Pteris vittata has the ability to grow normally even if it accumulates arsenic, which is a harmful element, up to a concentration of 2%, and is expected to be applied to "phytoremediation" that purifies soil and wastewater contaminated with arsenic with plants. ing.However, until now, the process by which Pteris vittata takes arsenic into the body has not been well understood.

　In this study, Pteris vittata survived by using arsenic-74 (As-74), a positron-releasing nuclide, which is a radioactive isotope of arsenic that behaves in the same way as naturally occurring arsenic in the body, and plant RI imaging technology. For the first time, we succeeded in capturing a continuous moving image of arsenic being absorbed from the roots and transported into the body in the same state.

　In addition, the role of the rhizome of Pteris vittata (the part of the fern plant corresponding to the stem of seed plants and gymnosperms), which was unknown until now, has also been clarified.When low concentrations of arsenic were administered, some of the arsenic absorbed from the roots was transported to the leaves while accumulating in the rhizome, while under high exposure to arsenic, arsenic was actively directed to mature leaves. Was being transported.That is, it was suggested that the rhizome has a role of regulating the temporary accumulation of arsenic and the translocation of arsenic to protect young leaves.

　The findings of this study, which captured the movement of arsenic in the arsenic-rich plant, Pteris vittata, and clarified the role of rhizomes in the process of transporting arsenic, are expected to contribute to the promotion of phytoremediation.

Paper information:[Scientific Reports] New evidence of arsenic translocation and accumulation in Pteris vittata from real-time imaging using positron-emitting 74As tracer