Cress Seeds Research Articles

Nutritional Significance and Usage of Garden Cress Seeds (Lepidium sativum L) – A Review

Garden cress seeds are traditionally used in some geographic regions as functional food. In some parts of India, it is given to pregnant and lactating mothers as milk-based beverage. It is used in salads, soups and smoothies in western countries. Although garden cress seeds packed with nutrients, comprehensive research on all the nutrients information (both macro and micro nutrients) was needed. Understanding the nutritional benefits can help in development of food products and extending the usage to other geographical areas. The present review tries to explore the nutritional composition of this less familiar food. 100 g of garden cress seeds provide 445.18 kcal of energy, 24.11 g protein, 24.12 g fat, 9.01g fiber. In addition, Garden cress seeds also provide calcium (320.45mg/100g), magnesium (353.87mg/100g), phosphorus (619.82mg/100g), potassium (1141.67mg/100g) and iron (11.70mg/100g). Many food scientists have incorporated the seeds in local recipes and they are found to be acceptable by the sensory panel. Scaling up and commercialization of these products is needed to popularise the usage of these seeds. As garden cress seeds are rich in micronutrients and help in combating micro nutrient deficiency.

Highly selective recovery of phosphate ions using a novel carbonaceous adsorbent synthesized via co-pyrolysis of spent coffee grounds and steel slags: A potential phosphatic fertilizer

This study rigorously investigated the viability of carbonaceous adsorbents (SS@SCA) prepared through one-step co-pyrolysis of steel slags (SSs) and spent coffee grounds (SCGs) for selectively capturing phosphate (PO43−) ions in aqueous solutions and their subsequent utilizing a phosphatic fertilizer to promote the plant growth. The higher PO43− adsorption capacity (Qe = 23.0 mg/g) and magnetic separability (90.1%) of SS@SCA compared to pristine carbonaceous adsorbents (SCA) prepared through simple pyrolysis of SCGs (Qe = 2.6 mg/g) were mainly attributed to the enriched metal oxides on its surfaces (i.e., CaO, MgO, Fe3O4, Fe2O3, Al2O3). Moreover, the main adsorption mechanism of PO43− ions toward SCA was changed from physisorption (ligand exchange by alcohol functional groups) to chemisorption (electrostatic surface complexation by CaO and MgO) via one-step co-pyrolysis of SCGs and SSs. This phenomenon enabled SS@SCA to selectively capture PO43− ions under the co-existence of Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, and CO32− ions (decreasing rates of Qe: SCA = 38.5–65.4%; SS@SCA = 0.8–8.8%). PO43−-loaded SS@SCA more effectively promoted the seed germination (germination index (GI): 434–467%) and root growth (root length: 4.0–5.1 cm) of garden cress seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) than other liquid and solid matrices, including 20 mg/L PO43−, 100 mg/L PO43−, and SS@SCA (GI: 77–258%; root length: 0.9–3.0 cm). Hence, PO43−-loaded SS@SCA seemed to be potentially applicable to the agricultural field as a phosphatic fertilizer for accelerating the plant growth. Therefore, PO43−-loaded SS@SCA could be practically used as a phosphatic fertilizer to reinforce the plant growth.

Antioxidant edible double-layered film based on waste from soybean production as a vegan active packaging for perishable food products

Edible vegan films were obtained on the basis of furcellaran and protein hydrolysates from soybean bran. The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of using innovative single- and double-layer films with antioxidant properties as packaging materials for vegetarian products. A further objective of the study was to evaluate the degree of biodegradation and potential toxicity with regard to the developed films. The tofu was analysed for changes in physicochemical parameters (weight loss, dry weight texture and colour), microbiological quality (total microbial count, yeast and moulds, psychotropic bacteria), and lipid oxidation (peroxidase and acid values, TBARS, fatty acid profile). It was found that films undergo almost complete biodegradation within 10 days and do not demonstrate any toxicity for cress seeds during their growth. Films are not effective in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in tofu samples. Furthermore, they are not efficient in inhibiting the oxidation of tofu lipids. Compared to the control, the tofu samples covered with the innovative biopolymer films showed significantly lower moisture content and higher weight loss as well as hardness during the whole storage period.

Therapeutic Potential And Nutraceuticals Aspects Of Lepidium Sativum

With the rising trend toward the use of natural substances in medicines, the utilization of cress seed mucilage (Lepidium sativum L.) has gained significant importance.Since the Vedic period, the subcontinent has employed garden cress (Lepidium sativum) for medical reasons. There are several ecological and industrial uses of garden cress that are summarized in this paper. The emerging evidence revealed that in the Unani school of medicine, the seeds and leaves of this plant might be used to treat inflammation, bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscle discomfort. Asthma, cough, and peptic ulcers are also said to benefit from their usage. Anti-hemagglutinating, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, diuretic, and fracture-healing qualities are also attributed to the plant. A special emphasis was placed in the study on the nutritional content of the leaves, which revealed that they are an excellent source of macroelements such as potassium and sodium, but also of calcium and trace minerals such as iron, magnesium and zinc. Conclusion:The current study also discusses the culinary items that have been created by combining garden cress seed powder with other ingredients. As an underused oilseed crop, garden cress seeds should be promoted for their production and consumption.

Fortification of ice milk with germinated garden Cress seeds paste (Lepidium sativum) and using ultrasonic technology

Fortification of ice milk with germinated garden Cress seeds paste (Lepidium sativum) and using ultrasonic technology

Extraction, Purification, and Characterization of Lepidium sativum Mucilage for Product Development

Since ancient times, various human civilization are using herbal medications for different ailments. Herbal medications are being extensively researched and promoted in various health care programs in India. Scientist from across the globe is attracted toward the potential medicinal values of different herbs and is working to blend herbal medications with novel formulation technologies to overcome the difficulty associated in developing formulations based on herbal medications. Cress or garden cress (Lepidium sativum) has been widely reported for its numerous pharmacological activities. The cress seeds possess numbers of nutraceutical values from rubefacient, galactogogue, and laxative to diuretic properties. In the present study, mucilage is extracted from the seeds of L. sativum by different methods, in which the treatment of dried of mucilage powder with ethanol yields highest amount of mucilage. Further, purification was done exploiting the method of Munir et al. with slight modification. Chemical characterization shows presence of carbohydrate, mucilage, and polysaccharide. Proximate analysis also confirms the presence of crude fats (2.37%), proteins (3.07%), fibers (4.71%), and carbohydrates (77.72%) and total calculated energy was 287.62 kcal/gm. Physiochemical analysis shows 4.8% loss of moisture on drying; particle size of grinded mucilage 500–1000 μm; 7.6 pH of 0.5% solution of L. sativum mucilage; 227–229°C charring temperature; good swelling and flow properties; and compressibility index 0.26 and 26.0% compressibility. Fourier-transform infrared analysis of L. sativum mucilage shows presence of O-H, C-H and C=O functional group. The extraction and characterization of L. sativum mucilage could be further used for possible product development.

CuCoFe2O4@MC/AC as a new hybrid magnetic nanocomposite for metronidazole removal from wastewater: Bioassay and toxicity of effluent

CuCoFe2O4@MC/AC was synthesized as a highly powerful, magnetically separable nano-adsorbent using a novel microwave-assisted technique using copper, iron, and cobalt salts on methylcellulose (MC) in the presence of activated carbon (AC) in an alkali medium. FESEM, EDS, Mapping & Linescan, BET, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and VSM were all used to characterize the nanomagnetic adsorbent. At the initial concentration of 5 mg/L, pH 7, contact duration of 30 min, nanocomposite dosage of 2.5 g/L, and temperature of 25 °C were observed as the maximum percentage of pollutant adsorption (83.4%). For simple separation by external magnetic fields, the Ms value was 42.62 emu/g. The adsorption rate dropped as the temperature rose, indicating that the adsorption reaction was exothermic. The metronidazole (MNZ) adsorption process via the synthesized magnetic nanocomposite was compatible with the Freundlich isotherm model, according to data derived from Langmuir (R2 = 0.961) and Freundlich (R2 = 0.984) equilibrium isotherms. Furthermore, the results of the reaction kinetic calculations revealed that the adsorption of MNZ by the adsorbent followed a pseudo-second-order model. It was found that the adsorption process was exothermic based on the findings of thermodynamic studies that included entropy changes (ΔS = 57.182 j/mol. k), enthalpy changes (ΔH = -13.106 kJ/mol), and the Gibbs negative free energy (ΔG = -30.146 kJ/mol). Finally, the reusability of the magnetic nano-adsorbent produced was investigated in the removal of MNZ. The results showed that after four adsorption–desorption cycles, the nano-adsorbents effectiveness in the removal process decreased somewhat. The effluent obtained after the adsorption process was evaluated for toxicity and bioassay using Artemia, Daphnia and tomato, lettuce, radish, and cress seeds. According to the findings of this research, the magnetic nanocomposite CuCoFe2O4@MC/AC might be a promising novel adsorbent for antibiotic adsorption from aqueous solutions.

Nutritional, functional, and therapeutic assessment of muffins fortified with garden cress seeds

This study was designed to explore the nutraceutical, functional, and therapeutic potential of garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds (GCSs) based on their highly nutritious, affordable, and rich contents of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). The nutraceutical potential of GCSs in safety and treatment trials on Sprague–Dawley rats was observed, which strengthened its role in lowering weight gain, blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), while increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL), total leucocyte count (TLCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and red blood cells (RBCs). A marketable recipe of GCSs-fortified muffins at assorted fortification levels of 5 to 20% indicated a significant increase of 14%, 68%, 74%, and 45% in protein, fiber, ash, and healthy fats, respectively. Farinographic studies of GCS blends resulted in overall raised dough quality characteristics along with increasing fortification levels. Whereas the sensorial evaluation revealed the fortification levels of ≤15% were highly appreciated. GCSs should be included in daily eatables since they have cardio- and immuno-protective activity and are a rich source of vegetal proteins, fiber, minerals, and lipids. Novelty impact statement The seeds of Lepidium sativum (garden cress) are nutritious, loaded with many functional ingredients, and are now being acknowledged for their nutraceutical potential for various maladies. These seeds still lack their utilization in edibles for their regular utilization. This study can help food industries to fortify them into ordinary bakery items to empower their daily dietary utilization to get positive health outcomes.

Nutritional Evaluation of Garden Cress Seeds (Lepidium sativum ) Based Iron Enriched Recipes

Adolescence is a vulnerable period in human life cycle when nutritional requirements increases due to rapid growth spurt. More than 60 per cent of adolescent girls have been reported to be affected by iron deficiency anemia. Garden cress seeds ( ) are locally Lepidium sativumavailable inexpensive seeds which are excellent sources of iron, protein and β–carotene. The present study was planned to develop iron enriched four recipes viz. , s and biscuits for adolescent girls using garden cress seeds as the main ingredient. Three ladoo, mathri hakkarpare formulations of each recipe, i.e., control (no garden cress flour), variant-1 (unprocessed garden cress flour) and variant-2 (processed garden cress flour) were developed. The developed recipes were analysed for proximate composition, selected mineral content and iron in-vitro bioavailability. The variant-2 of , was higher in ash (2.10 and 2.27 %), crude fat (23.97 and 36.24 %), crude fibre (1.43 and ladoo and mathri 6.95 %) and crude protein (9.55 and 10.44 %). The selected mineral content was also higher in variant-2 of and . Processing of ladoo mathri seeds had significant effect on total iron, ionisable and soluble iron as well as per cent bioavailability of iron that enhanced after the treatment. Thus, among various developed recipes, variant-2 of, and were highly nutritive.

Disodyum oktaborat tetrahidratın (DOT) Roka (Eruca sativa Mill.) ve Tere (Lepidium sativum L.)'de tohum çimlenmesi ve gelişimi üzerine etkileri

Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) is cultivated throughout the year. Thanks to the rich metabolites of its leaves, it has a wide usage area in pharmacy. Cress (Lepidium sativum) is in the group of annual vegetables and has a herbaceous structure. Due to its fragrant and slightly spicy structure, it is a vegetable that is used as an appetizer. Its seeds and green parts are very beneficial for health. Rocket is a short-day plant whose leaves are considered to be rich in many minerals and vitamins. The present research was conducted to investigate the effects of doses of Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) (0 (control), 15, 30, 45, 60 mg L-1 on the germination and development of seeds of rocket and cress plants grown in pot experiments. In order to determine the effect of DOT on the development and yield of rocket and cress plants, the percentage of germinated seeds, cotyledon length and dry matter amounts were determined. ANOVA test was used to analyze the data obtained in the present study. Tukey test was used to determine which groups were insignificant differences between the groups. Overall, it was seen that there were significant growth differences between the doses used statistically, the dose of 45 mg L-1 DOT positively affected the germination and dry matter content of rocket and cress seeds.

Morpho-physiological and molecular responses of Lepidium sativum L. seeds induced by bismuth exposure

Bismuth (Bi) is considered a “green metal” as its toxicity has been reported to be lower than other metals, particularly lead. Even though the low presence in the environment, an increase of Bi concentrations in soil and wastewater is predictable due to its enhanced uses for many industrial and medical applications. Therefore, given the little literature on the matter, particularly in plants, information on the effects of Bi on living organisms is needed. In this study, seeds of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), a model plant for ecotoxicological assays (OECD), were exposed to increasing Bi concentrations (0 to 485 mg L−1 Bi(NO3)3·5H2O in deionised water) in petri plates. After 72 h, the percent germination index (GI%) revealed no effects at the lowest Bi concentrations, while a slight toxicity occurred at 242 and 485 mg L−1 Bi nitrate. A significant reduction of the root length was observed in Bi-treated seedlings, especially at the highest Bi concentrations. Consistently, the Alkaline Comet Assay revealed a genotoxic effect induced by Bi exposure in garden cress seedlings. A Bi concentration-dependent metal accumulation in plantlets was also observed, with a Bi concentration higher than 1200 mg kg−1 found in plantlets at the highest Bi concentration assayed. The toxicity effects observed in the study were discussed, as contribution to the expansion of knowledge on Bi ecotoxicity and genotoxicity in plants.

Sulphoraphane Affinity-Based Chromatography for the Purification of Myrosinase from Lepidium sativum Seeds.

Sulforaphane and other natural isothiocyanates released from the respective plant glucosinolates by the plant enzyme myrosinase (β-thioglucoside glucohydrolase) show extensive anticancer and antimicrobial effects. In this study, myrosinase from garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by a fast and easy strategy consisting of fractionation by isoelectric precipitation with ammonium sulphate (AS) and affinity chromatography using sulforaphane (SFN) attached to cellulose resin. The overall purification of enzyme with respect to crude extract was 169-fold and recovery of 37%. Under non-reducing conditions, two protein bands exhibiting myrosinase activity with masses of about 114 and 122 kDa, respectively, and a 58 kDa protein band with no activity were detected by SDS-PAGE and zymography on polyacrylamide gel. MALDI-Tof/Tof of tryptic fragments obtained from the respective protein bands detected sequence motifs homologous to the regions responsible for glycoside-substrate binding and similarities to members of the enzyme subfamilies β-glucosidases and myrosinases GH. The enzyme hydrolyzed both the natural (sinigrin, sinalbin, glucoraphanin) and the synthetic (p-nitrophenol-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG)) substrates. The highest catalytic activity of purified enzyme was achieved against sinigrin. The KM and Vmax values of the enzyme for sinigrin were found to be 0.57 mM, and 1.3 mM/s, respectively. The enzyme was strongly activated by 30 μM ascorbic acid. The optimum temperature and pH for enzyme was 50 °C and pH 6.0, respectively. The purified enzyme could be stored at 4 °C and slightly acidic pH for at least 45 days without a significant decrease in specific activity.

Utilization of Sewage Sludge-Derived Pyrogenic Material as a Promising Soil Amendment

The use of advanced treatment technologies such as pyrolysis and carbonization of bio-waste materials has the promise to develop coupled solutions for organic C and P problems in the future of food processing. Sewage sludge-derived pyrogenic materials that are applied to the soil system contain notable levels of P (1–20%). However, only a small portion of total phosphorus is available for plants. Therefore, our study assessed the pretreatment of sewage sludge with Na2CO3 and subsequent pyrolysis at 400 °C and 500 °C for the production of MPCM400 and MPCM500 as potential alternatives for inorganic P fertilizers. Non-pretreated sewage sludge-derived pyrogenic carbonaceous materials (PCM400 and PCM500) were produced as controls. The derived materials obtained by slow pyrolysis at a residence time of 120 min and pyrolysis temperatures of 400 °C and 500 °C, were analyzed by determination of electrical conductivity (EC), pH, elemental analysis of total C, H, N, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and total concentrations of P, Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn. PCM400, PCM500, MPCM400 and MPCM500 were characterized by analysis of total 16 US-EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) PAHs by a toluene extraction procedure. Additionally, PCM400, PCM500, MPCM400 and MPCM500 were tested by a germination test with cress seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) and a short-term rye seedling test. Total C concentrations were raised in the order: MPCM500 < MPCM400 < PCM500 < PCM500. Concentration of Σ16 US-EPA PAHs was almost five times higher at PCM500 (21.87 mg/kg) compared to PCM400 (4.38 mg/kg) and three times higher at MPCM500 (23.12 mg/kg) compared to MPCM400 (7.55 mg/kg) with a dominant role of two and three-ring aromatic structures. Total P-concentrations in rye biomass increased in the order for the controls: (2.43 ± 0.95 mg/g) < PCM400 (3.57 ± 0.27 mg/g) < PCM500 (4.04 ± 0.24 mg/g) < MPCM400 (5.23 ± 0.09 mg/g) < MPCM500 (5.57 ± 0.70 mg/g) < IF (7.53 ± 2.65 mg/g). Obtained results showed that pyrolysis materials produced from sewage sludge represent a potential alternative of conventional P inorganic fertilizers and organic C suppliers.

Nutritional composition of Raw and Roasted Garden Cress Seed (Lepidium sativum L.) Flour

Background: Garden cress is one of the traditional medicinal plants packed with nutrients. In India, garden cress seeds are consumed either raw or in processed forms. The different processes employed such as roasting may provide palatability, acceptable colour, and texture and raise the nutritional composition. Methods: The present study was conducted to assess the nutritional composition of raw and roasted garden cress seed flour. Raw garden cress seed flour was developed by drying the seeds in oven at 600C for 45 minutes, followed by grinding and sieving through 60 mesh sieve. Roasted flour was developed by initial roasting of seeds in iron vessel followed by similar procedure as for raw flour. Both flours were stored in air tight containers for further research analysis. In nutritional composition moisture, total ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, total carbohydrate and physiological energy were assessed for both raw and roasted seed flour. Results: The result of the nutritional composition for raw and roasted seed flour showed that roasted flour has a higher nutritional composition than raw seed flour. It can be concluded that processing not only improves the shelf life and acceptability but also improves the nutritional composition of flour, which can be helpful to maintain and improve health and nutritional status.

Imbibition-induced changes in cell membrane on germination and some physiological parameters in aged cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seeds

The deterioration of cellular membranes is the natural phenomenon in seeds exposed to aging. Physiological changes, such as accumulation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, and loss of essential metabolites, suppressed antioxidant defense system, and lipid peroxidation occur during the process of seed aging. In the present study, the physiological changes in aged cress seeds and seeds imbibed under different temperatures after aging were examined. In this regard, an array of analysis concerned with the cell membrane leakages and seed viability was performed. For comparison, accelerated aged seed lots with high, intermediate and low viability were used, in relation to the control (not subjected to short-term imbibitions). Accordingly, while the viability in control varied between 43% and 86%, the viability rates of the aged seeds ranged from 41% to 90%. Furthermore, imbibition increased the antioxidant capacity in aged seeds and reduced the lipid peroxidation level, and consequently, reduced the amount of K2+, P3+, Ca2+, Na+ ions, soluble sugar, total protein and amino acids in the solute leakage. Hence, this method might be considered as simple, fast, cost-efficient, nondestructive and applicable in many seed lots at the same time.

Evaluation of In-vitro functional potential of developed synergistic Fe-Vit C rich powder for anemic adolescent girls

Nutritional anemia is a major public health issue in India affecting more than 60% of adolescent girls. The present study was conducted for phytochemical screening, estimation of total phenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of methanolic extracts of iron and vitamin C rich powder mix (Fe-Vit C powder mix) developed from cauliflower and turnip leaves, garden cress seeds, rice flakes and Aonla, to combat iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls. The total phenolic content was 180.02 mg GAE/g of powder. At the concentration of 500µg/ml, the extracts showed 91.8 ± 0.370 and 91.4 ± 0.312% scavenging activity by DPPH and Hydrogen peroxide method, respectively. The methanolic extracts of powder were found to have significant antimicrobial activity against all the three test microorganisms i.e. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Candida albicans. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of extracts showed the presence of almost all phytochemicals only, Anthocyanins and sterols were found to be absent. Fe-Vit C powder mix appeared to be successful alternative for nutrition intervention and supplementary feeding programme to reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls.

Development of a biocrystallisation assay for examining effects of homeopathic preparations using cress seedlings

Background:
 
 A major challenge of homeopathic basic research is to develop test systems that yield consistent results. Outcome of plant bioassays is usually based on growth parameters (e.g. germination rate, seedling length, leaf area).
 
 
 
 Aims:
 
 We aimed to evaluate the potential of a crystallisation method with additives (“biocrystallisation”) as complementary outcome measure. This method used is based on the crystallographic phenomenon that when crystallising watery solutions of dihydrate CuCl2 in the presence of organic additives (juices/extracts), reproducible dendritic crystal structures are observed. The resulting biocrystallograms can be evaluated visually and/or by computerized image analysis.
 
 
 
 Methods:
 
 Cress seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) germinated and grew in vitro in either Stannum met. 30x or water 30x. Per experiment, six coded (blinded) 30x preparations were applied in randomized order, representing three independent replicates of the two treatments. Seedlings grew for 96 hours in darkness and were subsequently processed into a watery extract. Biocrystallisation was performed on circular glass plates in 6-fold replication per treatment group, yielding 36 biocrystallograms per experiment. A total of 15 independent experiments were performed at two independent laboratories. Biocrystallograms were scanned and analysed by computerized texture image analysis, using 15 second-order parameters as outcome measure. 3-way-ANOVA with the independent parameters treatment (n=2), internal replicate (n=3), and number of experiment (n=15) was used to analyse the data.
 
 
 
 Results:
 
 All 15 texture analysis variables yielded significant or highly significant results for the homeopathic treatment. Two variables yielded differences between the internal replicates, most probably due to a processing order effect. There were only minor differences between the results of the two laboratories.
 
 
 
 Conclusions:
 
 The texture of biocrystallograms of homeopathically treated cress exhibited specific characteristics, differentiating water 30x and Stannum met. 30x. Thus, the biocrystallisation method seems to be a promising complementary outcome measure for plant bioassays investigating effects of homeopathic preparations.

Toxicity of Aqueous Solutions of Cosmetics in Phytotest with Lepidium sativum L.

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) is a test-plant for studying the toxicity of substrates, which is the basis of phytotesting. Dangerous pollutants are surfactants contained in household chemicals, including cosmetics. The purpose of the work is to investigate the toxicity of cosmetics the micellar water on a phytotest with garden cress and to analyze it for possible effects on human health and the environment. Investigated available in the retail network of Ukraine means for removing makeup and cleansing the skin – micellar water. Seed germination energy (3rd day), seed germination, and biometric-morphometric parameters (length of roots and aboveground part of seedlings) (5th day) were determined. The results were processed statistically. It was found that the germination rates of garden cress seeds and biometric indicators of seedlings significantly decrease (by 14–100 %) with the increasing concentration of the studied micellar water. The phytotoxic effect ranged from 49.6 % to 100 %. It is established that the value of the total toxicity index of solutions is from 0.55 (concentration 6.25 %) to 0 (concentration 100 %), indicating an increase in the toxicity of the solution with increasing concentration. Determined that garden cress is a sensitive plant to the studied cosmetic. The obtained data confirm the high efficiency of this test plant for use in biotesting. The phytotest with L. sativum established the lethal effect of this cosmetic product at a concentration of 100 %. Phytotoxicity decreases when the solution is diluted. Given the results of phytotesting and the composition of the cosmetic product, it can be assumed that at a concentration of 100 % it can pose a potential danger to human health. Given the increase in the market of perfumes and cosmetics, the emergence of counterfeit products, we can expect an increase in the impact of cosmetics on the quality of the environment.

The Influence of Microplastics from Ground Tyres on the Acute, Subchronical Toxicity and Microbial Respiration of Soil

As a rubber annular coat of rim wheels, tyres are inevitable parts of all vehicles in modern times. As to their composition, however, they represent a risk for the environment. During the use of tyres, tyre tread patterns become abraded, which results in its gradual wear and necessary re- placement. These micro and nano particles are then gradually extracted into the environment, namely soils and waters. Our research study was focused on the assessment of subchronical phytotoxicity (pot trial with a mixture of substrate and predetermined ratio of abrasion products lasting 28 days) and biological tests (testing phytotoxicity of leaches with predetermined ratio of abrasion products on Petri dishes). The biological tests were comprised two plant species—seeds of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.). In the mixtures of substrate with determined shares of abrasion products (5%, 25%, 50% and 75%), respiration of CO2 was also established by means of soil microbial respiration (Solvita CO2-Burst). Substrates with 5% and 25% abrasion proportions showed increased biological activity as well as increased CO2-C emissions. The increasing share of abrasion products resulted in decreasing biological activity and decreasing CO2-C emissions. The results of subchronical phytotoxicity ranged from 62% to 94% with values below 90% indicating substrate phytotoxicity. The results of biological tests focused on the phytotoxicity of tested samples exhibiting values from 35% to 70% with respect to the germination index with values below 66% indicating the phytotoxicity of tyre abrasion products.

Necessary Parameters of Vertically Mounted Textile Substrates for Successful Cultivation of Cress for Low-Budget Vertical Farming

A growing population needs an expansion of agriculture to ensure a reliable supply of nutritious food. As a variable concept, vertical farming, becoming increasingly popular, can allow plant growth for local food produc­tion in the vertical sense on, e.g. facades in addition to the classical layered structure in buildings. As substrates, textile fabrics can be used as a sustainable approach in terms of reusability. In our experiment, we investigated which properties a textile should possess in order to be suitable for an application in vertical farming by the example of cress seeds. To determine the best-fitted fabric, four different textiles were mounted vertically, and were provided with controlled irrigation and illumination. Our results showed that a hairy textile surface as provided by weft-knitted plush is advantageous. There, the rooting of cress plants used in this experiment is easier and less complicated than along tightly meshed, flat surfaces, as for woven linen fabrics.