Electron microscope studies have shown that Potamogeton pectinatus L. accumulates lead in the cell walls where it is probably bound according to Donnan equilibria. The plasmalemma acts as a barrier to the influx of lead, though pinocytotic invaginations may convey some metal into the protoplast and render it non-toxic. With high, toxic lead treatments, deposits were observed in the cytoplasm and within the chloroplasts. The accumulation of lead in the cell walls and the pinocytotic inclusions, as a feature of lead-tolerant species, is discussed. The data suggest a rapid penetration of ions through the thin cuticle of submerged angiosperms and absorption into the protoplast.
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SHARPE et al. (1976) studied this question.