Cadmium and lead accumulation in two littoral plants of five lakes in Poznan, Poland

Abstract

We measured cadmium and lead concentrations in two littoral plants (Phragmites australis Cav. Trin ex. Steudel and Typha angustifolia L.) collected in June and September 2007 from five selected lakes in the Poznan city area, and also in sediment and water samples from the same places. We determined the metal concentrations in rhizomes and leaves, and in sediment and water from the littoral and near the bank zone. Only low levels of the heavy metals were found. Pb and Cd concentrations were higher in water collected from the bank zone than from the littoral zone. Pb and Cd accumulation was noted in sediments. Heavy metal levels were higher in rhizomes than in stems and leaves. The studied aquatic macrophytes may be bioaccumulators and bioindicators of Pb and Cd in freshwater in natural conditions, even when concentrations are low. © Polish Academy of Sciences and Jagiellonian University.