ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 5744
Session = 7.16.6


TO WHAT EXTENT DO IRON PLAQUES LIMIT TOXIC METAL UPTAKE IN WETLANDPLANTS?


Batty, L. C., Baker, A. J. M, Curtis, C. D. & Wheeler, B. D.


Iron oxyhydroxide plaques have been observed on the actively growing roots of many wetland plant species. It has been suggested that the presence of such deposits has important implications in the restriction of movement of phytotoxic heavy metals from the sediment environment into the root. The present study was designed to determine the physico-chemical properties of iron plaques on the roots of the Common Reed, Phragmites australis from the field and for plants raised in hydroponic cultures using electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques. Uptake of heavy metals in the presence and absence of iron plaque was also investigated under two differing pH regimes. The results from these analyses are presented in the context of the current understanding of plaque development and its relevance as an external mechanism of metal tolerance in wetland plants.


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