Phytotoxicity of chlorinated benzenes to Typha angustifolia and Phragmites communis

Abstract

Healthy growth of plants is a prerequisite for successful application of phytoremediation technologies. Typha angustifolia and Phragmites communis are common wetland plants and have shown potential for phytoremediation of hexachlorobenzene (HCB). However, the lack of phytotoxicity data impedes their application in field sites. This study investigated the phytotoxicity of HCB, and its two metabolites: 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene (1,3,5-TCB) and 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) to Typha and the phytotoxicity of 1,3,5-TCB to Phragmites. The phytotoxicity of 1,3,5-TCB is species-dependent, with Typha demonstrating significantly higher tolerance than Phragmites. The concentration of 1,3,5-TCB causing zero growth of Phragmites was determined to be 1575 mg TCB/kg dry sediment. The concentration has to be doubled to completely inhibit the growth of Typha. Adverse effects of chlorinated benzenes in sediments on Typha increased with decreasing chlorine atoms. The concentrations causing zero growth of Typha are 5765 mg HCB/kg dry soil, 3157 mg 1,3,5-TCB/kg dry soil, and 1325 mg 1,4-DCB/kg dry soil. The higher toxicity of 1,4-DCB than 1,3,5-TCB and HCB in sediment was ascribed to its higher availability and easiness to be taken up by plants. The conclusion was supported by both growth rate calculations and plant height measurements. # 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 24: 43-48, 2009.

Hexachlorobenzene dechlorination in constructed wetland mesocosms

“…The results confirm the analysis by Ma and Havelka (2009) showing that Typha generally have denser roots than Phragmites. The stronger roots might be the reason for the higher DO concentration in the MCs of Typha.…”

Biological responses of maize (Zea mays) plants exposed to chlorobenzenes. Case study of monochloro-, 1,4-dichloro- and 1,2,4-trichloro-benzenes

“…Phytotoxicity measurements are generally based on growth inhibition. Several vegetables and macrophytes have been shown to be sensitive to medium to high CBs concentrations in sediments or water (Wang et al 1996;Ma and Havelka 2009). Many of the stress mechanisms that are activated by different environmental stimuli are also activated by pollutants.…”

Metals Accumulation in grey mangrove (Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh.) inhabiting Tarut Bay, Eastern Saudi Arabia

“…Due to their toxic effects, the contamination of heavy metals (HM) in the environment is a major global concern, which has provoked the emergence of phytoremediation technologies for cleaning soils (Baker et al, 1994;Salt et al, 1998;Terry & Banuelos, 2000), streams (Dushenkov et al, 1995), mine wastes and sewage (Ait et al, 2004;Von & Max, 1984;Xingmao & Havelka, 2009) by the use of approximately 400 plant species, capable of accumulating toxic heavy metals. Phytoremediation means to remove contaminants from polluted soils and water bodies using plants, capable of absorbing, degrading or eliminating them (Salt et al, 1998).…”