Optimization of EDTA enhanced soil washing on multiple heavy metals removal using response surface methodology

This research presents the optimization of soil washing conditions in the removal of multiple heavy metals (Cu-Pb-Zn-Cd) under the using of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The optimum combination of washing parameters in a bench-scale soil washing experiments is determined by response surface methodology (RSM). Central composite design is applied after single factor experiment, EDTA concentration, solid-to-liquid ratio and washing time are evaluated variables for the removal processes, and the regression models of HMs are constructed. The results show that, EDTA concentration and solid-to-liquid ratio are significant factors for this process. Subsequently, 50% of Cu removal was set as the optimum target to optimize the combined conditions, through the building of multiple quadratic regression models, the optimal condition combination is determined that EDTA concentration is 0.0026 mol·L-1, solid-to-liquid ratio is 1:22, washing time is 3.89 h, the extraction rate of Pb, Zn, Cd is predicted to be 78%, 75% and 71%, respectively

Strain improvement of Trichoderma harzianum for enhanced biocontrol capacity: Strategies and prospects

In the control of plant diseases, biocontrol has the advantages of being efficient and safe for human health and the environment. The filamentous fungus Trichoderma harzianum and its closely related species can inhibit the growth of many phytopathogenic fungi, and have been developed as commercial biocontrol agents for decades. In this review, we summarize studies on T. harzianum species complex from the perspective of strain improvement. To elevate the biocontrol ability, the production of extracellular proteins and compounds with antimicrobial or plant immunity-eliciting activities need to be enhanced. In addition, resistance to various environmental stressors should be strengthened. Engineering the gene regulatory system has the potential to modulate a variety of biological processes related to biocontrol. With the rapidly developing technologies for fungal genetic engineering, T. harzianum strains with increased biocontrol activities are expected to be constructed to promote the sustainable development of agriculture