Bio Concentration Factor and Translocation Ability of Heavy Metals within Different Habitats of Hydrophytes in Nairobi Dam, Kenya

Abstract

Bio-Concentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Ability (TA) of Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb) and Nickel (Ni) in different habitats of hydrophytes within Nairobi dam was carried out during wet and dry seasons. Freshwater plant species from three habitats: (i) free floating; (Eichhornia crassipes), (ii) emergent (attached); (Typha domingensis, Vernonia lasiopus, Cyperus papyrus, Polygonum salicifolium, Rumex bequaertii, Colocasia esculenta, Amaranthus spinosus), and (iii) submerged; (Ceratophyllum demersum); water and sediments were sampled and analysed. Bio Concentration Factor (BCF) of heavy metals was the highest in free floating plants than submerged and lowest in emergent during the wet than dry season. The Translocation Ability (TA) was better in free floating plants in comparison to emergent hydrophytes in the dry season. It is concluded that the free floating specie Eichhornia crassipes has the highest Bio Concentration Factor and Translocation Ability of heavy metals in both dry and wet seasons. Therefore, it is recommended that Eichhornia crassipes should be used for removal of heavy metals from contaminated freshwater bodies and these should not be consumed by animals and humans.