Anthracene Absorption and Concentration Dynamics in Radishes

Abstract

This study examined the absorption and concentration of anthracene (AN) in the garden radish. Experiments were conducted to grow radishes from the sowing stage in soil contaminated with AN and to grow radishes in soil contaminated with AN following maturity (27 days after sowing). Regarding growth in the AN-containing soil from sowing onward, the AN concentrations during the growing period in both the soil and radishes decreased exponentially over time, albeit with a time lag. Regarding growth in the AN-containing soil after maturity, the AN concentrations in the roots and leaves had a higher density than those in the stems. In these experiments, positive relationships between the AN levels in the soil and radishes were observed. It was inferred that the greater the degree of soil contamination, the greater the effect was on the amount of AN assimilated by radishes. The concentration ratio (radish-to-soil; Cr/Cs) decreased exponentially with the number of days following AN application. It was interpreted that AN was significantly absorbed in the early stages of radish growth and some of the AN returned to the soil as the growth period progressed. According to the results regarding the change over time in the Cr/Cs content in radish parts, it is suggested that soil AN was well absorbed through the roots to circulate within the organism, and it is preferentially distributed and accumulated in the roots and leaves, which have high organic matter content.