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- Analysis of the use of microcystin-contaminated water in the growth and nutritional quality of the root-vegetable, Daucus carotaPublication . Machado, J.; Azevedo, J.; Freitas, Marisa; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, A.; Vasconcelos, V.; Campos, A.Toxic cyanobacterial blooms are often observed in freshwaters and may reflect the increased eutrophication of these environments and alterations in climate. Cyanotoxins, such as microcystins (MCs), are an effective threat to many life forms, ranging from plants to humans. Despite the research conducted to date on cyanotoxins, the risks associated to the use of contaminated water in agriculture require further elucidation. To tackle this aim, a research was conducted with the root-vegetable Daucus carota. The specific aims of this work were the following: (i) to evaluate the effects of MC-LR on the plant growth and photosynthesis; (ii) to evaluate the nutritional quality of carrot roots; and (iii) to measure bioaccumulation. To this purpose, young carrots were grown in soil during 1 month in natural conditions and exposed to Mycrocystis aeruginosa aqueous extracts containing environmentally realistic concentrations of MC-LR (10 and 50 MC-LR μg/L). The results showed that MC-LR may decrease root growth after 28 days of exposure to 50 μg/L and increase photosynthetic efficiency. We also observed changes in mineral and vitamin content in carrots as a result of the exposure to contaminated water. Moreover, MC-LR was detected in carrot roots by ELISA at very low concentration 5.23 ± 0.47 ng MC eq./g FW. The soil retained 52.7 % of the toxin potentially available for plants. This result could be attributed to MC-LR adsorption by soil particles or due to microbial degradation of the toxin. We conclude that the prolonged use of MC-LR-contaminated water may affect crop growth, alter the nutritional value of vegetable products, and potentiate contamination.
- Effects of the irrigation with Microcystin contaminated water on the quality of carrots (Daucus carota)Publication . Machado, J.; Azevedo, J.; Freitas, Marisa; Pinto, Edgar; Vasconcelos, V.; Campos, A.Cyanobacteria blooms are often found in freshwaters and may reflect the increased eutrophication of these environments. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), mainly produced by Microcystis aeruginosa, is the most documented and studied cyanotoxin causing serious problems to human health. Contaminated waters are commonly used for agriculture purposes and may represent a risk to food safety and crop’s quality. The plant root system is usually more exposed via soil irrigation, and therefore, rootvegetables are more predisposed to contamination. Is important to evaluate the possible negative effects of the use of water containing MC in the physiology and quality of carrots (Daucus carota) due to its importance for human nourishment and economy.