The effect of transpiration on thallium uptake and mobility in durum wheat and spring canola

Aims

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of transpiration on accumulation and distribution of thallium (Tl) in young durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var ‘Kyle’) and spring canola (Brassica napus L. cv ‘Hyola 401’) plants.

Methods

Seedlings were grown hydroponically and exposed to Tl(I) under different high relative humidity (RH) conditions which resulted in different rates of transpiration among treatments. Plants were harvested prior to exposure, after a dark period of 9 (wheat) or 10?h (canola), and after 24?h of exposure. Harvested plant material was digested and analyzed for Tl by GFAAS.

Results

Our results indicated that accumulation and distribution of Tl by plants was dependent on plant species, Tl(I) dose, duration of exposure and RH, but that the effect of RH was influenced by plant species and Tl dose. Plants exposed to Tl(I) under different RH conditions did not accumulate more Tl overall. In wheat, shoots with higher transpiration rates contained a higher Tl concentration. In canola, the rate of transpiration did not consistently affect the concentration of Tl in shoots.

Conclusions

Overall, our results suggest that accumulation and translocation of Tl by plants is influenced by environmental factors that affect transpiration, in addition to soil characteristics.