Eichhornia crassipes macrophytes for treatment of heavy metal contaminated water

Heavy metal contaminated water is a major threat to human and aquatic life. Chromium is a toxic heavy metal discharged into surface water mainly due to industrial applications. Physico-chemical technologies to treat chromium-contaminated waters are expensive, especially for developing countries. Macrophytes-based phytoremediation is a competent method of water treatment that is simple, cost-effective, and provides satisfactory results. In the present study, we investigated the potential of macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as water hyacinth, to accumulate chromium concentrations from water. We conducted a hydroponics experiment for ten days under controlled laboratory conditions to examine the hyperaccumulation potential of the species. The experiment results showed that Eichhornia crassipes is an excellent accumulator of chromium. The maximum concentration was found in the plant's roots with small amounts in the shoots and leaves. These results demonstrate that E. crassipes can provide an efficient and environment-friendly option of remediating chromium-contaminated surface water bodies.