Experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of root citric
acid on uptake and initial distribution of cadmium (Cd) in tomato pla
nts (Lycopersicon esculentum, cv. Tiny Tim). Cd was measured by gamma-
spectrometry, using Cd-115 spikes. Citric acid was measured by UV-dete
ction, and, after spiking with C-14-citric acid, by beta-spectrometry.
Cd was applied for 48 h periods, in control experiments, in the prese
nce of citric acid, and after 24 h plant pre-incubation with citric ac
id. Pre-incubation resulted in two-fold increases in fast-exchangeable
amounts of root citric acid, as measured by the presence of citric ac
id in xylem exudates of decapitated and pressurized roots. Simultaneou
s application of Cd and citric acid did not change Cd accumulation in
total plants and in the roots, nor did any significant change occur wi
th respect to Cd root-to-shoot transport, and Cd concentrations in sho
ot tissues and xylem fluid. After citric acid pre-incubation, total pl
ant uptake of Cd increased twofold, without any significant change in
Cd accumulation in the roots. Cd root-to-shoot transport was increased
5-6 fold, and Cd concentrations in shoot tissues and xylem fluid were
increased 6-8 fold. Speciation calculations indicated that, under the
conditions applied, xylem Cd may be, at least partly, complexed in ci
tric acid.