A mass balance study of the phytoremediation of perchloroethylene-contaminated groundwater.

ABSTRACT: A mass balance study was performed under controlled field conditions to investigate the phytoremediation of perchloroethylene (PCE) by hybrid poplar trees. Water containing 7-14 mg L(-1) PCE was added to the test bed. Perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and cis-dichloroethylene were detected in the effluent at an average of 0.12 mg L(-1), 3.9 mg L(-1), and 1.9 mg L(-1), respectively. The total mass of chlorinated ethenes in the water was reduced by 99%. Over 95% of the recovered chlorine was as free chloride in the soil, indicating near-complete dehalogenation of the PCE. Transpiration, volatilization, and accumulation in the trees were all found to be minor loss mechanisms. In contrast, 98% of PCE applied to an unplanted soil chamber was recovered as PCE in the effluent water or volatil

SUBMITTER: James CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2858582 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug-Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature