Disentanglement of the secrets of aluminium in acidophilic tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.) influenced by organic and inorganic amendments

Field experiment was carried out for four years in mature tea (Camellia sinensis L.) growing plot to investigate the impacts of different doses of inorganic and organic fertilizers on aluminium (Al) distribution pattern in soil and different parts of tea plant, leaf pigment concentration, gas exchange parameters, as well as the yield of tea. Results indicated that application of 6 × 103 kg compost ha−1 significantly increased the dry matter yields of tea. Pluckable shoot of tea plant were markedly stimulated in the presence of Al irrespective of treatment imposed. Furthermore, Al induced growth stimulation in tea plant was facilitated by higher photosynthesis rate as well as gas exchange parameters. For the present experiment, Tea Research Association Heavy Metal Contamination Index (TRAHMCI) decreases with increase the fertilizer dose and all the experimental soils were found non-polluted with respect to Al. Localization of Al in the root apex predominantly accumulated in the cortex. The translocation of Al from root to shoot was driven by the gradient in hydrostatic pressure and water potential. In all tea infusions influenced by different treatments, Al concentrations were within the maximum permissible limit of Al in drinking water by Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA, 2 mg kg−1 bw−1) and the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) established by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority, 1 mg kg−1 bw−1). Application of stepwise multiple regression model indicates that around 75% of the variability in the yield of the crop can be expressed by the selected parameters under study. The Hierarchical cluster analysis reveals that two homogenous groups of treatment can be formed based on all the studied parameters

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Not AvailableEffect of tea pruning litter biochar (TPLBC) on arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) content in made tea and successive tea infusions were investigated in a greenhouse experiment with two tea cultivars (TV23 and S.3A/3). Made tea prepared from TV23 and S.3A/3 clone, a decrease in the concentration of As, Cd, and Cr by 36.73%, 16.22%, 13.96%, and 36.63%, 27.78%, 10.54%, respectively over control on the application of the highest dose of TPLBC (500 kg TPLBC ha)Not Availabl

Tea pruning litter biochar amendment in soil reduces arsenic, cadmium, and chromium in made tea (Camellia sinensis L.) and tea infusion: A safe drink for tea consumers

Effect of tea pruning litter biochar (TPLBC) on arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) content in made tea and successive tea infusions were investigated in a greenhouse experiment with two tea cultivars (TV23 and S.3A/3). Made tea prepared from TV23 and S.3A/3 clone, a decrease in the concentration of As, Cd, and Cr by 36.73%, 16.22%, 13.96%, and 36.63%, 27.78%, 10.54%, respectively over control on the application of the highest dose of TPLBC (500 kg TPLBC ha− 1 ). Irrespective of treatments, studied element concentrations were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the first infusion and lower in the third. Considering Ten g made tea consumption per person per day, the maximum average daily intakes of As, Cd and Cr in a higher dose of TPLBC were far below the tolerable weekly intake prescribed by the World Health Organization. As hazard quotient values of selected elements were ≪ 1, no significant adverse health consequences are expected for tea consumer