Search results for "Toxic metals"
showing 9 items of 9 documents
Nitric oxide contributes to cadmium toxicity in Arabidopsis by promoting cadmium accumulation in roots and by up-regulating genes related to iron upt…
2009
Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) functions as a cell-signaling molecule in plants. In particular, a role for NO in the regulation of iron homeostasis and in the plant response to toxic metals has been proposed. Here, we investigated the synthesis and the role of NO in plants exposed to cadmium (Cd2+), a nonessential and toxic metal. We demonstrate that Cd2+ induces NO synthesis in roots and leaves of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings. This production, which is sensitive to NO synthase inhibitors, does not involve nitrate reductase and AtNOA1 but requires IRT1, encoding a major plasma membrane transporter for iron but also Cd2+. By analyzing the incidence of NO scavenging or inhibition …
Effects of organic mercury on Mytilus galloprovincialis hemocyte function and morphology
2020
Abstract Filter-feeding organisms accumulate xenobiotics and other substances in their tissues. They can be useful as sentinel organisms in biomonitoring of the marine compartment. Bivalve cellular immunity is ensured by phagocytosis and cytotoxic reactions carried out by hemocytes in a network with humoral responses. These can be affected by chemical contaminants in water that can be immunosuppressors also at a low concentration increasing the sensibility to pathogens. This work is an attempt to individuate cellular markers for pollution detection, investigating the effect of methylmercury (CH3HgCl) at different concentrations on the activity and hemocyte morphology of the Mediterranean m…
The ascidian Styela plicata hemocytes as a potential biomarker of marine pollution: In vitro effects of seawater and organic mercury.
2017
Toxic metals, such as mercury, contribute substantially to anthropogenic pollution in many estuarine environments. Animals living in those environments, particularly invertebrate filter feeders like tunicates, can be used as bioindicators. In an attempt to identify cellular markers for revealing pollution, this study examined in vitro the effects of different concentrations of methyl mercury on Styela plicata hemocytes. The harvested hemocytes from S. plicata that were exposed to the metal had a significant mortality, cellular count and morphometric alterations. These findings provided evidence of MeHg immunotoxic effects on S. plicata, resulting in hemocyte death and morphological changes …
A novel thermodynamic approach for the complexation study of toxic metal cations by a landfill leachate
2018
Landfill leachates can contaminate nearby aquifers. The hazards deriving from this contamination also depend on the chemical speciation of various contaminants. A novel approach is proposed here to face this problem from a chemical thermodynamics point of view. The complexing ability of the soluble fraction of a landfill leachate (collected from Bellolampo, Palermo, Italy) towards Pb2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ has been investigated at T = 298.15 K in NaClaq at I = 0.1 mol dm−3. The soluble fraction of the landfill leachate was first characterized by different analytical techniques. Then, its acid–base properties were studied by ISE-H+ potentiometric titrations and modelled by the so-called diprotic-l…
Fumarolic alteration products of three hydrothermal areas of Greece: Chemical characterization and environmental impact.
2018
Samples of efflorescences and encrustations of hydrothermal origin have been collected at three fumarolic areas in Greece. The three sites are Sousaki, Thiafi (Methana) and Kokkino Nero (Kos) and all belong to the South Aegean Active Volcanic Arc. Samples were analysed for their mineralogical (XRD and SEM-EDS) and chemical composition. Solutions obtained from both mineralization with HNO3 and leaching with distilled water, were analysed for major (ICP-OES), minor and trace metals (ICP-MS) and for sulfate contents (IC). Results show that their composition is mainly controlled by the petrological composition of the substrate (ultramafic rocks at Sousaki, felsic volcanic rocks at Methana and l…
Endothelial function and serum concentration of toxic metals in frequent consumers of fish.
2014
BACKGROUND:Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Consumption of fish is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, but there is paucity of data concerning its effect on endothelial function. Furthermore, investigation of the effects of fish consumption on health must take into account the ingestion of contaminants, including transition metals and some metalloids, which may have unfavorable effects on health, including those on the cardiovascular system. We investigated the association between fish consumption, endothelial function (flow mediated dilation of the brachial artery), and serum concentration of some toxic metals in apparently healthy people…
Impact of hydrothermal alteration processes on element mobility and potential environmental implications at the Sousaki solfataric field (Corinthia -…
2020
Abstract Samples of efflorescences and encrustations of hydrothermal origin were collected at Sousaki (Greece) and analysed for their mineralogical (XRD) and chemical composition. Solutions obtained both from mineralization with HNO3 and from leaching with deionised water were analysed for major (ICP-OES), minor and trace metals (ICP-MS) and sulfate contents (IC). Results evidence the dependence of the chemical and mineralogical composition on micro-environmental conditions i.e. humidity, oxygen-rich or -poor environment, exposed or sheltered from meteoric agents. In fact, the presence of highly soluble sulfate minerals with elevated contents of many metals (e.g. Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, etc…
Biochar from byproduct to high value added material – A new adsorbent for toxic metal ions removal from aqueous solutions
2018
Abstract An activated biochar coming from pyrolysis of dead Posidonia oceanica residues has been tested as adsorbent material for Cd2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions. The biomass, the activated and the non activated biochars were previously characterized by using several instrumental techniques. The pH of metal ion solution in kinetic and thermodynamic adsorption experiments was fixed at 5 whilst, the dependence on ionic medium, ionic strength and temperature have been evaluated carrying out batch experiments at different experimental conditions. Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy have been used to measure the metal ion concentr…
Spontaneous urban weeds: a resource against environmental pollution
2022
Quality of the environment and social well-being, both at a collective and individual level, are closely interrelated issues. It is, in fact, a relationship that invests values of primary importance, such as those relating to human health and safety, heritage and resources to be passed on to future generations. Plant growth and survival can be challenged by harsh urban conditions. Many studies show the persistence of endemic species in built-up areas and document the ecosystem services provided. With this research we wanted to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals such as cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), molibden (Mo), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mer…