The uptake of cadmium by Brassica chinensis and its effect on plant zinc and iron distribution

Abstract

A study was made of the uptake of cadmium in solution by an East Asian vegetable-Brassica chinensis (choy sam). Different levels of cadmium (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 μg/ml) were applied to nutrient solutions and the metal concentration in the various parts of the plants measured. Iron and zinc levels of the plants were also analysed to determine the interelemental relationship among the metals. Cadmium was found to have been translocated to the foliar regions. Also, the uptake of zinc by plants grown in 0.1 μg/ml Cd increased over that of the control but decreased with higher levels of Cd concentration. Iron concentration in the plants rose with increasing levels of Cd, but chlorosis was observed. Reduced yield and chlorosis occurred at Cd concentrations of 1.0 μg/ml and above. © 1984.