Enhanced phytoextraction of chromium by the aquatic macrophyte Potamogeton pusillus in presence of copper.

Magdalena V Monferrán, María L Pignata, Daniel A Wunderlin

Universidad Nacional de Córdoba-CONICET, Sec. Ciencia y Técnica, ISIDSA & Fac. Cs. Químicas-Dpto. Química Orgánica - ICYTAC, Bv. Juan Filloy s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina.

Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) 2012 Feb

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The aquatic macrophyte, Potamogeton pusillus was evaluated for the removal of Cu(2+) and Cr(+6) from aqueous solutions during 15 days phytoextraction experiments. Results show that P. pusillus is capable of accumulating substantial amount of Cu and Cr from individual solutions (either Cu(2+) or Cr(+6)). Significant correlations between metal removal and bioaccumulation were obtained. Roots and leaves accumulated the highest amount of Cu and Cr followed by stems. The bioaccumulation of Cr was significantly enhanced in the presence of Cu, showing a synergic effect on Cr(+6) removal, presenting a good alternative for the removal of these metals from polluted aquifers. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first report on both enhanced phytoextraction of Cr(+6) in presence of Cu(+2) and bioaccumulation of these heavy metals by P. pusillus. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Magdalena V Monferrán, María L Pignata, Daniel A Wunderlin. Enhanced phytoextraction of chromium by the aquatic macrophyte Potamogeton pusillus in presence of copper. Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987). 2012 Feb;161:15-22