Uranium induced effects on development and mineral nutrition of Arabidopsis Thaliana

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate effects on growth and development and alterations in the nutrient profiles for Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings following uranium exposure. Seventeen-day-old Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, grown in hydroponics, were exposed to 0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mu M uranium for one, three and seven days. Fresh weight of leaves and roots decreased after exposure to 100 mu M uranium for one and three days and after exposure to 1, 10 and 100 mu M uranium for seven days. Anthocyanous-colored leaves and stunted yellow roots were observed after exposure to 100 mu M uranium. The uranium content of the roots highly increased but the root-to-shoot transfer of uranium was limited. Uranium exposure resulted in disturbed macro-and micronutrient profiles, especially following exposure to 100 mu M. This study indicates that elevated uranium concentrations can cause important morphological and physiological effects and disturb the nutrient profiles in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings.