Chemical, biological and physiological indicators of metal pollution in wetlands

Abstract

Chemical, biological and physiological responses in terrestrial and aquatic plants may be used as biomarkers to monitor contamination in ecosystems. Some plant parameters such as chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, transpiration, metal uptake and metabolism may be used to determine the level of toxic stress in plants. Similarly, the concentrations of metals in soil may be used to establish the levels of pollution. In this review, we present challenge to researchers involved in environmental assessment to use these simple techniques as a basis for establishing guidelines on environmental pollution.