Accumulation of heavy metals by coastal aquatic vegetation of the Sherepok River

Abstract

Characteristics of the accumulation of zinc, copper, iron, lead, cadmium, arsenic in the stems and roots of Phragmites Australis and Eichhornia crassipes, growing in the Sherepok river (Vietnam), were investigated. The effect of level of river pollution on the heavy metal accumulation of the coastal aquatic vegetation was shown. A quantitative assessment of the accumulation of heavy metals by coastal aquatic vegetation in the dry and wet seasons is given. During the period of research, it was found that in the dry season, within the industrial region, zinc, copper, iron and cadmium were accumulated in the roots of common reed greater than in the roots of Eichhornia crassipes. The same metals were accumulated in the stems of Eichhornia crassipes higher than in the stems of Phragmites Australis. Lead and arsenic were accumulated in the stems and roots of the Eichhornia crassipes higher than in the stems and roots of Phragmites Australis. During the wet season, within the industrial region, zinc, copper, iron and cadmium were more accumulated in the stems and roots of Eichhornia crassipes, while lead and arsenic - in the stems and roots of Phragmites Australis.