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Predicting chemical accumulation in shoots of aquatic plants
Author(s) -
Wolf Sue D.,
Wooten Steven E.,
Lassiter Ray R.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620100513
Subject(s) - bioconcentration , myriophyllum , shoot , hydrilla , bioaccumulation , aquatic plant , environmental chemistry , chemical composition , chemistry , botany , steady state (chemistry) , biology , ecology , macrophyte , organic chemistry
Abstract Chemical exchange dynamics expected for diffusive transfer of a chemical between aqueous solution and plant shoots, and expected bioconcentration based on partitioning properties of the chemical, are explored by using a three—compartment model. The model utilizes three dynamic compartments‐leaves, stems, and aqueous exposure medium. Chemical mass flux is dependent on the morphometry of the plant species, on exposure concentration, and on partitioning character of the chemical. The steady‐state bioconcentration factor ( K SH ) is dependent on composition of the plant species and partitioning character of the chemical. The model was parameterized for three species of aquatic plants ( Myriophyllum spicatum, Bacopa caroliniana , and Hydrilla verticillata ) and two chlorinated benzenes (1,2,3,4‐tetrachlorobenzene [TCB] and 1,2‐dichlorobenzene [DCB]). Predictions of uptake and bioconcentration are compared to results of static laboratory studies conducted with whole shoots of the three species over exposure periods ranging from 1 h to 21 d. Predicted tissue burdens and K sh values are generally within one standard deviation of measured values. Shoots approach steady‐state tissue burdens between 1 and 3 d after initial exposure. K sh values for TCB (360‐750), the more hydrophobic chemical, are at least an order of magnitude greater than those measured for DCB (11‐28).