Chitosan with Bentonite and Biochar in Ni-Affected Soil Reduces Grain Ni Concentrations, Improves Soil Enzymes and Grain Quality in Lentil

Abstract

Ecological and human health risks associated with Ni-affected soils are one of the major attention seeking issues nowadays. The current investigation is based on the usage of biochar (BR), chitosan (CN), bentonite (BE), and their mixture to immobilize Ni in a Ni-polluted soil and accordingly contracted Ni distribution in lentil plant parts, improved grain nutritional quality, antioxidant defense system, and soil enzymatic activities. The soil was initially amended with CN, BE, and BR and later lentil was grown in this soil in pots. Results depicted the highest significance of BE+CN treatment in terms of reducing the Ni distribution in the roots, shoots, grain, and DTPA-extractable fractions, relative to control treatment. Contrarily, the BR+CN treatment displayed the minimum oxidative stress and the utmost plant growth, chlorophyll contents in the leaves, relative water content (RWC), micronutrient concentrations, and grain biochemistry. The BR+CN indicated the highest activities of soil enzymes. Based on the results, we recommend BE+CN treatment to reduce the Ni distribution in the lentil plant. Although, improvement in plant growth, grain quality, soil enzymes, and a significant reduction in plant oxidative stress can only be gained with BR+CN.

Monitoring Potentially Toxic Element Pollution in Three Wheat-Grown Areas with a Long History of Industrial Activity and Assessment of Their Effect on Human Health in Central Greece

“…In our study, the average AB-DTPA concentrations in the steel factory were higher than the reported values by Crispo et al [44], who studied 20 UK cities. Tanzeem-ul-Haq et al [45] studied Ni-affected soils, and reported that Ni availability in a soil of pH 7.03 was 3.02% of the total, comparable to the availability reported in our work.…”

Biochar and Chitosan Regulate Antioxidant Defense and Methylglyoxal Detoxification Systems and Enhance Salt Tolerance in Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

“…Notable increases in CAT, SOD, and POD activities and increased ROS scavenging were reported following BC addition in drought-stressed maize varieties [ 47 ]. A profound increase in SOD and CAT activity by BC and CHT application was reported in Ni-stressed lentil plants, confirming enhanced ROS scavenging to protect the plants against oxidative damage [ 52 ]. Similarly, the application of BC increased SOD and CAT activities in Ni-stressed mung bean plants [ 60 ].…”

“…Similar results were also observed with CHT application in water-stressed barley, where Pro accumulation was reduced by regulating the water pressure and RWC [ 20 ]. Tanzeem-ul-Haq et al [ 52 ] reported that combined CHT and BC supplementation enhanced the RWC of lentil plants in nickel (Ni)-spiked soils and improved plant growth by improving moisture retention and plant—water relationships.…”

“…AlKahtani et al [ 59 ] reported that the generation of MDA, H 2 O 2 , and EL declined with the application of CHT in salt-stressed sweet peppers. Amendment with BC, CHT, or their combination decreased the MDA and H 2 O 2 contents and protected lentil plants from Ni-induced oxidative damage [ 52 ].…”

“…Increased APX activity was also reported in salt-treated soybean plants following BC and CHT supplementation [ 11 ], in agreement with the present findings. Supplementation with BC and/or CHT also enhanced APX activity in lentil plants under Ni stress [ 52 ]. Augmentation of GR activity was also reported in response to BC and CHT supplementation in barley under drought stress [ 20 ].…”