CHARACTERIZATION OF TOXICANTS IN RETORTED MARLSTONE (PLANTS, GERMINATION)

The purpose of this research project was to quantify the effects of two types of retorted oil shale on plant germination and growth, identify the responsible toxicants, and quantify the toxicity of the plants to grazing animals. It was found that Unishale B did not affect germination but did affect the growth of several plant species. Li and B were shown to affect plant growth in Unishale B while As and Sr did not. As, B, Sr, and Li, plus unknown toxicants or synergistic affects, were shown to be germination toxicant in decarbonized shale while Li and unknown toxicants or synergistic affects were shown to be plant growth toxicants. F and Se were shown to accumulate in plants grown on Unishale B in high enough concentrations to be toxic to animals. Molybedenosis was shown to be a disease threat to animals grazing on plants grown on Unishale B.