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Lee H, Kim G, Depuydt S, Shin K, Han T, Park J. Metal Toxicity across Different Thallus Sections of the Green Macroalga, Ulva australis. TOXICS 2023; 11:548. [PMID: 37505514 PMCID: PMC10384764 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to identify functional differences between different sections of the thallus of Ulva australis and develop tissue-endpoint combinations to assess the toxicity of six metals (i.e., Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni). EC50 values for these metals in three sections of the thallus of Ulva were obtained for multiple endpoints: relative growth rate (RGR), chlorophyll a fluorescence, pigment contents, and the expression of the photosynthesis-related gene, rbcL. The responses of the endpoints varied across the respective thallus sections; overall, the most toxic metals were Ag and Cu. These endpoints were the best for evaluating metal toxicity: ETRmax of the middle thallus sections for Ag toxicity; RGR of the middle thallus section for As and Cd; ETRmax of the marginal thallus section for Cr; Chl b contents of the marginal thallus section for Cu; RGR of the basal thallus section for Ni. The EC50 values for the inhibition of ETRmax in middle (0.06 mg∙L-1) and Chl b in the marginal thallus sections (0.06 mg∙L-1) were all lower than those of the quality standard for wastewater discharge values of Ag and Cu in Republic of Korea and the US, pointing to the suitability of U. australis-based endpoints for risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojun Lee
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Geonhee Kim
- Department of Marine Science, Incheon National University, 119, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephen Depuydt
- Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Nijverheidskaai 170, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kisik Shin
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), 42, Hwangyeong-ro, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Taejun Han
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653-Block F, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Jihae Park
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653-Block F, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental and Energy Research, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
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Ferreira N, Viana T, Henriques B, Tavares DS, Jacinto J, Colónia J, Pinto J, Pereira E. Application of response surface methodology and box-behnken design for the optimization of mercury removal by Ulva sp. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130405. [PMID: 36437192 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global and top priority contaminant, toxic at low concentrations. Although it has been progressively eliminated from processes, this metal continues to circulate in the atmosphere, soil, and water. In this work, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) combined with a Box-Behnken Design (3 factors - 3 levels) was used to optimize key operational conditions that influence the removal and uptake of Hg by living macroalga Ulva sp. in a complex mixture containing several elements used in industry (potentially toxic elements, rare earth elements, and platinum-group elements) (initial concentration 10, 100 and 190 µg/L, salinity 15, 25 and 35, seaweed stock density 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 g/L). Results evidenced the great capability of Ulva sp. to remove Hg, with removal efficiencies between 69 % and 97 %. 3-D surfaces showed that the most impactful variable was seaweed stock density, with higher densities leading to higher removal. Regarding the uptake, a positive correlation between initial concentration and qt values was observed. The appliance of RSM made possible to obtain optimal operating conditions for removing virtually 100 % of Hg from waters with high ionic strength, which is a pivotal step in the direction of the application of this remediation biotechnology at large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Thainara Viana
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Henriques
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Central Laboratory of Analysis, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Daniela S Tavares
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Jacinto
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Colónia
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Pinto
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Central Laboratory of Analysis, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Jiang M, Gao L, Huang R, Lin X, Gao G. Differential responses of bloom-forming Ulva intestinalis and economically important Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis to marine heatwaves under changing nitrate conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 840:156591. [PMID: 35688236 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are affecting the survival of macroalgae. However, little is known regarding how the impacts of MHWs are regulated by nitrogen availability. In this study, we investigated the physiological and genetic responses of a green-tide macroalga Ulva intestinalis Linnaeus and a commercially cultivated macroalga Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (Bory) E.Y. Dawson, Acleto & Foldvik under different nitrate conditions to simulated MHWs. Under nitrogen limited conditions (LN), heatwaves did not significantly affect biomass or Fv/Fm of U. intestinalis although it led to an earlier biomass decline due to more reproduction events, and meanwhile an upregulation in genes related to TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation was detected, supporting sporulation. Under nitrogen replete conditions (HN), heatwaves did not change biomass, Fv/Fm or photosynthetic pigments but reduced reproduction rate along with insignificant change of oxidative phosphorylation and TCA cycle related genes. Meanwhile, genes related to photosynthesis and glutathione metabolism were upregulated. Regarding G. lemaneiformis, heatwaves reduced its Fv/Fm and photosynthetic pigments content, leading to bleaching and death, and photosynthesis-related genes were also downregulated at LN. Fv/Fm was improved and photosynthesis-related genes were up-regulated by the combination of nitrogen enrichment and heatwaves, whereas G. lemaneiformis remained bleached and died by day 12. Therefore, U. intestinalis could survive heatwaves through shifting to micropropagules at LN and protecting its photosynthesis at HN. In contrast, G. lemaneiformis died of bleaching when suffering heatwaves regardless of nitrogen availability. These findings suggest that in future oceans with eutrophication and MHWs, the harmful alga U. intestinalis may have more advantages over the economic alga G. lemaneiformis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Ruiping Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Guang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science & College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
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Liu X, Blomme J, Bogaert KA, D’hondt S, Wichard T, Deforce D, Van Nieuwerburgh F, De Clerck O. Transcriptional dynamics of gametogenesis in the green seaweed Ulva mutabilis identifies an RWP-RK transcription factor linked to reproduction. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:19. [PMID: 34991492 PMCID: PMC8734247 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03361-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular mechanism underlying sexual reproduction in land plants is well understood in model plants and is a target for crop improvement. However, unlike land plants, the genetic basis involved in triggering reproduction and gamete formation remains elusive in most seaweeds, which are increasingly viewed as an alternative source of functional food and feedstock for energy applications. RESULTS Gametogenesis of Ulva mutabilis, a model organism for green seaweeds, was studied. We analyzed transcriptome dynamics at different time points during gametogenesis following induction of reproduction by fragmentation and removal of sporulation inhibitors. Analyses demonstrated that 45% of the genes in the genome were differentially expressed during gametogenesis. We identified several transcription factors that potentially play a key role in the early gametogenesis of Ulva given the function of their homologs in higher plants and microalgae. In particular, the detailed expression pattern of an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor containing an RWP-RK domain suggested a key role during Ulva gametogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Transcriptomic analyses of gametogenesis in the green seaweed Ulva highlight the importance of a conserved RWP-RK transcription factor in the induction of sexual reproduction. The identification of putative master regulators of gametogenesis provides a starting point for further functional characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Liu
- Phycology Research Group and Center for Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jonas Blomme
- Phycology Research Group and Center for Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kenny A. Bogaert
- Phycology Research Group and Center for Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie D’hondt
- Phycology Research Group and Center for Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Wichard
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Jena School for Microbial Communication, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Olivier De Clerck
- Phycology Research Group and Center for Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Vockenberg T, Wichard T, Ueberschaar N, Franke M, Stelter M, Braeutigam P. The sorption behaviour of amine micropollutants on polyethylene microplastics - impact of aging and interactions with green seaweed. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:1678-1687. [PMID: 32638776 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00119h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment. Due to still rising global production, the emission of polymers into the environment and the abundance of microplastics have increased accordingly. Due to the long mineralization processes of microplastics, distribution in all compartments can be found. The hydrophobic surfaces of the particles can sorb chemical pollutants, therefore providing a potential pathway to accumulation by organisms within the food web. However, little is known about how long-term aging and degradation processes of microplastics can affect the sorption behaviours of organic pollutants on the particles. In this study, important industrial additives of emerging environmental concern, such as hydrophobic aromatic amines, were studied in relation to their sorption behaviour on high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene microplastics. Diphenylamine (log POW (logarithmic octanol-water partition coefficient) = 3.5) showed strong sorption, carbamazepine (log POW = 2.5) showed moderate sorption, and aniline (log POW = 0.9) showed no detectable sorption behaviour. Artificially aged particles exposed to photochemical aging and long-term mechanical treatment in water were compared to pristine microplastics. While mechanically aged microplastics promoted the sorption of aromatic amines, photochemically aged particles showed a decrease in sorption capacity due to changed surface chemistry. Importantly, the sorption capacity increased with increasing salinity, leading to strong implications for ocean systems, as an elevated uptake of pollutants could occur under marine conditions. Moreover, our study demonstrates that the ecotoxicological effects of diphenylamine on the growth of the seaweed Ulva (sea lettuce, Chlorophyta) were reduced in the presence of microplastics. As the plastic particles withdrew enough contaminants from solution, even toxic levels of diphenylamine (c = 10-4 M) became tolerable for the algae. However, the pollutants initially sorbed on the microplastics can be released again at a later point in the ageing process, thus having delayed pollution potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorben Vockenberg
- Institute of Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. and Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC Jena), Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Wichard
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Nico Ueberschaar
- Mass Spectrometry Platform, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcus Franke
- Institute of Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. and Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC Jena), Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Stelter
- Institute of Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. and Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC Jena), Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany and Fraunhofer IKTS, Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems, Hermsdorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Braeutigam
- Institute of Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. and Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC Jena), Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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Lee H, Park J, Shin K, Depuydt S, Choi S, De Saeger J, Han T. Application of a programmed semi-automated Ulva pertusa bioassay for testing single toxicants and stream water quality. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 221:105426. [PMID: 32036234 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A toxicity test based on inhibition of reproduction in the green macroalga Ulva pertusa involves quantifying the change in thallus color as reproduction progresses. However, interpretation of this color change is reliant on the skill level of the examiner. This study aimed to validate a new toxicity test based on inhibition of reproduction in the green macroalga U. pertusa using a vital stain and programmed semi-automated analysis (using Image J) of the change in thallus color. The toxicity rank by inverse EC50 values was: irgarol (0.048 mg L-1) > Ag (0.132 mg L-1) > As (0.172 mg L-1) > simazine (0.378 mg L-1) > formaldehyde (0.442 mg L-1) > DCOIT (0.783 mg L-1) > ZnPT (3.556 mg L-1) > medetomidine (11.600 mg L-1) > phenol (29.316 mg L-1) > methanol (2,736 mg L-1) > ethanol (3,306 mg L-1). The sensitivity of the U. pertusa test to stream waters was similar to or lower than those of the commonly-used Lemna minor and Daphnia magna bioassays. The U. pertusa bioassay is sensitive to, and suitable for, testing various toxicants including metals, volatile organic compounds, herbicide, antifouling agents and phenol and can also be applied to testing freshwater quality after salinity adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojun Lee
- Department of Marine Science, Incheon National University, 119, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea; Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihae Park
- Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21985, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kisik Shin
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, 42, Hwangyeong-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephen Depuydt
- Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeon Choi
- Department of Marine Science, Incheon National University, 119, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonas De Saeger
- Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Taejun Han
- Department of Marine Science, Incheon National University, 119, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea; Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21985, Republic of Korea.
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