Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Phytoremediation Of Pcb Contaminated Soil: Effectiveness And Regulatory Policy, Nathan Pinsker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this paper was to combine available peer-reviewed literature on PCB phytoremediation and make direct comparisons using ANCOVA statistics in order to determine if and what plants are presently a viable option for the remediation of PCB contaminated soils. Pumpkin (Curbita pepo cv Howden) consistently had the top root and shoot concentrations, as well as total plant accumulation. Their consistency shows that they can be reliable in the field and the most viable option. Tall fescue and sedge were also top contenders. Due to the small sample size for many plants and accounting for several confounding variables, very …

Investigation Of The Toxicity And Efflux Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls And Hydroxylated Polychlorinated Biphenyls In Escherichia Coli, Shen Geng

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants. Due to their properties, PCBs accumulate in the food-chain and post a threat to the health of human beings and wildlife. Hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs) are oxidative metabolites of PCBs and are more hydrophilic than their parent PCBs. One of the best approaches to break down these contaminants is through bioremediation, which is an environmental friendly process that uses microorganisms to restore natural environment.

Towards this goal, we have investigated the toxicity and accumulation of PCBs and OH-PCBs in a Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli. We have also determined the role played by a …