RESUMO
Synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (XCT) has been increasingly applied to study the in vivo dynamics of root growth and rhizosphere processes. However, minimizing radiation-induced damage to root growth warrants further investigation. Our objective was to develop a robust approach for modeling and evaluating ways to reduce synchrotron X-ray dose effects on root growth during in vivo imaging. Wheat roots growing in soil were exposed to X-rays during XCT experiments resolved in space (3D) plus time (4D). The dose rate and cumulative absorbed dose in roots were modelled using the Monte Carlo code FLUKA for different experimental conditions of polychromatic and quasi-monochromatic X-ray beam configurations. The most impactful factors affecting damage to roots were incident X-ray energy spectrum, stored current in the accelerator machine, position of the root in the soil, and possibly the number of exposures during the 4D XCT experiments. Our results imply that radiation dose during in vivo imaging of plant roots can be diminished by using monochromatic radiation at the highest energy suitable for a given sample thickness and field of view, and by controlling the rotation axis of off-centered roots to increase attenuation of radiation by the soil matrix.
Assuntos
Solo , Síncrotrons , Raios X , Método de Monte Carlo , Radiografia , Imagens de FantasmasRESUMO
Chemical speciation of soil cadmium (Cd) dictates its mobility and potential toxicity in the environment. Our objective was to compare temporal changes in speciation of Cd(II) reacted with samples from six Brazilian soils having varying Cd(II) sorption capacities. Cadmium L-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis showed there were short-term changes in speciation after reaction with 4.45 mmol Cd kg for 0.5 and 6 h. Chemical fractionation evaluated changes in Cd extractability after reaction with 89 µmol Cd kg for up to 4 mo. The XANES spectral fits suggested that Cd(II) bound with organic matter was a dominant species in all samples, along with Cd(II) bound with iron and aluminum oxides or montmorillonite. In several samples, CdCl apparently precipitated from aqueous Cd(II) during drying. The XANES spectral fits typically showed <25% change in speciation between 0.5 and 6 h of reaction, and chemical fractionation showed significant ( < 0.05) temporal changes in Cd extractability over time in two samples. Our results suggest that Cd(II) discharged into these soils, such as that occurring as a release into the environment, would bind with soil organic matter and oxide minerals or remain dissolved, with little change in speciation in the months following release.