Removal and accumulation of cadmium and lead by Typha latifolia exposed to single and mixed metal solutions

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2009 Nov;57(4):688-96. doi: 10.1007/s00244-009-9351-6. Epub 2009 Jun 18.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of Cd and Pb on the growth of the aquatic macrophyte Typha latifolia; the removal from the solution and the accumulation of these elements by the plant were also studied. Thus, small plants of T. latifolia, collected from a noncontaminated site, were exposed for 10 days to Cd and Pb, in a single solution or in mixture solutions, at two concentrations of the metals (5 and 7.5 mg/L). Our results showed that T. latifolia removed effectively Cd and Pb from solutions and was able to accumulate these metals in the roots and, to a lesser extent, in the leaves. Our findings suggested a synergistic effect of Cd and Pb with respect to the toxicity to T. latifolia. Additionally, Cd diminished the Pb absorption by T. latifolia. Our results confirmed, using scanning electron microscopy, the internalization of Cd and Pb in T. latifolia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Cadmium / analysis*
  • Cadmium / pharmacokinetics
  • Cadmium / toxicity
  • Lead / analysis*
  • Lead / pharmacokinetics
  • Lead / toxicity
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Plant Leaves / growth & development
  • Plant Leaves / ultrastructure
  • Plant Roots / growth & development
  • Plant Roots / ultrastructure
  • Solutions
  • Spectrophotometry, Atomic
  • Typhaceae / growth & development*
  • Typhaceae / ultrastructure
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / pharmacokinetics
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity

Substances

  • Solutions
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Cadmium
  • Lead