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Papers by J. Mesjasz-Przybylowicz

South African journal …, 2001

Online Journal Abstract Information - Sabinet Online.

Microscopy and Microanalysis, 2014

Hyperaccumulation is an unusual plant response to metaliferous soils. Such soils like those deriv... more Hyperaccumulation is an unusual plant response to metaliferous soils. Such soils like those derived from ultramafic rocks, have elevated concentrations of heavy metals, mainly Ni, Cr, Zn and Cd. Most plants growing on these soils exclude metals from their shoots as excessive accumulation of heavy metals is toxic to the majority of plants. However, about 2% of plants growing on metaliferous soils take up and accumulate large quantities of metals in their shoots: a phenomenon known as hyperaccumulation. Senecio coronatus (Thunb) Harv, a widespread South African plant, also occurs on ultramafic outcrops where two genotypes have been identified: a Ni-Hyperaccumulator (H) and a Non-Hyperaccumulator (NH).

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 2015

Acta Horticulturae, 2010

Utilisation of previously cultivated land for Proteaceae crops is a viable alternative to using p... more Utilisation of previously cultivated land for Proteaceae crops is a viable alternative to using pristine land. However, cultivated lands have usually been fertilized and typically have soil [P] unsuitably high for Proteaceae, resulting in P toxicity. After establishing that the main effects of P toxicity on the shoot were increased leaf P and Mn, but reduced leaf Fe and Zn, it was hypothesized that binding soil P and providing additional Fe and Zn to leaves would ameliorate P toxicity. Various soil and leaf amendments were tested for their efficacy in reducing soil P in unplanted lands, or ameliorating or preventing P toxicity in lands or pots planted with Protea 'Sylvia'. In an unplanted field, deep ploughing to 50 cm reduced available P from 162±13 to 8.8±2.6 mg P kg -1 soil, i.e. by 95%. Sowing two seasons of the cover crops oat and lupin also greatly reduced available P (80%) whilst Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 application (278 g m -2 ) reduced available soil P by 80-65% depending on initial soil [P]. Ploughing was associated with disadvantages such as reduced cations and possible disruption of microbial populations. Thus use of cover crops or, for more immediate reduction in available soil P, aluminium application may be preferable. Application of Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 was also shown to be effective in prevention and amelioration of P toxicity symptoms in Protea 'Sylvia' in the field, while a Fecontaining compound 'OX' and a Fe/Zn containing foliar spray were only effective in preventing P toxicity in a pot experiment. Calcium sulphate was not effective as a P-binder in the field. Different agents may be used for different requirements but Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 application was effective in both prevention and amelioration of P toxicity.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 2001

Suillus luteus/Pinus sylvestris mycorrhizas, collected from zinc wastes in Southern Poland, were ... more Suillus luteus/Pinus sylvestris mycorrhizas, collected from zinc wastes in Southern Poland, were selected as potential bio®lters on the basis of earlier studies carried out with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) microanalytical system coupled to scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Using the National Accelerator Centre (NAC) nuclear microprobe, elemental concentrations in the ectomycorrhiza parts were for the ®rst time estimated quantitatively. Micro-proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) true elemental maps from freeze-dried and chemically ®xed mycorrhizas revealed strong accumulation of Ca, Fe, Zn and Pb within the fungal mantle and in the rhizomorph. Vascular tissue was enriched with P, S and K, while high concentrations of Si and Cl were present in the endodermis. Cu was the only element showing elevated concentrations in the cortex region. Elemental losses and redistributions were found in mycorrhizas prepared by chemical ®xation. Some problems related to elemental imaging are discussed. Ó

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 1997

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 1999

The distribution and accumulation of Cd in the nephridia of earthworms of the species Eisenia fet... more The distribution and accumulation of Cd in the nephridia of earthworms of the species Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta) was studied using the NAC nuclear microprobe. Worms were exposed to CdSO 4 in a cattle manure substrate. Elemental maps were obtained using the true elemental imaging system (dynamic analysis). It was found that at a substrate concentration of 300 mg kg À1 CdSO 4 , Cd did accumulate in the nephridia, showing clear patterns in its distribution within this organ. It accumulated to the greatest extent in the region between the nephridiopore and ®rst loop, and the urinary vasiculus, reaching values of 890 40 mg kg À1 and 570 20 mg kg À1 in these regions, respectively. This is in contrast to the lower concentrations in the body wall (76 15 mg kg À1 ) of the worm. Ó

The Biodiversity of African Plants, 1996

Biological Bulletin, 1997

Loliginid squid statoliths were broken in half and their elemental composition was assessed using... more Loliginid squid statoliths were broken in half and their elemental composition was assessed using the nuclear microprobe technique. Proton induced X-ray emission and proton backscattering were used simultaneously. True, quantitative maps of calcium and strontium distribution in the frontal plane were obtained using a rapid-matrix-transform method called Dynamic Analysis. These measurements were complemented by observations with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. In juvenile and adult statoliths, Sr was concentrated in the wing and adjacent areas, whereas the Ca concentration was highest on the edge of the lateral dome. In contrast, Sr and Ca were uniformly distributed in the statoliths of paralarval squid. Increments showed best definition in the areas anterior and adjacent to the wing, corresponding to areas of high Sr content. Although temperature, sex, maturity, and the administration of oxytetracycline may influence the quantitative distribution of Ca and Sr in the statoliths of adult squid, they do not appear to affect the general pattern described above. The finding that Sr is concentrated in regions adjacent to the macula where the clearest increments are found in loliginid statoliths supports the hypothesis linking strontium with the regulation of statolith deposition and the definition of daily increments.

South African Journal of Botany, 2007

Fundamental processes of plant physiology are affected or regulated by mineral nutrients. Hence u... more Fundamental processes of plant physiology are affected or regulated by mineral nutrients. Hence understanding the mechanisms of nutrient uptake and their functions in plant metabolism is of fundamental importance in both basic and applied plant studies. The present knowledge of ion uptake mechanisms is based mostly on techniques for bulk analysis, including analysis of small (mg-sized) samples but without spatially resolved results. On the other hand, advanced studies of elemental transport at a cellular level are conducted using techniques with high and very high spatial resolution, but with low sensitivity for elemental analysis. Thus the results obtained are usually restricted to macronutrients or elements present in high quantities. There is a high demand for studies of the functions of trace elements. In addition, it is known that, depending on their concentrations, elements can play different roles in plant life. Studies related to elemental deficiency and toxicity, as well as environmental pollution, require accurate, fully quantitative methods with good spatial resolution. Ideally, these studies should be conducted on organs and tissues as far down as the cellular level. This is where micro-PIXE has been applied until present and can in the near future play a much more important role. Progress is subject to closer collaboration between plant biologists and the PIXE community in terms of addressing problems of specimen preparation, refinement of analytical protocols such as quantitative elemental mapping and the interpretation of results. Ó

X‐Ray Spectrometry, 1999

The nuclear microprobe (NMP) is an established analytical instrument for the determination of min... more The nuclear microprobe (NMP) is an established analytical instrument for the determination of minor and trace elements. It allows measurements with a spatial resolution of the order of 1 µm and minimum detection limits down to few ppm by weight, with excellent scanning capabilities. The nuclear microprobe of the National Accelerator Centre, South Africa, is being used in a wide number of applications in the biosciences. The complementarity of proton-induced x-ray emission and backscattering spectrometry in a wide range of biological applications is shown. The advantages and restrictions of true elemental imaging are also discussed.

X-Ray Spectrometry, 2008

Grasshopper Stenoscepa sp is an insect species feeding on the South-African Ni-hyperaccumulating ... more Grasshopper Stenoscepa sp is an insect species feeding on the South-African Ni-hyperaccumulating plants. Large amounts of Ni ingested by them have no effect on their development. To explain their ability to survive in such extreme conditions, we investigated the distribution of elements in the insect body by means of a nuclear microprobe [micro-particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE) and backscattering (BS)]. GeoPIXE II software was used for quantitative elemental mapping complemented by evaluation of data extracted from arbitrarily selected micro-areas. Micro-PIXE analysis in Stenoscepa sp tissues showed the highest Ni level in the gut and Malpighian tubules. The activity of glutathione-dependent enzymes and glutathione (GSH) content in the tissues of second-stage larvae were measured. One of the ways to survive under chronic Ni exposure conditions is an intensified GSH synthesis. GSH concentration in tissues of the grasshoppers was very high, about six times higher than in larvae of other Acrididae species from areas contaminated with heavy metals in Europe. Catalase (CAT) activity was 5-10 times lower in comparison to other Orthoptera species. Glutathione reductase (GR) activity was unexpectedly low (at the detection limit level). Likely, the studied grasshoppers may use other metabolic pathways for regeneration of the reduced form of GSH, e.g. thioredoxine system.

South African Journal of Botany, 2007

South African Journal of Botany, 2009

Scientia Horticulturae, 2008

South African journal …, 2001

Online Journal Abstract Information - Sabinet Online.

Microscopy and Microanalysis, 2014

Hyperaccumulation is an unusual plant response to metaliferous soils. Such soils like those deriv... more Hyperaccumulation is an unusual plant response to metaliferous soils. Such soils like those derived from ultramafic rocks, have elevated concentrations of heavy metals, mainly Ni, Cr, Zn and Cd. Most plants growing on these soils exclude metals from their shoots as excessive accumulation of heavy metals is toxic to the majority of plants. However, about 2% of plants growing on metaliferous soils take up and accumulate large quantities of metals in their shoots: a phenomenon known as hyperaccumulation. Senecio coronatus (Thunb) Harv, a widespread South African plant, also occurs on ultramafic outcrops where two genotypes have been identified: a Ni-Hyperaccumulator (H) and a Non-Hyperaccumulator (NH).

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 2015

Acta Horticulturae, 2010

Utilisation of previously cultivated land for Proteaceae crops is a viable alternative to using p... more Utilisation of previously cultivated land for Proteaceae crops is a viable alternative to using pristine land. However, cultivated lands have usually been fertilized and typically have soil [P] unsuitably high for Proteaceae, resulting in P toxicity. After establishing that the main effects of P toxicity on the shoot were increased leaf P and Mn, but reduced leaf Fe and Zn, it was hypothesized that binding soil P and providing additional Fe and Zn to leaves would ameliorate P toxicity. Various soil and leaf amendments were tested for their efficacy in reducing soil P in unplanted lands, or ameliorating or preventing P toxicity in lands or pots planted with Protea 'Sylvia'. In an unplanted field, deep ploughing to 50 cm reduced available P from 162±13 to 8.8±2.6 mg P kg -1 soil, i.e. by 95%. Sowing two seasons of the cover crops oat and lupin also greatly reduced available P (80%) whilst Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 application (278 g m -2 ) reduced available soil P by 80-65% depending on initial soil [P]. Ploughing was associated with disadvantages such as reduced cations and possible disruption of microbial populations. Thus use of cover crops or, for more immediate reduction in available soil P, aluminium application may be preferable. Application of Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 was also shown to be effective in prevention and amelioration of P toxicity symptoms in Protea 'Sylvia' in the field, while a Fecontaining compound 'OX' and a Fe/Zn containing foliar spray were only effective in preventing P toxicity in a pot experiment. Calcium sulphate was not effective as a P-binder in the field. Different agents may be used for different requirements but Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 application was effective in both prevention and amelioration of P toxicity.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 2001

Suillus luteus/Pinus sylvestris mycorrhizas, collected from zinc wastes in Southern Poland, were ... more Suillus luteus/Pinus sylvestris mycorrhizas, collected from zinc wastes in Southern Poland, were selected as potential bio®lters on the basis of earlier studies carried out with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) microanalytical system coupled to scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Using the National Accelerator Centre (NAC) nuclear microprobe, elemental concentrations in the ectomycorrhiza parts were for the ®rst time estimated quantitatively. Micro-proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) true elemental maps from freeze-dried and chemically ®xed mycorrhizas revealed strong accumulation of Ca, Fe, Zn and Pb within the fungal mantle and in the rhizomorph. Vascular tissue was enriched with P, S and K, while high concentrations of Si and Cl were present in the endodermis. Cu was the only element showing elevated concentrations in the cortex region. Elemental losses and redistributions were found in mycorrhizas prepared by chemical ®xation. Some problems related to elemental imaging are discussed. Ó

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 1997

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 1999

The distribution and accumulation of Cd in the nephridia of earthworms of the species Eisenia fet... more The distribution and accumulation of Cd in the nephridia of earthworms of the species Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta) was studied using the NAC nuclear microprobe. Worms were exposed to CdSO 4 in a cattle manure substrate. Elemental maps were obtained using the true elemental imaging system (dynamic analysis). It was found that at a substrate concentration of 300 mg kg À1 CdSO 4 , Cd did accumulate in the nephridia, showing clear patterns in its distribution within this organ. It accumulated to the greatest extent in the region between the nephridiopore and ®rst loop, and the urinary vasiculus, reaching values of 890 40 mg kg À1 and 570 20 mg kg À1 in these regions, respectively. This is in contrast to the lower concentrations in the body wall (76 15 mg kg À1 ) of the worm. Ó

The Biodiversity of African Plants, 1996

Biological Bulletin, 1997

Loliginid squid statoliths were broken in half and their elemental composition was assessed using... more Loliginid squid statoliths were broken in half and their elemental composition was assessed using the nuclear microprobe technique. Proton induced X-ray emission and proton backscattering were used simultaneously. True, quantitative maps of calcium and strontium distribution in the frontal plane were obtained using a rapid-matrix-transform method called Dynamic Analysis. These measurements were complemented by observations with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. In juvenile and adult statoliths, Sr was concentrated in the wing and adjacent areas, whereas the Ca concentration was highest on the edge of the lateral dome. In contrast, Sr and Ca were uniformly distributed in the statoliths of paralarval squid. Increments showed best definition in the areas anterior and adjacent to the wing, corresponding to areas of high Sr content. Although temperature, sex, maturity, and the administration of oxytetracycline may influence the quantitative distribution of Ca and Sr in the statoliths of adult squid, they do not appear to affect the general pattern described above. The finding that Sr is concentrated in regions adjacent to the macula where the clearest increments are found in loliginid statoliths supports the hypothesis linking strontium with the regulation of statolith deposition and the definition of daily increments.

South African Journal of Botany, 2007

Fundamental processes of plant physiology are affected or regulated by mineral nutrients. Hence u... more Fundamental processes of plant physiology are affected or regulated by mineral nutrients. Hence understanding the mechanisms of nutrient uptake and their functions in plant metabolism is of fundamental importance in both basic and applied plant studies. The present knowledge of ion uptake mechanisms is based mostly on techniques for bulk analysis, including analysis of small (mg-sized) samples but without spatially resolved results. On the other hand, advanced studies of elemental transport at a cellular level are conducted using techniques with high and very high spatial resolution, but with low sensitivity for elemental analysis. Thus the results obtained are usually restricted to macronutrients or elements present in high quantities. There is a high demand for studies of the functions of trace elements. In addition, it is known that, depending on their concentrations, elements can play different roles in plant life. Studies related to elemental deficiency and toxicity, as well as environmental pollution, require accurate, fully quantitative methods with good spatial resolution. Ideally, these studies should be conducted on organs and tissues as far down as the cellular level. This is where micro-PIXE has been applied until present and can in the near future play a much more important role. Progress is subject to closer collaboration between plant biologists and the PIXE community in terms of addressing problems of specimen preparation, refinement of analytical protocols such as quantitative elemental mapping and the interpretation of results. Ó

X‐Ray Spectrometry, 1999

The nuclear microprobe (NMP) is an established analytical instrument for the determination of min... more The nuclear microprobe (NMP) is an established analytical instrument for the determination of minor and trace elements. It allows measurements with a spatial resolution of the order of 1 µm and minimum detection limits down to few ppm by weight, with excellent scanning capabilities. The nuclear microprobe of the National Accelerator Centre, South Africa, is being used in a wide number of applications in the biosciences. The complementarity of proton-induced x-ray emission and backscattering spectrometry in a wide range of biological applications is shown. The advantages and restrictions of true elemental imaging are also discussed.

X-Ray Spectrometry, 2008

Grasshopper Stenoscepa sp is an insect species feeding on the South-African Ni-hyperaccumulating ... more Grasshopper Stenoscepa sp is an insect species feeding on the South-African Ni-hyperaccumulating plants. Large amounts of Ni ingested by them have no effect on their development. To explain their ability to survive in such extreme conditions, we investigated the distribution of elements in the insect body by means of a nuclear microprobe [micro-particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE) and backscattering (BS)]. GeoPIXE II software was used for quantitative elemental mapping complemented by evaluation of data extracted from arbitrarily selected micro-areas. Micro-PIXE analysis in Stenoscepa sp tissues showed the highest Ni level in the gut and Malpighian tubules. The activity of glutathione-dependent enzymes and glutathione (GSH) content in the tissues of second-stage larvae were measured. One of the ways to survive under chronic Ni exposure conditions is an intensified GSH synthesis. GSH concentration in tissues of the grasshoppers was very high, about six times higher than in larvae of other Acrididae species from areas contaminated with heavy metals in Europe. Catalase (CAT) activity was 5-10 times lower in comparison to other Orthoptera species. Glutathione reductase (GR) activity was unexpectedly low (at the detection limit level). Likely, the studied grasshoppers may use other metabolic pathways for regeneration of the reduced form of GSH, e.g. thioredoxine system.

South African Journal of Botany, 2007

South African Journal of Botany, 2009

Scientia Horticulturae, 2008