CHED 1059 |
| Heavy metals, including cadmium, accumulate in soil from many sources, including car exhaust, airborne particles, paints, acid mine drainage, and pesticide and fertilizer run-off. One of the most promising methods of removing these pollutants from soil involves phytoremediation via phytoextraction, where a plant absorbs the toxins and is harvested, reducing the concentration left in the soil. Previous research has shown that sunflowers are efficient at accumulating cadmium (Cd2+) from soil, especially when EDTA, a chelating agent, is added to make the Cd2+ more mobile. It is not yet fully understood how the Cd2+ crosses the plant membranes at the root. This study investigated this process by studying how Cd2+ absorption is affected by the presence of calcium (Ca2+) or zinc (Zn2+) ions, both of which are essential to the plant's development. Sunflowers grown hydroponically were treated with Cd2+, EDTA, and varying levels of Ca2+ or Zn2+. Results show that an interaction does exist, suggesting that Cd2+ may enter cells through the same channels as Ca2+ and/or Zn2+. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Environmental Chemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |