Publication:

Water Hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes) as Indicators of Heavy Metal Impact of a Large Landfill on the Almendares River near Havana, Cuba (2007)

Author(s): Olivares Rieumont S, Lima L, de la Rosa D, Graham DW, Columbie I, Santana JL, Sánchez MJ

    Abstract: The Almendares River is central to recreational and other activities in Havana, Cuba. However, monitoring indicated significant heavy metal contamination in river sediments, especially below Calle 100, the largest landfill in Havana. This work extended previous sediment studies by determining complementary Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, and Zn levels in indigenous water hyacinths (Eichhornia Crassipes; EC) above and below the landfill. Pb, Cu, and Zn were significantly elevated in EC roots below the landfill and also correlated with sediment data (p<0.05), implying elevated levels likely result from landfill activity and might be useful biomonitors as river remediation proceeds.

      • Date: 06-11-2007
      • Journal: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
      • Volume: 79
      • Issue: 6
      • Pages: 583-587
      • Publisher: Springer New York
      • Publication type: Article
      • Bibliographic status: Published
      Staff

      Professor David Graham
      Professor of Environmental Engineering