Effects of AsIII On Sblll Uptake by Pteris Vittata and Pteris Ensiformis.

Antimony (Sb) has been of concern due to its toxicity and environmental contamination and it is often co-present with As in sulfide ores. Antimony and arsenic (As) are analogs but their mechanisms in plant uptake are different. As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata converts AsV to AsIII and translocates most of it to the fronds. Unlike As, SbIII is converted to SbV and accumulated in the roots by P. vittata. Both SbIII and AsIII are taken by plants via aquaporin transporters, but it is unclear if this is the case in P. vittata. In this study we investigated the impacts of AsIII on SbIII uptake and translocation by P. vittata and a non-As-hyperaccumulator Pteris ensiformis by exposing them to 65 mM SbIII and/or AsIII for 2 hr. The results will be presented and discussed.

Keywords: Antimonite, Arsenite, Uptake, Interaction