Spatial distributions of alkaline earth elements in tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze] leaves evaluated by micro-PIXE analysis

We investigated the spatial distributions of alkaline earth elements (Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) in tea leaves using micro-particle-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE) analysis to determine the elements’ concentrations and translocations. We examined samples of tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze] leaves that had taken up Ba and Sr via foliar absorption, while Mg and Ca had been absorbed through the roots as usual. We observed that Ca, Sr and Ba accumulation was similarly localized while Mg was distributed throughout the leaves, suggesting variation in the accumulation properties of alkaline earth elements in tea plants.