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Cu and Zn Kinetics in Myriophyllum Heterophyllum Michx. and Potamogeton Richardsonii (Ar. Benn.) Rydb.
Author(s) -
Cushing C. E.,
Thomas J. M.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1939040
Subject(s) - macrophyte , myriophyllum , shoot , environmental chemistry , potamogeton crispus , botany , trace metal , aquatic plant , potamogeton , biology , metal , potamogetonaceae , chemistry , ecology , organic chemistry
Two macrophytes, Myriophyllum heterophyllum and Potamogeton richardsonii, and sediments were transplanted (1) from a site with low trace metal concentrations in the sediments to one with higher level, and (2) from the site with high concentrations to artificial ponds containing sediments with lower concentrations to assess the uptake and retention processes for Cu and Zn. Uptake of Cu and Zn by the sediments was extremely slow over the 100—d study; only the slope of the uptake of Zn in the upper 5 cm was significantly >0(P <.01). Nonlinear least squares fits of P. richardsonil and M. heteophyllum data to mathematical models revealed that predicted concentrations and measured uptake values were in good agreement. Uptake and retention half—times averaged 3.7 and 6.7 d, respectively, and showed little difference between plant species of trace metals. Calculated ratios lead us to speculate that known levels of Cu and Zn in one plant species may be useful in estimating concentrations in the other. The data suggest that roots, rather than shoots, are the predominant site of uptake for Cu and Zn in these species.