Introduction

Water is an essential and vital natural resource that is essential for the survival of all living things. Plants are important in the ecosystem as they play a vital role in purifying water. Have you ever wondered how water is cleaned through plants? In this article, we will discuss the process of how plants clean water and the significance of this process in our environment.

Plant’s Role in Water Cleaning

Plants are seen as multi-functional “machines” that are capable of performing several essential tasks simultaneously. One of their critical roles is water cleaning. Plants extract water from the soil through their roots, which are rich in nutrients essential for their growth. During this process, plants absorb water-borne pollutants like nitrates, phosphates, sulfur, and metals such as copper and lead, which make the water contaminated.

When these contaminants enter the plant, they are absorbed into the cellular system, where they are metabolized or stored. This process helps to filter out the pollutants from the water before it is released back into the atmosphere through a process known as transpiration, where water vapor escapes from the plant’s pores.

The Mechanism of Plant Water Purification

There are two crucial mechanisms in plant water purification: phytofiltration and phytodegradation.

Phytofiltration is a mechanism that involves the absorption of toxic pollutants by the plants. During this process, the plant roots draw water and nutrients from the contaminated soil, and as the water passes through the plant, the pollutants are absorbed and trapped in the plant tissue.

In contrast, phytodegradation involves the breakdown of pollutants by the plants. In this mechanism, plants make use of enzymes to degrade the contaminants into less harmful substances. Phytodegradation is most effective in removing organic pollutants.

The Significance of Plant Water Purification

The process of plant water purification is vital, and it has several benefits to both the environment and human life. Here are some of the advantages:

Improves the quality of water

Reduces soil contamination

Enhances air quality through transpiration

Encourages biodiversity by providing a healthy environment for flora and fauna.

Examples of Plants that Clean Water

Several plants have been identified as effective in purifying water. Here are a few examples:

Water hyacinth – This plant is commonly used in the treatment of wastewater. It is capable of removing pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds.

Bamboo – Bamboo is known for its ability to filter out contaminants like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. It is commonly used in the treatment of industrial wastewater.

Lemna minor – Also known as duckweed, this plant is effective in removing pollutants like ammonium ions, nitrates, and phosphate from wastewater.

Conclusion

In conclusion, plants play a critical role in purifying water through the process of phytofiltration and phytodegradation. Plant water purification is essential to improve the quality of water, reduce soil contamination, enhance air quality, and promote biodiversity in the environment. It is crucial that we recognize the significance of plants and their role in water purification and strive to protect them for present and future generations.