Trace metal accumulation in seagrass and saltmarsh ecosystems of India: comparative assessment and bioindicator potential

Abstract

Coastal macrophytes serve as bioindicators of coastal trace metal contamination. In this study, trace metal levels in India's seagrass and saltmarsh ecosystems were assessed for their suitability as bioindicators of metal contamination. Trace metal accumulation and bioindicator potential of both seagrasses and saltmarshes were found to be metal and species-specific. Higher concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mg and Mn were found in the tissues of seagrasses, while saltmarshes showed higher accumulation of Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn. The leaves of seagrasses are suitable bioindicator of metals in the water column, while the roots and rhizomes of saltmarshes/seagrasses are suitable bioindicators of metals in the sediment. This study proposes the development of a monitoring network using seagrasses and saltmarss as model organisms for short and long-term monitoring of coastal metal contamination. Determining the phytotoxic levels of trace metals in seagrasses and saltmarsh is important for monitoring plant die-offs and loss.