The effect of temperature on metal accumulation in Typha latifolia and Scirpus acutus

Wetland plants have a capacity for metal sequestration and have been used to remediate such environmental contaminants. My research objective was to identify the effect of temperature on metal (Cd, Zn, Pb and Cu) accumulation in Typha latifolia and Scirpus acutus. These common wetland plant species were grown at 13, 16, and 18oC to determine the effect of temperature on metal accumulation. Cd109 was used as a radiotracer to study the effect of temperature on uptake kinetics. S. acutus accumulated more metals than T. latifolia particularly at colder temperatures. Uptake rates appeared higher at warmer temperatures; although, this was not statistically significant. More Pb, Zn, and Cu were found in T. latifolia growing at 18oC than at 13oC; although uptake kinetics of Cd109 were not significantly different. S acutus remediation wetlands would be more effective than T. latifolia wetlands and would also limit the bioavailability of metals.