title: Ultrastructural and developmental evidence of phytotoxicity on cos lettuce (Lactuca sativa) associated with nonylphenol exposure.
abstract: It has long been understood that the presence of endocrine disrupter chemicals (EDCs) in water can affect the reproductive, behavioural and regulatory systems of different types of mammals. Thus far, only a handful of studies have examined its impact on plant systems. Present research is limited to the potential uptake of these chemicals by plants and the general phytotoxic effects it can elicit. The aim of this study was to determine what effect an EDC has on developing plant and cell organelles and how it affects it. In this study, cos lettuce plants were exposed to different concentrations of nonylphenol (NP), an EDC, in a static hydroponic system. Changes in plant morphology, mass and length, chlorophyll content, as well as electrolyte leakage were examined. Furthermore an in-depth investigation of the plant cell ultrastructure was carried out with transmission electron microscopy. Results indicated that cos lettuce growth was severely restricted, chlorophyll content was reduced, leakage of electrolytes increased and roots were stunted especially after ≥3200 μg/l NP exposures. The structure of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, vacuole and chloroplast were also changed. This study emphasizes the importance of water quality management, since the presence of an EDC, like NP, can negatively impact the yield and internal structure of one of the world's most significant salad crops, namely lettuce.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Department of Science and Technology and National Research Foundation: Centre of Excellence Food Security, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
authors.forename: Willeke
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: de Bruin
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van der Merwe
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa. Electronic address: quenton.kritzinger@up.ac.za.
authors.forename: Quenton
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Kritzinger
authors.affiliation: School of Health Systems and Public Health, Institute for Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa. Electronic address: riana.bornman@up.ac.za.
authors.forename: Riana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bornman
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Department of Science and Technology and National Research Foundation: Centre of Excellence Food Security, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa. Electronic address: lise.korsten@up.ac.za.
authors.forename: Lise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Korsten
mesh_terms: D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000378:metabolism; D018545:Lactuca / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D010636:Phenols / Q000633:toxicity*; D063245:Plant Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D010636:Phenols; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002734:Chlorophyll; C025256:nonylphenol
keywords: Chlorophyll; Detergent; Stunting; Transmission electron microscopy