Soil heavy metal pollution poses a significant environmental risk to human health and plant growth. Gibberellic acid (GA) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are effective methods for resolving this issue. GA regulates growth mechanisms such as seed germination, flowering, and stem elongation. Plants use GABA, a signaling molecule, to control physiological processes, growth, and responses to stress. This substance plays a crucial role in the interactions between hormones and plant defense, as evidenced by its effects on photosynthesis, food absorption, and stomatal behavior. The study aimed to determine how GABA and GA amendments affected tomato plants under no toxicity and Pb toxicity. The study included four treatments (0, GA, GABA, and GA + GABA) in four replications following a completely randomized design. Notably, the GA + GABA treatment led to considerable enhancements in fresh weight (88.98%), dry weight (68.28%), shoot length (39.98%), and root length (115.43%) compared to the control under Pb toxicity. Moreover, GA + GABA treatment significantly increased tomato chlorophyll a (161.72%), chlorophyll b (93.33%), and total chlorophyll content (112.45%) under Pb stress toxicity, confirming the effectiveness of GA + GABA treatment. In conclusion, GA + GABA is recommended as the best amendment to mitigate Pb stress in tomato plants. Our findings have broader implications for GA + GABA application, offering a potential technology to enhance sustainable crop production by improving plant growth and yield in Pb-contaminated soils. More investigations are suggested at field levels under different agroclimates on different crops for the declaration of GA + GABA as the best amendment for alleviating different heavy metal pollutions and sustainable agriculture productions.

Soil toxicity is a major environmental issue that leads to numerous harmful effects on plants and human beings. Every year a huge amount of Pb is dumped into the environment either from natural sources or anthropogenically. Being a heavy metal it is highly toxic and non-biodegradable but remains in the environment for a long time. It is considered a neurotoxic and exerts harmful effects on living beings. In the present review article, investigators have emphasized the side effects of Pb on the plants. Further, the authors have focused on the various sources of Pb in the environment. Investigators have emphasized the various responses including molecular, biochemical, and morphological of plants to the toxic levels of Pb. Further emphasis was given to the effect of elevated levels of Pb on the microbial population in the rhizospheres. Further, emphasized the various remediation strategies for the Pb removal from the soil and water sources.

Indiscriminate disposal of dry cell battery (DCB) waste contributes to environmental and public health issues in developing countries such as Ghana, due to the toxic nature of this specific waste. Accordingly, a study was conducted in Accra, Ghana, to determine the socio-economic and demographic factors influencing handling DCB waste, aiming a sustainable environment. Using a random sampling technique, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, encompassing 367 respondents from the Accra-Tema Metropolitan areas and Tema West Municipal Assembly in Greater Accra, Ghana. Using descriptive and multivariate statistical methods, the survey data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The results of this study show that female gender and residential area are likely to positively influence the use of DCB at home. Education significantly affects the use of DCB and its proper disposal. The results also suggest that 78% of the respondents disposed of DCB waste in waste bins. The mean monthly income of the respondents stands at USD 270, which is average and likely partially to positively influence the disposal of the DCB. The data collected revealed that female gender, age group, family size, and education level influence the indiscriminate disposal of DCB waste and DCB waste recycling. The results highlight that educated females above the age of 55, with a monthly income, are likely to properly segregate DCB waste. This study contributes to the knowledge gap in relation to dry cell battery waste management (DCBWM) in developing countries, aiming to advance global sustainability. This study is expected to contribute to educate and create awareness in managing DCB waste to reduce its indiscriminate disposal which leads to environmental pollution and negatively affects human health and environmental sustainability in Ghana.

The effect of serum iron or ferritin parameters on mortality among critically ill patients is not well characterized.

To determine the association between serum iron or ferritin parameters and mortality among critically ill patients.

Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies on serum iron or ferritin parameters and mortality among critically ill patients. Two reviewers independently assessed, selected, and abstracted data from studies reporting on serum iron or ferritin parameters and mortality among critically ill patients. Data on serum iron or ferritin levels, mortality, and demographics were extracted.

Nineteen studies comprising 125490 patients were eligible for inclusion. We observed a slight negative effect of serum ferritin on mortality in the United States population [relative risk (RR) 1.002; 95%CI: 1.002-1.004). In patients with sepsis, serum iron had a significant negative effect on mortality (RR = 1.567; 95%CI: 1.208-1.925).

This systematic review presents evidence of a negative correlation between serum iron levels and mortality among patients with sepsis. Furthermore, it reveals a minor yet adverse impact of serum ferritin on mortality among the United States population.

This study aims to find the interaction between ionome and metabolome profiles of Pteris vittata L., an arsenic hyperaccumulator plant, to reveal its metal tolerance mechanism. Therefore, at the Pb-Zn mining sites located in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam, where these species dominate, soil and plant samples were collected. Their multi-element compositions were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and thus referred to as the "ionomics" approach. In parallel, the widely targeted metabolomics profiles of these plant samples were performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS). Nineteen elements, including both metals and nonmetals, were detected and quantified in both tissues of thirty-five plant individuals. A comparison of these elements' levels in two tissues showed that above-ground parts accumulated more As and inorganic P, whereas Zn, Pb, and Sb were raised mostly in the under-ground samples. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model predicting the level of each element by the whole metabolome indicated that the enhancement of flavonoids content plays an essential contribution in adaptation with the higher levels of Pb, Ag, and Ni accumulated in the aerial part, and Mn, Pb in subterranean part. Moreover, the models also highlighted the effect of Mn and Pb on the metabolic induction of adenosine derivatives in subterranean parts. At the same time, the model presented the most contribution of As to the metabolisms of the amino acids of this tissue. On those accounts, the developed integration approach linking the ionomics and metabolomics data of P. vittata improved the understanding of the molecular mechanism of hyperaccumulation characteristics and provided markers that could be targeted in future investigations.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of potentially toxic elements in soil samples and plant tissues of Minuartia recurva and M. bulgarica, predominantly or exclusively calcifuge species. Biological concentration (BCs) and translocation factors (TFs) were used to evaluate their accumulation potential. Considerable differences were observed between M. recurva and M. bulgarica assessions in terms of accumulation strategies of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). In M. recurva, most of the elements analyzed (Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Co) were transported to the shoot, whereas in M. bulgarica, these elements remained predominantly in the roots. The Cu concentrations in the shoot samples of M. recurva from an abandoned iron-copper mine at Mt. Kopaonik were clearly above the notional hyperaccumulation threshold, characterizing this species as a possible Cu hyperaccumulator. Additionally, strong accumulation potential for Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb, and Cd was observed in M. recurva assessions, but without significant accumulation due to the low concentrations of these elements in the soils. The strong accumulation capacity and the different strategies in tolerance to PTEs indicate a potential of the two species for an application in phytoremediation: M. recurva for phytoextraction and M. bulgarica for phytostabilization.

Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybean) has been mentioned as a potential accumulator of hazardous metals, such as Pb. The main route of human exposure to heavy metals is consumption. This study evaluates Pb accumulation in soybean at different growth stages. The aim was to determine the period of the crop development when absorption and distribution mostly occur. Soybean plants were grown in control and Pb-polluted soils in a greenhouse experiment. Morpho-physiological parameters and Pb content in organs were analyzed. Results showed that Pb affected the biomass of roots and plant height, with the highest Pb accumulation occurring in the roots and with low translocation to aerial organs. Moreover, Pb accumulation and distribution occurred before grain filling, the crop critical period. Soybean seeds accumulated Pb above permissible values, but with no associated toxicological risk. Furthermore, pods showed higher Pb values ​​than seeds, suggesting a protective effect.

Phytoremediation technology based on living green plants would clean up water pollution. Through hydroponic experiment, the effects of different concentration of 2, 4-dinitrophenol (2, 4-DNP) on the photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Salix babylonica, and the absorption and purification effect of S. babylonica on 2, 4-DNP were measured to explore the tolerance of S. babylonica to 2, 4-DNP and the feasibility to purify dinitrophenol waste water by it. The biomass, actual photochemical efficiency (PSII), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and chlorophyll content of the S. babylonica showed downward trend with the increasing exposure concentrations of 2,4-DNP, but the intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci) appeared upward trend. Non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) increased at 5 mg L^-1, then declined with the increase concentrations of 2, 4-DNP. In addition, the percent removal of 2, 4-DNP in 20 mg L^-1 waste water was 91.4%. In conclusion, 2, 4-DNP significantly inhibits Pn of S. babylonica and the reduction of Pn was caused by decreasing Gs, carboxylation efficiency and chlorophyll content. When the concentration of 2, 4-DNP is not more than 20 mg L^-1, S. babylonica can remove 2, 4-DNP efficiently.

Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybean) crop plants have been found to have high lead (Pb) levels in aerial organs; however, knowledge about the processes involved in the incorporation, and subsequent translocation and accumulation of the metal in the plants is scarce. Considering the toxicity of this heavy metal, the aim of the present study was to evaluate Pb uptake and translocation, and their toxic effects on soybean seedlings via experiments of ionic competition with Ca2+ (2.5 mM, Ca:Pb 1:1) and alteration of the transpiration flow [0.25 mM Pb(NO3)2]. The following variables were analyzed: biomass, leaf area (morphological parameters), photosynthetic efficiency, biochemical response (considered physiological stress markers: antioxidant power, chlorophylls, carotenoids, starch, proteins, sugars, and malondialdehyde), and Pb content. Results showed that soybean seedlings can accumulate high Pb concentration in its organs; however, in general, no morpho-physiological Pb stress symptoms were observed, except for lipid peroxidation and antioxidant power. The treatment with Ca ions was not effective in reducing Pb entry into root over time when both Ca and Pb where present in the grow solution. Alteration of the transpiration rate in soybean showed that the air flow increased the consumption of solutions, regardless of the treatments. However, Pb accumulation was lower in seedlings exposed to air flow, indicating a selective exclusion of the metal in the solution. In both experiments, soybean seedlings showed to be tolerant to high Pb concentrations.

Worldwide, the effects of metal and metalloid toxicity are increasing, mainly due to anthropogenic causes. Soil contamination ranks among the most important factors, since it affects crop yield, and the metals/metalloids can enter the food chain and undergo biomagnification, having concomitant effects on human health and alterations to the environment. Plants have developed complex mechanisms to overcome these biotic and abiotic stresses during evolution. Metals and metalloids exert several effects on plants generated by elements such as Zn, Cu, Al, Pb, Cd, and As, among others. The main strategies involve hyperaccumulation, tolerance, exclusion, and chelation with organic molecules. Recent studies in the omics era have increased knowledge on the plant genome and transcriptome plasticity to defend against these stimuli. The aim of the present review is to summarize relevant findings on the mechanisms by which plants take up, accumulate, transport, tolerate, and respond to this metal/metalloid stress. We also address some of the potential applications of biotechnology to improve plant tolerance or increase accumulation.

Photosynthesis sustains plant life on earth and is indispensable for plant growth and development. Factors such as unfavorable environmental conditions, stress regulatory networks, and plant biochemical processes limits the photosynthetic efficiency of plants and thereby threaten food security worldwide. Although numerous physiological approaches have been used to assess the performance of key photosynthetic components and their stress responses, though, these approaches are not extensive enough and do not favor strategic improvement of photosynthesis under abiotic stresses. The decline in photosynthetic capacity of plants due to these stresses is directly associated with reduction in yield. Therefore, a detailed information of the plant responses and better understanding of the photosynthetic machinery could help in developing new crop plants with higher yield even under stressed environments. Interestingly, cracking of signaling and metabolic pathways, identification of some key regulatory elements, characterization of potential genes, and phytohormone responses to abiotic factors have advanced our knowledge related to photosynthesis. However, our understanding of dynamic modulation of photosynthesis under dramatically fluctuating natural environments remains limited. Here, we provide a detailed overview of the research conducted on photosynthesis to date, and highlight the abiotic stress factors (heat, salinity, drought, high light, and heavy metal) that limit the performance of the photosynthetic machinery. Further, we reviewed the role of transcription factor genes and various enzymes involved in the process of photosynthesis under abiotic stresses. Finally, we discussed the recent progress in the field of biodegradable compounds, such as chitosan and humic acid, and the effect of melatonin (bio-stimulant) on photosynthetic activity. Based on our gathered researched data set, the logical concept of photosynthetic regulation under abiotic stresses along with improvement strategies will expand and surely accelerate the development of stress tolerance mechanisms, wider adaptability, higher survival rate, and yield potential of plant species.

In Russia, tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) is a fungicide widely used in the cultivation of legumes, including the pea (Pisum sativum). Application of TMTD can negatively affect nodulation; nevertheless, its effect on the histological and ultrastructural organization of nodules has not previously been investigated. In this study, the effect of TMTD at three concentrations (0.4, 4, and 8 g/kg) on nodule development in three pea genotypes (laboratory lines Sprint-2 and SGE, and cultivar 'Finale') was examined. In SGE, TMTD at 0.4 g/kg reduced the nodule number and shoot and root fresh weights. Treatment with TMTD at 8 g/kg changed the nodule color from pink to green, indicative of nodule senescence. Light and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed negative effects of TMTD on nodule structure in each genotype. 'Finale' was the most sensitive cultivar to TMTD and Sprint-2 was the most tolerant. The negative effects of TMTD on nodules included the appearance of a senescence zone, starch accumulation, swelling of cell walls accompanied by a loss of electron density, thickening of the infection thread walls, symbiosome fusion, and bacteroid degradation. These results demonstrate how TMTD adversely affects nodules in the pea and will be useful for developing strategies to optimize fungicide use on legume crops.