A esquistossomose é uma doença tropical negligenciada, com alta morbidade e mortalidade, que afeta atualmente mais de 200 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo, tendo o praziquantel (PZQ) como única opção de tratamento. Estudos descrevem várias cepas do parasito que são resistentes ao PZQ, fazendo-se necessário, estudos de novos medicamentos que possam ser utilizados no tratamento da esquistossomose. Um dos princípios do planejamento racional de fármacos consiste na escolha de alvos onde a droga produza efeito tóxico seletivo ao patógeno, e para isso é necessário definir o mecanismo de ação do fármaco proposto. A 7-epiclusianona (7-epi) é uma benzofenona que já teve atividade esquistossomicida descrita, tendo como critérios de eficácia a motilidade, danos no tegumento, acasalamento, postura de ovos, movimentação do sistema digestório e excretor. Neste sentido, o presente estudo analisou o impacto da 7-epi nos mecanismos de proteção dos vermes adultos de S. mansoni com o auxílio de ferramentas bioquímicas e biomoleculares. Uma investigação do grau de estresse oxidativo pela titulação de malondialdeído mostrou que a 7-epi na concentração de 12,5 μg/mL possui uma taxa de peroxidação lipídica no parasito reduzida quando comparada ao controle Kolliphor®, mas aumentada na concentração de 50 μg/mL (p < 0,001). De modo similar, quando se investigou a atividade no contexto ex vivo da superóxido dismutase (SOD), uma importante enzima detoxificadora do parasito, foi possível visualizar que a 7-epi interfere na sua atividade de forma significativa em relação aos controles RPMI 1640 e Kolliphor® à partir da concentração de 12,5 μg/mL (p < 0,001). Essa dosagem corresponde a 30% de inibição da atividade enzimática total em relação ao Kolliphor® e está muito próxima da dosagem de 7-epi que matou 90% dos parasitos (ED90=13,08 μg/mL) e na qual os danos no tegumento se apresentaram intensos. Complementarmente, na análise pelo docking molecular pode-se observar que a inibição da enzima não foi realizada diretamente no sítio, e que as melhores energias de interação com a 7-epi foram em uma cavidade próxima ao sítio e na junção dos monômeros. Finalmente, foram feitas análises quantitativas por qPCR do RNAm da SOD do parasito, cujos resultados não demonstraram mudança expressiva na transcrição da enzima após ação da 7-epi. Embora haja um impacto sobre a atividade da SOD do S. mansoni, este não parece ser o mecanismo principal de ação da 7-epi. Desta forma, é imprescindível a avaliação inibitória deste composto em outras enzimas do parasito, bem como a análise de outros mecanismos não enzimáticos que elucidem a ação da 7-epi em vermes adultos de S. mansoni. / Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with high morbidity and mortality, which currently affects more than 200 million people worldwide, counting only with praziquantel (PZQ) as a treatment option. Studies describe various parasite strains that are resistant to PZQ, making it necessary, studies of new drugs that can be used to treat schistosomiasis. One of the principles of drugs rational planning is to choose targets where the drug produces selective toxic effects on the pathogen, and for this is necessary to define the action mechanism of the proposed pharmaco. 7-epiclusianone (7-epi) already has schistosomicidal activity described, using as criteria of effectiveness: the motility, integument damage, mating, egg-laying and motility of the digestive and excretory system. In this direction, the present study analyzed the impact of the 7-epi against the protective mechanisms of adult worms of S. mansoni with the support of biochemical and biomolecular tools. An investigation of the degree of oxidative stress by malondialdehyde titre showed that the 7-epi at a concentration of 12,5 μg/mL has lower levels of lipid peroxidation rate comparing to the Kolliphor® control, but increased in concentration of 50 μg/ml (p <0,001). Similarly, when it investigated the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an important parasite detox enzyme, in ex vivo context it was possible to see the 7-epi interfere in its activity significantly, compared to controls RPMI-1640 and Kolliphor® at a concentration of 12,5 μg /mL (p <0,001). This value corresponds to 30% of the entire enzyme activity regarding Kolliphor® and is close to the effective dose that killed 90% of the parasites (ED90=13,08 μg/mL) in which integument damages were intense. In addition, the analysis by molecular docking can observe that the inhibition of the enzyme was not performed directly on site, and that the best interaction energies with 7-epi were in a cavity near the site and in the dimer’s junction. Finally, quantitative analyzes were made by qPCR of mRNA from SOD of the parasite, that results showed no significant change in enzyme transcription after the 7-epi action. Although there is an impact on the activity of SOD of S. mansoni, this does not seem to be 7-epi main mechanism of action. Thus, it is essential the inhibitory evaluation of this compound in other parasite enzymes as well as the analysis of other non-enzymatic mechanisms that elucidate the action of 7-epi in adult worms of S. mansoni. / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais - FAPEMIG

Iron/Manganese superoxide dismutases (Fe/Mn-SODs) are metalloenzymes with highly conserved protein folds, active sites, and dimer interfaces. They protect cells against oxidative stress by catalyzing the conversion of the cytotoxic free radical superoxide to molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. The majority are highly specific for the type of metal (iron or manganese) present within the active site. However, there are many key aspects of metal specificity and catalytic activity that lack a structural explanation. Computational analyses suggested that several residues are important for fine-tuning the redox potential of the metal in the active site and thereby the catalytic activity. The main objective of this thesis is to evaluate the influence of several point mutations (M27V, G73A, H75I, L80F, D150G and Q172D) and one double mutation (Q149G+G74Q)) in terms of metal specificity, catalytic activity and three-dimensional structure using the superoxide dismutase from Trichoderma reesei (TrSOD) as a model system. The corresponding genes were cloned, expressed and the resulting proteins characterized by X-ray crystallography, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and their enzymatic activity determined. The native protein was shown to be able to use either Mn or Fe (5000 units/mg and 500 units/mg, respectively) for catalysis suggesting it to be properly classified as cambialistic. Structures for native TrSOD and the Mn-G73A, Fe-H75I, Mn-L80F, Fe-D150G and Fe-M27V, Mn-M27V mutants were solved at 2.3 &Aring;, 2.0 &Aring;, 2.03 &Aring;, 2.0 &Aring;, 1.85 &Aring;, 1.4 &Aring; and 1.6 &Aring; resolution, respectively. The H75I, L80F and M27V mutations are easily accommodated by small local structural changes to the three-dimensional structure. On the other hand, the G73A mutation destabilize one of the dimer-dimer interfaces of the tetramer making it possible for two distorted tetramers to interact forming an octamer. This enzyme also lost all catalytic activity probably due to resulting exposure of the active site consistent with the observation of a sixth ligand (solvent molecule) bound to the metal in one subunit. The D150G mutant remained tetrameric but with reduced symmetry related to the rearrangement of the last helix (H9). Our results show that a large impact on activity and oligomerization of TrSOD can be generated by a single amino acids substitution in some cases and provide some insights into our understanding of the structural details associated with the metal ion specificity and oligomerization in superoxide dismutases. / Superóxido dismutases de ferro e manganês (Fe/Mn-SODs) são metaloenzimas com enovelamentos, sítios ativos e interfaces diméricas altamente conservados. Estas enzimas protegem as células contra o estresse oxidativo pela conversão do ânion superóxido em oxigênio molecular e peróxido de hidrogênio. A maioria são altamente específicas pelo tipo de metal (ferro ou manganês) presente no sítio ativo. Entretanto, existem vários aspectos críticos sobre a especificidade pelo metal e da atividade catalítica que ainda não foram explicados em termos estruturais. Análises computacionais sugerem que vários resíduos são importantes para o ajuste do potencial redox do metal no sitio ativo e, portanto, a atividade catalítica. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é avaliar a influência de mutações simples (TrSOD) (M27V, G73A, H75I, L80F, D150G e Q172D) e dupla (Q149G + G74Q) em superóxido dismutases de Trichoderma reesei em termos de especificidade pelo metal, atividade catalítica e estrutura. Os genes correspondentes foram clonados, expressos e as proteínas resultantes caracterizadas por cristalografia de raios-X, ressonância paramagnética electrónica (EPR), espectroscopia de absorção atómica (AAS), dispersão de luz dinâmica (DLS), e a atividade enzimática foi determinada. Foi mostrado que a proteína nativa é capaz de usar tanto Mn quanto Fe (5000units/mg e 500units/mg, respectivamente) para catálise sugerindo que deveria ser a classificada como enzima cambialistica. Estruturas da enzima nativa e mutantes (Mn-G73A, Fe-H75I, Mn-L80F, Fe-D150G, Fe-M27V e Mn-M27V) foram resolvidas a resoluções de 2.3 &Aring;, 2.0 &Aring;, 2.03 &Aring;, 2.0 &Aring;, 1.85 &Aring;, 1.4 &Aring; e 1.6 &Aring; respetivamente. As mutações H75I, L80F e M27V são acomodadas facilmente por reajustes locais na estrutura tridimensional. Por outro lado, a mutação G73A desestabiliza uma das interfaces dímero-dímero do tetrâmero levando à formação de um octâmero feito por dois tetrâmeros distorcidos. Esta enzima também perde atividade provavelmente devido a um aumento na acessibilidade do sítio ativo, coerente com a observação de um sexto ligante (molécula de solvente) coordenando o metal em uma das subunidades. O mutante D150G continuou tetramérica mas com simetria reduzida relacionado com o rearranjo da última hélice (H9). Estes resultados mostram que, em alguns casos, uma mutação simples pode ter um impacto significativo no estado oligomérico e atividade catalítica da proteína TrSOD e fornece conhecimentos para a nossa compreensão dos detalhes estruturais associados com a especificidade de íons metálicos e oligomerização em superóxido dismutases.

Introdução: O Diabetes Mellitus é doença que apresenta elevada incidência e prevalência na população em diversas partes do mundo. Estudos experimentais sugerem que o estresse oxidativo esteja envolvido na patogênese e na progressão dela. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos da utilização exógena do antioxidante orgoteína (SOD Cu/Zn) sobre o estresse oxidativo, ativação do fator de transcrição nuclear kappa B (NFκB) e expressão da óxido nítrico sintase induzível (iNOS) hepática no modelo experimental de diabetes mellitus (DM). Métodos e Resultados: Foram utilizados 28 ratos machos Wistar, divididos em quatro grupos: controle (CO), controle tratados com orgoteína (CO+ORG), diabéticos (DM) e diabéticos tratados com orgoteína (DM+ORG). A dose utilizada da ORG (orgoteína ®) foi de 13 mg/Kg de peso corporal durante os sete últimos dias de experimento através de injeção subcutânea. O DM foi induzido por injeção de estreptozotocina (i.p.,70 mg/kg) e, após sessenta dias, foi avaliada a lipoperoxidação hepática através das substâncias que reagem ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS- nmoles/mg de proteína), a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes catalase (CAT-pmoles/mg de proteína), superóxido dismutase (SOD-U/mg de proteína) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx- nmoles/mg de proteína). Também foi realizada a medida de nitritos e nitratos (mM de NO2 e NO3). As expressões da p65 do NFκB e da iNOS foram avaliadas pela técnica de Western blot e quantificadas por densitometria em relação à percentagem do controle. Resultados: Houve aumento na lipoperoxidação hepática no grupo DM e redução significativa no grupo DM+ORG (0,36±0,15 vs 0,18±0,04; p<0,01). A atividade da enzima CAT apresentou aumento no grupo DM e redução significativa no grupo DM+ORG (p<0,001), enquanto a atividade da SOD e da GPx apresentaram redução no DM e aumento no grupo DM+ORG, respectivamente (p<0,001 e p<0,05). A medida de nitritos e nitratos apresentou redução no DM e aumento no grupo DM+ORG (1,47±0,61 vs 2,29±0,20; p<0,05) enquanto a expressão da iNOS foi 32% maior no grupo DM em relação ao grupo CO e 53% maior no grupo DM+ORG, quando comparado com o grupo DM (p<0,01). A p65 foi 37% mais expressa no DM (p<0,05) e sem diferença estatística, quando comparado o grupo DM com o grupo DM+ORG. Conclusão: O tratamento com orgoteína reduziu o estresse oxidativo hepático em animais diabéticos, mesmo não alterando o fator de transcrição nuclear NFкB. A orgoteína também aumentou a bioatividade do NO, provavelmente, devido ao aumento da atividade, dismutando o radical superóxido, e devido ao aumento da expressão da iNOS. / Aim: To investigate the effects of exogenous antioxidant orgoteína on oxidative stress, activation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NFκB), and hepatic expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the experimental model of diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: 28 male Wistar rats divided in four groups were used: control (CO), controls treated with orgoteína (CO+ORG), diabetics (DM), and diabetics treated with orgoteína (DM+ORG). Orgoteína (orgotein®, 13 mg/Kg body weight was administered subcutaneously for the last 7 days of the trial. DM was induced by a single streptozotocin injection (i.p.,70 mg/kg), and 60 days later, we evaluated liver lipoperoxidation through thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS- nmoles/mg of protein) and activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT-pmoles/mg of preotein), superoxide dismutase (SODU/ mg of protein) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx- nmoles/mg of protein). Nitrites e nitrates (mM NO2 and NO3) were also measured, and p65 of NFκB and iNOS expressions were evaluated by Western blot and quantified by densitometry as compared to control percentage. Results: Liver peroxidation was increased in the DM group and significantly decreased in the DM+ORG group (0.36±0.15 vs 0.18±0.04; p<0.01). CAT activity was increased in the DM group and significantly decreased in the DM+ORG group (p<0.001), whereas SOD and GPx activity were decreased in the DM group and increased in the DM+ORG group, respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.05). Nitrite and nitrate measures were reduced in the DM and increased in the DM+ORG group (1.47±0.61 vs 2.29±0.20; p<0.05), while iNOS expression in the DM group was 32% greater than in the CO and 53% greater in the DM+ORG group than in the DM group (p<0.01). P65 expression was 37% higher in the DM (p<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the DM and DM+ORG groups. Conclusion: Orgoteína treatment reduced liver oxidative stress in diabetic animals, even though it did not change NFкB. Orgoteína also increased NO bioactivity, probably by the increased dismutation of the superoxide radical and by increase in iNOS expression.

Orientador: Giselle Cerchiaro / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia/Química, 2013

A scientific and cultural revolution occurred with the sequencing of the human genome. The information provided by this accomplishment has provided tools for researchers to test new ideas in silico and on the bench. In redox biology many of the genes, transcripts, proteins, and redox active species have been well characterized. However, the vast majority have not been quantitated in an absolute manner. This is a necessary step to provide the tools for mathematical modeling and systems biology approaches for predicting changes in the cellular redox environment and the biochemical and biological consequences. Here we demonstrate techniques for the absolute quantitation of human catalase, glutathione peroxidase, peroxiredoxin, thioredoxin, and superoxide dismutase within cells. These techniques can be parsed into two groups: detection of activity and detection of total amount of species. Methods for the absolute quantitation of active catalase, peroxiredoxins, and superoxide dismutase have been developed by utilizing specific characteristics of each enzyme. Catalase generates oxygen in the presence of hydrogen peroxide that can easily be detected with a Clark electrode (oxygen monitor); the data are fit to a single-exponential to determine the observed pseudo-first-order rate constant. From this the effective number of fully active catalase enzymes in the sample can be determined. Peroxiredoxin in the disulfide state can be reduced by thioredoxin; thioredoxin from E. coli loses fluorescence upon oxidation. The loss of fluorescence over time is mathematically fit to a single-exponential to determine the observed pseudo first-order rate constant from which the number of active enzymes can be determined. Using an inhibition assay to detect superoxide dismutase activity along with the rate constants at which superoxide reacts with the dismutase and the competing superoxide-reacting-indicator-molecule, the concentration of active superoxide dismutase can be determined. To detect the total amount of protein of an enzyme in a biological sample, an immunoassay was first implemented. This method utilized Bio-Plex® beads from Bio-Rad; however, it was problematic because the antibodies applied did not perform satisfactorily not allowing sufficient signal-to-noise to be deployed. Quantitative mass spectrometry was then implemented to detect total catalase, glutathione peroxidase 1, peroxiredoxin 2, and thioredoxin 1 in human red blood cells. With the absolute concentration of these enzymes and proteins along with data for oxygen consumption rates and peroxisomal hydrogen peroxide concentration for several cell lines, we hypothesize that a reasonable model of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide flux can be constructed. Quantitative data such as these provide the foundation for the new redox biology of the 21st century. Presented here is a roadmap for the obligatory first steps to dissect quantitatively the cellular and tissue metabolic pathways and redox networks that are the basis of all of biology.

Macropinocytosis and phagocytosis, two actin-dependent and clathrin independent events of endocytosis, enable the cells such as macrophages and neutrophils to either internalize pathogens and initiates the human innate immune response or serve as a direct entry route for productive infection of pathogen. Dictyostelium discoideum, soil-living amoeba, a unicellular eukaryote that could professionally internalize fluid phase or particles several folds more than that of macrophages and neutrophils. Additionally, multiple key signaling pathways are conserved between Dictyostelium and mammalian cells, including pathways affecting small GTPases Ras and Rac and their downstream effectors, and F-Actin remodeling. All these traits makes Dictyostelium an excellent model organism to study the process pf macropinocytosis and phagocytosis. Upon internalization of the prey, these macropinocytes and phagocytes are often in an environment of increased production of superoxide radicals in the prey-containing vesicles, which helps stimulates the downstream signaling pathways to digest the prey inside. However, the mechanism of how superoxide regulates the process of macropinocytosis and phagocytosis is not fully understood. We had previously reported that Dictyostelium cells lacking Superoxide dismutase C (SodC) exhibited aberrantly high level of active RasG, high basal level of Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3), and severe chemotaxis defects. Now we report that sodC- cells displayed aberrant endosomal vesicle trafficking, significantly compromised particle uptake and defective cell to substratum matrix adhesion compared to that of wild type cells. By using high resolution live imaging microscope we also show that sodC- cells have defects in F-Actin remodeling at the phagocytic rim extension and F-Actin depolymerization of the nascent phagosome. Interestingly, the introduction of overexpressing of cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase (SodA), redox insensitive RasG (C118A) or treatment of PI3K inhibitor LY294002 in sodC- cells significantly rescued the defects of endosomal vesicle trafficking, particle uptake and adhesion. This project suggests that superoxide dismutase C regulates the endosomal vesicle trafficking, phagocytosis and cell to substratum matrix adhesion through the RasG/PI3K signaling axis in Dictyostelium cells.

Eukaryotic gene expression is a complex process and can be controlled at the level of transcription, post-transcription or translation and post-translation. In recent years, there is a growing interest in understanding the role of 3'-untranslated region (UTR) in regulating mRNA turnover and translation. The 3'-UTR harbors the poly(A) signal and post-transcriptional regulatory sequences like miRNA and AU-rich elements (AREs). The presence of multiple poly(A) sites often results in multiple transcripts; shorter transcripts correlating with more protein abundance. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a nuclear encoded and mitochondrial matrix localized antioxidant enzyme that converts mitochondrial generated superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. Human MnSOD has two poly(A) sites resulting in two transcripts: 1.5 and 4.2 kb. We hypothesize that the 3'-UTR of MnSOD regulates its mRNA and protein levels as well as activity in response to growth states and environmental stress. Results from a Q-RT-PCR assay showed a preferential accumulation of the shorter MnSOD transcript during quiescence, which correlated with an increase in MnSOD activity. The accumulation of the longer MnSOD transcript during proliferation was associated with a decrease in MnSOD activity. Log transformed expression ratio of the longer to shorter transcript was also higher in proliferating epithelial non-cancerous (mammary: MCF-10A) and cancer cells (mammary: MB-231, SUM 159; oral squamous: SQ20B, FaDu, Cal27; and lung: A549, H292), suggesting that the abundance of the longer transcript is independent of cellular transformation status, instead it is dependent on cellular growth state. Interestingly, the abundance of the longer transcript directly correlated with percent S-phase (R2=0.86). The shorter transcript was enriched in irradiated MB-231 cells. MCF-10A cells exposed to 2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzo-1,4-quinone (4-Cl-BQ), a metabolite of the environmental pollutant polychlorinated biphenyl 3, showed a significant decrease in the abundance of the 4.2 kb transcript due to a faster mRNA turnover, 14 h compared to 20 h in untreated control cells. The decrease in the 4.2 kb transcript levels was associated with a corresponding decrease in MnSOD protein levels and activity, which resulted in a significant inhibition of quiescent cells entry into the proliferative cycle. Deletion and reporter assays showed: (a) a significant decrease in reporter activity in constructs carrying multiple AREs that are present in the 3'-UTR of the longer MnSOD transcript; (b) irradiation increased the reporter activity of the constructs carrying the 3'-UTR sequence of the shorter MnSOD transcript and (c) N-acetyl-cysteine increased the reporter activity of constructs carrying multiple AREs. Because the longer transcript carries AREs, our results identified redox sensitive AREs as novel regulators of MnSOD transcript levels. We conclude that MnSOD 3'-UTR is a novel molecular sensor regulating MnSOD mRNA levels in response to different growth states and environmental stress. A better understanding of the 3'-UTR regulating gene expression could lead to the development of new molecular biology-based redox therapy designed to treat proliferative disorders.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a prevalent B-cell neoplasm that remains incurable with currently available chemotherapeutic drugs. Existing drug regimens result in initial disease remission but MM often relapses with an aggressive, drug resistant phenotype with uniform mortality. Bortezomib (BTZ, proteasome inhibitor) is a frontline anti-MM drug that is used for treatment of newly diagnosed and relapsed MM. However both intrinsic and acquired BTZ resistance is observed. Hence, gaining a mechanistic understanding of BTZ-resistance can provide novel targets to increase and restore BTZ cytotoxicity in MM. Studies show that BTZ-mediated proteasome inhibition generates oxidative stress therefore, BTZ resistance can be caused by an increase in cellular antioxidant capacity of MM cells. Antioxidants like superoxide dismutases (SODs), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) can maintain cellular redox homeostasis and confer resistance to oxidative stress. Additionally, an increased glucose metabolism can assist in maintaining low reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels formed as by-products of endogenous or therapy induced oxidative stress. This led us to test the hypothesis that BTZ resistance in MM is linked to redox regulation via the antioxidant network and generation of reducing equivalents. Retrospective analysis of clinically annotated MM dataset shows a correlation between SOD1 gene expression, MM progression, and poor overall and event free survival. In a MM cell line model with intrinsic or acquired BTZ resistance, our results show a correlation between half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of BTZ and CuZnSOD activity. Upon inhibition of CuZnSOD activity with a clinically approved drug, disulfiram (DSF, Antabuse), BTZ cytotoxicity was increased. Furthermore, enforced overexpression of CuZnSOD conferred BTZ resistance in an otherwise BTZ sensitive MM cell line. MM cell lines with differential intrinsic BTZ cytotoxicity displayed a correlation between BTZ IC50 and GSH levels as well as GPx-1 activity. Gene expression profiling data from patients showed that poor prognosis associates with increased glycolytic gene expression in MM. Also, MM cell lines with intrinsic resistance toward BTZ exhibited increased glucose uptake, increased mRNA expression and activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) with increased cytotoxicity with glucose deprivation or 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) treatment. In conclusion, our results provide a rationale for utilizing redox-based combination protocols of clinically approved drugs (i.e. DSF and 2-DG) with BTZ to improve MM therapy responses.

Perchlorate is a known inhibitor of the human thyroid gland. Perchlorate is destroyed by ubiquitous perchlorate-reducing bacteria. The bacteria often lack sufficient electron donor. Research was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between plants and perchlorate-reducing bacteria. To what degree can plant-produced electron donors stimulate perchlorate reduction in low organic carbon (LOC) and high organic carbon (HOC) soil? A complication is that plants have been shown to influence redox conditions which may inhibit perchlorate reduction. The removal of perchlorate in a flow-through reactor was monitored with variables of soil organic carbon, hybrid poplar trees, and bioaugmentation. The biodiversity was monitored using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Low oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) was shown to indicate the capacity for greater perchlorate removal in soil. However, in planted LOC soil systems, evidence suggests that perchlorate reduction may also be possible at higher bulk redox conditions than previously observed. Increased hydraulic retention time was shown to both lower bulk ORP and increase perchlorate removal. Radiolabeled perchlorate was used to find that in planted systems as much as 11.7% of the influent perchlorate mass was taken up into the tree and 82% of the perchlorate taken up was accumulated in the leaves. The plant contribution to total perchlorate removal in nonbioaugmented LOC soil was 39%, with the balance of the removal being attributed to microbial reduction. In bioaugmented soil the microbial contribution to perchlorate removal was increased. Just planting poplar trees decreased the diversity of perchlorate reducers in the soil. However, when LOC soil was both planted and bioaugmented, the diversity of perchlorate reducers was not decreased. In HOC soil, the presence of an indigenous population of microorganisms competed with perchlorate reducers. At the increased ORP observed in planted HOC soil, the non-perchlorate-reducing bacteria appear to outcompete the perchlorate reducers and perchlorate removal is decreased. Engineering implications of this research are that perchlorate remediation in HOC soil does not benefit from planting hybrid poplar trees but that remediation in LOC soil is stimulated by planting and bioaugmentation.

Bibliography: leaves 161-204 / xv, 204 leaves : / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (M.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Medicine and Pathology, 1985