A web-accessible computer program for calculating electrical potentials and ion activities at cell-membrane surfaces

Increasing evidence indicates that plant responses to ions (uptake/transport, inhibition, and alleviation of inhibition) are dependent upon ion activities at the outer surface of root-cell plasma membranes (PMs) rather than activities in the bulk-phase rooting medium

Consideration of the bioavailability of metal/metalloid species in freshwaters: experiences regarding the implementation of biotic ligand model-based approaches in risk assessment frameworks

After the scientific development of Biotic Ligand Models (BLMs) in recent decades these models are now considered suitable for implementation in regulatory risk assessment of metals in freshwater bodies. The approach has been developed over several years and has been described in many peer-reviewed publications. The original complex BLMs have been applied in prospective risk assessment reports for metals and metal compounds and are also recommended as suitable concepts for the evaluation of monitoring data in the context of the European Water Framework Directive. Currently, several user-friendly BLM-based bioavailability software tools are available for assessing the aquatic toxicity of a limited number of metals (mainly copper, nickel, and zinc). These tools need only a basic set of water parameters as input (e.g., pH, hardness, dissolved organic matter and dissolved metal concentration). Such tools seem appropriate to foster the implementation in routine water quality assessments. This work aims to review the existing bioavailability-based regulatory approaches and the application of available BLM-based bioavailability tools for this purpose. Advantages and possible drawbacks of these tools (e.g., feasibility, boundaries of validity) are discussed, and recommendations for further implementation are given

Salinity tolerance in cotton

Cotton is the chief crop and main pillar of textile industry. Its fiber and seed have significant economic importance. However, salinity interferes with the normal growth functioning and results in halted growth and declined yield of fiber and seed. Salinity effects are more obvious at early growth stages of cotton, limiting final yield. Salt decreases boll formation per plant which ultimately gives decreased fiber yield and poor lint quality. Salinity is a global issue increasing every year due to uncontrolled measures and improper land management. Application of saline irrigation water is adding increments to already existing salts and deteriorating the productive soil. Arid regions are totally dependent upon rain for growth of cotton. Salt problem is more in arid regions due least availability of moisture and water for flushing salts from cotton root zone. Moreover, higher temperature favors excessive evaporation under arid conditions and leaving salt on the upper surface of soil. Salts at the surface soil impede cotton seed germination. In this chapter, we discussed formation of saline soils and their sources which deter cotton growth. Physiological changes, oxidative stress caused due to salinity, role of molecular transporters involved in detoxification and specific gene expression is also illuminated. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020. All rights reserved

Identifying the species of copper that are toxic to plant roots in alkaline nutrient solutions

Background and aims The pH of the growth medium influences Cu speciation in solution, the negativity of plasma membrane (PM) surface potential, and hence the rhizotoxicity of Cu