Metal dynamics and tolerance of Typha domingensis exposed to high concentrations of Cr, Ni and Zn

• Dynamics of Cr, Ni and Zn in T. domingensis tissues were assessed.
• Studied metals were efficiently removed from water.
• Over time, metals were translocated from roots to leaves and vice versa.
• Metals caused growth inhibition and chlorophyll decrease affecting anatomical parameters.
• These results could be applied to constructed wetlands.

Typha domingensis was exposed to a 100 mg L−1 Cr+100 mg L−1 Ni+100 mg L−1 Zn solution. Metal tolerance and metal accumulation in plant tissues and sediment were studied over time. Although removal rates were different, the three metals were efficiently removed from water. Leaf and root tissues showed high metal concentration. However, the sediment showed the highest accumulation. During the first hours of contact, metals were not only accumulated by sediment and roots but they were also taken up by the leaves in direct contact with the solution. Over time, metals were translocated from roots to leaves and vice versa. Metals caused growth inhibition and a decrease in chlorophyll concentration and affected anatomical parameters. Despite these sub-lethal effects, T. domingensis demonstrated that it could accumulate Cr, Ni and Zn efficiently and survive an accidental dump of high concentrations of contaminants in systems such as natural and constructed wetlands.