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xxx A.J. Meitern, K. Neilant and J. Raamets
Preliminary study of microplastics in bottled and tap water in Estonia
Abstract |

Preliminary study of microplastics in bottled and tap water in Estonia

A.J. Meitern*, K. Neilant and J. Raamets

Tallinn University of Technology, School of Engineering, Tartu College, Puiestee 78, EE51008 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: annika.meitern@taltech.ee

Abstract:

Microplastics (MPs) are a growing environmental concern due to their widespread occurrence and potential harmful impacts on ecosystems and public health. This preliminary study -assesses the prevalence of MPs in bottled and tap water in Estonia and reviews related research in the field. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of MPs and understand the potential influence of the water source and packaging material on water properties. The study encompassed 12 different bottled water products from 9 Estonian brands and tap water samples from Tallinn and Tartu. All the tested water samples contained MPs, predominantly fibers, with blue and transparent being the most common colors. The packaging material, bottle caps, or the water source did not influence the number of MPs found in bottled water. Interestingly, water packaged in glass bottles contained a higher count of MPs than in plastic bottles and tap water. The study underscores the need for further research to determine the sources of contamination.

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xxx M. Majji, O. Chetto, A. Talha, G. Bouaaza, L. Beniken, R. Benkirane and H. Benyahia
Assessment of new citrus hybrid rootstocks to salinity at the early seedling stage under greenhouse conditions
Abstract |

Assessment of new citrus hybrid rootstocks to salinity at the early seedling stage under greenhouse conditions

M. Majji¹², O. Chetto¹, A. Talha¹, G. Bouaaza¹², L. Beniken¹, R. Benkirane² and H. Benyahia¹*

¹Unit research of Plant Breeding and Germplasm Conservation, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Kenitra, Morocco
²Laboratory of Plant, Animal, and Agro-Industry Productions, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
*Correspondence: hamidbenyahia2002@yahoo.fr

Abstract:

The citrus industry in arid areas is largely constrained by the salinity of irrigation water and soil. This study was conducted to determine how six novel citrus hybrid rootstocks will respond to salinity at the seedling stage. Three different NaCl concentrations, 0, 2, and 5 g L-1, were added to the half-concentrated Hoagland solution (corresponding to 1.3 (control), 4 and 9 dS m-1, respectively). Three-month-old seedlings grown in greenhouse conditions and transplanted in plastic pots were used. After two months of stress, different responses from the rootstocks and salt levels were observed. The addition of NaCl to the irrigation solution considerably decreased the fresh and dry weight and leaf chlorophyll content. Additionally, the proline content, soluble sugar, and the leaf chloride content increase with the increase in salinity. Our findings demonstrated that the hybrid Poncirus Trifoliata× Citrus reshni Hort. ex Tan. (V5) H6 is salt-sensitive, accumulating a high leaf chloride level of 46.92 mg g-1 of dry matter and a low chlorophyll content of 1.12 mg g-1 of fresh matter associated with signs of leaf toxicity, leading to poor fresh and dry weight. Although hybrid Poncirus Trifoliata× Citrus reshni Hort. ex Tan. (V1) H2 is thought to be salt-tolerant, it accumulates 38.88 mg g-1 of dry-matter leaf chloride and 1.72 mg g-1 of fresh-matter chlorophyll content.

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xxx E.C.S. Vieira, C.J. Ávila, M.C.S. Vieira and P.G. Silva
Toxicity of insecticides for adults of Diceraeus melacanthus Dallas, 1851 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in three exposure modes
Abstract |

Toxicity of insecticides for adults of Diceraeus melacanthus Dallas, 1851 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in three exposure modes

E.C.S. Vieira¹*, C.J. Ávila², M.C.S. Vieira¹ and P.G. Silva¹

¹Universidade da Grande Dourados, Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Departamento de Entomologia. Rodovia Dourados – Itahum, km 12, Cidade Universitária, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
²Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste, Rodovia BR 163, km 253, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
*Correspondence: elizete.cavalcanteufgd@gmail.com

Abstract:

Phytophagous stink bugs are considered the important pest in second-crop corn cultivation in Brazil, especially when they occur during the early stage of plant development. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of insecticides in controlling adults of the Diceraeus melacanthus (Dallas, 1851) stink bug when applied separately in three different modes of exposure. The treatments were evaluated in three modes of exposure of insecticides to D. melacanthus adults as described below: direct contact (direct application of the insecticide to the insects); tarsal contact (exposure through their walking on the treated surface) and ingestion (contact through their feeding on previously treated fresh bean pods). Mortality was assessed at 1, 5, 24 and 48 hours post-exposure. We observed that the percentage of accumulated mortality of D. melacanthus adults was significant through direct contact with chemical treatments. However, if the target insect does not receive direct spraying on its body, indirect contact through its tarsus walking on the treated surface can guarantee a significant final mortality of the stink bugs. In addition, although the mode of exposure through ingestion has shown low mortality, it may also contribute to the final mortality of stink bugs in the field depending on the chemical treatment applied to the crop.

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