chlorophyll-a and fluoranthene

In the present study, the potential of a microalga, Chlorella vulgaris, was assessed for the bioremediation of fluoranthene (FLT), a four ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). With an initial cell density of C. vulgaris (OD

Topics: Biomass; Chlorella vulgaris; Chlorophyll; Fluorenes; Microalgae

A study was conducted to characterize marigold stress response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (oxidative stress inducers) with and without sulfuric acid (S.Acid; pH 3) (acid-stress inducer), and to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity of mannitol (Mann). Marigold (Calendula officinalis) seedlings were grown in a greenhouse and fumigated with fluoranthene (FLU), phenanthrene (PHE), Mann, and S.Acid individually and in various combinations for 40 days. Various physiological and biochemical parameters among others were analyzed using standard methods. The results revealed that fumigation of FLU induced oxidative stress to the plants via ROS generation leading to negative effects on photosynthesis at near saturating irradiance (A

Topics: Calendula; Chlorophyll; Drug Synergism; Fluorenes; Fumigation; Mannitol; Oxidative Stress; Phenanthrenes; Photosynthesis; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Reactive Oxygen Species; Sulfuric Acids

This study investigates the effect of sodium nitroprussiate (SNP), an exogenous NO-donor, on the joint toxicity of binary mixtures of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and fluoranthene (Flu) (CTAC/Flu), which are representatives for surfactants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) respectively, in a unicellular green alga Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris). The results showed that the addition of low SNP (20μM) alleviated the CTAC/Flu combined pollution damage in C. vulgaris. Supplement of low SNP significantly increased the algae biomass, chlorophyll content, soluble protein content and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) as compared to CTAC/Flu treatment alone. SNP also reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the reactive oxygen species (ROS), as compared with CTAC/Flu treated alone. On the contrary, the above phenomena were reversed when high concentration of SNP (100μM) was added. Our study indicated that the damage of the joint action of surfactants and PAHs on hydrobios can be alleviated through protecting against oxidant substances and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes with an exogenous supply of NO in certain concentration range.

Topics: Bis-Trimethylammonium Compounds; Catalase; Chlorella vulgaris; Chlorophyll; Fluorenes; Malondialdehyde; Nitric Oxide; Peroxidases; Reactive Oxygen Species; Superoxide Dismutase; Surface-Active Agents; Water Pollutants, Chemical

The acute effects of three typical polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): naphthalene (Naph), phenanthrene (Phen) and fluoranthene (Flu) on photochemical activity of photosystem II (PSII) in detached leaves of 3-week-old pea plants were studied. The leaves were exposed in water with PAHs under white light for 0.5-72 h. The activity of PSII was examined by prompt and delayed chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence. The effects of PAHs depended on their concentration and exposure time. This dependency was more significant in the presence of chemical stressors (Triton X-100 or acetone) or under high intensity irradiance. Increased content of PAHs and long-term exposure (24-72 h) led to significant reduction of the maximum photochemical quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) of PS II, changes in the polyphasic fluorescence induction (OJIP), and to decreasing amplitudes of fast and slow components of delayed Chl a fluorescence. The damage of PSII depended on water solubility of a given type of PAHs, their concentration and exposure time. During short-time exposure the compound with highest water-solubility - naphthalene - revealed the strongest effect. During long-time exposure the compounds with low water-solubility -Phen, Flu-revealed the strongest effect as the corresponding PAH accumulates in the thylakoids especially when the solution is oversaturated containing a solid phase. The reduction of PSII activity at the presence of naphthalene (30 mg L(-1)) was accompanied by transient generation of H2O2 as well as swelling of thylakoids and distortion of cell plasma membranes, which was indicated by electron microscopy images. Distortion of thylakoid membranes due to accumulation of PAHs as well as the development of oxidative stress seems to be the main pathways of PAHs influencing the photochemical activity of PS II.

Topics: Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll A; Fluorenes; Fluorescence; Hydrogen Peroxide; Light; Microscopy, Electron; Naphthalenes; Oxidative Stress; Phenanthrenes; Photosynthesis; Photosystem II Protein Complex; Pisum sativum; Plant Leaves; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Thylakoids

The toxic effect of fluoranthene (FLT) on seed germination, growth of seedling and photosynthesis processes of wheat (Triticum aestivum) was investigated. Wheat seeds were exposed to 5 µM and 25 µM FLT concentrations for 25 days and it was observed that FLT had inhibiting effect on rate of seed germination. The germination rate of wheat seeds decreased by 11% at 25 µM FLT concentration. Root/shoot growth and biomass production declined significantly even at low concentrations of FLT. Chlorophyll a fluorescence and gas exchange parameters were measured after 25 days to evaluate the effects of FLT on Photosystem II (PSII) activity and CO2 assimilation rate. The process of CO2 assimilation decreased more effectively by FLT as compared to the yield of PSII. A negative correlation was found between plant net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, carboxylation capacity and biomass production with FLT. It is concluded that inhibiting effects of FLT on photosynthesis are contributed more by inhibition in the process of CO2 fixation rather than inhibition of photochemical events.

Topics: Carbon Dioxide; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll A; Fluorenes; Germination; Light; Photosynthesis; Photosystem II Protein Complex; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Seeds; Soil Pollutants; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Triticum

The present study describes the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollutant fluoranthene (FLT) on photochemical efficiency of plants and hence their growth. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements were performed in order to get quick and reliable information about the effects of fluoranthene. The number of active reaction centres decreased by more than 20% in FLT treated samples. The results show that FLT affects the overall primary photochemistry by inhibiting the number of active reaction centres (RC) while the efficiency of each of the active reaction centres is not affected. We propose that the effect of fluoranthene is mainly on the absorption and trapping of the light energy by the RC rather than the actual electron transport. The results may be applicable to a wide range of plants provided other environmental and physiological conditions are taken into account carefully.

Topics: Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll A; Electron Transport; Environmental Monitoring; Fluorenes; Fluorescence; Light; Photochemistry; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Triticum

The single and combinational effects of cadmium (Cd) and fluoranthene (FLT) on germination, growth and photosynthesis of soybean seedlings were investigated. Exposure to 5, 10, or 15 mg Cd/L or 1, 5, or 10 mg FLT/L individually or in combination significantly decreased germination vigor (3 days) and final germination rate of soybean seeds, except at 1 and 5 mg FLT/L. The results of two-way ANOVA analysis and the Bliss independence model showed that at lower concentrations of FLT (1 mg/L), the interaction between Cd and FLT on germination was antagonistic, whereas the interaction was synergistic when the concentration of FLT was 5 or 10 mg/L and the concentration of Cd was 15 mg/L. Growth, expressed as dry weight, length of shoot and root, leaf area, and photosynthesis, expressed as net photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, chlorophyll contents and fluorescence of soybean seedlings were also reduced by exposure to 5 or 10 mg Cd/L or 1 or 5 mg FLT/L, singly or jointly. Significant antagonistic effects of exposure to 5 or 10 mg Cd/L or 1 or 5 mg FLT/L on shoot growth and photosynthesis were observed, whereas synergy and antagonism of Cd and FLT were both observed for root growth.

Topics: Cadmium; Chlorophyll; Fluorenes; Fluorescence; Germination; Glycine max; Photosynthesis

The negative health effects of simulated acid mists and fluoranthene on juvenile Japanese red pine were investigated, and the methods of protection from these pollutants were examined. The needle gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, chemical contents and visual damage to needles caused by acid mist applied alone or its conjunction with fluoranthene were investigated over 60 d and 20 d, respectively. Acid mist at pH 2 and 3 caused physiological and visual damage, which was enhanced by the addition of fluoranthene to the mist. However, fluoranthene and acid mist at pH 4 and 5 showed only minor effects. These findings indicate that acid mist may be more harmful to pine trees if it occurs in conjunction with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Moreover, suppression of the singular and additive effects of these compounds was achieved using mannitol, which may be widely applicable to suppression of reactive oxygen species-mediated plant damage.

Topics: Acid Rain; Air Pollutants; Antioxidants; Chlorophyll; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Fluorenes; Japan; Mannitol; Oxidative Stress; Pinus

The toxicity of benz(a)anthracene and fluoranthene (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) was evaluated on seven species of marine algae in culture belonging to pico-, nano-, and microphytoplankton, exposed to increasing concentrations of up to 2 mg L(-1). The short-term (24h) toxicity was assessed using chlorophyll a fluorescence transients, linked to photosynthetic parameters. The maximum quantum yield Fv/Fm was lower at the highest concentrations tested and the toxicity thresholds were species-dependent. For acute effects, fluoranthene was more toxic than benz(a)anthracene, with LOECs of 50.6 and 186 μg L(-1), respectively. After 72 h exposure, there was a dose-dependent decrease in cell density, fluoranthene being more toxic than benz(a)anthracene. The population endpoint at 72 h was affected to a greater extent than the photosynthetic endpoint at 24h. EC50 was evaluated using the Hill model, and species sensitivity was negatively correlated to cell biovolume. The largest species tested, the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella, was almost insensitive to either PAH. The population endpoint EC50s for fluoranthene varied from 54 μg L(-1) for the picophytoplankton Picochlorum sp. to 418 μg L(-1) for the larger diatom Chaetoceros muelleri. The size/sensitivity relationship is proposed as a useful model when there is a lack of ecotoxicological data on hazardous chemicals, especially in marine microorganisms.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Benz(a)Anthracenes; Biomass; Cell Size; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll A; Fluorenes; Fluorescence; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Lethal Dose 50; Photochemistry; Photosynthesis; Phytoplankton; Solutions; Species Specificity

Cherry tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) were sprayed with fluoranthene and mixture of fluoranthene and mannitol solutions for 30d. The exposure was carried out in growth chambers in field conditions, and the air was filtered through charcoal filters to remove atmospheric contaminants. Plants were sprayed with 10microM fluoranthene as mist until they reached the fruiting stage, and the eco-physiological parameters were measured to determine the effects of the treatments. We measured CO(2) uptake and water vapour exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf pigment contents, visual symptoms and biomass allocation. Fluoranthene which was deposited as mist onto leaves negatively affected both growth and the quality of tomato plants, while other treatments did not. The photosynthetic rate measured at saturated irradiance was approximately 37% lower in fluoranthene-treated plants compared with the control group. Other variables, such as stomata conductance, the photochemical efficiency of PSII in the dark, Chl a, Chl b, and the total chlorophyll contents of the tomato leaves were significantly reduced in the fluoranthene-treated plants. Tomato plants treated with fluoranthene showed severe visible injury symptoms on the foliage during the exposure period. Mannitol (a reactive oxygen scavenger) mitigated effects of fluoranthene; thus, reactive oxygen species generated through fluoranthene may be responsible for the damaged tomato plants. It is possible for fluoranthene to decrease the aesthetic and hence the economic value of this valuable crop plant.

Topics: Air Pollutants; Biomass; Carbon Dioxide; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll A; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fluorenes; Mannitol; Photosystem II Protein Complex; Pigments, Biological; Reactive Oxygen Species; Solanum lycopersicum

Ozone (O(3)) fumigated at 120 microg L(-1) for 12 hd(-1) was combined with 10 microM fluoranthene, and other treatments, including Mannitol solution to investigate the interaction of the two pollutants on tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill). Using ten treatments including Mannitol solution and a control, exposure experiment was conducted for 34 d inside six growth chambers used for monitoring the resulted ecophysiological changes. Visible foliar injury, chlorophyll a fluorescence, leaf pigment contents, CO(2) uptake and water vapor exchange were monitored in tomato. Ozone or fluoranthene independently affected some ecophysiological traits of the tomato. In addition, simultaneous treatments with the duo had increased (additive) negative effects on the photosynthesis rate (A(max)), stomatal conductance (g(s)), chlorophyll pigment contents (Chl a, Chl b and Chl((a+b))) and visible foliar symptoms. Contrarily, alleviation of the negative effects of O(3) on the leaf chlorophyll a fluorescence variables by fluoranthene occurred. Mannitol solution, which functioned as a reactive oxygen species scavenger was able to mitigate some negative effects of the two pollutants on the tomato plants.

Topics: Air Pollutants; Carbon Dioxide; Chlorophyll; Drug Interactions; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fluorenes; Ozone; Photosynthesis; Plant Transpiration; Solanum lycopersicum

Sunpatiens were exposed separately or combined to ozone gas (130 ppb), fluoranthene (10 microM) and sulphuric acid mists (pH 3) sprayed as simulated pollutants in chamber conditions for 21 d. The treatments negatively affected the gas (CO(2) and moisture) exchange, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, and the leaf-quality expressed in chlorophyll value (SPAD). Fluoranthene and the acid individual negative effects on the measured eco-physiological variables were nearly the same on Sunpatiens; their effects became aggravated on combining the duo. The foliar symptom assessments of chlorosis, necrosis and stippling revealed severe damages in ozone containing treatments compared with other treatments. The presence of fluoranthene exuberate ozone negative effects on some of the plant eco-physiological status. Where mannitol (1mM) additions were contained in treatments, mitigation effects of the negative impact of pollutants resulted. These findings indicated that Sunpatiens can be used as an active bioindicator of singular and multiple pollutants in field conditions.

Topics: Air Pollutants; Carbon Dioxide; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll A; Environmental Monitoring; Fluorenes; Fluorescence; Impatiens; Ozone; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Plant Transpiration; Sulfuric Acids

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been widely studied with respect to their carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on animals and human cells. Phenanthrene (PHE) and fluoranthene (FLU) effects on the needle photosynthetic traits of 2-year-old Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et. Zucc.) seedlings were investigated. Three months after fumigation of foliage with solutions containing these PAHs (10 microM each), FLU had negative effects on net photosynthesis at near-saturating irradiance, stomatal conductance, initial chlorophyll fluorescence, and the contents of total chlorophyll, magnesium, and ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (rubisco) of current-year needles. PHE had similar negative effects to FLU but in lesser magnitude. The effects of the PAHs were mitigated by the addition of an OH-radical scavenger (mannitol) into the PAH solutions. PAHs deposited on the surface of pine needles may induce the generation of reactive oxygen species in the photosynthetic apparatus, a manner closely resembling the action of the herbicide paraquat.

Topics: Air Pollutants; Chlorophyll; Ecology; Fluorenes; Free Radical Scavengers; Mannitol; Phenanthrenes; Photosynthesis; Pinus; Plant Leaves; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase

The influence of intact (FLT) and photomodified (phFLT) fluoranthene (0.05, 0.5 and 5 micromol l(-1)) and herbicide Basagran (5, 20, 35 and 50 nmol l(-1)) on the germination, growth of seedlings and photosynthetic processes in pea plants (Pisum sativum L., cv. Garde) was investigated. The germination was significantly inhibited already by the lowest concentration (0.05 micromol l(-1)) of FLT and phFLT, while Basagran caused inhibition only in higher concentrations (35 and 50 nmol l(-1)). The growth of roots was significantly inhibited by higher concentration 5 micromol l(-1) of both FLT and phFLT and the shoot of seedlings was significantly influenced only by photomodified form. The length of root and shoot was inhibited already by concentration 5 nmol l(-1) of Basagran. Organic compounds applied on chloroplasts suspension influenced primary photochemical processes of photosynthesis. In chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, the significant increase of F(0) values and the decrease of F(V)/F(M) and Phi(II) values by application of FLT (0.5 and 5 micromol l(-1)) and phFLT (0.05, 0.5 and 5 micromol l(-1)) was recorded. The maximum capacity of PSII (F(V)/F(M)) was influenced by the highest (50 nmol l(-1)) and the effective quantum yield of PSII (Phi(II)) already by the lowest (5 nmol l(-1)) concentration of Basagran. Hill reaction activity decreased and was significantly inhibited by higher concentration (0.5 and 5 micromol l(-1)) of FLT and phFLT and already by the lowest concentration (5 nmol l(-1)) of Basagran.

Topics: Benzothiadiazines; Chlorophyll; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fluorenes; Germination; Photosynthesis; Pisum sativum; Plant Roots; Plant Shoots; Seedlings

Generation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) such as O(2)(-), H(2)O(2), and *OH is known to be a major mechanism of damage in biological systems. This study investigated and compared effectiveness of scavenging ROI generated in fluoranthene (FLU) pre-fumigated Japanese red pine seedlings. Three kinds of eco-physiological assessments were used to express the impact of the different fumigants used inside the green house. Gas exchange measurements showed negative changes induced by 10 microM FLU on Japanese pine seedlings during a 10 d exposure period whilst no negative change was found during a 5 d exposure period. Moreover, during a 14 d FLU exposure incorporating ROI scavengers, results revealed that chlorophyll fluorescence, needle chemical contents and needle dry mass per unit area of the seedlings were affected. The negative effects of FLU on the conifer were dependent on both the dose and period of FLU fumigation. Peroxidase (PERO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and mannitol (MANN) were all effective scavengers of ROI. MANN scavenged *OH, the most lethal of the ROI. For practicable use, MANN is more economical, and may be the best ROI scavenger among the three considered. It can be concluded that efficient scavenging of ROI in biological systems is important to mitigate the negative effects of FLU on Japanese red pine trees.

Topics: Carbon Dioxide; Chlorophyll; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fluorenes; Fluorescence; Free Radical Scavengers; Fumigation; Kinetics; Photochemistry; Photosynthesis; Pinus; Reactive Oxygen Species; Seedlings; Soil; Water

The effect of increasing concentration (0.01, 1 and 5 mg l(-1)) of fluoranthene (FLT) and the duration of exposure (12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h) on the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F0, F(V)/F(M), Phi II and (F(M) - F(S))/F (S)) of symbiotic algae in thalli of two foliose lichens Lasallia pustulata and Umbilicaria hirsuta was investigated. Also the FLT concentration in thalli of both lichen species and the proportion of symbiotic algae (photobionts) in thalli was studied. The results obtained demonstrated that the applied concentration of FLT (1 and 5 mg l(-1)) affected primary photochemical processes of photosynthesis of algae in both lichen species. The F0 values increased and the F(V)/F(M) and Phi II values decreased. The fluoranthene content in thallus of both lichen species was increased with increasing FLT concentration in the environment. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters showed different sensitivity to the content of FLT in Lasallia pustulata and Umbilicaria hirsuta, respectively. Higher sensitivity, detected in U. hirsuta, can be related to its diverse anatomical structure (higher portion of symbiotic algae in thalli) and to the different (nearly 2.5 times higher) content of FLT after exposure.

Topics: Chlorophyll; Fluorenes; Fluorescence; Lichens; Photosynthesis

The effect of both increased concentrations (0.01 and 1 mg l(-1)) of fluoranthene (FLT) and the duration of exposure (18 and 25 days) on the growth and photosynthetic processes in pea plants (Pisum sativum L., cv. Garde) was investigated. FLT concentration in roots and shoot of pea plants was also determined. The obtained results demonstrated that the higher concentration of FLT (1 mg l(-1)) significantly inhibited the growth of the pea plants after 25 days of the application, also affected the content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids), and the primary photochemical processes of photosynthesis. In chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, the significant increase of F(0) values and the decrease of F(V)/F(M) and Phi(II) values was recorded. The Hill reaction of isolated chloroplasts of pea plants was significantly inhibited after 25 days by presence of FLT (0.01 and 1 mg l(-1)) in nutrient solution, while after 18 days no significant response of Hill reaction activity was recorded. The fluoranthene content in roots and shoot of pea plants increased with increasing FLT concentration in the environment and the substantial accumulation of FLT was observed in the roots.

Topics: Biomass; Chlorophyll; Chloroplasts; Environmental Pollutants; Fluorenes; Fluorescence; Models, Biological; Photosynthesis; Pisum sativum; Plant Leaves; Plant Roots; Plant Shoots

The influence of light on phytotoxicity of increased concentration (2, 5, 10 mg/l) of intact fluoranthene (FLT) and photomodified fluoranthene (phFLT) diluted in experimental solutions was investigated. The germination rate of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), onion (Allium cepa L.) and tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) seeds and some parameters of seedlings primary growth of these plant species were used as laboratory indicators of phytotoxicity. Among them a length of root and shoot, their dry weight and a content of photosynthetic pigments in shoot were measured. The results demonstrated that the higher concentration (5 and 10 mg/l) of FLT and especially of phFLT significantly inhibited the germination rate of seeds and the length of root and shoot seedlings of all plant species. Decreased production of biomass expressed by dry weight of root and shoot was found in lettuce seedlings under the inhibitory effect of FLT and phFLT. An increased concentration of FLT and phFLT did not exhibit an unambiguous effect on the content of photosynthetic pigments in shoot of experimental plants. Only the highest concentration (10 mg/l) of FLT significantly increased content of chlorophylls a and b in lettuce, onion and tomato plants and content of carotenoids in lettuce and onion. Light intensified a significant inhibitory effect of phFLT in the most testified parameters of germination and seedling growth.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Biomass; Carotenoids; Chlorophyll; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fluorenes; Germination; Lactuca; Onions; Photochemistry; Seeds; Solanum lycopersicum; Time Factors