Effect of heavy metals on the carbon and nitrogen ratio in Avicennia marina from polluted and unpolluted regions. Issue 1 (15th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yadav, Ajay; Ram, Anirudh; Majithiya, Divya; Salvi, Shailesh; Sonavane, Swati; Kamble, Archana; Ghadigaonkar, Suman; Jaiswar, Jiyalal Ram M.; Gajbhiye, S.N.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 101:Issue 1(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 359
• Page End: 365
• Publication Date: 2015-12-15
• Subjects: Heavy metals -- Mangroves -- Bioaccumulation -- Enrichment -- C/N ratio -- Nutrient availability; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.10.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The accumulation of heavy metals and its impact on the C/N ratio of Avicennia marina of the Patalganga and Amba estuaries were studied. Vadinar was selected as a relatively uncontaminated location for comparison. Cd was accumulated in leaves of the Patalganga and Amba estuarine mangroves; however, at Vadinar it was accumulated and arrested only in roots and stems. Negative correlation of Cr, Cd, Pb and Zn with C in the mangroves suggested that their accumulation may lead to lowered C content in the mangroves. The average C/N ratios in mangroves of the inner Patalganga estuary, Patalganga mouth, and Amba estuary were found to be 80.1 ± 7.3, 105.8 ± 12.5 and 52.4 ± 3.4 respectively, whereas at Vadinar it was well within the expected range (26.4 ± 2.8). The results of the present study suggest: (i) metal accumulation, leading to less carbon content in plants; (ii) heavy metal enrichment in the root zone sediment, affecting the uptake of nitrogen by plants and resulting in altered C/N ratio. Highlights: Heavy metal accumulation in the mangroves altered their C/N ratio Heavy metal enrichment in the root zone sediment affected the uptake of nitrogen by plants Lower nitrogen uptake by plants resulted in higher C/N ratio