Accumulated forms of thallium and cadmium in Lemna minor. I. Distribution in aqueous soluble and insoluble fractions

Abstract

The distribution and chemical forms of thallium (Tl) and cadmium (Cd) in Lemna minor have been investigated using extractants of different polarity, enzyme digestion and ultrafiltration and chromatographic methods. Over 80% of Tl and 60% of Cd taken up by the plant was found in aqueous soluble forms. Water was more efficient than ethanol in extracting both elements; about 30% of bound Cd was released by dilute HCI treatment and Cd was mainly bound to pectins and proteins in the cell wall fractions but only a small proportion of Tl was associated with these components. In the aqueous soluble extracts a sizeable proportion of Cd was complexed with soluble moieties, including proteins; whereas Tl seems to be mainly present in the free ionic form.

Keywords:

• Thallium
• cadmium
• Lemna minor
• distribution
• accumulated forms