Uranium Absorption Ability of Sunflower, Vetiver and Purple Guinea Grass

Abstract

The ability of sunflower, vetiver and purple guinea grass to absorb uranium from yellowcake solution was compared. Using an image plate technique, beta and gamma rays from uranium daughter nuclides were used to stimulate image plate phosphor to determine the distribution of uranium in plants. The results showed that all three plants could accumulate uranium in their roots better than in shoots, while sunflower showed the best uranium absorption in general. In both solution and sand culture systems, sunflower absorbed uranium better than purple guinea, while vetiver had the least absorption. Moreover, sunflower absorbed higher quantities of uranium as the growing time increased. Although yellowcake, at pH 4, facilitated better uranium absorption than at pH 7, growth was found to be better at pH 7.