Plants And Plutonium

Plants and Plutonium

   Researchers have discovered that the roots of plants absorb deadly plutonium from the environment with surprising efficiency.

  In an article in the current Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Drs. Raymond Wildung and Thomas Garland warn that their new findings could have dire consequences on future food supplies. Plutonium is one of the most toxic chemicals known to humans--and remains deadly for more than 100,000 years. The researchers say the readiness of plants to absorb the radioactive substance means that food crops eaten by humans can be easily contaminated.

   By the turn of this century, the United States will be producing hundreds of tons of plutonium at dozens of locations throughout the nation. Scientists believe minor accidents and spills are inevitable.

   Wildung and Garland say the food crops most likely affected by Plutonium contamination are root crops such as carrots, potatoes and onions.

--Zodiac