Arsenic accumulation by submerged plants: a review

Abstract:

Common submerged plants (Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hara., Potamageton crispus L., Myriophyllum spicatum L., Ceratophyllum demersum L. and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle) have shown a tremendous potential for arsenic removal from water. The studies on the accumulation of arsenic by submerged plants are important for the control of arsenic pollution in water and protection of human health. The enrichment ability of submerged plants to arsenic is correlated with arsenic species and concentration in the water, as well as co-existing ions such as PO43– and Zn2+. The tolerance and enrichment ability of submerged plants to arsenic can be enhanced by suitable chemical and biological methods, which is useful for removing arsenic from water by submerged plants. However, the diversity of plant genes and the complex of water environment, as well as the subsequent treatment of submerged plants, are still the issues that need to be focused in the future.

Key words:arsenic, heavy metal, water pollution, phytoremediation, submerged plant