Distribution and accumulation of heavy metals in plants and Rhizosphere sediments at a tidal flat in the Changjiang Estuary

Based on the analysis of Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn, and Cr in the rhizosphere sediments of Phragmites australis and Scirpus mariqueter at a tidal flat in the Changjiang Estuary, the following conclusions can be drawn. Roots of the two plants have high on contents of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr, while less content is in the stems and leaves. The content of Mn in stems and leaves can reach up to 55%. Seirpus mariqueter can accumulate more heavy metals than Phragmites australis. The heavy metal contents show seasonal changes in both the plants and the sediments. Metals in plants are mainly accumulated in winter. Heavy metals in Phragmites australis rhizosphere sediment have lower contents in autumn, but are accumulated in winter. In Seirpus mariqueter rhizosphere sediment, Cu, Pb, Mn are mainly accumulated in winter, while Zn, Cr have the highest contents in winter.