Bioactivity of Volatile Alcohols on the Germination and Growth of Radish Seedlings

Abstract

<jats:p>A series of experiments were conducted to determine the sensitivity of radish to four light alcohols (ethanol, methanol, 2-propanol, and t-butanol) identified as atmospheric contaminants on manned spacecraft. Radish (<jats:italic>Raphanus sativus</jats:italic> L. `Cherry Bomb' Hybrid II) seedlings were exposed for 5 days to concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 175, 250, and 500 ppm of each alcohol and the effect on seedling growth was used to establish preliminary threshold response values. Results show a general response-pattern for the four alcohol exposures at threshold responses of 10% (T<jats:sub>10</jats:sub>), 50% (T<jats:sub>50</jats:sub>) and 90% (T<jats:sub>90</jats:sub>) reduction in seedling length. There were differences in the response of seedlings to the four alcohols, with the T<jats:sub>10</jats:sub> for t-butanol and ethanol (25 to 40 ppm) being 3 to 5× lower than for methanol or 2-propanol (110 to 120 ppm). Ethanol and t-butanol exhibited similar T<jats:sub>50</jats:sub> values (150 to 160 ppm). In contrast, T<jats:sub>50</jats:sub> for methanol (285 ppm) and 2-propanol (260 ppm) were about 100 ppm higher than for ethanol or t-butanol. Chronic exposures to 400 ppm t-butanol, ethanol or 2-propanol were highly toxic to the plants. Radish was more tolerant of methanol, with T<jats:sub>90</jats:sub> of 465 ppm. Seeds did not germinate at the 500 ppm treatment of t-butanol, 2-propanol, or ethanol. There were significant differences in projected performance of plants in different environments, dependent upon the regulatory guidelines used. The use of exposure guidelines for humans is not applicable to plant systems.</jats:p>

Carbon Dioxide Enrichment Enhances Growth and Flavonoid Content of Two Scutellaria species

“…CO 2 is delivered to the individual chambers via the facility's CO 2 supply, which has been passed through silica, activated carbon, and Purafilä (Purafil, Doraville, GA) filters before being mixed with filtered breathing air. This design provides removal of ethylene and volatile organic compounds that affect plant growth (Eraso et al, 2003;Stutte, 1999;Stutte et al, 2006).…”

Winery wastewater inhibits seed germination and vegetative growth of common crop species

“…It is not yet known which component(s) of the wastewater are likely to be responsible for the chronic phytotoxicity observed, however there is some evidence suggesting that sodium [28], ethanol [29] and polyphenols [10] are all potentially phytotoxic constituents. The detailed analysis of inorganic components in the root and shoot tissue, presented here, provide some insights.…”

Phytotoxicity testing of winery wastewater for constructed wetland treatment

“…There is a lack of information on the contribution of organic acids and tannins toward toxicity. Ethanol phytotoxicity has been reported by some studies [21,22]. Murin [21] indicated a low value of LC 50 of ethanol for Vicia sativa, 3 mL L −1 .…”

“…Murin [21] indicated a low value of LC 50 of ethanol for Vicia sativa, 3 mL L −1 . Stutte et al [22] tested ethanol toxicity to radish seedlings and suggested that damage could be due to membrane disruption associated with phospholipid extraction from the cell. Our results and previous literature indicates that WW is a complex toxic mixture.…”