Triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) are two antimicrobial chemicals that are used in many personal care products. In this study, triclosan and triclocarban were added to hydroponic nutrient media that was used to grow different food crops. The initial triclocarban and triclosan media concentration was 500 ppb and concentrates were measured weekly. The concentration of antimicrobials in the media decreased over the 4 week testing period. After the end of the 4 weeks, the plant tissue was also tested for triclocarban and triclosan concentrations. Most of the antimicrobials in each plant was found in the root tissue. From the root concentration factor (RCF) and concentrations in the plant tissues, onion is best at taking up triclocarban, while chili appears to take up the most triclosan. Chili and cucumber seem to have high potential to take up both chemicals. Celery, broccoli, and asparagus appear to have the lowest concentrations and RCFs of both chemicals. When the exposure of the crops was calculated using national produce consumption data, the average exposure to TCC and TCS from eating contaminated crops was still much less than the NOAEL.
Read
