Comparison of Biological and Chemical Endpoints for Evaluating the Success of Phytoremediation of Pesticide-Contaminated Soil

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Project Period: 
2000
Project Investigator(s): 
J Coats, J Belden, Department of Entomology Pesticide Toxicology Laboratory, Iowa State University
Abstract: 

The study will evaluate several biological and chemical endpoints as possible indicators of remediation success as compared to traditional chemical analysis. Endpoints to be evaluated will include: chemical analysis of body residues in exposed earthworms, toxicity of soil to lettuce (germination and growth), toxicity of aqueous soils extractions to Daphnia magna, chemical analysis of aqueous soil extractions, toxicity of soil column leachate to D. magna, chemical analysis of soil column leachate, and analysis of soil by rigorous solvent extraction. The proposed endpoints will provide measurements of terrestrial and aquatic toxicity along with thorough evaluation of the pesticides leaching potential. At the end of the study, a better understanding of how phytoremediation may affect bioavailability and the presence of toxic metabolites will be gained.

Publications: 

Henderson KL, Belden JB, Zhao S, Coats JR; Phytoremediation of Pesticide Wastes in Soil. Z Naturforsch C. 2006; 61(3-4):213-221