Abstract

LUNA PORRES, M.Y. et al. Baccharis Salicifolia development in the presence of high concentrations of uranium in the arid environment of San Marcos, Chihuahua. Rev. mex. fis. [online]. 2011, vol.57, suppl.1, pp.40-43. ISSN 0035-001X.

In humid zones and marine environments the bioindicator contaminants by trace elements are well established. However, in arid zones it is more difficult to find these tools because there is less biodiversity. The objective of this paper was to analyze the behavior of the Baccharis salicifolia plant in areas with high uranium concentration in arid zones, to determine the characteristics of tolerance and possible use as a biomonitor for the presence of such contaminants. For this project a uraniferous zone was selected in San Marcos, located northwest of the City of Chihuahua. A total of 8 sampling points of the plant and soil were located here. Each sample was divided into the root and the stem and leaves to determine the specific activity of the uranium in both parts of the plant and its sediments. The determination of the specific activities of the total uranium in the samples was obtained by liquid scintillation with alpha-beta separation. The results indicate a tendency for the plant to accumulate the uranium in its different parts, and to translocate it to its stem and leaves. The plant is resistant to high concentrations of uranium, not showing any specific changes in relation to non - contaminated areas that might indicate the presence of the contaminant. Therefore, its use as a biomonitor species is limited.

Keywords : Biomonitor; uranium; Baccharis Salicifolia.

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