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Continuous cropping obstacles are significant factors that limit the yield and quality of tobacco. Thus, the selection and breeding of varieties is a crucial strategy for mitigating these challenges. However, the effects and mechanisms by which different tobacco varieties influence the structural composition of soil microbial remain unclear. To address this, we conducted a field experiment involving five tobacco varieties (K326, K394, XL, Y87, and Y97) and two types of soil (continuous cropping obstacle soil and normal soil). We examined microbial responses to different tobacco varieties in each soil type. Our results revealed that soil available nutrients and organic matter were decreased in obstacle soil compared to normal soil. The fresh biomass decreased by 18.05–27.92% in obstacle soil (except K394 and Y97). The microbial community composition in the rhizosphere soil remained consistent in various tobacco varieties in obstacle soil. The connections between soil fertility nutrients and microbial communities were reduced in obstacle soil compared to normal soil. The alteration of bacterial community composition was a stochastic process, whereas the modification of fungal community composition was a deterministic process in obstacle soil. Furthermore, the abundance of differential fungi (Zoopagomycota) was notably higher in obstacle soil. Overall, our results revealed that the disturbance of microbial communities and soil degradation in the obstacle soil are primary factors contributing to reduced crop yields. Therefore, it is an economical strategy for overcoming continuous cropping obstacles by utilizing rhizosphere microecology through multi-variety planting.

This study evaluates the efficacy of discrete bacterial consortia in bioremediating sandy loamy soil deliberately contaminated with 20 mg/kg of chlorantraniliprole (CAP). It monitors alterations in total bacterial populations and CO 2 emissions, tracking residual CAP levels through UV scanning and HPLC analysis. Six active bacterial degraders (four Bacillus strains ( B. subtilis subsp . subtilis AZFS3 , B. pumilus AZFS5 , B. mojavensis AZFS15, and B. paramycoides AZFS18), one Alcaligenes strain ( A. aquatilis KZFS11), and one Pseudomonas strain ( P. aeruginosa KZFS4)) were used in single or combined preparations and grown on trypticase soy broth for 24 h at 30 °C before preparing the inoculants and adjusting the bacterial cell count to 10 7 CFU/dwt g soil. The bacterial consortia were added to the CAP-contaminated soil and incubated for 20 days at 30 °C. The di-, tetra-, and hexa-bacterial consortia recorded the highest levels of viable bacteria, reaching their peak after 3 to 11 days of incubation. Then, they declined to the minimum levels at the end of the 20 days, which coincided with their complete removal of CAP from the soil. At the end of the incubation period (20 days), the CAP was mainly biodegraded, scoring biodegradation rates of 90.05%, 93.65%, and 98.65% for T3, T4, and T5, respectively. This concurred with the highest average CO 2 production. Based on the results of the HPLC analysis, the hexa-bacterial consortium T5 demonstrated the highest rate of CAP biodegradation (99.33%) after a 20-day incubation period, resulting in the lowest residual level of CAP in the soil (0.67%). Bioinformatic analysis predicted that the CAP biodegradation pathway reached CO 2 and H 2 O. Under optimized conditions, the hexa-bacteria consortium is the most effective CAP biodegraded and is recommended as an eco-friendly treatment for eliminating CAP pollution in the field.

South-to-North Water Diversion Project, a globally renowned engineering feat, aims to address water supply issues. The sediments within reservoirs play a pivotal role in natural ecosystems, not only as habitats for diverse biota but also as repositories of heavy metals, organic matter, and other contaminants. These sediments serve as a critical interface between sediment and water bodies. This comprehensive analysis focused on the spatial patterns of nutrients, organic matter, and heavy metals in the surface layer and profiles of reservoirs, exploring their interconnectedness. Leveraging the integrated pollution index, organic pollution index, potential ecological risk index, and geo-accumulation index, an ecological risk assessment was performed. The key findings are as follows: (i) Along the Middle Route of the South-to-North Diversion Project, the nutrient and organic matter contents in sediments tends to rise with distance from the Danjiangkou Reservoir, with the TN and TC contents increasing by 2.35- and 3.05-fold, respectively. (ii) As the sediment depth increases, the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter contents exhibit varying degrees of decline, with average decreases of 62.38%, 67.47%, 17.56%, and 41.83% for TN, TC, TP, and OM, respectively. (iii) Among the eight heavy metals, only manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) in the Yahekou Reservoir showed moderate pollution levels, according to the geo-accumulation index. The Mn content within the surface sediments of the six reservoirs ranges from 550 to 1837 mg/kg (average, 1019.5 ± 548.3 mg/kg), whereas the Zn content ranges from 89 to 360 mg/kg (average, 156.5 ± 101.6 mg/kg). (vi) Total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) emerged as the primary pollutants in surface sediments. Comprehensive nitrogen and phosphorus pollution assessment revealed that the surface sediment of Danjiangkou Reservoir is mildly polluted, while Baiguishan and Jiangang Reservoirs are moderately polluted, and the rest are heavily contaminated. For the Yahekou and Chaohe Reservoirs, the average pollutant content indicates moderate pollution, while the remaining reservoirs show mild pollution levels. Graphical Abstract Highlights Characteristics of nutrients in the profile of sediments were investigated. Complex relationship between organic matter and heavy metal was revealed. Water quality of part reservoirs has ecological risk by the multiple methods.

Background The rise of antibiotic resistance has become a critical global health concern, resulting in numerous fatalities annually. Among resistant pathogens, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a particularly severe and expanding threat. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the prevalence, patterns, and contributing factors of MRSA resistance within mainland China. Methods In this study, the data of MRSA antimicrobial resistance in 31 provinces from 2014 to 2021 were obtained from the China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (CARSS). Environment and medical care data were obtained either from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) database or the National Ministry of Ecology and Environment (NMEE). Multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to explore the potential influencing factors of MRSA antibiotic resistance rate (AMR). Results Significant positive associations were identified between MRSA AMR and various factors, including cadmium pollution, soybean and poultry production, and oil consumption. Conversely, an inverse J-shaped relationship was observed between tap water coverage and MRSA resistance. Other noteworthy correlations included the effects of corn and pork production, as well as antibiotic use intensity. Our predictive model explained 52.7% of the variability in MRSA AMR, demonstrating strong predictive capability. Conclusions This study highlights the significant role of environmental, agricultural, and healthcare factors in influencing MRSA AMR in China. The findings emphasize the need for integrated strategies addressing regional environmental and healthcare quality in combating antibiotic resistance. Extending this research globally could enhance understanding of MRSA resistance dynamics on a broader scale. Graphical Abstract

Phytoextraction is a promising option for Cr-contaminated soil, but the long remediation period remains a primary hindrance to its large-scale application. This study is the first to assess the combined effects of nitrogen addition and mowings (NM) on the growth and Cr extraction of Leersia hexandra Swartz. A 1-year plot experiment was conducted, revealing that NM promoted the growth of L. hexandra. Compared to the control, NM significantly increased shoot biomass of L. hexandra by 111% ( p  < 0.05). The shoot biomass harvested from the second and third mowing sessions was 1.35 and 3.34 times higher than that from the first mowing session, respectively. In addition, chlorophyll content, root activity, and auxin content were significantly higher in NM treatment than those in control. These results indicate that a single addition of ammonium sulfate provides nutrients for L. hexandra shoot regeneration and maintains good growth after mowing. Furthermore, the extracted Cr amount in the shoot of NM reached 25.4 g/m 2 , an increase of 48.3% compared with control ( p  < 0.05). The soil Cr removal rate in NM was 1.85 times that of control ( p  < 0.001). These findings indicated that, compared with the phytoremediation technology using only L. hexandra , NM is a promising method for promoting Cr phytoextraction, suggesting its potential for large-scale ecological restoration at a lower cost. Graphical abstract

The concentrations of certain heavy metals in rice, such as cadmium (Cd), are regulated by governments or international organizations due to their toxicity to human health, referred to as “regulated metals”. In contrast, other metals, despite their potential health risks, remain unregulated and are classified as “unregulated metals”. Compared to regulated metals, unregulated metals have received relatively limited research attention due to the absence of regulatory standards in rice. This study collected 408 heavy metals concentration data from 204 published articles, covering on four regulated metals (Cd, As i , Pb, Cr) and four unregulated metals (Ni, V, Mo, Co). We compared health risks and economic costs of regulated and unregulated metals across 32 Chinese provinces using health risk and economic cost assessments methods. Results show that the HQ value for each individual unregulated metal is below 1, indicating low non-carcinogenic risks. However, Ni poses a significant carcinogenic risk, highlighting its potential health threat. Monte Carlo simulation shows that 82.28% and 92.96% of the population face accumulated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from unregulated metals, significantly exceeding the 65.76% and 82.27% associated with regulated metals. Significant regional variations were observed, with higher health risks in Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Sichuan provinces. Furthermore, the total economic costs of unregulated metals, estimated at USD 661.28 billion and USD 25.05 billion yuan (VSL and COI methods, respectively), are 1.45 and 1.47 times higher than those of regulated metals. Regions in southern China bear the greatest economic burden. Our findings suggest unregulated heavy metals in Chinese rice pose greater health risks and economic cost than regulated metals, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize them in future risk and economic assessments for rice safety and sustainability. However, the uncertainties arising from heterogeneous data sources and assumptions in cost estimation require further investigation.

Background Lead and cadmium (Pb/Cd) are pervasive in soils, and their detrimental effects on ecosystems are increasingly evident. Therefore, taking measures to mitigate the toxicity of Pb/Cd is urgently necessary. In this study, bentonite was used as a raw material for modification, and the influence of modified bentonite on the soil adsorption and desorption of Pb/Cd was investigated. The potential application of modified bentonite in mitigating the phytotoxicity of Pb/Cd was evaluated by conducting pot experiments, and the environmental risk was evaluated by acid rain leaching test. Results Results indicate that the removal rates of Pb/Cd of BTS obtained by 450℃ calcination and 20% citric acid activation reached 88.03% and 80.04%, respectively. Pb/Cd was primarily adsorbed by BTS through coordination between the groups (e.g., siloxane, hydroxyl, and carboxyl) and Pb/Cd. BTS amendment at an appropriate concentration (1%, 3%, and 5%, w/w) to soils contaminated with Pb/Cd resulted in a significant increase in ryegrass yield and chlorophyll ( P < 0.05), and it enhanced root activity and antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, under the effect of acid rain at pH 5.0, the release concentrations of Pb/Cd were the lowest when BTS-5% was added, and the cumulative release concentrations were 2.079 and 1.506 mg·L −1 , respectively. The extractable acid state increased before and after leaching, whereas the residual state decreased. Conclusion BTS (3% and 5%) can reduce the environmental risk level from a strong risk to a slight risk. Furthermore, the results of this study can provide theoretical basis for the promotion and application of bentonite in pollution control.

Background The pursuit of remediation strategies aligned with the principles of the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals has encouraged the use of soil organic amendments, including biochar. Biochar has the potential to enhance plant growth, improve soil fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration. Its properties determined by the feedstock and pyrolysis conditions, and are typically characterized through proximate and ultimate analyses. However, comprehensive evaluations of biochars as soil amendments remain limited, complicating their appropriate selection for field-scale applications. The current study evaluated the properties of two commercial biochars—Ideale (IDL; derived from biomass waste) and Intermarcom (INT; derived from wood waste)—applied at 3%, 5%, and 7% rates, as influenced on soil properties and Zea mays L. growth. Soil parameters assessed included pH, total organic carbon (TOC), P 2 O 5 , NO 3 − , NH 4 + , K, Ca, electric conductivity, and permanganate oxidizable carbon. Plant performance was evaluated based on leaf area, yield, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant capacity in a pot experiment. Experimental treatments included soil-only, soil–biochar, soil–plant, and soil–biochar–plant systems to monitor biochar behavior under different conditions. Results Application of 3% IDL significantly promoted Z. mays growth, increasing biomass production by up to 73.2%. Higher application rates of IDL did result in further improvements. In contrast, INT negatively affected Z. mays development, reducing leaf and stem biomass by 30.7% and 49.9%, respectively. Both biochars increased soil pH and TOC but had contrasting effects on soil nitrogen dynamics. IDL incorporation led to a dose-dependent reduction in NH 4 + (up to 77.3%), while NO 3 − levels remained largely unaffected. Conversely, INT decreased NO 3 − content (up to 36.6%) and increased NH 4 + concentrations. Water adsorption–desorption tests confirmed the preferential adsorption of NO 3 -N by INT. Conclusions Optimal Z. mays growth was achieved with 3% IDL, whereas INT negatively impacted plant growth at all tested application rates. These findings underscore the importance for thorough pre-application assessment of biochar properties to ensure effective and sustainable field-scale utilization.

Artisanal gold mining in Zamfara State involves using toxic mercury to separate gold from the ore. Information on the potential impact of mercury on the liver and kidney in cage-free chickens ( Gallus domesticus ) in areas where gold is extracted in Anka LG is scarce. Compared to non-gold miners, this study determined serum mercury, liver and kidney toxic biomarkers and tissue architecture changes in cage-free chickens from Anka goldfield areas (AGA). Sixty adult apparently healthy chickens were randomly selected from AGA and non-gold mining areas (NGMA) (30 from each location). Hg level was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer with thermal decomposition. Liver and kidney toxic biomarkers and architecture were analysed using biochemical and standard methods. Multivariate, correlation, regression and ANOVA were used to test differences. The mean serum mercury level (0.228 μg/L) in cage-free animals of the goldfield was substantially ( p  < 0.05) high in contrast to the undetectable mercury level in chickens from non-gold mining areas (NGMA). The mean alkaline phosphatase (41.577 U/L) of chickens in AGA was significantly higher than (28.448 U/L) that of the non-goldfield. Significantly higher alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase were also observed in chickens from AGA. All significance were at p  < 0.05. Liver and kidney architecture of chickens from goldfield shows varying degrees of distortion, including infiltration of inflammatory cells, hepatocyte cytoplasmic vacuolation, sinusoid dilation, renal tubular necrosis, and glomerular shrinkage. Thus, artisanal gold mining causing mercury biomagnification in cage-free chickens may be harmful, as seen by altered liver and kidney toxic biomarkers and tissue architecture.

At present, the research of sustainable development is developing from a single local problem to a multi-scale, transdisciplinary and comprehensive study. The evaluation and monitoring of its progress need to adopt multi-disciplinary research methods and multi-dimensional, multi-scale identification mechanism. Landsenses ecology is an emerging scientific system that uses the basic principles of ecology to study the sustainable development of land-use planning, construction, and management from the aspects of natural elements, physical senses, psychological perceptions, social economy, process and risk. It provides an effective way for the multi-disciplinary integration research of the relationship between human and ecosystem, and provides an important method and theory for the sustainable transformation research of environmental system and social–economic system, and plays an important role in guiding and realizing the beneficial impact of human on natural ecosystem. This study describes 57 articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2016 and 2024, using qualitative content analysis, and discusses the impact of landsenses ecology on the way sustainable development is perceived and practiced. The results suggest that the role of landsenses ecology in the creation of sustainable vision resonance and behavior is crucial to the study of sustainable transformation and will help to explore effective strategies for using intrinsic sustainable transformation as a deep leverage point.