Determination of heavy metal content in water, sediment and some macrophyte species, iron reeds, Bitlis-Turkiye case study

Abstract

In the context of study, heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As) content and macronutrients (Mg, Ca) in three aquatic ecosystem plant species (Juncus gerardii Loisel. subsp. gerardii, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud. and Carex diluta M. Bleb. subsp. diluta and in the surrounding water and sediments were determined in the Iron Reeds, which is one of the most important wetlands in Turkiye within the borders of Bitlis. The concentrations of heavy metals in Juncus gerardii Loisel. subsp. gerardii and Carex diluta M. Bleb. subsp. diluta species were reported for the first time in this article. With the results obtained, the aim was to contribute to studies to investigate the uptake of heavy metal pollutants in wetlands and the self -healing effect of the aquatic environment by applying phytoremediation methods in the field. Uncontrolled livestock activities in the region affect the water quality negatively. The silicon and boron contents in the examined waters were above the limit values, as a result of reeds being fed by water sources coming from volcanic areas. There were no problems in terms of trace metals measured in the plants, soil and sediments.