Metal concentrations in seagrass (Halophila ovalis) tissue and ambient sediment in a highly modified estuarine environment (Sydney estuary, Australia)

Birch, G.F.; Cox, B.M.; Besley, C.H.

Metal concentrations in seagrass (Halophila ovalis) tissue and ambient sediment in a highly modified estuarine environment (Sydney estuary, Australia)

2018

Birch, G.F. | Cox, B.M. | Besley, C.H.

Research into sediment-seagrass tissue metal relationships has been undertaken in Sydney estuary due to the recognized role contamination plays in threats to seagrass health. Seagrass (Halophila ovalis) leaf tissue concentrations are elevated in Cu, Pb and Zn and contain the highest reported root Cr concentrations. Seagrass metal concentrations were significantly different between species H. ovalis and Zostera capricorni; between root and leaf tissue; and between sampling locations. Greatest tissue enrichment was for Pb, however metals were not enriched in seagrass relative to surficial sediment. Fine and total sediment metal concentrations were temporally consistent between collection years 2013/15, whereas root tissue metals changed between years and sites and leaf metal contents were temporally inconsistent. Extractable metal concentrations in fine sediment (<62.5 μm) showed moderate significant correlation with root tissue and a weak significant relationship with leaf tissue, whereas total sediment metal showed no such relationships. Management implications are provided.

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