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Uptake and Translocation Studies in Balsam Fir Seedlings with 54 Mn and 65 Zn Radioisotopes Applied to Soil Surfaces
Author(s) -
Lin Z.Q.,
Barthakur N. N.,
Schuepp P. H.,
Kennedy G. G.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1996.00472425002500010012x
Subject(s) - abies balsamea , balsam , shoot , leaching (pedology) , chemistry , seedling , wax , botany , zinc , soil water , horticulture , radiochemistry , biology , ecology , organic chemistry
Pathways of heavy metal deposits in balsam fir [ Abies balsamea (L) Mill.] seedlings were investigated by simultaneously applying 54 Mn and 65 Zn radioisotopes on soil surfaces. Downward movement of 54 Mn and 65 Zn in soils was documented to the 14 to 16 cm depth 70 d after application. One‐year‐old needles and 3‐yr‐old twigs concentrated more radioisotopes than older needles and younger twigs, respectively, with the sample specific activity (kBq kg −1 ) of 54 Mn 5 to 10 times higher than that of 65 Zn. The activity in seedlings on the 70th d of the experiment was 5.2% of the total remaining activity for 54 Mn (6290 kBq) and 2.6 % for 65 Zn (6031 kBq). The distribution of 54 Mn in the seedling was 31% in roots, 31% in twigs, 26% in stems, and 12% in needles, while roots retained 86% of 65 Zn. No appreciable migration of elements from internal tissues to epicuticular wax layers was found when shoots were washed in chloroform. The maximum leaching ratio was below 0.5 and 1.0% for 54 Mn and 65 Zn, respectively, when shoots were washed in simulated acid rain for 5 min.