Abstract
WITH regard to the radiation effect of naturally occurring radioactive substances, Rahn1 was unable to establish any effect on the growth of micro-organisms due to the radioisotope potassium-40 present in normal potassium. Likewise, Vinogradov has investigated the reactions of the heart muscles in the frog2 and the growth processes of Aspergillus niger 3,4 to potash salts enriched with potassium-40 without being able to demonstrate a radiation effect specific to potassium-40. In the experiments with Aspergillus niger salts with high (1.34 per cent), and low (0.002 per cent) potassium-40 content, in addition to normal potash salt (potassium-40 content = 0.0119 per cent) were used.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Rahn, O., J. Bact., 32, 393 (1936).
Vinogradov, A. P., Nature, 180, 507 (1957).
Vinogradov, A. P., Nature, 179, 308 (1957).
Vinogradov, A. P., Akad. d. Wiss., U.S.S.R., Biochimica, 22, 1, 14 (1957).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
WELTE, E., MECHSNER, K. Biological Action of Potassium-40 in Naturally Occurring Potash Salts. Nature 184, 1958–1959 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1038/1841958a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1841958a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
