Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals using Phragmites australis in Hashilan Wetland, Kermanshah

One of the most important methods to investigate heavy metals is to apply bio-monitors used as an appropriate index to express the environment quality. In this study, the concentrations of such heavy metals as Zn, Pb and Cu in the underground and aerial organs of Phragmites australis were investigated to study the pollution status in Hashilan Pond, Kermanshah and the effects of dominant species called Phragmites australis in the region.
The samples were prepared by nitric acid, perchloric acid and peroxide oxygen and afterwards, the concentrations of elements were measured by the atomic absorption spectrometry.
Findings: Results demonstrated that the concentrations of copper, lead and zinc were estimated at 47.23, 6.17 and 24.21 in the sediments, respectively. Also, the mean concentrations of copper, lead and zinc were 2.738-2.190, 15.143-13.02 and 6.11-6.37 mg-1in the underground and aerial organs, respectively; furthermore, the highest metal concentration was related to the underground organs of plant. High values of transfer index concerning zinc indicated high ability of zinc transfer in the plant. In this regard, a positive significant correlation exists between the concentration of zinc in the underground and aerial organs;
Discussion and Counclusion: Therefore, the underground organs of reed are introduced as a suitable monitor for the resultant pollution of zinc in the regional sediments.