This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Given the widespread use of glyphosate (GLY), this agrochemical is becoming a source of contamination in agricultural soils, affecting non-target plants. Therefore, sustainable strategies to increase crop tolerance to GLY are needed. From this perspective and recalling silicon (Si)’s role in alleviating different abiotic stresses, the main goal of this study was to assess if the foliar application of Si, either as bulk or nano forms, is capable of enhancing Solanum lycopersicum L. tolerance to GLY (10 mg kg−1). After 28 day(s), GLY-treated plants exhibited growth-related disorders in both shoots and roots, accompanied by an overproduction of superoxide anion (O2•−) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in shoots. Although plants solely exposed to GLY have activated non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms (proline, ascorbate and glutathione), a generalized inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes was found, suggesting the occurrence of great redox disturbances. In response to Si or nano-SiO2 co-application, most of GLY phytotoxic effects on growth were prevented, accompanied with a better ROS removal, especially by an upregulation of the main antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Overall, results pointed towards the potential of both sources of Si to reduce GLY-induced oxidative stress, without major differences between their efficacy.
Cristiano Soares; Pedro Nadais; Bruno Sousa; Edgar Pinto; Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira; Ruth Pereira; Fernanda Fidalgo. Silicon Improves the Redox Homeostasis to Alleviate Glyphosate Toxicity in Tomato Plants—Are Nanomaterials Relevant? Antioxidants 2021, 10, 1320 .
AMA StyleCristiano Soares, Pedro Nadais, Bruno Sousa, Edgar Pinto, Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira, Ruth Pereira, Fernanda Fidalgo. Silicon Improves the Redox Homeostasis to Alleviate Glyphosate Toxicity in Tomato Plants—Are Nanomaterials Relevant? Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (8):1320.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristiano Soares; Pedro Nadais; Bruno Sousa; Edgar Pinto; Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira; Ruth Pereira; Fernanda Fidalgo. 2021. "Silicon Improves the Redox Homeostasis to Alleviate Glyphosate Toxicity in Tomato Plants—Are Nanomaterials Relevant?" Antioxidants 10, no. 8: 1320.
Eucalyptus globulus Labill. is a widespread exotic species that contributes to the formation of fire-prone environments, a great concern under climate change conditions. Therefore, sustainable practices to help locals managing eucalyptus stands are needed. In this perspective, harnessing eucalyptus’ specialized metabolism as a source of allelochemicals can be a promising approach for weed control. Thus, the main goals of this work were to evaluate the herbicidal potential of post-fire regenerated E. globulus leaves against Portulaca oleracea L. and to unravel the physiological mechanisms behind this phytotoxic action. For this, aqueous extracts of fresh (FLE; 617 g FW L−1) or oven-dried leaves (DLE; 250 g DW L−1) were foliar-sprayed at different dilutions in purslane seedlings. After five weeks, results revealed that DLE at the highest dose detained the greatest herbicidal activity, affecting purslane growth and cellular viability. Moreover, biochemical data pointed towards an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, causing harsh oxidative damage in roots, where the upregulation of important cellular players, like sugars, amino acids, and proline, was not able to reestablish redox homeostasis. Overall, this study proved that dried leaves from young E. globulus had potent herbicidal properties against P. oleracea and can represent a feasible strategy for weed management.
Mafalda Pinto; Cristiano Soares; Maria Martins; Bruno Sousa; Inês Valente; Ruth Pereira; Fernanda Fidalgo. Herbicidal Effects and Cellular Targets of Aqueous Extracts from Young Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Leaves. Plants 2021, 10, 1159 .
AMA StyleMafalda Pinto, Cristiano Soares, Maria Martins, Bruno Sousa, Inês Valente, Ruth Pereira, Fernanda Fidalgo. Herbicidal Effects and Cellular Targets of Aqueous Extracts from Young Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Leaves. Plants. 2021; 10 (6):1159.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMafalda Pinto; Cristiano Soares; Maria Martins; Bruno Sousa; Inês Valente; Ruth Pereira; Fernanda Fidalgo. 2021. "Herbicidal Effects and Cellular Targets of Aqueous Extracts from Young Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Leaves." Plants 10, no. 6: 1159.
Biosorption is a sustainable biological treatment for remediating environmental hazardous matrices. The shells of the invasive bivalve Corbicula fluminea were tested for their potential as a natural, abundant sorption material to cope with extremely toxic olive oil mill wastes (OOMW). Shells of C. fluminea were exposed for 14 days to OOMW and variations in the chemical composition of the waste and the shells were monitored by FTIR analysis. In general, the results showed the inefficacy of the shells in adsorbing chemicals from OOMW, namely regarding predominant aromatic structures. A significant slight increase in the 1750–1180 cm−1 region was found, relating to a mild reduction of the peak areas in the same FTIR region noted in shells, which suggests partial shell dissolution; this trend was further supported by the parallel increase of the levels of both pH and Chemical Oxygen Demand. Although the shells of C. fluminea were found inadequate as a sink for the organic components present in OOMW, the abundance of the resource and previous evidence of its absorption capacity for different contaminants support the need for extended research on the use of this biomaterial as a sorption agent in bioremediation.
A. Domingues; J. P. da Costa; T. A. P. Rocha-Santos; F. J. M. Gonçalves; R. Pereira; J. L. Pereira. Biosorption potential of the shell of Corbicula fluminea towards olive oil mill waste. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 2021, 1 -8.
AMA StyleA. Domingues, J. P. da Costa, T. A. P. Rocha-Santos, F. J. M. Gonçalves, R. Pereira, J. L. Pereira. Biosorption potential of the shell of Corbicula fluminea towards olive oil mill waste. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. 2021; ():1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Domingues; J. P. da Costa; T. A. P. Rocha-Santos; F. J. M. Gonçalves; R. Pereira; J. L. Pereira. 2021. "Biosorption potential of the shell of Corbicula fluminea towards olive oil mill waste." International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology , no. : 1-8.
Since the 80s, ISO and OECD organizations have been developing guidelines for assessing the toxicity of new and existing chemical substances to soil biota. Up to now, any of these guidelines had soil algae as test organisms. Nevertheless, microalgae are relevant components of soil microbial communities and soil biological crusts (BSC) with a great contribution to different soil functions and ecosystem services. In an attempt to bridge gap, the present work aimed to develop, describe and validate a standard operating procedure for an ecotoxicological test with soil microalgae. Three phases were performed, each one with specific objectives. First, soil microalgae and cyanobacteria were isolated from BSC and then genetically and morphologically characterized. The green microalga Micractinium inermum was selected because it is a species with a wide geographic distribution. Secondly, M. inermum growth curves were obtained in liquid (BG11 and Woods-Hole MBL) and solid media (OECD artificial soil) to determine test duration. The growth curves were also used to analyze the reproducibility of the test’s endpoint and to propose a validation criterion. Ultimately, a range of concentrations of two reference substances (glyphosate and copper) were tested, both in soil and liquid media, to assess procedure’s reproducibility. The tests made in liquid medium followed the standard guideline for ecotoxicological tests with freshwater microalgae and cyanobacteria (OECD 201:2011). The results obtained prove that when the artificial soil is used, as a test substrate, the sensitivity of M. inermum increases. The tests performed with both reference substances demonstrate that the procedure described for testing in soil was reproducible. Additionally, it will be relevant to test with other reference substances and adjust the procedure for natural soils. It will be also interesting to validate the test procedure with soil cyanobacteria.
Vânia Carvalhido; Márcia Bessa da Silva; Marina Santos; Paula Tamagnini; Paula Melo; Ruth Pereira. Development of an ecotoxicological test procedure for soil microalgae. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 783, 147006 .
AMA StyleVânia Carvalhido, Márcia Bessa da Silva, Marina Santos, Paula Tamagnini, Paula Melo, Ruth Pereira. Development of an ecotoxicological test procedure for soil microalgae. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 783 ():147006.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVânia Carvalhido; Márcia Bessa da Silva; Marina Santos; Paula Tamagnini; Paula Melo; Ruth Pereira. 2021. "Development of an ecotoxicological test procedure for soil microalgae." Science of The Total Environment 783, no. : 147006.
Along with climate change, the native forest replacement by exotic species, such as Eucalyptus globulus, is contributing to a highly fire-prone environment. Since E. globulus detains several post-fire regeneration strategies, sustainable practices are needed to manage eucalyptus stands. Thus, eucalyptus allelopathic potential can be used for weed control. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the herbicidal potential of post-fire regenerated E. globulus leaves in Portulaca oleracea, and unraveling the main physiological processes disturbed by biocide application. For this, an aqueous extract prepared with fresh leaves (FLE; 617 gfresh weightL-1) and other with oven-dried leaves (DLE; 250 gdry weightL-1) were prepared and foliar-sprayed twice-a-week at different dilutions in 7-days-old purslane plants. As positive control, glyphosate was used. After five weeks, results revealed that DLE at the highest dose detained the greatest herbicidal activity against P. oleracea. To understand how DLE impacted weed physiology, several biochemical and redox-related parameters were evaluated in purslane plants treated with DLE highest dose. Results suggested an overproduction of hydrogen peroxide, causing severe oxidative damage in roots. Overall, this study showed that young E. globulus dried leaves had powerful herbicidal properties against P. oleracea and can represent a feasible approach for weed management, while reducing fire hazard.
Mafalda Pinto; Cristiano Soares; Maria Martins; Bruno Sousa; Inês Valente; Ruth Pereira; Fernanda Fidalgo. Herbicidal Effects and Cellular Targets of Aqueous Extracts from Young Eucalyptus globulus Leaves - A Novel Post-Fire Management Strategy of Eucalyptus Stands. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleMafalda Pinto, Cristiano Soares, Maria Martins, Bruno Sousa, Inês Valente, Ruth Pereira, Fernanda Fidalgo. Herbicidal Effects and Cellular Targets of Aqueous Extracts from Young Eucalyptus globulus Leaves - A Novel Post-Fire Management Strategy of Eucalyptus Stands. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMafalda Pinto; Cristiano Soares; Maria Martins; Bruno Sousa; Inês Valente; Ruth Pereira; Fernanda Fidalgo. 2021. "Herbicidal Effects and Cellular Targets of Aqueous Extracts from Young Eucalyptus globulus Leaves - A Novel Post-Fire Management Strategy of Eucalyptus Stands." , no. : 1.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the eco-cytotoxicity of several forms of nanomaterials (NM), such as nano-CuO, nano-TiO2, nano-SiO2 and nano-ZnO, on different aquatic species (Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna and Lemna minor) following standard protocols and on human cell lines (Caco-2, SV-80, HepG2 and HaCaT). Predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC) or hazard concentrations for 5% of the species (HC5) were also estimated based on the compilation of data available in the literature. Most of the NM agglomerated strongly in the selected culture media. For the ecotoxicity assays, nano-CuO and nano-ZnO even in particle agglomeration state were the most toxic NM to the freshwater organisms compared to nano-TiO2 and nano-SiO2. Nano-ZnO was the most toxic NM to R. subcapitata and D. magna, while nano-CuO was found to be very toxic to L. minor. Nano-CuO was very toxic to Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, particularly at the highest tested concentrations, while the other NM showed no toxicity to the different cell lines. The HC5 and PNEC values are still highly protective, due to data limitations. However, the present study provides consistent evidence of the potential risks of both nano-CuO and nano-ZnO against aquatic organisms and also their effects on public health.
Tatiana Andreani; Verónica Nogueira; Ana Gavina; Saul Fernandes; José Luís Rodrigues; Vera V. Pinto; Maria José Ferreira; Amélia M. Silva; Carlos M. Pereira; Ruth Pereira. Ecotoxicity to Freshwater Organisms and Cytotoxicity of Nanomaterials: Are We Generating Sufficient Data for Their Risk Assessment? Nanomaterials 2020, 11, 66 .
AMA StyleTatiana Andreani, Verónica Nogueira, Ana Gavina, Saul Fernandes, José Luís Rodrigues, Vera V. Pinto, Maria José Ferreira, Amélia M. Silva, Carlos M. Pereira, Ruth Pereira. Ecotoxicity to Freshwater Organisms and Cytotoxicity of Nanomaterials: Are We Generating Sufficient Data for Their Risk Assessment? Nanomaterials. 2020; 11 (1):66.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTatiana Andreani; Verónica Nogueira; Ana Gavina; Saul Fernandes; José Luís Rodrigues; Vera V. Pinto; Maria José Ferreira; Amélia M. Silva; Carlos M. Pereira; Ruth Pereira. 2020. "Ecotoxicity to Freshwater Organisms and Cytotoxicity of Nanomaterials: Are We Generating Sufficient Data for Their Risk Assessment?" Nanomaterials 11, no. 1: 66.
Natura 2000 is the European Union’s key strategy to address the current sharp decline in biodiversity. However, according to a recent survey, most Europeans have never heard about it. The present study intended to further explore the perceptions of residents in Portugal about this network of protected areas through the nationwide implementation of a survey. Overall, 232 questionnaires were fulfilled, which showed that most respondents (n = 126, 54%) had never heard of Natura 2000. Furthermore, even the respondents who knew what Natura 2000 is were not well-informed about it. For instance, on average, they were only able to name 2.8 ± 2.2 sites within Portugal; plus, 66% (n = 65) could not correctly name any wild species that inhabited their favourite site. Surprisingly, literacy levels were not significantly correlated with the number of visits to the network (rs = 0.181, p = 0.082), and they were only weakly correlated with the frequency that the respondents engaged in ecological behaviours (rs = 0.277, p = 0.007). Overall, the current findings are in agreement with similar studies carried out in Poland that revealed that the population was poorly informed about this important network of protected areas. This scenario is especially worrisome, considering that public participation is regarded as a key factor for successful nature conservation initiatives.
Sofia Oliveira; Joana Pereira; Paulo Santos; Ruth Pereira. Awareness and Knowledge of Portugal Residents about Natura 2000. Sustainability 2020, 12, 9663 .
AMA StyleSofia Oliveira, Joana Pereira, Paulo Santos, Ruth Pereira. Awareness and Knowledge of Portugal Residents about Natura 2000. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (22):9663.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSofia Oliveira; Joana Pereira; Paulo Santos; Ruth Pereira. 2020. "Awareness and Knowledge of Portugal Residents about Natura 2000." Sustainability 12, no. 22: 9663.
Phosphorus is a critical element to agriculture, consequently global phosphate rock demand will remain rising to feed a growing world population. The beneficiation of phosphorous ore gives rise to several tons of a waste by-product [phosphogypsum (PG)] which valorisation is limited, within other reasons, by the risks posed to environment and human health. Although threatening, the accumulation in stacks is the only procedure so far practiced by several countries as a means to get rid of this industrial externality. As part of a NATO Science for Peace Project (SfP 983311) this study describes the application of an environmental risk assessment (ERA) framework, to assess the risks posed by a PG stack to the surrounding soils, in Sfax, Republic of Tunisia. The ERA followed a weight of evidence approach, supported by two lines of evidence (LoE): the chemical (ChemLoE) and the ecotoxicological (EcotoxLoE). Integrated risks point for risk values greater than 0.5 in soils collected in PG stack surrounding area. Soil salinization, has likely contributed to the exacerbation of risks, as well as to the lack of consistency between both LoEs. This study highlights the need of rethinking the weight given to each LoE in ERA, in areas where soil salinization is a reality.
Ruth Pereira; Sirine Bouguerra; Isabel Lopes; Bárbara Santos; Catarina R. Marques; Cátia Silva; Amira Mestiri; Silja Frankenbach; Olfa Hentati; Moncef Khadraoui; Jörg Römbke; Mohamed Ksibi; Abdelmajid Haddioui; José Paulo Sousa; Fernando J.M. Gonçalves. Application of a standard risk assessment scheme to a North Africa contaminated site (Sfax, Tunisia) -Tier 1. Chemosphere 2020, 263, 128326 .
AMA StyleRuth Pereira, Sirine Bouguerra, Isabel Lopes, Bárbara Santos, Catarina R. Marques, Cátia Silva, Amira Mestiri, Silja Frankenbach, Olfa Hentati, Moncef Khadraoui, Jörg Römbke, Mohamed Ksibi, Abdelmajid Haddioui, José Paulo Sousa, Fernando J.M. Gonçalves. Application of a standard risk assessment scheme to a North Africa contaminated site (Sfax, Tunisia) -Tier 1. Chemosphere. 2020; 263 ():128326.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRuth Pereira; Sirine Bouguerra; Isabel Lopes; Bárbara Santos; Catarina R. Marques; Cátia Silva; Amira Mestiri; Silja Frankenbach; Olfa Hentati; Moncef Khadraoui; Jörg Römbke; Mohamed Ksibi; Abdelmajid Haddioui; José Paulo Sousa; Fernando J.M. Gonçalves. 2020. "Application of a standard risk assessment scheme to a North Africa contaminated site (Sfax, Tunisia) -Tier 1." Chemosphere 263, no. : 128326.
Purpose Drawing from conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study investigates the relationship between employees' perceived career progress and their championing behavior and particularly how this relationship might be invigorated by two critical personal resources at the job (work meaningfulness) and employer (organizational identification) levels. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative data were collected from a survey administered to 245 employees in an organization that operates in the oil industry. Findings Beliefs about organizational support for career development are more likely to stimulate idea championing when employees find their job activities meaningful and strongly identify with the successes and failures of their employing organization. Practical implications This study offers organizations deeper insights into the personal circumstances in which positive career-related energy is more likely to be directed toward the active mobilization of support for novel ideas. Originality/value As a contribution to extant championing research, this research details how employees' perceived career progress spurs their relentless efforts to push novel ideas, based on their access to complementary personal resources.
Dirk De Clercq; Ruth Pereira. When are employees idea champions? When they achieve progress at, find meaning in, and identify with work. Personnel Review 2020, 50, 1003 -1021.
AMA StyleDirk De Clercq, Ruth Pereira. When are employees idea champions? When they achieve progress at, find meaning in, and identify with work. Personnel Review. 2020; 50 (3):1003-1021.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDirk De Clercq; Ruth Pereira. 2020. "When are employees idea champions? When they achieve progress at, find meaning in, and identify with work." Personnel Review 50, no. 3: 1003-1021.
Despite the several innovations that have been incorporated in agriculture, the use of herbicides, especially glyphosate (GLY), is still the major tool for weed control. Although this herbicide has a notable worldwide representation, concerns about its environmental safety were recently raised, with a lot of divergence between studies on its non-target toxicity. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand the risks of this herbicide to non-target plants, including cover crop species, which have a crucial role in maintaining agroecosystems functions and in preventing soil erosion. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the growth and physiological responses of a cover plant species (Medicago sativa L.) exposed to increasing concentrations of a GLY-based herbicide (GBH), particularly focusing on the oxidative metabolism. The growth of roots and shoots was affected, being this effect accompanied by a rise of lipid peroxidation, suggesting the occurrence of oxidative stress, and by an activation of the antioxidant (AOX) system. Indeed, the results showed that adverse effects are visible at active ingredient concentrations of 8.0 mg kg−1, with the lowest EC50 being 12 mg kg−1, showing that GBH-contaminated soils may pose a risk to the survival of non-target plants in the most contaminated areas. Overall, these findings proved that GBH greatly impairs the growth of a non-target plant, strengthening the need of additional studies to unravel the real risks associated with the over usage of this pesticide, since there is an evident lack of studies performed with contaminated soils.
Beatriz Fernandes; Cristiano Soares; Cláudia Braga; Ana Rebotim; Rafael Ferreira; Joana Ferreira; Fernanda Fidalgo; Ruth Pereira; Anabela Cachada. Ecotoxicological Assessment of a Glyphosate-Based Herbicide in Cover Plants: Medicago sativa L. as a Model Species. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 5098 .
AMA StyleBeatriz Fernandes, Cristiano Soares, Cláudia Braga, Ana Rebotim, Rafael Ferreira, Joana Ferreira, Fernanda Fidalgo, Ruth Pereira, Anabela Cachada. Ecotoxicological Assessment of a Glyphosate-Based Herbicide in Cover Plants: Medicago sativa L. as a Model Species. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (15):5098.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeatriz Fernandes; Cristiano Soares; Cláudia Braga; Ana Rebotim; Rafael Ferreira; Joana Ferreira; Fernanda Fidalgo; Ruth Pereira; Anabela Cachada. 2020. "Ecotoxicological Assessment of a Glyphosate-Based Herbicide in Cover Plants: Medicago sativa L. as a Model Species." Applied Sciences 10, no. 15: 5098.
Uranium mining sites produce residues rich in metals and radionuclides, that may contaminate all environmental matrices, exposing human and non-human biota to low doses of ionizing radiation (LDIR) and to the chemical toxicity of several metals. To date, experimental and radio-epidemiological studies do not provide conclusive evidence of LDIR induced cancer. However, co-exposures (LDIR plus other contaminants), may increase the risks. To determine the potential for genotoxic effects in human cells induced by the exposure to LDIR plus metals, HEPG2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of a uranium mine effluent for 96 h. DNA damage was evaluated using the comet assay and changes in the expression of tumor suppressor and oncogenes were determined using qPCR. Results show that effluent concentrations higher than 5%, induce significant DNA damage. Also, a significant under-expression of ATM and TP53 genes and a significant overexpression of GADD45a gene was observed. Results show that the exposure to complex mixtures cannot be disregarded, as effects were detected at very low doses. This study highlights the need for further studies to clarify the risks of exposure to LDIR along with other stressors, to fully review the IR exposure risk limits established for human and non-human biota.
A. Campos; R. Pereira; A. Vaz; T. Caetano; M. Malta; J. Oliveira; F.P. Carvalho; S. Mendo; J. Lourenço. Metals and low dose IR: Molecular effects of combined exposures using HepG2 cells as a biological model. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2020, 396, 122634 .
AMA StyleA. Campos, R. Pereira, A. Vaz, T. Caetano, M. Malta, J. Oliveira, F.P. Carvalho, S. Mendo, J. Lourenço. Metals and low dose IR: Molecular effects of combined exposures using HepG2 cells as a biological model. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2020; 396 ():122634.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Campos; R. Pereira; A. Vaz; T. Caetano; M. Malta; J. Oliveira; F.P. Carvalho; S. Mendo; J. Lourenço. 2020. "Metals and low dose IR: Molecular effects of combined exposures using HepG2 cells as a biological model." Journal of Hazardous Materials 396, no. : 122634.
Mixed micelles of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LAS) and ether sulfate-based surfactants (SLEnS) can be added in household products and cleaning agents. SLEnS with higher ethylene oxide (EO) units in the head groups have economic and environmental advantages. This work aims to assess the influence of the number of EO units in the ecotoxicity of seven variants of SLEnS-LAS micelles (0–50 EO units) in soils. Ecotoxicological tests were carried out to assess emergence and growth of four plants species and reproduction of collembolans. Most of the variants inhibited plants growth at the highest concentrations (1237.5 μg SLEnS kg−1 of soildw). For reproduction, lower number of EO units resulted in EC50 from 924.2 (95 % CL: 760.7–1063.4) to 963.2 (95 % CL: 676.9–1249.6) μg SLEnS kg−1 of soildw, whereas for higher number of EO units (50 and 30) no inhibition was reported. Based on these results, we suggest that a higher number of EO units contribute to less hazardous formulations, confirming that different designs of surfactants may contribute to changes in the responses of terrestrial organisms. Therefore, we demonstrate that standardized ecotoxicological assays may contribute to more sustainable and effective formulations, when used upstream, prior to manufacture and marketing.
S. Fernandes; Verónica Nogueira; F. Antunes; I. Lopes; Ruth Pereira. Studying the toxicity of SLEnS-LAS micelles to collembolans and plants: Influence of ethylene oxide units in the head groups. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2020, 394, 122522 .
AMA StyleS. Fernandes, Verónica Nogueira, F. Antunes, I. Lopes, Ruth Pereira. Studying the toxicity of SLEnS-LAS micelles to collembolans and plants: Influence of ethylene oxide units in the head groups. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2020; 394 ():122522.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Fernandes; Verónica Nogueira; F. Antunes; I. Lopes; Ruth Pereira. 2020. "Studying the toxicity of SLEnS-LAS micelles to collembolans and plants: Influence of ethylene oxide units in the head groups." Journal of Hazardous Materials 394, no. : 122522.
Abandoned mining and quarry areas are sources of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), through lixiviates or transfer processes of bioavailable fractions from mining wastes and tailings. In this study, earthworms (Eisenia fetida Savigny, 1826) were exposed for 28 days to two mining soils from a lead/zinc mine and two quarry soils from an old serpentine quarry. Despite their pseudo total metal contents, a previous characterization of these soils pointed out for a low chemical availability of PTEs. Therefore, a multibiomarker approach was used and the response of E. fetida to soils was assessed through the analysis of neurotoxic, oxidative stress, energy metabolism and DNA damage biomarkers (acetylcholinesterase, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, lipid peroxidation and DNA strand breaks). Metal bioaccumulation was also assessed to evaluate bioavailability and organism’s exposure. Results showed that high contents of PTEs were recorded in the whole body of earthworms exposed to lead/zinc mine. However, the bioaccumulation factors for worms exposed to soils from both sampling sites were <1 due to the high PTEs contents in soils. Earthworms exposed to both types of soils displayed neurotoxic and energy metabolism effects. However, significant levels of oxidative stress and DNA damage were recorded only for earthworms exposed to lead/zinc mine soils. This study demonstrated that despite the low availability of PTEs showed by previous sequential chemical extractions, the results obtained from the direct toxicity assessment performed in this study, highlight the importance of a multibiomarker approach using soil organisms to provide a better evaluation of soils pollution.
Andrés Rodríguez-Seijo; Joana Lourenço; Daniel Arenas-Lago; Sónia Mendo; Flora A Vega; Ruth Pereira. Chemical availability versus bioavailability of potentially toxic elements in mining and quarry soils. Chemosphere 2020, 251, 126421 .
AMA StyleAndrés Rodríguez-Seijo, Joana Lourenço, Daniel Arenas-Lago, Sónia Mendo, Flora A Vega, Ruth Pereira. Chemical availability versus bioavailability of potentially toxic elements in mining and quarry soils. Chemosphere. 2020; 251 ():126421.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrés Rodríguez-Seijo; Joana Lourenço; Daniel Arenas-Lago; Sónia Mendo; Flora A Vega; Ruth Pereira. 2020. "Chemical availability versus bioavailability of potentially toxic elements in mining and quarry soils." Chemosphere 251, no. : 126421.
Sea level rise induced-salinization is lowering coastal soils productivity. In order to assess the effects that increased salinity may provoke in terrestrial plants, using as model species: Trifolium pratense, Lolium perenne, Festuca arundinacea and Vicia sativa, two specific objectives were targeted: i) to determine the sensitivity of the selected plant species to increased salinity (induced by seawater-SW or by NaCl, proposed as a surrogate of SW) and, ii) to assess the influence of salinization in total biomass under different agricultural practices (mono- or polycultures). The four plant species exhibited a higher sensitivity to NaCl than to SW. Festuca arundinacea was the most tolerant species to NaCl (EC50,seed germination and EC50,growth of 18.6 and 10.5 mScm−1, respectively). The other three species presented effective conductivities in the same order of magnitude and, in general, with 95% confidence limits overlapping. Soil moistened with SW caused no significant adverse effects on seed germination and growth of L. perenne. Similar to NaCl, the other three species, in general, presented a similar sensitivity to SW exposure with EC50,seed germination and EC50,growth within the same order of magnitude and with confidence limits overlapping. The agricultural practice (mono-vs polyculture) showed some influence on the biomass of each plant species. When considering total productivity, for aerial and root biomass, it was higher in control comparatively to salinization conditions. Under salinization stress, the practice of polyculture was associated with a higher aerial and root total biomass than monocultures (for instance with combinations with T. pratense and F. arundinacea).Results suggest that the effects of salinity stress on total productivity may be minimized under agricultural practices of polyculture. Thus, this type of cultures should be encouraged in low-lying coastal ecosystems that are predicted to suffer from salinization caused by seawater intrusions.
Cátia Venâncio; Ruth Pereira; Isabel Lopes. The influence of salinization on seed germination and plant growth under mono and polyculture. Environmental Pollution 2020, 260, 113993 .
AMA StyleCátia Venâncio, Ruth Pereira, Isabel Lopes. The influence of salinization on seed germination and plant growth under mono and polyculture. Environmental Pollution. 2020; 260 ():113993.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCátia Venâncio; Ruth Pereira; Isabel Lopes. 2020. "The influence of salinization on seed germination and plant growth under mono and polyculture." Environmental Pollution 260, no. : 113993.
Bioremediation has been arising as a successful wastewater treatment concerning contamination events. Olive oil mill wastewaters (OOMW) are amongst the most concerning industrial wastewaters in the Mediterranean region mainly due to its seasonally intense production volumes, leading to numerous problems in recipient freshwater systems and soils. Bivalves present one of the most attractive solutions to integrate remediation strategies owing to their notable filtration capabilities and often their extensive tolerance to several chemical contaminants. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of Corbicula fluminea, a freshwater invasive bivalve, as a bioremediation agent towards OOMW. In this way, C. fluminea was exposed to a sample of this wastewater, and untreated and biotreated fractions were compared in terms of (i) their chemical composition; (ii) bioaccumulation in bivalve soft tissues and shells; and, finally, (iii) ecotoxicity, using standard organisms (bacteria, microalgae, macrophytes and cladocerans). The clam operated significant removal from OOMW of compounds holding OH and NH groups (e.g. phenols and amides) or CO, CC and CN groups (e.g. protein contents), as well as aliphatic compounds by more than half of the initial levels, as read by FTIR analysis. Corresponding transference into clams’ soft tissues can be suggested especially regarding proteins and phosphate groups, with metabolic transformation possibly explaining inconsistencies to some extent; the clam shells were also enriched in compounds bearing carboxyl, hydroxyl and phenol groups, to a lower extent in aliphatic compounds, proteins and polysaccharides, supporting that soft tissues and shells are proper recipients for the olive oil contaminants. Consistently, COD content was reduced by 89% and OOMW toxicity was generally reduced with the biotreatment, remarkably in tests with Lemna minor, where growth rate inhibition decreased from 100% to 60%. Overall, this study presents the first approach linking OOMW with C. fluminea as a potential bioremediation agent, with promising results regarding the use of this bivalve in remediation strategies.
Ana Domingues; Inês Correia Rosa; João Pinto da Costa; Teresa Rocha-Santos; Fernando J. M. Gonçalves; Ruth Pereira; Joana Luísa Pereira. Potential of the bivalve Corbicula fluminea for the remediation of olive oil wastewaters. Journal of Cleaner Production 2019, 252, 119773 .
AMA StyleAna Domingues, Inês Correia Rosa, João Pinto da Costa, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Fernando J. M. Gonçalves, Ruth Pereira, Joana Luísa Pereira. Potential of the bivalve Corbicula fluminea for the remediation of olive oil wastewaters. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2019; 252 ():119773.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna Domingues; Inês Correia Rosa; João Pinto da Costa; Teresa Rocha-Santos; Fernando J. M. Gonçalves; Ruth Pereira; Joana Luísa Pereira. 2019. "Potential of the bivalve Corbicula fluminea for the remediation of olive oil wastewaters." Journal of Cleaner Production 252, no. : 119773.
The present research intended to investigate the toxicity abatement of domestic wastewater after passing a biosystem composed of a constructed wetland (CW) followed by a pond. The wastewater was generated in a tourism house in a rural and mountainous context and passed through a septic tank before being diverted to a CW followed by a pond. A battery of ecotoxicological tests, comprising microalgae (Raphidocelis subcapitata), macrophytes (Lemna minor), cladocerans (Daphnia magna), and bacteria (Aliivibrio fischeri), was used to assess the toxicity of the wastewater collected before and after the CW and the water of the pond. Physicochemical parameters (pH, conductivity, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, phosphates, ammonium, and nitrate) were also determined. The CW was able to remove carbon and nutrients from the water with a concomitant reduction of its toxicity. This study, reinforced the added value of using toxicity tests as a complement to CW operational monitoring to validate the solution and to analyze possible readjustments that may be required to improve efficiency. This study lends further support to the claim that CWs can be a sustainable solution for treating small volumes of domestic wastewater in a rural context.
Cristina S. C. Calheiros; Paula M. L. Castro; Ana Gavina; Ruth Pereira. Toxicity Abatement of Wastewaters from Tourism Units by Constructed Wetlands. Water 2019, 11, 2623 .
AMA StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros, Paula M. L. Castro, Ana Gavina, Ruth Pereira. Toxicity Abatement of Wastewaters from Tourism Units by Constructed Wetlands. Water. 2019; 11 (12):2623.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros; Paula M. L. Castro; Ana Gavina; Ruth Pereira. 2019. "Toxicity Abatement of Wastewaters from Tourism Units by Constructed Wetlands." Water 11, no. 12: 2623.
The textile industry has an important role in the economic development of several countries; however, it consumes large amounts of water and generates huge quantities of wastewater. These effluents are of great environmental concern due to their complex chemical content, known by their toxicity and low biodegradability, which can cause harmful effects to the aquatic environment. In the present study, bioassays with aquatic species were employed to evaluate the toxicity of effluent samples collected before and after the treatments performed by the textile company. The toxic effects were investigated using four organisms, namely Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna and Lemna minor, to represent different trophic levels. The ecotoxicological data confirmed that the raw textile effluent was very toxic, with A. fischeri being the most sensitive organism. While the toxicity of the effluent collected after the treatment performed by the textile company was clearly reduced, we still recorded sublethal toxicity to D. magna. These results highlight the importance of the bioassays for continuous monitoring of the toxicity of the treated effluents to prevent adverse effects on the environment. Further, results suggest that ecotoxicological data should be required in parallel with chemical data to better evaluate the safety of environmental discharges of wastewaters.
Ana Margarida Castro; Verónica Nogueira; Isabel Lopes; Teresa Rocha-Santos; Ruth Pereira. Evaluation of the Potential Toxicity of Effluents from the Textile Industry before and after Treatment. Applied Sciences 2019, 9, 3804 .
AMA StyleAna Margarida Castro, Verónica Nogueira, Isabel Lopes, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Ruth Pereira. Evaluation of the Potential Toxicity of Effluents from the Textile Industry before and after Treatment. Applied Sciences. 2019; 9 (18):3804.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna Margarida Castro; Verónica Nogueira; Isabel Lopes; Teresa Rocha-Santos; Ruth Pereira. 2019. "Evaluation of the Potential Toxicity of Effluents from the Textile Industry before and after Treatment." Applied Sciences 9, no. 18: 3804.
This work describes the protocol developed for preparing an artificial digested sludge to be used for the ecotoxicological evaluation and risk assessment of chemical substances that are previewed to attain the soil through sewage sludge applications for fertilization (e.g. pharmaceutical compounds). Such evaluations have been made with standard protocols for ecotoxicological tests with terrestrial species in which the chemical substances are directly spiked to the test soil. This procedure lacks ecological relevance in terms of the role the sludge organic matter plays on the bioavailability and fate of chemical substances. Here we describe the protocol and the composition for obtaining the artificial sludge, prepared with commercial pet food and eggs white to mimic the composition of domestic sewage sludge in terms of proteins, carbon hydrates, fat and fibers content. Further, the conditions ascertained for the anaerobic digestion of the organic mixture are described, and the final properties of the sludge are presented, after repeating the procedure twice.
Ana Gavina; Ana Cristina Freitas; Amadeu Ricardo; Ana Gomes; Catarina Marques; Isabel Lopes; Ruth Pereira. Dataset of the preparation and characterization of an artificial sludge for ecotoxicological purposes. Data in Brief 2019, 25, 104385 .
AMA StyleAna Gavina, Ana Cristina Freitas, Amadeu Ricardo, Ana Gomes, Catarina Marques, Isabel Lopes, Ruth Pereira. Dataset of the preparation and characterization of an artificial sludge for ecotoxicological purposes. Data in Brief. 2019; 25 ():104385.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna Gavina; Ana Cristina Freitas; Amadeu Ricardo; Ana Gomes; Catarina Marques; Isabel Lopes; Ruth Pereira. 2019. "Dataset of the preparation and characterization of an artificial sludge for ecotoxicological purposes." Data in Brief 25, no. : 104385.
Andrés Rodríguez-Seijo; Ruth Pereira. Microplastics in Agricultural Soils. Bioremediation of Agricultural Soils 2019, 45 -60.
AMA StyleAndrés Rodríguez-Seijo, Ruth Pereira. Microplastics in Agricultural Soils. Bioremediation of Agricultural Soils. 2019; ():45-60.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrés Rodríguez-Seijo; Ruth Pereira. 2019. "Microplastics in Agricultural Soils." Bioremediation of Agricultural Soils , no. : 45-60.
Metallic nanomaterials (MNM) like cobalt oxide (nano-Co3O4) are currently attracting enormous interest owing to their unique size and shape-dependent properties and potential applications in various sectors. The aims of this study were to assess the toxicity of nano-Co3O4 and to propose a risk limit through the estimation of a Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC) for this MNM to soil biota. For this purpose, a battery of sub-lethal ecotoxicological tests was performed to assess the influence of this MNM on four plant species (endpoints: germination and growth) and two invertebrate species (endpoints: avoidance and reproduction) following standard protocols. Further, biochemical endpoints (acetylcholinesterase [AChE], catalase [CAT], glutathione-S-transferase [GST] activity, and lipid peroxidation [LPO]) were also assessed in Eisenia andrei, one of the invertebrate species tested, in order to contribute for refining the PNEC value. The recorded data showed a significant inhibition in the germination of L. lycopersicum and in the growth of Z. mays, even at the lowest concentration tested (269.3 mg kg−1 soildw of nano-Co3O4). Concerning the soil invertebrates, the results showed only significant avoidance (p < 0.05) by E. andrei in the soil contaminated with the highest concentration tested (1000 mg kg−1 soildw of nano-Co3O4), while no significant ecotoxicological effect on reproductive outputs of both species was recorded. However, the data reported for AChE, CAT, GST, and LPO showed significant effects at the range of concentrations tested in E. andrei. Thus, we recorded, the occurrence of oxidative stress and the enhancement of lipid peroxidation, on this invertebrate species. The data obtained in this study supports the proposal of a PNEC value of 9.1 mg kg−1 soildw for nano-Co3O4 in soil. The integration of data from biochemical endpoints allowed the refinement of the PNEC value and to obtain a more protective threshold.
Sirine Bouguerra; Ana Gavina; Maria Da Graça Rasteiro; Teresa Rocha-Santos; Mohamed Ksibi; Ruth Pereira. Effects of cobalt oxide nanomaterial on plants and soil invertebrates at different levels of biological organization. Journal of Soils and Sediments 2019, 19, 3018 -3034.
AMA StyleSirine Bouguerra, Ana Gavina, Maria Da Graça Rasteiro, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Mohamed Ksibi, Ruth Pereira. Effects of cobalt oxide nanomaterial on plants and soil invertebrates at different levels of biological organization. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 2019; 19 (7):3018-3034.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSirine Bouguerra; Ana Gavina; Maria Da Graça Rasteiro; Teresa Rocha-Santos; Mohamed Ksibi; Ruth Pereira. 2019. "Effects of cobalt oxide nanomaterial on plants and soil invertebrates at different levels of biological organization." Journal of Soils and Sediments 19, no. 7: 3018-3034.