Growth, pigment changes, and photosystem II activity in the aquatic macrophyte Lemna minor exposed to bisphenol A.

As a result of its high production, bisphenol A (BPA) has become ubiquitous in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of BPA at 10 mg L on Lemna minor after 7 days of exposure under controlled conditions according to ISO 20079. BPA statistically reduced the total frond number and frond area, while frond number per colony was significantly elevated in BPA-treated group.

Factors inducing bryophyte growth on prehistoric pigments and effect of UV-C treatment.

In La Glacière cave (France), the touristic activity has been conducted to an environmental parameter change that has led to photosynthetic organism proliferation (microalgae, diatoms, cyanobacteria, bryophytes). The present study is focused on bryophyte development occurring in the show cave that was responsible of limestone biodeterioration. In order to understand the colonization process of limestone, we have maintained limestone blocks under optimal Lampenflora growth conditions.

Influence of hydro- and osmo-priming on sunflower seeds to break dormancy and improve crop performance under water stress.

This study explored the effects of two hydro- and osmo-priming durations (8 and 16 h) on growth and yield components of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) under water stress. The pot experiment, performed under a rain shelter, consisted of 9 treatments replicated five times: unprimed seeds as control (C), hydro-primed seeds (T0), osmo-primed seeds in 10, 20, and 30% PEG-6000 (T1, T2, and T3, respectively).

Assessment of fungi proliferation and diversity in cultural heritage: Reactions to UV-C treatment.

Fungi are present in natural and non-touristic caves due to the presence of organic matter provided mainly by insects or animals such as bats. In show caves, however, tourist infrastructure and the visitors themselves are an important source of organic matter. In addition, photosynthetic biofilms provide a high amount of carbon and nitrogen sources for fungi.

Biofilm biodiversity in French and Swiss show caves using the metabarcoding approach: First data.

In recent decades, show caves have begun to suffer from microorganism proliferation due to artificial lighting installations for touristic activity. In addition to the aesthetic problem, light encourages microorganisms that are responsible for physical and chemical degradation of limestone walls, speleothems and prehistoric paintings of cultural value. Microorganisms have previously been described by microscopy or culture-dependent methods, but data provided by new generation sequencing are rare.

Bleaching of biofilm-forming algae induced by UV-C treatment: a preliminary study on chlorophyll degradation and its optimization for an application on cultural heritage.

Green microalgae colonizing stone surfaces represent a major problem for the conservation of heritage monuments, since they lead to biodegradation and aesthetic issues. Previous studies in La Glacière show cave (France) have demonstrated that UV-C may have a strong effect on microalgae, thus leading to chlorophyll bleaching, which was increased when biofilms were maintained under VIS-light condition unlike to those maintained in the dark. To understand the physiological mechanisms underlying this response and in order to optimize in situ treatment, 30 kJ m UV-C exposure times were applied to Chlorophyta Chlorella sp.

Potential vulnerability of oak forests to climate change-induced flooding: effects of mild oxygen deficiency on Quercus robur and Quercus petraea seedling physiology.

Flooding is characterized by saturation of soil pores with water, leading to hypoxic conditions which affect plant root development and metabolism. We investigated the oxygen deficiency tolerance observed in Quercus robur and Quercus petraea and seek to understand whether it can be explained by enhanced efficiency in oxygen use in the roots, as estimated through radial oxygen loss visualization in relation to growth measurements and root apex respiration. The study showed that root growth, under oxygen deficiency conditions, was significantly reduced only in Q.

UV-C as an efficient means to combat biofilm formation in show caves: evidence from the La Glacière Cave (France) and laboratory experiments.

Ultra-violet C (UV-C) treatment is commonly used in sterilization processes in industry, laboratories, and hospitals, showing its efficacy against microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. In this study, we have eradicated for the first time all proliferating biofilms present in a show cave (the La Glacière Cave, Chaux-lès-Passavant, France). Colorimetric measurements of irradiated biofilms were then monitored for 21 months.

UV-C as a means to combat biofilm proliferation on prehistoric paintings: evidence from laboratory experiments.

A laboratory investigation of UV-C effects was conducted over a 62-h period: a much higher dose than in classic UV-C treatment was applied to five pigments and two painting binders used by prehistoric humans. Colorimetric parameters were compared to a control to see if UV-C can change pigment and binder color. Infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma and X-ray crystallography were also carried out to confirm colorimetric measurement.

Effects of repeated soil irrigation with liquid biological paper sludge on poplar Populus alba saplings: potential risks and benefits.

The authors explored the risks and benefits of repeated irrigation of Populus alba saplings with aqueous paper sludge (APS). Saplings were cultivated in pots of forest soil (3 L) in a greenhouse for 7 weeks and watered twice a week with differing concentrations of APS (0, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, and 100 % v/v with deionized water). Plant growth and ecophysiological variables along with zinc and aluminum transfer were monitored.