Shrubs as Sentinels of Ordnance Contamination: Using Plant Physiology and Remote Sensing to Detect TNT in Soils

Methods for rapid, safe and effective detection of unmapped buried ordnance are vital to the protection of humans and environmental quality throughout the world. This study aimed to investigate the use of phytosensing and to understand the physiological response of woody plants to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) contamination. Baccharis halimifolia were potted in soils containing various concentrations of TNT and physiological responses were observed over a 9-week experimental period. Measurements included the collection of remotely sensed data, such as hyperspectral reflectance and chlorophyll fluorescence, and traditional plant-level physiological data. In accordance with the hypothesis, low levels of TNT improved physiological response in plants due to the slight increase in nitrogen, while high levels of TNT induced stress. Key markers in stress responses were identified, specifically with reflectance indices and derivatives, which may separate TNT-contaminated plants from naturally stressed plants and would allow for accurate detection of buried ordnance at the landscape level.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Rubis, Kathryn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Donald Young

• 2
• 4
• 6-trinitrotoluene (TNT)
• plant stress
• phytoremediation
• phytosensing
• water relations
• photosynthesis
• chlorophyll fluorescence
• hyperspectral reflectance
• contamination
• Baccharis halimifolia
• Biology
• Life Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/276

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1275