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Phytoremediation is a novel and cost-effective technology for removing contaminants from soil. This study investigated the effect of Chitosan (CS) and Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) on phytoremediation ability of Datura stramonium L. for Cadmium (Cd) polluted soils. The results showed that D. stramonium is an accumulator plant for Cd, with the translocation factor (TF) of 1.12. Its accumulation ability was increased by the application of CS and CSNPs considerably. The concentration of Cd, in the soil, was decreased by increasing application of CS and CSNPs; also CSNPs were more effective in enhancing phytoremediation of Cd, in compared to CS. The application of CS and CSNPs significantly increased the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and TF. The highest BCF (1.85) and TF (1.65) were observed in the group treated by 5% CSNPs, showing the best function for phytoremediation of Cd. Increasing the uptake of Cd, after the CSNPs treatment, could be described as an effect of the small size, higher surface area and the low crystallinity of the nanoparticles. In the leaves of the plants treated with Cd + CS and Cd + CSNPs, the total protein content decreased in comparison to Cd- treated plants, that is the sign of Cd resistance in D. stramonium. Application of CS and CSNPs caused the increase in the peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities as compared to the group treated just by Cd. The results, therefore, demonstrated that D. stramonium could be suitable for phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils and application of CS and CSNPs could enhance BCF and TF.

Delonix regia (L.) (Caesalpiniaceae) is one of the plants that have been used for centuries to prevent cancer. D. regia has been described as a strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic. Also, the cytotoxicity of this plant has been proved due to its flavonoid compounds. Besides, silver (Ag) nanoparticles have been proved to be promising in cancer treatment. The synergistic effect of medicinal plant extracts with silver antibacterial nanoparticles on cancer cell inhibition was investigated. Cytotoxic effect of D. regia extract with silver NPs on MCF-7 and Panc-1 cancer cells was investigated by cell viability analysis, morphological changes, apoptosis induction, and TUNEL assay. Results showed the cells treated with D. regia extract containing AgNPs exhibited a considerable reduction in viability percent in comparison with control cells. Analysis of MTT demonstrated that the IC50 value of D. regia extract and AgNPs on both cell lines observed in 0.5 mg/mL for 24 h. The results demonstrated that the maximum inhibition of both cell lines growth was observed in 1.5 mg/L and 0.2 mg/L in the presence with D. regia and AgNPs, respectively. Also, morphological characteristics of cells indicated that D. regia extract and silver NPs induce cell death by apoptosis and it is confirmed by TUNEL assay. Interestingly, D. regia extract and Ag NPs had no significant cytotoxicity against normal cells. It can be concluded that Delonix regia plant and silver nanoparticles have an inhibitory potential on two cancer cell lines, but in the use of synergism of D. regia extract and AgNPs, the induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 and Panc-1 was increased. Interestingly, in normal cells, no significant negative effect was observed as control.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most common heavy metal contaminants in the environment. Cd pollution adversely affects the plant growth and development. Datura stramonium L. plants, as an experimental model, were investigated for the soil Cd pollution effects on the perianth and anther formation development. The soil was contaminated by cadmium chloride in different rates (0 and 225 mg kg−1) and placed in the experimental pots (4 kg soil/pot). The tiny blossoms and buds, in different developmental stages, were removed, fixed in FAA70, stored in 70% ethanol, embedded in paraffin and sliced at 7 µm with a microtome. Different staining methods including haematoxylin–eosine and Alexander’s stain were used. The developmental stages of reproductive organs were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that Cd can cause some abnormalities during the developmental process of pollens and ovule. Under Cd treatment, some changes were observed in a tapetum layer. In Cd-treated group, fragility, vacuolization and size of pollen grains were increased in comparison with control. A decrease in the bioavailability of pollen and degeneration of embryo sac cells were the results of Cd that Cd is capable of inducing chromosomal aberrations. Abnormalities in male organs were more than in female ones. This study showed the range of disturbances in floral structures and provides a good set of features to determine Cd-contaminated stress tolerance.

A new stable phosphorus ylide (p-tolyl)3P = CHCOC6H4(p-CN) (Y) was synthesized and a series of novel complexes based on metalated phosphorus ylides were prepared through the reaction of (p-tolyl)3P...

Nanoparticles (NPs) are known to significantly alter plant metabolism in a dose-dependent manner, with effects ranging from stimulation to toxicity. The metabolic adjustment and ionomic balance of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) roots and leaves gained from plants grown in a solid medium added with relatively low dosages (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L) of CeO2 NPs were investigated. Ce accumulated in the roots (up to 287.91 mg/kg dry weight) and translocated to the aerial parts (up to 2.78% at the highest CeO2 dosage), and ionomic analysis showed that CeO2 NPs interfered with potassium, molybdenum, and zinc. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis from metabolomic profiles suggested a dose-dependent and tissue-specific metabolic reprogramming induced by NPs. The majority of differential metabolites belonged to flavonoids and other phenolics, nitrogen-containing low molecules (such as alkaloids and glucosinolates), lipids, and amino acids.

Datura stramonium L., belonging to Solanaceae, is a medicinal plant with bioremediation potency that has variable characters and problematic taxonomy. The present study provides additional information on embryological characters in the D. stramonium that can provide useful information about the taxonomic of this species. The information is important for understanding the sexual reproduction process of this medicinal plant and also its phylogenetic position. The embryological properties, including sporogenesis and gametophyte development, of D. stramonium were examined by light, stereo, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopes. Results showed that each flower contained 5–6 tetrasporangiated stamens. The microsporogenesis and male gametogenesis characters of D. stramonium included dicotyledonous-type of anther wall formation, bi-nucleated and secretory tapetal cells, simultaneous cytokinesis in pollen mother cells, tetrahedral and tetragonal microspore tetrads and two-celled mature pollen grains. Ovary is formed by two carpels and contained numerous ovules with axile placentation. The anatropous, tenuinucellate and unitegmic ovules contained three archesporial cells. Only a single chalazal megaspore of the linear tetrad is functional. Polygonum-type embryo sac development, the presence of an endothelium, fusion of three antipodal cells and then formation of embryo without fertilization and cellular endosperm formation are the most important features in D. stramonium. The present findings reveal valuable developmental features can be used to discriminate this medicinal and environmentally important species and its phylogenetic relationships within the family Solanaceae.

Nanomaterials-mediated contamination (including the highly reactive metal oxides ZnO nanoparticles) is becoming one of the most concerning issues worldwide. In this study, the toxic effects of two chemical species of Zn (ZnO nanoparticles and bulk ZnSO

The contamination of soils with heavy metals is a grave environmental problem. Among the heavy metals, Cadmium (Cd) is regarded as one of the most toxic trace elements and environmental pollutants. The aim of this research is investigation of phytoremediation ability of Datura stramonium L. for Cadmium (Cd) and also, the enhancing effect of EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and kinetin (KN) on the uptake of Cd. Four levels of cadmium (0, 75, 150 and 225 mg kg-1) and different enhancers including EDTA (0, 3, 6, 12 mmol kg-1), IAA, and kinetin (0, 1, 10, 100 mg L-1) were used as the experimental groups. Analysis of Cd in soil and plant materials was carried out using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The bioconcentration factor, translocation factor, protein content and enzymatic activity were also measured. The results showed that D. stramonium was a Cd accumulator plant with the TF of 1.12. Accumulation ability was increased with the application of the chelating agent and plant hormones; EDTA was found to be more effective in the enhancement of phytoremediation than others. Application of EDTA and hormones reduced the negative effects of Cd by means of increasing the total protein content and peroxidase activity. The total protein content in the leaves of D. stramonium, which had been treated with Cd/EDTA, Cd/KN and Cd/IAA, was increased 2.24, 3.59 and 3.41 times more than that in the Cd treated group, respectively. The highest peroxidase (POX) activity was determined in the group treated by 150-Cd +100-IAA (0.060 unit/mg protein). It could be concluded that D. stramonium is a Cd-accumultor plant with phytoremediation potency. This study also demonstrated that EDTA and plant hormones (IAA and Kinetin) could be regarded as good strategies for increasing the phytoremediation ability of D. stramonium.

A new stable phosphorus ylide (p-tolyl)3P = CHCOC6H4(p-CN) (Y) was synthesized and a series of novel complexes based on metalated phosphorus ylides were prepared through the reaction of (p-tolyl)3P = CHCOC6H4(p-CN) with mercury(II) halides, AgNO3 and Cd(NO3)2 in equimolar ratios using MeOH or CH2Cl2 as solvent. Characterization of the obtained compounds was also performed by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H, 31P, and 13C NMR techniques. The crystal structure of complex [Y→HgCl2] was determined by X-ray diffraction method, in which the coordination of the prepared ylide occurred to the Hg center in a symmetric halide-bridged structure. The structure and nature of Hg-C bond in the aforementioned complex were studied based on DFT method using Natural bond orbital (NBO), Energy-decomposition analysis (EDA) and ETS-NOCV. The antibacterial applicability of the synthesized mercury(II) complexes was explored against five Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria types. The novelty of the presented work is: (1) the synthesis of five new complexes, (2) conducting theoretical and (3) biological investigation of the prepared complexes.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are known to significantly alter plant metabolism in a dose-dependent manner, with effects ranging from stimulation to toxicity. The metabolic adjustment and ionomic balance of bean (

Nanomaterials-mediated contamination (including the highly reactive metal oxides ZnO nanoparticles) is becoming one of the most concerning issues worldwide. In this study, the toxic effects of two chemical species of Zn (ZnO nanoparticles and bulk ZnSO4) were investigated in bean plants, following either foliar or soil application, at concentrations from 250 to 2000 mg L−1 using biochemical assays, proteomics and metabolomics. The accumulation of Zn in plant tissues depended on the application type, zinc chemical form and concentration, in turn triggering distinctive morphological, physiological, and redox responses. Bean plants were more sensitive to the foliar than to the soil application, and high concentrations of ZnO NP and bulk ZnSO4 determined the highest plant growth inhibition and stress symptoms. However, low dosages of ZnSO4 induced a slight plant growth promotion and better physiological and antioxidative response. Low concentration of Zn leaded to increased activity of stress-related proteins and secondary metabolites with antioxidant capacity, while increasing concentration reached the exhausted phase of the plant stress response, reducing the antioxidant defense system. Such high concentrations increased lipids peroxidation, protein degradation and membranes integrity. Oxidative damage occurred at high concentrations of both chemical species of Zn. Foliar spraying impaired photosynthetic efficiency, while soil applications (especially ZnSO4) elicited antioxidant metabolites and proteins, and impaired chloroplast-related proteins involved in the electron transport chain and ATP production. Taken together, the results highlighted distinctive and nanoparticles-related toxic effects of ZnO in bean, compared to ionic forms of Zn.

Developmental aspects of anther, pollen grains, ovule, embryo and seed has described in Onobrychis persica Sirj. and Rech.f. (Fabaceae) under bright field, polarizing and fluorescence microscopy. A...

Comparative karyotype analysis of related species and populations has been used to describe patterns of chromosomal evolution within a group. In order to investigate cytogenetic variation in Achillea biebresteinii, root meristem zone of nine populations were removed and prepared using squash method. Image analysis system and Micro-measure software were implanted to karyotype providing cytogenetic parameter measurements. Although all the populations have the diploid chromosome number (2n = 18) and the haploid number (x = 9), but they could be differentiated by their karyotype formula and quantitative parameters of the karyotypes. Phenetic distance and principal component analysis showed that they could be classified in four clusters (groups). The mean chromosome length ranged from 3.82 (±0.48) to 7.77 (±0.12) µm. The chromosome types were detected as mostly metacentric (m) and submetacentric (sm), showing the karyotype formula of 18m (two populations), 16m + 2sm (five populations), 14m + 4sm (one population) and 2M + 14m + 2sm (one population). The karyotypes of the populations are almost similar. According to Stebbins’, the populations are classified to symmetric classes of 1A and 2A.

Three new mercury(II) coordination monomers, HgLX3 [X = Cl− (1) and Br− (2)], and polymer, [HgLI2]n, (3), L = 5-methyl-5-(3-pyridyl)-2,4-imidazolidenedione, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis (C, H, and N %) and flame atomic absorption (Hg %), IR, and NMR spectroscopy. Complexes 1 and 2 have the same framework structure while the structure of complex 3 is an infinite 2D layers. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, complex 3 crystallizes in monoclinic system. In this polymeric complex, [Hg(C9H9N3O2)I(μ-I)2]n, HgII atom is coordinated by one L and three I− anions with a distorted tetrahedral geometry; one I− anion is in a monodentate coordination mode and the other two are bridging, linking HgII atoms into a one-dimensional chain. Classical hydrogen-bonding interactions (O···H–N) between adjacent ligands result in a zigzag type arrangement of one chain while consecutive polymeric chains are linked by non-classical ones (O···H–C) to form 2D supramolecular layers. The results indicate that the flexible ligand can form complexes with varied structures. In addition, the species of the halide were found to have great impact on the structure of the complexes. Antibacterial activity of L and the corresponding complexes investigated against six species of microorganisms. Testing was performed by disk diffusion method, and minimum inhibitory concentrations have been determined. Noteworthy antimicrobial activities for these complexes were observed.

The contamination of soils by toxic and/or hazardous organic pollutants, especially with crude oil, is a widespread problem. This study was conducted in a petroleum-contaminated area in a Tehran oil refinery to find petroleum-resistant plants and their rhizospheral fungal strains with bioremediation potency. The plants growing in the oil-polluted area were collected and determined taxonomically. Root samples of the plant species were collected from a polluted area and fungal strains determined by laboratory methods and taxonomical keys. The growth ability of the isolated fungal strains was studied in media containing 1%–15% crude oil. Results showed that seven plant species were of the highest density in the contaminated area: Alhagi persarum, Hordeum marinum, Peganum harmala, Phragmites australis, Prosopis farcta, Salsola kali, and Senecio glaucus. The root-associated fungi were isolated and showed that the fungal variation in the oil-polluted area is higher than that in a non-polluted area. The growth a...

Environmental pollution with heavy metals is a common problem in many countries. Great efforts have been made in the last two decades to reduce pollution sources and remedy the polluted soil and water resources. A field study was conducted in a dried waste pool of a Lead mine in Zanjan (Iran) to find the native accumulator plant(s). Concentrations of heavy metals were determined both in the soil and the plants that were grown in a dried waste pool by using flame atomic absorption method. The concentration of total Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni were found to be higher than that natural soil and the toxic levels. The results showed that six dominant vegetation namely Centaurea virgata, Gundelia tournefortii, Scariola orientalis, Rreseda lutea, Noaea mucronata and Eleagnum angustifolia accumulated heavy metals. Based on the results, it was concluded that Noaea mucronata belonging to Chenopodiaceae is the best Pb accumulator and also a good accumulator for Zn, Cu and Ni, but the best Fe accumulator is Reseda lutea and the best one for Cd is Marrobium vulgare. The bioaccumulation ability of nano-particles prepared from N. mucronata was evaluated in experimental water containers. The study showed that the amount of heavy metals in polluted water decreased several times during three days bioremediation. Based on the obtained data, N. mucronata is an effective accumulator plant and its nano-particles are useful for watery media detoxification and bioremediation in critical conditions.

Original chromosomes counts are reported for 13 populations of Stachys inflata Benth. (Laminoideae). All samples were collected from the West Provinces of Iran. Chromosome numbers in the species varied from 2n=2x=16 to 2n=4x=32. Five populations with chromosome number 2n=4x=32 were detected that was accordance with a unique existence prior report. A population with both diploid and tetraplod plants (2n=2x=16 and 2n=4x=32) was found in the studied area. The present finding of diploid plants of the species was documented here for the first time. Additionally, six populations that had both tripliod and tetraploid individuals (2n=3x=24 and 2n=4x=32) were also the first finding in this species. Another population of S. inflata showed intrapopulational three different chromosome numbers such as 2n=2x=16, 2n=3x=24 and 2n=4x=32 new and rare exceptional case. The results indicated that the intraspecific polyploidy was confirmed as the most significant evolutionary trend within this species.

Original chromosome counts are reported in 16 populations of Tanactum parthenium Schultz Bip. (Asteraceae) collected from west of Iran. Chromosome numbers in the species were varied from 2n=2x=18 to 2n=4x=36. Ten diploid populations (2n=2x=18) were detected in the studied areas that are accordance with the few prior reports. Three populations with both diploid and tetraploid chromosome number (2n=2x=18 and 36) were identified that is the first report for this species. The results indicated that intraspecific polyploidy was confirmed as the most significant evolutionary trend in chromosome number within this species.

Environmental pollution with petroleum is a global disaster. Bioremediation of oil contamination in soils is based on the stimulation of petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading fungal and microbial communities. Prior researches showed that there are some petroleum-resistant plants and their root associated fungal strains which grow in petroleum polluted soils. Amaranthus retroflexus L. (Amaranthaceae) is one of these, that was collected from both Kermanshah and Arak refineries polluted sites in Iran. The root associated fungi of the plant were determined and results showed the presence of 6 species which were associated with the roots of the plants growing in the polluted areas but only three of them were found in non-polluted soils. Culturing of fungi in oil-contaminated media showed that all the studied fungi were resistant to low petroleum pollution (1 % w/w) and a few species, especially Fusarium species, showed higher resistance to petroleum pollution (10 % w/w) and it seems that they may be suitable for bioremediation in highly polluted areas. Bioremediation tests with A. retroflexus, with and without fungal strains, showed that application of both plant and its root associated fungal strains was more effective than plant and fungi separately. Results indicated that fungal strains had the main role in bioremediation of petroleum polluted soils but plant roots enhance the process.

Environmental pollution with crude oil is a common disaster in many countries. Bioremediation of petroleum contamination in soils is based on the stimulation of petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading fungal and microbial communities. Earlier researches have shown that there are some petroleum-resistant plants and their root associated fungal strains were grown in oil-polluted soils. Senecio glaucus (Asteraceae) is one of the plants that was collected from the crude oil-polluted sites of Abadan refinery in Iran. The root-associated fungi of this species were determined and results showed the presence of six species associated with the roots of the plants growing in the polluted areas, but only three of them were found in non-polluted soils. The fungi were cultured in oil-contaminated media and results showed that all the studied fungi were resistant to low oil pollution (1 % w/w) and a few species, especially Fusarium species, showed higher resistance to oil pollution (10 % w/w) and it seems that they may be suitable for bioremediation in highly polluted areas. Bioremediation tests with Senecioa glaucus, with and without fungal strains, showed that application of both plant and its root-associated fungal strains was more effective than application of plant and fungi individually. Results indicated that fungal strains had the main role in bioremediation of crude oil-polluted soils but plant root exudates lead to an enhancement of the process.

Background: Petroleum pollution is a global disaster and there are several soil cleaning methods including bioremediation. Methods: In a field study, fugal strains were isolated from oil-contaminated sites of Arak refinery (Iran) and their growth ability was checked in potato dextrose agar (PDA) media containing 0-10% v/v crude oil, the activity of three enzymes (Catalase, Peroxidase and Phenol Oxidase) was evaluated in the fungal colonies and bioremediation ability of the fungi was checked in the experimental pots containing 3 kg sterilized soil and different concentrations of petroleum (0-10% w/w). Results: Four fungal strains, Acromonium sp., Alternaria sp., Aspergillus terreus and Penicillium sp., were selected as the most resistant ones. They were able to growth in the subjected concentrations and Alternaria sp. showed the highest growth ability in the petroleum containing media. The enzyme assay showed that the enzymatic activity was increased in the oil-contaminated media. Bioremediation results showed that the studied fungi were able to decrease petroleum pollution. The highest petroleum removing efficiency of Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium sp., Alternaria sp. and Acromonium sp. was evaluated in the 10%, 8%, 8% and 2% petroleum pollution respectively. Conclusions: Fungi are important microorganisms in decreasing of petroleum pollution. They have bioremediation potency that is related to their enzymatic activities.