risk characterization for boron and aquatic plants and animals

106 Pages·2016·0.37 MB·English

Clemson University
TigerPrints
All Theses Theses
12-2007
RISK CHARACTERIZATION FOR BORON
AND AQUATIC PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Basma Damiri
Clemson University, [email protected]
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Recommended Citation
Damiri, Basma, "RISK CHARACTERIZATION FOR BORON AND AQUATIC PLANTS AND ANIMALS" (2007).All Theses.
235.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/235
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RISK CHARACTERIZATION FOR BORON AND
AQUATIC PLANTS AND ANIMALS

A Thesis
Presented to
the Graduate School of
Clemson University

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of Science
Forestry and Natural Resources

by
Basma Damiri
December 2007

Accepted by
Dr. John H. Rodgers, Jr., Committee Chair
Dr. James Castle
Dr. Matt Huddleston

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ABSTRACT
In aqueous mixtures, boron can be toxic to plants or animals at relatively low
concentrations. Boron may occur at concentrations that can pose risk to plants used in
constructed wetland treatment systems designed to treat constituents of concerned in a
complex matrix such as flue gas desulfurization water and boron may adversely affect
survival, growth, and consequently, plant performance. The three major objectives of
this research are: 1) to measure responses of Typha latifolia (seed germination and root
and shoot elongation) and Schoenoplectus californicus early seedlings (survival, and
shoot and root elongation) to aqueous exposures of boron in diluted FGD water and
moderately hard water (MHW); 2) to measure responses of T. latifolia and S. californicus
(mature plants) to aqueous boron concentrations in simulated FGD water; and 3) to
measure responses of Ceriodaphnia dubia (survival and reproduction) and Pimephales
promelas (survival) to aqueous boron concentrations in MWW. Boron in the combination
of other constituent in FGD water may adversely affect T. latifolia and S. Californicus
early seedling growth and this must considered in planting CWTS for FGD water. S.
californicus as mature plant was more sensitive, in terms of shoot elongation shoot
density to boron exposures in simulated FGD water than T. latifolia. Similar to most
elements, aqueous boron exposures elicited different responses (sensitivity) from C.
dubia and P. promelas. C. dubia was more sensitive to boron exposures than P.
promelas. Immature plants were the most sensitive species tested in this study.

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DEDICATION
To the most important persons in my life: my parents, sisters, and brothers who
are my source of strength and had a dream of seeing me in a graduation gown. Your
understanding support and interest encouraged me throughout my journey and made this
academic accomplishment possible. Without your efforts, I can not continue.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank Ford Foundation in New York and America-Mideast
Educational and Training Services (AMIDEAST) office in Palestine for their support and
help. I would like also to thank my advisor Dr. John Rodgers Jr. in addition to all my
members of committee, Dr James Castle and Mat Huddleston. Many thanks go to my lab-
mate, Derek, Laura, Andrew, O’Neil, Maurice, Brenda, Even, Matt, and Lane for their
help and support. You made my life in the USA easy with your support.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE ................................................................................................................. i

ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................... iii

DEDICATION ............................................................................................................... v

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................. vii

LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................... xi

LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................... xiii

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1

1. Research Objectives .................................................................................................. 5
2. Organization of the Thesis ........................................................................................ 6
References ...................................................................................................................... 8

RESPONSES OF TYPHA LATIFOLIA LINNEAUS AND
SCHOENOPLECTUS CALIFORNICUS C. A. MEYER
PALLA TO AQUEOUS BORON EXPOSURES ......................................................... 11

Abstract .......................................................................................................................... 11
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 12
2. Materials and Methods .............................................................................................. 15
3. Results and Discussions ............................................................................................ 19
4. Conclusions ............................................................................................................... 24
References ...................................................................................................................... 26

EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXPOSURES OF BORON ON
MATURE PLANTS OF TYPHA LATIFOLIA AND
SCHEONOPLECUTS CALIFORNICUS ...................................................................... 37

Abstract .......................................................................................................................... 37
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 38
2. Materials and Methods .............................................................................................. 41
3. Results and Discussions ............................................................................................ 44
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Table of Contents (Continued)

Page

4. Conclusions ................................................................................................................ 49
References ...................................................................................................................... 51

RESPONSES OF CERIODAPHNIA DUBIA RICHARD AND
PIMEPHALES PROMELAS RAFINESQUE TO AQUEOUS
BORON EXPOSURES .................................................................................................. 67

Abstract .......................................................................................................................... 67
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 68
2. Materials and Methods .............................................................................................. 72
3. Results and discusions .............................................................................................. 74
4. Conclusions ............................................................................................................... 76
References ...................................................................................................................... 78

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................ 85
References ...................................................................................................................... 92
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