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Vendrell-Puigmitja L, Bertrans-Tubau L, Roca-Ayats M, Llenas L, Proia L, Abril M. Exposure and recovery: The effect of different dilution factors of treated and untreated metal mining effluent on freshwater biofilm function and structure. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 268:106843. [PMID: 38281390 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106843] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Abandoned mines generate effluents rich in heavy metals, and these contaminants are released uncontrolled into the nearby aquatic ecosystems, causing severe pollution. However, no real solution exists, leaving a legacy of global pollution. In this study, the efficiency of the treatment technologies in reducing the ecological impacts of mining effluents to freshwater ecosystems with different dilution capacities was tested using biofilm communities as biological indicators. The functional and structural recovery capacity of biofilm communities after 21 days of exposure was assessed. With this aim, we sampled aquatic biofilms from a pristine stream and exposed them to treated (T) and untreated (U) metal mining effluent from Frongoch abandoned mine (Mid Wales, UK). Additionally, we simulated two different flow conditions for the receiving stream: high dilution (HD) and low dilution (LD). After exposure, the artificial streams were filled with artificial water for 14 days to assess the biofilm recovery. Unexposed biofilm served as control for biofilm responses (functional and structural) measured throughout time. During the exposure, short term effects on biofilm functioning (photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient uptake) were observed in T-LD, U-HD, and U-LD, whereas long term effects (community composition, chl-a, and diatom metrics) were observed on the structure of all biofilms exposed to the treated and untreated mining effluent. On the other hand, metal accumulation occurred in biofilms exposed to the mining effluents. However, a functional recovery was observed for all treatments, except in the U-LD in which biofilm structure did not present a significant recovery after the exposure period. The results presented here highlight the need to consider the dilution capacity of the receiving stream to assess the real efficiency of treatment technologies applied to mining effluents to mitigate the ecological impact on freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Vendrell-Puigmitja
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Lluís Bertrans-Tubau
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Maria Roca-Ayats
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Laia Llenas
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Proia
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Meritxell Abril
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain.
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Sabater S, Freixa A, Arias A, López-Doval J. Green and brown stream trophic food chains show specific responses to constant or hump-shaped inputs of copper. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:150740. [PMID: 34619213 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150740] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The brown food chain (based on decomposers) co-exists in streams with the green food chain (based on primary producers). The two trophic chains perform specific ecosystem functions which may be altered by the effect of contaminants. Copper is a common contaminant with recognized effects on several compartments of the two trophic chains. We applied it in two separate mesocosm experiments, in which we tested the effects of copper after contrasting patterns of contaminant exposure (constant vs hump-shaped). The constant input simulated a chronic contamination (average of 20 μg/L Cu), while the hump-shaped simulated the steady arrival of copper, the occurrence of a peak (reaching ca. 60 μg/L Cu), and its progressive decrease (down to 10-15 μg/L Cu). In the green trophic food chain, copper exposure decreased the total chlorophyll-a as well as the basal fluorescence and the photosynthetic yield. The treatment receiving hump-shaped inputs caused the highest mortality of the green food chain consumer, the snail Radix balthica. In the chronic copper exposure, mortality achieved a maximum of 80% by the end of the experiment but occurred later than that in the hump-shaped treatment. Effects on the brown food chain were not so pronounced; the microbial decomposition rate of leaflitter decreased nearly ca. 50% after 14 days of copper exposure. Effects on decomposition translated into the ingestion performance of detritivores, which decreased in the two copper treatments. Our results provide evidence that copper affected the two trophic food chains. The hump-shaped arrival included a peak of high concentration, which caused lethal effects on the consumers, but also a decreasing limb, which allowed a partial recovery of the algal photosynthetic variables. Our results suggest the need to consider the different compartments and functions performed within the stream trophic web when evaluating the effects of a contaminant in a river ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Sabater
- Catalan Institute of Water Research (ICRA), Carrer Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain; GRECO, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Campus de Montilivi, 17071 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Freixa
- Catalan Institute of Water Research (ICRA), Carrer Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain; GRECO, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Campus de Montilivi, 17071 Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Ander Arias
- NEIKER, Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Parque tecnológico de Bizkaia, Parcela 812, Berreaga 1, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Julio López-Doval
- Catalan Institute of Water Research (ICRA), Carrer Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain; University of Girona, Plaça de Sant Domènec 3, 17004 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
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3
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Andersson B, Godhe A, Filipsson HL, Rengefors K, Berglund O. Differences in metal tolerance among strains, populations, and species of marine diatoms - Importance of exponential growth for quantification. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 226:105551. [PMID: 32707232 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Strains of microalgae vary in traits between species and populations due to adaptation or stochastic processes. Traits of individual strains may also vary depending on the acclimatization state and external forces, such as abiotic stress. In this study we tested how metal tolerance differs among marine diatoms at three organizational levels: species, populations, and strains. At the species level we compared two pelagic Baltic Sea diatoms (Skeletonema marinoi and Thalassiosira baltica). We found that the between-species differences in tolerance (EC50) to the biologically active metals (Cu, Co, Ni, and Zn) was similar to that within-species. In contrast, the two species differed significantly in tolerance towards the non-essential metals, Ag (three-fold higher in T. baltica), Pb and Cd (two and three-fold higher in S. marinoi). At the population level, we found evidence that increased tolerance against Cu and Co (17 and 41 % higher EC50 on average, respectively) had evolved in a S. marinoi population subjected to historical mining activity. On a strain level we demonstrate how the growth phase of cultures (i.e., cellular densities above exponential growth) modulated dose-response relationships to Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, and Zn. Specifically, the EC50's were reduced by 10-60 % in non-exponentially growing S. marinoi (strain RO5AC), depending on metal. For the essential metals these differences were often larger than the average differences between the two species and populations. Consequently, without careful experimental design, interactions between nutrient limitation and metal stress may interfere with detection of small, but evolutionary and ecologically important, differences in tolerance between microalgae. To avoid such artifacts, we outline a semi-continuous cultivation approach that maintains, and empirically tests, that exponential growth is achieved. We argue that such an approach is essential to enable comparison of population or strain differences in tolerance using dose-response tests on cultures of microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Andersson
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Anna Godhe
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Olof Berglund
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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4
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Gonçalves S, Kahlert M, Almeida SFP, Figueira E. A freshwater diatom challenged by Zn: Biochemical, physiological and metabolomic responses of Tabellaria flocculosa(Roth) Kützing. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 238:959-971. [PMID: 29715753 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are under threatening anthropogenic pressures worldwide, namely by metals. Diatoms are used as water quality indicators, but the influence of micronutrients such as Zn and its impacts are poorly understood. Thus, our study aimed to elucidate the tolerance level, the cellular targets and the responses to counteract Zn toxicity of freshwater diatoms by exposing Tabellaria flocculosa, isolated from a Zn contaminated stream. Biochemical, physiological and metabolomic approaches were used. It was demonstrated that Zn is toxic to T. flocculosa at concentrations occurring in contaminated environments. At low stress (30 μg Zn/L) few alterations in the metabolome were observed, but the enzymatic (SOD, CAT) and molecular (GSH, GSSG) antioxidant systems were induced, protecting cells from oxidative stress. At moderate stress (500 μg Zn/L) the main changes occurred in the metabolome (increases in fatty acids, amino acids, terpenoids, glycerol and phosphate, decreases in sucrose and lumichrome) with a moderate increase in cell damage (LPO and PC). The concerted action of all these mechanisms resulted in a non-significant decrease of growth, explaining the survival of this T. flocculosa strain in an environment with this Zn concentration. At the highest stress level (1000 μg Zn/L) the metabolome was identical to 500 μg Zn/L, and the induction of antioxidant systems and extracellular ion chelation (exopolysaccharides, frustulins) were the main responses to the increase of Zn toxicity. However, these mechanisms were unable to effectively abrogate cellular damage and growth reduction was observed. Moreover, the decrease in sucrose and especially in lumichrome should be tested as new specific markers of Zn toxicity. The information obtained in this study can assist in environmental risk assessment policies, support the prediction of diatom behaviour in highly impacted Zn environments, such as mining scenarios, and may help develop new indices, which include alterations induced by metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gonçalves
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Kahlert
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Salomé F P Almeida
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; GeoBioTec - GeoBioSciences, GeoTechnologies and GeoEngineering Research Centre, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Etelvina Figueira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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5
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Mosa A, El-Ghamry A, Tolba M. Functionalized biochar derived from heavy metal rich feedstock: Phosphate recovery and reusing the exhausted biochar as an enriched soil amendment. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 198:351-363. [PMID: 29421750 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper provides a circular win-win approach for recycling rhizofiltration biomass into multifunctional engineered biochar for various environmental applications (e.g. phosphate recovery) with a potential reuse of the exhausted biochar as an enriched soil amendment. Functionalized biochars were derived from the disposals of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) plants grown in synthetic contaminated water spiked with either Fe2+ (Fe-B), Mn2+ (Mn-B), Zn2+ (Zn-B) or Cu2+ (Cu-B) comparing with the original drainage water as a control treatment (O-B). The in-situ functionalization of biochar via the inherently heavy metal-rich feedstock produced homogenous organo-mineral complexes on biochar matrix without environmental hazards (e.g. volatilization or chemical sludge formation) associated with other post-synthetic functionalization methods. Physicochemical analyses (SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, BET and zeta potential (ζ)) confirmed the functionalization of Fe-B, Zn-B and Cu-B due to organo-mineral complexes formation, maximizing specific surface area, lowering the electronegativity, originating positively charged functional groups, and thus improving the anion exchange capacity (AEC) comparing with O-B. In contrary, physicochemical characteristics of Mn-B was in similarity with those of O-B. Phosphate recovery by the functionalized biochar was much greater than that of the unfunctionalized forms (O-B and Mn-B). Precipitation was the dominant chemisorption mechanisms for phosphate sorption onto biochar compared to other mechanisms (ion exchange, electrostatic attraction and complexation with active functional groups). The exhausted biochar showed an ameliorating effect on the low water and nutrient supply potentials of sandy soil, and thus improved fresh biomass yield and nutritional status of maize seedlings with some restrictions on its high micronutrient content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mosa
- Soils Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Ayman El-Ghamry
- Soils Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mona Tolba
- Soils Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
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6
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Podporska-Carroll J, Myles A, Quilty B, McCormack DE, Fagan R, Hinder SJ, Dionysiou DD, Pillai SC. Antibacterial properties of F-doped ZnO visible light photocatalyst. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2017; 324:39-47. [PMID: 26782784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanocrystalline ZnO photocatalysts were prepared by a sol-gel method and modified with fluorine to improve their photocatalytic anti-bacterial activity in visible light. Pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) were employed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of synthesized materials. The interaction with biological systems was assessed by analysis of the antibacterial properties of bacteria suspended in 2% (w/w) powder solutions. The F-doping was found to be effective against S. aureus (99.99% antibacterial activity) and E. coli (99.87% antibacterial activity) when irradiated with visible light. Production of reactive oxygen species is one of the major factors that negatively impact bacterial growth. In addition, the nanosize of the ZnO particles can also be toxic to microorganisms. The small size and high surface-to-volume ratio of the ZnO nanoparticles are believed to play a role in enhancing antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Podporska-Carroll
- Center for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), DIT FOCAS Institute, Kevin St., Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Adam Myles
- Center for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), DIT FOCAS Institute, Kevin St., Dublin, Ireland; School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin St., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brid Quilty
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Declan E McCormack
- Center for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), DIT FOCAS Institute, Kevin St., Dublin, Ireland; School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin St., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rachel Fagan
- Center for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), DIT FOCAS Institute, Kevin St., Dublin, Ireland; School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin St., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Steven J Hinder
- The Surface Analysis Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Dionysios D Dionysiou
- Environmental Engineering and Science Program, Department of Biomedical, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DBCEE), 705 Engineering Research Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0012, USA.
| | - Suresh C Pillai
- Center for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), DIT FOCAS Institute, Kevin St., Dublin, Ireland; Nanotechnology Research Group, Department of Environmental Science, PEM Centre, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland.
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Gao C, De Schamphelaere KAC, Smolders E. Zinc toxicity to the alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata decreases under phosphate limiting growth conditions. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 173:74-82. [PMID: 26851570 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that phosphorus (P) deficiency can increase the sensitivity of microalgae to toxic trace metals, potentially due to reduced metal detoxification at low cell P quota. The existing evidence is, however, inconsistent. This study was set up to determine the combined effects of zinc (Zn) and P supplies on Zn and P bioaccumulation and growth of the green microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Zinc toxicity was investigated in (i) a 24h growth rate assay with cells varying in initial cell P quota (0.5-1.7% P on cell dry weight) with no supplemental P during Zn exposure (Expt. 1) and in (ii) a 48h growth assay initiated with cells at the end of a 14-days steady state culture at three P addition rates (RARs) between 0.8 and 1.6day(-1) (Expt.2). The solution Zn concentrations required to reduce final cell density by 10% relative to control (EbC10) were 5-fold (Expt.1) or 2-fold (Expt.2) lower at the highest P supply than at the lowest P supply, i.e. Zn was more toxic at higher P supply, in contrast with the suggestions from previous studies. Cell P quota increased with increasing Zn in the exposure solution (Expt.2), thereby partially overcoming P deficiency under moderate Zn toxicity compared to low Zn exposure. Similarly, cell Zn increased with increasing P supply, potentially induced by Zn-P complexation or precipitation inside the cell. A dynamic growth model accounting for effects of external Zn and internal P on the specific growth rate was calibrated to all data. This model shows that the effect of solution Zn on specific growth rate (ErC50) was statistically unaffected by cell P quota. In contrast, this model predicts that the EbC10 (i.e. EC10 based on cell numbers) varies with P supply because cell P depends on external P and Zn. Moreover, scenario analysis predicts even contrasting trends of the EbC10 with increasing P supply depending on the duration of the growth assay and the P supply scenario. Our data at two experimental scenarios and the prediction under various relevant scenarios suggest a weaker effect of secondary stress factor (Zn) when nutrient deficiency (first stress factor) is prevailing.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gao
- Division of Soil and Water Management, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
| | - K A C De Schamphelaere
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, J. Plateaustraat 22, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - E Smolders
- Division of Soil and Water Management, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
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Chia MA, Lombardi AT, Melão MDGG, Parrish CC. Lipid composition of Chlorella vulgaris (Trebouxiophyceae) as a function of different cadmium and phosphate concentrations. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 128-129:171-82. [PMID: 23306106 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acids are the fundamental structural components of membrane lipids, and the degree of saturation of the long hydrocarbon chains in microalgae contributes to regulation of growth, biomass production and reproduction of aquatic consumers. This research aimed at evaluating the effects of cadmium (2×10(-8); 10(-7) mol L(-1) Cd) on lipid class and fatty acid composition of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris under varying phosphate (PO(4)(3-)) concentrations (6.0×10(-7) to 2.3×10(-4) mol L(-1)). Under PO(4)(3-) limitation and Cd stress, the storage lipid class triacylglycerol (TAG) was the most accumulated among the lipid classes. Fatty acid composition revealed that the degree of saturation increased with increasing Cd stress and PO(4)(3-) limitation. Decreasing PO(4)(3-) and increasing Cd concentrations resulted in higher saturated fatty acid (SAFA) and monounsaturated FA (MUFA) concentrations. Total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and ω3 PUFA, and PUFA:SAFA ratios were higher in the control (2.3×10(-4) mol L(-1) PO(4)(3-)) cells than in either PO(4)(3-) limitation or Cd stress, or in the combination of both stresses. Contrasting with all the other PUFAs, 18:2n - 6 increased as PO(4)(3-) limitation increased. A significant positive relationship of PUFAs, acetone mobile polar lipids (AMPL) and phospholipids (PL) with phosphate concentration in the culture media was obtained, while TAG concentrations had a positive association with total MUFA and SAFA. Total SAFA, 14:0, 18:1n - 9 and 18:2n - 6 were positively correlated with Cd and negatively with PO(4)(3-) concentrations. The microalga responded to combined PO(4)(3-) limitation and Cd exposure by increasing its total lipid production and significantly altering its lipid composition. The FA 18:2n - 6 may be considered a stress biomarker for PO(4)(3-) limitation and Cd stress in C. vulgaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Ahii Chia
- Department of Botany, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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9
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Bonet B, Corcoll N, Guasch H. Antioxidant enzyme activities as biomarkers of Zn pollution in fluvial biofilms. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2012; 80:172-178. [PMID: 22421453 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2012.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The potential of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) as molecular biomarkers of Zn toxicity in freshwater biofilms has been explored in this study jointly with other classical functional and structural endpoints (photosynthetic parameters, algal group composition and bioaccumulation). Biofilms were colonized in an indoor microcosm system for 5 weeks and then exposed to Zn for 5 weeks. To evaluate Zn effects, biofilms were sampled 5 and 3 days before exposure, just before exposure (time 0), and after 6h, 1, 3, 7, 21 and 35 days of metal exposure. Most endpoints measured were affected by Zn exposure (320 μg Zn L(-1)) during both periods of exposure. APX was the only functional parameter responding after a few hours of Zn exposure, highlighting its use as an early toxicity biomarker. Structural changes began after 3 days of exposure, starting with a decrease in algal biomass and an increase in the OD 430:665 ratio. Structural changes in biofilm communities were observed after 1 week, leading to a shift from diatoms to cyanobacteria and green algae-dominated communities. CAT activity was thereafter enhanced (after three weeks of exposure) and attributed not only to a direct effect of Zn bioaccumulation but also to an indirect effect of the community composition changes driven by chronic metal exposure. It can be concluded that biofilm antioxidant enzyme activities may provide evidence of early stress caused by metal exposure and also provide information about the mechanism of community adaptation. This information can be of great interest to improve current tools used for risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Bonet
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Campus de Montilivi, 17071 Girona, Spain.
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10
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Guasch H, Bonet B, Bonnineau C, Corcoll N, López-Doval JC, Muñoz I, Ricart M, Serra A, Clements W. How to Link Field Observations with Causality? Field and Experimental Approaches Linking Chemical Pollution with Ecological Alterations. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-25722-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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11
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Schmitt-Jansen M, von der Ohe PC, Franz S, Rotter S, Sabater S, de Zwart D, Segner H. Ecological Relevance of Key Toxicants in Aquatic Systems. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-18384-3_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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12
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Serra A, Guasch H, Admiraal W, Van der Geest HG, Van Beusekom SAM. Influence of phosphorus on copper sensitivity of fluvial periphyton: the role of chemical, physiological and community-related factors. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2010; 19:770-80. [PMID: 20024616 PMCID: PMC2844973 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-009-0454-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The influence of eutrophication of fluvial ecosystems (caused by increased phosphorus concentrations) on periphyton Cu sensitivity is explored from a multi-scale perspective, going from the field to the laboratory. The study design included three tiers: a field study including the characterization of land use and the ecological state of the corresponding river sections in the Fluvià River watershed, an experimental investigation performed with natural periphyton from the previously studied stream sites in indoor channels, and finally a culture study in the laboratory. Results showed that differences in copper sensitivity of natural periphyton communities followed the gradient of nutrient concentration found in the field. Results from the culture experiments demonstrated that both, P-conditions during growth and P-content in the media are important factors modulating the toxicological response of algae to Cu. The observations from this study indicate that the ecological effects of metal pollution in rivers might be obscured by eutrophication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Serra
- Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona (UdG), Campus Montilivi, 17071, Girona, Spain.
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Guasch H, Serra A, Corcoll N, Bonet B, Leira M. Metal Ecotoxicology in Fluvial Biofilms: Potential Influence of Water Scarcity. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2009_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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14
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The relevance of the community approach linking chemical and biological analyses in pollution assessment. Trends Analyt Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2009.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Rajkumar M, Ma Y, Freitas H. Characterization of metal-resistant plant-growth promotingBacillus weihenstephanensisisolated from serpentine soil in Portugal. J Basic Microbiol 2008; 48:500-8. [PMID: 18785659 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.200800073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mani Rajkumar
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Botany, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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16
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Ogilvie LA, Grant A. Linking pollution induced community tolerance (PICT) and microbial community structure in chronically metal polluted estuarine sediments. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2008; 65:187-198. [PMID: 18054072 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2007.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2007] [Revised: 10/17/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We tested the ability of pollution induced community tolerance (PICT) to detect the effects of chronic metal pollution on estuarine sediment microbial communities, along a gradient spanning two orders of magnitude in metal concentrations. In tandem, we investigated the associated microbial community structure using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). Tolerance of microbes to Cu, measured as IC50 (inhibitory concentration 50%), was strongly correlated with pore water Cu concentration (r(2)=0.842). No strong correlation existed for other metals tested, highlighting the ability of PICT to identify the pollutant causing a toxic effect. There was no correlation between microbial community structure and community tolerance to metals tested, but analysis of community structure did provide some information on reasons for observed PICT response. PICT methodology used here provided a greater strength and consistency of association with pollutant concentration compared to microbial community structure and can be recommended as a sensitive indicator of metal pollution on estuarine sediment microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley A Ogilvie
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK.
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17
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Crane M, Burton GA, Culp JM, Greenberg MS, Munkittrick KR, Ribeiro R, Salazar MH, St-Jean SD. Review of aquatic in situ approaches for stressor and effect diagnosis. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2007; 3:234-45. [PMID: 17477291 DOI: 10.1897/ieam_2006-027.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Field-based (in situ) approaches are used increasingly for measuring biological effects and for stressor diagnoses in aquatic systems because these assessment tools provide realistic exposure environments that are rarely replicated in laboratory toxicity tests. Providing realistic exposure scenarios is important because environmental conditions can alter toxicity through complex exposure dynamics (e.g., multiple stressor interactions). In this critical review, we explore the information provided by aquatic in situ exposure and monitoring methods when compared with more traditional approaches and discuss the associated strengths and limitations of these techniques. In situ approaches can, under some circumstances, provide more valuable information to a decision maker than information from surveys of resident biota, laboratory toxicity tests, or chemical analyses alone. A decision tree is provided to assist decision makers in determining when in situ approaches can add value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Crane
- Watts & Crane Associates, 23 London Street, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 7AG, United Kingdom.
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18
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Drost W, Matzke M, Backhaus T. Heavy metal toxicity to Lemna minor: studies on the time dependence of growth inhibition and the recovery after exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2007; 67:36-43. [PMID: 17157350 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2006] [Revised: 09/18/2006] [Accepted: 10/04/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental concentrations of toxic substances are not necessarily constant but fluctuate over time. Periods of intense exposure might be followed by episodes with a relatively low or no exposure, in principle allowing exposed organisms to recover from toxic injury. The growth reproduction assay with the limnic vascular plant Lemna minor allows for convenient studies on the time dependence of the aquatic toxicity of chemicals. Here we report on a study with four priority metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd). Aims of the study were to determine the impact of the exposure duration on the observed toxicities and to determine the potential for recovery. The bioconcentrations of the test metals were recorded during the exposure in order to analyse, whether changes in the internal concentrations are a governing factor for the dynamics of toxicity. After an exposure of 7 days, Cd and Cu showed the highest toxicity to Lemna (EC50's of 1.9 and 9.7 microM respectively), while Ni and Zn had a slightly lower toxicity (EC50's of 56.3 and 46.1 microM respectively). Additionally, Zn showed a severely delayed toxicity and the exposed plants did not recover even 7 days after the exposure had ended. This is in sharp contrast to the other test metals, for which a considerable recovery was observed. These results indicate the necessity to more thoroughly consider the dynamics of toxicity, instead of recording toxic effects only after a constant exposure over a fixed time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Drost
- Institute for Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Germany.
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19
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Sabater S, Guasch H, Ricart M, Romaní A, Vidal G, Klünder C, Schmitt-Jansen M. Monitoring the effect of chemicals on biological communities. The biofilm as an interface. Anal Bioanal Chem 2007; 387:1425-34. [PMID: 17225111 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-006-1051-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2006] [Revised: 11/23/2006] [Accepted: 11/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms can be regarded as early warning systems for detection of the effects of toxicants on aquatic systems, because they have been successfully used for detection of other environmental stressors (e.g. pH, salinity, organic pollution). A variety of methods is used for detection of the effects of toxicants by use of biofilms. The methods range from structurally-based to functionally-based, and from in vitro-based to systemic approaches. Physiological approaches may be appropriate for detection of acute effects. Among these methods, photosynthesis is more related to the effect of toxicants affecting algal communities, directly or indirectly, and extracellular enzyme activity is less specific. Selecting one or the other may depend on the suspected direct effect of the toxicant. Integrated studies have revealed the relevance of toxicants to top-down or bottom-up regulation of the biofilm community. Persistent or chronic effects should affect other biofilm indicators, for example growth or biomass-related factors (e.g. chlorophyll), or community composition. Among these, community composition might better reflect the effects of the toxicant(s), because this may cause a shift from a sensitive to a progressively tolerant community. Community composition-based approaches do not usually adequately reflect cause-effect relationships and require complementary analysis of properties affected in the short-term, for example physiological properties. The current array of methods available must be wisely combined to disentangle the effects of chemicals on biofilms, and whether these effects are transient or persistent, to successfully translate the chemical action of toxicants into the effect they might have on the river ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Sabater
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, Universitat de Girona, Campus Montili, Girona, Spain.
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20
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Guasch H, Lehmann V, van Beusekom B, Sabater S, Admiraal W. Influence of phosphate on the response of periphyton to atrazine exposure. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2007; 52:32-7. [PMID: 17061052 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-005-0186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2005] [Accepted: 06/17/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
After indications from the literature that nutrient concentrations may modify the toxicity of herbicides to natural periphyton communities, this study aims to provide experimental proof for atrazine. In this microcosm experiment, phosphate (P) addition did not ameliorate atrazine toxicity to periphyton. Three weeks of P addition did not increase atrazine tolerance (measured as EC50 in acute toxicity tests), whereas exposure to atrazine under conditions that were either P-limited or non-P-limited clearly reduced the development of algal biomass. Long-term exposure to atrazine induced tolerance of the community to the herbicide, and this was not influenced by P addition. Tolerance induction in this microcosm experiment has been compared with previously published field data from the same area of study and indicates that tolerance induction by atrazine may take place under atrazine exposure in streams as well as in microcosms.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Guasch
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University Girona (UdG), Campus de Montilivi, 17071, Girona, Spain.
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21
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Maraldo K, Dahllöf I. Seasonal variations in the effect of zinc pyrithione and copper pyrithione on pelagic phytoplankton communities. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2004; 69:189-198. [PMID: 15261454 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2004.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2003] [Revised: 05/20/2004] [Accepted: 05/28/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between environmental factors, community composition and the sensitivity of pelagic phytoplankton to the antifouling agents zinc pyrithione (ZPT) and copper pyrithione (CPT) was studied using phytoplankton communities collected from March until August 2001 in Roskilde fjord, Denmark. Sensitivity to ZPT and CPT was measured as EC50 values obtained from dose-response curves of photosynthesis to ZPT and CPT. EC50 for ZPT and CPT varied between 2 and 60 nM and 4 and 25 nM, respectively. Changes in sensitivity throughout the season were related to changes in phytoplankton community composition and density, and to nutrient levels. It was found that the variation in sensitivity of ZPT and CPT was related to the abundance of the groups Cryptophyceae, Bacillariophycaea and Dinophyceae when they were dominating the community. Furthermore, the sensitivity to ZPT was increased at low concentrations of phosphate per cell (<0.2 nmol/cell). For CPT there was a negative correlation between toxicity and phosphate concentration in the water. Consequently, in aquatic environments where phytoplankton is phosphate limited the effect of ZPT and CPT may be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Maraldo
- Department of Marine Ecology, National Environmental Research Institute, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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22
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Schmitt-Jansen M, Reiners S, Altenburger R. Biozönotisches Testverfahren (PICT-Konzept). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1065/uwsf2003.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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