Date of Defense

Spring 4-19-1996

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Alexander Enyedi, Biological Sciences

Second Advisor

Stephen Malcomn, Biological Sciences

Third Advisor

Elwood Ehrle, Biological Sciences

Keywords

cadmium, contamination, pollutants

Abstract

Brassica rapa plants were grown for 21 days in 0 µM CdCl2, 30 µM CdCl2, and 60 µM CdCl2 from seeds. The solutions were replaced when low. Plants were measured, harvested, weighed, and dried in an oven at 80 °C for one week. The dried plant tissue was then ashed using a Fisher Muffle Furnace Model 184A at 500 °C for 5 hours. The ashed samples were then dissolved in IN HNO3:2N HCl and transferred to labelled vials. The Cd accumulation in the samples was then determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The results for biomass comparison showed the 0 µM CdCl2 treated plants to have the greatest biomass with the 60 µM CdCl2 treated plants having the least. The plant height results showed the 30 µM CdCl2 treated plants to be the tallest and there was little difference between the 30 µM CdCl2 and 60 µM CdCl2 treated plants. There was a trend for Cd accumulation in Brassica rapa. The higher the exogenously applied Cd concentration the greater the Cd accumulation.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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