Cr(VI) absorption in Salvinia minima depends of seasonal development and nutrients availability rather than biomass accumulation

Abstract

We analysed the capacity of Salvinia minima plants collected from different seasons to accumulate Cr(VI) in presence or absence of mineral nutrients. Plants were collected in August and November and they were grown in both water and Hoagland solution with and without Cr(VI). August plants showed development of new fronds, a low content of soluble sugars, and an increase in biomass. In November plants, a lower number of new fronds, a higher content of soluble sugars, and a lower increase in biomass were observed. November plants accumulated more Cr than those from August and the growth media showed an increase in DO. These results would indicate that a greater accumulation of biomass (August plants) does not necessarily lead to a greater Cr accumulation. Salvinia plants did not show demand for mineral nutrients except for phosphate and magnesium. Changes in the ion composition of growing media during the assay show possible differences in mineral requirement between higher and lower plants. Our results showed that Cr(VI) accumulation in S. minima plants depends on the development stage and the mineral nutrients composition of the growth medium.