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U.S. Department of Energy
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Effects of Orocol TL (a corrosion inhibitor) on germination and growth of bush beans

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5305866

As part of a continuing series of studies conducted to determine the environmental effects of hexavalent chromium from cooling tower drift on biological systems, the potential for germination and growth effects in bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var Bush Blue Lake) from hexavelent chromium in Orocol TL (a proprietary chromated, zinc-phosphate compound added to DOE cooling water systems for corrosion inhibition) was investigated at low and high concentrations in the soil by adjusting soil pH and the percent of organic matter. Germination effects were determined in bean plants grown in soils adjusted to differing pH range (4-4.5, 5-5.5, 6.5-7), levels of organic matter (1.8%, 3%, 5%) and Orocol TL amendments (control of 0 ..mu..g/g, 10 ..mu..g/g chromium). Growth responses (effects) were determined from bush bean plants cultured in the same soil treatment combinations as described for the germination study. Plants were harvested when the plant died or at the end of eight weeks and partitioned into leaves, stems and roots. Following weight determinations, the leaves, stems and roots were analyzed for total chromium content, and the results compared using analysis of variance and multiple comparison procedures. High levels (500 ..mu..g/g) of hexavalent chromium in soil (as Orocol TL) affected germination and growth, while a high level of organic matter significantly reduced chromium toxicity on germination. At lower chromium concentrations there was significant uptake by all plant parts, with a corresponding reduction in biomass of leaves. Consequently, adjustments of soil pH from 4.0 to 7.0 appear to have no significant effect on chromium uptake in plants. Increasing the organic matter level to 5%, while decreasing the toxicity of high chromium levels to germinating seed, did not affect chromium uptake.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
5305866
Report Number(s):
ORNL/TM-7838; ON: DE82014575
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English