Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals by <i>Suaeda salsa</i> in the Tidal Flat of the Liaohe Estuary

Abstract

In order to explore the bioaccumulation of heavy metals by Suaeda salsa and its ecological restoration capacity in the tidal flat of the Liaohe estuary, the absorption and reduction effect of Suaeda salsa on heavy metals was determined via a combination of on-site monitoring and experimental tests. The results showed that, under a high-salt environment, Suaeda salsa had a decreasing effect on heavy metals zinc, copper and lead, and the bioaccumulation coefficient BCFSs–Zn > BCFSs–Cu > BCFSs–Pb. When the concentration of heavy metal ions was high, Suaeda salsa could still survive, but the absorptivity was low, reducing its ability to repair heavy metal pollution. By correlating the research data with the population density of Suaeda salsa, the total removal of heavy metals was obtained, about 2008.6 kg Zn2+, 347.5 kg Cu2+, 376.1 kg Pb2+. This paper could provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the promotion and application of ecological restoration via Suaeda salsa.

Keywords

• <i>Suaeda salsa</i>
• heavy metal
• estuary wetland
• marine environment pollution
• ecological restoration