Determination of cadmium accumulation capabilities of aquatic macrophytes Ceratophyllum demersum, Bacopa monnieri and Rotala rotundifolia

In the present study, cadmium (Cd) accumulation capabilities of aquatic macrophytes Ceratophyllum demersum, Bacopa monnieri and Rotala rotundifolia were determined after treating both individual and triple macrophytes. The macrophytes were treated with Cd at 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/L concentrations in a controlled chamber for 12-days. Cadmium accumulations increased with increasing Cd concentrations in all macrophytes. Bioconcentration factor (BCF), which indicates the efficiency of the macrophyte to accumulate Cd, decreased with increased external Cd concentrations. When compared to single macrophyte applications, reductions were observed in Cd accumulation of the combined macrophyte treatments. The maximum Cd accumulation was recorded in R. rotundifolia followed by C. demersum and B. monnieri in both single and combined macrophyte applications. Consequently, the macrophytes in both applications proved highly effective in the accumulation of Cd. Thus, they may be used especially in the abatement and monitoring of Cd pollution.