Fractionation of metal stable isotopes by higher plants

Elements
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Abstract

Higher plants induce chemical reactions in the rhizosphere, facilitating metal uptake by roots. Fractionation of the isotopes in nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc produces a stable isotope composition in the plants that generally differs from that of the growth medium. Isotope fractionation also occurs during transport of the metals within most plants, but its extent depends on plant species and on the metal, in particular, on the metal's redox state and what ligand it is bound to. The metal stable isotope variations observed in plants create an isotope signature of life at the Earth's surface, contributing substantially to our understanding of metal cycling processes in the environment and in individual organisms.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Fractionation of metal stable isotopes by higher plants
Series title Elements
DOI 10.2113/gselements.5.6.375
Volume 5
Issue 6
Year Published 2009
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Elements
First page 375
Last page 380
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