Subcellular distribution and toxicity of cadmium in Potamogeton crispus L.

► Large proportion (48-69%) of the accumulated Cu was bound to the cell wall. ► Sub cellular distribution of Ca precipitates changed markedly after Cd treatment. ► Cd exposure caused significant oxidative stress in Cd-treated Potamogeton crispus. ► Cd inhibited the efficiency of electron transfer in PS II in Cd-exposed P. crispus. ► Cd strongly affected the uptake of certain major nutrients and micronutrients.