Metals and metalloid bioconcentrations in the tissues of Typha latifolia grown in the four interconnected ponds of a domestic landfill site

Phytomitigation potential and adaptive responses of helophyte Typha latifolia L. to copper smelter-influenced heavily multi-metal contamination

The present study of phytomitigation potential and adaptive physiological and biochemical responses of helophyte Typha latifolia L. growing in water bodies at different distances from the century-old copper smelter (JSC "Karabashmed" Chelyabinsk Region, Russia) was conducted for the first time. This enterprise is one of the most dominant sources of multi-metal contamination for water and land ecosystems. The aim of the research was to assess the heavy metal (Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd, Mn, and Fe) accumulation, the photosynthetic pigment complex, and some redox reactions in T. latifolia from six differently technogenic impacted sites. In addition, the quantity of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms (QMAFAnM) in rhizosphere sediments, as well as some plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes of 50 isolates from each site, were determined. The water and sediment metal concentrations in highly contaminated sites exceeded the permissible/critical limits and were found much higher than that previously reported by other researchers while studying this helophyte. Both the degree of contamination and geoaccumulation indexes further elucidated extremely high contamination due to prolonged activity of copper smelter. T. latifolia accumulated significantly higher concentrations of the most of studied metals in its roost and rhizome with meager transfer to leaves (the translocation factors were less than one). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient showed a strong positive correlation between the metal concentration in sediments and its content in T. latifolia leaves (rs = 0.786 at p < 0.001 on average) and roots/rhizome (rs = 0.847 at p < 0.001 on average). In highly contaminated sites, the folia content of chlorophyll a and carotenoids decreased (by 30 and 38%, respectively), while lipid peroxidation enhanced (by 42%) on average compared to S1-S3 sites. These responses were accompanied by increasing non-enzymatic antioxidant content (soluble phenolic compounds, free proline, and soluble thiols) that allow plants to resist under significant anthropogenic loads. QMAFAnM in the five studied rhizosphere substrates varied insignificantly (2.5 × 106 - 3.8 × 107 cfu g-1 DW) and was decreased only in the most contaminated site (4.5 × 105). The proportion of rhizobacteria capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen decreased by 1.7 times, solubilizing phosphates by 1.5 times, and synthesizing indol-3-acetic acid by 1.4 times in highly contaminated sites, while the amount of siderophore, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, and HCN producing bacteria did not considerably change. The results indicate high resistance of T. latifolia to prolonged technogenic impact, probably due to compensatory adaptive changes in the nonenzymatic antioxidant level and presence of beneficial microorganisms. Thus, T. latifolia was found to be a promising metal-tolerant helophyte that could help in mitigation of metal toxicity due to their phytostabilization even in heavily contaminated environment.

Determination of the Toxic Effects of Heavy Metals on the Morpho-Anatomical Responses of the Leaf of Typha latifolia as a Biomonitoring Tool

Typha latifolia leaves act as sensitive barometers for trace heavy metal pollution, as revealed by their pronounced anatomical responses in a constructed wetland. Monthly water samples and Typha latifolia leaf tissue were collected over three consecutive months in 2018 from the Burgas Lake wetlands (Taoura), northeast Algeria. While physical and chemical parameters improved after treatment, atomic absorption spectrometry (Perkin Elmer A Analyst 800 AAS) detected persistent trace levels of cadmium, chromium, and lead in both the treated water and leaf tissue, highlighting the need for continued phytoremediation efforts. Microscopic examination of leaf tissue exposed to these metals revealed distinct anatomical adaptations, including shrunken vascular bundles, altered cell shapes, and stomatal closure. These findings underscore Typha latifolia's effectiveness in accumulating heavy metals and its potential as a highly sensitive biomonitor for persistent pollution in lake ecosystems.

Metal Removal Kinetics, Bio-Accumulation and Plant Response to Nutrient Availability in Floating Treatment Wetland for Stormwater Treatment

Floating treatment wetland (FTW) is a recent innovation to remove nutrients from stormwater, but little is known about its effectiveness for metal removal. This study aims to test the hypothesis that the metal removal performance of FTWs will be affected by nutrient (NH3-N, NO3-N, and PO4-P) availability in stormwater. Two experiments were carried out in nutrient-deficient tap water, and two experiments were carried out in nutrient-rich lake water using four native Australian plants, namely Carex fascicularis, Juncus kraussii, Eleocharis acuta, and Baumea preissii. Up to 81% Cu and 44.9% Zn removal were achieved by the plants in 16 days in tap water. A reduction in Cu and Zn removal of 28.4–57.3% and 1.0–19.7%, respectively, was observed in lake water compared with tap water for the same duration. The kinetic analysis also confirmed that plant metal uptake rates slowed down in lake water (0.018–0.088 L/mg/day for Cu and 0.005–0.018 L/mg/day for Zn) compared to tap water (0.586–0.825 L/mg/day for Cu and 0.025–0.052 L/mg/day for Zn). A plant tissue analysis revealed that E. acuta and B. preissii bioaccumulated more than 1000 mg/kg of both metals in their tissue, indicating high metal accumulation capacities. To overcome the slower metal uptake rate problem due to nutrient availability, future studies can investigate multi-species plantations with nutrient stripping plants and metal hyper-accumulator plants.

Brassinosteroids and metalloids: Regulation of plant biology

Metalloid contamination in the environment is one of the serious concerns posing threat to our ecosystems. Excess of metalloid concentrations (including antimony, arsenic, boron, selenium etc.) in soil results in their over accumulation in plant tissues, which ultimately causes phytotoxicity and their bio-magnification. So, it is very important to find some ecofriendly approaches to counter negative impacts of above mentioned metalloids on plant system. Brassinosteroids (BRs) belong to family of plant steroidal hormones, and are considered as one of the ecofriendly way to counter metalloid phytotoxicity. This phytohormone regulates the plant biology in presence of metalloids by modulating various key biological processes like cell signaling, primary and secondary metabolism, bio-molecule crosstalk and redox homeostasis. The present review explains the in-depth mechanisms of BR regulated plant responses in presence of metalloids, and provides some biotechnological aspects towards ecofriendly management of metalloid contamination.

Zinc removal from highly acidic and sulfate-rich wastewater in horizontal sub-surface constructed wetland

This study demonstrated the successful use of a laboratory-scale baffled horizontal constructed wetland substituted with mixed organic media for zinc removal from high acidity (∼610 mg L^-1 as CaCO₃), sulfate-rich (∼1,300 mg L^-1) wastewater. The wetland was planted with Typha latifolia. The mean zinc concentration in the influent was gradually increased from 0.56 ± 0.02 mg L^-1 to 5.3 ± 0.42 mg L^-1. The mean zinc concentration in the outflow was 0.22 ± 0.19 mg L^-1, which accounted for 95% zinc removal throughout the study. However, total zinc uptake by the plants was 533 mg kg^-1, accounting for only 1.2% of total zinc removal; therefore, major zinc retention occurred within wetland media (83%). The overall activity and specific sulfidogenic activity decreased at the end of the study to 1.43 mg chemical oxygen demand removed per mg of TVS per day and 0.60 mg sulfate reduced per mg of TVS per day, respectively. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed major dominant phyla present: Firmicutes (36%), Proteobacteria (16%), Actinobacteria (8.8%), Planctomycetes (7.8%), Chloroflexi (3.5%), Acidobacteria (1.9%) and Fibrobacteres (1.5%).

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals from wastewater through a Typha latifolia and Thelypteris palustris phytoremediation system

Animal production is a source of heavy metals in livestock wastewater and also a key link in the food chain, with negative impacts on human and animal health. In intensive animal production systems, the most critical elements are zinc and copper. In order to development of innovative non-invasive strategies to reduce the environmental impact of livestock, this study assessed the ability of two plants, Typha latifolia and Thelypteris palustris, to bioaccumulate the heavy metals used in animal nutrition, from wastewater. Four mesocosms (width 2.0 m, length 2.0 m, 695 L of water, 210 kg of soil) were assembled outdoors at the Botanical Garden. Two of them were planted with T. latifolia (TL treated, n = 30; TL control, n = 30) and two with T. palustris (TP treated, n = 60; TP control, n = 60). In T0 a solution of a mineral additive premix (Zn 44.02 mg/L; Cu 8.63 mg/L) was dissolved in the treated mesocosms. At T0, d 15 (T1) and d 45 (T2) samples of roots, leaves, stems, soil and water were collected, dried, mineralized and analyzed using ICP-MS in order to obtain HMs content. We found that T. latifolia and T. palustris accumulate and translocate Zn, Cu from contaminated wastewater into plant tissues in a way that is directly related to the exposure time (T2 for Zn: 271.64 ± 17.70, 409.26 ± 17.70 for Cu: 47.54 ± 3.56, 105.58 ± 3.56 mg/kg of DM, respectively). No visual toxicity signs were observed during the experimental period. This phytoremediation approach could be used as an eco-sustainable approach to counteract the output of heavy metals.

Thermodynamic and kinetic insights into plant-mediated detoxification of lead, cadmium, and chromium from aqueous solutions by chemically modified Salvia moorcroftiana leaves

Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects for the biosorptive removal of Pb, Cd, and Cr metals from water using Chemically Modified Leaves of Salvia moorcroftiana (CMSML) were determined. Different parameters including pH, temperature, metal's initial concentration, biomass dosage, and contact time were optimized. Optimum biosorptions of Pb, Cd, and Cr were attained at pH values of 6.0, 7.0, and 3.0 respectively. Batch experiments showed maximum removal of both Pb and Cd at 40 °C and that of Cr at 30 °C. Biosorption capability of CMSML was observed to decrease with raising temperature. Optimal equilibrium times for Pb, Cd, and Cr uptake were 120, 60, and 120 min respectively. Based on the values of regression correlation coefficients (R²), the current data is explained better by applying Langmuir isotherms than the Freundlich model. Maximum biosorbent capabilities (q_max) for Pb, Cd, and Cr were approximately 270.27, 100.00, and 93.45 mg/g respectively. Thermodynamically, removal of all the three metal ions was shown to be exothermic and spontaneous.

Proposed changes for post-closure monitoring of Etueffont landfill (France) from a 9-year survey

Environmental monitoring must be continued following landfill closure for at least 30 years according French Waste Disposal Law. The goal of this investigation was to verify whether measures taken with respect to surveillance and control of leachates, surface and ground water originated from closed landfill site in France are sufficient to ensure reliable long-term environmental monitoring. This study is based on the first nine years of the Etueffont landfill's post-closure phase, from 2002 to 2010. In 2007, the site's piezometric network has 17 piezometers. Four supplementary sampling points were also added in up- and downstream of Gros Près and Mont Bonnet Brooks. No raw leachate was discharged directly into the natural environment. Piezometric monitoring has been undertaken monthly. Groundwater and effluent discharges were sampled twice per year, in January and July, while surface water was sampled three times annually. By taking into account all of the monitoring parameters imposed by the Decree of 9 September 1997 amended, the recorded values were all lower than the strictest standards (non-applicable) at the end of monitoring (2005-2010). The discharge is therefore of a much higher quality than required. Several parameters were undetected in the surface waters since their levels were below analytical detection limits. The average purification efficiency observed between upstream (the source) and downstream (MB Brook), observed to be between 72 and 91%, shows just how well the receiving environment can purify contaminated waters by natural attenuation. The groundwater present throughout the monitoring period to be at concentrations below the standards for the following parameters: Total phosphorus, Total nitrogen, Escherichia coli (E. coli), As, Zn, Cd and Cr. In contrast, some excesses are occasionally observed for the organic parameters (TOC, COD and BOD). Thus, this study shows the flaws inherent in the environmental monitoring program imposed by the Decree of 9 September 1997. Consequently, the program has indeed been adapted to the monitoring of effluent discharges and surface water quality since the decree does set quality standards.

Performance assessment of Etueffont (France) lagooning treatment system: Report from a 16-year survey

This study examined the lagooning treatment system of the Etueffont landfill (France) over a period of 16 years. Outflow concentrations in total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand (BOD₅) and trace metal elements largely met outflow standards and were on average of 5, 8 and 6 times lower than those observed at inflow, respectively. In 2000, however, high levels of BOD₅ were observed in both the influent and effluent, exceeding the authorized outflow limits. At that time the lagooning ponds were subjected temporarily to organic pollution, coinciding with the arrival of the first leachates from a new cell. Though the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon in the influent exceeded authorized limits, overall values conformed to official standards with outflow exhibiting mean concentrations four times lower than those observed at inflow. The first period took place just after the arrival from the new cell of young leachates containing a very high level of COD (>10,000 mg L^-1), causing an organic overload that led to a temporary dysfunctioning of the treatment installation lasting approximately two years. Additionally, the COD in the leachates fell below the strictest limits (125 mg L^-1) at the end of monitoring (2005-2009). The initial nitrogen load brought in by the influent decreased progressively over time, evidence of continuous degradation. At the end of monitoring, regardless of the arriving inflow load, the discharge presented stable concentrations of approximately 30 mg L^-1, appearing to indicate that the limits for nitrogen elimination. Total phosphorus elimination was optimal as the concentrations at outflow were minimal throughout most of monitoring, even though the phosphorus load at inflow was from two to thirty-five times greater. Thus, the findings show that landfill leachates in the methanogenic phase can be treated efficiently by lagooning without risk to the surrounding environment.

Suitability of nutrients removal from brewery wastewater using a hydroponic technology with Typha latifolia

Background

This study aims to assess suitability of hydroponic technology for treatment of brewery wastewater in a hydroponic bioreactor using Typha latifolia. Triplicated hydroponic bioreactor treatment units were designed, constructed and operated at a hydraulic retention time of 5 days with different surface loadings and mean hydraulic loading rate 0.023 m³ m⁻²d^− 1. Young T. latifolia shoots were collected in the vicinity of study site. Wastewater characteristics, plant growth and nutrient accumulation during experiment were analyzed as per APHA standard methods and nutrient removal efficiency was evaluated based on inlet and outlet values.

Results

T. latifolia established and grew well in the hydroponics under fluctuations of wastewater loads and showed a good phytoremedial capacity to remove nutrients. Significant removal efficiencies (p < 0.05) varied between 54 and 80% for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, 42 and 65% for NH₄⁺ -N, 47 and 58% for NO₃⁻ -N, and 51 and 70% for PO₄³⁻-P. The system improved the removal up to 29% compared to control and produced biomass of 0.61–0.86 kg dry weight (DW) m^− 2. Nutrients retained were up to 21.17 g N kg^− 1 DW and 2.87 g P kg^− 1 DW.

Conclusion

The significant nutrients reduction obtained and production of biomass led us to conclude that hydroponics technology using T. latifolia has suitability potential for treatment of brewery wastewater and similar agro-industrial wastewaters. Thus it could be considered as a promising eco-friendly option for wastewater treatment to mitigate water pollution. Integration of treatment and production of biomass needs further improvement.

Phytomanagement of trace metals in mangrove sediments of Hormozgan, Iran, using gray mangrove (Avicennia marina)

Trace elements (Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) in root and leaf tissues of the gray mangrove (Avicennia marina) and in corresponding sediment samples were studied. Samples were taken from the inflow/outflow points in two distinct habitats, i.e., the Hara Protected Area and the Azini Bay, of Hormozgan Province in south Iran. Heavy metal concentrations (μg g^-1 of dry weight) in the sediments of the Hara Protected Area ranged from 16.0 to 68.0 for Pb, 15.0 to 52.0 for Zn, 9.0 to 27.0 for Cu, and 1.0 to 3.3 for Cd. In the Azini Bay, these concentrations ranged from 7.1 to 27.5 for Pb, 17.1 to 55.9 for Zn, 12.1 to 37.9 for Cu, and 0.2 to 2.3 for Cd. The accumulation trend of heavy metal concentrations in the roots of A. marina was in the order Pb (16.1) > Zn (15.8) > Cu (9.3) > Cd (1.3) μg g^-1 of dry weight in the Hara Protected Area and in the order Zn (13.7) > Cu (9.4) > Pb (5.5) > Cd (0.6) μg g^-1 of dry weight in the Azini Bay. The value of translocation factor (TLF) was smaller than 1 in both regions. It was estimated from 0.44 to 0.62 in the Hara Protected Area and from 0.51 to 1.01 in the Azini Bay. The enrichment coefficient for root (ECR) varied from 0.32 to 0.93 in the Hara Protected Area and from 0.32 to 0.51 in the Azini Bay. The ratio of heavy metals in leaves/sediments (ECL) also varied from 0.01 to 0.67 in the Hara Protected Area and from 0.01 to 0.47 in the Azini Bay. The enrichment coefficient for leaf (ECL) was always lower than ECR in both regions. Based on the above findings, A. marina can be regarded as an excluder for the heavy metals examined in this study, given its low efficiency in translocating and accumulating the heavy metals in the shoots. Apart from serving as a baseline for the study area, findings could be useful for mitigating heavy metal contamination in these sensitive ecosystems through possible phytomanagement using gray mangrove.

Functionalized biochar derived from heavy metal rich feedstock: Phosphate recovery and reusing the exhausted biochar as an enriched soil amendment

This paper provides a circular win-win approach for recycling rhizofiltration biomass into multifunctional engineered biochar for various environmental applications (e.g. phosphate recovery) with a potential reuse of the exhausted biochar as an enriched soil amendment. Functionalized biochars were derived from the disposals of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) plants grown in synthetic contaminated water spiked with either Fe²⁺ (Fe-B), Mn²⁺ (Mn-B), Zn²⁺ (Zn-B) or Cu²⁺ (Cu-B) comparing with the original drainage water as a control treatment (O-B). The in-situ functionalization of biochar via the inherently heavy metal-rich feedstock produced homogenous organo-mineral complexes on biochar matrix without environmental hazards (e.g. volatilization or chemical sludge formation) associated with other post-synthetic functionalization methods. Physicochemical analyses (SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, BET and zeta potential (ζ)) confirmed the functionalization of Fe-B, Zn-B and Cu-B due to organo-mineral complexes formation, maximizing specific surface area, lowering the electronegativity, originating positively charged functional groups, and thus improving the anion exchange capacity (AEC) comparing with O-B. In contrary, physicochemical characteristics of Mn-B was in similarity with those of O-B. Phosphate recovery by the functionalized biochar was much greater than that of the unfunctionalized forms (O-B and Mn-B). Precipitation was the dominant chemisorption mechanisms for phosphate sorption onto biochar compared to other mechanisms (ion exchange, electrostatic attraction and complexation with active functional groups). The exhausted biochar showed an ameliorating effect on the low water and nutrient supply potentials of sandy soil, and thus improved fresh biomass yield and nutritional status of maize seedlings with some restrictions on its high micronutrient content.

Encaged Chironomus riparius larvae in assessment of trace metal bioavailability and transfer in a landfill leachate collection pond

Household wastes may constitute a vector of environmental contamination when buried, in particular through degradation and production of leachates containing significant trace metal (TM) concentrations that may constitute a serious risk to biota. The objectives of this study were to assess the bioavailability and transfer potential of various TMs present in water and sediments in a reservoir receiving landfill leachates. An active biomonitoring approach was adopted consisting of exposing naive laboratory organisms in cages deployed in the field. Aquatic insects such as Chironomus riparius larvae are good candidates since they represent key organisms in the trophic functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The results show that water, suspended particles, and sediments were significantly contaminated by various TMs (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Their contribution to the transfer of TMs depends, however, on the specific element considered, e.g., Cd in sediments or Pb in both suspended particles and sediments. The internal fate of TMs was investigated according to their fractionation between an insoluble and a cytosolic fraction. This approach revealed different detoxification strategies capable of preventing the induction of deleterious effects at the individual scale. However, the accumulation of several TMs in C. riparius larvae tissues may also represent a significant load potentially transferable to higher trophic levels.

Experimental study and numerical simulation on the structural and mechanical properties of Typha leaves through multimodal microscopy approaches

The Typha leaf, with special multi-level structure, low density and excellent mechanical properties, is an ideal bionic prototype utilized for lightweight design. In order to further study the relationship between the structure and mechanical properties, the three-dimensional macroscopic morphology of Typha leaves was characterized by micro computed tomography (Micro-CT) and its internal microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The combination of experimental and computational research was carried out in this paper, to reveal and verify the effect of multi-level structure on the mechanical properties. A universal testing machine and a self-developed mechanical testing apparatus with high precision and low load were used to measure the mechanical properties of the axial compression and lateral bending of the leaves, respectively. Three models with different internal structures were established based on the above-mentioned three-dimensional morphologies. The result demonstrated that the structure of partitions and diaphragms within the Typha leaf could form a reinforcement ribs structure which could provide multiple load paths and make the process of compression and bending difficult. The further nonlinear finite element analysis through LS-DYNA proved that internal structure could improve the ability of the models to resist compression and deformation. The investigation can be the reference for lightweight thin-walled structure design and inspire the application of the bionic structural materials.