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Measurements of β and α hexachlorocyclohexane in Juglans regia and Prunus spinosa trees in a contaminated area, central Italy

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Abstract

Vegetables play an important role in the human diet, and the transfer of toxic contaminants from the soil to plants has been little studied for most tree species and their edible portions. In an area affected by hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) contamination, in the Sacco River Valley (central Italy), measurements of β- and α-HCH isomers were made on different parts of two tree species: Juglans regia and Prunus spinosa. Concentrations were analysed in roots, branches, leaves, fruits, and seeds. A spatial evaluation of the results highlighted an inverse association of contamination with distance from the river, which is the main route of transport in the environment. Results in J. regia showed decreasing values in this order: branches > leaves > husks > nutmeat. Results in P. spinosa showed decreasing values in the following order: branches > leaves > fruits. In J. regia, nutmeat values were all below limit of detection (LOD, 0.0005 mg/kg), except in one case in which a very low concentration of β-HCH was found (0.006 mg/Kg), compliant with maximum residue limits (MRLs). The ability of J. regia to store large quantities of β-HCH in wooden and leafy parts but not in edible kernels makes this plant a potential and precious tool in remediation and economical reconversion of polluted areas. It is also valuable for food and wood manufacturing.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Italian Minister of Health through the research coded IZSLT 14/10. The authors of this study wish to thank the owner of the land upon which sampling was carried out, Dr. Domenico Tiberi, for his willing cooperation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy

    Sabrina Battisti, Carlo Boselli, Alessandro Ubaldi, Tabita Mauti, Ugo Della Marta & Paola Scaramozzino

  2. Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 5, Area Dipartimentale Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Via degli Esplosivi 9, 00034 Colleferro, Rome, Italy

    Cristina Roffi Isabelli

Authors
  1. Sabrina Battisti
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  2. Carlo Boselli
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  3. Alessandro Ubaldi
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  4. Cristina Roffi Isabelli
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  5. Tabita Mauti
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  6. Ugo Della Marta
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  7. Paola Scaramozzino
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Correspondence to Sabrina Battisti.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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Battisti, S., Boselli, C., Ubaldi, A. et al. Measurements of β and α hexachlorocyclohexane in Juglans regia and Prunus spinosa trees in a contaminated area, central Italy. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24, 20876–20882 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9680-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9680-3

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