Distribution of heavy metals in stands of macrophytes along a cross-section gradient in the Elbe River lowland (near Poděbrady, Czech Republic)

This case study aims to evaluate the degree of retention and removal of river pollutants by macrophytes. It was carried out in the Elbe river basin near Poděbrady, Czech Republic. Pollutant loads are evaluated through biomonitoring of species present in various biotopes on a transect across the floodplain: river banks, parts of the former river bed, i. e. oxbows, both connected and disconnected from the river. Pollutant-retention capacity of two species of different growth strategy and characteristics, Glyceria aquatica (L.) Wahlb. and Acorus calamus L., is also compared.