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Among the compounds present in necro-leachate, a liquid released during the process of decomposition of the human body, are the biogenic amines cadaverine and putrescine. Although some studies on necro-leachate have indicated a potential ecotoxicological and public health risk associated with it, the research on this type of contamination is still rather limited. This study presents information about the phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic potential of cadaverine and putrescine, evaluated separately and within a mixture. Phytotoxicity was evaluated through a germination test, the initial growth of seedlings with Lactuca sativa, and cytogenotoxicity through chromosomal aberration and micronucleus tests with Allium cepa. The L. sativa results showed a phytotoxic effect for the evaluated amines, by reducing root (>90%) and hypocotyl (>80%) elongation. The co-exposure of cadaverine and putrescine potentiated cytogenotoxic activity by aneugenic action in the meristematic cells of A. cepa. From this result, it is possible to infer the eco-toxicogenic potential of cadaverine and putrescine amines and to emphasize the importance of further research in order to assess the risks of contamination generated in cemetery environments.

Cemeteries are among the most polluting sources of groundwater and surface water in the world. Necro-leachate, a liquid released during the putrefaction of corpses, is the main culprit of such pollution. Among the compounds in this liquid are the potentially toxic amines cadaverine and putrescine, which are still poorly understood in terms of the environmental health risks they pose. This study evaluated the acute toxicity of cadaverine and putrescine, using efficient contamination bioindicators of aquatic environments. Danio rerio and Daphnia magna were exposed to both amines individually or in a mixture. Acute toxicity (LC50) was then observed in both organisms after exposure to the amines individually. Cadaverine showed higher lethality for D. magna (LC50 – 9.5 mg. L-1) and D. rerio (LC50 - 335.5 mg. L-1) than did putrescine (LC50 - 36.7 mg. L-1 and LC50- 452.6 mg. L-1, respectively). In embryotoxicity tests with D. rerio (hatching rate and malformations), delayed hatching, vertebral column malformations, and pericardial edema were observed after exposure to an amine mixture. However, co-exposure to cadaverine and putrescine was not toxic to D. magna. The results of this study confirmed the efficiency of the bioindicators used to assess contaminants in cemeteries and raised awareness of the toxic potential of cadaveric decomposition by-products.

Cemetery leachate generated by the process of cadaveric decomposition is a significant contaminant of several matrices in the cemetery environment (soil, groundwater, and surface water). The biogenic amines cadaverine and putrescine stand out among the cemetery leachate contaminants, since they are potentially carcinogenic compounds. This review article presents a discussion of possible environmental impacts caused by the increase in deaths resulting from COVID-19 as its central theme. The study also aims to demonstrate the importance of considering, in this context, some climatic factors that can alter both the time of bodily decomposition and the longevity of the virus in the environment. Additionally, some evidence for the transmission of the virus to health professionals and family members after the patient's death and environmental contamination after the burial of the bodies will also be presented. Several sources were consulted, such as scientific electronic databases (NCBI), publications by government agencies (e.g., ARPEN, Brazil) and internationally recognized health and environmental agencies (e.g., WHO, OurWorldInData.org), as well as information published on reliable websites available for free (e.g., CNN) and scientific journals related to the topic. The data from this study sounds the alarm on the fact that an increase in the number of deaths from the complications of COVID-19 has generated serious environmental problems, resulting from Cemetery leachate.

O conhecimento popular de plantas medicinais e a prática da atividade física (AF) são estratégias utilizadas desde as primeiras civilizações, para uma melhor qualidade de vida. Contudo, o processo de industrialização desarticulou a transferência deste conhecimento e contribuiu para o aumento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT). Avaliamos o conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais e o nível de AF associados a hábitos alimentares. Foram desenvolvidos dois questionários, disponibilizados gratuitamente na plataforma Google e impressos, aplicados a 175 participantes, com média de idade de 30,74±12,7 (intervalo entre 17 e 77 anos). O primeiro questionário investigou o conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais e alguns hábitos alimentares. O segundo foi o Questionário Internacional de AF (IPAQ), que avaliou a intensidade de AF semanal como leve, moderada ou vigorosa. Foi observado que indivíduos mais velhos possuíam um maior conhecimento sobre as plantas medicinais (p=0,017; R=0,181). O conhecimento sobre essas plantas também estava relacionado a uma preferência por consumo de produtos naturais (p=0,08), não ingestão de refrigerante (p=0,008) e a uma atividade física de rotina (p=0,016). O nível de AF teve relação positiva com o conhecimento das propriedades das plantas medicinais, sendo a AF moderada a mais relacionada com esse conhecimento (p=0,023; R=0,792). Nossos resultados apontam uma descontinuidade na transferência desses saberes, e a necessidade de resgate de hábitos saudáveis, como a AF moderada, a ingestão de alimentos não processados e o uso de plantas medicinais para a obtenção de uma melhor qualidade de vida. Esses hábitos saudáveis podem contribuir para benefícios imediatos e de longo prazo à saúde, provavelmente por promoverem uma redução nos riscos relacionados ao aparecimento de doenças.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T12:31:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-06 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Eutrophication is one of the environmental problems arising from the increase of essential nutrient concentrations, mainly phosphorus and nitrogen. In contrast to excess phosphorus, the depletion of phosphate rock deposits used for the production of fertilizers compromises the food supply. Therefore, the development of technologies that propose the recovery of the phosphorus contained in eutrophic environments for its later use for agricultural fertilization purposes is very important to ensure global food security. This work aimed to evaluate the toxic potential of the sawdust (biosorbent previously used for phosphorus adsorption) in order to enable its application in agriculture. For this, toxicity experiments with Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Allium cepa (onion) seeds were performed. The phytotoxic potential was assessed by means of the seed germination index and physiological parameters such as radicle and hypocotyl growth. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity tests were also performed on onion seeds. From statistical tests, it was possible to affirm that the sawdust did not promote inhibition of seed germination and radicle and hypocotyl growth. No genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and, mutagenicity were observed, which allowed to state that the sawdust is not toxic to the onion species, which reinforces the possibility of application of the biosorbent for soil fertilization purposes. Therefore, the use of sawdust for phosphorus biosorption with the subsequent agricultural application is promising and quite important from a global food security point of view. Univ Fed Parana, Dept Quim, BR-81531980 Curitiba, Parana, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Bioquim & Microbiol, Inst Biociencias, BR-13506900 Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Quim, Nucleo Estudos Diagnost & Intervencoes Ambientais, Lab Biogeoquim Ambiental, BR-13565905 Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Biol, Inst Biociencias, BR-13506900 Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Bioquim & Microbiol, Inst Biociencias, BR-13506900 Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Biol, Inst Biociencias, BR-13506900 Sao Paulo, Brazil FAPESP: 2016/00490-6 CAPES: 001

Wastewater reuse is an important strategy for water resource management. For this reason, the disinfection process must be appropriated, eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. Ozonation (O

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:50:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 Water Treatment Plants (WTP) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) generate residues known as sludge (WS and SS, respectively). SS and WS present some positive characteristics for reuse in agriculture. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, using the Allium cepa test, the effectiveness of the bioremediation process in the detoxification of SS and WS sludges. In this study, the phytotoxic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic potentials of pure sludge samples (WS and SS) were evaluated, as well as the association of these two sludges with soil (S), before and after the bioremediation process. In the T0 period (before undergoing bioremediation), the SS, SS + S, and SS + WS samples totally inhibited the germination of A. cepa, proving the high phytotoxic potential of these samples. For the T1 period (after 6 months of bioremediation), phytotoxicity was observed for the SS, SS + S, SS + WS, and SS + WS + S samples, but there was not a complete inhibition of germination and radicles growth, allowing the evaluation of the other parameters (cytogenotoxic and mutagenic potential). No cytotoxicity was observed for any sample, both in T0 and T1. As for the genotoxicity parameter, a significant result was observed for the pure WS sample in T0 and for all samples in T1, when compared to NC. The genotoxic alteration most found in meristematic cells exposed to treatments was of binucleated cells. Mutagenic potential was also observed for samples of WS and WS + S in T0. From this study, we can conclude that, after six months of bioremediation, despite the SS phytotoxicity being reduced, all samples were genotoxic to the A. cepa organism test. Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (Unesp), Av. 24-A, SP Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (Unesp), Av. 24-A, SP

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T15:42:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-07-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) This work characterized the disintegration and biodegradation of aged samples of PBAT films with and without photostabilization additives. The objective is to correlate these processes with properties affected after aging, i.e. molecular weight and gel content. Three different formulations were studied: pure polymer; PBAT with carbon black and hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) and PBAT with carbon black and phenolic stabilizer vitamin E. The samples were monitored for 12 months. As expected, the lower level of photostabilization lead to the higher disintegration and biodegradation rates. Nevertheless, mineralization test showed that during time the differences among biodegradation rates become subtler. The crystallinity degree presented changes only at an advanced stage of degradation process, showing a reduction. The evaluation of the carbonyl index, molecular weight, surface morphology and visual analysis allowed to observe that the aged samples with lower gel content and lower molecular weight showed a faster degradation rate. The changes in material structure due to the increase of aromatic units concentration is the main hypothesis to explain the material behavior during degradation in soil. Department of Materials Engineering and Bioprocess School of Chemical Engineering State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Albert Einstein Avenue, 500- Cidade Universitária Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) FAPESP: 2016/10777-0 FAPESP: 2016/11999-0 FAPESP: 2017/06103-7

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:30:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-05-15 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The worldwide spillage of fossil fuels causes an ever-increasing environmental concern due to their resistance to biodegradation and toxicity. The diesel fuel is one of the derivative forms of petroleum that is widely used in the world. Its composition has many aromatic compounds and long hydrocarbons chains, both persistent and hazardous, thus requiring complex microbial dynamics to achieve full biodegradation. At this point, biodiesel has advantages because it is produced from renewable sources. It also has a relatively fast biodegradation. Biodiesel formulation chemically varies according to the raw material used for its production. While vegetable oils tend to have homogeneous proportions of linoleic and oleic fatty acids, animal fats have an heterogeneous distribution of stearic, palmitic and oleic fatty acids. As some studies have already detected the toxic potential of biodiesel from vegetable oil, this study sought information on the phytotoxic and genotoxic potential of animal fat-based biodiesel and compare it with fossil fuel as diesel fuel and crude petroleum. The impacts on the microbial activity of soils contaminated with biodiesel, diesel fuel and crude petroleum were performed by the dehydrogenase activity. Phytotoxicity tests were performed with Eruca sativa seeds and genotoxicity bioassays with Allium cepa seeds. The results showed a rapid assimilation of biodiesel by the autochthonous soil microorganisms. Soil contaminated with either diesel or crude petroleum inhibited the root and hypocotyl elongation of E. sativa. Overall, petroleum contaminated soils showed higher genotoxic potential. Biodiesel from animal fat was rapidly assimilated by soil microorganisms and did not present significant phytotoxic or genotoxic potential, but significantly reduced the mitotic index of A. cepa roots. Our results showed that biodiesel from animal fat have rapid biodegradability. Biodiesel also led to less impacts during seed development and lower genotoxic potential when compared to crude petroleum and diesel fuel. In addition, biodiesel from animal fat does not present the same toxicity demonstrated by biodiesel from soybean-based biodiesel described in current literature. Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Biosciences, Av. 24A, 1515 Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24A, 1515 Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Anhanguera km 174-SP-330 College of Agricultural and Technological Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Comandante João Ribeiro de Barros, km 651 Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Biosciences, Av. 24A, 1515 Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24A, 1515 College of Agricultural and Technological Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Comandante João Ribeiro de Barros, km 651 FAPESP: 2013/13813-0

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:44:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Developing novel renewable (and preferably biodegradable) materials has become recurrent due to the growing concerns with environmental impacts of high volumes of plastic waste produced from oil-based sources over the past decades. This study aimed at developing bioplastics from a mixture of starch and xylan in variable ratios, and the combined effect of α-cellulose and holocellulose extracted from sugarcane bagasse added to the process. The disintegration of bioplastics was evaluated in both soil and composting. The ecotoxicity analyses with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis and seeds of Cucumis sativus were conducted after disintegration. All formulations based on 5% (w/v) of total polysaccharides were dried at 30 °C and resulted in homogeneous and non-brittle bioplastics. The composting results showed that all bioplastic formulations disintegrated in 3 days, whereas the 25/75% (xylan/starch, w/w) formulation vanished in soil within 13 days. The ecotoxicity data showed no inhibition of microbial growth after biodegradation, yielding 100% of seed germination. Despite the positive influence of the bioplastic degradation on the root and hypocotyl growth, temporary inhibition of C. sativus tissues exposed to soil washing (10 days of disintegration) was observed. The study demonstrated that xylan/starch bioplastics result in non-ecotoxic biodegradable materials. Institute for Research in Bioenergy (IPBEN) University of São Paulo State (UNESP) Department of Materials Engineering São Carlos School of Engineering (EESC) University of São Paulo (USP) Department of Natural Sciences Mathematics and Education Agricultural Sciences Centre– Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), SP-330, km 174 Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, CP 199 Institute for Research in Bioenergy (IPBEN) University of São Paulo State (UNESP) Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, CP 199 FAPESP: 2017/22401-8 FAPESP: 2019/12997-6 FAPESP: 2019/16853-9

Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-01T07:58:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-10-15 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The increasing use of insecticides, promoted by the intensification of agriculture, has raised concerns about their influence on the decline of bee colonies, which play a fundamental role in pollination. Thus, it is fundamental to elucidate the effects of insecticides on bees. This study investigated the damage caused by a sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam - TMX (0.0227 ng/μL of feed) in the head and midgut of Africanized Apis mellifera, by analyzing the enzymatic biomarkers, oxidative stress, and occurrence of lipid peroxidation. The data showed that the insecticide increased acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), whereas carboxylesterase (CaE3) activity decreased in the heads. Our results indicate that the antioxidant enzymes were less active in the head because only glutathione peroxidase (GPX) showed alterations. In the midgut, there were no alkaline phosphatase (ALP) or superoxide dismutase (SOD) responses and a decrease in the activity of CaE was observed. Otherwise, there was an increase in GPX, and the TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) assay also showed differences in the midgut. The TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) assay also showed differences in the midgut. The results showed enzymes such as CaE3, GST, AChE, ALP, SOD, and GPX, as well as the TBARS assay, are useful biomarkers on bees. They may be used in combination as a promising tool for characterizing bee exposure to insecticides. São Paulo State University (Unesp) Institute of Biosciences, Av. 24A, 1515. CEP: 13506-900 NUPEFEN – Núcleo de pesquisas em Educação Física Estética e Nutrição Claretiano University Center, Avenida Santo Antônio Maria Claret, 1724. CEP: 13503-257 São Paulo State University (Unesp) Institute of Biosciences, Av. 24A, 1515. CEP: 13506-900 FAPESP: 2012/13370-8 (TCR) FAPESP: 2013/21833-0 (LM) FAPESP: 2014/23197-7 (PD) FAPESP: 2017/21097-3 (OM)

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T19:48:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-02-01 Our aim was to identify less common non-fermenting gram-negative rods during the bioremediation process. Five genera were found: Advenella, Castellaniella, Kaistia, Pusillimonas and Sphingobacterium, for a total of 15 isolates. Therefore, we evaluated the applicability of four methods currently available for bacteria identification: (1) conventional biochemical methods, (2) the VITEK (R)-2 system, (3) MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and (4) 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The biochemical methods and the VITEK (R)-2 system were reliable only for the Sphingobacterium isolate and solely at the genus level. Both MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry platforms (Bruker and VITEK (R) MS) did not achieve reliable identification results for any of these genera. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified eight isolates to the species level but not to the subspecies level, when applicable. The remaining seven isolates were reliably identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing to the genus level only. Our findings suggest that the detection and identification of less common genera (and species) that appeared at certain moments during the bioremediation process can be a challenge to microbiologists considering the most used techniques. In addition, more studies are required to confirm our results. Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Med Sciences, Dept Clin Pathol, MicroBiol Lab, Rua Tessalia Vieira Camargo, 126, BR-13083-88 Campinas, SP, Brazil Barretos Canc Hosp, Mol Oncol Res Ctr, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, Barretos, SP, Brazil MicroBiol Sect, Centers Diagnost Med, . Gen Waldomiro Lima 508, BR-04344-07 Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharm, Toxicol Dept, Clin Anal, . Prof Lineu Prestes, 580, BR-05508-00 Butanta, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosciences, Dept Biol, . 24, 1515, Bela Vista, BR-13506-90 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Chem, Dept Analyt Chem, Rua Prof Francisco Degni, 55, BR-14800-06 Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Med Sciences, Dept Pediat, Rua Tessalia Vieira Camargo, 126, BR-13083-88 Campinas, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Med Sciences, Ctr Pediat Invest, Lab Pulm Physiol, Rua Tessalia Vieira Camargo, 126, BR-13083-88 Campinas, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Med Sciences, Dept Med Genet, Gen Med, Rua Tessalia Vieira Camargo, 126, BR-13083-88 Campinas, SP, Brazil Sao Francisco Univ, PostGrad Program Hlth Sci, Ave Sao Francisco Assis, 218, BR-12916-40 Braganca Paulista, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosciences, Dept Biol, . 24, 1515, Bela Vista, BR-13506-90 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Chem, Dept Analyt Chem, Rua Prof Francisco Degni, 55, BR-14800-06 Araraquara, SP, Brazil

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:44:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-09-01 Tannery sludge (TS) contains high levels of organic matter and chemical elements, mainly chromium (Cr). This can increase its toxicity, rendering it unsuitable for application to soil. However, composting has been proposed as an alternative method for detoxifying TS before its addition to soil. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic potential of untreated (TS) and composted (CTS) tannery sludge in solid and solubilized samples. Seed germination and root growth bioassays were performed with Lactuca sativa, while chromosomal aberrations were assessed using the Allium cepa bioassay. In solid samples, the L. sativa bioassay showed that TS adversely affected germination and root growth, while CTS had a negative affect only on root growth. In solubilized samples, only TS showed significant adverse effects on seed germination and root growth. In both solid and solubilized samples, TS and CTS showed cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects on A. cepa. Thus, results demonstrated that the composting of TS does not result in its complete detoxification. For this reason, TS and CTS cannot be recommended for agricultural use, since they may increase the risk of environmental contamination and crop damage. Programa de Pós-Graduacao em Genetica e Melhoramento Universidade Federal do Piaui Departamento de Fitotecnia Universidade Federal do Piaui Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus de Jaboticabal Universidade Brasil Departamento de Engenharia Agrícola e Solos Universidade Federal do Piaui Department of Agricultural and Soil Engineering Federal University of Piauí Departamento de Genética Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ/USP) Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus de Jaboticabal Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:17:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-05-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Among the bioremediation processes, biostimulation is an effective methodology for the decontamination of organic waste by the addition of agents that stimulate the indigenous microbiota development. Rice hull is a biostimulating agent that promotes the aeration of edaphic systems and stimulates the aerobiotic activity of soil microorganisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the bioremediation and biostimulation processes in reducing the toxicity of sewage sludge (SS) and to evaluate its possible application in agriculture using cytotoxic and genotoxic assays in human hepatoma cells (HepG2). SS of domestic origin was tested as both the pure product (PSS) and mixed with soil (S) and with a stimulating agent, such as rice hull (RH), in different proportions (SS + S and SS + S + RH); we also examined different remediation periods (3 months - T1 and 6 months - T2). For the PSS sample, a significant induction of micronucleus (MN) in T2 was observed with nuclear buds in all of the periods assessed, and we observed the presence of more than one alteration per cell (MN and nuclear bud) in T1 and T2. The PSS sample caused genotoxic effects in the HepG2 cells even after being bioremediated. For the samples containing soil and/or rice hull, no toxic effects were observed in the test system used. Therefore, the addition of SS to agricultural soils should be conducted with caution, and it is important that the SS undergoes a remediation process, such as bioremediation and biostimulation treatments. Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (Unesp), Av. 24-A, 1515 Department of Analytical Chemistry Institute of Chemistry São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rua Professor Francisco Degni, 55 Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (Unesp), Av. 24-A, 1515 Department of Analytical Chemistry Institute of Chemistry São Paulo State University (Unesp), Rua Professor Francisco Degni, 55

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:46:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-03-01 Biodegradable polymers are considered a feasible option to minimize the environment impacts of high disposal of solid waste. Nevertheless, environmental safety of these materials is a few explored issue. In this context, this study evaluated ecotoxicological effects in soil of the biodegradable materials poly(lactic acid)-PLA, poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate)-PBAT and their blends compatibilized with a chain extender. The tool used for this analysis was the bioassay with Allium cepa as test organism. The studied materials were not phytotoxic, cytotoxic, genotoxic nor mutagenic for meristematic cells of A. cepa. Department of Materials Engineering and Bioprocess School of Chemical Engineering State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:45:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Sugarcane is cultivated in tropical countries for sugar and ethanol production. In Brazil, this culture is among the most profitable with a production of 658.7 million tons/harvest. Sugarcane filter cake (SCFC) is a waste rich in organic matter and micronutrients, but also contains toxic metals. As it has been used as fertilizer and there is not enough knowledge about its environmental impacts, this work assessed the genotoxicogenetic effects of raw SCFC and associations with soil and sugarcane bagasse (SCB), by Allium cepa tests. Six associations of SCFC + soil and five associations of SCFC + soil + SCB were tested at three moments of degradation: initial (T0), 3 and 6 months (T1 and T2). Genotoxicogenetic assays were performed with solid substrates of these associations and with their respective aqueous extracts. Chemical analysis showed a decrease in metals, total organic carbon and nitrogen after 6 months of biodegradation, complying with Brazilian laws. In general, the combination of SCFC + soil + SCB was better than using only SCFC. T0 solubilized samples of different associations composed by highest quantities of SCFC inhibited the MI and induced CA without presenting mutagenicity (except for 75%-SCFC + soil + SCB). T1 samples showed more cytotoxicity than T0 samples, and also presented genotoxic and mutagenic effects. Solid substrate and solubilized associations of SCFC + soil + SCB of T2 samples had no toxicity. These results suggest 6 months of biodegradation and the SCB adding as effective to reduce toxicogenetic effects induced by SCFC. Also, small proportions of SCFC interfered less on the A. cepa test-system when compared with those containing high quantities of residue. Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto (UNIARARAS) Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências FAPESP: 2012/02812-0

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:44:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-08-22 Background: Chronic hepatic diseases are serious problems worldwide, which may lead to the development of fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Despite the significant number of people affected by hepatic fibrosis, no effective treatment is available. In the liver, hepatic stellate cells are the major fibrogenic cell type that play a relevant function in chronic liver diseases. Thus, the characterization of components that control the fibrogenesis in the hepatic stellate cells is relevant in supporting the development of innovative therapies to treat and/or control liver fibrosis. The present study investigated the effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. and Plectranthus barbatus Andrews medicinal plant extracts in LX-2 transdifferentiation. Methods: LX-2 is a human immortalized hepatic stellate cell that can transdifferentiate in vitro from a quiescent-like phenotype to a more proliferative and activated behavior, and it provides a useful platform to assess antifibrotic drugs. Then, the antifibrotic effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Plectranthus barbatus medicinal plants on LX-2 were evaluated. Results: The results in our cellular analyses, under the investigated concentrations of the plant extracts, indicate no deleterious effects on LX-2 metabolism, such as toxicity, genotoxicity, or apoptosis. Moreover, the extracts induced changes in actin filament distribution of activated LX-2, despite not affecting the cellular markers of transdifferentiation. Consistent effects in cellular retinoid metabolism were observed, supporting the presumed activity of the plant extracts in hepatic lipids metabolism, which corroborated the traditional knowledge about their uses for liver dysfunction. Conclusion: The combined results suggested a potential hepatoprotective effect of the investigated plant extracts reinforcing their safe use as coadjuvants in treating imbalanced liver lipid metabolism. Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus Rio Claro Laboratório de Mutagênese Ambiental Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Universidade Do Vale Do Paraíba Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus Rio Claro Laboratório de Mutagênese Ambiental Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T17:19:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-11-15 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da UNESP (FUNDUNESP) Universidade Estadual Paulista This work evaluated the degradation of the Acid Blue 161 and Procion Red MX-5B dyes in a binary solution by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus terreus and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in systems with and without electrochemical oxidation as the pretreatment process. UV–Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography with (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Salmonella/microsome assay (Ames test) were applied towards the degradation analysis of the dyes. Adsorption tests with white clay immobilized on alginate were also conducted after the discoloration treatments to remove intermediate metabolites formed during the degradation of the dye molecules. The discoloration treatments led to the complete color removal of the solutions in all the systems tested. The clay demonstrated affinity for the metabolites formed after discoloration treatments, the removal rates were variable, but the all systems has proved efficient. The Salmonella/microsome assay (Ames test) with strains TA98 and TA100 in the absence and presence of exogenous metabolism (S9 microsomal system, Moltox) revealed that the initial molecules and by-products of the metabolism of the dyes were direct mutagens. The electrochemical/A. terreus/clay system was able to discolor the solutions and transform the direct mutagens into non-mutagenic compounds in addition to reducing the mutagenic potency of the pro-mutagens to the Salmonella strain TA100/S9, which demonstrates the high efficiency of this system with regard to discoloring and degrading azo dye molecules and their by-products. Therefore, this study showed that although not having standard treatment system for this type of pollutant, the combination of treatments can be considered promising. The use of electrochemical oxidation along with microbiological treatment may lead to the degradation and mineralization of these compounds, reducing or eliminating the environmental impact caused by the improper disposal of these dyes in aquatic environments. Departamento de Química Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo Departamento de Bioquímica e Microbiologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (Unesp), Av. 24-A, 1515 Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (Unesp), Av. 24-A, 1515 Unesp National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactives (INCT-DATREM) Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 355 Departamento de Bioquímica e Microbiologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (Unesp), Av. 24-A, 1515 Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (Unesp), Av. 24-A, 1515 Unesp National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactives (INCT-DATREM) Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 355 FAPESP: 2013/25535-4 FAPESP: 2014/50945-4 CNPq: INCT 465571/2014-0

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T15:19:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-12-30 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a toxin mainly produced by Microcystis aeruginosa, cyanobacteria most commonly found in eutrophic environments. Cyanobacteria blooms have affected Salto Grande reservoir (Americana, State of São Paulo/Brazil) for several decades, often observed during periods of drought. In this study, the genotoxic effects of MCLR (95% purity) and water samples contaminated by this toxin were evaluated during cyanobacteria bloom using assays with the test organism Allium cepa. The results showed genotoxic action for pure microcystin and cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic action for water samples collected during flowering. Chromosomal aberration assays have shown that MCLR induces chromosomal breaks that persist in the daughter cells as MN. Therefore, it is possible to infer a clastogenic action for this toxin. The MCLR present in the environmental samples was shown to be more cytogenotoxic for the cells than the different concentrations tested in this study with the pure substance. This amplified toxic action can be related to a synergistic effect between the MCLR and other compounds present in the environmental samples. The genotoxicity studies with MCLR show inconsistent and inconclusive results, so this toxin needs to be better investigated in order to obtain further information about the action mode of it is on the biological system. São Paulo State University (Unesp) Institute of Bioscience Rio Claro, Av. 24-A, 1515 São Paulo State University (Unesp) Institute of Bioscience Rio Claro, Av. 24-A, 1515

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:33:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-07-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) A problem that has been dragging in recent decades is the final disposal of the waste produced in the wastewater treatment process. In addition to its high amount of organic matter and nutrients, this waste, known as sewage sludge (SS), may also contain toxic compounds that, when in the environment, can cause deleterious effects to organisms and lead to severe and irreversible consequences to human health. In order to understand the potential of inducing cellular and chromosomal instabilities, the species Allium cepa was employed to assess the presence of toxic agents in SS samples. Seeds of A. cepa were exposed to several dilutions of aqueous extract of SSs from 5 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), whose characteristics of treated sewage and the technologies employed differ among them. The results obtained showed that all the studied SSs induced significant genotoxic and mutagenic alterations, even in smaller dilutions tested. With these results, it was also possible to observe that SSs from WWTPs that present system of activated sludge and receive sewage of industrial origin induced a greater number of toxicogenetic alterations in the test organism. The high frequencies of chromosomal and nuclear aberrations observed, induced by contaminants present in the SS, represent worrying results because it proves a direct action of this agent on the genetic material of the exposed organism. Therefore, the agronomic application of SS in agriculture requires additional and more effective technologies in order to promote its complete decontamination and its safe disposal in the environment. Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences UNESP – São Paulo State University, Av. 24-A, 1515, CP 199 Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology Institute of Biosciences UNESP – São Paulo State University, Av. 24-A, 1515 Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences UNESP – São Paulo State University, Av. 24-A, 1515, CP 199 Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology Institute of Biosciences UNESP – São Paulo State University, Av. 24-A, 1515 FAPESP: Process n. 06/53552-7

Due to planarian regeneration capacity, researchers have made efforts in studying its gene regulation, cell and tissue responses. Despite such advances, many aspects of planarian biology and histology, especially for Girardia tigrina species, remain unknown. Thus, in this study, we aimed at analyzing the potencial of G. tigrina as a biological model for ecotoxicological research by firstly characterizing the morphology and histology of healthy individuals and then evaluating the sublethal effects of Malathion, a widely used insecticide in Brazil. We exposed individuals of G. tigrina to two sublethal concentrations of Malathion (0.08 mg L-1 and 0.8 mg L-1) insecticide for 96h, sectioned them, and then exposed the regenerating portions for another 72h. We submitted all material to scanning electron microscopy and to different histological/histochemical light microscopy techniques. Several changes in the treatment groups were present when compared to the control group. In external morphology, the following alterations were noteworthy: malformation and underdevelopment of the blastemas, pores dilation in the epidermis and loss of ventral cilia. Our main results regarding histology, histochemistry and cytochemistry were the disruption of several tissues, characterized by cytoplasmic changes, such as vacuolation, histochemical and nuclear changes, including chromatin marginalization. Thus, we concluded that Malathion, mainly in the lowest concentration tested, has acted on reproductive strategies of the tested organism, in addition to promoting necrosis in different tissues.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:27:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-06-01 The ethanolic extract of propolis, especially the Brazilian green type, is widely and mainly used for therapeutic purposes despite the lack of knowledge about its effects and its cellular mode of action. This type of propolis, derived from Baccharis dracunculifolia (alecrim-do-campo), has been extensively commercialized and the consumers use it to enhance health. This work aimed to assess the genotoxic/mutagenic and antigenotoxic/antimutagenic potentials of the ethanolic extracts of Brazilian green propolis and of B. dracunculifolia, on mammalian cells. It was not observed genotoxic and mutagenic effects by both extracts. After evaluate the exposure of the cells to each extract with a recognized mutagen, simultaneously, the results showed a significant reduction on DNA damage. The experiment carried out with a pre-incubation period was more effective than without incubation test, showing that the tested extracts were able to inactivate the mutagen before it could react with the DNA. Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Avenida 24-A, 1515, CP199 Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Centro de Ciências Humanas e Naturais UFES - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Avenida Fernando Ferrari, 514 Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas Centro de Ciências da Saúde UFES - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Avenida Marechal Campos, 1468 Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Avenida 24-A, 1515, CP199

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:24:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-10-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Biodegradable mulch films are an alternative to polyethylene films used in agriculture for weed control, improving crop productivity. This change could minimize the residue production and costs related to the final disposal. Nevertheless, the environmental safety of these biodegradable products is scarcely investigated. In this work, samples of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-PBAT mulch films, with and without UV stabilizer additives, were prepared. Aqueous extracts of soil samples, where mulch films were disposed, were investigated using bioassays with Lactuca sativa, Allium cepa, and cell culture HepG2/C3A. As PBAT is expected to suffer photodegradation and biodegradation, soil samples mixed with films before and after these processes were evaluated. Soil aqueous extracts promoted root grown (mainly hypocotyl) of L. sativa, probably due to presence of nutrients. So, to evaluate toxicity potential, in this case it was necessary to use aqueous extract prepared with soil instead of ultrapure water as the control. After doing this analysis it was observed that no adverse impacts due to PBAT films occurred. No chromosomal abnormalities were observed in A. cepa bioassay for any of tested samples. The absence of genotoxic potential was confirmed by comet assay and micronucleus test using human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2/C3A. These results showed that the soil did not induce damage to the tested organisms, before and after degradation of PBAT films. Department of Materials Engineering and Bioprocess School of Chemical Engineering State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) FAPESP: 2016/10777-0 FAPESP: 2016/11999-0)

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:20:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-09-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes involved in the contamination of aquatic environments since they release toxins that are highly potent and dangerous for living organisms. Prokaryotes produce endo and exotoxins, among others. Exotoxins are highly toxic, while endotoxins have milder toxic effects. The present study evaluated the cytotoxicogenetic potency of both toxins studying them in different concentrations of cyanobacterial biomasses (1 μg/L, 1.5 μg/L, 2 μg/L), to assess the amount of exotoxin present in the cultured medium in which the cyanobacteria were grown. For this evaluation, we used an extract taken from the medium in a concentration of 10%. Our results showed that genotoxic and mutagenic changes in Allium cepa could be observed in all of the varying concentrations of biomass (endotoxin action) and also in the medium induced with exotoxin. Even at low concentrations, these toxins were highly effective at triggering changes in the DNA molecules of organisms exposed to them. This information is highly significant when considering environmental contamination caused by cyanobacteria blooms, since the results of this study show that these toxins may not only kill organisms when found in high concentrations, but also induce mutations when found in low concentrations. Since these mutations are expressed later on in the organisms, it is impossible to associate the observed effect with the event that induced the damage. UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências, Av 24-A, 1515, São Paulo Departamento de Ciências Biológicas ESALQ Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Pádua Dias 11, São Paulo UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências, Av 24-A, 1515, São Paulo CNPq: CNPq 460962/2014–0

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:19:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-05-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Several chemical compounds are being studied for their capacities to cause imbalances in several biological systems. Some of those are able to affect the endocrine system and are known as endocrine disruptors. Many negative effects can be induced in the organisms by the action of these chemicals, highlighting the capacity to cause a decrease in the fertility rate, sex inversion, and problems in embryonic development and even cancer in humans. Those contaminants can be found in different environmental conditions, in groundwater, sediments, residual waters, sludges, and even in drinking water. The purpose of this review is to provide a general overview of the main estrogenic endocrine disruptors and their effects on living organisms, showing the most frequently used tools to detect these contaminants in environmental matrices. According to the data found, there is a need to develop more studies and improve the techniques, in order to effectively determine the mechanism of action of these contaminants and, thus, establish appropriate strategies for their removal from the environment and reduce their actions on living beings. Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24-A, 1515, 13 Department of Analytical Chemistry Institute of Chemistry UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24-A, 1515, 13 Department of Analytical Chemistry Institute of Chemistry UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista FAPESP: 2011/16552-7

We have been searching for new photosensitizers (PS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer based on extracts from Amazonian plants since 2009. In this paper, we demonstrate that, under certain conditions, the extract from fruits of the Amazonian palm Euterpe oleraceae (popular name Acai) can serve as a PS for PDT treatment of murine breast cancer cells (4T1 cell line). We have been first to show directly that the photodynamic effect of plant PS is due to singlet oxygen.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Euphorbia hyssopifolia L. is a weed with recognized antimicrobial potential employed in Indian, Asian and Latin–American popular medicine. However, little is known with regard to its toxic potential. The present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ethanolic extract of E. hyssopifolia in HepG2 cell culture. Materials and methods Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract was carried out to determine the presence of active secondary plant metabolites. Six concentrations (0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/mL) of ethanolic extract were tested by the MTT assay to verify cytotoxicity. Then, genotoxic evaluations (alkaline comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay – CBMN) were carried out in HepG2 cells with extract concentrations of 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/mL. Results Mono and sesquiterpenes, triterpenes and steroids, and flavonoids were the main classes found in the phytochemical screening. Extract concentrations used in the MTT assay showed no cytotoxic activity. On the other hand, genotoxic activity was verified at 0.1 and 1.0 mg/mL in the alkaline comet assay. Additionally, the 1.0 mg/mL concentration induced severe cell damage leading to death in the CBMN assay, indicating a cytotoxic effect for this concentration in the latter method. Conclusion The use of E. hyssopifolia extract for medicinal purposes should be avoided, because concentrations above 0.01 mg/mL may pose risk to human health due to cytotoxic and/or genotoxic effects.

Nucleolar alterations resulting from the action of either chemical or physical agents can serve as important genotoxicity biomarkers. In this study, the efficiency of AgNOR banding technique to identify the presence of nucleoli in micronucleus and assess nucleolar alterations in aberrant cells of Allium cepa was evaluated. Seeds of this plant were exposed to both water samples from a river that receives untreated urban effluent and to the trifluralin herbicide (0.84 mg/L concentration), both analyzed in two different seasons (summer and winter seasons). Samples induced significant frequencies of chromosomal and nuclear aberrations and micronuclei, as observed in cells submitted to conventional chromosomal staining. The herbicide caused a significant increase in the number of nucleoli and micronuclei, interpreted as due to the elimination of excessive nucleolar material resulting from polyploidization. The use of the AgNOR technique enabled the identification of both the presence of the nucleolus in some micronuclei and the nucleolar organizer region (NOR) behavior of aberrant cells. The NOR-banding technique showed to be an efficient tool for studying the genotoxic effects caused by a xenobiotics and a complex environmental sample.

Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida 24-A, 1515, Bela Vista

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:09:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-02-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Crataegus oxyacantha, a plant of the Rosaceae family also known “English hawthorn, haw, maybush, or whitethorn,” has long been used for medicinal purposes such as digestive disorders, hyperlipidemia, dyspnea, inducing diuresis, and preventing kidney stones. However, the predominant use of this plant has been to treat cardiovascular disorders. Due to a lack of studies on the genotoxicity of C. oxyacantha, this investigation was undertaken to determine whether its fruit extract exerts cytotoxic, genotoxic, or clastogenic/aneugenic effects in leukocytes and HepG2 (liver hepatocellular carcinoma) cultured human cells, or mutagenic effects in TA100 and TA98 strains of Salmonella typhimurium bacterium. Genotoxicity analysis showed that the extract produced no marked genotoxic effects at concentrations of 2.5 or 5 µg/ml in either cell type; however, at concentrations of 10 µg/ml or higher significant DNA damage was detected. The micronucleus test also demonstrated that concentrations of 10 µg/ml or higher produced clastogenic/aneugenic responses. In the Ames test, the extract induced mutagenic effects in TA98 strain of S. typhimurium with metabolic activation at all tested concentrations (2.5 to 500 µg/ml). Data indicate that, under certain experimental conditions, the fruit extract of C. oxyacantha exerts genotoxic and clastogenic/aneugenic effects in cultured human cells, and with metabolism mutagenicity occurs in bacteria cells. Universidade Estadual Paulista–UNESP–Instituto de Biociências Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Geral e Aplicada Universidade Estadual Paulista–UNESP–Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Biologia Universidade Federal de São Paulo–UNIFESP–Instituto de Ciências Ambientais Químicas e Farmacêuticas Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Universidade Estadual Paulista–UNESP–Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências Departamento de Fonoaudiologia Universidade Estadual Paulista–UNESP–Instituto de Biociências Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Geral e Aplicada Universidade Estadual Paulista–UNESP–Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Biologia Universidade Estadual Paulista–UNESP–Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências Departamento de Fonoaudiologia

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:45:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) In recent years concern about the chemical composition of wastewater generated by the oil refining industry has increased, even after its treatment. These wastewaters contain substances that can harm both the entire aquatic ecosystem and the health of any exposed organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic potentials of the effluent generated by the largest Brazilian petroleum refinery, the effectiveness of the treatments used by the refinery, and whether its effluent can compromise the water quality of the river where it is discarded. Chromosomal aberration and micronucleus assays were performed in Allium cepa and micronucleus test in mammalian cell culture (CHO-K1). The samples were collected in three sites at the refinery: one site on the Jaguari River and two sites on the Atibaia Rivers (upstream and downstream of the discharged effluent), under three different climatic conditions. Tests with A. cepa showed increased frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in meristematic cells for the effluent after physico-chemical treatment, but the samples after treatment biological and stabilization pond presented none of these abnormalities. It was observed that the induced damage in the meristematic cells was not observed in the F1cells of A. cepa roots. The micronucleus test performed with mammalian cell culture also indicated that the effluent, after physico-chemical treatment, induced a significant increase in micronucleus frequencies. Plant and hamster cells exposed to the other samples collected inside the refinery and in the Jaguari and Atibaia Rivers did not present evidence of genotoxicity and mutagenicity in the tests performed. This study showed that the effluent treated carried out by the refinery (biological treatment followed by a stabilization pond) proved to be efficient for the removal of the toxic load still present after the physico-chemical treatment, since no change in the quality of the Atibaia River was observed. However, because this is an industry with a high production of effluent with toxic potential, its effluents must be constantly monitored, so that there is no compromise of the water quality of the receiving river. UNESP – Institute of Biosciences Department of Biology, Av 24-A, 1515 UNESP – Institute of Biosciences Department of Biology, Av 24-A, 1515 FAPESP: 2010/13993-0

Transesterification has proved to be the best option for obtaining biodiesel and, depending on the type of alcohol used in the reaction, the type of biodiesel may be methyl ester or ethyl ester. Leaking biodiesel can reach water bodies, contaminating aquatic organisms, particularly fish. The objective of this study was to determine whether the soluble fraction of biodiesel (Bd), produced by both the ethylic (BdEt) and methylic (BdMt) routes, can cause cytotoxic, biochemical and genotoxic alterations in the hepatocyte cell line of Danio rerio (ZFL). The metabolic activity of the cell was quantified by the MTT reduction method, while genotoxic damage was analyzed by the comet assay with the addition of specific endonucleases. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant/biotransformation enzymes activity also were determined. The results indicate that both Bd increased ROS production, glutathione S-transferase activity and the occurrence of DNA damage. BdMt showed higher cytotoxicity than BdEt, and also caused oxidative damage to the DNA. In general, both Bd appear to be stressors for the cells, causing cytotoxic, biochemical and genetic alterations in ZFL cells, but the type and intensity of the changes found appear to be dependent on the biodiesel production route.

The problems that most affect the quality of the waters of rivers and lakes are associated with the discharges performed in these environments, mainly industrial and domestic effluents inappropriately treated or untreated. The comet assay is a sensitive tool and is recommended for studies of environmental biomonitoring, which aim to determine the genotoxicity potential of water pollutants. This study aimed to assess the genotoxic potential of the Ribeirão Tatu waters, region of Limeira, São Paulo (SP), by the comet assay with mammalian cells (hepatoma tissue culture (HTC)). Water samples were collected along the Ribeirão Tatu at three distinct periods: November 2008, February 2009 and August 2009, and five collection sites were established: P1, source of the stream; P2, site located downstream the urban perimeter of the municipality of Cordeirópolis and after receiving the pollution load of this city; P3, collection site located upstream the urban perimeter of the city of Limeira; P4, urban area of Limeira; and P5, rural area of Limeira, downstream the discharges of the city sewage. The results showed that for the November 2008 collection, there was no water sample-induced genotoxicity; for the February 2009 collection, the sites P1 and P2 were statistically significant in relation to the negative control (NC), and for the August 2009 collection, the site P5 was statistically significant. These results could be explained by the content of different metals during the different seasons that are under the influence of domestic, industrial and agricultural effluents and also due to the seasonality, since the water samples collected in the period of heavy rain (February 2009) presented a higher genotoxicity possibly due to the entrainment of contaminants into the bed of the stream promoted by the outflow of rainwaters. The comet assay showed to be a useful and sensitive tool in the evaluation of hydric resources impacted by pollutants of diverse origins, and a constant monitoring should be done in order to verify the influence of different factors (season, amount of contaminants) in the water quality.

In this study, nanocomposites of PLA and organoclays Cloisite 20A and Cloisite 30B were prepared by the melt intercalation method and the obtained samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Since composting is an important proposal to the final disposal of biopolymers, the influence of clays on the hydrolytic degradation process of PLA was evaluated by visual analysis and monitoring of molecular weight after periods of 15 and 30 days of degradation in compost. After degradation of the materials in composting environment, the evaluation of cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of compost aqueous extract was carried out using a bioassay with Allium cepa as test organism. The TEM micrographs permitted the observation of different levels of dispersion, including exfoliated regions. In the evaluation of hydrolytic degradation it was noted that the presence of organoclays can decrease the rate of degradation possibly due to the barrier effect of clay layers and/or the higher degree of crystallinity in the nanocomposite samples. Nevertheless, even in the case of nanocomposites, the molecular weight reduction was significant, indicating that the composting process is favorable to the chain scission of PLA in studied materials. In the analysis performed by the bioassay using A. cepa as test organism, it was found that after degradation of the PLA and its nanocomposites the aqueous extract of compost samples induced a decreasing in the mitotic index and an increasing in the induction of chromosomal abnormalities. These results were statistically significant in relation to the negative control (distilled water). By comparing the results obtained for the nanocomposites in relative to pure polymer, there were no statistically significant differences. The types of the observed chromosomal aberrations indicated a possible genotoxic effect of the materials, which may be related to an aneugenic action of PLA degradation products.

The concern related to solid waste increases efforts to develop products based on biodegradable materials. At present, PLA has one of the highest potentials among biopolyesters, particularly for packaging. However, its application is limited in some fields. In order to optimize PLA properties, organo-modified montmorilonites have been extensively used to obtain nanocomposites. Although PLA nanocomposites studies are widely reported in the literature, there is still few information about the influence of organoclays on de biodegradation process, which is a relevant information, since one of the main purposals related to the final disposal of biopolymers as PLA is composting. Besides, in the last years some research has been conducted in order to evaluate the potential toxicity of montmorilonite, unmodified or organo-modified. Since the use of montmorilonite is expanding in different applications, human exposure and risk assessment are important issues to be investigated. In this context, this review intends to compile available information related to common organoclays used for PLA nanocomposites, its properties, biodegradation analysis and potential toxicity evaluation of nanocomposites, focused on montmorilonite as filler. Two issues of relevance were pointed out. The first is food safety and quality, and the second consideration is the environmental effect.

The BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) mixture is an environmental pollutant that has a high potential to contaminate water resources, especially groundwater. The bioremediation process by microorganisms has often been used as a tool for removing BTEX from contaminated sites. The application of biological assays is useful in evaluating the efficiency of bioremediation processes, besides identifying the toxicity of the original contaminants. It also allows identifying the effects of possible metabolites formed during the biodegradation process on test organisms. In this study, we evaluated the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of five different BTEX concentrations in rat hepatoma tissue culture (HTC) cells, using comet and micronucleus assays, before and after biodegradation. A mutagenic effect was observed for the highest concentration tested and for its respective non-biodegraded concentration. Genotoxicity was significant for all non-biodegraded concentrations and not significant for the biodegraded ones. According to our results, we can state that BTEX is mutagenic at concentrations close to its water solubility, and genotoxic even at lower concentrations, differing from some described results reported for the mixture components, when tested individually. Our results suggest a synergistic effect for the mixture and that the biodegradation process is a safe and efficient methodology to be applied at BTEX-contaminated sites.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:48:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-12-01 Generalitat de Catalunya Sewage Sludges (SS) from wastewater treatment systems constitute a potential alternative to agricultural fertilizers. However, their use is limited by the presence of toxic substances that may represent significant hazards for the environment and for human health. To test the potential of natural processes to attenuate their putative toxic activities, actual SS samples from domestic sewage were buried in holes in a pollution-free environment for different periods of time, up to one year. Aqueous and organic extracts were obtained after each period of natural attenuation, and their respective toxicity was tested for estrogenic and dioxin-like activity by yeast-based bioassays (ER-RYA and AhR-RYA, respectively) and for general toxicity and teratogenicity in zebrafish embryos. Dioxin-like activity was also tested in zebrafish embryos by monitoring the induction of the marker gene cyp1a. Whereas the results showed essentially no estrogenic activity, both dioxin-like activity and embryotoxicity were observed in the initial samples, decreasing significantly after six months of attenuation. Chemical analysis of toxic SS samples showed the presence of low levels of dioxins and furans, and relatively high levels of m- and p-cresol, at concentrations that only partially justify the observed biological effects. Our data indicates the presence of largely uncharacterized hydrophilic compounds with high biological activity in SS, constituting a potential risk of groundwater pollution upon their disposal into the environment. It also shows that this potential impact may be significantly mitigated by attenuation protocols, as the one presented here. Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences UNESP — Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24-A, 1515 Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18 Department of Biology Institute of Biosciences UNESP — Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24-A, 1515 Generalitat de Catalunya: 2009SGR924

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T16:40:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-04-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-15T15:01:27Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S1415-47572016000200257.pdf: 1734107 bytes, checksum: 78a80ed0809fe071b511960c5a72d6cb (MD5) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Brazilian green propolis is a resinous substance prepared by bees from parts of the plant Baccharis dracunculifolia. As it possess several biological properties, this work assessed the cytotoxic/anticytotoxic, genotoxic/antigenotoxic and mutagenic/antimutagenic potential of ethanolic extracts of Brazilian green propolis (EEGP) and of B. dracunculifolia (EEBD), by means of the Allium cepa test system. The effects were evaluated by assessing the chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronuclei (MN) frequencies on meristematic and F1 generation cells from onion roots. Chemical analyses performed with the extracts showed differences in flavonoid quality and quantity. No genotoxic or mutagenic potential was detected, and both extracts were capable of inhibiting cellular damage caused by methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) treatment, reducing the frequencies of CA and MN. By these data, we can infer that, independent of their flavonoid content, the extracts presented a protective effect in A. cepa cells against the clastogenicity of MMS. Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Biol, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Univ Fed Espirito Santo, Centro Ciencias Saude, Dept Ciencias Farmaceut, Vitoria, ES, Spain Univ Estadual Paulista, Ctr Estudo Insetos Sociais, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Biol, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Ctr Estudo Insetos Sociais, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil

The designation of biodiesel as an environmental-friendly alternative to diesel oil has improved its commercialization and use. However, most biodiesel environmental safety studies refer to air pollution and so far there have been very few literature data about its impacts upon other biotic systems, e.g. water, and exposed organisms. Spill simulations in water were carried out with neat diesel and biodiesel and their blends aiming at assessing their genotoxic potentials should there be contaminations of water systems. The water soluble fractions (WSF) from the spill simulations were submitted to solid phase extraction with C-18 cartridge and the extracts obtained were evaluated carrying out genotoxic and mutagenic bioassays [the Salmonella assay and the in vitro MicroFlow® kit (Litron) assay]. Mutagenic and genotoxic effects were observed, respectively, in the Salmonella/microsome preincubation assay and the in vitro MN test carried out with the biodiesel WSF. This interesting result may be related to the presence of pollutants in biodiesel derived from the raw material source used in its production chain. The data showed that care while using biodiesel should be taken to avoid harmful effects on living organisms in cases of water pollution.

The designation of biodiesel as a green fuel has increased its commercialization and use, making its fate in the environment a matter of concern. Fuel spills constitute a major source of aquatic pollution and, like diesel spills, biodiesel can produce adverse effects on aquatic environments, animals and humans. The present study assessed cytotoxic effects of water systems contaminated with neat biodiesel and its diesel blends by means of different procedures on human T cell leukemia (Jurkat) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells [detection of changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) using tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE), apoptosis recognition by Annexin V and impedance real-time cell analyzer (xCELLigence™ system)]. The data obtained showed concordance across the different bioassays, with cytotoxic effects observed as a dose-dependent response only for waters contaminated with pure diesel (D100) and B5 blend, which is characterized by a mixture of 95% diesel and 5% biodiesel. The data can also lead us to hypothesize that diesel accounts for the harmful effects observed, and that biodiesel does not worsen the impacts caused by diesel pollution.