Bioindication and phytostabilization of potentially toxic elements by <i>Schoenoplectus californicus</i> in a Ramsar urban wetland, Colombia

This study evaluates <i>Schoenoplectus californicus</i> as a bioindicator for As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Hg in the Capellanía wetland. Triplicate samples were collected from sediment, roots, and stems at three wetland sites. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in sediment concentrations across sites using ANOVA with normality assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Pearson correlation analyses assessed linear relationships between sediment and root concentrations. Bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation (TF) factors were calculated to determine PTEs mobility in the plant. <i>S. californicus</i> accumulates PTEs primarily in roots with significant concentrations of Cr, Ni, and Pb in this tissue. BCF values exceeding 1.00 at Site 3. However, the translocation factors for Cr, Ni, and Pb were below 1.00. No presence of As, Cd, and Hg was detected in plant tissues. <i>S. californicus</i> functions as an effective phytostabilizer of Cr, Ni, and Pb in contaminated wetland ecosystems by restricting element translocation to aerial tissues. This study provides novel insights into the role of <i>Schoenoplectus californicus</i> as a bioindicator and potential phytostabilizer of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in a protected urban RAMSAR wetland. By quantifying bioconcentration and translocation patterns for five potentially toxic elements, our findings reveal element-specific accumulation behaviors particularly root-based retention of Cr, Ni, and Pb (BCF &gt; 1; TF &lt; 1) within a naturally occurring wetland system, offering valuable implications for biomonitoring and management of contaminated urban aquatic ecosystems.