Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: KT on 21/03/2011 23:40:02

Title: Do radioactive elements accumulate in plants?
Post by: KT on 21/03/2011 23:40:02

Hello.  I read on newspaper that recent rain water samples collected in California have traces of radio active elements.  Can radio active elements accmulate in vegetables grown in California?  Would vegetarian living in California at higher health risk compared to vegetarian living somewhere else? 

Thanks  [O8)]

Title: Do radioactive elements accumulate in plants?
Post by: RD on 22/03/2011 07:27:48

Metals (radioactive or not) can accumulate in some plants ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytoremediation#Hyperaccumulators_and_biotic_interactions

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperaccumulators_table_%E2%80%93_3

Title: Do radioactive elements accumulate in plants?
Post by: Bored chemist on 22/03/2011 22:19:28

"Would vegetarian living in California at higher health risk compared to vegetarian living somewhere else?  "
I guess a Californian vegetarian would be at greater risk from earthquakes (or sunstroke) than an English one.
However since the risk from radiation is small, and the increase in radiation is practically immeasurably small, I'd worry about the 'quakes instead.