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Distribution of the Carcinogenic Terpene Ptaquiloside in Bracken Fronds, Rhizomes (Pteridium aquilinum), and Litter in Denmark

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Abstract

The distribution of ptaquiloside (PTA) was studied in four Danish bracken populations in order to evaluate the transfer of PTA from ferns to soil. Populations showed statistically significant differences in PTA contents of fronds and rhizomes despite large in-site variations. The highest concentrations were encountered in fronds with concentrations ranging between 213 and 2145 μg/g, while rhizomes had concentrations between 11 and 902 μg/g. PTA was present in soil materials in amounts of 0.22–8.49 μg/g but apparently with no correlation with PTA contents of fronds or rhizomes. Laboratory tests showed that water could leach PTA from bracken fronds, which is in support of the high soil contents observed at sites exposed to heavy showers just before sampling. The observed soil contents correspond to estimated soil solution concentrations of 200–8500 μg/liter, demonstrating a substantial risk of PTA contamination of surface water and groundwater.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark

    Lars Holm Rasmussen, Lasse Sander Jensen & Hans Christian Bruun Hansen

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  1. Lars Holm Rasmussen
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  2. Lasse Sander Jensen
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  3. Hans Christian Bruun Hansen
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Correspondence to Lars Holm Rasmussen.

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Rasmussen, L.H., Jensen, L.S. & Hansen, H.C.B. Distribution of the Carcinogenic Terpene Ptaquiloside in Bracken Fronds, Rhizomes (Pteridium aquilinum), and Litter in Denmark. J Chem Ecol 29, 771–778 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022885006742

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022885006742

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