Effect of La3+ on the activities of antioxidant enzymes in wheat seedlings under lead stress in solution culture

Regulatory actions of rare earth elements (La and Gd) on the cell cycle of root tips in rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.)

The continuous expansion of the application of rare earth elements (REEs) in various fields has attracted attention to their biosafety. At present, the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological effects of REEs are unclear. In this study, the effects of lanthanum (La) and gadolinium (Gd) on cell cycle progression in the root tips of rice seedlings were investigated. Low concentrations of REEs (0.1 mg L^-1) induced an increase in the number of cells in the prophase and metaphase, while high concentrations of REEs (10 mg L^-1) induced an increase in the number of cells in the late and terminal stages of the cell cycle, and apoptosis or necrosis. Additionally, low concentrations of REEs induced a significant increase in the expression of the cell cycle factors WEE1, CDKA;1, and CYCB1;1, and promoted the G2/M phase and accelerated root tip growth. However, at high REEs concentrations, the DNA damage response sensitized by BRCA1, MRE11, and TP53 could that prevent root tip growth by inhibiting the transcription factor E2F, resulting in obvious G1/S phase transition block and delayed G2/M phase conversion. Furthermore, by comparing the biological effect mechanisms of La and Gd, we found that these two REEs share regulatory actions on the cell cycle of root tips in rice seedlings.

Insights on the toxicity of selected rare earth elements in rainbow trout hepatocytes

The increasing extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) for technology applications raised concerns for contamination and toxicity in the environment. The purpose of this study was to examine the toxicity of the following REEs in primary cultures of rainbow trout hepatocytes: yttrium (Y), samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb) and lutetium (Lu). Hepatocytes were exposed to increasing concentrations of the above elements for 24 h at 15 °C and they were analyzed for viability, metallothioneins (MT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and arachidonate cyclooxygenase (COX) as markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. The results revealed that the cytoxicity of REEs were as follows in decreasing order: Y > Sm > Lu > Tb > Gd in concordance with published rainbow trout mortality data. While effects on GST and COX activities were marginal, MT levels were more strongly increased with the 2 most toxic REEs (Y and Sm) and Gd, while MT levels were decreased in the least toxic ones (Tb, Lu). While cell viability followed published trout mortality data, it also followed the redox potential and the glutathione affinity constant (log k). The capacity to induce/decrease MT levels was associated with ionic radius, log k (glutathione) and electronegativity. A proposed mechanism of toxicity for REEs is presented based on the chemical properties of REEs, namely the glutathione binding constant and ionic radius, in light of the observed effects in trout hepatocytes.

Effect of nanomolar concentrations of lanthanum on Desmodesmus quadricauda cultivated under environmentally relevant conditions

Toxicity of lanthanides is generally regarded as low, and they even have been suggested to be beneficial at low concentrations. This research was conducted to investigate effects of Lanthanum (La) on Desmodesmus quadricauda, a freshwater green microalga. The algal cultures were treated with nanomolar La concentrations under controlled environmentally relevant conditions. Intracellular localization of La was analyzed with μXRF tomography in frozen-hydrated samples. At sublethal concentration (128 nM) La was in hotspots inside the cells, while at lethal 1387 nM that led to release of other ions (K, Zn) from the cells, La filled most of the cells. La had no clear positive effects on growth or photosynthetic parameters, but increasing concentrations led to a dramatic decrease in cell counts. Chlorophyll fluorescence kinetic measurements showed that La led to the inhibition of photosynthesis. Maximal photochemical quantum yield of the PSII reaction center in dark-adapted state (F_v/F_m) decreased at > 4.3 nM La during the 2nd week of treatment. Minimum dark-adapted fluorescence quantum yield (F₀) increased at > 13.5 nM La during the 2nd week of treatment except for control (0.2 nM La, baseline from chemicals) and 0.3 nM La. NPQ at the beginning of the actinic light phase showed significant increase for all the treatments. Metalloproteomics by HPLC-ICPMS showed that La binds to a >500 kDa soluble protein complex already in the sub-nM range of La treatments, in the low nM range to a small-sized (3 kDa) soluble peptide, and at >100 nM La additionally binds to a 1.5 kDa ligand.

Lanthanum and abscisic acid coregulate chlorophyll production of seedling in switchgrass

The rare earth element lanthanum (La) has been proven to be beneficial for plant growth with a low concentration, and abscisic acid (ABA) which is a plant hormone also can regulate plant growth. In the present study, we investigated the germination and seedling growth of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) under La (10 μM), ABA (10 μM) and La + ABA treatments. The results showed that La, ABA and La + ABA treatments could not significantly affect the germination and shoot length as compared to the control (P>0.05). However, La treatment increased the root activity and chlorophyll content, and ABA treatment enhanced root length and root activity (P<0.05). La + ABA treatments demonstrated that La could not significantly alleviate the promotion of ABA in root length, while ABA reversed the increase of chlorophyll content caused by La. The coregulation of La and ABA on chlorophyll content was further explored by in vitro experiments and quantum chemical calculations. In vitro experiments revealed that La, ABA, and La + ABA treatments reduced the absorbance of chlorophyll, and quantum chemical calculations indicated that the reduction of absorbance was caused by the reactions between La, ABA and chlorophyll. In vivo and in vitro experiments, together with quantum chemical calculations, demonstrated that both ABA and La could stimulate the production of chlorophyll, while they also could react with chlorophyll to produce La-monochlorophyll, La-bischlorophyll, and ABA adsorbed chlorophyll, which had lower absorbance. La + ABA treatment significantly decreased the chlorophyll content in vivo. This phenomenon was due to the fact that La and ABA formed LaABA compound, which markedly reduced the concentrations of ABA and La, and the effect of promoting chlorophyll production was overcome by the effect of reducing chlorophyll absorbance.

Lanthanum nitrate improves phosphorus-use efficiency and tolerance to phosphorus-deficiency stress in Vigna angularis seedlings

Here, we examined the effects of La³⁺ on growth, photosynthetic ability, and phosphorus-use efficiency (PUE) in various organs of adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) seedlings. La³⁺ substantially alleviated P-deficiency symptoms. Treatment of young seedlings with La³⁺ at 150 mg L^-1 effectively improved PUE in roots, stems, and leaves via the regulation of root elongation and activation of root physiological responses to P-deficiency, e.g., root activity and acid phosphatase (APase) activity. Root hydraulic conductivity (L_p) was also examined to elucidate the role of La³⁺ in the relationship between water and nutrition transport. We confirmed that La³⁺ increased the level of antioxidant protective enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), while it significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The use of La³⁺ to reduce photosynthesis damage under P-deficiency was examined. The negative effects of P-deficiency on net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r), maximum photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m), and chlorophyll content in leaves were alleviated by La³⁺ treatment. These results clarify the regulatory functions of La³⁺ in stress tolerance and P utilization in adzuki bean seedlings.

Chemical speciation and bioavailability of rare earth elements (REEs) in the ecosystem: a review

Rare earths (RE), chemically uniform group of elements due to similar physicochemical behavior, are termed as lanthanides. Natural occurrence depends on the geological circumstances and has been of long interest for geologist as tools for further scientific research into the region of ores, rocks, and oceanic water. The review paper mainly focuses to provide scientific literature about rare earth elements (REEs) with potential environmental and health effects in understanding the research. This is the initial review of RE speciation and bioavailability with current initiative toward development needs and research perceptive. In this paper, we have also discussed mineralogy, extraction, geochemistry, analytical methods of rare earth elements. In this study, REEs with their transformation and vertical distribution in different environments such as fresh and seawater, sediments, soil, weathering, transport, and solubility have been reported with most recent literature along key methods of findings. Speciation and bioavailability have been discussed in detail with special emphasis on soil, plant, and aquatic ecosystems and their impacts on the environment. This review shows that REE gained more importance in last few years due to their detrimental effects on living organisms, so their speciation, bioavailability, and composition are much more important to evaluate their health risks and are discussed thoroughly as well.

Lanthanum Affects Bell Pepper Seedling Quality Depending on the Genotype and Time of Exposure by Differentially Modifying Plant Height, Stem Diameter and Concentrations of Chlorophylls, Sugars, Amino Acids, and Proteins

Lanthanum (La) is considered a beneficial element, capable of inducing hormesis. Hormesis is a dose-response relationship phenomenon characterized by low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition. Herein we tested the effect of 0 and 10 μM La on growth and biomolecule concentrations of seedlings of four sweet bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) varieties, namely Sven, Sympathy, Yolo Wonder, and Zidenka. Seedling evaluations were performed 15 and 30 days after treatment applications (dat) under hydroponic greenhouse conditions. Seedling height was significantly increased by La, growing 20% taller in Yolo Wonder plants, in comparison to the control. Similarly, La significantly enhanced shoot diameter, with increases of 9 and 9.8% in measurements performed 15 and 30 dat, respectively, as compared to the control. Likewise, La-treated seedlings had a higher number of flower buds than the control. An increase in the number of leaves because of La application was observed in Yolo Wonder seedlings, both 15 and 30 dat, while leaf area was augmented in this variety only 30 dat. Nevertheless, La did not affect dry biomass accumulation. La effects on biomolecule concentration were differential over time. In all varieties, La stimulated the biosynthesis of chlorophyll a, b and total 15 dat, though 30 dat only the varieties Sympathy and Yolo Wonder showed enhanced concentrations of these molecules because of La. Total soluble sugars increased in La-treated seedlings 30 dat. Interestingly, while most varieties exposed to La showed a reduction in amino acid concentration 15 dat, the opposite trend was observed 30 dat. Importantly, in all varieties evaluated, La stimulated soluble protein concentration 30 dat. It is important to note that while chlorophyll concentrations increased in all varieties exposed to La, both 15 and 30 dat, those of soluble sugars and proteins consistently increased only 30 dat, but not 15 dat. Our results confirm that La may improve seedling quality by enhancing some growth parameters and biomolecule concentrations, depending on the genotype, and time of exposure.

Involvement of reactive oxygen species in lanthanum-induced inhibition of primary root growth

Although lanthanum (La) has been used as an agricultural plant growth stimulant for approximately 50 years, high concentrations are toxic to plants. Despite significant advances in recent years, the mechanisms underlying the effects of La on root system development remain unclear. Here, we report that a high concentration of La inhibits primary root (PR) elongation and induces lateral root (LR) development. La results in cell death in PR tips, thereby leading to the loss of meristematic cell division potential, stem cell niche activity, and auxin distribution in PR tips. Further analysis indicated that La induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) over-accumulation in PR tips. Reduction in ROS accumulation partially alleviated the inhibitory effects of La on PR elongation by improving cell survival in PR tips and thereby improving meristematic cell division potential and auxin distribution in PR tips. We also found ROS to be involved in La-induced endocytosis. Genetic analyses supported the described phenotype. Overall, our results indicate that La affects root growth, at least partially, by modulating ROS levels in roots to induce cell death in PR tips and subsequent auxin redistribution in roots, leading to remodeling of the root system architecture.

Combined Effects of Lanthanum (III) and Acid Rain on Antioxidant Enzyme System in Soybean Roots

Rare earth element pollution (REEs) and acid rain (AR) pollution simultaneously occur in many regions, which resulted in a new environmental issue, the combined pollution of REEs and AR. The effects of the combined pollution on the antioxidant enzyme system of plant roots have not been reported. Here, the combined effects of lanthanum ion (La3+), one type of REE, and AR on the antioxidant enzyme system of soybean roots were investigated. In the combined treatment of La3+ (0.08 mM) and AR, the cell membrane permeability and the peroxidation of cell membrane lipid of soybean roots increased, and the superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and reduced ascorbic acid served as scavengers of reactive oxygen species. In other combined treatments of La3+ (0.40 mM, 1.20 mM) and AR, the membrane permeability, malonyldialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity and reduced ascorbic acid content increased, while the catalase activity decreased. The increased superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity and reduced ascorbic acid content were inadequate to scavenge the excess hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, leading to the damage of the cell membrane, which was aggravated with the increase in the concentration of La3+ and the level of AR. The deleterious effects of the combined treatment of La3+ and AR were stronger than those of the single treatment of La3+ or AR. Moreover, the activity of antioxidant enzyme system in the combined treatment group was affected directly and indirectly by mineral element content in soybean plants.

Combined effects of Lanthanum(III) and elevated Ultraviolet-B radiation on root nitrogen nutrient in soybean seedlings

Rare earth element pollution and elevated ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation occur simultaneously in some regions, but the combined effects of these two factors on plants have not attracted enough attention. Nitrogen nutrient is vital to plant growth. In this study, the combined effects of lanthanum(III) and elevated UV-B radiation on nitrate reduction and ammonia assimilation in soybean (Glycine max L.) roots were investigated. Treatment with 0.08 mmol L(-1) La(III) did not change the effects of elevated UV-B radiation on nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), nitrate, ammonium, amino acids, or soluble protein in the roots. Treatment with 0.24 mmol L(-1) La(III) and elevated UV-B radiation synergistically decreased the NR, NiR, GS, and GOGAT activities as well as the nitrate, amino acid, and soluble protein levels, except for the GDH activity and ammonium content. Combined treatment with 1.20 mmol L(-1) La(III) and elevated UV-B radiation produced severely deleterious effects on all test indices, and these effects were stronger than those induced by La(III) or elevated UV-B radiation treatment alone. Following the withdrawal of La(III) and elevated UV-B radiation, all test indices for the combined treatments with 0.08/0.24 mmol L(-1) La(III) and elevated UV-B radiation recovered to a certain extent, but they could not recover for treatments with 1.20 mmol L(-1) La(III) and elevated UV-B radiation. In summary, combined treatment with La(III) and elevated UV-B radiation seriously affected nitrogen nutrition in soybean roots through the inhibition of nitrate reduction and ammonia assimilation.

Environmental fate and ecotoxicity of lanthanides: are they a uniform group beyond chemistry?

Lanthanides are a chemically uniform group of metals (La-Lu) that, together with yttrium (Y) and scandium (Sc), form the group of rare earth elements (REEs). Because of their many applications (e.g., agriculture, medicine, motor industry), their global production has increased exponentially in the last decades and their biogeochemical cycles are being disrupted by human uses (e.g., gadolinium anomalies in freshwater and tap water, REEs enrichment of soils as a consequence of agricultural practices). However, ecotoxicological effects and mechanism of action of these elements are still poorly understood. In particular, there is no consensus as to lanthanides showing a coherent and predictable pattern of (eco)toxicity in the same way as their atomic properties. For aquatic organisms, contradictory conclusions on this issue can be found in the bibliography. This review shows that the variable composition of culture media used in ecotoxicology, and the associated differences in lanthanide's speciation, are the most likely cause for such discrepancies. In particular, the formation of insoluble species in some highly complexing media likely leads to changes in the soluble concentration of lanthanide during some tests; with the potential for a generalized underestimation of their toxicity at the present state of knowledge. For terrestrial organisms, suitable studies to establish trends in lanthanides' toxicity are practically nonexistent; with most research focusing on the effects of REE mixtures. Molecular level studies to elucidate the mechanisms of action of lanthanides are essentially limited to La, pointing to the need for further research to identify common mechanisms of action or modes of action across lanthanides. Overall, agreement on the correct procedures to follow to obtain reliable and comparable data for individual lanthanide is the first action to take in order to arrive at a reliable risk assessment for this group of elements in both aquatic and terrestrial systems.

Effect of some light rare earth elements on seed germination, seedling growth and antioxidant metabolism in Triticum durum

Rare earth elements (REEs) enriched fertilizers have been commonly used in China since the 1980s, thus inducing a growing concern about their environmental impact in agriculture. In this work, the effect of some light REEs nitrate mixture and La(3+) nitrate on seed germination, seedling growth and antioxidant metabolism in Triticum durum was investigated with the aim of clarifying the potential benefits or damages of REEs on plants. Seed pre-soaking for 8 h with La(3+) and REEs nitrate inhibited seed germination at low concentrations (0.01 mM and 0.1 mM), while pre-soaking for 2 and 4 h already inhibited seed germination when higher concentrations (1 mM and 10 mM) of La(3+) and REEs nitrate were used. La(3+) and REEs nitrate treatment also affected seedling growth. Root growth was enhanced and inhibited at low and high concentrations, respectively. Shoot growth was inhibited by La(3+) and REEs nitrate at all tested concentrations after 12 d of treatments. Enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants were differently affected by La(3+) and REEs nitrate and their behaviour changed also depending on the plant organ. In roots La(3+) and REEs nitrate treatments induced an increase in ascorbate (ASC) and glutathione (GSH) contents. In shoots only La(3+) nitrate induced an increase in the ASC content whereas GSH decreased following both La(3+) and REEs nitrate treatments. An increase in ASC peroxidase activity was observed in shoots and roots, while catalase did not change in roots and slightly decreased in shoots. The possible role of the increase in some antioxidants as indicators of stress caused by lanthanide treatments is discussed.

Can phosphate compounds be used to reduce the plant uptake of Pb and resist the Pb stress in Pb-contaminated soils?

The effects of different phosphate-amendments on lead (Pb) uptake, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) in contaminated soils with 2500, or 5000 mg P20s/kg soil of hydroxyapatite (HA), phosphate rock (PR), single-superphosphate (SSP) and the mix of HA/SSP (HASSP) were evaluated in pot experiments. Results showed that the Pb concentrations in shoots and roots decreased by 18.3%-51.6% and 16.8%-57.3% among the treatments respectively compared to the control samples. The efficiency order of these phosphate-amendments in reducing Pb uptake was as follows: HASSP approximately equal HA > SSP approximately equal PR. With the addition of SSP, HA and the mix of HA/SSP, the SOD activity in shoot was reduced markedly (P < 0.05) compared with that in the control group. For example, the SOD activities in shoot by the treatments of HASSP, SSP, and HA in 5000 mg P2O5/kg were found to be only 51.3%, 56.2%, and 56.7%, respectively. Similar effects were also observed on the level of MDA in the shoots with a decrease in 24.5%-56.3%. The results verified the inference that phosphate compounds could be used to reduce the plant uptake of Pb and resist the Pb stress in the plant vegetated in Pb-contaminated soils.

Characterisation of lanthanum toxicity for root growth of Arabidopsis thaliana from the aspect of natural genetic variation

The mechanism of lanthanum (La³⁺) toxicity on root growth of Arabidopsis was studied by physiological and genetic approaches using Landsberg erecta (Ler) × Columbia (Col) recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and other natural accessions. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses revealed regulation of La³⁺ tolerance of the Ler × Col RILs by multiple genetic factors consisted of three significant QTLs and seven epistatic interacting loci pairs. The La content in the root tip was not correlated with La³⁺ tolerance in the RILs, indicating that the observed La³⁺ rhizotoxicity was not related to direct toxicity of La³⁺ in the symplast. The La³⁺ tolerance of root growth in the RILs was not correlated with Al³⁺ and Cu²⁺ tolerances, but was correlated with tolerances for other rare earth elements, including Gd³⁺, a known Ca²⁺ channel antagonist, and verapamil, a Ca²⁺ channel blocker. The genetic architecture of verapamil tolerance in root growth, which was identified by QTL analysis, was closely related to that of La³⁺ tolerance. La³⁺ tolerance and verapamil tolerance or Gd³⁺ tolerance in natural accessions of Arabidopsis also showed a positive correlation. These results indicate that the major La³⁺ toxicity on the root growth of Arabidopsis may involve its action as a Ca²⁺ channel antagonist.

Effects of exogenous salicylic acid on growth and H2O2-metabolizing enzymes in rice seedlings under lead stress

Salicylic acid (SA) was an essential component of the plant resistance to pathogens and also plays an important role in mediating plant response to some abiotic stress. The possible effects of SA on the growth and H2O2-metabolizing enzymes in rice seedlings under lead stress were studied. When rice seedlings grown in nutrient solution containing Pb2+ (0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.25 mmol/L) for 18 d, the plant biomass as well as the chlorophyll content of leaves decreased with increasing Pb concentration. The pre-treatment with SA (treated with 0.1 mmol/L SA for 48 h before Pb stress) partially protected seedlings from Pb toxicity. The chlorophyll contents were significant higher in leaves of Pb-exposed with SA pre-treatment seedlings than in Pb-exposed plants at the same Pb intensity. SA pre-treated alone could significantly increase the length of shoot and root of seedlings but the vigour difference was not marked under long-term exposure to Pb toxicity. SA pre-treated influence the H202 level in leaves of seedlings by up-regulating the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), repressing the activity of catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) depending on the concentrations of Pb2+ in the growth medium. The results supported the conclusion that SA played a positive role in rice seedlings against Pb toxicity.

Evaluation of the phytotoxicity of contaminated sediments deposited "on soil": II. Impact of water draining from deposits on the development and physiological status of neighbouring plants at growth stage

As part of a study of the phytotoxic risk of spreading contaminated sediments "on soil", a laboratory experiment was carried out to assess the impact of water draining from sediments on peripheral vegetation. Drainage water was obtained in the laboratory by settling three sediments with different pollutants levels, and the supernatant solutions (respectively A1, B1, C1 drainage waters) were used as soaking water for maize (Zea maïs L.) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The physicochemical characteristics of the supernatant water, particularly metal contents, showed a pattern of contamination, with C1>A1>B1. The plants tested were grown on soil for 21 days, before being soaked for another 21-day period with drainage water (treatments) and distilled water (control). Biomass parameters (fresh weight, length, etc.), enzymatic activity [glutamine synthetase (GS), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPc)] and Zn, Cu, Cd and Cr contents were measured on both the shoots and roots of each plant. Biomass parameters were stimulated by C1, not affected by A1 and decreased with B1 for maize, whereas they increased for ryegrass in all the treatments. Compared to the control, GS activity was stimulated by C1 in the shoots of both plants and inhibited by treatments B1 and C1 in maize roots. PEPc activity in ryegrass was 1.5-5 times higher with contaminated water treatment, while contrasting effects were observed in maize plants. Both plants showed greater accumulation of chromium and zinc than cadmium and copper. Treatment A1 was found to be less active on plant growth and have a lower impact on the physiological status (enzymatic activities) of both plants. Treatment C1 stimulated the growth and physiological status of the plants, especially in shoots, with higher metal accumulation values in both plants. Treatment B1 was found to show more variable effects on growth indices, enzymatic activity and metal accumulation according to plant species.