Azolla for Water and Land Phytoremediation Against Heavy Metals: A Mini Review

Abstract

The progressive growth in various industries is followed by products in the form of waste – among them are heavy metal waste such as Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, Zn, and Cu. The substances are often found in the form of pesticide, heavy metal, and radioactive remains, which can degrade water and land through industrial waste discharge. Wastewater management to meet the quality standard as detailed in the Decree of the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Forestry – Republic of Indonesia prior to discharge is a must. Azolla can eradicate heavy metal pollutants thanks to its heavy metal hyperaccumulating ability, allowing it to decontaminate industrial waste, water reservoir, and any water bodies. While Azolla sp. fits for absorbing aforementioned non-essential heavy metal, its employment for controlling iron (Fe) as an essential substance is proven beneficial. In newlyopened rice fields where Fe poisoning frequently occurs due to oxidation-reduction process, rice growth and production is badly affected – applying azolla should not only bioremediate field water, but also contribute organic biomass as well as supply nitrogen while, at the same time, serve as antibiotics to support good rice yield.