Abstract. We describe a system for hydroponically growing plants that is based on using a polyethylene (PE) granulate as the floating body. The procedure can be performed in all suitable vessels (e.g., bowls, basins, glasses) and is independent of the culture area. Barley plants (Hordeum vulgare) grown in this hydroponic system had no difference in the uptake of mercuric and cadmium ions when compared with plants grown on a defined agar medium. The simple and inexpensive method can be used for the isolation of leaf tissue and large amounts of root tissue. In addition, numerous experiments can be run in parallel.
Key words: Hordeum vulgare, heavy metal ions, hydroponics, polyethylene granulate
Abbreviations: PE, polyethylene.