Enhanced uptake of soil Pb and Zn by Indian mustard and winter wheat following combined soil application of elemental sulphur and EDTA

Enhancement of Pb and Zn uptake by Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) grown for 50 days in pots of contaminated soil was studied with application of elemental sulphur (S) and EDTA. Sulphur was added to the soil at 5 rates (0–160 mmol kg^?1) before planting, and EDTA was added in solution at 4 rates (0–8 mmol kg^?1) after 40 days of plant growth. Additional pots were established with the same rates of S and EDTA but without plants to monitor soil pH and CaCl₂-extractable heavy metals. The highest application rate of S acidified the soil from pH 7.1 to 6.0. Soil extractable Pb and Zn and shoot uptake of Pb and Zn increased as soil pH decreased. Both S and EDTA increased soil extractable Pb and Zn and shoot Pb and Zn uptake. EDTA was more effective than S in increasing soil extractable Pb and Zn, and the two amendments combined had a synergistic effect, raising extractable Pb to ¿1000 and Zn to ¿6 times their concentrations in unamended control soil. Wheat had higher shoot yields than Indian mustard and increasing application rates of both S and EDTA reduced the shoot dry matter yields of both plant species to as low as about half those of unamended controls. However, Indian mustard hyperaccumulated Pb in all EDTA treatments tested except the treatment with no S applied, and the maximum shoot Pb concentration was 7100 mg kg^?1 under the highest application rates of S and EDTA combined. Wheat showed similar trends, but hyperaccumulation (1095 mg kg^?1) occurred only at the highest rates of S and EDTA combined. Similar trends in shoot Zn were found, but with lower concentrations than Pb and far below hyperaccumulation, with maxima of 777 and 480 mg kg^?1 in Indian mustard and wheat. Despite their lower yields, Indian mustard shoots extracted more Pb and Zn from the soil (up to 4.1 and 0.45 mg pot^?1) than did winter wheat (up to 0.72 and 0.28 mg pot^?1), indicating that the effects of S and EDTA on shoot metal concentration were more important than yield effects in determining rates of metal removal over the growth period of 50 days. Phytoextraction of Pb from this highly contaminated soil would require the growth of Indian mustard for nearly 100 years and is therefore impractical.     

Ion-exchange aspects of toxic metal uptake by Indian mustard

Uptake of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) as +2 ions by excised roots of Indian mustard was demonstrated to be an ion-exchange process with existing Ca or protons released to the solution. This initial reaction at the root-aqueous interface is important in the uptake of these toxic metals from contaminated soil. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-amended soil for phytoremediation has Pb in anionic form as [Pb-EDTA]2-, which was not taken up by excised roots. In nonliving B. juncea, Pb2+ was translocated from a solution through a cut stem to petiole and leaves much more quickly than anionic [Pb-EDTA]2-. However, in living plants [Pb-EDTA]2- was more quickly translocated from a solution through roots and petiole to leaves than Pb2+. The final amount of uptake on roots of the living plants was the same for both forms of Pb. The present results are important toward understanding the mechanism of phytoremediation of toxic metal-contaminated soil for two reasons: 1) the initial process, uptake of metal ions by roots, was shown to occur by cation exchange and 2) since [Pb-EDTA]2- was not sorbed by excised roots, other factors such as transpiration and active transport are important in applications using EDTA-amended soils contaminated by Pb.     

Phytoremediation of arsenic and lead in contaminated soil using Chinese brake ferns (Pteris vittata) and Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

Field and greenhouse experiments were performed to assess the performance of phytoremediation of arsenic and lead from contaminated soil at an EPA Superfund site (Barber Orchard). Chinese Brake ferns (Pteris vittata) were used to extract arsenic. On average, fern shoot arsenic concentrations were as high as 20 times the soil arsenic concentrations under field conditions. It was estimated that 8 years would be required to reduce the acid-extractable portion of soil arsenic to safe levels (40 mg/kg). The effect of soil pH on arsenic extraction was also investigated. Results indicate that increasing soil pH may improve arsenic removal. Indian mustard plants (Brassica juncea) were used under greenhouse conditions to phytoextract soil lead. EDTA was applied to soil and was found to improve lead extraction. When the EDTA concentration was 10 mmol EDTA/kg soil in soil containing 338 mg Pb/kg soil, mustard plants extracted approximately 32 mg of lead. In conclusion, phytoremediation would be a suitable alternative to conventional remediation techniques, especially for soils that do not require immediate remediation.     

Methodological studies on the uptake of zinc by 3T3 cells.

In the present work, experiments were conducted on the uptake of zinc by 3T3 cells. (1) The percent Zn uptake gradually decreased with addition of increasing amount of zinc (0.05-8.4 mug). (2) With the increase of the incubation period from 2 to 16 hr, Zn uptake by nearly confluent cells increases gradually; however, confluent cells which are newly replated show a distinct cyclic increase in the Zn uptake after 2, 6, and 10 hr. (3) The amino acids of DMM and serum decrease Zn uptake. (4) Histidine at a molar excess of 1:50, 1:500, and 1:5000 reduces Zn uptake in comparison to a treatment with 65Zn-Zn-L-hist2 at a molar ratio of 1:5. (5) When zinc is added in the form of different Zn compounds, at a molar ratio of 1:2 or 1:1 (Zn:ligand), EDTA decreases the Zn uptake markedly. A small influence was shown also by albumin and histidine; however, other amino and organic acids at a molar ratio of 1:2 did not alter Zn uptake significantly.     

Effects of liming on the extractability of Fe,Mn, Zn and Cu from a peat medium and the growth and micronutrient uptake of highbush blueberry plants

Summary Levels of extractable micronutrients in a peat and the growth and nutrient uptake of young highbush blueberry plants (Vaccinium corymbosum L cv. Blueray) were studied in a greenhouse experiment in response to liming and two rates of addition of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu.Levels of extractable micronutrients showed different trends with liming depending upon the extractant used and the element being considered. Levels of 0.05M CaCl₂-extractable Fe, Mn and Zn decreased as the pH was raised whilst those of Cu first decreased and then increased again. There was a general decline in 0.1M HCl-extractable Fe, Mn and Cu with increasing pH but levels of Zn were not greatly affected. Levels of 0.005M DTPA extractable Fe, Mn Zn and Cu generally declined but those extractable with 0.04M EDTA were either unaffected or increased as the pH was raised. Levels of CaCl₂-extractable Mn and Zn were the same order of magnitude as those extractable with HCl, DTPA and EDTA. In contrast, the latter reagents extracted considerably more Fe and Cu than did CaCl₂.Dry matter yields of plants were increased as the pH was raised from 3.9 to 4.3 but then decreased markedly as the pH was raised further to 6.7. With increasing pH, concentrations of plant Fe generally increased those of Mn were decreased and those of Zn and Cu were not greatly affected except for a marked decline in plant Cu at pH 6.7.     

The mobilisation and fate of soil and rock phosphate in the rhizosphere of ectomycorrhizal Pinus radiata seedlings in an Allophanic soil

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the uptake of Zn from experimentally contaminated calcareous soil of low nutrient status by maize inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus caledonium. EDTA was applied to the soil to mobilize Zn and thus maximize plant Zn uptake. The highest plant dry matter (DM) yields were obtained with a moderate Zn addition level of 300 mg kg^?1. Plant growth was enhanced by mycorrhizal colonization when no Zn was added and under the highest Zn addition level of 600 mg kg^?1, while application of EDTA to the soil generally inhibited plant growth. EDTA application also increased plant Zn concentration, and Zn accumulation in the roots increased with increasing EDTA addition level. The effects of inoculation with G. caledonium on plant Zn uptake varied with Zn addition level. When no Zn was added, Zn translocation from roots to shoots was enhanced by mycorrhizal colonization. In contrast, when Zn was added to the soil, mycorrhizal colonization resulted in lower shoot Zn concentrations in mycorrhizal plants. The P nutrition of the maize was greatly affected by AM inoculation, with mycorrhizal plants showing higher P concentrations and P uptake. The results indicate that application of EDTA mobilized soil Zn, leading to increased Zn accumulation by the roots and subsequent plant toxicity and growth inhibition. Mycorrhizal colonization alleviated both Zn deficiency and Zn contamination, and also increased host plant growth by influencing mineral nutrition. However, neither EDTA application nor arbuscular mycorrhiza stimulated Zn translocation from roots to shoots or metal phytoextraction under the experimental conditions. The results are discussed in relation to the environmental risk associated with chelate-enhanced phytoextraction and the potential role of arbuscular mycorrhiza in soil remediation.     

Characterization of cadmium uptake by the water lily Nymphaea aurora

This study characterizes cadmium (Cd) uptake by the waterlily Nymphaea aurora, (Nymphaeaceae) in two systems: a model hydroponic Cd solution and heavily polluted sludge from two sites in Israel. The uptake of Cd from hydroponic solution resulted in Cd storage in petioles and laminae of Nymphaea, as well as in the roots. The pH of the solution affected Cd solubility and availability, with pH 5.5 yielding maximum Cd content in the plant (140 mg Cd per g DW). Cd uptake was reduced by the addition of EDTA to the hydroponic growth medium, although EDTA enhanced heavy metal uptake by terrestrial plants. Nymphaea efficiently reduced the concentration of Cd in heavy metal polluted urban and industrial sludge and the amount of Cd uptake was enhanced by the addition of KCl to the sludge and by adjustment of the pH to 5.5. The inherent growth patterns of Nymphaea plants allowed Cd uptake by the shoot and root, and resulted in maximum contact between the various plant parts and the growth media. Thus, Nymphaea has potential as an optimal, highly effective phytoremediation tool for the removal of Cd from polluted waste sources.     

ZupT Is a Zn(II) Uptake System in Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli zupT (ygiE), encoding a ZIP family member, mediated zinc uptake. Growth of cells disrupted in both zupT and the znuABC operon was inhibited by EDTA at a much lower concentration than a single mutant or the wild type. Cells expressing ZupT from a plasmid exhibited increased uptake of (65)Zn(2+).     

Effects of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae on growth and phosphorus and zinc nutrition of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in an Oxisol from subtropical Australia

Peanut plants (cv. Shulamit) were grown in an Oxisol soil in pots in the glasshouse to assess effects of soil sterilization and inoculation with spores of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAMF) on the response to five rates of phosphorus (0 to 240 kg P ha^–1) and two rates of zinc (0 and 10 kg Zn ha^–1) fertilizers.Both P and Zn nutrition were affected by VAMF activity but the dominant role of VAMF in this soil type was in uptake of P. In the absence of VAMF there was a clear threshold level of P application (60 kg P ha^–1) below which plants grew poorly, which resulted in a sigmoidal response of dry matter to applied P. The maximum response was not fully defined because dry matter production continued to increase up to 240 kg P ha^–1. Tissue P concentration of non-mycorrhizal plants increased linearly with P rate and was always significantly less than that in mycorrhizal plants.Mycorrhizal plants responded without threshold to increasing P rate, attaining maximum dry matter at 120 kg P ha^–1 in inoculated sterilized soil and at 30 kg P ha^–1 in nonsterile soil. These differences in maximal P rates and in the greater dry matter produced in sterile soil at high P rates were attributed to the negative effects of the root-knot nematodeMeloidogyne hapla in nonsterile soil.Plant weight did not respond to zinc fertilizer but tissue Zn concentration increased with applied Zn. Tissue Zn concentration and uptake were increased by VAMF.     

Decrease in nitrate uptake and increase in proton release in zinc deficient cotton,sunflower and buckwheat plants

The effect of varied Zn supply on the pH of the nutrient solution and uptake of cations and anions was studied in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) plants grown under controlled environmental conditions in nutrient solutions with nitrate as source of nitrogen. With the appearance of visual Zn deficiency symtoms, the pH of the nutrient solutions decreased from 6 to about 5 whereas the pH increased to about 7 when the plants were adequately supplied with Zn. In Zn deficient plants the pH decrease was associated with a shift in the cation-anion uptake ratio in favour of cation uptake. Of the major ions, uptake of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ was either not affected or only slightly lowered whereas NO₃ ^- uptake was drastically decreased in Zn deficient plants. Although the Zn nutritional status of plants hardly affected the NO₃ ^- concentrations in the plants, the leakage of NO₃ ^- from roots of Zn deficient plants into a diluted CaCl₂ solution was nearly 10 times higher than that of plants adequately supplied with Zn. In contrast to Zn deficiency, Mn deficiency in cotton plants neither affected NO₃ ^- uptake nor the pH of the nutrient solution.The results indicate that, probably as a consequence of the role of Zn in plasma membrane integrity and nitrogen metabolism, when Zn is deficient in dicotyledonous species net uptake of NO₃ ^- is particularly depressed which in turn results in an increase in cation-anion uptake ratio and a corresponding decrease in external pH. The ecological relevance of this rhizosphere acidification is discussed.     

The EDTA Amendment in Phytoextraction of 134Cs From Soil by Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea)

Soil contamination with radiocaesium is a significant problem at any countries when a nuclear accident occurred. Recently, phytoextraction technique is developed to remediate the contaminated environment. However, the application is limited by the availability of the contaminant for root uptake. Therefore, a green house trial experiment of soil amendment with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) has been conducted to examine ¹³⁴Cs availability for root uptake. Two groups of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) were cultivated in ¹³⁴Cs contaminated soil. The soil in the first group was treated with EDTA amendment, while the other was not. Plant growth was observed gravimetrically and the ¹³⁴Cs concentration in soil as well as plants were determined using gamma spectrometry. The plant uptake capacity was determined as transfer factor (F_v), and the F_v values of 0.22 ± 0.0786 and 0.12 ± 0.039 were obtained for the soil treated with and without EDTA amendment, respectively. The phytoextraction efficiency of the plant cultivated in ¹³⁴Cs contaminated soil both with and without EDTA amendment was low. The EDTA amendment to the soil seems to enhance the ¹³⁴Cs availability for root uptake of Indian mustard and can still be considered to assist the field phytoremediation of contaminated soil.     

Effects of soil acidification on the chemical extractability of Fe,Mn, Zn and Cu and the growth and micronutrient uptake of highbush blueberry plants

Summary The effects of soil acidification and micronutrient addition on levels of extractable Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in a soil, and on the growth and micronutrient uptake of young highbush blueberry plants (Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. Blueray) was investigated in a greenhouse study.Levels of 0.05M CaCl₂-extractable Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu increased as the pH was lowered from 7.0 to 3.8. However, the solubility (CaCl₂-extractability) of Fe and Cu was considerably less pH-dependent than that of Mn and Zn. With the exception of HCl-and DTPA-extractable Mn, micronutrients extractable with 0.1M HCl, 0.005M DTPA and 0.04M EDTA were unaffected or raised only slightly as the pH was lowered from 6.0 to 3.8. Quantities of Mn and Zn extractable with CaCl₂ were similar in magnitude to those extractable with HCl, DTPA and EDTA whilst, in contrast, the latter reagents extracted considerably more Cu and Fe than did CaCl₂. A fractionation of soil Zn and Cu revealed that soil acidification resulted in an increase in the CaCl₂- and pyrophosphate-extractable fractions and a smaller decrease in the oxalate-extractable fraction.Plant dry matter production increased consistently when the soil pH was lowered from 7.0 to 4.6 but there was a slight decline in dry matter as the pH was lowered to 3.8. Micronutrient additions had no influence on plant biomass although plant uptake was increased. As the pH was lowered, concentrations of plant Fe first decreased and then increased whilst those of Mn, and to a lesser extent Zn and Cu, increased markedly.     

小麦锌营养状况对锌吸收的影响

不论锌的供给形态是无视态(ZnSO_4),还是螯合态(ZnEDTA 或 Zn—PS),小麦锌吸收率均随供锌浓度的提高而增加。缺锌小麦锌吸收率明显高于对照。供ZnEDTA的小麦锌吸收率低于供ZnSO_4和 Zn—PS的小麦。无机态Zn~(24)在根自由空间内累积多,而 ZnEDTA态锌在根自由空间中累积少,缺锌小麦根分泌的有机物质对前者活化量大于后者、被植物吸收利用的数量也就高于后者。     

Equivalent uptake of organic and inorganic zinc by monkey kidney fibroblasts, human intestinal epithelial cells, or perfused mouse intestine

Zinc (Zn) is recognized as an essential nutrient, and is added as a supplement to animal and human diets. There are claims that zinc methionine (ZnMet) forms a stable complex that is preferentially transported into tissues, and this has contributed to uncertainty about conflicting reports on the bioavailability of various Zn compounds. This study evaluated the cellular and intestinal uptake of inorganic and organic forms of Zn. Steady-state uptake of⁶⁵Zn by human intestine epithelial cells, and monkey kidney fibroblasts was not significantly different with zinc chloride (ZnCl₂), ZnMet, or zinc propionate (ZnProp) (P > 0.05). Uptake of⁶⁵Zn from zinc chelated with EDTA was significantly lower (P < 0.01). In live mice,⁶⁵Zn uptake by perfused intestine and deposition in intestine and liver showed no significant difference between ZnCl₂ and ZnMet. Equimolar [⁶⁵Zn]methionine and zinc[³⁵S]methionine were prepared according to a patented method that yields “ complexed” Zn. Cellular uptake of the radiolabeled methionine was <0.1% of the radiolabeled Zn from these complexes, indicating separate uptake of the Zn and methionine. Gel filtration did not distinguish between⁶⁵Zn in ZnCl₂, ZnProp, or reagent ZnMet, though feed-grade ZnMet containing >10% protein did give a higher-mol-wt form of⁶⁵Zn. Results of this study show equivalent uptake of Zn from inorganic and organic compounds, and support recent feed trials on Zn bioavailability.     

The role of root damage in the chelate-enhanced accumulation of lead by Indian mustard plants

In the present study, increasing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) concentration from 0 to 0.5 mmol L(-1) resulted in progressive increases in root elongation and in shoot and root dry matter (DM) of Indian mustard seedlings (Brassica juncea. L.) exposed at 0.5 mmol L(-1) of lead (Pb). The highest concentration of Pb in the shoots of Indian mustard reached 1140 mg kg(-1) dry weight (DW) in the treatment with 0.5 mmol L(-1) of Pb + 0.25 mmol L(-1) of EDTA. A significantly positive correlation was found between the concentrations of Pb and EDTA in the shoots of mustard. Roots were pretreated with an MC (methanol:trichloromethane) solution, 0.1 mol L(-1) of HCl, and 65 degrees C hot water. The plants were then exposed to 0.5 mmol L(-1) of Pb + 3 mmol L(-1) of EDTA in solution for 2 d. The pretreatments with MC, HCl, and hot water all increased the concentration of Pb in shoots by 14-, 7-, and 15-fold, respectively, compared with the shoots that had not been pretreated. Therefore, some physiological damage to roots would be useful to enhance the uptake of metal by plants and to minimize the application of doses of chelates in the practical operation of chelate-assisted phytoremediation.     

Effect of B Vitamins on the Protein Component of Clusterbeans Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub

Pre-exposure of clusterbean plants to vitamins of the B group:thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine andfolic acid resulted in a significant increase in protein contentof the leaves and fruits which was also evident from the differentprotein patterns in the electrophorograms. The qualitative andquantitative changes in the proteins may be due to de novo synthesisor degradation of a high molecular weight protein. Clusterbean, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub, B vitamins, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, protein pattern     

Yield of submerged paddy and uptake of Zn,P and N as affected by liming and Zn fertilizers

The effects of CaCO₃, Zn sources and levels on the yield of submerged paddy and uptake of Zn, P and N to paddy were studied in green-house at Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar. Powdered CaCO₃ was mixed at 0,4 and 8 per cent and Zn was added at 0,5 and 10 ppm through ZnSO₄.7H₂O, ZnO and Zn EDTA separately. Dry weight at tillering and heading and grain and straw at maturity decreased significantly with 4 and 8 per cent CaCO₃ in comparison to the control. Increasing Zn application increased the dry weight and grain yield. Zn EDTA gave highest yield of paddy followed by ZnSO₄.7H₂O and ZnO.Increasing the application of CaCO₃ from 0–8 per cent decreased the concentration and uptake of Zn and increasing Zn application from 0–10 ppm increased concentration and uptake of Zn in paddy at tillering, heading and maturity. Zn EDTA gave the highest concentration and uptake of Zn followed by ZnSO₄.7H₂O and ZnO. There was interaction between Zn sources and CaCO₃.The concentration and uptake of N and P in paddy dry matter at tillering and heading and straw and grain at maturity decreased as compared to control with increasing CaCO₃ addition. The concentration and uptake of N increased and that of P decreased in paddy dry matter straw and grain with increasing Zn application. The highest concentration of N was observed with ZnO, followed by ZnSO₄.7H₂O and Zn EDTA. But highest uptake of N was observed with Zn EDTA followed by ZnSO₄.7H₂O and ZnO. As regards concentration and uptake of P, it was highest with ZnO followed by ZnSO₄.7H₂O and Zn EDTA.     

Zinc as a second messenger of mitogenic induction. Effects on diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and DNA synthesis

DNA synthesis and adenosine(5')tetraphosphate(5')adenosine (Ap4A) levels decrease in cells treated with EDTA. The inhibitory effect of EDTA can be reversed with micromolar amounts of ZnCl2. ZnCl2 in micromolar concentrations also inhibits Ap4A hydrolase and stimulates amino acid-dependent Ap4A synthesis, suggesting that Zn2+ is modulating intracellular Ap4A pools. Serum addition to G1-arrested cells enhances uptake of Zn, whereas serum depletion leads to a fivefold decrease of the rates of zinc uptake. These results are discussed by regarding Zn2+ as a putative 'second messenger' of mitogenic induction and Ap4A as a possible 'third messenger' and trigger of DNA synthesis.     

Assessing the Zinc solubilization ability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus</Emphasis> in maize rhizosphere using labelled <Superscript>65</Superscript>Zn compounds

Solubilization of insoluble zinc compounds like ZnCO₃ and ZnO by G. diazotrophicus was confirmed using radiotracers. The zinc compounds (ZnCO₃ and ZnO) were tagged with ⁶⁵Zn. ⁶⁵ZnCO₃ and ⁶⁵ZnO was effectively solubilized and the uptake of zn by the plants also more in G. diazotrophicus inoculated treatments compared to the uninoculated treatments. Three types of soils (Zn deficientsterile, Zn deficient-unsterile, and Zn sufficient-sterile) were used in experiment. Among the three soils, Zn deficient-unsterile soil registered maximum zinc solubilization compared to other two soils. This may be due to other soil microorganisms in unsterile soil. Application of ZnO with G. diazotrophicus showed better uptake of the nutrient.     

Effects of ionic and complexed metal concentrations on plant uptake of cadmium and micronutrient metals from solution

Summary Uptake of Cd and micronutrient metals by intact tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum, cv. Wisconsin-55) from solution cultures was investigated by establishing four levels of Cd-ion activity in the presence or absence of a metal-complexing agent (±EDTA). Activity ratios of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn were controlled with chelating resin while activity ratios of K, Ca, and Mg were controlled with a strong-acid cation-exchange resin. Hydrogen ion activity was controlled with a weak-acid cation-exchange resin and P activity by a cation-exchange resin containing adsorbed polynuclear hydroxy-Al. The concentrations of all nutrients and Cd were maintained at concentrations similar to those occuring in solutions of sludge-amended soils. The EDTA treatments increased the concentrations of Cu and Ni in hydroponic solution by approximately four orders of magnitude, Zn by two orders of magnitude, Cd by a factor of 50, Mn by a factor of 2.4, and Fe by a factor of 1.6 Neither the Cd nor the EDTA treatments affected plant yield, and Cd treatments did not significantly affect uptake of other elements. EDTA treatments inhibited Fe uptake, enhanced Cu uptake, and had little effect on the uptake of Cd, Zn, and Mn. Accumulation of Cd, Zn, Mn, and Cu in plant shoots appears to be related to their respective ionic activities rather than their concentrations in hydroponic solution. Research supported by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison and by the United States Environmental Protection Agency through Grant CR807270010.