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The effect of within-gridcell spatial variability on the spatial assessment of the economic feasibility of short rotation coppice (SRC) production and energy conversion in areas contaminated by Chernobyl accident was evaluated by using Monte Carlo analysis. The results show that when the additional variability that is not contained in the input maps is considered, the SRC production and energy conversion appears to be profitable at more locations than when this variability is not considered.

The potential of photosynthetic organisms to remediate radioactively contaminated water was evaluated for scenarios related to nuclear installations and included the following radionuclides: 137 Cs, 134 Cs, 136 Cs, 90 Sr, 131 I, 239 Pu, 241 Am, 132 Te/ 132 I, 58 Co, 60 Co, 51 Cr, 110m Ag, 54 Mn, 124 Sb, 59 Fe, 65 Zn, 95 Zr, and 95 Nb. An extensive literature review was undertaken leading to the creation of a database including more than 20,000 entries from over 100 references in which terrestrial and aquatic plants, macro- and microalgae, cyanobacteria and biosorbents derived from these organisms were used to clean water from these specific radionuclides or their stable isotopes. In a first phase, the remediation potential of the organisms and biosorbents was evaluated for the individual elements based on parameters such as plant uptake, removal percentage, and bioconcentration factor, and for two radionuclide mixtures based on the ability of the organisms/biosorbents to work under mixture conditions. As the experimental and environmental conditions will influence the performance of the organisms and biosorbents, a literature-based evaluation of the most influencing or restricting parameters was made and water pH, competing ions, and the chemical modification of biosorbents showed to be of major importance. Finally, the most promising organisms and biosorbents were identified using a specifically developed selection procedure taking into account their performance and robustness. Ranking was done based on clear criteria with a distinct weight and scoring scheme. As such, 20 organisms/biosorbents were identified that showed high potential to clean waters contaminated with (mixtures of) radionuclides related to nuclear installations and which can be used for further experimental investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food chain contamination with radiocaesium (RCs) in the aftermath of the Fukushima accident calls for an analysis of the specific factors that control the RCs transfer. Here, soil-to-plant transfer factors (TF) of RCs for grass were predicted from the potassium concentration in soil solution ( m K ) and the Radiocaesium Interception Potential (RIP) of the soil using existing mechanistic models. The m K and RIP were (a) either measured for 37 topsoils collected from the Fukushima accident affected area or (b) predicted from the soil clay content and the soil exchangeable potassium content using the models that had been calibrated for European soils. An average ammonium concentration was used throughout in the prediction. The measured RIP ranged 14-fold and measured m K varied 37-fold among the soils. The measured RIP was lower than the RIP predicted from the soil clay content likely due to the lower content of weathered micas in the clay fraction of Japanese soils. Also the measured m K was lower than that predicted. As a result, the predicted TFs relying on the measured RIP and m K were, on average, about 22-fold larger than the TFs predicted using the European calibrated models. The geometric mean of the measured TFs for grass in the affected area ( N = 82) was in the middle of both. The TFs were poorly related to soil classification classes, likely because soil fertility ( m K ) was obscuring the effects of the soil classification related to the soil mineralogy (RIP). This study suggests that, on average, Japanese soils are more vulnerable than European soils at equal soil clay and exchangeable K content. The affected regions will be targeted for refined model validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activities of the phosphate industry may lead to enhanced levels of naturally occurring radioactivity in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We performed a preliminary environmental risk assessment (ERA) of environmental contamination resulting from the activities of 5 phosphate fertiliser plants (located in Belgium, Spain, Syria, Egypt, Brazil), a phosphate-mine and a phosphate-export platform in a harbour (both located in Syria). These sites were selected because of the availability of information on concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in the surrounding environments. Assessments were generally performed considering highest environmental concentrations reported in the studies. The ERICA Tool, operating in a Tier 2 assessment mode, was used to predict radiation dose rates and associated risk to the selected reference organisms using the ERICA default parameter setting. Reference organisms were those assigned as default by the ERICA Tool. Potential impact is expressed as a best estimate risk quotient (RQ) based on a radiation screening value of 10 μGy h −1 . If RQ ≤ 1, the environment is considered unlikely to be at risk and further radiological assessment is not deemed necessary. Except for one of the cases assessed, the best estimate RQ exceeded 1 for at least one of the reference organisms. Internal exposure covered for 90–100 % of the total dose. 226 Ra or 210 Po were generally the highest contributors to the dose. The aquatic ecosystems in the vicinity of the phosphate fertiliser plants in Tessenderlo (Belgium), Huelva (Spain), Goiás (Brazil) and the terrestrial environment around the phosphate mine in Palmyra (Syria) are the ecosystems predicted to be potentially most at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two sequential extraction procedures were carried out on six soils with different chemical properties and contamination history to estimate the partitioning of uranium (U) between different soil fractions. The first standard method (method of Schultz) was specifically developed for actinides, while the second one (method of Rauret) was initially created for heavy metals. Reproducibility of both methods was compared by means of the coefficient of variation (CV). A soil-to-plant transfer experiment was also carried out with ryegrass to verify if one of the extracted fractions efficiently predicted plant uptake. In artificially contaminated soils, most of the U was retrieved from the exchangeable and the carbonates fractions. In soils with high natural levels of U or contaminated by industrial activity, most of the U was found in the less available fractions. Different U concentrations were found in the fractions which were supposed to be comparable in the two methods. Extracted fractions following Schultz differentiated more strongly between the tested soils but no relationships with soil parameters could be established. As expected, the highest U transfer factors (TF) were observed for ryegrass grown on artificially contaminated soils and the lowest on soils with high natural concentrations or industrial contamination, in agreement with the extraction procedures. No good relation was found between the soil-to-shoot TF and the extracted U concentrations. On the other hand, the U concentration in the roots, the U concentration in the shoots and the soil-to-root TF are well correlated to the U concentration determined in the first extracted fractions (so called exchangeable fractions) from the method of Schultz. We conclude that the extraction method according to Schultz should be preferably used for U, and that the exchangeable fraction can be proposed as a potential indicator to evaluate plant uptake in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The application of nuclear energy and the use of radionuclides for industrial, medical and research purposes have caused significant contamination of certain sites and their environment, which could result in health problems for several centuries if nothing is undertaken to remedy these situations. Except for the immediate environment of the facility, where decontamination activities may be feasible and affordable, the contamination often extents over a vast area and decontamination would be costly and could result in vast amounts of waste. Therefore, more realistic yet efficient remediation options should be searched for of which phytomanagement is among the potential options. A number of phytomanagement approaches will be discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies were reviewed that investigated the combined effects of ionising radiation and other stressors on non-human biota. The aim was to determine the state of research in this area of science, and determine if a review of the literature might permit a gross generalization as to whether the combined effects of multi-stressors and radiation are fundamentally additive, synergistic or antagonistic. A multiple stressor database was established for different organism groups. Information was collected on species, stressors applied and effects evaluated. Studies were mostly laboratory based and investigated two-component mixtures. Interactions declared positive occurred in 58% of the studies, while 26% found negative interactions. Interactions were dependent on dose/concentration, on organism's life stage and exposure time and differed among endpoints. Except for one study, none of the studies predicted combined effects following Concentration Addition or Independent Action, and hence, no justified conclusions can be made about synergism or antagonism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: When aiming to evaluate the environmental impact of uranium contamination, it is important to unravel the mechanisms by which plants respond to uranium stress. As oxidative stress seems an important modulator under other heavy metal stress, this study aimed to investigate oxidative stress related responses in Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to uranium concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 μM for 1, 3 and 7 days. Besides analyzing relevant reactive oxygen species-producing and -scavenging enzymes at protein and transcriptional level, the importance of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle under uranium stress was investigated. These results are reported separately for roots and leaves in two papers: Part I dealing with responses in the roots and Part II unraveling responses in the leaves and presenting general conclusions. Results of Part I indicate that oxidative stress related responses in the roots were only triggered following exposure to the highest uranium concentration of 100 μM. A fast oxidative burst was suggested based on the observed enhancement of lipoxygenase (LOX1) and respiratory burst oxydase homolog (RBOHD) transcript levels already after 1 day. The first line of defense was attributed to superoxide dismutase (SOD), also triggered from the first day. The enhanced SOD-capacity observed at protein level corresponded with an enhanced expression of iron SOD (FSD1) located in the plastids. For the detoxification of H2O2, an early increase in catalase (CAT1) transcript levels was observed while peroxidase capacities were enhanced at the later stage of 3 days. Although the ascorbate peroxidase capacity and gene expression (APX1) increased, the ascorbate/dehydroascorbate redox balance was completely disrupted and shifted toward the oxidized form. This disrupted balance could not be inverted by the glutathione part of the cycle although the glutathione redox balance could be maintained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Uranium never occurs as a single pollutant in the environment, but always in combination with other stressors such as ionizing radiation. As effects induced by multiple contaminants can differ markedly from the effects induced by the individual stressors, this multiple pollution context should not be neglected. In this study, effects on growth, nutrient uptake and oxidative stress induced by the single stressors uranium and gamma radiation are compared with the effects induced by the combination of both stressors. By doing this, we aim to better understand the effects induced by the combined stressors but also to get more insight in stressor-specific response mechanisms. Eighteen-day-old Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings were exposed for 3 days to 10 μM uranium and 3.5 Gy gamma radiation. Gamma radiation interfered with uranium uptake, resulting in decreased uranium concentrations in the roots, but with higher transport to the leaves. This resulted in a better root growth but increased leaf lipid peroxidation. For the other endpoints studied, effects under combined exposure were mostly determined by uranium presence and only limited influenced by gamma presence. Furthermore, an important role is suggested for CAT1/2/3 gene expression under uranium and mixed stressor conditions in the leaves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, toxicity effects in plants of uranium in a binary pollution condition were investigated by studying biological responses and unraveling oxidative stress related mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, grown on hydroponics and exposed for 3 days to 10μM uranium in combination with 5μM cadmium. While uranium mostly accumulated in the roots with very low root-to-shoot transport, cadmium was taken up less by the roots but showed higher translocation to the shoots. Under mixed exposure, cadmium influenced uranium uptake highly but not the other way round resulting in a doubled uranium concentration in the roots. Under our mixed exposure conditions, it is clear that micronutrient concentrations in the roots are strongly influenced by addition of cadmium as a second stressor, while leaf macronutrient concentrations are mostly influenced by uranium. Oxidative stress related responses are highly affected by cadmium while uranium influence is more limited. Hereby, an important role was attributed to the ascorbate redox balance together with glutathione as both metabolites, but more explicitly for ascorbate, increased their reduced form, indicating an important defense and regulatory function. While for roots, based on an increase in FSD1 gene expression, oxidative stress was suggested to be superoxide induced, in leaves on the other hand, hydrogen peroxide related genes were mostly altered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Arabidopsis thaliana was exposed to low-dose chronic gamma irradiation during a full life cycle (seed to seed) and several biological responses were investigated. Applied dose rates were 2336, 367 and 81 μGy h−1. Following 24 days (inflorescence emergence), 34 days (∼50% of flowers open) and 54 days (silice ripening) exposure, plants were harvested and monitored for biometric parameters, capacities of enzymes involved in the antioxidative defence mechanisms (SOD, APOD, GLUR, GPOD, SPOD, CAT, ME), glutathione and ascorbate pool, lipid peroxidation products, altered gene expression of selected genes encoding for antioxidative enzymes or reactive oxygen species production, and DNA integrity. Root fresh weight was significantly reduced after gamma exposure compared to the control at all stages monitored but no significant differences in root weight for the different dose rates applied was observed. Leaf and stem fresh weight were significantly reduced at the highest irradiation level after 54 days exposure only. Also total plant fresh was significantly lower at silice riping and this for the highest and medium dose rate applied. The dose rate estimated to result in a 10% reduction in growth (EDR-10) ranged between 60 and 80 μGy h−1. Germination of seeds from the gamma irradiated plants was not hampered. For several of the antioxidative defence enzymes studied, the enzyme capacity was generally stimulated towards flowering but generally no significant effect of dose rate on enzyme capacity was observed. Gene analysis revealed a significant transient and dose dependent change in expression of RBOHC indicating active reactive oxygen production induced by gamma irradiation. No effect of irradiation was observed on concentration or reduction state of the non-enzymatic antioxidants, ascorbate and glutathione. The level of lipid peroxidation products remained constant throughout the observation period and was not affected by dose rate. The comet assay did not reveal any effect of gamma dose rate on DNA integrity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to compile data, based on an extensive literature survey, for the soil solid–liquid distribution coefficient (K d) and soil-to-plant transfer factor (TF) for nickel. The K d best estimates were calculated for soils grouped according to texture and organic matter content (sand, loam, clay and organic) and soil cofactors affecting soil–nickel interaction, such as pH, organic matter, and clay content. Variability in K d was better explained by pH than by soil texture. Nickel TF estimates were presented for major crop groups (cereals, leafy vegetables, non-leafy vegetables, root crops, tubers, fruits, herbs, pastures/grasses and fodder), and also for plant compartments within crop groups. Transfer factors were also calculated per soil group, as defined by their texture and organic matter content. Furthermore an evaluation of transfer factor dependency on specific soil characteristics was performed following regression analysis. The derived estimates were compared with parameter estimates currently in use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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 100μM 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 25μM P in combination with 100μM 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 (25μM P) and high phosphate (100μM P) treatments were observed justifying the use of the low phosphate concentration in combination with uranium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Predictions of radionuclide dose rates to freshwater organisms can be used to evaluate the radiological environmental impacts of releases from uranium mining and milling projects. These predictions help inform decisions on the implementation of mitigation measures. The objective of this study was to identify how dose rate modelling could be improved to reduce uncertainty in predictions to non-human biota. For this purpose, we modelled the activity concentrations of 210Pb, 210Po, 226Ra, 230Th, and 238U downstream of uranium mines and mills in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, together with associated weighted absorbed dose rates for a freshwater food chain using measured activity concentrations in water and sediments. Differences in predictions of radionuclide activity concentrations occurred mainly from the different default partition coefficient and concentration ratio values from one model to another and including all or only some 238U decay daughters in the dose rate assessments. Consequently, we recommend a standardized best-practice approach to calculate weighted absorbed dose rates to freshwater biota whether a facility is at the planning, operating or decommissioned stage. At the initial planning stage, the best-practice approach recommend using conservative site-specific baseline activity concentrations in water, sediments and organisms and predict conservative incremental activity concentrations in these media by selecting concentration ratios based on species similarity and similar water quality conditions to reduce the uncertainty in dose rate calculations. At the operating and decommissioned stages, the best-practice approach recommends relying on measured activity concentrations in water, sediment, fish tissue and whole-body of small organisms to further reduce uncertainty in dose rate estimates. This approach would allow for more realistic but still conservative dose assessments when evaluating impacts from uranium mining projects and making decision on adequate controls of releases. • Partition coefficient, concentration ratios and 238U daughters affect dose predictions. • We propose a standardized best-practice to reduce variability in dose rate predictions. • Radionuclide activity concentrations should be measured in benthos and fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mutants Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 having a defective chloroplast developmental process, showed enhanced chlorophyll levels when they were grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and on exposure with uranium (U) on Hoagland medium. Thus we hypothesized that these mutants probably produced NO in MS medium and on exposure with U. Wild-type Col-0, Atnoa1 , Atnia1nia2noa1-2 plants were cultured on modified Hoagland and 1/10 MS media and NO generation in the roots of these mutants was monitored using NO selective fluorescent dyes, DAF-2DA and Fl2E. Both Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 triple mutants produced NO as observed by increases in DAF-2T and Fl2E fluorescence when these mutants were grown on MS medium but not on Hoagland medium. In presence of NO scavenger, methylene blue (MB, 200 μM), DAF-2T and Fl2E fluorescence was completely abolished. On the other hand treatment of the plants with 25 μM U triggered NO generation. U-treated Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 plants upregulated genes (POR B, POR D, CHL D) involved in the chlorophyll biosynthesis. From these results it was concluded that Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 are conditional NO producers and it appears that NO generation in plants substantially depends on growth medium and NIA1, NIA2 or NOA1 does not appear to be really involved in NO generation in MS medium or after U exposure. • Alleged NO-suppressed mutants (Atnoa1 and Atnia1,2noa1-2) exhibit pale phenotype. • Atnoa1 and Atnia1,2noa1-2 exhibited greening in their leaves on MS growth medium. • Atnoa1 and Atnia1,2noa1-2 produced NO on MS growth medium. • Atnoa1 and Atnia1,2noa1-2 produced NO on U exposure in Hoagland medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi form symbioses with dominant tree families in boreal, temperate and tropical ecosystems and are important drivers of ecosystem function. EM fungal hyphae extend over a large area making them susceptible to enhanced radiation levels from naturally occurring or anthropogenically originating radioisotopes in the rhizosphere. In this study, the in-vitro effects of ionizing radiation on the growth and biomass of EM fungi Suillus luteus , S. bovinus and Rhizopogon luteolus were investigated. EM fungal cultures were exposed to gamma radiation from a 137Cs source for 137 h in darkness at 21 °C at dose rates of 404, 108.5 and 54.9 mGy h−1 resulting in total absorbed doses of 55.21, 14.82 and 7.50 Gy respectively. Cultures grown in the dark at 21 °C but not exposed to the 137Cs source served as the control. Our results show that EM fungi vary in their sensitivity to ionizing radiation. EM fungi used in this study produced melanin and reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase as a response to ionizing radiation. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal strains used in this study form symbiotic interactions with terrestrial plants. Therefore the effects of radiation on these fungal groups can have ecosystem consequences. • EM fungal cultures were exposed to gamma radiation doses of 55.21, 14.82 and 7.50 Gy respectively from a 137Cs source for 137 h in darkness at 21 °C. • Differences in biomass growth of exposed and unexposed cultures indicated the resistance or susceptibility of EM fungal strains to the varying doses of ionizing gamma radiation. • The resistant strains responded to high doses of ionizing radiation with increased production of melanin and reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes such as Catalase and Superoxide dismutase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecotoxicological research provides knowledge on ionising radiation-induced responses in different plant species. However, the sparse data currently available are mainly extracted from acute exposure treatments. To provide a better understanding of environmental exposure scenarios, the response to stress in plants must be followed in more natural relevant chronic conditions. We previously showed morphological and biochemical responses in Lemna minor plants continuously exposed for 7 days in a dose-rate dependent manner. In this study responses on molecular (gene expression) and physiological (photosynthetic) level are evaluated in L. minor plants exposed to ionising radiation. To enable this, we examined the gene expression profiles of irradiated L. minor plants by using an RNA-seq approach. The gene expression data reveal indications that L. minor plants exposed at lower dose rates, can tolerate the exposure by triggering acclimation responses. In contrast, at the highest dose rate tested, a high number of genes related to antioxidative defense systems, DNA repair and cell cycle were differentially expressed suggesting that only high dose rates of ionising radiation drive L. minor plants into survival strategies. Notably, the photosynthetic process seems to be unaffected in L. minor plants among the tested dose rates. This study, supported by our earlier work, clearly indicates that plants shift from acclimation responses towards survival responses at increasing dose rates of ionising radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When terrestrial environments get contaminated with long-lived gamma emitting radionuclides, plants that grow in these contaminated areas are exposed to gamma radiation during consecutive generations. Therefore it is important to evaluate the gamma induced stress response in plants in and between generations. The objective of this research is to reveal differences at the level of the antioxidative stress response between generations with a different radiation history. An experiment was conducted in which 7-days old Arabidopsis thaliana plants were exposed for 14 days to four different gamma dose rates: 22 mGy/h, 38 mGy/h, 86 mGy/h and 457 mGy/h. Two different plant groups were used: plants that were not exposed to gamma radiation before (P0) and plants that received the aforementioned gamma treatment during their previous generation (S1). Growth, the concentration of the antioxidants ascorbate and glutathione, a number of antioxidative enzyme activities and their gene transcript levels were analysed. A dose-rate dependent induction was seen for catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) in the roots and for syringaldazine peroxidase (SPX) in the shoots. Differences between the two generations were observed for CAT and GPX in the roots, where a significantly higher activity of these reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxifying enzymes was observed in the S1 generation. For SPX in the shoots, a dose dependent upregulation was observed in the P0 generation. However, high SPX activities were present for all doses in the S1 generation. These differences in enzyme activity between generations for SPX and GPX and the involvement of these enzymes in cell wall biosynthesis, suggest an important role for cell wall strengthening in the response to gamma irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium (U) toxicity is known to be highly dependent on U speciation and bioavailability. To assess the impact of uranium on plants, a growth inhibition test was set up in the freshwater macrophyte Lemna minor . First growth media with different compositions were tested in order to find a medium fit for testing U toxicity in L . minor . Following arguments were used for medium selection: the ability to sustain L . minor growth, a high solubility of U in the medium and a high percentage of the more toxic U-species namely UO 2 2 + . Based on these selection criteria a with a low phosphate concentration of 0.5 mg L −1 and supplemented with 5 mM MES (2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid) to ensure pH stability was chosen. This medium also showed highest U toxicity compared to the other tested media. Subsequently a full dose response curve for U was established by exposing L . minor plants to U concentrations ranging from 0.05 μM up to 150 μM for 7 days. Uranium was shown to adversely affect growth of L . minor in a dose dependent manner with EC10, EC30 and EC50 values ranging between 1.6 and 4.8 μM, 7.7–16.4 μM and 19.4–37.2 μM U, respectively, depending on the growth endpoint. Four different growth related endpoints were tested: frond area, frond number, fresh weight and dry weight. Although differences in relative growth rates and associated ECx-values calculated on different endpoints are small (maximal twofold difference), frond area is recommended to be used to measure U-induced growth effects as it is a sensitive growth endpoint and easy to measure in vivo allowing for measurements over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities have led to a widespread uranium (U) contamination in many countries. The toxic effects of U at the cellular level have mainly been investigated at a pH around 5.5, the optimal pH for hydroponically grown plants. However, since the speciation of U, and hence its toxicity, is strongly dependent on environmental factors such as the pH, it is important to investigate the effects of U at different environmentally relevant pH levels. Although U is poorly translocated from the roots to the shoots, resulting in a low U concentration in the leaves, it has been demonstrated that toxic effects in the leaves were already visible after 1 day exposure at pH 5.5, although only when exposed to relatively high U concentrations (100 μM). Therefore, the present study aimed to analyse the effects of different U concentrations (ranging from 0 to 100 μM) at pH 4.5 in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Results indicate that U induces early senescence in A. thaliana leaves as was suggested by a decreased expression of CAT2 accompanied by an induction of CAT3 expression, a decreased CAT capacity and an increased lipid peroxidation. In addition, miRNA398b/c is involved in the regulation of the SOD response in the leaves. As such, an increased MIR398b/c expression was observed leading to a decreased transcript level of CSD1 / 2 . Finally, the biosynthesis of ascorbate was induced after U exposure. This can point towards an important role for this metabolite in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species under U stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological effects and interactions of different radiation types in plants are still far from understood. Among different radiation types, external gamma radiation treatments have been mostly studied to assess the biological impact of radiation toxicity in organisms. Upon exposure of plants to gamma radiation, ionisation events can cause, either directly or indirectly, severe biological damage to DNA and other biomolecules. However, the biological responses and oxidative stress related mechanisms under chronic radiation conditions are poorly understood in plant systems. In the following study, it was questioned if the Lemna minor growth inhibition test is a suitable approach to also assess the radiotoxicity of this freshwater plant. Therefore, L. minor plants were continuously exposed for seven days to 12 different dose rate levels covering almost six orders of magnitude starting from 80 μGy h −1 up to 1.5 Gy h −1 . Subsequently, growth, antioxidative defence system and genomic responses of L. minor plants were evaluated. Although L. minor plants could survive the exposure treatment at environmental relevant exposure conditions, higher dose rate levels induced dose dependent growth inhibitions starting from approximately 27 mGy h −1 . A ten-percentage growth inhibition of frond area Effective Dose Rate (EDR 10 ) was estimated at 95 ± 7 mGy h −1 , followed by 153 ± 13 mGy h −1 and 169 ± 12 mGy h −1 on fresh weight and frond number, respectively. Up to a dose rate of approximately 5 mGy h −1 , antioxidative enzymes and metabolites remained unaffected in plants. A significant change in catalase enzyme activity was found at 27 mGy h −1 which was accompanied with significant increases of other antioxidative enzyme activities and shifts in ascorbate and glutathione content at higher dose rate levels, indicating an increase in oxidative stress in plants. Recent plant research hypothesized that environmental genotoxic stress conditions can induce endoreduplication events. Here an increase in ploidy level was observed at the highest tested dose rate. In conclusion, the results revealed that in plants several mechanisms and pathways interplay to cope with radiation induced stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium (U) is a nonessential and toxic heavy metal and radioactive element. Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) are intimately involved in the growth, development and metabolic function of plant cells. In addition to possible toxic activities, a role for these signalling molecules in the regulation of plant responses to toxic metals has been proposed. Here, we investigated the synthesis of NO and H 2 O 2 in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings exposed to 25 μM U. We demonstrated that U induces NO and H 2 O 2 production in the roots and leaves. Addition of the NO releasing compound, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as well as the NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) to the plants, resulted in a decrease of the U-induced NO production and both alleviated U toxicity as indicated by plant growth (leaf area and biomass). Treatment with L-NAME further resulted in the disappearance of the U-induced H 2 O 2 in the shoots of the plants. It appears that generation of NO and H 2 O 2 is intimately linked in the toxicity response of U-exposed A. thaliana plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speciation modelling of uranium (as uranyl) and thorium, in four freshwaters impacted by mining activities, was used to evaluate (i) the influence of the co–contaminants present on the predicted speciation, and (ii) the influence of using nine different model/database combinations on the predictions. Generally, co–contaminants were found to have no significant effects on speciation, with the exception of Fe(III) in one system, where formation of hydrous ferric oxide and adsorption of uranyl to its surface impacted the predicted speciation. Model and database choice on the other hand clearly influenced speciation prediction. Complexes with dissolved organic matter, which could be simulated by three of the nine model/database combinations, were predicted to be important in a slightly acidic, soft water. Model prediction of uranyl and thorium speciation needs to take account of database comprehensiveness and cohesiveness, including the capability of the model and database to simulate interactions with dissolved organic matter. Measurement of speciation in natural waters is needed to provide data that may be used to assess and improve model capabilities and to better constrain the type of predictive modelling work presented here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activity has led to an increasing amount of radionuclides in the environment and subsequently to an increased risk of exposure of the biosphere to ionising radiation. Due to their high linear energy transfer, α-emitters form a threat to biota when absorbed or integrated in living tissue. Among these, 241 Am is of major concern due to high affinity for organic matter and high specific activity. This study examines the dose-dependent biological effects of α-radiation delivered by 241 Am at the morphological, physiological and molecular level in 14-day old seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana after hydroponic exposure for 4 or 7 days. Our results show that 241 Am has high transfer to the roots but low translocation to the shoots. In the roots, we observed a transcriptional response of reactive oxygen species scavenging and DNA repair pathways. At the physiological and morphological level this resulted in a response which evolved from redox balance control and stable biomass at low dose rates to growth reduction, reduced transfer and redox balance decline at higher dose rates. This situation was also reflected in the shoots where, despite the absence of a transcriptional response, the control of photosynthesis performance and redox balance declined with increasing dose rate. The data further suggest that the effects in both organs were initiated in the roots, where the highest dose rates occurred, ultimately affecting photosynthesis performance and carbon assimilation. Though further detailed study of nutrient balance and 241 Am localisation is necessary, it is clear that radionuclide uptake and distribution is a major parameter in the global exposure effects on plant performance and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high variability of the soil-to-plant transfer factor of radiocaesium (RCs) compels a detailed analysis of the radiocaesium interception potential (RIP) of soil, which is one of the specific factors ruling the RCs transfer. The range of the RIP values for agricultural soils in the Fukushima accident affected area has not yet been fully surveyed. Here, the RIP and other major soil chemical properties were characterised for 51 representative topsoils collected in the vicinity of the Fukushima contaminated area. The RIP ranged a factor of 50 among the soils and RIP values were lower for Andosols compared to other soils, suggesting a role of soil mineralogy. Correlation analysis revealed that the RIP was most strongly and negatively correlated to soil organic matter content and oxalate extractable aluminium. The RIP correlated weakly but positively to soil clay content. The slope of the correlation between RIP and clay content showed that the RIP per unit clay was only 4.8 mmol g − 1 clay, about threefold lower than that for clays of European soils, suggesting more amorphous minerals and less micaceous minerals in the clay fraction of Japanese soils. The negative correlation between RIP and soil organic matter may indicate that organic matter can mask highly selective sorption sites to RCs. Multiple regression analysis with soil organic matter and cation exchange capacity explained the soil RIP ( R 2 = 0.64), allowing us to map soil RIP based on existing soil map information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biosphere is constantly exposed to ionising radiation, due to cosmic radiation and the presence of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in the environment. The biological effects of the resulting radiation exposure are currently poorly understood in plants, due to a large influence of parameters such as species, cultivar, experimental setup and plant age on the response. In this study, 7-, 10- and 14-day - old Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings were exposed to 96 h and 168 h of 100 mGy h −1 chronic γ-radiation in a hydroponic setup. The response of growth, photosynthesis and the transcription of genes involved in DNA repair, cell cycle and signalling were measured. The results show that there is a difference in growth response between plants of different ages and decreasing radiosensitivity with increasing seedling age. This is linked to differences in regulation of DNA repair and cell cycle control at the transcriptional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the impact of environmental uranium (U) contamination, effects should be analysed at different environmentally relevant pH levels as the speciation of U, and hence its toxicity, is strongly dependent on the pH. As photosynthesis is a major energy producing process in plants intimately connected to plant growth and known to be susceptible to metal stress, the effects of different U concentrations on photosynthesis in 18-day-old Arabidopsis thaliana (Columbia ecotype) are investigated at two contrasting pH levels, pH 4.5 and pH 7.5. At pH 4.5, U is highly taken up by the roots but is poorly translocated to the shoots, while at pH 7.5, less U is taken up but the translocation is higher. The lower U concentrations in the shoots at pH 4.5 are accompanied by a more reduced leaf growth as compared to pH 7.5. In addition, U does not influence the photosynthetic machinery at pH 7.5, while an optimization of the photosynthesis takes place after U exposure at pH 4.5. As such, more of the absorbed quanta are effectively used for photosynthesis accompanied by a decreased non-photochemical quenching and an increased electron transport rate. Since the enhanced photosynthesis at pH 4.5 is accompanied by a decreased growth, we suggest that the energy produced during photosynthesis is used for defence reactions against U-induced oxidative stress rather than for growth. As such, a high discrepancy was observed between the two pH levels, with an optimized photosynthetic apparatus at pH 4.5 and almost no effects at pH 7.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is a need for a better understanding of biological effects of radiation exposure in non-human biota. Correct description of these effects requires a more detailed model of dosimetry than that available in current risk assessment tools, particularly for plants. In this paper, we propose a simple model for dose calculations in roots and shoots of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings exposed to radionuclides in a hydroponic exposure setup. This model is used to compare absorbed doses for three radionuclides, 241Am (α-radiation), 90Sr (β-radiation) and 133Ba (γ radiation). Using established dosimetric calculation methods, dose conversion coefficient values were determined for each organ separately based on uptake data from the different plant organs. These calculations were then compared to the DCC values obtained with the ERICA tool under equivalent geometry assumptions. When comparing with our new method, the ERICA tool appears to overestimate internal doses and underestimate external doses in the roots for all three radionuclides, though each to a different extent. These observations might help to refine dose–response relationships. The DCC values for 90Sr in roots are shown to deviate the most. A dose–effect curve for 90Sr β-radiation has been established on biomass and photosynthesis endpoints, but no significant dose-dependent effects are observed. This indicates the need for use of endpoints at the molecular and physiological scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As the environment is inevitably exposed to ionizing radiation from natural and anthropogenic sources, it is important to evaluate gamma radiation induced stress responses in plants. The objective of this research is therefore to investigate radiation effects in Arabidopsis thaliana on individual and subcellular level by exposing 2-weeks-old seedlings for 7 days to total doses of 3.9Gy, 6.7Gy, 14.8Gy and 58.8Gy and evaluating growth, photosynthesis, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid concentrations and antioxidative enzyme capacities. While the capacity of photosystem II (PSII measured as F v/F m) remained intact, plants started optimizing their photosynthetic process at the lower radiation doses by increasing the PSII efficiency (φPSII) and the maximal electron transport rate (ETRmax) and by decreasing the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). At the highest radiation dose, photosynthetic parameters resembled those of control conditions. On subcellular level, roots showed increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) capacities under gamma irradiation but catalase (CAT), syringaldazine peroxidase (SPX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities, on the other hand, decreased. In the leaves no alterations were observed in SOD, CAT and SPX capacities, but GPX was highly affected. Based on these results it seems that roots are more sensitive for oxidative stress under gamma radiation exposure than leaves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Uranium is highly taken up by roots but concentrations in leaves remain low. [•] Increase efficiency of photosystem II under uranium stress. [•] Decrease non-photochemical quenching under uranium stress. [•] Increase in photosynthetic rate in the light-limited region of rapid light curve. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The cellular redox balance seems an important modulator under heavy metal stress. While for other heavy metals these processes are well studied, oxidative stress related responses are also known to be triggered under uranium stress but information remains limited. This study aimed to further unravel the mechanisms by which plants respond to uranium stress. Seventeen-day-old Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, grown on a modified Hoagland solution under controlled conditions, were exposed to 0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μM uranium for 1, 3 and 7 days. While in Part I of this study oxidative stress related responses in the roots were discussed, this second Part II discusses oxidative stress related responses in the leaves and general conclusions drawn from the results of the roots and the leaves will be presented. As several responses were already visible following 1 day exposure, when uranium concentrations in the leaves were negligible, a root-to-shoot signaling system was suggested in which plastids could be important sensing sites. While lipid peroxidation, based on the amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive compounds, was observed after exposure to 100 μM uranium, affecting membrane structure and function, a transient concentration dependent response pattern was visible for lipoxygenase initiated lipid peroxidation. This transient character of uranium stress responses in leaves was emphasized by results of lipoxygenase (LOX2) and antioxidative enzyme transcript levels, enzyme capacities and glutathione concentrations both in time as with concentration. The ascorbate redox balance seemed an important modulator of uranium stress responses in the leaves as in addition to the previous transient responses, the total ascorbate concentration and ascorbate/dehydroascorbate redox balance increased in a concentration and time dependent manner. This could represent either a slow transient response or a stable increase with regard to plant acclimation to uranium stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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 100μmol 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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We determined the uranium distribution in soil and its allocation in compartments of 35-year-old Scots pine developed on a revegetated U-mining heap. The processes controlling the dynamics of U recycling were identified and further quantified in terms of annual fluxes. As pine developed, an acid humus layer emerged leading to weathering of the alkaline mining debris but this had little effect on U mobility in the soil profile. Increased U mobility mainly involved a translocation of U to metal-humus chelates in surface layers. The root compartment accounted for 99.3% of the U budget in tree, thus serving as an effective barrier which restricts U uptake. The current root uptake and transfer of U to upper parts of the tree amounted to about 3gha−1 y−1, i.e. less than 0.03% of the current NH4-exchangeable U pool in the soil (0–30cm). Allocation and translocation pattern made it clear that a dominant fraction of the translocated U moves passively with the ascent xylem sap, most likely as a soluble complex, and steadily accumulates in the needles. Consequently, 97% of the U annual uptake is returned to the soil through litterfall. At the studied site, the risk of U dissemination due to biomass turnover or trunk harvest was low when considered in relation to the current “exemption level” for U. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]