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Phytoremediation of Trichloroethylene with Hybrid Poplars

1997; American Chemical Society; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1021/bk-1997-0664.ch013

1947-5918

Milton P. Gordon, Nami Choe, Jim Duffy, Gorden Ekuan, Paul E. Heilman, Indulis Muiznieks, Lee Newman, Marty Ruszaj, B. Brook Shurtleff, Stuart E. Strand, Jodi Wilmoth,

Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction

We tested the ability of hybrid poplar to absorb trichloroethylene (TCE) from groundwater. Initial studies used axenic tumor cultures of H11-11 grown in the presence of 14C-TCE. These cells metabolized the TCE to produce trichloroethanol, di- and trichloroacetic acid. Some of the TCE was incorporated into insoluble, non-extractable cell residue, and small amounts were mineralized to 14C-CO2. Rooted poplar cuttings grown in PVC pipes produced the same metabolites when exposed to TCE. Mass balance studies indicate that the poplars also transpire TCE. In addition we are conducting one of the first controlled field trials for this technology. Trees were planted in cells lined with high density polyethylene and dosed with TCE via an underground water stream during the growing season. Cells containing trees had significantly reduced TCE levels in the effluent water stream compared to control cells containing only soil. These results show that significant TCE uptake and degradation occur in poplars, which bodes well for the future use of poplars for in situ remediation of TCE.