How Do Plants Help to Clean Water

Water is an essential resource for all living beings on the planet. However, it is under constant threat from pollutants that are released into it through human activity. These pollutants can have adverse effects on the ecosystem, rendering water unfit for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. Fortunately, there are natural ways to clean water, and plants are among the most efficient and cost-effective. Here we discuss how plants help to clean water.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Reduction

Nitrogen and phosphorus are two of the most common pollutants found in water. These pollutants come from fertilizers used in agriculture and landscaping. When the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus increases, it leads to eutrophication - an overgrowth of algae and other aquatic plants. This overgrowth consumes oxygen, reducing the amount available for other aquatic species, leading to the death of fish and other animals. Plants, both aquatic and terrestrial, can remove these pollutants from the water through a process called phytoremediation. They absorb these pollutants, utilizing them for their growth, and remove them from the water, reducing the concentration of these pollutants.

Heavy Metal Contamination

Heavy metals are toxic to most living beings, including humans. They enter water bodies through industrial effluents, mining wastes, and other anthropogenic sources. Some examples of heavy metals include lead, cadmium, and mercury. Plants have the ability to absorb and accumulate these toxic substances in their tissues, thereby reducing the concentration of these pollutants in the water. They do so through a process called biosorption, where they absorb heavy metals onto their surface. Some species of plants, such as sunflowers and water hyacinths, have a higher affinity for these metals than others, making them more efficient at purifying water.

Erosion Prevention

Erosion is a significant problem for many water bodies as they tend to carry sediments, nutrients, and other pollutants with them. When these sediments and nutrients accumulate in the water, they increase the concentration of pollutants, leading to water quality degradation. Plants, especially those growing along banks and shorelines, can play a crucial role in preventing this erosion. They help stabilize the soil, prevent it from being washed away, and reduce the amount of sediment entering the water, thereby maintaining water quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, plants play a crucial role in purifying water by reducing the concentration of pollutants present in them. Whether it is through phytoremediation, biosorption, or erosion prevention, plants are an effective and natural means of cleaning water. By increasing the quantity and diversity of plants in and around water bodies, we can ensure the availability of clean drinking water, maintain healthy ecosystems, and preserve the biodiversity of our planet.