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An Effective Means of Biofiltration of Heavy Metal Contaminated Water Bodies Using Aquatic Weed Eichhornia crassipes

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment volume 129, pages 253–256 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Various aquatic plant species are known to accumulate heavy metals through the process of bioaccumulation. World’s most troublesome aquatic weed water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has been studied for its tendency to bio-accumulate and bio-magnify the heavy metal contaminants present in water bodies. The chemical investigation of plant parts has shown that it accumulates heavy metals like lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) to a large extent. Of all the heavy metals studied Pb, Zn and Mn tend to show greater affinity towards bioaccumulation. The higher concentration of metal in the aquatic weed signifies the biomagnification that lead to filtration of metallic ions from polluted water. The concept that E. crassipes can be used as a natural aquatic treatment system in the uptake of heavy metals is explored.

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Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, Sarojini Naidu Government Girl’s P.G. (Autonomous) College, Shivaji Nagar, Bhopal, MP, 462016, India

    Suchi Tiwari

  2. Applied Chemistry Department, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, MP, 462007, India

    Savita Dixit

  3. Government Geetanjali Girls P.G. College, Bhopal, MP, 462016, India

    Neelam Verma

Authors
  1. Suchi Tiwari
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  2. Savita Dixit
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  3. Neelam Verma
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Correspondence to Savita Dixit.

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Tiwari, S., Dixit, S. & Verma, N. An Effective Means of Biofiltration of Heavy Metal Contaminated Water Bodies Using Aquatic Weed Eichhornia crassipes . Environ Monit Assess 129, 253–256 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-006-9358-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-006-9358-7

Keywords

  • aquatic weed
  • bioaccumulation
  • bottom sediments
  • Eichhornia crassipes
  • heavy metals
  • surface water