Phytoremediation of Metallurgical Effluents Using Eichhornia Crassipes: Mechanisms, Performance, Integration.

The rapid expansion of metallurgical and mineral processing industries has intensified the generation of wastewater enriched with toxic metal ions such as Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Ni²⁺. Conventional physicochemical treatment methods—precipitation, ion exchange, and membrane filtration—are often costly and produce secondary sludge. This study explores a low-carbon, nature-based solution employing Eichhornia crassipes - E.C (water hyacinth) for the sorption and removal of dissolved metal ions from industrial effluents. The plant’s extensive root system, high biomass productivity, and strong affinity for metal uptake make it a promising candidate for phytoremediation. Mechanisms of metal removal include biosorption, bioaccumulation, ion exchange, and rhizofiltration. Experimental findings from literature indicate removal efficiencies exceeding 70–95% for several heavy metals under optimized conditions. The integration of hyacinth-based treatment into constructed wetland systems offers a sustainable and economically viable approach for wastewater detoxification in metallurgical operations.