Phytoremediation potential of Bacopa monnieri in the removal of heavy metals

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals from the effluent of battery industry by an aquatic plant, Bacopa monnieri. Methodology: Experiment was carried for 25 days and heavy metal concentrations were analyzed in plant parts (roots and shoots), soil and effluent using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for 5 days each. Parameters such as Translocation Factor (TF), Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Transposition Factor (TrF) were calculated to analyze heavy metal interaction between plant, soil and effluents. Results : Zn and Mg were found to be high in TF, BCF and TrF, but Cr had a TF value higher than Zn as it translocates high amount of ions to plant parts. TrF values of contaminants increased constantly in the following order: Mg > Zn > Cd > Pb > Cr. TF and BCF values were not > 1 for toxic metals (Pb, Cr and Cd). Interpretation : B. Monnieri can be used as a phytoextractor in removing contaminants from aquatic bodies.