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Mercury in aerial and absorbing roots in rhizophora mangle l. Located in the coast of El Oro province, Ecuador

Abstract:

Mercury concentrations in absorbent and aerial roots of Rhizophora mangle L. were investigated in the coastline of El Oro province, Ecuador. Sampling of roots was conducted in Puerto Hualtaco, Estero Huaylá, Jambelí and Bajo Alto during the months of November 2014 (dry seasons) and January 2015 (rainy seasons). Eighty roots were collected, 10 aerial and 10 absorbent in each location. Mercury was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry coupled to hydride-cold vapor generation and was expressed as mg/kg of dry mass. The highest concentrations of Hg were observed during the raining season, with a value of 321.68 ± 85.59 mg/kg. The location of Puerto Hualtaco presented the highest value of Hg (382. 46 ± 273.84 mg/kg) in absorbent roots. The results showed that Hg concentration in samples of aerial and absorbing roots are characteristic of an area highly impacted by Hg. This findings demonstrate that R. mangle L. has a great capacity to incorporate Hg in its roots and can be a good biomonitor of mercury in mangrove ecosystems.