Bioaccumulation and translocation of arsenic in the ecosystem of the Guandu Wetland, Taiwan
Journal
Wetlands
Journal Volume
34
Journal Issue
1
Pages
129-140
Date Issued
2014
Author(s)
Abstract
High arsenic (As) levels occur naturally in geothermal areas, potentially polluting downstream wetland ecosystems. The study was to determine the distribution of As among aqueous, solid, and plant phases in the Guandu Wetland of Taiwan. Chemical compounds (As, Fe, Mn, TOC, SO4 2-, and FeS2) and isotopic compositions (δ34S) in water and soil samples were analyzed to characterize the As distribution. The sequential extraction of As and total As in plant samples wasanalyzed to estimate the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF; defined as the ratio of metal concentration in the shoots to those in the roots) of As in Kandelia obovata in aqueous and solid phases. The As concentrations in plants (23.69 mg/kg) were higher than in the surrounding water (0.0018 mg/L) and soils (17.24 mg/kg). Kandelia obovata have high As bioavailability and low TF, causing easy adaptation to grow in As-contaminated wetland ecosystems. BCF plants/water (13657.92) was higher than BCFplants/soil (1.38). The uptake and bioaccumulation of As in Kandelia obovata are significant; therefore, Kandelia obovata is an As accumulator. The uptake As by the Kandelia obovata plant might depend on the oxidation of As-contained FeS2 in the aerial roots and/or adsorption of As on root surface. © 2013 Society of Wetland Scientists.
SDGs
Type
journal article