| Abstract Detail
Physiology Bucior, Danielle [1]. Comparison of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Terrestrial and Aquatic Plants from Vieques, Puerto Rico. According to recent studies (Mattina et al., 2003), plants have been found to be reliable biological indicators for detecting toxins and heavy metals in their immediate and surrounding environments. Upon contact, both terrestrial and aquatic plants will bioaccumulate heavy metals in their roots and shoots indicating the presence of specific contaminants found in the soil and water. The Vieques Naval Training Range is located on the island of Vieques, just south east of the main island of Puerto Rico. The training range encompasses about half the area of the island and was used for artillery missile training from 1941 until 2003. This area has since been converted to a National Wildlife Refuge lands. To explore the presence of heavy metals from exploded and undetonated artillery in these ecosystems today, we have collected plant leaves, fruits, and roots. Samples were collected from 4 species of terrestrial and aquatic plants from publically accessible beaches in the National Wildlife Refuge near bombing sites in Vieques. Using an X-Ray Fluorescent spectrometer and an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer, we identify the type and quantity of heavy metals found within the three plant species: Dune-dwelling Fan-flowers (Scaevola taccada, Scaevola plumieri), Bay Cedar (Surania maritima), and the aquatic seagrass Thalassia testudinum. We compared the specificity of metal uptake in each plant species. Using these plants as primary indicators, we will generate information regarding health, toxicity and contamination of the ecosystem, allowing us to provide remediation recommendations and assess the impacts these metal levels may have on other flora and fauna present.
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1 - Ithaca College, Biology, 953 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
Keywords:
Ecotoxicology.
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Physiological Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PPS002
Abstract ID:526
Candidate for Awards:Physiological Section Best poster presentation,Physiological Section Physiological Section Li-COR Prize |
