The fate of 137Cs in senescing roots of Eriophorum vaginatum L.

The fate of 137Cs in senescing roots was investigated by deliberately increasing the proportion of dead roots in half of the root system of previously 137Cs-labelled Eriophorum vaginatum L. (hareʹs-tail cotton-grass) plants by using peg (polyethylene glycol) to induce a severe water deficit in a split-root hydroponic system. The rooting solutions and treated and untreated plants were analysed over a 21-day period subsequent to radiolabelling. The loss of 137Cs from roots did not increase with increasing proportion of dead root and there was no evidence to suggest that 137Cs from senescing roots was recovered and translocated to the shoot or to the remaining live roots. 137Cs present in roots killed by peg remained in the dead roots.