMID: 38169266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Due to their use in a number of advanced electronic technologies, Rare earth elements (REEs) have recently emerged as a key strategic resource for many nations worldwide. The significant increase in demand for REEs has thus greatly increased the mining of these substances, but this industrial-scale expansion of mining activities also poses potential risks to the surrounding environment, flora, fauna, and humans. Hence efficient REE remediation is one potential remediation process involving in situ clean-up of contaminated soil which has gained much attention in recent years, due to its low cost and lack of secondary pollution. However, some crucial aspects of phytoremediation, such as the precise-mechanisms of absorption, transport, and tolerance of REEs by hyperaccumulators -are poorly understood. This review briefly discusses the environmental risks associated with excess REEs, the efficacy of phytoremediation technologies coupled with, appropriate hyperaccumulator species to migrate REEs exposure. While REEs hyperaccumulator species should ideally be large-biomass trees and shrubs suitable for cropping in subtropical regions areas, such species have not yet been found. Specifically, this review focuses on the factors affecting the bioavailability of REEs in plants, where organic acids are critical ligands promoting efficient transport and uptake. Thus the uptake, transport, and binding forms of REEs in the above-ground parts of hyperaccumulators, especially the transporters isolated from the heavy metal transporter families, are discussed in detail. Finally, having summarized the current state of research in this area, this review proceeds to discuss current knowledge gaps and research directions. With a focus on hyperaccumulators, this review serves as a basis for future phytoremediation strategies of rare earth mining-impacted environments and addresses ecosystem/environmental degradation issues resulting from such mining activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Wang
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Zhibiao Chen
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China.
| | - Liujun Feng
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Gary Owens
- Environmental Contaminants Group, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australian, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia
| | - Zuliang Chen
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian Province, China.
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Thomas G, Sheridan C, Holm PE. Co-cropping vetiver grass and legume for the phytoremediation of an acid mine drainage (AMD) impacted soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122873. [PMID: 37949161 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a form of environmental pollution from mining activity that can negatively affect soil environments by acidification, salinisation, and metal(loid) contamination. The use of plants to remediate (phytoremediation) these impacted environments while generating plant-based value is a promising approach to more accessible and cost-benefiting restoration of post-mining, marginal lands. In this study, a 3-month growth-chamber pot experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of co-cropping two plant species, Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver grass) and the legume Medicago truncatula (barrel clover) with a wheat straw biochar amendment on the phytostabilisation of metal(loid)s Cr, Zn, and As and the phytoextraction of rare earth element (REE) in an AMD impacted soil from a gold mining region in South Africa. The results showed that co-cropping with vetiver significantly lowered the legume's Cr, Zn, and As root contents by 80%, 32% and 54%, respectively, and improved the plant's overall metal(loid) tolerance by increasing its translocation from root to shoot tissue. The biochar further inhibited root uptake of Cr and Zn, by 71% and 36%, and increased the legume biomass by 40%. Both plant species and cropping treatments exhibited low REE extraction capabilities by shoot tissue, which accounted for less than 0.2% of total soil REE contents. The study shows that co-cropping with vetiver and biochar amendment are effective tools for the phytoremediation of AMD impacted soil mainly by lowering plant uptake and improving plant metal(loid) tolerance. Likely mechanisms at play include the alteration of rhizosphere chemistry and species-specific physiological and molecular responses. These effects offer support for the phytostabilisation of AMD impacted soil with the generation of plant-based value through dual (and safe) cultivation (phytoprotection) rather than through REE recovery from plant biomass (phytoextraction). These techniques could allow for the simultaneous restoration of post-mining, mining-impacted and marginal lands with agricultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenna Thomas
- Section for Environmental Chemistry and Physics, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Denmark.
| | - Craig Sheridan
- Centre in Water Research and Development, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, South Africa
| | - Peter E Holm
- Section for Environmental Chemistry and Physics, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Denmark
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