4. Conclusions
Concentration data from ICP-OES and-PIXE analysesshowthat
MS and BJ have the ability to accumulate large quantities of Au
within plant tissues under idealised conditions (i.e. in the absence
of a soil matrix and under high concentration driving forces) and
can transport and concentrate Au to the stem at higher concentrations
and longer exposure times. The study also shows that plants
accumulate comparatively more Au in acidic media. Metal localisation
studies with-PIXE indicate epidermal cells and vascular bundles
to be the sites where Au accumulates in the greatest quantities.
Acknowledgements
RB is grateful for the support of the Richard Claude Mankin
Scholarship fund at the University Of Sydney. The authors are
grateful for the assistance of Ms Emine Korkmaz with sample
preparation and Dr J. Shi with microwave digestion and ICP-OES
analysis. This work was funded, in part, by the Australian Institute
of Nuclear Science and Engineering