Spatial distribution of Pb and its correlation at different grain positions among wheat varieties for specific end-uses

Abstract

The relative content of Pb and its correlation were investigated in endosperm, aleurone layer and pericarp respectively among different wheat varieties for specific end-uses (WVFSE) using scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS). The results showed that Pb contents in grains at different positions followed the order of endosperm > pericarp > aleurone. The differences of Pb contents varied among the WVFSE, and wheat with strong gluten had a highest average content of Pb, while wheat with medium gluten had a lowest one. There were significant third order equation correlations between Pb content in endosperm and that in aleurone layer and that in pericarp, respectively. And good correlation coefficients were obtained. However, the correlation differed at different position among WVFSE, which indicated that Pb contents in endosperm, aleurone layer and pericarp were regulated by each other.