Uptake and distribution of gamma-emitting activation products ⁵⁹Fe, ⁵⁸Co, ⁵⁴Mn and ⁶⁵Zn in plants

Abstract

The comparative uptake by maize (Zea mays L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants of gamma-emitting activation products ⁵⁹Fe, ⁵⁸Co, ⁵⁴Mn and ⁶⁵Zn, which may be released in controlled or accidental discharges from nuclear installations, was examined in nutrient culture experiments. The accumulation in aerial tissues of ⁶⁵Zn and ⁵⁴Mn was greater than that of ⁵⁸Co and ⁵⁹Fe for identical plant growth periods. The distribution of ⁵⁹Fe, ⁵⁸Co and ⁶⁵Zn in the organs of bean plants was generally uniform whereas the distribution of ⁵⁴Mn was markedly acropetal in amount. Chemical fractionation of these activation products accumulated in the edible bean pods indicated substantial distribution of ⁵⁹Fe, ⁵⁸Co and ⁶⁵Zn in the lipids, including lipophyllic pigments, free amino acids and amino sugars (ethanol) fraction) and also with ionic forms, including salts of organic acids, phosphates, carbonates and some protein bound forms extracted with weak mineral acids (acid fraction); the ⁵⁴Mn was present only in the acid fraction.