Some Observations on Absorption of Cesium by Excised Barley Roots

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Abstract
Steady state Cs absorption was studied in relation to the external Cs concentration and under conditions of low temperature and anoxybiosis. The results are tentatively explained on the basis of a 2-fold absorption mechanism. The 1st mechanism is very effective, reaching a saturation level at a concentration as low as 0.1 meq/l (half-value-0.008 meq/1). Absorption at this concentration was shown to be sensitive to anoxybiosis. The 2d mechanism becomes relatively important only at concentrations a hundred-fold higher and is insensitive to anoxybiosis. The possibility of a passive nature of the 2d mechanism is discussed. The interference by other mono- and divalent cations with Cs absorption in the concentration range from 0.0 to 0.1 meq/l was studied. K, Rb, and to a less extent NH4 inhibited Cs uptake in a way suggesting competition for the same binding site. Li and Mg had little effect on Cs absorption; Na and Ca only affected the overall absorption capacity for Cs; Na in a negative and Ca in a positive sense.

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