PATHWAYS OF HCB-CONTAMINATION TO OIL PUMPKIN SEEDS

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) concentrations in 41 seed oil samples of oilpumpkins (Cucurbita pepo var. citrullinia f. styriaca Greb.) grown in Styria (Austria) and in 31 corresponding agricultural soils were measured. A positive correlation between the concentration in the soil and the contents of HCB in the seed oil could be established. At nine sites lindane (gamma-HCH) concentrations in soil and oil seed samples were additionally determined. Increasing Lindane values in the soils had no significant effect on the Lindane concentrations in the seeds within the range of 10 ng - 40 ng Lindane per g soil and 20 ng - 40 ng Lindane per g oil respectively. Experiments with radiolabelled nutrient solutions demonstrated the special ability of oil pumpkins in different growth stages for root uptake of HCB and translocation into shoots. A comparison of HCB levels in ambient air determined by a passive sampling system at 16 different locations in southern Styria and two reference locations showed no significant differences between industrial and remote areas.