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Voigt RAL, MacFarlane GR. Tolerance of the Australian halophyte, beaded samphire, Sarcocornia quinqueflora, to Pb and Zn under glasshouse conditions: Evaluating metal uptake and partitioning, photosynthetic performance, biomass, and growth. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 270:106887. [PMID: 38461756 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Saltmarsh sediments are susceptible to accumulation of excessive concentrations of anthropogenically elevated metals such as lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). The resident salt tolerant plants of saltmarsh ecosystems form the basal underpinning of these ecosystems. As such, metal-associated adverse impacts on their physiology can have detrimental flow-on effects at individual, population, and community levels. The present study assessed the accumulation and partitioning of ecologically relevant concentrations of Pb, Zn, and their combination in a dominant Australian saltmarsh species, Sarcocornia quinqueflora. Plants were hydroponically maintained under glasshouse conditions for 16 weeks exposure to either Pb (20 µg l-1), Zn (100 µg l-1), or their mixture. We evaluated the chronic toxicological effects of single and mixed metal treatments with reference to metal uptake and partitioning, photosynthetic performance, photosynthetic pigment concentration, biomass and growth. Lead was more toxic than Zn, and Zn appeared to have an antagonistic effect on the toxicological effects of Pb in S.quinqueflora in terms of metal uptake, photosynthetic performance, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and growth. Indeed, the tolerance index was 55 % in plants treated with Pb compared to 77 % in Zn treated plants and 73 % in Pb+Zn treated plants. Finally, Sarcocornia quinqueflora primarily accumulated both Pb and Zn in roots at concentrations exceeding unity whilst translocation of these metals to above ground tissues was restricted regardless of treatment. This suggests that S. quinqueflora may be suitable for phytostabilisation of Zn, and of Pb particularly in the presence of Zn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A L Voigt
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia.
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2
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Voigt RAL, Alam MR, Stein TJ, Rahman MM, Megharaj M, MacFarlane GR. Uptake and distribution of metal(loid)s in two rare species of saltmarsh, blackseed samphire, Tecticornia pergranulata, and narrow-leafed wilsonia, Wilsonia backhousei, in New South Wales, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116058. [PMID: 38278015 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116058] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The uptake and distribution of copper, zinc, arsenic, and lead was examined in two rare Australian saltmarsh species, Tecticornia pergranulata and Wilsonia backhousei. The bioconcentration factors and translocation factors were generally much lower than one, except for the Zn translocation factors for T. pergranulata. When compared to other Australian saltmarsh taxa, these species generally accumulated the lowest levels observed among taxa, especially in terms of their BCFs. Essential metals tended to be regulated, while non-essential metals increased in concentration with dose during transport among compartments, a pattern not previously observed in Australian saltmarsh taxa. The uptake of metals into roots was mainly explained by total sediment metal loads as well as more acidic pH, increased soil organic matter, and decreased salinity. The low uptake and limited translocation observed in these rare taxa may offer a competitive advantage for their establishment and survival in the last urbanised populations, where legacy metal contamination acts as a selective pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A L Voigt
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Md Rushna Alam
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Department of Aquaculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Taylor J Stein
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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Tran TKA, Raju S, Singh A, Senathirajah K, Bhagwat-Russell G, Daggubati L, Kandaiah R, Palanisami T. Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in long-term biosolid-applied rehabilitation land: An overlooked pathway for microplastic entry into terrestrial ecosystems in Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122464. [PMID: 37634566 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) efficiently eliminate over 98% of microplastics (MPs) from wastewater discharge, subsequently accumulating them in sludge. This sludge is frequently employed as fertilizer in agricultural practices or land rehabilitation. While there is significant research on biosolid application in agriculture, the discussion regarding its application in rehabilitating industrial zones and MPs contamination is limited. The current study investigates the abundance, distribution, and composition of MPs in rehabilitation land with long-term biosolid-application in Australia. Three minesite fields (designated 1-3), each with distinct biosolid application histories since 2011, 2012, and 2017, and a control field without any biosolid application history, were chosen for this study. The abundances of MPs in biosolid-applied fields 1-3 (6.04 ± 1.92 x 102 MP kg-1; 4.94 ± 0.73 x 102 MP kg-1; 2.48 ± 0.70 x 102 MP kg-1) were considerably higher compared to non-biosolid-applied field (0.70 ± 0.63 x 102 MP kg -1). This indicates that the application of biosolids significantly contributes to the presence of MPs in the soil. Moreover, the results suggest that with each successive application, the abundance of MPs increases. The abundance and size of MPs in both biosolid and non-biosolid soils decreased as the soil depth increased. Microbeads were dominant in soils where biosolids were applied (up to 61.9%), while fibres were dominant in non-biosolid soils (accounting for 85.7%). The distribution of plastic polymer types varied among fields and soil depths. Most MPs were microbeads of polyamide (PA), fragments of polyethylene (PE), foam of polystyrene (PS), and fibres of rayon. This research presents evidence that the extended utilization of biosolids results in elevated MP pollution in minesite rehabilitation land, highlighting a frequently overlooked origin of MP contamination in terrestrial settings. Additional evaluations needed to understand ecological risks of MPs in soil ecosystems affected by biosolid application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Kim Anh Tran
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Subash Raju
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Arjun Singh
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; ICAR Central Soil Salinity Research Institute RRS Lucknow, India
| | - Kala Senathirajah
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Geetika Bhagwat-Russell
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Lakshmi Daggubati
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Raji Kandaiah
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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Cera A, Verdugo-Escamilla C, Marín JA, Palacio S. Calcium sulphate biomineralisation: Artefact of sample preparation? PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2023; 175:e14017. [PMID: 37882257 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Calcium biomineralisation is widely documented in plants. However, crystallisation of Ca-sulphate-containing minerals is closely related to water content, and sample processing, such as drying, alters the water balance of plant tissues. We hypothesised that common sample processing practices may favour the formation of crystals, leading to spurious crystallisation not observed in unaltered plant tissues. We selected three species (Ononis tridentata, Helianthemum squamatum and Gypsophila struthium) with reported gypsum biomineralisation. We used x-ray diffractometry on fresh intact or sliced leaves, and on the same leaves processed by subsequent drying, to address whether sample processing alters crystal formation. Ca-sulphate crystals were detected in dry samples of all species but not in fresh intact samples. Ca-sulphate crystallisation occurred in some cut fresh samples, although the accumulation greatly increased after drying. In addition, G. struthium exhibited Ca-oxalate crystals in both fresh and dry treatments, with a tendency for greater accumulation in dry treatments. Our results demonstrate that the Ca-sulphate crystals observed by x-ray diffractometry in these species are artefacts caused by common sample processing practices, such as excessive drying and slicing samples. We encourage future studies on the biomineral potential of plants to avoid the use of procedures that alter the water balance of tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreu Cera
- Centro de Ecologia Aplicada Prof. Baeta Neves (CEABN-InBIO), Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento Biodiversidad y Restauración, Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaca, Spain
| | - Cristóbal Verdugo-Escamilla
- Laboratorio de Estudios Cristalográficos, Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra, CSIC-Universidad de Granada, Armilla, Spain
| | - Juan A Marín
- Departamento de Pomologia, Estación Experimental de Aula Dei CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Palacio
- Departamento Biodiversidad y Restauración, Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaca, Spain
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Cera A, Montserrat-Martí G, Palacio S. Nutritional strategy underlying plant specialization to gypsum soils. AOB PLANTS 2023; 15:plad041. [PMID: 37448861 PMCID: PMC10337853 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Gypsum soils are amongst the most widespread extreme substrates of the world, occurring in 112 countries. This type of hypercalcic substrate has a suite of extreme physical and chemical properties that make it stressful for plant establishment and growth. Extreme chemical properties include low plant-available nitrogen and phosphorus and high plant-available sulphur and calcium, which impose strong nutritional imbalances on plants. In spite of these edaphic barriers, gypsum soils harbour rich endemic floras that have evolved independently on five continents, with highly specialized species. Plants that only grow on gypsum are considered soil specialists, and they have a foliar elemental composition similar to the elemental availability of gypsum soils, with high calcium, sulphur and magnesium accumulation. However, the physiological and ecological role of the unique foliar elemental composition of gypsum specialists remains poorly understood, and it is unknown whether it provides an ecological advantage over other generalist species on gypsum soils. This article reviews available literature on the impact of gypsum soil features on plant life and the mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to gypsum environments. We conclude with a hypothesis on the potential role of the nutritional strategy underlying plant specialization to gypsum soils: Gypsum specialists primarily use SO42- as a counter anion to tolerate high Ca2+ concentrations in cells and avoid phosphorus depletion, which is one of the most limiting nutrients in gypsum soils.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Montserrat-Martí
- Departamento Biodiversidad y Restauración, Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avenida de Montañana 1005, Zaragoza, 50059, Spain
| | - Sara Palacio
- Departamento Biodiversidad y Restauración, Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avenida Nuestra Señora de la Victoria 16, Jaca, 22700, Spain
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Alam MR, Rahman MM, Kit Yu RM, MacFarlane GR. Offspring of metal contaminated saltmarsh (Juncus acutus) exhibit tolerance to the essential metal Zn but not the nonessential metal Pb. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121333. [PMID: 36822307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Halophytes residing in metal-contaminated saltmarsh habitats may employ strategies to enhance fitness of the next generation. We aimed to test the hypothesis that Juncus acutus individuals inhabiting metal-contaminated locations would experience elevated tolerance of offspring to metals compared to plants residing in locations with no metal contamination history. J. acutus seeds (F1 generation) were collected from F0 parent plants residing at eight locations of a contemporary sediment metal gradient (contaminated to uncontaminated) across the coast of NSW, Australia (Hunter river, Lake Macquarie and Georges River). Seeds were exposed in the laboratory to incremental Zn (0.0-1.6 mM) and Pb (0.0-0.50 mM) for nine (9) days, and % germination, germination rate, root elongation and vigour index were assessed for the determination of tolerance. Greater root accumulation (BCF = 1.01) of Zn and subsequent translocation to aerial parts (culm BCF = 0.58 and capsule BCF = 0.85) were exhibited in parents plants, whereas Pb was excluded from roots (BCF = 0.60) and very little translocation to aerial portions of the plant was observed (culm BCF = 0.02 and capsule BCF = 0.05). F1 offspring exhibited tolerance to Zn with EC50 (% germination) significantly correlated with their parents' culm (R2 = 0.93, p = 0.00) and capsule (R2 = 0.57; p = 0.03) Zn. No correlations were observed between offspring Pb tolerance and Pb in parents' plant tissues. Enhanced tolerance to the essential metal Zn may be because Zn is very mobile in the parent plant and seeds experience greater Zn load as a significant portion of sediment Zn reaches capsules (85%). Thus, Zn tolerance in J. acutus seeds is likely attributable to acclimation via maternal transfer of Zn; however, further manipulative experiments are required to disentangle potential acclimation, adaptation or epigenetic effects in explaining the tolerance observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rushna Alam
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Department of Aquaculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Richard Man Kit Yu
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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Tisarum R, Chaitachawong N, Takabe T, Singh HP, Samphumphuang T, Cha-um S. Physio-morphological and biochemical responses of dixie grass (Sporobolus virginicus) to NaCl or Na2SO4 stress. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Cera A, Montserrat-Martí G, Luzuriaga AL, Pueyo Y, Palacio S. When disturbances favour species adapted to stressful soils: grazing may benefit soil specialists in gypsum plant communities. PeerJ 2022. [DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Herbivory and extreme soils are drivers of plant evolution. Adaptation to extreme soils often implies substrate-specific traits, and resistance to herbivory involves tolerance or avoidance mechanisms. However, little research has been done on the effect of grazing on plant communities rich in edaphic endemics growing on extreme soils. A widespread study case is gypsum drylands, where livestock grazing often prevails. Despite their limiting conditions, gypsum soils host a unique and highly specialised flora, identified as a conservation priority.
Methods
We evaluated the effect of different grazing intensities on the assembly of perennial plant communities growing on gypsum soils. We considered the contribution of species gypsum affinity and key functional traits of species such as traits related to gypsum specialisation (leaf S accumulation) or traits related to plant tolerance to herbivory such as leaf C and N concentrations. The effect of grazing intensity on plant community indices (i.e., richness, diversity, community weighted-means (CWM) and functional diversity (FD) indices for each trait) were modelled using Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMM). We analysed the relative contribution of interspecific trait variation and intraspecific trait variation (ITV) in shifts of community index values.
Results
Livestock grazing may benefit gypsum plant specialists during community assembly, as species with high gypsum affinity, and high leaf S contents, were more likely to assemble in the most grazed plots. Grazing also promoted species with traits related to herbivory tolerance, as species with a rapid-growth strategy (high leaf N, low leaf C) were promoted under high grazing conditions. Species that ultimately formed gypsum plant communities had sufficient functional variability among individuals to cope with different grazing intensities, as intraspecific variability was the main component of species assembly for CWM values.
Conclusions
The positive effects of grazing on plant communities in gypsum soils indicate that livestock may be a key tool for the conservation of these edaphic endemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreu Cera
- Departamento Biodiversidad y Restauración/Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaca, Huesca, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Montserrat-Martí
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Restauración/Instituto Pirenaico de Ecologia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Arantzazu L. Luzuriaga
- Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Mostoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Pueyo
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Restauración/Instituto Pirenaico de Ecologia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Palacio
- Departamento Biodiversidad y Restauración/Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaca, Huesca, Spain
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Roe RAL, MacFarlane GR. The potential of saltmarsh halophytes for phytoremediation of metals and persistent organic pollutants: An Australian perspective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113811. [PMID: 35667258 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic and inorganic pollutants are among the most concerning pollutants in Australian estuaries due to their persistent, ubiquitous, and potentially toxic nature. Traditional methods of soil remediation often fall short of practical implementation due to high monetary investment, environmental disturbance, and potential for re-contamination. Phytoremediation is gaining traction as an alternative, or synergistic mechanism of contaminated soil remediation. Phytoremediation utilises plants and associated rhizospheric microorganisms to stabilise, degrade, transform, or remove xenobiotics from contaminated mediums. Due to their apparent cross-tolerance to salt, metals, and organic contaminants, halophytes have shown promise as phytoremediation species. This review examines the potential of 93 species of Australian saltmarsh halophytes for xenobiotic phytoremediation. Considerations for the practical application of phytoremediation in Australia are discussed, including mechanisms of enhancement, and methods of harvesting and disposal. Knowledge gaps for the implementation of phytoremediation in Australian saline environments are identified, and areas for future research are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A L Roe
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.
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Cera A, Montserrat‐Martí G, Drenovsky RE, Ourry A, Brunel‐Muguet S, Palacio S. Gypsum endemics accumulate excess nutrients in leaves as a potential constitutive strategy to grow in grazed extreme soils. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2022; 174:e13738. [PMID: 35765177 PMCID: PMC9546198 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Extreme soils often have mineral nutrient imbalances compared to plant nutritional requirements and co-occur in open areas where grazers thrive. Thus, plants must respond to both constraints, which can affect nutrient concentrations in all plant organs. Gypsum soil provides an excellent model system to study adaptations to extreme soils under current grazing practices as it harbours two groups of plant species that differ in their tolerance to gypsum soils and foliar composition. However, nutrient concentrations in organs other than leaves, and their individual responses to simulated herbivory, are still unknown in gypsum plants. We studied plant biomass, root mass ratio and nutrient partitioning among different organs (leaves, stems, coarse roots, fine roots) in five gypsum endemics and five generalists cultivated in gypsum and calcareous soils and subjected to different levels of simulated browsing. Gypsum endemics tended to have higher elemental concentration in leaves, stems and coarse roots than generalist species in both soil types, whereas both groups tended to show similar high concentrations in fine roots. This behaviour was especially clear with sulphur (S), which is found in excess in gypsum soils, and which endemics accumulated in leaves as sulphate (>50% of S). Moreover, plants subjected to clipping, regardless of their affinity to gypsum, were unable to compensate for biomass losses and showed similar elemental composition to unclipped plants. The accumulation of excess mineral nutrients by endemic species in aboveground organs may be a constitutive nutritional strategy in extreme soils and is potentially playing an anti-herbivore role in grazed gypsum outcrops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreu Cera
- Departamento Biodiversidad y Restauración, Instituto Pirenaico de EcologíaConsejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasJacaSpain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals (BEECA), Secció de Botànica i Micologia, Facultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Gabriel Montserrat‐Martí
- Departamento Biodiversidad y Restauración, Instituto Pirenaico de EcologíaConsejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasZaragozaSpain
| | | | - Alain Ourry
- Agronomie et Nutritions N, C, S, SFR Normandie Végétal (FED 4277), UNICAEN, INRAE, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie VégétaleNormandie UniversitéCaenFrance
| | - Sophie Brunel‐Muguet
- Agronomie et Nutritions N, C, S, SFR Normandie Végétal (FED 4277), UNICAEN, INRAE, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie VégétaleNormandie UniversitéCaenFrance
| | - Sara Palacio
- Departamento Biodiversidad y Restauración, Instituto Pirenaico de EcologíaConsejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasJacaSpain
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Aziz I, Mujeeb A. Halophytes for phytoremediation of hazardous metal(loid)s: A terse review on metal tolerance, bio-indication and hyperaccumulation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127309. [PMID: 34600383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Phytoremediation is a cost-effective and environment friendly method for cleaning metal(loid)s from contaminated soils. Species with exceptionally higher shoot metal concentrations (hyperaccumulators) seem ideal for phytoremediation, though some metal tolerant species with 'above normal' values with higher translocation factor (TF) may also serve the purpose. Halophytes not only remove salts and metalloids from soils but may also be cultivated as non-conventional crops. Nurturing halophytes requires precise understanding of their nature and efficient management for sustainable use. Species with low metal concentrations in their edible parts (especially leaves) may be grown as forage and fodder, but those with metal hyperaccumulation could prove fatal due to their serious health hazards. Like other metallophytes, redundant use of the term 'metal hyperaccumulation' among halophytes needs to be revisited for its ambiguity and potential pitfalls. Similarly, understanding of metal tolerance and shoot accumulation nature of halophytes is needed prior to their use. This review is an attempt to compare halophytes with potential of metal bioindication, phytostabilization and hyperaccumulation (as per definition) as well as their 'obligate' and 'facultative' nature for appropriate uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Aziz
- Dr M Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Amtul Mujeeb
- Dr M Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
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Alam MR, Rahman MM, Tam NFY, Yu RMK, MacFarlane GR. The accumulation and distribution of arsenic species and selected metals in the saltmarsh halophyte, spiny rush (Juncus acutus). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113373. [PMID: 35093784 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113373] [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: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the accumulation of As species, Se, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the halophyte Juncus acutus, collected from three anthropogenically impacted estuaries in NSW, Australia. As concentration ranged from 4 to 22 μg/g at Georges River, 2-16 μg/g at Lake Macquarie and 6 μg/g at Hunter Estuary. Inorganic As was accumulated mainly in roots with low translocation to culm with a greater abundance of AsV. However, AsIII (TF = 0.32) showed greater mobility from the roots to shoots than AsV (TF = 0.04), indicating a higher quantity of AsIII specific transporter assemblages in the plasmalemma of the endodermis or cytoplasmic reduction of AsV to AsIII in culms. Metal(loid)s, including As (90%), were predominantly in root tissues and very limited translocation to culm, indicating the species is a useful phytostabiliser. As and all other metal(loid)s in roots were correlated with sediment loads (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.10-0.52), indicating the species would be an accumulative bioindicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rushna Alam
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Department of Aquaculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Nora Fung-Yee Tam
- Department of Science, School of Science and Technology, The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Richard Man Kit Yu
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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13
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Stein TJ, Alam MR, Tran TKA, MacFarlane GR. Metal(loid) uptake and partitioning within the saltmarsh halophyte, Juncus kraussii. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112690. [PMID: 34229150 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An investigation was conducted over three estuaries in SE Australia with a gradient in metal(loid) contamination to assess metal(loid) (Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd and Pb) accumulation and transport within the halophytic saltmarsh rush, Juncus kraussii. Sydney Olympic Park exhibited the most elevated metal(loid) contamination, followed by Hunter Wetlands and Lake Macquarie. J. kraussii exhibited a strong ability to restrict metal(loid) movement into the root system, with the exception of cadmium (BCFs < 1.0) and unrestricted flow from root to culm excepting Se, Cd (TFs < 1). Pb and Zn exhibited elevated translocation between roots and culms (TF 4.4 and 7.3, respectively). Despite barriers for uptake into the below-ground tissues, most metal(loid)s were accumulated to the roots with environmental dose (except for Cu and Cd) and linear relationships were present between the root and culm (for As and Se) and the sediment and culm (for As, Se, Cd, and Pb).
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Stein
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Md Rushna Alam
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Department of Aquaculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Thi Kim Anh Tran
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Global Innovation Center for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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14
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Alam MR, Tran TKA, Stein TJ, Rahman MM, Griffin AS, Yu RMK, MacFarlane GR. Accumulation and distribution of metal(loid)s in the halophytic saltmarsh shrub, Austral seablite, Suaeda australis in New South Wales, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112475. [PMID: 34022559 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We examined the patterns of uptake and partitioning of metal(loid)s in Suaeda australis from three highly urbanised estuaries (Sydney Olympic Park, Hunter Wetlands and Lake Macquarie) in NSW, Australia. Of these, Sydney Olympic Park was found to be the most contaminated estuary in terms of combined sediment metal(loid) load, followed by Hunter Wetlands and lowest in Lake Macquarie (via PERMANOVA). Uptake in roots was greater for the essential metals Cu and Zn along with the non-essential metal Cd and the metalloid Se (root BCFs >1) and lower for Pb and As (root BCFs <1). Substantial barriers for translocation from roots to stems were identified for all metal(loid)s (stem TFs; 0.07-0.68). Conversely, unrestricted flow from stems to leaves was observed for all metal(loid)s at unity or higher (leaf TFs ≥ 1). Strong linear relationships between sediment and root for Zn and Pb were observed, indicating roots as a useful bioindicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rushna Alam
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Department of Aquaculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Thi Kim Anh Tran
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; School of Agriculture and Resources, Vinh University, Viet Nam
| | - Taylor J Stein
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Andrea S Griffin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; School of Psychology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Richard Man Kit Yu
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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15
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Alam MR, Islam R, Anh Tran TK, Van DL, Rahman MM, Griffin AS, Yu RMK, MacFarlane GR. Global patterns of accumulation and partitioning of metals in halophytic saltmarsh taxa: A phylogenetic comparative approach. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 414:125515. [PMID: 33662792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The current study represents the first attempt to analyse quantitatively, within a phylogenetic framework, uptake and partitioning patterns of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in extant saltmarsh taxa globally, and to assess associations of these patterns with various plant traits indicative of their halophytic adaptations. Despite saltmarsh being diverse taxonomically, most saltmarsh taxa accumulate metals to roots at, or above, unity (> 1). Further, there is significant translocation from roots to shoot for Cu, Zn and Cd (≤ 1), however, Pb is less mobile (TF = 0.65). Patterns of accumulation were similar among families, except greater Cd accumulation to roots in members of Juncaceae. Patterns of uptake to roots and translocation to leaves were broadly similar among plant type, plant form, habitat and photosynthetic mode. Zinc is lower in the leaves of salt-secreting species for some closely related taxa, suggesting some species co-excrete sodium (Na+) and Zn2+ through glands in leaf tissue. Salinity tolerance has no relationship to metal uptake and translocation. Translocation of Zn is greater at lower Zn sediment exposures, reflecting its active uptake and essentiality, but such bias does not affect outcomes of analyses when included as a covariate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rushna Alam
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Department of Aquaculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Rafiquel Islam
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Thi Kim Anh Tran
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; School of Agriculture and Resources, Vinh University, Viet Nam
| | - Diep Le Van
- School of Biochemical Technology-Environment, Vinh University, Viet Nam
| | - Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Andrea S Griffin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; School of Psychology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Richard Man Kit Yu
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoff R MacFarlane
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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16
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Bhagwat G, Carbery M, Anh Tran TK, Grainge I, O'Connor W, Palanisami T. Fingerprinting Plastic-Associated Inorganic and Organic Matter on Plastic Aged in the Marine Environment for a Decade. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7407-7417. [PMID: 34009962 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The long-term aging of plastic leads to weathering and biofouling that can influence the behavior and fate of plastic in the marine environment. This is the first study to fingerprint the contaminant profiles and bacterial communities present in plastic-associated inorganic and organic matter (PIOM) isolated from 10 year-aged plastic. Plastic sleeves were sampled from an oyster aquaculture farm and the PIOM was isolated from the intertidal, subtidal, and sediment-buried segments to investigate the levels of metal(loid)s, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and explore the microbial community composition. Results indicated that the PIOM present on long-term aged high-density polyethylene plastic harbored high concentrations of metal(loid)s, PAHs, and PFAS. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the bacterial composition in the PIOM differed by habitat type, which consisted of potentially pathogenic taxa including Vibrio, Shewanella, and Psychrobacter. This study provides new insights into PIOM as a potential sink for hazardous environmental contaminants and its role in enhancing the vector potential of plastic. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of PIOM analysis in current biomonitoring regimes and that plastics be used with caution in aquaculture settings to safeguard valuable food resources, particularly in areas of point-source contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Maddison Carbery
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Thi Kim Anh Tran
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Port Stephens, Taylors Beach 2316, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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