Accumulation, distribution and transformation of DDT and PCBs by Phragmites australis and Oryza sativa L.: I. Whole plant study

W. K. CHU, Ming Hung WONG, J. ZHANG

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45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Glasshouse experiments were conducted to determine the accumulation, distribution and transformation of o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDT and PCBs by common reed (Phragmites australis) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) under hydroponic conditions. The culture solution was spiked with the organic pollutants and samples were collected daily. Analysis of the plants at harvest showed that both species had removed DDT and PCBs from the solution. DDT appeared to have accumulated within P. australis by both passive adsorption and active absorption. Both o,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDT were transformed within P. australis. DDD was the major metabolite and the transformation was mediated by reductive dehalogenation. Plant long-distance transportation systems may be involved in the translocation of PCBs within P. australis and the affinity of the PCBs for lipids is one of the major factors affecting their uptake and translocation within the plants. Similar but less pronounced results were found in O. sativa and suggest that these wetland plants may be used for the plant-mediated remediation of persistent organic pollutants. Copyright © 2006 Springer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)159-168
JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health
Volume28
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Feb 2006

Citation

Chu, W. K., Wong, M. H., & Zhang, J. (2006). Accumulation, distribution and transformation of DDT and PCBs by Phragmites australis and Oryza sativa L.: I. Whole plant study. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 28(1-2), 159-168. doi: 10.1007/s10653-005-9027-8

Keywords

  • Common reed
  • DDT
  • PCBs
  • Persistent organic chemicals
  • Phytoremediation
  • Rice

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