Plant accumulation capacity for potentially toxic elements

Arsenic and lead always showed limited mobility. Their uptake by plants was low and if element was taken up by plant roots usually stayed there without substantial movement. The highest content was found in thin secondary roots on the opposite seeds were well protected. Arsenic mainly showed the lowest content in plant tissues among all elements tested. Lead showed similar properties, its content was usually higher but transfer coefficients (TC) showed low similar values for both elements. Cadmium and zinc were more mobile and easily taken by plants. Secondary roots contained usually their highest levels, but their translocation to aboveground biomass was rapid and in some cases bulk roots contained lower element contents than leaves and stems. Importance of zinc for plants was confirmed by its elevated content in seeds, while seeds and edible parts of vegetables were well protected from Cd accumulation.