Simazine Distribution and Degradation in Red Pine Seedlings

Abstract

Distribution and degradation of 2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-s-triazine (simazine) at 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppmw in red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) seedlings were investigated using ¹⁴C-ring-labeled simazine dispersed in agar medium. Simazine readily entered red pine roots and moved rapidly into stem and needles. Accumulation was greatest in roots, next in stems, and least in needles. Significant differences in simazine uptake by roots were observed among concentrations between 5 and 20 ppmw in the incubation medium. Radiochromatographic scans revealed that a small amount of simazine was degraded to three unknown compounds by both fresh and boiled homogenates from whole plants, needles, stems, and roots. There were no observable differences in the amount of simazine degraded by homogenates of each separate plant part.