124 results on '"Tommasi, Franca"'
Search Results
2. Levels of rare earth elements on three abandoned mining sites of bauxite in southern Italy: A comparison between TXRF and ICP-MS
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Brouziotis, Antonios Apostolos, Heise, Susanne, Saviano, Lorenzo, Zhang, Keran, Giarra, Antonella, Bau, Michael, Tommasi, Franca, Guida, Marco, Libralato, Giovanni, and Trifuoggi, Marco
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- 2024
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3. Evaluation of Rare Earth Element-Associated Hormetic Effects in Candidate Fertilizers and Livestock Feed Additives
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Tommasi, Franca, Thomas, Philippe J., Lyons, Daniel M., Pagano, Giovanni, Oral, Rahime, Siciliano, Antonietta, Toscanesi, Maria, Guida, Marco, and Trifuoggi, Marco
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- 2023
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4. Hormetic Effects of Cerium, Lanthanum and Their Combination at Sub-micromolar Concentrations in Sea Urchin Sperm
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Pagano, Giovanni, Brouziotis, Antonios Apostolos, Lyons, Daniel, Čarapar, Ivana, Oral, Rahime, Tez, Serkan, Thomas, Philippe J., Tommasi, Franca, Libralato, Giovanni, Guida, Marco, and Trifuoggi, Marco
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- 2023
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5. Review of Rare Earth Elements as Fertilizers and Feed Additives: A Knowledge Gap Analysis
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Tommasi, Franca, Thomas, Philippe J., Pagano, Giovanni, Perono, Genevieve A., Oral, Rahime, Lyons, Daniel M., Toscanesi, Maria, and Trifuoggi, Marco
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- 2021
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6. Geospatial pattern of topsoil pollution and multi-endpoint toxicity in the petrochemical area of Augusta-Priolo (eastern Sicily, Italy)
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Tommasi Franca, Lyons Daniel M., Pagano Giovanni, Oral Rahime, Thomas Philippe J., Eccles Kristin M., Tez Serkan, Toscanesi Maria, Giarra Antonella, Siciliano Antonietta, Dipierro Nunzio, Gjata Isidora, Guida Marco, Libralato Giovanni, Jaklin Andrej, Buric Petra, Kovacic Ines, and Trifuoggi Marco
- Abstract
The present study was aimed at identifying geospatial patterns of pollutants including concentrations and toxicity as complex environmental mixtures, in topsoil samples close to petrochemical facilities in the heavily industrialized area of Augusta and Priolo in south-eastern Sicily (Italy). Elemental analysis of soil was conducted by ICP-MS for 23 metals and 16 rare earth elements (REEs). Organic analyses were primarily focused on poly- cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (16 parent homologs) and total aliphatic hydrocarbons (C10–C40). Topsoil samples were tested for toxicity in multiple bioassay models including: 1) developmental defects and cytogenetic anomalies in sea urchinSphaerechinus granularisearly life stages; 2) growth inhibition of diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutum; 3) mortality in nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans; and 4) induction of mitotic abnor- malities in onionAllium cepa. Samples collected at sites closest to defined petrochemical facilities were highest in select pollutants and correlated with biological effects in different toxicity endpointthe increased level of total REEs in sites closest to petrochemical facilities, suggesting their contributions to identifying petrochemical sources of pollutants to the environment. The combined data obtained in the different bioassays allowed exploration of geospatial patterns of effect in biota as a function of contaminant levels. In conclusion, this study provides consistent data of soil toxicity, metal and REE contamination at Augusta-Priolo sampling sites, and may provide an appropriate baseline for epidemiological studies on high incidences of congenital birth defects in the area and identification of at-risk localities.
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- 2023
7. Topsoil and urban dust pollution and toxicity in Taranto (southern Italy) industrial area and in a residential district
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Trifuoggi, Marco, Pagano, Giovanni, Oral, Rahime, Gravina, Maria, Toscanesi, Maria, Mozzillo, Maddalena, Siciliano, Antonietta, Burić, Petra, Lyons, Daniel M., Palumbo, Anna, Thomas, Philippe J., D’Ambra, Luigi, Crisci, Anna, Guida, Marco, and Tommasi, Franca
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- 2019
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8. Cytological alterations and oxidative stress induced by Cerium and Neodymium in lentil seedlings and onion bulbs
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Gjata Isidora, Tommasi Franca, De Leonardis Silvana, Dipierro Nunzio, and Paciolla Costantino
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Oxidative stress ,Plants ,Mitotic aberrations ,REE - Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 15 elements, the lanthanides and Yttrium and Scandium, with similar chemical and physical properties. Their use for many advanced technological applications remarkably increased in the last decades, and it was associated with an intensive extraction of such elements from their ores. Consequently, increasing amounts of either REE-containing by-products, deriving from the extraction process, and REE-containing wastes, deriving from the disposal of REE-containing devices, are reaching the environmental systems both at the local and global levels, as never in the past. Few data in the literature concern the effect (beneficial or toxic) induced by REEs application in terrestrial plant species and at different physiological stages. A set of experiments with exposure to two REEs was performed on some plants to evaluate this. Data of investigations focused on the exposure of lentil (Lens culinarisMedik.) seedlings and onion (Allium cepaL.) bulbs to cerium chloride (CeCl3) and neodymium chloride (NdCl3) at different concentrations for 72h. Results showed alteration of the growth rate and the levels of some parameters considered as biomarkers of stress (reactive oxygen species and antioxidant systems). An increase in some mitotic aberrations was also observed in the root tissues of both species. The results indicate that the sensitivity of lentil in this bioassay is higher for lower concentrations compared to onion. Also, lower concentrations of these REEs had a positive effect on the growth rate of lentils underlining the complex interaction occurring between REEs and different plant organisms.
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- 2022
9. A comparative study of glutathione and ascorbate metabolism during germination of Pinus pinea L. seeds
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Tommasi, Franca, Paciolla, Costantino, de Pinto, Maria Concetta, and De Gara, Laura
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- 2001
10. Rare earth elements in human and animal health: State of art and research priorities
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Pagano, Giovanni, Aliberti, Francesco, Guida, Marco, Oral, Rahime, Siciliano, Antonietta, Trifuoggi, Marco, and Tommasi, Franca
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- 2015
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11. Resolving the effects of environmental micro- and nanoplastics exposure in biota: A knowledge gap analysis
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Thomas, Philippe J., Perono, Genevieve, Tommasi, Franca, Pagano, Giovanni, Oral, Rahime, Buric, Petra, and Kovacic, Ines
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Virgin Microplastics ,Biomarker Responses ,Toxicity ,Brine Shrimp ,Cationic Polystyrene Nanoparticles ,Aquatic Environments ,Plastic Nanoparticles ,Cold-Water Corals ,Stress ,Zebrafish Danio-Rerio ,Larval Development ,Nanoparticle ,Microparticle ,Daphnia-Magna ,Dysmetabolic ,Polymer - Abstract
The pervasive spread of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has raised significant concerns on their toxicity in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. These polymer-based materials have implications for plants, wildlife and human health, threatening food chain integrity and ultimate ecosystem resilience. An extensive-and growing-body of literature is available on MP- and NP-associated effects, including in a number of aquatic biota, with as yet limited reports in terrestrial environments. Effects range from no detectable, or very low level, biological effects to more severe outcomes such as (but not limited to) increased mortality rates, altered immune and inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, genetic damage and dysmetabolic changes. A well-established exposure route to MPs and NPs involves ingestion with subsequent incorporation into tissues. MP and NP exposures have also been found to lead to genetic damage, including effects related to mitotic anomalies, or to transmissible damage from sperm cells to their offspring, especially in echinoderms. Effects on the proteome, transcriptome and metabolome warrant ad hoc investigations as these integrated omics workflows could provide greater insight into molecular pathways of effect. Given their different physical structures, chemical identity and presumably different modes of action, exposure to different types of MPs and NPs may result in different biological effects in biota, thus comparative investigations of different MPs and NPs are required to ascertain the respective effects. Furthermore, research on MP and NP should also consider their ability to act as vectors for other toxicants, and possible outcomes of exposure may even include effects at the community level, thus requiring investigations in mesocosm models. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., Croatian Science Foundation [IP-2018-01-5351]; Environment and Climate Change Canada, Support from the Croatian Science Foundation under project IP-2018-01-5351 is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are due to Environment and Climate Change Canada for their support.
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- 2021
12. Toxicological effects of rare earth elements to photosynthetic organisms
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Su��rez, Edith Padilla, Siciliano, Antonietta, Guida, Marco, Pagano, Giovanni, Trifuoggi, Marco, Serafini, Sara, Galdiero, Emilia, Tommasi, Franca, Lofrano, Giusy, Gjata, Isidora, Brouziotis, Antonios Apostolos, Liguori, Renato, and Libralato, Giovanni
- Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) have become a key component in many technological applications. Due to the rapid increase in their use, the potential environmental exposure has also expanded. However, the effects on the ecosystem have not been yet thoroughly evaluated, leaving many knowledge gaps. To evaluate the effects of REEs, a set of experiments with acute and chronic exposure were performed on photosynthetic organisms. The effects of acute exposure of four elements (cerium, gadolinium, lanthanum and neodymium) in two set upsexperimental scenarios with different pH values (6 and 4), was evaluated on three testing species: Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lepidium sativum and Vicia faba. In the rResults obtained in the acute exposure, a higher toxicity at pH 4 was observedindicated higher toxicity levels, which could be explained by a higher bioavailability of the elements. From the relative calculated median effective concentrations (EC50s), R. subcapitata was the most sensitive species, followed by L. sativum and lastly, V. faba. Further investigations focused on , the chronic exposure of lanthanum and cerium was evaluated on Raphidocelis subcapitata. After a 28 days exposure, results showed a growth inhibition effects effect and increasing a bioaccumulation (from day 7 to 28) with effect at the end of the test. Moreover, endpoints regardedfluctuating values of the relative as biomarkers of stress (ROS, CAT, and SOD)., fluctuated during the sampling days during the exposure (day 7, 14, 21 and 28).
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- 2021
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13. Cerium, gadolinium, lanthanum, and neodymium effects in simplified acid mine discharges to Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lepidium sativum, and Vicia faba
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Siciliano, Antonietta, Guida, Marco, Pagano, Giovanni, Trifuoggi, Marco, Tommasi, Franca, Lofrano, Giusy, Padilla Suarez, Edith Guadalupe, Gjata, Isidora, Brouziotis, Antonios Apostolos, Liguori, Renato, Libralato, Giovanni, Siciliano, Antonietta, Guida, Marco, Pagano, Giovanni, Trifuoggi, Marco, Tommasi, Franca, Lofrano, Giusy, Padilla Suarez, Edith Guadalupe, Gjata, Isidora, Brouziotis, Antonios Apostolos, Liguori, Renato, and Libralato, Giovanni
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- 2021
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14. Long-term multi-endpoint exposure of the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata to lanthanum and cerium
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Siciliano, Antonietta, Guida, Marco, Serafini, Sara, Micillo, Maria, Galdiero, Emilia, Carfagna, Simona, Salbitani, Giovanna, Tommasi, Franca, Lofrano, Giusy, Padilla Suarez, Edith Guadalupe, Gjata, Isidora, Brouziotis, Antonios Apostolos, Trifuoggi, Marco, Liguori, Renato, Race, Marco, Fabbricino, Massimiliano, Libralato, Giovanni, Siciliano, Antonietta, Guida, Marco, Serafini, Sara, Micillo, Maria, Galdiero, Emilia, Carfagna, Simona, Salbitani, Giovanna, Tommasi, Franca, Lofrano, Giusy, Padilla Suarez, Edith Guadalupe, Gjata, Isidora, Brouziotis, Antonios Apostolos, Trifuoggi, Marco, Liguori, Renato, Race, Marco, Fabbricino, Massimiliano, and Libralato, Giovanni
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- 2021
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15. Review of Rare Earth Elements as Fertilizers and Feed Additives: A Knowledge Gap Analysis
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Tommasi, Franca, Thomas, Philippe J., Pagano, Giovanni, Perono, Genevieve A., Oral, Rahime, Lyons, Daniel M., Trifuoggi, Marco, and Ege Üniversitesi
- Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are key constituents of modern technology and play important roles in various chemical and industrial applications. They also are increasingly used in agricultural and zootechnical applications, such as fertilizers and feed additives. Early applications of REEs in agriculture have originated in China over the past several decades with the objective of increasing crop productivity and improving livestock yield (e.g., egg production or piglet growth). Outside China, REE agricultural or zootechnical uses are not currently practiced. A number of peer-reviewed manuscripts have evaluated the adverse and the positive effects of some light REEs (lanthanum and cerium salts) or REE mixtures both in plant growth and in livestock yield. This information was never systematically evaluated from the growing body of scientific literature. the present review was designed to evaluate the available evidence for adverse and/or positive effects of REE exposures in plant and animal biota and the cellular/molecular evidence for the REE-associated effects. the overall information points to shifts from toxic to favorable effects in plant systems at lower REE concentrations (possibly suggesting hormesis). the available evidence for REE use as feed additives may suggest positive outcomes at certain doses but requires further investigations before extending this use for zootechnical purposes., Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II within the CRUI-CARE Agreement, Open access funding provided by Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.
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- 2020
16. Changes in the antioxidant systems as part of the signaling pathway responsible for the programmed cell death activated by nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in tobacco bright-yellow 2 cells (1)
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de Pinto, Maria Concetta, Tommasi, Franca, and De Gara, Laura
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Tobacco (Plant) -- Physiological aspects ,Apoptosis -- Research ,Antioxidants -- Research ,Biological sciences ,Science and technology - Published
- 2003
17. Halophile wheatgrass Thinopyrum elongatum (Host) D.R. Dewey (Poaceae) in three Apulian coastal wetlands: vegetation survey and genetic diversity.
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Margiotta, Benedetta, Colaprico, Giuseppe, Urbano, Marcella, Veronico, Giuseppe, Tommasi, Franca, and Tomaselli, Valeria
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COASTAL wetlands ,GENETIC variation ,SEED proteins ,PHRAGMITES ,SEED storage ,SALT marsh plants - Abstract
Three Apulian (SE Italy) coastal sites, Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo (T), Punta della Contessa Salt Pans (S) and the La Vela Swamp (P), characterised by sandy shores and salt marshes recognised as wetland environments belonging to the Natura 2000 network, were selected as study areas in order to survey the vegetation zonation, plant communities, ecological context and genetic diversity of Thinopyrum elongatum population within humid habitats. Analysis of vegetation, plant communities and soil samplings were carried out to investigate the ecological context of 24 populations collected of this halophile wheatgrass, along with biochemical characterization (A-PAGE, SDS-PAGE, and IEFxSDS-PAGE) of seed storage proteins, used to assess the genetic diversity intra- and inter-populations and genotype frequencies. Thinopyrum elongatum populations showed a significative presence in the halophile shrub plant communities of salt marshes, especially those characterised by Limbarda crithmoides and Artemisia caerulescens. The differences of the protein patterns, suggest the presence in the T area of a higher genetic variability and a greater resistance to the numerous factors of human pressure. The results have been discussed hypothesizing that this multidisciplinary approach could be considered a model to evaluate in the future the same environments or other similar ones, subjected to anthropogenic pressures and environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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18. Changes in the antioxidant systems as part of the signaling pathway responsible for the programmed cell death activated by nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in tobacco bright-yellow 2 cells (1)
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de Pinto, Maria Concetta, Tommasi, Franca, and De Gara, Laura
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Tobacco (Plant) -- Physiological aspects ,Plant cells and tissues -- Research ,Cell death -- Research ,Biological sciences ,Science and technology - Published
- 2002
19. Alteration in ascorbate and ascorbate peroxidase in programmed cell death and oxidative stress
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De Gara Laura, Tommasi Franca, Paradiso Annalisa, and de Pinto Maria
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Botany ,QK1-989 - Published
- 2005
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20. Increase in Ascorbate–Glutathione Metabolism as Local and Precocious Systemic Responses Induced by Cadmium in Durum Wheat Plants
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Paradiso, Annalisa, Berardino, Rosalia, de Pinto, Maria C., Sanità di Toppi, Luigi, Storelli, Maria M., Tommasi, Franca, and De Gara, Laura
- Published
- 2008
21. Physiological responses of 'Italia' grapevines infected with Esca pathogens.
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BRUNO, GIOVANNI LUIGI, IPPOLITO, MARIA PAOLA, MANNERUCCI, FRANCESCO, BRAGAZZI, LUCA, and TOMMASI, FRANCA
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VITIS vinifera ,GRAPES ,TABLE grapes ,PLANT regulators ,GLUTATHIONE reductase ,GLUTATHIONE ,FRUIT ripening ,VINEYARDS - Abstract
Physiological features were examined of a 20-year-old Vitis vinifera 'Italia' table grape vineyard cropped in Apulia, Italy. Healthy vines with no foliar symptoms and any indications of wood or berry alterations, vines with natural wood infections by Phaeoacremonium minimum (syn. P. aleophilum) and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora showing brown wood streaking symptoms, and vines naturally infected with P. minimum, P. chlamydospora and Fomitiporia mediterranea with brown wood streaking and white rot symptoms, were surveyed. Bleeding xylem sap, collected at bud-break from healthy vines showed the greatest total ascorbic acid level, while vines with brown wood streaking and white rot had the greatest viscosity coefficient, glutathione concentration, and plant growth regulator activities. Compared to healthy vines, leaves of wood affected vines, sampled during the unfolded leaf, fruit setting, cluster closing and bunch ripening vine growth stages, had reduced fresh and dry weights, total chlorophyll concentrations, and increased leaf surface area. Low ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione concentrations, weak redox state, and moderate levels of dehydroascorbic acid and oxidized glutathione were also detected in these vines. Analyses also detected reduced activities of dehydroascorbate reductase, ascorbate free radical reductase and glutathione reductase in diseased vines. The cell membrane damage, associated with lipid peroxidation, was coupled with high hydrogen peroxide concentrations. These changes could contribute to the cell death of leaves and foliar symptom development. The ascorbate-glutathione cycle supports grapevine susceptibility to Esca complexassociated fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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22. Phytoextraction technologies for mercury‐ and chromium‐contaminated soil: a review.
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Ranieri, Ezio, Moustakas, Konstantinos, Barbafieri, Meri, Ranieri, Ada C, Herrera‐Melián, José A, Petrella, Andrea, and Tommasi, Franca
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PHYTOREMEDIATION ,SEMIMETALS ,SOIL pollution ,PLANT-water relationships ,WATER pollution ,MERCURY ,TECHNOLOGY - Abstract
Mercury and chromium represent two important elements of environmental concern and with a strong impact on human health. Several technologies are available to clean up the environment from these kinds of contaminants, but most of them are costly and difficult to use to get optimum results. Currently, phytoextraction is an effective and affordable technological solution used to extract or remove metals from contaminated soil and water by the use of plants as tools. This technology is environment‐friendly and potentially cost‐effective. This paper aims to compile some information about the two metals mercury and chromium, their effects and their possible treatment by phytoextraction, a branch of phytoremediation technologies aimed to confront metal/metalloid pollution. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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23. Soil pollution and toxicity in an area affected by emissions from a bauxite processing plant and a power plant in Gardanne (southern France).
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Oral, Rahime, Pagano, Giovanni, Siciliano, Antonietta, Toscanesi, Maria, Gravina, Maria, Di Nunzio, Aldo, Palumbo, Anna, Thomas, Philippe J., Tommasi, Franca, Burić, Petra, Lyons, Daniel M., Guida, Marco, and Trifuoggi, Marco
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SOIL pollution ,BAUXITE ,TOXICITY testing ,POLYCYCLIC aromatic compounds ,BIOLOGICAL assay ,SEA urchins - Abstract
Abstract Soil pollution and toxicity have been investigated in the Gardanne area (southern France) at a range of sites around a recognized pollution source, a bauxite processing plant (BPP), and a power plant (PP). Soil samples were submitted to inorganic and organic analyses and tested for toxicity in two invertebrate models. Inorganic analysis was based on determining elemental concentrations by ICP-MS, encompassing a total of 26 elements including 13 rare earth elements (REEs), of the soil samples and their leachates after 24 or 48 h in seawater. Organic analyses were performed by measuring the sums of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and of total hydrocarbons (C-10 to C-40). Bioassays were carried out on the early life stages of three sea urchin species (Arbacia lixula , Paracentrotus lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis), and on a nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans). Sea urchin bioassays were evaluated by the effects of soil samples (0.1–0.5% dry wt/vol) on developing embryos and on sperm, and scored as: a) % developmental defects, b) inhibition of sperm fertilization success and offspring damage, and c) frequencies of mitotic aberrations. C. elegans 24 h-mortality assay showed significant toxicity associated with soil samples. The effects of soil samples showed heightened toxicity at two groups of sites, close to the BPP main entrance and around the PP, which was consistent with the highest concentrations found for metals and PAHs, respectively. Total hydrocarbon concentrations displayed high concentrations both close to BPP main entrance and to the PP. Further studies of the health effects of such materials in Gardanne are warranted. Highlights • Gardanne soil showed highest metal and organic levels close to a bauxite processing plant. • Sea urchin early life stages showed highest toxicity close to BPP and a power plant (PP). • Nematode mortality bioassay showed highest toxicity close to BPP and PP. • Further investigations are warranted in Gardanne residential area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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24. Effect of cerium on growth and antioxidant metabolism of Lemna minor L.
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Zicari, Maria Alessandra, d’Aquino, Luigi, Paradiso, Annalisa, Mastrolitti, Silvio, and Tommasi, Franca
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EFFECT of metals on plants ,LEMNA minor ,CERIUM ,ANTIOXIDANTS ,PLANT growth ,EXTRACTION (Chemistry) ,BIOLOGICAL monitoring - Abstract
An increasing input rate of rare earth elements in the environment is expected because of the intense extraction of such elements form their ores to face human technological needs. In this study Lemna minor L. plants were grown under laboratory conditions and treated with increasing concentrations of cerium (Ce) ions to investigate the effects on plant growth and antioxidant systems. The growth increased in plants treated with lower Ce concentrations and reduced in plants treated with higher concentrations, compared to control plants. In plants treated with higher Ce concentrations lower levels of chlorophyll and carotenoid and the appearance of chlorotic symptoms were also detected. Increased levels of hydrogen peroxide, antioxidant metabolites and antioxidant activity confirmed that higher Ce concentrations are toxic to L. minor . Ce concentration in plant tissues was also determined and detectable levels were found only in plants grown on Ce-supplemented media. The use of duckweed plants as a tool for biomonitoring of Ce in freshwater is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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25. Geospatial pattern of topsoil pollution and multi-endpoint toxicity in the petrochemical area of Augusta-Priolo (eastern Sicily, Italy).
- Author
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Tommasi, Franca, Lyons, Daniel M., Pagano, Giovanni, Oral, Rahime, Thomas, Philippe J., Eccles, Kristin M., Tez, Serkan, Toscanesi, Maria, Giarra, Antonella, Siciliano, Antonietta, Dipierro, Nunzio, Gjata, Isidora, Guida, Marco, Libralato, Giovanni, Jaklin, Andrej, Burić, Petra, Kovačić, Ines, and Trifuoggi, Marco
- Subjects
- *
TOPSOIL , *PETROLEUM chemicals , *POLYCYCLIC aromatic hydrocarbons , *PHAEODACTYLUM tricornutum , *RARE earth metals , *ALIPHATIC hydrocarbons - Abstract
The present study was aimed at identifying geospatial patterns of pollutants including concentrations and toxicity as complex environmental mixtures, in topsoil samples close to petrochemical facilities in the heavily industrialized area of Augusta and Priolo in south-eastern Sicily (Italy). Elemental analysis of soil was conducted by ICP-MS for 23 metals and 16 rare earth elements (REEs). Organic analyses were primarily focused on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (16 parent homologs) and total aliphatic hydrocarbons (C10 – C40). Topsoil samples were tested for toxicity in multiple bioassay models including: 1) developmental defects and cytogenetic anomalies in sea urchin Sphaerechinus granularis early life stages; 2) growth inhibition of diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum ; 3) mortality in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans ; and 4) induction of mitotic abnormalities in onion Allium cepa. Samples collected at sites closest to defined petrochemical facilities were highest in select pollutants and correlated with biological effects in different toxicity endpoints. A noteworthy finding was the increased level of total REEs in sites closest to petrochemical facilities, suggesting their contributions to identifying petrochemical sources of pollutants to the environment. The combined data obtained in the different bioassays allowed exploration of geospatial patterns of effect in biota as a function of contaminant levels. In conclusion, this study provides consistent data of soil toxicity, metal and REE contamination at Augusta-Priolo sampling sites, and may provide an appropriate baseline for epidemiological studies on high incidences of congenital birth defects in the area and identification of at-risk localities. [Display omitted] • Topsoil contamination and toxicity was evaluated in a petrochemical area in Sicily. • Inorganic and organic pollutant levels were measured at different distances from refineries. • Multiple bioassays were carried out in testing topsoil toxicity. • Consistent results were found in topsoil from urban areas vs. sampling sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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26. Changes in the Antioxidant Systems as Part of the Signaling Pathway Responsible for the Programmed Cell Death Activated by Nitric Oxide and Reactive Oxygen Species in Tobacco Bright-Yellow 2 Cells1
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de Pinto, Maria Concetta, Tommasi, Franca, and De Gara, Laura
- Subjects
Nitroprusside ,Apoptosis ,Ascorbic Acid ,Nitric Oxide ,Antioxidants ,Cell Line ,Glucose Oxidase ,Ascorbate Peroxidases ,Tobacco ,NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases ,Cells, Cultured ,Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase ,Plant Diseases ,Glutathione Disulfide ,Hydrogen Peroxide ,Glutathione ,Immunity, Innate ,Oxidative Stress ,Glucose ,Glutathione Reductase ,Peroxidases ,Lipid Peroxidation ,Oxidoreductases ,Reactive Oxygen Species ,Oxidation-Reduction ,Research Article ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) has been postulated to be required, together with reactive oxygen species (ROS), for the activation of the hypersensitive reaction, a defense response induced in the noncompatible plant-pathogen interaction. However, its involvement in activating programmed cell death (PCD) in plant cells has been questioned. In this paper, the involvement of the cellular antioxidant metabolism in the signal transduction triggered by these bioactive molecules has been investigated. NO and ROS levels were singularly or simultaneously increased in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv Bright-Yellow 2) cells by the addition to the culture medium of NO and/or ROS generators. The individual increase in NO or ROS had different effects on the studied parameters than the simultaneous increase in the two reactive species. NO generation did not cause an increase in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity or induction of cellular death. It only induced minor changes in ascorbate (ASC) and glutathione (GSH) metabolisms. An increase in ROS induced oxidative stress in the cells, causing an oxidation of the ASC and GSH redox pairs; however, it had no effect on PAL activity and did not induce cell death when it was generated at low concentrations. In contrast, the simultaneous increase of NO and ROS activated a process of death with the typical cytological and biochemical features of hypersensitive PCD and a remarkable rise in PAL activity. Under the simultaneous generation of NO and ROS, the cellular antioxidant capabilities were also suppressed. The involvement of ASC and GSH as part of the transduction pathway leading to PCD is discussed.
- Published
- 2002
27. Health effects and toxicity mechanisms of rare earth elements—Knowledge gaps and research prospects.
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Pagano, Giovanni, Guida, Marco, Tommasi, Franca, and Oral, Rahime
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RARE earth metals ,BIOLOGICAL assay ,EPIDEMIOLOGICAL research ,TOXICITY testing ,BIOACCUMULATION ,OXIDATIVE stress - Abstract
In the recent decades, rare earth elements (REE) have undergone a steady spread in several industrial and medical applications, and in agriculture. Relatively scarce information has been acquired to date on REE-associated biological effects, from studies of bioaccumulation and of bioassays on animal, plant and models; a few case reports have focused on human health effects following occupational REE exposures, in the present lack of epidemiological studies of occupationally exposed groups. The literature is mostly confined to reports on few REE, namely cerium and lanthanum, whereas substantial information gaps persist on the health effects of other REE. An established action mechanism in REE-associated health effects relates to modulating oxidative stress, analogous to the recognized redox mechanisms observed for other transition elements. Adverse outcomes of REE exposures include a number of endpoints, such as growth inhibition, cytogenetic effects, and organ-specific toxicity. An apparent controversy regarding REE-associated health effects relates to opposed data pointing to either favorable or adverse effects of REE exposures. Several studies have demonstrated that REE, like a number of other xenobiotics, follow hormetic concentration-related trends, implying stimulatory or protective effects at low levels, then adverse effects at higher concentrations. Another major role for REE-associated effects should be focused on pH-dependent REE speciation and hence toxicity. Few reports have demonstrated that environmental acidification enhances REE toxicity; these data may assume particular relevance in REE-polluted acidic soils and in REE mining areas characterized by concomitant REE and acid pollution. The likely environmental threats arising from REE exposures deserve a new line of research efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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28. Effects of storage temperature on viability, germination and antioxidant metabolism in Ginkgo biloba L. seeds
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Tommasi, Franca, Paciolla, Costantino, Concetta de Pinto, Maria, and De Gara, Laura
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GLUTATHIONE , *GEL electrophoresis , *ELECTROPHORESIS , *PLANT physiology - Abstract
Abstract: The behaviour of the Ginkgo biloba L. seeds was studied during storage at 4 and 25 °C. When stored at 25 °C, all the seeds died in 6 months. Cold temperatures preserved seed tissue viability for 1 year but did not preserve their capability to germinate, since such capability decreased after 6 months. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation occurred in the seed both in the embryo and in the endosperm. During storage a progressive deterioration of the endosperm tissues was evident. The two major water soluble antioxidants, ascorbate (ASC) and glutathione (GSH), showed different behaviour in the two conditions of storage and in the two main structures of the seed, the embryo and the endosperm. The ASC content of embryos and endosperms remained quite unchanged in the first 9 months at 4 °C, then increased. At 25 °C a significant decrease in the ASC content in the embryos was evident, whereas it remained more stable in the endosperm. The GSH pool decreased at both storage temperatures in the embryos. As far as the ASC–GSH redox enzymes are concerned, their activities decreased with storage, but changes appeared to be time-dependent more than temperature-dependent, with the exception of the endosperm ascorbate free radical (AFR) reductase (EC 1.6.5.4), the activity of which rapidly decreased at 25 °C. Therefore overall the antioxidant enzymes were scarcely regulated and unable to counteract oxidative stress occurring during the long-term storage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase in some species of the Quercus genus.
- Author
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Paciolla, Costantino, D'Emerico, Saverio, and Tommasi, Franca
- Published
- 2001
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30. Cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase in Gymnosperms.
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Tommasi, Franca and Paciolla, Costantino
- Published
- 2000
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- View/download PDF
31. The Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Glomus viscosum Improves the Tolerance to Verticillium Wilt in Artichoke by Modulating the Antioxidant Defense Systems.
- Author
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Villani, Alessandra, Tommasi, Franca, and Paciolla, Costantino
- Subjects
- *
VERTICILLIUM dahliae , *VESICULAR-arbuscular mycorrhizas , *VERTICILLIUM wilt diseases , *ARTICHOKES , *ANTIOXIDANTS , *GLUTATHIONE - Abstract
Verticillium wilt, caused by the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae, is the most severe disease that threatens artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may represent a useful biological control strategy against this pathogen attack, replacing chemical compounds that, up to now, have been not very effective. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the AMF Glomus viscosum Nicolson in enhancing the plant tolerance towards the pathogen V. dahliae. The role of the ascorbate-glutathione (ASC-GSH) cycle and other antioxidant systems involved in the complex network of the pathogen-fungi-plant interaction have been investigated. The results obtained showed that the AMF G. viscosum is able to enhance the defense antioxidant systems in artichoke plants affected by V. dahliae, alleviating the oxidative stress symptoms. AMF-inoculated plants exhibited significant increases in ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, a higher content of ascorbate (ASC) and glutathione (GSH), and a decrease in the levels of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Hence, G. viscosum may represent an effective strategy for mitigating V. dahliae pathogenicity in artichokes, enhancing the plant defense systems, and improving the nutritional values and benefit to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. The ascorbate system in recalcitrant and orthodox seeds.
- Author
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Tommasi, Franca, Paciolla, C., and Arrigoni, O.
- Subjects
- *
SEEDS , *GINKGO , *EUROPEAN Turkey oak , *HORSE chestnut , *CYCAS - Abstract
Recalcitrant seeds of Ginkgo biloba L., Quercus cerris L., Aesculus hippocastanum L. and Cycas revoluta Thunb. are shed by the plant at a high moisture content, contain a large amount of ascorbic acid (ASA) and maintain high ascorbate (ASC) peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) activity. Three proteins showing ASC peroxidase activity are present in G. biloba seeds. Conversely, dry orthodox seeds (Vicia faba L., Avena sativa L., Pinus pinea L.) are completely devoid of ASA and ASC peroxidase. Experimentally induced rapid variations of the water level in both recalcitrant and orthodox seeds do not affect the ASC peroxidase; slow dehydration affects the ASC peroxidase activity moderately in recalcitrant seeds, but provokes a complete loss of germinability. Another peculiar difference between orthodox and recalcitrant seeds concerns the ascorbate recycling enzymes, ascorbate free radical (AFR) reductase (EC 1.6.5.4) and dehydroascorbate (DHA) reductase (EC 1.8.5.1). The DHA reduction capability is low in recalcitrant seeds, but is high in the orthodox ones. In contrast, AFR reductase activity is high in recalcitrant seeds and low in the orthodox ones. Data reported here concerning the ASC system appear to contribute to better understanding the recalcitrance. The presence of three different proteins showing ASC peroxidase activity in the archaic seed-bearing plant G. biloba and its involvement in the spermatophyte evolution is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 1999
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Effect of rare earth elements on growth and antioxidant metabolism in Lemna minorL.
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Paola, IppolitoMaria, Paciolla, Costantino, d’Aquino, Luigi, Morgana, Massimo, and Tommasi, Franca
- Abstract
AbstractLemna minoris frequently used in bioremediation processes to remove nutrients and contaminants from waste water. In this work the response of L. minorto treatments with lanthanum nitrate and with a mix of several light rare earth elements (REE) nitrates was investigated. Preliminary results indicate that L. minorshows an overall good tolerance to the presence of REE in the media. Toxic effects were observed after prolonged exposition to high concentration of REE. An increase in ascorbate and glutathione content as well as in ascorbate peroxidase, dehy-droascorbate reductase and ascorbate free radical (AFR) reductase activity was observed in treated plants.
- Published
- 2007
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34. Alteration in ascorbate and ascorbate peroxidase in programmed cell death and oxidative stress.
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Paradiso, Annalisa, Tommasi, Franca, De Gara, Laura, and De Pinto, Maria Concetta
- Subjects
- *
PEROXIDASE - Abstract
An abstract of the article "Alteration in ascorbate and ascorbate peroxidase in programmed cell death and oxidative stress," by Annalisa Paradiso and colleagues is presented.
- Published
- 2005
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35. Regulation of Growth, Development and Whole Organism Physiology. A comparative study of glutathione and ascorbate metabolism during germination of Pinus pinea L. seeds.
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Tommasi, Franca
- Subjects
- *
GLUTATHIONE , *GERMINATION , *ITALIAN stone pine - Abstract
Compares ascorbate and glutathione metabolism during germination of Pinus pinea L. seeds. Indication of content and reduction-oxidation balance alteration in metabolites; Relationship between ascorbate and glutathione metabolism.
- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Ascorbic acid utilization by prolyl hydroxylase in vivo
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De Gara, Laura, Tommasi, Franca, Liso, Rosalia, and Arrigoni, Oreste
- Published
- 1991
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. The antioxidant systems vis-a`-vis reactive oxygen species during plant–pathogen interaction
- Author
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De Gara, Laura, de Pinto, Maria C., and Tommasi, Franca
- Subjects
- *
PHYTOPATHOGENIC microorganisms , *PLANT metabolism , *PLANT cells & tissues , *CELL death - Abstract
Plant resistance to pathogens requires the activation of complex metabolic pathways in the infected cells, aimed at recognizing pathogen presence and hindering its propagation within plant tissues. In spite of this both compatible and incompatible responses induce alterations in plant metabolism, only in the latter the plant is able to efficiently block pathogen penetration without suffering excessive damage. One of the most studied incompatible responses is based on the hypersensitive response (HR), in which cells surrounding the site of pathogen penetration switch on genes encoding for phytoalexin synthesis and other pathogenesis related proteins before activating programmed cell death (PCD). The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a key event in HR. Several enzymatic systems have been proposed to be responsible for the oxidative burst characterizing HR. In this review, the involvement of antioxidant redox systems, in particular those related to ascorbate (ASC) and glutathione (GSH), in activating both compatible and incompatible plant responses is analysed. Increasing lines of evidence indicate that alterations in the levels and/or redox state of ASC and/or GSH, as well as in the activity of their redox enzymes, occur during the HR programme. These alterations do not seem to be a mere consequence of the oxidative stress induced by the massive ROS production, but they are induced as part of the transduction pathways triggering defence responses and PCD. The possibility that ASC and GSH systems are links in a redox signalling chain activating defence strategies is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. The biogenesis of galactone-γ-lactone oxidase in Avena sativa embryos
- Author
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De Gara, Laura, Tommasi, Franca, Liso, Rosalia, and Arrigoni, Oreste
- Published
- 1992
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Physiological response of two olive cultivars to secondary metabolites of Verticillium dahliae Kleb.
- Author
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Bruno, Giovanni L., Sermani, Samer, Triozzi, Mariangela, and Tommasi, Franca
- Subjects
- *
VERTICILLIUM dahliae , *METABOLITES , *OLIVE , *CULTIVARS , *VERTICILLIUM wilt diseases , *CELL physiology - Abstract
The effects of two purified fractions (formerly D-SXM and ND-SXM) produced in vitro by defoliating (Vd312D) and non-defoliating (Vd315ND) strains of Verticillium dahliae were studied on twigs of Olea europaea cvs Frantoio and Leccino. Symptoms, such as leaf curling, yellowing, vein clearing and defoliation, which are observed on the two cultivars naturally affected by Verticillium wilt, were produced by these fractions. Physiological changes were induced during the first seven days after the absorption of solutions containing ND-SXM or D-SXM. Both fractions increased the transpiration flow from abaxial leaf surfaces. Cell membrane and antioxidant activity were the most important action sites of ND-SXM and D-SXM. ND-SXM influenced malondialdehyde concentration in 'Leccino' leaves, while D-SXM increased the percentage of electrolyte leakage in 'Frantoio'. Both fractions reduced the total non-enzymatic antioxidant activity on the leaves of the treated twigs. The total phenol content increased in both cultivars, without differences to the control. Variations on electrolyte leakage and total antioxidant activity were effective in discriminating the two tested olive cultivars for V. dahliae tolerance or susceptibility. If V. dahliae strains Vd315ND and Vd312D produce ND-SXM and D-SXM in the infected plants, these metabolites may move via the xylem sap, accumulate in the leaves and induce changes that will lead symptoms on the leaf by compromising the cell membranes physiology. Image 1 • Verticillium dahliae defoliating and non-defoliating strains produce phytotoxins. • Twigs of olive cv Leccino and Frantoio are sensitive to V. dahliae metabolites. • V. dahliae metabolites cause leaves curling, browning, and defoliation. • V. dahliae toxins increase transpiration, lipid peroxidation, and electrolyte leakage. • V. dahliae metabolites reduce antioxidant activity on leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Geospatial pattern of topsoil pollution and multi-endpoint toxicity in the petrochemical area of Augusta-Priolo (eastern Sicily, Italy)
- Author
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Franca Tommasi, Daniel M. Lyons, Giovanni Pagano, Rahime Oral, Philippe J. Thomas, Kristin M. Eccles, Serkan Tez, Maria Toscanesi, Antonella Giarra, Antonietta Siciliano, Nunzio Dipierro, Isidora Gjata, Marco Guida, Giovanni Libralato, Andrej Jaklin, Petra Burić, Ines Kovačić, Marco Trifuoggi, Tommasi, Franca, Lyons, Daniel M., Pagano, Giovanni, Oral, Rahime, Thomas, Philippe J., Eccles, Kristin M., Tez, Serkan, Toscanesi, Maria, Giarra, Antonella, Siciliano, Antonietta, Dipierro, Nunzio, Gjata, Isidora, Guida, Marco, Libralato, Giovanni, Jaklin, Andrej, Burić, Petra, Kovačić, Ine, and Trifuoggi, Marco
- Subjects
Soil toxicity ,Environmental Engineering ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,complex mixtures ,petrochemical industry ,polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ,rare earth elements ,refinery ,soil toxicity ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Complex mixture ,General Medicine ,General Chemistry ,Refinery ,Pollution ,Petrochemical industry ,Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ,Rare earth element ,Environmental Chemistry - Abstract
The present study was aimed at identifying geospatial patterns of pollutants including concentrations and toxicity as complex environmental mixtures, in topsoil samples close to petrochemical facilities in the heavily industrialized area of Augusta and Priolo in south-eastern Sicily (Italy). Elemental analysis of soil was conducted by ICP-MS for 23 metals and 16 rare earth elements (REEs). Organic analyses were primarily focused on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (16 parent homologs) and total aliphatic hydrocarbons (C10 – C40). Topsoil samples were tested for toxicity in multiple bioassay models including: 1) developmental defects and cytogenetic anomalies in sea urchin Sphaerechinus granularis early life stages ; 2) growth inhibition of diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum ; 3) mortality in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans ; and 4) induction of mitotic abnormalities in onion Allium cepa. Samples collected at sites closest to defined petrochemical facilities were highest in select pollutants and correlated with biological effects in different toxicity endpoints. A noteworthy finding was the increased level of total REEs in sites closest to petrochemical facilities, suggesting their contributions to identifying petrochemical sources of pollutants to the environment. The combined data obtained in the different bioassays allowed exploration of geospatial patterns of effect in biota as a function of contaminant levels. In conclusion, this study provides consistent data of soil toxicity, metal and REE contamination at Augusta- Priolo sampling sites, and may provide an appropriate baseline for epidemiological studies on high incidences of congenital birth defects in the area and identification of at-risk localities.
- Published
- 2023
41. Heavy rare earth elements affect early life stages in Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula sea urchins.
- Author
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Oral, Rahime, Pagano, Giovanni, Siciliano, Antonietta, Gravina, Maria, Palumbo, Anna, Castellano, Immacolata, Migliaccio, Oriana, Thomas, Philippe J., Guida, Marco, Tommasi, Franca, and Trifuoggi, Marco
- Subjects
- *
RARE earth metals , *METAL toxicology , *PARACENTROTUS lividus , *SEA urchins , *CYTOGENETICS - Abstract
Background Heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) have been scarcely studied for their toxicity, in spite of their applications in several technologies. Thus HREEs require timely investigations for their adverse health effects. Methods Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula embryos and sperm were exposed to trichloride salts of five HREEs (Dy, Ho, Er, Yb and Lu) and to Ce(III) as a light REE (LREE) reference to evaluate: 1) developmental defects (% DD) in HREE-exposed larvae or in the offspring of HREE-exposed sperm; 2) mitotic anomalies; 3) fertilization success; and 4) reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Nominal HREE concentrations were confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results HREEs induced concentration-related DD increases in P. lividus and A. lixula larvae, ranging from no significant DD increase at 10 −7 M HREEs up to ≅100% DD at 10 −5 M HREE. Larvae exposed to 10 −5 M Ce(III) resulted in less severe DD rates compared to HREEs. Decreased mitotic activity and increased aberration rates were found in HREE-exposed P. lividus embryos. Significant increases in ROS formation and NO levels were found both in HREE-exposed and in Ce(III) embryos, whereas only Ce(III), but not HREEs resulted in significant increase in MDA levels. Sperm exposure to HREEs (10 −5 –10 −4 M) resulted in a concentration-related decrease in fertilization success along with increase in offspring damage. These effects were significantly enhanced for Dy(III), Ho(III), Er(III) and Yb(III), compared to Lu(III) and to Ce(III). Conclusion HREE-associated toxicity affected embryogenesis, fertilization, cytogenetic and redox endpoints showing different toxicities of tested HREEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Evaluation of Rare Earth Element-Associated Hormetic Effects in Candidate Fertilizers and Livestock Feed Additives
- Author
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Franca Tommasi, Philippe J. Thomas, Daniel M. Lyons, Giovanni Pagano, Rahime Oral, Antonietta Siciliano, Maria Toscanesi, Marco Guida, Marco Trifuoggi, Tommasi, Franca, Thomas, Philippe J., Lyons, Daniel M., Pagano, Giovanni, Oral, Rahime, Siciliano, Antonietta, Toscanesi, Maria, Guida, Marco, and Trifuoggi, Marco
- Subjects
Feed additive ,Toxicity ,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism ,Performance ,Biochemistry (medical) ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Heavy-Metals ,General Medicine ,Rare earth elements ,Hormesis ,Fertilizer ,Mixture ,Biochemistry ,Quality ,Animal Health ,Inorganic Chemistry ,Chemistry ,Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences ,Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles ,Field-Grown Maize ,Lanthanum ,Mice Following Exposure ,Rare earth elements · Hormesis · Toxicity · Fertilizer · Feed additive · Mixture ,Biology - Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are recognized as emerging contaminants with implications in human and environmental health. Apart from their adverse effects, REEs have been reported as having positive effects when amended to fertilizers and livestock feed additives, thus suggesting a hormetic trend, implying a concentration-related shift from stimulation to inhibition and toxicity, with analogous trends that have been assessed for a number of xenobiotics. In view of optimizing the success of REE mixtures in stimulating crop yield and/or livestock growth or egg production, one should foresee the comparative concentration-related effects of individual REEs (e.g., Ce and La) vs. their mixtures, which may display distinct trends. The results might prompt further explorations on the use of REE mixtures vs. single REEs aimed at optimizing the preparation of fertilizers and feed additives, in view of the potential recognition of their use in agronomy and zootechny., Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II within the CRUI-CARE Agreement, Open access funding provided by Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.
- Published
- 2022
43. Rare earth elements in human and animal health: State of art and research priorities
- Author
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Tommasi, Franca [“Aldo Moro” Bari University, Department of Biology, I-70126 Bari (Italy)]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Soil pollution and toxicity in an area affected by emissions from a bauxite processing plant and a power plant in Gardanne (southern France)
- Author
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Anna Palumbo, Petra Burić, Marco Trifuoggi, Marco Guida, Franca Tommasi, Maria Toscanesi, Rahime Oral, Aldo Di Nunzio, Daniel Mark Lyons, Philippe J. Thomas, Antonietta Siciliano, Maria Gravina, Giovanni Pagano, Oral, Rahime, Pagano, Giovanni, Siciliano, Antonietta, Toscanesi, Maria, Gravina, Maria, Di Nunzio, Aldo, Palumbo, Anna, Thomas, Philippe J., Tommasi, Franca, Burić, Petra, Lyons, Daniel M., Guida, Marco, and Trifuoggi, Marco
- Subjects
Male ,Pollution ,Soil test ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,media_common.quotation_subject ,0211 other engineering and technologies ,Embryonic Development ,02 engineering and technology ,010501 environmental sciences ,01 natural sciences ,Paracentrotus lividus ,Soil pollution ,Soil toxicity ,Bauxite processing ,Power plant ,Sea urchins ,C. elegans ,Soil ,Aluminum Oxide ,Animals ,Bioassay ,Seawater ,Qualitative inorganic analysis ,Sphaerechinus granularis ,Caenorhabditis elegans ,Arbacia lixula ,Soil pollution Soil toxicity Bauxite processing Power plant Sea urchins C. elegans ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,media_common ,021110 strategic, defence & security studies ,biology ,Chemistry ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,General Medicine ,biology.organism_classification ,Spermatozoa ,Soil contamination ,6. Clean water ,13. Climate action ,Sea Urchins ,Environmental chemistry ,Biological Assay ,Metals, Rare Earth ,France ,Environmental Pollution ,Power Plants - Abstract
Soil pollution and toxicity have been investigated in the Gardanne area (southern France) at a range of sites around a recognized pollution source, a bauxite processing plant (BPP), and a power plant (PP). Soil samples were submitted to inorganic and organic analyses and tested for toxicity in two invertebrate models. Inorganic analysis was based on determining elemental concentrations by ICP-MS, encompassing a total of 26 elements including 13 rare earth elements (REEs), of the soil samples and their leachates after 24 or 48 h in seawater. Organic analyses were performed by measuring the sums of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and of total hydrocarbons (C-10 to C-40). Bioassays were carried out on the early life stages of three sea urchin species (Arbacia lixula, Paracentrotus lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis), and on a nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans). Sea urchin bioassays were evaluated by the effects of soil samples (0.1–0.5% dry wt/vol) on developing embryos and on sperm, and scored as: a) % developmental defects, b) inhibition of sperm fertilization success and offspring damage, and c) frequencies of mitotic aberrations. C. elegans 24 h-mortality assay showed significant toxicity associated with soil samples. The effects of soil samples showed heightened toxicity at two groups of sites, close to the BPP main entrance and around the PP, which was consistent with the highest concentrations found for metals and PAHs, respectively. Total hydrocarbon concentrations displayed high concentrations both close to BPP main entrance and to the PP. Further studies of the health effects of such materials in Gardanne are warranted.
- Published
- 2019
45. Effect of some light rare earth elements on seed germination, seedling growth and antioxidant metabolism in Triticum durum
- Author
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d’Aquino, Luigi, de Pinto, Maria Concetta, Nardi, Luca, Morgana, Massimo, and Tommasi, Franca
- Subjects
- *
RARE earth metals , *GERMINATION , *SEEDLINGS , *ANTIOXIDANTS , *DURUM wheat , *AGRICULTURE & the environment , *NITRATES & the environment , *PLANT roots - Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) enriched fertilizers have been commonly used in China since the 1980s, thus inducing a growing concern about their environmental impact in agriculture. In this work, the effect of some light REEs nitrate mixture and La3+ nitrate on seed germination, seedling growth and antioxidant metabolism in Triticum durum was investigated with the aim of clarifying the potential benefits or damages of REEs on plants. Seed pre-soaking for 8h with La3+ and REEs nitrate inhibited seed germination at low concentrations (0.01mM and 0.1mM), while pre-soaking for 2 and 4h already inhibited seed germination when higher concentrations (1mM and 10mM) of La3+ and REEs nitrate were used. La3+ and REEs nitrate treatment also affected seedling growth. Root growth was enhanced and inhibited at low and high concentrations, respectively. Shoot growth was inhibited by La3+ and REEs nitrate at all tested concentrations after 12d of treatments. Enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants were differently affected by La3+ and REEs nitrate and their behaviour changed also depending on the plant organ. In roots La3+ and REEs nitrate treatments induced an increase in ascorbate (ASC) and glutathione (GSH) contents. In shoots only La3+ nitrate induced an increase in the ASC content whereas GSH decreased following both La3+ and REEs nitrate treatments. An increase in ASC peroxidase activity was observed in shoots and roots, while catalase did not change in roots and slightly decreased in shoots. The possible role of the increase in some antioxidants as indicators of stress caused by lanthanide treatments is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Topsoil and Urban Dust Pollution and Toxicity in Taranto (southern Italy) Industrial Area and in a Residential District
- Author
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Franca Tommasi, Maria Toscanesi, Luigi D'Ambra, Anna Palumbo, Anna Crisci, Maria Gravina, Philippe J. Thomas, Maddalena Mozzillo, Daniel Mark Lyons, Marco Trifuoggi, Antonietta Siciliano, Marco Guida, Petra Burić, Rahime Oral, Giovanni Pagano, Trifuoggi, Marco, Pagano, Giovanni, Oral, Rahime, Gravina, Maria, Toscanesi, Maria, Mozzillo, Maddalena, Siciliano, Antonietta, Burić, Petra, Lyons, Daniel M, Palumbo, Anna, Thomas, Philippe J, D'Ambra, Luigi, Crisci, Anna, Guida, Marco, and Tommasi, Franca
- Subjects
Geologic Sediments ,Sea urchin ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Urban Population ,Air pollution ,010501 environmental sciences ,medicine.disease_cause ,01 natural sciences ,Soil ,Residence Characteristics ,Bioassay ,Soil Pollutants ,Sphaerechinus granularis ,Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ,General Environmental Science ,media_common ,biology ,Dust ,General Medicine ,Pollution ,Soil contamination ,Italy ,Metals ,Environmental chemistry ,Biological Assay ,Environmental Monitoring ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Soil pollution ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,Steel foundry ,Air Pollution ,C. elegan ,medicine ,Ecotoxicology ,Animals ,Humans ,Industry ,Caenorhabditis elegans ,soil pollution ,soil toxicity ,steel foundry ,sea urchins ,S. granularis ,C. elegans ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Soil toxicity ,Topsoil ,Sediment ,Environmental Exposure ,biology.organism_classification ,Sea Urchins ,Environmental science ,S. granulari ,Environmental Pollution - Abstract
Adverse environmental conditions in the Taranto area (southern Italy) were investigated in studies of air, marine sediment, and human health. The present study aimed at providing unprecedented information on soil pollution and toxicity in a set of sites around recognized pollution sources in the Taranto area, since previous studies were focused on marine or air pollution, or on human health effects. The investigated area included a steel foundry and a power plant, as well as some sites located in an adjacent neighborhood. Surface soil samples and urban dust were collected and submitted to inorganic and organic analyses and tested for toxicity in two invertebrate bioassay models; a sea urchin (Sphaerechinus granularis) and an annelid (Caenorhabditis elegans). Inorganic analysis was carried out using ICP-MS for elemental composition for a total of 34 elements, whose levels were evaluated as a function of bioassay data analyzed through principal component analysis (PCA). Other analyses included asbestos search by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and organic analysis for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aliphatic compounds (C10-C40). Toxicity bioassays were carried out on a sea urchin (Sphaerechinus granularis), and an annelid (Caenorhabditis elegans). Sea urchin bioassays evaluated effects of topsoil or street dust sample exposures (0.1 to 0.5% dry wt/vol) on developing embryos and on sperm, and scored as (a) % developmental defects, (b) inhibition of fertilization success and offspring damage, and (c) frequencies of mitotic aberrations. C. elegans mortality assay displayed significant toxicity associated with soil samples. The overall effects of samples showed very high toxicity at four out of nine sites. These effects were consistent with the highest levels measured for metals and PAHs. Further studies of health effects related to dust exposures in residential areas are warranted. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
- Published
- 2019
47. Uptake and distribution of several inorganic ions in Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) C. Presl grown on contaminated soil
- Author
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Adriana Basile, Franca Tommasi, E. Gambale, M. Staiano, L. D’Aquino, D’Aquino, L., Staiano, Michele, Gambale, E., Basile, Adriana, and Tommasi, Franca
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Soil test ,fern ,Environmental pollution ,Plant Science ,010501 environmental sciences ,Inorganic ions ,complex mixtures ,01 natural sciences ,inorganic contaminant ,Bioremediation ,bioremediation ,Botany ,Nephrolepis cordifolia ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,biology ,Chemistry ,food and beverages ,heavy metal ,biology.organism_classification ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematic ,Soil contamination ,bioaccumulation ,Environmental chemistry ,Bioaccumulation ,Soil water ,environmental pollution ,010606 plant biology & botany - Abstract
Plants of Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) C. Presl were grown on soil samples collected in a mine site located in Central Italy and on soil samples from uncontaminated soils to test the ability of this species to accumulate inorganic contaminants under semi-natural conditions. The plants were kept under observation for monitoring the growth and the appearance of any stress symptoms. The concentrations of inorganic ions were determined in the substrates and in different plant organs. The results indicated that N. cordifolia is able to grow vigorously on soils contaminated by inorganic ions that are potentially toxic for living organisms and that this species is able to accumulate several inorganic contaminants mainly in its underground parts. Concentrations of aluminium, iron and lead >1000 mg/kg in the underground parts were detected in plants grown on the contaminated substrate. N. cordifolia is, therefore, potentially useful as a tool for phytostabilization of contaminated soils.
- Published
- 2016
48. Heavy rare earth elements affect early life stages in Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula sea urchins
- Author
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Philippe J. Thomas, Immacolata Castellano, Oriana Migliaccio, Franca Tommasi, Anna Palumbo, Marco Trifuoggi, Marco Guida, Antonietta Siciliano, Maria Gravina, Rahime Oral, Giovanni Pagano, Oral, Rahime, Pagano, Giovanni, Siciliano, Antonietta, Gravina, Maria, Palumbo, Anna, Castellano, Immacolata, Migliaccio, Oriana, Thomas, Philippe J., Guida, Marco, Tommasi, Franca, and Trifuoggi, Marco
- Subjects
Male ,Sea urchin ,Turkey ,Embryonic Development ,02 engineering and technology ,010501 environmental sciences ,Cytogenetic anomalie ,01 natural sciences ,Biochemistry ,Paracentrotus lividus ,Heavy rare earth element ,Andrology ,Toxicology ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Human fertilization ,Animals ,Arbacia lixula ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,General Environmental Science ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Arbacia ,Reactive oxygen species ,biology ,Embryo ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Malondialdehyde ,biology.organism_classification ,Sperm ,Spermatozoa ,chemistry ,Italy ,Fertilization ,Larva ,Toxicity ,Paracentrotus ,Metals, Rare Earth ,Redox endpoint ,0210 nano-technology ,Water Pollutants, Chemical - Abstract
Background: Heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) have been scarcely studied for their toxicity, in spite of their applications in several technologies. Thus HREEs require timely investigations for their adverse health effects. Methods: Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula embryos and sperm were exposed to trichloride salts of five HREEs (Dy, Ho, Er, Yb and Lu) and to Ce(III) as a light REE (LREE) reference to evaluate: 1) developmental defects (% DD) in HREE-exposed larvae or in the offspring of HREE-exposed sperm; 2) mitotic anomalies; 3) fertilization success; and 4) reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Nominal HREE concentrations were confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: HREEs induced concentration-related DD increases in P. lividus and A. lixula larvae, ranging from no significant DD increase at 10(-7)M HREEs up to ≅100% DD at 10(-5)M HREE. Larvae exposed to 10(-5)M Ce(III) resulted in less severe DD rates compared to HREEs. Decreased mitotic activity and increased aberration rates were found in HREE-exposed P. lividus embryos. Significant increases in ROS formation and NO levels were found both in HREE-exposed and in Ce(III) embryos, whereas only Ce(III), but not HREEs resulted in significant increase in MDA levels. Sperm exposure to HREEs (10(-5)-10(-4)M) resulted in a concentration-related decrease in fertilization success along with increase in offspring damage. These effects were significantly enhanced for Dy(III), Ho(III), Er(III) and Yb(III), compared to Lu(III) and to Ce(III). Conclusion: HREE-associated toxicity affected embryogenesis, fertilization, cytogenetic and redox endpoints showing different toxicities of tested HREEs Heavy rare earth elements affect early life stages in Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula sea urchins.
- Published
- 2016
49. Long-term multi-endpoint exposure of the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata to lanthanum and cerium.
- Author
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Siciliano A, Guida M, Serafini S, Micillo M, Galdiero E, Carfagna S, Salbitani G, Tommasi F, Lofrano G, Padilla Suarez EG, Gjata I, Brouziotis AA, Trifuoggi M, Liguori R, Race M, Fabbricino M, and Libralato G
- Subjects
- Catalase, Lanthanum toxicity, Cerium toxicity, Metals, Rare Earth, Microalgae
- Abstract
Significant release of rare earth elements (REEs) into the environment is mainly due to active or abandoned mining sites, but their presence is globally increasing due to their use in several industrial sectors. The effects on primary producers as Raphidocelis subcapitata are still limited. This research focused on La and Ce as the two most widespread REEs that can be currently found up to hundreds of μg/L in water and wastewater. Microalgae were exposed to La and Ce for 3 days (pH = 7.8) (short-term exposure) to derive the effective concentrations inhibiting the growth on 10% (EC10) of the exposed population. EC10 values (0.5 mg/L of La and 0.4 mg/L of Ce) were used for the 28 days long-term exposure (renewal test) to observe after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days on a multi-endpoint basis microalgae growth inhibition (GI), biomarkers of stress (reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)), and bioconcentration. Results evidenced that La and Ce EC10 increased GI (day 28) up to 38% and 28%, respectively. ROS, CAT, and SOD activities showed differential responses from day 7 to day 14, 21, and 28, suggesting, in most of the cases, that La and Ce effects were counteracted (i.e., being the values at day 28 not significantly different, p > 0.05, from the relative negative controls), except for La-related ROS activities. La and Ce significantly bioconcentrated in microalgae populations up to 2- and 5-fold (i.e., at day 28 compared to day 7), in that order. Bioconcentrated La and Ce were up to 3157 and 1232 μg/g dry weight (day 28), respectively. These results suggested that low La and Ce concentrations can be slightly toxic to R. subcapitata having the potential to be bioaccumulated and potentially transferred along the food web., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Cerium, gadolinium, lanthanum, and neodymium effects in simplified acid mine discharges to Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lepidium sativum, and Vicia faba.
- Author
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Siciliano A, Guida M, Pagano G, Trifuoggi M, Tommasi F, Lofrano G, Padilla Suarez EG, Gjata I, Brouziotis AA, Liguori R, and Libralato G
- Subjects
- Gadolinium toxicity, Lanthanum toxicity, Lepidium sativum, Neodymium, Cerium toxicity, Metals, Rare Earth toxicity, Vicia faba
- Abstract
The alteration of rare earth elements (REEs) biogeochemical cycles has increased the potential effects related to their environmental exposure in a one-health perspective. Cerium (Ce), gadolinium (Gd), lanthanum (La), and neodymium (Nd) are frequently related to technological applications and their environmental concentrations are already in the μg/kg - mg/kg (i.e., or L) range depending on the considered matrices. The effect of Ce, Gd, La, and Nd was investigated in a simulated AMD (0.01-10.22 mg/L) at pH 4 and 6 considering a battery of photosynthetic organisms (Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lepidium sativum, and Vicia faba) according to a multiple-endpoint approach (growth inhibition, germination index, and mutagenicity). According to modelled chemical speciation, the considered elements were mostly in the trivalent free form (86-88%) at pH 4. Gd, La, and Nd exerted the most relevant toxic effect at pH 4. The pH 6 scenario evidenced a reduction in REEs toxicity level. Mutagenicity was detected only at pH 4 by Gd (up to 3-fold compared to negative controls), La and Nd, while Ce did not show any adverse effect. Toxic effects due to Ce, Gd, La, and Nd can be reduced by controlling the pH, but several gaps of knowledge still remain about their uptake and trophic transfer, and long-term effects on targeted species., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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