Phytotoxic Effect of Heavy Metal Mixture on Macrophytes

Abstract

The interaction between inorganic pollutants and higher aquatic plants was studied. Experimental data demonstrated toxic effects from a mixture of heavy metals (Cu, Fe³⁺, Ni, Fe²⁺, Zn, Cr⁶⁺, Pb, Cd) on Chara fragilis and Callitriche palustris macrophyte species. The experiments were carried out in freshwater microcosms at temperature 12–19°C. Phytotoxicity of the tested mixtures of heavy metals to the macrophytes was revealed. Shoots of C. fragilis and C. palustris plants showed some common signs of phytotoxicity. The new results contribute to the development of water purification phytotechnologies, as well as to elucidation of the range of conditions for applicability of the investigated species in phytoremediation.