Dynamics of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Río Negro basin, Patagonia Argentina. Use of willow as phytorremediation strategy

MIGLIORANZA K.S.B.; GONZALEZ M.; ONDARZA P.M.; SHIMABUKURO V.M.,; MITTON F.; FILLMANN G.

San Juan

Congreso; 43rd IUPAC Congress - Chemistry Bridging Innovation Among the Americas and the World; 2011

IUPAC

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic compounds of global concern. The non-point source pollution of waterbodies lead to monitor the runoff of intensive agriculture field. Phytoremediation involves the use of vegetation for in situ treatment of contaminated soils, sediments, and water. Contamination by OCPs, PCBs and PBDEs was conducted in the Río Negro basin (Patagonia, Argentina). Intensive agriculture (fruits) is the main activity carried out in the watershed. The study was designed to evaluate de occurrence and distribution of OCPs, PCBs and PBDEs in several matrixes in relation to land use, and to asses pesticides phytoremediation by willow trees (Salix viminalis), considering the influence of organic amendments on this process. Soils, sediments, water and macrophytes, have been analyzed. Willows cuts were grown in contaminated agricultural soils and treatments with Tween 80 and organic acids were performed. Determination of pollutants was carried out by GC-ECD and GC-MS. OCPs, PCBs and PBDEs were present in Rio Negro watershed although most of them are forbidden in Argentina. The Upper Valley resulted be the most polluted area being DDTs (1350 ng/g DW) the main pesticide in soil reflecting a hot spot for the Southern region of South America. Endosulfan levels denoted the current use in the region with the presence of a- and b- isomers in all matrixes. Willow incorporated DDTs and endosulfans efficiently and organics acids enhanced the availability, uptake and translocation of these compounds, being a potential species for phytorremediation strategies.