Uptake and accumulation of 134Cs by six plant varieties from the amaranthaceae growth in nutrient solution

Six plant varieties of the Amaranthaceae grown for 42 days in a nutrient solution were treated with different 134Cs activities. Plants were harvested 7 days after treatment and analyzed for 134Cs activities. The results show that there is a difference in plant tissue dry weight and maximum weight among varieties, and that there exist great differences in plant uptake of 134Cs applied to the nutrient solution between and within the plant varieties, depending on the initial 134Cs activity. The leaves of all varieties accumulated much more 134Cs than other plant organs as shown by the radiographic images. Bioaccumulation coefficients varied for different varieties with different treatments of 134Cs. Although A. cruentus L. with high biomass, high density of roots, and high growth rate had a lower activity of 134Cs than the other five species, which had comparatively low biomass, low density of roots, and low growth rate, its mean total activities of 134Cs removed in shoots was higher, providing a high removal rate. It is also found that there is a weak correlation between K concentration and 134Cs distribution in the leaves of all six-plant varieties. (authors)