Trace metal concentrations in Spartina densiflora and associated soil from a Patagonian salt marsh

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to (i) assess in situ trace metal concentrations in soil and in Spartina densiflora in a Patagonian salt marsh (Rawson, Chubut, Argentina) and (ii) investigate the relationship between trace metal concentrations in soils and those in plants to improve our knowledge regarding the ability of S. densiflora to take up and accumulate trace metals from the soil within its native region. Our results indicate that soil and S. densiflora exhibit low metal concentrations in Rawson salt Marsh. S. densiflora accumulates Zn in below- and aboveground plant structures and Cr in belowground parts. These results suggest the time of this study there is no human impact associated with metals in the Rawson salt marsh.