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Environ Sci Technol

Title:		'Phytoscreening': the use of trees for discovering subsurface contamination by VOCs
Author(s):		Sorek A; Atzmon N; Dahan O; Gerstl Z; Kushisin L; Laor Y; Mingelgrin U; Nasser A; Ronen D; Tsechansky L; Weisbrod N; Graber ER;
Address:		"Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, POB 6, Bet Dagan 50250 Israel"
Journal Title:		Environ Sci Technol
Year:		2008
Volume:		42
Issue:		2
Page Number:		536 - 542
DOI:		10.1021/es072014b
ISSN/ISBN:		0013-936X (Print) 0013-936X (Linking)
Abstract:		"We tested the possibility of using tree cores to detect unknown subsurface contamination by chlorinated volatile organic compounds (Cl-VOCs) and petroleum hydrocarbons, a method we term 'phytoscreening'. The scope and limitations of the method include the following: (i) a number of widespread Cl-VOC contaminants are readily found in tree cores, although those with very high vapor pressures or low boiling points may be absent; (ii) volatile petroleum hydrocarbons were notwell-expressed in tree cores; (iii) trees should be sampled during active evapotranspiration and from directions that are well exposed to sunlight; (iv) there is not necessarily a direct correlation between concentrations measured in tree cores and those in the subsurface; (v) detection of a contaminant in a tree core indicates that the subsurface is contaminated with the pollutant; (vi) many possible causes of false negatives may be predicted and avoided. We sampled trees at 13 random locations in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and identified Cl-VOCs in tree coresfromthree locations. Subsequently, subsurface contamination at all three sites was confirmed. Phytoscreening is a simple, fast, noninvasive, and inexpensive screening method for detecting subsurface contamination, and is particularly useful in urban settings where conventional methods are difficult and expensive to employ"
Keywords:		"Cupressus/*metabolism Environmental Monitoring Hydrocarbons/*metabolism Israel Magnoliopsida/*metabolism *Trees Water Pollutants, Chemical/*metabolism Water Supply/analysis;"
Notes:		"MedlineSorek, A Atzmon, N Dahan, O Gerstl, Z Kushisin, L Laor, Y Mingelgrin, U Nasser, A Ronen, D Tsechansky, L Weisbrod, N Graber, E R eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2008/02/21 Environ Sci Technol. 2008 Jan 15; 42(2):536-42. doi: 10.1021/es072014b"