This study evaluated the physiological responses, hormonal signaling, osmotic and nutrient levels, as well as the performance of essential oils, antioxidant enzymes, and secondary metabolites in Lavender plants subjected to chromium and fluoride toxicity and biochar application. The findings indicated that the administration of raw and especially multiple-chemical engineered biochars decreased fluoride (about 16-40%) and chromium (39-60%) levels in Lavender leaves, whereas raised CEC and soil pH, nitrogen (10-37%), potassium (20-47%), phosphorus (10-60%), magnesium (30-49%), calcium (20-50%), zinc (39-240%), iron (40-120%), plant biomass, and photosynthetic pigments of Lavender plant leaves under toxic fluoride and chromium conditions. The treatments with multiple-chemical engineered biochars decreased the osmotic stress and osmolyte concentration (carbohydrates, soluble proteins, and proline) in the leaves of Lavender plants. Both raw and multiple-chemical engineered biochars significantly enhanced the water content of plant leaves, reaching up to 10% under toxic circumstances. Moreover, these treatments decreased the synthesis of stress hormones such as jasmonic acid (4-17%), salicylic acid (29-49%), and abscisic acid (30-66%), while increasing the production of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (15-29%) in Lavender plants subjected to chromium and fluoride stress. The use of multiple-chemical engineered biochars showed notable efficacy in enhancing antioxidant enzyme's activity against oxidative damage induced by metal toxicity and decreasing proline accumulation. Maximum concentrations of linalyl acetate, borneol, camphor, and linalool were achieved under fluoride and chromium stress conditions by metaphosphoric acid-engineered biochar. Multiple-chemical engineered biochars application can be inferred as valuable approach to enhance both the quality and quantity of lavender essential oil under conditions of fluoride and chromium-induced stress.

Salinization of soil is a serious global environmental issue, particularly in agricultural lands. Saline farmland not only endangers grain production but also affects the survival of soil fauna. Earthworms, as soil ecosystem engineers, play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and enhancing global agricultural production. However, the response of earthworms to natural saline soil stress remains poorly understood. To explore this, we investigated the effects of natural saline soil from Dongying City, Shandong Province, China, on the growth, survival, reproduction, antioxidation, and defense-related gene expression of the earthworm Eisenia foetida. Our findings demonstrate that the growth rate, survival rate, and cocoon production of E. foetida decrease under exposure to natural saline soil in a dose-dependent manner. Elevated levels of DNA damage in coelomocytes and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed. Additionally, antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), increased under stress. The mRNA levels of Cyp450 and Hsp70 also rose in response to saline soil exposure. Furthermore, the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and the expression of the osmotic sensor gene

With continuous innovations in wastewater treatment technology, the use of excess sludge has become a research focus. Purified-hydrocolloids obtained from aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and conventional activated sludge (CAS) have many practical applications, including waterproofing, adsorption, flame retardance, slow-release properties, and seed coating. In this study, purified-hydrocolloids extracted from CAS was used as a new seed coating, which was uniformly sprayed onto the surface of wheat seeds. Purified-hydrocolloids was most effective in resisting salt stress in wheat seedlings at a NaCl concentration of 125 mmol/L (soil salinity 2.74 g/Kg). The germination percentage, plant height, K+/Na+ ratio, soluble sugar and soluble protein contents of purifiedhydrocolloids-coated seeds increased by 13.33 %, 46.32 %, 37.25 %, 8.89 %, and 36.22 %, respectively, compared with wheat seeds without purified-hydrocolloids coating. Inhibition of O-2(-) production activity and malondialdehyde content was reduced by 38.62 % and 48.00 %, respectively. Therefore, the purifiedhydrocolloids coating had a mitigating effect on wheat seed germination and seedling growth in salt-stressed environments, and this application would be beneficial to the use of saline soil resources and the improvement of ecosystems in coastal areas.

Global climate change and the decreasing availability of high-quality water lead to an increase in the salinization of agricultural lands. This rising salinity represents a significant abiotic stressor that detrimentally influences plant physiology and gene expression. Consequently, critical processes such as seed germination, growth, development, and yield are adversely affected. Salinity severely impacts crop yields, given that many crop plants are sensitive to salt stress. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) in the rhizosphere or the rhizoplane of plants are considered the second genome of plants as they contribute significantly to improving the plant growth and fitness of plants under normal conditions and when plants are under stress such as salinity. PGPMs are crucial in assisting plants to navigate the harsh conditions imposed by salt stress. By enhancing water and nutrient absorption, which is often hampered by high salinity, these microorganisms significantly improve plant resilience. They bolster the plant's defenses by increasing the production of osmoprotectants and antioxidants, mitigating salt-induced damage. Furthermore, PGPMs supply growth-promoting hormones like auxins and gibberellins and reduce levels of the stress hormone ethylene, fostering healthier plant growth. Importantly, they activate genes responsible for maintaining ion balance, a vital aspect of plant survival in saline environments. This review underscores the multifaceted roles of PGPMs in supporting plant life under salt stress, highlighting their value for agriculture in salt-affected areas and their potential impact on global food security.