62
Discussion
appears to be of little significance. From the author's results it appears that plants with a large surface
area in relation to weight (and volume) are those with the highest "accumulation factor." Is not
surface absorption an important factor in accumulation of heavy metals in aquatic plants?
Reply
Without doubt surface absorption is important in the uptake of metals by aquatic plants. This
effect was specially observed by the element manganese. But we cannot discriminate between surface
effects and incorporation quantitatively. Incorporation is primarily selective and probably connected
with the phylogenetic scale, named by Mr. Keil. Although several factors are important, one can only
observe the sum of all these factors.
Discussion
appears to be of little significance. From the author's results it appears that plants with a large surface
area in relation to weight (and volume) are those with the highest "accumulation factor." Is not
surface absorption an important factor in accumulation of heavy metals in aquatic plants?
Reply
Without doubt surface absorption is important in the uptake of metals by aquatic plants. This
effect was specially observed by the element manganese. But we cannot discriminate between surface
effects and incorporation quantitatively. Incorporation is primarily selective and probably connected
with the phylogenetic scale, named by Mr. Keil. Although several factors are important, one can only
observe the sum of all these factors.