Abstract
The long-term uptake and release of zinc, cadmium, lead and mercury by the seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum were studied in situ by transferring whole plants from localities with low, to localities with high, levels of heavy metals in the water and vice versa. Zinc and cadmium were taken up very slowly in winter and relatively quickly in summer while the uptake of lead showed comparatively little seasonal variation. The results for mercury were less clear, but indicated a moderate seasonal variation. The release of zinc, cadmium and mercury showed a marked seasonal variation. It is suggested that the uptake and release of zinc and cadmium require an input of metabolic energy while the accumulation of lead may be governed by an ionic-exchange process similar to that known for strontium. The practical use of A. nodosum as bioindicator of heavy metal pollution is discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Environmental Pollution. Series A, Ecological and Biological
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
