4. Conclusions
Concentration data from ICP-OES and-PIXE analyses show that 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