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Effect and Disposition of TNT in a Terrestrial Plant¹

ABSTRACT

Little is known about the response of terrestrial plants to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). To assess its effects, yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) was grown in hydroponic cultures containing TNT concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L. The deleterious effects of TNT were rapid and occurred at solution concentrations of 5 mg/L and higher. Root growth was most affected, followed by leaves and rhizomes. Root weights were reduced about 95% when grown in the presence of TNT. Plant yields were 54 to 74% lower than the control. The TNT and its metabolites, 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4-ADNT), and 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT) were found throughout the plants. Solutions were continually monitored to ensure that no metabolites were present in solution. Since TNT was the only compound taken up, the metabolites must have formed within the plant. Levels of 4-ADNT exceeded those of 2-ADNT and TNT itself ranging up to 2200 mg/kg in roots of plants grown in 20 mg/L of TNT. The greatest quantities of all three compounds were found in the rhizomes. Increasing solution TNT levels increased the concentrations and quantities of all three compounds in the plants.

Key Words: metabolites • plant weight • plant injury • translocation • hydroponics • yellow nutsedge

¹ Contribution from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hanover, NH.

² Research Agronomist and Research Chemist, Earth Sciences Branch, U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, NH 03755.

Received for publication May 14, 1985.