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Vannini A, Pagano L, Bartoli M, Fedeli R, Malcevschi A, Sidoli M, Magnani G, Pontiroli D, Riccò M, Marmiroli M, Petraglia A, Loppi S. Accumulation and Release of Cadmium Ions in the Lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. and Wood-Derived Biochar: Implication for the Use of Biochar for Environmental Biomonitoring. Toxics 2024; 12:66. [PMID: 38251021 PMCID: PMC10818847 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Biochar (BC) boasts diverse environmental applications. However, its potential for environmental biomonitoring has, surprisingly, remained largely unexplored. This study presents a preliminary analysis of BC's potential as a biomonitor for the environmental availability of ionic Cd, utilizing the lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. as a reference organism. For this purpose, the lichen E. prunastri and two types of wood-derived biochar, biochar 1 (BC1) and biochar 2 (BC2), obtained from two anonymous producers, were investigated for their ability to accumulate, or sequester and subsequently release, Cd when exposed to Cd-depleted conditions. Samples of lichen and biochar (fractions between 2 and 4 mm) were soaked for 1 h in a solution containing deionized water (control), 10 µM, and 100 µM Cd2+ (accumulation phase). Then, 50% of the treated samples were soaked for 24 h in deionized water (depuration phase). The lichen showed a very good ability to adsorb ionic Cd, higher than the two biochar samples (more than 46.5%), and a weak ability to release the metal (ca. 6%). As compared to the lichen, BC2 showed a lower capacity for Cd accumulation (-48%) and release (ca. 3%). BC1, on the other hand, showed a slightly higher Cd accumulation capacity than BC2 (+3.6%), but a release capacity similar to that of the lichen (ca. 5%). The surface area and the cation exchange capacity of the organism and the tested materials seem to play a key role in their ability to accumulate and sequester Cd, respectively. This study suggests the potential use of BC as a (bio)monitor for the presence of PTEs in atmospheric depositions and, perhaps, water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vannini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Luca Pagano
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
- National Interuniveritary Consortium for Environmental (CINSA), University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 95, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Bartoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Riccardo Fedeli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via PA Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Alessio Malcevschi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Michele Sidoli
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.M.); (D.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Giacomo Magnani
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.M.); (D.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Daniele Pontiroli
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.M.); (D.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Mauro Riccò
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.M.); (D.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Marta Marmiroli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Petraglia
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via PA Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.F.); (S.L.)
- BAT Center-Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Janni M, Maestri E, Gullì M, Marmiroli M, Marmiroli N. Plant responses to climate change, how global warming may impact on food security: a critical review. Front Plant Sci 2024; 14:1297569. [PMID: 38250438 PMCID: PMC10796516 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1297569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Global agricultural production must double by 2050 to meet the demands of an increasing world human population but this challenge is further exacerbated by climate change. Environmental stress, heat, and drought are key drivers in food security and strongly impacts on crop productivity. Moreover, global warming is threatening the survival of many species including those which we rely on for food production, forcing migration of cultivation areas with further impoverishing of the environment and of the genetic variability of crop species with fall out effects on food security. This review considers the relationship of climatic changes and their bearing on sustainability of natural and agricultural ecosystems, as well as the role of omics-technologies, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, phenomics and ionomics. The use of resource saving technologies such as precision agriculture and new fertilization technologies are discussed with a focus on their use in breeding plants with higher tolerance and adaptability and as mitigation tools for global warming and climate changes. Nevertheless, plants are exposed to multiple stresses. This study lays the basis for the proposition of a novel research paradigm which is referred to a holistic approach and that went beyond the exclusive concept of crop yield, but that included sustainability, socio-economic impacts of production, commercialization, and agroecosystem management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Janni
- Institute of Bioscience and Bioresources (IBBR), National Research Council (CNR), Bari, Italy
- Institute of Materials for Electronics and Magnetism (IMEM), National Research Council (CNR), Parma, Italy
| | - Elena Maestri
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Interdepartmental Centers SITEIA.PARMA and CIDEA, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mariolina Gullì
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Interdepartmental Centers SITEIA.PARMA and CIDEA, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marta Marmiroli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Interdepartmental Centers SITEIA.PARMA and CIDEA, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Nelson Marmiroli
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per le Scienze Ambientali (CINSA) Interuniversity Consortium for Environmental Sciences, Parma/Venice, Italy
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Alias C, Piovani G, Benassi L, Abbà A, Sorlini S, Gelatti U, Zerbini I, Feretti D. Evaluation of Toxicity and Genotoxicity of Concrete Cast with Steel Slags Using Higher Terrestrial Plants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023; 42:2193-2200. [PMID: 37401854 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The potential impact of concrete mixtures containing steel slag (SS) as a partial replacement of natural aggregates (NA) on the terrestrial ecosystem was assessed using a battery of plant-based bioassays. Leaching tests were conducted on four concrete mixtures and one mixture containing only NA (reference concrete). Leachates were tested for phytotoxicity using seeds of Lepidium sativum, Cucumis sativus, and Allium cepa. Emerging seedlings of L. sativum and A. cepa were used to assess DNA damage (comet test). The genotoxicity of the leachates was also analyzed with bulbs of A. cepa using the comet and chromosome aberration tests. None of the samples caused phytotoxic effects. On the contrary, almost all the samples supported the seedlings; and two leachates, one from the SS-containing concrete and the other from the reference concrete, promoted the growth of C. sativus and A. cepa. The DNA damage of L. sativum and A. cepa seedlings was significantly increased only by the reference concrete sample. In contrast, the DNA damage in A. cepa bulbs was significantly enhanced by the reference concrete but also by that of a concrete sample with SS. Furthermore, all leachates caused an increase in chromosomal aberrations in A. cepa bulbs. Despite some genotoxic effects of the concrete on plant cells, the partial replacement of SS does not seem to make the concrete more hazardous than the reference concrete, suggesting the potential use of SS as a reliable recycled material. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2193-2200. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Alias
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- B+LabNet-Environmental Sustainability Laboratory, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Piovani
- B+LabNet-Environmental Sustainability Laboratory, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Benassi
- B+LabNet-Environmental Sustainability Laboratory, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Abbà
- B+LabNet-Environmental Sustainability Laboratory, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural, Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Sorlini
- B+LabNet-Environmental Sustainability Laboratory, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural, Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Umberto Gelatti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- B+LabNet-Environmental Sustainability Laboratory, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zerbini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- B+LabNet-Environmental Sustainability Laboratory, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Donatella Feretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- B+LabNet-Environmental Sustainability Laboratory, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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