Uptake of gaseous DDE in spruce needles

Three chamber experiments using Picea omorika and Picea abies were conducted to observe the accumulation and desorption of gaseous DDE in spruce needles. Results showed that a one-compartment model does not efficiently describe short- and medium-term DDE behavior in spruce needles. Although multicompartment behavior of needles used as biomonitors offered better results, it also presented implications. Results also showed that the nature and structure of cuticular components significantly influences the determination of differences in uptake behavior.