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Tengku-Mazuki TA, Darham S, Convey P, Shaharuddin NA, Zulkharnain A, Khalil KA, Zahri KNM, Subramaniam K, Merican F, Gomez-Fuentes C, Ahmad SA. Effects of heavy metals on bacterial growth parameters in degradation of phenol by an Antarctic bacterial consortium. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:629-637. [PMID: 38110706 PMCID: PMC10920555 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01215-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antarctica has often been perceived as a pristine continent until the recent few decades as pollutants have been observed accruing in the Antarctic environment. Irresponsible human activities such as accidental oil spills, waste incineration and sewage disposal are among the primary anthropogenic sources of heavy metal contaminants in Antarctica. Natural sources including animal excrement, volcanism and geological weathering also contribute to the increase of heavy metals in the ecosystem. A microbial growth model is presented for the growth of a bacterial cell consortium used in the biodegradation of phenol in media containing different metal ions, namely arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), aluminium (Al), nickel (Ni), silver (Ag), lead (Pb) and cobalt (Co). Bacterial growth was inhibited by these ions in the rank order of Al < As < Co < Pb < Ni < Cd < Ag. Greatest bacterial growth occurred in 1 ppm Al achieving an OD600 of 0.985 and lowest in 1 ppm Ag with an OD600 of 0.090. At a concentration of 1.0 ppm, Ag had a considerable effect on the bacterial consortium, inhibiting the degradation of phenol, whereas this concentration of the other metal ions tested had no effect on degradation. The biokinetic growth model developed supports the suitability of the bacterial consortium for use in phenol degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengku Athirrah Tengku-Mazuki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syazani Darham
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Las Palmeras 3425, Santiago, Chile
| | - Noor Azmi Shaharuddin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azham Zulkharnain
- Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of Systems Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, 307 Fukasaku, Minuma-Ku, Saitama, 337-8570, Japan
| | - Khalilah Abdul Khalil
- School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 45000 Section 2, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Khadijah Nabilah Mohd Zahri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kavilasni Subramaniam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faradina Merican
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Claudio Gomez-Fuentes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Magallanes, Avda. Bulnes 01855, Punta Arenas, Chile
- Center for Research and Antarctic Environmental Monitoring (CIMAA), Universidad de Magallanes, Avda, 01855, Bulnes, Chile
| | - Siti Aqlima Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Center for Research and Antarctic Environmental Monitoring (CIMAA), Universidad de Magallanes, Avda, 01855, Bulnes, Chile.
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Bhardwaj LK, Sharma S, Jindal T. Occurrence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Lake Water at Grovnes Peninsula Over East Antarctica. CHEMISTRY AFRICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42250-021-00278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Distribution of trace elements in benthic infralittoral organisms from the western Antarctic Peninsula reveals no latitudinal gradient of pollution. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16266. [PMID: 34381092 PMCID: PMC8357953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95681-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antarctica is considered one of the most pristine regions on Earth, but evidences of global and local anthropogenic pollution exist. Chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are bioaccumulated and sometimes biomagnified through the trophic web. We aim to determine whether a latitudinal gradient of these trace elements exists in benthic organisms along the rocky shores of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Levels of Cr, Pb, and Hg were measured by ICP-MS in two macroalgae (Palmaria decipiens and Desmarestia anceps or Desmarestia menziesii), one gastropod (Nacella concinna), two starfishes (Odontaster validus and Diplasterias brucei), and suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM) from five sampling sites ranging in latitude from 62°11'17″S to 67°33'47″S. Levels of trace elements differed among sites and species, but no latitudinal gradient was observed for these pollutants. Levels of Hg and Pb in animals were consistent with biomagnifications along the food web, as were higher is starfish than in limpets. However, macroalgae and SPOM are unlikely to be the main primary producers supporting those consumers, as Hg levels in macroalgae and Pb levels in SPOM were much higher than in animals. The levels of trace elements detected were similar or higher than in other Antarctic places and other regions of the world, thus indicating that the Antarctic Peninsula area is as polluted as the rest of the world.
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Bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil from Carlini Station, Antarctica: effectiveness of different nutrient sources as biostimulation agents. Polar Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-020-02787-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Gran-Scheuch A, Ramos-Zuñiga J, Fuentes E, Bravo D, Pérez-Donoso JM. Effect of Co-contamination by PAHs and Heavy Metals on Bacterial Communities of Diesel Contaminated Soils of South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111749. [PMID: 33171767 PMCID: PMC7695015 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diesel oil is the main source of energy used in Antarctica. Since diesel is composed of toxic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, it represents a constant threat to the organisms inhabiting this continent. In the present study, we characterized the chemical and biological parameters of diesel-exposed soils obtained from King George Island in Antarctica. Contaminated soils present PAH concentrations 1000 times higher than non-exposed soils. Some contaminated soil samples also exhibited high concentrations of cadmium and lead. A 16S metagenome analysis revealed the effect of co-contamination on bacterial communities. An increase in the relative abundance of bacteria known as PAH degraders or metal resistant was determined in co-contaminated soils. Accordingly, the soil containing higher amounts of PAHs exhibited increased dehydrogenase activity than control soils, suggesting that the microorganisms present can metabolize diesel. The inhibitory effect on soil metabolism produced by cadmium was lower in diesel-contaminated soils. Moreover, diesel-contaminated soils contain higher amounts of cultivable heterotrophic, cadmium-tolerant, and PAH-degrading bacteria than control soils. Obtained results indicate that diesel contamination at King George island has affected microbial communities, favoring the presence of microorganisms capable of utilizing PAHs as a carbon source, even in the presence of heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Gran-Scheuch
- BioNanotechnology and Microbiology Lab, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB), Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Republica # 330, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (A.G.-S.); (J.R.-Z.)
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone Pohlhammer # 1007, Santiago 8380000, Chile;
| | - Javiera Ramos-Zuñiga
- BioNanotechnology and Microbiology Lab, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB), Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Republica # 330, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (A.G.-S.); (J.R.-Z.)
| | - Edwar Fuentes
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone Pohlhammer # 1007, Santiago 8380000, Chile;
| | - Denisse Bravo
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Oral, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone Pohlhammer # 943, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - José M. Pérez-Donoso
- BioNanotechnology and Microbiology Lab, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB), Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Republica # 330, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (A.G.-S.); (J.R.-Z.)
- Correspondence:
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Cunningham EM, Ehlers SM, Dick JTA, Sigwart JD, Linse K, Dick JJ, Kiriakoulakis K. High Abundances of Microplastic Pollution in Deep-Sea Sediments: Evidence from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:13661-13671. [PMID: 33086791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean has been recorded in scientific literature since the 1980s; however, the presence of microplastic particles (<5 mm) is less understood. Here, we aimed to determine whether microplastic accumulation would vary among Antarctic and Southern Ocean regions through studying 30 deep-sea sediment cores. Additionally, we aimed to highlight whether microplastic accumulation was related to sample depth or the sediment characteristics within each core. Sediment cores were digested and separated using a high-density sodium polytungstate solution (SPT) and microplastic particles were identified using micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR). Microplastic pollution was found in 93% of the sediment cores (28/30). The mean (±SE) microplastics per gram of sediment was 1.30 ± 0.51, 1.09 ± 0.22, and 1.04 ± 0.39 MP/g, for the Antarctic Peninsula, South Sandwich Islands, and South Georgia, respectively. Microplastic fragment accumulation correlated significantly with the percentage of clay within cores, suggesting that microplastics have similar dispersion behavior to low density sediments. Although no difference in microplastic abundance was found among regions, the values were much higher in comparison to less remote ecosystems, suggesting that the Antarctic and Southern Ocean deep-sea accumulates higher numbers of microplastic pollution than previously expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoghan M Cunningham
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 3 Byrom Sreett, Liverpool L3 3AF, U.K
- Queen's University Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland U.K
| | - Sonja M Ehlers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Jaimie T A Dick
- Queen's University Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland U.K
| | - Julia D Sigwart
- Queen's University Marine Laboratory, Queen's University Belfast, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland U.K
| | - Katrin Linse
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, U.K
| | - Jon J Dick
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 3 Byrom Sreett, Liverpool L3 3AF, U.K
| | - Konstadinos Kiriakoulakis
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 3 Byrom Sreett, Liverpool L3 3AF, U.K
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Analysis of air mass back trajectories with present and historical volcanic activity and anthropogenic compounds to infer pollution sources in the South Shetland Islands (Antarctica). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/bgeo-2018-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
This work analyses atmospheric transport of natural and anthropogenic pollution to the South Shetland Islands (SSI), with particular reference to the period September 2015 – August 2017. Based on data from the Global Volcanism Program database and air mass back trajectories calculated using the HySPLIT model, it was found that it is possible that in the analysed period volcanic pollution was supplied via long-range transport from South America, and from the South Sandwich Islands. Air masses flowed in over the South Shetland Islands from the South America region relatively frequently – 226 times during the study period, which suggests the additional possibility of anthropogenic pollution being supplied by this means. In certain cases the trajectories also indicated the possibility of atmospheric transport from the New Zealand region, and even from the south-eastern coast of Australia. The analysis of the obtained results is compared against the background of research by other authors. This is done to indicate that research into the origin of chemical compounds in the Antarctic environment should take into account the possible influx of pollutants from remote areas during the sampling period, as well as the possible reemission of compounds accumulated in snow and ice.
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Espejo W, Celis JE, GonzÃlez-Acuña D, Banegas A, Barra R, Chiang G. A Global Overview of Exposure Levels and Biological Effects of Trace Elements in Penguins. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 245:1-64. [PMID: 29079931 DOI: 10.1007/398_2017_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements are chemical contaminants that can be present almost anywhere on the planet. The study of trace elements in biotic matrices is a topic of great relevance for the implications that it can have on wildlife and human health. Penguins are very useful, since they live exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere and represent about 90% of the biomass of birds of the Southern Ocean. The levels of trace elements (dry weight) in different biotic matrices of penguins were reviewed here. Maps of trace element records in penguins were included. Data on exposure and effects of trace elements in penguins were collected from the literature. The most reported trace elements in penguins are aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, zinc, and manganese. Trace elements have been measured in 11 of the 18 species of penguins. The most studied biotic matrices are feathers and excreta. Most of the studies have been performed in Antarctica and subantarctic Islands. Little is known about the interaction among metals, which could provide better knowledge about certain mechanisms of detoxification in penguins. Future studies of trace elements in penguins must incorporate other metals such as vanadium, cobalt, nickel, and chromium. Data of metals in the species such as Eudyptes pachyrhynchus, Eudyptes moseleyi, Eudyptes sclateri, Eudyptes robustus, Eudyptes schlegeli, Spheniscus demersus, Spheniscus mendiculus, and Megadyptes antipodes are urged. It is important to correlate levels of metals in different biotic matrices with the effects on different species and in different geographic locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfred Espejo
- Department of Aquatic Systems, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, EULA-Chile Centre, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - José E Celis
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, ChillÃn, Chile.
| | - Daniel GonzÃlez-Acuña
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, ChillÃn, Chile
| | - Andiranel Banegas
- Department of Aquatic Systems, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, EULA-Chile Centre, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile
- Department of Sciences Biology Unit, Danlí Technological Campus, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Danlí, Honduras
| | - Ricardo Barra
- Department of Aquatic Systems, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, EULA-Chile Centre, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile
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Zvěřina O, Coufalík P, Barták M, Petrov M, Komárek J. The contents and distributions of cadmium, mercury, and lead in Usnea antarctica lichens from Solorina Valley, James Ross Island (Antarctica). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 190:13. [PMID: 29230543 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6397-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are efficient and cost-effective biomonitors of the environment. Their geographic distribution together with their slow growth rate enable investigation of the deposition patterns of various elements and substances. In this research, levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury in Usnea antarctica lichens in the area of James Ross Island, Antarctica, were investigated. The lichens were microwave-digested, and the metals were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace and a direct mercury analyzer. Median total contents of Cd, Hg, and Pb were 0.04, 0.47, and 1.6 mg/kg in whole lichens, respectively. The bottom-up distributions of these metals in the fruticose lichen thalli were investigated, and it was revealed that the accumulation patterns for mercury and lead were opposite to that for cadmium. The probable reason for this phenomenon may lie in the inner structure of thalli. The total contents of metals were comparable with those published for other unpolluted areas of maritime Antarctica. However, this finding was not expected for mercury, since the sampling locality was close to an area with some of the highest mercury contents published for Antarctic lichens. In short, lichens proved their usability as biological monitors, even in harsh conditions. However, the findings emphasize the need to take into account the distributions of elements both in the environment and in the lichen itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Zvěřina
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Coufalík
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Veveří 97, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Barták
- Department of Plant Physiology and Anatomy, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Petrov
- TESCAN Brno, s.r.o, Libušina třída 1, 623 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Physical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Technická 2, 616 69, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Komárek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
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Culicov OA, Yurukova L, Duliu OG, Zinicovscaia I. Elemental content of mosses and lichens from Livingston Island (Antarctica) as determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:5717-5732. [PMID: 28039634 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8279-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The total content of 8 major and 32 trace elements in four species of mosses and two of lichens as well as neighboring soil and rocks collected from different places of the Livingston Island Antarctica was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The main goals of the project consisted of evidencing the possible trace of anthropogenic contamination as well as the influence of altitude on the distribution of considered elements. In the absence of a unanimously accepted descriptor, enrichment factor, geo-accumulation, and pollution load indices with respect to soil and rocks were used. The data, interpreted within the model of a reference plant, were compared with previous studies regarding the same organisms in similar geographic and climatological areas. The experimental results evidenced different capacity of mosses and lichens to retain the considered elements, but within experimental uncertainties, no traces of anthropogenic pollution were found. At the same time, it was found that the content of most of the elements decreased with the altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otilia A Culicov
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, 6, Joliot Curie str., 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation
- National Research and Development Institute for Electrical Engineering (ICPE-Advanced Research), 30, Splaiul Unirii, 74204, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liliana Yurukova
- Institute of Botany, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str, Block 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Octavian G Duliu
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, 6, Joliot Curie str., 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation.
- Faculty of Physics, Department of Structure of Matter, Earth, and Atmospheric Physics, and Astrophysics, University of Bucharest, 405, Atomistilor str., P.O. Box MG-11, 077125, Magurele (Ilfov), Romania.
| | - Inga Zinicovscaia
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, 6, Joliot Curie str., 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30, Reactorului str., P.O. Box MG-6, 077125, Magurele (Ilfov), Romania
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