Soil characteristics influence the radionuclide uptake of different plant species

Abstract

The key point of food plant agriculture is how to regulate the harmonious relationship between the soil and the plant environment. This study deals with radionuclide uptake by two food plant and two fruit tree species in relation to the geochemical characteristics of the soil. Uranium and thorium content was determined in coastal black sand and inland cultivated soils. Four commonly cultivated species Eruca sativa, Lycopersicon esculentum, Psidium guajava and Mangifera indica were investigated. Physical and chemical properties of the soil were analysed in relation to uranium and thorium uptake by plants. The results revealed the ability of plants to accumulate uranium and thorium in their edible portions. The absorbed radionuclides were positively correlated with their concentrations in the soil and the geochemical characteristics of the soil. The transfer of radioactive elements from soil to plant is a complex process that can be regulated by controlling the geochemical characteristics of the soil, including pH, clay, silt and organic matter content that reduce the bioavailability of soil radionuclides to plants, and in turn reduce the risks of biota and human exposure to radionuclide contamination.

Keywords:

• radionuclides
• uranium
• thorium
• soil characteristics
• transfer factor
• Egypt

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the deanship of scientific research at King Saud University for funding the work through the research group project No. RGP-VPP-175 on plant ecology and biotechnology. We appreciate the two anonymous reviewers and editorial comments which greatly improved the manuscript.