Translocation Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Accumulation and translocation of trace elements and macronutrients in different plant species across five study sites

• The five different study sites were investigated for their nature of different diversity patterns. • Current evidence proved on traphic transfer of trace elements and nutrients. • The plant diversity appears to be infrequent and dependent on bio-concentration. • Trophic transfer of trace elements and nutrients in the following order: Roots > Leaves > Stems. The present study aims to analyze the capacity of plant species (52 individuals) for accumulation and translocation of trace elements (Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Al, Ni, and Pb) and the macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn), in five different study sites. Fixed area sampling approach tests were used to determine the plant community and density. For trace elements and macronutrient analysis, the soil and plant samples were collected and were quantified with the help of Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) – Atomic Emission Spectroscopy and Oxygen/Hydrogen836 (OH836). The findings revealed that the levels of bioaccumulation capacity, translocation capability of each plant component, and overall concentration in each tissue are generally species-specific. The bio-concentration data revealed substantial amounts of elements and macronutrients among the research locations, demonstrating that element and nutrient levels often decrease in order: Root > Leaves > Stem is the order of importance. Translocation factor profiles were independent of individual tissue species and life forms. Based on the resulting translocation factors of plant communities, study site 5 (S5) was observed to be enriched with trace elements, whereas study site 1 (S1) had the highest levels of macronutrients. This study demonstrates that plant richness is an important of trace elements and macronutrients and helps understanding the ecology of soil in the study area. The potential of plant species to accumulate in their morpho-anatomical shapes is also demonstrated in this study, which supports the prevailing ecological considerations.

Bioaccumulation and translocation of trace elements in soil-irrigation water-wheat in arid agricultural areas of Xin Jiang, China

Pollution resulting from toxic trace elements is an increasing concern around the world especially in developing countries such as China. Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural development are the dominant sources of anthropogenic contamination contributed to an increased potential toxicity of trace elements in the irrigation water-soil-food chain. Xin Jiang in China is a reserved cultivated land development area that could provide the most extensive strategic support for food production and arable land security in China. Thus, it is crucial to investigate the bioaccumulation and translocation of trace elements in order to assess the ecological and human health risks in the traditional oasis system of the agricultural areas in Bay Cheng County, Xin Jiang. This study analysed the levels of trace elements in different layers of the soil, the irrigation water and the wheat plants, and the relationships among them. The results indicated that cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) were the primary pollutants in soils and wheats respectively, and they fell into the serious pollution category. However, no trace elements over the pollution limits were detected in irrigation water. The maximum values of trace elements appeared in the soil layers at 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm. The pollution levels of trace elements in the soil layers were found at 0-5 cm and 0-20 cm, which were higher than those at 20-80 cm. In wheat, high amounts of absorption for Se, Cr, Zn and Cu, but low for Pb were detected in different parts of a plant. The roots of wheats were more eco-toxic to Cd, Co and Pb than other tissues, indicating that roots were more effective at absorbing Cd, Co and Pb, as these metals are usually toxic in the soil. Se, Cu and Zn showed a higher ability of being transferred from soils to the edible parts of crops. The bio-transfer factors of Zn, Mo, Cu, Mg and Mn were considerably higher than those of other elements. The average cancer risk of As, Cd, Co, Ni and TCR in wheat grains exceeded the safety reference limit (1 × 10-4). For the exposed population, Cr in wheat was the major contributor to total cancer risk. The average values of HQ of Cr, Mn and As, and total non-cancer risk index exceeded the corresponding effective safe reference doses (HQ > 1).

Bioaugmentation with PGP-trace element tolerant bacterial consortia affects Pb uptake by Helianthus annuus grown on trace element polluted military soils

In this study, we sought to compose consortia of plant growth-promoting (PGP) and trace element tolerant bacteria, to improve plant growth and inhibit uptake and translocation of trace elements, eventually allowing the cultivation of profitmaking crops on trace elements polluted soils, reducing the risks of entrance of these elements into the food chain. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was grown on two polluted military soils (MS1 and MS2) in greenhouse microcosms and inoculated with three different bacterial consortia (C1, C2, C3). Growth and physiological status of the plants were unaffected during the experiment with the inoculation. After 2 months, plants were harvested. Consortium C2 and C3 decreased Pb shoot bioaccumulation by respectively 80–85% when plants were grown in the MS1 and even to concentrations below detection limit in plants grown in MS2. Differences in uptake and (sub)cellular localization of Pb and Cd in selected bacterial isolates were investigated in vitro by TEM-EDX. Pb absorption was observed by Bacillus wiedmanni ST29 and Bacillus paramycoides ST9 cultures. While adsorption at the bacterial cell wall was observed by Bacillus paramycoides ST9 and retention in the extracellular matrix by Cellulosimicrobium cellulans ST54.

Micro-edaphic factors affect intra-specific variations in trace element profiles of Noccaea praecox on ultramafic soils.

The aim of this study was to compare trace element profiles of Noccaea praecox (Wulfen) F. K. Mey. growing on ultramafic soils in different habitat types and to observe differences in uptake and translocation of trace elements. Physico-chemical characteristics of the soil and concentrations of P2O5, K2O, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Co in plant samples were presented. Biological concentration, accumulation, and translocation factors were calculated to estimate accumulation potential of different N. praecox accessions. All of the studied accessions were Ni hyperaccumulators (with shoot concentrations up to 14,593mgkg-1), but with notable differences in accumulation and translocation rates. Significant differences in accumulation and translocation patterns of trace elements were observed among accessions from habitats characterized as serpentine steppes on dry, shallow soils in contrast to the accessions from habitats with higher soil moisture, and higher content of organic matter.

A Comparative Study on Poaceae and Leguminosae Forage Crops for Aided Phytostabilization in Trace-Element-Contaminated Soil

When applying an aided phytostabilization in trace-element-contaminated agricultural soil, the cultivation of forage crops instead of edible crops can reduce the trace elements transfer to humans while minimizing the income loss of farmers. The objectives of this study were to compare the effect of the type of forage crops at the “family” level (Poaceae and Leguminosae) on aided phytostabilization using physical (water stable aggregation), chemical (Mehlich-3 extraction), and biological assessments (dehydrogenase activity). Pig manure and acid mine drainage sludge were used as soil amendments, and four plant species (Loliummultiflorum Lam. var. italicum and Secalecereale L. [Poaceae representatives], Viciavillosa Roth, and Trifoliumpratense L. [Leguminosae representatives]) were cultivated after amendment treatments. Chemical assessment showed that the reduction in bioavailability of trace elements was partly observed in legume crops. The positive effects of plant cultivation were determined through physical assessment. The effectiveness of pig manure as an organic amendment was determined by biological assessment. In some treatments, the synergistic effect of the incorporation of chemical stabilization with both plant families was observed but it was difficult to identify a clear distinction between the two families. The translocation of trace elements from root to shoot was low in all plants, indicating that the cultivation of the plants used in this study is safe with regards to the spread of trace elements into the environment. The results suggest that forage crop cultivation in contaminated agricultural soil could ameliorate soil quality after chemical stabilization.

Comparative analysis of trace element accumulation in seagrasses Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa: Biomonitoring applications and legislative issues

This study aimed to compare the bioaccumulation patterns and translocation of trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) from the environment in the seagrasses Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa. Results showed that P. oceanica has a higher capacity of accumulation. P. oceanica and C. nodosa accumulate mainly in roots and leaves, the main organs acting as potential bioindicators. No significant correlation was found between water and both seagrasses. In turn, P. oceanica and C. nodosa were correlated, to a different extent, with As, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn in sediments. This study showed also that current European regulations do not provide an exhaustive set of legal concentration limits of trace elements in marine water and sediments. Seagrasses P. oceanica and C. nodosa can act as effective bioindicators of trace elements only if quality limits are set for the most toxic elements present in marine ecosystems.

Influence of graded EDTA applications on mobilization and translocation of trace elements—a soil column experiment

AbstractIncreasing concerns about potential environmental effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) accumulation in soils require better understanding of its behavior and its effect on trace element mobilization. In this study we investigated the effect of EDTA on soil trace element mobilization in undisturbed soil columns taken from a heavy metal contaminated field. The columns were leached by EDTA solutions of different concentrations under unsaturated, steady‐state conditions. The transport of trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn) and EDTA was monitored by regularly collecting the leachates. After the termination of the leaching experiment the soil columns were divided into 5 layers to determine trace elements and EDTA concentrations in the soil. The results revealed that the soil analysis alone was not suitable to infer mobilization or immobilization patterns in relation to the EDTA concentration, as the mobilized fraction was too small in relation to the total trace metal concentrations in the soil. Analysis of the leachates displayed that after 2–4 pore volumes the EDTA output concentration reached about 80% of the input concentration. The trace element concentrations in the leachates showed that some elements were mobilized by EDTA (Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Co, Ni, Zn) while others were immobilized (Mn, Cr, Mo, Sn) in the soil columns after EDTA application.

Translocation of Trace Elements from Sewage Sludge Amendments to Plants in a Reclaimed Area.

The goal of the study was to evaluate bioaccumulation of trace elements in plants grown in post-mining soils amended with the biosolids material. Phaseolus vulgaris was investigated on the laboratory scale, and a mixture of grasses, Melilotus albus, Beta vulgaris, Zea mays L. and Miscanthus × giganteus were evaluated on the field scale. The results of the research showed that P. vulgaris fertilized with the Carbocrash substrate was able to grow. In addition, growth was enhanced following stimulation with gibberellic acid. Transfer of trace elements should be evaluated on the plot scale. Therefore, we monitored the level of trace elements on an experimental plot in a reclaimed area. Crops plants were sown in multi-year periods. During the growing season the mixture of grasses and crop plants had a low bioaccumulation factor, which also showed a positive effect of fertilization with the Carbocrash substrate.

Differences in trace element profiles of three subspecies of Silene parnassica (Caryophyllaceae) growing on ophiolitic substrate

The aim of the present study was to compare trace element profiles and the differences in uptake and translocation of trace elements in plants from five populations (three from Greece and two from Serbia) belonging to three subspecies of Silene parnassica Boiss. & Sprun. growing on ophiolitic substrates. For comparison of the subspecies, bioconcentration and translocation factors were used, as well as Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients for concentrations of elements in root and shoot samples. Chemical characteristics of the soil samples (pH, organic C, P2O5, K2O, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd and Pb) and plant samples (P2O5, K2O, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd and Pb) were determined, as well as bioconcentration and translocation factors and correlation matrices. All the three subspecies acted as strong Ni accumulators, with equal concentrations of Ni in roots and shoots, the values being several times higher than 100 mg kg–1, exceeding concentrations of available Ni in the soil. Concentrations of Cu and Cr in the aboveground plant tissues in samples from three localities were several times higher than expected, even for plants growing on metalliferous soils, exceeding, by multiple times, the available concentrations in the soil samples.

Comparison of soil-to-root transfer and translocation coefficients of trace elements in vines of Chardonnay and Muscat white grown in the same vineyard

The soil-to-root transfer and translocation coefficients of essential and non-essential elements in different parts of Vitis vinifera L. depend on environmental and anthropogenic factors and can be variety-specific. Knowledge about uptake and translocation of trace elements by different varieties is necessary for prediction contamination of grapes and wine products and understanding tolerance of cultivars to the environment. The study focused on determination of transfer and translocation patterns of so-called essential (Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) and non-essential (Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb) elements by vines of Chardonnay and Muscat white of the same age and grown at the similar environmental conditions in Inkerman vineyard, South Crimea in 2013. Samples of irrigation water, soil, fine and coarse roots, leaves and canes were taken in May and berries were harvested in August. The soil enrichment factor, soil-to-root transfer and translocation (roots, leaves and canes) coefficients were calculated based on the trace elements concentration gradients. The principle component analysis and the variables correlation were used for the data treatment. Results showed the contamination of vineyard soil by Pb, which was due to contaminated irrigation water. There was a little variation between Chardonnay and Muscat white in terms of essential trace elements transfer from soil to roots. Translocation patterns were significantly different for non-essential elements, cultivars and plant parts. Pb had the highest variability in transfer and translocation patterns between varieties. Bio-concentration factors varied between cultivars and the highest value was detected for Zn and Fe.

Translocation of trace elements in the system "Mother-placenta-fetus" in rats with physiological pregnancy and under conditions of lead exposure.

Heavy metals are the second major environmental pollutants. Especially toxic is lead, increased content of which in the body of a pregnant determines the development of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period complications and is potentiated by deficiency of essential trace elements - zinc and copper. Article presents the results of impact of solutions of lead acetate and citrate in experimental models. Solutions of metals were injected into the stomach through a tube once a day during 19 days of pregnancy in the dose of 0,05 mg/kg in the form of inorganic compound - lead acetate and in organic form – lead citrate. The content of trace elements - lead, cadmium, copper and zinc were determined by stripping voltamperometry. In addition, indices of placental and fetal accumulation, as well as index of transplacental migration were calculated. Effect of lead during pregnancy in all biosubstrates is increased by 1,3-1,9 times as compared with the control group. This causes imbalance of essential trace elements due to significant reduction in zinc content in all the studied biological substrates. Prolonged contact with lead during pregnancy leads to disruption of placenta, inability of the placenta to fully protect the fetus from excessive intranatal influence of xenobiotics.

The role of the seagrass <i>Posidonia oceanica</i> in the cycling of trace elements

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica on the cycling of a wide set of trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Tl, V and Zn). We measured the concentration of these trace elements in different compartments of P. oceanica (leaves, rhizomes, roots and epiphytes) in a non-polluted seagrass meadow representative of the Mediterranean and calculated the annual budget from a mass balance. We provide novel data on accumulation dynamics of many trace elements in P. oceanica compartments and demonstrate that trace element accumulation patterns are mainly determined by plant compartment rather than by temporal variability. Epiphytes were the compartment, which showed the greatest concentrations for most trace elements. Thus, they constitute a key compartment when estimating trace element transfer to higher trophic levels by P. oceanica. Trace element translocation in P. oceanica seemed to be low and acropetal in most cases. Zn, Cd, Sr and Rb were the trace elements that showed the highest release rate through decomposition of plant detritus, while Cs, Tl and Bi showed the lowest. P. oceanica acts as a sink of potentially toxic trace elements (Ni, Cr, As and Ag), which can be sequestered, decreasing their bioavailability. P. oceanica may have a relevant role in the cycling of trace elements in the Mediterranean.

A method for the determination of hydrophobicity of suspended soil colloids

Colloids play a crucial role in the translocation of trace elements in soils. Recent studies provided hints that colloid hydrophobicity may be an important factor controlling colloid (im)mobilization in soils. However, existing methods for the determination of hydrophobicity are limited to the bulk soil. Therefore, we developed a method to determine the hydrophobicity of suspended colloids in aqueous soil suspensions, which was based on a distribution between a polar and a non-polar phase. The proposed method uses 30 mg of an unpolar solid phase (C18-column material) which are mixed with 10 mL of suspension for 2 h. The turbidity of the suspensions is measured before and after mixing. The ratio of the colloids in the hydrophilic aqueous and the hydrophobic solid phase is calculated as a measure of colloid hydrophobicity. This method was successfully tested on differently hydrophobized goethite particles. At DOC concentrations exceeding 20 mg L −1, organic molecules sorbed to C18-material limit the applicability of the method.

Uptake and distribution of trace elements in maturing soybean.

The uptake and translocation of trace elements in maturing soybean plants cultivated on soil were studied over 360 h under diurnal conditions after the administration of a multitracer. The contents (%/g) of Co, Se, Rb, Sr, Ru, Rh, and Cs in all the leaves and stems collected from each node increased up to around 200 h after the administration of the multitracer and then decreased with time. The contents of Zn, Tc, and Re in the leaves and Zn in the stems continuously increased up to 360 h, but Tc and Re in the stems showed maximum content. This observation suggests the translocation of these elements from old leaves to growing leaves via stems. The relationship between the content (%/g) of an element in the seeds and pods, and the cultivation time varied depending on the kind of element and on the growth steps. Mathematical analyses were applied to the behavior of the elements in the soybean. The time dependence of the uptake rate (%/g/h) and distribution of elements in each part of the plant were characteristic of the element.

Comparative uptake and translocation of trace elements from coal ash by typha latifolia

The common cattail, Typha latifolia, is a primary invading species of coal ash basins on the Savannah River Plant (SRP). The near neutral ashes (pH∼7), which form the substrate for these plants, contain high concentrations of many elements including plant micronutrients and potential toxins. This study investigates the uptake and translocation of ten elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Zn) by Typha latifolia growing in ash basin environments and contrasts the patterns observed in plants grown in these impacted areas with those found in plants grown on nonimpacted sites. The data provides information relevant to the influence of physicochemical parameters on elemental availability. Finally, thermodynamic, chemical equilibrium models are employed to aid in interpreting element uptake patterns.