Phytotoxicity and accumulation of mercury in tobacco subjected to different exposure routes

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1994 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620140108· OSTI ID:6613591

Suszcynsky, E M; Shann, J R ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Cincinnati, OH (United States). Dept. of Biological Sciences

Experiments were conducted to study the absorption, phytotoxicity, and internal distribution of mercury (Hg) in tobacco plants (Nicotiana miersii) exposed to elemental mercury vapor (Hg[sup 0]) through the shoot or to ionic mercury (Hg[sup 2+]) through the root. Tobacco plants grown hydroponically were exposed to varying Hg[sup 0] treatment concentrations in a specially designed chamber system, examined for visible symptoms of toxicity, and analyzed for Hg content by cold vapor atomic absorption, 1 and 10 d following treatment. In a separate experiment, the roots of hydroponic tobacco plants were exposed to Hg[sup 2+] in the form of a mercury chloride solution and analyzed for growth changes and Hg content. Accumulation, toxicity response, and Hg distribution differed between the two exposure routes, even when internal Hg concentrations in the treated plants were similar. Plants exposed to Hg[sup 0] accumulated Hg in the shoots with no movement to roots. Visible signs of Hg[sup 0] stress were apparent at 1.0 mg/m[sup 3] exposure levels and greater. Root-exposed plants showed accumulation of Hg in the roots with movement to the shoots by day 10. Inhibition of root and shoot growth occurred at treatment levels of 1.0 [mu]g/ml and greater with very limited tissue damage at higher treatment levels.

• OSTI ID: 6613591
• Journal Information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; (United States) Vol. 14:1; ISSN ETOCDK; ISSN 0730-7268
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ABSORPTION
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
ELEMENTS
FOLIAR UPTAKE
MAGNOLIOPHYTA
MAGNOLIOPSIDA
MERCURY
METALS
NICOTIANA
PLANTS
ROOT ABSORPTION
SENSITIVITY
SORPTION
TOXICITY
UPTAKE