Biodegradation of carbon tetrachloride by poplar trees: results from cell culture and field experiments

摘要

Cell culture and field experiments were conducted to determine the oxidative metabolites of carbon tetrachloride (CT) degradation by poplar trees. The results from the cell culture experiment showed that poplar cells could completely oxidize CT to carbon dioxide. Some of the carbon from CT was fixed in poplar cells. The field experiment indicated that chlorine from the dechlorination of CT was not retained in poplar trees but was released as chloride ion into the soil. CT or its chlorinated intermediates did not significantly accumulate in poplar tree tissues. These results suggest that poplar trees could break down CT into harmless components.