Role of Ferns in Phytoremediation

Chhaya Singh1*, Neha Chauhan 2, Anju Rani3, Vivek Rawat4

1Department of Botany, Government PG College, Thalisain, Pauri Garhwal 246285, Uttarakhand, India.

2Department of Microbiology, School of Paramedical & Allied Health Sciences, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India.

3Department of Botany, Keral Verma Subharti College of Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut 250005, Uttar Pradesh, India.

4Department of Chemistry, Government PG College, Thalisain Pauri Garhwal 246285, Uttarakhand, India.

*Corresponding author email: chhaya.singh.08051979@gmail.com

Abstract

Since arsenic is poisonous and carcinogenic, soil pollution as a threat to agriculture, human health, and the environment worldwide. Elevated concentrations of As in soil have been caused by a number of anthropogenic activities, including mining and smelting, coal combustion, wood preservation, leather tanning operations, and the use of As-based insecticides in agriculture. For the purpose of producing safe food and healthy soils, remediation and restoration of As-contaminated soils are therefore essential. Phytoremediation of As-contaminated soils employing As-hyperaccumulating fern species has become an eco-friendly, economical, and effective technology, in contrast to traditional (physicochemical) remediation methods. Many As-hyperaccumulating fern species in the Pteris and Pityrogramma genera have been identified since the discovery of As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L., which has shown the capacity to extract as from soil. This review aims to provide a brief overview of dynamics and availability in soil, clarify the mechanisms underlying as tolerance and (hyper) accumulation by ferns and plants, and assess the ability of As-hyperaccumulating fern species (e.g., P. vittata, Pityrogramma calomelanos) to phytoremediate As-contaminated soils in both pot and field settings. Additionally, the review will address how phosphate amendments, microbes, and agronomic practices can enhance the phytoremediation efficiency of ferns

Keywords: Remediation, hyperaccumulation, contamination, carcinogenic