Bioaccumulation of copper, cadmium and nickel in Duckweed (Lemna trisulca)

Abstract

Duckweeds are small free-floating plants often farming dense mats on the surface of stillor slow flowing water. Lemna trisulca (Duckweed) was examined for its ability to remove heavy metals. In laboratory conditions, plants were exposed to the copper, cadmium and nickel concentrations of 1.0,3.0,5.0 and 7.0 mg L-1 in certain periods (24,48,72 and 96 hours). The accumulation levels of metals in plants depending on different time and concentrations were investigated by using atomic absorption spectrometer. The results on bioaccumulation rates of Ni, Cd and Cu ions in Duckweed showed that the plant was able to remove the heavy metals. The maximum BCF values obtained were 541 for Cd, 848 for Cu and 1867 for Ni. Among the metals used, Ni was found to be accumulated at higher levels depending on the metal concentrations and time periods. © by PSP.