Physiological changes in Triticum durum, Zea mays, Pisum sativum and Lens esculenta cultivars, caused by irrigation with water contaminated with microcystins: a laboratory experimental approach.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exposure to a microcystin (MC)-containing extract from a cyanobacteria bloom on growth, development, mineral nutrient accumulation, and photosynthetic activity of Triticum durum, Zea mays, Pisum sativum and Lens esculenta cultivars. The MCs in the extract, identified by HPLC and/or mass spectrometry (MS) were: MC-RR, -LR, -YR, -(H4)YR, -WR, and -FR. Plant growth and development was tested along 30 exposure days. After this period, MC-extract caused a clear reduction in plant growth and productivity, as well as deleterious effects on development and Photosystem II activity, measured by Fv/Fm fluorescence. However, the chlorophyll (a + b) content hardly varied, and the accumulation of Na+, K+, Ca2+, P and N was enhanced. All the effects observed were plant species, MC concentration, and exposure-time dependent. Relative accumulation of each MC variant greatly varied among plant species and plant organ. The data obtained supports the idea that the use of surface water containing MCs for crop irrigation can affect both plant yield and quality, and secondly, that MC accumulation in edible plants might pose a potential risk for human and animal health, if the MC intake exceeded the recommended tolerable limits.
Saqrane
Sana
S
Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Microorganisms, Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, University Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech, Morocco.
Ouahid
Youness
Y
El Ghazali
Issam
I
Oudra
Brahim
B
Bouarab
Lahcen
L
del Campo
Francisca F
FF
D000383:Agriculture; D018533:Biomass; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005068:Eutrophication / Q000502:physiology; D027806:Lens Plant / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D052998:Microcystins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D008903:Minerals; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D018532:Pisum sativum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D010788:Photosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects*; D014908:Triticum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D003313:Zea mays / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology
D052998:Microcystins; D008903:Minerals; D002734:Chlorophyll