Decreased transpiration in poplar trees exposed to 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene

Abstract

This article discusses the effects of various concentrations of the explosive 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) on the transpiration of hybrid poplar trees growing in hydroponic media. Transpiration was measured daily by gravimetric means. The rapid removal of TNT from hydroponic solutions was a result of plant uptake and required a daily dosage of TNT to ensure a relatively constant exposure over time. Transpiration decreased with increasing TNT concentrations ≥5 mg/L. Decreases in transpiration were accompanied by leaf chlorosis and abscission. A comparison between a laboratory study and a pilot‐scale experiment showed good scale‐up potential.

Transpiration as landfill leachate phytotoxicity indicator

“…Pfleeger et al (1991) revealed the influence of benzene and phenol on transpiration of barley and soy, but Stefanakis et al (2013) have found, that the constructed wetland receiving the phenol increased the evapotranspiration values. Thompson et al (1998) confirmed reduced transpiration of poplar seedlings under the presence of 2.4.6-trinitotoluene. The same phenomenon was observed by McFarlane et al (1990) but under exposure to nitrobenzene.…”

Phytoremediation in Wetland Ecosystems: Progress, Problems, and Potential

“…Seasonal and diurnal shifts in transpiration rates must be accounted for in calculating realistic wetland phytoremediation budgets. In addition to natural transpiration cycles, explosives contaminants themselves, for example, TNT, can decrease transpiration (Thompson et al, 1998). In their hydroponic laboratory tests with hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides nigra), Thompson et al (1998) found that higher TNT levels, > 5 mg/l, reduced transpiration and produced leaf chlorosis and abscission.…”

“…In addition to natural transpiration cycles, explosives contaminants themselves, for example, TNT, can decrease transpiration (Thompson et al, 1998). In their hydroponic laboratory tests with hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides nigra), Thompson et al (1998) found that higher TNT levels, > 5 mg/l, reduced transpiration and produced leaf chlorosis and abscission. One improvement by the work of Thompson et al (1998) over earlier studies was the maintenance of TNT concentrations in the test solutions.…”

Remote detection of plant physiological responses to TNT soil contamination

“…TNT affects photosynthesis and the light reactions, which has been documented as changes in biomass and degradation of chlorophyll in leaves (Thompson et al 1998;Best et al 2008). It is well known that plants take up TNT and convert it to various metabolites in the leaves, stems and roots (Sens et al 1999).…”

“…It is well known that plants take up TNT and convert it to various metabolites in the leaves, stems and roots (Sens et al 1999). Very few studies have examined the effect of TNT on physiological responses of plants (Thompson et al 1998;Ali et al 2006 TNT-induced stress in a woody plant prior to visible changes.…”