Accumulation of Trace Metals by Mangrove Plants in Indian Sundarban Wetland: Prospects for Phytoremediation

Research identifies Excoecaria agallocha as a highly efficient mangrove species for cadmium (Cd) bioaccumulation, with the highest bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 15.5 among ten studied species in the Indian Sundarbans. The study reveals that Cd and zinc (Zn) are significantly accumulated in E. agallocha's aerial parts, particularly leaves, suggesting its potential as an effective phytoremediation agent. Investigations across two sites analyzed trace metal(loid) concentrations (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in plant tissues and sediments, highlighting the Sundarbans' unique sediment properties that enhance metal retention. The findings underscore E. agallocha's role as a 'metal trap,' offering promise for mitigating trace metal pollution through phytoremediation strategies.

Chowdhury, R., Favas, P. J. C., Pratas, J., Jonathan, M. P., Ganesh, P. S., & Sarkar, S. K. (2015). Accumulation of Trace Metals by Mangrove Plants in Indian Sundarban Wetland: Prospects for Phytoremediation. International Journal of Phytoremediation, 17(9), 885–894. https://doi.org/10.1080/15226514.2014.981244