Effect of plants on the biodegradation of pyrene in soil
- Utah State Univ., Logan, UT (United States)
This study was designed to examine rates and extent of degradation by the plant/soil system, as well as plant uptake, accumulation and metabolism, for several representative organic chemicals. A flow-through system, consisting of six modules, was designed to accommodate rapid flow rates through the plant growth chamber. Rapid flow rates prevent condensation in the chamber and also prevent the unnatural accumulation of volatile compounds in the chamber air. Each system module consisted of planted or unplanted soil covered with a glass bell jar, through which passed a continuous stream of air. Bell jars stood in a growth chamber, and plants were kept at 23 {+-} 1 C, with a 16 hr photoperiod. Pre- and post-chamber flow rates were carefully balanced to minimize pressure gradients and thus minimize air leaks. Six such modules ran simultaneously, three each for the planted and unplanted systems. Radiolabeled ({sup 14}C) and non-radiolabeled aromatic hydrocarbons, dissolved in ethanol, were added to the soil to yield a concentration of approximately 100 mg/g dry weight of soil. Plants were started from seed at the beginning of a trial. Concentrations of the {sup 14}C labeled test compounds in the vapor, plant and soil phases were determined, after appropriate extraction and/or concentration techniques, by liquid scintillation counting.
- OSTI ID:
- 491034
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9406250--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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