INCORPORATION OF TRITIUM BY HELIANTHUS ANNUS WHEN ENTERING THROUGH THE ROOTS

Abstract

The paper provides results of quantitative assessment of 3H incorporation by Helianthus Annuus in case of intake through the roots in vitro. It was found, that in case of chronic 3H intake through the roots, R factor value for Helianthus Annuus during vegetation period ranges between 0.11 and 0.27 with the average of 0.21. The rate of generation of triturated organic matter ranges between 0.08 and 0.044% per hour, with the maximum value reached at the leaf formation stage. Translocation index for Helianthus Annuus in case of intake of 3H through the roots is 65%, that is almost 2.5 times higher than for aerial uptake of the radionuclide. Values of 3H distribution among the organs of Helianthus Annuus when continuously received through the roots decreases for tissue free water tritium (TFWT) in the range “roots > flowers > stalks > leafs”, while for organically bound tritium (OBT) these decrease in the range “flowers > stalks > leafs > roots”. When Helianthus Annuus absorbs 3H through the roots TFWT activity values correlate well with activity of the radionuclide in water, absorbed by the roots (г = 0.89). Regularities found in distribution of 3H among the organs of Helianthus Annuus and R values are of practical importance for biomonitoring of contamination of environmental objects with tritium.