Application of GC–MS to the study of anthracene disappearance in the rhizosphere of ryegrass

It is known that plant rhizospheres can enhance the dissipation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), but the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. The contribution of root symbiotic micro-organisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is not known. GC–MS was used to investigate the fate of anthracene in the rhizosphere of ryegrass in a spiked soil with or without inoculation with AM fungi. GC–MS allowed us to identify and quantify an oxidation product of anthracene (anthraquinone) in soil. Oxidation of anthracene to anthraquinone was greater in planted than non-planted pots. The concentration of anthraquinone was lower in the mycorrhizal than non-mycorrhizal planted soil.