1
|
Thakuria A, Singh KK, Dutta A, Corton E, Stom D, Barbora L, Goswami P. Phytoremediation of toxic chemicals in aquatic environment with special emphasis on duckweed mediated approaches. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2023; 25:1699-1713. [PMID: 36941761 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2023.2188423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The discharge of toxic chemicals into water bodies and their linked detrimental effects on health is a global concern. Phytoremediation, an environment-friendly plant-based technology, has gained intensive interest over the last decades. For the aquatic phytoremediation process, the commonly available duckweeds have recently attracted significant attention due to their capacity to grow in diverse ecological niches, fast growth characteristics, suitable morphology for easy handling of biomass, and capacity to remove and detoxify various potential toxic elements and compounds. This review presents the progress of duckweed-assisted aquatic phytoremediation of toxic chemicals. A brief background of general phytoremediation processes, including the different phytoremediation methods and advances in understanding their underlying mechanisms, has been described. A summary of different approaches commonly practiced to assess the growth of the plants and their metal removal capacity in the phytoremediation process has also been included. A vast majority of studies have established that duckweed is an efficient plant catalyst to accumulate toxic heavy metals and organic contaminants, such as pesticides, fluorides, toxins, and aromatic compounds, reducing their toxicity from water bodies. The potential of this plant-based phytoremediation process for its downstream applications in generating value-added products for the rural economy and industrial interest has been identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparupa Thakuria
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India
| | - Kundan Kumar Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India
| | - Arup Dutta
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India
| | - Eduardo Corton
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis, IQUIBICEN-CONICET and FCEN-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Devard Stom
- Faculty of Biology and Soil, Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Lepakshi Barbora
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India
| | - Pranab Goswami
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Petrová Š, Soudek P. Ecotoxicity Study of Additives Composed of Zinc and Boron. TOXICS 2022; 10:795. [PMID: 36548628 PMCID: PMC9782054 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The high use of additives containing zinc borate and their limited solubility in water both lead to its persistence and accumulation in biological systems. On the other hand, soluble forms of boron are easily available to plant roots and are taken up by plants. There are no ecotoxicological data available for zinc borate, the industrial utilization of which is widespread. Therefore, the potential toxicity of zinc borate and its dissociated compounds was evaluated. Based on two different ecotoxicology tests, their effect on plant growth was studied. Firstly, the impact on Lemna minor growth was investigated, including the effect on pigment content. Secondly, the inhibition of the root growth of higher plant species Sinapis alba (mustard), Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Trifolium pretense (clover) was measured. The growth inhibition test on L. minor was more complex and sensitive compared to the plant seed germination test. Already low concentrations (10 mg/L) of ZnO, B2O3 and Zn3BO6 led to a decrease in frond growth and to an inhibition of the conversion of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b. These results suggested that the stress caused by these additives caused damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. The highest inhibition of frond growth was detected in fronds treated with B2O3 (92-100%). In ZnO and Zn3BO6, the inhibition of frond growth was between 38 and 77%, with Zn3BO6 being slightly more toxic. In the seed germination test, the most sensitive species was lettuce, the growth of which was inhibited by 57, 83 and 53% in ZnO, B2O3 and Zn3BO6 treatments, respectively. However, the inhibitory effect on each plant was different. In lettuce and clover, the seed germination and root elongation decreased with increasing element concentrations. In contrast, in mustard, low concentrations of ZnO and Zn3BO6 supported the growth of roots. For that reason, more complex tests are essential to evaluate the additive toxicity in the environment.
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee H, Depuydt S, Shin K, Choi S, Kim G, Lee YH, Park JT, Han T, Park J. Assessment of Various Toxicity Endpoints in Duckweed ( Lemna minor) at the Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Levels as a Measure of Diuron Stress. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10070684. [PMID: 34356539 PMCID: PMC8301316 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The common, broad-spectrum herbicide diuron poses some risks to the environment due to its long persistence and high toxicity. Therefore, the effective monitoring of diuron residues will inform efforts to assess its impacts on ecosystems. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity targets of diuron in the model aquatic macrophyte Lemna minor at the physiological (growth and photosynthetic efficiency), biochemical (pigment biosynthesis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels), and molecular (rbcL transcript) levels. The toxicity of diuron was detectable after 48 h of exposure and the order of sensitivity of toxicity endpoints was gene transcription > maximum electron transport rate (ETRmax) > non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) > maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) > ROS > fresh weight > chlorophyll b > chlorophyll a > total frond area > carotenoids. Under diuron stress, pigment, ROS, and gene transcript levels increased while frond area, fresh weight, and photosynthesis (Fv/Fm and ETRmax) gradually decreased with the increasing duration of exposure. Notably, ROS levels, Fv/Fm, frond area, and fresh weight were highly correlated with diuron concentration. The growth endpoints (frond area and fresh weight) showed a strong negative correlation with ROS levels and a positive correlation with Fv/Fm and ETRmax. These findings shed light on the relative sensitivity of different endpoints for the assessment of diuron toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hojun Lee
- Department of Marine Science, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Korea; (H.L.); (S.C.); (G.K.); (T.H.)
- Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21985, Korea;
| | - Stephen Depuydt
- Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21985, Korea;
| | - Kisik Shin
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, 42 Hwangyeong-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon 22689, Korea;
| | - Soyeon Choi
- Department of Marine Science, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Korea; (H.L.); (S.C.); (G.K.); (T.H.)
| | - Geonhee Kim
- Department of Marine Science, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Korea; (H.L.); (S.C.); (G.K.); (T.H.)
| | - Yun Haeng Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Korea; (Y.H.L.); (J.T.P.)
| | - Joon Tae Park
- Division of Life Sciences, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Korea; (Y.H.L.); (J.T.P.)
| | - Taejun Han
- Department of Marine Science, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Korea; (H.L.); (S.C.); (G.K.); (T.H.)
- Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21985, Korea;
| | - Jihae Park
- Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21985, Korea;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alkimin GD, Daniel D, Frankenbach S, Serôdio J, Soares AMVM, Barata C, Nunes B. Evaluation of pharmaceutical toxic effects of non-standard endpoints on the macrophyte species Lemna minor and Lemna gibba. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:926-937. [PMID: 30677958 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the last years the environmental presence of pharmaceuticals has gained increasing attention. Research data show that these compounds can cause toxicological effects in different species of fish, mollusks and macroinvertebrates. However, the literature is scarce in terms of ecotoxicity data especially focusing on plants as test organisms. Ecotoxicological plant-based tests following the standard OEDC guideline 221 (OECD, 2006) are strongly restricted due to the recommended end-points: growth and yield of plants. It is necessary to develop and validate alternative macrophyte-based tests (non-standard endpoints), more sensible and providing additional information about the chemical contamination effects in plants. To attain this purpose, species from the Lemna genus were selected. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the toxic effects of pharmaceuticals in non-standard endpoints on two macrophyte species, Lemna minor and Lemna gibba. To this purpose an acute assay (96 h) was performed with L. minor and L. gibba exposed to chlorpromazine (CPZ), paracetamol (APAP), and diclofenac (DCF), in the following concentration ranges: 0 to 20 μg/L, 0 to 125 μg/L, and 0 to 100 μg/L, respectively. The analyzed endpoints were: levels of chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins; chlorophyll fluorescence; and catalase activity. In general, higher concentrations of the tested pharmaceuticals caused significant effects on both Lemna species in terms of the different endpoints analyzed. In conclusion, acute exposures to CPZ, APAP, and DCF differently affected the defensive system of the tested species; among chlorophylls, chlorophyll b content was more affected, but pharmaceutical exposure was not able to cause alterations on chlorophyll fluorescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G D Alkimin
- Department of Biology, Aveiro University, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - D Daniel
- Department of Biology, Aveiro University, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - S Frankenbach
- Department of Biology, Aveiro University, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - J Serôdio
- Department of Biology, Aveiro University, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A M V M Soares
- Department of Biology, Aveiro University, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - C Barata
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Nunes
- Department of Biology, Aveiro University, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lutz B, Heer I, Katzensteiner R, Raak C, Wolf U, Heusser P, Frass M, Baumgartner S. Development of a whole plant bioassay to test effects of potentized calcium carbonate in pillule formulation. Complement Ther Med 2018; 40:13-21. [PMID: 30219438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES From a pharmaceutical point of view, we see a need to develop stable preclinical test systems to identify and investigate effects of potentized remedies as used in Anthroposophic Medicine and Homeopathy. We evaluated a plant bioassay regarding its capacity to distinguish homeopathic remedies from placebo, applied as sucrose pillules. METHODS Pea seed (Pisum sativum L) was soaked for 24 hours in water with dissolved homeopathic or placebo pillules, or in water only. Shoot length was measured 14 days after planting and treatment groups were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The stability of the system was validated by systematic negative control experiments. RESULTS The system is suitable to test a common application form - sucrose pillules - of a potentized preparation without influence of the pharmaceutical carrier substance. A screening of 13 potentized preparations revealed Calcium carbonicum to affect pea shoot growth (p < 0.05). Three independent series of main experiments were performed with potentized Calcium carbonicum to assess reproducibility. Meta-analysis of all data revealed significant effects of Calcium carbonicum 12c and 30c on pea shoot growth (p < 0.05), which were however dependent on the date of experiment and/or the experimental series. CONCLUSIONS Potentized Calcium carbonicum, applied as sucrose pillules, influenced pea shoot growth in the assay investigated. However, due to the small effect size and due to the modulation of the effects by still unknown external factors, further optimization of this bioassay is necessary to be used in pharmaceutical quality control or in investigating the biological or pharmaceutical mode of action of potentized preparations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianka Lutz
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, Fabrikstrasse 8, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany; Research Institute for Organic Agriculture, Ackerstrasse, 5070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Iris Heer
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, Fabrikstrasse 8, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ramona Katzensteiner
- Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christa Raak
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany
| | - Ursula Wolf
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, Fabrikstrasse 8, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Heusser
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany
| | - Michael Frass
- Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, Fabrikstrasse 8, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Oláh V, Hepp A, Gaibor Vaca NY, Tamás M, Mészáros I. Retrospective analyses of archive phytotoxicity test data can help in assessing internal dynamics and stability of growth in laboratory duckweed cultures. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 201:40-46. [PMID: 29859406 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
High growth potential of duckweed species (Lemnaceae family) has been utilized in wide range of research and practical applications. Based on literature data, however, it can be assumed that duckweed populations maintain constant growth rates only when short periods are considered but can vary over longer time scales. This intrinsic instability in growth can affect the interpretation of growth data. Duckweed phytotoxicity tests are usually performed according to highly standardized protocols. Therefore the archive data provide an opportunity for retrospective comparisons. In the present study we collected growth (frond number- and frond area-based relative growth rates) and morphology (average frond and colony sizes) data from control treatments of phytotoxicity tests. All the analyzed tests were carried out with the same Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. (giant duckweed) clone (RDSC ID No. 5501) under the same experimental conditions over more than four years. We aimed to assess the overall variability of the above parameters and to test if intrinsic growth patterns affect growth data in short-term. In general, the results reflected high stability of the measured parameters in long term but also indicated that some temporal variability is inevitable which can bias the comparability of growth tests. The frond area-based relative growth rate resulted in smaller coefficient of variation than the usually preferred frond number-based one. The results also revealed a negative correlation between mean growth rates and their coefficients of variation. Therefore, it would be advisable to introduce higher minimal growth rates and/or maximized tolerable coefficients of variation for control cultures into the standard duckweed growth inhibition tests. Analyses of growth data aggregated on seasonal basis indicated faster growth and larger mean frond size in laboratory duckweed cultures from mid-autumn till mid-spring than during summer and early autumn. But, in shorter term (∼50 days) we did not observe distinct trends in growth suggesting that the successive frond generations have no effect on growth traits within this time-scale. Our results point to the importance of assessing intrinsic growth dynamics in duckweed cultures and also to the re-usability of the already collected phytotoxicity data in addressing new research questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Oláh
- University of Debrecen, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Botany, Egyetem tér 1. Debrecen, Zip: H-4032, Hungary.
| | - Anna Hepp
- University of Debrecen, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Botany, Egyetem tér 1. Debrecen, Zip: H-4032, Hungary.
| | - Norma Yolanda Gaibor Vaca
- University of Debrecen, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Botany, Egyetem tér 1. Debrecen, Zip: H-4032, Hungary.
| | - Marianna Tamás
- University of Debrecen, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Botany, Egyetem tér 1. Debrecen, Zip: H-4032, Hungary.
| | - Ilona Mészáros
- University of Debrecen, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Botany, Egyetem tér 1. Debrecen, Zip: H-4032, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Basiglini E, Pintore M, Forni C. Effects of treated industrial wastewaters and temperatures on growth and enzymatic activities of duckweed (Lemna minor L.). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 153:54-59. [PMID: 29407738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of the removal of contaminants from wastewater depends on physico-chemical properties of pollutants and the efficiency of treatment plant. Sometimes, low amounts of toxic compounds can be still present in the treated sewage. In this work we considered the effects of contaminant residues in treated wastewaters and of temperatures on Lemna minor L. Treated effluent waters were collected, analyzed and used as duckweed growth medium. In order to better understand the effects of micropollutants and seasonal variation, the plants were grown under ambient conditions for seven days in summer and winter. Relative growth rate, pigments and phenolic compounds concentrations were determined, as well as the activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The pollutant concentrations varied in the two seasons, depending on the industrial and municipal activities and efficiency of treatments. Treated waters contained heavy metals, nitrogenous and phosphorus compounds, surfactants and hydrocarbons. Compared to the control, duckweed growth of treated plants decreased by 25% in summer, while in the winter due to the lower temperatures and the presence of pollutants was completely impeded. The amounts of photosynthetic pigments of treated plants were not significantly affected in the summer, while they were higher than the control in the winter when the effluent had a high nitrogen amount. High CAT activity was registered in both seasons. Treated plants had significantly lower APX activity in the summer (53%) and winter (59%) respect to the controls. The observed inhibition of the peroxidase activities in the exposed plants, confirms the controversy existing in the literature about the variability of enzymatic response in stress condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Basiglini
- Dipartmento di Biologia, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - M Pintore
- Dipartmento di Biologia, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - C Forni
- Dipartmento di Biologia, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Roma, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Majewsky V, Scherr C, Schneider C, Arlt SP, Baumgartner S. Reproducibility of the effects of homeopathically potentised Argentum nitricum on the growth of Lemna gibba L. in a randomised and blinded bioassay. HOMEOPATHY 2017; 106:145-154. [PMID: 28844287 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A previous study reported a significant statistical interaction between experiment date and treatment effect of Argentum nitricum 14x-30x on the growth rate of duckweed (Lemna gibba L.). The aim of the present study was to investigate the stability of the test system and intra-laboratory reproducibility of the effects found. METHODS Duckweed was treated with A. nitricum potencies (14x-30x) as well as succussed and unsuccussed water controls. The outcome parameter area-related growth rate for day 0-7 was determined by a computerised image analysis system in two series of independent randomised and blinded experiments. Systematic negative control (SNC) experiments were carried out to investigate test system stability. Statistical analysis was performed with full two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and protected Fisher's Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. RESULTS In the first repetition series we found a significant treatment effect (p = 0.016), while in the second series no effect was observed. The negative control experiments showed that the experimental system was stable. An a posteriori subgroup analysis concerning gibbosity revealed the importance of this growth state of L. gibba for successful reproduction of the statistically significant interaction in the original study; flat: no interaction (p = 0.762); slight gibbosity: no interaction (p = 0.356); medium gibbosity: significant interaction (p = 0.031), high gibbosity: highly significant interaction (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS With the original study design (disregarding gibbosity status of L. gibba) results of the original study could not be reproduced sensu stricto. We conclude that the growth state gibbosity is crucial for successful reproduction of the original study. Different physiological states of the test organisms used for bioassays for homeopathic basic research must carefully be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Majewsky
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65 (Haus 27), 14163 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Claudia Scherr
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland.
| | - Claudia Schneider
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland.
| | - Sebastian Patrick Arlt
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65 (Haus 27), 14163 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland; Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten-Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Park J, Brown MT, Depuydt S, Kim JK, Won DS, Han T. Comparing the acute sensitivity of growth and photosynthetic endpoints in three Lemna species exposed to four herbicides. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:818-827. [PMID: 27810110 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
An ecological impact assessment of four herbicides (atrazine, diuron, paraquat and simazine) was assessed using the aquatic floating vascular plants, Lemna gibba, Lemna minor and Lemna paucicostata as test organisms. The sensitivity of several ecologically relevant parameters (increase in frond area, root length after regrowth, maximum and effective quantum yield of PSII and maximum electron transport rate (ETRmax), were compared after a 72 h exposure to herbicides. The present test methods require relatively small sample volume (3 mL), shorter exposure times (72 h), simple and quick analytical procedures as compared with standard Lemna assays. Sensitivity ranking of endpoints, based on EC50 values, differed depending on the herbicide. The most toxic herbicides were diuron and paraquat and the most sensitive endpoints were root length (6.0-12.3 μg L-1) and ETRmax (4.7-10.3 μg L-1) for paraquat and effective quantum yield (6.8-10.4 μg L-1) for diuron. Growth and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters in all three Lemna species were sensitive enough to detect toxic levels of diuron and paraquat in water samples in excess of allowable concentrations set by international standards. CV values of all EC50s obtained from the Lemna tests were in the range of 2.8-24.33%, indicating a high level of repeatability comparable to the desirable level of <30% for adoption of toxicity test methods as international standards. Our new Lemna methods may provide useful information for the assessment of toxicity risk of residual herbicides in aquatic ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihae Park
- Division of Life Science, Incheon National University, 119, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea; Lab of Plant Growth Analysis, Ghent University Global Campus, Songomunhwa-ro, 119 Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Murray T Brown
- School of Marine Science & Engineering, Plymouth University, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Depuydt
- Lab of Plant Growth Analysis, Ghent University Global Campus, Songomunhwa-ro, 119 Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang K Kim
- Department of Marine Science, Incheon National University, 119, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Dam-Soo Won
- Water Supply Operations & Maintenance Department, Korea Water Resources Corporation, 200 Sintanjin-ro, Daedeok-gu, Daejun 61949, Republic of Korea
| | - Taejun Han
- Department of Marine Science, Incheon National University, 119, Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Majewsky V, Scherr C, Arlt SP, Kiener J, Frrokaj K, Schindler T, Klocke P, Baumgartner S. Reproducibility of effects of homeopathically potentised gibberellic acid on the growth of Lemna gibba L. in a randomised and blinded bioassay. HOMEOPATHY 2014; 103:113-26. [PMID: 24685416 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproducibility of basic research investigations in homeopathy is challenging. This study investigated if formerly observed effects of homeopathically potentised gibberellic acid (GA3) on growth of duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) were reproducible. METHODS Duckweed was grown in potencies (14x-30x) of GA3 and one time succussed and unsuccussed water controls. Outcome parameter area-related growth rate was determined by a computerised image analysis system. Three series including five independent blinded and randomised potency experiments (PE) each were carried out. System stability was controlled by three series of five systematic negative control (SNC) experiments. Gibbosity (a specific growth state of L. gibba) was investigated as possibly essential factor for reactivity of L. gibba towards potentised GA3 in one series of potency and SNC experiments, respectively. RESULTS Only in the third series with gibbous L. gibba L. we observed a significant effect (p = 0.009, F-test) of the homeopathic treatment. However, growth rate increased in contrast to the former study, and most biologically active potency levels differed. Variability in PE was lower than in SNC experiments. The stability of the experimental system was verified by the SNC experiments. CONCLUSIONS Gibbosity seems to be a necessary condition for reactivity of L. gibba to potentised GA3. Further still unknown conditions seem to govern effect direction and the pattern of active and inactive potency levels. When designing new reproducibility studies, the physiological state of the test organism must be considered. Variability might be an interesting parameter to investigate effects of homeopathic remedies in basic research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Majewsky
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Berne, Insel-Spital, Imhoof-Pavillon, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65 (Haus 27, Gebäude 19), 14163 Berlin, Germany; Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland.
| | - Claudia Scherr
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Berne, Insel-Spital, Imhoof-Pavillon, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Patrick Arlt
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65 (Haus 27, Gebäude 19), 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonas Kiener
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Frrokaj
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Schindler
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Peter Klocke
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland; Bovicare GmbH, Hermannswerder Haus 14, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Berne, Insel-Spital, Imhoof-Pavillon, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland; Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten-Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dalton RL, Nussbaumer C, Pick FR, Boutin C. Comparing the sensitivity of geographically distinct Lemna minor populations to atrazine. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2013; 22:718-730. [PMID: 23535915 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-013-1064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to compare the sensitivities of field populations and a laboratory culture of a duckweed species (Lemna minor) to the herbicide atrazine using three different endpoints and to determine whether sensitivity to atrazine was affected by past exposure to the herbicide. L. minor cultures were purchased commercially or collected from field sites within an agricultural watershed and exposed to atrazine for 7 days under greenhouse conditions. Populations differed significantly in their sensitivity to atrazine. Biomass was more sensitive than frond number, while chlorophyll fluorescence was not a sensitive endpoint. Overall, the sensitivity of the various populations to atrazine was not strongly related to measures of past exposure to agriculture stressors. Positive correlations between biomass twenty-five percent inhibition concentrations (IC25s), biomass estimated marginal means and in-stream atrazine concentrations were observed, providing evidence that atrazine exposure is linked to a decrease in sensitivity to atrazine. However, IC25s generated for each population were similar, ranging from 19 to 40 and 57 to 92 μg/L atrazine for biomass and frond data respectively, and likely do not represent biologically significant differences in atrazine sensitivity. Given the small range in sensitivity observed between populations, commercial laboratory cultures appear to provide a good estimate of the sensitivity of field populations of L. minor to atrazine and should continue to be used in regulatory phytotoxicity testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Dalton
- Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang Y, Zhang Y, Yang B, Chen S. Characterization of SSU5C promoter of a rbcS gene from duckweed (Lemna gibba). Mol Biol Rep 2011; 38:2563-8. [PMID: 21080078 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0395-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Photosynthesis-associated nuclear genes are able to respond to multiple environmental and developmental signals. Studies have shown that light signals coordinate with hormone signaling pathways to control photomorphogenesis. A small subunit of ribulose-1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rbcS) gene promoter was cloned from duckweed (Lemna gibba). Sequence analysis revealed this promoter is different from the previously reported rbcs promoters and is named SSU5C. Analysis of T1 transgenic tobacco plants with a reporter gene under the control of the SSU5C promoter revealed that this promoter is tissue-specific and is positively regulated by red light. Promoter deletion analysis confirmed a region from position -152 to -49 relative to the start of transcription containing boxes X, Y and Z, and is identified to be critical for phytochrome responses. Further functional analysis of constructs of box-X, Y, Z, which was respectively fused to the basal SSU5C promoter, defined boxes X, Y and Z alone are able to direct phytochrome-regulated expression, indicating that boxes Y and Z are different from those of the SSU5B promoters in L. gibba. This promoter may be used for plant gene expression in a tissue-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang Y, Hu Y, Yang B, Ma F, Lu P, Li L, Wan C, Rayner S, Chen S. Duckweed (Lemna minor) as a model plant system for the study of human microbial pathogenesis. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13527. [PMID: 21049039 PMCID: PMC2963604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 09/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plant infection models provide certain advantages over animal models in the study of pathogenesis. However, current plant models face some limitations, e.g., plant and pathogen cannot co-culture in a contained environment. Development of such a plant model is needed to better illustrate host-pathogen interactions. Methodology/Principal Findings We describe a novel model plant system for the study of human pathogenic bacterial infection on a large scale. This system was initiated by co-cultivation of axenic duckweed (Lemna minor) plants with pathogenic bacteria in 24-well polystyrene cell culture plate. Pathogenesis of bacteria to duckweed was demonstrated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus as two model pathogens. P. aeruginosa PAO1 caused severe detriment to duckweed as judged from inhibition to frond multiplication and chlorophyll formation. Using a GFP-marked PAO1 strain, we demonstrated that bacteria colonized on both fronds and roots and formed biofilms. Virulence of PAO1 to duckweed was attenuated in its quorum sensing (QS) mutants and in recombinant strains overexpressing the QS quenching enzymes. RN4220, a virulent strain of S. aureus, caused severe toxicity to duckweed while an avirulent strain showed little effect. Using this system for antimicrobial chemical selection, green tea polyphenols exhibited inhibitory activity against S. aureus virulence. This system was further confirmed to be effective as a pathogenesis model using a number of pathogenic bacterial species. Conclusions/Significance Our results demonstrate that duckweed can be used as a fast, inexpensive and reproducible model plant system for the study of host-pathogen interactions, could serve as an alternative choice for the study of some virulence factors, and could also potentially be used in large-scale screening for the discovery of antimicrobial chemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangbo Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lamei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengsong Wan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Simon Rayner
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Use of homeopathic preparations in experimental studies with healthy plants. HOMEOPATHY 2009; 98:228-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2009.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Revised: 09/14/2009] [Accepted: 09/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
15
|
Scherr C, Simon M, Spranger J, Baumgartner S. Effects of potentised substances on growth rate of the water plant Lemna gibba L. Complement Ther Med 2009; 17:63-70. [PMID: 19185263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2008.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2007] [Revised: 08/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/28/2008] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated, whether the growth rate of Lemna gibba L. (duckweed) can be influenced by the application of homeopathic potencies of gibberellic acid, kinetin, argentum nitricum, and lemna minor. METHODS Duckweed was grown in either potencies (14x-30x, decimal steps) or water controls (unsuccussed and succussed) over seven days. Frond (leaf-like structure) growth was measured using a non-destructive image analysis system. Growth rates were calculated for three time intervals (0-7, 0-3, 3-7 days). Five to six independent, randomized and blinded experiments were analysed for each of the four tested substances. Water control experiments were performed repeatedly to test the reliability of the experimental set-up (systematic negative controls). RESULTS The systematic negative control experiments did not yield any significant effects. Hence, false positive results could be excluded. The test system had a low coefficient of variation (1.5%). Out of the four tested substances gibberellic acid had the most pronounced effect (p=0.0002, F-test) on the main outcome parameter frond growth rate (r(area) day 0-7). Potency levels 15x, 17x, 18x, 23x and 24x reduced growth rate of Lemna gibba (p<0.05 against the pooled water control, LSD test). CONCLUSIONS Lemna gibba may be considered as a suitable test organism for further studies on the efficacy of homeopathic potencies. Evidence accumulates, that adjacent potency levels may strongly differ in their biological activity. Potential consequences for therapeutical application might be worth investigating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Scherr
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse, Frick, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|