The Effect of Ni2+, Cd2+, and Co2+ on the Uptake of Copper by Intact Barley Roots

Abstract

Barley roots ( Hordeum distichon L.) showed uptake characteristics for copper which were altered in the presence of Ni 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Co 2+ . The biphasic mechanism after 2 h showed increased kinetic constants for phase 2 if nickel and cadmium were added to the uptake solution. In the case of cobalt only the concentration of 16 µM led to increased data. In experiments lasting 24 h the monophasic pattern changed to lower values in the presence of 16 µM Co 2+ , while Cd 2+ in the same concentration increased the amount of copper haven been taken up. The influence of the tested metals in experiments lasting 24 h is described to act on the transition site (for Cd 2+ ) and also on the uptake site (for Ni 2+ and Co 2+ ).