Is the Plant Bolboschoenus maritimus an Adequate Biomonitor for Trace Metal Contamination in Saltmarshes? A Field Study from the Óbidos Lagoon (Portugal)

Monitoring the negative impacts of trace metals is crucial to assess health and stability ecosystems. In salt marshes, halophyte plants were reported as possible bioaccumulators these elements. The aim this work was explore bioaccumulation potential Bolboschoenus maritimus a tool for monitoring presence in coastal environments. collected from brackish water lagoon, lead, cadmium, nickel seasonally evaluated distinct parts plants, sediment samples. Lead metal with highest concentration detected sediments sampling site. lead concentrations B. recorded spring season. transport index indicated an accumulation leaves around 70% 2009. Cadmium summer 2009 reached values above 5 mg Cd. kg−1. Nickel not most samples collected. considered adequate biomonitor since it bioaccumulates both results, factor results indicated.