Accumulation of polychlorobiphenyl congeners and p,p'-DDE at environmental concentrations by corn and beans

The uptake of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners present at low concentrations in the environment was investigated in leaf composites of four crop species and final fruits at two sites. All four species preferentially accumulated the same eight congeners, although not in the same degree or rank. No bean species demonstrated a significant increase in accumulation over time, and corn significantly reduced its PCB load over time. Mechanisms are suggested for such behavior. Fruits were 100 times less contaminated than plant leaves.