Sodium alginate films incorporated with Lepidium sativum (Garden cress) extract as a novel method to enhancement the oxidative stability of edible oil

This study addresses the growing interest in bio-based active food packaging by infusing Lepidium sativum (Garden cress) seeds extract (GRCE) into sodium alginate (SALG) films at varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5 %). The GRCE extract revealed six phenolic compounds, with gallic and chlorogenic acids being prominent, showcasing substantial total phenolic content (TPC) of 139.36 μg GAE/mg and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 26.46 μg RE/mg. The integration into SALG films significantly increased TPC, reaching 30.73 mg GAE/g in the film with 5 % GRCE. This enhancement extended to DPPH and ABTS activities, with notable rises to 66.47 and 70.12 %, respectively. Physical properties, including tensile strength, thickness, solubility, and moisture content, were positively affected. A reduction in water vapor permeability (WVP) was reported in the film enriched with 5 % GRCE (1.389 × 10-10 g H2O/m s p.a.). FT-IR analysis revealed bands indicating GRCE's physical interaction with the SALG matrix, with thermal stability of the films decreasing upon GRCE integration. SALG/GRCE5 effectively lowered the peroxide value (PV) of sunflower oil after four weeks at 50 °C compared to the control, with direct film-oil contact enhancing this reduction. Similar trends were observed in the K232 and K270 values.

The exogenous application of naringenin and rosmarinic acid modulates functional traits in Lepidium sativum

BACKGROUND

Phenolic modulators have attracted attention for their potential in shaping functional traits in plants. This work investigated the impact of naringenin (Nar) and rosmarinic acid (RA) on the functional properties of Lepidium sativum leaves and roots.

RESULTS

Untargeted metabolomics identified a diverse phenolic profile, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, low molecular weight phenolics, lignans, and stilbenes. Cluster, analysis of variance multiblock orthogonal partial least squares (AMOPLS), and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) multivariate analyses confirmed tissue-specific modulation of bioactive compounds. The tissue was the hierarchically most influential factor, explaining 27% of observed variability, while the treatment and their interaction were statistically insignificant. Thereafter, various in vitro assays were employed to assess antioxidant capacity, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal chelating ability, and phosphomolybdenum (PMD) assays. Extracts were also tested for inhibitory effects on cholinesterase, amylase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase enzymes. RA application positively impacted antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities, holding valuable implications in shaping the health-promoting properties of L. sativum.

CONCLUSION

The untargeted metabolomics analysis showed a significant tissue-dependent modulation of bioactive compounds, determining no synergistic effect between applying phenolic compounds in combination. Specifically, the sole application of RA increased anthocyanins and hydroxyphenyl propanoic acid content on leaves, which was strictly related to enhancing the biological activities. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

In vitro chronic phytotoxicity of heavy metals and metalloids to Lepidium sativum (garden cress)

The paper presents the results of studies on the influence of selected concentrations (10-100 mg L-1) of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn) and metalloids (As, Sb, Se) on the germination and root elongation of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L). There are not many studies on phytotoxicity of heavy metals and metalloids with the complex use of single plant species so far. On the basis of the germination index (GI) and inhibition concentration IC50, the following order of phytotoxicity of the tested elements was determined: Se> As> Hg> Sb > Mo > Cd> Co > Zn > Ni. The other metals showed no phytotoxicity or even stimulating effect. In our study the stimulating effect of the majority of Pb concentrations and the lowest concentrations of Cd and Hg has been revealed. These metals do not play any role in living organisms, however some authors confirm their stimulating effect on plants at low concentrations. Toxic concentration of metals and metalloids calculated as IC50 are lower than the concentration calculated as GI (not phytotoxic). It is well known that seeds are more independent and tolerant to toxicants when they contain reserve substances which are used during the germination period. On the basis of conducted research, high tolerance of L. sativum to heavy metals and metalloids was found, which may indicate its usefulness for phytotoxicity assessment of leachate from contaminated soil or waste (e.g. foundry waste) and its application for bioremediation to manage heavy metal pollution of soils or foundry wastes containing heavy metals and metalloids. The understanding of heavy metal and metalloids toxicity will facilitate bioremediation.

Phage Therapy Against Pathogenic Escherichia coli (O104:H4, O157:H7, and O26) Strains in Irrigation Water During Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum Linn.) Vegetation

Fresh produce outbreaks have increased worldwide. Foodborne pathogens are transmitted mostly by contaminated water, and elimination is harder after the transmission. To eliminate pathogens in fresh produce, chemical prevention methods, including chlorine, can be used. However, the usage of chemicals poses a risk to human health, as well as environmental health. Therefore, alternative prevention methods that can be applied in the field should be investigated. This study aims to investigate an alternative method to prevent the pathogenic Escherichia coli strain O26 and Shiga toxin-producing strains O104:H4 and O157:H7 on freshly consumed garden cresses. In this study, garden cresses were treated with bacteriophages after becoming contaminated with pathogenic E. coli strains during growth. After 30 days, the leaves were collected and tested for the presence of E. coli. Its adherence on the leaf surface was investigated with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Although there were significant reductions in both total and biofilm-forming E. coli counts in pathogenic E. coli strain O26 and Shiga toxin-producing strains O104:H4 and O157:H7, which is also confirmed with the SEM images, the counts were not lowered to levels permitted by the EU. Therefore, results showed that phage therapy against pathogenic E. coli strains may be used as a biocontrol agent in combination with additional control measure.

Characterization of free oligosaccharides from garden cress seed aqueous exudate using PGC LC-MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy

Garden cress seeds produces mucilage that has found various food applications, however, there is little information on the free oligosaccharides (FOS) contents in these seeds. Herein, we explored the presence of FOS in cress seed aqueous exudate. PGC-LC MS/MS analysis indicated the presence of mainly hexose containing oligosaccharides such as raffinose, stachyose and verbascose belonging to raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs). In addition, minor fraction of planteose, isomeric tri- and tetrasaccharides were also observed. Further, the structural confirmation of the abundant tri- and tetrasaccharide were obtained through 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Thus, the RFOs presence in cress seeds would enhance its bio-functionalities.

Can an Alginate-based Wound Dressing Modified with Garden Cress Substitute for COE-PAK as a Wound Dressing? An In Vitro Study

AIM

The aim of the current study was to prepare a natural oral wound dressing from alginate modified with garden cress (GC), a rich source of antibacterial phytochemical compounds essential for wound healing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sodium alginate (SA) dressing (negative control group), was prepared and modified with GC seeds extracts (25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL) as the intervention groups, and COE-PAK was the positive control group. Cytotoxicity was measured using WST-1 assay (n = 15) after 24 and 48 hours. The in vitro wound healing assay (n = 15) was assessed in terms of wound width, and cell migration rate (0, 24, 48, and 72 hours). Agar diffusion test was performed to investigate the antibacterial action (n = 15) of the groups against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei strains. Results were significant at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in cytotoxicity in all groups (p = 0.24 at 24 hours and 0.1 at 48 hours). Garden cress-containing groups revealed the lowest mean value of wound width (0.27 mm ± 0.01 and 0.23 mm ± 0.01 for 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL, respectively at 48 hours) and the highest mean value of cell migration rate (0.013 mm/hour ± 0.004 and 0.014 mm/hour ± 0.004 for 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL, respectively at 48 hours), in addition to the highest antibacterial action (1.49 mm ± 0.05 and 2.14 mm ± 0.09 for 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL, respectively against S. mutans, 1.43 mm ± 0.07 and 2.55 mm ± 0.09 for 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL, respectively against L. casei).

CONCLUSION

Alginate wound dressing modified with GC extract could be considered a promising wound dressing material in terms of wound healing and antibacterial action.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Ready-to-use alginate-based wound dressing modified with GC extract may represent a promising natural alternative to the most commonly used oral wound dressing (COE-PAK).

plants: Mitigation of metal phytotoxicity due to nanosorption

Due to its unique structure and exceptional properties, graphene oxide (GO) is increasingly used in various fields of industry and therefore is inevitably released into the environment, where it interacts with different contaminants. However, the information relating to the ability of GO to affect the toxicity of contaminants is still limited. Therefore, the aim of our study was to synthesize GO, to examine the phytotoxicity of different concentrations of GO and its co-exposure with the metal mixture using garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) as a test organism and to evaluate the potential of GO to affect toxicity of metals and their uptake by plants. The metal mixture (MIX) containing Ni (II), Zn (II), Cr (III) and Cu (II) was prepared in accordance with the maximum-permissible-concentrations (MPC) accepted for the inland waters in the EU. Additionally, the capacity of GO to adsorb metals was studied in specific conditions of the phytotoxicity test and assessed using adsorption isotherms. Our data indicate that in most cases the tested concentrations of MIX, GO and MIX + GO did not affect seed germination, root growth and biomass of roots and seedlings, however, they were found to alter photosynthesis processes, enhance production of carotenoids and H₂O₂ as well as to activate lipid peroxidation. Additionally, our study revealed that GO affects the accumulation of tested metals in roots and shoots of the MIX-exposed L. sativum. This is due to the capacity of GO to adsorb metals from the growth medium. Therefore, low concentrations of GO can be used for water decontamination.

Assessment of Phytotoxicity of Landfilled Waste and Foundry Dust Based on The Direct Test

The article presents the results of phytotoxicity tests on foundry dust and landfilled waste. Currently, all this waste is being reused. The research has focused on phytotoxicity tests performed directly on the waste. Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) was used as the test plant. The germination test (GI) and the accumulation test were used to assess phytotoxicity. All dust types were highly phytotoxic to L. sativum L. in the direct test. The reason for this effect could be the low pH, the high level of heavy metals (HM), and probably the presence of organic pollutants (phenol, formaldehyde). The most phytotoxic was electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), classified as hazardous waste due to the high content of HM. The landfilled foundry waste (LFW) was characterised by moderate phytotoxicity in the direct test. The study confirmed the usefulness of the direct test in the phytotoxicity assessment of foundry waste with L. sativum L.

In Vitro Study of the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant, Immunostimulant, and Hemolytic Activities of Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae) and Lepidium sativum Seeds

The Moroccan flora abounds and is an important reserve of medicinal plants. Nigella sativa and Lepidium sativum are plants that are widely used in traditional medicine for their multiple therapeutic properties. The current study aims to highlight the biological activities that can justify and valorize the use of these plants. Flavonoids, total phenols, condensed tannins, and sugars were determined. The biological activities tested were antioxidant by determining the IC50 (defined as the concentration of an antioxidant required to decrease the initial concentration by 50%; inversely related to the antioxidant capacity), hemagglutination, and hemolytic activities. Phytochemical quantification of the seed extracts indicated that the total phenol content was largely similar for both plants and in the order of 10 mg GAE (Gallic acid equivalent)/g. On the other hand, L. sativum seeds registered a higher content of flavonoids (3.09 ± 0.04 mg QE (quercetin equivalent)/g) as compared to Nigella saliva (0.258 ± 0.058). Concerning condensed tannins, N. saliva seeds present a higher amount with a value of 7.2 ± 0.025 mg/g as compared to L. sativum (1.4 ± 0.22 mg/g). Concerning the total sugar content, L. sativum shows a higher content (67.86 ± 0.87 mg/g) as compared to N. sativa (58.17 ± 0.42 mg/g); it is also richer in mucilage with a content of 240 mg as compared to 8.2 mg for N. saliva. Examination of the antioxidant activity using a DPPH (2.2-diphenyl 1-pycrilhydrazyl) test revealed that the EButOH (n-butanol extract) and EAE (ethyl acetate extract) extracts were the most active, with IC50 values of 48.7 and 50.65 μg/mL for the N. sativa extracts and 15.7 and 52.64 μg/mL for the L. sativum extracts, respectively. The results of the hemagglutination activity of the different extracts of the two plants prepared in the PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) medium showed significant agglutination for the L. sativum extract (1/50) compared to the N. sativa extract (1/20). An evaluation of the hemolytic effect of the crude extract of the studied seeds on erythrocytes isolated from rat blood incubated in PBS buffer compared to the total hemolysis induced by distilled water showed a hemolysis rate of 54% for Nigella sativa and 34% for L. sativum. In conclusion, the two plants studied in the current work exhibited high antioxidant potential, which could explain their beneficial properties.

1-Methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole as the main marker of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine exposure in plants

With their wide application in chemical industry, human health and environmental toxic effects of hydrazines arise extensive concerns. Although hydrazine exposure is known to lead to inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth in plants, there are few reports about the mechanism of oxidation or transformation ways of hydrazines in plant tissue. In this research, garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) were used as model plant objects to study 1,1-dimethylhydrazine exposure in vitro using the GC-MS system. The seed germination and plant growth experiments were carried out in Petri dishes using an aqueous media. Among the detected 1,1-dimethylhydrazine transformation products in plant tissues, 1-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole had the highest intensity and reproducibility. In our research, 1-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole formed at all contaminant concentrations in an extremely short period. This preliminary study determined 1,1-dimethylhydrazine environment contamination by detecting 1-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole in combination with other transformation products.

seeds induced by bismuth exposure

Bismuth (Bi) is considered a "green metal" as its toxicity has been reported to be lower than other metals, particularly lead. Even though the low presence in the environment, an increase of Bi concentrations in soil and wastewater is predictable due to its enhanced uses for many industrial and medical applications. Therefore, given the little literature on the matter, particularly in plants, information on the effects of Bi on living organisms is needed. In this study, seeds of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), a model plant for ecotoxicological assays (OECD), were exposed to increasing Bi concentrations (0 to 485 mg L^-1 Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O in deionised water) in petri plates. After 72 h, the percent germination index (GI%) revealed no effects at the lowest Bi concentrations, while a slight toxicity occurred at 242 and 485 mg L^-1 Bi nitrate. A significant reduction of the root length was observed in Bi-treated seedlings, especially at the highest Bi concentrations. Consistently, the Alkaline Comet Assay revealed a genotoxic effect induced by Bi exposure in garden cress seedlings. A Bi concentration-dependent metal accumulation in plantlets was also observed, with a Bi concentration higher than 1200 mg kg^-1 found in plantlets at the highest Bi concentration assayed. The toxicity effects observed in the study were discussed, as contribution to the expansion of knowledge on Bi ecotoxicity and genotoxicity in plants.

Zincum Metallicum, a homeopathic drug, alleviates Zn-induced toxic effects and promotes plant growth and antioxidant capacity in Lepidium sativum L

In this study, we investigated the effect of the homeopathic drug Zincum Metallicum (ZM) on zinc (Zn) toxicity in the plant species Lepidium sativum L. We focused on growth parameters, Zn uptake and numerous biochemical parameters. Seedlings were hydroponically subjected during 7 days to 0.05, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 µM Zn²⁺, in the absence or presence of 15ch or 9ch ZM. In the absence of ZM, Zn induced negative effect on growth especially at the dose of 2 mM. Zn induced also chlorosis, reduced total chlorophyll and/or carotenoid content and increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Under Zn toxicity (500, 1000 and 1500 µM), the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), gaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were increased or not significantly affected, while at 2000 µM Zn affected the activity of these enzymes. At the highest Zn level (2 mM), proline and total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were markedly increased in leaves and roots of L. sativum. Additionally, ZM supply considerably ameliorated the plant growth, photosynthetic pigment contents and increased non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules and enzymatic activities against Zn-induced oxidative stress. Our data suggest that homeopathic properties of ZM may be efficiently involved in the restriction of Zn-induced oxidative damages, by lowering Zn accumulation and translocation in the leaves and roots of Lepidium sativum L.

Time study on the uptake of four different beta-blockers in garden cress (Lepidium sativum) as a model plant

The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake of four beta-blockers by the model plant Lepidium sativum (garden cress) and their possible metabolization over a time period of 8 days. Therefore, cress was grown hydroponically in tap water for a week until they were matured, following irrigation with drug-containing water over the course of another 8 days. Samples were taken at days 1, 2, 4, and 8 after irrigation started. All four beta-blockers were taken up by the plants and the different octanol-water coefficients (log P) of the drugs have an influence on the uptake speed in the roots of the plants. The log P seems to have no influence on the translocation of the drugs from the root to the shoots. Furthermore, neither phase I nor phase II metabolization occurred inside the plants.

Ageing affects microplastic toxicity over time: Effects of aged polycarbonate on germination, growth, and oxidative stress of Lepidium sativum

Plastic has been an environmental pollutant far longer than claimed by the first reports surfacing in 1979, meaning some plastic materials have been decaying in nature for decades. Nevertheless, the threat posed to biota is not fully understood, especially from aged microplastic. The question considered in this study was whether the adverse effects of new plastic differ from those of old plastic material. Therefore, the morphological and physiological effects on Lepidium sativum with exposure to both new and aged polycarbonate were considered against a known stressor leaching from polycarbonate with time, bisphenol-A. Exposure to new and short-term aged polycarbonate (up to 80 days) elicited the most severe effects such as germination inhibition, reduced seedling growth, decreased chlorophyll concentrations, and increased catalase activity. These adverse effects in L. sativum associated with polycarbonate exposure were reduced as a function of the ageing time applied to the polycarbonate. The chemical substances that lend new polycarbonate material its toxicity were likely leached with time during the ageing process. Based on the results obtained, temperature and humidity based artificial ageing significantly reduced the phytotoxicity of the microplastic particles.

Cerium, gadolinium, lanthanum, and neodymium effects in simplified acid mine discharges to Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lepidium sativum, and Vicia faba

The alteration of rare earth elements (REEs) biogeochemical cycles has increased the potential effects related to their environmental exposure in a one-health perspective. Cerium (Ce), gadolinium (Gd), lanthanum (La), and neodymium (Nd) are frequently related to technological applications and their environmental concentrations are already in the μg/kg - mg/kg (i.e., or L) range depending on the considered matrices. The effect of Ce, Gd, La, and Nd was investigated in a simulated AMD (0.01-10.22 mg/L) at pH 4 and 6 considering a battery of photosynthetic organisms (Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lepidium sativum, and Vicia faba) according to a multiple-endpoint approach (growth inhibition, germination index, and mutagenicity). According to modelled chemical speciation, the considered elements were mostly in the trivalent free form (86-88%) at pH 4. Gd, La, and Nd exerted the most relevant toxic effect at pH 4. The pH 6 scenario evidenced a reduction in REEs toxicity level. Mutagenicity was detected only at pH 4 by Gd (up to 3-fold compared to negative controls), La and Nd, while Ce did not show any adverse effect. Toxic effects due to Ce, Gd, La, and Nd can be reduced by controlling the pH, but several gaps of knowledge still remain about their uptake and trophic transfer, and long-term effects on targeted species.

Uptake and bio-transformation of telmisartan by cress (Lepidium sativum) from sewage treatment plant effluents using high-performance liquid chromatography/drift-tube ion-mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In the present study, the uptake and metabolization of the sartan drug telmisartan by a series of plants was investigated. Thereby for seven potential metabolites, modifications on the telmisartan molecule such as hydroxylation and/or glycosylation could be tentatively identified. For two additional signals detected at accurate masses m/z 777.3107 and m/z 793.3096, no suggestions for molecular formulas could be made. Further investigations employing garden cress (Lepidium sativum) as a model plant were conducted. This was done in order to develop an analytical method allowing the detection of these substances also under environmentally relevant conditions. For this reason, the knowledge achieved from treatment of the plants with rather high concentrations of the parent drug (10 mg L^-1) was compared with results obtained when using solutions containing telmisartan in the μg - ng L^-1 range. Thereby the parent drug and up to three tentative drug-related metabolites could still be detected. Finally cress was cultivated in water taken from a local waste water treatment plant effluent containing 90 ng L^-1 of telmisartan and harvested and the cress roots were extracted. In this extract, next to the parent drug one major metabolite, namely telmisartan-glucose could be identified.

Effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics and acid rain on physiology and growth of Lepidium sativum

This study evaluated the chronic toxicity (30 days) of different sizes of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics (60-3000 μm) provided alone or in combination with acid rain, on garden cress (Lepidium sativum). Both biometrical and physiological traits have been evaluated: i) percentage inhibition of seed germination, plant height, leaf number and fresh biomass production; ii) oxidative stress responses (hydrogen peroxide; ascorbic acid and glutathione production); iii) impairment in photosynthetic machinery in term of pigments production; iv) aminolevulinic acid and proline production. Results highlighted that different sizes of PET, alone or in combination with acid rain, are able to negatively affect both biometrical and physiological plant traits. In particular, the lower size of microplastics is able to negatively affect growth and development, as well as to trigger the oxidative burst. Regarding the pigments production, PET coupled with acid rain, induced a higher production of Chl-b, and an inhibition of aminolevulinic acid.

Toxicological effects of different-sized Co-Fe (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles on Lepidium sativum L.: towards better understanding of nanophytotoxicity

Due to their widespread therapeutic and agricultural applicability and usefulness in removing metals and metalloids from water, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) are currently receiving increasing attention from researchers. However, their potential phytotoxicity is still poorly understood. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess the effects of synthesized cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) NPs on biological (morphological, physiological, and biochemical) parameters of edible plant garden-cress (Lepidium sativum L.), depending on particle size and concentrations. In this study, physical characteristics of cobalt ferrite NPs were determined. Increased total content of Co and Fe in L. sativum tissues and their transfer from roots to above-ground parts of seedlings, which depended on the size of NP (15 < 5 < 1.65 nm), indicated that plants had been exposed to Co ferrite NPs. The relative growth of roots, biomass of roots and above-ground parts of seedlings, amounts of chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. The dependence of the tested garden-cress parameters on the size and concentrations of NPs was revealed. Our data showed that the content of MDA in test plants in some cases increased up to 2.5 folds in comparison to control. The increase of the content of chlorophyll b pigment and MDA in test plants is an appropriate indicator of the impact of cobalt ferrite NPs. The findings of our study into toxicological effects of Co-Fe (CoFe₂O₄) NPs on L. sativum are expected to deepen the knowledge of the nanophytotoxicity of ferromagnetic NPs and their potential application in biomedicine and agriculture.

Linking pollution of roadside soils and ecotoxicological responses of five higher plants

This research studies a typical landscape of an agricultural area separated from the road by a ditch with trees. Soils were sampled at 1, 2, 7, 25, and 50 m from the road. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), total and phyto-available heavy metals (HM), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and de-icing salts (DS, Cl^-) were determined using standard techniques. A set of higher plants (Lepidium sativum L., Sinapis alba L., Raphanus sativus L., Hordeum vulgare L., Avena sativa L.) was applied for toxicity evaluation of soils. The objective of this research is to find correlations between pollution of roadside soils and their phytotoxicity. HM, TPH and DS contamination of soils was observed in the 0-25 m zone, and PAH contamination was found up to the 50 m. Soil toxicity was declining from the road to the 50 m. Phytotoxicity related to majority of plants performed correlations with the same set of contaminants: TPH, 2-rings PAH, phyto-available Zn, Cu, Pb, and total Zn. No any correlations demonstrated Avena sativa L., being not applicable for ecotoxicological assessment of roadside soils. Despite the phytotoxicity was generally in line with contaminants loads, surprisingly low values were indicated in the ditch characterized by the strong pollution. We attribute this to the contrasting properties of soils there - the higher content of organics and clay. Sensitivity of plants to roadside pollution decreased in the row Lepidium sativum L. > Hordeum vulgare L. > Sinapis alba L. > Raphanus sativus L. The most reliable test-parameters for toxicity estimation were the root and the shoot length, germination rate was not informative indicating low phytotoxicity values. The research showed the importance of the right choice of test-cultures and test-parameters to judge phytotoxicity correctly. Linking the contaminants loads and phytotoxicity effects is valuable for comprehensive ecotoxicological assessment.

Physiological responses of garden cress (L. sativum) to different types of microplastics

In this study, for the first time, acute and chronic toxicity caused by four different kinds of microplastics: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), and a commercial mixture (PE + PVC) on Lepidium sativum were evaluated. Parameters considered were: i) biometric parameters (e.g. percentage inhibition of seed germination, plant height, leaf number and fresh biomass productions); and ii) oxidative stress (e.g. levels of hydrogen peroxide, glutathione, and ascorbic acid). On plants exposed to chronic stress chlorophylls, carotenoids, aminolaevulinic acid, and proline productions were, also, evaluated. PVC resulted the most toxic than other plastic materials tested. This study represents the first paper highlighting microplastics are able to produce oxidative burst in tested plants and could represent an important starting point for future researches on biochemical effects of microplastic in terrestrial environments such as agroecosystems.

Hydrocarbon Removal by Two Differently Developed Microbial Inoculants and Comparing Their Actions with Biostimulation Treatment

Bioremediation of soils polluted with petroleum compounds is a widely accepted environmental technology. We compared the effects of biostimulation and bioaugmentation of soil historically contaminated with aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The studied bioaugmentation treatments comprised of the introduction of differently developed microbial inoculants, namely: an isolated hydrocarbon-degrading community C1 (undefined-consisting of randomly chosen degraders) and a mixed culture C2 (consisting of seven strains with well-characterized enhanced hydrocarbon-degrading capabilities). Sixty days of remedial treatments resulted in a substantial decrease in total aliphatic hydrocarbon content; however, the action of both inoculants gave a significantly better effect than nutrient amendments (a 69.7% decrease for C1 and 86.8% for C2 vs. 34.9% for biostimulation). The bioaugmentation resulted also in PAH removal, and, again, C2 degraded contaminants more efficiently than C1 (reductions of 85.2% and 64.5%, respectively), while biostimulation itself gave no significant results. Various bioassays applying different organisms (the bacterium Vibrio fischeri, the plants Sorghum saccharatum, Lepidium sativum, and Sinapis alba, and the ostracod Heterocypris incongruens) and Ames test were used to assess, respectively, potential toxicity and mutagenicity risk after bioremediation. Each treatment improved soil quality, however only bioaugmentation with the C2 treatment decreased both toxicity and mutagenicity most efficiently. Illumina high-throughput sequencing revealed the lack of (C1) or limited (C2) ability of the introduced degraders to sustain competition from indigenous microbiota after a 60-day bioremediation process. Thus, bioaugmentation with the bacterial mixed culture C2, made up of identified, hydrocarbon-degrading strains, is clearly a better option for bioremediation purposes when compared to other treatments.

Ecotoxicological characteristics and ecological risk assessment of trace elements in the bottom sediments of the Rożnów reservoir (Poland)

The bottom sediments in catchment areas behind dams play a significant role in water ecosystems. On the other hand, the structure of sediments makes them a natural geosorbent, in which pollutants introduced to the aquatic environment accumulate. The use of biotests is recognised as an important approach for the assessment of the quality of bottom sediments, as the chemical analysis of sediment samples alone does not provide evidence of the impact of contaminants on biota. The aim of the study was to apply the chemical and ecological indices to determine the potential risk posed by trace elements in the bottom sediments and to evaluate sediment toxicity using organisms belonging to two taxonomic groups, i.e., plants (Phytotoxkit) and crustaceans (Rapidtoxkit). The 46 sediment samples were taken from the Rożnów Dam Reservoir in Southern Poland. The mean concentration of the trace elements in the sediments was 5.22 mg As; 0.26 mg Cd; 63.23 mg Cr; 28.65 mg Cu; 37.11 mg Ni; 11.15 mg Pb; 69.69 mg Zn and 0.09 mg Hg ∙ kg^-1 d.m. The mean probable effect concentration quotient (PECq) value among different sampling sites ranged between 0.04 and 0.33 suggested moderate potential toxicity to the biological communities in bottom sediments. The Ni was potentially the most toxic element for biota in the Rożnów Reservoir. The sensitivity of organisms formed the following order: Thamnocephalus platyurus >Lepidium sativum >Sinapis alba >Sorghum saccharatum. For the plants, the stimulating effect of bottom sediments on root growth was often indicated, while a toxic effect was demonstrated for T. platyurus in 80% of the samples. However, the correlation analysis and PCA results showed that trace elements that originated from similar sources were associated to the toxicity of sediments towards T. platyurus, while ecotoxicity for plants could not be explained by the content of trace elements in bottom sediments. T. platyurus is a good indicator for predicting the toxicity of bottom sediments from the Rożnów Reservoir. However, our study found that both chemical and ecotoxicological analyses are important for a comprehensive evaluation of the quality of bottom sediments.

Preparation and Evaluation of Functional Foods for Prevention of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a public health problem presenting one of the most important common forms of liver diseases worldwide. This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of two functional foods in form of bread containing purslane seeds meal and garden cress seeds against NAFLD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High fat and high cholesterol diet were used for induction of NAFLD in rats for 6 weeks. Plasma lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, hepatic lipid profile (total fat, cholesterol, triglycerides), malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as liver (AST, ALT, total and direct bilirubin) and kidney (creatinine and urea) functions were assessed. Histological examination of liver tissue was carried out.

RESULTS

Results revealed that significant elevation in plasma and liver lipid profiles, MDA, liver enzymes (AST and ALT), bilirubin (total and direct) and kidney function (creatinine and urea) were observed in NAFLD control compared to normal control. Feeding rats on diet containing functional food I and II (purslane and garden cress bread, respectively) showed significant improvement in all the studied parameters with remarkable effect regards to functional food I (purslane bread).

CONCLUSION

Purslane bread and garden cress bread as functional foods prepared in the present study prevent weight gain, improve plasma lipid profile and prevent hepatic lipid accumulation effectively in NAFLD model in rats. Also decreased lipid peroxidation, improve liver and kidney functions and possess hypoglycemic effect. Purslane bread was superior in the prevention of hepatic lipid accumulation.

Clinical and Radiographic Assessment of Single or Combined Treatment with Lepidium sativum and Alendronate of Non-Surgically Treated Chronic Periodontitis in Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Women

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to compare the clinical outcomes, radiometric indices (antigonial index and mental index) before and after nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis in postmenopausal osteoporotic women receiving alendronate (ALN) and Lepidium sativum either singly or combined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted on 45 postmenopausal osteoporotic women with chronic periodontitis. The study population was divided randomly and equally into three groups: A, B and C (15 patients each). Group A: local debridement was performed for these patients. They received ALN at a dose of (70 mg/ once/ week) for six months as regular treatment of osteoporosis. Group B: patients were given finely powdered dried seeds of Lepidium sativum (LS; 1 gm tid) for six weeks plus local debridement. Group C: patients received combined treatment of LS at a dose of 1 gm/tid (for six weeks) and ALN at a dose of 70 mg once weekly for six months plus local debridement. Gingival index (GI), pocket depth (PI) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured together with ADAM8 level in the GSF of the study group at baseline, three and six months.

RESULTS

By comparing the means of GI at baseline, three months and six months within the three groups, Group C showed the highest signifi cant decrease in the mean GI (p = 0.01). Comparing the pocket depth and the clinical attachment level, Group B and C showed comparable pocket depth reduction and Group C reported the highest clinical attachment gain at p=0.001. By comparing the mean of radiometric indices of the three groups through the whole study period, Group C showed the greatest increase in the MI index from baseline to six months at p=0.0001. By comparing the mean percentage of change (%) in GI among the three groups, Group C showed the statistically signifi cant highest mean percent decrease in GI. By comparing the mean percentage of change of pocket depth before and after treatment, both Groups B and C showed significantly higher percentage of PD reduction than Group A after three months and six months at p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively, while no signifi cant difference was detected between groups B and C through the whole study period. By comparing mean percentage of changes of CAL, Group C showed the highest percentage of CAL change.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of the study, it is concluded that Lepidium sativum can be used in the treatment of osteoporotic postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis who refuse treatment with ALN. The combined use of LS and ALN may have a synergistic effect resulting in a more favorable clinical response, increased bone mass than using ALN alone when combined with conventional therapy in treatment of chronic periodontitis in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Potential anti-inflammatory effect of Cissus quadrangularis L. and Lepedium sativum L. along with their combination extracts

The anti inflammatory activity of methnolic root extract of Cissus quadrangularis L. (CQ) and seed extract of Lepedium sativum L. (LS) were studied in rats also in conjunction with using a mixture (CL) of CQ and LS. The estimation of anti-inflammatory activity was conducted by measuring volumetrically with the help of plethysmometer, the mean increase in hind paw volume of rat. Standard drug like diclofenac sodium within the dose of a 100 mg/kg is used. The doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of both plant extracts individually as well as combination were given. 0.9% NaCI (saline) solution given to control group. All the doses administered orally. Results showed that at dose of 50mg/kg showed potent activity by LS(4.06±0.03) and CQ(4.16±0.03), as CL (3.96±0.03) showed moderate activity while dose 100 and 200 mg / kg showed moderate activity by LS from respective standard i.e. Diclofenac Sodium.

Uptake and phytotoxic effect of benzalkonium chlorides in Lepidium sativum and Lactuca sativa

Cationic surfactants such as benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are used extensively as biocides in hospitals, food processing industries, and personal care products. BACs have the potential to reach the rooting zone of crop plants and BACs might thereby enter the food chain. The two most commonly used BACs, benzyl dimethyl dodecyl ammonium chloride (BDDA) and benzyl dimethyl tetradecyl ammonium chloride (BDTA), were tested in a hydroponic system to assess the uptake by and phytotoxicity to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.). Individually and in mixture, BACs at concentrations up to 100 mg L^-1 did not affect germination; however, emergent seedlings were sensitive at 1 mg L^-1 for lettuce and 5 mg L^-1 for garden cress. After 12 d exposure to 0.25 mg L^-1 BACs, plant dry weight was reduced by 68% for lettuce and 75% for garden cress, and symptoms of toxicity (necrosis, chlorosis, wilting, etc.) were visible. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of BACs in the roots and shoots of both plant species. Although no conclusive relationship was established between the concentrations of six macro- or six micro-nutrients, growth inhibition or BAC uptake, N and Mg concentrations in BAC-treated lettuce were 50% lower than that of control, indicating that BACs might induce nutrient deficiency. Although bioavailability of a compound in hydroponics is significantly higher than that in soil, these results confirm the potential of BACs to harm vascular plants.

Uptake and phytotoxic effect of benzalkonium chlorides in Lepidium sativum and Lactuca sativa

Cationic surfactants such as benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are used extensively as biocides in hospitals, food processing industries, and personal care products. BACs have the potential to reach the rooting zone of crop plants and BACs might thereby enter the food chain. The two most commonly used BACs, benzyl dimethyl dodecyl ammonium chloride (BDDA) and benzyl dimethyl tetradecyl ammonium chloride (BDTA), were tested in a hydroponic system to assess the uptake by and phytotoxicity to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.). Individually and in mixture, BACs at concentrations up to 100 mg L-1 did not affect germination; however, emergent seedlings were sensitive at 1 mg L-1 for lettuce and 5 mg L-1 for garden cress. After 12 d exposure to 0.25 mg L-1 BACs, plant dry weight was reduced by 68% for lettuce and 75% for garden cress, and symptoms of toxicity (necrosis, chlorosis, wilting, etc.) were visible. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of BACs in the roots and shoots of both plant species. Although no conclusive relationship was established between the concentrations of six macro- or six micro-nutrients, growth inhibition or BAC uptake, N and Mg concentrations in BAC-treated lettuce were 50% lower than that of control, indicating that BACs might induce nutrient deficiency. Although bioavailability of a compound in hydroponics is significantly higher than that in soil, these results confirm the potential of BACs to harm vascular plants.

Assessing biochar ecotoxicology for soil amendment by root phytotoxicity bioassays

Soil amendment with biochar has been proposed as effective in improving agricultural land fertility and carbon sequestration, although the characterisation and certification of biochar quality are still crucial for widespread acceptance for agronomic purposes. We describe here the effects of four biochars (conifer and poplar wood, grape marc, wheat straw) at increasing application rates (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50% w/w) on both germination and root elongation of Cucumis sativus L., Lepidium sativum L. and Sorghum saccharatum Moench. The tested biochars varied in chemical properties, depending on the type and quality of the initial feedstock batch, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) being high in conifer and wheat straw, Cd in poplar and Cu in grape marc. We demonstrate that electrical conductivity and Cu negatively affected both germination and root elongation at ≥5% rate biochar, together with Zn at ≥10% and elevated pH at ≥20%. In all species, germination was less sensitive than root elongation, strongly decreasing at very high rates of chars from grape marc (>10%) and wheat straw (>50%), whereas root length was already affected at 0.5% of conifer and poplar in cucumber and sorghum, with marked impairment in all chars at >5%. As a general interpretation, we propose here logarithmic model for robust root phytotoxicity in sorghum, based on biochar Zn content, which explains 66% of variability over the whole dosage range tested. We conclude that metal contamination is a crucial quality parameter for biochar safety, and that root elongation represents a stable test for assessing phytotoxicity at recommended in-field amendment rates (<1-2%).

Co-composting of horticultural waste with fruit peels, food waste, and soybean residues

Horticultural waste was co-composted with fruit peels, food waste, and soybean residues individually to evaluate the effects of these easily available organic wastes in Singapore on the composting process and product quality. Each co-composting material was mixed with horticultural waste in the wet weight ratio of 1:1 and composted for 46 days. Results showed that all co-composting materials accelerated the degradation of total carbon and resulted in higher nutrients of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) in the final product compared with horticultural waste alone. Mixture with fruit peels achieved the fastest total carbon loss; however, did not reach the minimum required temperature for pathogen destruction. The end product was found to be the best source for K and had a higher pH that could be used for the remediation of acidic soil. Food waste resulted in the highest available nitrate (NO3-N) content in the end product, but caused high salt content, total coliforms, and slower total carbon loss initially. Soybean residues were found to be the best co-composting material to produce compost with high N, P, and K when compared with other materials due to the highest temperature, fastest total carbon loss, fastest reduction in C/N ratio, and best conservation of nutrients.

The microbiotest battery as an important component in the assessment of snowmelt toxicity in urban watercourses--preliminary studies

The aim of the study was to use a battery of biotests composed of producers (Selenastrum capricornutum, Sorghum saccharatum, Lepidium sativum, and Sinapis alba), consumers (Thamnocephalus platyurus), and decomposers (Tetrahymena thermophila) to evaluate the toxicity of snowmelt and winter storm water samples. The toxicity of the samples collected in the winter period December to February (2010-2011), in one of the largest agglomerations in Poland, the city of Lodz, was compared to that of storm water samples taken under similar conditions in June. The most toxic snowmelt samples were found to be high acute hazard (class IV), while the remaining samples were rated as slight acute hazard (class II). L. sativum (in the Phytotox test) was the most sensitive test organism, giving 27 % of all toxic responses, followed by S. capricornutum with 23 % of all responses. T. thermophila was the least sensitive, with only 2 % of all toxic responses. The greatest range of toxicity was demonstrated by samples from the single family house catchment: no acute hazard (class I) to high acute hazard (class IV).

Phytotoxicity of nanoparticles--problems with bioassay choosing and sample preparation

For a full estimation of the risk related with the presence of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the environment, the use of the current ecotoxicological methods may prove insufficient. In the study presented herein, various methods of assessment of ecotoxicity were applied to compare the phytotoxicity of three ENPs: nano-ZnO, nano-TiO2 and nano-Ni. The toxicity was assayed both for aqueous solutions of the ENPs (the germination/elongation test and Phytotestkit F(TM)) and for ENPs added to soil (Phytotoxkit F(TM) and modified Phytotoxkit F(TM)). Lepidium sativum was used as a test plant. The scope of the study also included the assessment of the effect of the method of ENP application to the soil (as powder and aqueous suspension) on their phytotoxicity. In the course of the study, no effect of the studied ENPs and their bulk counterparts on the germination of seeds was observed. The root growth inhibition of L. sativum depended on the kind of test applied. The trend between concentration of ENPs and effect depended on the method used and kind of ENPs. For most nanoparticles (despite of the method used), the differences in phytotoxicity between nano and bulk particles were observed. Depending on the kind of ENPs, their phytotoxicity differs between water and soil. ZnO (nano and bulk) and nano-Ni were more toxic in soil than in water. For TiO2 and bulk-Ni, reverse trend was observed. A different method of ENP application to soil differently affects the phytotoxicity.

Co-treatment of fruit and vegetable waste in sludge digesters. An analysis of the relationship among bio-methane generation, process stability and digestate phytotoxicity

The co-digestion of a variable amount of fruit and vegetable waste in a waste mixed sludge digester was investigated using a pilot scale apparatus. The organic loading rate (OLR) was increased from 1.46 kg VS/m(3) day to 2.8 kg VS/m(3) day. The hydraulic retention time was reduced from 14 days to about 10 days. Specific bio-methane production increased from about 90 NL/kg VS to the maximum value of about 430 NL/kg VS when OLR was increased from 1.46 kg VS/m(3) day to 2.1 kg VS/m(3) day. A higher OLR caused an excessive reduction in the hydraulic retention time, enhancing microorganism wash out. Process stability evaluated by the total volatile fatty acids concentration (mg/l) to the alkalinity buffer capacity (eq. mg/l CaCO3) ratio (i.e. FOS/TAC) criterion was <0.1 indicating high stability for OLR <2.46 kg VS/m(3 )day. For higher OLR, FOS/TAC increased rapidly. Residual phytotoxicty of the digestate evaluated by the germination index (GI) (%) was quite constant for OLR<2.46 kg VS/m(3)day, which is lower than the 60% limit, indicating an acceptable toxicity level for crops. For OLR>2.46 kg VS/m(3) day, GI decreased rapidly. This corresponding trend between FOS/TAC and GI was further investigated by the definition of the GI ratio (GIR) parameter. Comparison between GIR and FOS/TAC suggests that GI could be a suitable criterion for evaluating process stability.

Cholinesterase inhibitory activities of Apai-sa-le recipe and its ingredients

BACKGROUND

Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholoinesterase inhibitors are well-known drugs commonly used in the treatment ofAlzheimer's disease (AD) to improve cognitive function. These enzyme inhibitors were reported to be found in manyplants. Apai-sa-le recipe was a Thai tradition used as nootropic recipe and formerly claimed to improve memory. Therefore, it is interesting to investigate cholinesterase inhibitory activity ofthe recipe and its ingredients.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the whole recipe ofApai-sa-le and its ingredients for inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and human butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Thirty grams of each plant and 181 grams of the whole recipe were separately extracted by 95% ethanol, after filtered the filtrate were evaporated and vacuum-dried at 45°C. By Elman method, the inhibitory activities of both enzymes were assessed. The volatile constituents ofeach extract were determined by GCMS. The constituents in the non- volatile extract were examined by TLC and the antioxidant activity was determined.

RESULTS

Four plants exhibited specific BuChE inhibitor were Lepidium sativum Linn. (Ls), Piper nigrum L. (Pn), Angelica dahurica Benth (Ad) andAtractylodes lancea DC. (Al), which shown the lC50 of 5.59, 24.52, 73.23, 96.25 μg/ml, respectively whereas galantamine and the whole recipe showed IC50 of 0.59 and 236 μg/ml. Only Pn extract inhibited AChE at lCso of 25.46 μg/ml. By GCMS and TLC fingerprints revealed the main constituents in LS, Ad, Al andPn as apiol, cumialdehyde, furanodiene and piperine. Moreover nine plant extracts and the whole recipe showed antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION

Lepidium sativum Linn. (Ls) extract showed the most potency on BuChE inhibitory effect. Three ingredients and the whole recipe exhibited mild activity. Only Piper nigrum L demonstrated inhibition effect on both AChE and BuChE.

Soil quality in the Lomellina area using in vitro models and ecotoxicological assays

Soil quality is traditionally evaluated by chemical characterization to determine levels of pollutants. Biological tools are now employed for soil monitoring since they can take account of the global biological effects induced by all xenobiotics. A combined monitoring of soils based on chemical analyses, human-related in vitro models and ecotoxicological assay was applied in the Lomellina, a semirural area of northern Italy. Chemical characterization indicated overall good quality of the soils, with low levels of toxic and carcinogenic pollutants such as heavy metals, PAHs, PCDD/Fs and PCBs. HepG2 cells were used as a model for the human liver and BALB/c 3T3 cells to evaluate carcinogenic potential. Cells were treated with soil extractable organic matter (EOM) and the MTS assay, DNA release and morphological transformation were selected as endpoints for toxicity and carcinogenicity. Soil EOMs induced dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth at low doses and cytotoxicity only at doses of 500 and 1000 mg soil equivalents/ml. Potential issues for human health can be hypothesized after ingestion of soil samples from some sites. No statistically significant inductions of foci were recorded after exposure to EOMs, indicating that the levels of the soil-extracted organic pollutants were too low to induce carcinogenesis in our experimental conditions. An acute phytotoxicity test and studies on Caenorhabditis elegans were used as ecotoxicological assays for plants and small invertebrates. No significant alerts for ecotoxicity were found. In this proposed case study, HepG2 cells detected differences in the toxicity of soil EOMs, indicating that this cell line could be appropriate to assess the potential harm caused by the ingestion of contaminated soil. Additional information on the carcinogenic potential of mixtures was provided by the cell transformation assay, strengthening the combined approach.

Ranking of ecotoxisity tests for underground water assessment using the Hasse diagram technique

The present study deals with the novel application of the Hasse diagram technique (HDT) for the specific ranking of ecotoxicity tests capable of assessment of underground water quality. The area studied is a multi-municipal landfill in the northern Poland. The monitoring network of the landfill constitutes of 27 piezometers for underground water monitoring and two observation points at surface water courses. After sampling, chemical analysis of various water parameters was performed (pH, conductivity, temperature, turbidity (TURB), color, taste, smell and atmospheric conditions: temperature, precipitation and cloud cover, heavy metals content (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr(6+), Hg), total organic carbon (TOC), sum of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, alkalinity (Alkal), general hardness, total suspended matter (SUSP), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), chlorides, fluorides, sulphides, sulphates, ammonium nitrogen, total nitrogen, nitrate and nitrite nitrogen, volatile phenols, ether extracts (ETHER), dry residues (DRY_RES), dissolved compounds). Parallel to the chemical parameters assessment six different ecotoxicity tests were applied (% root length(PG)/germination(PR) inhibition of Sorghum saccharatum (respectively PGSS/PRSS), Sinapis alba (respectively PGSA/PRSA), Lepidium sativum (respectively PGLS/PRLS), % bioluminescence inhibition of Vibrio fischeri (MT), % mortality of Daphnia magna (DM), % mortality of Thamnocephalus platyrus (TN)). In order to determine the applicability of the various ecotoxicity tests, a ranking of samples from different monitoring levels according to the test used (attributes) is done by using HDT. Further, the sensitivity of the biotests was determined and compared. From the sensitivity analysis of the both monitoring levels was evident that the choice of ecotoxicity tests could be optimized by the use of HDT strategy. Most reliable results could be expected by the application of root growth inhibition of Sorghum saccharatum (PGSS test). In order to clarify the relationship between the chemical parameters measured and each of the ecotoxicity tests a optimized similarity analysis between Hasse diagrams for the ecotoxicity tests for different levels of monitoring and Hasse diagrams obtained by the use of the chemical parameters was performed. Finally, it could be concluded that for reliable monitoring of underground waters passing a dump collector following chemical parameters are of significance: water hardness, dissolved matter, total nitrogen (ammonia and nitrate nitrogen), nickel, chlorides, alkalinity, total organic carbon and ether extract and the proper battery test could include PGSA, PGSS and PRSS.

Phytotreatment of sludges (Phragmites australis) for their reuse in the environment

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the agronomic characteristics acquired by a phytotreated sludge coming from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located in Tuscany (central Italy). The chemical characterization showed values which are within the Italian legislation limits for mixed composts. From an agronomic point of view, the sludge did not present a level of phytotoxicity, as shown by the germination index (GI% = 77). Furthermore, pathogen compounds are inexistent (Escherichia coli < 1,000 CFU/g). Different substrates (obtained by mixing the sludge with sandy agronomic soil - 0.5% w/w, 1% w/w, 2.5% w/w and 5% w/w) were prepared in order to evaluate the best mixture performance in terms of water retention capacity and plant growth. No significant differences were observed for all sludge mixtures. Different plants were tested in plots (Lepidium sativum, Cucumis sativus and Avena sativa). The best plant adaptation, measured as dry biomass production, was observed for Avena sativa. The results obtained underlined that the phytotreatment of sludge can bring about the transformation of sewage sludges into organic products that are reusable in agriculture, if previously mixed with other appropriate materials and taking into account their heavy metal content.

Combining HPLC-GCXGC, GCXGC/ToF-MS, and selected ecotoxicity assays for detailed monitoring of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation in soil and leaching water

HPLC-GCXGC/FID (high-performance liquid chromatography followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection) and GCXGC/ToF-MS (comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry) were used to study the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil microcosms during 20 weeks. Two soils were studied: one spiked with fresh diesel and one field sample containing weathered diesel-like oil. Nutrient amended and unamended samples were included. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) levels in spiked soil decreased from 15,000 to 7,500 mg/kg d.m. and from 12,0O0 to 4,000 mg/kg d.m. in the field soil. Linear alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons were better biodegradable (>60% degraded) than iso-alkanes; cycloalkanes were least degradable (<40%). Aromatic hydrocarbons up to three rings showed better degradability than n-alkanes. GCXGC/ToF-MS analysis of leaching water showed that initially various oxygenated hydrocarbons were produced. Compound peaks seemed to move up and rightward in the GCXGC chromatograms, indicating that more polar and heavier compounds were formed as biodegradation proceeded. Nutrient amendment can increase TPH removal rates, but had adverse effects on ecotoxicity and leaching potential in our experiment This was explained by observed shifts in the soil microbial community. Ecotoxicity assays showed that residual TPH still inhibited cress (Lepidium sativum) seed germination, but the leaching water was no longer toxic toward luminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri).

Bioassessment of a combined chemical-biological treatment for synthetic acid mine drainage

In this work, ecotoxicological characteristics of synthetic samples of acid mine drainage (AMD) before and after a combined chemical-biological treatment were investigated by using Lepidium sativum and Daphnia magna. AMD treatment was performed in a two-column apparatus consisting of chemical precipitation by limestone and biological refinement by sulphate reducing bacteria. Synthetic samples of AMD before treatment were toxic for both L. sativum (germination index, G, lower than 10%) and D. magna (100% immobility) due to acid pH and presence of copper and zinc. Chemical treatment (raising pH to 5-6 and eliminating copper) generated effluents with reduced toxicity for L. sativum (G=33%), while 100% immobility was still observed for D. magna. Dynamic trends of toxicity for the first and fifth outputs of the biological column denoted a gradual improvement leading to hormesis for Lepidium (after the initial release of organic excess), while a constant residual toxicity remained for Daphnia (probably due to H(2)S produced by sulphate reducing bacteria).

The effects of Lepidium sativum seeds on fracture-induced healing in rabbits

The Lepidium sativum plant and seeds are well known in the community of Saudi Arabia and some other Arabic countries as a good mediator for fracture healing in the human skeleton. However, there is no scientific proof for this phenomenon, except for the positive observation noted publicly by traditional medicine practitioners and people in the community as well as clinically by the author. Those healed fractures in human beings observed clinically due to the consumption of L sativum seeds propagated the attention of the author to carry out this study, with the goal of proving it in the laboratory by inducing fractures in the midshaft of the left femur of 6 adult New Zealand White rabbits divided into 2 groups (control, n = 3 and test, n = 3). The test rabbits were fed soon after surgery with L sativum seeds mixed with their normal diet, whereas no seeds were given to the control group. X-rays of the induced fractures were taken at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively to assess the healing of the fractures and documenting the healing by direct measurements of callus formation in millimeters at the longitudinal medial (LM) and longitudinal lateral (LL) and circumferential (CM) areas. The test group had a statistically significant increase in the healing of fractures compared with the control group (P < .001 for CM/6 weeks and P < .004 for CM and P < .043 for LM/12 weeks). We concluded that L sativum seeds had a marked influence on fracture healing in rabbits, clearly supporting their effects on human beings as a well-known natural element to promote fracture healing in traditional medicine. This, of course, has a marked clinical implication that needs to be investigated further.

aqueous extract in normal and diabetic rats

The hypoglycaemic effect of an aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum L. (LS) seeds was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. After a acute (single dose) or chronic (15 daily repeated administration) oral treatments, the aqueous LS extract (20 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease on blood glucose levels in STZ diabetic rats (p < 0.001); the blood glucose levels were normalised 2 weeks after daily repeated oral administration of aqueous LS extract (20 mg/kg) (p < 0.001). Significant reduction on blood glucose levels were noticed in normal rats after both acute (p < 0.01) and chronic treatment (p < 0.001). In addition, no changes were observed in basal plasma insulin concentrations after treatment either in normal or STZ diabetic rats indicating that the underlying mechanism of this pharmacological activity seems to be independent of insulin secretion. We conclude that the aqueous extract of LS exhibits a potent hypoglycaemic activity in rats without affecting basal plasma insulin concentrations.

Effects of garden and water cress juices and their constituents, benzyl and phenethyl isothiocyanates, towards benzo(a)pyrene-induced DNA damage: a model study with the single cell gel electrophoresis/Hep G2 assay

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemoprotective effects of water and garden cress juices towards benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P)-induced DNA damage using the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)/Hep G2 test system. This experimental model combines the advantages of the SCGE assay with that of human derived cells possessing inducible phase I and phase II enzymes. Treatment of Hep G2 cells with small amounts of water cress or garden cress juice (0.1-1.25 microl/ml) and B(a)P reduced the genotoxic effect of the latter in a dose-dependent manner. Contrary to the results with the juices, unexpected synergistic effects were observed with benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC, 0.6 microM), a breakdown product of glucotropaeolin contained abundantly in garden cress. Although these concentrations of BITC did not cause DNA damage per se, at higher concentrations (> or = 2.5 microM), the compound caused a pronounced dose-dependent DNA damage by itself. With phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), the breakdown product of gluconasturtin contained in water cress, no synergistic effects with B(a)P were seen; however, significant induction of DNA damage was observed when the cells were exposed to the pure compound at concentrations > or = 5 microM. In experiments with (+/-)-anti-benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE, 5.0 microM), the ultimate genotoxic metabolite of B(a)P, and the juices, only moderate protective effects were seen indicating that detoxification of BPDE is not the main mechanism behind the protective effect of the juices against B(a)P-induced DNA damage. In conclusion, our findings show that garden and water cress juices are highly protective against B(a)P-induced DNA damage in human derived cells and that their effects can not be explained by their isothiocyanate contents.