Capacity of Salvinia minima Baker to Tolerate and Accumulate As and Pb

The use of Salvinia minima Baker for the removal of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) from aqueous solutions was investigated. In a first approach, the effect of different concentrations of AsO₄^3– and Pb(II) on the growth and accumulation of these metals was studied. The plants tolerated concentrations of 20–40 μM Pb(II) and 200 μM of AsO₄^3–. Toxic effects occurred when 20 μM of Pb(II) and 100 μM AsO₄^3– were used. These effects included growth inhibition (decreased yield of biomass and frond area) as well as an altered frond (leaf‐like structure in ferns) appearance and tissue consistence. S. minima showed a high uptake of Pb (34 mg/g dry weight) compared to As (0.5 mg/g dry weight). The uptake of As was inhibited by phosphate. Additional kinetic studies revealed a two‐stage accumulation of both elements: a rapid first phase within the first 6–12 hours and a slow second phase up to the end of the 96‐hour experiment.