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165621 
Journal Article 
Uptake and localisation of leadn the root system of Brassica juncea 
Meyers, DE; Auchterlonie, GJ; Webb, RI; Wood, B 
2008 
Yes 
Environmental Pollution
ISSN: 0269-7491
EISSN: 1873-6424 
153 
2 
323-332 
English 
18191314 
The uptake andistributionf Pb sequestered by hydroponically grown (14days growth) Brassica juncea (3days exposure; Pb activities 3.2, 32 and 217microM) wasnvestigated. Lead uptake was restricted largely to root tissue. Examination using scanning transmission electron microscopy-energyispersive spectroscopy revealed substantial and predominantlyntracellular uptake at the root tip. Endocytosisf Pb at the plasma membrane was notbserved. A membrane transport protein may therefore benvolved. In contrast, endocytosisf Pbnto a subsetf vacuoles wasbserved, resultingn the formationfense Pb aggregates. Sparse and predominantly extracellular uptakeccurred at someistance from the root tip. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that the Pb concentration was greatern root tips. Heavy metal rhizofiltration using B. juncea might therefore bemproved by breeding plants with profusely branching roots. Uptake enhancement using genetic engineering techniques would benefit fromnvestigationf plasma membrane transport mechanisms. 
Biological Transport; Ecology/methods; Hydroponics; Lead/analysis/ metabolism; Meristem/metabolism; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Mustard Plant/chemistry/ metabolism; Plant Roots/chemistry/metabolism; Soil Pollutants/metabolism; Spectroscopy, Electron Energy-Loss 
NAAQS
• ISA-Lead (2013 Final Project Page)
     Considered
     Eco/Welfare
          Terrestrial Effects