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The Effect of Plants on the Bioavailability and Toxicity of Contaminants in Soil

EPA Grant Number: R825413
Title: The Effect of Plants on the Bioavailability and Toxicity of Contaminants in Soil
Investigators: Banks, M. Katherine , Schwab, Arthur Paul , Smith, J. Scott
Institution: Kansas State University
Current Institution: Kansas State University , Purdue University
EPA Project Officer: Lasat, Mitch
Project Period: January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2000
Project Amount: $499,941
RFA: Bioremediation (1996)
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation

Description:

The overall objective of this project is to evaluate the effect of plants on the bioavailability and toxicity of soil contaminants. This objective will be accomplished with three concurrent studies. In the first study, the fate of petroleum contaminants in vegetated systems will be evaluated using closed plant chambers and 14C radiolabeled compounds, with an agressive grass species. This study will allow us to trace the contaminant as it becomes incorporated into soil organic material. Bioavailability of the contaminants will be assessed by mineralization, by-product formation, and plant uptake. A second study is designed to evaluate the effect of weathering on contaminant bioavailablity in unvegetated and vegetated soil. The contaminant used in this study will be a simulated diesel fuel. This two-phase study consists of an outdoor weathering phase followed by an extensive greenhouse phase with a suitable grass species. Contaminants and toxicity will be evaluated over time. The third study will be a field project at the US Naval Port Hueneme, CA. Vegetated plots will be established in diesel contaminated soil, and contaminant concentration and toxicity of soil will be evaluated over a two year period. Plant species will be chosen based on initial germination studies and consultation with local horticultural experts. Samples of soil and leachate will be taken every three months. In support of these three studies, a sequential soil extraction method will be developed to predict bioavailability of soil contaminants. Toxicity of all soil and leachates in the three studies will be evaluated using Microtox, shrimp, earthworm, and seed germination assays. Results from this research will contribute to the overall data base on bioremediation and associated end-point evaluation.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 23 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 3 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

Bioremediation, phytoremediation, Hydrocarbon, Vadose zone, chemical transport , Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Water, Geographic Area, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Biology, Bioavailability, Environmental Chemistry, Contaminated Sediments, Bioremediation, State, California (CA), fate and transport, phytoremediation, plants, toxicity, greenhouse phase, petroleum, contaminated sediment, diesel fuel, contaminants in soil, bioremediation of soils, grass species, earthworm, vadose zone, shrimp
Relevant Websites:

http://CE.www.ecn.purdue.edu/CE/Fac_Staff/FACULTY/banks Exit EPA icon
http://www.agry.purdue.edu/agronomy/staffbio/apsbio.htm Exit EPA icon
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_ansi/FACULTY/JSSCHEM.htm Exit EPA icon

Progress and Final Reports:
1997 Progress Report
1999 Progress Report
Final Report

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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