Decrease In Toxic Effects Research Articles

The Effect of Humic Acid and Polystyrene Fluorescence Nanoplastics on Solanum lycopersicum Environmental Behavior and Phytotoxicity.

The impacts of nanoplastics (100 nm) on terrestrial systems are unclear at this time. Due to the utilization of sewage sludge, plastic particles are likely to accumulate in these systems. The current research investigates how Solanum lycopersicum seed germination and growth are affected by fluorescence polystyrene (Flu-PS), humic acid (HA), and a Flu-PS+HA combination (tomato). Following 24 h of interaction between Flu-PS and HA, our report details the development of an eco-corona with a significant increase in hydrodynamic size. Plant growth, seed germination, and chlorophyll content were all enhanced by the eco-coronated Flu-PS.Additionally, we discover that seeds treated with Flu-PS+HA demonstrated a germination rate of 90%, compared to just 65.8% for seeds treated with Flu-PS alone. Chlorophyll (a, b, and a + b) content measurements indicated that HA-treated groups and Flu-PS+HA-treated groups had considerably higher levels of chlorophyll (a, b, and a + b) than Flu-PS-treated groups (Flu-PS: 3.18 mg g-1, 2.12 mg g-1, and 3.89 mg g-1, HA: 5.96 mg g-1, 4.28 mg g-1, and 6.36 mg g-1, and Flu-PS+HA: 4.17 mg g-1, 3.01 mg g-1, and 6.08 mg g-1, respectively). In a similar manner, the HA and Flu-PS+HA treatment groups showed lower ROS levels than the Flu-PS treatment groups. In addition, we discovered that the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase was lower in the groups treated with HA and Flu-PS+HA than in the groups solely treated with Flu-PS. The results demonstrated that HA significantly lessens the toxicity caused by Flu-PS, while also promoting the germination and growth of Solanum lycopersicum seeds. The related decrease in toxic effects may be ascribed to the establishment of an eco-corona on the Flu-PS. We think that the use of eco-coronas is a technique for safeguarding plants against xenobiotics such as nanoplastics.

Green synthesis of nanomaterials: An overview

Nanotechnology has grabbed the attention of Chemists, Physicists, Biologists and Engineers by synthesizing nanoparticles with escalated properties than bulk materials. These nanoparticles find varied applications with certain modifications in their surface morphology. Physical and chemical route of synthesis of nanomaterials over a number of years in the recent past have authenticated harmful toxic effects on humans. This scenario powered the researchers to lean towards green synthesis of nanoparticles. This new method of synthesis shows decrease in toxic effects of nanoparticles over the environment and humans by integrating the available metabolites in biological extracts making them biocompatible. This review analyses the various methods of utilizing biological extracts for the synthesis nanoparticles and their advantages.

BIOSORPTION OF RHODAMINE B FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING Araucaria angustifolia STERILE BRACTS

This study evaluated the removal of Rhodamine B dye by biosorption using Araucaria angustifolia sterile bracts. It also aimed to evaluate the treatment of a synthetic wastewater holding that dye. The biosorbent was characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Equilibrium biosorption studies were made with the exposure of biosorbent to aqueous solutions of rhodamine B at different pH and initial concentrations. Removal tests for wastewater containing dye were performed with the bracts, and efficacy was assessed by the percentage of uptake of dye and bioassays. The infrared characterization showed peaks that are features to groups on carbohydrates and lignin, the major components in bract composition. The biosorption equilibrium studies presented acid media as the best condition for dye removal. The rate-controlling step of the biosorption was found to be governed by chemical processes (second order kinetics) and shown to be a heterogeneous biosorption based on the fit to the Freundlich equation model. The treatment for synthetic wastewater (125 mg/L) reduced the mass of rhodamine B by 96 % and caused a decrease of toxic effects. The results show that sterile bracts can be considered as a low-cost alternative biosorbent to be applied on the removal of water pollutants and treatment of potentially toxic effluents.

Role of tributaries in Donbas in ensuring the quality of the Siverskyi Donets river surface water

The relevance of the work consists in the need to study the water quality of the Siverskyi Donets River and its tributaries at the beginning of the 21th century, since the river is a main source of water supply in the eastern part of Ukraine. The catchment area of the Siverskyi Donets River is located in the most industrialized region of Ukraine. It is a transboundary river and its catchment is located in the territory of both Ukraine and Russia. The volume of the river's water use, if compared to its runoff volume, is the largest in Ukraine. The condition of water quality is determined by high water consumption and large amount of polluted water being discharged into it. The largest impact is caused by discharges from the residential and commercial complex (big cities) and the enterprises of coal industry, ferrous metallurgy, chemical and petrochemical industry which are concentrated in the Donets Coal Basin.
 The purpose of this work is to assess the changes of surface water quality of the Siverskyi Donets Basin and to establish the role of the tributaries affected by considerable anthropogenic pressure in the formation of the ecological state of the main river.
 The research aims at analyzing the hydrochemical indices of the Siverskyi Donets River and its tributaries: the Udy River (9 km to the south from Kharkiv) located in the forest-steppe zone and affected by the wastewater of Kharkiv megalopolis; the Oskil River (Chervonooskilske Reservoir) located in the karst area, having a significant underground water supply and the runoff of which is regulated by the reservoir; the Luhan, Kryvyi Torets, Kazennyi Torets, Bakhmut rivers that are tributaries originating from the Donetsk Highlands and affected by the wastewater of Donbas industrial and municipal enterprises.
 The subject of the research is the ecological condition of water resources in the rivers of the Siverskyi Donets Basin estimated using the generalized ecological index.
 The water quality condition was analyzed based on the hydrochemical observations performed from 1990 to 2015 by Central Geophysical Observatory in Kyiv. The main method of research is the method of ecological assessment of surface water quality of land and estuaries in Ukraine using relevant categories.
 The assessment of the surface water quality using the generalized ecological index (with application of average indicators) showed that the water quality deteriorates along the main river with its worst condition at Lysychansk section. Analysis of the tributaries indicated the worst ecological condition of the Bakhmut River (Donbas). For most of the considered rivers the 3rd class of quality (“satisfactory”), the 4th category ("satisfactory condition and slightly contaminated”) were established. If we consider the index of ecological condition by maximum indicators, the results are almost the same for all the studied rivers: 5th class, 7th category ("very poor condition and very contaminated”). According to the block of salt composition components, the worst ecological condition is established for sections of the Siverskyi Donets River (city of Lysychansk) and the Bakhmut River. The analysis of the generalized ecological index dynamics along the length of the main river indicated a general trend (except for the section in Lysychansk) to water quality improvement. This was achieved following the decrease of toxic effects due to reduction of petroleum products and phenol concentrations. No significant changes in the index were detected for the tributaries. Donbas rivers are also characterized by increase of the salt composition components index: their water is classified as "brackish" whereas the water of other tributaries is classified as “fresh water”. The pollution with nitrogen compounds still remains significant and keeps increasing. The heavy metals content decreases very slowly. The inflow of water of the Donbas rivers to the main river causes significant changes of the ecological condition at the Lysychansk section located downstream from the place of their confluence.

Effects of enhanced bioturbation intensities on the toxicity assessment of legacy-contaminated sediments

Many benthic communities within estuarine ecosystems are highly degraded due to the close proximity of urban and industrial contamination sources. The maintenance of recolonised, healthy ecosystems following remediation is a challenge, and better techniques are required for monitoring their progressive recovery. Rates of ecosystem recovery are influenced by the changes in the concentrations and forms of contaminants, the sensitivity of recolonising organisms to bioavailable contaminants, and a range of abiotic and biotic factors influencing the exposure of organisms to the contamination. Here we investigate the influence of bioturbation by an active amphipod (Victoriopisa australiensis) on the bioavailability of metals and hydrocarbons in highly contaminated sediments. Changes in contaminant bioavailability were evaluated by assessing sublethal effects to a smaller cohabiting amphipod (Melita plumulosa). For predominantly metal-contaminated sediments, the presence of V. australiensis generally increased survival and reproduction of M. plumulosa when compared to treatments with only M. plumulosa present (from 42 to 93% survival and from 3 to 61% reproduction). The decrease in toxic effects to M. plumulosa corresponded with lower dissolved copper and zinc concentrations in the overlying waters (14 to 9 μg Cu L−1, and 14 to 6 μg Zn L−1 for absence to presence of V. australiensis). For sediments contaminated with both hydrocarbons and metals, the increased bioturbation intensity by V. australiensis resulted in decreased reproduction of M. plumulosa, despite lower dissolved metal exposure, and indicated increased bioavailability of the hydrocarbon contaminants. Thus, the presence of a secondary active bioturbator can enhance or suppress toxicity to co-inhabiting organisms, and may depend on the contaminant class and form. The results highlight the need to consider both abiotic and biotic interactions when using laboratory studies to evaluate the ability of organisms to recolonise and reproduce within benthic environments degraded by contamination, or for more general extrapolation for sediment quality assessment purposes.

β-Pinene partially ameliorates Cr(VI)-inhibited growth and biochemical changes in emerging seedlings

The present study investigated the potential role of exogenous b-pinene (non-oxygenated monoterpene) in ameliorating the toxic effects of Cr(VI) (hexavalent chromium) in Zea mays, Oryza sativa and Triticum aes- tivum. Cr(VI) reduced the root and coleoptile growth of test plants, decreased the amount of chlorophyll and proteins, affected the respiratory mechanism, and altered the specific activity of enzymes—proteases, peroxidases (PODs) and polyphenol oxidases (PPOs). However, b-pinene supple- mentation caused a decrease in toxic effects of Cr(VI). The addition of b-pinene resulted in better root and coleoptile growth, greater chlorophyll content and protein content, lesser accumulation of Cr in plant tissues, and modulation of activities of proteases, PPOs and PODs in Cr(VI) ? b- pinene treatments over that in Cr(VI) alone. The increased activity of proteases and PPOs, and decreased activity of PODs in test plants under Cr(VI) alone treatment was recuperated with the supplementation of b-pinene. The study concludes that b-pinene has a potential to ameliorate the inhibitory effect of Cr(VI) on the early growth and biochemical processes in plants experiencing Cr toxicity, and thus provides protection against Cr(VI) toxicity.

Phytoextractability of Cd from Soil by Some Oilseed Species as Affected by Sewage Sludge and Farmyard Manure

A pot experiment was conducted on cadmium (Cd)–enriched (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 mg Cd kg−1 soil, using CdCl2), untreated (Unamended), 3% sewage sludge–treated (SS-amended), and 3% farmyard manure–treated (FYM-amended) soils to evaluate the phytoextractibility of Cd by three oilseed crop species (viz., Brassica juncea, Brassica napus, and Eruca sativa). Visual observation showed that at or above 40 ppm Cd, some light chlorotic symptoms, resembling iron (Fe) chlorosis, appeared after 2 to 3 weeks of germination. The extent of chlorosis followed the order Eruca sativa > Brassica napus > Brassica juncea, and for amendment treatments Unamended > SS-amended > FYM-amended soils. Both the amendments resulted in an increased biomass production in comparison to the Unamended soil, with the effect being more pronounced for FYM. The dry-matter yield of different plant parts followed the order FYM-amended > SS-amended > Unamended soils. For plant species, it followed the order Brassica juncea > Brassica napus > Eruca sativa. The Cd concentration in different plant parts followed the order leaf > stem > seed in all the three species. Amongst the species, the concentration followed the order Brassica napus > Brassica juncea > Eruca sativa, and for amendment treatments SS-amended > Unamended > FYM-amended soils. The mean Cd uptake by different plant species followed the order Brassica juncea > Brassica napus > Eruca sativa, and for amendment treatments SS-amended soil > Unamended soil > FYM-amended soil. The amounts of exchangeable, carbonate bound, Fe-Mn oxide bound, and organic-matter-bound fractions of Cd in the postharvest soil samples increased with the addition of Cd in soil. However, the residual fraction did not change much. At comparable levels of Cd additions, application of sewage sludge as well as FYM resulted in decreases in the exchangeable and Fe-Mn oxide–bound fractions and an increase in the organic-matter-bound fraction. The beneficial effect of sewage sludge and FYM on biomass production was attributed to (i) improvement in the physicochemical and biological environment of the growth medium, (ii) additional supply of essential nutrients, and (iii) possible decrease in toxic effect of added Cd through organo-metallic complexation reactions.

Toxicity of Degradation Products of the Antifouling Biocide Pyridine Triphenylborane to Marine Organisms

We evaluated the acute toxicities of the main degradation products of pyridine triphenylborane (PTPB), namely, diphenylborane hydroxide (DPB), phenylborane dihydroxide (MPB), phenol, and biphenyl, to the alga Skeletonema costatum, the crustacean Tigriopus japonicus, and two teleosts, the red sea bream Pagrus major and the mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus. DPB was the most toxic of the degradation products to all four organisms. The acute toxicity values of DPB for S. costatum, T. japonicus, red sea bream, and mummichog were 55, 70, 100, and 200-310μg/L, respectively. The degradation products were less toxic than PTPB to S. costatum and T. japonicus; however, the toxicities of DPB and PTPB to the fish species were similar. We also examined changes in the inhibition of growth rate of S. costatum as well as the percentage of immobilization of T. japonicus as end points of toxicity of PTPB after irradiation of PTPB with 432±45W/m(2) of 290-700nm wavelength light. After 7days of irradiation with this light, the concentration of PTPB in the test solutions decreased markedly. A decrease in toxic effects closely coincided with the decrease in the concentration of PTPB caused by the irradiation. PTPB probably accounted for most of the toxicity in the irradiation test solutions. Because the concentrations of PTPB that were acutely toxic to S. costatum and T. japonicus were <10% of the corresponding concentrations of its degradation products, PTPB probably accounted for most of the toxicity in the irradiation test solutions.

Remediation trials for hydrocarbon-contaminated sludge from a soil washing process: Evaluation of bioremediation technologies

The usual fate of highly contaminated fine products (silt-clay fractions) from soil washing plants is disposal in a dump or thermal destruction (organic contaminants), with consequent environmental impacts. Alternative treatments for these fractions with the aim of on-site reuse are needed. Therefore, the feasibility of two technologies, slurry bioremediation and landfarming, has been studied for the treatment of sludge samples with a total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content of 2243 mg/kg collected from a soil washing plant. The treatability studies were performed at the laboratory and pilot-real scales. The bioslurry assays yielded a TPH reduction efficiency of 57% and 65% in 28 days at the laboratory and pilot scale, respectively. In the landfarming assays, a TPH reduction of 85% in six months was obtained at laboratory scale and 42% in three months for the bioremediation performed in the full-scale. The efficiency of these processes was evaluated by ecotoxicity assessments. The toxic effects in the initial sludge sample were very low for most measured parameters. After the remediation treatments, a decrease in toxic effects was observed in earthworm survival and in carbon mineralisation. The results showed the applicability of two well known bioremediation technologies on these residues, this being a novelty.

Reversal of advanced colchicine toxicity in mice with goat colchicine-specific antibodies

Colchicine-specific antibody (IgG(C)) was tested in mice for reversal of colchicine toxicity. The mouse model was chosen because it reflects human pathophysiology in colchicine poisoning. IgG(C) was administered when at least 85% of colchicine was distributed in tissues. It resulted in a dramatic decrease in lethality from 85% (control group) to 10% (treated group). The decrease in toxic effects was confirmed by evaluating physiological parameters. The recovery of thermoregulation was very rapid in mice treated with IgG(C), while recovery in body weight was less marked. IgG(C) administration, therefore, decreases the intensity but may extend the duration of colchicine toxicity (reversible binding). The total neutralizing binding capacity of IgG(C) used was such that administered IgG(C) neutralizing binding sites were either 7 or 15% of the injected colchicine dose. In spite of this low neutralizing capacity the treatment was successful because of the ability of IgG(C) to buffer the amount of colchicine molecules on the critical slope of the dose-lethality curve.

Effects of Cryoprotectants in Combination on the Survival of Frozen Sugarcane Cells

Cryoprotection of suspension cultures of sugarcane cells (Saccharum sp.) during freezing to various temperatures was tested using glucose, dimethylsulfoxide, and ethylene glycol at various concentrations, alone and in combinations. Viability of the thawed cells was assessed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride reduction, cell growth, and microscopic examination. Enhanced cryoprotection-as much as a doubling in viability value-was achieved by employing glucose and dimethylsulfoxide in mixtures, as compared with the lesser cryoprotective effect of either compound alone, at 1.9 molar total concentration in all cases; the mixture was most effective at a concentration of about 1.9 molar, with a molar ratio of the two components of about 1:3, respectively. Much of the increase in viability value arose from a decrease in toxic effect that came about through mixing the cryoprotective agents. Binary mixtures containing ethylene glycol and either glucose or dimethylsulfoxide were less effective and more toxic than comparable glucose-dimethylsulfoxide mixtures. Use of the optimized latter mixture allowed freezing of these tropical cells to -23 C with little decrease in survival, or to -40 C, still with the capability for delayed growth.