Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The initial, primary audience consists of scientists and engineers. Effective implementation of the outcomes will require buy-in from multiple stakeholders, including the producers of contaminants (as by-products of their main activities), public health experts (for improving water purity), community administrators (for implementation of systems to assure water allocation and distribution), and producers/consumers who will use the biofuel products of the clean-up system Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Fifteen undergraduates participated in the research for 1-4 semesters. Four graduate students and a visiting scholar from Brazil also were active participants. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Skype presentation to 40 end-users of miscanthus in Ukraine, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, Oct. 7, 2016. Research seminars to scientists at K-State Horticulture and Biochemistry departments., April and November, 2016 Half a dozen presentations were made by myself or collaborating scientists in the K-State group at national and international conferences during the year 2017. These were mostly about the miscanthus work. I also presented at the American Ecological Engineering Society meeting in GA and at a regional ASPB meeting in Ames IA about our studies on saltcedar. Early in Nov2017, I was in Czech Republic to present " Sources of error and importance of replication" for a training in soil analytical chemistry at JEPurkinje University, Usti nad Labem. Also met with an international group (>20) of trainees and others working on our NATO project during this 3 day program. Jan 2018 two presentations in Che Engg intersession course (CHE650) on phytotechnologies for phytoremediation. these latter were videotaped for future students in that course. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. A PhD dissertation was produced by Rohit B. Kamat, a graduate student in the Department of Biochemistyr and Molecular Biophysics 2. Miscanthus resaerch literature was reviewed adn a publication resulted. Experimental plots were established at Ft Riley in 2015 and are maintained until present. One graduates student is completing his PhD dissertation using the site for his studies. Lead is the contaminants at > 1000 mg/kg. We ahve suuccessfully shown that lead levels in the above ground portions of the miscanthus are below 30 mg/kg in the first year of crop extablishment, and progressibvely lower in following years. Miscanthus was also tested in yuydroponic culture for its suscepibility to boron toxicity, for potential use on boron contaminated lands. It is too sensitive from practical use, showing sgns of toxicity at ~ 20 mg/L B. As an alternative crop for boron toxicity, salt cedar (Tamarix spp) was examined. Extensive hydroponic studies havd determined that salt cedar can tolerate up t 200 mg/L of B in the presence of various salts (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium cations with sulfates and chlorides as anions, with total concentrations up to 1 % or greater, depending on the nature of the salts used.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
ubmission title: Potential phytomenegment of military polluted sites and biomass production using biofuel crop Miscanthus x giganteus
Valentina Pidlisnyuk, Larry Erickson, Tatyana Stefanovska, Jan Popelka, Ganga Hettiarachchi, Lawrence Davis, Josef Tr�gl (2019) Environmental Pollution 249:330-337 Potential phytomanagement of military polluted sites and biomass production using biofuel crop Miscanthus x giganteus, doi 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.o3.018
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Researchers and engineers attempting to clean up contaminants Changes/Problems:We have ceased study of textile dyes because there are more pressing problems with flue gas desulfurization water in the U.S. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training: four undergraduates: Brett Bandy, Alexcis Barnes, Gareth Bayne, Anna Dykeman, Rose McKinley. In addition part of the dissemination process was classified as a training session( see below) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination: Half a dozen presentations were made by myself or collaborating scientists in the K-State group at national and international conferences during the year. These were mostly about the miscanthus work. I also presented at the American Ecological Engineering Society meeting in GA and at a regional ASPB meeting in Ames IA about our studies on saltcedar. Early in Nov I was in Czech Republic to present " Sources of error and importance of replication" for a training in soil analytical chemistry at JEPurkinje University, Usti nad Labem. Also met with an international group (>20) of trainees and others working on our NATO project during this 3 day program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Next reporting period:: A 3rd year of growth of miscanthus at Ft. Riley to confirm the decrease of bioaccessibility of Pb in treated soil. Parallel plantings of different miscanthus accessions to compare Illinois and Bluemel strains of miscanthus, presumed to be triploid hybrid designated Miscanthus x giganteus. Use molecular genotyping for comparison of multiple strains from different sources. Further studies of the response of saltcedar to combinations fo salts and boron representative of flue gas desulfurization water produced at a nearby major coal-burning power plant. This is a new process (begun late 2016) which results in a different composition, specifically with high ammonium and nitrite which are often toxic to plants. Undertake comparison tests with a fast-growing model plant- hybrid sunflowers- well suited to hydroponic growth
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This was the 4th year of a 5 year project in phytoremediation, use of plants to clean up or stabilize contaminants. There were two main areas of focus. One is the use of miscanthus, a 2nd generation bio-energy source, as a tool to manage contaminated lands, with recovery of economic value through use of the miscanthus as fuel, fiber or animal food. Through a NATO grant we have been collaborating with researchers in Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Kazakhstan to grow miscanthus on former military lands with a diverse range of contaminants. Here in KS we have been working at Ft. Riley to stabilize and reduce bioavailability of lead at a former skeet shoot range, as a prototype for dealing with lead contaminated soils.. A pilot study of extablishment strategies was begun in 2015. In 2015 a full RCBD study was initiated with 4 treatments: unplanted, untilled, tilled, tilled + phosphate, and tilled + biosolids, with 4 replications. Analysis of yields for 2016 indicates that biosolids, phosphate, and tilling have benefits to biomass yield. Bioavailability of Pb was reduced by the two supplements. A preliminary analysis of 2017 data indicates lower overall yields but consistent treatment effects. The bioaccessibility data is still in analysis. Further studies of salt cedar for potential use in phytostabilization of FGD waters indicated the limits of boron tolerance in combination with salt are lower than either alone. Salt (NaCl) levels up to 2 % are tolerated at low B, and B is tolerated up to 100 mg/L at low salt. Other salts vary in tolerance, depending on specific combinations. The phospholipid composition of root lipids showed no alteration with B dosage. Mineral accumulation in salt cedar foliage , and in the salts accumulated on their leaves as salt gland secretions were determined for treatment with salt or B in various compositions and concentrations. More than half of the uptaken B is secreted into a readily washable form. B uptake is far lower than that of water indicating selective resistance to this small neutral molecule
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Madhubhashini B. Galkaduwa, Ganga M. Hettiarachchi,* Gerard J. Kluitenberg,
Stacy L. Hutchinson, Lawrence Davis, and Larry E. Erickson (2017) J Environ Qual 46;384-392 Transport and Transformation of Selenium and Other Constituents of
Flue-Gas Desulfurization Wastewater in Water-Saturated Soil Materials
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Researchers, and engineers attempting to clean up contaminants. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Four undergraduates, Rose McKinley, Gareth Bayne, Amarachi Ehie, Alexcis Barnes How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Skype presentation to 40 end-users of miscanthus in Ukraine, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, Oct. 7, 2016. Research seminars to scientists at K-State Horticulture and Biochemistry departments., April and November, 2016. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Further studies on salt tolerance of the saltcedar in presence of boron, and of boron tolerance in the presence of salts. Detailed studies on the root membrane properties, including lipids and specific channel proteins called aquaporins. We will attempt isolation and sequence determination of the aquaporins believed to be responsible for boron uptake. Field studies of miscanthus on lead-contaminated soils will be replicated in a second, fully established season.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This was the third year of a project focused on using plants to help clean up environmental contamination. The main laboratory focus is plant roots and their uptake or exclusion of ions. This year we developed a model sytem that is more robust in the presence of salts that are typically included in effluent of fabric dyeing operations, and in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) water from coal-fired power plants. Tamarix tetrandra, a shrubby, cultivated member of the saltcedar genus has been used. It is easily propagated by stem cuttings placed into water. Optimum growth conditions for hydroponic studies were developed. The plants grow well on half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution. Varied levels of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate were tested. The plants grow well at levels of several grams per liter of either of these salts. The saltcedar was found to be highly resistant to boric acid, a common toxic contaminant in some agricultural soils under intense irrigation in dry environments. High levels of boron are also found in FGD water. However, our work with the saltcedar indicates that species vary widely in their ability to degrade textile dyes in dying effluents. Saltcedars are very poor in this respect, compared to sunflowers. Manuscripts are in preparation from the dissertation of Rohit B. Kamat which focused on sunflower and arabidopsis. Lipid composition of saltcedar roots was determined, Experiments are in progress to identify the phospholipid composition of root membranes, to determine if ion exclusion is related to membrane rigidity. We have identified by bioinformatics the likely channel proteins that are responsible for boron uptake in the roots. Techniques were developed to grow the grass species Miscanthus in hydroponic culture. Its tolerance to boric acid was determined. It is quite sensitive to boron, as typical of many grasses. Its growth in soil contaminated with lead was also tested, demonstrating that it does not accumulate lead but rather excludes it. A field study of miscanthus on lead-contaminated soils at a nearby military installation shows that it is a strong excluder of lead.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences: Researchers, and engineers attempting to clean up contaminants. Effort: Research to determine in chemical detail how plant roots degrade dyes. Target: students of grades 8-12 and in college Effort: Outreach and education activities directed to students, use textile dyes as examples of how plants are able to degrade contaminants in the environment. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Four undergraduates Brett Bandy, Samantha Gameros, Rose McKinley, Amarachie Ehie.. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Publications in a peer reviewed journals, conference presentations and proceedings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Efforts will be focused on identification of break-down products from azo dyes either in or excreted from plant roots during the degradation process. Further studies on salt tolerance of the saltcedar in presence of dyes will be done. Field studies of miscanthus on lead-contaminated soils will be done.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This was the second year of a new project following a multi-year project focused on using plants to help clean up environmental contamination. The main laboratory focus is plant roots and the enzymes secreted from or contained therein, specifically laccase and peroxidase. Plants irreversibly bind or degrade some diazo dyes that are banned (by the US and EU) because degradation in the environment yields intermediates that are carcinogenic. The dyes are still widely used in many parts of the world. Laccase and peroxidase enzymes in/on plant roots degrade two simple model diazo dyes, methyl red and methyl orange. Addition of a mediator (free radical carrier) such as hydroxybenzotriazole enhances degradation of these dyes and extends the reactivity to several other dyes, including those of other classes which may also be carcinogens (e.g. malachite green which is widely used in some countries but banned in the U.S. for food uses). Phenol red, also implicated as a carcinogen, has been developed as a model for this class of dyes (triphenylmethanes). This year we have attempted to develop a model sytem that is more robust in the presence of salts that are typically included in the effluent of dyeing operations. Tamarix tetrandra, a shrubby, cultivated member of the saltcedar genus has been used. It is easily propagated by stem cuttings placed into water. Optimum growth conditions for hydroponic studies are being developed. The plants grow well on half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution. Varied levels of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate are being tested. Thus far the plants grow well at levels of several grams per liter of either of these salts. The ability of the hydroponically grown plants to degrade textile dyes representative of the azo and triphenylmethane classes is being tested. Results to date indicate that this species is considerably less active than sunflower even when exogenous peroxide is added. The saltcedar was found to be highly resistant to boric acid, a common toxic contaminant in some agricultural soils under intense irrigation in dry environments. The root systems of some species of plants possess enzymes that can effectively decolorize diazo and other dyes. This can potentially provide a cost-effective means to treat water from facilities such as textile dying factories. It is also indicative of the versatility of plant roots in degrading aromatic compounds in their environment. However, our work with the saltcedar indicates that species vary widely in their responsiveness. Manuscripts are in preparation from the dissertation of Rohit B. Kamat which focused on sunflower and arabidopsis. Techniques were developed to grow the grass species Miscanthus in hydroponic culture. Its tolerance to boric acid was determined. It is quite sensitive to boron, as typical of many grasses. Its growth in soil contaminated with lead was also tested, demonstrating that it does not accumulate lead but rather excludes it.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Peng, Z., Dittmer, N.T., Lang, M., Brummett, L.M., Braun, C.L., Davis, L.C., Kanost, M.R., Gorman, M.J., Multicopper oxidase-1 orthologs from diverse insect species have ascorbate oxidase activity, Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 59:58-71
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Valentina Pidlisnyuk 2, Tetyana Stefanovska 3, Larry E. Erickson 1B, Pavlo Shapoval, Natalya Koval, Lawrence C. Davis 1A, Perennial phytotechnology for sustainable land management at the former military sites in Slovakia and Ukraine, Platform presentation # 117, Proceedings of the 12th International Phytotrechnologies Conference, Phytotechnologies for sustainable development Manhattan, KS, Sept. 27-30, 2015
1 Depts of: A; Biochemistry, B; Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
2 Faculty of Natural Science, Matej Bel University, 40 Tajoskeho, 94701, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia
3 National University of Life and Environmental Science, 13, Gerojv Oboronu, 03040, Ukraine
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Researchers, and engineers attempting to clean up contaminants. Changes/Problems: NOTHING. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training: graduate student Rohit Kamat, completed PhD dissertation. and undergraduates Mauri Zumalt and Penny Lighthill. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? One PhD student will defend dissertation. Publications will be prepared, submitted for peer review. Undergraduates will present results at local and regional meetings. Efforts will be focused on identification of break-down products from azo dyes either in or excreted from plant roots during the degradation process.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This is the first year of a multi-year project. It was initiated Oct 1, 2013, as a continuation of a previous project on use of plants to clean up organic contaminants. No other defined products or outputs were produced in this quarter of the year. Publications, meeting presentations, during the first three quarters were referred to in the previous project- KS384. This was the first year of a new project following a multi-year project focused on using plants to help clean up environmental contamination. The main laboratory focus is plant roots and the enzymes secreted from or contained therein, specifically laccase and peroxidase. Plants irreversibly bind or degrade some diazo dyes that are banned (by the US and EU) because degradation in the environment yields intermediates that are carcinogenic. The dyes are still widely used in many parts of the world. Laccase and peroxidase enzymes in/on plant roots degrade two simple model diazo dyes, methyl red and methyl orange. Addition of a mediator (free radical carrier) such as hydroxybenzotriazole enhances degradation of these dyes and extends the reactivity to several other dyes, including those of other classes which may also be carcinogens (e.g. malachite green which is widely used in some countries but banned in the U.S. for food uses). Phenol red, also implicated as a carcinogen, has been developed as a model for this class of dyes (triphenylmethanes). Sunflowers respond differently from arabidopsis to some dyes. For both systems, and most dyes, peroxidase, not laccase, is the main, more active enzyme. That is shown by the need to add exogenous peroxide to get high rates of degradation. Phenol red can be degraded without added peroxide, but at a rate about 50 times slower than with its addition. This indicates that the peroxidase enzymes are present at levels giving a much greater capacity for degradation of xenobiotics, than is the key chemical essential for the reaction, namely peroxide. Efforts were made to demonstrate that dyes are no longer available in the environment after reaction. Mass spectrometry and UV/visible specrophotometry confirmed their disappearance from the solution. They were also shown to be unextractable from roots with solutions that will remove non-covalently bound dyes from the same roots. No evidence was obtained for partial break-down products being released to the environment. No oxidation products were identified by mass spectrometry. Preliminary studies were done with intact horseradish plants. Despite the verified presence of very high levels of extractable peroxidase, the intact plants showed no greater removal activity for dyes than plants with less extractable peroxidase (sunflower and arabidopsis), even with exogenously added peroxide. This indicates that the enzymes in horseradish are sequestered. The root systems of plants possess enzymes that can effectively decolorize diazo and other dyes. This can potentially provide a cost-effective means to treat water from facilities such as textile dying factories. It is also indicative of the versatility of plant roots in degrading aromatic compounds in their environment. Manuscript in preparation from dissertation. Techniques were developed to grow the grass species Miscanthus in hydroponic culture. Algal contamination, even in dark glass bottles, is an issue for studies of xenobiotic degradation.
Publications
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