Metal accumulation in sclerotium grains collected from low pH forest soils. Issue 3 (7th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nyamsanjaa, Khulan; Watanabe, Makiko; Sakagami, Nobuo; Oyuntsetseg, Bolormaa
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental science and health. Volume 56:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 303
• Page End: 309
• Publication Date: 2021-01-07
• Subjects: Melanin-pigmented sclerotia -- transfer factor -- lead -- copper -- zinc -- arsenic -- aluminum; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Ecology -- periodicals; Hazardous Substances -- periodicals; 628
• DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2021.1872316
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1093-4529

Abstract

Abstract: Although sclerotia are known as the resting bodies of fungi, the exact biochemical properties of melanized sclerotia that allow them to remain in the soil and retain their structure are unclear. This study aims to examine the mobility and accumulation of metals in melanin-pigmented sclerotia from low pH forest soils, focusing on Al, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb, and to discuss the regulating factors involved in element transfer from soil to sclerotia. Soil and sclerotia samples were collected from five sites, with soil samples analyzed for pH and element composition and sclerotium samples investigated in terms of element composition and 14 C age. Results from our study indicate that sclerotia may archive the mobilization and availability of metal ions such as Zn, Cu, As, and Pb, as well as major metal ions such as Al and Fe. Although availability and uptake are influenced by environmental conditions, the mechanism of Al accumulation in sclerotia may be abiotically promoted due to melanin in sclerotia found in forest soil. Sclerotia can be a bio-indicator of environmental pollution. Our study makes a significant contribution to environmental toxicology, as few studies have focused on accumulation of metals in each transfer step from soil to sclerotia.