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Comparative assessment of removal capacity and toxicity threshold of phosphorus (P) in various Azolla species grown in P-rich media.

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Title: Comparative assessment of removal capacity and toxicity threshold of phosphorus (P) in various Azolla species grown in P-rich media.
Authors: Hamzehei, Fatemeh1 (AUTHOR), Talebi, Majid1 (AUTHOR) mtalebi@iut.ac.ir, Sayed Tabatabaei, Badraldin Ebrahim1 (AUTHOR), Khoshgoftarmanesh, Amir Hossein2 (AUTHOR)
Source: International Journal of Phytoremediation. 2026, Vol. 28 Issue 9, p2019-2030. 12p.
Subjects: Phytoremediation, Phosphate removal (Sewage purification), Biomass production, Eutrophication control, Plant species, Nutrient uptake, Toxicity testing
Abstract: Effective phytoremediation depends on plant species that combine high biomass production with efficient P accumulation and tolerance to elevated nutrient loads. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the P removal efficiency (PRE), uptake capacity, and toxicity threshold among four Azolla samples from three species (A. pinnata, A. caroliniana, and A. filiculoides) grown under in high-P media. Growth responses, P, Fe, N, and Zn content, and PRE were measured. All species showed similar growth and P uptake responses up to 5 mM P. Beyond this concentration, species-specific responses were observed: A. pinnata became toxic and died while A. filiculoides (Utr.) tolerated up to 25 mM. In contrast, A. caroliniana and A. filiculoides (Can) maintained stable growth even under higher P exposure conditions, despite no further increase in tissue P concentration. This pattern suggests a regulated response to P accumulation, rather than dilution or luxury consumption (nutrient uptake and accumulation beyond required levels without further increase in biomass). P removal efficiency decreased significantly at concentrations above 5 mM and remained unchanged at higher P supplies, indicating that the contaminant concentration significantly affects the removal efficiency. Overall, the results indicate significant inter- and intra-specific variation in P toxicity, uptake and removal in Azolla. Therefore, this highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate species and considering contaminant concentration for efficient phytoremediation. NOVELTY STATEMENT: This study provides a comparative assessment of phosphorus uptake capacity and toxicity thresholds in different Azolla species (A. pinnata, A. caroliniana, and two ecotypes of A. filiculoides) under high phosphorus concentrations. In contrast to previous studies that have emphasized the overall phytoremediation capacity of Azolla, this work has examined interspecific differences in phosphorus removal capacity and tolerance under severe nutrient loads. By identifying threshold-dependent and species-specific responses, this research increases our understanding of the phytoremediation potential of Azolla and provides practical insights for selecting the most effective species for treating phosphorus-rich wastewaters and reducing eutrophication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Effective phytoremediation depends on plant species that combine high biomass production with efficient P accumulation and tolerance to elevated nutrient loads. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the P removal efficiency (PRE), uptake capacity, and toxicity threshold among four Azolla samples from three species (A. pinnata, A. caroliniana, and A. filiculoides) grown under in high-P media. Growth responses, P, Fe, N, and Zn content, and PRE were measured. All species showed similar growth and P uptake responses up to 5 mM P. Beyond this concentration, species-specific responses were observed: A. pinnata became toxic and died while A. filiculoides (Utr.) tolerated up to 25 mM. In contrast, A. caroliniana and A. filiculoides (Can) maintained stable growth even under higher P exposure conditions, despite no further increase in tissue P concentration. This pattern suggests a regulated response to P accumulation, rather than dilution or luxury consumption (nutrient uptake and accumulation beyond required levels without further increase in biomass). P removal efficiency decreased significantly at concentrations above 5 mM and remained unchanged at higher P supplies, indicating that the contaminant concentration significantly affects the removal efficiency. Overall, the results indicate significant inter- and intra-specific variation in P toxicity, uptake and removal in Azolla. Therefore, this highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate species and considering contaminant concentration for efficient phytoremediation. NOVELTY STATEMENT: This study provides a comparative assessment of phosphorus uptake capacity and toxicity thresholds in different Azolla species (A. pinnata, A. caroliniana, and two ecotypes of A. filiculoides) under high phosphorus concentrations. In contrast to previous studies that have emphasized the overall phytoremediation capacity of Azolla, this work has examined interspecific differences in phosphorus removal capacity and tolerance under severe nutrient loads. By identifying threshold-dependent and species-specific responses, this research increases our understanding of the phytoremediation potential of Azolla and provides practical insights for selecting the most effective species for treating phosphorus-rich wastewaters and reducing eutrophication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:15226514
DOI:10.1080/15226514.2026.2641636