Effect of stabilization time and soil chromium concentration on Sesbania virgata growth and metal tolerance.

Sesbania virgata is a pioneer shrub from the Fabaceae family, native to riparian environments in northeast of Argentina, southern of Brazil and Uruguay. In peri-urban riparian soils, metal contamination is a frequent problem, being its bioavailability partly determined by the stabilization time and frequency of contamination events. The effect of time elapsed between chromium (Cr) soil enrichment and plant seeding and Cr doses on S. virgata tolerance and metal absorption were evaluated. Treatments were developed by adding Cr (80-400 ppm) to the soil and allowing two days or fifteen months to elapse before sowing, and a control treatment without Cr addition. After 150 days from seeding, bioaccumulation and translocation factors, growth parameters (dry biomass and its aerial/radical allocation pattern, stem length and its elongation rate), morphological parameters (root volume and leaf area), and physiological parameters (chlorophyll content) of the specimens were determined. The emergence of S. virgata was inhibited since 150 ppm when Cr was added to the soil two days before seeding, with Cr accumulation in roots starting at 80 ppm (17.4 ± 2.5 mg kg-1). Under 15 months of metal stabilization, S. virgata plants survived across the entire range of Cr doses tested, with accumulation in roots since 100 ppm (35.5 ± 0.2 mg kg-1) and metal translocation to aerial tissues only under 400 ppm. The results obtained showed that S. virgata did not have high BCF and TF values, suggesting that it cannot be classified as bioaccumulator of Cr under the tested conditions. However, its presence in environments contaminated with Cr can be beneficial, as it helps to stabilize the metal in the soil.

Shoot litter breakdown and zinc dynamics of an aquatic plant, Schoenoplectus californicus.

Decomposition of plant debris is an important process in determining the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. The aims were to find a mathematic model fitting the decomposition process of Schoenoplectus californicus shoots containing different Zn concentrations; compare the decomposition rates; and assess metal accumulation/mobilization during decomposition. A litterbag technique was applied with shoots containing three levels of Zn: collected from an unpolluted river (RIV) and from experimental populations at low (LoZn) and high (HiZn) Zn supply. The double exponential model explained S. californicus shoot decomposition, at first, higher initial proportion of refractory fraction in RIV detritus determined a lower decay rate and until 68 days, RIV and LoZn detritus behaved like a source of metal, releasing soluble/weakly bound zinc into the water; after 68 days, they became like a sink. However, HiZn detritus showed rapid release into the water during the first 8 days, changing to the sink condition up to 68 days, and then returning to the source condition up to 369 days. The knowledge of the role of detritus (sink/source) will allow defining a correct management of the vegetation used for zinc removal and providing a valuable tool for environmental remediation and rehabilitation planning.

Sewage pollution: genotoxicity assessment and phytoremediation of nutrients excess with Hydrocotyle ranunculoides.

The discharge of sewage effluents into low-order streams has negative effects on water quality. Macrophytes can be efficient in the treatment of this wastewater due to the removal of the main pollutants. The genotoxicity of sewage-polluted water discharging into La Choza stream was evaluated by testing with Allium cepa. Also, a phytoremediation assay with continuous recirculation of the residual water was conducted for 12 days. Three treatments were carried out. One treatment (Hr) was performed with a macrophyte (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides), and two treatments were conducted without macrophytes: with lighting (Ai) and without lighting (Ao). The wastewater was toxic according to all the evaluated indexes (mitotic index, frequency of chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus). High concentrations of ammonium, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), total (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorous (SRP) and indicators of faecal contamination were determined in the wastewater. The ammonium, DIN, SRP and TP loads at the end of the assay were significantly lower in the treatments with light (Hr and Ai). So, the nutrient removal was due to their absorption and adsorption by the periphyton and H. ranunculoides. Our results lead us to recommend the maintenance and planting of macrophytes in lowland streams subject to sewage pollution.

Impacts of composite wastewater on a Pampean stream (Argentina) and phytoremediation alternative with Spirodela intermedia Koch (Lemnaceae) growing in batch reactors.

Poultry slaughterhouses are producing increasing amounts of solid organic by-products and waste in Argentina. The objectives of this study are to assess the impacts of wastewater, mainly composed of poultry slaughterhouse effluent, on a Pampean stream and to evaluate the convenience of phytoremediation alternative with Spirodela intermedia. Impacts over La Choza stream (Buenos Aires, Argentina) were evaluated by means of physical and chemical characterization of the water upstream and downstream input. Nutrients and total suspended solids increased downstream of the open channel outlet. A bioassay was performed in order to evaluate the role of S. intermedia in wastewater treatment. Two treatments were performed in batch reactors during 144 h (6 days), with (treatment A) and without (treatment B) the addition of S. intermedia. Water samples were taken at 8, 24, 48, 96 and 144 h after the start of the assay for the determination of ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, soluble reactive phosphorus and total phosphorus. Since removal rates of ammonium and total phosphorus were significantly higher in treatment A than in treatment B and the nitrification process was highly increased in treatment A, then the species could be used for the phytoremediation of composite wastewater.

Growth, accumulation and uptake of Eichhornia crassipes exposed to high cadmium concentrations.

A greenhouse experiment was performed to evaluate the growth, accumulation, and uptake rate of Eichhornia crassipes subject to high cadmium concentrations. Three doses of Cd were added to polluted river water (1, 5, and 10 mg Cd/L), and polluted water with basal Cd concentration (0.070 mg/L) was used as a control. The experiment lasted for 7 days. Signs of stress and toxicity were visible in all treatments from day 3 of the experiment. The growth of the water hyacinth was slightly stimulated in the presence of low Cd concentration (1 mg/L), but this could also be due to the chloride and other nutrients present in the polluted water. Cd was accumulated mainly in roots, showing a maximum concentration of 1742.1 mg Cd/kg dw (10 mg Cd/L). The translocation from roots to leaves was low, with a maximum accumulation of 147.4 mg Cd/kg dw (10 mg Cd/L). The uptake rate for roots reached a maximum of 248.7 mg Cd/kg·day while the uptake rate for leaves did not saturate in the range of the studied concentrations (max. 20.8 mg Cd/kg·day). The water hyacinth showed promising results for the application in the treatment of Cd-polluted waters given its ability to tolerate high Cd concentrations in the media (up to 10 mg Cd/L) and its capacity for uptake and accumulation.

Genotoxicity of water samples from an area of the Pampean region (Argentina) impacted by agricultural and livestock activities.

The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxic potential of surface waters located in a rural area in the north east of Buenos Aires province (Argentina) using the Allium cepa test. Water samples were collected at four sites located in a drainage channel and two sites on the Burgos stream that receives water from the channel, taking into account the sowing and harvesting months and rainfall periods. Analytical determinations revealed high total concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn (maximum values: 0.030, 0.252, 0.176, and 0.960 mg L-1, respectively), and concentrations of glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), with maximum values of 13.6 and 9.75 µg L-1, respectively. Statistically positive correlations were observed between the total metal concentrations and precipitation. No cytotoxicity (mitotic index MI) was observed in A. cepa. However, several water samples showed significant increases in micronucleus (MN) frequencies with respect to the controls. No correlations were observed between MN and the abiotic variables or precipitation. These results showed a state of deterioration in the water quality at the rural area studied in Buenos Aires province, and heavy metal contamination may contribute to the genotoxic activity. A. cepa was shown to be a useful tool for the detection of genotoxicity in water samples from areas with agricultural and livestock activities.

Effect of the combined addition of Zn and Pb on partitioning in sediments and their accumulation by the emergent macrophyte Schoenoplectus californicus.

Wetlands usually provide a natural mechanism that diminishes the transport of toxic compounds to other compartments of the ecosystem by immobilization and accumulation in belowground tissues and/or soil. This study was conducted to assess the ability of Schoenoplectus californicus growing in natural marsh sediments, with zinc and lead addition, to tolerate and accumulate these metals, taking account of the metal distribution in the sediment fractions. The Zn and Pb were mainly found in available (exchangeable) and potentially available (bound to organic matter) forms, respectively. The absorption of Zn and Pb by plants increased in sediments with added metals. Both metals were largely retained in roots (translocation factor < 1). Lead rhizome concentrations only increased significantly in treatments with high doses of metal independently of added Zn. The addition of Zn increased its concentration in roots and shoots significantly, while its concentration in rhizomes only increased when both metals were added together. Zinc concentration in shoots did not reach the toxic level for plants. Zinc and Pb concentrations in roots were high, but they were not sufficient to reduce biomass growth.

Copper uptake by Eichhornia crassipes exposed at high level concentrations.

The objective of this study was to assess the growth of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and its ability to accumulate Cu from polluted water with high Cu concentrations and a mixture of other contaminants under short-term exposure, in order to use this species for the remediation of highly contaminated sites. Two hydroponic experiments were performed under greenhouse conditions for 7 days. One of them consisted of growing water hyacinth in Hoagland solution supplemented with 15 or 25 mg Cu/L and a control. The other one contained water hyacinth growing in polluted river water supplemented with 15 mg Cu/L and a control. Cu was accumulated principally in roots. The maximum Cu concentration was 23,387.2 mg/kg dw in the treatment of 25 mg Cu/L in Hoagland solution. Cu translocation from roots to leaves was low. The mixture of 15 mg Cu/L with polluted water did not appear to have toxic effects on the water hyacinth. This plant showed a remarkable uptake capacity under elevated Cu concentrations in a mixture of pollutants similar to pure industrial effluents in a short time of exposure. This result has not been reported before, to our knowledge. This species is suitable for phytoremediation of waters subject to discharge of mixed industrial effluents containing elevated Cu concentrations (≥15 mg Cu/L), as well as nutrient-rich domestic wastewaters.

The interaction of heavy metals and nutrients present in soil and native plants with arbuscular mycorrhizae on the riverside in the Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin (Argentina).

This study assessed the contamination by heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn), and nutrients (N, P) in soils and native plants, and the effect of the concentration of those elements with the density of arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) spores in soil and colonization in roots from the riverside of the Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin (MRRB). The concentration of metals and nutrients in soils and plants (Eleocharis montana, Cyperus eragrostis, Hydrocotyle bonariensis) increased from the upper sites (8 km from headwaters) to the lower sites (6 km from the mouth of the Riachuelo River) of the basin. AM-colonization on the roots of H. bonariensis and spore density in soil decreased as the concentrations of metals in soil and plant tissues increased from the upper to lower sites of the basin within a consistent gradient of contamination associated with land use, soil disturbance, population, and chemicals discharged into the streams and rivers along the MRRB. The general trends for all metals in plant tissue were to have highest concentrations in roots, then in rhizomes and lowest in aerial biomass. The translocation (TF) and bioconcentration (BCF) factors decreased in plants which grow from the upper sites to the lower sites of the basin. The plants tolerated a wide range in type and quantity of contamination along the basin by concentrating more metals and nutrients in roots than in aboveground tissue. The AM spore density in soil and colonization in roots of H. bonariensis decreased with the increase of the degree of contamination (Dc) in soil.

Measured Copper Toxicity to Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Pisces: Poeciliidae) and Predicted by Biotic Ligand Model in Pilcomayo River Water: A Step for a Cross-Fish-Species Extrapolation.

In order to determine copper toxicity (LC50) to a local species (Cnesterodon decemmaculatus) in the South American Pilcomayo River water and evaluate a cross-fish-species extrapolation of Biotic Ligand Model, a 96 h acute copper toxicity test was performed. The dissolved copper concentrations tested were 0.05, 0.19, 0.39, 0.61, 0.73, 1.01, and 1.42 mg Cu L(-1). The 96 h Cu LC50 calculated was 0.655 mg L(-1) (0.823 - 0.488). 96-h Cu LC50 predicted by BLM for Pimephales promelas was 0.722 mg L(-1). Analysis of the inter-seasonal variation of the main water quality parameters indicates that a higher protective effect of calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulphate, and chloride is expected during the dry season. The very high load of total suspended solids in this river might be a key factor in determining copper distribution between solid and solution phases. A cross-fish-species extrapolation of copper BLM is valid within the water quality parameters and experimental conditions of this toxicity test.

Acute silver toxicity to Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Pisces: Poeciliidae) in a river with extreme water-quality characteristics / Toxicidad aguda de la plata sobre Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Pisces: Poeciliidae) en un río con características extremas de calidad de agua

Abstract. A 96 h acute silver toxicity test was performed in order to determine silver toxicity (LC50) to a local fish species (Cnesterodon decemmaculatus) in a river with extreme water-quality characteristics (Pilcomayo River, South America) and evaluate a cross-fish-species extrapolation of the Biotic Ligand Model. The dissolved silver concentrations tested were 0.095, 0.148, 0.175 and 0.285 mg Ag L−1. The 96 h Ag LC50 calculated for C. decemmaculatus was 0.14 mg L−1 (0.18 - 0.10) and the value predicted by BLM for Pimephales promelas was 0.051 mg Ag L−1. Test water elevated hardness may have exerted some protective effect. High mean water pH may have exerted a major protective effect by reducing silver free ion form and causing silver precipitation. The mortality pattern observed in this toxicity test may lend some support to a relationship between gill silver accumulation and mortality. A cross-fish-species extrapolation of Ag BLM for P. promelas was not valid in Pilcomayo River water and experimental conditions of this toxicity test.

Con el objeto de determinar la toxicidad de la plata en un pez nativo (Cnesterodon decemmaculatus), se llevó a cabo un ensayo estático de toxicidad aguda a 96 horas en un agua natural con características de calidad de agua, extremas (río Pilcomayo, Sudamérica). Asimismo, se evaluó una posible extrapolación inter-especie del Modelo del Ligando Biótico en el agua experimental. La concentración inicial de plata en solución en los distintos tratamientos fue de 0,095; 0,148; 0,175 y 0,285 mg Ag L −1 . La CL50 a las 96 horas calculada para C. decemmaculatus fue de 0,14 (0.18 - 0.10) mg Ag L−1 y el valor predicho por el BLM para Pimephales promelas fue de 0,051 mg Ag L−1. La elevada dureza del agua experimental pudo haber tenido algún efecto protector frente a la toxicidad de la plata. El valor medio de pH del ensayo fue elevado y posiblemente tuvo un gran efecto protector por reducción de la forma iónica libre y precipitación del metal. El patrón de mortalidad observado en este ensayo de toxicidad apoyaría la relación causa-efecto entre acumulación de plata en las branquias y mortalidad. La extrapolación inter-especie del BLM para P. promelas no resultó válida en el agua del río Pilcomayo y en las condiciones experimentales de este ensayo.

Phytoremediation of two types of sediment contaminated with Zn by Schoenoplectus americanus.

The effect of different sediments on growth, Zn uptake, Zn plant distribution, and morphometric variables of Schoenoplectus americanus were investigated under controlled conditions. Two types of sediments were assayed: from a large natural levee (LS) and alluvial sediments (AS), the former with lower organic matter (OM) and nutrients content than AS, without and with added Zn (2500 microg Zn/g air-dry sediment). Zinc partition in sediment was determined. Increases in water conductivity and Zn concentrations in water and sediments were observed in artificially contaminated treatments. Plants showed a lower above ground growth rate, height, and width of shoots, and a higher Zn concentration in shoots and rhizomes. In the contaminated treatments, AS treatment showed lower Zn concentration in water and higher Zn concentration in sediments (total, exchangeable, and OM fractions) than LS treatment, due to Zn displacement from floodwater to sediments. The presence of a high level of OM and nutrients also increased aboveground biomass growth, whereas it decreased Zn concentration in shoots. Although the translocation factor increased with Zn addition, it was lower in AS treatment Sediments of AS treatments are a suitable environment for growth of S. americanus, which partially compensates the toxic effects of Zn. Our results provide an encouraging basis for planning larger scale experiments to test the role of OM and nutrients in improving phytoremediation.