Effects of arsenic on reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense system in tomato plants

In this study, the generation of reactive oxygen species, the induction of oxidative stress, and the response of the antioxidative system in hydroponically grown tomato plants as the cause of arsenic-induced phytotoxicity are investigated. Reduction in plant growth was measured in terms of dry weight and length of roots and shoots, the latter accumulating more arsenic than the roots. The treatment resulted in increased formation of superoxide anion (O₂^.?), H₂O₂, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, which indicate augmented lipid peroxidation. Superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase activities were increased in arsenic-treated tomato plants while CAT activity was insignificantly increased.     

Advances in the recycling of plastic wastes for metallurgical coke production

This paper aims to provide useful knowledge on the use of plastic wastes as additives to coking blends for the production of metallurgical coke. It focuses on the influence that the composition of plastic wastes has upon the development of coal fluidity, the generation of pressure during the coking process and the quality of the cokes produced in a semipilot oven. Several plastic mixtures of two types of thermoplastics, polyolefins (HDPE, LDPE and PP) and aromatic polymers such as PET, were used. The overall addition rate of plastics to a medium-fluid coal blend was 2 wt%. It is shown that polyolefins, weaker modifiers of coal fluidity, may be employed to maintain coke quality but that they have a negative effect on the generation of coking pressure, while plastics of the aromatic type such as PET, a strong modifier of coal fluidity, can be used to counteract the generation of coking pressure. From the results, it is deduced that the protocol developed is useful for determining the optimum amount of each type of polymer (polyolefins and aromatic polymers) that is needed in order to counteract the generation of pressure during the coking process and to maintain the quality of the cokes.     

A Power Law Model for River Flow Velocity in Iowa Basins

This study explores power law relationships to estimate water flow velocity as a function of discharge and drainage area across river networks. We test the model using empirical data from 214 United States (U.S.) Geological Survey gauging stations distributed over the state of Iowa in the U.S. The empirical data are the measurements of the mean cross‐sectional velocity and concurrent discharge. The data are used to estimate parameters for a state‐wide model and to test for spatial variability for 15 large river basins contained within the state. Spatial differences among the basins are small but some parameters significantly differ from the state‐wide model. Using individual station data, the authors also explore a simpler power law model that disregards dependence on the drainage area. Overall, the study shows that including drainage area improves the model. Our study provides parameter values that can be directly incorporated into a regional scale routing model, and provides a framework for developing flow velocity models for hydraulically similar rivers in the U.S. and the world.     

Determination of lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity in calcium, magnesium, titanium and hectorite (SHCa-1) suspensions

This paper reports data on the relative ability of CaO, CaCl₂, MgO, MgCl₂, TiO₂, and hectorite (SHCa-1) to induce oxidative stress (as determined by lipid peroxidation, LP) in biological matrices. The effectiveness of structural (oxide form) versus soluble Ca and Mg to induce LP is compared. An assessment on cytotoxicity as affected by soluble and structural Ca, Mg, TiO₂ and SHCa-1 is also addressed. LP was screened and monitored using the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS). The extent of TBARS production was found to vary with the type and initial concentration of the soluble or structural cation, Ca or Mg respectively. Obtained results showed higher magnitude values for the latter set of experiments. In the presence of TiO₂ no significant TBARS production was detected pointing out a negligible effect of TiO₂ on LP. At solid concentrations ca. 100 ppm, CaO appears to be more effective than SHCa-1 to induce LP. By contrast at ca. 25 ppm, MgO appears to be more effective than the clay mineral. The SHCa-1 LP-inducing activity has been proven to closely relate to structural Ca. The prevalence of mechanisms that may induce LP but not cytotoxicity (as determined by cell growth inhibition) was also addressed. Results on cell growth inhibition as affected by soluble and structural Ca, Mg, TiO₂ and hectorite provide evidence to support that structural Ca or Mg brings about significantly higher variations than soluble Ca.     

Transcriptome analysis provides insights for understanding the adverse effects of endosulfan in Drosophila melanogaster

Indiscriminate use of agrochemicals worldwide, particularly, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), is of concern. Endosulfan, a POP, is used by various developing/developed nations and is known to adversely affect the development and the hormonal profiles of humans and animals. However, little is known about the molecular players/pathways underlying the adverse effects of endosulfan. We therefore analyzed the global gene expression changes and subsequent adverse effects of endosulfan using Drosophila. We used Drosophila melanogaster keeping in view of its well annotated genome and the wealth of genetic/molecular reagents available for this model organism. We exposed third instar larvae of D. melanogaster to endosulfan (2.0 μg mL⁻¹) for 24 h and using microarray, we identified differential expression of 256 genes in exposed organisms compared to controls. These genes are associated with cellular processes such as development, stress and immune response and metabolism. Microarray results were validated through quantitative PCR and biochemical assay on a subset of genes/proteins. Taking cues from microarray data, we analyzed the effect of endosulfan on development, emergence and survival of the organism. In exposed organisms, we observed deformities in hind-legs, reminiscent of those observed in higher organisms exposed to endosulfan. In addition, we observed delayed and/or reduced emergence in exposed organisms when compared to their respective controls. Together, our studies not only highlight the adverse effects of endosulfan on the organism but also provide an insight into the possible genetic perturbations underlying these effects, which might have potential implications to higher organisms.     

Temporal analysis of PM10 in Metropolitan Monterrey, México

The Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA) is the third largest city in Mexico. Few studies have been carried out regarding its air pollution. The aim of this study was to analyze the temporal behavior of PM10 (particulate matter < or =10 microm in aerodynamic diameter). Data reported by the "Sistema Integral de Monitoreo Ambiental" (Integrated Environmental Monitoring System) network from 2006 to 2008 were used. PM10 levels were compared among the stations by year, season, and day of week. A bootstrap technique was used to obtain subsamples to which Student's t test and ANOVA were applied. PM10 levels were high and exceeded the annual limit of 50 microg/m3 set up by the Mexican standard Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-025-SSA1-1993. These levels could have serious health effects. The southwest zone of MMA had the highest levels of PM10 during the period studied. Winter was the most polluted season, and summer was the least polluted season. Thursday and Friday were the most polluted days, and Sunday was the least polluted day. The hours with the highest levels of PM10 were 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., whereas nighttime hours were the cleanest.     

Screening and detection of biomarkers in chickpea plants exposed to chromium and cadmium

A broad screening protocol, covering the most general phytochemical groups of compounds, was developed on the basis of high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). A total of six TLC systems, comprising three derivatization reagents, two stationary phases and two mobile phases, were included. The screening method was applied for the identification of biomarkers in the chickpea plant exposed to cadmium and chromium. The biomarkers were selected on the basis of significant changes (0.26-4.6 fold) in concentration levels of phytochemicals. Totally, five different amino acids, three organic acids, one sulphur containing compound and one sugar were identified as biomarkers in chickpea exposed heavy metal.     

Environmental impact of coal washery and Damodar River water on the morphometry and biochemical changes of maize (Zea mays L.) and soil health

Enormous quantity of water is used for coal beneficiation and accordingly huge amount of effluents are being generated. In this study an attempt was made to evaluate the potential of this effluent water for irrigation. Water samples were collected from three different points (a) feeding point, (b) thickening point, and (c) outlet point of coal washery, and from Damodar River for monitoring the water quality. The samples were analyzed for various parameters and compared with prescribed standard, which revealed that the total suspended solids of thickening point and Damodar River were higher. A pot experiment with maize was conducted to study the suitability of this coal washery water for irrigation. Pots were irrigated with water from the three points of washery and Damodar River in two concentrations (100% and 50% dilution with distilled water); pure distilled water was used for control. There was 100% germination in all the treatments. The plant growth, chlorophyll content and soil quality parameters were significantly better in washery and Damodar River water treated pots. The Damodar River water and washery water from feeding and outlet point could be successfully used for irrigation. In general mixing with good quality water has shown better results.