Chlordecone Transfer and Distribution in Maize Shoots

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Plant Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Chlordecone (CLD) is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) primarily used as an insecticide.
• Food chain transfer is the main route of human exposure to CLD.
• Understanding CLD uptake in crops is crucial for assessing livestock exposure via feed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the uptake and transfer of CLD in maize plants.
• To estimate potential livestock exposure through contaminated feed.
• To analyze the distribution and accumulation of CLD within plant tissues.

Main Methods:

• Maize plants were cultivated on [(14)C]CLD-contaminated soil under controlled conditions.
• Radioactivity and CLD concentrations were measured in different plant parts (roots, shoots, leaves).
• Analysis focused on extractable vs. total residues and concentration gradients within the plant.

Main Results:

• Approximately 95% of radioactivity was found in maize roots.
• CLD was detected in shoots, with higher concentrations in older leaves, indicating acropetal transfer.
• Leaves showed basipetal CLD gradients, with higher accumulation at extremities due to evapotranspiration.

Conclusions:

• CLD distribution in plants is influenced by tissue age and evapotranspiration rates.
• Maize can accumulate CLD, with significant transfer from roots to shoots and leaves.
• CLD accumulation in fodder represents a primary exposure pathway for livestock.