ABSTRACT
The arsenic contamination in groundwater-soil-food chain in many parts of the world is in alarming condition causing severe human health effects. To investigate the phytoremediation ability through hyperaccumulation, five commonly available pteridophytic plant species (Christella dentata, Adiantum caudatum, Pteris sp., Marsilea quadrifolia and Azolla sp.) from arsenic—contaminated areas of West Bengal (India) along with a control site were taken for consideration. It was found that all the studied fern plants had significant arsenic hyperaccumulating properties. The probable hyperaccumulating mechanism was examined by studying the polyphenol contents of the selected fern species. A significant correlation was observed between accumulation of arsenic and polyphenol contents. Thus, these pteridophytic plants can be used for sustainable phytoremediation of arsenic from contaminated groundwater and soil in pilot scale through further extensive study.
