Verification of Uptake and Transport Properties of Cesium in Hydroponically Cultivated Quercus serrata

Abstract

AbstractSeveral studies have shown that the radiocesium content of trees growing in the forest and open fields is lower when soil potassium content is higher. This is comparable to what has been observed in many crops, including rice. Then, is the cesium uptake mechanism of trees the same as that of rice and other herbaceous plants? To investigate the basic properties of potassium (K+) and cesium (Cs+) uptake and transport in Konara oak (Quercus serrata. Thumb.), which is widely grown in Fukushima Prefecture, elemental analysis and radiotracer experiments similar to those conducted on rice plants were carried out using hydroponically grown young oak seedlings. The results showed that oak roots do not selectively uptake K+ over Cs+ from hydroponic solution. The changes in the root K+–Cs+ uptake mechanism in response to the K supply during cultivation were minimal, and the suppression of Cs+ uptake by K+ supply can be mainly due to the competition between the two ions.