ABSTRACT
Some trace organics are termed endocrine disruptors because they can induce physiological changes in biota, often at very low concentrations. Trace amounts of petroleum hydrocarbons may well exist in contaminated groundwaters, as well as in various petroleum processing waters. Treatment wetlands, and especially treatment marshes have emerged as a candidate technology for remediation of all the trace organics, with a large increase in studies and projects occurring. Many trace organics have the potential for causing deleterious effects in receiving waters, and consequently the capabilities of treatment marshes to remove the substances is of considerable interest. There are important distinctions among source waters, both for the types of trace organics and the timing of their delivery to a treatment marsh. The basic mechanisms involved in plant uptake of trace organics are not yet well understood, but all evidence points to the existence of plant uptake in wetland environments.
