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Published on: October 2, 2016
Plant tissue analysis for explosive compounds in phytoremediation and phytoforensics
Adcharee Karnjanapiboonwong1, Ruipu Mu, Yuan Yuan
1Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri 65409, USA. adcharee@mst.edu
Summary
This study developed a plant tissue analysis method to detect six explosive compounds, finding that a 50:50 methanol:water solvent mixture effectively extracts explosives from Laurel Willow and Big Bluestem grass for environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Phytoremediation
Background:
- Explosive contamination in soil and groundwater poses environmental risks.
- Phytoforensic methods using plant tissue analysis can help evaluate contamination.
- Efficient extraction of explosives from plant matrices is crucial for accurate analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate plant tissue analysis methods for six explosive compounds.
- To develop phytoforensic methods for quantifying explosives in plants.
- To assess solvent extraction efficiency for different plant species and explosives.
Main Methods:
- Six explosive compounds (TNT, PETN, RDX, HMX, 2ADNT, DNAN) were analyzed in Laurel Willow and Big Bluestem grass.
- Ultrasonically-assisted solvent extraction was employed using various solvent mixtures (acetonitrile, methanol, methanol:water).
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for quantification.
Main Results:
- A 50:50 (v/v) methanol:water solvent mixture demonstrated effective extraction for most explosives in both plant species.
- Extraction efficiencies varied by plant species and explosive compound.
- The 50:50 methanol:water mixture provided good repeatability, recovery, and no chromatographic interferences, with method detection limits of 0.5-20 ng/g (fresh weight).
Conclusions:
- Solvent extraction efficiency is influenced by plant species and solvent choice.
- The developed method using 50:50 methanol:water is suitable for simultaneous analysis of explosives in plants.
- This method provides preliminary data for evaluating explosive contamination via plant analysis.
