Analytical model for zinc uptake by root system of Thlaspi caerulescens

To develop future phytoextraction technologies, models describing the process of phytoextraction are necessary. In this paper we have developed an analytical model of zinc uptake by the growing root system of Thlaspi caerulescens, which includes zinc flow by convection and dispersion in soil, the growth of root system, and the total zinc flux to the root. Simulated results indicated that the model could quantitatively describe the zinc uptake process for T. caerulescens. Therefore, the model might help us to understand the quantitative characteristics of phytoextraction.