This study investigates how strontium (Sr) ions act on meristematic root tip
cells of lentil (Lens culinaris) with changing parameters (time and
concentration). Plant seeds were exposed to both a standard solution of Sr
for different lengths of time (1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24
hours) at a fixed concentration of 1.0 molL-1 (M) and Sr ions at various
concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 M) for a certain length of time
(12 hours). The seeds treated with Sr were made to sprout and microscopic
examination focused on the root tips. The aim of microscopic examination was
to clarify chromosomal abnormalities of cell division. Microscopic
examination showed that various abnormalities occurred in cells of the
seedlings, abnormalities such as chromosome adherence, chromosome breakings,
bridge chromosomes, chromosome dispersion, chromosome shrinking, fish bones
and ring chromosomes. Those abnormalities were detected several times for
each treatment depending on the different periods and concentrations.
Adsorption and absorption of Sr inside lentil seeds were detected by the
spectroscopic method. Removed and excess amounts of Sr ions were found by
spectroscopic determination. Statistical evaluation of the results was used
in order to reveal the differences and similarities. The results showed that
while there is a positive correlation with the concentration parameter,
there is a negative correlation with the time parameter. Over 90% of Sr was
removed from the solution during 12-hour exposure. Lentil seeds can be
accepted as good bioaccumulators of Sr ions only for an exposure period
shorter than 12 hours at an Sr concentration of 1 M.