In the present study, cadmium (Cd) accumulation capabilities of aquatic macrophytes
Ceratophyllum demersum,Bacopa monnieri andRotala rotundifolia were determined after treating both individual and triple macrophytes. The macrophytes were treated with Cd at 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/L concentrations in a controlled chamber for 12-days. Cadmium accumulations increased with increasing Cd concentrations in all macrophytes. Bioconcentration factor (BCF), which indicates the efficiency of the macrophyte to accumulate Cd, decreased with increased external Cd concentrations. When compared to single macrophyte applications, reductions were observed in Cd accumulation of the combined macrophyte treatments. The maximum Cd accumulation was recorded inR. rotundifolia followed byC. demersum andB. monnieri in both single and combined macrophyte applications. Consequently, the macrophytes in both applications proved highly effective in the accumulation of Cd. Thus, they may be used especially in the abatement and monitoring of Cd pollution.

Keywords: Cadmium accumulation, Ceratophyllum demersum,Bacopa monnieri,Rotala rotundifolia