Root Uptake of Chromium in Common Plants and Vegetables
Authors:
- Students:
- Gabriella Detres
- Karolina Granat
- Jacob Heusuk
- Ava Jotautas
- Olivia Jotautas
- Shea Manning
- Violet Rojo
- Meda Rudokas
- Anabelle Zogby
- Teachers:
- Erin Horan
- Mentors:
- Olga Antipova (Argonne National Laboratory, XSD-MIC)
Advanced Photon Source Sector 2: Microscopy
Chromium poisoning is an issue as it is found naturally in rocks, soil, plants, and volcanic dust. Contamination of water sources can occur from industrial chemical spills, proving to be detrimental to public health. The presence of chromium in soil samples from industrial waste has been noted in large quantities across the United States, namely in Hawaii, California, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Chromium has adverse effects on the human body and plants; chromium alters enzymatic activity in plants and disrupts water relations. Exposure to high levels of chromium causes cell membrane damage, root cell destruction, chlorosis in leaves, discoloration of leaves and veins, and poor mineral nutrition. Regarding the human body, chromium compounds are respiratory tract irritants and further increase the risk of lung, nasal, and sinus cancer.