{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,27]],"date-time":"2026-05-27T16:11:40Z","timestamp":1779898300712,"version":"3.53.1"},"reference-count":75,"publisher":"Springer Science and Business Media LLC","issue":"1","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,16]],"date-time":"2026-02-16T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1771200000000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0"},{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,18]],"date-time":"2026-03-18T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1773792000000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":30,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["link.springer.com"],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Sci Rep"],"DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-026-40466-x","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,16]],"date-time":"2026-02-16T08:09:52Z","timestamp":1771229392000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/springer_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Foliar application of citric acid alleviates lead toxicity and enhances physiological resilience in tomato seedlings"],"prefix":"10.1038","volume":"16","author":[{"given":"Md. Asif","family":"Mahamud","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Shahin","family":"Imran","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Prosenjit","family":"Sarker","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Jotirmoy","family":"Chakrobortty","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Newton Chandra","family":"Paul","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Mousumi Jahan","family":"Sumi","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Md. Arifur","family":"Rahman","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Sahar","family":"Hassannejad","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Mehdi","family":"Rahimi","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"297","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,16]]},"reference":[{"key":"40466_CR1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"376","DOI":"10.32861\/jac.93.376.383","volume":"9","author":"P Sarker","year":"2023","unstructured":"Sarker, P. et al. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) assisted phyto-extraction potential of Ipomoea aquatica exposed to lead (Pb) stress. J. Agric. Crops 9, 376\u2013383. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.32861\/jac.93.376.383 (2023).","journal-title":"J. Agric. Crops"},{"key":"40466_CR2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/agronomy11091820","volume":"11","author":"N Zainab","year":"2021","unstructured":"Zainab, N. et al. PGPR-mediated plant growth attributes and metal extraction ability of Sesbania sesban L. in: Industrially contaminated soils. Agron 11, 1820. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/agronomy11091820 (2021).","journal-title":"Agron"},{"key":"40466_CR3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"4559","DOI":"10.1080\/01904167.2023.2238755","volume":"46","author":"P Sarker","year":"2023","unstructured":"Sarker, P. et al. Exogenous application of synthetic auxin (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) impacts on growth, yield, and nutritional parameters of lentil (Lens culinaris M.). J. Plant Nutr. 46, 4559\u20134572. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/01904167.2023.2238755 (2023).","journal-title":"J. Plant Nutr."},{"key":"40466_CR4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1007\/s10661-019-7528-7","volume":"191","author":"Z Rahman","year":"2019","unstructured":"Rahman, Z. & Singh, V. P. The relative impact of toxic heavy metals (THMs) (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr)(VI), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb)) on the total environment: An overview. Environ. Monit. Assess. 191, 1\u201321. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10661-019-7528-7 (2019).","journal-title":"Environ. Monit. Assess."},{"key":"40466_CR5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.tox.2022.153274","volume":"477","author":"J Khatun","year":"2022","unstructured":"Khatun, J., Intekhab, A. & Dhak, D. Effect of uncontrolled fertilization and heavy metal toxicity associated with arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), and possible remediation. Toxicology 477, 153274. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.tox.2022.153274 (2022).","journal-title":"Toxicology"},{"key":"40466_CR6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/environments11030043","volume":"11","author":"J Brise\u00f1o-Bugar\u00edn","year":"2024","unstructured":"Brise\u00f1o-Bugar\u00edn, J. et al. Lead (Pb) pollution in soil: A systematic review and meta-analysis of contamination grade and health risk in Mexico. Environments 11, 43. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/environments11030043 (2024).","journal-title":"Environments"},{"key":"40466_CR7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jenvman.2019.109557","volume":"250","author":"U Zulfiqar","year":"2019","unstructured":"Zulfiqar, U. et al. Lead toxicity in plants: Impacts and remediation. J. Environ. Manage. 250, 109557. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jenvman.2019.109557 (2019).","journal-title":"J. Environ. Manage."},{"key":"40466_CR8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"203","DOI":"10.1080\/17429145.2018.1458913","volume":"13","author":"M Hasanuzzaman","year":"2018","unstructured":"Hasanuzzaman, M. et al. Exogenous glutathione attenuates lead-induced oxidative stress in wheat by improving antioxidant defense and physiological mechanisms. J. Plant Interact. 13, 203\u2013212. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/17429145.2018.1458913 (2018).","journal-title":"J. Plant Interact."},{"key":"40466_CR9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"443","DOI":"10.1016\/j.sajb.2023.09.031","volume":"162","author":"A Ghorbani","year":"2023","unstructured":"Ghorbani, A. et al. Melatonin-mediated nitric oxide signaling enhances adaptation of tomato plants to aluminum stress. S. Afr. J. Bot. 162, 443\u2013450. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.sajb.2023.09.031 (2023).","journal-title":"S. Afr. J. Bot."},{"key":"40466_CR10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"265","DOI":"10.15406\/mojes.2018.03.00098","volume":"3","author":"FS Nas","year":"2018","unstructured":"Nas, F. S. & Ali, M. The effect of lead on plants in terms of growing and biochemical parameters: A review. MOJ Ecology & Environmental Sciences 3, 265\u2013268. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.15406\/mojes.2018.03.00098 (2018).","journal-title":"MOJ Ecology & Environmental Sciences"},{"key":"40466_CR11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph17072179","volume":"17","author":"A Kumar","year":"2020","unstructured":"Kumar, A. et al. Lead toxicity: Health hazards, influence on food chain, and sustainable remediation approaches. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 17, 2179. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijerph17072179 (2020).","journal-title":"Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health"},{"key":"40466_CR12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"41","DOI":"10.1007\/s10343-016-0361-9","volume":"68","author":"A Helmi","year":"2016","unstructured":"Helmi, A. & Mohamed, H. I. Biochemical and ultrastructural changes in some tomato cultivars after infestation by Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Qalyubiyah, Egypt. Gesunde Pflanzen 68, 41\u201350 (2016).","journal-title":"Gesunde Pflanzen"},{"key":"40466_CR13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"27535","DOI":"10.1007\/s11356-018-2778-4","volume":"25","author":"FA Piotto","year":"2018","unstructured":"Piotto, F. A. et al. Estimating tomato tolerance to heavy metal toxicity: Cadmium as study case. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 25, 27535\u201327544. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11356-018-2778-4 (2018).","journal-title":"Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res."},{"key":"40466_CR14","first-page":"416","volume":"5","author":"IE Akinci","year":"2010","unstructured":"Akinci, I. E., Akinci, S. & Yilmaz, K. Response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to lead toxicity: Growth, element uptake, chlorophyll and water content. Afr. J. Agric. Res. 5, 416\u2013423 (2010).","journal-title":"Afr. J. Agric. Res."},{"key":"40466_CR15","volume":"20","author":"O Badiaa","year":"2020","unstructured":"Badiaa, O., Yssaad, H. A. R. & Topcuoglu, B. Effect of heavy metals (copper and zinc) on proline, polyphenols and flavonoids content of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Plant Arch. 20, 09725210 (2020).","journal-title":"Plant Arch."},{"key":"40466_CR16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"191","DOI":"10.33003\/fjs-2022-0601-867","volume":"6","author":"G Obi-Iyeke","year":"2022","unstructured":"Obi-Iyeke, G. & Ogbara, E. Effects of lead on the growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller.). FUDMA J. Sci. 6, 191\u2013199. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.33003\/fjs-2022-0601-867 (2022).","journal-title":"FUDMA J. Sci."},{"key":"40466_CR17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1177\/00368504221122364","volume":"105","author":"N Jadid","year":"2022","unstructured":"Jadid, N. et al. Genetic diversity and growth responses of Indonesian tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes under lead stress. Sci. Prog. 105, 368504221122364. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/00368504221122364 (2022).","journal-title":"Sci. Prog."},{"key":"40466_CR18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"734","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2019.06.188","volume":"235","author":"S Bali","year":"2019","unstructured":"Bali, S. et al. Jasmonic acid application triggers detoxification of lead (Pb) toxicity in tomato through the modifications of secondary metabolites and gene expression. Chemosphere 235, 734\u2013748. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2019.06.188 (2019).","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"40466_CR19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3389\/fpls.2022.950120","volume":"13","author":"J Ma","year":"2022","unstructured":"Ma, J. et al. Impact of foliar application of syringic acid on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under heavy metal stress\u2014Insights into nutrient uptake, redox homeostasis, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense. Front. Plant Sci. 13, 950120. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpls.2022.950120 (2022).","journal-title":"Front. Plant Sci."},{"key":"40466_CR20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1732","DOI":"10.17957\/IJAB\/15.1617","volume":"24","author":"Z Afzaal","year":"2020","unstructured":"Afzaal, Z. et al. Lead induced modulation in growth, chlorophyll pigment, nutrient uptake, antioxidant enzyme regulation, gene expression and fruit quality in two tomato cultivars. Int. J. Agric. Biol. 24, 1732\u20131744 (2020).","journal-title":"Int. J. Agric. Biol."},{"key":"40466_CR21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.eti.2020.100895","volume":"19","author":"MH Saleem","year":"2020","unstructured":"Saleem, M. H. et al. Individual and combined application of EDTA and citric acid assisted phytoextraction of copper using jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) seedlings. Environ. Technol. Innov. 19, 100895. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.eti.2020.100895 (2020).","journal-title":"Environ. Technol. Innov."},{"key":"40466_CR22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/ijms22137235","volume":"22","author":"M Tahjib-Ul-Arif","year":"2021","unstructured":"Tahjib-Ul-Arif, M. et al. Citric acid-mediated abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 22, 7235. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijms22137235 (2021).","journal-title":"Int. J. Mol. Sci."},{"key":"40466_CR23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"200","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2017.07.034","volume":"145","author":"S Wang","year":"2017","unstructured":"Wang, S., Dong, Q. & Wang, Z. Differential effects of citric acid on cadmium uptake and accumulation between tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 145, 200\u2013206. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2017.07.034 (2017).","journal-title":"Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf."},{"key":"40466_CR24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"466","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2017.07.067","volume":"145","author":"R Kaur","year":"2017","unstructured":"Kaur, R. et al. Castasterone and citric acid treatment restores photosynthetic attributes in Brassica juncea L. under Cd (II) toxicity. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 145, 466\u2013475. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2017.07.067 (2017).","journal-title":"Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf."},{"key":"40466_CR25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"215","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2018.09.084","volume":"166","author":"A Sebastian","year":"2018","unstructured":"Sebastian, A. & Prasad, M. N. V. Exogenous citrate and malate alleviate cadmium stress in Oryza sativa L.: Probing role of cadmium localization and iron nutrition. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 166, 215\u2013222. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2018.09.084 (2018).","journal-title":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety"},{"key":"40466_CR26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3389\/fpls.2020.594352","volume":"11","author":"S Zhang","year":"2020","unstructured":"Zhang, S. et al. Effects of exogenous organic acids on Cd tolerance mechanism of Salix variegata Franch. under Cd stress. Front. Plant Sci. 11, 594352. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpls.2020.594352 (2020).","journal-title":"Front. Plant Sci."},{"key":"40466_CR27","first-page":"1831","volume":"44","author":"S Anwer","year":"2012","unstructured":"Anwer, S., Ashraf, Y. M., Hussain, M., Ashraf, M. & Jamil, A. Citric acid mediated phytoextraction of cadmium by maize (Zea Mays L). Pak. J. Bot. 44, 1831\u20131836 (2012).","journal-title":"Pak. J. Bot."},{"key":"40466_CR28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"164","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2014.03.007","volume":"106","author":"S Ehsan","year":"2014","unstructured":"Ehsan, S. et al. Citric acid assisted phytoremediation of cadmium by Brassica napus L. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 106, 164\u2013172. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2014.03.007 (2014).","journal-title":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety"},{"key":"40466_CR29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"310","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2015.06.020","volume":"120","author":"IE Zaheer","year":"2015","unstructured":"Zaheer, I. E. et al. Citric acid assisted phytoremediation of copper by Brassica napus L. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 120, 310\u2013317. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2015.06.020 (2015).","journal-title":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety"},{"key":"40466_CR30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/plants8110525","volume":"8","author":"ZI Mallhi","year":"2019","unstructured":"Mallhi, Z. I. et al. Citric acid enhances plant growth, photosynthesis, and phytoextraction of lead by alleviating the oxidative stress in castor beans. Plants 8, 525. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/plants8110525 (2019).","journal-title":"Plants"},{"key":"40466_CR31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"38","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2014.07.033","volume":"109","author":"MB Shakoor","year":"2014","unstructured":"Shakoor, M. B. et al. Citric acid improves lead (Pb) phytoextraction in Brassica napus L. by mitigating Pb-induced morphological and biochemical damages. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 109, 38\u201347. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2014.07.033 (2014).","journal-title":"Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety"},{"key":"40466_CR32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"990","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2017.09.045","volume":"147","author":"J Al Mahmud","year":"2018","unstructured":"Al Mahmud, J., Hasanuzzaman, M., Nahar, K., Bhuyan, M. B. & Fujita, M. Insights into citric acid-induced cadmium tolerance and phytoremediation in Brassica juncea L.: Coordinated functions of metal chelation, antioxidant defense and glyoxalase systems. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 147, 990\u20131001. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2017.09.045 (2018).","journal-title":"Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf."},{"key":"40466_CR33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1007\/s11738-017-2448-z","volume":"39","author":"A Kumar","year":"2017","unstructured":"Kumar, A., Pal, L. & Agrawal, V. Glutathione and citric acid modulates lead-and arsenic-induced phytotoxicity and genotoxicity responses in two cultivars of Solanum lycopersicum L. Acta Physiol. Plant. 39, 1\u201312. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11738-017-2448-z (2017).","journal-title":"Acta Physiol. Plant."},{"key":"40466_CR34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"807","DOI":"10.1016\/S0045-6535(02)00223-0","volume":"50","author":"YX Chen","year":"2003","unstructured":"Chen, Y. X. et al. The role of citric acid on the phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil. Chemosphere 50, 807\u2013811. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S0045-6535(02)00223-0 (2003).","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"40466_CR35","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"879","DOI":"10.1080\/09593330.2010.517218","volume":"32","author":"SF Cheng","year":"2011","unstructured":"Cheng, S. F., Huang, C. Y. & Tu, Y. T. Remediation of soils contaminated with chromium using citric and hydrochloric acids: The role of chromium fractionation in chromium leaching. Environ. Technol. 32, 879\u2013889. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09593330.2010.517218 (2011).","journal-title":"Environ. Technol."},{"key":"40466_CR36","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2020.126690","volume":"255","author":"X Ke","year":"2020","unstructured":"Ke, X. et al. Removal of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu in smelter soil by citric acid leaching. Chemosphere 255, 126690. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2020.126690 (2020).","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"40466_CR37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/su13095074","volume":"13","author":"U Kanwal","year":"2021","unstructured":"Kanwal, U. et al. Phytoextraction of lead using a hedge plant [Alternanthera bettzickiana (Regel) G. Nicholson]: Physiological and biochemical alterations through bioresource management. Sustainability 13, 5074. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/su13095074 (2021).","journal-title":"Sustainability"},{"key":"40466_CR38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1007\/s11104-021-05139-w","volume":"468","author":"XY Tian","year":"2021","unstructured":"Tian, X. Y. et al. Physiological and molecular advances in magnesium nutrition of plants. Plant Soil 468, 1\u20132. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11104-021-05139-w (2021).","journal-title":"Plant Soil"},{"key":"40466_CR39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.plaphy.2024.108602","volume":"210","author":"T Jing","year":"2024","unstructured":"Jing, T. et al. Role of calcium nutrition in plant physiology: Advances in research and insights into acidic soil conditions\u2014a comprehensive review. Plant Physiol. Biochem. 210, 108602. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.plaphy.2024.108602 (2024).","journal-title":"Plant Physiol. Biochem."},{"key":"40466_CR40","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2020.127247","volume":"257","author":"W Amir","year":"2020","unstructured":"Amir, W. et al. Accumulation potential and tolerance response of Typha latifolia L. under citric acid assisted phytoextraction of lead and mercury. Chemosphere 257, 127247. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2020.127247 (2020).","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"40466_CR41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"407","DOI":"10.2298\/ABS230804033I","volume":"75","author":"S Imran","year":"2023","unstructured":"Imran, S. et al. Seed priming and exogenous application of citric acid enhance seedling growth and photosynthetic pigments and mitigate oxidative damage of soybean (Glycine max) under salt stress. Arch. Biol. Sci. 75, 407\u2013418. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2298\/ABS230804033I (2023).","journal-title":"Arch. Biol. Sci."},{"key":"40466_CR42","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"959","DOI":"10.1007\/s10646-013-1073-x","volume":"22","author":"MG Mostofa","year":"2013","unstructured":"Mostofa, M. G. & Fujita, M. Salicylic acid alleviates copper toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings by up-regulating antioxidative and glyoxalase systems. Ecotoxicol. 22, 959\u2013973. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10646-013-1073-x (2013).","journal-title":"Ecotoxicol."},{"key":"40466_CR43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"318","DOI":"10.26832\/24566632.2022.070303","volume":"7","author":"J Chakrobortty","year":"2022","unstructured":"Chakrobortty, J., Imran, S., Mahamud, M. A., Sarker, P. & Paul, N. C. Effect of citric acid (CA) priming and exogenous application on germination and early seedling growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) plants under salinity stress condition. Arch. Agric. Environ. Sci. 7, 318\u2013326. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.26832\/24566632.2022.070303 (2022).","journal-title":"Arch. Agric. Environ. Sci."},{"key":"40466_CR44","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"87","DOI":"10.3390\/seeds1020008","volume":"1","author":"SS Tania","year":"2022","unstructured":"Tania, S. S. et al. Alleviation of salt-inhibited germination and seedling growth of kidney bean by seed priming and exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (H\u2082O\u2082). Seeds 1, 87\u201398. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/seeds1020008 (2022).","journal-title":"Seeds"},{"key":"40466_CR45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"495","DOI":"10.32861\/jac.94.495.502","volume":"9","author":"MM Hossain","year":"2023","unstructured":"Hossain, M. M. et al. Citric acid and hydro-priming and exogenous application alleviate salt-inhibited seed germination and seedling growth of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). J. Agric. Crops 9, 495\u2013502. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.32861\/jac.94.495.502 (2023).","journal-title":"J. Agric. Crops"},{"key":"40466_CR46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"663","DOI":"10.3923\/pjbs.2000.663.665","volume":"3","author":"S Rahman","year":"2000","unstructured":"Rahman, S., Shaheen, M. S., Rahman, M. & Malik, T. A. Evaluation of excised leaf water loss and relative water content as screening techniques for breeding drought resistant wheat. Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 3, 663\u2013665. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3923\/pjbs.2000.663.665 (2000).","journal-title":"Pak. J. Biol. Sci."},{"key":"40466_CR47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3389\/fpls.2017.00203","volume":"8","author":"Q Diao","year":"2017","unstructured":"Diao, Q., Song, Y., Shi, D. & Qi, H. Interaction of polyamines, abscisic acid, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide under chilling stress in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings. Front. Plant Sci. 8, 203. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpls.2017.00203 (2017).","journal-title":"Front. Plant Sci."},{"key":"40466_CR48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"90","DOI":"10.17221\/620\/2018-PSE","volume":"65","author":"H Hnili\u010dkov\u00e1","year":"2019","unstructured":"Hnili\u010dkov\u00e1, H., Hnili\u010dka, F., Ors\u00e1k, M. & Hejn\u00e1k, V. Effect of salt stress on growth, electrolyte leakage, Na\u2009+\u2009and K+ content in selected plant species. Plant. Soil. Environ. 65, 90\u201396. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.17221\/620\/2018-PSE (2019).","journal-title":"Plant. Soil. Environ."},{"key":"40466_CR49","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"207","DOI":"10.22004\/ag.econ.235282","volume":"13","author":"MA Mahamud","year":"2015","unstructured":"Mahamud, M. A., Chowdhury, M. A., Rahim, M. A. & Mohiuddin, K. M. Mineral nutrient contents of some potato accessions of USA and Bangladesh. J. Bangladesh Agric. Univ. 13, 207\u2013214. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.22004\/ag.econ.235282 (2015).","journal-title":"J. Bangladesh Agric. Univ."},{"key":"40466_CR50","volume-title":"Manual of soil, plant, and water analyses","author":"EJ Udo","year":"2009","unstructured":"Udo, E. J., Ibia, T. O., Ogunwale, J. A., Ano, A. O. & Esu, I. E. Manual of soil, plant, and water analyses (Sibon Books, 2009)."},{"key":"40466_CR51","unstructured":"APHA. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 22nd edn. American Public Health Association, (2012)."},{"key":"40466_CR52","first-page":"69","volume":"24","author":"MM Mukaka","year":"2012","unstructured":"Mukaka, M. M. A guide to appropriate use of correlation coefficient in medical research. Malawi Med. J. 24, 69\u201371 (2012).","journal-title":"Malawi Med. J."},{"key":"40466_CR53","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"507","DOI":"10.1016\/j.envexpbot.2009.03.019","volume":"66","author":"A Piotrowska","year":"2009","unstructured":"Piotrowska, A., Bajguz, A., Godlewska-\u017by\u0142kiewicz, B., Czerpak, R. & Kami\u0144ska, M. Jasmonic acid as modulator of lead toxicity in aquatic plant Wolffia arrhiza (Lemnaceae). Environ. Exp. Bot. 66, 507\u2013513. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.envexpbot.2009.03.019 (2009).","journal-title":"Environ. Exp. Bot."},{"key":"40466_CR54","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3025","DOI":"10.1016\/j.biortech.2009.12.031","volume":"101","author":"R Singh","year":"2010","unstructured":"Singh, R. et al. Lead bioaccumulation potential of an aquatic macrophyte Najas indica are related to antioxidant system. Bioresource Technol. 101, 3025\u20133032. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.biortech.2009.12.031 (2010).","journal-title":"Bioresource Technol."},{"key":"40466_CR55","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"11864","DOI":"10.1007\/s11356-019-04517-3","volume":"26","author":"M Okant","year":"2019","unstructured":"Okant, M. & Kaya, C. The role of endogenous nitric oxide in melatonin-improved tolerance to lead toxicity in maize plants. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 26, 11864\u201311874. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11356-019-04517-3 (2019).","journal-title":"Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res."},{"key":"40466_CR56","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1539","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2007.08.043","volume":"70","author":"R Gopal","year":"2008","unstructured":"Gopal, R. & Rizvi, A. H. Excess lead alters growth, metabolism and translocation of certain nutrients in radish. Chemosphere 70, 1539\u20131544. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2007.08.043 (2008).","journal-title":"Chemosphere"},{"key":"40466_CR57","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"806","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2007.01.117","volume":"147","author":"E Islam","year":"2007","unstructured":"Islam, E. et al. Effect of Pb toxicity on root morphology, physiology and ultrastructure in the two ecotypes of Elsholtzia argyi. J. Hazard. Mater. 147, 806\u2013816. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2007.01.117 (2007).","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"40466_CR58","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"139","DOI":"10.1016\/j.envexpbot.2009.08.009","volume":"68","author":"JA Arias","year":"2010","unstructured":"Arias, J. A. et al. Effects of Glomus deserticola inoculation on Prosopis: Enhancing chromium and lead uptake and translocation as confirmed by X-ray mapping, ICP-OES and TEM techniques. Environ. Exp. Bot. 68, 139\u2013148. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.envexpbot.2009.08.009 (2010).","journal-title":"Environ. Exp. Bot."},{"key":"40466_CR59","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/1471-2229-10-40","volume":"10","author":"W Jiang","year":"2010","unstructured":"Jiang, W. & Liu, D. Pb-induced cellular defense system in the root meristematic cells of Allium sativum L. BMC Plant Biol. 10, 40. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/1471-2229-10-40 (2010).","journal-title":"BMC Plant Biol."},{"key":"40466_CR60","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"11679","DOI":"10.1007\/s11356-015-4396-8","volume":"22","author":"S Afshan","year":"2015","unstructured":"Afshan, S. et al. Citric acid enhances the phytoextraction of chromium, plant growth, and photosynthesis by alleviating the oxidative damages in Brassica napus L. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 22, 11679\u201311689. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11356-015-4396-8 (2015).","journal-title":"Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res."},{"key":"40466_CR61","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"771","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2010.05.080","volume":"181","author":"Y Gao","year":"2010","unstructured":"Gao, Y. et al. Improvement of phytoextraction and antioxidative defense in Solanum nigrum L. under cadmium stress by application of cadmium-resistant strain and citric acid. J. Hazard. Mater. 181, 771\u2013777. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2010.05.080 (2010).","journal-title":"J. Hazard. Mater."},{"key":"40466_CR62","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/f9090510","volume":"9","author":"J Song","year":"2018","unstructured":"Song, J. et al. Exogenous oxalic acid and citric acid improve lead (Pb) tolerance of Larix olgensis A. Henry seedlings. Forests 9, 510. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/f9090510 (2018).","journal-title":"Forests"},{"key":"40466_CR63","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"575","DOI":"10.22059\/ijer.2016.59686","volume":"10","author":"DJ Kim","year":"2016","unstructured":"Kim, D. J., Park, B. C., Ahn, B. K. & Lee, J. H. Thallium uptake and translocation in barley and sunflower grown in hydroponic conditions. Int. J. Environ. Res. 10, 575\u2013582. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.22059\/ijer.2016.59686 (2016).","journal-title":"Int. J. Environ. Res."},{"key":"40466_CR64","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"94","DOI":"10.1016\/j.plaphy.2012.01.013","volume":"53","author":"E Rodriguez","year":"2012","unstructured":"Rodriguez, E. et al. Chromium (VI) induces toxicity at different photosynthetic levels in pea. Plant Physiol. Biochem. 53, 94\u2013100. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.plaphy.2012.01.013 (2012).","journal-title":"Plant Physiol. Biochem."},{"key":"40466_CR65","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1080\/15592324.2024.2365576","volume":"19","author":"M Gupta","year":"2024","unstructured":"Gupta, M. et al. Lead toxicity in plants: Mechanistic insights into toxicity, physiological responses of plants and mitigation strategies. Plant Signal. Behav. 19, 2365576. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/15592324.2024.2365576 (2024).","journal-title":"Plant Signal. Behav."},{"key":"40466_CR66","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1159","DOI":"10.13930\/j.cnki.cjea.200953","volume":"29","author":"X Jin","year":"2021","unstructured":"Jin, X. et al. Effect of citric acid seed priming on the growth and physiological characteristics of tomato seedlings under low phosphorus stress. Chin. J. Eco-Agric. 29, 1159\u20131170. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.13930\/j.cnki.cjea.200953 (2021).","journal-title":"Chin. J. Eco-Agric."},{"key":"40466_CR67","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/microorganisms9122499","volume":"9","author":"S Ali","year":"2021","unstructured":"Ali, S. et al. Combined application of citric acid and Cr resistant microbes improved castor bean growth and photosynthesis while it alleviated Cr toxicity by reducing Cr+\u20096 to Cr3+. Microorganisms 9, 2499. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/microorganisms9122499 (2021).","journal-title":"Microorganisms"},{"key":"40466_CR68","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"604","DOI":"10.1007\/s00344-013-9328-6","volume":"32","author":"B Ali","year":"2013","unstructured":"Ali, B. et al. 5-Aminolevulinic acid ameliorates the growth, photosynthetic gas exchange capacity, and ultrastructural changes under cadmium stress in Brassica napus L. J. Plant Growth Regul. 32, 604\u2013614. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00344-013-9328-6 (2013).","journal-title":"J. Plant Growth Regul."},{"key":"40466_CR69","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"90","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2017.07.016","volume":"145","author":"M Farid","year":"2017","unstructured":"Farid, M. et al. Citric acid assisted phytoextraction of chromium by sunflower; Morpho-physiological and biochemical alterations in plants. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 145, 90\u2013102. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ecoenv.2017.07.016 (2017).","journal-title":"Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf."},{"key":"40466_CR70","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"15","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ibiod.2016.05.011","volume":"128","author":"Y Han","year":"2018","unstructured":"Han, Y., Zhang, L., Gu, J., Zhao, J. & Fu, J. Citric acid and EDTA on the growth, photosynthetic properties and heavy metal accumulation of Iris halophila Pall. cultivated in Pb mine tailings. Int. Biodeterior. Biodegrad. 128, 15\u201321. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ibiod.2016.05.011 (2018).","journal-title":"Int. Biodeterior. Biodegrad."},{"key":"40466_CR71","first-page":"1340","volume":"29","author":"HY Wang","year":"2010","unstructured":"Wang, H. Y., Tong, H. Y., Huang, S. Z. & Yuan, H. Y. Effects of citric acid and oxalic acid on the growth and physiology of Iris lactea var. chinensis under Pb stress. Chin. J. Ecol. 29, 1340\u20131346 (2010).","journal-title":"Chin. J. Ecol."},{"key":"40466_CR72","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.envpol.2023.122654","volume":"338","author":"J Ma","year":"2023","unstructured":"Ma, J. et al. Chemical and mechanical coating of sulfur on baby corn biochar and their role in soil Pb availability, uptake, and growth of tomato under Pb contamination. Environ. Pollut. 338, 122654. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.envpol.2023.122654 (2023).","journal-title":"Environ. Pollut."},{"key":"40466_CR73","first-page":"67","volume":"48","author":"F Perez-Labrada","year":"2016","unstructured":"Perez-Labrada, F., Benavides-Mendoza, A., Valdez-Aguilar, L. A. & Robledo-Torres, V. Citric acid in the nutrient solution increases the mineral absorption in potted tomato grown in calcareous soil. Pak. J. Bot. 48, 67\u201374 (2016).","journal-title":"Pak. J. Bot."},{"key":"40466_CR74","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/plants10010037","volume":"10","author":"MS Rhaman","year":"2020","unstructured":"Rhaman, M. S. et al. Seed priming with phytohormones: An effective approach for the mitigation of abiotic stress. Plants 10, 37. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/plants10010037 (2020).","journal-title":"Plants"},{"key":"40466_CR75","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s43994-024-00169-3","author":"AN Hajaji","year":"2024","unstructured":"Hajaji, A. N., Maaroufi-Dguimi, H. & Ammari, Y. Exogenous application of citric acid mitigates salt-induced oxidative stress in Moringa oleifera seedlings. J. Umm Al-Qura Univ. Appl. Sci. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s43994-024-00169-3 (2024).","journal-title":"J. Umm Al-Qura Univ. Appl. Sci."}],"container-title":["Scientific Reports"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-40466-x","content-type":"text\/html","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-40466-x.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-40466-x.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,18]],"date-time":"2026-03-18T09:41:13Z","timestamp":1773826873000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-40466-x"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,16]]},"references-count":75,"journal-issue":{"issue":"1","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,12]]}},"alternative-id":["40466"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-026-40466-x","relation":{},"ISSN":["2045-2322"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2045-2322","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,16]]},"assertion":[{"value":"15 October 2025","order":1,"name":"received","label":"Received","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"13 February 2026","order":2,"name":"accepted","label":"Accepted","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"16 February 2026","order":3,"name":"first_online","label":"First Online","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"order":1,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Declarations"}},{"value":"The authors declare no competing interests.","order":2,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Competing interests"}},{"value":"\u201cThe experiments did not involve endangered or protected species. The plant material was obtained from the Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, Bangladesh. No special permissions were necessary to collect samples. Otherwise, the plant materials used and collected in the study comply with Bangladeshi guidelines and legislation\u201d.","order":3,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Ethics approval and consent to participate"}}],"article-number":"9326"}}