Abstract
Pollution by heavy metals represents a significant environmental burden. We employed confocal microscopy with spectral detection and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) from various metals (Zinc, Nickel, Cobalt, Copper) on endogenous fluorescence of Fontinalis antipyretica moss. Short term (3–5 day) exposure to NPs, designed and fabricated by direct synthesis using femtosecond laser ablation in water, was studied. The green flavonoid and/or lignin endogenous fluorescence peaking between 500 and 560 nm was found to be increased by Zn and significantly reduced by Cu. The overall red chlorophyll fluorescence intensity with a maximum of 680 nm remained largely unchanged after exposure to Ni and Zn, but was decreased in the presence of Co and completely abolished by Cu. All NPs but Zn induced changes in the fluorescence lifetimes, demonstrating increased sensitivity of this parameter to environmental pollution. Gathered data indicate fast responsiveness of the endogenous fluorescence in the Fontinalis antipyretica moss to the presence of heavy metals that can thus potentially serve as a biosensing tool for monitoring environmental pollution in the moss natural environment.
Highlights
In the last decades, the environment has been severely polluted by heavy metals
We focus on endogenous fluorescence, derived primarily from chlorophylls, and from flavonoids and/or lignins, studied by spectrally- and time-resolved imaging in moss
We focus on the effect of heavy metals on endogenous fluorescence in the Fontinalis antipyretica moss
Summary
The environment has been severely polluted by heavy metals. Despite the fact that some heavy metals are essential trace elements for the functioning of living organisms, most can be toxic due to formation of complex compounds within the cells [1]. Excessive levels of metals such as Co, Cu, or Zn, induced by industrial developments, often lead to detrimental effects on living cells and organisms [2]. Heavy metals induce lipid peroxidation and DNA damage leading to several diseases, namely various types of cancer [3]. Together with algae and higher plants, are highly sensitive to environmental pollution including that of heavy metals that they are capable to accumulate [6]. The decrease in the photosynthetic capacity, inhibition of growth, as well as reduced biosynthesis
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