Trichloroacetic acid in Norway spruce/soil-system I. Biodegradation in soil

M. Matucha, S. T. Forczek, M. Gryndler, H. Uhlířová, K. Fuksová, P. Schröder

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) as a phytotoxic substance affects health status of coniferous trees. It is known as a secondary air pollutant (formed by photooxidation of tetrachloroethene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane) and as a product of chlorination of humic substances in soil. Its break-down in soil, however, influences considerably the TCA level, i.e. the extent of TCA uptake by spruce roots. In connection with our investigations of TCA effects on Norway spruce, microbial processes in soil were studied using 14C-labeling. It was shown that TCA degradation in soil is a fast process depending on TCA concentration, soil properties, humidity and temperature. As a result, the TCA level in soil is determined by a steady state between uptake from the atmosphere, formation in soil, leaching and degradation. The process of TCA 0 degradation in soil thus participates significantly in the chlorine cycle in forest ecosystems.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)303-309
Number of pages7
JournalChemosphere
Volume50
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • C-labeling
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Forest soil
  • Microbial degradation
  • Radio-indicator methods
  • TCA uptake
  • Trichloroacetic acid

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