The Uptake and Translocation of 99Tc, 133Cs, 237Np, and 238U Into Andropogon Virginicus With Consideration of Plant Life Stage

Hydroponic uptake studies were conducted to evaluate the uptake and translocation of 99Tc, 133Cs (stable analog for 137Cs), 237Np, and 238U into established and seedling Andropogon virginicus specimens under controlled laboratory conditions. Plant specimens were grown in analyte-spiked Hoagland nutrient solution for 24 h, 3 d, and 5 d. Translocation to shoots was greatest for 99Tc and 133Cs, likely due to their analogous nature to plant nutrients, while 238U (and 237Np to a lesser extent) predominantly partitioned to root tissue with less extensive translocation to the shoots. Plant age contributed significantly to differences in concentration ratios for all nuclides in shoot tissues (p ≤ 0.024), with higher concentration ratios for seedling specimens. Additionally, duration of exposure was associated with significant differences in concentration ratios of 133Cs and 99Tc for seedlings (p = 0.007 and p = 0.030, respectively) while plant part (root or shoot) was associated with significant differences in concentration ratios of established plants (p
Source: Health Physics - Category: Radiology Tags: Papers Source Type: research