THE LOSS OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC MATERIALS FROM ABOVE-GROUND PLANT PARTS, WITH ESPECIAL REFERENCE TO DECONTAMINATION OF PARTS UTILIZED FOR FOOD. Progress Report

Technical Report · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1961

OSTI ID:4054546

Tukey, Jr, H B

Progrsss is reported in tracer studies using Ca/sup 45/, P/sup 32/, Sr/ sup 89/, and S/sup 35/ to determine the loss of nutrients from the foliage of several plants by the leaching action of simulated rain and dew. Seedlings of bean, cucumber, tomato, and zinnia, and rooted cuttings of chrysanthemum, coleus, and geranium were placed in solutions containing the radioisotopes. After two to three weeks, the plants were exposed for 24 hr to a mist spray of distilled water. Ths spray was collected and analyzed for the radioactive elements. The stems and foliage of the leached plants were also analyzed for radioactivity. Preliminary results indicate that the four radionuclides can be leached from all the plant species studied in varying amounts. Loss of nutrients occurred in similar amounts from chrysanthemum and coleus plants which were flowering as from vegetative plants. Preliminary results are included from a study of the nature of the leachate from leaves. (C.H.)

• Research Organization: Cornell Univ., Ithaca, N.Y.
• NSA Number: NSA-15-015392
• OSTI ID: 4054546
• Report Number(s): TID-12374
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CALCIUM 45
DECONTAMINATION
FOOD
PHOSPHORUS 32
PLANTS
RADIOACTIVITY
RAIN
ROOTS
STRONTIUM 89
SULFUR 35
TRACER TECHNIQUES