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Water pollution is increasing due to urbanization and industrialization. Waste water pollution raised concern because of its influence on plants and humans. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is used for the removal of pollutants because of its phytoremediation efficiency. In this study, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has been tested for simultaneous elimination of phenol and cyanide from mono and binary component aqueous solution in batch systems. The plant was grown at six concentrations of phenol and cyanide in the ratio of (10:1), i.e. 100:10, 200:20, 300:30, 500:50, 700:70 and 1000:100 mg/L in aqueous solution. The effect of process parameters such as initial concentration of phenol and cyanide and pH was evaluated. The plant was found capable of eliminating up to 96.42% of phenol (300 mg/L) and 92.66% of cyanide (30 mg/L) during the 13 days cultivation time at pH 8. The calculatedKmof the root length elongation for phenol was 5.20 mm and theVmaxwas 12.52 μg phenol/g root/h. However, the calculatedKmof the root length elongation for cyanide was 0.39 mm and theVmaxwas 14.99 μg cyanide/ g root/h. In theEichhornia crassipesplant, the biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll, protein and sugar content have been indicated a decreasing trend due to uptake of phenol and cyanide throughout cultivation. Toxicity to 100–1000 mg/L of phenol and 10–100 mg/L of cyanide was measured by measuring the relative transpiration over 13 days. At 100 mg/L of phenol and 10 mg/L of cyanide, only a small reduction in transpiration but no morphological changes were noticed. Both pollutants are absorbed through the root of theEichhornia crassipesplant by plasmalemma and become accumulated into the root cells and stem of a plant. Thus, this study will be beneficial for the decontamination of highly polluted waste water.

PurposeCurrently, no clear guidance exists for ISO and EN standards of calculating, verifying, and reporting the climate impacts of plants, mulches, and soils used in landscape design and construction. In order to optimise the potential of ecosystem services in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment, we unequivocally propose their inclusion when assessing sustainability.MethodsWe analysed the life cycle phases of plants, soils, and mulches from the viewpoint of compiling standard-based Environmental Product Declarations. In comparison to other construction products, the differences of both mass and carbon flows were identified in these products.ResultsLiving and organic products of green infrastructure require an LCA approach of their own. Most importantly, if conventional life cycle guidance for Environmental Product Declarations were to be followed, over time, the asymmetric mass and carbon flows would lead to skewed conclusions. Moreover, the ability of plants to reproduce raises additional questions for allocating environmental impacts.ConclusionsWe present a set of recommendations that are required for compiling Environmental Product Declarations for the studied products of green infrastructure. In order to enable the quantification of the climate change mitigation potential of these products, it is essential that work for further development of LCA guidance be mandated.

This study is the first research attempt to assess the environmental risks of an agricultural area contaminated with the p,p '-DDT and its metabolites (DDX) on human and terrestrial species through exposure to soil and agricultural products, simultaneously. The study was carried out for a DDX-contaminated agricultural area in Turkey. Soil samples obtained in two different harvest applications were analyzed in terms of DDX levels. Similarly, stem, leaf, and fruit samples of an agricultural product grown on the same soils were analyzed. Using the results of these analyses, DDX intake values were calculated for 5 different human receptor groups, 4 different bird species, and 4 different mammal species, and the risk values were calculated by using a stochastic approach based on a Monte Carlo simulation. Findings indicated a substantial level of carcinogenic risk in the human receptor groups. Furthermore, a significant risk of reproductive toxicity was determined for the birds and mammals. The findings prominently showed that these risks can develop not only through exposure to DDX-contaminated soils but also through the consumption of plants grown on these soils. WOS:000646960900001 2-s2.0-85105462892 PubMed: 33948847

Background and aims: Investigations on the biogeochemical behaviour of rare earth elements (REEs) in natural systems broaden our understanding on their occurrence and fate in ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the prevailing REE concentration patterns in soils and plants in a uranium REE-rich area in Central Queensland, Australia. Methods: We collected and analysed matching soil and plant material samples from both undisturbed and mine-affected areas enriched in REEs near the now abandoned Mary Kathleen Mine. Results: We found that in the soil, Ce had the highest concentrations (1550 μg g−1), followed by La (645 μg g−1), whereas that of Gd (25 μg g−1) and Lu (1.5 μg g−1) were comparatively low. Soil REE patterns had a slight HREE enrichment relative to LREE, with a positive Ce anomaly, suggesting oxidizing conditions. The REE patterns of the DTPA-extracts had LREE enrichment relative to HREE. Soil pH was negatively correlated with DTPA-REE (−0.68 ≤ R ≤ -0.40; p < 0.001). In the plants, we found interspecies variation in REE accumulation, with REE concentrations higher in the dicots than in the monocots. The plant REE patterns displayed HREE enrichment relative to LREEs, and foliar REE concentrations were correlated with Mn, Fe, Mg, Al and Ca in some species (0.57 ≤ R ≤ 0.96; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Mn-Fe-oxyhydroxides and soil pH influenced REE accumulation patterns, while within the plant, foliar REE accumulation could be attributed to a mechanism which is common for macronutrients and certain trace metals.

The channels of the main rivers in the Kłodzko County, South West Poland, have been strongly influenced by human activities since the end of the nineteenth century. The reasons, type, and time frame of these changes are very similar to those which occurred in other European mountain regions but the magnitude is different. Kłodzko County is an area with a well-developed river network. Since the Middle Ages, human activities were noticed in the river valleys of this region. The main cause of the most anthropogenic transformations of the river channels was changes in the volume of sediment supply and, thus, the channel load and its erosive and transport capacities. The ultimate effects of human impact are manifested in the changes of channel pattern, depth and sinuosity, and the location of erosion and accumulation zones. Morphological transformations are most intensive immediately after the regulation works. The influence of channel training is noticeable; however, there is no clear correlation between the occurrence of engineering structures and the development of channel forms. The channel changes are mostly local. The highest efficiency of channel processes is observed in the direct vicinity of the damming objects and in the peripheral fragments of bank-protection structures. Below the damming structures, the rate of channel downcutting increases because of sediment retention in dam and weir reservoirs, and above the transversal structures bed aggradation takes place; lateral erosion intensifies below the bank reinforcements, and sediment shadows are common below the transversal structures. The types of morphological changes observed in the regulated channels of the Kłodzko County are in most cases similar to the effects of training works in other mountain river systems in Poland and around the world; however, the scale of morphological influence is much smaller, which indicates greater stability of the river channels of the Sudetes than the Carpathian and Alpine river channels.

Heavy metals can remain in the marine ecosystems for a long time, they may affect biota in the food chain as a result. Sometimes the existence of xenobiotics causes so great a alter in the ecosystem that a return to earlier, natural conditions is not viable. Human pressure on the sea’s resources is increasing, it affects the health of many organisms, leading to changes in the food chains and influencing accumulation in the tissues of biota. Sea cucumbers are being used for heavy metal pollution studies. They are preferred with their many features such as easy collection from the land, feeding with organic matter, contact with sediment, maintenance in laboratories, obtaining sufficient tissue, consuming some species. This review covers heavy metal studies with sea cucumbers in different seas. The results are compared with each other. In addition, the evaluation of the consumed sea cucumber species in terms of human health has been discussed.

As a result of the activity of industrial enterprises, atmospheric air is being contaminated by gaseous pollutants. Such substances as chlorine and hydrogen chloride are considered to be harmful for both humans and plants. Vegetation is a universal filter that is able to combat the environmental pollution by industrial emissions with the help of appropriate technical facilities. The aim of this study is to analyze the level of accumulation of chlorine in the leaves of woody plants that grow in the area of forest plantations of sanitary protection zones of industrial enterprises. The objects of the study were the species of woody plants in the area of protective plantations of a number of enterprises in Zaporizhzhya: ZTMC, ZALК, ZABR, Zaporizhstal, Zaporizhzhya Ferroalloy Plant, Zaporizhvohnetryv, Ukrgrafit and Zaporizhtransformator. We established that during the vegetation period, a gradual accumulation of the element was the most intense in mature leaves, whose growth had already ceased. The maximum amount of chlorine was found at the end of the vegetation period. The concentration of the pollutant in leaves of woody plants in the area of sanitary protection zones of industrial enterprises is linearly proportional to the level of emissions of the pollutant into the atmosphere by a given enterprise. The largest coefficient of relative accumulation of chlorine in the leaves of such plants as Catalpa bignonioides, Acer negundo, Robinia pseudoacacia, Juglans regia, Populus alba, which can be used as information sites for the purpose of bioindication of atmospheric air pollution with chlorides, was established.

This study aimed at determining the cadmium phytoextraction potential of three Populus alba L. clones cultivated in the presence of increasing sodium chloride concentrations. Plantlets of a commercial and two autochthonous poplar clones were grown in perlite with nutrient solution enriched in CdSO4 (50 and 100 μM) and NaCl (25 and 50 mM), administered either alone or in combination. The three clones showed significant variation not only in cadmium and salt tolerance, accumulation and content, but also in the effect of the interaction between the two elements on these parameters. The toxic effect of Cd and salt excess on plants was mutually exacerbated by the presence of both. Even though the outcome of the joint treatment was always a decrease in shoot Cd or Na accumulation, the three clones showed variation in the extent of such reduction. Evaluating the total element content per plant shoot, the fast-growing commercial clone displayed the highest phytoextraction potential for Cd and Na, either alone or in mixture. Our results demonstrated for the first time that the Cd response in presence of salt can vary in the different clones.

Clustering of tracers floating on the ocean surface and evolving due to combined velocity fields consisting of a deterministic mesoscale component and a kinematic random component is analysed. The random component represents the influence of submesoscale motions. A theory of exponential clustering in random velocity fields is applied to characterise the obtained clustering scenarios in both steady and unsteady time-dependent mesoscale flows, as simulated by a comprehensive realistic, eddy-resolving, general circulation model for the Japan/East Sea. The mesoscale flow field abounds in transient eddy-like patterns modulating and branching the main currents, and the underlying time-mean flow component features closed recirculation zones that can entrap the tracer. The submesoscale flow component is modelled kinematically, as a divergent random velocity field with a prescribed correlation radius and variance. The combined flow induces tracer clustering, that is, the exponential growth of tracer density in patches with vanishing areas. The statistical topography methodology, which provides integral characteristics to quantify the emerging clusters, uncovers drastic dependence of the clustering rates on whether the mesoscale flow component is taken to be steady or time-dependent. The former situation favours robust exponential clustering, similar to the theoretically understood case of purely divergent and zero-mean random velocity. The latter situation, on the contrary, hinders exponential clustering due to significant advection of the tracer out of the nearly enclosed eddies, at the rate faster than the clustering rate.

Vegetation serves as a universal filter that is capable of protecting the environment from pollution by industrial emissions given the availability of appropriate technical facilities. The aim of this study is to determine the ability of leaves of various species of woody plants growing in the area of sanitary protection zones to accumulate fluorine and to establish the most informative indicators of environmental pollution by its compounds. The object of the study was the species of woody plants growing in the area of protective plantations of a number of enterprises of Zaporizhzhya: Zaporizhzhya Titanium & Magnesium Combine, Zaporizhzhya Aluminium Plant PJSC, Zaporizhzhya Abrasive Plant PJSC, Zaporizhstal PJSC, ‘Zaporizhcoke’ PJSC (KOKS), Zaporizhzhya Ferroalloy Plant PJSC, Zaporizhvohnetryv (‘Vohnetryv’) PJSC, PrJSC ‘Ukrgrafit’ and Zaporizhtransformator PJSC. Under the conditions of sanitary protection zones of enterprises the leaves of woody plants accumulate significantly more fluoride compared to the control specimens. We have established that a gradual accumulation of the element occurs during the vegetation period being the most intense in young leaves. In senescent leaves, the activity of its accumulation begins to diminish. The maximum amount of fluoride was detected by us at the end of the vegetation period. Its highest concentration was found in the leaves of woody plants growing in the forest belt near the Zaporizhzhya Aluminium Plant. According to the level of accumulation of the said phytotoxicant in the leaves of plants growing in the area of sanitary protection zones, industrial enterprises of Zaporizhzhya may be ranked as follows: Zaporizhzhya Aluminium Plant PJSC > Zaporizhzhya Ferroalloy Plant PJSC ≥ ‘Zaporizhcoke’ PJSC > Zaporizhstal PJSC > Zaporizhvohnetryv (‘Vohnetryv’) PJSC > ‘Ukrgrafit’ PJSC> Zaporizhzhya Abrasive Plant PJSC > Zaporizhzhya Titanium & Magnesium Combine > Zaporizhtransformator PJSC. The largest amount of fluorine accumulated by the leaves can be attributed to such tree species as: Catalpa bignonioides, Ailanthus altissima, Acer platanoides, Populus nigra, Armeniaca vulgaris, Tilia cordata, Acer pseudoplatanus, Platanus orientalis, which is a distinguishing characteristic of the sanitary protection zones of various enterprises in the city of Zaporizhzhya. Variations of fluorine accumulation in different experimental plots for the same species of woody plants are expressed in quantitative terms. These plants are capable of being the most efficient at purifying the atmospheric air from gaseous fluoride compounds. The highest coefficient of relative accumulation of fluorine in the leaves is found in the following species of woody plants: Catalpa bignonioides, Ailan-thus altissima, Acer platanoides, Populus nigra, Armeniaca vulgaris, Tilia cordata, Acer pseudoplatanus, Platanus orientalis, thus they have a potential to be considered for use as phytoindicators of environmental pollution by the fluorine compounds. The aforementioned coefficient appears to be the lowest in the following species: Morus alba, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Juglans regia and Fraxinus lanceolata.

The concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were examined in two fish species from the Izmir Bay. A total of 624 individuals of different fish samples were sampled by trawling from three regions in Izmir Bay between 2010 and 2013. The total levels of indicator PCBs in all samples varied LOD (limit of detection) to 34.3 ng g?1 (dry weight) in the study area. The highest concentrations of PCBs were found in Gulbahce for Mullus barbatus and Diplodus annularis in 2011 and 2010, respectively. PCB153 was the major contributed congener in both fish species during sampling periods. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to evaluate the correlation of the determined variables in fish species. According to PCA, the PCBs are not related with fish length. One-way ANOVA test indicated that significant temporal variations were generally detected for PCBs, while non-significant spatial variations were examined between sampling sites. Six PCB congeners were found as 0.59–6.64 ng g?1 (wet weight, wwt) and compared with iPCB6 limits of 75 ng g?1 (wwt) revealed by the Environmental Food Safety Authority. Accordingly, all fish species analyzed did not surpass the safe limits of iPCB6 suggested by EU. The estimated daily intake of 6 PCB congeners by the people were less than the tolerable daily intake (TDI, 10-ng kg?1 body weight day?1) recommended by WHO (2003), suggesting that this intake would not cause adverse effects to residents of Izmir. © 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature., The authors are grateful to Dr. L. Tolga Gonul for his helpful comments on statistical analyses and assessment of health risk. We gratefully thank ARGEFAR for analyses assistance. We also express our deep gratitude to the scientists and crew of the R/V K. Piri Reis for collecting fish samples during the cruises.

Despite widespread use of radio-echo sounding (RES) in glaciology and broad distribution of processed radar products, the glaciological community has no standard software for processing impulse RES data. Dependable, fast and collection-system/platform-independent processing flows could facilitate comparison between datasets and allow full utilization of large impulse RES data archives and new data. Here, we present ImpDAR, an open-source, cross-platform, impulse radar processor and interpreter, written primarily in Python. The utility of this software lies in its collection of established tools into a single, open-source framework. ImpDAR aims to provide a versatile standard that is accessible to radar-processing novices and useful to specialists. It can read data from common commercial ground-penetrating radars (GPRs) and some custom-built RES systems. It performs all the standard processing steps, including bandpass and horizontal filtering, time correction for antenna spacing, geolocation and migration. After processing data, ImpDAR's interpreter includes several plotting functions, digitization of reflecting horizons, calculation of reflector strength and export of interpreted layers. We demonstrate these capabilities on two datasets: deep (~3000 m depth) data collected with a custom (3 MHz) system in northeast Greenland and shallow (

We describe 2 artificial stream experiments that exposed aquatic insect communities to zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and cadmium (year 2014) and to Zn, Cu, and nickel (year 2015). The testing strategy was to concurrently expose insect communities to single metals and mixtures. Single‐metal tests were repeated to evaluate the reproducibility of the methods and year‐to‐year variability. Metals were strongly accumulated in sediments, periphyton, and insect (caddisfly) tissues, with the highest concentrations occurring in periphyton. Sensitive mayflies declined in metal treatments, and effect concentrations could be predicted effectively from metal concentrations in either periphyton or water. Most responses were similar in the replicated tests, but median effect concentration values for the mayfly Rhithrogena sp. varied 20‐fold between the tests, emphasizing the difficulty comparing sensitivities across studies and the value of repeated testing. Relative to the single‐metal responses, the toxicity of the mixtures was either approximately additive or less than additive when calculated as the product of individual responses (response addition). However, even less‐than‐additive relative responses were sometimes greater than responses to similar concentrations tested singly. The ternary mixtures resulted in mayfly declines at concentrations that caused no declines in the concurrent single‐metal tests. When updating species‐sensitivity distributions (SSDs) with these results, the mayfly responses were among the most sensitive 10th percentile of available data for all 4 metals, refuting older literature placing mayflies in the insensitive portion of metal SSDs. Testing translocated aquatic insect communities in 30‐d artificial streams is an efficient approach to generate multiple species effect values under quasi‐natural conditions that are relevant to natural streams. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:812–833. Published 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work, and as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America., Concepts of periphyton‐mediated pathways of exposure of bioavailable metals to stream insects. (Commissioned artwork by Amy McMahon.)

Aβ4–42 is the major subspecies of Aβ peptides characterized by avid Cu(II) binding via the ATCUN/NTS motif. It is thought to be produced in vivo proteolytically by neprilysin, but in vitro experiments in the presence of Cu(II) ions indicated preferable formation of C-terminally truncated ATCUN/NTS species including CuIIAβ4–16, CuIIAβ4–9, and also CuIIAβ12–16, all with nearly femtomolar affinities at neutral pH. Such small complexes may serve as shuttles for copper clearance from extracellular brain spaces, on condition they could survive intracellular conditions upon crossing biological barriers. In order to ascertain such possibility, we studied the reactions of CuIIAβ4–16, CuIIAβ4–9, CuIIAβ12–16, and CuIIAβ1–16 with reduced glutathione (GSH) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions using absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. We found CuIIAβ4–16 and CuIIAβ4–9 to be strongly resistant to reduction and concomitant formation of Cu(I)–GSH complexes, with reaction times ∼10 h, while CuIIAβ12–16 was reduced within minutes and CuIIAβ1–16 within seconds of incubation. Upon GSH exhaustion by molecular oxygen, the CuIIAβ complexes were reformed with no concomitant oxidative damage to peptides. These finding reinforce the concept of Aβ4–x peptides as physiological trafficking partners of brain copper., Aβ4−16, Aβ4−9, and Aβ12−16, oligopeptide products of β-amyloid degradation by neprilysin, bind CuII ions very tightly and are considered as possible CuII carriers in the brain. We demonstrated that CuII(Aβ4−x) complexes, but not CuII(Aβ12−16), are kinetically resistant to reduction by glutathione. No covalent Aβ peptide modifications were observed during the copper reduction and reoxidation by ambient oxygen, yielding the original complexes. These features suggest that CuII(Aβ4−x) complexes might be able to cross the blood−brain barrier.

Clarias gariepinus, weighing 119.18 ± 5.21 g, were exposed to 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% of the LC50 lead nitrate, Pb(NO3)2, which represents the following treatments 0 (control), 16, 32, and 48 mg/l, respectively, for a period of 10 and 20 days. The results showed that the bioaccumulation of Pb(NO3)2 in gills were significantly increased (p

Black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae is considered one of the insect species with great potential for large-scale production as feed and food. For this to become economically feasible and to contribute to a circular economy, BSF larvae should be reared on substrates with little or no alternative use for feed and food production. One such class of alternative substrate sources consists of former food products. However, BSF larvae may accumulate chemical contaminants from the substrate, which may originate from the foodstuff and/or the packaging materials. This study aimed to investigate the possible presence of chemical contaminants in BSF larvae being reared on former foodstuff substrates at both laboratory and industrial scale. Four experimental treatments were set up: with meat or vegetarian, and containing between 3-6% of either plastic or paperboard carton packaging material. Four-day old BSF larvae were reared for seven days on these substrates. Concentrations of heavy metals, mineral oil hydrocarbons, dioxins and PCBs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were determined in the substrate, residual material, and the larvae. Results suggest that BSF larvae can be reared on former food products containing traces of packaging materials, without negative effects on their growth or survival. Bio-accumulation was observed for most of the tested contaminants, in particular for mineral oils and cadmium, which had a bio-accumulation rate of, respectively, about five and 20. However, none of the concentrations of the analysed contaminants in the substrate and the larvae exceeded the respective legal limits in the EU. Results of this pilot study were promising. As a next step, more different former food products should be investigated in future research.

While the effects of phytohormones on plant gene expression have been well characterized, comparatively little is known about how hormones influence metabolite profiles. This study examined the effects of elevated auxin and ethylene on the metabolome of Arabidopsis roots using a high-resolution 24 h time course, conducted in parallel to time-matched transcriptomic analyses. Mass spectrometry using orthogonal UPLC separation strategies (reversed phase and HILIC) in both positive and negative ionization modes was used to maximize identification of metabolites with altered levels. The findings show that the root metabolome responds rapidly to hormone stimulus and that compounds belonging to the same class of metabolites exhibit similar changes. The responses were dominated by changes in phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate, and fatty acid metabolism, although the nature and timing of the response was unique for each hormone. These alterations in the metabolome were not directly predicted by the corresponding transcriptome data, suggesting that post-transcriptional events such as changes in enzyme activity and/or transport processes drove the observed changes in the metabolome. These findings underscore the need to better understand the biochemical mechanisms underlying the temporal reconfiguration of plant metabolism, especially in relation to the hormone-metabolome interface and its subsequent physiological and morphological effects.

The primary objective of the article is to identify the accumulation processes in farms in Poland based on the economic size as well as the context of eco-efficiency (from the perspective of Environmental Sustainable Value). In addition, the importance of subsidies in generating accumulation was specified and the context of eco-efficiency was taken into account. Analysis of the environmental context was carried out with the use of the assessment of subsidies for public goods and return to cost ratio (RTC) based on the concept of Sustainable Value (SV). Cross-analysis has shown that with the transition to groups of farms with an increasing economic size, the situation was more favourable from the perspective of the accumulation rate and its level per 1 ha. Subsidies play a significant role in shaping accumulation. It was observed that the higher rate of accumulation associated with the transition to groups of farms with greater economic strength is accompanied by an increase in eco-efficiency through the prism of the RTC indicator. Larger (but not the largest) farms are more efficient in using the transformation of environmental inputs into production output, which does not mean that they exert an absolutely lower environmental pressure.

In polluted areas, plants may be exposed to supra‐optimal levels of the micronutrient molybdenum. The physiological basis of molybdenum phytotoxicity is poorly understood. Plants take up molybdenum as molybdate, which is a structural analogue of sulphate. Therefore, it is presumed that elevated molybdate concentrations may hamper the uptake and subsequent metabolism of sulphate, which may induce sulphur deficiency.In the current research, Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis) seedlings were exposed to 50, 100, 150 and 200 μm Na2MoO4 for 9 days.Leaf chlorosis and a decreased plant growth occurred at concentrations ≥100 μm. Root growth was more affected than shoot growth. At ≥100 μm Na2MoO4, the sulphate uptake rate and capacity were increased, although only when expressed on a root fresh weight basis. When expressed on a whole plant fresh weight basis, which corrects for the impact of molybdate on the shoot‐to‐root ratio, the sulphate uptake rate and capacity remained unaffected. Molybdate concentrations ≥100 μm altered the mineral nutrient composition of plant tissues, although the levels of sulphur metabolites (sulphate, water‐soluble non‐protein thiols and total sulphur) were not altered. Moreover, the levels of nitrogen metabolites (nitrate, amino acids, proteins and total nitrogen), which are generally strongly affected by sulphate deprivation, were not affected. The root water‐soluble non‐protein thiol content was increased, and the tissue nitrate levels decreased, only at 200 μm Na2MoO4.Evidently, molybdenum toxicity in Chinese cabbage was not due to the direct interference of molybdate with the uptake and subsequent metabolism of sulphate., Exposure to excessive molybdate may constrain plant growth. It is presumed that elevated molybdate concentrations may hamper the uptake and subsequent metabolism of sulfate, which may induce sulfur deficiency. However, our research showed that in Chinese cabbage molybdate toxicity was not due to the direct interference of molybdate with the uptake and subsequent metabolism of sulfate.

Objectives: The main objectives of this research were to identify if the presence of the aquatic weed Pistia stratiotes in the medium could influence the growth of the fish Cyprinus carpio when chronically exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Cu (0.05 and 0.1 mg/L) and Ni (0.5 and 1.0 mg/L) in the presence of the weed and to compare between effects of Cu and Ni. Methods: Experiments were conducted in cement tanks for 90 days. Accumulation of Cu and Ni in water, sediment, fish and weed was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer at the end of the experiments. The data were taken as factors to evaluate the interaction between the treatments of metals and weed and their impact on the growth of the fish. Multiple quadratic regression models followed by surface response plots were used to evaluate the interactions and their effects on the growth of C. carpio. Results: The results indicated that the presence of the weed could reduce the accumulation of Cu and Ni in the sediment and fish and thus could ameliorate the ill effects of these metals on the growth of the fish. But there was a difference in growth response between the metals. By using the quadratic polynomial regression model and the surface response plot, it was revealed that Cu produced more deleterious effects on the growth of C. carpio than Ni. The weed interacted better with Cu than Ni, but for both the metals, the weed failed to prevent adverse effects on the growth of fish at a higher concentration of the metals used. Conclusion: The quadratic polynomial regression model followed by the surface response plot is a powerful tool to analyze the interaction between the weed and the treatments of metals and to compare the adverse effects of Cu and Ni on the growth of C. carpio.

In the present work, we focused on two aspects of mercury (Hg) bioconcentration in the above-ground parts of Neoboletus luridiformis. In the first part, we monitored the bioconcentration potential of individual anatomical parts of a particular fruiting body and evaluated the obtained data by the spline interpolation method. In the second part, we focused on assessing the mercury content in 378 samples of N. luridiformis and associated samples of substrates from 38 localities with different levels of Hg content in Slovakia. From the obtained data of Hg content in samples of substrate and fungi, we evaluated ecological indicators (geoaccumulation index – Igeo, contamination factor – Cf a potential ecological risk – PER), bioconcentration indicators (bioconcentration factor – BCF; cap/stipe quotient – Qc/s) and health indicators (percentage of provisional tolerable weekly intake – %PTWI a target hazard quotient – THQ). Based on the Hg distribution results, the highest Hg content was found in the tubes & pores (3.86 mg/kg DW), followed by the flesh of cap (1.82 mg/kg DW). The lowest Hg content was in the stipe (1.23 mg/kg DW). The results of the BCF values indicate that the studied species can be included in the category of mercury accumulators. The results of the ecological indices representing the state of soil pollution pointed out that two localities (Malachov and Nižná Slaná) stood apart from all monitored localities and showed a state of an extremely disturbed environment. This fact was also reflected in the values of Hg content in the fruiting bodies of the studied mushroom species. In the case of the consumption of mushrooms from these localities, it can be stated that long-term and regular consumption could have a negative non-carcinogenic effect on the health of consumers. It was confirmed by the %PTWI (Malachov: 57.8%; Nižná Slaná: 53.2%) and THQ (Malachov: 1.11 Nižná Slaná: 1.02). The locality Čačín-Jelšovec is interesting from the bioconcentration characteristics point of view, where the level of environmental pollution was the lowest (Hg content in the soil was below the background value) compared to other localities, however, the THQ value was the highest (1.29). Supplementary material: [https://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4876]

International audience; This study aims to establish for the first time a comparison between the resistance to cadmium (Cd) stress of three halophyte species, Atriplex canescens, Atriplex halimus and Atriplex nummularia in addition to their already known tolerance for salt and drought. Plants were exposed to CdCl2 (20 and 50 μM) in the presence or in the absence of salt (50 mM NaCl) for one and two months. The amount of accumulated Cd was determined in the roots and leaves as well as the amount excreted on the surface of the leaves. Physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content and stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde and enzymatic activities, were then analyzed. The results show that these plants are able to neutralize the excess of reactive oxygen species resulting from treatments by activating the antioxidant defense mechanisms in order to restore the homeostasis of cells. All three species are also able to accumulate high amounts of Cd in the leaves (several hundred mg of Cd/kg of dry leaves) and this phenomenon is amplified in the presence of salt. All together our results allow to consider the three Atriplex species as hyperaccumulators in the presence/absence of salt and as good candidates in a strategy of Cd phytoextraction in the presence of low concentrations of the pollutant. Nevertheless, both A. canescens and A. nummularia species seem to have a higher capacity to hyper-accumulate Cd when the concentration of Cd reaches higher level of contamination.

After application, pesticides remained in the field may contaminate water resources through surface runoff and leaching, posing a threat to aquatic ecosystem. In the current study, the accumulation, translocation, distribution and removal of four triazine pesticides (simazine, atrazine, terbuthylazine and metribuzin) by free floating aquatic plant Eichhornia crassipes (E. crassipes) in water-sediment microcosm were investigated and the removal mechanisms were explored. E. crassipes was exposed to an initial concentration of 50 μg·L−1 and the pesticide levels in water, sediment, roots and shoots of E. crassipes were monitored during 30 days. The results demonstrated that E. crassipes was capable of accumulating triazine pesticides with the bio-concentration factor (BCF) ranging from 0.8 to 18.4. Triazine pesticides were mainly stored in roots, and root accumulation and translocation amount depend on the hydrophobicity of the pesticides. The removal of the pesticides in water were significantly accelerated by the presence of E. crassipes, with the removal efficiency ranging from 66% to 79% after 30 days of treatment. Though phytoaccumulation only constituted 2–18% of the total spiked pesticides in the microcosm, E. crassipes played a vital role in removing simazine, atrazine and metribuzin. However, microbial degradation in sediment was the main pathway for the removal of terbuthylazine in the microcosm. This study demonstrated the potential application of E. crassipes to accelerate removal of contaminants from aquatic environment.

The biosynthesis of anthocyanins has been shown to be influenced by light quality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the light-mediated regulation of fruit anthocyanin biosynthesis are not well understood. In this study, we analysed the effects of supplemental red and blue light on the anthocyanin biosynthesis in non-climacteric bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.). After 6 days of continuous irradiation during ripening, both red and blue light elevated concentration of anthocyanins, up to 12- and 4-folds, respectively, compared to the control. Transcriptomic analysis of ripening berries showed that both light treatments up-regulated all the major anthocyanin structural genes, the key regulatory MYB transcription factors and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthetic genes. However, higher induction of specific genes of anthocyanin and delphinidin biosynthesis alongside ABA signal perception and metabolism were found in red light. The difference in red and blue light signalling was found in 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED), ABA receptor pyrabactin resistance-like (PYL) and catabolic ABA-8'hydroxylase gene expression. Red light also up-regulated expression of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) domain transporters, which may indicate involvement of these proteins in vesicular trafficking of anthocyanins during fruit ripening. Our results suggest differential signal transduction and transport mechanisms between red and blue light in ABA-regulated anthocyanin and delphinidin biosynthesis during bilberry fruit ripening.

NaCl stress causes oxidative stress in plants, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) could alleviate such abiotic stress by enhancing the synthesis of phenolics, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. We investigated the effects of GABA on phenolics accumulation in soybean sprouts under NaCl stress by measuring changes in the content of physiological biochemicals and phenolic substances, in the activity and gene expression of key enzymes, and in antioxidant capacity. GABA reduced the oxidative damage in soybean sprouts caused by NaCl stress and enhanced the content of total phenolics, phenolic acids, and isoflavones by 16.58%, 22.47%, and 3.75%, respectively. It also increased the activities and expression of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase, and 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase. Furthermore, GABA increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the antioxidant capacity. These events were inhibited by 3-mercaptopropionate (an inhibitor for GABA synthesis), indicating that GABA mediated phenolics accumulation and antioxidant system enhancement in soybean sprouts under NaCl stress.

Phytochelatins (PCs) play important roles in the detoxification of and tolerance to heavy metals in plants. The synthesis of PCs is catalyzed by phytochelatin synthase (PCS), which is activated by heavy metal ions. In this study, we isolated a PCS gene, BnPCS1, from the bast fiber crop ramie (Boehmeria nivea) using the RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) method. The full-length BnPCS1 cDNA is 1,949 bp in length with a 1,518 bp open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a 505 amino acid protein. The deduced BnPCS1 protein has a conserved N-terminus containing the catalytic triad Cys58, His164, Asp182, and a flexible C-terminal region containing a C371C372QETC376VKC379 motif. The BnPCS1 promoter region contains several cis-acting elements involved in phytohormone or abiotic stress responses. Subcellular localization analysis indicates that the BnPCS1-GFP protein localizes to the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Real-time PCR assays show that the expression of BnPCS1 is significantly induced by cadmium (Cd) and the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA). Overexpression lines of BnPCS1 exhibited better root growth and fresh weight, lower level of MDA and H2O2, and higher Cd accumulation and translocation factor compared to the WT under Cd stress. Taken together, these results could provide new gene resources for phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

The fate and effects of microplastics in the marine environment are an increasingly important area of research, policy and legislation. To manage and reduce microplastics in the seas and oceans, and to help understand causes and effects, we need improved understanding of transport patterns, transit times and accumulation areas. In this paper, we use a particle tracking model to investigate the differences in dispersal and accumulation of microplastics with different properties (floating and sinking) in the North Sea. In these simulations, particles were released with a uniform horizontal distribution, and also from rivers at rates proportional to the river runoff. The results showed that floating particles can accumulate temporarily on salinity fronts and in gyres, and are deposited predominantly on west-facing beaches. Sinking particles moved more slowly and less far, accumulated in deeper areas associated with fine sediments, and were deposited more on west- and north-facing beaches. The model was also applied to the MSC Zoe incident of 1 January 2019, in which 342 containers were lost north of the Dutch Wadden islands in the southern North Sea, tracking two types of microplastics with similar properties (∼5mm floating HDPE pellets and ∼0.6mm sinking PS grains) to identify release locations and potential accumulation areas. We used field observations collected by a citizen science initiative (waddenplastic.nl) to constrain the model results. For these simulations, particles were released along the ship’s trajectory and at locations on the trajectory where debris was found. The simulations of the MSC Zoe incident showed that over 90% of floating (∼5mm) HDPE pellets beached within 3–7 weeks, and predominantly on the more eastern Dutch Wadden Islands in agreement with the field observations, and that most of the sinking (∼0.6mm) PS grains were still at sea after 6 weeks, and a large proportion may have been deposited on German shores. The work is relevant to Descriptor 10 (Marine Litter) of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Uranium (U) is a naturally-occurring radionuclide toxic for living organisms that can take it up. To date, the mechanisms of U uptake are far from being understood. Here, we used the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a unicellular eukaryote model to identify U assimilation pathways. Thus, we have identified, for the first time, transport machineries capable of transporting U in a living organism. First, we evidenced a metabolism-dependent U transport in yeast. Then, competition experiments with essential metals allowed us to identify calcium, iron and copper entry pathways as potential routes for U uptake. The analysis of various metal transport mutants revealed that mid1Δ, cch1Δ and ftr1Δ mutants, affected in calcium (Mid1/Cch1 channel) and Fe(III) (Ftr1/Fet3 complex) transport, respectively, exhibited highly reduced U uptake rates and accumulation, demonstrating the implication of these import systems in U uptake. Finally, expression of the Mid1 gene into the mid1Δ mutant restored U uptake levels of the wild type strain, underscoring the central role of the Mid1/Cch1 calcium channel in U absorption process in yeast. Our results also open up the opportunity for rapid screening of U-transporter candidates by functional expression in yeast, before their validation in more complex higher eukaryote model systems.HighlightsLiving yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is able to take up UAvailability of a metabolizable substrate stimulates U uptakeCalcium, iron and copper inhibit U uptakeStrains deleted in Mid1/Cch1 calcium channel and Ftr1 iron permease are affected in U uptakeExpression of MID1 gene in mid1Δ strain restore wild type levels of U uptakeGraphical Abstract

The potential of Lemna minor to valorise agricultural wastewater into a protein-rich feed component to meet the growing demand for animal feed protein and reduce the excess of nutrients in certain European regions was investigated. Three pilot-scale systems were monitored for nine weeks under outdoor conditions in Flanders. The systems were fed with a mixture of the liquid fraction and the biological effluent of a swine manure treatment system diluted with rainwater in order that the weekly N and P addition was equal to the N and P removal by the system. The design tested the accumulation of elements in a continuous recirculation system. Potassium, Cl, S, Ca, and Mg were abundantly available in the swine manure wastewaters and tended to accumulate, being a possible cause of concern for long-operating recirculation systems. The harvested duckweed was characterised for its mineral composition and protein content. In animal husbandry, trace elements are specifically added to animal feed as micronutrients and, thus, feedstuffs biofortified with essential trace elements can provide added value. Duckweed grown on the tested mixture of swine manure waste streams could be considered as a source of Mn, Zn, and Fe for swine feed, while it is not a source of Cu for swine feed. Moreover, it was observed that As, Cd, and Pb content were below the limits of the feed Directive 2002/32/EC in the duckweed grown on the tested medium. Overall, these results demonstrate that duckweed can effectively remove nutrients from agriculture wastewaters in a recirculated system while producing a feed source with a protein content of 35% DM.

Plant viruses transmitted by hemipteran vectors commonly cause losses to crop production. Rice stripe virus (RSV) and rice black streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) are transmitted to rice plants by the same vector, the small brown planthopper (SBPH), Laodelphax striatellus Fallén, in a persistent propagative manner. However, rarely do the respective diseases they cause occur simultaneously in a field. Here, we determined the acquisition efficiency of RSV and RBSDV when acquired in succession or simultaneously by SBPH. When RBSDV was acquired first, RSV acquisition efficiency was significantly lower than when only acquiring RSV. However, RBSDV acquisition efficiency from insects that acquired RSV first was not significantly different between the insects only acquiring RBSDV. Immunofluorescence assays showed that the acquisition of RBSDV first might inhibit RSV entry into midgut epithelial cells, but RSV did not affect RBSDV entry. SBPHs were more likely to acquire RBSDV when they were feeding on plants coinfected with the two viruses. When RBSDV was acquired before RSV, RBSDV titer was significantly higher and RSV titer first declined, then increased compared to when only acquiring RBSDV or RSV. Only 5% of the SBPHs acquired both viruses when feeding on plants coinfected with RSV and RBSDV. These results provide a better understanding of the interaction between two persistent viruses when present in the same vector insect and explain why RSV and RBSDV occur in intermittent epidemics.

Cultures of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis are frequently affected by accumulation of the amnesic shellfish poisoning toxin domoic acid (DA). This species is characterized by a fast uptake and release of the toxin. In this work, the main characteristics of the uptake mechanism have been studied by incubation of digestive gland thin slices in media with different composition and DA concentration. DA uptake seems to follow Michaelis–Menten kinetics, with a very high estimated KM (1722 µg DA mL−1) and a Vmax of 71.9 µg DA g−1 h−1, which is similar to those found for other amino acids in invertebrates. Replacement of NaCl from the incubation media by Cl-choline (Na+-free medium) did not significantly reduce the uptake, but replacement by sorbitol (Na+-free and Cl−-depleted medium) did. A new experiment replacing all chlorides with their equivalent gluconates (Na+- and Cl−-free medium) showed an important reduction in the uptake that should be attributed to the absence of chloride, pointing to a Na+-independent, Cl− (or anion-) dependent transporter. In media with Na+ and Cl−, neither decreasing the pH nor adding cyanide (a metabolic inhibitor) had significant effect on DA uptake, suggesting that the transport mechanism is not H+- or ATP-dependent. In a chloride depleted medium, lowering pH or adding CN increased the uptake, suggesting that other anions could, at least partially, substitute chloride.

almessiere, munirah a/0000-0003-1651-3591; Slimani, Yassine/0000-0002-2579-1617; Baykal, Abdulhadi/0000-0002-5205-0937; Demirci, Tuna/0000-0001-8933-4944; Tombuloglu, Huseyin/0000-0001-8546-2658 WOS: 000494768600001 This study investigates (i) in planta uptake and transfer of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the plant body and (ii) impact of MNPs on plant nutrition. For these purposes, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings were subjected by varied MNP doses (125 to 1000 mg L-1 of CoNd0.2Fe1.8O4) for 3 weeks in a hydroponic system. Plant tissues (root and leaf) were analyzed by using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) techniques to understand MNPs' uptake and translocation in the plant body, and plant nutrition status as well. Elemental composition and magnetic behavior analyses of plant parts proved that MNPs, sized in 8.4 +/- 0.05 nm, are uptaken by the plant roots and led to an increase in iron (Fe), neodymium (Nd), and cobalt (Co) contents of leaves (p < 0.005). However, compared with the untreated control, the amount of some macro- and micro-elements (K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and P) are declined in the leaf by increased MNP doses (p < 0.05). Root-to-leaf translocation index (%) of the elements were dramatically decreased, except the one for Fe which increased from 25 (control) to 55% in 1000 mg L-1 condition. Accordingly, MNPs are uptaken by the plant roots and transferred to the leaves. However, it suppresses the translocation of essential nutrients. This finding shows that MNPs used in this study is detrimental for plant mineral nutrition. Besides, the VSM technique coupled with ICP-OES enables to track MNPs in the plant body. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) [2018-139-IRMC] The authors would like to the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR) fund of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) with 2018-139-IRMC project number.

International audience; This study aimed to determine uranium (U) pollution over time using otoliths as a marker of fish U contamination. Experiments were performed in field contamination (~20 μg L−1: encaged fish: 15d, 50d and collected wild fish) and in laboratory exposure conditions (20 and 250 μg L−1, 20d). We reported the U seasonal concentrations in field waterborne exposed roach fish (Rutilus rutilus), in organs and otoliths. Otoliths were analyzed by ICPMS and LA-ICP SF MS of the entire growth zone.Concentrations were measured on transects from nucleus to the edge of otoliths to characterize environmental variations of metal accumulation. Results showed a spatial and temporal variation of U contamination in water (from 51 to 9.4 μg L−1 at the surface of the water column), a high and seasonal accumulation in fish organs, mainly the digestive tract (from 1000 to 30,000 ng g−1, fw), the gills (from 1600 to 3200 ng g−1, fw) and the muscle (from 144 to 1054 ng g−1, fw). U was detected throughout the otolith and accumulation varied over the season from 70 to 350 ng g−1, close to the values measured (310 ng g−1) after high exposure levels in laboratory conditions. U in otoliths of encaged fish showed rapid and high U accumulation from 20 to 150 ng g−1. The U accumulation signal was mainly detected on the edge of the otolith, showing two U accumulation peaks, probably correlated to fish age, i.e. 2 years old. Surprisingly, elemental U and Zn signatures followed the same pattern therefore using the same uptake pathways. Laboratory, caging and field experiments indicated that otoliths were able to quickly accumulate U on the surface even for low levels and to store high levels of U. This study is an encouraging first step in using otoliths as a marker of U exposure.

The membrane-embedded FtsH proteases found in bacteria, chloroplasts, and mitochondria are involved in diverse cellular processes including protein quality control and regulation. The genome of the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp PCC 6803 encodes four FtsH homologs designated FtsH1 to FtsH4. The FtsH3 homolog is present in two hetero-oligomeric complexes: FtsH2/3, which is responsible for photosystem II quality control, and the essential FtsH1/3 complex, which helps maintain Fe homeostasis by regulating the level of the transcription factor Fur. To gain a more comprehensive insight into the physiological roles of FtsH hetero-complexes, we performed genome-wide expression profiling and global proteomic analyses of Synechocystis mutants conditionally depleted of FtsH3 or FtsH1 grown under various nutrient conditions. We show that the lack of FtsH1/3 leads to a drastic reduction in the transcriptional response to nutrient stress of not only Fur but also the Pho, NdhR, and NtcA regulons. In addition, this effect is accompanied by the accumulation of the respective transcription factors. Thus, the FtsH1/3 complex is of critical importance for acclimation to iron, phosphate, carbon, and nitrogen starvation in Synechocystis. Germany Federal Ministry of Education and Research [031L0106B] Grant Agency of the Czech RepublicGrant Agency of the Czech Republic [P501-12-G055] Czech Ministry of Education Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports - Czech Republic [LO1416] Portuguese Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (Foundation for Science and Technology) [PTDC/BIA-MIC/4418/2012, IF/00881/2013, UID/Multi/04326/2013] United Kingdom Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) [BB/M012166/1, BB/M000265/1] European Research CouncilEuropean Research Council (ERC) [338895]

Aim.Identification of metal transference characteristics in components of the ecosystem of the north‐western part of the Caspian Sea. Material and Methods.Sampling was carried out according to generally accepted methods and the determination of heavy metals was carried out by atomic absorption spectroscopy using an atomic absorption spectrometer with electro‐thermal atomization MGA‐915 MD. Results. In studying the migration of trace elements in the trophic chains of the Caspian Sea sturgeon species it was found that: (a) chromium, manganese and iron do not accumulate along the trophic chain researched; (b) accumulation of lead and cobalt above the trophic level occupied by benthic invertebrates did not occur; (c) cadmium, nickel and copper were accumulated primarily by benthic organisms, while cadmium and nickel accumulated in the kidneys of Russian and Persian sturgeons and copper accumulated in the liver of both species (d) bioaccumulation of zinc occurs sequentially in the links: soil‐water‐benthic invertebrates‐benthophage fish (in Russian and Persian sturgeons in their kidneys, liver and muscles) and (e) mercury migrates along the links of the food chain, accumulation coefficients increasing progressively in the system: soil‐Didacna mollusc‐benthophage fish (in Russian and Persian sturgeons in their kidneys, liver and muscles). Conclusion.The accumulation of heavy metals from water amongst aquatic organisms depends on the properties of the metal, its involvement in biochemical processes, species, biological status and the nature of abiotic living conditions.

Coumarins, also known as 1,2-benzopyrones, comprise a large class of secondary metabolites that are ubiquitously found throughout the plant kingdom. In many plant species, coumarins are particularly important for iron acquisition and plant defence. Here, we show that COUMARIN SYNTHASE (COSY) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of coumarins. Arabidopsis thaliana cosy mutants have strongly reduced levels of coumarin and accumulate o-hydroxyphenylpropanoids instead. Accordingly, cosy mutants have reduced iron content and show growth defects when grown under conditions in which there is a limited availability of iron. Recombinant COSY is able to produce umbelliferone, esculetin and scopoletin from their respective o-hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA thioesters by two reaction steps—a trans–cis isomerization followed by a lactonization. This conversion happens partially spontaneously and is catalysed by light, which explains why the need for an enzyme for this conversion has been overlooked. The combined results show that COSY has an essential function in the biosynthesis of coumarins in organs that are shielded from light, such as roots. These findings provide routes to improving coumarin production in crops or by microbial fermentation. Coumarins are a large class of plant secondary metabolites in the phenylpropanoids family. Now, a novel enzyme, coumarin synthase, is shown to catalyse a key step of coumarin synthesis in Arabidopsis roots and regulate iron uptake in alkaline soils.

Background Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is an edible cereal crop whose sprouts have been marketed and commercialized for their higher levels of anti-oxidants, including rutin and anthocyanin. UDP-glucose flavonoid glycosyltransferases (UFGTs) play an important role in the biosynthesis of flavonoids in plants. So far, few studies are available on UFGT genes that may play a role in tartary buckwheat flavonoids biosynthesis. Here, we report on the identification and functional characterization of seven UFGTs from tartary buckwheat that are potentially involved in flavonoid biosynthesis (and have varying effects on plant growth and development when overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana.) Results Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the potential function of the seven FtUFGT proteins, FtUFGT6, FtUFGT7, FtUFGT8, FtUFGT9, FtUFGT15, FtUFGT40, and FtUFGT41, could be divided into three Arabidopsis thaliana functional subgroups that are involved in flavonoid biosynthesis of and anthocyanin accumulation. A significant positive correlation between FtUFGT8 and FtUFGT15 expression and anthocyanin accumulation capacity was observed in the tartary buckwheat seedlings after cold stress. Overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana showed that FtUFGT8, FtUFGT15, and FtUFGT41 significantly increased the anthocyanin content in transgenic plants. Unexpectedly, overexpression of FtUFGT6, while not leading to enhanced anthocyanin accumulation, significantly enhanced the growth yield of transgenic plants. When wild-type plants have only cotyledons, most of the transgenic plants of FtUFGT6 had grown true leaves. Moreover, the growth speed of the oxFtUFGT6 transgenic plant root was also significantly faster than that of the wild type. At later growth, FtUFGT6 transgenic plants showed larger leaves, earlier twitching times and more tillers than wild type, whereas FtUFGT15 showed opposite results. Conclusions Seven FtUFGTs were isolated from tartary buckwheat. FtUFGT8, FtUFGT15, and FtUFGT41 can significantly increase the accumulation of total anthocyanins in transgenic plants. Furthermore, overexpression of FtUFGT6 increased the overall yield of Arabidopsis transgenic plants at all growth stages. However, FtUFGT15 shows the opposite trend at later growth stage and delays the growth speed of plants. These results suggested that the biological function of FtUFGT genes in tartary buckwheat is diverse. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12870-019-1955-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Bekiroglu/0000-0002-9883-0250; Elmas, Gulnur Mertoglu/0000-0002-4481-3850 WOS:000478803800031 Toilet paper is widely used in residences. The low biodegradability of toilet paper's pulp fibers can cause residence sewer lines to clog, which may be due to some additives or the presence of nonwoven fiber products. In this study, the disintegration rate of toilet paper was compared against various physical factors of the toilet paper sheet. The samples were disintegrated in water at varying pH levels. In the manufacturing of toilet paper, there must be a balance between the desired softness and the necessary wet strength. Twelve commonly used brands of toilet paper were purchased locally. Physical factors of toilet paper samples such as degree of polymerization, thickness, grammage, and softness were determined. The samples were evaluated based on 9 variables using correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses. A strong positive relationship was found between the degree of disintegration of toilet tissue paper and its physical factors. These were the degree of polymerization, the grammage, thickness, and the softness. Additionally, the amount of polymers applied to toilet paper decreased the degree of softness and adversely affected the redispersion of fibers. Thus, this work supports the idea that toilet paper can contribute to clogging of residential sewerage lines.

Salinity as a major agricultural problem can affect crop growth and quality. Onion (Allium cepa L.) plant contains a wide variety of sulfur-containing compounds which may be involved in plant protection against salt stress. In the current study, a similar reduction in growth caused by chloride and sulfate salts was observed when onion was exposed to equimolar concentrations of Na+. Also, no difference was observed for shoot/root ratio and dry matter content of roots and shoots. Plants accumulated Na+ and the respective anions (chloride and sulfate) which in turn caused changes in the content of other nutrients. The content of potassium and calcium was decreased more than the other elements by both sodium salts. Sulfate salinity resulted in substantial increase in total sulfur and sulfate content but chloride salinity affected neither the total sulfur nor sulfate content of the roots and shoots, only in onion exposed to 200 mM chloride salt, those of roots and shoots were reduced. Furthermore, the water-soluble non-protein thiol content as well as the content of alliin remained rather unaffected. In conclusion, either salts affected the uptake and distribution of sulfate in onion, but had no or only a minor effect on the plant sulfur metabolism.

The aim of this work was to determine how two cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulating plants in feed affect a consumer organism (Rattus norvegicus var. alba). Using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Cd concentrations were analyzed in Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus var. alba) tissues. Rats were fed the Cd and Zn hyperaccumulating plants Noccaea caerulescens or Arabidopsis halleri. Rats given Arabidopsis halleri took in 4 times as much Cd as did rats fed Noccaea caerulescens. However, the muscle, intestinal, kidney, spleen, testicular, bone and liver tissues of rats fed A.halleri had 7.3, 5.6, 5.5, 3.5, 3.1, 2.5 and 2.3 times higher Cd concentrations, respectively, than did tissues of rats fed N. caerulescens. A. halleri burdened the muscle, small intestinal, and kidney tissues with Cd to a greater extent than did N. caerulescens. However, the spleen, testes, bone and liver were significantly more burdened with Cd by N. caerulescens. In both experimental groups (rats given N. caerulescens as well as those given A. halleri), the highest Cd concentrations were found (in descending order) in the kidneys > liver > small intestine > spleen > testes > bone > and muscle. This information is vital in situations where, for example, livestock can graze on these plants or when other animals and humans accidentally consume these plants.

Nitrogen fertilization regimes significantly affect both grain quality and yield. Wheat plants were subjected to different application timing of topdressed nitrogen at the emergence of the top fifth (TL5), top third (TL3) and top first leaf (TL1), respectively. The iTRAQ (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation) technology was adopted to obtain the complete proteome of wheat flour and to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) as regulated by nitrogen topdressing timing. Collectively, 591 proteins into 17 functional categories in flour of mature grains were identified. In comparison to TL3, 50 and 63 DEPs were identified in TL5 and TL1, respectively. Nine of the DEPs commonly dependent on nitrogen topdressing timing are the γ-gliadins or high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits. Additionally, delaying nitrogen topdressing modified the grain hardness and allergic protein content. The results suggested that altering nitrogen topdressing timing is a potential strategy for pursuing targeted processing quality of wheat flour.

Aims: Dicranopteris linearis is a fern that accumulates unusually high concentrations (up to 0.3% dry weight) of rare earth elements (REEs) in China. Previously, we reported that D. linearis accumulates high concentrations of aluminium (Al) and silicon (Si) in the fronds, but the interactions between these elements and REEs were unknown. Methods: In this study, a range of analytical techniques, including chemical extractions, Scanning-Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were used to study the association of REEs with Al and Si. Results: The results show that D. linearis accumulates high concentrations of REEs (up to 3830 mg kg−1), Al (up to 9660 mg kg−1) and Si (up to 20,300 mg kg−1), with concentrations increasing with age and frond order of pinna. The extraction patterns suggest the existence of REEs-Si and Al-Si complexes. The SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the existence of phytoliths (Al) deposits in the protoplast and apoplast of the pinna cells. The upper epidermis of the pinnule and the pericycle of the midvein are more concentrated in phytoliths (Al) particles. The LA-ICP-MS analysis revealed that REEs and Al are preferentially compartmentalized within bio-inactive tissues of the pinnules, e.g. necrotic tissues (REEs) and in the margins (Al). Conclusions: Co-deposition of Si with REEs and Al may be a mechanism for dealing with the high concentrations of REEs and Al in D. linearis fronds.

The accumulation of hydrogen inside a solids occurs in traps of a different nature. The following things are known in addition to finding hydrogen in interstitial sites: dislocation mechanisms of hydrogen storage, micropores and microcracks, sorption on the free surface of microdefects, chemical traps with the formation of hydrides and other compounds, both with matrix material and with impurities or components of alloys. It is established that each type of trap has its own binding energy of hydrogen, which can vary from 0.2 eV for hydrogen gas in microdefects to several eV for hydrogen chemically bound in traps. Measurements of the distribution of hydrogen concentration dissolved in a solid body over binding energies provide a clue as to the understanding of hydrogen impact on mechanical properties and to the development of technologies for controlling the materials properties during their production and operation. The paper presents the results of simulation experiments on hydrogen saturation of materials in the presence of chemical traps. The proposed model, based on the numerical solution of the diffusion equation in the presence of irreversible capture, made it possible to describe the absorption process and determine the activation energies of hydrogen interaction with the material.

Current nanomedicine suffers from a big challenge due to the fact that most of the nanocarrier systems lack the desired tumor penetration depth, thereby limiting their clinical translation. Unlike the nanomaterials with a similar size or shape, microgels display excellent softness, fluidity and deformability, as well as stimuli-responsiveness in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we report the synthesis of temperature-responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)/oligo (ethylene glycol) acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate (PVCL/OEGA/GMA) microgels with different hydrodynamic radii (100-500 nm), crosslinking densities, 2-methoxyethyl acrylate (MEA) contents and OEGA chain lengths using a precipitation polymerization method and the investigation of the microgels in terms of their tumor penetration capability using a multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) model. The prepared microgels were well characterized with different techniques. We show that regardless of the size, crosslinking density, MEA content and OEGA chain length, all microgels display the desired cytocompatibility in the given concentration range. In vitro cellular uptake data reveal that similar to 2-dimensional (2-D) adherent cells, microgels with a smaller size display more enhanced cellular uptake than those having a larger size in the 3-D MCTS model. Likewise, 3-D MCTS penetration results indicate that the PVCL/OEGA/GMA microgels with the smallest radius of 100 nm exhibit the deepest penetration length. We then selected the microgels with a radius of 200 nm but with different physicochemical parameters to investigate their cellular uptake and tumor penetration behavior. Our data show that microgels with varying crosslinking densities, MEA contents and OEGA chain lengths do not have any appreciable changes in terms of their cellular uptake and penetration in the 3-D MCTS model. Our study provides new insights for the design of different microgel-based systems for further cancer theranostic applications.

Concerns about poaching and trafficking have led conservationists to seek urgent responses to tackle the impact on wildlife. One possible solution is the militarisation of conservation, which holds potentially far-reaching consequences. It is important to engage critically with the militarisation of conservation, including identifying and reflecting on the problems it produces for wildlife, for people living with wildlife and for those tasked with implementing militarised strategies. This Perspectives piece is a first step towards synthesising the main themes in emerging critiques of militarised conservation. We identify five major themes: first, the importance of understanding how poaching is defined; second, understanding the ways that local communities experience militarised conservation; third, the experiences of rangers; fourth, how the militarisation of conservation can contribute to violence where conservation operates in the context of armed conflict; and finally how it fits in with and reflects wider political economic dynamics. Ultimately, we suggest that failure to engage more critically with militarisation risks making things worse for the people involved and lead to poor conservation outcomes in the long run.

Microplastics, transported by rivers to oceans, are triggering environmental concern. This study aims to better understand river export of microplastics from land to sea. We developed the Global Riverine Export of Microplastics into Seas (GREMiS) model, a global, spatially explicit model for analysing the annual microplastics export to coastal seas. Our results indicate that riverine microplastics export varies among world regions, with several hotspots, e.g., South East Asia, and, depending on the 2050 scenario, may be doubled (‘Business as usual’) or halved due to improved waste management (‘Environment profits’). Globally, our model simulations indicated fragmentation of macroplastics as the main source of microplastics, but this result heavily depends on the assumed fragmentation rate. Sewerage discharges contributed only 20%, ranging from 1% (Africa) to 60% (OECD countries) and decreasing by 2050 as a result of improved sanitation. We conclude that, combating microplastics in the aquatic environment requires more region-specific analyses.

A large magnitude 7.8 earthquakes occurred in Ecuador at 23:58:36 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on April 16, 2016. In this paper, we revisit this earthquake by simultaneously analyzing the magnetic field data of Swarm satellite A and satellite C based on principal component analysis (PCA), and the eigenvalues and principal components are calculated throughout 2016. We find that the first principal component mainly contains the signal originating from solar-terrestrial effects such as geomagnetic activity since the first eigenvalue and the geomagnetic index are highly correlated. Therefore, the second principal component is used to extract the anomalies associated with the Ecuador earthquake in terms of skewness and kurtosis. The anomalous tracks of the S-K (Skewness-Kurtosis) coefficient are accumulated from 90 days before the event to 30 days after. The cumulative number follows an accelerating power-law behavior before the earthquake and decelerating recovery behavior after the earthquake; moreover, the inflection point of the sigmoidal fitting curve is close to the time of the earthquake. The cumulative number of anomalous tracks in the random regions shows a linear increase, further verifying the correlation between anomalies extracted and the Ecuador earthquake. This phenomenon could be related to the preparation phase and the aftershock phase of the Ecuador earthquake.

Releases of avalanches are an important factor of snow accumulation for many mountain glaciers. However, the quantitative estimate of the share of avalanche snow in the incoming part of the mass balance has not yet been standardized due to the lack of a universal methodological scheme for the calculation and collection of actual material. In rare cases, e.g. for the Djankuat Glacier in the Caucasus, this problem is partly solved. Here, the conceptual basis of the required calculations is created, and the input information has been supplied for many years by the route snow-measuring profling performed in the spring close to the date of the maximum of seasonal snow reserves and accompanied by direct feld mapping. Annually, avalanche deposits attributed to additional snow income from outside the glacier are recorded in all high-altitude morphological zones, with the exception of the lowest (< 2850 m) hypsometric belt, although in the half-century history of monitoring there were cases when snow avalanches reached it. Te volume of avalanche deposits was calculated for 15 years afer 1991/92, and each time it correlated with the gross snow accumulation of the corresponding balance year. Te contribution of snow avalanches to the income of substances on the glacier varies from 1.8 to 10.0% and averages 4.7%. Paradoxical (but only at frst glance) conclusion based on the analysis of data on volumes of avalanche and total accumulation is the feedback of these indicators (r= -0.58). It should be noted that the share of avalanche contribution to alimentation of the glacier has a more convincing feedback with accumulation and background snow content of winter (r= -0.72). Probably, the revealed tendency of increasing role of the additional avalanche alimentation in low-snow years (and vice versa) is not limited by the only reference object, and it is true for any glacier prone to the avalanche influence.

Within the coastal zone, oceanographic features, such as fronts, can have major effects on the abundance and distribution of larval fish. We investigated the effects of fronts on larval fish assemblages by jointly collecting physical (ADCP and CTD) and biological (larvae) data in the nearshore waters of the south coast of South Africa, on four separate neap-tide occasions. Accumulation of fish larvae at predominantly internal wave-associated fronts was observed, with higher larval densities inshore of and within the front than farther offshore. On each occasion, larvae of coastal species with pelagic eggs (Mugillidae and Sparidae) were numerically dominant at the front itself, while inshore of the front, larvae of coastal species with benthic eggs (Gobiesocidae and Gobiidae) were more abundant. Offshore catches mainly comprised Engraulidae (pelagic species with pelagic eggs) larvae, which were generally restricted to the bottom, where current velocities were onshore on each occasion. On the occasion when fast (>100 cm/s) currents prevailed, however, accumulation of the larvae of coastal species occurred offshore of the front, and larvae were mixed throughout the water column. Thus, larval occurrence at these coastal frontal systems was strongly affected by the degree of mixing by currents, which on most occasions resulted in onshore retention. The results underline the importance of frontal systems in determining the nearshore distributions of fish larvae, particularly by retaining coastal fish species in the inshore region. The environmental variability observed at these frontal systems has potential implications for larval connectivity of fish populations.

Semicarbazide is a newly recognized marine pollutant and has the potential to threaten marine shellfish, the ecological equilibrium and human health. In this study, we examined the accumulation, distribution, and chemical forms of semicarbazide in scallop tissues after exposure to 10, 100, and 1000 μg/L for 30 d at 10 °C. We found a positive correlation between semicarbazide residues in the scallops and the exposure concentration (p &lt, 0.01). Semicarbazide existed primarily in free form in all tissues while bound semicarbazide ranged from 12.1 to 32.7% and was tissue-dependent. The time for semicarbazide to reach steady-state enrichment was 25 days and the highest levels were found in the disgestive gland, followed by gills while levels in gonads and mantle were similar and were lowest in adductor muscle. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of semicarbazide at low exposure concentrations was higher than that at high exposure concentrations. These results indicated that the scallop can uptake semicarbazide from seawater and this affects the quality and safety of these types of products when used as a food source.