Reduction of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Toxicity and Uptake of Carbon-14 Activity by Plants through the Use of Activated Carbon

The use of soil-applied activated carbon in reducing the phytotoxicity and uptake from soil of polychlorinated biphenyls (Pcbüs) by a variety of crop plants was investigated. Reductions in growth parameters resulted at the highest rate of PCB for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and beet (Beta vulgaris (L.)]. Growth parameters taken at harvest showed no apparent inhibition of corn (Zea mays L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moensch] by PCB. The activated carbon treatment substantially reduced growth inhibition caused by PCB. Treatment with soil-applied activated carbon reduced 14C uptake into foliage of beet, corn, sorghum, and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in studies using a mixture of U-14C-labeled polychlorinated biphenyls mixed with unlabeled PCB and applied to soil at 20 ppm (total PCB). Activated carbon continued to be effective in reducing 14C uptake over three croppings of fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schrib).