Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (6,007)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = water treatment plant

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
17 pages, 2666 KB  
Article
Effluent Dissolved Carbon Discharge from Two Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants to the Mississippi River
by Anamika Dristi and Yijun Xu
Water 2025, 17(17), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172589 - 1 Sep 2025
Abstract
Nutrient and carbon transport from the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico have been investigated intensively. However, little is known about the direct human contribution of carbon from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to this large river, a source that can be termed [...] Read more.
Nutrient and carbon transport from the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico have been investigated intensively. However, little is known about the direct human contribution of carbon from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to this large river, a source that can be termed as Cultural Carbon. This study analyzed dissolved carbon in effluents from two municipal WWTPs on the bank of the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, South Louisiana, USA. One of the WWTPs (WWTP North) is a conventional wastewater treatment facility with a treatment capacity of 40 million gallons per day (MGD), while the other (WWTP South) is a recently upgraded facility with a treatment capacity of 200 MGD. From September 2022 to November 2024, river water and effluent samples were collected monthly to analyze dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations and their mass transport. The study found significantly higher monthly average DIC (56.80 ± 16.51 mg/L) and DOC (29.52 ± 8.68 mg/L) concentrations in the effluent of WWTP North than in the effluent of WWTP South (DIC: 42.64 ± 10.50 mg/L and DOC: 12.93 ± 3.68 mg/L). Effluents from both WWTPs had substantially greater DOC and DIC levels than the Mississippi River water (DIC: 28.92 ± 4.91 mg/L and DOC: 5.47 ± 2.35 mg/L). WWTP North discharged, on average, 3.80 MT of DIC and 1.95 MT of DOC per day, whereas WWTP South discharged 6.27 MT of DIC and 1.92 MT of DOC per day, resulting in a total annual load of 3808 MT of DIC and 1459 MT of DOC entering the Mississippi River. Considering the large number of WWTPs within the Mississippi River Basin, these findings highlight a significant contribution of effluents to riverine carbon, suggesting that basin-wide carbon budgets and regional climate assessments must take them into account. The findings from this study can be useful for federal and state policymakers, as well as researchers and engineers involved in carbon science, climate change, and water quality assessment of the Mississippi River Basin and beyond. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3777 KB  
Article
Characterization of Sugarcane Germplasm for Physiological and Agronomic Traits Associated with Drought Tolerance Across Various Soil Types
by Phunsuk Laotongkam, Nakorn Jongrungklang, Poramate Banterng, Peeraya Klomsa-ard, Warodom Wirojsirasak and Patcharin Songsri
Stresses 2025, 5(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5030057 (registering DOI) - 1 Sep 2025
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to evaluate physiological and agronomic traits in 120 sugarcane genotypes under early drought stress conditions in a field trial across various soil types. The experiment used a split-plot arrangement, with a randomized complete block design and two replications. [...] Read more.
In this study, we aimed to evaluate physiological and agronomic traits in 120 sugarcane genotypes under early drought stress conditions in a field trial across various soil types. The experiment used a split-plot arrangement, with a randomized complete block design and two replications. Two different water regimes were assigned to the main plot: (1) non-water stress (CT) and (2) drought (DT) at the early growth stage, during which sugarcane was subjected to drought stress by withholding water for 4 months. The subplot consisted of 120 sugarcane genotypes. The stalk height, stalk diameter, number of stalks, photosynthetic traits including SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were measured at 3, 6, and 9 months after planting (MAP). Yield and yield component parameters were measured at 12 MAP. Drought treatments lead to significant changes in various physiological traits in the sugarcane. Clustering analysis classified 36 sugarcane varieties grown in sandy loam soil and 15 genotypes in loam soil into two main clusters. In sandy loam soils, Biotec4 and CO1287 exhibited outstanding performance in drought conditions, delivering high cane yields. Meanwhile, in loam soil, MPT13-118, MPT07-1, Q47, F174, MPT14-1-902, and UT1 exhibited the best drought tolerance. Under drought conditions, cluster 1 showed higher values for SCMR, NDVI, height growth rate (HGR), cane yield, and drought tolerance index compared to cluster 2. These findings suggest that breeders can utilize these genotypes to enhance drought resistance, and the identified physiological traits can assist in selecting stronger candidates for drought tolerance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3329 KB  
Article
Performance of Textile-Based Water-Storage Mats in Treating Municipal Wastewater on Urban Rooftops for Climate-Resilient Cities
by Khaja Zillur Rahman, Jens Mählmann, Michael Blumberg, Katy Bernhard, Roland A. Müller and Lucie Moeller
Clean Technol. 2025, 7(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol7030075 (registering DOI) - 1 Sep 2025
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment efficiency and applicability of using textile-based mats as roof biofilters on urban buildings for purifying preliminary treated wastewater (PTW) collected from a three-chamber septic tank. Therefore, a pilot plant with a 15° pitched [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment efficiency and applicability of using textile-based mats as roof biofilters on urban buildings for purifying preliminary treated wastewater (PTW) collected from a three-chamber septic tank. Therefore, a pilot plant with a 15° pitched wooden roof and two tracks for laying two mats made of different materials—polypropylene (PP), designated as Mat 1, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), designated as Mat 2—was constructed at ground level under outdoor conditions. The plant was operated in parallel for a period of 455 days. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the results of the mass removal efficiencies between the two mats, with Mat 1 achieving mean removals of five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N), and total nitrogen (TN) of 85%, 73%, 75%, and 38%, respectively, and Mat 2 achieving comparatively higher removals of 97%, 84%, 90%, and 57%, respectively. The mean concentrations of BOD5 and COD at the outflow of both mats met the minimum water quality requirements for discharge and successfully met the minimum water quality class B for agricultural reuse. However, the comparatively low mean E. coli removal efficiencies of 2.0 and 2.4 log-units in Mat 1 and Mat 2, respectively, demonstrate the need for an effluent disinfection system. Highly efficient mass removal efficiencies were observed in the presence of dense vegetation on the mats, which may lead to a potential improvement in the urban climate through high daily evapotranspiration. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential for using lightweight, textile-based mats on rooftops to efficiently treat PTW from urban buildings, offering a promising decentralized wastewater management approach for climate-resilient cities. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 1926 KB  
Article
Photosynthetic Parameters of Melons in Response to NO3 and NH4+ as N Sources and Irrigation with Brackish Water High in Na+, Ca2+, and Cl
by Guilherme Ferreira de Brito, Edivan Rodrigues de Souza, Ceres Duarte Guedes Cabral de Almeida, Geovani Soares de Lima, Thieres George Freire da Silva, Marcos Vinícius da Silva, Maria Beatriz Ferreira, Ênio Farias de França e Silva, Daniel da Costa Dantas and José Amilton Santos Júnior
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9601; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179601 (registering DOI) - 31 Aug 2025
Abstract
High levels of dissolved salts in irrigation water sources limit melon cultivation in northeastern Brazil. In this context, nitrogen fertilization has been employed as one strategy to alleviate the effects of salt stress on plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of [...] Read more.
High levels of dissolved salts in irrigation water sources limit melon cultivation in northeastern Brazil. In this context, nitrogen fertilization has been employed as one strategy to alleviate the effects of salt stress on plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different nitrogen sources on cantaloupe melon cultivation under fertigation and irrigation with water of the same salinity and different cationic concentrations (Na+ and Ca+). The research consisted of two experiments, each following a randomized complete block design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement with four replicates. The treatments included four levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution (2.0; 3.0; 4.0; and 5.0 dS m−1) and two nitrogen sources of different origins: NO3 [Ca(NO3) and KNO3] and NH4+ [CH4N2O and NH4H2PO4]. The following factors were chlorophyll pigments, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and fruit weight. Nitrogen fertilization with NH4+ mitigated salt stress by increasing the synthesis of chlorophyll a and carotenoids in plants irrigated with NaCl-based saline water. Furthermore, there was no influence of nitrogen sources on chlorophyll a fluorescence. Finally, NO3 fertilization reduced the effects of salt stress on the leaf mass ratio, specific leaf area under Ca2+ fertigation, and relative growth rate of leaf area in melons under cationic prevalences of Na+ or Ca2+ (associated with Cl). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Plant Biotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture—2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4445 KB  
Article
Sink Strength Governs Yield Ceiling in High-Yield Cotton: Compensation Effects of Source–Sink Damage and Reproductive Stage Regulation
by Zhenwang Zhang, Kexin Li, Qinghua Liao, Zhijie Shi, Keke Yu, Junqi Zhu, Xiyu Jia, Guodong Chen, Sumei Wan, Shanwei Lou, Mingfeng Yang, Fangjun Li, Xiaoli Tian, Zhaohu Li and Mingwei Du
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092099 - 30 Aug 2025
Abstract
Under refined management, high-yield cotton fields are approaching their maximum output. However, how to break this yield upper limit, specifically the source–sink relationship is still inadequately researched. This experiment was conducted to explore the interaction mechanism between yield formation and source–sink parameters (photosynthesis, [...] Read more.
Under refined management, high-yield cotton fields are approaching their maximum output. However, how to break this yield upper limit, specifically the source–sink relationship is still inadequately researched. This experiment was conducted to explore the interaction mechanism between yield formation and source–sink parameters (photosynthesis, nitrogen content, canopy structure and dry matter accumulation and distribution). The treatments consisted of a no cutting source and sink treatment (CK), cutting 1/2 leaves per plant (1/2L) and cutting 1/2 bolls per plant (1/2B) at the initial flowering stage (IFS), the flower and boll stage (FABS), and the full boll stage (FBS). The results showed that 1/2L treatment minimized yield losses to 2.3–5.9% by enhancing photosynthetic compensation, with FBS-1/2L showing the smallest reduction (2.3–2.9%) due to higher leaf N content and SPAD values, whereas, the 1/2B treatments resulted in significant yield losses attributable to fewer bolls, especially the FBS-1/2B treatments, which reduced yields by 35.7–41.9%, with a compensatory rate of only 8.1–14.3%. It is noteworthy that the compensation rates of IFS-1/2B and FABS-1/2B could reach 26.7–32.3% and 18.7–23.8% of their yields due to the higher leaf N content. In a word, the source damage can be buffered by physiological compensation, while the sink loss leads to yield collapse due to the irreversibility of reproductive development. Thus, the core regulator of high-yield cotton fields was sink strength. Accordingly, optimizing the sink quality was performed through moderate boll thinning at the IFS, enhancing water and fertilizer supply at the FABS and strengthening sink organ protection at the FBS in order to realize a breakthrough in yield limit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1460 KB  
Article
Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Impact Evaluation of Demineralized Water Production at Al-Hilla Second Gas Power Plant, Iraq
by Qasim Mudher Modhehi and Haider Mohammed Zwain
Resources 2025, 14(9), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14090137 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 43
Abstract
This study conducts a detailed and systematic Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of demineralized (DEMI) water production at the Al-Hilla Second Gas Power Plant in Iraq, employing the Open LCA-ReCiPe 8 Midpoint (H) method to evaluate potential environmental impacts across 18 midpoint categories. The [...] Read more.
This study conducts a detailed and systematic Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of demineralized (DEMI) water production at the Al-Hilla Second Gas Power Plant in Iraq, employing the Open LCA-ReCiPe 8 Midpoint (H) method to evaluate potential environmental impacts across 18 midpoint categories. The analysis focuses on the production of 1 cubic meter of high-purity water, offering a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental burdens associated with chemical usage, energy consumption, and resource depletion. The results indicate that terrestrial ecotoxicity is the most dominant impact category (20.383 kg 1,4-DCB-eq), largely driven by the extensive use of treatment chemicals such as coagulants, disinfectants, and antiscalants. Climate change follows as the second highest impact category (3.496 kg CO2-eq), primarily due to significant electricity consumption during energy-intensive stages, particularly reverse osmosis (RO) and electro-deionization (EDI). These stages also contribute notably to fossil resource depletion (1.097 kg oil-eq) and particulate matter formation, reflecting the heavy reliance on fossil fuel-based energy in the region. Additional environmental concerns identified include human toxicity (both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic), freshwater and marine ecotoxicity, and metal/mineral resource depletion, all of which underscore the need for improved chemical and material management throughout the treatment process. While impacts from categories such as ozone layer depletion, ionizing radiation, and eutrophication are relatively low, their cumulative effect over time remains a concern for long-term sustainability. The energy assessment reveals that the RO and EDI units alone account for over 70% of the total energy consumption, estimated at 3.143 kWh/m3. This research provides insights into minimizing environmental burdens in water treatment systems, especially in regions facing energy and water stress. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 3286 KB  
Article
Insights into the Significance of Nitrogen Fertiliser and Hydraulic Lift with Moisture Depletions in Cotton Quality and Nitrogen Distribution Under Topsoil Drought
by Jia Lu, Longjia Tian, Dan Xu and Guangcheng Shao
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092094 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 37
Abstract
Dry topsoil restricts root growth and nutrient uptake in arid regions, thereby significantly reducing crop yield. Hydraulic lift occurs due to the dry topsoil and wet deep soil. This study investigates the effects of topsoil drought intensity (three field capacities in topsoil: 60–70% [...] Read more.
Dry topsoil restricts root growth and nutrient uptake in arid regions, thereby significantly reducing crop yield. Hydraulic lift occurs due to the dry topsoil and wet deep soil. This study investigates the effects of topsoil drought intensity (three field capacities in topsoil: 60–70% (W1), 50–60% (W2), and 40–50% (W3)) and nitrogen application rate (N1: 120, N2: 240, and N3: 360 kg ha−1) on cotton quality and the distribution of nitrogen in soil and plant under hydraulic lift using a root-splitting device. The upper pot of the root-splitting device was 22 cm high, with a 26 cm top diameter and a 23 cm bottom diameter; the lower pot of the root-splitting device was 45 cm high, with a 48 cm top diameter and a 36 cm bottom diameter. Topsoil moisture was maintained at W1 without nitrogen application under the control treatment (CK). The W2 and W3 treatments (representing different topsoil drought intensities) were designed to compare the interactive effects of water and nitrogen fertiliser on nitrogen distribution and cotton quality with the CK treatment. Results indicate that the concentrations of nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) in the 10–20 cm soil were generally higher than those in the 0–10 cm soil. The topsoil drought intensity and nitrogen application rate had significant impacts on nitrogen concentrations in cotton organs. The W2 treatment produced the maximum nitrogen concentration, except for the root nitrogen concentration in 2021. The nitrogen concentration in the roots and stems peaked at 240 kg ha−1 of nitrogen application rate. The topsoil drought intensity and nitrogen application rate had considerable influences on the cotton dry matter. The nitrogen application rate had a significant impact on the following indexes: internal nitrogen-fertiliser use efficiency (INUE), physiological nitrogen-fertiliser use efficiency (PNUE), and nitrogen-fertiliser recovery efficiency (NRE), except for PNUE in 2020. The INUE of other treatments decreased by 13.82–43.44% compared with CK treatment. In 2021, fibre length and elongation were significantly impacted by the topsoil drought intensity, nitrogen application rates, and their interactions. The nitrogen application rate’s effects on the uniformity index were significant in 2020 and 2021. The hydraulic lift magnitude, NRE, and NO3-N in the 0–10 cm soil were significantly correlated with each other. There were correlations among cotton quality indexes: fibre length and strength, uniformity index and micronaire, and micronaire and elongation. These findings provide a reference for future research on the mechanism by which hydraulic lift participates in nitrogen distribution in soil and crops and also offer a new direction to utilize deep water to improve the utilization rate of water resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3921 KB  
Article
Reducing the Sodium Adsorption Ratio Promotes Cotton Growth and Development by Enhancing Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and the Plant’s Potassium–Sodium Ratio Under Brackish-Water Irrigation
by Yinping Song, Yucai Xie, Chenfan Zhang, Huifeng Ning, Xianbo Zhang, Guang Yang and Hao Liu
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2092; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092092 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 47
Abstract
Reasonable development and utilization of brackish-water resources can alleviate the pressure of freshwater scarcity in dryland areas and safeguard crop growth, but there are significant differences in brackish-water ions in different regions. Thus, exploring the mechanism of brackish-water irrigation considering brackish-water ionic differences [...] Read more.
Reasonable development and utilization of brackish-water resources can alleviate the pressure of freshwater scarcity in dryland areas and safeguard crop growth, but there are significant differences in brackish-water ions in different regions. Thus, exploring the mechanism of brackish-water irrigation considering brackish-water ionic differences on the growth and development of saline and alkaline dryland crops has an important production guidance value. In this study, the ionic differences in irrigated brackish water were characterized by sodium adsorption ratio using under-membrane drip-irrigated cotton as the research object, and three levels of mineralized irrigation water were designed, which were 3 g·L−1 (T3), 5 g·L−1 (T5), and 7 g·L−1 (T7), respectively. Three different levels of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) were set under each level of mineralization, which were 10 (mmol·L−1)1/2 (S10), 15 (mmol·L−1)1/2 (S15), and 20 (mmol·L−1)1/2 (S20). The local freshwater irrigation was used as a control treatment. The results showed that brackish-water irrigation increased soil salt accumulation and soil water content, induced oxidative damage and disruption of ionic homeostasis in the cells, and decreased leaf photosynthetic rate. Brackish-water irrigation also significantly reduced dry matter mass by 11.04–50.12%. Reduced irrigation water SAR (S10 and S15) enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 14.29% and 9.09%, respectively, compared with high irrigation water SAR (S20). Leaf K+ uptake was increased by 5.29% and 1.57% in S10 and S15, respectively, compared with S20, while Na+ uptake was significantly suppressed. The K+/Na+ ratio increased by 45.07%, which resulted in improved leaf photosynthetic efficiency by 25.25% and 11.91%, and significantly enhanced dry matter accumulation by 24.81% and 11.20%, respectively. In addition, compared with T3S20, the T5S10 treatment reduced the irrigation water SAR. It contributed to a significant increase in SOD, POD, and CAT activities by 30.42%, 60.70%, and 99.20%, respectively, and in plant K+ content and K+/Na+ by 2.48% and 38.85%, respectively, although the irrigation water mineralization increased by 66.67%. Reducing SAR could enhance photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation through the dual regulation of “antioxidant damage + ion homeostasis” in salt-stressed cotton, laying a foundation for the realization of stable and high yields of cotton under brackish-water irrigation, and providing a new perspective for the management of brackish-water resources and the sustainable development of agriculture in Xinjiang and other arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4475 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Ginkgo biloba B-Box Gene Family in Response to Hormone Treatments, Flavonoid Levels, and Water Stress
by Meiling Ming, Mulin Yi, Kexin Sun, Anning Zu, Juan Zhang, Fangfang Fu, Fuliang Cao and Xiaoming Yang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178427 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 106
Abstract
B-box (BBX) transcription factors, which are specific to the plant kingdom, play a crucial role in regulating light-dependent growth, development, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite their significance, there has been a lack of systematic investigation into [...] Read more.
B-box (BBX) transcription factors, which are specific to the plant kingdom, play a crucial role in regulating light-dependent growth, development, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite their significance, there has been a lack of systematic investigation into the BBX gene family in Ginkgo biloba. In the present study, we identified nine BBX genes within the G. biloba reference genome, distributed across seven chromosomes, and classified them into four groups based on their phylogenetic relationships with the BBX gene families of Arabidopsis thaliana. Our analysis of gene structure, conserved domains, and motifs suggests that GbBBXs exhibit a high degree of conservation throughout evolutionary history. Additionally, synteny analysis revealed that dispersed duplication events have contributed to the expansion of the BBX gene family in G. biloba. An examination of cis-regulatory elements indicated that numerous GbBBX genes contain motifs associated with light, hormones, and stress, suggesting their potential roles in responding to these signals and environmental adaptation. Expression profiles obtained from RNA-Seq data and quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses of GbBBX genes across various organs, hormone treatments, and leaves with differing flavonoid content, as well as during both short-term and long-term water stress, demonstrated their potential roles in flavonoid regulation and responses to hormones and water stress. Subcellular localization studies indicated that the proteins GbBBX5, GbBBX7, GbBBX8, and GbBBX9 are localized within the nucleus. This study is the first thorough analysis of the BBX gene family in G. biloba, providing a valuable foundation for further understanding their evolutionary context and functional roles in flavonoid regulation and responses to water stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Metabolite Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 4388 KB  
Article
Effects of Subsurface Drip Irrigation Depth on Growth Characteristics and Yield Quality of Apples (Malus pumila Mill.) in Northwest China
by Ming Zheng, Yan Sun, Weiyi Mu, Yungang Bai, Quanjiu Wang, Zhenlin Lu and Wantong Zhang
Plants 2025, 14(17), 2702; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172702 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 119
Abstract
Subsurface drip irrigation can improve crop water and fertilizer use efficiency, but it can cause soil hypoxia. We report on experiments performed in Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang (41°17′ N latitude, 80°17′ E longitude), from April 2023 to October 2024 using oxygenated drip irrigation from [...] Read more.
Subsurface drip irrigation can improve crop water and fertilizer use efficiency, but it can cause soil hypoxia. We report on experiments performed in Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang (41°17′ N latitude, 80°17′ E longitude), from April 2023 to October 2024 using oxygenated drip irrigation from the surface to 50 cm depth in an apple (Malus pumila Mill.) orchard, to examine the effects of drip irrigation on inter-root hypoxia, tree growth, fruit quality, and yield. Compared with surface oxygenated drip irrigation (CK), irrigating at 10 and 30 cm increased soil water content in the root system, elevated gibberellin, zeatin ribosides, and indoleacetic acid contents and reduced abscisic acid contents in new shoot tips. Compared with CK, branch and leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents were increased with irrigation at depths of 10 and 30 cm. The leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents were increased by 18.03%, 22.42%, and 16.63%, respectively, in the treatment with a burial depth of 30 cm. Among treatments, irrigation at 30 cm produced the highest average daily plant water potential, and irrigation at 50 cm was the lowest. Maximum leaf soil–plant analysis development (SPAD) values occurred when irrigated at 30 cm, and minimum values occurred at 50 cm. For both years, the largest range of light flux utilization occurred when irrigated at 30 cm and the lowest when irrigated at 50 cm. Significant correlations between indoleacetic acid (IAA), total gibberellin (GA), zeatin riboside (ZRs), leaf N content, leaf K content, plant water potential (PWP), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), SPAD, and apple yield were determined by partial mantel analysis. A significant correlation was found between abscisic acid (ABA), IAA, GA, leaf P and K content, and apple quality. Principal component analysis revealed a burial depth of 30 cm had the highest principal component composite score, indicating that this burial depth, and oxygenation and fertilization regime most favored apple growth, yield, and quality. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1008 KB  
Article
Easy Obtainment and Biological Applicability of Pinocarvyl Acetate by Encapsulating of the Microlicia graveolens Essential Oil in Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsions
by Janaína Brandão Seibert, Tatiane Roquete Amparo, Lucas Resende Dutra Sousa, Ivanildes Vasconcelos Rodrigues, Alicia Petit, Pauline Pervier, Mariana Costa Azevedo, Policarpo Ademar Sales Junior, Silvane Maria Fonseca Murta, Cláudia Martins Carneiro, Luiz Fernando de Medeiros Teixeira, Gustavo Henrique Bianco de Souza, Paula Melo de Abreu Vieira and Orlando David Henrique dos Santos
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(9), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17091130 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 178
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The study of biological activity of plants and their metabolites is an important approach for the discovery of new active material. However, little is known of the properties of the Microlicia genus. In addition to natural products, nanotechnology demonstrates considerable potential in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The study of biological activity of plants and their metabolites is an important approach for the discovery of new active material. However, little is known of the properties of the Microlicia genus. In addition to natural products, nanotechnology demonstrates considerable potential in pharmacotherapy. The utilization of nanoemulsions holds considerable promise in enhancing the efficacy of drugs, reducing dose, and therefore, lowering of toxic effects. Methods: In this context, antimicrobial and trypanocidal activities were evaluated to the free and encapsulated essential oil from M. graveolens in oil-in-water (o/w) nanoemulsion. Results: This oil is composed mainly of cis-pinocarvyl acetate (~80.0%). The nanoemulsions were prepared by phase inversion method and showed mean particle size of 58 nm, polydispercity index of 0.09, pH 7.8, zeta potential of −21.9 mV, electrical conductivity of 0.38 mS/cm, and good stability. The essential oil was active against all five Gram-positive bacteria tested, and the formulation enhanced this ability. The cytotoxicity effect on L929 cells was also reduced after encapsulation of this oil in o/w nanoemulsion. In addition, the oil and the nanoemulsion were able to inhibit the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi. Conclusions: Thus, the development of a nanoemulsion loaded with M. graveolens essential oil is an easy and low-cost way to obtain and deliver the cis-pinocarvyl acetate compound as well as allow its use in the treatment of diseases caused mainly by the genus Listeria and Staphylococcus. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1736 KB  
Article
Water Availability Associated with Coinoculation with Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria in Cowpea
by Júlio José Nonato, Tonny José Araújo da Silva, Alessana Franciele Schlichting, Luana Aparecida Menegaz Meneghetti, Niclene Ponce Rodrigues de Oliveira, Thiago Franco Duarte, Salomão Lima Guimarães, Marcio Koetz, Ivis Andrei Campos e Silva, Patrícia Ferreira da Silva, Adriano Bicioni Pacheco and Edna Maria Bonfim-Silva
Nitrogen 2025, 6(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6030074 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 178
Abstract
Soil water availability can become one of the decisive factors for crop production. The technology of coinoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria capable of performing biological nitrogen fixation and producing plant hormones may be an alternative that minimizes the effects of variations in soil [...] Read more.
Soil water availability can become one of the decisive factors for crop production. The technology of coinoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria capable of performing biological nitrogen fixation and producing plant hormones may be an alternative that minimizes the effects of variations in soil water availability. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the phytometric and productive characteristics of cowpea coinoculated with Azospirillum brasilense and Bradyrhizobium japonicum subjected to soil water availability stress. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a completely randomized block design with four replications in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement: not inoculated; inoculated with B. japonicum; and coinoculated with B. japonicum + A. brasilense and N fertilizer, associated with soil water tensions of 15, 30, 45, and 60 kPa. Statistically, the lowest soil water tension, 15 kPa, and the coinoculated and nitrogen fertilizer treatments resulted in greater development of plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaflets. The shoot dry mass was significantly different for only the soil water stress treatments, which showed a decrease in mass accumulation from 15 kPa to 50.22 kPa. Regarding the SPAD index, soil water tension showed a decreasing linear adjustment 24 days after plant emergence (DAEs), with the lowest value of 51.38 at a tension of 60 kPa. At 39 DAEs, the adjustment was polynomial, with the lowest tension index of 59.62 kPa, corresponding to 44.14. The treatments with the use of inoculants had a significant effect on the SPAD index, in which coinoculation with Bradyrhizobium and Azospirillum brasilense resulted in values equal to those of nitrogen fertilizer and greater than those of uninoculated treatments or those inoculated with Bradyrhizobium. Water tension influenced the total water consumption, and at a tension of 18.13 kPa, the lowest accumulation occurred, equivalent to 2.20 g of dry matter for each liter of irrigated water. Statistically, the lowest soil water tension, 15 kPa, resulted in higher numbers, lengths, and widths of pods. In relation to the length of pods, the uninoculated, inoculated with Bradyrhizobium, and coinoculated with Bradyrhizobium and A. brasilense treatments were superior to nitrogen fertilization. Coinoculation and nitrogen fertilization influenced phytometric characteristics. The productive characteristics of cowpea decreased as the soil water tension increased. These results highlight the importance of leveraging biological solutions, such as coinoculation, to mitigate the adverse effects of water stress on crop yields. In addition, by optimizing these practices, farmers ensure greater resilience in bean production, thereby guaranteeing food security in the face of changing environmental conditions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2951 KB  
Article
Delay in Flowering Time in Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 Under Water Deficit and in the ddc Triple Methylation Knockout Mutant Is Correlated with Shared Overexpression of BBX16 and BBX17
by Emil Vatov and Tsanko Gechev
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8360; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178360 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 215
Abstract
This study addresses the role of cytosine methylation in the fine-tuning of flowering time under water deficit in Arabidopsis thaliana. A drm1 drm2 cmt3 (ddc) triple methylation mutant was used together with the Col-0 wild type. The plants were grown under long-day conditions [...] Read more.
This study addresses the role of cytosine methylation in the fine-tuning of flowering time under water deficit in Arabidopsis thaliana. A drm1 drm2 cmt3 (ddc) triple methylation mutant was used together with the Col-0 wild type. The plants were grown under long-day conditions with water deficit induced by cessation of watering starting 12 days after seeding. Col-0 showed a 1-day delay in flowering as a result of the treatment. In contrast, ddc showed a 2-day delay regardless of the experimental conditions. We found that the two b-box domain proteins, BBX16/COL7 and BBX17/COL8, became overexpressed in the ddc background and in Col-0 under water deficit 24 days after seeding. Additionally, the NF-YA2 transcription factor became correspondingly down-regulated. Our results support a model where BBX16/COL7 and BBX17/COL8 interact with CONSTANS to delay the induction of FT under long-day conditions. NF-YA2, which is also recognized as a promoter of FT expression, with its down-regulation causes additional delay of FT-induced flowering. The plants overcome the BBX/NF-YA inhibition easily, resulting in a relatively small delay in flowering. The expression patterns of the three genes suggest the involvement of cytosine methylation in their regulation; however, no differential methylation could be found in cis that can explain these effects. The results therefore suggest a trans acting mechanism. Considering that the activities of BBX16/COL7 and BBX17/COL8 in different physiological conditions are not elucidated, this paper provides a background for future experiments targeting the role of these genes in the fine-tuning of flowering time in A. thaliana. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ROS and Abiotic Stress in Plants, 3rd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3362 KB  
Article
Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy Reveals Physiological Acclimation in Apple Rootstocks During Recurrent Water Stress Episodes
by Juan Zhou, Shuaiyang Wu, Jianan Chen, Bo Sun, Bao Di, Guilin Shan and Ji Qian
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2068; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092068 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 183
Abstract
Waterlogging and drought have become major challenges in many regions worldwide. Under water stress, plants exhibit a range of physiological and electrical responses, including changes measurable by electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Monitoring these parameters can provide valuable insights into plant growth status under [...] Read more.
Waterlogging and drought have become major challenges in many regions worldwide. Under water stress, plants exhibit a range of physiological and electrical responses, including changes measurable by electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Monitoring these parameters can provide valuable insights into plant growth status under adverse conditions. This study investigated changes in relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), relative water content (RWC), non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), and EIS parameters in apple rootstocks subjected to different water stress treatments. Results indicated that all physiological indicators, except NSC, showed a declining trend under two water stress episodes. Critically, the initial water stress episode elicited significantly greater physiological disruption than its subsequent counterpart. This suggests that plants developed a degree of physiological adaptation—such as osmotic adjustment and enhanced antioxidant activity—reducing their sensitivity to subsequent stress. Correlation analysis revealed that high-frequency resistivity (r) and intracellular resistivity (ri) were strongly associated with key physiological parameters. Thus, r and ri may serve as effective indicators for assessing plant water stress status. Furthermore, classification algorithms—Fuzzy K-Nearest Neighbors (FKNN) and sparse Linear Discriminant Analysis (sLDA)—were applied to distinguish water status in apple rootstocks, achieving high classification accuracy. These findings provide a theoretical basis for improved water management in apple cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4140 KB  
Article
Study on the Adsorption Behavior and Mechanism of Nitrate Nitrogen in Sewage by Aminated Reed Straw
by Qi Zhang, Haodong Zhang, Zhan Yang and Zhe Qin
Water 2025, 17(17), 2546; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172546 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 258
Abstract
Nitrate pollution in water bodies has become a global environmental problem, and its excessive presence not only leads to eutrophication of water bodies but also threatens human health through the drinking water pathway. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new adsorbents with high [...] Read more.
Nitrate pollution in water bodies has become a global environmental problem, and its excessive presence not only leads to eutrophication of water bodies but also threatens human health through the drinking water pathway. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new adsorbents with high adsorption capacity, good selectivity and excellent regeneration performance to solve the problem of nitrate pollution. In this study, reed straw (RS), trimethylamine-modified reed straw (MRS) and triethylamine-modified reed straw (ERS) were prepared by quaternary amination modification for nitrate removal. The adsorption performance, desorption performance, adsorption characteristics under disturbed environment and dynamic adsorption performance were investigated experimentally, and the adsorption mechanism was analyzed by various characterization means. The adsorption performance followed the order ERS (12.25 mg·g−1) > MRS > RS, demonstrating that quaternary amination modification, particularly with triethylamine, significantly enhanced the NO3-N adsorption capacity. ERS exhibited excellent regeneration stability (over 80% after nine cycles) and high selectivity towards NO3-N in the presence of competing anions (Cl, SO42−, humic acid). In the dynamic adsorption experiment, ERS had a breakthrough time of 290 min at a packing height of 3.3 cm, with an adsorption capacity of 10.74 mg·g−1 and good adaptability to flow rate. In the actual wastewater application, the initial NO3-N removal rate was over 95%, the dynamic desorption rate reached 99.2% and the peak nitrate concentration of the desorbed solution reached 27 times of the initial value, confirming its high efficiency regeneration and enrichment ability. The study shows that the amine-modified reed straw adsorbent has a good potential for application and provides a new way for wastewater treatment plants to solve the problem of nitrate removal 12.25 mg·g−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Quality and Contamination)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop