Dieldrin uptake by vegetable crops grown in contaminated soils

Abstract

The aim of these trials was to study the distribution of dieldrin in soil and its translocation to roots and the aerial parts of vegetable crops grown in greenhouses and fields. The main objectives were to characterize dieldrin accumulation in plant tissues in relation to the levels of soil contamination; uptake capability among plants belonging to different species, varieties and cultivars. The presence of the contaminant was quantified by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results showed a translocation of residues in cucurbitaceous fruits and flowers confirming that zucchini, cucumber and melon are crops with high uptake capability. The maximum level of dieldrin residue at 0.01 mg/kg was found to be a threshold value to safeguard the quality production of cucurbits. Tomato, lettuce and celery were identified as substitute crops to grow in contaminated fields.

Keywords:

• Dieldrin
• residues
• environmental contaminants
• cucurbits
• translocation

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank MAFA and Eurocirce staff for their kind cooperation. This work was funded by Regione Lazio, Italy.

Notes

*Average of three replicates collected in greenhouse A.

*Values are the average of three replicate samples.