Pro197Ser and the new Trp574Leu mutations together with enhanced metabolism contribute to cross-resistance to ALS inhibiting herbicides in Sinapis alba

White mustard, (Sinapis alba), a problematic broadleaf weed in many Mediterranean countries in arable fields has been detected as resistant to tribenuron-methyl in Tunisia. Greenhouse and laboratory studies were conducted to characterize Target-Site Resistance (TSR) and the Non-Target Site Resistance (NTSR) mechanisms in two suspected white mustard biotypes. Herbicide dose-response experiments confirmed that the two S. alba biotypes were resistant to four dissimilar acetolactate synthase (ALS)-pinhibiting herbicide chemistries indicating the presence of cross-resistance mechanisms. The highest resistance factor (>144) was attributed to tribenuron-methyl herbicide and both R populations survived up to 64-fold the recommended field dose (18.7 g ai ha-1). In this study, the metabolism experiments with malathion (a cytochrome P450 inhibitor) showed that malathion reduced resistance to tribenuron-methyl and imazamox in both populations, indicating that P450 may be involved in the resistance. Sequence analysis of the ALS gene detected target site mutations in the two R biotypes, with amino acid substitutions Trp574Leu, the first report for the species, and Pro197Ser. Molecular docking analysis showed that ALSPro197Ser enzyme cannot properly bind to tribenuron-methyl's aromatic ring due to a reduction in the number of hydrogen bonds, while imazamox can still bind. However, Trp574Leu can weaken the binding affinity between the mutated ALS enzyme and both herbicides with the loss of crucial interactions. This investigation provides substantial evidence for the risk of evolving multiple resistance in S. alba to auxin herbicides while deciphering the TSR and NTSR mechanisms conferring cross resistance to ALS inhibitors.

Ecotoxicological assessment of biomass-derived furan platform chemicals using aquatic and terrestrial bioassays

An environmental toxicological assessment of fourteen furanic compounds serving as valuable building blocks produced from biomass was performed. The molecules selected included well studied compounds serving as control examples to compare the toxicity exerted against a variety of highly novel furans which have been additionally targeted as potential or current alternatives to biofuels, building blocks and polymer monomers. The impact of the furan platform chemicals targeted on widely applied ecotoxicity model organisms was determined employing the marine bioluminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri and the freshwater green microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata, while their ecotoxicity effects on plants were assessed using dicotyledonous plants Sinapis alba and Lepidium sativum. Regarding the specific endpoints evaluated, the furans tested were slightly toxic or practically nontoxic for A. fischeri following 5 and 15 min of exposure. Moreover, most of the building blocks did not affect the growth of L. sativum and S. alba at 150 mg L-1 for 72 h of exposure. Specifically, 9 and 11 out of the 14 furan platform chemicals tested were non-effective or stimulant for L. sativum and S. alba respectively. Given that furans comprise common inhibitors in biorefinery fermentations, the growth inhibition of the specific building blocks was studied using the industrial workhorse yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, demonstrating insignificant inhibition on eukaryotic cell growth following 6, 12 and 16 h of exposure at a concentration of 500 mg L-1. The study provides baseline information to unravel the ecotoxic effects and to confirm the green aspects of a range of versatile biobased platform molecules.

Biological effects of the free and embedded metribuzin and tribenuron-methyl herbicides on various cultivated weed species

The present study addresses the herbicidal activity and biological effects of the metribuzin (MET) and tribenuron-methyl (TBM) herbicides used to control various weed species (Amaranthus retroflexus, Sinapis arvensis, and Leucanthemum maximum). The effects of the free herbicides and the herbicides embedded in granules of degradable polymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate [P(3HB)] blended with birch wood flour were compared. Metribuzin, regardless of the form, caused 100% mortality of the three weeds by day 21. The herbicidal activity of tribenuron-methyl was lower than that of metribuzin, but the embedded TBM was superior to the free herbicide in the length and strength of its action on the weeds. Both metribuzin forms dramatically decreased the main parameters of fluorescence: maximum quantum yield of photosystem-II [Y(II)_max], maximum quantum yield of non-photochemical quenching [Y(NPQ)_max], and maximum rate of non-cyclic electron transport [ETR_max] and concentrations of chlorophyll a and b. The effect of the embedded TBM on the photosynthetic activity of the weeds was lower in the first two weeks of the growth of herbicide-treated plants but lasted longer than the effect of the free TBM and increased over time. Embedding of metribuzin in the matrix of degradable blend did not decrease its herbicidal activity.

Effects of sewage sludge supplementation on heavy metal accumulation and the expression of ABC transporters in Sinapis alba L. during assisted phytoremediation of contaminated sites

ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, types C, G, and B were monitored via qPCR in order to investigate the influence of heavy metal (HM) contamination of post-industrial and post-agricultural soils and the effects of its supplementation with sewage sludge, on Sinapis alba plants. Five house-keeping genes were selected and validated to ensure the best reference points. The relative expression of ABC types C and G genes was profoundly affected by experimental conditions and included their upregulation after plants exposure to heavy metals and downregulation after supplementation with sewage sludge. However, ABC type C was more responsive then type G. The experimental conditions altered the expression of ABC type C gene faster than ABC type G and thus, the expression of ABC type C can therefore potentially be used as a bioindicator during assisted phytoremediation of degraded sites. In clean soil, supplementation with sewage sludge with a slight content of heavy metals still caused an upregulation in the expression of ABC types C and G, which showed that proper toxicity assessments are necessary to ensure safe application of sewage sludge into soils. Results showed that the analysed genes take a significant part in plants metal detoxification and that their expression is regulated at transcriptional level after exposure to soil contaminated with heavy metals by both, industrial activities and by sewage sludge supplementation. Thus, their expression can potentially be used as an early-warning biomarker when soil supplementation with sewage sludge is incorporated into the soil-management process.

Thymol Chemotype Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil as a Potential Selective Bio-Based Herbicide on Monocot Plant Species

Searching for new bio-based herbicides is crucial for decreasing chemical pollution, protecting the environment, and sustaining biodiversity. Origanum vulgare is considered a promising source of essential oil with herbicidal effect. The mode of action is not known. The present study focused on (1) comparison of phytotoxic activity of Origanum vulgare EO on monocot (Triticum aestivum and Hordeum vulgare) and dicot species (Lepidium sativum and Sinapis alba); (2) and evaluating other antimicrobial biological activities against phytopatogen bacteria (Clavibacter michiganensis, Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola, Pseudomonas savastanoi, and Xanthomonas campestris); antifungal activity against Monilinia fructicola, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, and Botrytis cinerea; cytotoxic activity and antioxidant activity. According to the GC/MS analyses, the EO belongs to the thymol chemotype O. vulgare with its high content of thymol (76%). Germination of all four species was not influenced by EO. The phytotoxic effect was statistically significant in the monocot species, while in the dicot species the opposite was observed-a stimulation effect, which was also statistically significant. Strong biological activity of O. vulgare EO was noted on all phytopatogen bacteria and fungi in the highest dose. Cytotoxic activity showed an IC₅₀ = 50.5 μg/mL. Antioxidant activity showed an IC₅₀ = 106.6 μg/mL after 45 min experimental time. Based on the presented results, it is possible to conclude that thymol chemotype O. vulgare essential oil could be potentially used as a herbicide with selective effects on monocot plant species.

Content of nutrients, trace elements, and ecotoxicity of sediment cores from Rożnów reservoir (Southern Poland)

The aims of the study were to investigate the concentration of trace elements, nutrients, and ecotoxicity in bottom sediment cores collected from the silted part of the Rożnów reservoir (Southern Poland). Significant differences in the content of nutrients, trace elements, and ecotoxicity between five sediment cores were found. However, in the vertical distribution, there was no high variability of the above parameters, which means that the intensely suspended matter transported by the Dunajec river is and, at various times, has been homogeneous. Significant correlations between nutrients and trace elements (r = 0.33-0.91, at p ≤ 0.05) point to the same sources of the above-mentioned substances and similar levels of contamination in the sediment cores. However, the PCA results showed that cadmium and phosphorus in the sediment cores had different behaviors than other elements and can be associated mainly with anthropogenic sources. According to the degree of contamination factor, sediment cores fall under the category of considerable contamination of metals. Geochemical factors indicated that nickel, chromium, and cadmium (only sediment core C1) were found to be the cause of significant pollution in the sediment cores. Toxicity assessment found that most of the bottom sediment samples were classified as non-toxic or slightly toxic, only 10% of the sediment samples were toxic for Vibrio fischeri, and 6% of the samples were toxic for Sinapis alba. The two test organisms showed a different sensitivity, and higher toxic responses were recorded for V. fischeri than for S. alba. Cadmium and phosphorus were associated with toxicity for S. alba (r = 0.29-0.58, at p ≤ 0.05), whereas TOC, N, and S, and Ca for stimulation of growth this plants. Trace elements (r = 0.32-0.51, at p ≤ 0.05) and nutrients (S, K, Mg, Na, r = 0.44-0.58, at p ≤ 0.05) were positively correlated with inhibition of luminescence of V. fischeri. The studies of concentration and relation between trace elements, nutrients, and ecotoxicity are important in the ecological risk assessment and describing the quality of sediments with multiple sources contamination.

Ecotoxicity of pore water in soils developed on historical arsenic mine dumps: The effects of forest litter

Arsenic release from dump soils in historical mining sites poses the environmental risk. Decomposing forest litter can affect mobilization of As and other toxic elements, change their speciation in pore water and influence the toxicity to biota. This study examined the chemistry and ecotoxicity of pore water acquired from four soils that developed on the dumps in former As mining sites, in the presence and absence of forest litter collected from beech and spruce stands. Soils contained 1540-19600 mg/kg of As. Pore water was collected after 2, 7, 21 and 90 days of incubation, using MacroRhizon suction samplers. Its chemical analysis involved determination of pH, the concentrations of As, Cu and Pb (the elements with high enrichment factor Igeo>3), as well as metals considered most mobile: Cd, Zn and Mn. Ecotoxicity of pore water was examined in three bioassays: Microtox, MARA and Phytotox with Sinapis alba as test plant. The release of As, unlike heavy metals, was particularly intensive from the soils with neutral and alkaline pH. The concentrations of toxic elements in pore water were in broad ranges, up to dozens mg/L. The results of Phytotox had a poor precision, but their means correlated well with As concentrations in pore water, which indicates that As made a crucial factor of phytotoxicity. The outcomes of Microtox bioassay indicated poorer relationships between As concentrations and toxicity, and other factors contributed to ecotoxicity at very low and very high As concentrations. The highest toxicity was recorded from the soils treated with forest litter. MARA turned out to be not sensitive enough to give reproducible results in experimental conditions. The PCA analysis confirmed that the growth of microbes in MARA bioassay was poorly dependent on As and metals in pore water except for a yeast Pichia anomala (No 11). The results let us conclude that the bioassays Phytotox and Microtox can provide useful information on ecotoxicity of pore water in soils that develop on As-rich dumps whereas applicability of MARA in those conditions proved limited.

Assessing herbicide symptoms by using a logarithmic field sprayer

BACKGROUND

In field experiments, assessment of herbicide selectivity and efficacy rarely takes advantage of dose-response regressions. The objective is to demonstrate that logarithmic sprayers, which automatically make a logarithmic dilution of a herbicide rate, can extract biologically relevant parameters describing the efficacy of herbicides in crops, and compare localities and time of assessment.

RESULTS

In a conventional and an organic field, canola, white mustard, and no crop plots were sprayed with diflufenican and beflubutamid. A mixed effect log-logistic dose-response regression, with autoregressive correlation structure, estimated ED₅₀ and ED₉₀ for visual and Excess Green Index symptoms at various days after treatment (DAT). For visual assessment, ED₅₀ differed within no crop between locations for beflubutamid at 12 DAT and 26 DAT. For diflufenican, the ED₅₀ was different within crops at the two fields at 12 DAT, but not at 26 DAT. The Excess Green Indices at ED₅₀ were not different among herbicides, locations, and corps; ED₉₀ differed for white mustard and canola for beflubutamid but not for diflufenican.

CONCLUSION

Suitable nonlinear regression models are now available for fitting dose-response data from a logarithmic sprayer in field experiments. The derived parameters (e.g. ED₅₀ ) can compare selectivity and efficacy at numerous cropping systems. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ivermectin environmental impact: Excretion profile in sheep and phytotoxic effect in Sinapis alba

Ivermectin (IVM), a macrocylic lactone from the avermectin family, is a potent broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug widely used in veterinary as well as human medicine. Although the health benefits of IVM treatment are particularly important, this drug also represents an environmental pollutant with potentially negative effects on many non-target species. To evaluate the ecotoxicological risk of IVM administration to livestock, information evaluating achievable environment-reaching concentration is needed. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the excretion profile of subcutaneously administered IVM in sheep. The standard recommended dose of IVM (0.2 mg kg^-1 b.w.) was used. UHPLC/MS/MS was used for the analysis of IVM faecal concentration. In addition, the effect of IVM on seed germination and early roots growth of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) was evaluated in order to estimate the potential phytotoxic effect of IVM. Based on the obtained results, the parameters of IVM pharmacokinetics (maximum concentration (c_max), time to achieve maximum concentration (t_max), mean residence time (MRT), area under the curve (AUC)) were calculated. IVM elimination in sheep was slow, but faster than the elimination reported previously in cattle. Great interindividual differences were also observed. A two-peak profile of concentration curves indicate the importance of the active efflux of IVM via enterocytes. A "seed germination and early roots growth" test revealed significant IVM phytotoxicity (20% inhibition of root growth) even at 50 nM concentration, a level which may be found in the environment. This newly demonstrated phytotoxicity of IVM together with its well-known toxicity to invertebrates should be taken into account, and thus animals treated with IVM should not be kept in pastures, especially not in sites with high ecological value.

O3 pollution in a future climate increases the competition between summer rape and wild mustard

The initial aim of this study was to evaluate an effect of elevated CO₂ concentration and air temperature (future climate) and O₃ pollution on mono- and mixed-culture grown summer rape (Brassica napus L.) and wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.). The second task was to reveal the mechanisms of the shift in plants' competitiveness in response to single and combined environmental changes. Plants were grown in mono- and mixed-cultures under current climate (CC) (400 μmol mol^-1 of CO₂, 21/14 °C day/night temperature) or future climate (FC) conditions (800 μmol mol^-1 of CO₂, 25/18 °C day/night temperature) with and without O₃ treatment (180 μg m^-3). Competition had relatively little effect on growth of both species at current climate, independent of O₃ treatment. In contrast, competitive effect of both plant species considerably increased under FC, and especially FC + O₃ conditions, when growth of mixed-culture rape reduced up to 48% and that of wild mustard up to 80%. The mechanisms of elevated competitiveness of rape under the future climate consisted of better antioxidative protection, particularly elevated total antioxidative capacity and activities of peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase. Whereas stronger oxidative damage, disproportionally high activities of H₂O₂ scavenging enzymes and lower pool of soluble sugars in mixed-culture wild mustard reduced its competitiveness under FC + O₃ conditions. In conclusion it must be pointed out, that regardless improved competitive abilities of rape under FC and FC + O₃ conditions, competition with wild mustard reduced growth, indicating increased weed-induced yield losses in the future climate, especially with concomitant intensification of O₃ pollution.

Assessing the potential phytotoxicity of digestate from winery wastes

In this study, digestate from winery wastes was investigated focusing on phytotoxicity using macrophytes and evaluating the potential contribution of ammonium and copper. Spreading of digestate on soil could represent a suitable approach to recycle nutrients and organic matter, creating an on site circular economy. In this study, digestate quality was evaluated considering both chemical-physical characteristics and biological toxicity applying germination test. The effluent did not meet the entire amendment quality standard defined by Italian law (Decree 75/2010 germination index > 60% with solution of 30% v/v of digestate), but bio-stimulation was observed at low doses (3.15-6.25% v/v) for S. alba and S. saccharatum. The beneficial concentration agreed with Nitrate Directive dose and suggested that limited addition of digestate could have several positive effects on soil characteristics and on crop growth. Specific test using ammonium and copper solutions showed that these pollutants were not directly correlated to observed phytotoxicity.

Imazethapyr persistence in sandy loam detected using white mustard bioassay

Field experiments were conducted during two years at Srem region to investigate the influence of meteorological conditions, time and rate of application on soil persistence of imazethapyr in sandy loam type of soil. Imazethapyr was applied PRE- and POST-EM and in both cases in three application rates: 80, 120 and 160 g a.i./ha. Soil samples were collected from the day of herbicide application in predetermined intervals up to one year after application and residual concentrations were determined with a white mustard root bioassay. Imazetapyr persistence was significantly influenced by meteorological conditions with average half-life being 6 days longer in season with lower precipitation level. Time of application induced slower imazethapyr dissipation resulting in higher average t_1/2 (seven and nine days in first and second year of examination, respectively). Application rates had no consistent effect on imazethapyr persistence. Imazethapyr residue level one year after application caused no visible injuries on white mustard shoots, while root growth reduction ranged from 4.6 to 27.7%. Obtained residue levels were further compared with known data on crop sensitivity in order to assess possibility of crop injuries one year after imazethapyr application.

Trp574 substitution in the acetolactate synthase of Sinapis arvensis confers cross-resistance to tribenuron and imazamox

Rate-response experiments with nine putative resistant wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) populations from Greece showed cross-resistance to tribenuron and imazamox. The calculated GR₅₀ values [herbicide rate (gaiha^-1) required for 50% reduction of fresh weight] of the nine resistant (R) populations ranged from 51.8 to 555.6gaitribenuronha^-1 and from 66.3 to 900.4gaiimazamoxha^-1. Regarding the susceptible population, GR₅₀ value was not estimated for tribenuron as its lower treatment reduced fresh weight by >95%, whereas the respective value for imazamox was 0.5gaiha^-1. Gene sequencing of als revealed that a point mutation at Trp574 position, leading to amino acid substitution by Leu in the ALS enzyme was present and the likely cause of resistance. The in vitro activity of the ALS enzyme indicated I₅₀ values (herbicide concentration required for 50% reduction of the ALS activity) ranging from 19.11 to 217.45μM for tribenuron, whereas the respective value for the S population was 1.17μM. All populations were susceptible to MCPA at the recommended rate. These results strongly support that cross-resistance of 9 S. arvensis populations was due a point mutation of the als gene, which resulted in a less sensitive ALS enzyme.

The influence of the Cucurbitaceae on mitigating the phytotoxicity and PCDD/PCDF content of soil amended with sewage sludge

The study evaluates the impact of sewage sludge on OECD - Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and vegetable soil phytotoxicity, measured using three test species: Lepidium sativum, Sinapis alba and Sorghum saccharatum, and total and TEQ PCDD/PCDF (toxic equivalency polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans) soil concentration, measured using HRGC/HRMS - High Resolution Gas Chromatography/High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. It also evaluates the effect of zucchini and cucumber cultivation during 5-weeks period on mitigating these parameters. The application of 3, 9 and 18 t/ha of sewage sludge gradually increases the phytotoxicity of both OECD and vegetable soil. In the case of OECD soil, the highest roots growth inhibitions were observed for S. alba (73%, 86% and 87%, respectively) and the lowest for S. saccharatum (7%, 59% and 70%), while in vegetable soil inhibitions were averagely 25% lower. Sludge application also led to a 38% (3 t/ha), 169% (9 t/ha) and 506% (18 t/ha) increase in PCDD/PCDF concentration, and the TEQs were augmented by 15%, 159% and 251%. Both soil phytotoxicity and total and TEQ PCDD/PCDF concentrations were diminished as a result of zucchini and cucumber cultivation. The maximum reduction of soil phytotoxicity (83%) was observed as an effect of cucumber cultivation, while zucchini was 11% less effective. Zucchini, in turn, was more efficient in PCDD/PCDF removal (37% reduction), followed by cucumber (24%). Such differences were not observed in the case of TEQ reductions (68% and 66% for zucchini and cucumber cultivation, respectively).

Depletion of pentachlorophenol in soil microcosms with Byssochlamys nivea and Scopulariopsis brumptii as detoxification agents

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a toxic compound which is widely used as a wood preservative product and general biocide. It is persistent in the environment and has been classified as a persistent organic pollutant to be reclaimed in many countries. Fungal bioremediation is an emerging approach to rehabilitating areas fouled by recalcitrant xenobiotics. In the present study, we isolated two fungal strains from an artificially PCP-contaminated soil during a long-term bioremediation study and evaluated their potential as bioremediation agents in depletion and detoxification of PCP in soil microcosms. The two fungal strains were identified as: Byssochlamys nivea (Westling, 1909) and Scopulariopsis brumptii (Salvanet-Duval, 1935). PCP removal and toxicity were examined during 28 days of incubation. Bioaugmented microcosms revealed a 60% and 62% PCP removal by B. nivea and S. brumptii, respectively. Co-inoculation of B. nivea and S. brumptii showed a synergetic effect on PCP removal resulting in 95% and 80% PCP decrease when initial concentrations were 12.5 and 25 mg kg^-1, respectively. Detoxification in bioaugmented soil and the efficient role of fungi in the rehabilitation of PCP contaminated soil were experimentally proven by toxicity assays. A decrease in inhibition of bioluminescence of Escherichia coli HB101 pUCD607 and an increase of germination index of mustard (Brassica alba) seeds were observed in the decontaminated soils.

Overlapping toxic effect of long term thallium exposure on white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) photosynthetic activity

BACKGROUND

Heavy metal exposure affect plant productivity by interfering, directly and indirectly, with photosynthetic reactions. The toxic effect of heavy metals on photosynthetic reactions has been reported in wide-ranging studies, however there is paucity of data in the literature concerning thallium (Tl) toxicity. Thallium is ubiquitous natural trace element and is considered the most toxic of heavy metals; however, some plant species, such as white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) are able to accumulate thallium at very high concentrations. In this study we identified the main sites of the photosynthetic process inhibited either directly or indirectly by thallium, and elucidated possible detoxification mechanisms in S. alba.

RESULTS

We studied the toxicity of thallium in white mustard (S. alba) growing plants and demonstrated that tolerance of plants to thallium (the root test) decreased with the increasing Tl(I) ions concentration in culture media. The root growth of plants exposed to Tl at 100 μg L(-1) for 4 weeks was similar to that in control plants, while in plants grown with Tl at 1,000 μg L(-1) root growth was strongly inhibited. In leaves, toxic effect became gradually visible in response to increasing concentration of Tl (100 - 1,000 μg L(-1)) with discoloration spreading around main vascular bundles of the leaf blade; whereas leaf margins remained green. Subsequent structural analyses using chlorophyll fluorescence, microscopy, and pigment and protein analysis have revealed different effects of varying Tl concentrations on leaf tissue. At lower concentration partial rearrangement of the photosynthetic complexes was observed without significant changes in the chloroplast structure and the pigment and protein levels. At higher concentrations, the decrease of PSI and PSII quantum yields and massive oxidation of pigments was observed in discolored leaf areas, which contained high amount of Tl. Substantial decline of the photosystem core proteins and disorder of the photosynthetic complexes were responsible for disappearance of the chloroplast grana.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the presented results we postulate two phases of thallium toxicity on photosynthesis: the non-destructive phase at early stages of toxicant accumulation and the destructive phase that is restricted to the discolored leaf areas containing high toxicant content. There was no distinct border between the two phases of thallium toxicity in leaves and the degree of toxicity was proportional to the migration rate of the toxicant outside the vascular bundles. The three-fold (nearly linear) increase of Tl(I) concentration was observed in damaged tissue and the damage appears to be associated with the presence of the oxidized form of thallium - Tl(III).

Potential for Phytoremediation of PCDD/PCDF-Contaminated Sludge and Sediments Using Cucurbitaceae Plants: A Pilot Study

The current study evaluates the impact of sewage sludge and urban reservoir sediment on changes in total and Toxic Equivalency (TEQ) PCDD/PCDF concentration in soil and phytotoxicity measured using three test species: Lepidium sativum, Sinapis alba, and Sorghum saccharatum, during 5 weeks of Cucurbita pepo L. cv 'Atena Polka' (zucchini) cultivation. 'Atena Polka' was found to reduce total PCDD/PCDF concentration by 37 % in soil amended with sludge and 32 % in soil treated with sediment from an urban reservoir. The TEQ reduction was almost twofold greater: 68 % in soil amended with sludge and 52 % with urban sediment. Addition of sludge increased root growth inhibition of L. sativum, S. alba and S. saccharatum, from 44 % to 90 %. Observed inhibitions were, however, reduced by 'Atena Polka' cultivation, and as high as 32 % promotion in root length was noted. Amendment with urban sediment, in turn, resulted in an initial 1 %-36 % promotion of root growth, while 'Atena Polka' cultivation reduced this positive effect by inhibition as high as 26 %. Results demonstrated positive influence of 'Atena Polka' on the phytotoxicity alleviation and mitigation of total and TEQ PCDD/PCDF concentrations in soil treated with bio-solids from sewage sludge and an urban reservoir.

Albendazole in environment: faecal concentrations in lambs and impact on lower development stages of helminths and seed germination

Albendazole (ABZ), widely used benzimidazole anthelmintic, administered to animals enters via excrements into environment and may impact non-target organisms. Moreover, exposure of lower development stages of helminths to anthelmintics may also encourage the development of drug-resistant strains of helminths. In present project, the kinetics of ABZ (10 mg kg(-1) p.o.) and its metabolite (ABZ.SO, ABZSO2) elimination in faeces from treated Texel lambs were studied using UHPLC/MS/MS with the aim to find out their concentrations achievable in the environment. Consequently, the effect of these compounds on lower development stages of Barber's pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) and on germination of white mustard (Sinapis alba) seeds was evaluated. The results showed that ABZ concentrations in faeces excreted in 4-60 h after treatment were above the concentrations lethal for H. contortus eggs. Moreover, pre-incubation with sub-lethal doses of ABZ and ABZ.SO did not increase the resistance of H. contortus eggs and larvae to anthelmintics. On the other hand, concentrations of ABZ and ABZ.SO in faeces are so high that might have negative influence on non-target soil invertebrates. As neither ABZ nor its metabolites affect the germination of mustard seeds, phytoremediation could be considered as potential tool for detoxification of ABZ in the environment.

Phytotoxicity of ionic, micro- and nano-sized iron in three plant species

Potential environmental impacts of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) can be understood taking into consideration phytotoxicity. We reported on the effects of ionic (FeCl3), micro- and nano-sized zerovalent iron (nZVI) about the development of three macrophytes: Lepidium sativum, Sinapis alba and Sorghum saccharatum. Four toxicity indicators (seed germination, seedling elongation, germination index and biomass) were assessed following exposure to each iron concentration interval: 1.29-1570mg/L (FeCl3), 1.71-10.78mg/L (micro-sized iron) and 4.81-33,560mg/L (nano-iron). Exposure effects were also observed by optical and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that no significant phytotoxicity effects could be detected for both micro- and nano-sized zerovalent irons, including field nanoremediation concentrations. Biostimulation effects such as an increased seedling length and biomass production were detected at the highest exposure concentrations. Ionic iron showed slight toxicity effects only at 1570mg/L and, therefore, no median effect concentrations were determined. By microscopy, ENPs were not found in palisade cells or xylem. Apparently, aggregates of nZVI were found inside S. alba and S. saccharatum, although false positives during sample preparation cannot be excluded. Macroscopically, black spots and coatings were detected on roots of all species especially at the most concentrated treatments.

Diversity of organotrophic bacteria, activity of dehydrogenases and urease as well as seed germination and root growth Lepidium sativum, Sorghum saccharatum and Sinapis alba under the influence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are organic compounds with highly toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic properties, which adversely affect the basic biological parameters of the soil, including the count of microorganisms, and the enzymatic activity. In addition to disturbances to the biological activity of the soil, PAHs may also exhibit toxic effects on plants. In view of the above, the study involved testing aimed at the determination of the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a form of naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene and pyrene on the count, colony development (CD) index, ecophysiological (EP) diversity index of organotrophic bacteria, and the activity of soil dehydrogenases and soil urease. Moreover, an attempt was made to determine the soil's resistance based on the activity of the above-listed enzymes, and the effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on seed germination and root growth was assessed by Lepidium sativum, Sorghum saccharatum, and Sinapis alba. In addition, the species of bacteria found in a soil subjected to strong pressure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were isolated. The experiment was performed in a laboratory on samples of loamy sand. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were introduced into the soil in an amount of 0, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg kg(-1) of soil dry matter. Germination and growth of cress (L. sativum), white mustard (S. alba), and sweet sorghum (S. saccharatum) were determined using Phytotoxkit tests. It was found that the tested PAHs increased the average colony counts of organotrophic soil bacteria; pyrene did so to the greatest extent (2.2-fold relative to non-contaminated soil), phenanthrene to the smallest extent (1.4-fold relative to non-contaminated soil). None of the PAHs changed the value of the bacterial colony development (CD) index, while anthracene and pyrene increased the value of the eco-physiological (EP) diversity indicator. PAHs lowered the activity of the tested enzymes. The activity of dehydrogenases was dependent on a greater extent by the type of hydrocarbon (54.56%) rather than by the dose (10.64%), while for the activity of urease, it was the opposite. The greater extent was dependent on dose (95.42%) rather than by type (0.21%). Dehydrogenases are characterised by greater resistance to the action of PAHs than urease. Based on seed germination and root growth, it has shown that S. alba is best suited, being the most vulnerable plant, while S. saccharatum is the least suited. Subjecting a soil to strong pressure of PAHs leads to disturbances to the biological parameters of the soil, seed germination, and root growth L. sativum, S. saccharatum, and S. alba.

Erythromycin oxidation and ERY-resistant Escherichia coli inactivation in urban wastewater by sulfate radical-based oxidation process under UV-C irradiation

This study evaluates the feasibility of UV-C-driven advanced oxidation process induced by sulfate radicals SO4(.)- in degrading erythromycin (ERY) in secondary treated wastewater. The results revealed that 10 mg L(-1) of sodium persulfate (SPS) can result in rapid and complete antibiotic degradation within 90 min of irradiation, while ERY decay exhibited a pseudo-first-order kinetics pattern under the different experimental conditions applied. ERY degradation rate was strongly affected by the chemical composition of the aqueous matrix and it decreased in the order of: ultrapure water (kapp = 0.55 min(-1)) > bottled water (kapp = 0.26 min(-1)) > humic acid solution (kapp = 0.05 min(-1)) > wastewater effluents (kapp = 0.03 min(-1)). Inherent pH conditions (i.e. pH 8) yielded an increased ERY degradation rate, compared to that observed at pH 3 and 5. The contribution of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals (HO. and SO4(.)-) on ERY degradation was found to be ca. 37% and 63%, respectively. Seven transformation products (TPs) were tentatively elucidated during ERY oxidation, with the 14-membered lactone ring of the ERY molecule being intact in all cases. The observed phytotoxicity against the tested plant species can potentially be attributed to the dissolved effluent organic matter (dEfOM) present in wastewater effluents and its associated-oxidation products and not to the TPs generated from the oxidation of ERY. This study evidences the potential use of the UV-C/SPS process in producing a final treated effluent with lower phytotoxicity (<10%) compared to the untreated wastewater. Finally, under the optimum experimental conditions, the UV-C/SPS process resulted in total inactivation of ERY-resistant Escherichia coli within 90 min.

Transfer of Dicamba Tolerance from Sinapis arvensis to Brassica napus via Embryo Rescue and Recurrent Backcross Breeding

Auxinic herbicides (e.g. dicamba) are extensively used in agriculture to selectively control broadleaf weeds. Although cultivated species of Brassicaceae (e.g. Canola) are susceptible to auxinic herbicides, some biotypes of Sinapis arvensis (wild mustard) were found dicamba resistant in Canada. In this research, dicamba tolerance from wild mustard was introgressed into canola through embryo rescue followed by conventional breeding. Intergeneric hybrids between S. arvensis (2n = 18) and B. napus (2n = 38) were produced through embryo rescue. Embryo formation and hybrid plant regeneration was achieved. Transfer of dicamba tolerance from S. arvensis into the hybrid plants was determined by molecular analysis and at the whole plant level. Dicamba tolerance was introgressed into B. napus by backcrossing for seven generations. Homozygous dicamba-tolerant B. napus lines were identified. The ploidy of the hybrid progeny was assessed by flow cytometry. Finally, introgression of the piece of DNA possibly containing the dicamba tolerance gene into B. napus was confirmed using florescence in situ hybridization (FISH). This research demonstrates for the first time stable introgression of dicamba tolerance from S. arvensis into B. napus via in vitro embryo rescue followed by repeated backcross breeding. Creation of dicamba-tolerant B. napus varieties by this approach may have potential to provide options to growers to choose a desirable herbicide-tolerant technology. Furthermore, adoption of such technology facilitates effective weed control, less tillage, and possibly minimize evolution of herbicide resistant weeds.

Environmental effects of soil contamination by shale fuel oils

Estonia is currently one of the leading producers of shale oils in the world. Increased production, transportation and use of shale oils entail risks of environmental contamination. This paper studies the behaviour of two shale fuel oils (SFOs)--'VKG D' and 'VKG sweet'--in different soil matrices under natural climatic conditions. Dynamics of SFOs' hydrocarbons (C10-C40), 16 PAHs, and a number of soil heterotrophic bacteria in oil-spiked soils was investigated during the long-term (1 year) outdoor experiment. In parallel, toxicity of aqueous leachates of oil-spiked soils to aquatic organisms (crustaceans Daphnia magna and Thamnocephalus platyurus and marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri) and terrestrial plants (Sinapis alba and Hordeum vulgare) was evaluated. Our data showed that in temperate climate conditions, the degradation of SFOs in the oil-contaminated soils was very slow: after 1 year of treatment, the decrease of total hydrocarbons' content in the soil did not exceed 25 %. In spite of the comparable chemical composition of the two studied SFOs, the VKG sweet posed higher hazard to the environment than the heavier fraction (VKG D) due to its higher mobility in the soil as well as higher toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial species. Our study demonstrated that the correlation between chemical parameters (such as total hydrocarbons or total PAHs) widely used for the evaluation of the soil pollution levels and corresponding toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial organisms was weak.

Utilizing solar energy for the purification of olive mill wastewater using a pilot-scale photocatalytic reactor after coagulation-flocculation

This study investigated the application of a solar-driven advanced oxidation process (solar Fenton) combined with previous coagulation/flocculation, for the treatment of olive mill wastewater (OMW) at a pilot scale. Pre-treatment by coagulation/flocculation using FeSO4·7H2O (6.67 g L(-1)) as the coagulant, and an anionic polyelectrolyte (FLOCAN 23, 0.287 g L(-1)) as the flocculant, was performed to remove the solid content of the OMW. The solar Fenton experiments were carried out in a compound parabolic collector pilot plant, in the presence of varying doses of H2O2 and Fe(2+). The optimization of the oxidation process, using reagents at low concentrations ([Fe(2+)] = 0.08 g L(-1); [H2O2] = 1 g L(-1)), led to a high COD removal (87%), while the polyphenolic fraction, which is responsible for the biorecalcitrant and/or toxic properties of OMW, was eliminated. A kinetic study using a modified pseudo first-order kinetic model was performed in order to determine the reaction rate constants. This work evidences also the potential use of the solar Fenton process at the inherent pH of the OMW, yielding only a slightly lower COD removal (81%) compared to that obtained under acidic conditions. Moreover, the results demonstrated the capacity of the applied advanced process to reduce the initial OMW toxicity against the examined plant species (Sorghum saccharatum, Lepidium sativum, Sinapis alba), and the water flea Daphnia magna. The OMW treated samples displayed a varying toxicity profile for each type of organism and plant examined in this study, a fact that can potentially be attributed to the varying oxidation products formed during the process applied. Finally, the overall cost of solar Fenton oxidation for the treatment of 50 m(3) of OMW per day was estimated to be 2.11 € m(-3).

Variability of microcystins and its synthetase gene cluster in Microcystis and Planktothrix waterblooms in shallow lakes of Hungary

Waterbloom samples of Microcystis aeruginosa and Planktothrix agardhii were collected from a variety of ponds, lakes and reservoirs in Hungary. Samples were tested with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization - time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to identify the microcystin forms. The concentration of the microcystins was measured with capillary electrophoresis and the toxicity was tested by sinapis test. DNA was extracted from the samples and tested using a range of primers linked to the biosynthesis of microcystin. All of the fourteen collected samples gave positive results for the presence of the mcy genes with PCR products with sizes between of 425 and 955 bp, respectively, indicating the presence of the genes implicated in the production of microcystins. The results showed that a wide range of microcystin (MC) forms were detected in the Microcystis containing samples, among which MC-LR, -RR, and -YR were the most common. The highest MC concentration was 15,701 mg g-1, which was detected in an angling pond. The samples containing Planktothrix agardhii were less toxic, and the most common form in this species was the Asp3-MC-LR.

Potential for phytoextraction of copper by Sinapis alba and Festuca rubra cv. Merlin grown hydroponically and in vineyard soils

The extensive use of copper-bearing fungicides in vineyards is responsible for the accumulation of copper (Cu) in soils. Grass species able to accumulate Cu could be cultivated in the vineyard inter-rows for copper phytoextraction. In this study, the capacity of Festuca rubra cv Merlin and Sinapis alba to tolerate and accumulate copper (Cu) was first investigated in a hydroponic system without the interference of soil chemical-physical properties. After the amendment of Cu (5 or 10 mg Cu l-(1)) to nutrient solution, shoot Cu concentration in F. rubra increased up to 108.63 mg Cu kg(-1) DW, more than three times higher than in S. alba (31.56 mg Cu kg(-1) DW). The relationship between Cu concentration in plants and external Cu was dose-dependent and species specific. Results obtained from the hydroponic experiment were confirmed by growing plants in pots containing soil collected from six Italian vineyards. The content of soil organic matter was crucial to enhance Cu tolerance and accumulation in the shoot tissues of both plant species. Although S. alba produced more biomass than F. rubra in most soils, F. rubra accumulated significantly more Cu (up to threefold to fourfold) in the shoots. Given these results, we recommended that F. rubra cv Merlin could be cultivated in the vineyard rows to reduce excess Cu in vineyard soils.

Phytotoxkit/Phytotestkit and Microtox® as tools for toxicity assessment of sediments

The aim of the study was to use bioassays to evaluate the toxicity of pore water, sediments and sediments elutriates. Furthermore, a possible relationship between observed toxicity and results of chemical analysis was examined. Sediment (0-10 cm) samples were collected from 21 locations in Zeslawice reservoir, Southern Poland using an Ekman sampler. Toxicity assessment of the sediment and pore water samples was performed using direct-contact tests Phytotoxkit/Phytotestkit and Microtox®. Inhibition of seed germination in the test plants was from -25 to 38 percent for sediment and from 0 to 50 percent for pore water, whereas inhibition of root growth was within a range from -42 to 37 percent for sediment and from -49 to 37 percent for pore water. Depending on the sediments, Vibrio fischeri luminescence inhibition was from -18 to 40 percent for sediments elutriates and from -12 to 28 percent for pore water. The toxicity tests showed a positive correlation between metals and the root growth inhibition in Lepidium sativum and Sinapis alba as well as the luminescence inhibition in V. fischeri. No significant correlations were found between the inhibition of luminescence and the phytotoxicity assays, so these analyses do not show a similar sensitivity to toxicants in the sediments. While estimating the sensitivity of the performed biotests, the highest number of toxic responses was recorded in the Microtox® test towards V. fischeri. Among the plant species, Sorghum saccharatum appears to be the most sensitive plant species. Most of the examined sediment samples (67 percent) were classified as class II (low-toxic samples, low acute hazard) and 33 percent of the examined samples were class I (no essential toxic effect, non-toxic sample, no acute hazard) in terms of toxicity. Most of the pore water samples (71 percent) were also classified as class II.

Functional analysis of the promoter of a glycosyl hydrolase gene induced in resistant Sinapis alba by Alternaria brassicicola

A putative family 3 glycosyl hydrolase (GH) gene showed significant differential expression in resistant Sinapis alba, compared with the susceptible Brassica juncea, as part of the initial responses during interaction with the necrotroph Alternaria brassicicola. To understand the mechanism of induction, the promoter was isolated and deletion analysis carried out. All the promoter fragments were fused with the β-glucuronidase gene and the expressions were studied in stable B. juncea transgenics and transiently transformed Nicotiana tabacum. Analysis of the expression of the promoter showed the presence of functional abscisic acid (ABA)-, jasmonic acid (JA)-, and salicylic acid (SA)-responsive cis elements. Interestingly, the promoter was found to be induced in both S. alba and B. juncea upon challenge with A. brassicicola but, in S. alba, SA had an inhibitory effect on the pathogen-induced expression of the gene whereas, in B. juncea, SA did not have any negative effect. Therefore, the SA-mediated inhibition in S. alba indicates that the induction is probably through JA or ABA signaling. The difference in the mechanism of induction of the same promoter in the resistant and susceptible plants is probably due to the differential hormonal responses initiated upon challenge with A. brassicicola.

Assessment of the phytotoxicity of seaport sediments in the framework of a quarry-deposit scenario: germination tests of sediments aged artificially by column leaching

The aim of the Sustainable Management of Sediments Dredged in Seaports (SEDIGEST) project is to assess the risks of treated port sediments for terrestrial ecosystems when deposited in quarries. We simulated the "ageing" of these sediments up to the "moment" when plants can germinate. Sediments were leached by water percolating through a laboratory column. Sediments 1 and 2, taken from the port of Toulon (France), were dried and aired. Sediment 3, taken from the port of Guilvinec (France), was stabilised with lime. Phytotoxicity was evaluated on the three artificially aged sediments using germination and early development tests (48 h to 7 days) by Phytotoxkit F(TM) bioassays. The three dilutions tested were performed with the reference "ISO substrate" and with Lolium perenne sp. (rye grass), Sinapis alba (white mustard), and Lepidium sativum (watercress). The tests performed with sediments 1 and 2 showed (1) a decrease of their toxicity to the germination of the species selected following leaching and (2) that L. perenne was the most sensitive species. The tests performed with sediment 3 showed that it was improper for colonisation even after leaching simulating 16 months of ageing. These germination tests on aged sediments identified the effects of leaching and made it possible to appreciate the capacity of the sediments to allow colonisation by plants.

Phase-dependent phytoavailability of thallium--a synthetic soil experiment

The study deals with the environmental stability of Tl-modified phases (ferrihydrite, goethite, birnessite, calcite and illite) and phytoavailability of Tl in synthetically prepared soils used in a model vegetation experiment. The data presented here clearly demonstrate a strong relationship between the mineralogical position of Tl in the model soil and its uptake by the plant (Sinapis alba L.). The maximum rate of Tl uptake was observed for plants grown on soil containing Tl-modified illite. In contrast, soil enriched in Ksat-birnessite had the lowest potential for Tl release and phytoaccumulation. Root-induced dissolution of synthetic calcite and ferrihydrite in the rhizosphere followed by Tl mobilization was detected. Highly crystalline goethite was more stable in the rhizosphere, compared to ferrihydrite, leading to reduced biological uptake of Tl. Based on the results obtained, the mineralogical aspect must be taken into account prior to general environmental recommendations in areas affected by Tl.

Histological, cytological and biochemical alterations induced by microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin in white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seedlings

This study compares the histological, cytological and biochemical effects of the cyanobacterial toxins microcystin-LR (MCY-LR) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seedlings, with special regard to the developing root system. Cyanotoxins induced different alterations, indicating their different specific biochemical activities. MCY-LR stimulated mitosis of root tip meristematic cells at lower concentrations (1 μg ml-1) and inhibited it at higher concentrations, while CYN had only inhibitory effects. Low CYN concentrations (0.01 μg ml-1) stimulated lateral root formation, whereas low MCY-LR concentrations increased only the number of lateral root primordia. Both inhibited lateral root development at higher concentrations. They induced lignifications, abnormal cell swelling and inhibited xylem differentiation in roots and shoots. MCY-LR and CYN induced the disruption of metaphase and anaphase spindles, causing altered cell divisions. Similar alterations could be related to decreased protein phosphatase (PP1 and PP2A) activities in shoots and roots. However, in vitro phosphatase assay with purified PP1 catalytic subunit proved that CYN in contrast to MCY-LR, decreased phosphatase activities of mustard in a non-specific way. This study intends to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of toxic effects of a protein phosphatase (MCY-LR) and a protein synthesis (CYN) inhibitory cyanotoxin in vascular plants.

Solar photo-Fenton process on the abatement of antibiotics at a pilot scale: Degradation kinetics, ecotoxicity and phytotoxicity assessment and removal of antibiotic resistant enterococci

This work investigated the application of a solar driven advanced oxidation process (solar photo-Fenton), for the degradation of antibiotics at low concentration level (μg L(-1)) in secondary treated domestic effluents at a pilot-scale. The examined antibiotics were ofloxacin (OFX) and trimethoprim (TMP). A compound parabolic collector (CPC) pilot plant was used for the photocatalytic experiments. The process was mainly evaluated by a fast and reliable analytical method based on a UPLC-MS/MS system. Solar photo-Fenton process using low iron and hydrogen peroxide doses ([Fe(2+)](0) = 5 mg L(-1); [H(2)O(2)](0) = 75 mg L(-1)) was proved to be an efficient method for the elimination of these compounds with relatively high degradation rates. The photocatalytic degradation of OFX and TMP with the solar photo-Fenton process followed apparent first-order kinetics. A modification of the first-order kinetic expression was proposed and has been successfully used to explain the degradation kinetics of the compounds during the solar photo-Fenton treatment. The results demonstrated the capacity of the applied advanced process to reduce the initial wastewater toxicity against the examined plant species (Sorghum saccharatum, Lepidium sativum, Sinapis alba) and the water flea Daphnia magna. The phytotoxicity of the treated samples, expressed as root growth inhibition, was higher compared to that observed on the inhibition of seed germination. Enterococci, including those resistant to OFX and TMP, were completely eliminated at the end of the treatment. The total cost of the full scale unit for the treatment of 150 m(3) day(-1) of secondary wastewater effluent was found to be 0.85 € m(-3).

Plants as models for chromium and nickel risk assessment

The adverse effects of Cr(III), Cr(VI), and Ni(II) expressed as root and shoot growth inhibition, metal accumulation and translocation throughout plants, and genotoxicity study were examined. To examine phytoxicity and metal accumulation, Vicia sativa, Raphanus sativus, Zea mays and Sinapis alba plants were used. Except for S. alba root growth inhibition, Ni had the strongest inhibitory effect on root and shoot growth. The inhibitory rank order based on IC₅₀ values was Ni(II) > Cr(VI) > Cr(III). Z. mays was the least sensitive to all metals. While the accumulation of Cr was higher in the roots than the upper plant parts, Ni transport to shoots was at least two times higher than that of Cr. The highest accumulation of Cr was found in Z. mays and that of Ni in V. sativa and Z. mays roots. For all plants, the translocation factor was higher for Cr(VI) than for Cr(III). The translocation factor for Ni was several times higher than those of Cr. For mutagenicity assay, root tips of V. sativa, R. sativus and Z. mays were used. All metals exerted a significant increase of chromosomal aberrations and the rank order of aberrations was: Cr(VI) > Ni(II) > Cr(III). Genotoxic effects of metals were also determined by analysis of micronuclei frequency in the pollen tetrads of Tradescantia plants. None of metals significantly stimulated micronuclei frequency and the genotoxic effect decreased in the following order: Cr(VI) ≥ Ni(II) > Cr(III).

Development of near-isogenic lines and identification of markers linked to auxinic herbicide resistance in wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.)

BACKGROUND

Auxinic herbicides are widely used for selective control of many broadleaf weeds, e.g. wild mustard. An auxinic-herbicide-resistant wild mustard biotype may offer an excellent model system to elucidate the mechanism of action of these herbicides. Classical genetic analyses demonstrate that the wild mustard auxinic herbicide resistance is determined by a single dominant gene. Availability of near-isogenic lines (NILs) of wild mustard with auxinic herbicide resistance (R) and herbicide susceptibility (S) will help to study the fitness penalty as well as the precise characterization of this gene.

RESULTS

Eight generations of backcrosses were performed, and homozygous auxinic-herbicide-resistant and auxinic-herbicide-susceptible NILs were identified from BC(8) F(3) families. S plants produced significantly more biomass and seed compared with R plants, suggesting that wild mustard auxinic herbicide resistance may result in fitness reduction. It was also found that the serrated margin of the first true leaf was closely linked to auxinic herbicide resistance. Using the introgressed progeny, molecular markers linked to auxinic herbicide resistance were identified, and a genetic map was constructed.

CONCLUSION

The fitness penalty associated with the auxinic herbicide resistance gene may explain the relatively slow occurrence and spread of auxinic-herbicide-resistant weeds. The detection of the closely linked markers should hasten the identification and characterization of this gene.

Modeling effective dosages in hormetic dose-response studies

BACKGROUND

Two hormetic modifications of a monotonically decreasing log-logistic dose-response function are most often used to model stimulatory effects of low dosages of a toxicant in plant biology. As just one of these empirical models is yet properly parameterized to allow inference about quantities of interest, this study contributes the parameterized functions for the second hormetic model and compares the estimates of effective dosages between both models based on 23 hormetic data sets. Based on this, the impact on effective dosage estimations was evaluated, especially in case of a substantially inferior fit by one of the two models.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The data sets evaluated described the hormetic responses of four different test plant species exposed to 15 different chemical stressors in two different experimental dose-response test designs. Out of the 23 data sets, one could not be described by any of the two models, 14 could be better described by one of the two models, and eight could be equally described by both models. In cases of misspecification by any of the two models, the differences between effective dosages estimates (0-1768%) greatly exceeded the differences observed when both models provided a satisfactory fit (0-26%). This suggests that the conclusions drawn depending on the model used may diverge considerably when using an improper hormetic model especially regarding effective dosages quantifying hormesis.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The study showed that hormetic dose responses can take on many shapes and that this diversity can not be captured by a single model without risking considerable misinterpretation. However, the two empirical models considered in this paper together provide a powerful means to model, prove, and now also to quantify a wide range of hormetic responses by reparameterization. Despite this, they should not be applied uncritically, but after statistical and graphical assessment of their adequacy.

Multimodal action and selective toxicity of zerovalent iron nanoparticles against cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria pose a serious threat to water resources around the world. This is compounded by the fact that they are extremely resilient, having evolved numerous protective mechanisms to ensure their dominant position in their ecosystem. We show that treatment with nanoparticles of zerovalent iron (nZVI) is an effective and environmentally benign method for destroying and preventing the formation of cyanobacterial water blooms. The nanoparticles have multiple modes of action, including the removal of bioavailable phosphorus, the destruction of cyanobacterial cells, and the immobilization of microcystins, preventing their release into the water column. Ecotoxicological experiments showed that nZVI is a highly selective agent, having an EC(50) of 50 mg/L against cyanobacteria; this is 20-100 times lower than its EC(50) for algae, daphnids, water plants, and fishes. The primary product of nZVI treatment is nontoxic and highly aggregated Fe(OH)(3), which promotes flocculation and gradual settling of the decomposed cyanobacterial biomass.

Cylindrospermopsin and microcystin-LR alter the growth, development and peroxidase enzyme activity of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seedlings, a comparative analysis

This work focuses on the comparative analysis of the effects of two cyanobacterial toxins of different chemical structure cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and microcystin-LR (MC-LR) on the white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seedlings. Both cyanotoxins reduced significantly the fresh mass and the length of cotyledons, hypocotyls and main roots of seedlings in a concentration dependent manner. For various mustard organs the 50% inhibitory concentration values (IC50) of growth were between 3-5 μg ml(-1) for MC-LR and between 5-10 μg ml-1 for CYN, respectively. Cyanotoxins altered the development of cotyledons, the accumulation of photosynthetically active pigments and anthocyanins. Low MC-LR concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 μg ml(-1)) stimulated anthocyanin formation in the cotyledons but higher than 1 μg ml(-1) MC-LR concentrations strongly inhibited it. The CYN treated chlorotic cotyledons were violet coloured in consequence of high level of anthocyanins, while MC-LR induced chlorosis was accompanied by the appearance of necrotic patches. Necrosis and increases of peroxidase enzyme activity (POD) are general stress responses but these alterations were characteristic only for MC-LR treated mustard plants. These findings provide experimental evidences of developmental alterations induced by protein synthesis and protein phosphatase inhibitory cyanotoxins (CYN and MC-LR) in a model dicotyledonous plant.

Inorganic materials as ameliorants for soil remediation of metal toxicity to wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.)

The ameliorating effects of different inorganic materials were investigated on a soil originating from a zinc smelter dumping site contaminated by toxic metals. Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) was used as a test plant. The soil was amended with different doses of mining sludge, Perferric Red Latosol (LVj), steel shots, cyclonic ash, silifertil, and superphosphate. The most effective amendments improved plant growth with 45% and reduced metal uptake by over 70% in comparison to untreated soil. Reductions in availability as estimated by BaCl2-extractable metals reached up to 90% for Zn and 65% for Cd as compared to unamended soil. These reductions were associated with lower shoot and root metal contents. Shoot Zn content was reduced from 1,369 microg g(-1) in plants grown on untreated soil to 377 microg g(-1) when grown on cyclonic ash amended soil while Cd decreased from 267 to 44 microg g(-1) in steel shots amended soil. Superphosphate addition had no ameliorating effect. On the contrary, it increased BaCl2-extractable amounts of Zn. Considering all parameters we determined, steel shots, cyclonic ash and silifertil are the most promising for remediating metal contaminated soil in the tropics. Further studies evaluating impacts, cost-effectiveness and durability of effects will be conducted.

Assessment of wastewater effluent quality in Thessaly region, Greece, for determining its irrigation reuse potential

The objective of the present study is to assess wastewater effluent quality in Thessaly region, Greece, in relation to its physicochemical and microbiological burden as well as its toxic potential on a number of organisms. Wastewater may be used for agricultural as well as for landscape irrigation purposes; therefore, its toxicity potential is quite important. Thessaly region has been chosen since this region suffers from a distinct water shortage in summer period necessitating alternative water resources. During our research, treated effluents from four wastewater treatment plants operating in the region (Larissa, Volos, Karditsa, and Tirnavos) were tested for specific physicochemical and microbiological parameters [biochemical oxygen demand (BOD(5)), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, electrical conductivity, selected metals presence (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, As), and fecal coliforms' (FC) number]. The effluents were also tested for their toxicity using two different bioassays (Daphnia magna immobilization test and Phytotoxkit microbiotest). The findings were compared to relative regulations and guidelines regarding wastewater reuse for irrigation. The results overall show that secondary effluents in Thessaly region are generally acceptable for reuse for irrigation purposes according to limits set by legislation, if effective advanced treatment methods are applied prior to reuse. However, their potential toxicity should be closely monitored, since it was found that it may vary significantly in relation to season and location, when indicator plant and zooplankton organisms are used.

Environmental toxicity testing of contaminated soil based on microcalorimetry

Contaminated site assessment and monitoring requires efficient risk-management tools including innovative environmental toxicity tests. The first application of microcalorimetry for toxicity testing draw the attention to a possible new tool to increase sensitivity, to eliminate matrix effect and to study effect-mechanism. A Thermal Activity Monitor (TAM) microcalorimeter was used for measuring the heat production of various test organisms when getting in contact with sterile toxic soils. Well known bacterial (Azomonas agilis), animal (Folsomia candida) and plant test organisms (Sinapis alba) were tested for heat production. The heat response of selected testorganisms was measured in case of metal (Cu and Zn) and organic pollutant (Diesel oil, DBNPA and PCP) contaminated soils. In addition to the quantitative determination of the heat production, the mechanism of the toxic effect can be characterized from the shape of the power-time curve (slope of the curve, height and time of the maximum). In certain concentration ranges the higher the pollutant concentration of the soil the lower the maximum of the time-heat curve. At low pollutant concentrations an increased heat production was measured in case of A. agile and 20 and 200 mg Zn kg(-1) soil. The microcalorimetric testing was more sensitive in all cases than the traditional test methods. Our results showed that the microcalorimetric test method offers a new and sensitive option in environmental toxicology, both for research and routine testing.

Se(IV) phytotoxicity for monocotyledonae cereals (Hordeum vulgare L., Triticum aestivum L.) and dicotyledonae crops (Sinapis alba L., Brassica napus L.)

The phytotoxicity of Se(IV) was determined through root and shoot growth inhibition, biomass (dry (DM), fresh (FM)) production, water content, photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids) levels and Se accumulation in the roots and shoots. The sensitivities of monocotyledonae (Hordeum vulgare, Triticum aestivum) and dicotyledonae plants (Sinapis alba, Brassica napus) were also compared. Except for H. vulgare, Se(IV) inhibited root growth more than shoot growth. As for biomass production, Se reduced both FM and DM of all studied plants' roots. Although in shoots FM was decreased with increased Se concentration, DM was reduced only in monocotyledonae plants (H. vulgare, T. aestivum). No significant differences between roots and shoots were confirmed for the DM/FM relationship, except for S. alba seedlings. In all of the tested plants, except for B. napus, chlorophyll b was the strongest reduced pigment. Accumulation of Se was higher in the roots than in the shoots of all studied plants. Selenium concentration in the roots was at least 3-times higher than that in controls. Se(IV) accumulation in the shoots was not significantly different from that in controls. The exception was confirmed only for B. napus (87 mg Se(IV)l(-1)) and T. aestivum (36 mg Se(IV)l(-1)).

Photodegradation product of sulcotrione and the physiological response of maize (Zea mays) and white mustard (Sinapis alba)

One of the strategies for decreasing the consumption of herbicides consists in improving their uptake and efficiency. It was suggested that the photodegradation of herbicides due to sunlight results in a greater demand of herbicides to be introduced into the environment in order to ensure the plant protection activity. Moreover, an ecotoxicological effect of the photoproducts needs to be clarified. The physiological response of Zea mays and Sinapis alba (weed) to sulcotrione and its main photoproduct, called chromone (xanthene-1,9-dione-3,4-dihydro-6-methylsulfonyl), was evaluated under controlled conditions in a growth chamber. The dose-response effects were determined on Z. mays and S. alba. Using the sulcotrione (doses ranging from 1 to 9mg per plant), the physiological parameters indicated a decrease of photosynthesis for the S. alba species while the Z. mays species were only slightly affected. On the contrary, the chromone had no herbicide activity on both species. The sulcotrione is known to block 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) enzyme. The differences between the parent herbicide and the photoproduct could be ascribed to drastic structural modifications. We have shown that the chromone probably do not block the HPPD active site.

Assessment of the effects of soil PAH accumulation by a battery of ecotoxicological tests

Surface soils were collected at remote, urban and industrial sites in the Southern of Italy in order to evaluate PAH concentrations and assess the toxic effects by a battery of ecotoxicological tests. The tests were performed on whole soils and on both organic and aqueous extracts. Further goal of this study was to integrate the results coming from each test and matrix in a synthetic toxicity index. The highest summation sigmaPAH concentrations were measured at the industrial soil, although this one did not show an high ecotoxicological risk. Among the performed tests, the phytotoxicity tests showed the highest sensitivity. For whole soil, the worst case always has been represented by test through bacteria. Our results could represent the first step toward the selection of a proper battery to characterize the soil ecotoxicological risk.

Effects of elevated CO2 on intra-specific competition in Sinapis alba: an examination of the role of growth responses to red:far-red ratio

Response of plants to elevated CO2 differs markedly between individually- and competitively-grown plants, both in terms of mean size and variation about the mean. Using Sinapis alba, we explored whether these contrasting effects are a consequence of the effect of competition on the red:far red (R:FR) light ratio. Plants were grown at both ambient and elevated (700 microl.l(-1)) CO2 in competitive stands, and as individuals at either a low (0.7) or high (1.25) R:FR ratio at a constant photosynthetic photon fluence rate. Elevated CO2 increased stand biomass by enhancing the growth of canopy dominants, but not the subordinates. As a consequence, elevated CO2 increased the coefficient of variation in size within the stands. Elevated CO2 did not enhance the growth of individually-grown plants at the low R:FR ratio, but did at the high R:FR ratio. Both the poor response of subordinate plants to elevated CO2 and the increased size inequalities of individuals within the stand can be explained in terms of the effect of the R:FR ratio on CO2 responsiveness. The effect of the R:FR ratio on CO2 response may be related to its effect on allocation patterns and nutrient uptake.

Impact of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) extracts upon reserve mobilization and energy metabolism in germinating mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seeds

One commonly observed effect of phytotoxic compounds is the inhibition or delay of germination of sensitive seeds. Mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seeds were incubated with aqueous extracts of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) leaves. Although sunflower phytotoxins did not influence seed viability, extracts completely inhibited seed germination. Inhibition of germination was associated with alterations in reserve mobilization and generation of energy in the catabolic phase of germination. Degradation of lipids was suppressed by sunflower foliar extracts resulting in insufficient carbohydrate supply. The lack of respiratory substrates and decrease in energy (ATP) generation resulted in suppression of the anabolic phase of seed germination and ultimately growth inhibition.

Comparison of bioassays by testing whole soil and their water extract from contaminated sites

The harmful effects of contaminants on the ecosystems and humans are characterised by their environmental toxicity. The aim of this study was to assess applicability and reliability of several environmental toxicity tests, comparing the result of the whole soils and their water extracts. In the study real contaminated soils were applied from three different inherited contaminated sites of organic and inorganic pollutants. The measured endpoints were the bioluminescence inhibition of Vibrio fischeri (bacterium), the dehydrogenase activity inhibition of Azomonas agilis (bacterium), the reproduction inhibition of Tetrahymena pyriformis (protozoon), and Panagrellus redivivus (nematode), the mortality of Folsomia candida (springtail), the root and shoot elongation inhibition of Sinapis alba (plant: white mustard) and the nitrification activity inhibition of an uncontaminated garden soil used as "test organism". Besides the standardised or widely used methods some new, direct contact ecotoxicity tests have been developed and introduced, which are useful for characterisation of the risk of contaminated soils due to their interactive nature. Soil no. 1 derived from a site polluted with transformer oil (PCB-free); Soil no. 2 originated from a site contaminated with mazout; Soil no. 3 was contaminated with toxic metals (Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb, As). In most cases, the interactive ecotoxicity tests indicated more harmful effect of the contaminated soil than the tests using soil extracts. The direct contact environmental toxicity tests are able to meet the requirements of environmental toxicology: reliability, sensibility, reproducibility, rapidity and low cost.

Comparison of the Phytotoxkit microbiotest and chemical variables for toxicity evaluation of sediments

The main objective of the research was to evaluate the suitability of the Phytotoxkit microbiotest as a tool for hazard assessment of sediments. The concentrations of oil derivatives, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined in sediment samples collected from the urban canal in Opole (Poland), in order to obtain a general insight of the level of sediment contamination. Phytotoxicity of sediments was estimated on the basis of seed germination and root elongation measurements, combined into an overall germination index (GI). The results revealed spatial and vertical differentiation in sediment contamination. A good correlation was obtained between organic matter content and the concentrations of particular sediment pollutants. Values of correlation coefficients at P < 0.05 ranged from 0.3246 for oil derivatives to 0.8929 for PAHs. Phytotoxicity tests, carried out on the monocotyl Sorghum saccharatum and the dicotyls Sinapis alba and Lepidium sativum, showed different responses of the three plant species to sediment samples ranging from growth inhibition to growth stimulation. The GI values revealed the following increasing order of plant sensitivity to contaminated sediments: L. sativum < S. alba < S. saccharatum. The study demonstrated that the Phytotoxkit microbiotest was effective in identifying toxic samples. However, sediment organic matter content and grain-size distribution had a significant impact on both sediment contamination and higher plantresponses to contaminated samples. The implication of these findings are discussed.

Cuticular uptake of xenobiotics into living plants. Part 2: influence of the xenobiotic dose on the uptake of bentazone, epoxiconazole and pyraclostrobin, applied in the presence of various surfactants, into Chenopodium album, Sinapis alba and Triticum aestivum leaves

This study has determined the uptake of three pesticides, applied as commercial or model formulations in the presence of a wide range of surfactants, into the leaves of three plant species (bentazone into Chenopodium album L. and Sinapis alba L., epoxiconazole and pyraclostrobin into Triticum aestivum L.). The results have confirmed previous findings that the initial dose (nmol mm(-2)) of xenobiotic applied to plant foliage is a strong, positive determinant of uptake. This held true for all the pesticide formulations studied, although surfactant concentration was found to have an effect. The lower surfactant concentrations studied showed an inferior relationship between the amount of xenobiotic applied and uptake. High molecular mass surfactants also produced much lower uptake than expected from the dose uptake equations in specific situations.