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

0172330 - UEB-Q 20033055 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Matucha, Miroslav - Forczek, Sándor - Gryndler, Milan - Uhlířová, H. - Fuksová, K. - Schröder, P.
Trichloroacetic acid in Norway spruce/soil-system I. Biodegradation in soil.
Chemosphere. Roč. 50, č. 3 (2003), s. 303-309. ISSN 0045-6535. E-ISSN 1879-1298
R&D Projects: GA ČR GA522/99/1465
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z5020903; CEZ:AV0Z5038910
Keywords : Microbial degradation * Trichloroacetic acid * Forest soil
Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry
Impact factor: 1.904, year: 2003

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 degradation in soil thus participates significantly in the chlorine cycle in forest ecosystems.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0069369