Effect of Cadmium on Macro and Micronutrient Uptake and Translocation by Leucaena leucocephala.

Environmental contamination with Cadmium (Cd) is of great concern due to its hazardous effects on living organisms.Query In the present research, Leucaena leucocephala plants were exposed to Cd concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 mg/L to determine their potential use in Cd remediation. Different parameters including Cd uptake, macro/micronutrient content, chlorophyl, and catalase production were determined. Results indicated that Cd uptake by L. leucocephala roots did not show a significant difference between treatments. However, a significant increase in Cd content (Tukey´s HSD) was observed in stems as Cd levels in the media augmented. The highest Cd content (830 ± 20 mg/kg) was determined in stems of plants exposed to 15 mg/L Cd, and no Cd was detected in leaves. Data showed that as Cd concentration increased in the media, Ca, Mg, K, Zn, and Mn decreased. Moreover, while the presence of Cd reduced catalase activity in roots, chlorophyll production was not affected.

A Patent-Pending Ointment Containing Extracts of Five Different Plants Showed Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms in Preclinical Studies.

Background/Objectives: The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of a patent-pending ointment containing plant extracts from Eucalyptus globulus, Curcuma longa, Hamamelis virginiana, Echinacea purpurea, and Zingiber officinale were evaluated. Methods: Plant extracts were chemically characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The antinociceptive activity of the ointment was assessed using the hot plate, tail flick, and formalin tests, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was measured using the acute and chronic TPA-induced ear edema tests. Mechanisms of action were evaluated using inhibitors from signaling pathways related to pain response and by using histological analysis and assessing the expression and activity of pro-inflammatory mediators. Results: The ointment showed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects like those observed with diclofenac gel (1.16% v/v) and ketoprofen gel (2.5% v/v). The antinociceptive actions of the ointment are mediated by the possible participation of the opiodergic system and the nitric oxide pathway. The anti-inflammatory response was characterized by a decrease in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and by a reduction in ear swelling and monocyte infiltration in the acute inflammation model. In the chronic model, the mechanism of action relied on a decrease in pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and MPO. An in-silico study with myristic acid, one of the compounds identified in the ointment's plant mixture, corroborated the in vivo results. Conclusions: The ointment showed antinociceptive activities mediated by the decrease in COX-2 and NO levels, and anti-inflammatory activity due to the reduction in IL-1ß and TNFα levels, a reduction in MPO activity, and a decrease in NF-κB and COX-2 expression.

Kinetin increases chromium absorption, modulates its distribution, and changes the activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase in Mexican Palo Verde.

This report shows, for the first time, the effectiveness of the phytohormone kinetin (KN) in increasing Cr translocation from roots to stems in Mexican Palo Verde. Fifteen-day-old seedlings, germinated in soil spiked with Cr(III) and (VI) at 60 and 10 mg kg(-1), respectively, were watered every other day for 30 days with a KN solution at 250 µM. Samples were analyzed for catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APOX) activities, Cr concentration, and Cr distribution in tissues. Results showed that KN reduced CAT but increased APOX in the roots of Cr(VI)-treated plants. In the leaves, KN reduced both CAT and APOX in Cr(III) but not in Cr(VI)-treated plants. However, KN increased total Cr concentration in roots, stems, and leaves by 45%, 103%, and 72%, respectively, compared to Cr(III) alone. For Cr(VI), KN increased Cr concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves, respectively, by 53%, 129%, and 168%, compared to Cr(VI) alone. The electron probe microanalyzer results showed that Cr was mainly located at the cortex section in the root, and Cr distribution was essentially homogeneous in stems. However, proven through X-ray images, Cr(VI)-treated roots and stems had more Cr accumulation than Cr(III) counterparts. KN increased the Cr translocation from roots to stems.

Effects of nano-enabled agricultural strategies on food quality: Current knowledge and future research needs.

It is becoming more feasible to use nano-enabled agricultural products such as nanofertilizers and nanopesticides to improve the efficiency of agrochemical delivery to crop plants. Experimental results have shown that nano-agrochemicals have great potential for reducing the environmental impact of traditional agrochemicals while simultaneously significantly increasing crop production. However, emerging data suggest that nano-enabled products are not only capable of increasing yield, but also result in alterations in crop quality. Variation in proteins, sugars, starch content, as well as in metallic essential elements have been reported. Verbi gratia, albumin, globulin, and prolamin have been significantly increased in rice exposed to CeO2 engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), while CeO2, CuO, and ZnO ENPs have increased Ca, Mg, and P in several crops. Conversely, reductions in Mo and Ni have been reported in cucumber and kidney beans exposed to CeO2 and ZnO engineered nanomaterials, respectively. However, reports on specific effects in human health due to the consumption of agricultural products obtained from plants exposed to nano-agrochemicals are still missing.

Evidence of the differential biotransformation and genotoxicity of ZnO and CeO2 nanoparticles on soybean (Glycine max) plants.

Concern and interest related to the effects of nanomaterials on living organisms are growing in both the scientific and public communities. Reports have described the toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) on micro- and macro-organisms, including some plant species. Nevertheless, to the authors' knowledge there are no reports on the biotransformation of NPs by edible terrestrial plants. Here, shown for the first time, is evidence pertaining to the biotransformation of ZnO and CeO(2) NPs in plant seedlings. Although the NPs did not affect soybean germination, they produced a differential effect on plant growth and element uptake. By using synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy we obtained clear evidence of the presence of CeO(2) NPs in roots, whereas ZnO NPs were not present. Random amplified polymorphic DNA assay was applied to detect DNA damage and mutations caused by NPs. Results obtained from the exposure of soybean plants to CeO(2) NPs show the appearance of four new bands at 2000 mg L(-1) and three new bands at 4000 mg L(-1) treatment. In this study we demonstrated genotoxic effects from the exposure of soybean plants to CeO(2) NPs.

Environmental behavior of coated NMs: Physicochemical aspects and plant interactions.

The application of nanomaterials (NMs) depends on several characteristics, including polydispersity, shape, surface charge, and composition, among others. However, the specific surface properties of bare NMs induce aggregation, reducing their utilization. Thus, different surface coverages have been developed to avoid or minimize NMs aggregation, making them more stable for the envisioned applications. Carbon-based NMs are usually coated with metals, while metal-based NMs are coated with natural organic compounds including chitosan, dextran, alginate, or citric acid. On the other hand, the coating process is expected to modify the surface properties of the NMs; several coating agents add negative or positive charges to the particles, changing their interaction with the environment. In this review, we analyze the most recent literature about coating processes and the behavior of coated NMs in soil, water, and plants. In particular, the behavior of the most commercialized metal-based NMs, such as TiO2, ZnO, CeO2, CuO, Ag, and Au, and carbon-based NMs are discussed in this review. The available articles about the effects of coated NMs in plants are discussed. Up to now, there is no uniformity in the information to ensure that the surface coverage increases or decreases the effects of NMs in plants. While some parameters are increased, others are decreased. Since the data is contradictory in some cases, the available literature does not allow researchers to determine what concentrations benefit the plants. This review highlights current results and future perspectives on the study of the effects of coated NMs in the environment.

Exposure of engineered nanomaterials to plants: Insights into the physiological and biochemical responses-A review.

Recent investigations show that carbon-based and metal-based engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), components of consumer goods and agricultural products, have the potential to build up in sediments and biosolid-amended agricultural soils. In addition, reports indicate that both carbon-based and metal-based ENMs affect plants differently at the physiological, biochemical, nutritional, and genetic levels. The toxicity threshold is species-dependent and responses to ENMs are driven by a series of factors including the nanomaterial characteristics and environmental conditions. Effects on the growth, physiological and biochemical traits, production and food quality, among others, have been reported. However, a complete understanding of the dynamics of interactions between plants and ENMs is not clear enough yet. This review presents recent publications on the physiological and biochemical effects that commercial carbon-based and metal-based ENMs have in terrestrial plants. This document focuses on crop plants because of their relevance in human nutrition and health. We have summarized the mechanisms of interaction between plants and ENMs as well as identified gaps in knowledge for future investigations.

Effect of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles on the growth and development of Lycopersicon lycopersicum (tomato plants).

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthetized and studied to be incorporated in many industrial and medical applications in recent decades. Due to their different physical and chemical properties compared with bulk materials, researchers are focused to understand their interactions with the surroundings. Living organisms such as plants are exposed to these materials and they are able to tolerate different concentrations and types of NPs. Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) NPs are being studied for their application in medical sciences because of their high coercivity, anisotropy, and large magnetostriction. These properties are desirable in magnetic resonance imaging, drug delivery, and cell labeling. This study is aimed to explore the tolerance of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) plants to CoFe2O4 NPs. Tomato plants were grown in hydroponic media amended with CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in a range from 0 to 1000mgL(-1). Exposure to CoFe2O4 NPs did not affect germination and growth of plants. Uptake of Fe and Co inside plant tissues increased as CoFe2O4 nanoparticle concentration was increased in the media. Mg uptake in plant leaves reached its maximum level of 4.9mgg(-1) DW (dry weight) at 125mgL(-1) of CoFe2O4 NPs exposure and decreased at high CoFe2O4 NPs concentrations. Similar pattern was observed for Ca uptake in leaves where the maximum concentration found was 10mgg(-1) DW at 125mgL(-1) of CoFe2O4 NPs exposure. Mn uptake in plant leaves was higher at 62.5mgL(-1) of CoFe2O4 NPs compared with 125 and 250mgL(-1) treatments. Catalase activity in tomato roots and leaves decreased in plants exposed to CoFe2O4 NPs. Tomato plants were able to tolerate CoFe2O4 NPs concentrations up to 1000mgL(-1) without visible toxicity symptoms. Macronutrient uptake in plants was affected when plants were exposed to 250, 500 and 1000mgL(-1) of CoFe2O4 NPs.

Nanomaterials and the environment: a review for the biennium 2008-2010.

Applications of nanotechnology are touching almost every aspect of modern life. The increased use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in consumer products, chemical and medical equipment, information technology, and energy, among others, has increased the number of publications (informative and scientific) on ENMs. By the 1950s, very few papers were committed to nanomaterials (NMs), but in 2009, more than 80,000 journal articles included the concept nanotechnology. The objective of this review is to compile and analyze publications on NMs in the biennium 2008-2010. This review includes the most recent publications in risk assessment/toxicity, characterization and stability, toxicity, fate and transport of NMs in terrestrial ecosystems, and new ENMs. Carbon nanotubes, metallic, metal oxides and hydroxides nanoparticles, quantum dots, and polystyrene NPs are included.

Use of plasma-based spectroscopy and infrared microspectroscopy techniques to determine the uptake and effects of chromium(III) and chromium(VI) on Parkinsonia aculeata.

Chromium uptake and tolerance by Mexican Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata) (MPV) was studied in a six-month experiment with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) at 60 and 10 mg kg(-1), respectively. Chromium and nutrient uptake were determined by ICP-OES and changes in macromolecules were studied by infrared microspectroscopy (IMS). In the Cr(VI)-treated plants, chromium concentration increased in the roots only through the third month, while translocation to stems increased constantly throughout the six months. Cr(III) applications decreased the amount of Zn in leaves and stems (p < or = 0.05). Cr(VI) increased P and S in all plant tissues and increased Ca in roots, but decreased Ca in stems and leaves, and Mg in roots and stems. Cr(III) decreased P in stems and leaves, while both Cr ions decreased K in all MPV tissues. Relative to untreated plant tissue, the IMS revealed significant changes at 1730 cm(-1) and 845 cm(-1). Changes at 1730 cm(-1) indicated that the cortex and xylem of Cr-treated plants were more proteinaceous. Changes at 845 cm(-1) revealed higher lignifications in cortex. However, at the stem level, Cr(VI) decreased lignin deposition in xylem. The data showed that MPV could be useful in the phytoremediation of Cr in moderately impacted soils.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) corroboration of the uptake and storage of CeO(2) nanoparticles and assessment of their differential toxicity in four edible plant species.

Fate, transport, and possible toxicity of cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria, CeO(2)) are still unknown. In this study, seeds of alfalfa (Medicago sativa), corn (Zea mays), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) were treated with nanoceria at 0-4000 mg L(-1). The cerium uptake and oxidation state within tissues were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), respectively. The germination rate and root elongation were also determined. Results showed that nanoceria significantly reduced corn germination (about 30% at 2000 mg L(-1); p < 0.05), and at 2000 mg L(-1), the germination of tomato and cucumber was reduced by 30 and 20%, respectively (p < 0.05). The root growth was significantly promoted (p < 0.05) by nanoceria in cucumber and corn but reduced (p < 0.05) in alfalfa and tomato. At almost all concentrations, nanoceria promoted shoot elongation in the four plant species. XAS data clearly showed the nanoceria within tissues of the four plant species. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the presence nanoceria within plants.

Use of synchrotron- and plasma-based spectroscopic techniques to determine the uptake and biotransformation of chromium(III) and chromium(VI) by Parkinsonia aculeata.

In this study, a combination of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to study the uptake and speciation of chromium in Parkinsonia aculeata, commonly known as Mexican Palo Verde. Plants were treated for 14 days in a modified Hoagland solution containing chromium(III) or chromium(VI) at several concentrations. The results showed that plants treated with 70 mg Cr(III) L(-1) and 30 mg Cr(VI) L(-1) had similar Cr concentrations in leaves (∼200 mg kg(-1) dry weight, DW). The results also showed that neither Cr(III) nor Cr(VI) affected the uptake of phosphorus and sulfur. However, the concentration of calcium in the stems of plants treated with Cr(VI) at 40 mg L(-1) (about 6000 mg Ca kg(-1) DW) was significantly higher compared to the Ca concentration (about 3000 mg kg(-1) DW) found in the stems of plants treated with 150 mg Cr(III) L(-1). However, no differences were observed in potassium and magnesium concentrations. The iron concentration (about 1000 mg kg(-1) DW) in roots treated with 40 mg Cr(VI) L(-1) was similar to the iron concentration found in the roots of plants treated with 110 mg Cr(III) L(-1). The XAS data showed that Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) in/on the plant roots and transported as Cr(III) to the stems and leaves. The XAS studies also showed that Cr(III) within plants was present as an octahedral complex.