Absorption of atmospheric trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene by oleander (Nerium indicum)

Foliar absorption of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene were examined. Oleander was exposed to a mixture gas of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, and gas absorption and transpiration rate were measured simultaneously. A model analysis of gas exchange rates revealed that there was no substantial absorption of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene by oleander, neither through the stomata nor through the cuticle. In the experiments on oleander, no visible foliar injury was observed during the 7 days exposure period.