Assessment of the physiological condition of Salvinia natans L. exposed to copper(II) ions

Abstract

Salvinia natans L. is a known bioaccumulator of metal ions from the aquatic environment. Exposure of plants to prolonged impact of toxins along with a large dose of the metal affects the physiological condition of the plants. The changes occurring in the plants in the phytoremediation process in contaminated medium culture of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg Cu/dm 3 show two basic physiological parameters: the assimilation pigment content (chlorophyll a and b) responsible for the production of energy in the process of photosynthesis, and the total protein level as the main constituent of the plant. Conducted studies confirmed a negative effect of high concentrations of copper(II) on Salvinia natans L. plants which in these conditions are capable to bioaccumulate metal from each contaminated culture medium.