Ranunculus Sceleratus Research Articles

Assessment of larvicidal and antioxidant activities of crude extract and synthesised silver nanoparticles from leaves and stem of Ranunculus sceleratus L.

Assessment of larvicidal and antioxidant activities of crude extract and synthesised silver nanoparticles from leaves and stem of Ranunculus sceleratus L.

MICROMORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL RESPONSES OF NATIVE DICOTS TO INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS RELEASED FROM CONTAMINATED REGION OF THE CHENAB RIVER IN PAKISTAN

Faisalabad industrial units discharge effluents and associated toxic chemicals into the environment, deteriorating ecological conditions and ecosystem health. Morphoanatomical changes in some medicinally important native species (Calotropis procera, Eclipta alba, Phyla nodiflora, and Ranunculus sceleratus) exposed to heavy industrial pollution gained evaluation. These species of choice were due to their widespread distribution in the area. Ten sites selected in the River Chenab, Chiniot, had three near point source pollution of Faisalabad industries within the 500-m radius (polluted) at three drains and two sites inside the river after each drain point source with the control site at 14 km after from the first industrial drain point source. The general response of all plants to effluents was growth retardation. Plant height increased significantly in all species from river sites. An increase in tallness was more prominent in species like C. procera and P. nodiflora. An increase in stem sclerification in C. procera and E. alba from polluted sites occurred, which indicated a better ability to tolerate industrial pollution. Remarkable increases in stem and leaf epidermis, intensive stem sclerenchyma, and closely packed stem vascular bundles in C. procera appeared, which could increase resistance to industrial pollution. Most of the morphoanatomical parameters notably attained a decrease in E. alba, the most vulnerable species. Plant survival depends on particular structural changes in dermal, mechanical, parenchymatous, and vascular tissues. Overall, industrial pollution adversely impacts plant morphological and micromorphological features, although the reaction of specific species to industrial contamination varies. The study determined that stem and leaf anatomical features, such as, epidermis size and storage tissue thickness, are suitable morphoanatomical markers for industrial pollution biomonitoring. Internal modifications of plants vegetating different industrial contaminated sites played a significant role in high tolerance levels.

Trouble in the rice field: Distribution ecology and indicator value of weed species in the rice fields of Himalayan region

Field-based evaluation of indicator weed species in agriculture systems is effective for developing site-specific weed management. Because of anthropogenic activities and climate change, new weeds are invading agricultural fields. The current study examined the weed species in agricultural fields with a focus on diversity, distribution ecological patterns, and identification of indicator species, all of which might help in effective weed management practices. Following the calculation of the Importance Value Index for each weed species, ordination, and indicator species analysis were conducted. We collected vegetation data through random sampling, and the current study recorded 47 species, taxonomically distributed across 41 genera and 19 families. Asteraceae with 13% of species was the leading family followed by Poaceae, and Brassicaceae (11% each). Annual weed species with 49% were the dominant life span category. The phytogeographical analysis revealed that the highest number (28 species) recorded from the study area were native, while 19 species were alien. Of the total alien species, 4 were invasive, and 14 were naturalised and one species Bassia scoparia was casual. The diversity indices show significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in weeds in rice fields recorded from the study area. Detrended correspondence analysis grouped the species Geranium rotundifolium, Sisymbrium loeselii, Mentha longifolia, Rumex dentatus, Amaranthus viridis on the extreme left side suggest a low score on axis 1 and a high score on axis 2. The analysis of indicator species revealed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in agriculture fields across the sampled sites. According to the indicator species analysis, Poa annua, Persicaria hydropiper, Ranunculus sceleratus, and Echinochloa colona were the key weed species found in the study area. This investigation might aid weed management strategies to minimize crop losses and increase of rice production to fulfill the current food requirement.

Comparative physiological adaptations to industrial pollution stress mediated by melatonin in riparian vegetation and Phyla nodiflora an ornamental plant

This study explores the macro nutritional contents and endogenous melatonin in the structural differences of riparian flora and horticultural ecotype growing in industrially contaminated environments. Water pollution caused by anthropogenic activities poses uncompromising threats to rivers and water sources, resulting in the extinction of many species and the reduction of others to endangered status. Effluents from the industrial hub of Faisalabad are discharged into the Chenab River in Punjab province. As in other parts of the world, effluents from Faisalabad industries pose a great threat to native vegetation in the area. Therefore, this study was designed to verify the presence of industrial pollution. Moreover, the effects of industrial pollution on native vegetation and the survival strategies of adapted species were also assessed. Results showed that several abiotic stresses have been mitigated by endogenous melatonin in herbs and herb-based products. The survival of herbs depends on specific changes to biochemical compounds like melatonin content and vascular structures. Overall, industrial pollution harmed herbs' metabolism and antioxidant activity, although the reactions of specific species to industrial pollution varied. Changes in the concentration of endogenous melatonin metabolism have been identified as promising indicators for industrial pollution biomonitoring. Internal alterations of plants vegetating at various industrially polluted locations contributed significantly to the high level of tolerance of these plants. The typical reaction of all herbs to increased pollution was growth modification in terms of endogenous melatonin content, moisture content, carbohydrates, crude protein, and dry matter. Most of the proximate, melatonin and chlorophyll content were significantly high in indirectly affected vegetation and high in directly affected industrial pollution. Biochemical investigation specifies that in response to industrial pollution four species Calotropis procera, Eclipta alba, Phyla nodiflora (Ornamental plant) and Ranunculus sceleratus increased the primary metabolites like melatonin, carbohydrates, crude protein, crude fibers, and fats.

Моніторингові обстеження флори ділянки русла річки Турія в м. Ковель по вулиці Сагайдачного

In 2021, the project of reconstruction of the Turia riverbed in the area of Sahaidachnoy Street in the city of Kovel, Volyn Region, in the area of the bridge crossing, was launched. In order to timely identify, prevent and eliminate the negative consequences of the impact of planned activities on the phytodiversity of the Turia River, post-project monitoring was carried out every quarter, which allowed to objectively assess the impact of the performed works on the plant cover. Studies have shown the recovery of typical aquatic and coastal aquatic vegetation in the area of activity. Among aquatic plants Nuphar lutea (L.) Smith., Myriophyllum spicatum L., Potamogeton crispus L., Lemna minor L. Species Salvinia natans(L.) All are typical. recovered on the territory of the planned activity in shallow backwaters near the banks of the river with a projective coverage of 20-40%. Above and below the research site, the species shows high phytocenotic activity with a projective cover of 40-100%. Of the coastal water plants, typical are Butomus umbellatus L., Lycopus europaeus L., Glyceria maxima (C.Hartm.) Holmb, Lythrum salicaria L., Typha latifolia L., Rumexhydrolapathum Huds., Ranunculus sceleratus L., Myosotis scorpioides L, Mentha aquatica L., Bidens frondosa L., Iris pseudacorus L. The groups of Salvinieta natantis formation, Salvinietum natantis purum and Salvinietum (natantis) lemnosum (minoris) associations included in the Green Book of Ukraine were revealed; Nuphareta luteae formation group Nupharetum (luteae) salviniosum (natantis) association. The work carried out on the improvement of the banks of the Turia River had a positive effect on the spread of weeds, a lawn was created, and highly decorative cultivars of maple and willow were planted as solitaires.
 The study of the territory of the Turia River above and below the planned activity proved the dominance of ruderal biotopes of perennial grasses with the dominance of anthropophytes, among which there are species with high phytocenotic activity. Their presence may have threatening consequences for the existence of the already reconstructed part of the Turia River bed. Among them, species dangerous to human health: Heracleum sosnowski Manden. and Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.

Stress mitigation by riparian flora in industrial contaminated area of River Chenab Punjab, Pakistan.

Faisalabad is a major industrial area in Pakistan's Punjab province that discharges wastewater into the Chenab River. Industrial effluents in Faisalabad are predicted to pose a significant threat to the riparian vegetation of the Chenab River and nearby vegetation. Heavy metal pollution of plants, water, and soils is one of the biggest problems worldwide that needs to be addressed because heavy metals above normal levels are extremely dangerous to both riparian vegetation and wildlife. The results indicated high levels of pollution in the industrial effluents as well as in the river in terms of salinity, metal toxicity, TSS, TDS, SAR, the acidic and alkaline nature of the industrial effluents, and the spread of industrial effluents up to 15 square kilometres in the Chenab River. Despite the higher pollution, four plants were found at all sites: Calotropis procera, Phyla nodiflora, Eclipta alba and Ranunculus sceleratus. It was found that most of the selected plants were phytoaccumulators, making them best suited to survive in harsh environments such as those with industrial pollution. The Fe concentration in the plant constituents was the highest, along with Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu, all of which were above the permissible limits of the WHO. The metal transfer factor (MTF) was higher in most of the plants studied, and even exceeded 10 at some severely affected sites. Calotropis procera proved to be the most suitable plant for growth on drainage systems and also at river sites, as it had the highest importance value across all sites and seasons.

Complete Chloroplast Genome Determination of Ranunculus sceleratus from Republic of Korea (Ranunculaceae) and Comparative Chloroplast Genomes of the Members of the Ranunculus Genus.

Ranunculus sceleratus (family: Ranunculaceae) is a medicinally and economically important plant; however, gaps in taxonomic and species identification limit its practical applicability. This study aimed to sequence the chloroplast genome of R. sceleratus from Republic of Korea. Chloroplast sequences were compared and analyzed among Ranunculus species. The chloroplast genome was assembled from Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing raw data. The genome was 156,329 bp and had a typical quadripartite structure comprising a small single-copy region, a large single-copy region, and two inverted repeats. Fifty-three simple sequence repeats were identified in the four quadrant structural regions. The region between the ndhC and trnV-UAC genes could be useful as a genetic marker to distinguish between R. sceleratus populations from Republic of Korea and China. The Ranunculus species formed a single lineage. To differentiate between Ranunculus species, we identified 16 hotspot regions and confirmed their potential using specific barcodes based on phylogenetic tree and BLAST-based analyses. The ndhE, ndhF, rpl23, atpF, rps4, and rpoA genes had a high posterior probability of codon sites in positive selection, while the amino acid site varied between Ranunculus species and other genera. Comparison of the Ranunculus genomes provides useful information regarding species identification and evolution that could guide future phylogenetic analyses.

Two undescribed benzopyran derivatives from Ranunculus sceleratus L. with their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells

Previous studies on Ranunculus sceleratus L. have shown the existence of coumarins and their anti-inflammatory effect. Phytochemical work was conducted to investigate the bioactive compounds, leading to the isolation of two undescribed benzopyran derivatives, namely ranunsceleroside A (1) and B (3), together with two known coumarins (2, 4) from the whole plant of R. sceleratus L. All compounds were structurally identified by extensive spectroscopic analysis and then investigated for their inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, repectively. As a result, compound 1-4 presented inhibitory effects on the production of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner, which provides a potential chemical basis for the traditional use of R. sceleratus L. as an anti-inflammatory plant.

Occurrence of Ranunculus sceleratus L. (Ranunculaceae) from the Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu, India

Ranunculus sceleratus L. which was earlier reported from northern India, is recorded from Tamil Nadu State for the first time. The present study documents an extended distribution record for the species, and also forms additional record to the flora of Tamil Nadu State. Detailed descriptions with photographs of the species are provided.

Ranunculus sceleratus as a Model Species to Decrypt the Role of Ethylene in Plant Adaptation to Salinity.

The aim of the present study was to develop an experimental system for an exploration of ethylene-dependent responses using intact growing Ranunculus sceleratus plants and to approbate the system for assessing the role of ethylene in salinity tolerance and ion accumulation. Plants were cultivated in sealed plastic containers in a modified gaseous atmosphere by introducing ethylene or 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a competitive inhibitor of ethylene action. High humidity inside the containers induced a fast elongation of the leaf petioles of R. sceleratus. The effect was ethylene-dependent, as 1-MCP completely blocked it, but exogenous ethylene further promoted petiole elongation. Exogenous ethylene decreased (by 48%) but 1-MCP increased (by 48%) the Na+ accumulation in leaf blades of NaCl-treated plants. The experimental system was further calibrated with ethylene and silica xerogel, and the optimum concentrations were found for inducing leaf petiole elongation (10 μL L-1 ethylene) and preventing leaf petiole elongation (200 g silica xerogel per 24 L), respectively. The second experiment involved a treatment with NaCl in the presence of 1-MCP, ethylene, or 1-MCP + ethylene, both in normal and high air humidity conditions. In high humidity conditions, NaCl inhibited petiole elongation by 25% and ethylene treatment fully reversed this inhibition and stimulated elongation by 12% in comparison to the response of the control plants. Treatment with 1-MCP fully prevented this ethylene effect. In normal humidity conditions, NaCl inhibited petiole elongation by 20%, which was reversed by ethylene without additional elongation stimulation. However, 1-MCP only partially inhibited the ethylene effect on petiole elongation. In high humidity conditions, ethylene inhibited Na+ accumulation in NaCl-treated plants by 14%, but 1-MCP reversed this effect. In conclusion, the stimulation of endogenous ethylene production in R. sceleratus plants at a high air humidity or in flooded conditions reverses the inhibitory effect of salinity on plant growth and concomitantly inhibits the accumulation of Na+ in tissues. R. sceleratus is a highly promising model species for use in studies regarding ethylene-dependent salinity responses and ion accumulation potential involving the manipulation of a gaseous environment.

Salinity and Heavy Metal Tolerance, and Phytoextraction Potential of Ranunculus sceleratus Plants from a Sandy Coastal Beach.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate tolerance to salinity and different heavy metals as well as the phytoextraction potential of Ranunculus sceleratus plants from a brackish coastal sandy beach habitat. Four separate experiments were performed with R. sceleratus plants in controlled conditions: (1) the effect of NaCl gradient on growth and ion accumulation, (2) the effect of different Na+ and K+ salts on growth and ion accumulation, (3) heavy metal tolerance and metal accumulation potential, (4) the effect of different forms of Pb salts (nitrate and acetate) on plant growth and Pb accumulation. A negative effect of NaCl on plant biomass was evident at 0.5 g L-1 Na+ and growth was inhibited by 44% at 10 g L-1 Na+, and this was associated with changes in biomass allocation. The maximum Na+ accumulation (90.8 g kg-1) was found in the stems of plants treated with 10 g kg-1 Na+. The type of anion determined the salinity tolerance of R. sceleratus plants, as Na+ and K+ salts with an identical anion component had a comparable effect on plant growth: nitrates strongly stimulated plant growth, and chloride treatment resulted in slight but significant growth reduction, but plants treated with nitrites and carbonates died within 4 and 5 weeks after the full treatment, respectively. The shoot growth of R. sceleratus plants was relatively insensitive to treatment with Mn, Cd and Zn in the form of sulphate salts, but Pb nitrate increased it. Hyperaccumulation threshold concentration values in the leaves of R. sceleratus were reached for Cd, Pb and Zn. R. sceleratus can be characterized as a shoot accumulator of heavy metals and a hyperaccumulator of Na+. A relatively short life cycle together with a high biomass accumulation rate makes R. sceleratus useful for dynamic constructed wetland systems aiming for the purification of concentrated wastewaters.

Chemical Constituent Analysis of Ranunculus sceleratus L. Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole-Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Ranunculus sceleratus L.(RS) has shown various pharmacological effects in traditional Chinese medicine. In our previous study, the positive therapeutic effect on α-naphthylisothiocyanate induced intrahepatic cholestasis in rats was obtained using TianJiu treatment with fresh RS. However, the chemical profile of RS has not been clearly clarified, which impedes the research progress on the therapeutic effect of RS. Herein, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) method was developed to rapidly separate and identify multiple constituents in the 80% methanol extract of RS. A total of sixty-nine compounds (19 flavonoids, 22 organic acids, 6 coumarins, 4 lignans, 14 nitrogenous compounds, and 4 anthraquinones) were successfully characterized. A total of 12 of these compounds were unambiguously identified by standard samples. Their mass spectrometric fragmentation pathways were investigated. It is worth noting that flavonoids and lignans were identified for the first time in RS. In this study, we successfully provide the first comprehensive report on identifying major chemical constituents in RS by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS. The obtained results enrich the RS chemical profile, paving the way for further phytochemical study, quality control, and pharmacological investigation of RS.

Pharmacological and toxicological effects of the Ranunculus species (Ranunculus arvensis and Ranunculus sceleratus) grown in Iraq

The current review revealed that Ranunculus arvensis contained carbohydrates, protein, amino acids, tannins, glycosides, phenols steroids, sterols, saponosides, leucoanthocyanes, di and tri terpenes, coumarins and flavanoids. It possessed antimicrobial, antioxidant and antitumor effects. Ranunculus sceleratus contained amino acid, proteins, alkaloids, phytosterols, flavonoids, steroids, fatty acid, terpenoids, phenols, saponin, tannins and resins. It exerted antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However both species were not free from adverse effects.

Ranunculus sceleratus

This datasheet on Ranunculus sceleratus covers Identity, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected, Further Information.

Phytoremediation Perspectives of Seven Aquatic Macrophytes for Removal of Heavy Metals from Polluted Drains in the Nile Delta of Egypt.

Simple SummarySome main drains in the Nile Delta of Egypt are subjected to heavy pollution loads and used to irrigate crops and vegetables. Here, we assessed the pollution level and the ability of some wild aquatic macrophytes (Cyperus alopecuroides, Echinochloa stagnina, Eichhornia crassipes, Ludwigia stolonifera, Phragmites australis, Ranunculus sceleratus, and Typha domingensis) to accumulate eight heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Cd, Ni, and Pb) in three of the polluted drains (Amar, El-Westany, and Omar-Beck). The sediment in the three drains exceeded the worldwide permissible ranges of Cu, Zn, and Pb, but it ranged within safe limits for Mn, Cd, Ni, and Co. P. australis accumulated the highest levels of Fe, Co, Cd, and Ni, while E. crassipes contained the highest concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn and Pb. The bioaccumulation factor was > 1 for the investigated heavy metals (except Cu) in all species, except C. alopecuroides. Accordingly, these species could be applied for the accumulation and phytostabilization of these metals.The current study addressed the heavy metals accumulation potentials of seven perennial aquatic macrophytes (Cyperus alopecuroides, Echinochloa stagnina, Eichhornia crassipes, Ludwigia stolonifera, Phragmites australis, Ranunculus sceleratus and Typha domingensis) and the pollution status of three drains (Amar, El-Westany and Omar-Beck) in the Nile Delta of Egypt. Nine sites at each drain were sampled for sediment and plant analyses. Concentrations of eight metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Cd, Ni, and Pb) were determined in the sediment and the aboveground and belowground tissues of the selected macrophytes. Bioaccumulation factor (BF) and translocation factor (TF) were computed for each species. The sediment heavy metals concentrations of the three drains occurred in the following order: El-Westany > Amar > Omar-Beck. The concentrations of sediment heavy metals in the three drains were ordered as follows: Fe (438.45–615.17 mg kg−1) > Mn (341.22–481.09 mg kg−1) > Zn (245.08–383.19 mg kg−1) > Cu (205.41–289.56 mg kg−1) > Pb (31.49–97.73 mg kg−1) > Cd (13.97–55.99 mg kg−1) > Ni (14.36–39.34 mg kg−1) > Co (1.25–3.51 mg kg−1). The sediment exceeded the worldwide permissible ranges of Cu, Zn and Pb, but ranged within safe limits for Mn, Cd, Ni and Co. P. australis accumulated the highest concentrations of Fe, Co, Cd and Ni, while E. crassipes contained the highest concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Pb. Except for C. alopecuroides and Cu metal, the studied species had BF values greater than one for the investigated heavy metals. Nevertheless, the TFs of all species (except Cd in L. stolonifera) were less than one. Hence, the studied species are appropriate for accumulation, biomonitoring, and phytostabilization of the investigated metals.

Uptake and mobilization of heavy metals through phytoremediation process from native plants species growing on complex pollutants: Antioxidant enzymes and photosynthetic pigments response

The aim of this work was to study the metal removal efficiency of Rumex dentatus, Ranunculus sceleratus , and Cammelina benghalensis which thrive on wastewater containing complex co-pollutants. Physico-chemical characteristic of wastewater showed high levels of biological oxygen demand (7136 mg kg −1 ), chemical oxygen demand (26324 mg kg −1 ), electric conductivity (1531 μ S cm −1 ), along with metals (mg kg −1 ) such as Fe (124.65 mg kg −1 ), Zn (56.33 mg kg −1 ), Cu (6.34 mg kg −1 ), Cd (9.02 mg kg −1 ), Mn (23.64 mg kg −1 ), Ni (6.04 mg kg −1 ), Pb (1.20 mg kg −1 ), Hg (1.08 mg kg −1 ), Cr (1.31 mg kg −1 ) and As (1.43 mg kg −1 ) along with complex co-pollutants. All three plants reduced more than <50% of all physicochemical parameters and metal concentrations in wastewater. The chlorophyll (Ch-a, Chl-b) contents was highest in Rumex dentatus (5.03–6.74 mg g −1 fw), followed by Ranunculus sceleratus (5.69.00–8.03 mg g −1 fw), and Cammelina benghalensis (4.65–7.08 mg g −1 fw), which showed the potentiality of plants. All the plants showed antioxidant activity (U/mL), i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), estimate peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and hydrogen peroxidase (H 2 O 2 ), bioaccumulation factor, and translocation factor, which demonstrated these plants’ high translocation abilities. The results offered evidence to support the potential of using native plants for phytoremediation as a novel green process to be integrated into the treatment and management of hazardous industrial wastewater.

Morphological Features of Plants on Ash Settling Ponds. Case Study.

Owing to variable water conditions, chemical conditions of water or ash substrate, ash settling ponds belong to anthropogenic objects which do not easily undergo plant succession. However, there are plants exhibiting biological traits allowing colonisation of a substrate characterised by variability in terms of acidity and heavy metal content. The aim of the study was to determine differences in morphology of plants colonising spontaneous surfaces of ash settling ponds with variability moisture level. We identified also differences in morphology of the plants. Identified: Agrostis stolonifera, Atriplex patula, Juncus bufonius, Phragmites australis, Poa pratensis and Ranunculus sceleratus. The obtained results broaden the knowledge on the bioremediation of degraded areas, indicate species that inhabit the surface of ash settlers. Lower water level in ash settling pond I created more favourable conditions for growth of the aboveground parts of plants, and higher waterlevel in ash settling pond II contributed to a more intensive development of the root part of plants. Considering the generative factors and measurement values of the aboveground part of plants, the best adapted species were Juncus bufonius and Atriplex patula. Due to changing water level in ash settling ponds, the species to be monitored is Phragmites australis—most deeply colonising the surface of ash settling ponds.

Drought years in peatland rewetting: rapid vegetation succession can maintain the net CO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; sink function

Abstract. The rewetting of peatlands is regarded as an important nature-based climate solution and intended to reconcile climate protection with the restoration of self-regulating ecosystems that are resistant to climate impacts. Although the severity and frequency of droughts are predicted to increase as a consequence of climate change, it is not well understood whether such extreme events can jeopardize rewetting measures. The goal of this study was to better understand drought effects on vegetation development and the exchange of the two important greenhouse gases CO2 and CH4, especially in rewetted fens. Based on long-term reference records, we investigated anomalies in vegetation dynamics, CH4 emissions, and net CO2 exchange, including the component fluxes of ecosystem respiration (Reco) and gross ecosystem productivity (GEP), in a rewetted fen during the extreme European summer drought in 2018. Drought-induced vegetation dynamics were derived from remotely sensed data. Since flooding in 2010, the fen was characterized by a patchy mosaic of open-water surfaces and vegetated areas. After years of stagnant vegetation development, drought acted as a trigger event for pioneer species such as Tephroseris palustris and Ranunculus sceleratus to rapidly close persistent vegetation gaps. The massive spread of vegetation assimilated substantial amounts of CO2. In 2018, the annual GEP budget increased by 20 % in comparison to average years (2010–2017). Reco increased even by 40 %, but enhanced photosynthetic CO2 sequestration could compensate for half of the drought-induced increase in respiratory CO2 release. Altogether, the restored fen remained a net CO2 sink in the year of drought, though net CO2 sequestration was lower than in other years. CH4 emissions were 20 % below average on an annual basis, though stronger reduction effects occurred from August onwards, when daily fluxes were 60 % lower than in reference years. Our study reveals an important regulatory mechanism of restored fens to maintain their net CO2 sink function even in extremely dry years. It appears that, in times of more frequent climate extremes, fen restoration can create ecosystems resilient to drought. However, in order to comprehensively assess the mitigation prospects of peatland rewetting as a nature-based climate solution, further research needs to focus on the long-term effects of such extreme events beyond the actual drought period.

Habitats, phytochemical metabolites and phytoremediation potential of Ranunculus sceleratus L.

Ranunculus sceleratus L. (Ranunculaceae) is an invasive alien widespread species commonly distributed in canals and drains banks. In Egypt, this plant exhibits extensive growth with occasional pure populations in the Nile Delta region. This study aimed to address the drivers for R. sceleratus abundance, phytochemical composition, and phytoremediation efficiency. The average abundance of R. sceleratus within 60 stands of 25 m2 each was 47.9. The average root and stem lengths were 31.5 and 60.1 cm, respectively. The abundance of R. sceleratus was positively correlated with pH, electric conductivity, organic carbon, Fe, Mn, and Zn, while negatively correlated with total dissolved phosphorus, Cu, Co, Cd, and Pb. The shoot had the highest values of all bioactive-metabolites, where phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins were recorded 23.16, 5.11, 14.78, 6.34 and 18.50 mg kg-1 dry weight, respectively. R. sceleratus had shoot and root bioaccumulation factors (BF) in the following orders: Cd&gt; Ni&gt; Cu&gt; Pb&gt; Zn&gt; Fe&gt; Mn&gt; Co. R. sceleratus had BFshoot value of more than one for Ni, Cu, and Pb, while BFroot was greater than one for Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Fe. Nevertheless, the translocation factor (TF) for all heavy metals were lower than one. Accordingly, R. sceleratus is a candidate for phytostabilization and/or phytoextraction tool for the most investigated heavy metals.

Selecting submerged macrophyte species for replanting in Mediterranean eutrophic wetlands

The criteria to select submerged plant species for restoration still need further evaluations for a better understanding of their suitability prior to undertaking large plantings which represent a large effort in terms of economical and human resources. In this study, previously to the restoration of a eutrophic area (Tancat de la Pipa) within the Albufera de València Natural Park, the growth of three submerged plants (Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum and Stuckenia pectinata), an amphibious species (Ranunculus sceleratus), and three charophytes species (Chara vulgaris, Tolypella glomerata and Nitella hyalina) has been evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions in order to rank their overall performance, based on their growth traits (total height reached, production of roots, etc.). The ranking was in the order of M. spicatum ~ S. pectinata > C. demersum and within the charophytes C. vulgaris > T. glomerata > N. hyalina. Moreover, considering the relationships of these species with other biotic factors (bird, fish and crayfish disturbance and herbivory) which can prevent the success of the revegetation, we propose starting the planting with M. spicatum, S. pectinata, R. sceleratus and C. vulgaris, which are available, are very easy to cultivate by vegetative reproduction from shoot tips and small specimens, have appropriate growth traits and certain degree of resistance to biotic factors. The other species (C. demersum, N. hyalina and T. glomerata) could be used subsequently once a suitable cover of submerged vegetation is settled in the area to enhance biodiversity, trying to reach the diversity which existed in the past in that area. Hence, the structural and functional complexity of the system under restoration might be achieved.