Phragmites australis and Typha domengensis as bioaccumulators and biomonitors of three trace metals along Shatt al-Basra canal, south of Hammer Marsh

Abstract EN

Three trace metals Cu, Pb and Zn at the region of Shatt Al-Basra canal in south of Hammer marsh, were determined monthly from Sep.2003 to Feb.2004 in water, surface sediments and two emerged aquatic plants (Phragmites austral is and Typha domengensis) which were collected from four selected stations.

Trace metal concentrations were high in the surface sediment with a clear local variation.

While their values in the water samples were much lower than that found in the surface sediment, with clear local variations among the studied stations.

P.

austral is showed its ability to accumulate higher concentrations of studied pollutants than T.

domingensis and underground parts of both plants were accumulated higher concentrations than aboveground parts.

The study of water samples and corresponding sediments from the canal near oil refinery discharging point showed that the area is polluted with different levels of Cu, Pb and Zn.

Emergent aquatic plants P.

austral is and T.

domingensis were good bio accumulators and can be considered as an interesting candidate for potential use as bio monitors and phytoremediation for such pollutants.