Ledin, Stig
- Department of Soil Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
The efficiency of rhizosphere biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons heterogeneously distributed in soils is dependent on the ability of plant roots to prospect into contaminated zones. Rhizobox experiments were conducted to study the influence of diesel contaminated layers on the spatial distribution and the development of the roots of perennial ryegrass. Root distribution and root and shoot development were monitored over time. The final root and above ground biomass and the final TPH concentration were determined. The spatial distribution of the contaminant as well as the irrigation method used affected root distribution, plant development and TPH degradation and therefore ryegrass remediation potential. The results show that roots colonise fully uncontaminated soil and grow preferentially between zones of contamination. Conversely, when no immediate uncontaminated soil is available, roots grow through contaminated zones in order to prospect for uncontaminated soil. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords
root distribution; Lotium perenne; petroleum hydrocarbons; phytoremediation
Published in
Environmental Pollution
2007, volume: 145, number: 1, pages: 68-74
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD
SLU Authors
UKÄ Subject classification
Environmental Sciences and Nature Conservation
Agricultural Science
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2006.03.039
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/10053