The impact of environmental contamination on the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species - Consequences for plants and humans

Environ Int. 2018 Oct:119:133-151. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.06.019. Epub 2018 Jun 26.

Abstract

Environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, nanomaterials, and pesticides, induce the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Plants interact closely with the atmosphere, water, and soil, and consequently RONS intensely affect their biochemistry. For the past 30 years researchers have thoroughly examined the role of RONS in plant organisms and oxidative modifications to cellular components. Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, nitrogen(II) oxide, and hydroxyl radicals have been found to take part in many metabolic pathways. In this review the various aspects of the oxidative stress induced by environmental contamination are described based on an analysis of literature. The review reinforces the contention that RONS play a dual role, that is, both a deleterious and a beneficial one, in plants. Environmental contamination affects human health, also, and so we have additionally described the impact of RONS on the coupled human - environment system.

Keywords: Environmental toxicology; Nanomaterials; Oxidative stress; Plant environment; Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Exposure / analysis
  • Environmental Pollutants / adverse effects
  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis
  • Environmental Pollution* / adverse effects
  • Environmental Pollution* / analysis
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Plants* / drug effects
  • Plants* / metabolism
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species* / analysis
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species* / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species* / analysis
  • Reactive Oxygen Species* / metabolism

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species
  • Reactive Oxygen Species