Hydroponic experiments were conducted with rice seedlings to investigate the accumulation and phytotoxicity of gallium nitrate. A linear decrease in relative growth rate, transpiration rate and water use efficiency was observed in rice seedlings with increasing Ga concentrations. However, inhibition of these selected parameters was noted different at different Ga treatments. Relative growth rate was more sensitive towards Ga treatments. Phyto-transport of Ga was apparent, but recovery of Ga in different parts of rice seedlings varied significantly: roots were dominant site for Ga accumulation. The total accumulation rates of Ga were positively correlated to Ga concentrations. Results indicated that the addition of Ga did not cause deleterious effects on plant physiological functions over a 2-day exposure period. Large amounts of Ga were removed from the hydroponic solution through rice seedlings. Accumulation of Ga in plant tissues resulted in growth inhibition of rice seedlings.