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de Menezes AB, Gashchak S, Wood MD, Beresford NA. Relationships between radiation, wildfire and the soil microbial communities in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175381. [PMID: 39122033 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
There is considerable uncertainty regarding radiation's effects on biodiversity in natural complex ecosystems typically subjected to multiple environmental disturbances and stresses. In this study we characterised the relationships between soil microbial communities and estimated total absorbed dose rates to bacteria, grassy vegetation and trees in the Red Forest region of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Samples were taken from sites of contrasting ecological histories and along burn and no burn areas following a wildfire. Estimated total absorbed dose rates to bacteria reached levels one order of magnitude higher than those known to affect bacteria in laboratory studies. Sites with harsher ecological conditions, notably acidic pH and low soil moisture, tended to have higher radiation contamination levels. No relationship between the effects of fire and radiation were observed. Microbial groups that correlated with high radiation sites were mostly classified to taxa associated with high environmental stress habitats or stress resistance traits. Distance-based linear models and co-occurrence analysis revealed that the effects of radiation on the soil microbiome were minimal. Hence, the association between high radiation sites and specific microbial groups is more likely a result of the harsher ecological conditions in these sites, rather than due to radiation itself. In this study, we provide a starting point for understanding the relationship between soil microbial communities and estimated total absorbed radiation dose rates to different components of an ecosystem highly contaminated with radiation. Our results suggest that soil microbiomes adapted to natural soil conditions are more likely to be resistant to ionising radiation than expected from laboratory studies, which demonstrates the importance of assessing the impact of ionising radiation on soil microbial communities under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Barretto de Menezes
- University of Galway, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Ryan Institute, University Road, H91 TK33, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Sergii Gashchak
- Chornobyl Center for Nuclear Safety, Radioactive Waste & Radioecology, International Radioecology Laboratory, Slavutych, Kyiv Region, Ukraine.
| | - Michael D Wood
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicholas A Beresford
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, United Kingdom; Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, CEH Lancaster, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Av., Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United Kingdom
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Mishra S, Duarte GT, Horemans N, Ruytinx J, Gudkov D, Danchenko M. Complexity of responses to ionizing radiation in plants, and the impact on interacting biotic factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171567. [PMID: 38460702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171567] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
In nature, plants are simultaneously exposed to different abiotic (e.g., heat, drought, and salinity) and biotic (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and insects) stresses. Climate change and anthropogenic pressure are expected to intensify the frequency of stress factors. Although plants are well equipped with unique and common defense systems protecting against stressors, they may compromise their growth and development for survival in such challenging environments. Ionizing radiation is a peculiar stress factor capable of causing clustered damage. Radionuclides are both naturally present on the planet and produced by human activities. Natural and artificial radioactivity affects plants on molecular, biochemical, cellular, physiological, populational, and transgenerational levels. Moreover, the fitness of pests, pathogens, and symbionts is concomitantly challenged in radiologically contaminated areas. Plant responses to artificial acute ionizing radiation exposure and laboratory-simulated or field chronic exposure are often discordant. Acute or chronic ionizing radiation exposure may occasionally prime the defense system of plants to better tolerate the biotic stress or could often exhaust their metabolic reserves, making plants more susceptible to pests and pathogens. Currently, these alternatives are only marginally explored. Our review summarizes the available literature on the responses of host plants, biotic factors, and their interaction to ionizing radiation exposure. Such systematic analysis contributes to improved risk assessment in radiologically contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhi Mishra
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 950 07 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Gustavo Turqueto Duarte
- Unit for Biosphere Impact Studies, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Nele Horemans
- Unit for Biosphere Impact Studies, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Joske Ruytinx
- Department of Bio-engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dmitri Gudkov
- Institute of Hydrobiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 04210 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Maksym Danchenko
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 950 07 Nitra, Slovakia.
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Thakur A, Kumar A. Emerging paradigms into bioremediation approaches for nuclear contaminant removal: From challenge to solution. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141369. [PMID: 38342150 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141369] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
The release of radionuclides, including Cesium-137 (137Cs), Strontium-90 (90Sr), Uranium-238 (238U), Plutonium-239 (239Pu), Iodine-131 (131I), etc., from nuclear contamination presents profound threats to both the environment and human health. Traditional remediation methods, reliant on physical and chemical interventions, often prove economically burdensome and logistically unfeasible for large-scale restoration efforts. In response to these challenges, bioremediation has emerged as a remarkably efficient, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective solution. This innovative approach harnesses the power of microorganisms, plants, and biological agents to transmute radioactive materials into less hazardous forms. For instance, consider the remarkable capability demonstrated by Fontinalis antipyretica, a water moss, which can accumulate uranium at levels as high as 4979 mg/kg, significantly exceeding concentrations found in the surrounding water. This review takes an extensive dive into the world of bioremediation for nuclear contaminant removal, exploring sources of radionuclides, the ingenious resistance mechanisms employed by plants against these harmful elements, and the fascinating dynamics of biological adsorption efficiency. It also addresses limitations and challenges, emphasizing the need for further research and implementation to expedite restoration and mitigate nuclear pollution's adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinay Thakur
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering and Physical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Nalanda College of Engineering, Bihar Engineering University, Science, Technology and Technical Education Department, Government of Bihar, 803108, India.
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Laanen P, Cuypers A, Saenen E, Horemans N. Flowering under enhanced ionising radiation conditions and its regulation through epigenetic mechanisms. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 196:246-259. [PMID: 36731286 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.01.049] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As sessile organisms, plants have to deal with unfavourable conditions by acclimating or adapting in order to survive. Regulation of flower induction is one such mechanism to ensure reproduction and species survival. Flowering is a tightly regulated process under the control of a network of genes, which can be affected by environmental cues and stress. The effects of ionising radiation (IR) on flowering, however, have been poorly studied. Understanding the effects of ionising radiation on flowering, including the timing, gene pathways, and epigenetics involved, is crucial in the continuing effort of environmental radiation protection. The review shows that plants alter their flowering pattern in response to IR, with various flowering related genes (eg. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), CONSTANS (CO), GIGANTEA (GI), APETALA1 (AP1), LEAFY (LFY)) and epigenetic processes (DNA methylation, and miRNA expression eg. miRNA169, miR156, miR172) being affected. Thereby, showing a hypothetical IR-induced flowering mechanism. Further research on the interaction between IR and flowering in plants is, however, needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind the stress-induced flowering response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Laanen
- Biosphere Impact Studies, SCK CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Research, University of Hasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Ann Cuypers
- Centre for Environmental Research, University of Hasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Eline Saenen
- Biosphere Impact Studies, SCK CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.
| | - Nele Horemans
- Biosphere Impact Studies, SCK CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Research, University of Hasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
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Li Z, He Y, Sonne C, Lam SS, Kirkham MB, Bolan N, Rinklebe J, Chen X, Peng W. A strategy for bioremediation of nuclear contaminants in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 319:120964. [PMID: 36584860 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120964] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Radionuclides released from nuclear contamination harm the environment and human health. Nuclear pollution spread over large areas and the costs associated with decontamination is high. Traditional remediation methods include both chemical and physical, however, these are expensive and unsuitable for large-scale restoration. Bioremediation is the use of plants or microorganisms to remove pollutants from the environment having a lower cost and can be upscaled to eliminate contamination from soil, water and air. It is a cheap, efficient, ecologically, and friendly restoration technology. Here we review the sources of radionuclides, bioremediation methods, mechanisms of plant resistance to radionuclides and the effects on the efficiency of biological adsorption. Uptake of radionuclides by plants can be facilitated by the addition of appropriate chemical accelerators and agronomic management, such as citric acid and intercropping. Future research should accelerate the use of genetic engineering and breeding techniques to screen high-enrichment plants. In addition, field experiments should be carried out to ensure that this technology can be applied to the remediation of nuclear contaminated sites as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolin Li
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yifeng He
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Christian Sonne
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The UWA Institute of Agriculture, M079, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation, Engineering, Water and Waste Management, Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Xiangmeng Chen
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Wanxi Peng
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
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Raskosha O, Bashlykova L, Starobor N. Assessment of DNA damage in somatic and germ cells of animals living with increased radiation background and their offspring. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 99:499-509. [PMID: 35938979 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2110327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this work is to assess DNA damage in the somatic and germ cells in root voles living for a long time under conditions of an increased radiation background and to examine the of manifestation of long-term consequences in their offspring. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the DNA comet assay (neutral version), we assessed the proportion of cells with DNA damage in the cells of the thyroid, bone marrow and testicular in root voles (Microtus oeconomus Pall.) that lived under conditions of increased radiation background (exposure dose rate - 0.50-20 μSv/h; Komi Republic, Russia) and in their offspring (F1-F3) that were reproduced in a vivarium with a normal radiation background. RESULTS In animals caught in a radioactively contaminated area, the level of DNA fragmentation in the thyroid gland, bone marrow and testicular remained within the range of values of control animals. The studies that we continued on the offspring of irradiated root voles that were developing in the vivarium under normal radiation background allowed us to identify an increase in the level of DNA DSBs in the thyroid gland in the F1 generation, in the bone marrow and testicular cells in the F2 generation. The modifying effect of urethane showed a similarity in the response of somatic cells in voles that lived for a long time in a radioactively contaminated area and in their offspring that developed with a normal radiation background. The effect of urethane was more conspicuous in thyroid cells that, than in bone marrow cells. CONCLUSION The data obtained on voles from the experimental site indicate adaptation to habitat conditions in a radioactively polluted environment. The provocative effect of urethane made it possible to reveal different response of organs with different proliferative activity. Long-term habitation of voles under conditions of an increased radiation background led to genome instability in their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Raskosha
- Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biology of the Komi Science Center, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Lyudmila Bashlykova
- Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biology of the Komi Science Center, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Natalia Starobor
- Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biology of the Komi Science Center, Syktyvkar, Russia
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Jopčík M, Libantová J, Lancíková V. Effect of chronic radiation on the flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genome grown for six consecutive generations in the radioactive Chernobyl area. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2022; 174:e13745. [PMID: 35780328 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The growth of plants under chronic radiation stress in the Chernobyl area may cause changes in the genome of plants. To assess the extent of genetic and epigenetic changes in nuclear DNA, seeds of the annual crop flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) of the Kyivskyi variety, sown 21 years after the accident and grown for six generations in radioactive (RAD) and remediated (REM) fields were analysed. Flaxseed used for sowing first generation, which served as a reference (REF), was also analysed. The AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) revealed a higher number of specific EcoRI-MseI loci (3.4-fold) in pooled flaxseed samples harvested from the RAD field compared with the REM field, indicating a link between the mutation process in the flax genome and the ongoing adaptation process. MSAP (Methylation-Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism) detecting EcoRI-MspI and EcoRI-HpaII loci in flax nuclear DNA genome showed no significant differences in methylation level, reaching about 33% in each of the groups studied. On the other hand, significant changes in the DNA methylation pattern of flaxseed samples harvested from the RAD field compared with controls were detected. Pairwise FST comparison revealed within both, EcoRI-MspI and transformed methylation-Sensitive data sets more than a 3-fold increase of genetic divergence in the RAD field compared with both controls. These results indicate that the nuclear genome of flax exposed to chronic radiation for six generations has more mutations and uses DNA methylation as one of the adaptation mechanisms for sustainability under adverse conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Jopčík
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Jana Libantová
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Lancíková
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Nitra, Slovakia
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Geras’kin SA, Fesenko SV, Volkova PY, Isamov NN. What Have We Learned about the Biological Effects of Radiation from the 35 Years of Analysis of the Consequences of the Chernobyl NPP Accident? BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359021120050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Gilbin R, Arnold T, Beresford NA, Berthomieu C, Brown JE, de With G, Horemans N, Madruga MJ, Masson O, Merroun M, Michalik B, Muikku M, O'Toole S, Mrdakovic Popic J, Nogueira P, Real A, Sachs S, Salbu B, Stark K, Steiner M, Sweeck L, Vandenhove H, Vidal M, Vives I Batlle J. An updated strategic research agenda for the integration of radioecology in the european radiation protection research. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 237:106697. [PMID: 34334231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ALLIANCE Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for radioecology is a living document that defines a long-term vision (20 years) of the needs for, and implementation of, research in radioecology in Europe. The initial SRA, published in 2012, included consultation with a wide range of stakeholders (Hinton et al., 2013). This revised version is an update of the research strategy for identified research challenges, and includes a strategy to maintain and develop the associated required capacities for workforce (education and training) and research infrastructures and capabilities. Beyond radioecology, this SRA update constitutes a contribution to the implementation of a Joint Roadmap for radiation protection research in Europe (CONCERT, 2019a). This roadmap, established under the H2020 European Joint Programme CONCERT, provides a common and shared vision for radiation protection research, priority areas and strategic objectives for collaboration within a European radiation protection research programme to 2030 and beyond. Considering the advances made since the first SRA, this updated version presents research challenges and priorities including identified scientific issues that, when successfully resolved, have the potential to impact substantially and strengthen the system and/or practice of the overall radiation protection (game changers) in radioecology with regard to their integration into the global vision of European research in radiation protection. An additional aim of this paper is to encourage contribution from research communities, end users, decision makers and other stakeholders in the evaluation, further advancement and accomplishment of the identified priorities.
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Yakymchuk RА, Valyuk VF, Sobolenko LY, Sorokina SІ. Induction of useful mutations in Triticum aestivum in the conditions of the radionuclide-contaminated alienation zone of the Chornobyl Power Plant. REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN BIOSYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.15421/022169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced mutagenesis opens great perspectives for radical genetic improvement of cultivated plants. Scientists seeking new sources and methodological approaches to improve the frequency and extend the range of mutations have drawn attention to the Zone of Alienation around the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, where unique conditions of the influence of mutagenic factors have developed, and therefore needs to be studied for possible use of its territory in propagating parent material for selective breeding of wheat. Plants of winter wheat of Albatros Odesky and Zymoiarka varieties were grown within 10 km of the Chernobyl Plant, inside the Alienation Zone, in Chystohalivka, Kopachi and Yaniv villages of Chornobyl district of Kyiv Oblast. The exposure occurred in the dose of 7.2 ∙ 10–12– 50.0 ∙ 10–12 A/kg. As the control, we used the territory of the Research Institute of Physiology of Plants and Genetics of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Hlevaha urbanized settlement of Vasylkivsky District of Kyiv Oblast), where the power of the exposure dose equaled 0.93 ∙ 10–12 A/kg. Frequency and spectrum of mutant forms were determined in M2–M3 generations according to the ratio of the number of families with mutagenic plants to studied M2 families. Among the observed mutations, we determined the share of the ones important for selective breeding. Chronic ionizing radiation throughout the vegetation period of winter wheat increased the level of noticeable mutations, the frequency of which exceeded the control parameters by 8.0–14.9 times. In the conditions of cultivation of winter wheat in the territory of Kopachi village, where the dose was the lowest, we recorded a high level of mutation variability which exceeded the control parameters by 8.0–9.2 times and was notably different from the frequency of mutations induced by radionuclide contamination of soil in the territories of Chystohalivka and Yaniv villages. The mutation range contained 12–20 types and depended on the density of soil contamination with radio nuclides, magnitude of exposure dose and genotype of plants. The predominant mutations were the ones related to the duration of vegetation period, length of the stem, morphology and awns of the ear. Among the detected mutations, the important selective ones accounted for 24.3–49.3%, predominant being low height, intense growth and long cylindrical ear. Because beneficial agronomic traits are highly likely to be inherited in complex with mutations that reduce the productivity of winter wheat, efficiency of direct selection of mutant forms that are valuable for selective breeding is limited. Enlargement of genetic diversity of the initial selection material using the radionuclide-induced mutagenesis resulting from contamination creates the possibility of using it in cross breeding for the purpose of implementing selective breeding genetic programs of improving wheat varieties.
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Ludovici GM, Oliveira de Souza S, Chierici A, Cascone MG, d'Errico F, Malizia A. Adaptation to ionizing radiation of higher plants: From environmental radioactivity to chernobyl disaster. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 222:106375. [PMID: 32791372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106375] [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: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to highlight the effects of ionizing radiation on the genetic material in higher plants by assessing both adaptive processes as well as the evolution of plant species. The effects that the ionizing radiation has on greenery following a nuclear accident, was examined by taking the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster as a case study. The genetic and evolutionary effects that ionizing radiation had on plants after the Chernobyl accident were highlighted. The response of biota to Chernobyl irradiation was a complex interaction among radiation dose, dose rate, temporal and spatial variation, varying radiation sensitivities of the different plants' species, and indirect effects from other events. Ionizing radiation causes water radiolysis, generating highly reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS induce the rapid activation of detoxifying enzymes. DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA) is the object of an attack by both, the hydroxyl ions and the radiation itself, thus triggering a mechanism both direct and indirect. The effects on DNA are harmful to the organism and the long-term development of the species. Dose-dependent aberrations in chromosomes are often observed after irradiation. Although multiple DNA repair mechanisms exist, double-strand breaks (DSBs or DNA-DSBs) are often subject to errors. Plants DSBs repair mechanisms mainly involve homologous and non-homologous dependent systems, the latter especially causing a loss of genetic information. Repeated ionizing radiation (acute or chronic) ensures that plants adapt, demonstrating radioresistance. An adaptive response has been suggested for this phenomenon. As a result, ionizing radiation influences the genetic structure, especially during chronic irradiation, reducing genetic variability. This reduction may be associated with the fact that particular plant species are more subject to chronic stress, confirming the adaptive theory. Therefore, the genomic effects of ionizing radiation demonstrate their likely involvement in the evolution of plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Chierici
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy; Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Francesco d'Errico
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Malizia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
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Pernis M, Skultety L, Shevchenko V, Klubicova K, Rashydov N, Danchenko M. Soybean recovery from stress imposed by multigenerational growth in contaminated Chernobyl environment. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 251:153219. [PMID: 32563765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2020.153219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation is a genotoxic anthropogenic stressor. It can cause heritable changes in the plant genome, which can be either adaptive or detrimental. There is still considerable uncertainty about the effects of chronic low-intensity doses since earlier studies reported somewhat contradictory conclusions. Our project focused on the recovery from the multiyear chronic ionizing radiation stress. Soybean (Glycine max) was grown in field plots located at the Chernobyl exclusion zone and transferred to the clean ground in the subsequent generation. We profiled proteome of mature seeds by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Overall, 15 differentially abundant protein spots were identified in the field comparison and 11 in the recovery generation, primarily belonging to storage proteins, disease/defense, and metabolism categories. Data suggested that during multigenerational growth in a contaminated environment, detrimental heritable changes were accumulated. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured on the late vegetative state, pointing to partial recovery of photosynthesis from stress imposed by contaminating radionuclides. A plausible explanation for the observed phenomena is insufficient provisioning of seeds by lower quality resources, causing a persistent effect in the offspring generation. Additionally, we hypothesized that immunity against phytopathogens was compromised in the contaminated field, but perhaps even primed in the clean ground, yet this idea requires direct functional validation in future experiments. Despite showing clear signs of physiological recovery, one season was not enough to normalize biochemical processes. Overall, our data contribute to the more informed agricultural radioprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Pernis
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Center, Akademicka 2, 95007 Nitra, Slovakia.
| | - Ludovit Skultety
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Dubravska 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Viktor Shevchenko
- Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Vasylkivska 31/17, 03022 Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - Katarina Klubicova
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Center, Akademicka 2, 95007 Nitra, Slovakia.
| | - Namik Rashydov
- Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Akademika Zabolotnoho 148, 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - Maksym Danchenko
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Center, Akademicka 2, 95007 Nitra, Slovakia; Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Dubravska 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia.
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13
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Mothersill CE, Oughton DH, Schofield PN, Abend M, Adam-Guillermin C, Ariyoshi K, Beresford NA, Bonisoli-Alquati A, Cohen J, Dubrova Y, Geras’kin SA, Hevrøy TH, Higley KA, Horemans N, Jha AN, Kapustka LA, Kiang JG, Madas BG, Powathil G, Sarapultseva EI, Seymour CB, Vo NTK, Wood MD. From tangled banks to toxic bunnies; a reflection on the issues involved in developing an ecosystem approach for environmental radiation protection. Int J Radiat Biol 2020; 98:1185-1200. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1793022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul N. Schofield
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael Abend
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Kentaro Ariyoshi
- Integrated Center for Science and Humanities, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
| | | | | | - Jason Cohen
- Department of Biology and Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Yuri Dubrova
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | | | - Kathryn A. Higley
- School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Nele Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Awadhesh N. Jha
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Juliann G. Kiang
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Balázs G. Madas
- Environmental Physics Department, Centre for Energy Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gibin Powathil
- Department of Mathematics, Computational Foundry, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | - Nguyen T. K. Vo
- Department of Biology and Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Michael D. Wood
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
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14
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Shuryak I. Review of resistance to chronic ionizing radiation exposure under environmental conditions in multicellular organisms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 212:106128. [PMID: 31818732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation resistance occurs among many phylogenetic groups and its mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Tolerances to acute and chronic irradiation do not always correlate because different mechanisms may be involved. The radioresistance phenomenon becomes even more complex in the field than in the laboratory because the effects of radioactive contamination on natural populations are intertwined with those of other factors, such as bioaccumulation of radionuclides, interspecific competition, seasonal variations in environmental conditions, and land use changes due to evacuation of humans from contaminated areas. Previous reviews of studies performed in radioactive sites like the Kyshtym, Chernobyl, and Fukushima accident regions, and of protracted irradiation experiments, often focused on detecting radiation effects at low doses in radiosensitive organisms. Here we review the literature with a different purpose: to identify organisms with high tolerance to chronic irradiation under environmental conditions, which maintained abundant populations and/or outcompeted more radiosensitive species at high dose rates. Taxa for which consistent evidence for radioresistance came from multiple studies conducted in different locations and at different times were found among plants (e.g. willow and birch trees, sedges), invertebrate and vertebrate animals (e.g. rotifers, some insects, crustaceans and freshwater fish). These organisms are not specialized "extremophiles", but tend to tolerate broad ranges of environmental conditions and stresses, have small genomes, reproduce quickly and/or disperse effectively over long distances. Based on these findings, resistance to radioactive contamination can be examined in a more broad context of chronic stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, VC-11-234/5, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Beresford NA, Horemans N, Copplestone D, Raines KE, Orizaola G, Wood MD, Laanen P, Whitehead HC, Burrows JE, Tinsley MC, Smith JT, Bonzom JM, Gagnaire B, Adam-Guillermin C, Gashchak S, Jha AN, de Menezes A, Willey N, Spurgeon D. Towards solving a scientific controversy - The effects of ionising radiation on the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:106033. [PMID: 31451195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- N A Beresford
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, CEH Lancaster, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Av., Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, United Kingdom; School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom.
| | - N Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK●CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - D Copplestone
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - K E Raines
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - G Orizaola
- Universidad de Oviedo - Campus de Mieres, Edificio de Investigación 5a Planta, C/ Gonzalo Gutiérrez Quirós s/n, 33600, Mieres-Asturias, Spain
| | - M D Wood
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - P Laanen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK●CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; University of Hasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - H C Whitehead
- School of Science, Engineering & Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - J E Burrows
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - M C Tinsley
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - J T Smith
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 3QL, United Kingdom
| | - J-M Bonzom
- IRSN, Centre de Cadarache, 13115, St Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - B Gagnaire
- IRSN, Centre de Cadarache, 13115, St Paul Lez Durance, France
| | | | - S Gashchak
- Chornobyl Center for Nuclear Safety, Radioactive Waste & Radioecology, International Radioecology Laboratory, 77th Gvardiiska Dyviiya Str.11, P.O. Box 151, 07100, Slavutych, Kiev Region, Ukraine
| | - A N Jha
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - A de Menezes
- Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - N Willey
- Centre for Research in Bioscience, Dept. of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Frenchay, BS16 1QY, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - D Spurgeon
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, United Kingdom
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16
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Morozova V, Kashparova E, Levchuk S, Bishchuk Y, Kashparov V. The progeny of Chernobyl Arabidopsis thaliana plants does not exhibit changes in morphometric parameters and cellular antioxidant defence system of shoots. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:106076. [PMID: 31630854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Morphometric parameters and functional state of the cellular antioxidant defence system of shoots were studied in the progeny of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (A. thaliana) plants, previously and chronically exposed in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (ChEZ). Changes in cellular antioxidant enzyme activities in the progeny of exposed plants were assumed because antioxidant status of cell may be altered by inherited epigenetic changes, resulting in changes in antioxidant-response genes expression. These changes can be inferred as induced expression of CAT and SOD genes was found previously for A. thaliana plants by another group of scientists. It is well-known that ionizing radiation may induce changes in hormonal-signalling net-work, shifting balance in growth factors that may cause changes in morphometric parameters of plants. Seeds from A. thaliana plants were collected in the ChEZ at different levels of the external dose rate from 0.28 ± 0.01 to 12.93 ± 0.08 μGy/h. Internal dose rate for parent plants was calculated on the basis of the activity concentration of 90Sr and 137Cs in the plants, using dose conversion coefficients for wild grass. Total dose rate, absorbed by parent plants, was calculated as the sum of the external and internal dose rate and was in a range between 2.8 ± 0.2 and 99 ± 8 μGy/h. Seeds were then grown in the standard laboratory conditions (nutrient-agar, light-dark cycle and appropriate temperature) to analyse morphometric parameters of seedlings and final germination percentage. No significant changes in the morphometric parameters (root length and rosette diameter of shoots) of the seedlings were observed. Changes in the final germination percentage of the studied seeds were found, but low correlation was observed between found changes and the dose rate, absorbed by parent plants. In contrast to the results obtained in A. thaliana plants directly sampled in the field, no effect on the functional state of the cellular antioxidant defence system of shoots in the progeny of Chernobyl A. thaliana plants was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriia Morozova
- Ukrainian Institute of Agricultural Radiology of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Mashinobudivnykiv str.7, Chabany, Kyiv region, 08162, Ukraine.
| | - Elena Kashparova
- Ukrainian Institute of Agricultural Radiology of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Mashinobudivnykiv str.7, Chabany, Kyiv region, 08162, Ukraine
| | - Sviatoslav Levchuk
- Ukrainian Institute of Agricultural Radiology of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Mashinobudivnykiv str.7, Chabany, Kyiv region, 08162, Ukraine
| | - Yeugeniia Bishchuk
- Ukrainian Institute of Agricultural Radiology of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Mashinobudivnykiv str.7, Chabany, Kyiv region, 08162, Ukraine
| | - Valery Kashparov
- Ukrainian Institute of Agricultural Radiology of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Mashinobudivnykiv str.7, Chabany, Kyiv region, 08162, Ukraine.
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17
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Horemans N, Spurgeon DJ, Lecomte-Pradines C, Saenen E, Bradshaw C, Oughton D, Rasnaca I, Kamstra JH, Adam-Guillermin C. Current evidence for a role of epigenetic mechanisms in response to ionizing radiation in an ecotoxicological context. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 251:469-483. [PMID: 31103007 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.04.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The issue of potential long-term or hereditary effects for both humans and wildlife exposed to low doses (or dose rates) of ionising radiation is a major concern. Chronic exposure to ionising radiation, defined as an exposure over a large fraction of the organism's lifespan or even over several generations, can possibly have consequences in the progeny. Recent work has begun to show that epigenetics plays an important role in adaptation of organisms challenged to environmental stimulae. Changes to so-called epigenetic marks such as histone modifications, DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs result in altered transcriptomes and proteomes, without directly changing the DNA sequence. Moreover, some of these environmentally-induced epigenetic changes tend to persist over generations, and thus, epigenetic modifications are regarded as the conduits for environmental influence on the genome. Here, we review the current knowledge of possible involvement of epigenetics in the cascade of responses resulting from environmental exposure to ionising radiation. In addition, from a comparison of lab and field obtained data, we investigate evidence on radiation-induced changes in the epigenome and in particular the total or locus specific levels of DNA methylation. The challenges for future research and possible use of changes as an early warning (biomarker) of radiosensitivity and individual exposure is discussed. Such a biomarker could be used to detect and better understand the mechanisms of toxic action and inter/intra-species susceptibility to radiation within an environmental risk assessment and management context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Research, University of Hasselt, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - David J Spurgeon
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MacLean Building, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Catherine Lecomte-Pradines
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, Saint Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - Eline Saenen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Clare Bradshaw
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deborah Oughton
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1430, Aas, Norway
| | - Ilze Rasnaca
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MacLean Building, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Jorke H Kamstra
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Christelle Adam-Guillermin
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-SANTE, Cadarache, Saint Paul Lez Durance, France
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18
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Geras'kin S, Volkova P, Vasiliyev D, Dikareva N, Oudalova A, Kazakova E, Makarenko E, Duarte G, Kuzmenkov A. Scots pine as a promising indicator organism for biomonitoring of the polluted environment: A case study on chronically irradiated populations. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2019; 842:3-13. [PMID: 31255224 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In this paper the main results of long-term (2003-2016) observations on Scots pine populations inhabiting sites affected by the Chernobyl accident are presented. Populations growing for many years under chronic radiation exposure are characterized by the enhanced mutation rates, increased genetic diversity, changes in the gene expression and in the level of genome-wide methylation, alterations in the temporal dynamics of cytogenetic abnormalities and genetic structure of populations. However, significant changes at the genetic level had no effects on enzymatic activity, morphological abnormalities, and reproductive ability of pine trees. The results presented increase our understanding of the long-term effects of chronic radiation exposure on plant populations in the wild nature and provide important information for the management and monitoring of radioactively contaminated territories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Polina Volkova
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Obninsk, Russia
| | - Denis Vasiliyev
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Obninsk, Russia
| | - Nina Dikareva
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Obninsk, Russia
| | - Alla Oudalova
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Obninsk, Russia; Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Obninsk, Russia
| | | | | | - Gustavo Duarte
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Obninsk, Russia; Institute Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Versailles, France
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19
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Horemans N, Nauts R, Vives I Batlle J, Van Hees M, Jacobs G, Voorspoels S, Gaschak S, Nanba K, Saenen E. Genome-wide DNA methylation changes in two Brassicaceae species sampled alongside a radiation gradient in Chernobyl and Fukushima. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 192:405-416. [PMID: 30055441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The long-term radiological impact to the environment of the nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and Fukushima is still under discussion. In the course of spring of 2016 we sampled two Brassicacea plants, Arabidopsis thaliana and Capsella bursa-pastoris native to Ukraine and Japan, respectively, alongside a gradient of radiation within the exclusion and difficult to return zones of Chernobyl (CEZ) and Fukushima (FEZ). Ambient dose rates were similar for both sampling gradients ranging from 0.5 to 80 μGy/h at plant height. The hypothesis was tested whether a history of several generations of plants growing in enhanced radiation exposure conditions would have led to changes in genome-wide DNA methylation. However, no differences were found in the global percentage of 5-methylated cytosines in Capsella bursa pastoris plants sampled in FEZ. On the other hand a significant decrease in whole genome methylation percentage in Arabidopsis thaliana plants was found in CEZ mainly governed by the highest exposed plants. These data support a link between exposure to changed environmental conditions and changes genome methylation. In addition to methylation the activity concentration of different radionuclides, 137Cs, 90Sr, 241Am and Pu-238,239,240 for CEZ and 137, 134Cs for FEZ, was analysed in both soil and plant samples. The ratio of 5.6 between 137Cs compared to 134Cs was as expected five years after the FEZ accident. For CEZ 137Cs is the most abundant polluting radionuclide in soil followed by 90Sr. Whereas 241Am and Pu-isotopes are only marginally present. In the plant tissue, however, higher levels of Sr than Cs were retrieved due to a high uptake of 90Sr in the plants. The 90Sr transfer factors ranged in CEZ from 5 to 20 (kg/kg) depending on the locality. Based on the activity concentrations of the different radionuclides the ERICA tool was used to estimate the total dose rates to the plants. It was found that for FEZ the doses was mainly contributable to the external Cs-isotopes and as such estimated total dose rates (0.13-38 μGy/h) were in the same range as the ambient measured dose rates. In strong contrast this was not true for CEZ where the total dose rate was mainly due to high uptake of the 90Sr leading to dose rates ranging from 1 to 370 μGy/h. Hence our data clearly indicate that not taking into account the internal contamination in CEZ will lead to considerable underestimation of the doses to the plants. Additionally they show that it is hard to compare the two nuclear accidental sites and one of the main reasons is the difference in contamination profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Research, University of Hasselt, Universiteitslaan 1, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Robin Nauts
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Jordi Vives I Batlle
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - May Van Hees
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Griet Jacobs
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO Nv), Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Stefan Voorspoels
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO Nv), Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sergey Gaschak
- Chernobyl Center for Nuclear Safety, Radioactive Waste and Radioecology, International Radioecology Laboratory, 07100, Slavutych, Ukraine
| | - Kenji Nanba
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity of Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan
| | - Eline Saenen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
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20
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Volkova PY, Geras'kin SA. 'Omic' technologies as a helpful tool in radioecological research. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 189:156-167. [PMID: 29677564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This article presents a brief review of the modern 'omic' technologies, namely genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, as well as the examples of their possible use in radioecology. For each technology, a short description of advances, limitations, and instrumental applications is given. In addition, the review contains examples of successful use of 'omic' technologies in the assessment of biological effects of pollutants in the field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Yu Volkova
- Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, 249032, Kievskoe shosse, 109 km, Obninsk, Russia.
| | - Stanislav A Geras'kin
- Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, 249032, Kievskoe shosse, 109 km, Obninsk, Russia
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21
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Geras'kin S, Oudalova A, Kuzmenkov A, Vasiliyev D. Chronic radiation exposure modifies temporal dynamics of cytogenetic but not reproductive indicators in Scots pine populations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 239:399-407. [PMID: 29679937 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.04.058] [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: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Over a period of 13 years (2003-2015), reproductive and cytogenetic effects are investigated in Scots pine populations growing in the Bryansk region of Russia radioactively contaminated as a result of the Chernobyl accident. In reference populations, the frequencies of cytogenetic abnormalities are shown to change with time in a cyclic manner. In chronically exposed populations, the cyclic patterns in temporal dynamics of cytogenetic abnormalities appear to be disturbed. In addition, a tendency to decrease in the frequencies of cytogenetic abnormalities with time as well as an increase in their variability with dose rate is revealed. In contrast, no significant impact of chronic radiation exposure on the time dynamics of reproductive indexes is detected. Finally, long-term observations on chronically exposed Scots pine populations revealed qualitative differences in the temporal dynamics of reproductive and cytogenetic indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Geras'kin
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe shosse, 109 km, 249020, Obninsk, Russia.
| | - Alla Oudalova
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe shosse, 109 km, 249020, Obninsk, Russia; Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Obninsk, Russia
| | - Alexey Kuzmenkov
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe shosse, 109 km, 249020, Obninsk, Russia
| | - Denis Vasiliyev
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Kievskoe shosse, 109 km, 249020, Obninsk, Russia
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22
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Caplin N, Willey N. Ionizing Radiation, Higher Plants, and Radioprotection: From Acute High Doses to Chronic Low Doses. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:847. [PMID: 29997637 PMCID: PMC6028737 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on plants is important for environmental protection, for agriculture and horticulture, and for space science but plants have significant biological differences to the animals from which much relevant knowledge is derived. The effects of IR on plants are understood best at acute high doses because there have been; (a) controlled experiments in the field using point sources, (b) field studies in the immediate aftermath of nuclear accidents, and (c) controlled laboratory experiments. A compilation of studies of the effects of IR on plants reveals that although there are numerous field studies of the effects of chronic low doses on plants, there are few controlled experiments that used chronic low doses. Using the Bradford-Hill criteria widely used in epidemiological studies we suggest that a new phase of chronic low-level radiation research on plants is desirable if its effects are to be properly elucidated. We emphasize the plant biological contexts that should direct such research. We review previously reported effects from the molecular to community level and, using a plant stress biology context, discuss a variety of acute high- and chronic low-dose data against Derived Consideration Reference Levels (DCRLs) used for environmental protection. We suggest that chronic low-level IR can sometimes have effects at the molecular and cytogenetic level at DCRL dose rates (and perhaps below) but that there are unlikely to be environmentally significant effects at higher levels of biological organization. We conclude that, although current data meets only some of the Bradford-Hill criteria, current DCRLs for plants are very likely to be appropriate at biological scales relevant to environmental protection (and for which they were intended) but that research designed with an appropriate biological context and with more of the Bradford-Hill criteria in mind would strengthen this assertion. We note that the effects of IR have been investigated on only a small proportion of plant species and that research with a wider range of species might improve not only the understanding of the biological effects of radiation but also that of the response of plants to environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil Willey
- Centre for Research in Biosciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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23
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Volkova PY, Geras'kin SA, Horemans N, Makarenko ES, Saenen E, Duarte GT, Nauts R, Bondarenko VS, Jacobs G, Voorspoels S, Kudin M. Chronic radiation exposure as an ecological factor: Hypermethylation and genetic differentiation in irradiated Scots pine populations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 232:105-112. [PMID: 28931465 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic changes were investigated in chronically irradiated Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) populations from territories that were heavily contaminated by radionuclides as result of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. In comparison to the reference site, the genetic diversity revealed by electrophoretic mobility of AFLPs was found to be significantly higher at the radioactively contaminated areas. In addition, the genome of pine trees was significantly hypermethylated at 4 of the 7 affected sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Yu Volkova
- Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, 249030, Obninsk, Russian Federation.
| | - S A Geras'kin
- Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, 249030, Obninsk, Russian Federation
| | - N Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK•CEN, Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - E S Makarenko
- Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, 249030, Obninsk, Russian Federation
| | - E Saenen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK•CEN, Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - G T Duarte
- Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, 249030, Obninsk, Russian Federation
| | - R Nauts
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK•CEN, Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - V S Bondarenko
- Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, 249030, Obninsk, Russian Federation
| | - G Jacobs
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - S Voorspoels
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - M Kudin
- Polessye State Radiation Ecological Reserve, 247618, Belarus
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Blume YB, Grodzinsky DM. Thirty years after Chernobyl accident: Evaluation of consequences by biologists and medical scientists. CYTOL GENET+ 2016. [DOI: 10.3103/s0095452716060025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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