uptake of pharmaceuticals, when applied in a mixture compared to single compound
exposure, also differed between plant species. The concentration of atenolol was
higher during the single compound exposure in the roots of lamb’s lettuce
(Valerianella locusta L.) whereas on arugula (Eruca sativa L.) and radish (Raphanus
sativus L.) did not show higher values compared to the mixture application. The
uptake and translocation of other substances were in contrast similar between plant
species in the single and mixture application of pharmaceuticals [11]. However, as
this study was performed in soil, the additional soil effects might influence the
uptake of these pharmaceuticals, which was also shown in the same study. Furthermore, interactions between pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and metalloids were
detected in beet root (Beta vulgaris L.). The concentration of sulfamethoxazole in
beet root increased with increasing concentration of a mixture of heavy metals (Mn,
Zn, Cu, Cd, CO, Cr, Ni and Pb). In contrast, the accumulation of metoprolol
decreased with increasing heavy metal concentration. For other compounds, the
changes were negligible or no clear trend was observed [12]. To conclude,
Fig. 1 Multiple parameters, which play a critical role on plants’ uptake of pharmaceuticals along
with their distribution among different plant organs
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Y. Bigott et al.
exposure, also differed between plant species. The concentration of atenolol was
higher during the single compound exposure in the roots of lamb’s lettuce
(Valerianella locusta L.) whereas on arugula (Eruca sativa L.) and radish (Raphanus
sativus L.) did not show higher values compared to the mixture application. The
uptake and translocation of other substances were in contrast similar between plant
species in the single and mixture application of pharmaceuticals [11]. However, as
this study was performed in soil, the additional soil effects might influence the
uptake of these pharmaceuticals, which was also shown in the same study. Furthermore, interactions between pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and metalloids were
detected in beet root (Beta vulgaris L.). The concentration of sulfamethoxazole in
beet root increased with increasing concentration of a mixture of heavy metals (Mn,
Zn, Cu, Cd, CO, Cr, Ni and Pb). In contrast, the accumulation of metoprolol
decreased with increasing heavy metal concentration. For other compounds, the
changes were negligible or no clear trend was observed [12]. To conclude,
Fig. 1 Multiple parameters, which play a critical role on plants’ uptake of pharmaceuticals along
with their distribution among different plant organs
106
Y. Bigott et al.