Phytoremediation of lead from wastewater using aquatic plants.

Abstract

Increasing urbanization, industrialization and over population is one of the leading causes of environmental degradation and pollution. Heavy metals such as Pb, Zn, Cd, As etc. are one of the most toxic pollutants which show hazardous effects on all living livings. Lead is one such pollutants which disrupts the food chain and is lethal even at low concentrations. The prevailing purification technologies used for removal of contaminants from wastewater are not only very costly but causes negative impact on ecosystem subsequently. Phytoremediation, an ecofriendly technology which is both ecologically sound and economically viable is an attractive alternative to the current cleanup methods that are very expensive. This technology involves efficient use of aquatic plants to remove, detoxify or immobilize heavy metals. The purpose of this review was to assess the current state of phytoremediation as an innovative technology and to discuss its usefulness and potential in the remediation of lead contaminated water.