Wetland Flora of West Bengal for Phytoremediation: Physiological and Biotechnological Studies-A Review

Abstract

Phytoremediation is a promising green technology for the remediation of various industrial effluents. Notably, aquatic plants are widely applied to remove dyes and toxic metals from polluted environments. Aquatic plants have attracted wide attention because of their low cost and high level of resource utilization and are promising green technology for the remediation of various industrial effluents. Water treatment, reuse, and reducing the nutrients loading to the aquatic environments are key ways to achieve sustainable aquaculture. A large number of plants are being used for phytoremediation. Water plants or hydrophytes are the most conspicuous and colorful element of any wetland system. In present investigation, the hydrophytes, phytoplanktons, and herbaceous plant life of the adjacent areas of Tapan Dighi in Dakshin Dinajpur District of West Bengal were explored, collected, and preserved. Altogether, 78 species under 37 families were observed during the study. Phytoplanktons, especially cyanobacteria and chlorophycean members (blue-green and green algae) showed rampant growth in late spring producing algal bloom. Macrophytes observed were of free-floating, rooted with floating leaves, submerged, and immersed with floating and submerged leaf types. Phytoremediation by aquatic macrophytes is a promising technology with higher efficiency. The data generated from the study will provide a meaningful insight into the vegetation, phytoremediation, and ecosystem of the study area. Key issues of phytoremediation are reviewed.