Aquatic microphylla Azolla: a perspective paradigm for sustainable agriculture, environment and global climate change

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2016 Mar;23(5):4358-69. doi: 10.1007/s11356-015-5857-9. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Abstract

This review addresses the perspectives of Azolla as a multifaceted aquatic resource to ensure ecosystem sustainability. Nitrogen fixing potential of cyanobacterial symbiont varies between 30 and 60 kg N ha(-1) which designates Azolla as an important biological N source for agriculture and animal industry. Azolla exhibits high bioremediation potential for Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn. Azolla mitigates greenhouse gas emission from agriculture. In flooded rice ecosystem, Azolla dual cropping decreased CH4 emission by 40 % than did urea alone and also stimulated CH4 oxidation. This review highlighted integrated approach using Azolla that offers enormous public health, environmental, and cost benefits.

Keywords: Agriculture; Azolla; Bioremediation; Climate change; Environment; Greenhouse gasses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture*
  • Air Pollutants / isolation & purification*
  • Animals
  • Climate Change*
  • Cyanobacteria / growth & development
  • Ecosystem
  • Ferns / growth & development*
  • Nitrogen Fixation
  • Oryza / growth & development
  • Tracheophyta / growth & development*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical