BIOREMEDIATION OF ARSENIC USING CUCURBITS

Metal pollution has always been a global concern. Arsenic (As) is one of highly toxic metals that threatens million lives worldwide. The present study explores the potential of two cucurbits, Luffa cylindrica M. Roem. and Coccinia indica Wight & Arn. for phytoremediation of arsenic from contaminated water. Arsenic contaminated water with 100 ppb As concentration was treated with different amount of dried fruit biomass of Luffa cylindrica and Coccinia indica. Concentration of As was decreased by 45% after treating 8 g Luffa cylindrica. The As absorption capacity of Luffa cylindrica was found to be higher than Coccinia indica. The work discusses the spontaneous As retention capacity of Luffa cylindrica, which can be good alternative for As remediation for economically underdeveloped rural areas.