Halophytes as sources of metals in estuarine systems with low levels of contamination.

Heavy metal concentrations present in the above- and beowground tissues of Scirpus maritimus L., Spartina maritima (Curtis) Fernald and Zostera noltii Hornem were analysed seasonally in the Mondego Estuary, Portugal. The sediments of the estuary were confirmed to contain only low concentrations of heavy metals.

Halophyte anti-oxidant feedback seasonality in two salt marshes with different degrees of metal contamination: search for an efficient biomarker.

Salt marshes can be affected by metal contamination when near a polluted area, and this excessive concentration of metals is a source of stress in plants. Production of proteins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and anti-oxidant feedback can be used as biomarkers, as well to assess the suitability of halophytes to function as a biomonitors. Through monitoring the anti-oxidative feedback in Halimione portulacoides (L.