Field and laboratory assessment of emergent macrophytes exposed to boron
- Monsanto Co., St. Louis, MO (United States)
- Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States)
A risk assessment, which focused on vegetation, was conducted in response to concerns about the potential impact of boron-contaminated water in southeastern US wetlands. This assessment consisted of both field and laboratory components to determine what, if any, impact boron has to emergent macrophytes. The extensive field investigation consisted of collecting samples of surface water, sediments, and vegetation from the wetland and select reference sites. Concentrations of boron in all three media exceeded background levels. Concentrations were highest near the source but decreased to background levels near the outer perimeter of the wetland. The wetland could be divided into several distinct ecological zones, with each zone comprised of a wide variety of woody and herbaceous species. Visual signs of stress were observed for some of the vegetation, however, a correlation between tissue boron concentrations and the plant`s appearance was not demonstrated for all species. A laboratory bioassay, for emergent aquatic macrophytes, was developed and used to establish a link between the presence of boron and it`s potential effects on select species. Results from the bioassay confirmed a wide range of tolerance of emergent macrophytes to boron, based on dry weight and chlorophyll concentration. It can be concluded that boron can cause some detrimental impact to emergent macrophytes under laboratory conditions. The impact, however, varies with species and does not necessarily mimic the field. Additional research is needed to standardize both field and laboratory methods for assessing chemical impacts to emergent macrophytes.
- OSTI ID:
- 442893
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961149-; TRN: IM9712%%318
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 17. annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: partnerships for the environment - science, education, and policy, Washington, DC (United States), 17-21 Nov 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of SETAC 17. annual meeting -- Abstract book. Partnerships for the environment: Science, education, and policy; PB: 378 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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