Juncus Effusus Research Articles

Bioavailability of selected trace and rare earth elements to Juncus effusus L.: the potential role of de-icing chlorides in the roadside environment

Background and aimThe presence of chlorides in soils, e.g., from de-icing salts may change metal availability to plants.MethodsTo assess the role of de-icing chlorides on bioavailability of metals, the samples of the rhizosphere soils, roots and shoots of Juncus effusus L. were collected monthly from April to June of 2019 in the vicinity of roads and analyzed for trace (Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn) and rare earth elements (from La to Lu).ResultsConcentrations of Cl− were distinctly higher in the shoots than in the roots. Apart from Cd, the concentration sequence of the other metals was as follows: rhizosphere soils>roots>shoots. The bioaccumulation and translocation factors indicated that Cd was the most preferably transported to the shoots as opposed to Ag, Co, Pb and REEs that showed a very low translocation potential. Negative correlations, which were noted between Cu and Co in the shoots and Cl− in soils, revealed their role in salinity stress alleviation. All soil samples showed a positive anomaly of Ce and a negative anomaly of Eu, whereas the shoots showed in turn a negative anomaly of Ce and a distinct positive anomaly of Eu. The lowest salinity factors (K/Na, Ca/Na) of the shoots resulted from an increase of salinity in J. effusus by higher sodium concentrations derived from de-icing NaCl.ConclusionsDe-icing agents may change the uptake of other elements. In natural habitats, the factors affecting this process include: type of element, soil metal concentrations and interactions, and individual plant features.

Anti-Inflammatory and Protective Effects of Juncus effusus L. Water Extract on Oral Keratinocytes.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by periodontopathogenic bacteria that form biofilms in periodontal pockets. The gingival epithelium acts as the first physical barrier in fighting attacks by periodontopathogenic pathogens, such as the primary etiological agent Porphyromonas gingivalis, and various exogenous chemicals, as well as regulates the local innate immune responses. Therefore, the development of novel oral care products to inhibit inflammatory reactions caused by bacterial infection and protect the gingival epithelium is necessary. Juncus effusus L. has generally been used as an indigenous medicine, such as a diuretic, an antipyretic, and an analgesic, in ancient practice. In this study, we examined the effects of a water extract from J. effusus L. on the inhibition of the inflammatory reaction elicited by bacterial infection and protection of the oral epithelium by chemical irritation. Pretreatment of oral epithelial cells with the water extract from J. effusus L. significantly reduced P. gingivalis or its lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) mediated production of chemokines (interleukin-8 and C-C-chemokine ligand20) in a concentration-dependent manner with comparable to or greater effects than epigallocatechin gallate and protected oral epithelial cells from injury by chemical irritants, cetylpyridinium chloride, and benzethonium chloride. Moreover, the water extract from J. effusus L. in the presence of antimicrobial agents or antifibrinolytics already used as ingredients in mouthwash could significantly reduce the production of chemokines from P. gingivalis LPS-stimulated oral epithelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that the water extract from J. effusus L. is potentially useful for oral care to prevent oral infections, such as periodontal infections, and maintain oral epithelial function.

A highly efficient and stable solar energy-driven device using lignocellulosic biomass Juncus effusus for the recovery of ethanol–water mixture

A highly efficient and stable solar energy-driven device was fabricated using lignocellulosic biomass Juncus effusus for the recovery of ethanol–water mixture.

Antibiotic fate in an artificial-constructed urban river planted with the algae Microcystis aeruginosa and emergent hydrophyte.

The behavior and removal of six antibiotics, that is, azithromycin, clarithromycin, sulfathiazole, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline, in an artificial-controllable urban river (ACUR) were investigated. The ACUR was constructed to form five artificial eco-systems by planting three emergent hydrophytes and Microcystis aeruginosa: (1) Control; (2) MA: M.aeruginosa only; (3) MA-J-C: M.aeruginosa combined with Juncus effusus and Cyperus alternifolius; (4) MA-C-A: M.aeruginosa combined with C.alternifolius and Acorus calamus L.; (5) MA-A-J: M.aeruginosa combined with A.calamus L. and J.effusus. The MA-C-A system achieved the best removal of azithromycin and clarithromycin after 15-day test with the final concentrations 0.92 and 0.83 μg/L. The contents of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline in sediment were highest, up to 1453 and 1745 ng/g. The antibiotic plant bioaccumulation was higher in roots rather than the shoots (stem and leaves). No target antibiotics were detected in algae cells. The combination of hybrid hydrophytes had a certain effect on the removal of antibiotics, and thus selecting appropriate hydrophytes in urban rivers could greatly improve water quality. The overall removal of six antibiotics was greatly improved by the ACUR containing the hybrid hydrophytes and the algae, indicating a synergistic effect on antibiotic removal. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Controllable-mobile artificial eco-systems were developed with emergent hydrophytes and M.aeruginosa. The M.aeruginosa+ Cyperus alternifolius+ Acorus calamus L. system removed azithromycin and clarithromycin most at the end of tests. Emergent hydrophytes and M.aeruginosa have a synergistic effect on the removal of antibiotics. The combination of emergent hydrophytes did play an important role in the removal of antibiotics. The artificial eco-systems containing the hybrid hydrophytes and the algae could greatly improve the overall removal of antibiotics.

Natural superhydrophobic/superoleophilic Juncus effusus pith separation column with ordered porous network structure for rapid and efficient oil/water separation

Oily wastewater and oil spills have adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems and even the human environment. Developing highly efficient nonfluorinated superoleophilic separation materials for oil/water separation is urgently needed. Herein, a natural Juncus effusus pith was directly used as a raw material to prepare novel separation columns via a facile compression strategy. The pith possessed natural superoleophilicity (oil contact angle almost 0°) with inherent oleophilic properties and regular multilayer, porous, network structure. These pith characteristics endowed related separation columns with superior oil selectivity. The pore size of the prepared columns was controlled by adjusting the degree of compression. In this strategy, the separation efficiency the column reached up to 99.99 and 97.7% for eight types of oil/water mixtures and surfactant-stabilized emulsions under gravity, respectively. After repeated column recycling, these columns retained excellent separation performance and the separation mechanism was investigated. No new pollutants and hazardous substances were introduced into the environment in column fabrication and separation processes. Therefore, this study provided the basis for an ecofriendly, low-cost, and scalable strategy for reasonable utilization of natural biomaterials with superoleophilicity, thus exhibiting great potential for the rapid treatment of oil spillage and industrial oily wastewater.

Fabrication of polyurethane porous composite films using biomass-based Juncus effusus fibers for oil removal from water

Oil spills cause serious ecological threats to aquatic life. High-performance polymer composite films using biomass fibers for rapidly removing oil from wastewater are exceptionally attractive due to sustainable development and high efficiency. Herein, we report a novel polymer composite film composed of polyurethane (PU) and biomass-based Juncus effusus (JE), which was fabricated using the nonsolvent induced phase separation method. The Juncus effusus/polyurethane (JEPU) composite films exhibited a highly controllable porous structure with the addition of JE powders. Owing to the strong hydrogen-bond interactions between biomass JE and PU matrix, the JEPU composite films showed good interface compatibility and enhanced mechanical property. Tensile stress-strain measurements demonstrated that the 2%JEPU showed tensile strength and strain of 1.14 MPa and 280.61%, respectively. Furthermore, the JEPU composites possess desirable hydrophobicity/oleophilicity with a water contact angle of 127°, exhibiting a good oil absorption capacity. The developed JEPU composite films may broaden the application range of industrial crops and products in eliminating oil contaminants from water.

Potential Use of Plant Biomass from Treatment Wetland Systems for Producing Biofuels through a Biocrude Green-Biorefining Platform

The potential of using the biomass of four wetland plant species (Iris pseudacorus, Juncus effusus, Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia) grown in treatment wetland systems and under natural conditions were tested to produce high-value materials using hydro-thermal liquefaction (HTL). The results show that the wetland plants biomass is suitable for biocrude and biochar production regardless of the origin. The hydrothermal liquefaction products’ (biocrude, biochar, aqueous and gaseous phase) yields vary according with the specific biomass composition of the species. Furthermore, the results show that the biomass composition can be affected by the growing condition (treatment wetland or natural unpolluted conditions) of the plants. None of the single components seems to have a determinant effect on the biocrude yields, which reached around 30% for all the analyzed plants. On the contrary, the biochar yields seem to be affected by the composition of the biomass, obtaining different yields for the different plant species, with biochar yields values from around 12% to 22%, being that Phragmites australis is the one with the highest average yield. The obtained aqueous phase from the different plant species produces homogeneous compounds for each plant species and each growing environment. The study shows that biomass from treatment wetlands is suitable for biocrude production. The environmental value of this biomass lies on the fact that it is considered a residual product with no aggregated value. The treatment wetland biomass is a potential sustainable source for biofuel production since these plants do not need extra land or nutrients for growing, and the biomass does not compete with other uses, offering new sources for enhancing the bioeconomy concepts.

Nursery Management of Two Major Below-Ground Feeding Plant Pests: Root Mealybug,Rhizoecus sp. and Rice Root Aphid,Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis(Sasaki) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae and Aphididae)

AbstractRoot mealybug (Rhizoecus sp.) and rice root aphid (Rhopalosiphum rufibdominalis) are below-ground feeding insects that are difficult to control and have become major pests as production of their host plants has grown. Field trials were designed to investigate the impact new insecticides and biopesticides have on root mealybugs and rice root aphids. In our first three trials, we investigated the effects of biopesticides, entomopathogenic nematodes or fungi on reflexed stonecrop (Sedum rupestre) and stonecrop (S. montanum) against root mealybug. We found that flupyradifurone (Altus), flonicamid (Aria), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn), pymetrozine (Endeavor), Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol), Chromobacterium subtsugae (Grandevo), Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate), cyantraniliprole (Mainspring) and Steinernema carpocapsae (Millenium) significantly reduced root mealybug populations compared to nontreated controls when applied as drenches in a curative manner. In our fourth trial, we evaluated biopesticides and Beauveria bassiana, on rice root aphid feeding on common rush (Juncus effusus) roots. Results showed pymetrozine significantly reduced populations as early as 14 days after treatment and continued to reduce their population throughout the remainder of the trial. However, chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, Beauveria bassiana, M-306 and MBI-203 did not significantly reduce rice root aphid populations until 28 days after initial application. Predator activity on root balls of Juncus effusus plants was also noted during the trials and may provide an integrated pest management (IPM) approach in controlling populations.Index words: reflexed stonecrop, Sedum rupestre L, stonecrop, Sedum montanum Song. & Perr, common rush, Juncus effuses L, Beauveria bassiana, Mycotrol, Steinernema carpocapsae, Millenium, reduced-risk pesticides, Chromobacterium subtsugae (Grandevo), flupyradifurone, Altus, flonicamid, Aria, chlorantraniliprole, Acelepryn, pymetrozine, Endeavor, Burkholderia spp. strain A396, Venerate, cyantraniliprole, Mainspring, M-306, MBI-203.Chemicals used in this study: flupyradifurone (Altus); flonicamid (Aria); chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn); cyantraniliprole (Mainspring); pyrometrozine (Endeavor); Burkholderia spp. strain 396 (Venerate); Chromobacterium subtsugae (Grandevo); Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol); AMBI-203 WDG – 30% Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1T cells and spent fermentation media. EPA registration number 84059-27; MBI-206 EP – 94.46% Heat-killed Burkholderia spp. strain A396 cells and spent fermentation media. EPA registration number 84059-14; MBI-203 SC2 – 98% Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1T cells and spent fermentation media. Experimental; MBI-306 SC1 - 94.46% non-viable Burkholderia spp. strain A396 cells and spent fermentation media. Experimental.Species used in this study: Root mealybug, Rhizoecus sp; Rice root aphid, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis (Sasaki); reflexed stonecrop, Sedum rupestre; stonecrop, Sedum montanum; common rush, Juncus effusus.

The effect of rhizosphere and the plant species on the degradation of sulfonamides in model constructed wetlands treating synthetic domestic wastewater

The effects of and main contributors in rhizosphere and plant species on the degradation of sulfonamides (SAs) in constructed wetland (CW) models for the treatment of domestic wastewater are currently unclear. To investigate the degradation and key rhizosphere factors of mixed SAs with sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfapyridine (SPD), sulfamerazine (SMZ1), sulfamethazine (SMZ2), and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) at millimeter distances from the root surface, a multi-interlayer rhizobox experiment planted with Cyperus alternifolius, Juncus effusus, Cyperus papyrus, and an unvegetated control was conducted. There was a higher O2 saturation and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content and a lower SA content in the rhizosphere and near/moderate-rhizosphere (0–3 and 3–8 mm from rhizosphere) than the far/non-rhizosphere (8–40 and 40–90 mm from rhizosphere). Bacterial abundance and community composition was indicative of the microbial degradation of SAs. Both the O2 and DOC contents promoted total bacterial abundance in different zones from CW rhizoboxes. The relative abundance of the most dominant bacteria was significantly correlated with O2, DOC, and SAs, except SMX, which also indicates other dissipation processes for SMX in the rhizosphere. Furthermore, more metabolites and aerobic SA-degrading bacteria were observed in the rhizosphere and near/moderate-rhizosphere than in the far/non-rhizosphere zones, suggesting that the effect of O2 in the rhizosphere is important in the degradation of SAs in CWs.

Urban stormwater nutrient and metal removal in small-scale green infrastructure: exploring engineered plant biofilter media optimisation.

The present study evaluated engineered media for plant biofilter optimisation in an unvegetated column experiment to assess the performance of loamy sand, perlite, vermiculite, zeolite and attapulgite media under stormwater conditions enriched with varying nutrients and metals reflecting urban pollutant loads. Sixty columns, 30 unvegetated and 30 Juncus effusus vegetated, were used to test: pollutant removal, infiltration rate, particulate discharge, effluent clarity and plant functional response, over six sampling rounds. All engineered media outperformed conventional loamy sand across criteria, with engineered attapulgite consistently among the best performers. No reportable difference existed in vegetation exposed to different material combinations. For all media, the results show a net removal of NH3-N, PO43--P, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn and an increase of NO3--N, emphasizing the importance of vegetation in biofilters. Growth media supporting increased rate of infiltration whilst maintaining effective remediation performance offers the potential for reducing the area required by biofilters, currently recommended at 2% of its catchment area, encouraging the use of small-scale green infrastructure in the urban area. Further research is required to assess the carrying capacity of engineered media in laboratory and field settings, particularly during seasonal change, gauging the substrate's potential moisture availability for root uptake.

Investigation of Dominant Plants and Analysis of Ecological Restoration Potential in Lailishan Tin Tailings

To investigate the dominant plants in ecological restoration of tin mining areas, field investigations were conducted in a tin tailings area in Lailishan, Yunnan Provence, and 15 dominant plants and corresponding rhizosphere soils were collected. The plant root mycorrhizal infection rate; the copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and tin (Sn) contents; and the chemical properties of the rhizosphere tailings were determined. The transfer and enrichment coefficients of six heavy metals were calculated for each of the 15 plants to comprehensively evaluate the application potential of native plants. The rhizophere tailings had an average pH value of 3.13, which was acidic. The organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen, and available phosphorus content of the soils was 6.07 g ·kg-1, 5.74 g ·kg-1, 0.62 g ·kg-1, 8.66 g ·kg-1, 30.84 mg ·kg-1, and 2.08 mg ·kg-1 respectively, indicating relatively nutrient-poor soil. The average Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, As, and Sn contents of the soils were 347.40, 1.02, 1.34, 168.47, 25.81, and 2299.02 mg ·kg-1, respectively. Among the heavy metals, the Cd content reached a third-level pollution warning value. The soil also contained a large amount of Cu and Pb which exhibited a different spatial distribution. This area appears to have a high risk of Cu, Pb, and Cd pollution. In addition, the roots of Olea europaea L. and Eurya japonica Thunb. had a high rate of mycorrhizal infection. Alnus cremastogyne Burk., Bambusa multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch. ex Schult. 'Alphonse-Kar' R. A. Young, Juncus effusus L., and Cyperus rotundus L. var. had a strong ability to absorb and transport heavy metals. The other plants were also adapted to the growth environment of the tin tailings, with the potential to restore the mining area.

Estrogenic and anti-neutrophilic inflammatory phenanthrenes from Juncus effusus L.

Juncus effusus L. (J. effusus) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has long been used for dealing with gynaecological disorders, such as relieving insomnia, preventing tinnitus, reducing edema with diuretic effect. In our course of evidence-based medical research focused on this herb, one new phenanthrene, Junfusol B (2), together with seventeen known compounds were isolated and identified. All the structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The absolute stereochemistry of compounds 1 and 2 was further determined by comparing their calculated and experimental Electronic Circular Dichroism (ECD) spectra and optical rotation (OR) values. The isolates were evaluated for their estrogenic and anti-inflammatory activities which were considered as relevant etiological factors of insomnia, tinnitus and edema in the ancient TCM theory. The results revealed that most of the obtained phenanthrenes in this work were found exerting agonistic effects on estrogen receptor. This is the first report to declare the exact estrogen-regulating potential among this type of compounds from J. effusus. Moreover, phenanthrenes 3 − 7 exhibited significant inhibitions on superoxide anion generation and elastase release in fMLP/CB-induced human neutrophilic inflammation model. J. effusus may be developed as a complementary agent utilized in menopausal multiple syndromes.

Enjoying tranquility — Development of ground vegetation after cessation of management in forests on loamy soils in Flanders (Belgium)

AbstractQuestionsManaged forests often show a more homogeneous age structure compared to unmanaged forests, but also a higher share and frequency of canopy and soil disturbances due to harvest operations. Here, we investigate what happens when non‐intervention is introduced in formerly managed forests: Was there a significant decrease in vascular plant species richness? Which species were particularly affected? Are there non‐random shifts in species composition? Were typical shade‐tolerant forest species also jeopardized due to prolonged deep shade? LocationFour recently installed strict reserves in Atlantic to Sub‐Atlantic lowland oak and beech forests on fertile loess soils east and southwest of Brussels (Belgium).MethodsWe compared vegetation relevés in permanent plots (183 plots of 16 m × 16 m) with a 10‐year interval. Total species richness per site was derived from rarefaction curves; significance of differences in species richness and composition at plot level were tested using paired t tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was used to check for non‐random shifts in species composition.ResultsWe registered significant declines in species richness both at reserve and plot level. This decline was not random, but strongly dependent on ecological traits and strategies, with strong declines in light‐demanding gap phase‐associated species like Lonicera periclymenum and Deschampsia cespitosa, and species requiring soil disturbance, such as Juncus effusus and Carex sylvatica. Shade‐tolerant mesic species like Anemone nemorosa and Allium ursinum clearly increased in frequency and cover, despite strong declines in previous decades.ConclusionThe effect of lower disturbance frequency leading to continued closed canopy, against a background of reduced atmospheric deposition, induces the development of a ground vegetation with lower species richness, due to decrease of species related to disturbance, but with higher dominance and cover of characteristic species of mesic lowland oak and beech forests.

Potential for phytoremediation of neonicotinoids by nine wetland plants

Broad-spectrum insecticides such as neonicotinoids tend to accumulate and detrimentally impact natural ecosystems. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the neonicotinoid phytoremediation abilities of nine wetland plant species commonly used in constructed wetland systems: Acorus calamus, Typha orientalis, Arundo donax, Thalia dealbata, Canna indica, Iris pseudacorus, Cyperus alternifolius, Cyperus papyrus and Juncus effusus. We assessed their removal of six neonicotinoids and explored the mechanisms responsible for the observed removal in a 28-day experiment. The planted systems effectively removed the neonicotinoids, with removal efficiencies of 9.5–99.9%. Compared with the other neonicotinoids, imidacloprid, thiacloprid and acetamiprid were most readily removed in the planted systems. C. alternifolius and C. papyrus exhibited the best removal performance for all six neonicotinoids. Based on our assessment of mass balance, the main removal processes were biodegradation and plant accumulation. Plants can enhance neonicotinoid removal through enhancing biodegradation. The differences in transport and accumulation behaviors may be related to plant species and physicochemical properties of neonicotinoids. Further research is merited on the toxicity of neonicotinoids to plants and microorganisms and the metabolic pathways by which neonicotinoids are broken down in wetland systems.

Phytoremediation of azoxystrobin and imidacloprid by wetland plant species Juncus effusus, Pontederia cordata and Sagittaria latifolia

Azoxystrobin (strobilurin fungicide) and imidacloprid (neonicotinoid insecticide) have been detected in surface waters near treated agricultural, urban, and mixed landscapes. The hazards of pesticide runoff can be prevented through best management practices, including the establishment of diverse wetland plant barriers that can phytoremediate the chemicals in which they come into contact with. In this study, the wetland plant species softrush (Juncus effusus), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), and arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) were planted in sandy soil containers that were then placed in azoxystrobin or imidacloprid treated water. Every week for 2 months, water samples were collected for pesticide residue analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). At 14, 28, and 56 days after initiation, plants were destructively harvested and analyzed for pesticide residue in soil, above-ground vegetation, and below-ground vegetation. Results from this study report P. cordata reduced greater azoxystrobin (51.7% reduction compared to treated non-planted containers) compared to J. effusus and S. latifolia (24.9% and 28.7% reduction from non-planted containers) at 56 days. However, S. latifolia reduced greater imidacloprid (79.3% reduction compared to non-planted containers) compared to J. effusus and P. cordata (36.0% and 37.1% reduction from non-planted containers) at 56 days. Novelty statement: While research has found that wetland plants can absorb and remediate synthetic chemicals, this practice is only sustainable if used with native plants that require low maintenance and are tolerant to the applied substances. Various previous studies observe plants that are fast-growing, tolerant to environmental conditions, require low-maintenance, and are hardy. However, these plant species are not always suitable for any location and are often considered invasive and/or weed-like. The present research initiates a list of plant species which can be used within the southeastern United States and similar areas to phytoremediate commonly used pesticides azoxystrobin and imidacloprid and prevent off-target movement into sensitive water systems.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genome of Juncus effusus L

Juncus effusus L., a perennial herbaceous species of family Juncaceae, is distributed mainly in warm areas worldwide. We studied the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of J. effusus through next-generation sequencing technology. The whole cp genome contained 170,612 base pairs, with the GC ratio as 35.99%. The 70 genes annotated from the cp genome include 32 protein coding genes, eight rRNA genes and 30 tRNA genes. The genome’s large single-copy region (LSC) was 80,640 bp, with the small single-copy region (SSC) 64,718 bp, and inverted repeat (IR) 12,627 bp. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree was generated to evaluate evolutionary relationship between J. effusus and relevant species. This study will be beneficial for the further understanding and application of J. effusus.

Dehydroeffusol Pprevents Amyloid β1-42-mediated Hippocampal Neurodegeneration via Reducing Intracellular Zn2+ Toxicity.

Dehydroeffusol, a phenanthrene isolated from Juncus effusus, is a Chinese medicine. To explore an efficacy of dehydroeffusol administration for prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease, here we examined the effect of dehydroeffusol on amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42)-mediated hippocampal neurodegeneration. Dehydroeffusol (15 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to mice once a day for 6 days and then human Aβ1-42 was injected intracerebroventricularly followed by oral administration for 12 days. Neurodegeneration in the dentate granule cell layer, which was determined 2 weeks after Aβ1-42 injection, was rescued by dehydroeffusol administration. Aβ staining (uptake) was not reduced in the dentate granule cell layer by pre-administration of dehydroeffusol for 6 days, while increase in intracellular Zn2+ induced with Aβ1-42 was reduced, suggesting that pre-administration of dehydroeffusol prior to Aβ1-42 injection is effective for Aβ1-42-mediated neurodegeneration that was linked with intracellular Zn2+ toxicity. As a matter of fact, pre-administration of dehydroeffusol rescued Aβ1-42-mediated neurodegeneration. Interestingly, pre-administration of dehydroeffusol increased synthesis of metallothioneins, intracellular Zn2+-binding proteins, in the dentate granule cell layer, which can capture Zn2+ from Zn-Aβ1-42 complexes. The present study indicates that pre-administration of dehydroeffusol protects Aβ1-42-mediated neurodegeneration in the hippocampus by reducing intracellular Zn2+ toxicity, which is linked with induced synthesis of metallothioneins. Dehydroeffusol, a novel inducer of metallothioneins, may protect Aβ1-42-induced pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease.

Phytoremediation of potentially toxic elements using constructed wetlands in coastal areas with a mining influence.

This paper proposes the use of wetlands as a phytoremediation strategy for areas of mining and maritime influence in the southeast of Spain. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) tolerant and salinity-resistant macrophytes (Phragmites australis, Juncus effusus and Iris pseudacorus) have been used. The experiment is carried out in an aerobic artificial wetland using representative sediments affected by mining activities in the study area. Selected species were placed in pots containing substrates made with different mixtures of topsoil and/or peat, mining residues (black or yellow sand). After six months, rhizosphere, root and aerial parts were collected. A transfer study of As, Pb, Zn and Cu is performed, determining contents in rhizosphere and plant (aerial and underground part). From these data, the TF and BCF were calculated for each plant in 15 different substrates. The work is complemented by an initial study of scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) of plants. The obtained results indicate a tolerance of the metallophytes to these PTEs, which may favour the obtaining of a naturalized habitat that acts as an effective protective barrier to the ecosystem, that is easy to maintain and that avoid the risk of transfer to the trophic chain. The use of these species can be a complement to the chemical stabilization proposed for the whole area and carried out in experimental plots. Because they are perennial plants, it is necessary to continue with the experiments and obtain results in a longer period of time that allows to evaluate yield and stabilization.

Plant Nutrient Uptake in Full-Scale Floating Treatment Wetlands in a Florida Stormwater Pond: 2016–2020

Nutrient enrichment of surface waters degrades water quality. Municipalities need effective and economical solutions to remove nutrients from surface waters. From July 2016 to May 2020, full-scale (900 m2, 5% cover) floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) were deployed in Wickham Park pond, a eutrophic water body (0.13 mg/L total phosphorus (P), 0.96 mg/L total nitrogen (N)). The plants in FTWs in close proximity to a SB10000 mixer fixed N and P more efficiently. The rate of N (g/m2/year) fixed within tissues was highest for Juncus effusus (13.5), Agrostis alba (13.2), and Sagittaria lancifolia (12.1). The rate of P (g/m2/year) fixed within plant tissues was similar for all species (3.77, Agrostis alba, Canna spp., Iris hexagona, Juncus effusus, and Sagittaria lancifolia) save Pontederia cordata (2.52) volunteer species (1.41). The N and P removed with plant harvest were similar for non-mixed and mixed FTWs. Notably, the N:P ratio in plant tissues in 2017 (pre-mixer installation) was 11:1; after mixer installation (2018–2020), N:P ratios averaged 2.7:1, indicating increased P fixation within plant tissues. In 2017, 12,828 kg of plant tissues was harvested, removing 334 kg of N and 29.5 kg of P. In 2019, 32,958 kg of plant biomass was harvested from the pond, removing 425 kg of N and 138 kg of P. In 2020, 27,945 kg of biomass was harvested from FTWs, removing 267 kg of N and 95 kg of P. From 2016 to 2020, 73,000 kg of biomass was harvested, removing 1026 kg of N and 262 kg of P from Wickham Park pond. Knowing the total fresh biomass of tissues removed from FTWs at harvest is critical for accuracy in reporting nutrient removal aided by FTWs.

ДО ВИВЧЕННЯ ВИЩИХ СУДИННИХ РОСЛИН І ЛИШАЙНИКІВ КАРДАШИНСЬКОГО БОЛОТА В МЕЖАХ НПП «НИЖНЬОДНІПРОВСЬКИЙ»

Kardashynka swamp is the largest swamp not only in the Kherson region, but also in the entire steppe zone of Ukraine. According to the results of the study of the part of the Kardashynka swamp, which in 2015 became part of the Nyzhnyodniprovskyi National Nature Park and is located in the Kherson region between the villages of Kokhany of Holoprystansky and Solonets of Oleshkivsky districts, 214 species of vascular plants were recorded, which belong to 194 genera and 83 families. The leading families of flora are: Asteraceae (31 species), Cyperaceae (19), Poaceae (15), Lamiaceae (10), Fabaceae (9), Brassicaceae (8), Rosaceae (9), Caryophyllaceae (8). We have not identified the species included in the Red Book of Ukraine in the studied area. Among the regionally rare species, the growth of: Alnus glutinosa, Quercus robur, Dryopteris carthusiana, Fraxinus excelsior, Nymphaea alba, Carex lasiocarpa was observed. The basis of vegetation is compiled of: in the swamps −Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud., Iris pseudacorus L., Frangula alnus Mill., Typha angustifolia L., Urtica dioica L., Tephroseris palustris (L.) Rchb., Carex elata All., Carex pseudocyperus L., Hottonia palustris L. Poa bulbosa L.; in the meadows – Plantago major L., Alsine media (L.) Vill., Cerastium glutinosum Fries, Lathyrus palustris L.,; Poa bulbosa, Poa palustris L., Carex acuta L., Carex acutiformis Ehrh., Melilotus albus Medik., Trifolium arvense L., Glechoma hederacea L. Juncus effusus L., and in reservoirs - Lemna minor L., Lemna trisulca L. , Nymphaea alba L., Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm., Myriophyllum sp. Lichen biota is represented mainly by epiphytes on the bark of Salix sp. and Populus alba. On the bark of Populus alba, a typical for this area species Xanthoria parietina, Amandinea punctata, Scholiciosporum chlorococcum, Physcea adscendens, Physcia tenella are presented. Also, we note that among the priority areas for the development of nature reserves is the possibility of expanding the territories. One of such objects, which, eventually, can be included in the boundaries of NNP "Nyzhnyodniprovskyi", is the designed botanical reserve of national importance "Kardashinka swamp". The part of the territory is already included to the economic zone of NNP "Nyzhnyodniprovskyi". Key words: swamp, species, sozophytes, national nature park