The Effect of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb Accumulation on Biochemical Parameters (Proline, Chlorophyll) in the Water Caltrop (<i>Trapa natans</i> L.), Lake Skadar, Montenegro

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate the bioaccumulation and translocation of various heavy metals, notably copper, zinc, cadmium and lead, in the different plant organs of Trapa natans L. (the root, stem, and leaf) at nine sampling locations, as well as examining the variability in proline accumulation and chlorophyll content due to these heavy metals. Our analysis shows the existence of a statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.75; p a and the concentration of Zn in the leaf (r = −0.68; p Trapa natans L. can be used in biomonitoring Zn-polluted aquatic ecosystems using proline and chlorophyll as sensitive biomarkers.

Keywords

• heavy metals
• proline
• chlorophyll
• <i>Trapa natans</i> L.