An analysis of long-distance root to leaf transport of lead inPisum sativumplants by laser ablation–ICP–MS

Laser ablation (LA) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) has been applied to determine the nature of lead (Pb) distribution in plant tissues. Plants were cultivated hydroponically in Hoagland medium supplemented with 0.5 mM Pb(NO3)2. After 96 h, parts of root were cut off from Pisum sativum and analysed. The difference in the amount of Pb transported through the vascular tissues was expressed as the level of signal intensity. Mapping in vivo tissues reveals the metal pathway in the plant which may be particularly helpful in understanding of the mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation and transport in the plant.