Pages 103–106
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
Phytoremediation is a cost-effective, eco-friendly technology that harnesses natural processes for remediation of contaminated soil and water by use of plants. The systematic use of plants for environmental contaminant treatment encompasses technologies that use plant influenced biological, chemical, and physical processes that aid in the remediation of contaminated substrates. Researches till date on East Calcutta Wetland health have revealed high level of metal content due to industrial and municipal disposal especially tannery discharges (both in solid and liquid form). Plants are capable of accumulating uncommonly high concentrations of metals like Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) etc. and respond to the metal toxicity in a variety of different ways. The current work has been aimed to investigate the uptake and bioaccumulation of metals by hyperaccumulators, with a special emphasis on Cr accumulation. The study reveals that the tested plants can be used as phytoremediators in East Calcutta Wetland areas to remove metal load from soil.