A fluorescence-based bioassay for aquatic macrophytes and its suitability for effect analysis of non-photosystem II inhibitors

Abstract

The results of this study show that the I-PAM represents a promising tool for decreasing the incubation times of aquatic macrophyte toxicity testing to about 24 h as a supplement to existing test batteries. The applicability of this I-PAM bioassay on emergent and submerged aquatic macrophyte species should be investigated in further studies. Regarding considerations that physicochemical properties of the tested substances might play an important role in microplate bioassays, the I-PAM bioassay should either be accompanied by evaluating physicochemical properties modeled from structural information prior to an experimental investigation, or by intensified chemical analyses to identify and determine nominal concentrations of the toxicants tested. The chemicals paraquat-dichloride, alizarine and triclosan were chosen as representatives for the toxicant groups of non-PSII herbicides, PAHs and PPCPs which are often detected in the aquatic environment. Nevertheless, in order to ensure a routinely applicable measuring device, experiments with a broader range of toxicants and samples of surface and/or waste waters are necessary.

Comparing growth development of Myriophyllum spp. in laboratory and field experiments for ecotoxicological testing

“…For the determination of phytotoxic effects in pure bulk sediments, a new sediment contact test with M. aquaticum was developed by Feiler et al (2004). Various endpoints have been discussed for assessing toxic effects to freshwater plants, such as chlorophyll fluorescence, biomass and length of shoots and roots (Getsinger et al 1982;Hanson et al 2001;Feiler et al 2004;Knauer et al 2006;Arts et al 2007;Küster et al 2007).…”

Evaluation of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Toxicity Using Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Imaging in Lemna gibba

“…This approach was used for fast screening of plants mutants [22] and to evaluate different pathogen's effect in higher plants [23]. Using microplate bioassays, Chl a fluorescence imaging was used for the evaluation of herbicides toxicity in algae and higher plants [24][25][26]. However, it is not known how CuO NPs may induce toxic effects on PSII photosynthetic electron transport and energy dissipation processes in higher plants.…”

Photochemical changes and oxidative damage in the aquatic macrophyte Cymodocea nodosa exposed to paraquat-induced oxidative stress

“…It permits visualization of spatiotemporal variations in plant responses to various stresses, which cannot be detected by conventional point data measurements [3,4,13,15,16].…”

“…Paraquat (Pq) is widely used around the world to prevent growth of broadleaf weeds and grasses and is reaching the aquatic environment by runoff or leaching [2]. It has been classified among the most toxic and hazardous herbicides with high water solubility and rapid uptake by plant leaves and is the third most widely used herbicide [3,4]. For the aquatic macrophyte Lemna minor, Pq was found to be the most toxic herbicide among the four herbicides (Pq, norflurazon, flazasulfuron and atrazine) that were examined [1].…”