Bioaccumulation and translocation factors of petroleum hydrocarbons in Aeluropus littoralis
Journal Title: UNKNOWN - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which consist of fused conjugated aromatic rings, not only are toxic to humans and other living organisms, but will also pollute groundwater. These compounds can be point source or non-point source and are one of the most widespread organic pollutants. Some of them are suspected carcinogens and are linked to other health problems. This study was carried out to assess the petroleum hydrocarbon phytoremediation potential of the Aeluropus littoralis species. Accumulation of PAHs in roots and upper parts of A. littoralis has been determined. Translocation factor (TF) was also calculated. Methods: In this study, soil samples were taken from the vicinity of Isfahan oil refinery, and the PAHs compounds were analyzed with gas chromatography. One-meter soil columns were prepared from the control and contaminated soil. Unplanted A. littoralis treatments were also prepared to eliminate the effects of environmental factors on the reduction of oil-based contaminants. Seventeen weeks after planting, soil columns were sampled at 25, 50, 75, and 100 cm depths, and the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons and number of oil-degrading bacteria were counted. Moreover, the roots and shoots of A. littoralis were separated and weighed. Results: Results indicated that A. littoralis reduced the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons to a significantly higher extent than the control treatment. Increasing depth was associated with improved petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations and decreased number of oil-degrading bacteria. Mostly, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of PAHs was <1, which shows A. littoralis could be an excluder of PAHs. The results also showed that the TF of PAHs was less than one, and hence, A. littoralis could be considered as an accumulator of PAHs. Conclusion: It can be concluded that this species is suitable for use in the phytoremediation of PAHS contamination. For further confirmation, an evaluation under field conditions should be undertaken.
Authors and Affiliations
Mahsa Jahangiri Rad
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP284098
- DOI 10.15171/EHEM.2017.18
- Views 100
- Downloads 0
Evaluation of removal efficiency of 2-chlorophenol in aquatic environments by modified fly ash
Background: Chlorophenols are classified as priority toxic pollutants. These acidic organic compounds present a serious potential hazard for human health and aquatic life. Chlorophenols accumulate in water, soil and air...
Removal of blue cat 41 dye from aqueous solutions with ZnO nanoparticles in combination with US and US-H2O2 advanced oxidation processes
Background: The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficiency of ultrasound/hydrogen peroxide processes and ultrasound/hydrogen peroxide/ZnO nanoparticles in the removal of blue cat 41 dye from aqueous soluti...
Assessment of scale formation and corrosion of drinking water supplies in Ilam city (Iran)
Background: Scaling and corrosion are the two most important indexes in water quality evaluation. Pollutants are released in water due to corrosion of pipelines. The aim of this study is to assess the scale formation and...
Slaughterhouse wastewater treatment by combined anaerobic baffled reactor and anaerobic filter: study of OLR and HRT optimization in ABR/AF reactors
Background: Slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) is hardly treated due to the large amount of organic matter, nutrients and suspended solids. These materials are naturally decomposed through biological processes, and then env...
Advanced oxidation of formaldehyde in the aqueous solutions using UVC/S2O82- process: Degradation and mineralization
Background: As a human carcinogen, formaldehyde is a toxic chemical imposing adverse effects on public health and environment. Due to its high reactivity, colorless nature, sustainability, purity in commercial forms, and...