title: Wetland plants as indicators of heavy metal contamination.
abstract: In this study metal accumulating abilities of three emergent macrophytes (Phragmites australis, Typha capensis and Spartina maritima) were investigated in the urbanised Swartkops Estuary. Plants and sediment samples were collected at seven sites along the banks of the main channel and in adjacent canals. Sediments and plant organs were analysed, by means of atomic absorption spectrometry, for four elements (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn). Metal concentrations in the sediments of adjacent canals were found to be substantially higher than those at sites along the banks of the estuary. These differences were reflected in the plant organs for Pb and Zn, but not for Cu and Cd. All three species exhibited significantly higher concentrations of metals in their roots. These species are therefore suitable for use as indicators of the presence and level of heavy metal contaminants in estuaries.
authors.affiliation: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Summerstrand South Campus, Department of Botany, South Africa.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.affiliation: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Summerstrand South Campus, Department of Botany, South Africa. Electronic address: lucienne.human@nmmu.ac.za.
authors.forename: L R D
authors.initials: LRD
authors.lastname: Human
authors.affiliation: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Summerstrand South Campus, Department of Botany, South Africa.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Adams
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D063366:Estuaries; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006109:Poaceae / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D013019:South Africa; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D053833:Wetlands
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
keywords: Emergent macrophytes; Estuary; Heavy metals; Sediment