SEDL / STP / STP1124-EB / STP23583S

Prediction of Plant Heavy Metal Uptake

Folsom, BL
U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS

Houck, MH
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Pages: 6    Published: Jan 1991

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Abstract

Plant bioassay data conducted and compiled by the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station over the last several years was used to develop a computer program that predicts plant uptake (PUP) of heavy metals. The data were separated by sediment oxidation-reduction status, plant metal concentration, and total metal uptake. Regression analysis was used to determine estimators for the concentration and total plant uptake of each heavy metal (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc). PUP can be used as a quick screening tool to evaluate potential mobility of heavy metals into the environment through plant uptake.