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Irfan M, Mészáros I, Szabó S, Oláh V. Comparative Phytotoxicity of Metallic Elements on Duckweed Lemna gibba L. Using Growth- and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Induction-Based Endpoints. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:215. [PMID: 38256768 PMCID: PMC10821045 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we exposed a commonly used duckweed species-Lemna gibba L.-to twelve environmentally relevant metals and metalloids under laboratory conditions. The phytotoxic effects were evaluated in a multi-well-plate-based experimental setup by means of the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging method. This technique allowed the simultaneous measuring of the growth and photosynthetic parameters in the same samples. The inhibition of relative growth rates (based on frond number and area) and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fo and Y(II)) were both calculated from the obtained chlorophyll fluorescence images. In the applied test system, growth-inhibition-based phytotoxicity endpoints proved to be more sensitive than chlorophyll-fluorescence-based ones. Frond area growth inhibition was the most responsive parameter with a median EC50 of 1.75 mg L-1, while Fv/Fo, the more responsive chlorophyll-fluorescence-based endpoint, resulted in a 5.34 mg L-1 median EC50 for the tested metals. Ag (EC50 0.005-1.27 mg L-1), Hg (EC50 0.24-4.87 mg L-1) and Cu (EC50 0.37-1.86 mg L-1) were the most toxic elements among the tested ones, while As(V) (EC50 47.15-132.18 mg L-1), Cr(III) (EC50 6.22-19.92 mg L-1), Se(VI) (EC50 1.73-10.39 mg L-1) and Zn (EC50 3.88-350.56 mg L-1) were the least toxic ones. The results highlighted that multi-well-plate-based duckweed phytotoxicity assays may reduce space, time and sample volume requirements compared to the standard duckweed growth inhibition tests. These benefits, however, come with lowered test sensitivity. Our multi-well-plate-based test setup resulted in considerably higher median EC50 (3.21 mg L-1) for frond-number-based growth inhibition than the 0.683 mg L-1 median EC50 derived from corresponding data from the literature with standardized Lemna-tests. Under strong acute phytotoxicity, frond parts with impaired photochemical functionality may become undetectable by chlorophyll fluorometers. Consequently, the plant parts that are still detectable display a virtually higher average photosynthetic performance, leading to an underestimation of phytotoxicity. Nevertheless, multi-well-plate-based duckweed phytotoxicity assays, combined with chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, offer definite advantages in the rapid screening of large sample series or multiple species/clones. As chlorophyll fluorescence images provide information both on the photochemical performance of the test plants and their morphology, a joint analysis of the two endpoint groups is recommended in multi-well-plate-based duckweed phytotoxicity assays to maximize the information gained from the tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (M.I.); (I.M.)
| | - Ilona Mészáros
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (M.I.); (I.M.)
| | - Sándor Szabó
- Department of Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Nyiregyhaza, H-4401 Nyiregyhaza, Hungary
| | - Viktor Oláh
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (M.I.); (I.M.)
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Novais MH, Penha AM, Catarino A, Martins I, Fialho S, Lima A, Morais M, Palma P. The usefulness of ecotoxicological tools to improve the assessment of water bodies in a climate change reality. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166392. [PMID: 37597569 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the added value of using ecotoxicological tools to complement and improve the assessment of natural water bodies status, in situations of climate change, with a higher frequency of extreme events as floods or droughts. Four water bodies of streams in the Guadiana Basin (Álamos, Amieira, Lucefécit, Zebro) were studied in 2017 and 2018 and classified based on the Water Framework Directive (WFD) parameters: Biological Quality Element - Phytobenthos (diatoms), General chemical and physicochemical elements, Specific pollutants, and Priority Substances. Complementarily, bioassays (including lethal and sublethal parameters) were carried out with organisms of different trophic levels: (i) the bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri; (ii) the microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata; (iii) the crustaceans Daphnia magna, Thamnocephalus platyurus and Heterocypris incongruens. A classification system with 5 scores was developed, permitting to classify water bodies from non-toxic (EC50 > 100 %; growth and feeding rate > 80 %; blue) to highly toxic (EC50 < 10 %; growth and feeding rate < 10 %; red). The comparison between the classification based on the WFD parameters and on ecotoxicological endpoints showed similar results for 71 % of the samples, and significant positive Pearson correlations were detected between the diatom-based Specific Polluosensitivity Index (SPI) and EC50V.fisheri, the algae growth rate and Shannon diversity index. These results indicate that when the biological quality elements cannot be used (namely under drought or flooding conditions) the application of ecotoxicological bioassays may be a good alternative. Further, when ecotoxicological parameters were included, an increase of worse classifications (Bad and Poor) was observed, revealing an improvement in the sensitivity of the classification, mainly in presence of specific and priority substances. So, the ecotoxicological analysis appears to provide useful information regarding the potential presence of both known and unknown contaminants at concentrations that cause biological effects (even within the WFD limits), in agreement with several authors that have already suggested its use in biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Novais
- ICT, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Évora, Rua Romão Ramalho 59, Évora, Portugal; Water Laboratory, University of Évora, P.I.T.E. Rua da Barba Rala N(o) 1, 7005-345 Évora, Portugal.
| | - A Marchã Penha
- ICT, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Évora, Rua Romão Ramalho 59, Évora, Portugal; Water Laboratory, University of Évora, P.I.T.E. Rua da Barba Rala N(o) 1, 7005-345 Évora, Portugal
| | - A Catarino
- ICT, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Évora, Rua Romão Ramalho 59, Évora, Portugal; Department of Technologies and Applied Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7801-295, Portugal
| | - I Martins
- Department of Technologies and Applied Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7801-295, Portugal
| | - S Fialho
- Department of Technologies and Applied Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7801-295, Portugal
| | - A Lima
- Department of Technologies and Applied Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7801-295, Portugal
| | - M Morais
- ICT, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Évora, Rua Romão Ramalho 59, Évora, Portugal; Water Laboratory, University of Évora, P.I.T.E. Rua da Barba Rala N(o) 1, 7005-345 Évora, Portugal
| | - P Palma
- ICT, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Évora, Rua Romão Ramalho 59, Évora, Portugal; Department of Technologies and Applied Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7801-295, Portugal; GeoBioTec, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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Raposo A, Mansilha C, Veber A, Melo A, Rodrigues J, Matias R, Rebelo H, Grossinho J, Cano M, Almeida C, Nogueira ID, Puskar L, Schade U, Jordao L. Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, microplastics and biofilms in Alqueva surface water at touristic spots. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:157983. [PMID: 35973540 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater pollution is a huge concern. A study aiming to evaluate physico-chemical characteristics, microbiota, occurrence of two groups of persistent environmental pollutants with similar chemical properties (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons- PAHs and microplastics - MPs) in Alqueva's surface water was performed during 2021. Water samples were collected at three spots related to touristic activities (two beaches and one marina) during the Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn seasons. In addition, the presence of biofilms on plastic and natural materials (stone, wood/ vegetal materials) were assessed and compared. Water quality based on physicochemical parameters was acceptable with a low eutrophication level. PAHs concentration levels were lower than the standard limits established for surface waters by international organizations. However, carcinogenic compounds were detected in two sampling locations, which can pose a problem for aquatic ecosystems. PAHs profiles showed significant differences when comparing the dry seasons with the rainy seasons, with a higher number of different compounds detected in Spring. Low molecular weigh compounds, usually associated with the atmospheric deposition and petroleum contamination, were more prevalent. MPs were detected in all samples except one during the Winter season. The polymers detected were poly(methyl-2-methylpropenoate), polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polypropylene, styrene butadiene, polyvinyl chloride and low /high density polyethylene with the last being the most frequent. Biofilms were more often detected on plastics than on natural materials. In addition, biofilms detected on plastics were more complex with higher microbial diversity (e.g., bacteria, fungi/yeast and phytoplancton organisms) and richer in extrapolymeric material. Based on morphological analysis a good agreement between microbiota and microorganism present in the biofilms was found. Among microbiota were identified microorganisms previously linked to plastic and PAHs detoxification suggesting the need for further studies to evaluate the viability of using biofilms as part of a green bioremediation strategy to mitigate water pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raposo
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saude Ambiental, Av Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Mansilha
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saude Ambiental, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), University of Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Alexander Veber
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Chemistry, Brook-Taylor Strasse 2, D-12489 Berlin, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Infrared Beamline IRIS, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Armindo Melo
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saude Ambiental, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), University of Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Joao Rodrigues
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Doenças Infeciosas, Av Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Rui Matias
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Doenças Infeciosas, Av Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Helena Rebelo
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saude Ambiental, Av Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Jose Grossinho
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saude Ambiental, Av Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Manuela Cano
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saude Ambiental, Av Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Almeida
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saude Ambiental, Av Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Isabel D Nogueira
- Instituto Superior Técnico, MicroLab, Av Rovisco Pais, 10049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ljiljana Puskar
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Infrared Beamline IRIS, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Schade
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Infrared Beamline IRIS, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Luisa Jordao
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saude Ambiental, Av Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
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