Phytoremediation of atrazine by poplar trees: toxicity, uptake, and transformation.
Toxicity, uptake, and transformation of atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine] by three species of poplar tree were assessed. Poplar cuttings were grown in sealed flasks with hydrophonic solutions and exposed to various concentrations of atrazine for a period of two weeks. Toxicity effects were evaluated by monitoring transpiration and measuring poplar cutting mass. Exposure to higher atrazine concentrations resulted in decrease of biomass and transpiration accompanied by leaf chlorosis and abscission. However, poplar cuttings exposed to lower concentrations of atrazine grew well and transpired at a constant rate during experiment periods. Poplar cuttings could take up, hydrolyze, and dealkylate atrazine to less toxic metabolites. Metabolism of atrazine occurred in roots, stems, and leaves and became more complete with increased residence time in tissue. These results suggest that phytoremediation is a viable approach to removing atrazine from contaminated water and should be considered for other contaminants.
Chang
Soon-Woong
SW
Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon City, Korea. swchang@kyonggi.ac.kr
Lee
Si-Jin
SJ
Je
Chung-Hwan
CH
D001280:Atrazine / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018533:Biomass; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006540:Herbicides / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000378:metabolism; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000378:metabolism; D018547:Plant Stems / Q000378:metabolism; D032107:Populus / Q000378:metabolism*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity
D006540:Herbicides; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D001280:Atrazine