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Cruz Y, Villar S, Gutiérrez K, Montoya-Ruiz C, Gallego JL, Delgado MDP, Saldarriaga JF. Gene expression and morphological responses of Lolium perenne L. exposed to cadmium (Cd 2+) and mercury (Hg 2+). Sci Rep 2021; 11:11257. [PMID: 34045631 PMCID: PMC8160004 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90826-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil contamination with heavy metals is a major problem worldwide, due to the increasing impact mainly caused by anthropogenic activities. This research evaluated the phytoremediation capacity of, Lolium perenne for heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd2+) and mercury (Hg2+), and the effects of these metals on morphology, biomass production, and the changes on gene expression. Seeds of L. perenne were exposed to six concentrations of Cd2+ and Hg2+ in the range of 0 to 25 mg L−1, and two mixtures of Cd2+–Hg2. The Non-Observed Effect Level (NOEL) was established with dose response curves and the expression of specific genes was evaluated applying a commercially available quantitative reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) assay. There was no significant effect when exposing the seeds to Hg2+, for Cd2+ the maximum concentration was established in 0.1 mg L−1, and for the two concentrations of mixtures, there was a negative effect. An increase of expression of genes that regulate antioxidant activity and stress was found when the plant was exposed to heavy metals. Given the high tolerance to metals analyzed that was reflected both, the development of the plant and in its molecular response, these results highlight that L. perenne is a plant with phytoremediator potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuby Cruz
- Department Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1Este #19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sharik Villar
- Department Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 #18A-10, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Karen Gutiérrez
- Department Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 #18A-10, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Montoya-Ruiz
- Department Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 #18A-10, Bogotá, Colombia.,Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín Calle 59A #63-20, Medellín, Colombia, 050034
| | - Jorge L Gallego
- Environmental Research Group (GIA), Department Engineering, Fundación Universitaria Tecnológico Comfenalco, Carrera 44 D # 30A-91, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Maria Del Pilar Delgado
- Department Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 #18A-10, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan F Saldarriaga
- Department Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1Este #19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Niu Z, Zhang X, Wang S, Ci Z, Kong X, Wang Z. The linear accumulation of atmospheric mercury by vegetable and grass leaves: Potential biomonitors for atmospheric mercury pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:6337-43. [PMID: 23589268 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1691-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
One question in the use of plants as biomonitors for atmospheric mercury (Hg) is to confirm the linear relationships of Hg concentrations between air and leaves. To explore the origin of Hg in the vegetable and grass leaves, open top chambers (OTCs) experiment was conducted to study the relationships of Hg concentrations between air and leaves of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The influence of Hg in soil on Hg accumulation in leaves was studied simultaneously by soil Hg-enriched experiment. Hg concentrations in grass and vegetable leaves and roots were measured in both experiments. Results from OTCs experiment showed that Hg concentrations in leaves of the four species were significantly positively correlated with those in air during the growth time (p < 0.05), while results from soil Hg-enriched experiment indicated that soil-borne Hg had significant influence on Hg accumulation in the roots of each plant (p < 0.05), and some influence on vegetable leaves (p < 0.05), but no significant influence on Hg accumulation in grass leaves (p > 0.05). Thus, Hg in grass leaves is mainly originated from the atmosphere, and grass leaves are more suitable as potential biomonitors for atmospheric Hg pollution. The effect detection limits (EDLs) for the leaves of alfalfa and ryegrass were 15.1 and 22.2 ng g(-1), respectively, and the biological detection limit (BDL) for alfalfa and ryegrass was 3.4 ng m(-3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchuan Niu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, China
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De Temmerman L, Waegeneers N, Claeys N, Roekens E. Comparison of concentrations of mercury in ambient air to its accumulation by leafy vegetables: an important step in terrestrial food chain analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2009; 157:1337-41. [PMID: 19118931 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2008.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2008] [Revised: 11/21/2008] [Accepted: 11/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A biomonitoring network with leafy vegetables was established near a chlor-alkali plant in order to compare the accumulation of mercury to the atmospheric total gaseous mercury (TGM) concentration. Based on data obtained in the reference area the 'normal' mercury concentration in vegetables is between 0.6 and 5.4 microg kg(-1) FW. The effect detection limits (EDLs) are between 1.2 and 11.0 microg kg(-1) FW and the biological detection limits (BDLs), the lowest [TGM] that can be detected significantly, are between 3 and 4 ng m(-3). The accumulation rate is lowest for lettuce and high for curly kale that proved to be an excellent accumulator and as such it is very useful for biomonitoring purposes. A comparison made in the 1980s between biomonitoring results with grass and the mercury concentration in leafy vegetables from private gardens nearby proved to be valid when applied to the current biomonitoring results with vegetables.
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Rothenberg SE, Du X, Zhu YG, Jay JA. The impact of sewage irrigation on the uptake of mercury in corn plants (Zea mays) from suburban Beijing. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2007; 149:246-51. [PMID: 17442470 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2006] [Revised: 01/05/2007] [Accepted: 01/15/2007] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The impact of sewage irrigation on the uptake and translocation of mercury (Hg) in corn plants (Zea mays) was investigated. Corn plants were harvested the same day from two nearby fields in suburban Beijing, one irrigated historically with sewage effluent, and one irrigated solely with groundwater. Hg content was analyzed in the soil, roots and stems, while percent moisture and soil organic content were analyzed in the soil samples. The concentration of Hg in the soil and roots, and the soil organic content were not significantly different between the two fields, despite the historic practice of sewage irrigation. Hg content in roots was positively correlated with soil Hg concentration (r=0.95, n=6). The transfer coefficients between roots and stems were significantly higher in the control site (control: 2.06, sewage-irrigated: 0.44, p<0.05), indicating that the barrier effect of the roots was not consistent between the two fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Rothenberg
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Beijing, 100085, China.
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De Temmerman L, Claeys N, Roekens E, Guns M. Biomonitoring of airborne mercury with perennial ryegrass cultures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2007; 146:458-62. [PMID: 17010486 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2006] [Revised: 07/04/2006] [Accepted: 07/05/2006] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
A biomonitoring network with grass cultures was established near a chlor-alkali plant and the mercury concentration in the cultures were compared with the average atmospheric total gaseous mercury (TGM). Biomonitoring techniques based on different exposure periods were carried out. When comparing the mercury concentration in the grass cultures, both the average atmospheric TGM concentration during exposure and the exposure time determined to a large extent the accumulation rate of TGM. The maximum tolerable level of mercury in grass (approximately equal to 110 microg kg(-1) DM) corresponds with an average TGM concentration of 11 ng m(-3) for 28 days exposure. The background concentrations in grass were on an average 15 microg kg(-1) DM and the effect detection limit (EDL) was 30 microg kg(-1) DM. This value corresponds with an average TGM concentration of 3.2 and 4.2 ng m(-3) for 28 and 14 days exposure, respectively, which is in turn the biological detection limit (BDL) of ambient TGM. Exposures for 7 days were less appropriate for biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludwig De Temmerman
- Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre, Department of Agro-ecochemistry, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium.
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Overesch M, Rinklebe J, Broll G, Neue HU. Metals and arsenic in soils and corresponding vegetation at Central Elbe river floodplains (Germany). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2007; 145:800-12. [PMID: 16996182 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2005] [Revised: 05/10/2006] [Accepted: 05/12/2006] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Floodplain soils at the Elbe river are frequently polluted with metals and arsenic. High contents of these pollutants were detected down to subsoil layers. NH4NO3-extractable (phytoavailable) Cd, Ni, and Zn were elevated in horizons with high acidity. Among five common floodplain plant species, Artemisia vulgaris showed highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Hg, Alopecurus pratensis of As and Phalaris arundinacea of Ni, Pb, and Zn. Relationships were weak between metal concentrations in plants and phytoavailable stocks in soil. As and Hg uptake seems to be enhanced on long submerged soils. Enrichments of Cd and Hg are linked to a special plant community composition. Grassland herbage sampled in July/August revealed higher concentrations of As (+122%), Hg (+124%), and Pb (+3723%) than in May. To limit harmful transfers into the food chain, low-lying terraces and flood channels revealing highest contaminations or phytoavailabilities should be excluded from mowing and grazing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Overesch
- Department for Geo- and Agroecology, Institute of Spatial Analysis and Planning in Areas of Intensive Agriculture, University of Vechta, P.O. Box 1553, D-49364 Vechta, Germany.
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Wang D, Shi X, Wei S. Accumulation and transformation of atmospheric mercury in soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2003; 304:209-214. [PMID: 12663184 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(02)00569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Field investigation and simulating experiments were carried out for understanding the accumulation and transformation of mercury in soil in relation to the deposition of atmospheric mercury. A positive correlation between the atmospheric mercury concentration and the content of mercury in soil was observed in the field investigation, with the correlation coefficient being 0.741** (n=52). The mercury content in soil decreased with the increasing distance from the mercury emission source. Simulated experiment demonstrated that the higher the mercury content in air was, the higher was the amount of mercury accumulated in soil, which was in accordance with the results found from the field investigation. Transformation process occurred once mercury deposited into the soil. Analyses of soil samples exposed to air with mercury contents of 796.4+/-186.3 ng/m(3) for 2 months indicated that 24.58-26.86% of total mercury deposited into the soil existed in Hg(0) form, 0.10-0.12% in active form, 14.56-18.75% in HCl-dissoluble form, 0.86-5.84% in organic-bound form and 52.64-55.29% in residual form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest Agricultural University, Chongqing 400716, PR China.
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Abstract
Mercury at low concentrations represents a major hazard to microorganisms. Inorganic mercury has been reported to produce harmful effects at 5 microg/l in a culture medium. Organomercury compounds can exert the same effect at concentrations 10 times lower than this. The organic forms of mercury are generally more toxic to aquatic organisms and birds than the inorganic forms. Aquatic plants are affected by mercury in water at concentrations of 1 mg/l for inorganic mercury and at much lower concentrations of organic mercury. Aquatic invertebrates widely vary in their susceptibility to mercury. In general, organisms in the larval stage are most sensitive. Methyl mercury in fish is caused by bacterial methylation of inorganic mercury, either in the environment or in bacteria associated with fish gills or gut. In aquatic matrices, mercury toxicity is affected by temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and water hardness. A wide variety of physiological, reproductive and biochemical abnormalities have been reported in fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of mercury. Birds fed inorganic mercury show a reduction in food intake and consequent poor growth. Other (more subtle) effects in avian receptors have been reported (i.e., increased enzyme production, decreased cardiovascular function, blood parameter changes, immune response, kidney function and structure, and behavioral changes). The form of retained mercury in birds is more variable and depends on species, target organ and geographical site. With few exceptions, terrestrial plants (woody plants in particular) are generally insensitive to the harmful effects of mercury compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Boening
- Lockheed Martin Environmental Services Assistance Team, Port Orchard, WA 98366, USA.
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Giordano M, Zale R, Ruffle B, Hawkins E, Anderson P. Review of mathematical models for health risk assessment: V. chemical concentrations in the food chain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/0266-9838(94)90004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Capannesi G, Cecchi A, Ciavola C, Sedda AF. Feasibility of oak leaves as monitor for airborne pollution. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 1993. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02037189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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