Cadmium Contamination of Zea mays by Root Absorption

Abstract

Absorption of radioactive cadmium (¹⁰⁹Cd) and transport to leaves and stems was investigated in Zea mays under intensive and constant exposure early after germination and during flowering. Cadmium is readily taken up by the roots and about 20 percent is transported to parts above the ground, reaching also the reproductive organs. The separation of bound cadmium suggests that there is less binding on cell walls from cadmium taken up by the roots than that injected into the stems. Concentrations of K⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ do not indicate a toxic action of cadmium on the plant under the conditions used.

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