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Plant traits related to the heavy metal removal capacities of wetland plants

Abstract Plants are the crucial component of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). However, heavy metal removal capacity varies between plant species, and the relationships between plant traits and differences in removal capacity remain unclear. This study sought to determine: (1) the relationships between plant traits and removal of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn from water, and (2) the relationships between the removal patterns of these metals. Plants of 34 wetland plant species were exposed to heavy metal concentrations common in stormwater for five days, and 20 traits were measured on each plant. Results indicate that the most important plant traits for heavy metal removal from water are transpiration and high total biomass, especially large amounts of fine roots and leaves. The same traits were generally related to removal both initially and after longer exposure, with stronger correlations found after longer exposure. Plant removal of one metal was likely correlated with removal of the other metals, and the plant removal capacity after 30 min of exposure was correlated with the removal capacity five days later. The present results can be used in selecting plants for enhanced heavy metal removal by FTWs and in identifying additional useful plant species, allowing adaptation to local conditions.