Heavy metals are considered main sources of pollution in the environment. The analysis of macrophytes and sediment samples helps in evaluating pollution status in aquatic environment.  In this study accumulation of Pb, Cu, Cd, Mn, Fe, Ni and Cd in water, sediments and an aquatic plant species <i>(Lemna minor</i>) were investigated in a water stream located in a natural wetland. It is known that this wetland has been exposed to contamination due to anthropogenic activity and pollution from nearby industries affecting its environment, as well as the aquatic organisms that live there. Macrophytes (aquatic plants) act as good bio-filters by accumulating heavy metals from the surrounding environment and hence aid as indicators of heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Levels of metals will be also evaluated in different yearly seasons. Treatment of samples includes the use of acid digestion methods. The quantification of metals will be performed by using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. For checking the accuracy, reference materials were subject to the same treatment that the samples and are included in the overall analytical process. Bioconcentration factors (BCF) and translocation factors (TF) will also be evaluated.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the aquatic macrophyte <i>Lemna Minor </i>in a natural wetland

2019 Spring National Meeting

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Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the aquatic macrophyte Lemna Minor in a natural wetland