Cadmium Accumulation in Cress as a Measure for Bioavailable Pore Water Concentration

Chemical measurements of pore water concentration in bottom or sediment material are mostly performed on mechanical extracts delivered by centrifugation or pressure. These manipulations however can interfere with existing physicochemical equilibrium in intact soil or sediment, thereby shifting the free concentration of the element of interest. Since plants, grown on whole soil or sediment, will be largely dependent upon the bioavailable concentrations of nutrients and pollutants in the pore water compartment, their tissue concentration can be an important indicator for bioavailable pore water elements in equilibrium conditions.