Seed germination and root elongation as indicators of exposure of wetland seedlings to metals

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:392342

Sutton, H D; Stokes, S L; Hook, D D; Klaine, S J ^[1]

---

1. Clemson Univ., Pendleton, SC (United States)

Wetland ecosystems have often been impacted by the addition of hazardous waste materials. Methods are needed to evaluate the effect of these substances on wetland ecosystems and the organisms within them. This study evaluates the response of various wetland plant species to representative contaminants (cadmium, nickel, atrazine, anthracene, and tetrachloroethylene). Species tested include Caphalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush), Saururus cernuus (lizard`s tail), Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum), Sparganium americanum (bur-reed), and Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash). To the authors` knowledge these species have rarely if ever been used in toxicological assays. The endpoints used are germination and root elongation. Preliminary studies using a petri dish system have shown decreased germination at the highest metal concentration (50mg/L) and decreased root elongation in the higher metal concentrations (10, 25, and 50mg/L). Interference from the carrier was observed in the organic tests. Root elongation studies using the metals are being continued using tubes with various sand and vermiculite mixes into which freshly germinated seeds are placed. Species with the best responses will be tested in the field at the Savannah River Site, SC, and also with fuel oil. Lettuce (Lactuca saliva) and radish (Raphanus sativus) are being tested alongside the wetland species as reference organisms for which tests are well established.

• OSTI ID: 392342
• Report Number(s): CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
ANTHRACENE
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
BIOLOGICAL STRESS
CADMIUM
CELL DIFFERENTIATION
CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
GERMINATION
NICKEL
PLANTS
ROOTS
SEEDS
TOXICITY
WATER POLLUTION
WETLANDS