Abstract:
The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Cd, Co and Cr on the growth of watercress
(Nasturtium officinale) and to determine the bioaccumulation properties of these heavy metals by the
plant. N. officinale individuals were exposed to different concentrations of Cd, Co and Cr for 72 h.
Relative growth rates (RGR) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) ratios were calculated for each metal
concentration. RGR values of plants exposed to Co slightly increased in lower concentrations, but then
decreased again. In contrast, RGR values of plants exposed to Cd and Cr decreased linearly. Significant
positive relationships were observed among the concentrations of Cd, Co and Cr in N. officinale and in
the culture solution. BCF ratios were highest for plants exposed to Co, and lowest for plants exposed to
Cr. The most efficient uptake of Cd, Co and Cr occurred at the external solution concentrations at 0.5,
0.5 and 10 mM, respectively.
