Iron uptake in duckweed

The objectives of this study are to investigate the amount of iron uptake of floating Spirodela polyrhiza L. (Duckweed) and assess the effects of the uptake on growth dynamics in an isolated, aquarium environment. Two iron solutions of .36 mM were used to investigate the uptake of iron; one solution was made with Iron (II) Sulfate, Heptahydrate and the other solution with Iron (III) Chloride Anhydrous. These iron chemicals were used because they are present in common hydroponic solutions such as in Hoagland’s medium. Each solution was placed in two separate trials. All samples of the Spirodela polyrhiza L. were germinated in the control conditions then moved into separate containers specific for each trial and variable. The study is analyzing if the iron uptake of the Spirodela polyrhiza L. provides any benefit to growth through root length, mass of the samples, plant height, and plant color. The impact of iron uptake in plants such as Spirodela polyrhiza L. (Duckweed) is important in the healthy development of root systems and development of new biotechnologies, such as more effective hydroponics solutions and supplements. Moreover, the rate of iron uptake is an important in understanding how to treat iron chlorosis, a typical iron deficiency that causes the yellowing and even browning of plants