Phytoremediation is a sustainable, natural, and eco-friendly approach, which is generally applied in environmental decontamination. The aim of this study was the assessment of phytoremediation performance of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) under different levels of water pollution. The shrubs of watercress were collected from the local springs adjacent to the Qarah-Sou river in Iran. In order to build an artificial culture similar to natural conditions, the water samples collected from different river sections and the harvested plants were added to the hydroponic culture. The variables of interest were organic matter and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) in river water. The physiological parameters of plant were chlorophylls a and b, proline, and carbohydrates. The results of experiments at the end of plant growth showed that there was a significant difference between initial and final water samples, and consequently watercress has high potential to remove nutrients from the polluted water. As a result of the growth of watercress in the most polluted section of river, organic matter and nutrients decreased and the nitrate concentration increased by 16.6% (due to the nitrification process). Moreover, the statistical analysis indicated that all physiological parameters are influenced by water pollution during the plant growth. The results revealed the watercress's ability to grow in different environmental conditions and approved its potential for natural wastewater purification. Therefore, we hope that this plant can be used as a new option for municipal and industrial wastewater phytoremediation.
Find out what are the major gap will be futhur research in the future
Future research in the field of phytoremediation with watercress could focus on several key areas to further advance the understanding and application of this sustainable approach. Some potential gaps for further research include:
1. Effects of different levels of pollution: Further studies could investigate the specific impact of varying levels of organic matter and nutrient pollution on watercress growth and phytoremediation efficiency. Understanding how the plant responds to different pollution levels could help optimize its use in remediation efforts.
2. Long-term effectiveness: Research could explore the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of watercress phytoremediation in contaminated water bodies. This could involve monitoring plant growth, pollutant removal, and overall ecosystem health over extended periods of time.
3. Mechanisms of pollutant removal: Investigating the specific mechanisms by which watercress removes pollutants from water could provide valuable insights into its potential applications. This could include studying processes such as nutrient uptake, nitrification, and plant-microbe interactions.
4. Optimization of growth conditions: Research could focus on optimizing the growth conditions for watercress to enhance its phytoremediation performance. This could involve experimenting with factors such as light intensity, nutrient availability, and water temperature to maximize plant growth and pollutant removal.
5. Field studies: Conducting field studies in real-world contaminated environments could help validate the findings from laboratory experiments and demonstrate the practical feasibility of using watercress for phytoremediation on a larger scale. This could involve monitoring pollutant levels, plant growth, and ecosystem health in contaminated rivers or wetlands.
By addressing these gaps in future research, scientists and environmental practitioners can continue to advance the knowledge and application of watercress phytoremediation for sustainable and eco-friendly environmental cleanup.