Some aspects of zinc accumulation in submerged photosynthetic plants in a high zinc-level stream

Abstract

During the course of the present study data was collected in relation to the accumulation of zinc in submerged plant species in an upland stream flowing through a mineralised area. The zinc contents of seven submerged species of algae and bryophytes were determined and related to the chemistry of the water from which they were collected. Accumulation is approximately linear for a number of species within defined environmental limits of zinc. Evidence from transplant experiments does not support the view that tolerant strains of Scapania undulata (L.) Dum. exist. The use of plants as reliable monitors of elevated levels of zinc in natural waters and the inter-relationship of environmental parameters are discussed. The possibility of using transplant techniques to monitor zinc levels is further discussed.