Localization and toxic effects of cadmium, copper, and uranium in Azolla

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Fish. Bull.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.88.1.30· OSTI ID:6070946

Sela, M; Tel-Or, E; Fritz, E; Huttermann, A

The storage and distribution of copper, cadmium, and uranium and their effects on ionic contents in roots and shoots of Azolla filiculoides has been studied by x-ray microanalysis. The relative content of copper was eightfold higher in the root than in the shoot, suggesting low mobility of this metal in Azolla plant. Cadmium relative content in the shoot was similar to its content in the root, hence its mobility was relatively high. The absence of significant uranium quantities in the shoot and its relative high content in the root suggest the immobility of this metal from Azolla root. Cadmium formed precipitates with phosphate and calcium in xylem cells of the shoot bundle and caused a two- to threefold increase in the content of phosphate in the root. Uranium in roots and cadmium in shoots were associated with calcium. All three treatments caused losses of potassium, chloride, and magnesium from Azolla roots. Accumulation of heavy metals in Azolla and their mobility from the root to the shoot can be correlated with damage caused by the loss of essential nutrients.

• Research Organization: Hebrew Univ. of Jerusalem, Rehovot (Israel)
• OSTI ID: 6070946
• Journal Information: Fish. Bull.; (United States), Vol. 88:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CADMIUM
TOXICITY
COPPER
URANIUM
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL LOCALIZATION
ELECTRON MICROPROBE ANALYSIS
PLANT STEMS
PLANTS
ROOTS
TISSUE DISTRIBUTION
ACTINIDES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DISTRIBUTION
ELEMENTS
METALS
MICROANALYSIS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
560162 - Radionuclide Effects
Kinetics
& Toxicology- Animals
Plants
Microorganisms
& Cells