1
|
Baniasadi F, Arghavani M, Saffari VR, Mansouri M. Multivariate analysis of morpho-physiological traits in Amaranthus tricolor as affected by nitric oxide and cadmium stress. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:49092-49104. [PMID: 35217955 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19430-5] [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: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Edible amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) is used as a food-medicine or ornamental plant, and despite its importance, there are few reports associated with cadmium (Cd) stress. This study aimed to appraise the crosstalk between sodium nitroprusside (SNP), as a source of nitric oxide (NO), and cadmium toxicity on growth and physiological traits in edible amaranth by using different multivariate statistical methods. The results showed that growth-related traits of A. tricolor were significantly reduced under Cd stress. Contrarily, Cd treatments increased lipid peroxidation and reduced total protein content. Delving on the results of SNP application showed the suitability of its medium level (100 µM) on increasing the growth-related traits and also plant tolerance to Cd stress via lowering the lipid peroxidation and radical molecules production due to the higher activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Increasing the amount of Cd in roots and shoots, as the result of Cd treatment, reduced the growth and production of A. tricolor plants by high rates (over 50% in 60 mg kg-1 Cd level), indicating its susceptibility to high Cd toxicity. Contrarily, treating plants with SNP showed no effect on shoot Cd content, while it significantly increased Cd allocation in the root, which might be attributable to the protective effect of NO on Cd toxicity by trapping Cd in the root. Subsequently, the application of a medium level of SNP (around 100 µM) is recommendable for A. tricolor plant to overcome the negative impacts of Cd toxicity. Moreover, according to the results of heatmap and biplot, under no application of Cd, the application of 100 µM SNP showed a great association with growth-related traits indicating the effectiveness of SNP on the productivity of this species even under no stress situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Baniasadi
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Masoud Arghavani
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Vahid Reza Saffari
- Research and Technology Institute of Plant Production, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mansouri
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ferreira PAA, Lopes G, Santana NA, Marchezan C, Soares CRFS, Guilherme LRG. Soil amendments affect the potential of Gomphrena claussenii for phytoremediation of a Zn- and Cd-contaminated soil. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132508. [PMID: 34634277 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132508] [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: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of inorganic and organic amendments upon zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) availabilities in leachates collected from a Cd- and Zn-contaminated soil, while also evaluating the beneficial use of the tested amendments for decreasing metal availability, hence improving the phytoremediation potential of Gomphrena claussenii Moq. Plants were grown for 60 days in a Zn-smelting-affected soil containing 45,000 and 621 mg kg-1 of Zn and Cd, respectively (pseudo-total concentrations), after application of the following amendments: limestone, calcium silicate, sewage sludge, triple superphosphate, and red mud. Zinc and Cd availabilities in the soil decreased following the addition of limestone, calcium silicate, and red mud. These amendments were effective in reducing metal mobility and availability, positively affecting plant growth. Plants grown in the soil amended with limestone and calcium silicate accumulated Zn mainly in the roots, while Cd was translocated to plant shoots, with smaller amounts being detected in the roots. Reductions of Zn and Cd concentrations in the leachate were found by adding red mud, with this decrease for Zn being less pronounced compared to what was verified after the application of limestone and calcium silicate. Moreover, the use of red mud resulted in a higher Zn:Cd ratio in the leachate, which favored a greater absorption and transport of Zn from root to shoot. In conclusion, the tested soil amendments reduced the availability of excessive concentrations of Cd and Zn in naturally contaminated soil, which resulted in improved growth and survival of Zn- and Cd-tolerant G. claussenii plants, with the application of limestone, calcium silicate, and red mud - i.e., alkaline amendments - standing out as the best combinations with G. Claussenii when designing a strategy to achieve optimal phytoremediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Guilherme Lopes
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | - Natielo Almeida Santana
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | - Carina Marchezan
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | - Claudio Roberto Fonsêca Sousa Soares
- Centre for Biological Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ribeiro PG, Martins GC, Moreira CG, de Oliveira C, Andrade MLDC, Sales TS, Chagas WFT, Labory CRG, de Carvalho TS, Guilherme LRG. Interactions of cadmium and zinc in high zinc tolerant native species Andropogon gayanus cultivated in hydroponics: growth endpoints, metal bioaccumulation, and ultrastructural analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:45513-45526. [PMID: 32794095 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) toxicity causes physiological disorders and harms plants, interfering with the rehabilitation of areas affected by mining activities. This study evaluated how the exposure to Zn and/or Cd affects the growth of native andropogon grass (Andropogon gayanus Kunth) plants originally found in areas contaminated with Cd and/or Zn due to zinc mining activities. Plants were cultivated for 7 weeks in a nutrient solution treated with Zn (142.3-854.0 μM) or Cd (0.9-13.3 μM) separately or combined with a molar ratio of 64:1 (Zn:Cd). A control treatment was grown in a complete Hoagland and Arnon solution (without Cd). Plant height, stem diameter, internode length, dry weight, Cd and Zn concentration, and accumulation in shoots/roots, as well as ultrastructure of roots and leaves were analyzed at the end of the experiment. The root dry weight was not significantly affected by the addition of the metals. Moreover, Zn provided higher shoot dry weight (up to 160%) relative to control. Andropogon grass tolerated both metals better separately than when applied together. Transmission electron microscopy analyses showed modifications such as vesiculation and vacuolation in the ultrastructure of andropogon tissues by Cd and/or Zn. The andropogon grass was tolerant to the doses tested, evidencing that it has potential for recovering areas contaminated with Zn and/or Cd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Godinho Ribeiro
- Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Caixeta Martins
- Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955, Belém, Pará, 66055-090, Brazil
| | | | - Cynthia de Oliveira
- Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Thais Silva Sales
- Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Vales do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Adejumo SA, Tiwari S, Thul S, Sarangi BK. Evaluation of lead and chromium tolerance and accumulation level in Gomphrena celosoides: a novel metal accumulator from lead acid battery waste contaminated site in Nigeria. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2019; 21:1341-1355. [PMID: 31286792 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2019.1633258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Biology, tolerance, and metal (Pb and Cr) accumulating ability of Gomphrena celosoides were studied under hydroponic conditions. The seedlings were raised in Hoagland's solution containing different concentrations of Pb (0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 mg l-1) and Cr (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, and 400 mg l-1). Biomass and metal accumulation in different plant parts were determined at seven (7) and fourteen (14) days after stress. Antioxidant enzyme activities, protein, and proline contents were estimated in stressed and unstressed plants. Gomphrena celosoides was able to tolerate Pb and Cr concentrations up to 4000 and 100 mg l-1, respectively in hydroponic solution. Metal accumulation was concentration and duration dependent with the highest Pb (21,127.90 and 117,985.29 mg kg-1) and Cr (3130.85 and 2428.90 mg kg-1) in shoot and root, respectively found in the plants exposed to 5000 mg l-1 Pb and 400 mg l-1 Cr for 14 days. Proline, antioxidant enzyme activities, and protein contents were the highest in plant exposed to higher Pb and Cr concentrations for 7 and 14 days. Gomphrena celosoides could be considered as Pb and Cr accumulator with proline and increase in antioxidant enzyme activities being the tolerance mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sifau A Adejumo
- Environmental Biology Unit, Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Sarita Tiwari
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology Division, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, India
| | - Sanjay Thul
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology Division, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martins GC, Penido ES, Alvarenga IFS, Teodoro JC, Bianchi ML, Guilherme LRG. Amending potential of organic and industrial by-products applied to heavy metal-rich mining soils. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 162:581-590. [PMID: 30031319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mining activities promote the development of economies and societies, yet they cause environmental impacts that must be minimized so that their benefits overcome the likely risks. This study evaluated eco-friendly technologies based on the use of low-carbon footprint wastes and industrial by-products as soil amendments for the revegetation of Zn-mining areas. Our goal was to select adequate soil amendments that can be used to recover these areas, with a focus on low-cost materials. The amendments - limestone, sewage sludge, biochar, and composted food remains - were first characterized concerning their chemical composition and structural morphologies. Soil samples (Entisol, Oxisol, Technosol) from three different areas located inside an open-pit mine were later incubated for 60 days with increasing doses of each soil amendment, followed by cultivation with Andropogon gayanus, a native species. The amendments were able to change not only soil pH, but also the phytoavailable levels of Cd, Zn, and Pb. Limestone and biochar were the amendments that caused the highest pH values, reducing the phytoavailability of the metals. All amendments improved seed germination; however, the composted food remains presented low levels of germination, which could make the amendments unfeasible for revegetation efforts. Our findings showed that biochar, which is a by-product of the mining company, is the most suitable amendment to enhance revegetation efforts in the Zn-mining areas, not only because of its efficiency and cost, but also due to its low carbon footprint, which is currently the trend for any "green remediation" proposal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Caixeta Martins
- Federal University of Lavras, Soil Science Department, 3037, 37200000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Vale Institute of Technology, 955 Boaventura da Silva Street, 66055090 Belém, Pará State, Brasil
| | - Evanise Silva Penido
- Federal University of Lavras, Chemistry Department, 3037, 37200000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Lucia Bianchi
- Federal University of Lavras, Chemistry Department, 3037, 37200000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Adejumo SA, Tiwari S, Shinde V, Sarangi BK. Heavy metal (Pb) accumulation in metallophytes as influenced by the variations in rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soils physico-chemical characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2018; 20:237-248. [PMID: 29053366 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2017.1374333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Activities at root-soil interface determine the solubility and uptake of metals by plants. Metal accumulation in plant species (Imperata cylindrical, Cynodon dactylon, Eleucine indica, Gomphrena celosoides, Sporobolus pyramidalis, Chromolaena odorata and Rhynchospora corymbosa) growing on Pb contaminated site as influenced by variations in physico-chemical characteristics, dissolved organic matter (DOM), Pb fractionation and different functional groups (using Fourier Transmittance Infra-red) of rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soils was assessed. The electrical conductivity (2660-5520 µs) and Pb concentrations (51390.0-64080.0 mg/kg) were more in non-rhizospheric than rhizospheric soils having 276 µs to 3160 µs EC and 3289.0 to 44850.0 mg/kg Pb. More nutrients, DOM and carbohydrates functional groups (C-O; 1100 -1000 and O-H; 3700-3600) were found in rhizospheric compared to non-rhizospheric soils. The pH was slightly acidic (5.0-5.54) and E. indica with the lowest pH (5.0) accumulated highest Pb concentrations in shoot (8030 mg/kg) and root (16380 mg/kg) while C. odorata with highest values of pH, P, Ca and Mg in rhizospheric soil accumulated the least (root; 331.6 and shoot: 209.0 mg/kg). Pb was more in organic and residual fractions of rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soils respectively. Reduction in pH, EC coupled with nutrients and DOM availability increased Pb uptake by plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sifau A Adejumo
- a Environmental Biology Unit, Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology , Faculty of Agric and Forestry, University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Sarita Tiwari
- b Department of Science and Technology , Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India , Nehru Marg, Nagpur , Maharashtra , India
| | - Vilas Shinde
- b Department of Science and Technology , Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India , Nehru Marg, Nagpur , Maharashtra , India
| | - Bijaya Ketan Sarangi
- b Department of Science and Technology , Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India , Nehru Marg, Nagpur , Maharashtra , India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Merlot S, Sanchez Garcia de la Torre V, Hanikenne M. Physiology and Molecular Biology of Trace Element Hyperaccumulation. AGROMINING: FARMING FOR METALS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-61899-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
8
|
Pongrac P, Serra TS, Castillo-Michel H, Vogel-Mikuš K, Arčon I, Kelemen M, Jenčič B, Kavčič A, Villafort Carvalho MT, Aarts MGM. Cadmium associates with oxalate in calcium oxalate crystals and competes with calcium for translocation to stems in the cadmium bioindicator Gomphrena claussenii. Metallomics 2018; 10:1576-1584. [DOI: 10.1039/c8mt00149a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Cd binds to oxalate crystals, where it replaces Ca in the vacuoles of a bioindicator plant Gomphrena clausenii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Pongrac
- Biotechnical Faculty
- University of Ljubljana
- SI-1000 Ljubljana
- Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan Institute
| | - Tânia S. Serra
- Laboratory of Genetics
- Wageningen University and Research
- 6708 PB Wageningen
- The Netherlands
| | | | - Katarina Vogel-Mikuš
- Biotechnical Faculty
- University of Ljubljana
- SI-1000 Ljubljana
- Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan Institute
| | - Iztok Arčon
- Jožef Stefan Institute
- SI-1000 Ljubljana
- Slovenia
- University of Nova Gorica
- SI-5000 Nova Gorica
| | | | | | - Anja Kavčič
- Biotechnical Faculty
- University of Ljubljana
- SI-1000 Ljubljana
- Slovenia
| | | | - Mark G. M. Aarts
- Laboratory of Genetics
- Wageningen University and Research
- 6708 PB Wageningen
- The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ricachenevsky FK, Menguer PK, Sperotto RA, Fett JP. Got to hide your Zn away: Molecular control of Zn accumulation and biotechnological applications. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2015; 236:1-17. [PMID: 26025516 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for all organisms, with key catalytic and structural functions. Zn deficiency in plants, common in alkaline soils, results in growth arrest and sterility. On the other hand, Zn can become toxic at elevated concentrations. Several studies revealed molecules involved with metal acquisition in roots, distribution within the plant and translocation to seeds. Transmembrane Zn transport proteins and Zn chelators are involved in avoiding its toxic effects. Plant species with the capacity to hyperaccumulate and hypertolerate Zn have been characterized. Plants that accumulate and tolerate high amounts of Zn and produce abundant biomass may be useful for phytoremediation, allowing cleaning of metal-contaminated soils. The study of Zn hyperaccumulators may provide indications of genes and processes useful for biofortification, for developing crops with high amounts of nutrients in edible tissues. Future research needs to focus on functional characterization of Zn transporters in planta, elucidation of Zn uptake and sensing mechanisms, and on understanding the cross-talk between Zn homeostasis and other physiological processes. For this, new research should use multidisciplinary approaches, combining traditional and emerging techniques, such as genome-encoded metal sensors and multi-element imaging, quantification and speciation using synchrotron-based methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Klein Ricachenevsky
- Centro de Biotecnologia & Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Paloma Koprovski Menguer
- Centro de Biotecnologia & Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom.
| | - Raul Antonio Sperotto
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde & Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro Universitário UNIVATES, Lajeado, RS, Brazil.
| | - Janette Palma Fett
- Centro de Biotecnologia & Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Khan MU, Sessitsch A, Harris M, Fatima K, Imran A, Arslan M, Shabir G, Khan QM, Afzal M. Cr-resistant rhizo- and endophytic bacteria associated with Prosopis juliflora and their potential as phytoremediation enhancing agents in metal-degraded soils. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:755. [PMID: 25610444 PMCID: PMC4284999 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Prosopis juliflora is characterized by distinct and profuse growth even in nutritionally poor soil and environmentally stressed conditions and is believed to harbor some novel heavy metal-resistant bacteria in the rhizosphere and endosphere. This study was performed to isolate and characterize Cr-resistant bacteria from the rhizosphere and endosphere of P. juliflora growing on the tannery effluent contaminated soil. A total of 5 and 21 bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere and endosphere, respectively, and were shown to tolerate Cr up to 3000 mg l(-1). These isolates also exhibited tolerance to other toxic heavy metals such as, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn, and high concentration (174 g l(-1)) of NaCl. Moreover, most of the isolated bacterial strains showed one or more plant growth-promoting activities. The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed that the predominant species included Bacillus, Staphylococcus and Aerococcus. As far as we know, this is the first report analyzing rhizo- and endophytic bacterial communities associated with P. juliflora growing on the tannery effluent contaminated soil. The inoculation of three isolates to ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) improved plant growth and heavy metal removal from the tannery effluent contaminated soil suggesting that these bacteria could enhance the establishment of the plant in contaminated soil and also improve the efficiency of phytoremediation of heavy metal-degraded soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad U. Khan
- Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringFaisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Angela Sessitsch
- Bioresources Unit, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbHTulln, Austria
| | - Muhammad Harris
- Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringFaisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringFaisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Asma Imran
- Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringFaisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arslan
- Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringFaisalabad, Pakistan
- Earth Sciences Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsDhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghulam Shabir
- Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringFaisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Qaiser M. Khan
- Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringFaisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringFaisalabad, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Muhammad Afzal, Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, PO Box 577, Jhang Road, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan e-mail: ;
| |
Collapse
|