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Hidalgo-Lasso D, García-Villacís K, Urvina Ulloa J, Marín Tapia D, Gómez Ortega P, Coulon F. Updating risk remediation-endpoints for petroleum-contaminated soils? A case study in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30395. [PMID: 38720749 PMCID: PMC11076972 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In Ecuador, the regulatory framework for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated soils is based on predefined concentration endpoints for a selected range of petroleum hydrocarbon compounds. However, such approach may lead to over or under-estimation of the environmental risk posed by contaminated soils. In this study, the end-point remediation criteria according to Ecuadorian Environmental legislation were evaluated using different approaches. The first one was based on Total Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TEPH) and the second one on Total Bioavailable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TBPH). Both were compared with ecotoxicological determinations using EC50 -Microtox® bioassay at 5 and 15 min of exposure. The correlation (R2) between EC50 values vs TEPH was of 0.2 and 0.25 for 5 and 15 min, respectively. Meanwhile, R2 between EC50 and TBPH was of 0.9 and 0.65 for 5 and 15 min, respectively, demonstrating a stronger correlation. Our results suggest that a contaminated site where the concentration of the TEPH is higher than the relevant regulatory concentrations may be deemed to present an acceptable risk even though their concentrations exceed the target values in soils. The results also challenge the notion that hormesis is associated with TEPH, contrary to some literature. This study is the first in Ecuador to propose incorporating bioavailability into environmental regulations, highlighting the need for further research to establish realistic and achievable remediation goals based on toxicity studies involving various trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hidalgo-Lasso
- Centro de Investigación de Tecnologías Ambientales del Proyecto Amazonía Viva, Empresa Pública de Hidrocarburos EP PETROECUADOR, 4 1/2 km vía Joya de los Sachas-Coca, Joya de los Sachas, 2201010, Ecuador
| | - Karina García-Villacís
- Centro de Investigación de Tecnologías Ambientales del Proyecto Amazonía Viva, Empresa Pública de Hidrocarburos EP PETROECUADOR, 4 1/2 km vía Joya de los Sachas-Coca, Joya de los Sachas, 2201010, Ecuador
| | - Jeaneth Urvina Ulloa
- Centro de Investigación de Tecnologías Ambientales del Proyecto Amazonía Viva, Empresa Pública de Hidrocarburos EP PETROECUADOR, 4 1/2 km vía Joya de los Sachas-Coca, Joya de los Sachas, 2201010, Ecuador
| | - Darwin Marín Tapia
- Centro de Investigación de Tecnologías Ambientales del Proyecto Amazonía Viva, Empresa Pública de Hidrocarburos EP PETROECUADOR, 4 1/2 km vía Joya de los Sachas-Coca, Joya de los Sachas, 2201010, Ecuador
| | - Patricio Gómez Ortega
- Centro de Investigación de Tecnologías Ambientales del Proyecto Amazonía Viva, Empresa Pública de Hidrocarburos EP PETROECUADOR, 4 1/2 km vía Joya de los Sachas-Coca, Joya de los Sachas, 2201010, Ecuador
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
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Boisseaux P, Rauert C, Dewapriya P, Delignette-Muller ML, Barrett R, Durndell L, Pohl F, Thompson R, Thomas KV, Galloway T. Deep dive into the chronic toxicity of tyre particle mixtures and their leachates. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133580. [PMID: 38295724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Particles from the tread of vehicle tyres are a global pollutant, which are emitted into the environment at an approximate rate of 1.4 kg.year-1 for an average passenger-car. In this study, popular tyre brands were used to generate a tyre tread microparticle mixture. The chronic toxicity of both particles and chemical leachates were compared on a planktonic test species (Daphnia magna). Over 21 days of exposure, pristine tyre tread microparticles were more toxic (LC50 60 mg.L-1) than chemical lechates alone (LC50 542 mg.L-1). Microparticles and leachates showed distinct effects on reproduction and morphological development at environmentally relevant concentrations, with dose-dependent uptake of particles visible in the digestive tract. Chemical characterization of leachates revealed a metal predominance of zinc, titanium, and strontium. Of the numerous organic chemicals present, at least 54 were shared across all 5 tyre brands, with many classified to be very toxic. Our results provide a critically needed information on the toxicity of tyre tread particles and the associated chemicals that leach from them to inform future mitigation measures. We conclude that tyre particles are hazardous pollutants of particular concern that are close to or possibly above chronic environmental safety limits in some locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Boisseaux
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK.
| | - Cassandra Rauert
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Pradeep Dewapriya
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Marie-Laure Delignette-Muller
- Université de Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biometrie et Biologie Evolutive, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Robyn Barrett
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Lee Durndell
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Florian Pohl
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Richard Thompson
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Tamara Galloway
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK
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3
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Eze MO, Amuji CF. Elucidating the significant roles of root exudates in organic pollutant biotransformation within the rhizosphere. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2359. [PMID: 38286879 PMCID: PMC10824751 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53027-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Biotransformation of organic pollutants is crucial for the dissipation of environmental pollutants. While the roles of microorganisms have been extensively studied, the significant contribution of various root exudates are still not very well understood. Through plant growth experiment, coupled with gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods, this study examined the effect of the presence of M. sativa on microbial-associated biochemical transformation of petroleum hydrocarbons. The results of this study revealed that the concentration of exudates within the soil matrix is a function of proximity to root surfaces. Similarly, biodegradation was found to correlate with distance from roots, ranging from ≥ 90% within the rhizosphere to < 50% in bulk soil and unplanted control soil. Most importantly, for the first time in a study of an entire petroleum distillate, this study revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between root exudate concentration and residual total petroleum hydrocarbons. While not all the compounds that may influence biodegradation are derived from roots, the results of this study show that the presence of plant can significantly influence biodegradation of hydrocarbon pollutants through such root exudation as organic acids, amino acids, soluble sugars and terpenoids. Therefore, root exudates, including secondary metabolites, offer great prospects for biotechnological applications in the remediation of organic pollutants, including recalcitrant ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Eze
- Department of Chemistry, and Metabolomics and Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, 65409, USA.
- Centre for Research in Energy and Environment, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, 65409, USA.
| | - Chinedu F Amuji
- Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Agathokleous E, Sonne C, Benelli G, Calabrese EJ, Guedes RNC. Low-dose chemical stimulation and pest resistance threaten global crop production. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:162989. [PMID: 36948307 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide resistance increases and threatens crop production sustainability. Chemical contamination contributes to the development of pest resistance to pesticides, in part by causing stimulatory effects on pests at low sub-toxic doses and facilitating the spread of resistance genes. This article discusses hormesis and low-dose biological stimulation and their relevance to crop pest resistance. It highlights that a holistic approach is needed to tackle pest resistance to pesticides and reduce imbalance in accessing food and improving food security in accordance with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Among others, the effects of sub-toxic doses of pesticides should be considered when assessing the impact of synthetic and natural pesticides, while the promotion of alternative agronomical practices is needed to decrease the use of agrochemicals. Potential alternative solutions include camo-cropping, exogenous application of phytochemicals that are pest-suppressing or -repelling and/or attractive to carnivorous arthropods and other pest natural enemies, and nano-technological innovations. Moreover, to facilitate tackling of pesticide resistance in poorer countries, less technology-demanding and low-cost practices are needed. These include mixed cropping systems, diversification of cultures, use of 'push-pull cropping', incorporation of flower strips into cultivations, modification of microenvironment, and application of beneficial microorganisms and insects. However, there are still numerous open questions, and more research is needed to address the ecological and environmental effects of many of these potential solutions, with special reference to trophic webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, Jiangsu, China; Research Center for Global Changes and Ecosystem Carbon Sequestration & Mitigation, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Raul Narciso C Guedes
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
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5
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Boisseaux P, Hopkinson P, Santillo D, Smith C, Garmulewicz A, Powell Z, Galloway T. Environmental safety of second and third generation bioplastics in the context of the circular economy. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 256:114835. [PMID: 37003058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics derived from organic materials other than crude oil are often suggested as sustainable solutions for tackling end-of-life plastic waste, but little is known of their ecotoxicity to aquatic species. Here, we investigated the ecotoxicity of second and third generation bioplastics toward the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia magna. In acute toxicity tests (48 h), survival was impacted at high concentrations (g.L-1 range), within the range of salinity-induced toxicity. Macroalgae-derived bioplastic induced hormetic responses under chronic exposure (21 d). Most biological traits were enhanced from 0.06 to 0.25 g.L-1 (reproduction rate, body length, width, apical spine, protein concentration), while most of these traits returned to controls level at 0.5 g.L-1. Phenol-oxidase activity, indicative of immune function, was enhanced only at the lowest concentration (0.06 g.L-1). We hypothesise these suggested health benefits were due to assimilation of carbon derived from the macroalgae-based bioplastic as food. Polymer identity was confirmed by infra-red spectroscopy. Chemical analysis of each bioplastic revealed low metal abundance whilst non target exploration of organic compounds revealed trace amounts of phthalates and flame retardants. The macroalgae-bioplastic disintegrated completely in compost and biodegraded up to 86 % in aqueous medium. All bioplastics acidified the test medium. In conclusion, the tested bioplastics were classified as environmentally safe. Nonetheless, a reasonable end-of-life management of these safer-by-design materials is advised to ensure the absence of harmful effects at high concentrations, depending on the receiving environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Boisseaux
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK.
| | - Peter Hopkinson
- Exeter Business School, Building One, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace laboratory, Innovation Centre, University of Exeter, EX4 4RN Exeter, UK
| | | | - Alysia Garmulewicz
- Materiom C.I.C, E8 4QS London, UK; Faculty of Administration and Economics, Department of Administration, University of Santiago of Chile, 9170022 Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Tamara Galloway
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK
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Chávez-Álvarez K, Del Carmen Rivera-Cruz M, Aceves-Navarro LA, Trujillo-Narcía A, García-de la Cruz R, Vega-López A. Physiological and microbiological hormesis in sedge Eleocharis palustris induced by crude oil in phytoremediation of flooded clay soil. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:1241-1253. [PMID: 36112299 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02583-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soil contamination with petroleum hydrocarbons affects plants and rhizospheric microorganisms. Microbial activity participates in important biochemical processes that stimulate, together with plants, the modification of toxic compounds for organisms. A nine-month experiment was set up to study the effect over time of oil on plant height (cm), formation of new plants, plant matter production (gravimetry), and population of rhizospheric microorganisms (serial dilution) in the sedge Eleocharis palustris. Removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons (soxhlet and gravimetry) from the soil was also evaluated. The means of the evaluated variables registered significant statistical differences (Duncan, p < 0.05) regarding the age of the plant and the amount of crude oil. There was a high correlation between oil and plant height (0.848) and with new plants (0.994). 60 mg oil dose promoted the greatest statistical difference in the amounts of roots and plant biomass (p < 0.05). E. palustris exposed to 60 and 75 mg of oil stimulated high densities of microalgae, actinomycetes, fungi, hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria and Pseudomonas spp; the overall ratio was 2:1 relative to natural attenuation. Plant and microorganism variables evaluated registered physiological and microbiological hormetic indices ≥1, showing a positive linear relationship. Natural attenuation was more efficient in removing crude oil. We conclude that E. palustris is tolerant to oil exposure. It is suggested to combine it with natural attenuation for the optimization of soils contaminated with crude oil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Chávez-Álvarez
- Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Tabasco, Laboratorio de Microbiología Agrícola y Ambiental. Km 2.5 Periférico Carlos A. Molina, CP 86570 H, Cárdenas, Tabasco, México
| | - María Del Carmen Rivera-Cruz
- Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Tabasco, Laboratorio de Microbiología Agrícola y Ambiental. Km 2.5 Periférico Carlos A. Molina, CP 86570 H, Cárdenas, Tabasco, México.
| | - Lorenzo A Aceves-Navarro
- Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Tabasco, Laboratorio de Microbiología Agrícola y Ambiental. Km 2.5 Periférico Carlos A. Molina, CP 86570 H, Cárdenas, Tabasco, México
| | - Antonio Trujillo-Narcía
- Universidad Popular de la Chontalpa, Cuerpo Académico Energía y Medioambiente. Chontalpa, Carretera Cárdenas-Huimanguillo km 2, Ra. Paso y Playa, H. Cárdenas, CP 86500 H, Cárdenas, Tabasco, México
| | - Rubén García-de la Cruz
- Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Tabasco, Laboratorio de Microbiología Agrícola y Ambiental. Km 2.5 Periférico Carlos A. Molina, CP 86570 H, Cárdenas, Tabasco, México
| | - Armando Vega-López
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental. Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n, Unidad Profesional Zacatenco, Ciudad de México, CP 07738, México
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7
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Agathokleous E, Barceló D, Rinklebe J, Sonne C, Calabrese EJ, Koike T. Hormesis induced by silver iodide, hydrocarbons, microplastics, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals: Implications for agroforestry ecosystems health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153116. [PMID: 35063521 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Increasing amounts of silver iodide (AgI) in the environment are expected because of the recent massive expansion of weather modification programs. Concurrently, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, hydrocarbons, and pesticides in terrestrial ecosystems continue contaminating forests and agroforests. Our review supports that AgI induces hormesis, a biphasic dose response characterized by often beneficial low-dose responses and toxic high-dose effects, which adds to the evidence for pharmaceuticals, microplastics, hydrocarbons, and pesticides induced hormesis in numerous species. Doses smaller than the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) positively affect defense physiology, growth, biomass, yields, survival, lifespan, and reproduction. They also lead to negative or undesirable outcomes, including stimulation of pathogenic microbes, pest insects, and weeds with enhanced resistance to drugs and potential negative multi- or trans-generational effects. Such sub-NOAEL effects perplex terrestrial ecosystems managements and may compromise combating outbreaks of disease vectors that can threaten not only forest and agroforestry health but also sensitive human subpopulations living in remote forested areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), Ningliu Rd. 219, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210044, China.
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Biomass Value-added Products, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Takayoshi Koike
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Hokkaido, Japan
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8
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Sun T, Ji C, Li F, Wu H. Hormetic dose responses induced by organic flame retardants in aquatic animals: Occurrence and quantification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153295. [PMID: 35065129 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The organic flame retardants (OFRs) have attracted global concerns due to their potential toxicity and ubiquitous presence in the aquatic environment. Hormesis refers to a biphasic dose response, characterized by low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition. The present study provided substantial evidence for the widespread occurrence of OFRs-induced hormesis in aquatic animals, including 202 hormetic dose response relationships. The maximum stimulatory response (MAX) was commonly lower than 160% of the control response, with a combined value of 134%. Furthermore, the magnitude of MAX varied significantly among multiple factors and their interactions, such as chemical types and taxonomic groups. Moreover, the distance from the dose of MAX to the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) (NOAEL: MAX) was typically below 10-fold (median = 6-fold), while the width of the hormetic zone (from the lowest dose inducing hormesis to the NOAEL) was approximately 20-fold. Collectively, the quantitative features of OFRs-induced hormesis in aquatic animals were in accordance with the broader hormetic literature. In addition, the implications of hormetic dose response model for the risk assessment of OFRs were discussed. This study offered a novel insight for understanding the biological effects of low-to-high doses of OFRs on aquatic animals and assessing the potential risks of OFRs in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Chenglong Ji
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China
| | - Huifeng Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Qingdao 266071, PR China.
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9
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Rix RR, Guedes RNC, Christopher Cutler G. Hormesis Dose-Response Contaminant-induced hormesis in animals. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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11
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Chai L, Li J, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wu Z. Growth and antioxidant response in Spirodela polyrrhiza under linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, naphthalene and their joint stress. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:61115-61127. [PMID: 34169418 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14452-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The synthetic organic surfactants linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon naphthalene (NAP), two common organic pollutants, are frequently detected in freshwater environments. However, the combined ecotoxicological risks associated with these pollutants have not been fully elucidated. The present study investigated the effects of individual and combined treatments of LAS and NAP on the growth and physiological responses of Spirodela polyrrhiza. The results showed that LAS was the main compound toxic to S. polyrrhiza in a dose-dependent manner. The peroxidase (POD) enzyme and catalase (CAT) enzyme are the main antioxidant enzymes protecting S. polyrrhiza from LAS stress. When exposed to NAP stress alone, only slightly reversible damage was observed as the exposure time was extended (14 days). The antioxidant enzyme systems (including superoxide dismutase (SOD), CAT and POD) showed positive responses. Synergistic effects were induced with LAS-NAP mixtures (≥ 5 + 5 mg L-1), and LAS played a major toxic role. The POD enzyme was a sensitive protective enzyme in duckweed during the joint exposure to LAS + NAP. The results indicate that LAS or NAP may cause serious damage to S. polyrrhiza and aggravate ecotoxicity in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Chai
- Water Pollution Ecology Laboratory, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Li
- Water Pollution Ecology Laboratory, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Yizhe Zhang
- Changjiang Water Resources Protection Institute, Wuhan, 430051, Hubei, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Changjiang Water Resources Protection Institute, Wuhan, 430051, Hubei, China
| | - Zhonghua Wu
- Water Pollution Ecology Laboratory, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China.
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12
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Agathokleous E, Iavicoli I, Barceló D, Calabrese EJ. Micro/nanoplastics effects on organisms: A review focusing on 'dose'. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126084. [PMID: 34229388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become predominant contaminants, attracting much political and scientific attention. Despite the massively-increasing research on microplastics effects on organisms, the debate of whether environmental concentrations pose hazard and risk continues. This study critically reviews published literatures of microplastics effects on organisms within the context of "dose". It provides substantial evidence of the common occurrence of threshold and hormesis dose responses of numerous aquatic and terrestrial organisms to microplastics. This finding along with accumulated evidence indicating the capacity of organisms for recovery suggests that the linear-no-threshold model is biologically irrelevant and should not serve as a default model for assessing the microplastics risks. The published literature does not provide sufficient evidence supporting the general conclusion that environmental doses of microplastics cause adverse effects on individual organisms. Instead, doses that are smaller than the dose of toxicological threshold and more likely to occur in the environment may even induce positive effects, although the ecological implications of these responses remain unknown. This study also shows that low doses of microplastics can reduce whereas high doses can increase the negative effects of other pollutants. The mechanisms explaining these findings are discussed, providing a novel perspective for evaluating the risks of microplastics in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Agathokleous E, Calabrese EJ. Formaldehyde: Another hormesis-inducing chemical. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 199:111395. [PMID: 34048749 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is a naturally-occurring compound, produced endogenously in diverse living organisms. It also occurs widely in the environment due to anthropogenic (e.g. used as a chemical intermediate) and natural sources (e.g. a component of the volatile organic compounds blends emitted by plants). While FA is considered a potential carcinogen, living organisms have the ability to cope with FA, and some minimum endogenous levels of FA may be required for health. Recently, genetic engineering approaches transferring biological information from one organism to another led to increased assimilation of and conferred genetic-based tolerance to FA in plants-microorganisms systems. Here, we propose that FA commonly induces hormesis, a hypothesis that we confirm by collating evidence from various published studies with animals, plants, and microorganisms. The stimulation by low doses below the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) was modest in magnitude, in agreement with the general hormesis literature. In plants, among the endpoints showing hormesis were growth, lipid peroxidation, and photosynthetic pigments. In various animal cells, hormesis was observed in cell proliferation and viability, responses that were related to mechanisms, such as activation of phosphorylated ERK (extra-cellular signaling-regulated kinase) expression, acceleration of the process of cell division, and enhancement of the Warburg effect (i.e. use of glycolysis by tumor cells to produce energy for rapid growth). Hormetic in vitro responses were reported in several cancerous/tumorous cell lines, suggesting that FA has the potential to influence tumor promotion within a specific concentration range and biological context. These observations suggest that FA commonly acts in an hormetic manner with implications for study designs across a broad range of biological models and in the assessment of environmental and human risks associated with FA exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, 210044, PR China.
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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Fan D, Wang S, Guo Y, Liu J, Agathokleous E, Zhu Y, Han J. The role of bacterial communities in shaping Cd-induced hormesis in 'living' soil as a function of land-use change. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 409:124996. [PMID: 33444951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial communities and soil physicochemical properties shape soil enzymes activities. However, how environmental factors and bacterial communities affect the relationship between increasing doses of soil pollutants and soil alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an index of soil microbiota activity, remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the response of soil ALP to 13 doses of Cd (0 and 0.01-100 mg/kg) under four land uses, viz. grassland (GL), natural forest (NF), plantation forest (PF), and wheat field (WF). We found that Cd commonly induced hormetic-like responses of soil ALP, with a maximum stimulation of 10.7%, 10.1%, 11.6%, and 14.5% in GL, NF, PF, and WF, respectively. The size of the hormetic zone (Horzone), an integrated indicator of the stimulation phase and biological plasticity, was in the order GL > WF > PF > NF, and the hormetic zone occurred in the dose range of 5-10, 0.3-10, 0.8-3, and 3-5 mg/kg, respectively. These results indicate highly pleiotropic responses of 'living' soil system to promote resilience to Cd contamination, with soil microbiota potentially contributing to soil ALP's hormetic-like response under different land uses. The hormetic-like response of 'living' soil ALP in different land uses offers a new insight into the identification and minimization of the ecological risks of land-use change in Cd-contaminated lands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diwu Fan
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Shengyan Wang
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Yanhui Guo
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Jian Liu
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Institute of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210044, China
| | - Yongli Zhu
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China; Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Jiangang Han
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China; Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China.
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Jatkowska N, Kudłak B, Lewandowska P, Liu W, Williams MJ, Schiöth HB. Identification of synergistic and antagonistic actions of environmental pollutants: Bisphenols A, S and F in the presence of DEP, DBP, BADGE and BADGE·2HCl in three component mixtures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 767:144286. [PMID: 33429266 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystems are facing increased pressure due to the emission of many classes of emerging contaminants. However, very little is known about the interactions of these pollutants, such as bisphenols (BPs), plasticizers or pharmaceuticals. By employing bioluminescent bacteria (Microtox assay), we were able to define interactions between selected emerging pollutants (namely BPA, BPS, BPF, BADGE, BADGE·2HCl, DEP, DBP) in ternary mixtures, at environmentally relevant concentration levels (down to as low as 1.89, 1.42, 3.08, and 0.326 μM for, respectively, BPA, BPF, BPS and BADGE·2HCl). We provide the first systematic analysis of bisphenols and phthalates in three component mixtures. Using this system, we performed toxicity modelling with concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) approaches, followed by data interpretation using Model Deviation Ratio (MDR) evaluation. Interestingly, we mathematically and experimentally confirmed a novel synergy between BPA, BADGE and BADGE·2HCl. The synergy of BPA, BADGE and BADGE·2HCl is distinct, with both models suggesting these analytes have a similar mode of action (MOA). Moreover, we unexpectedly found a strong antagonistic impact with DEP, in mixtures containing BPA and BADGE analogues, which is confirmed with both mathematical models. Our study also shows that the impact of BPS and BPF in many mixtures is highly concentration dependent, justifying the necessity to perform mixture studies using wide concentration ranges. Overall, this study demonstrates that bioluminescent bacteria are a relevant model for detecting the synergistic and antagonist actions of environmental pollutants in mixtures, and highlights the importance of analyzing combinations of pollutants in higher order mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Jatkowska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
| | - Błażej Kudłak
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland.
| | - Patrycja Lewandowska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michael J Williams
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden; Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Regulation of the Photon Spectrum on Growth and Nutritional Attributes of Baby-Leaf Lettuce at Harvest and during Postharvest Storage. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10030549. [PMID: 33799394 PMCID: PMC8000317 DOI: 10.3390/plants10030549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The photon flux density (PFD) and spectrum regulate the growth, quality attributes, and postharvest physiology of leafy vegetables grown indoors. However, limited information is available on how a photon spectrum enriched with a broad range of different wavebands regulates these factors. To determine this, we grew baby-leaf lettuce ‘Rouxai’ under a PFD of 200 µmol m−2 s−1 provided by warm-white (WW; control) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) supplemented with either 30 µmol m−2 s−1 of ultraviolet-A (+UV30) or 50 µmol m−2 s−1 of blue (+B50), green (+G50), red (+R50), or WW (+WW50) light. We then quantified growth attributes and accumulated secondary metabolites at harvest and during storage in darkness at 5 °C. Additional +G50 light increased shoot fresh and dry weight by 53% and 59% compared to the control. Relative chlorophyll concentration increased under +UV30, +G50, and especially +B50. At harvest, +B50 increased total phenolic content (TPC) by 25% and anthocyanin content (TAC) by 2.0-fold. Additionally, +G50 increased antiradical activity (DPPH) by 29%. After each day of storage, TPC decreased by 2.9 to 7.1% and DPPH by 3.0 to 6.2%, while TAC degradation was less pronounced. Principal component analysis indicated a distinct effect of +G50 on the lettuce at harvest. However, concentrations of metabolites before and during storage were usually greatest under the +B50 and +R50 treatments.
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Less Can Be More: The Hormesis Theory of Stress Adaptation in the Global Biosphere and Its Implications. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030293. [PMID: 33805626 PMCID: PMC8000639 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A dose-response relationship to stressors, according to the hormesis theory, is characterized by low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition. It is non-linear with a low-dose optimum. Stress responses by cells lead to adapted vitality and fitness. Physical stress can be exerted through heat, radiation, or physical exercise. Chemical stressors include reactive species from oxygen (ROS), nitrogen (RNS), and carbon (RCS), carcinogens, elements, such as lithium (Li) and silicon (Si), and metals, such as silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Anthropogenic chemicals are agrochemicals (phytotoxins, herbicides), industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Biochemical stress can be exerted through toxins, medical drugs (e.g., cytostatics, psychopharmaceuticals, non-steroidal inhibitors of inflammation), and through fasting (dietary restriction). Key-lock interactions between enzymes and substrates, antigens and antibodies, antigen-presenting cells, and cognate T cells are the basics of biology, biochemistry, and immunology. Their rules do not obey linear dose-response relationships. The review provides examples of biologic stressors: oncolytic viruses (e.g., immuno-virotherapy of cancer) and hormones (e.g., melatonin, stress hormones). Molecular mechanisms of cellular stress adaptation involve the protein quality control system (PQS) and homeostasis of proteasome, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. Important components are transcription factors (e.g., Nrf2), micro-RNAs, heat shock proteins, ionic calcium, and enzymes (e.g., glutathion redox enzymes, DNA methyltransferases, and DNA repair enzymes). Cellular growth control, intercellular communication, and resistance to stress from microbial infections involve growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, interferons, and their respective receptors. The effects of hormesis during evolution are multifarious: cell protection and survival, evolutionary flexibility, and epigenetic memory. According to the hormesis theory, this is true for the entire biosphere, e.g., archaia, bacteria, fungi, plants, and the animal kingdoms.
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Fan D, Wang S, Guo Y, Zhu Y, Agathokleous E, Ahmad S, Han J. Cd induced biphasic response in soil alkaline phosphatase and changed soil bacterial community composition: The role of background Cd contamination and time as additional factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143771. [PMID: 33229081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hormesis is an intriguing phenomenon characterized by low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition. The hormetic phenomena have been frequently reported in the past decades, but the researches on the biphasic responses of soil enzymes are still limited. The main objective of this study is to explore dose response of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to Cd (0, 0.003, 0.03, 0.3, 3.0 and 30 mg/kg) in the presence of different levels of background Cd contamination (bulk soil with no added Cd, BS; low background Cd, LB; medium background Cd, MB; and high background Cd, HB). ALP activity at 0.003-0.3 mg Cd/kg was 13-39% higher than that of the control (0 mg Cd/kg) for HB after 7 d. Similarly, the enzyme activities at 0.003-0.03 mg Cd/kg were 2-25% and 14-17% higher than those of the controls for MB and HB after 60 d. After 90 d, ALP activities at 0.3-3.0 mg Cd/kg increased by 11-17% for LB. The dose-response curves had the shape of an inverted U, showing biphasic responses at days 7 (HB), 60 (MB and HB) and 90 (LB). After 60 days of exposure, total operational taxonomic units (OTU) numbers and unique species exposed to Cd stress displayed hormetic-response curve for MB. The relative abundances of Agrobacterium, Salinimicrobiums, Bacilllus, and Oceanobacillus displayed significantly positive correlations with ALP activity. This suggested that bacterial communities potentially contribute to ALP's hormesis. This study further provides new insights into the ecological mechanisms of pollutant-induced hormesis, and substantially contributes to the ecological risk assessment of Cd pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diwu Fan
- College of Biological and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shengyan Wang
- College of Biological and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yanhui Guo
- College of Biological and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yongli Zhu
- College of Biological and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; National Positioning Observation Station of Hung-tse Lake Wetland Ecosystem in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Institute of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210044, China.
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154-4015, USA.
| | - Jiangang Han
- College of Biological and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; National Positioning Observation Station of Hung-tse Lake Wetland Ecosystem in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Eze MO, George SC, Hose GC. Dose-response analysis of diesel fuel phytotoxicity on selected plant species. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128382. [PMID: 33297285 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As an ecotoxicological tool, bioassays are an effective screening tool to eliminate plants sensitive to the contaminant of interest, and thereby reduce the number of plant species requiring further study. We conducted a bioassay analysis of fifteen plant species to determine their tolerance to diesel fuel toxicity. Dose-response analysis revealed that increasing diesel fuel concentrations in the soil generally led to a monotonically decreasing biomass in 13 species (P < 0.001), with EC10 values (±SE) ranging from 0.36 ± 0.18 g/kg to 12.67 ± 2.13 g/kg. On the other hand, hydrocarbons had a statistically significant hormetic influence on Medicago sativa (f = 3.90 ± 1.08; P < 0.01). The EC10 and EC50 values (±SE) from the fitted hormetic model were 15.33 ± 1.47 g/kg and 26.89 ± 2.00 g/kg, respectively. While previous studies have shown M. sativa's tolerance of hydrocarbon toxicity, this is the first attempt to describe diesel fuel-induced hormesis in M. sativa using the Cedergreen-Ritz-Streibig model. This study thus shows that hormesis cannot be ignored in plant toxicology research, and that when present, an appropriate statistical model is necessary to avoid drawing wrong conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Eze
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and MQ Marine Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia; Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Goettingen Genomics Laboratory, Georg-August University of Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Simon C George
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and MQ Marine Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Grant C Hose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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Xie S, Yu G, Ma J, Wang G, Wang Q, You F, Li J, Wang Y, Li C. Chemical speciation and distribution of potentially toxic elements in soilless cultivation of cucumber with sewage sludge biochar addition. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110188. [PMID: 32919962 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Potentially toxic elements in municipal sewage sludge can be effectively immobilized during biochar production via pyrolysis. However, the bioavailability of these elements when biochar is applied in soilless cultivation to improve substrate quality has yet to be sufficiently established. In this study, we investigated the chemical speciation and cucumber plant uptake of potentially toxic elements in soilless cultivation when the growth substrate was amended with sewage sludge biochar (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%). It was found that the addition of 10 wt% biochar was optimal with respect to obtaining a high cucumber biomass and achieving low environmental risk considering the occurrence of hormesis. When the substrate was amended with 10 wt% biochar, cucumber fruit contained lower concentrations of As, Cr, and Zn and smaller bioavailable fractions of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn compared with the fruit of control plants, thereby meeting national safety requirements (standard GB 2762-2012, China). Most of the As and Cd taken up by cucumbers accumulated in the leaves and fruit, whereas Cr was found primarily in the roots, and most Ni, Cu, and Zn was detected in the fruit. Importantly, only small proportions of the potentially toxic elements in biochar were taken up by cucumber plants (As: 0.0075%; Cd: 0.038%; Ni: 0.0064%; Cu: 0.0016%; and Zn: 0.0015%). Given that the As, Cd, Ni, and Zn speciation in sewage sludge biochar was effectively immobilized after cultivation, the findings of this study indicate that sewage sludge biochar is a suitable substrate amendment in terms of the risk posed by potentially toxic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, 6-6-07 Aoba, Aramaki-aza, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Guangwei Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China.
| | - Jianli Ma
- Tianjin Academy of Environmental Sciences, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Gang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Qichuan Wang
- Chaimihe Agriculture Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd., Huai'an, 223002, China
| | - Futian You
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Jie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Chunxing Li
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
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