Chromium and cadmium bioaccumulation and toxicity in Hydrilla verticillata (1.f.) Royle and Chara corallina wildenow∗

NBRI Research Publication No ( ) NS

Abstract

Bioaccumulation and toxicity of chromium and cadmium individually as well as in combinations were studied in aquatic macrophytes Hydrilla verticillata and Chara corallina. Both plants showed ability to accumulate these metals in individual as well as in combined treatments. Cadmium accumulation was more than Cr in both the plants at 1.0 μg cm^‐3 of metals. The cadmium uptake in combined metal condition was enhanced and uptake of Cr being reduced. Individual metal phytotoxicity showed that Cd was more toxic than Cr, however, the combined toxicity of metals was more pronounced. Results showed that uptake of relatively more toxic metal Cd was enhanced in the presence of Cr concomitantly resulting in increased toxicity under combined metal treatments.

Key words:

• Bioaccumulation
• Toxicity
• Hydrilla verticillata
• Chara corallina

Notes

NBRI Research Publication No ( ) NS

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