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Plant uptake and transport of /sup 241/Am

Journal Article · · Soil Sci.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6054544

We conducted several experiments with /sup 241/Am to obtain a more complete understanding of how this transuranium element is absorbed and transported in plants. In a plant species (Tamarix pentandra Pall.) that has salt glands in the leaves excreting NaCl and other ions, /sup 241/Am was not pumped through these glands. Cyanide, which forms complexes with any metals, when applied to a calcareous soil, greatly increased the transport of /sup 241/Am into stems and leaves of bush bean plants. Radioactive cyanide (/sup 14/C) was also transported to leaves and stems. When radish was grown in both calcareous and noncalcareous soils, /sup 241/Am appeared to be fixed on the peel so firmly that it was resistant to removal by HNO/sub 3/ washing. The chelating agent DTPA induced increased transport of /sup 241/Am to leaves and into the fleshy roots of the radish.

Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Los Angeles
OSTI ID:
6054544
Journal Information:
Soil Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Soil Sci.; (United States) Vol. 132:1; ISSN SOSCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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