Abstract
Air pollution in settlements has become a continuously growing problem. Traffic, especially emission of diesel-powered vehicles, poses an important health risk. Emitted particles carry a wide range to potentially toxic chemicals, of them polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the most important group of concern. Despite the risk of air pollution, rural gardens are very popular both for food production and for environmental benefit. On the other hand, several mutagenic and/or carcinogenic PAHs have been detected in leafy vegetables grown in impacted areas. In our study, the No. 227 OECD GUIDELINE FOR THE TESTING OF CHEMICALS: Terrestrial Plant Test: Vegetative Vigor Test was followed to assess foliar uptake of PAHs from aqueous extract of diesel aerosol sample. Significant differences were found in the bioaccumulation capacity of the tested vegetables as well as in their bioaccumulation pattern. In general, most vegetables showed good even strong correlation with individual PAHs of the diesel extract. In consistency with other studies, prevalence of 3- and 4-ring PAHs was experienced.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the ELGOSCAR-2000 Environmental Technology and Water Management Ltd. (Head Office: 164 Soroksari u. H-1095 Budapest, Laboratory: H-8184 Balatonfuzfo) for analytical measurements.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).