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USE OF NATIVE PLANTS FOR REMEDIATION OF TRICHLOROETHYLENE: I. DECIDUOUS TREES
S Strycharz1, L Newman1,2
1a Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , South Carolina , USA.
International Journal of Phytoremediation
|January 31, 2017
Summary
Native southeastern trees like sycamore and cottonwood show promise for phytoremediation of trichloroethylene (TCE), offering a dual benefit of site restoration and contaminant cleanup.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Biology
- Bioremediation
Background:
- Phytoremediation utilizes plants to remove environmental contaminants.
- Hybrid poplar is a common choice for trichloroethylene (TCE) phytoremediation.
- Native trees offer potential for simultaneous site restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate native southeastern US trees as alternatives to hybrid poplar for TCE phytoremediation.
- To assess the TCE degradation capabilities of sycamore, eastern cottonwood, sweetgum, and willow.
- To compare growth parameters and TCE metabolism among selected tree species.
Main Methods:
- A 2-month greenhouse study exposed four native tree species to TCE.
- TCE metabolite formation in plant tissues was analyzed.
- Growth parameters including height, water usage, biomass, and leaf surface area were measured.
- TCE concentrations in plant tissues and transpiration gases were quantified.
Main Results:
- All tested trees absorbed TCE into root, stem, and leaf tissues, with highest concentrations in roots.
- Sycamore exhibited the largest leaf surface area and biomass, correlating with high water usage.
- Willow showed the greatest height increase, though TCE inhibited growth at higher concentrations.
- Trichloroacetic acid metabolites were detected in sycamore and cottonwood leaves.
Conclusions:
- Sycamore and eastern cottonwood demonstrated the most potential for TCE phytoremediation among the tested native species.
- These species offer a viable alternative to hybrid poplar, combining contaminant remediation with ecological restoration.
- Further research into TCE uptake and metabolic pathways in these native trees is warranted.
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