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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Assessment of the Removal Capacity, Tolerance, and Anatomical Adaptation of Different Plant Species to Benzene Contamination

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Author(s):
Campos, V. [1, 2] ; Souto, L. S. [3] ; Medeiros, T. A. M. [1] ; Toledo, S. P. [4] ; Sayeg, I. J. [5] ; Ramos, R. L. [6] ; Shinzato, M. C. [6]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, CEPEMA, Ctr Capacitacao & Pesquisa Meio Ambiente, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, UFSCar, BR-13560 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Fis, BR-01498 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Geociencias, BR-01498 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[6] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Inst Ciencias Ambientais Quim & Farmaceut, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION; v. 225, n. 8 AUG 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 5
Abstract

The medium most directly affected by anthropic contamination is soil and, hence, groundwater (saturated and unsaturated zones). In the phytoremediation process, the direct absorption of soil contaminants through the roots is a surprising pollutant removal mechanism. Plants can act as a natural filter of shallow groundwater contamination, controlling and reducing the vertical percolation of contaminants into the soil, and after reaching the level of the water table, the roots can absorb contaminants dissolved in the water, thus reducing the size of the plume and protecting receptor sites (water supply wells, rivers, lakes) from possible contamination. In the first phase of the research, assays were performed to evaluate the tolerance of plant species to the direct injection of a benzene solution into the roots. Subsequent experiments involved direct absorption and spraying. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for tolerance and reaction to high levels of benzene. Three plant species were used, an herbaceous ornamental plant (Impatiens walleriana), a fern (Pteris vittata), and forage grass (Brachiaria brizantha). At the end of the study, the surface changes caused by VOCs (aerial structures) of benzene were evaluated, using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) to identify possible mechanisms of resistance of the plant to air pollution, i.e., hydrocarbon pollution. The plant material used here was young plant species selected for study. For the analysis by gas chromatography (GC), the plant material was separated into aerial (stem, leaves, and flowers) and underground parts (roots). A comparison of the benzene content in different parts of the plant indicated a higher concentration in the stem+leaves, followed by the roots, which is justified by its translocation inside the plant. P. vittata showed low uptake (5.88 %) mainly in the root and (<2 %) in the leaves, which was also observed in the tolerance experiment, in which visual symptoms of toxicity were not observed. I. walleriana showed benzene removal rates of approximately 18.7 % (injection into the soil) as a result of direct absorption through the roots. After the treatment was suspended, I. walleriana gradually reacted to the detoxification process by recovering its stem stiffness and normal color. B. brizantha showed intermediate behavior and did not react to the detoxification process. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/24832-2 - Biohydrology Conference 2013 - Bio meets Hydrology "Water for Life
Grantee:Valquiria de Campos
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Meeting - Abroad
FAPESP's process: 12/05982-3 - In situ remediation of naphthalene by the soil-plant interaction
Grantee:Júlia Koury Ferreira
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 12/08337-1 - Evaluation of leaf surfaces contaminated by volatile hydrocarbons
Grantee:Thaís Nayara Fogaça da Rocha
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 12/05595-0 - Evaluation of the use of plant species for the remediation of toxic aromatic pollutants from soil
Grantee:Suzana de Paula Queiroz Kraus
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation