Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Toxic metal pollution of water bodies is a major environmental problem and has accelerated dramatically since the beginning of industrial revolution. Aquatic plants are known to accumulate metals and other toxic elements from contaminated water. This study was undertaken to investigate a short term uptake of cadmium by Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) and its potential in phytoremediation technology. Plants were exposed to varying levels of cadmium (010 mg/L) to assess accumulation and toxicity. Plant samples were analyzed for their heavy metal contents using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. One-way ANOVA analysis of variance was used to test for significant difference. Metal content in plants increased with the increase in metal concentrations in solution and the metal accumulation in shoots was significantly higher than that in roots. Watercress treated with 10 mg/L of cadmium accumulated the highest concentration of metal in shoots (35.4 mg/kg) and roots (18.8 mg/kg). On the whole metal uptake by the plant was dependent upon the concentration of the metal and the duration of exposure. The results also revealed that plant is cadmium accumulator with TF & BCF >1. The result of hydroponic experiment has showed decrease in chlorophyll content and biomass. Results from microscopic investigations showed circular structure around cell wall of leaves as compared to control when observed at 40X. Interestingly, there was no impact of metal contamination on amount of oil extracted from the plant. Furthermore, XRF results of oil showed absence of cadmium. Keeping in view the results obtained from the study, this plant has a great potential for being used for the treatment of contaminated water and ultimately production of cadmium free oil that can help to meet economics of the technique.
