title: Evaluation of the Biotoxicity of Tree Wood Ashes in Zebrafish Embryos.
abstract: Ashes derived from biomass combustion and used as soil fertilizers can generate negative environmental and human health risks, related to leaching of heavy metals and other putative toxic elements. Tree wood ash composition may vary depending on geographical location and surrounding industrial processes. In this study, we evaluated the biotoxicity of lixiviated tree wood ash samples from trees of the Ash (Fraxinus), Cherry (Pronus), Hazel (Corylus), and Black locust (Robinia) genus collected in an industrialized region in Northern Italy. Elemental chemical analysis of the samples was performed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence technique and their biotoxicity was assessed in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Ashes from Ash, Cherry, and Hazel trees, but not Black locust trees, had a high concentration of heavy metals and other putative toxic elements. Accordingly, a dose-dependent increase in mortality rate and morphological and teratogenic defects was observed in zebrafish embryos treated with lixiviated Ash, Cherry, and Hazel tree wood samples, whereas the toxicity of Black locust tree wood ashes was negligible. In conclusion, lixiviated wood ashes from different plants show a different content of toxic elements that correlate with their biotoxic effects on zebrafish embryos. Tree wood ashes derived from biomass combustion may represent a potential risk for the environment and human health.
authors.affiliation: 1 Zebrafish Facility, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia , Brescia, Italy .
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Consigli
authors.affiliation: 1 Zebrafish Facility, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia , Brescia, Italy .
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guarienti
authors.affiliation: 2 INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, University of Brescia , Brescia, Italy .
authors.forename: Fabjola
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bilo
authors.affiliation: 2 INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, University of Brescia , Brescia, Italy .
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Benassi
authors.affiliation: 2 INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, University of Brescia , Brescia, Italy .
authors.forename: Laura E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Depero
authors.affiliation: 2 INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, University of Brescia , Brescia, Italy .
authors.forename: Elza
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bontempi
authors.affiliation: 1 Zebrafish Facility, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia , Brescia, Italy .
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Presta
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D017745:Incineration; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000633:toxicity; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; D018675:Toxicity Tests; D014197:Trees / Q000737:chemistry*; D014934:Wood / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D015027:Zebrafish / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D019216:Metals, Heavy