Nutrient Constraints in Arsenic Phytoremediation

Abstract

Arsenic contamination has increased due to several environmental and anthropogenic activities. It is considered a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It affects human health and causes various ailments and nervous system disorders. An environmental concern arises as arsenic enters the food chain through consumption of crops grown in arsenic affected areas. It has been observed that uptake of arsenic in plant parts is affected by the concentration of nutrients. Addition of nutrients either enhances the uptake of arsenic or the uptake of arsenic is reduced. Arsenic influences the nutrient uptake and distribution of nutrients in plants by either competing directly with nutrients and/or altering metabolic processes. The role played by nutrients has a direct bearing on the arsenic remediation of the crops and hence, it will be of significance to crop growers in reducing the arsenic content in crops. This review reports about the mobility, bioavailability and plant response to the presence of nutrients and their effect on arsenic phytoremediation. In this review, major emphasis has been made to contemplate the effects of nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, ferrous, calcium, potassium, sulphur and selenium in arsenic phytoremediation.