Sudhir Shende | Southern Federal University, Russia (original) (raw)

Papers by Sudhir Shende

Research paper thumbnail of Application of X-ray based modern instrumental techniques to determine the heavy metals in soils, minerals and organic media

Research paper thumbnail of Cell free extract-mediated biogenic synthesis of ZnONPs and their application with kanamycin as a bactericidal combination

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Research paper thumbnail of Synthesis of Copper Nanomaterials by Microbes and Their Use in Sustainable Agriculture

CRC Press eBooks, May 25, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Nanoparticles as therapeutic agent for treatment of bacterial infections

Research paper thumbnail of In Vivo Antifungal Efficacy of Copper and Sulfur Nanoparticles on Soft Rot of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

Research paper thumbnail of Industrial Applications of Nanomaterials Produced from Aspergillus Species

The Genus Aspergillus - Pathogenicity, Mycotoxin Production and Industrial Applications

There is a great demand for green methods of synthesis of nanoparticles. Fungi play an important ... more There is a great demand for green methods of synthesis of nanoparticles. Fungi play an important role in the synthesis of nanoparticles, of which Aspergillus spp. are known to secrete different enzymes responsible for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The process of biosynthesis of nanoparticles is simple, rapid, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easy to synthesize at ambient temperature and pressure. Mostly, the metal nanoparticles such as silver, gold, lead and the oxides of titanium, zinc, and copper are synthesized from Aspergillus spp. These include mainly Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, and A. clavatus. The fabrication of different nanoparticles is extracellular. In the present chapter, we have discussed the role of different species of Aspergillus, mechanism of biogenic synthesis particularly enzymes involved in the reduction of metal ions into nanoparticles. The biogenically synthesized nanoparticles have demonstrated several biomedicals, agricultural, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Metal-Based Green Synthesized Nanoparticles: Boon for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

IEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience, 2022

The applications of metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) in the sustainable development of agricultur... more The applications of metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) in the sustainable development of agriculture and food security have received greater attention in recent years in the science community. Different biological resources have been employed to replace harmful chemicals to reduce metal salts and stabilize MNPs, i.e., green methods for the synthesis have paid attention to the nanobiotechnological advances. This review mainly focused on the applications of green synthesized MNPs for the agriculture sector and food security. Because of the novel domains, the green synthesized MNPs could be helpful in the different areas of agriculture like plant growth promotion, plant disease, and insect/pest management, fungicidal agent, in food security for food packaging, for increasing the shelf life and protection from spoilage, and other purposes. The global scenario of the recent studies on the applications of green synthesized MNPs, particularly in sustainable agriculture and food security, is comprehensively discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Copper in Medicine: Perspectives and Toxicity

Biomedical Applications of Metals, 2018

Copper is one of the most important microelements required by all kind of life forms including hu... more Copper is one of the most important microelements required by all kind of life forms including human beings for their proper growth, development, and survival. Copper plays an important role in various body functions and regulation of different pathways. Hence, it has been used since pre-Vedic time as potential medicine to cure a number of diseases. Although, copper has significant medicinal value, the maintenance of adequate copper levels in the body is of vital importance because the lack or excess amount of such essential trace elements are known to cause a variety of health problems. The failure in the regulation of copper metabolism is mainly responsible for deficiency and accumulation of copper in different parts of the body. Generally, deficiency of copper leads to several copper deficiency syndromes including Menkes’ disease. Similarly, high level of copper due to accumulation results in many diseases like Wilson’s diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. Considering the key role of copper in human health, the present chapter has been focused on such related aspects, which include uptake and metabolism of copper, and its dietary recommendations. In addition, various disorders caused due to deficiency and excess amount of copper are also discussed in detail.

Research paper thumbnail of Biological Control of Soft-Rot of Ginger: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Plant Microbe Interface, 2019

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is an important crop having various medicinal, nutritional, a... more Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is an important crop having various medicinal, nutritional, and ethnomedicinal properties cultivated all over the world. Pythium and Fusarium spp. are pathogens responsible for the deteriorating disease in ginger known as soft- or rhizome-rot, causing more than 50% loss of ginger crop worldwide. The application of chemical fungicides is a promising method for control of soft-rot in ginger. But use of such fungicides is harmful to both environment and human health. Thus, there is an obligatory need for the search of an eco-friendly and economic approach for the control of soft-rot in ginger. Various physical, chemical, and biological methods have already been in practice since many years for managing soft-rot in ginger. This chapter primarily focuses on the advantages of biological control over chemical methods of Pythium and Fusarium spp. management using antagonistic fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, and plant extracts. These biocontrol agents offe...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Nanomaterials on Human Health through/via Food Chain

Research paper thumbnail of Metal Nanoparticles in Management of Diseases of the Central Nervous System

The Microbiology of Central Nervous System Infections

Abstract Central nervous system (CNS) or neurological disorders are very serious problems and maj... more Abstract Central nervous system (CNS) or neurological disorders are very serious problems and major health concerns all over the world. Various treatment strategies have been investigated but the label of low therapeutic success is always associated with them. The main reason behind the low success rate is active drug molecules that are unable to reach their target sites of action inside the body. In addition, various CNS barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, etc., always hinder the circulation of therapeutic drugs in the body. Therefore, considering the last decade's contribution of nanotechnology in the biomedical sector, it is believed that the problem of ever-increasing neurological disorders can only be managed by nanotechnology. Nanotechnology offers many exciting and promising new means of treating neurological disease. In this chapter, we have mainly focused on various aspects related to CNS diseases involving current treatment strategies and their limitations, the necessity of nanoneuromedicines, the role of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases, and toxicological issues.

Research paper thumbnail of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis, a Pivotal Biostimulant toward Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review

Agriculture

Algae are existing macroscopic materials with substantial benefits, including as important growth... more Algae are existing macroscopic materials with substantial benefits, including as important growth regulators and macronutrients and micronutrients for the growth of healthy crop plants. Biofertilizers obtained from algae are identified as novel production fertilizers or innovative biofertilizers without the detrimental impacts of chemicals. Seaweeds contain many water-soluble minerals and nutrients that plants can easily absorb and that are valuable for crop plants’ growth. At present, Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis extract outperforms chemical fertilizers in terms of increasing seed germination, plant development, and yield, as well as protecting plants from severe biotic and abiotic stresses. A. nodosum contains bioactive compounds that exhibit an array of biological activities such as antibiotic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic activities. A. nodosum extract (AnE) contains alginic acid and poly-uronides that improve soil’s water-carryi...

Research paper thumbnail of Biogenic Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots at Ambient Temperature Using Azadirachta indica (Neem) gum

Journal of Fluorescence, 2015

Synthesis of fluorescent Carbon Dots (CDs) from various carbonaceous materials apparently has acq... more Synthesis of fluorescent Carbon Dots (CDs) from various carbonaceous materials apparently has acquired lots of interest amongst researchers as the corollary of the properties of CDs; which are subsequently getting unveiled. In this study we report the use of Azadirachta indica (Neem) Gum as a novel natural precursor for synthesis of CDs at room temperature. Water soluble CDs of around 5-8 nm were obtained after treatment of the gum with ethanol and NaOH. These CDs exhibited green fluorescence in UV-light (λ = 365 nm). These CDs were found to be stable, having many bio-linkers attached on their surface, making it suitable for drug attachment and hence can serve as potential candidates for applications like drug delivery vehicles as well as for biosensors.

Research paper thumbnail of Strategic role of nanotechnology in plant growth improvement and crop production

Research paper thumbnail of A Perspective Review on Green Nanotechnology in Agro-Ecosystems: Opportunities for Sustainable Agricultural Practices & Environmental Remediation

Agriculture

The modern agricultural system is facing the unprecedented task of contriving the extensive deman... more The modern agricultural system is facing the unprecedented task of contriving the extensive demand for agrarian production owing to population explosion and global climate change. The employment of Nanotechnology in agriculture has gained immense interest in recent times for the development of sustainable agricultural technologies and environmental remediation strategies. Nanotechnology pertains to the employment of nanoparticles and furnishes the potential to fabricate novel materials and products possessing improved quality. The nanomaterials may be used as; nanosensors, nanocides, nanofertilizers, nanobarcodes, and nano-remediators, which play a significant role in modern agricultural practices. However, the physical and chemical processes of nanoparticle production is neither economical nor environmentally sustainable. Therefore, the need for green or biogenic nanoparticles obtained from plants, bacteria, fungi or their metabolites has emerged as novel, sustainable, economical, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Platinum Nanoparticles (PtNPs) Pollution on the Biological Properties of Haplic Cambisols Eutric of the Caucasus Forests

Forests

Pollution by platinum (Pt) is an emerging threat to forest soil health. The widespread use of Pt ... more Pollution by platinum (Pt) is an emerging threat to forest soil health. The widespread use of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) in gas neutralizers for automobile exhaust has sharply increased the amount of PtNP pollution in the environment, including forest ecosystems. Recently, territories with Pt concentrations greater than 0.3 mg/kg in soil have been discovered. This concentration is 750 times greater than the background content in the earth’s crust. Cambisols, the most prevalent forest soil type in boreal forests that determines the functioning of the entire forest ecosystem, occupy a significant share of the Earth’s soil cover, which is about 1.5 billion hectares worldwide, or 12% of the entire continental land area. This shows the importance of studying the effect of pollution on this type of soil. In this study, laboratory simulations of PtNP contamination of the Haplic Cambisols Eutric at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg were carried out. The effect of PtNPs on soil p...

Research paper thumbnail of Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs): A versatile growth promoter in modern agricultural production

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiagnostics of Resistance to the Copper (Cu) Pollution of Forest Soils at the Dry and Humid Subtropics in the Greater Caucasus Region

Forests

Forest ecosystems perform important forestry and ecological functions. However, mining and proces... more Forest ecosystems perform important forestry and ecological functions. However, mining and processing companies cause significant soil contamination by heavy metals, in particular, copper (Cu). The resistance of nine types and subtypes of forest soils of the dry and humid subtropics in the Greater Caucasus region to Cu contamination at concentrations of 100, 1000, and 10,000 mg/kg was evaluated for the first time following the most sensitive and informative biological (microbiological, biochemical, and phytotoxic) indicators via a laboratory simulation study. Contamination was simulated under laboratory conditions. The series of forest soils was established following their resistance to Cu pollution: brown leached soils (Haplic Cambisols Eutric) = brown typical soils (Haplic Cambisols Eutric) > brown carbonate soils (Haplic Cambisols Eutric) = sod-carbonate typical soils (Rendzic Leptosols Eutric) ≥ yellow soils (Albic Luvisols Abruptic) ≥ leached sod-carbonate soils (Rendzic Lep...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative Assessment of the Resistance to Lead (Pb) Pollution of Forest, Forest-Steppe, Steppe, and Mountain-Meadow Soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus Regions

Forests

Lead (Pb) is one of the most hazardous heavy-metal pollutants in the environment. However, the re... more Lead (Pb) is one of the most hazardous heavy-metal pollutants in the environment. However, the resistance of different soils and ecosystems to Pb pollution varies greatly. In the present study, the comparative assessment of the resistance to Pb contamination in the forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and mountain-meadow soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus regions was conducted. There were 10 types and subtypes of objects from the forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and mountain-meadow soils which were selected for this study. The laboratory modeling of the effect of chemical soil contamination with lead (II) oxide (PbO) at different concentrations, 100, 1000, and 10,000 mg/kg, were introduced into the soil to check the microbiological, biochemical, and phytotoxic properties of the soil after 30 days of incubation. Soil resistance to Pb stress was assessed by the degree of the decrease in the most sensitive and informative biological indicators of the soil condition. It has been ...

Research paper thumbnail of Large-scale synthesis and antibacterial activity of fungal-derived silver nanoparticles

Environmental Chemistry Letters, 2016

There is a demand for environmentally friendly processes to synthesize nanoparticles. Here, we sy... more There is a demand for environmentally friendly processes to synthesize nanoparticles. Here, we synthesized silver nanoparticles using encapsulated biomass beads of Phoma exigua var. exigua. Nanoparticles were characterized by nanoparticle tracking and analysis (NTA), Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential. Results of NTA show that nanoparticle size was homogenous. Concerning nanoparticle stability, zeta potential decreased with batch number. Silver nanoparticles exhibited an antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, the encapsulation of fungal biomass by calcium alginate for the batch synthesis of silver nanoparticles was easy, cost-effective, eco-friendly and suitable for the large-scale synthesis of silver nanoparticles. We have also demonstrated the reusability of the fungal biomass during biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the sodium alginate encapsulation method.

Research paper thumbnail of Application of X-ray based modern instrumental techniques to determine the heavy metals in soils, minerals and organic media

Research paper thumbnail of Cell free extract-mediated biogenic synthesis of ZnONPs and their application with kanamycin as a bactericidal combination

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Research paper thumbnail of Synthesis of Copper Nanomaterials by Microbes and Their Use in Sustainable Agriculture

CRC Press eBooks, May 25, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Nanoparticles as therapeutic agent for treatment of bacterial infections

Research paper thumbnail of In Vivo Antifungal Efficacy of Copper and Sulfur Nanoparticles on Soft Rot of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

Research paper thumbnail of Industrial Applications of Nanomaterials Produced from Aspergillus Species

The Genus Aspergillus - Pathogenicity, Mycotoxin Production and Industrial Applications

There is a great demand for green methods of synthesis of nanoparticles. Fungi play an important ... more There is a great demand for green methods of synthesis of nanoparticles. Fungi play an important role in the synthesis of nanoparticles, of which Aspergillus spp. are known to secrete different enzymes responsible for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The process of biosynthesis of nanoparticles is simple, rapid, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easy to synthesize at ambient temperature and pressure. Mostly, the metal nanoparticles such as silver, gold, lead and the oxides of titanium, zinc, and copper are synthesized from Aspergillus spp. These include mainly Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, and A. clavatus. The fabrication of different nanoparticles is extracellular. In the present chapter, we have discussed the role of different species of Aspergillus, mechanism of biogenic synthesis particularly enzymes involved in the reduction of metal ions into nanoparticles. The biogenically synthesized nanoparticles have demonstrated several biomedicals, agricultural, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Metal-Based Green Synthesized Nanoparticles: Boon for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

IEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience, 2022

The applications of metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) in the sustainable development of agricultur... more The applications of metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) in the sustainable development of agriculture and food security have received greater attention in recent years in the science community. Different biological resources have been employed to replace harmful chemicals to reduce metal salts and stabilize MNPs, i.e., green methods for the synthesis have paid attention to the nanobiotechnological advances. This review mainly focused on the applications of green synthesized MNPs for the agriculture sector and food security. Because of the novel domains, the green synthesized MNPs could be helpful in the different areas of agriculture like plant growth promotion, plant disease, and insect/pest management, fungicidal agent, in food security for food packaging, for increasing the shelf life and protection from spoilage, and other purposes. The global scenario of the recent studies on the applications of green synthesized MNPs, particularly in sustainable agriculture and food security, is comprehensively discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Copper in Medicine: Perspectives and Toxicity

Biomedical Applications of Metals, 2018

Copper is one of the most important microelements required by all kind of life forms including hu... more Copper is one of the most important microelements required by all kind of life forms including human beings for their proper growth, development, and survival. Copper plays an important role in various body functions and regulation of different pathways. Hence, it has been used since pre-Vedic time as potential medicine to cure a number of diseases. Although, copper has significant medicinal value, the maintenance of adequate copper levels in the body is of vital importance because the lack or excess amount of such essential trace elements are known to cause a variety of health problems. The failure in the regulation of copper metabolism is mainly responsible for deficiency and accumulation of copper in different parts of the body. Generally, deficiency of copper leads to several copper deficiency syndromes including Menkes’ disease. Similarly, high level of copper due to accumulation results in many diseases like Wilson’s diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. Considering the key role of copper in human health, the present chapter has been focused on such related aspects, which include uptake and metabolism of copper, and its dietary recommendations. In addition, various disorders caused due to deficiency and excess amount of copper are also discussed in detail.

Research paper thumbnail of Biological Control of Soft-Rot of Ginger: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Plant Microbe Interface, 2019

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is an important crop having various medicinal, nutritional, a... more Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is an important crop having various medicinal, nutritional, and ethnomedicinal properties cultivated all over the world. Pythium and Fusarium spp. are pathogens responsible for the deteriorating disease in ginger known as soft- or rhizome-rot, causing more than 50% loss of ginger crop worldwide. The application of chemical fungicides is a promising method for control of soft-rot in ginger. But use of such fungicides is harmful to both environment and human health. Thus, there is an obligatory need for the search of an eco-friendly and economic approach for the control of soft-rot in ginger. Various physical, chemical, and biological methods have already been in practice since many years for managing soft-rot in ginger. This chapter primarily focuses on the advantages of biological control over chemical methods of Pythium and Fusarium spp. management using antagonistic fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, and plant extracts. These biocontrol agents offe...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Nanomaterials on Human Health through/via Food Chain

Research paper thumbnail of Metal Nanoparticles in Management of Diseases of the Central Nervous System

The Microbiology of Central Nervous System Infections

Abstract Central nervous system (CNS) or neurological disorders are very serious problems and maj... more Abstract Central nervous system (CNS) or neurological disorders are very serious problems and major health concerns all over the world. Various treatment strategies have been investigated but the label of low therapeutic success is always associated with them. The main reason behind the low success rate is active drug molecules that are unable to reach their target sites of action inside the body. In addition, various CNS barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, etc., always hinder the circulation of therapeutic drugs in the body. Therefore, considering the last decade's contribution of nanotechnology in the biomedical sector, it is believed that the problem of ever-increasing neurological disorders can only be managed by nanotechnology. Nanotechnology offers many exciting and promising new means of treating neurological disease. In this chapter, we have mainly focused on various aspects related to CNS diseases involving current treatment strategies and their limitations, the necessity of nanoneuromedicines, the role of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases, and toxicological issues.

Research paper thumbnail of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis, a Pivotal Biostimulant toward Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review

Agriculture

Algae are existing macroscopic materials with substantial benefits, including as important growth... more Algae are existing macroscopic materials with substantial benefits, including as important growth regulators and macronutrients and micronutrients for the growth of healthy crop plants. Biofertilizers obtained from algae are identified as novel production fertilizers or innovative biofertilizers without the detrimental impacts of chemicals. Seaweeds contain many water-soluble minerals and nutrients that plants can easily absorb and that are valuable for crop plants’ growth. At present, Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis extract outperforms chemical fertilizers in terms of increasing seed germination, plant development, and yield, as well as protecting plants from severe biotic and abiotic stresses. A. nodosum contains bioactive compounds that exhibit an array of biological activities such as antibiotic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic activities. A. nodosum extract (AnE) contains alginic acid and poly-uronides that improve soil’s water-carryi...

Research paper thumbnail of Biogenic Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots at Ambient Temperature Using Azadirachta indica (Neem) gum

Journal of Fluorescence, 2015

Synthesis of fluorescent Carbon Dots (CDs) from various carbonaceous materials apparently has acq... more Synthesis of fluorescent Carbon Dots (CDs) from various carbonaceous materials apparently has acquired lots of interest amongst researchers as the corollary of the properties of CDs; which are subsequently getting unveiled. In this study we report the use of Azadirachta indica (Neem) Gum as a novel natural precursor for synthesis of CDs at room temperature. Water soluble CDs of around 5-8 nm were obtained after treatment of the gum with ethanol and NaOH. These CDs exhibited green fluorescence in UV-light (λ = 365 nm). These CDs were found to be stable, having many bio-linkers attached on their surface, making it suitable for drug attachment and hence can serve as potential candidates for applications like drug delivery vehicles as well as for biosensors.

Research paper thumbnail of Strategic role of nanotechnology in plant growth improvement and crop production

Research paper thumbnail of A Perspective Review on Green Nanotechnology in Agro-Ecosystems: Opportunities for Sustainable Agricultural Practices & Environmental Remediation

Agriculture

The modern agricultural system is facing the unprecedented task of contriving the extensive deman... more The modern agricultural system is facing the unprecedented task of contriving the extensive demand for agrarian production owing to population explosion and global climate change. The employment of Nanotechnology in agriculture has gained immense interest in recent times for the development of sustainable agricultural technologies and environmental remediation strategies. Nanotechnology pertains to the employment of nanoparticles and furnishes the potential to fabricate novel materials and products possessing improved quality. The nanomaterials may be used as; nanosensors, nanocides, nanofertilizers, nanobarcodes, and nano-remediators, which play a significant role in modern agricultural practices. However, the physical and chemical processes of nanoparticle production is neither economical nor environmentally sustainable. Therefore, the need for green or biogenic nanoparticles obtained from plants, bacteria, fungi or their metabolites has emerged as novel, sustainable, economical, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Platinum Nanoparticles (PtNPs) Pollution on the Biological Properties of Haplic Cambisols Eutric of the Caucasus Forests

Forests

Pollution by platinum (Pt) is an emerging threat to forest soil health. The widespread use of Pt ... more Pollution by platinum (Pt) is an emerging threat to forest soil health. The widespread use of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) in gas neutralizers for automobile exhaust has sharply increased the amount of PtNP pollution in the environment, including forest ecosystems. Recently, territories with Pt concentrations greater than 0.3 mg/kg in soil have been discovered. This concentration is 750 times greater than the background content in the earth’s crust. Cambisols, the most prevalent forest soil type in boreal forests that determines the functioning of the entire forest ecosystem, occupy a significant share of the Earth’s soil cover, which is about 1.5 billion hectares worldwide, or 12% of the entire continental land area. This shows the importance of studying the effect of pollution on this type of soil. In this study, laboratory simulations of PtNP contamination of the Haplic Cambisols Eutric at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg were carried out. The effect of PtNPs on soil p...

Research paper thumbnail of Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs): A versatile growth promoter in modern agricultural production

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiagnostics of Resistance to the Copper (Cu) Pollution of Forest Soils at the Dry and Humid Subtropics in the Greater Caucasus Region

Forests

Forest ecosystems perform important forestry and ecological functions. However, mining and proces... more Forest ecosystems perform important forestry and ecological functions. However, mining and processing companies cause significant soil contamination by heavy metals, in particular, copper (Cu). The resistance of nine types and subtypes of forest soils of the dry and humid subtropics in the Greater Caucasus region to Cu contamination at concentrations of 100, 1000, and 10,000 mg/kg was evaluated for the first time following the most sensitive and informative biological (microbiological, biochemical, and phytotoxic) indicators via a laboratory simulation study. Contamination was simulated under laboratory conditions. The series of forest soils was established following their resistance to Cu pollution: brown leached soils (Haplic Cambisols Eutric) = brown typical soils (Haplic Cambisols Eutric) > brown carbonate soils (Haplic Cambisols Eutric) = sod-carbonate typical soils (Rendzic Leptosols Eutric) ≥ yellow soils (Albic Luvisols Abruptic) ≥ leached sod-carbonate soils (Rendzic Lep...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative Assessment of the Resistance to Lead (Pb) Pollution of Forest, Forest-Steppe, Steppe, and Mountain-Meadow Soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus Regions

Forests

Lead (Pb) is one of the most hazardous heavy-metal pollutants in the environment. However, the re... more Lead (Pb) is one of the most hazardous heavy-metal pollutants in the environment. However, the resistance of different soils and ecosystems to Pb pollution varies greatly. In the present study, the comparative assessment of the resistance to Pb contamination in the forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and mountain-meadow soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus regions was conducted. There were 10 types and subtypes of objects from the forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and mountain-meadow soils which were selected for this study. The laboratory modeling of the effect of chemical soil contamination with lead (II) oxide (PbO) at different concentrations, 100, 1000, and 10,000 mg/kg, were introduced into the soil to check the microbiological, biochemical, and phytotoxic properties of the soil after 30 days of incubation. Soil resistance to Pb stress was assessed by the degree of the decrease in the most sensitive and informative biological indicators of the soil condition. It has been ...

Research paper thumbnail of Large-scale synthesis and antibacterial activity of fungal-derived silver nanoparticles

Environmental Chemistry Letters, 2016

There is a demand for environmentally friendly processes to synthesize nanoparticles. Here, we sy... more There is a demand for environmentally friendly processes to synthesize nanoparticles. Here, we synthesized silver nanoparticles using encapsulated biomass beads of Phoma exigua var. exigua. Nanoparticles were characterized by nanoparticle tracking and analysis (NTA), Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential. Results of NTA show that nanoparticle size was homogenous. Concerning nanoparticle stability, zeta potential decreased with batch number. Silver nanoparticles exhibited an antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, the encapsulation of fungal biomass by calcium alginate for the batch synthesis of silver nanoparticles was easy, cost-effective, eco-friendly and suitable for the large-scale synthesis of silver nanoparticles. We have also demonstrated the reusability of the fungal biomass during biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the sodium alginate encapsulation method.