Long-term study of Cr, Ni, Zn, and P distribution in Typha domingensis growing in a constructed wetland

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study Cr, Ni, Zn, and P bioaccumulation in different compartments of Typha domingensis plants and sediment in a free-water surface constructed wetland for the treatment of a metallurgical effluent for 5 years. Removal efficiencies were satisfactory. To increase metal tolerance, its transport from belowground to aboveground tissues is reduced, being metal concentrations in the roots and rhizomes significantly higher than in the aerial and submerged parts of leaves. Regarding belowground tissues, metals were retained in the roots, while P was mainly accumulated in rhizomes. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of Cr and Ni showed values near 1, and BAF of Zn and P were above 1 in several samplings, indicating bioaccumulation in the roots. Translocation factors (TFs) of Cr, Ni, and Zn were below 1, showing a scarce translocation from the roots to the aerial parts of the leaves, while the TF of P were above 1 in many samplings, indicating that this element is necessary for plant metabolism. The study of plant tissues where contaminants are accumulated allows gaining insight into the constructed wetland operation. The high translocation of P in T. domingensis makes this species suitable for its phytoextraction, while the low metal translocation makes T. domingensis suitable for phytostabilization.