Interactions between contaminated aquatic environments and element uptake by Echinodorus amazinocus and Cryptocoryne undulata

The objectives of this experimental study were to examine the interaction between metal contaminated aquatic environments and element uptake by Echinodorus amazinocus and Cryptocoryne undulata. Changes in element concentrations were investigated in three phases in aquatic environments: water, pore water and sediment. Additionally, the amounts of partial elements, relative uptakes, translocation factor and bio-concentration factor were evaluated for each plant. Growth analyses of both plants, as well as physical parameters of the water quality obtained from the reactors, were statistically evaluated by a two-sample t-test. Following the analyses, it was observed that the amount of all of the elements in each of the phases was different for each intermittent sample. Studies with C. undulata and E. amazinocus demonstrated that the concentration of all of the elements in the plants was changing relatively. It was also found that existing environmental conditions did not affect plant life negatively.

► We examined Echinodorus amazinocus and Cryptocoryne undulata with aquatic environments.
► Element uptake by the two plants was investigated.
► Eight elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Ca, Mg and Mn) were studied.
► The concentration of all of the elements in the plants changed relatively.
► Existing environmental conditions did not affect plant life negatively.