Microcosm investigation on phytoremediation of Cr using Azolla pinnata.
The extent of Chromium (Cr) pollution in Singrauli industrial region, India was assessed and phytoremediation capacity of a small water fern, Azolla pinnata R.BR (Azollaceae) was observed to purify waters polluted by Cr under microcosm condition. Azolla pinnata endemic to India is a potential hyper-accumulator of heavy metals. During 13 days of the experiment the fern was grown in the aqueous medium containing Cr3+ and CrO4(2-) ions, each in a concentration 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 mg L(-1). The presence of these ions caused a + 3.1 to -37.5% inhibition of Azolla pinnata growth in comparison to the control. After 13 days of the experiment, metal contents in the solution was decreased up to 70% (CrO4(2-) 3.0 mg L(-1) treatment) to 88% (CrO4(2-) 0.5 mg L(-1) treatment). In the Azolla pinnata tissues, the concentration of couple of the ionic forms of Cr under investigation ranged from 415 to 1095 mg kg(-1) dry mass (dm); the highest level being found for Cr (III) containing solution.
Rai
Prabhat Kumar
PK
Department of Forest Ecology, Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, Mizoram University, Aizawl, India. prabhatrai24@yahoo.co.in
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018533:Biomass; D002857:Chromium / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D029624:Ferns / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D005843:Geography; D007194:India
D002857:Chromium