Fate of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) in soil-plant systems

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1979 · Residue Rev.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-6096-7_2· OSTI ID:6451367

Pal, D; Webber, J B; Overcash, M R

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) are a family of synthetic chlorinated aromatic organics that are thermally, chemically, and electrically very stable. The toxicity, metabolic fate, and environmental chemistry of PCB's in soil and plants are examined. Factors affecting the behavior of PCB's in soil-plant systems are identified. It is shown that individual PCB species and isomers vary widely in their susceptibility to biodegradation. PCB's must be diluted and decomposed in soil to levels that are nonhazardous to the food chain, water supplies, or agricultural productivity. (7 diagrams, 19 graphs, numerous references, 14 tables)

• Research Organization: North Carolina State Univ
• OSTI ID: 6451367
• Journal Information: Residue Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Residue Rev.; (United States) Vol. 74; ISSN RREVA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560303 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AROMATICS
BIODEGRADATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
DRINKING WATER
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MASS TRANSFER
METABOLISM
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
SOILS
TRANSLOCATION
WATER