Will elevated atmospheric CO2 boost the growth of an invasive submerged macrophyte Cabomba caroliniana under the interference of phytoplankton?

The growth of most submerged macrophytes is likely to be limited by the availability of carbon resource, and this is especially true for the obligatory carbon dioxide (CO2) users. A mesocosm experiment was performed to investigate the physiological, photophysiological, and biochemical responses of Cabomba caroliniana, an invasive macrophyte specie in the Lake Taihu Basin, to elevated atmospheric CO2 (1000 µmol mol-1); we also examined the possible impacts of interferences derived from the phytoplankton proliferation and its concomitant disturbances on the growth of C. caroliniana. The results demonstrated that elevated atmospheric CO2 significantly enhanced the biomass, relative growth rate, and photosynthate accumulation of C. caroliniana. C. caroliniana exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2 exhibited a higher relative maximum electron transport rate and photosynthetic efficiency, compared to those exposed to ambient atmospheric CO2. However, the positive effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on C. caroliniana were gradually compromised as time went by, and the down-regulations of the relative growth rate (RGR) and photosynthetic activity were coupled with phytoplankton proliferation under elevated atmospheric CO2. This study demonstrated that the growth of C. caroliniana under the phytoplankton interference can be greatly affected, directly and indirectly, by the increasing atmospheric CO2.

Accumulation of chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions using water lilies (Nymphaea spontanea).

This study describes an investigation using tropical water lilies (Nymphaea spontanea) to remove hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions and electroplating waste. The results show that water lilies are capable of accumulating substantial amount of Cr(VI), up to 2.119 mg g(-1) from a 10 mg l(-1) solution. The roots of the plant accumulated the highest amount of Cr(VI) followed by leaves and petioles, indicating that roots play an important role in the bioremediation process. The maturity of the plant exerts a great effect on the removal and accumulation of Cr(VI). Plants of 9 weeks old accumulated the most Cr(VI) followed by those of 6 and 3 weeks old. The results also show that removal of Cr(VI) by water lilies is more efficient when the metal is present singly than in the presence of Cu(II) or in waste solution. This may be largely associated with more pronounced phytotoxicity effect on the biochemical changes in the plants and saturation of binding sites. Significant toxicity effect on the plant was evident as shown in the reduction of chlorophyll, protein and sugar contents in plants exposed to Cr(VI) in this investigation.

[Effects of exogenous spermidine on resistance of Nymphoides peltatum to Hg2+ stress].

Effects of different exogenous spermidine concentrations on the activities of some enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD, APX), O(-)(2) generation rate, the MDA, chlorophyll, soluble protein and polyamine contents in leaves of Nymphoides peltatum without Hg(2+) stress or under Hg(2+) stress were studied. The results showed that: (1) The spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) content dropped significantly under Hg(2+) (3 mg/L) stress 4 d, while that of putrescine (Put) was increased markedly. Exogenous Spd could increase the Spd and Spm content in leaves, while that of Put lowered at first and rose later. (2) Hg(2+) 3 mg/L decreased drastically the activities of SOD, CAT and APX, increased the O(-)(2) generation rate, led to the accumulation of a large amount of MDA and loss of chlorophyll and soluble protein. Exogenous Spd could enhance the activities of SOD, CAT and APX, decrease O(-)(2) generation rate and reduce the MDA content. In addition, Spd could also decrease the loss of chlorophyll and soluble protein content induced by Hg(2+) stress, enhance the ability of Nymphoides peltatum to resist Hg(2+) stress. The most suitable concentration of Spd was in the range 0.1-0.5 mmol/L.

Characterization of cadmium uptake by the water lily Nymphaea aurora.

This study characterizes cadmium (Cd) uptake by the waterlily Nymphaea aurora, (Nymphaeaceae) in two systems: a model hydroponic Cd solution and heavily polluted sludge from two sites in Israel. The uptake of Cd from hydroponic solution resulted in Cd storage in petioles and laminae of Nymphaea, as well as in the roots. The pH of the solution affected Cd solubility and availability, with pH 5.5 yielding maximum Cd content in the plant (140 mg Cd per g DW). Cd uptake was reduced by the addition of EDTA to the hydroponic growth medium, although EDTA enhanced heavy metal uptake by terrestrial plants. Nymphaea efficiently reduced the concentration of Cd in heavy metal polluted urban and industrial sludge and the amount of Cd uptake was enhanced by the addition of KCl to the sludge and by adjustment of the pH to 5.5. The inherent growth patterns of Nymphaea plants allowed Cd uptake by the shoot and root, and resulted in maximum contact between the various plant parts and the growth media. Thus, Nymphaea has potential as an optimal, highly effective phytoremediation tool for the removal of Cd from polluted waste sources.