Beryllium for the Plant: Destabilizer
Beryllium (Be)
For the plant – destabilizer
Beryllium is present in the tissues of many plants. If it is present in the soil in soluble forms, it is evidently easily absorbed by plants. Under natural conditions, the concentration of beryllium in plants ranges from 0.001 to 0.4 mg/kg dry weight or from <2 to 100 mg/kg in ash. Typically, soils contain 0.0002–0.001% beryllium.
The mechanisms of beryllium absorption by plants are evidently the same as those for Mg2+ and Ca2+. However, there are antagonistic relationships between these elements, and beryllium can replace Mg2+ in some plants.
The leaves and seeds are the most enriched with beryllium.
A relatively high beryllium content has been noted in the leaves of lettuce (0.033 mg/kg dry weight) and in the fruits of tomato (0.24 mg/kg dry weight). In lichens and mosses, the beryllium content is 0.04–0.9 mg/kg dry weight.
It has been established that the beryllium content in plants increases to 20 mg/kg dry weight when introduced into the soil at a rate of 100 mg/kg.
On the other hand, the toxicity of beryllium to plants is often noted. Toxic concentrations of beryllium in mature leaves typically range from 10 to 50 mg/kg dry weight. This range is highly variable for different species and growing conditions.
Even relatively low concentrations of beryllium in solution (2–16 mg/kg, or 10–3–10–4 moles of beryllium) are very toxic to plants. It is known that beryllium inhibits seed germination and the uptake of calcium and magnesium by roots, causes various effects on phosphorus absorption, and disrupts some proteins and enzymes. However, these processes are not yet fully understood.
Even relatively low concentrations of beryllium in solution (2–16 mg/kg, or 10–3–10–4 moles of beryllium) are very toxic to plants. It is known that beryllium inhibits seed germination and the uptake of calcium and magnesium by roots, causes various effects on phosphorus absorption, and disrupts some proteins and enzymes. However, these processes are not yet fully understood.
Specific symptoms of beryllium toxicity in plants are unknown. Symptoms such as brown underdeveloped roots and stunted leaves are usually observed. Although there is currently no evidence that beryllium in edible plants can be harmful to human health, additional data are needed to assess the degree of risk.
Indicator plants for increased beryllium content in soil:
• Stellera chamaejasme L., Thymelaeaceae;
• Aconitum septentrionale Koelle, Ranunculaceae, is an indicator of ore zones containing beryllium.
• Stellera chamaejasme L., Thymelaeaceae;
• Aconitum septentrionale Koelle, Ranunculaceae, is an indicator of ore zones containing beryllium.
Hyperaccumulator plants of beryllium:
• Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae (leaves, content – up to 250 mg/kg in ash);
• Pinus sylvestris L., Pinaceae (buds) selectively accumulates beryllium – in its bark, the concentration of beryllium is 300 times higher than local background levels of this element;
• Betula pendula Roth, Betulaceae (buds, leaves, accumulate beryllium approximately 10 times less than Pinus sylvestris);
• Larix sibirica Ledeb., Pinaceae (bark, accumulates beryllium approximately 10 times less than Pinus sylvestris).
• Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae (leaves, content – up to 250 mg/kg in ash);
• Pinus sylvestris L., Pinaceae (buds) selectively accumulates beryllium – in its bark, the concentration of beryllium is 300 times higher than local background levels of this element;
• Betula pendula Roth, Betulaceae (buds, leaves, accumulate beryllium approximately 10 times less than Pinus sylvestris);
• Larix sibirica Ledeb., Pinaceae (bark, accumulates beryllium approximately 10 times less than Pinus sylvestris).
Some species of the legume family Fabaceae Lindl. and the cabbage family Brassicaceae Burnett also have the ability to accumulate beryllium, especially in root tissues.
In young pine plants, under increased beryllium content in the soil, distorted branches form instead of normal ones.
In young pine plants, under increased beryllium content in the soil, distorted branches form instead of normal ones.
Medicinal plants containing beryllium:
• Vaccinium vitis–idaea L., Ericaceae (fruits);
• Adonis amurensis Rgl. el Radde, Ranunculaceae (herb).
• Vaccinium vitis–idaea L., Ericaceae (fruits);
• Adonis amurensis Rgl. el Radde, Ranunculaceae (herb).