Abstract

The trace element content of individual copepod specimens and of the Brazilian water weed (Egeria densa) from a metal-contaminated wetland in Southern Chile were determined using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Sampling of the water and the organisms was carried out at three sampling sites during 2004. Enhanced concentrations of dissolved Fe and Mn were found in the column water and in the pore water. The Fe content in the benthic copepods was significantly elevated compared to other aquatic organisms from different Chilean lakes. Regarding E. densa, healthy (green coloured) plants showed mass fractions of Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu and Zn which were typical for uncontaminated systems. In contrast, damaged (brownish coloured) plants exhibited very high Fe and Mn concentrations indicative of contamination or processes which changed the element load from the environment to the plant. © Springer-Verlag 2006.