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Suárez-Navarro JA, Gil-Pacheco E, Expósito-Suárez VM, Gómez-Mancebo MB, Vicente-Prieto N, García-Gómez H, Suárez-Navarro MJ, Sánchez-González SM, Caro A, Hernáiz G, Barragán M, Cid-Morillo C. Influence of soil chemical composition on U, 226Ra and 210Pb uptake in leaves and fruits of Quercus ilex L. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 264:107187. [PMID: 37186982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
To determine their transfer factors, activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were measured in the leaves and acorns of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) trees collected from seven locations with different soil properties and radionuclide activity concentrations. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of the soils were also analysed to investigate the effect these had on radionuclide absorption by the trees. Soil chemistry showed significant effects on radionuclide incorporation into Quercus ilex L. tissues. A significant relationship was established between activity concentrations and soil content of Ca and P with 238U and 226Ra in the leaves and acorns of Quercus ilex L. Differentiated transfer was found for 40K, which showed greater transfer to the leaves than the other radionuclides. The activity concentration of U and 226Ra was higher in the fruits than in the leaves, with the opposite effect being observed for 40K. The risk of U and 226Ra transfer into the food chain through acorn consumption by livestock is predicted to increase in soils poor in Ca and rich in P.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Suárez-Navarro
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - E Gil-Pacheco
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), CSIC, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Cordel de Merinas, 40, 37008, Salamanca, Spain
| | - V M Expósito-Suárez
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M B Gómez-Mancebo
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - H García-Gómez
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M J Suárez-Navarro
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Departamento de Hidráulica, Energía y Medioambiente, E.T.S.I. Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Profesor Aranguren s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - S M Sánchez-González
- Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes, C/Padre Julio Chevalier, 2, 47012, Valladolid, Spain
| | - A Caro
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Hernáiz
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Barragán
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Cid-Morillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Cao GH, Wang XF, Li ZD, Zhang X, Li XG, Gu W, Zhang F, Yu J, He S. A Panax notoginseng phosphate transporter, PnPht1;3, greatly contributes to phosphate and arsenate uptake. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2022; 49:259-271. [PMID: 35115080 DOI: 10.1071/fp21218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The crisis of arsenic (As) accumulation in rhizomes threatens the quality and safety of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen, which is a well-known traditional Chinese herb with a long clinical history. The uptake of arsenate (AsV) could be suppressed by supplying phosphate (Pi), in which Pi transporters play important roles in the uptake of Pi and AsV. Herein, the P . notoginseng Pi transporter-encoding gene PnPht1;3 was identified and characterised under Pi deficiency and AsV exposure. In this study, the open reading frame (ORF) of PnPht1;3 was cloned according to RNA-seq and encoded 545 amino acids. The relative expression levels revealed that PnPht1;3 was significantly upregulated under phosphate deficiency and AsV exposure. Heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae MB192 demonstrated that PnPht1;3 performed optimally in complementing the yeast Pi-transport defect and accumulated more As in the cells. Combined with the subcellular localisation prediction, it was concluded that PnPht1;3 encodes a functional plasma membrane-localised transporter protein that mediates putative high-affinity Pi/H+ symport activity and enhances the uptake of Pi and AsV. Therefore, a better understanding of the roles of the P . notoginseng Pi transporter could provide new insight for solving As accumulation in medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Hua Cao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Xi-Fu Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Ze-Dong Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Xiao-Gang Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Wen Gu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Jie Yu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Sen He
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; and Yunnan Key Laboratory for Dai and Yi Medicines, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
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3
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Chen L, Liu J, Zhang W, Zhou J, Luo D, Li Z. Uranium (U) source, speciation, uptake, toxicity and bioremediation strategies in soil-plant system: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 413:125319. [PMID: 33582470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Uranium(U), a highly toxic radionuclide, is becoming a great threat to soil health development, as returning nuclear waste containing U into the soil systems is increased. Numerous studies have focused on: i) tracing the source in U contaminated soils; ii) exploring U geochemistry; and iii) assessing U phyto-uptake and its toxicity to plants. Yet, there are few literature reviews that systematically summarized the U in soil-plant system in past decade. Thus, we present its source, geochemical behavior, uptake, toxicity, detoxification, and bioremediation strategies based on available data, especially published from 2018 to 2021. In this review, we examine processes that can lead to the soil U contamination, indicating that mining activities are currently the main sources. We discuss the relationship between U bioavailability in the soil-plant system and soil conditions including redox potential, soil pH, organic matter, and microorganisms. We then review the soil-plant transfer of U, finding that U mainly accumulates in roots with a quite limited translocation. However, plants such as willow, water lily, and sesban are reported to translocate high U levels from roots to aerial parts. Indeed, U does not possess any identified biological role, but provokes numerous deleterious effects such as reducing seed germination, inhibiting plant growth, depressing photosynthesis, interfering with nutrient uptake, as well as oxidative damage and genotoxicity. Yet, plants tolerate U toxicity via various defense strategies including antioxidant enzymes, compartmentalization, and phytochelatin. Moreover, we review two biological remediation strategies for U-contaminated soil: (i) phytoremediation and (ii) microbial remediation. They are quite low-cost and eco-friendly compared with traditional physical or chemical remediation technologies. Finally, we conclude some promising research challenges regarding U biogeochemical behavior in soil-plant systems. This review, thus, further indicates that the combined application of U low accumulators and microbial inoculants may be an effective strategy for the bioremediation of U-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Western China Grassland Industry; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, PR China
| | - Jinrong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Western China Grassland Industry; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, PR China.
| | - Weixiong Zhang
- Third Institute Geological and Mineral Exploration of Gansu Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, PR China
| | - Jiqiang Zhou
- Gansu Nonferrous Engineering Exploration & Design Research Institute, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, PR China
| | - Danqi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Western China Grassland Industry; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, PR China
| | - Zimin Li
- Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Earth and Life Institute, Soil Science, Louvain-La-Neuve 1348, Belgium.
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Rajabi F, Jessat J, Garimella JN, Bok F, Steudtner R, Stumpf T, Sachs S. Uranium(VI) toxicity in tobacco BY-2 cell suspension culture - A physiological study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 211:111883. [PMID: 33454591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, the physiological and cellular responses of Nicotiana tabacum (BY-2) cells to uranium (U) as an abiotic stressor were studied using a multi-analytic approach that combined biochemical analysis, thermodynamic modeling and spectroscopic studies. The goal of this investigation was to determine the U threshold toxicity in tobacco BY-2 cells, the influence of U on the homeostasis of micro-macro essential nutrients, as well as the effect of Fe starvation on U bioassociation in cultured BY-2 cells. Our findings demonstrated that U interferes with the homeostasis of essential elements. The interaction of U with BY-2 cells confirmed both time- and concentration-dependent kinetics. Under Fe deficiency, a reduced level of U was detected in the cells compared to Fe-sufficient conditions. Interestingly, blocking the Ca channels with gadolinium chloride caused a decrease in U concentration in the BY-2 cells. Spectroscopic studies evidenced changes in the U speciation in the culture media with increasing exposure time under both Fe-sufficient and deficient conditions, leading us to conclude that different stress response reactions are related to Fe metabolism. Moreover, it is suggested that U toxicity in BY-2 cells is highly dependent on the existence of other micro-macro elements as shown by negative synergistic effects of U and Fe on cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rajabi
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jenny Jessat
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jawaharlal Nehru Garimella
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Bok
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Robin Steudtner
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stumpf
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Sachs
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
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Edayilam N, Ferguson B, Montgomery D, Al Mamun A, Martinez N, Powell BA, Tharayil N. Dissolution and Vertical Transport of Uranium from Stable Mineral Forms by Plants as Influenced by the Co-occurrence of Uranium with Phosphorus. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:6602-6609. [PMID: 32319755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plants could mobilize (dissolution followed by vertical transport) uranium (U) from mineral forms that are otherwise stable. However, the variability of this plant-mediated mobilization of U as a function of the presence of various essential plant nutrients contained in these minerals remains unknown. A series of column experiments were conducted using Andropogon virginicus to quantify the vertical transport of U from stable mineral forms as influenced by the chemical and physical coexistence of U with the essential nutrient, phosphorus (P). The presence of plants significantly increased the vertical migration of U only when U was precipitated with P (UO2HPO4·4H2O; chernikovite) but not from UO2 (uraninite) that lacks any essential plant nutrient. The U dissolution was further increased when chernikovite co-occurred with a sparingly available form of P (FePO4) under P-limited growing conditions. Similarly, A. virginicus accumulated the highest amount of U from chernikovite (0.05 mg/g) in the presence of FePO4 compared to that of uraninite (no-P) and chernikovite supplemented with KH2PO4. These results signify an increased plant-mediated dissolution, uptake, and leaching of radioactive contaminants in soils that are nutrient deficient, a key factor that should be considered in management at legacy contamination sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimisha Edayilam
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Brennan Ferguson
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, South Carolina 29625, United States
| | - Dawn Montgomery
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, South Carolina 29625, United States
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, South Carolina 29625, United States
| | - Nicole Martinez
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, South Carolina 29625, United States
| | - Brian A Powell
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, South Carolina 29625, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
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Černe M, Palčić I, Pasković I, Major N, Romić M, Filipović V, Igrc MD, Perčin A, Goreta Ban S, Zorko B, Vodenik B, Glavič Cindro D, Milačič R, Heath DJ, Ban D. The effect of stabilization on the utilization of municipal sewage sludge as a soil amendment. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 94:27-38. [PMID: 31279393 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the potential use of different types of stabilized sewage sludge as a soil amendment by considering their physicochemical characteristics, nutritional status, and their trace metal and radionuclide content. The concentrations of trace metals and radionuclides were determined using ICP-OES and gamma-ray spectrometry, respectively. For determining nutritional status and chemical characterization, this study followed standard ISO-recommended procedures. Data analysis revealed that anaerobic sludge contains higher concentrations of Cr, Hg, and Ni compared to aerobic and non-biologically stabilized sludge. A similar observation was observed in the case of 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra, and 228Th. Furthermore, the high levels of P and N in aerobic sludge suggest that biologically stabilized sludge has the potential to be a good fertilizer. In addition, the study finds strong evidence that nutrients are involved in the adsorption of metals and radionuclides onto sludge biomass. Overall, eight of the nine studied sludge samples are safe for agricultural use since the concentrations of trace metals fall well below the limits set by Croatian legislation (NN 38/08). In addition, the levels of radionuclides do not pose a radiological risk. This means that soil conditioning with sewage sludge remains a viable strategy for nutrient recovery from municipal waste, although long-term impact assessments of repeated applications are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Černe
- Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Karla Huguesa 8, 52440 Poreč, Croatia.
| | - Igor Palčić
- Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Karla Huguesa 8, 52440 Poreč, Croatia.
| | - Igor Pasković
- Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Karla Huguesa 8, 52440 Poreč, Croatia.
| | - Nikola Major
- Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Karla Huguesa 8, 52440 Poreč, Croatia.
| | - Marija Romić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Vilim Filipović
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marina Diana Igrc
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Aleksandra Perčin
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Smiljana Goreta Ban
- Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Karla Huguesa 8, 52440 Poreč, Croatia.
| | - Benjamin Zorko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Branko Vodenik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | | | - Radmila Milačič
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - David John Heath
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Dean Ban
- Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Karla Huguesa 8, 52440 Poreč, Croatia.
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Hu N, Lang T, Ding D, Hu J, Li C, Zhang H, Li G. Enhancement of repeated applications of chelates on phytoremediation of uranium contaminated soil by Macleaya cordata. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 199-200:58-65. [PMID: 30685639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A greenhouse pot experiment was performed to investigate the enhancement of repeated applications of citric acid (CA), ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS), and Oxalic acid (OA) on phytoremediation of uranium (U) contaminated soil by Macleaya Cordata. The chelates followed the order CA > EDDS > OA in terms of the enhancement on uranium uptake by M. cordata. The repeated applications of the chelates were found to be more effective than the one time application at the equal dose as the U concentration of soil solution increased significantly from the 8th to 14th day. The repeated applications of 10 mmol kg-1 CA promoted the solubilization of U in the U-contaminated soil by significantly decreasing the pH of soil solution, achieved the maximum U concentration of soil solution (1463.6 µg L-1), bioconcentration factors (BCFs, 11.4), bioaccumulation factors (BAFs, 21.4) and transfer factors (TFs, 1.9), which were 215.2, 5.7, 30.6 and 16.3 times as compared with the control group, respectively. The three applied chelates significantly affected the activities of the antioxidant enzymes in the leaves. Repeated applications of CA further enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes in the leaves of M. cordata as compared with the control, EDDS and OA, mitigated the oxidative stress induced by uranium and chelates, and maximized the enhancement on the uranium uptake, which will be beneficial for the enhancement on the phytoremediation of uranium contaminated soil by U hyperaccumulating plants. These results indicated that the phytoavailability of uranium in soil solution as well as the accumulation of U by M. cordata were both significantly increased after repeated applications of CA, and that the repeated applications of 10 mmol kg-1 CA increased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and promoted U accumulation by M. cordata. The study provided an environmentally friendly alternative for the enhancement on the phytoremediation of uranium contaminated soil using M. cordata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Hu
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Tao Lang
- 264 Brigade of Jiangxi Nuclear Industry Geological Bureau, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Dexin Ding
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
| | - Jingsong Hu
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Changwu Li
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Guangyue Li
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
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8
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Yin M, Sun J, Chen Y, Wang J, Shang J, Belshaw N, Shen C, Liu J, Li H, Linghu W, Xiao T, Dong X, Song G, Xiao E, Chen D. Mechanism of uranium release from uranium mill tailings under long-term exposure to simulated acid rain: Geochemical evidence and environmental implication. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:174-181. [PMID: 30336376 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To date, there is not sufficient knowledge to fully understand the occurrence, transport and fate of residual uranium (U) from uranium mill tailings (UMT). Herein this study investigated different U release behaviors from natural UMT (without grinding) under four simulated acid rain (pH = 2.0-5.0) compared with controlled scenario (pH = 6.0) for 25 weeks. The results showed that the most notable U release was observed from UMTpH2.0, followed by UMTpH3.0 whereas a nonlinear relationship between pH and U release was observed from UMTpH4.0-6.0. The divergence of U release behaviors was attributed to the presence of minerals such as calcite and clinochlore. Autunite, a secondary mineral formed after leaching, might regulate U release in UMTpH3.0-6.0. Fick theory model revealed the shift of U release mechanism from surface dissolution to diffusion transport for UMTpH2.0, UMTpH3.0 and UMTpH5.0 at varied stage, whereas UMTpH4.0 and UMTpH6.0 displayed univocal dissolution and diffusion mechanism, respectively. This study highlights the necessity of performing long-term leaching tests to detect the "shift event" of leaching kinetics and to better understand the mechanism of U release influenced by mineralogy of the natural UMT under simulated acid rain conditions, which is conducive to developing UMT management strategies to minimize the risk of U release and exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Yin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jing Sun
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Yongheng Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3AN, UK.
| | - Jianying Shang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Nick Belshaw
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3AN, UK
| | - ChuanChou Shen
- Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan; Research Center for Future Earth, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Juan Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3AN, UK.
| | - Huosheng Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wensheng Linghu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Tangfu Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xinjiao Dong
- School of Life & Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Gang Song
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Enzong Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Diyun Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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Ding L, Tan WF, Xie SB, Mumford K, Lv JW, Wang HQ, Fang Q, Zhang XW, Wu XY, Li M. Uranium adsorption and subsequent re-oxidation under aerobic conditions by Leifsonia sp. - Coated biochar as green trapping agent. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:778-787. [PMID: 30031311 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
It has generally been assumed that the immobilization of U(VI) via polyphosphate accumulating microorganisms may present a sink for uranium, but the potential mechanisms of the process and the stability of precipitated uranium under aerobic conditions remain elusive. This study seeks to explore the mechanism, capacity, and stability of uranium precipitation under aerobic conditions by a purified indigenous bacteria isolated from acidic tailings (pH 6.5) in China. The results show that over the treatment ranges investigated, maximum removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution was 99.82% when the initial concentration of U(VI) was 42 μM, pH was 3.5, and the temperature was with 30 °C much higher than that of other reported microorganisms. The adsorption mechanism was elucidated via the use of SEM-EDS, XPS and FTIR. SEM-EDS showed two peaks of uranium on the surface. A plausible explanation for this, supported by FTIR, is that uranium precipitated on the biosorbent surfaces. XPS measurements indicated that the uranium product is most likely a mixture of 13% U(VI) and 87% U(IV). Notably, the reoxidation experiment found that the uranium precipitates were stable in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+, however, U(IV) is oxidized to U(VI) in the presence of NO3- and Na+ ions, resulting in rapid dissolution. It implies that the synthesized Leifsonia sp. coated biochar could be utilized as a green and effective biosorbent. However, it may not a good choice for in-situ remediation due to the subsequent re-oxidation under aerobic conditions. These observations can be of some guiding significance to the application of the bioremediation technology in surface environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Ding
- Environmental Protection and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Wen-Fa Tan
- Environmental Protection and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Technology of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Shui-Bo Xie
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Technology of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Hengyang 421001, China; Key Laboratory of Uranium Metallurgy and Biotechnology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Kathryn Mumford
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jun-Wen Lv
- Environmental Protection and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Hong-Qiang Wang
- Environmental Protection and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Qi Fang
- Environmental Protection and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Zhang
- Environmental Protection and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Wu
- Environmental Protection and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Mi Li
- Environmental Protection and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
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Blanco Rodríguez P, Vera Tomé F, Lozano JC. Influence of soil structure on the "F v approach" applied to 238U and 226Ra. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 168:832-838. [PMID: 27825713 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.10.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The soil-to-plant transfer factors were determined in a granitic area for the two long-lived uranium series radionuclides 238U and 226Ra. With the aim to identify a physical fraction of soil whose concentration correlates linearly with the plant concentration, the soil compartment was analyzed in various stages. An initial study identified the soil compartments as being either bulk soil or its labile fraction. The bulk soil was subsequently divided into three granulometric fractions consisting of: coarse sand, fine sand, and silt and clay. The soil-to-plant transfer of radionuclides for each of these three texture fractions was analyzed. Lastly, the labile fraction was extracted from each textural part, and the activity concentration of the radionuclides 238U and 226Ra was measured. In order to assess the influence of soil texture on the soil-to-plant transfer process, we sought to identify possible correlations between the activity concentration in the plant compartment and those found in the different fractions within each soil compartment. The results showed that the soil-to-plant transfer process for uranium and radium depends on soil grain size, where the results for uranium showed a linear relationship between the activity concentration of uranium in the plant and the fine soil fraction. In contrast, a linear relation between the activity concentration of radium in the plant and the soil coarse-sand fraction was observed. Additionally, the presence of phosphate and calcium in the soil of all of the compartments studied affected the soil-to-plant transfer of uranium and radium, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blanco Rodríguez
- Grupo de Radiactividad Natural, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - F Vera Tomé
- Grupo de Radiactividad Natural, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - J C Lozano
- Laboratorio de Radiaciones Ionizantes, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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11
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Simultaneous determination and uptake assessment of selected radionuclides in plants grown in substrate contaminated with U-mill tailings. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-4881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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12
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Du L, Feng X, Huang Z, Liu B, Jin Y, Fang Z, Zhang D, Liu N, Wang R, Xia C. The effect of U speciation in cultivation solution on the uptake of U by variant Sedum alfredii. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:9964-9971. [PMID: 26865480 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6226-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, five plant species were screened for uranium uptake using a hydroponic experimental set-up. The effect of the U concentration, pH, as well as the presence of carbonates, phosphates, and organic acids (lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid) on the uptake of U by variant S. alfredii (V S. alfredii) and wild S. alfredii (W S. alfredii) were investigated. Results showed that V S. alfredii exhibited higher U content in the roots than the other four plants and with the increase of U concentration in the solution, the U uptake by V S. alfredii and W S. alfredii increased. The results also showed that different U speciation in different cultivation solution took an important role on the uptake of U in variant Sedum alfredii: at pH 6.5, U hydrolysis species (UO2)3(OH)5 (+)is predominant and the U concentrations in V S. alfredii roots reached a maximum value (3.7 × 10(4) mg/kg). U complexation with carbonates, phosphates, and some organic acids in the solution resulted in a decrease in the U content in the roots except for lactic acid. Our researches highlight the correlations between U speciation and the uptake on V S. Alfredii, which will be helpful for improved removal of U from the groundwater using phytoremediation method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Du
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Physics and Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Xiaojie Feng
- Logistic Engineering University, Chongqing, 401311, China
| | - Zhenling Huang
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Borui Liu
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Yongdong Jin
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Zhenggang Fang
- Logistic Engineering University, Chongqing, 401311, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Institute of Nuclear Physics and Chemistry, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, 621900, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Liu
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Physics and Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
| | - Ruibing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - Chuanqin Xia
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Physics and Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
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13
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Srivastava S, Bhainsa KC. Evaluation of uranium removal by Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle from low level nuclear waste under laboratory conditions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2016; 167:124-129. [PMID: 26618901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated uranium (U) removal ability and tolerance to low level nuclear waste (LLNW) of an aquatic weed Hydrilla verticillata. Plants were screened for growth in 10%-50% waste treatments up to 3 d. Treatments of 20% and 50% waste imposed increasing toxicity with duration assessed in terms of change in fresh weight and in the levels of photosynthetic pigments and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. U concentration, however, did not show a progressive increase and was about 42 μg g(-1) dw from 20% to 50% waste at 3 d. This suggested that a saturation stage was reached with respect to U removal due to increasing toxicity. However, in another experiment with 10% waste and 10% waste+10 ppm U treatments, plants showed an increase in U concentration with the maximum level approaching 426 μg g(-1) dw at 3 d without showing any toxicity as compared to that at 20% and 50% waste treatments. Hence, plants possessed significant potential to take up U and toxicity of LLNW limited their U removal ability. This implies that the use of Hydrilla plants for U removal from LLNW is feasible at low concentrations and would require repeated harvesting at short intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhakar Srivastava
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India.
| | - K C Bhainsa
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
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Tuovinen TS, Kasurinen A, Häikiö E, Tervahauta A, Makkonen S, Holopainen T, Juutilainen J. Transfer of elements relevant to nuclear fuel cycle from soil to boreal plants and animals in experimental meso- and microcosms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 539:252-261. [PMID: 26363398 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.157] [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: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), thorium (Th) and zinc (Zn) occur naturally in soil but their radioactive isotopes can also be released into the environment during the nuclear fuel cycle. The transfer of these elements was studied in three different trophic levels in experimental mesocosms containing downy birch (Betula pubescens), narrow buckler fern (Dryopteris carthusiana) and Scandinavian small-reed (Calamagrostis purpurea ssp. Phragmitoides) as producers, snails (Arianta arbostorum) as herbivores, and earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) as decomposers. To determine more precisely whether the element uptake of snails is mainly via their food (birch leaves) or both via soil and food, a separate microcosm experiment was also performed. The element uptake of snails did not generally depend on the presence of soil, indicating that the main uptake route was food, except for U, where soil contact was important for uptake when soil U concentration was high. Transfer of elements from soil to plants was not linear, i.e. it was not correctly described by constant concentration ratios (CR) commonly applied in radioecological modeling. Similar nonlinear transfer was found for the invertebrate animals included in this study: elements other than U were taken up more efficiently when element concentration in soil or food was low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina S Tuovinen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Anne Kasurinen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elina Häikiö
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arja Tervahauta
- Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sari Makkonen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Toini Holopainen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Juutilainen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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15
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Tailliez A, Pierrisnard S, Camilleri V, Keller C, Henner P. Do rhizospheric processes linked to P nutrition participate in U absorption by Lupinus albus grown in hydroponics? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2013; 124:255-265. [PMID: 23831550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Phosphate (P) is an essential element for plant development but is generally present in limiting amount in the soil solution. Plant species have developed different mechanisms promoting the solubilization of this element in soils to ensure a sufficient supply for their growth. One of these mechanisms is based on the ability of certain species such as L. albus to exude large amounts of citrate through specific tertiary roots called cluster-roots. Uranium (U) is an ubiquitous contaminant known firstly for its chemical toxicity and secondly for its high affinity for P with which it forms low-soluble complexes in soils. We highlight the effects of P-U interaction on the physiology of L. albus and particularly on citrate exudation, and the impact of this root process on the phytoavailability of U and its accumulation in plants in a hydroponic study. Different levels of P (1 and 100 μM) and U (0 and 20 μM) have been tested. Our results show no toxicity of U on the development of L. albus with an adequate P supply, whereas the effects of P starvation are amplified by the presence of U in the growth medium, except for the production of cluster-roots. Citrate exudation is totally inhibited by U in a low-P environment whereas it increases in the presence of U when its toxicity is lowered by the addition of P. The differences observed in terms of toxicity and accumulation are partly explained by the microphotographs obtained by electron microscopy (TEM-EDX): in the absence of P, U penetrates deep into the roots and causes lethal damages, whereas in presence of P, we observe the formation of U-P complexes which limit the internalization of the pollutant and so its toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Tailliez
- L2BT, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Centre de Cadarache, 13115 St. Paul lez Durance, France.
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16
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Roivainen P, Makkonen S, Holopainen T, Juutilainen J. Element interactions and soil properties affecting the soil-to-plant transfer of six elements relevant to radioactive waste in boreal forest. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2012; 51:69-78. [PMID: 22130976 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-011-0393-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/19/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), uranium (U), and zinc (Zn) are among the elements that have radioactive isotopes in radioactive waste. Soil-to-plant transfer is a key process for possible adverse effects if these radionuclides are accidentally released into the environment. The present study aimed at investigating factors affecting such transfer in boreal forest. The plant species studied were blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), May lily (Maianthemum bifolium), narrow buckler fern (Dryopteris carthusiana), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). Regression analyses were carried out to investigate the effects of the chemical composition and physical properties of soil on the soil-to-leaf/needle concentration ratios of Co, Mo, Ni, Pb, U and Zn. Soil potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) concentrations were the most important factors affecting the soil-to-plant transfer of the elements studied. Soil clay and organic matter contents were found to significantly affect plant uptake of Mo, Pb and U. Knowledge of the effects of these factors is helpful for interpretation of the predictions of radioecological models describing soil-to-plant transfer and for improving such models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Päivi Roivainen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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17
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Straczek A, Duquene L, Wegrzynek D, Chinea-Cano E, Wannijn J, Navez J, Vandenhove H. Differences in U root-to-shoot translocation between plant species explained by U distribution in roots. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2010; 101:258-266. [PMID: 20080323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2009] [Revised: 11/02/2009] [Accepted: 11/29/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation and distribution of uranium in roots and shoots of four plants species differing in their cation exchange capacity of roots (CECR) was investigated. After exposure in hydroponics for seven days to 100 micromol U L(-1), distribution of uranium in roots was investigated through chemical extraction of roots. Higher U concentrations were measured in roots of dicots which showed a higher CECR than monocot species. Chemical extractions indicated that uranium is mostly located in the apoplasm of roots of monocots but that it is predominantly located in the symplasm of roots of dicots. Translocation of U to shoot was not significantly affected by the CECR or distribution of U between symplasm and apoplasm. Distribution of uranium in roots was investigated through chemical extraction of roots for all species. Additionally, longitudinal and radial distribution of U in roots of maize and Indian mustard, respectively showing the lowest and the highest translocation, was studied following X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of specific root sections. Chemical analysis and XRF analysis of roots of maize and Indian mustard clearly indicated a higher longitudinal and radial transport of uranium in roots of Indian mustard than in roots of maize, where uranium mostly accumulated in root tips. These results showed that even if CECR could partly explain U accumulation in roots, other mechanisms like radial and longitudinal transport are implied in the translocation of U to the shoot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Straczek
- Belgium Nuclear Research Centre (SCK.CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
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18
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Lauria DC, Ribeiro FCA, Conti CC, Loureiro FA. Radium and uranium levels in vegetables grown using different farming management systems. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2009; 100:176-83. [PMID: 19084298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2008.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2008] [Revised: 11/06/2008] [Accepted: 11/10/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Vegetables grown with phosphate fertilizer (conventional management), with bovine manure fertilization (organic management) and in a mineral nutrient solution (hydroponic) were analyzed and the concentrations of (238)U, (226)Ra and (228)Ra in lettuce, carrots, and beans were compared. Lettuce from hydroponic farming system showed the lowest concentration of radionuclides 0.51 for (226)Ra, 0.55 for (228)Ra and 0.24 for (238)U (Bq kg(-1) dry). Vegetables from organically and conventionally grown farming systems showed no differences in the concentration of radium and uranium. Relationships between uranium content in plants and exchangeable Ca and Mg in soil were found, whereas Ra in vegetables was inversely correlated to the cation exchange capacity of soil, leading to the assumption that by supplying carbonate and cations to soil, liming may cause an increase of U and a decrease of radium uptake by plants. The soil to plant transfer varied from 10(-4) to 10(-2) for (238)U and from 10(-2) to 10(-1) for (228)Ra.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Lauria
- Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria (IRD/CNEN), Av. Salvador Allende s/n, Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 22780-160, Brazil.
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19
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Vanhoudt N, Vandenhove H, Smeets K, Remans T, Van Hees M, Wannijn J, Vangronsveld J, Cuypers A. Effects of uranium and phosphate concentrations on oxidative stress related responses induced in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2008; 46:987-996. [PMID: 18640846 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2008.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2007] [Revised: 05/30/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the induction of the antioxidative defense mechanism are very important in heavy metal toxicity. In this study, biological effects induced after uranium contamination were investigated for Arabidopsis thaliana. Three-week-old seedlings were exposed for 4days to 100microM U in an adjusted Hoagland solution. Uranium exposure caused a decreased growth of leaves (38%) and roots (70%) and a modified nutrient profile was observed. Investigation of lipid peroxidation products indicated a significant increase of membrane damage. Important ROS-producing and -scavenging enzymes were studied at transcriptional and protein level to investigate the importance of the ROS-signature in uranium toxicity. Elevated gene expression was observed for NADPH-oxidase, a ROS-producing enzyme. Changes in gene expression for different ROS-scavenging enzymes as Cu/ZnSOD, FeSOD and APX were also observed. Analysis of enzyme capacities showed little effects after uranium contamination. Higher ascorbate levels in uranium exposed leaves suggested an increase of antioxidative defense via the ascorbate-glutathione pathway after uranium exposure. Theoretical calculations indicated rapid formation of uranium-phosphate precipitates if normal phosphate concentrations are used. Precipitation tests recommend the use of 25microM P in combination with 100microM U to inhibit uranium precipitation. Because this combination was used for uranium toxicity investigation, the influence of this low phosphate concentration on plant growth and oxidative stress had to be evaluated. Minor differences between low phosphate (25microM P) and high phosphate (100microM P) treatments were observed justifying the use of the low phosphate concentration in combination with uranium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Vanhoudt
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK*CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
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20
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de Boulois HD, Joner EJ, Leyval C, Jakobsen I, Chen BD, Roos P, Thiry Y, Rufyikiri G, Delvaux B, Declerck S. Impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on uranium accumulation by plants. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2008; 99:775-784. [PMID: 18069098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2007.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Contamination by uranium (U) occurs principally at U mining and processing sites. Uranium can have tremendous environmental consequences, as it is highly toxic to a broad range of organisms and can be dispersed in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Remediation strategies of U-contaminated soils have included physical and chemical procedures, which may be beneficial, but are costly and can lead to further environmental damage. Phytoremediation has been proposed as a promising alternative, which relies on the capacity of plants and their associated microorganisms to stabilize or extract contaminants from soils. In this paper, we review the role of a group of plant symbiotic fungi, i.e. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which constitute an essential link between the soil and the roots. These fungi participate in U immobilization in soils and within plant roots and they can reduce root-to-shoot translocation of U. However, there is a need to evaluate these observations in terms of their importance for phytostabilization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Dupré de Boulois
- Université catholique de Louvain, Unité de Microbiologie, Croix du Sud 3, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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21
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Tomé FV, Rodríguez PB, Lozano JC. Elimination of natural uranium and (226)Ra from contaminated waters by rhizofiltration using Helianthus annuus L. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 393:351-357. [PMID: 18272206 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2007] [Revised: 12/29/2007] [Accepted: 01/08/2008] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The elimination of natural uranium and (226)Ra from contaminated waters by rhizofiltration was tested using Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower) seedlings growing in a hydroponic medium. Different experiments were designed to determine the optimum age of the seedlings for the remediation process, and also to study the principal way in which the radionuclides are removed from the solution by the sunflower roots. In every trial a precipitate appeared which contained a major fraction of the natural uranium and (226)Ra. The results indicated that the seedlings themselves induced the formation of this precipitate. When four-week-old seedlings were exposed to contaminated water, a period of only 2 days was sufficient to remove the natural uranium and (226)Ra from the solution: about 50% of the natural uranium and 70% of the (226)Ra were fixed in the roots, and essentially the rest was found in the precipitate, with only very small percentages fixed in the shoots and left in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vera Tomé
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.
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22
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Thiry Y, Van Hees M. Evolution of pH, organic matter and (226)radium/calcium partitioning in U-mining debris following revegetation with pine trees. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 393:111-117. [PMID: 18207491 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2007] [Revised: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 12/14/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Natural attenuation processes resulting from the afforestation of some U-waste rock piles have the potential to limit the linkage of radioelements and other trace pollutants, thereby minimizing exposure risks. We determined the evolution of pH and organic matter and compared the (226)Ra and Ca extractability in pyrite-containing mining debris which was revegetated 35 years ago with Scots pine. Oxidation of sulphidic minerals remaining in the substrate appeared to dominate over acidification processes due to vegetation inputs and litter decomposition. The accumulation of organic matter in forest floor had a negligible effect on the (226)Ra upward recycling compared to the migration losses observed mainly from decarbonatation of the surface mining debris. (226)Ra was overall less soluble than Ca in the soil profile but NH(4)Ac-pH 5 had the capacity to extract a (226)Ra fraction of 31.1-41.5%, i.e. at least twice as much as for Ca. In deeper layers, a majority of both Ca and (226)Ra were extractable from the same non-specific adsorption pool, which mainly involved carbonate. In the upper acidified layer, the incorporation of organic matter had no effect on (226)Ra extractability. A further specific adsorption pool for (226)Ra was attributed to the formation of sparingly soluble Fe-Al oxyhydroxides. However, that specific (226)Ra-bearing phase was readily dissolved in NH(4)Ac-pH 5, indicating a relatively reversibility of the precipitation reaction of (226)Ra with amorphous oxide. Trees are effective at reducing hydrological release of many pollutants but in the mining debris studied, four decades of pine growth did not significantly promote (226)Ra remediation in the soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Thiry
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
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