Uptake and distribution of trace metal elements in wheat seedlings

The uptake and distribution of eight metallic elements were examined in wheat seedlings for a period of 12 d with a radioactive multitracer technique. The radioactive nuclides of the seedlings were simultaneously determined by γ-ray spectrometry. All of the elements studied were taken up by the wheat seedlings and mainly accumulated in the roots. Only some elements were transported to shoots and leaves of the seedlings or bound to leaf proteins, and two elements were transported into the chloroplast. Uptake of most elements reached a maximum on the fifth or the eighth day and then gradually decreased afterward. In the cases of ^95mTc and ⁷²Se, the uptake increased continuously within 12 d without the peak uptake. The change of elemental concentrations was dependent on uptake and excretion rates. The dynamics of metal elements taken up by the wheat seedlings and their distribution in roots, shoots, and leaves were different for each element, suggesting that it may depend on the characteristics of the elements.