Compartmentalization of potentially hazardous elements in macrophytes: Insights into capacity and efficiency of accumulation

This study investigated the accumulation of various elements in six species of macrophytes differing in biomass size, anatomy, life form and ecology: Phragmites australis, Arundo donax, Typha domingensis, Apium nodifiorwn, Nasturtium officinale, and Zannichellia peltata. In particular, the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were analyzed in sediments and in different plant tissues. Results showed that the highest element concentrations are accumulated in underground organs, especially roots. Macrophytes showed also a general tendency for trace elements phytostabilization. The grass P. australis performed better than the other macrophytes in terms of capacity and efficiency of trace elements accumulation. This study found that species with a greater biomass size have generally higher element concentrations, but this does not necessarily imply a better performance in element accumulation. Knowing capacity and efficiency of elements accumulation in plant species can help to reduce the risk of contamination in the environment.