Phytotoxicity of natural soils using physiological and biochemical endpoints reveals confounding factors: can a weight of evidence tackle uncertainty?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Antunes, SC (Author) FCUP; Castro, BB (Author) Other; Dias, MC (Author) Other; Moutinho Pereira, J (Author) Other; Correia, CM (Author) Other; Claro, MT (Author) Other; Gavina, A (Author) Other; Santos, C (Author) FCUP; Goncalves, F (Author) Other; Pinto, G (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Soils and Sediments

Vol. 16

Pages: 785-800

ISSN: 1439-0108

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-WWF

DOI: 10.1007/s11368-015-1306-0

Abstract (EN): Standard assays for phytotoxicity provide a reductionist view on the performance of plants under toxic stress. To address two of the most prominent issues in plant toxicity studies, our aims were (1) to assess how well physiological and biochemical parameters complement standard toxicological endpoints when testing natural soils and (2) to assess the suitability of three commonly used control soils as comparative references. We compared the performance of Zea mays and Helianthus annuus in three control soils (artificial Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) soil, standard LUFA 2.2 soil, and turf-perlite) against three natural soils representing a gradient of contamination (from a deactivated uranium mine). Standard endpoints (emergence and biomass) were estimated, along with pigment content, photosynthetic parameters, cellular injury, and proline content. The toxicological profile of natural soils was highly dependent on the control soil used as reference; also, plant physiological performance was influenced by the soils' properties. We discuss the need to interpret and combine multiple lines of evidence as a way to increase the degree of confidence one classifies soils based on their ecotoxicity, and this is where the integration of physiological and biochemical parameters bring added value. When facing large variability in soil characteristics, it is best to collect and integrate as much information possible to strengthen conclusions about phytotoxicity of natural soils. Obviously, this refutes reductionist views and places the final conclusion in the hands of expert judgment.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16