PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF THE ROLE OF AQUATIC MACROPHYTES IN HEAVY METAL UPTAKE FROM WATER WITH COAL PARTICLES

Abstract

A survey was made and representative samples of vascular macrophytes from the Superior, Wisconsin-Duluth, Minnesota Harbor were collected in August 1975 and stored in a frozen condition until processed. The processed samples were analyzed for environmentally sensitive metal concentrations by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The potential of using Lemna minor L. to examine the effects of Western coal upon growth was investigated. Lemna minor L. was grown in Lake Superior water in the presence of incremental amounts of particulate coal. Temperature, humidity and light were controlled and growth rates were determined by plant frond counts. Samples of Lemna were collected for metal uptake analyses. Preliminary evidence suggested that coal particulates, at certain concentrations, may diminish the growth of this aquatic plant. Increased 11etal uptake by the plant was noted.