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A novel laboratory system for determining fate of volatile organic compounds in planted systems
Author(s) -
Orchard Brady J.,
Doucette William J.,
Chard Julie K.,
Bugbee Bruce
Publication year - 2000
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.5620190415
Subject(s) - transpiration , transpiration stream , aeration , shoot , dns root zone , environmental science , humidity , environmental chemistry , chemistry , root system , photosynthesis , botany , soil water , soil science , biology , biochemistry , physics , organic chemistry , thermodynamics
Contradictory observations regarding the uptake and translocation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by plants have been reported, most notably for trichloroethylene (TCE). Experimental artifacts resulting from the use of semistatic or low‐flow laboratory systems may account for part of the discrepancy. Innovative plant growth chambers are required to rigorously quantify the movement of VOCs through higher plants while maintaining a natural plant environment. The plant must be sealed in a chamber that allows rapid exchange of air to remove the water vapor lost in transpiration, to resupply the CO 2 consumed in photosynthesis, and to resupply the O 2 consumed in root‐zone respiration. Inadequate airflow through the foliar region results in high humidity, which dramatically reduces transpiration and may reduce contaminant flux. Oxygen depletion in static root zones induces root stress, which can increase root membrane permeability. The root zone must be separated from the shoots to differentiate between plant uptake and foliar deposition. Here we describe the design, construction, and testing of a dual‐vacuum, continuous high‐flow chamber system for accurately determining the fate of VOCs in plants. The system provides a natural plant environment, complete root/shoot separation, the ability to quantify phytovolatilization and mineralization in both root and shoot compartments, continuous root‐zone aeration, and high mass recovery.