A Review on Genetically Modified Plants Designed to Phytoremediate Polluted Soils: Biochemical Responses and International Regulation

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in finding sustainable strategies for the efficient removal of contaminants from soils. The objective of this review is to examine the biochemical principles of specific genetic modifications in plants, their applications in the field for specific contaminants as phytotechnologies, and their international regulation. In addition, the review presents some biological aspects of rhizosphere-related phenomena, the interactions of organic and inorganic pollutants with plants, and the performance of the phytotechnologies across the continents. During the last few decades, at least eight genera of genetically modified plants (GMPs) have been tested and used for soil remediation with outstanding results. Arabidopsis, Nicotiana, and Oryza are the plant genera most widely studied. Specific plant genes such as metal transporters, chelators, metallothioneins, phytochelatins, and oxygenases have been transferred to plants to improve the elimination of contaminants in soil. We discuss some important aspects of gene manipulation and its application for removal of diverse contaminants. A key challenge faced by phytotechnologies is the final disposal of the generated biomass, from a safety aspect. We argue that the commercial success of phytotechnologies depends on the generation of valuable biomass on contaminated land and its use for bioenergy generation. The use of such technologies would promote a broader understanding of the importance of plants, especially GMPs, in the environment and their contribution to environmental sustainability.     

Treatment of Indigo-Dyed Textile Wastewater Using Solar Photo-Fenton with Iron-Modified Clay and Copper-Modified Carbon

Water, Air, & Soil Pollution - Biochar presents great promise as a technology that makes a substantial contribution in various fields of environmental research. However, existing knowledge is...     

Use of a three-compartment model to evaluate the dynamics of cover crop residues

Cover crop (CC) residues protect the soil from erosion and their permanence on the surface is largely influenced by their biochemical constituents. In this study, the dynamics of CC residue decomposition by applying mathematical models was described. The kinetics of decomposition of residues was obtained from a laboratory incubation experiment. Three CC shoot residues were applied on the soil surface and incubated for 362 days (with eight sampling times). Oats and vetch residues decomposed the most than clover, where k values were 3.6 × 10^?3, 3.7 × 10^?3 and 5.3 × 10^?3 day^?1, respectively. The three-compartment model (nonstructural carbohydrates, cellulose–hemicellulose and lignin) to simulate residue decomposition presented a close fit between simulated and measured data. The decomposition rate constant (k) of CC can be used to estimate how long residues will remain in the field and how they could affect soil organic carbon.     

Front Cover Image

The cover image is based on the Research Article Nonanal, a new fall armyworm sex pheromone component, significantly increases the efficacy of pheromone lures by Ahmed M. Saveer et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.7460 . Image Credit: Matt Bertone.

     

Effect of water deficit on morphoagronomic traits of black common bean genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with contrasting drought tolerance

Brazil is the world's largest producer of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Drought stress harms the morphological and agronomic traits of beans. This study evaluates the reaction to water deficit in five genotypes of black beans. The experiment was conducted in the IDR-IAPAR-EMATER in Londrina-PR, Brazil. A split-plot design was used, with three replications. The genotypes were included in the subplots and the treatments with or without water deficit in the plots. Water deficit was induced on the pre-flowering stage and maintained for 20 days in the plots submitted to drought stress. For the growth analysis, plants were collected at 35, 54 and 70 days after emergence. At the stage of physiological ripeness, several morphological and yield traits were evaluated. The genotypes IPR Uirapuru and BRS Esplendor can be considered tolerant and used as a tolerant source to water deficit in common bean germplasm banks. The line LP 08-90 has morphological and agronomic adaptations efficient to overcome water deficit's effects, presenting a higher grain yield in both crop conditions, which indicates the success of black beans breeding to deal with water deficit.     

The dynamism fish-plant association: Ontogenetic variations in assemblage attributes in neotropical floodplain lakes

Structural habitat complexity provided by macrophytes is expected to increase richness and abundance of fish species. However, this topic is rarely investigated simultaneously at different periods of fish development. We sampled fish within macrophyte stands and in non-vegetated areas at floodplain lakes and tested the hypothesis that the presence of macrophytes increases abundance and species richness of fish, in addition to changes in species composition, at different periods of fish development. Our findings demonstrated that, in different period of fish development, the highest values of fish species richness and abundance were found at sites colonised by macrophytes. Similarly, changes in fish species composition were observed between habitats colonised by macrophytes and non-vegetated areas. Therefore, the results demonstrate that macrophyte presence plays an important role in regulating fish community structure at different periods of fish development.     

Protected areas and native freshwater bivalves are not in the same place in south-east Brazil

1. Bivalves are important components of freshwater ecosystems; however, they are also one of the most threatened animal groups, especially members of the order Unionida. The main threats to freshwater bivalves are habitat modification and invasive species. Protected areas are a common way to minimize impacts and preserve native species, but they are rarely designated with a focus on freshwater invertebrates.
2. The main goal of this article was to describe the distribution of freshwater bivalves in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the relationship between these species and bioclimatic areas, land use and protected areas.
3. Five native and two invasive bivalve species have been reported in Rio de Janeiro. They occur mainly in bioclimatic areas related to the Paraíba do Sul River and Campista Lowlands. The few records of bivalves inside protected areas are in areas of sustainable use that offer a lower level of protection, and frequently in sympatry with invasive bivalves.
4. Thus, the established protected areas in Rio de Janeiro are not adequately effective for freshwater bivalve conservation, and some species remain under threat even within them. Freshwater bivalves thus remain largely unprotected in the state.
5. The development of new protected areas and management plans should consider other faunal groups that are usually ignored, such as freshwater bivalves, to achieve more inclusive and effective protection.