Accumulation rate of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) in the conditions of soil contamination with oil derivatives.

The present study concerns PCBs accumulation in soil at two depths as well as in Taraxacum officinale plants. An analysis of the distribution of different groups of PCBs congeners in plant and soil material revealed the highest content of hexa and hepta-CB fractions. Statistical test of pair comparison has revealed significant differences in accumulation rates for the following pairs: penta-chlorinated congeners are accumulated at a higher rate than tetra-chlorinated ones and hexa-chlorinated congeners are accumulated at a higher rate than penta-chlorinated ones. This phenomenon occurs in the area of railway junctions (areas heavily polluted with oil derivatives).