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

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratorio de Análisis Ambiental, Instituto Superior de Tecnologías y Ciencias Aplicadas, Ave. Salvador Allende y Luaces, Plaza, Ciudad Habana, Cuba

    S. Olivares-Rieumont, L. Lima, D. De la Rosa, I. Columbie & J. L. Santana

  2. School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Cassie Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK

    D. W. Graham

  3. Instituto de Ecología y Sistemática, Carretera de Varona Km 3 1/2, Capdevila, Boyeros, AP 10800, Ciudad Habana, Cuba

    M. J. Sánchez

Authors
  1. S. Olivares-Rieumont
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  2. L. Lima
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  3. D. De la Rosa
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  4. D. W. Graham
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  5. I. Columbie
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  6. J. L. Santana
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  7. M. J. Sánchez
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. W. Graham.

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Olivares-Rieumont, S., Lima, L., De la Rosa, D. et al. Water Hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes) as Indicators of Heavy Metal Impact of a Large Landfill on the Almendares River near Havana, Cuba. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 79, 583–587 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-007-9305-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-007-9305-5

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