Azolla pinnata: Potential Phytoremediation, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Applications

Abstract

Azolla or the “green gold” is an aquatic nitrogen-fixing pteridophyte with a wide distribution in temperate and tropical freshwater ecosystems and paddy fields. Azolla is an ideal candidate for food, feed, and fodder applications. It can be utilized as a natural plant-based antimicrobial and also as a water purifier in a laboratory or industrial wastewater treatment. Its feasibility as a source for the development of health supplements was tested by analyzing the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the fern. The DPPH antioxidant activity of the various extracts shows the good presence of antioxidants. A fair antibacterial activity was shown against the disease, causing bacteria Staphylococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. Antioxidant and antimicrobial property of Azolla heightens the possibility of its use as food. The phytoremediation property of Azolla grown in a metal-containing sample was assessed using atomic absorption spectroscopy, and positive results indicated its prospective use in industrial or laboratory wastewater treatment. This can reduce the pollution of water bodies, like, rivers, where such water is discarded.