Plant Uptake of Trace Organic Contaminants in Effluent-Dominated Streams: An Overlooked Terrestrial Exposure Pathway

Abstract

Uptake and translocation of water-soluble organic compounds by plants represent important means through which terrestrial organisms can be exposed to organic contaminants. In terrestrial systems adjacent to wastewater effluent-dominated streams (e.g., riparian corridors), insects, mammals, and birds could be exposed to trace organic contaminants through this pathway, especially in arid regions where other water sources are scarce. Analysis of the antiepileptic drug, carbamazepine, in plants grown under conditions that mimic effluent-dominated riparian zones indicates that concentrations in plant tissues exceed levels that may pose risks to herbivorous and/or detritivorous organisms. Plant uptake of carbamazepine exhibited considerable interspecies variability and distinct spatial and temporal trends. It also showed evidence of in-planta transformation. Because effluent-dominated riparian zones serve as important habitats for terrestrial species in arid regions, plant uptake and translocation of wastewater-derived trace organic contaminants should be considered when assessing the potential ecotoxicological impacts of municipal wastewater effluent discharges.

Quantifying the Role of Simultaneous Transformation Pathways in the Fate of the Novel Aquatic Herbicide Florpyrauxifen-Benzyl

“…Dried sediment and plant samples were extracted with 90% acetonitrile, 9.5% ultrapure water, and 0.5% formic acid for 2 h (Figure S11). − The extraction solution was filtered for analysis (Section S8).…”

“…Sediment samples collected in the field and microcosm experiments were dried at 100 °C for ≥8 h. Plant samples collected in the field were freeze-dried and manually crushed. 47 Dried sediment and plant samples were extracted with 90% acetonitrile, 9.5% ultrapure water, and 0.5% formic acid for 2 h (Figure S11). 47−49 The extraction solution was filtered for analysis (Section S8).…”

Persistent Trace Organic Contaminants Are Transformed Rapidly under Sulfate- and Fe(III)-Reducing Conditions in a Nature-Based Subsurface Water Treatment System

“…Trace organic contaminants, redox-active species, and water quality parameters were analyzed using sample-processing and analytical methods described previously. , A list of analytes included in this research (Table S1) as well as quality control/quality assurance protocols and additional analytical details are also provided elsewhere , and in Section S1.1 of the Supporting Information. All wetland porewater and outflow concentrations were normalized by the ratio of chloride in the sample to chloride in the wetland inflow to correct for evapotranspiration and rainfall, as described in previous publications. , Throughout the study period, evapotranspiration accounted for approximately 40–90% of the water that flowed through the horizontal levee system.…”

“…Trace organic contaminants in freshly collected sediment used in microcosm experiments were extracted with a modified version of a procedure used previously for extractions of plant material . Details about the extraction procedure and results of spike-recovery tests for soil extractions can be found in Section S1.2 of the Supporting Information .…”

Phloem Redistribution of Pesticide Phenamacril in Plants Followed by Extensive Biotransformation

“…The continuous input of pesticides therefore represents an important source that diffuses chemical pollution in environments, resulting in their “pseudo-persistence”. Consequently, approximately 75% of the global agricultural lands have some pollution risks of pesticides, and many pesticides (e.g., diazinon) have been frequently detected in global aquatic and terrestrial environments. , Crop accumulation is an important pathway that transfers these chemicals into foodwebs, leading to potential human exposure and unintended risks (e.g., diabetes and neurodegeneration). − Therefore, insight into the uptake, translocation, and metabolism of pesticides in crops is a necessity for evaluating the potential risks to the environment and human health and developing remediation strategies.…”