Possible 85Kr influence on the plant metabolism. Investigation of inert gas 85Kr interaction with plants

Model experiments have shown that inert gas 85Kr is accumulated by plants. The aim of the work was to determine the way of the capture of inert gas by growing plants: either only through their overground part from air or in addition through their overground part from air or in addition through roots which accumulate water dissolved materials. For this purpose potatoes were grown in the chamber where the 85Kr volume activity was (3.6±0.1)*106 Bq*m-3. It was determined that 85Kr gas accumulation was greater in those plant parts which grow faster and are further from the soil. Measurement results of 85Kr activity of a potato tuber slightly differed from the environment background activity. It shows that the main penetration of inert gas into the plant occurred by absorption from air. (author)