Uptake of organic contaminants by plant roots consists of two consecutive steps: sorption to plant roots and entrance into root xylem tissues through epidermal and endodermic membranes. Most research pertaining to phytoremediation assumed that sorption to plant roots is linear and non-competitive. A growing body of evidence, however, is suggesting that sorption to plant roots is nonlinear and competitive. The objective of this study was to examine the concentration effects of chemical constituents on the competitive sorption of trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) to the roots of Typha latifolia. Competitive sorption was clearly demonstrated by the reduced sorption of TCE and PCE in bi-solute systems than in single-solute systems. Concentration is an important factor affecting the extent of competition. In bi-solute systems, the PCE/TCE ratio on root surface approximately reflected the contaminant footprints in solution. The result was attributed to limited high energetically favorable sorption sites on the root surface and similar sorption mechanisms of TCE and PCE. The results hold significant importance for the application of phytomonitoring of organic contaminant mixtures.

Endosulfan residues on alfalfa hay exposed to drying by sunlight, ultraviolet light and air under controlled conditions were investigated using g.l.c. and t.l.c. Maximum loss of total endosulfan and related residues calculated as endosulfan occurred approximately 7 days after application and exposure on Lot 1 (dark) and 5 days on Lot II (ultraviolet light) and 6 days on Lot III (sunlight). Maximum losses of residues on Lot I, Lot II and Lot HI were 48.3, 66.7 and 81.9%, respectively. No endosulfan lactone was detected in any of the samples exposed to the different light treatments. In all Lots the endosulfan sulphate percentage of the total residue increased but most dramatically in the dark drying experiment. The endosulfan a‐hydroxy ether residues increased in Lot III (sunlight) up to day 7.