Bioconcentration and bioaccumulation of toxic metals in Scirpus californicus from natural wetlands in the Central Andes of Peru

Abstract

Bioconcentration and bioaccumulation levels of lead, zinc, iron and arsenic in Scirpus californicus of the Paca and Tragadero Lagoons, Jauja, Peru, were evaluated. Water, sediment and Scirpus californicus samples were collected from each lagoon, which were transported to the laboratory for the analytical determination of lead, iron, zinc and arsenic, which was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry based on the methodology recommended by FAO. The results obtained reveal the current status of the quality of the aquatic environment of natural wetlands in the central region of Peru in terms of heavy metals and arsenic, which provide an important source of water for the populations of large cities in the central region of Peru. The presence of heavy metals and arsenic with great impact on the quality of these water bodies may be due to the pressure exerted by anthropogenic activities such as mining, agriculture, industrial and domestic wastewater. The sediments of Paca and Tragadero Lagoons showed high concentrations of Fe, exceeding international standards. Aquatic vegetation represented by Scirpus californicus in both lagoons bio accumulated mainly Zn, without exceeding international standards.

Keywords

• bioaccumulation factor
• bioconcentration factor
• heavy metals
• lagoons
• scirpus californicus