Validation of germination rate and root elongation as indicator to assess phytotoxicity with Cucumis sativus

Germination rate and root elongation, as a rapid phytotoxicity test method, possess several advantages, such as sensitivity, simplicity, low cost and suitability for unstable chemicals or samples. These advantages made them suitable for developing a large-scale phytotoxicity database and especially applicable for developing quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) to study mechanisms of phytotoxicity. In this paper, the comparative inhibition of germination rate and root elongation of Cucumis sativus by selected halogen-substituted phenols and anilines were determined. The suitability of germination rate and root elongation as phytotoxicity endpoints was evaluated. Excellent reproducibility and stability of germination rate and root elongation in the control test, relatively greater sensitivity and similar dose–response relations for all tested compounds were observed. These results together with those of a 2-day test were used to demonstrate the suitability of this phytotoxicity test method. A QSAR was developed for the phytotoxicity mode of action of the tested compounds to C. sativus seeds. Models that combined the logarithm of 1-octanol/water partition coefficient (log K_ow) and the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (E_lumo) were developed for both germination rate inhibition and root elongation inhibition. The results of these studies indicate that phytotoxicity of substituted phenols and anilines to C. sativus seeds could be explained by a polar narcosis mechanism. This paper will promote the application of germination rate and root elongation method and the development of large-scale phytotoxicity database, which will provide the fundamental data for QSAR and ecological risk assessment of organic pollutants.     

固定化多酚氧化酶测酚电极的研究

用从马铃薯中提纯,经吸附交联得到的固定化多酚氧化酶与氧电极组装设计而成的酚传感器,可检测大多数酚类化合物,其灵敏度、准确度、线性范围、响应速度、稳定性及抗干扰性,均可基本满足要求。研究证明,该法具有一定的开发实用价值。