Response of Low Marsh Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) to Various Levels of Salinity and Heavy Metals, Poster Board #148

The Hackensack Meadowlands is a salt marsh dominated by intertidal plant species such as low marsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). Salinity in the Hackensack River goes up to 16 parts per thousand. The sediments of the Meadowlands contain high levels of heavy metals, including chromium, copper and lead. We conducted an experiment to examine how Spartina responds to various levels of salinity and copper. The growth of new and old leaves, photochemical efficiency, and soluble protein content were quantified. Our results indicated that Spartina favored the growth of young leaves rather than old leaves to deal with stress and remain energy. Photochemical efficiency declined when stress initiated, particularly under copper stress; however, it was recovered when stress period was prolonged. Both salt and heavy metals decreased total soluble protein contents in Spartina.