Identifying changes in foliar fatty acids composition caused by exposure to diesel fuel-contaminated soil

With the growing popularity of plant-assisted bioremediation techniques, there are constant efforts to identify the best approach and most efficient plant species. This study focuses on the effect of diesel fuel in soil on the foliar fatty acid composition. Firstly, a field study was conducted with plants growing in a landfarming unit during a phytoremediation process. Secondly, Lactuca sativa pot experiments were performed in the laboratory at two different diesel fuel concentrations, originating from an actual full-scale phytoremediation process. Thirdly, pot experiments with L. sativa were conducted with two soils at four different diesel fuel contamination concentrations. This study demonstrates that diesel fuel pollution has similar effects on foliar fatty acid composition as metal pollution and that diesel fuel in soil affects changes in plant foliar fatty acid composition with decreased 18:3 concentrations and increased 16:0 and 18:2 concentrations. Since measurements of the foliar fatty acid composition in plants directly exposed to natural conditions remain questionable, an advantageous approach to analysing foliar fatty acid composition by means of growth tests under controlled conditions was demonstrated. The potential usefulness of omega-3 index calculations and biomarker development for assessing stress effects in plants due to hydrocarbon soil pollution was also demonstrated.