Phytoremediation potential of macrophytes against heavy metals, nitrates and phosphates: A review

Abstract

Natural waters are degraded either by contaminants or pollutants. Contaminants are synthetic compounds which cause degradation of water quality, even when present in minute residues. They include pesticides, heavy metals, Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl’s, Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons, plastics etc. On the other hand, pollution precisely refers to the increase in nitrates and phosphates in water body. Aquatic macrophytes, besides their role in the food chains, play significant part in mitigating both pollutant and contaminant levels. Their uptake and sequestration of nitrates, phosphates and heavy metals is well documented and published in worldwide. This paper reviews the efficacy of different macrophytes in freshwater ecosystems for uptake of pollutants and contaminants. It will provide an insight for policy makers in efficient mitigation of pollution levels in the water body.