Effect of oil refinery sludges on the growth and antioxidant system of alfalfa plants.
The refining process in the petrochemical industry generates oil refinery sludges, a potentially contaminating waste product, with a high content of hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Faster degradation of hydrocarbons has been reported in vegetated soils than in non-vegetated soils, but the impact of these contaminants on the plants physiology and on their antioxidant system is not well known. In this study, the effect of the addition of petroleum sludge to soil on the physiological parameters, nutrient contents, and oxidative and antioxidant status in alfalfa was investigated. An inhibition of alfalfa growth and an induction of oxidative stress, as indicated by an increase in protein oxidation, were found. Also, the superoxide dismutase isoenzymes, peroxidase, and those enzymes involved in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle showed significant activity increases, parallel to an enhancement of total homoglutathione, allowing plants being tolerant to this situation. This information is necessary to establish successful and sustainable plant-based remediation strategies.
Martí
M Carmen
MC
Department of Stress Biology and Plant Pathology, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura (CEBAS-CSIC), E-30100 Murcia, Spain. mamen.marti@gmail.com
Camejo
Daymi
D
Fernández-García
Nieves
N
Rellán-Alvarez
Rubén
R
Marques
Silvia
S
Sevilla
Francisca
F
Jiménez
Ana
A
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005648:Fuel Oils; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D000455:Medicago sativa / Q000378:metabolism*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry; D010578:Petroleum / Q000378:metabolism; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000378:metabolism; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism
D000975:Antioxidants; D005648:Fuel Oils; D010578:Petroleum; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005978:Glutathione; D001205:Ascorbic Acid; D010100:Oxygen