Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) accumulates high levels of cadmium (Cd), with bioaccumulation coefficients up to 1100 in shoots and 6700 in roots at nonphytotoxic Cd concentrations (0.1 μg/mL). Cd is primarily bound to sulfur ligands in roots, likely as Cd-S₄ complexes, as shown by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In contrast, Cd in xylem sap is coordinated with oxygen or nitrogen ligands. Cd accumulation in leaves follows saturation kinetics, suggesting a saturable transport system. Cd translocation to shoots is driven by transpiration, as abscisic acid (ABA) reduces leaf Cd accumulation. Cd accumulates in trichomes on leaf surfaces, possibly as a detoxification mechanism. Cd is a toxic metal with a long half-life, linked to renal dysfunction, pulmonary emphysema, and bone demineralization. Pollution of the biosphere with Cd has increased since the industrial revolution, posing significant environmental and health risks. Phytoremediation, using plants to remove Cd from soil and water, is a potential solution. Indian mustard and Thlaspi caerulescens are studied for their Cd accumulation abilities. In hydroponic experiments, Indian mustard accumulated more Cd than Thlaspi caerulescens. Cd accumulation in roots was higher than in shoots, with Cd primarily bound to sulfur ligands. Cd in xylem sap was coordinated with oxygen or nitrogen ligands. Cd accumulation in leaves showed saturation kinetics, indicating a rate-limiting step in the transport pathway. ABA reduced Cd accumulation in leaves, suggesting transpiration-driven transport. Cd accumulated in trichomes, possibly as a detoxification mechanism. Cd transport in xylem sap was independent of phytochelatin production. Cd accumulation in shoots saturated at 0.3 μg/mL Cd in the nutrient solution, reflecting a rate-limiting step in the transport pathway. High Cd concentrations (0.6 μg/mL) increased shoot Cd accumulation, possibly due to physiological barriers in roots. Cd accumulation in shoots was limited by transpiration rate and root uptake. Understanding root transport processes could improve Cd accumulation in plants.Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) accumulates high levels of cadmium (Cd), with bioaccumulation coefficients up to 1100 in shoots and 6700 in roots at nonphytotoxic Cd concentrations (0.1 μg/mL). Cd is primarily bound to sulfur ligands in roots, likely as Cd-S₄ complexes, as shown by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In contrast, Cd in xylem sap is coordinated with oxygen or nitrogen ligands. Cd accumulation in leaves follows saturation kinetics, suggesting a saturable transport system. Cd translocation to shoots is driven by transpiration, as abscisic acid (ABA) reduces leaf Cd accumulation. Cd accumulates in trichomes on leaf surfaces, possibly as a detoxification mechanism. Cd is a toxic metal with a long half-life, linked to renal dysfunction, pulmonary emphysema, and bone demineralization. Pollution of the biosphere with Cd has increased since the industrial revolution, posing significant environmental and health risks. Phytoremediation, using plants to remove Cd from soil and water, is a potential solution. Indian mustard and Thlaspi caerulescens are studied for their Cd accumulation abilities. In hydroponic experiments, Indian mustard accumulated more Cd than Thlaspi caerulescens. Cd accumulation in roots was higher than in shoots, with Cd primarily bound to sulfur ligands. Cd in xylem sap was coordinated with oxygen or nitrogen ligands. Cd accumulation in leaves showed saturation kinetics, indicating a rate-limiting step in the transport pathway. ABA reduced Cd accumulation in leaves, suggesting transpiration-driven transport. Cd accumulated in trichomes, possibly as a detoxification mechanism. Cd transport in xylem sap was independent of phytochelatin production. Cd accumulation in shoots saturated at 0.3 μg/mL Cd in the nutrient solution, reflecting a rate-limiting step in the transport pathway. High Cd concentrations (0.6 μg/mL) increased shoot Cd accumulation, possibly due to physiological barriers in roots. Cd accumulation in shoots was limited by transpiration rate and root uptake. Understanding root transport processes could improve Cd accumulation in plants.