Eichhornia crassipes macrophytes for treatment of heavy metal contaminated water

<p>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 <em>Eichhornia crassipes</em>, 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 <em>Eichhornia crassipes</em> 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 <em>E. crassipes</em> can provide an efficient and environment-friendly option of remediating chromium-contaminated surface water bodies.</p>