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Hydrophytes and Heavy Metal Stress: Mechanisms, Adaptations, and Phytoremediation Potential

Hydrophytes and Heavy Metal Stress: Mechanisms, Adaptations, and Phytoremediation Potential
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Author(s): Ajay Kumar (University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India), Sandeep Kaur (University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India)and Brahmjot Singh (Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India)
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 32
Source title: Hydrophyte Strategies for Heavy Metal Stress Mitigation
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Mansi Sharma (Sharda University, India), Priyanka Mahajan (Chandigarh University, India)and Har Mohan Singh (Sharda University, India)
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-4037-1.ch002

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Abstract

Heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) significantly affect hydrophyte growth, disrupting processes like photosynthesis and causing oxidative stress. Some species, such as Elodea canadensis (submerged) and Eichhornia crassipes (floating), act as hyperaccumulators, capturing metals at efficiencies exceeding 72.5% in contaminated environments. In contrast, species less tolerant to these metals exhibit toxicity through chlorosis, inhibited root elongation, and nutrient uptake failure. Hydrophytes employ tolerance mechanisms like chelation via phytochelatins and metallothioneins, antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Structural adaptations, such as iron plaque formation on Typha latifolia roots, immobilize metals effectively. Species like Sedum alfredii promote metal translocation, while Lemna minor uses vacuolar sequestration and rhizosphere symbiosis to minimize metal bioavailability. Further studies are needed to understand long-term ecological impacts and genetic controls of tolerance mechanisms.

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