The Potential of Pontederia crassipes to Remediate Heavy Metals in Water

Heavy metal contamination in water is a critical global environmental challenge. Pontederia crassipes has significant potential in phytoremediation due to its rapid proliferation and high adsorption capacity, and this review aims to synthesize its efficacy and mechanisms in removing heavy metals from water. Bibliometric analysis showed a significant increase in relevant research since 2000, with India and China as major contributors. P. crassipes exhibits high removal efficiencies for Cu (up to 97%), Cr (up to 85.7%), Pb (71.21-85.95%), and Zn (76.0-90.1%), along with 50-79.5% in multi-metal systems. Its remediation mechanisms involve root-dominated synergistic physical (e.g., electrostatic attraction) and chemical (e.g., ion exchange) processes. It has advantages like pH tolerance (3.5-11.0) and low cost, but faces risks of ecological invasion and secondary pollution from biomass, while its derived biochar has a stronger adsorption capacity. P. crassipes is an efficient phytoremediator, but rigorous management strategies are needed to mitigate risks. Future research should focus on improving efficiency and controlling invasion to preserve the ecosystem's natural biodiversity.