Intrinsic bioavailability of 14C-heptachlor to several plant species

Abstract

To investigate the intrinsic bioavailability of heptachlor to various plant species, the root of each test plant was treated with hydroponic solution containing 14C-heptachlor for 72 hr. The levels and nature of 14C-residues in roots and shoots of treated plants were determined to estimate the values of the root concentration factor (RCF) and the transpiration stream concentration factor (TSCF). RCF and TSCF values ranged from 126 (corn) to 4086 (lettuce) and 0.052 (Chinese cabbage) to 0.494 (zucchini), respectively. In pumpkin and zucchini, unmetabolized heptachlor itself was translocated from the root to the shoot via a transpiration stream and no further extensive metabolism was observed. cis-Heptachlor epoxide was the predominant metabolite in the shoots of tomato, cabbage, Chinese cabbage and lettuce. Less metabolism of cis-heptachlor epoxide was suggested in the shoots of these plants.