Taxonomic character of plant species in absorbing and accumulating alkali and alkaline earth metals grown in temperate forest of Japan

Abstract

Absorption and accumulation of alkali (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) and alkaline earth (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) metals were investigated as taxonomic characteristics (in 62 plant species). Leaf and soil samples were collected from 9 sites in temperate forest in Japan and the above mentioned elements were analyzed. Considerable differences were found among species in their ability to accumulate alkali and alkaline earth metals. Very high concentrations of Li (45 ppm, D.W.), K (37 x 103 ppm), Rb (159 ppm) and Cs (8.2 ppm) were detected in Lastreajaponica which were about 412, 12, 27 and 6 times higher than those of the species with the lowest concentrations. Na content was high in Acer micranthum (358 ppm) which was 16 times higher than species with the lowest concentration. Other species containing high levels of alkali metals were Hydrangea macrophylla, Struthiopteris niponica, Clethra barbinervis. Mean discrimination ratio (D.R.) for all investigated plant species for Li, Na, Rb, and Cs to K were 1.7, 0.44, 0.9 and 1.8 respectively. High concentrations of alkaline earth metals Ca (36 x 103ppm), Sr (345ppm), and Ba (241 ppm) were found in the leaves of Hydrangea paniculata which were about 31, 84, and 72 times higher than those for the species with the lowest concentration. Mg was very high in Struthiopteris niponica (83 x 102 ppm). Other species with high concentrations of alkaline earth metals belonged to the genus Viburnum. Mean D.Rs. for Mg, Sr, and Ba os Ca were 1.0, 0.7 and 0.08. Principal component analysis of interrelationships between the mineral content in leaf tissues indicated that these elements could be classified into 2 groups with respect to their accumulation behavior in plants. The alkali metals K, Li, Rb, and Cs behaved similarly in their accumulation in leaves but Na behaved independently. Alkaline earth metals Ca, Mg, Sr, and Ba were also found to behave similarly in their accumulation. Factors scores of 1st and 2nd components revealed three groups of plant species: alkaliphilic, alkaline earthphilic, and neutral (non-accumulators).

Evidence for mass-dependent isotopic fractionation of strontium in a glaciated granitic watershed

“…Drouet and Herbauts (2008) similarly observed decreases of 70-83% in Sr/Ca from stemwood to leaves of beech and oak (Quercus robur), and analogous observations have been made in numerous other studies (Collander, 1941;Memon et al, 1983;Runia, 1987 and references therein; Blum et al, 2000;Beauregard and Cô té, 2008). It is in these tissues that the contrasting isotopic fractionation of Sr and Ca is observed.…”

Nutrient acquisition from different soil depths by pedunculate oak

“…To estimate the uptake of nutrients such as K and Ca analogues such as Lithium (Li), Rubidium (Rb) and Caesium (Cs) and Strontium (Sr) can be used (Memon et al 1983;White and Broadley 2000). These analogues have mainly been used in the study of smaller plants like grasses and herbs (Fitter 1986;Mamolos et al 1995) but 87 Sr has also been used on trees in agroforestry (Lehmann and Muraok 2001a).…”

Precipitation of Calcium, Magnesium, Strontium and Barium in Tissues of Four Acacia Species (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae)

“…However, both of these elements may be present in the soil in substantial amounts and have the potential to influence plant growth directly or indirectly through competition with and replacement of essential elements, i.e. calcium and magnesium [13] . Although there are numerous studies on the uptake and concentration of magnesium, strontium and barium together with those of calcium [14] , [15] , studies on co-precipitation of these elements with calcium in biogenic crystals are rare [16] , [17] , [18] .…”