Spring water quality monitoring using multiple bioindicators from multiple collection sites.

The aim of this study was to examine the water quality of the Extrema River spring in a Brazilian Cerrado area. Three collection sites (P1 - P3) were sampled in the dry and rainy seasons, which are close to industries from different sectors. In the physicochemical analysis, a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels (<5 mg/L) and pH (< 6) at P3 was detected. An increase in heterotrophic bacteria count was recorded at all sites (> 500 colonies/ml). In ecotoxicological analyses, P2 and P3 exhibited toxicity using Vibrio fischeri (> 20%). In evaluating toxicity, the reduction in seed germination was significant utilizing Lactuca sativa at all locations and with Allium cepa only at P2; rootlet length was decreased at P3 on L. sativa and at all sites with A. cepa. In contrast, loss of membrane integrity and mitochondrial function of meristems was adversely affected at all locations using both L. sativa and A. cepa assays. Principal components analysis (PCA) approach indicated that seasonality apparently did not markedly interfere with the obtained data, but it is important to include more collection locations to be evaluated with multiple bioindicators in the spring region. Our data indicate the urgent need for more rigorous programs to monitor the discharge of effluents into water springs.

In vitro hematotoxicity of Vernonanthura polyanthes leaf aqueous extract and its fractions.

Vernonanthura polyanthes, popularly known as 'assa-peixe', is widely used in Brazil for therapeutic purpose mainly to treat respiratory tract problems. However, few studies investigated its chemical safety. In this way, we first obtained the V. polyanthes leaf aqueous extract (VpLAE) and three fractions (aqueous; n-butanol, n-BF; and ethyl acetate), and we chemically characterized this material. Then, the cytogenotoxic potential of the VpLAE and its fractions was investigated against human erythrocytes and lymphocytes using Trypan blue exclusion test of cell viability and CometChip. The phytochemical screening of V. polyanthes leaf revealed the presence of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, terpenic compounds, and cardioactive heterosides. n-BF presented the highest total phenolic, flavonoids, and tannins contents and, consequently, the highest antioxidant activity, according to the DPPH free radical scavenging method. Although the VpLAE and its fractions did not cause death of erythrocytes, the cells acquired an echinocytic form. Regarding lymphocytes, VpLAE and its fractions presented cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. When VpLAE or its fractions were co-treated with doxorubicin (DXR), a recognized cytotoxic drug, we observed an enhancement of DXR cytotoxicity against lymphocytes, but the DXR genotoxicity decreased around 15%. Since the VpLAE and its fractions increased the DXR cytotoxicity and decreased its genotoxicity, further studies should be conducted for the development of an adjuvant drug from this extract to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. Moreover, the indiscriminate use of 'assa-peixe' by local people should be discouraged.