BrainMap

Dana Emanuela Lushnykov (Tiodar)

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Expertise & keywords

Transcriptomics and genomics unveiling molecular mercury resistance mechanisms in plants and rhizosphere fungi: advancing sustainable soil remediation Call name: P 5.1 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie - Competiția 2023
PN-IV-P1-PCE-2023-2016 2025 - 2028

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://centru3b.centre.ubbcluj.ro/en/exploratory-research-project-pn-iv-p1-pce-2023-2016-nr-76/

Abstract:

Mercury pollution is a global threat to human and environmental health due to its toxicity, mobility and long persistence. Although Hg production has dropped, former mines and chloralkali plants represent constant sources of Hg pollution. Highly costly engineer-based technologies are used for Hg heavily contaminated areas, but they are not suitable for agricultural or extensive contaminated soils. Phyto- and mycoremediation are emerging eco-friendly, non-destructive, low-cost technologies for decontamination of Hg polluted soils. In the current project, we propose to underpin the Hg resistance/tolerance molecular mechanisms of a ruderal Brassicaceae plant species and of a fungus isolated from its rhizosphere. The plant species can grow and accumulate outstandingly high concentrations of Hg. Thus, the plant characterization could lead to the identification of the long-sought Hg accumulator species. Transcriptome analysis of this plant species will provide valuable insights into the molecular determinants involved in mercury homeostasis. We identified fungi MerA (mercuric reductase) of which characterization would be unique for the scientific community and would add valuable information to the already characterized bacterial MerA. Moreover, exploiting the fungal MerA and its Hg resistance mechanism for mycoremediation or for enhancing phytoremediation would be the first attempt to make use of fungal molecular resources associated with plants for soil Hg decontamination purposes

New 2D-carbon structures decorated with metal oxides for water decontamination and their impact assessment on plants Call name: P 5.2 - SP 5.2.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - Competiția 2023
PN-IV-P2-2.1-TE-2023-0522 2025 - 2026

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/2dmoxwatdec/

Abstract:

A very important concern of The Times is represented by climate change, environmental pollution, and their associated risks. In the last few decades, a considerable number of chemicals (pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and their metabolites) used in daily life and various applications are discharged into the environment. These compounds are considered emerging pollutants because remain and migrate in the environment causing adverse environmental and/or human health effects. The project’s general objective is to develop low-cost environmentally friendly 2D-carbon structures decorated with metal oxides for the adsorptive removal of drugs and pesticides from contaminated water, and the newly developed nanomaterials' impact assessment on plants. Thus, the general objective will be achieved by performing the following specific objectives (SO): SO1. Preparation and characterization of low-cost nanomaterials based on 2D-carbon structures decorated with metal oxides; SO2. Evaluation of the removal efficiency of organic pollutants from contaminated water using the decorated 2D-carbon-based structures; SO3. Assessment of the recycling efficiency and reusing of the prepared nanomaterials; SO4. Impact assessment of the low-cost nanomaterials based on 2D-carbon structures decorated with metal oxides on plants with important nutritional values. Thus, the project will increase environmental sustainability and circularity through bio-based materials, and solutions for environmental remediation.

Decontamination of heavy metal polluted soils by exploiting plant rhizosphere interactions Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-5254 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://biiophyt.wordpress.com

Abstract:

Mercury (Hg) pollution, sometimes associated with other metal contaminants such as zinc, lead, manganese, and nickel is a global threat to human and environmental health because of its toxicity, mobility and long residence time in the atmosphere. Although Hg production has dropped, former mines and chloralkali plants represent constant sources of mercury pollution. Engineering based remediation technologies imply high costs, intensive labour, and nevertheless irreversible changes in soil quality, structure and native microbiota. Combined phyto- and bioremediation is an emerging strategy to address decontamination of heavy metal polluted soils because plants handle contaminants without affecting topsoil, therefore conserving its fertility or even improving it through root exudation. Moreover, phytoremediation require low cost and maintenance. Within the current project we aim to develop a Hg polymetallic soil decontamination environmental-friendly technology based on cooperation between a facultative metallophyte species and its rhizosphere associated microorganisms. The use of a facultative metallophyte, able to grow on the former chloralkaline plant that is able to sustain growth at concentrations of Hg above the alert threshold, stands as the base concept of the planned approach. The removal efficiency of Hg from soil of the selected facultative metallophyte on its own and in combination with Hg resistant fungal and bacteria isolates will be tested in controlled laboratory conditions in soil artificially contaminated solely with Hg or in Hg polymetallic soil from a former chloralkali plant. The test will provide information about the most appropriate microorganism to be used in combination with the plant species, in order to propose an eco-friendly, non-destructive, low cost and efficient technology for decontamination of Hg polluted soils.

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List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects