Antimony (Sb) pollution is becoming more prevalent due to human activities. Recently, biochar (BC) and modified biochar have been used to remediate polluted soils. Nevertheless, role of modified BC and microbes to mitigate adversities of Sb is not understood. This study evaluated the effects of iron-modified biochar (FMB) and bacteria (Ochrobactrum oryzae) on rice plant functioning, Sb bio-accessibility, and microbial community structure and diversity. The experiment consisted of different treatments; control, Sb stress (1200 mg kg-1), Sb stress (1200 mg kg-1) + FMB (2.5 %), Sb stress (1200 mg kg-1) + bacterial inoculation and Sb stress (1200 mg kg-1) + FMB (2.5 %) + bacterial inoculation. The combined FMB and bacteria increased photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant activities, osmolyte accumulation and reduced oxidative damage, electrolyte leakage (EL), and malondialdehyde (MDA), thereby leading to better growth and yield. Combined FMB and bacterial inoculation also enhanced soil nutrient availability, soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil enzymatic activities thereby reducing the soil antimony availability (46.12 %) and bio-accessibility of Sb (Sb-bio: 59.25 %). Moreover, co-applying BC and bacteria inoculation reduced Sb accumulation rice roots and grains which was associated with increased soil pH, SOC, and soil enzyme activity. Additionally, FMB and bacteria application increased the abundance of favorable bacteria including Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadete, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Chloroflexi, Myxococcota and Parcubacteria which also helped to counteract the toxic impacts of Sb. Therefore, the combination of FMB and bacteria can increase rice production in Sb-polluted soils. These findings offer a way to develop environmentally friendly technologies to improve safer and sustainable rice production in Sb-contaminated soils.

Antimony smelting activities damage the soil and vegetation surroundings while generating economic value. However, no standardized methods are available to diagnose the extent of soil degradation at antimony smelting sites. This study developed a standardized framework for assessing soil quality by considering microbial-induced resilience and heavy metal contamination at Xikuangshan antimony smelting site. The soil resilience index (SRI) and soil contamination index (SCI) were calculated by Minimum Data Set and geo-accumulation model, respectively. After standardized by a multi-criteria quantitative procedure of modified Nemerow's pollution index (NPI), the integrated assessment of soil quality index (SQI), which is the minimum of SRINPI and SCINPI, was achieved. The results showed that Sb and As were the prominent metal(loid) pollutants, and significant correlations between SQI and SRI indicated that the poor soil quality was mainly caused by the low level of soil resilience. The primary limiting factors of SRI were Fungi in high and middle contaminated areas, and Skermanella in low contaminated area, suggesting that the weak soil resilience was caused by low specific microbial abundances. Microbial regulation and phytoremediation are greatly required to improve the soil quality at antimony smelting sites from the perspectives of pollution control and resilience improvement. This study improves our understanding of ecological effects of antimony smelting sites and provides a theoretical basis for ecological restoration and sustainable development of mining areas. (c) 2024 The Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V.

As the relentless extraction of antimony ore escalates, the incidence of environmental contamination from its residue, known as antimony tailings (AT), has become a frequent occurrence, garnering widespread concern regarding the management of these residues. Presently, the application of AT is predominantly focused within the realms of construction materials and filling materials. However, due to technological constraints, the rate of utilization is minimal, with the majority being confined to tailings ponds, thereby consuming substantial land resources and presenting a looming environmental contamination hazard. This paper introduces, for the first time, the innovative utilization of AT as a primary raw material in the production of lightweight, waterproof, and eco-friendly foamed concrete. The study delves into the mechanical properties, water resistance, and leaching toxicity of the resulting foamed concrete. The findings indicate that the mechanical properties of the foamed concrete exhibit an initial increase followed by a decrease with the increment of AT content. Optimal comprehensive performance is achieved when the AT content reaches 50%, yielding a compressive strength of 28 MPa, a flexural strength of approximately 5 MPa, a dry density of 110 kg/m3, a wet density of 158 kg/m3, a void index of 1.25, and a softening coefficient of 0.89 after 28 days of standard curing. Furthermore, it is observed that cement and fly ash significantly enhance the solidification of toxic and harmful elements present in AT. This research substantiates the viability of crafting sustainable, environmentally benign, and waterproof foamed concrete by leveraging AT from multiple perspectives.

Antimony (Sb) is a potential threat to living organisms, but very little is known on strategies manage its toxicity in plants. This study aimed to clarify the role of Fe on alleviation Sb toxicity in a metallicolous population of Salvia spinose and its mechanisms. With regard to the toxicity of Sb in plants and the importance of Fe potential in alleviation of Sb toxicity, S. spinosa was treated with 0 and 27 mg l- 1 Sb (III or V) along with 0, 50 and 300 mu M FeEDTA in a hydroponic system. The plants exposure to iron minimized the uptake of both Sb species by Salvia roots. The limitation of H2O2 generation in response to co-application of Fe with Sb was followed by counterbalancing the antioxidant enzymes (e.g. catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase), phenols, flavonoids, lipid membrane preservation, and increase of the carbohydrates and proteins contents, which altogether improved growth in Sb-stressed plants. The Sb (III) toxicity to plants was much higher than Sb (V), but 300 mu M Fe was significantly efficient in reducing Sb damages to Salvia. Altogether, application of Fe could efficiently alleviate the physiological and morphological functions in Sb-stressed Salvia.

Antimony (Sb) poses a significant ecological threat. This study combines biochemical, pathological, transcriptome, and metabolome analyses to assess the short-term (14-day) toxic impact of two Sb levels (25 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg) on earthworms (Eisenia fetida). Higher Sb concentration caused severe intestinal damage, elevated metallothionein (MT) levels, and reduced antioxidant capacity. Metabolome analysis identifies 404 and 1698 significantly differential metabolites in the two groups. Metabolites such as S(-)-cathinone, N-phenyl-1naphthylamine, serotonin, 4-hydroxymandelonitrile, and 5-fluoropentylindole contributed to the metabolic responses to Sb stress. Transcriptome analysis shows increased chitin synthesis as a protective response, impacting amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism for cell wall synthesis and damage repair. Integrated analysis indicated that 5 metabolite-gene pairs were found in two Sb levels and 11 enriched pathways were related to signal transduction, carbohydrate metabolism, immune system, amino acid metabolism, digestive system, and nervous system. Therefore, the integration of multiomics approaches enhanced our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of Sb in E. fetida.

Antimony (Sb) is known for its severe and extensive toxicity, and earthworms are considered important indicator organisms in soil ecosystems. Therefore, the present study investigated the mechanism of toxicity of the Sb at different concentrations (50, 200 mg/kg) on earthworms using biochemical indicators, pathological sections, as well as metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses. The results showed that as the exposure concentration increased, both the antioxidant system of earthworms, extent of intestinal damage, and their metabolomic characteristics were significantly enhanced. In the 50 and 200 mg/kg Sb treatment group, 30 and 177 significant differentially changed metabolites (DCMs) were identified, respectively, with the most DCMs being down- and up-regulated, respectively. Metabolomics analysis showed that the contents of dl-tryptophan, glutamic acid, glycine, isoleucine, l-methionine, involved in the protein digestion and absorption as well as aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis were significantly up-regulated under the 200 mg/kg treatment. At the transcriptional level, Sb mainly affected the immune system, nervous system, amino acid metabolism, endocrine system, and carbohydrate metabolism in earthworms. The integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic data indicated that high doses of Sb regulated the metabolites and genes related to the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in earthworms. Overall, these results revealed global responses beyond the scope of conventional toxicity endpoints and facilitated a more in-depth and comprehensive assessment of the toxic effects of Sb.

Background: Heavy elements such as antimony greatly affect the environment and living organisms. Antimony is discharged into the environment by mining and industries that use it as pesticides and flame retardants. This activity can lead to environmental pollution, water and soil contamination. Antimony can also accumulate in living organisms and cause negative health effects, such as damage to the respiratory system and skin, and growth abnormalities of animals and plants. Methods : The primary objective of this investigation was to explore the teratogenic impact of the antimony heavy metal on histological structure of the liver in adult rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ). The study included adult white rabbits divided into several groups: the first one is the control group injected with physiological saline (0.09% NaCl), the other group injected with 20 mg/kg antimony, and the last injected with 30 mg/kg antimony over a 30 -day period. Following this, postmortem procedures were conducted to extract and fix the liver organ, and tissue sections were prepared. Result : The results revealed significant histological changes, including distortion and rupture in Glisson's Capsule, leading to the formation of a sub -capsular space due to its separation from hepatocytes. Additionally, alterations in the radial organization of hepatocytes and pyknosis in the nuclei were observed, characterized by a dark color and reduced size. Karyolysis, where nuclei completely disappeared, and hydropic degeneration in hepatocytes with swollen appearance and dark nuclei due to fluid accumulation were noted. Moreover, an increase in Kupffer cells and blood congestion in the central vein, resulting in dilation compared to the control group, were observed. Conclusion : Overall, the treatment with antimony at 20 and 30 mg/g doses for 30 days show profound teratogenic effects on the histological structure of the liver in adult rabbits. These effects are represented by the destruction of various parts of liver, in addition to changes in arrangement, and distortion and rupture of the cells. Furthermore, an increase in Kupffer cells and blood congestion were also recorded.