Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals ( Zn and Pb) and its Toxicity on Azolla filiculoides.

Heavy Metal that enters into the environment through various sources cause adverse effect on living organisms. One of the methods of removing these pollutants from water and soil is the use of plants (phytoremediation). There are many plants (hyperaccumulators) which have the ability to accumulate large amounts of heavy metals. One of them is the aquatic fern Azolla filiculoids, which can bind some heavy metals. The aim of the study was the effect of heavy metals on metabolic parameters like Starch, Reducing sugar and Non reducing Sugar and total soluble sugar of Azolla plant during phytoremediation. Azolla plant were harvested in nutrient medium containing 2.5 %, 5 % and 10 % Individually heavy metals (Zn and Pb) containing containers. After 30 days of harvesting it was observed that biochemical parameters were greatly affected by Zinc and Lead. Starch, Reducing sugar and Non reducing Sugar and soluble sugar content of plant were highly reduced in Zn containing nutrient medium in comparision to Pb.