Effects of zinc on the growth of bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus) and its distribution between different sediment fractions

• Published in: Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 2001-08, Vol.67 (2), p.264-270
• Main Authors: ARREGHINI, S, DE CABO, L, DE IORIO, A. F, RENDINA, A, BONETTO, C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Aquatic plants; Argentina; Argentina, Buenos Aires; Biological and medical sciences; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Fresh water environment; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Marine and brackish environment; Plants - drug effects; Plants - metabolism; Schoenoplectus californicus; Tissue Distribution; Water Pollutants, Chemical - pharmacokinetics; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity; Zinc - pharmacokinetics; Zinc - toxicity
• ISSN: 0007-4861; 1432-0800
• DOI: 10.1007/s001280119

Schoenoplectus californicus is a emergent macrophyte indigenous from South America to the southern US. The specie attains dense stands in muddy river banks and in coastal areas of lakes and estuaries. In the laboratory, zinc toxicity to S. californicus was examined, considering the tolerance of the plant, effects on growth and absorption, metal distribution in shoots and rhizomes, and distribution in different sediment fractions. Results revealed that Zn content in rhizomes increased with increasing exposure concentration, and at high Zn levels, translocation from rhizome to shoots appeared to increase. High Zn concentrations in shoots did not appear to affect phosphorus uptake and translocation to the shoots. In the sediment, the added Zn was retained mainly in the fractions associated with carbonates and iron and manganese oxides. Zinc concentrations in the aerial parts of the plant were correlated positively with concentrations in sediment.