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Uptake, translocation, and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in vegetation. Interim report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:10121529
 [1];  [2]
  1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
  2. Tennessee Univ., Knoxville, TN (United States)

A review of the scientific literature was conducted to determine the potential for plants to take up polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soils and the possibility of PAH movement from soils into vegetation at waste disposal sites associated with manufactured gas plants (MGP). Studies published since 1983 are considered in conjunction with previous publications and literature reviews on PAH uptake by vegetation. These studies indicate that the extent to which sorption to roots occurs is likely to be influenced by species-specific properties of the plant, physicochemical properties of each PAH, soil properties, and biodegradation rates of the PAHs in soil. PAHs containing five or more rings may sorb to plant roots but are not expected to be translocated to foliage in other than trace quantities. Uptake of naphthalene, anthracene, and benzo[a]anthracene by roots has been reported in the literature. In addition, eight PAHs of three and four rings (acenapthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, and chrysene) were isolated from leaves and roots of four plant species collected near a coal tar disposal trench in eastern Tennessee. A total concentration of 5519 ng/g was observed for the eight PAHs in roots of lamb`s quarters. Coal tar, in soil, was implicated as the source of PAHs in the four plant species.

Research Organization:
Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States); Tennessee Univ., Knoxville, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
10121529
Report Number(s):
EPRI-TR--101651; ON: UN93005784
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English