So far so good technologies for arsenic water treatment: trends and prospective of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms.

Abstract

The current study prepares a confluence of all arsenic remediation strategies by Eichhornia crassipes (E. crassipes) in various forms along with the current arsenic scenario across the world. Conventionally engineered remediation tools have been discussed and research gaps in finding simple, cost-effective, greener approaches have been emphasized. Outstanding biosorption efficiency and underdeveloped mechanism of complexation with metal and other water contaminants by the living plant and its biomass might be quite fascinating. It can reveal broad scopes of research to extract many outstanding end-use outcomes in water treatment. The study is classified into three major sections, viz. global arsenic impact, existing tools to combat it - their pros and cons - and prospects of E. crassipes in its remediation. Performances in their different forms (living and nonliving) have been critically reviewed. Alongside, arsenic chemistry and distribution are briefly covered and a few proposed mechanisms of its remediation by the plant also have been assessed. Focus was given to sort out management/modifications to improve the efficiency of those established technologies. Understanding the mechanisms of arsenic sequestering in the plant body and its arsenic tolerance might be helpful for genetic engineering and to mimic the behind-the-scene concept at the synthetic level as well.