Polychlorinated biphenyls in plant foliage: translocation or volatilization from contaminated soils?

Research focused on the influence of translocation on the concentration of PCBs in the foliage of different plant species. Emphasis was placed on determining whether PCB in foliage is due to vapor transport from soil or to translocation through the plant. The trend of PCB in air showed that the volatilization rate increased regularly. Concentrations found in the root of tomatoes grown in contaminated sand are reported. The difference in the PCB peak pattern between sand and foliage demonstrates that the levels found in plant leaves are not due to contamination by soil particles, offering confirmation that vaporization from soil is the main route for foliage contamination.