Dynamics of cobalt-60 uptake by roots of pea plant (Pisum sativum)

Abstract

The time dependence of the specific activity of Co-60 in pea ( Pisum sativum) organs (root, stem, leaf, legume and seed) growing in a Co-60 containing Hoagland nutrient solution was measured. Cobalt-60 was added to the nutrient solution as follows: Group A — immediately after transplantation of plants to the nutrient solution; Group B — after 7 days of growing in solution; Group C — after 40 days of growing in solution. The concentration of the nuclide, per unit mass of dry matter, increased during the entire growth period in the order: seed < legume < leaf < stem < root for the three groups A, B and C. A similar time course of specific activity for all the pea organs was observed. The specific activity was lowest in Group C during the entire growth period and was on average higher in Group A than in Group B.