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Anthracene-Induced Alterations in Liverwort Architecture In Vitro: Potential for Bioindication of Environmental
Maya Svriz1, Cristian D Torres1, Lucas Mongiat2,3
1Institute of Research in Biodiversity and Environment (INIBIOMA), CONICET-UNCo, San Carlos de Bariloche 8400, Argentina.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 10, 2024
Summary
Liverwort plants like Lunularia cruciata can indicate pollution. Anthracene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), negatively impacts L. cruciata growth and symmetry, showing its potential as a bioindicator.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent global pollutants from anthropogenic sources.
- PAHs accumulate in soil and sediments, posing risks to organisms.
- Liverworts, such as Lunularia cruciata, are sensitive to PAHs and suitable bioindicator models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of anthracene on L. cruciata growth parameters.
- To examine the relationship between anthracene bioaccumulation and plant development.
- To assess the suitability of L. cruciata architectural variables as PAH bioindicators.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of L. cruciata response to anthracene exposure.
- Monitoring anthracene absorption and bioaccumulation from germination to adult stage (60 days).
- Quantification of growth parameters: thallus area, biomass, tip number, and symmetry.
Main Results:
- L. cruciata absorbed anthracene from the culture medium.
- Concentrations above 50 μM anthracene reduced thallus area, biomass, and tip number.
- Anthracene exposure also affected plant symmetry, with 50 μM representing the maximum bioaccumulation limit.
Conclusions:
- Architectural variables of L. cruciata are sensitive to anthracene exposure.
- L. cruciata demonstrates potential as a bioindicator for PAH pollution.
- This study provides the first evidence for using liverwort plant architecture in PAH bioindication.
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