Uptake, translocation and accumulation of 14C-triclosan in soil-peanut plant system

Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is ubiquitously present in water, biosolids and soil. Current agricultural practices, such as irrigation with treated wastewater and soil amendment with biosolids, often cause further triclosan contamination in agricultural fields. However, the fate and crop uptake of triclosan in agrofood systems and related human exposure are still not fully understood. In the present study, 14C-triclosan was used to trace the fate and distribution of triclosan in a soil-peanut plant system. 14C-triclosan in the system maintained an excellent mass balance ranging from 92.5% to 102.7%. 14C-triclosan uptake from soil to peanut plants at the harvest stage (120 d) was only 1.02 ± 0.17% of the applied 14C. The bioconcentration factors in different tissues followed the order of roots > stems > leaves > fruits. The concentration of 14C-triclosan in peanut fruits was 0.76–0.84 μg g−1. 14C-triclosan was more easily accumulated in peanut kernels (69.2 ± 6.30%) than peanut hulls (27.5 ± 5.77%) and skin (3.28 ± 0.53%). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values suggested that peanut consumption represented a minimal risk to human health. The results of this study help to develop a better understanding of the fate of triclosan in the soil-peanut plant system and assess its environmental and human health risks. [Display omitted] •14C-triclosan showed weak uptake potential in soil-peanut plant system.•Triclosan was found in different tissues of peanut up to several μg g−1.•14C-triclosan detected in peanut kernel was more than that in the hull and skin.•No appreciable health risk to human via the consumption of peanut grown in soil.