THE DISTRIBUTION OF ZINC IN THE WATER, AQUATIC MACROPHYTES AND SEDIMENT OF LAKE SKADAR

The use of aquatic plants as indicators of water ecosystems is based on their ability to absorb pollutants (heavy metals, chemical substances, etc.). The aim of this study is to determine the zinc content in sediment, water and plants in Lake Skadar, Montenegro, and monitor the distribution and adoption in the roots, stems and leaves of plants. The aquatic macrophytes Phragmites australis, Ceratophyllum demersum and Lemna minor were used as bioindicator plant species to define the contamination level of Zn. The Zn content of sediment, water and plants was tested at six locations around Lake Skadar in each season. The Zn content in the examined sediment was 47.6–135 mg kg^-1 dry weight. The largest proportion of Zn based on the total amount of the sediment is incorporated into the crystal lattice of minerals (the residual fraction). In descending order, the highest amounts of Zn concentration in the studied macrophytes were as follows: L. minor C. demersum P. australis. The highest average content of Zn was detected in the root of L. minor (97.8 mg kg^-1) in October.