Potential of free floating macrophytes for bioremediation of heavy metals- a conceptual review

Abstract

Ecosystem balance and ecological restoration occurred naturally that helped to maintain sustainability in ecosystem. The biodiversity plays a significant role in biogeochemical cycling and balancing the ecosystem. Anthropogenic activities for development and indiscriminate use of technology lead to exploitation of natural resources and imbalance of ecosystem. Pollutants containing various organic and inorganic components including heavy metals into aquatic ecosystem lead to their bioaccumulation and bioaugmentation. This could be reverted by conservation of natural resources including biodiversity and utilizing their potential in bioremediation. The present paper is a conceptual review of researches carried out to assess the efficiency of free floating macrophytes in bioremediation of heavy metals. A periodic assessment of systematic literature can bring about the possibility of effective utilization of aquatic plants in water treatment and pollution reduction thereby ecosystem balance.