Abstract
Many macrophytes have heavy metal phytoremediation potential from contaminated watercourses. Therefore, the present study investigated the seasonal potential of the sedge plant Cyperus alopecuroides to remediate heavy metals from contaminated water bodies. Water, sediment, and plant samples were collected from four contaminated watercourses and the uncontaminated Nile River. Summer was the blooming season of C. alopecuroides with the highest shoot density, leaf size, fresh production, and dry biomass, while winter represented the lowest growth season. The photosynthetic pigments were distinctly decreased in plants growing in contaminated compared to the uncontaminated sites. Plant roots accumulated concentrations of all measured heavy metals, except Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb, more significant than the shoot. The maximum concentrations of Al, Ni, and Pb were recorded during spring, while the highest Cd, Cr, Fe, and Mn were recorded during summer. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of all investigated metals (except Al) was > 1, while the translocation factor (TF) of all elements (except Pb) was ˂ 1. These results indicated the capability of C. alopecuroides for metal phytostabilization and considered the target species a powerful phytoremediator for monitoring water pollution in contaminated wetlands. In this context, the above- and belowground parts of C. alopecuroides should be harvested in summer for efficient phytoremediation.