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Vannini A, Pagano L, Bartoli M, Fedeli R, Malcevschi A, Sidoli M, Magnani G, Pontiroli D, Riccò M, Marmiroli M, Petraglia A, Loppi S. Accumulation and Release of Cadmium Ions in the Lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. and Wood-Derived Biochar: Implication for the Use of Biochar for Environmental Biomonitoring. TOXICS 2024; 12:66. [PMID: 38251021 PMCID: PMC10818847 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Biochar (BC) boasts diverse environmental applications. However, its potential for environmental biomonitoring has, surprisingly, remained largely unexplored. This study presents a preliminary analysis of BC's potential as a biomonitor for the environmental availability of ionic Cd, utilizing the lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. as a reference organism. For this purpose, the lichen E. prunastri and two types of wood-derived biochar, biochar 1 (BC1) and biochar 2 (BC2), obtained from two anonymous producers, were investigated for their ability to accumulate, or sequester and subsequently release, Cd when exposed to Cd-depleted conditions. Samples of lichen and biochar (fractions between 2 and 4 mm) were soaked for 1 h in a solution containing deionized water (control), 10 µM, and 100 µM Cd2+ (accumulation phase). Then, 50% of the treated samples were soaked for 24 h in deionized water (depuration phase). The lichen showed a very good ability to adsorb ionic Cd, higher than the two biochar samples (more than 46.5%), and a weak ability to release the metal (ca. 6%). As compared to the lichen, BC2 showed a lower capacity for Cd accumulation (-48%) and release (ca. 3%). BC1, on the other hand, showed a slightly higher Cd accumulation capacity than BC2 (+3.6%), but a release capacity similar to that of the lichen (ca. 5%). The surface area and the cation exchange capacity of the organism and the tested materials seem to play a key role in their ability to accumulate and sequester Cd, respectively. This study suggests the potential use of BC as a (bio)monitor for the presence of PTEs in atmospheric depositions and, perhaps, water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vannini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Luca Pagano
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
- National Interuniveritary Consortium for Environmental (CINSA), University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 95, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Bartoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Riccardo Fedeli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via PA Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Alessio Malcevschi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Michele Sidoli
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.M.); (D.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Giacomo Magnani
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.M.); (D.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Daniele Pontiroli
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.M.); (D.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Mauro Riccò
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.S.); (G.M.); (D.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Marta Marmiroli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Petraglia
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (L.P.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via PA Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.F.); (S.L.)
- BAT Center-Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Ramírez N, Sigurbjörnsdóttir MA, Monteil C, Berge O, Heiðmarsson S, Jackson RW, Morris C, Vilhelmsson O. Pseudomonas syringae isolated in lichens for the first time: Unveiling Peltigera genus as the exclusive host. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:3502-3511. [PMID: 37658725 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae is a bacterial complex that is widespread through a range of environments, typically associated with plants where it can be pathogenic, but also found in non-plant environments such as clouds, precipitation, and surface waters. Understanding its distribution within the environment, and the habitats it occupies, is important for examining its evolution and understanding behaviours. After a recent study found P. syringae living among a range of vascular plant species in Iceland, we questioned whether lichens could harbour P. syringae. Sixteen different species of lichens were sampled all over Iceland, but only one lichen genus, Peltigera, was found to consistently harbour P. syringae. Phylogenetic analyses of P. syringae from 10 sampling points where lichen, tracheophyte, and/or moss were simultaneously collected showed significant differences between sampling points, but not between different plants and lichens from the same point. Furthermore, while there were similarities in the P. syringae population in tracheophytes and Peltigera, the densities in Peltigera thalli were lower than in moss and tracheophyte samples. This discovery suggests P. syringae strains can localize and survive in organisms beyond higher plants, and thus reveals opportunities for studying their influence on P. syringae evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ramírez
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland
| | | | - Cecile Monteil
- INRA, UR0407 Pathologie Vegétale, Montfavet Cedex, France
| | - Odile Berge
- INRA, UR0407 Pathologie Vegétale, Montfavet Cedex, France
| | | | - Robert W Jackson
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Cindy Morris
- INRA, UR0407 Pathologie Vegétale, Montfavet Cedex, France
| | - Oddur Vilhelmsson
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland
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Singh H, Kumar D, Soni V. Impact of mercury on photosynthetic performance of Lemna minor: a chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12181. [PMID: 37500693 PMCID: PMC10374571 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39297-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chlorophyll fluorescence analysis in detecting the effects of mercury (Hg) treatment in duckweed species Lemna minor. The results showed that Hg treatment (ranging from 0.0 to 0.4 µM) significantly impacted the plant's photosynthetic ability, with a decrease in variable chlorophyll fluorescence, energy fluxes, density of reaction centers, and performance index. Complete inhibition of electron transport was observed in plants treated with high Hg concentrations, and the quantum yield of primary photochemistry and the ratio of dissipated energy to absorption both decreased with increasing Hg concentrations. Performance Index (PI) was significantly affected by the Hg concentrations, reaching zero in plants treated with the highest Hg concentration. Overall, JIP analysis was found to be an effective tool for detecting deleterious effects of Hg in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwant Singh
- Plant Bioenergetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Plant Bioenergetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India
| | - Vineet Soni
- Plant Bioenergetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India.
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Kováčik J, Husáková L, Piroutková M, Babula P. Mercury Content and Amelioration of Its Toxicity by Nitric Oxide in Lichens. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:727. [PMID: 36840082 PMCID: PMC9967695 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) content measured in five epiphytic lichen species collected in Slovakia mountain forests ranged from 30 to 100 ng/g DW and was species-specific, decreasing in the order Hypogymnia > Pseudevernia > Usnea > Xanthoria > Evernia prunastri (but polluted sites had no impact on Hg amount in Xanthoria). Evernia was therefore used to study the impact of short-term exogenous Hg (100 µM, 24 h) and possible amelioration of Hg toxicity by nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). NO was efficiently released from SNP as detected by two staining reagents and fluorescence microscopy and reduced Hg-induced ROS signal and absorption of Hg by thalli of Evernia prunastri. At the same time, NO ameliorated Hg-induced depletion of metabolites such as ascorbic acid and non-protein thiols, but not of free amino acids. The amount of metabolites, including soluble phenols, was reduced by excess Hg per se. On the contrary, NO was unable to restore Hg-stimulated depletion of chlorophyll autofluorescence but mitigated the decline of some macronutrients (K and Ca). Data confirm that accumulation of Hg in the epiphytic lichens is species-specific and that NO is a vital molecule in Evernia prunastri that provides protection against Hg-induced toxicity with considerable positive impact on metabolic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozef Kováčik
- Department of Biology, University of Trnava, Priemyselná 4, 918 43 Trnava, Slovak Republic
| | - Lenka Husáková
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573 HB/D, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Piroutková
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573 HB/D, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Babula
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Rola K, Latkowska E, Ogar W, Osyczka P. Towards understanding the effect of heavy metals on mycobiont physiological condition in a widespread metal-tolerant lichen Cladonia rei. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136365. [PMID: 36087724 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136365] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals present in the environment can cause a variety of injury symptoms in various organisms including lichens. Most studies examined metal-induced stress under controlled laboratory conditions, and little is known about actual response of lichens in their natural habitat. This study aims to recognize the effect of heavy metal accumulation (total and intracellular) on lichen physiological and biochemical parameters specifically related to the functioning of fungal component. Cladonia rei was used as a model species due to its common occurrence both in unpolluted and extremely polluted sites. We observed a decline in the fungal metabolism which was expressed by a decrease in ergosterol content and an increase in cell membrane damage as a result of increased Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni accumulation. Additionally, the results indicated that increased accumulation of xenobiotics (Pb and As) caused reduction of glutathione (GSH) concentrations and increased membrane lipid peroxidation. Therefore, we conclude that GSH does not provide high oxidative stress protection in C. rei which is somewhat against its insensitivity to pollution. The reduced pool of GSH could be explained by its oxidation to glutathione disulphide induced by heavy metal stress or its use for phytochelatin (PC) synthesis. The content of secondary metabolites was not related to heavy metal accumulation and remained at a relatively stable level. This indicates that the decline in the physiological condition did not weaken the mycobiont of C. rei enough to inhibit the synthesis of secondary metabolites and their precursors were supplied at a sufficient level. Thus, the potential function of main secondary metabolites as extracellular metal immobilizers and antioxidants is still possible even in individuals growing at extremely polluted sites. Despite the evident heavy metal stress, C. rei copes well and spreads easily through extremely polluted environments, which underlines its unique pioneering abilities in highly disturbed sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Rola
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Ewa Latkowska
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Ogar
- Laboratory of Metabolomics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Osyczka
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
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Kim YO, Gwon Y, Kim J. Exogenous Cysteine Improves Mercury Uptake and Tolerance in Arabidopsis by Regulating the Expression of Heavy Metal Chelators and Antioxidative Enzymes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:898247. [PMID: 35755654 PMCID: PMC9231614 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.898247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine (Cys) is an essential amino acid component of the major heavy metal chelators, such as glutathione (GSH), metallothioneins (MTs), and phytochelatins (PCs), which are involved in the pathways of mercury (Hg) tolerance in plants. However, the mechanism through which Cys facilitates Hg tolerance in plants remains largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous Cys on Hg uptake in the seedlings, roots, and shoots of Arabidopsis throughout 6 and 36 h of Hg exposure and on the regulation of Hg detoxification by heavy metal chelators and antioxidative enzymes. The results showed that exogenous Cys significantly improved Hg tolerance during the germination and seedling growth stages in Arabidopsis. Exogenous Cys significantly promoted Hg uptake in Arabidopsis roots by upregulating the expression of the Cys transporter gene AtLHT1, resulting in increased Hg accumulation in the roots and seedlings. In Arabidopsis seedlings, exogenous Cys further increased the Hg-induced glutathione synthase (GS1 and GS2) transcript levels, and the Hg and Hg + Cys treatments greatly upregulated MT3 expression after 36 h exposure. In the roots, MT3 was also significantly upregulated by treatment of 36 h of Hg or Hg + Cys. Notably, in the shoots, MT2a expression was rapidly induced (10-fold) in Hg presence and further markedly increased (20-fold) by exogenous Cys. Moreover, in the seedlings, exogenous Cys upregulated the transcripts of all superoxide dismutase (CuSOD1, CuSOD2, MnSOD1, FeSOD1, FeSOD2, and FeSOD3) within 6 h and subsequently increased the Hg-induced GR1 and GR2 transcript levels at 36 h, all of which could eliminate the promotion of reactive oxygen species production and cell damage caused by Hg. Additionally, exogenous Cys upregulated all the antioxidative genes rapidly in the roots and subsequently increased the expression of CuSOD1, CuSOD2, and MnSOD1 in the shoots. These results indicate that exogenous Cys regulates the transcript levels of heavy metal chelators and antioxidative enzymes differently in a time- and organ-specific manner under Hg stress. Taken together, our study elucidates the positive functional roles of exogenous Cys in the Hg uptake and tolerance mechanisms of Arabidopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon-Ok Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Yeon-Ok Kim, ;
| | - Yonghyun Gwon
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Biosystems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
- Department of Rural and Biosystems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jangho Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
- Department of Convergence Biosystems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
- Department of Rural and Biosystems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
- Jangho Kim,
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Accumulation and Release of Mercury in the Lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111198. [PMID: 34827191 PMCID: PMC8614937 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Lichens are among the most used and most effective biomonitors of airborne mercury (Hg); however, although the ability of lichens to take up Hg and provide accurate patterns of Hg contamination around emission sources is well documented, information on their ability to reflect the decreasing environmental availability of this element is minimal and contrasting. The aim of this study was to investigate both the accumulation and release of Hg2+ in lichens, using Evernia prunastri as a model species, and hypothesizing that 24 months is sufficient for treated samples to return to background values. The results of this study highlighted the ability of the lichen E. prunastri to reflect very quickly the available Hg concentration, as well as to indicate an ameliorated situation (e.g., the closure of an Hg source). However, we have found evidence that an acute pollution episode can influence the content of Hg in lichens for several years. Abstract This study investigated the dynamics of the accumulation and release of Hg2+ in lichens, using Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. as a model species. Thalli were incubated with solutions containing 1, 10, and 100 µM Hg2+ and then exposed for 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months at the Botanical Garden of the University of Siena (a location free from local Hg sources). Lichen samples accumulated Hg proportionally to the exposure concentration, and after the exposure, reductions over time were evident, already starting from 1–2 months. After 24 months, samples released 72–74 (healthy thalli) to 94% (unhealthy thalli) of the accumulated Hg, but control values of untreated samples were never reached. Depending on the Hg content after the exposure, stable decreased concentrations were reached after 6–24 months. The results of this study highlight the ability of the lichen E. prunastri to reflect rapidly increasing environmental Hg concentrations, as well as to indicate an ameliorated situation (e.g., the closure of an Hg source). However, we have found evidence that an acute pollution episode can influence the content of Hg in lichens for several years.
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Králiková I, Goga M, Biľová I, Bačkorová M, Bačkor M. Response of lichens Cladonia arbuscula subsp. mitis and Cladonia furcata to nitrogen excess. Biologia (Bratisl) 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/biolog-2016-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Wang ZQ, Li GZ, Gong QQ, Li GX, Zheng SJ. OsTCTP, encoding a translationally controlled tumor protein, plays an important role in mercury tolerance in rice. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2015; 15:123. [PMID: 25990386 PMCID: PMC4438481 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-015-0500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury (Hg) is not only a threat to public health but also a growth risk factor to plants, as it is readily accumulated by higher plants. Accumulation of Hg in plants disrupts many cellular-level functions and inhibits growth and development; however, the detoxification and tolerance mechanisms of plants to Hg stress are still not fully understood. Exposure to toxic Hg also occurs in some crops cultivated under anoxic conditions, such as rice (Oryza sativa L.), a model organism and one of the most important cultivated plants worldwide. In this study, we functionally characterized a rice translationally controlled tumor protein gene (Os11g43900, OsTCTP) involved in Hg stress tolerance. RESULTS OsTCTP was ubiquitously expressed in all examined plant tissues, especially in actively dividing and differentiating tissues, such as roots and nodes. OsTCTP was found to localize both the cytosol and the nucleus. OsTCTP was induced by mercuric chloride, cupric sulfate, abscisic acid, and hydrogen peroxide at the protein level in a time-dependent manner. Overexpression of OsTCTP potentiated the activities of several antioxidant enzymes, reduced the Hg-induced H2O2 levels, and promoted Hg tolerance in rice, whereas knockdown of OsTCTP produced opposite effects. And overexpression of OsTCTP did not prevent Hg absorption and accumulation in rice. We also demonstrated that Asn 48 and Asn 97 of OsTCTP amino acids were not the potential N-glycosylation sites. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that OsTCTP is capable of decreasing the Hg-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), therefore, reducing the damage of ROS and enhancing the tolerance of rice plants to Hg stress. Thus, OsTCTP is a valuable gene for genetic engineering to improve rice performance under Hg contaminated paddy soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Ge Zi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Qiao Qiao Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Gui Xin Li
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Shao Jian Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Corapi A, Gallo L, Nicolardi V, Lucadamo L, Loppi S. Temporal trends of element concentrations and ecophysiological parameters in the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea transplanted in and around an industrial area of S Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:3149-3164. [PMID: 24442534 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3607-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the temporal trends of element concentrations and ecophysiological parameters (integrity of cell membranes, membrane lipid peroxidation, and sample vitality) in thalli of the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea transplanted in and around an industrial area of S Italy from May 2010 to May 2011, once every 3 months. Element accumulation at levels indicating that the atmosphere of the study area was polluted by most elements occurred only during the third trimester of exposure, and the ecophysiological parameter best reflecting this trend was sample vitality expressed in terms of activity of the enzyme dehydrogenase. Among the available climatological parameters, the different amount of rainfall during the exposure period may influence the results, especially the number of hours with rainfall >16 mm/day, which is the threshold between light-moderate and moderate-heavy rainfall in the Mediterranean area.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Corapi
- University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
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Niu Z, Zhang X, Wang S, Zeng M, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Ci Z. Field controlled experiments on the physiological responses of maize (Zea mays L.) leaves to low-level air and soil mercury exposures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:1541-7. [PMID: 23943002 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2047-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Thousands of tons of mercury (Hg) are released from anthropogenic and natural sources to the atmosphere in a gaseous elemental form per year, yet little is known regarding the influence of airborne Hg on the physiological activities of plant leaves. In the present study, the effects of low-level air and soil Hg exposures on the gas exchange parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) leaves and their accumulation of Hg, proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were examined via field open-top chamber and Hg-enriched soil experiments, respectively. Low-level air Hg exposures (<50 ng m(-3)) had little effects on the gas exchange parameters of maize leaves during most of the daytime (p > 0.05). However, both the net photosynthesis rate and carboxylation efficiency of maize leaves exposed to 50 ng m(-3) air Hg were significantly lower than those exposed to 2 ng m(-3) air Hg in late morning (p < 0.05). Additionally, the Hg, proline, and MDA concentrations in maize leaves exposed to 20 and 50 ng m(-3) air Hg were significantly higher than those exposed to 2 ng m(-3) air Hg (p < 0.05). These results indicated that the increase in airborne Hg potentially damaged functional photosynthetic apparatus in plant leaves, inducing free proline accumulation and membrane lipid peroxidation. Due to minor translocation of soil Hg to the leaves, low-level soil Hg exposures (<1,000 ng g(-1)) had no significant influences on the gas exchange parameters, or the Hg, proline, and MDA concentrations in maize leaves (p > 0.05). Compared to soil Hg, airborne Hg easily caused physiological stress to plant leaves. The effects of increasing atmospheric Hg concentration on plant physiology should be of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchuan Niu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
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Paoli L, Fiorini E, Munzi S, Sorbo S, Basile A, Loppi S. Antimony toxicity in the lichen Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 93:2269-75. [PMID: 24001672 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.07.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we tested if treating the lichen Xanthoria parietina with Sb-containing solutions causes Sb bioaccumulation as well as physiological and ultrastructural changes. Total and intracellular antimony content in Sb-treated samples increased progressively with increasing concentration in the treatment solutions. Incubation of X. parietina thalli with Sb at concentrations as low as 0.1mM caused a decrease in sample viability, measured as intensity of respiratory activity, and damage to cell membranes, expressed in terms of membrane lipid peroxidation, as well as ultrastructural changes such as plasmolysis, impairment of the thylakoid system of the alga and cytoplasmic lipid droplets. The photosynthetic system hardly responded, at least under the tested experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Paoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy
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Deng C, Zhang D, Pan X, Chang F, Wang S. Toxic effects of mercury on PSI and PSII activities, membrane potential and transthylakoid proton gradient in Microsorium pteropus. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2013; 127:1-7. [PMID: 23920143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2013.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2013] [Revised: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is one of the top toxic metals in environment and it poses a great risk to organisms. This study aimed to elucidate the toxic effects of Hg(2+) on energy conversion of photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII), membrane potential and proton gradient of Microsorium pteropus (an aquatic plant species). Contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids, quantum yield and electron transfer of PSI and PSII of M. pteropus exposed to various concentrations of Hg(2+) were measured. With increasing Hg(2+) concentration, quantum yield and electron transport of PSI [Y(I) and ETR(I)] and PSII [Y(II) and ETR(II)] decreased whereas limitation of donor side of PSI [Y(ND)] increased. At ⩾165μgL(-1) Hg(2+), quantum yield of non-light-induced non-photochemical fluorescence quenching in PSII [Y(NO)] significantly increased but quantum yield of light-induced non-photochemical fluorescence quenching [Y(NPQ)] decreased. Membrane potential (Δψ) and proton gradient (ΔpH) of M. pteropus were reduced significantly at 330μg L(-1) Hg(2+) compared to control. Mercury exposure affected multiple sites in PSII and PSI of M. pteropus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunnuan Deng
- Key Lab of Plateau Lake Ecology & Global Change, College of Tourism and Geographic Science, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Plateau Geographical Process and Environmental Change, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China; Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
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Kiviat E. Risks to biodiversity from hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in the Marcellus and Utica shales. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1286:1-14. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Nakajima H, Fujimoto K, Yoshitani A, Yamamoto Y, Sakurai H, Itoh K. Effect of copper stress on cup lichens Cladonia humilis and C. subconistea growing on copper-hyperaccumulating moss Scopelophila cataractae at copper-polluted sites in Japan. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2012; 84:341-346. [PMID: 22906716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We investigated lichen species in the habitats of the copper (Cu)-hyperaccumulating moss Scopelophila cataractae and found that the cup lichens Cladonia subconistea and C. humilis grow on this moss. We performed X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass (ICP-MS) analysis of lichen samples and measured the visible absorption spectra of the pigments extracted from the samples to assess the effect of Cu stress on the cup lichens. The chlorophyll a/b ratio and degradation of chlorophyll a to pheophytin a were calculated from the spectral data. X-ray fluorescence analysis indicated that Cu concentrations in cup lichens growing on S. cataractae were much higher than those in control samples growing on non-polluted soil. Moreover, Cu microanalysis showed that Cu concentrations in parts of podetia of C. subconistea growing on S. cataractae increased as the substrate (S. cataractae) was approached, whereas those of C. humilis growing on S. cataractae decreased as the substrate was approached. This reflects the difference in the route of Cu ions from the source to the podetia. Furthermore, ICP-MS analysis confirmed that C. subconistea growing on S. cataractae was heavily contaminated with Cu, indicating that this lichen is Cu tolerant. We found a significant difference between the visible absorption spectra of pigments extracted from the Cu-contaminated and control samples. Hence, the spectra could be used to determine whether a cup lichen is contaminated with Cu. Chlorophyll analysis showed that cup lichens growing on S. cataractae were affected by Cu stress. However, it also suggested that the areas of dead moss under cup lichens were a suitable substrate for the growth of the lichen. Moreover, it suggested that cup lichens had allolepathic effects on S. cataractae; it is likely that secondary metabolites produced by cup lichens inhibited moss growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromitsu Nakajima
- Division of Natural Environment and Information Research, Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Tokiwadai 79-7, Hodogayaku, 240-8501 Yokohama, Japan.
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Wang J, Feng X, Anderson CWN, Xing Y, Shang L. Remediation of mercury contaminated sites - A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2012; 221-222:1-18. [PMID: 22579459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2012.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 04/08/2012] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination caused by mercury is a serious problem worldwide. Coal combustion, mercury and gold mining activities and industrial activities have led to an increase in the mercury concentration in soil. The objective of this paper is to present an up-to-date understanding of the available techniques for the remediation of soil contaminated with mercury through considering: mercury contamination in soil, mercury speciation in soil; mercury toxicity to humans, plants and microorganisms, and remediation options. This paper describes the commonly employed and emerging techniques for mercury remediation, namely: stabilization/solidification (S/S), immobilization, vitrification, thermal desorption, nanotechnology, soil washing, electro-remediation, phytostabilization, phytoextraction and phytovolatilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, China
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Nicolardi V, Cai G, Parrotta L, Puglia M, Bianchi L, Bini L, Gaggi C. The adaptive response of lichens to mercury exposure involves changes in the photosynthetic machinery. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2012; 160:1-10. [PMID: 22035918 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are an excellent model to study the bioaccumulation of heavy metals but limited information is available on the molecular mechanisms occurring during bioaccumulation. We investigated the changes of the lichen proteome during exposure to constant concentrations of mercury. We found that most of changes involves proteins of the photosynthetic pathway, such as the chloroplastic photosystem I reaction center subunit II, the oxygen-evolving protein and the chloroplastic ATP synthase β-subunit. This suggests that photosynthesis is a target of the toxic effects of mercury. These findings are also supported by changes in the content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b, and β-carotene). Alterations to the photosynthetic machinery also reflect on the structure of thylakoid membranes of algal cells. Response of lichens to mercury also involves stress-related proteins (such as Hsp70) but not cytoskeletal proteins. Results suggest that lichens adapt to mercury exposure by changing the metabolic production of energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Nicolardi
- Dipartimento Scienze Ambientali, Università di Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Yan S, Zhou Q. Toxic effects of Hydrilla verticillata exposed to toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene and safety assessment for protecting aquatic macrophytes. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 85:1088-1094. [PMID: 21840036 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Little information is available about the toxicity of toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene acting on macrophytes, and their toxicity data are rarely used in regulation and criteria decisions. The results extended the knowledge on toxic effects of toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene on aquatic plants. The responses of Hydrilla verticillata to these pollutants were investigated. Chlorophyll levels, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase) showed diverse responses at different concentrations of toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. The linear regression analyses were performed respectively, suggesting the concentrations of toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene expected to protect aquatic macrophytes were 7.30 mg L⁻¹, 1.15 mg L⁻¹ and 2.36 mg L⁻¹, respectively. This study emphasized that aquatic plants are also sensitive to organic pollutants as fishes and zooplanktons, indicating that macrophytes could be helpful in predicting the toxicity of these pollutants and should be considered in regulation and criteria decisions for aquatic environment protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Yan
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Pisani T, Munzi S, Paoli L, Bačkor M, Loppi S. Physiological effects of arsenic in the lichen Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 82:963-969. [PMID: 21106219 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.10.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Revised: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 10/24/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test in a short term laboratory experiment the accumulation and physiological effects of As in the epiphytic lichen Xanthoria parietina. Arsenic content in treated samples increased progressively with increasing concentration in treatment solutions. Treatment of X. parietina thalli with 0.1, 1, 10 ppm As solutions caused significant decrease of viability, measured as intensity of respiratory activity, and damages to cell membranes, assessed by increase of electric conductivity of rinsing water and lipid peroxidation products. Soluble proteins content decreased and H₂O₂ content increased already at the lowest As concentration tested (0.01 ppm). Photosynthetic efficiency, measured in terms of F(V)/F(M) ratio, decreased significantly only at the highest As concentration (10 ppm). It was concluded that As exposure causes physiological stress both on the mycobiont and the photobiont and that cell membrane damage, expressed in terms of electric conductivity of rinsing water, is the parameter most affected by As treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Pisani
- Department of Environmental Science "G. Sarfatti", University of Siena, Italy
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