Advanced Drinking Groundwater As Phytofiltration by the Hyperaccumulating Fern Pteris vittata

The reuse of Pteris vittata plants for multiple phytofiltration cycles is a main issue to allow an efficient phytoremediation arsenic (As)-contaminated groundwater. Here, we assessed the capacity P. grown two on naturally As-contaminated drinking water (collected in Central Italy), spaced by growth cycle non-contaminated (N cycle). young plants, with extensive frond and root development, were suspended individually 15 L initial As 59 µg/L, without any additional treatment or refilling. During 1, 45 days reduced concentration below 10 allowed EU limits water. subsequent 30 day-N water, no leaching from roots was observed, while pH increased 0.9 Units, but within limits. 2, under same conditions as decreased µg/L less than seven days. These results show that previously used As, do not extrude and, when reused, remove much more rapidly. No treatments required during thus this represents sustainable, efficient, scalable strategy.