Evaluation of the transfer factor of technetium from water to aquatic plants

In the assessment of the environmental distribution of technetium (Tc-99) t he transfer factor or bioconcentration factor is an important parameter. Ge nerally the transfer factor is based on (pseudo) equilibria, first-order up take and elimination processes, and an absence of homeostatic control. The present work evaluates the transfer factor concept for Te in duckweed by ev aluating Te steady-state concentrations in duckweed against growth rate and nutrient concentration. It was concluded that (1) Te accumulation is not h omeostatically controlled and (2) the transfer factor is inversely proporti onal to the growth rate.