Elemental distribution and uptake by watercress (Nasturtium aquaticum) as a function of water quality.

Elemental distribution and uptake by watercress (Nasturtium aquaticum) as a function of water quality. J Environ Sci Health B. 2015 Jun 3;50(6):439-47 Authors: Kisten K, Gounden D, Moodley R, Jonnalagadda SB Abstract Watercress (Nasturtium aquaticum), is an edible plant commonly found in Southern Africa, which grows both in terrestrial and aquatic environments. The elemental concentrations in the plant and surrounding water (growth solution) were investigated to determine the plants nutritional value and to establish impact of water quality on elemental uptake by the plant. The concentrations in the leaves, roots and water were analyzed at eight different sites along the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (30.0000° S, 25.0000° E). Elemental concentrations in the leaves/roots (μg g(-1), dry mass) and water exchangeable/total (μg L(-1)) at Verulam (situated in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal) were: As (1.2/7.5 and 0.053/0.09), Ca (18272/26091 and 0.336/7.15), Cd (0.9/0.8 and 0.004/0.01), Co (37.2/34 and 0/0), Cr (7/35 and 0.003/0.03), Cu (3/19 and 0.016/0.16), Fe (528/4308 and 0.375/0.6), Mg (3444/1141 and 6.4/7), Mn (110/667 and 0/0), Ni (20/63 and 0/0.01), Pb (16/17 and 0.01/0.02), Se (28/11 and 0.003/0.01) and Zn (102/116 and 0.099/0.36). Elemental uptake was controlled by the plant but water quality did have an impact on uptake. Concentrations of metals in the leaves were in decreasing order of Ca > Mg > Fe >...
Source: Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part. B, Pesticides, Food Contaminants, and Agricultural Wastes - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: J Environ Sci Health B Source Type: research